My First "Data Center"

Since Slim doubts my anal retentive nature, I present visual evidence that I've been this way for a long time. My first "data center" at my first real job:



My desk (with dual 575 boxes!) was a little messier. I think I was rocking a USR 28.8 Sportster modem.

Game of Thrones

I'm sure that the HBO series coming out didn't add any pressure for him to publish the next book, but, despite my frustration with his non-existent sense of urgency, I may have to order HBO. I hear they have some show about mobster vampires or something like that, too.

House Stark Feature

You can also follow Game of Thrones on Twitter.

HTTPS Here and There

Facebook announced that they are implementing the option for using an encrypted connection. Twitter announced that they are implementing the option for using an encrypted connection.

And for some unexplained reason, Slashdot.org posted a question asking why everyone doesn't run https? Seriously? It is the same reason that other security measures aren't implemented. It adds complexity. It adds costs. While the specifics may change, the evaluations usually goes something like this - the likelihood of an attack multiplied by the damage done equals the risk. (There are many versions of this formula and I'm sure I've oversimplified, but you get the idea.) The risk calculation can then be used to compare risks, make organizational decisions about risk tolerance, etc. Some companies just don't care about security or they don't care as much as the next company. My company does not spend lots on IT security. I'm sure we spend less (on a percentage basis) than many others in Knoxville.

I'm not saying that implementing https is a bad idea. I am saying that it is more than just a technical decision.

Twitter notice via Slashdot.org
Previously HTTPS Everywhere and Encrypted Google Search.

Cough Syrup

My wife calls this cough syrup. I don't have a problem with that, but she also claims it is a preventative. (Just kidding.)

Scotch and Ham Radio

The Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society will be running some special event stations for the Speyside Whisky Festival. Speyside single malts include Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, and several others. The stations will be running April 28 through May 2 during the festival and use the following calls:

GB2SWF
GB4SWF
GM1TGY

Via KD8BIG

Employer Protection

Bill passes that offers protection to employers who allow guns at the office. Of course, the lawyers for most businesses are going to advise that maintaining policies prohibiting guns on site is in their best interest. We need a law that prohibits the employers from imposing any rules about guns on their property. The anti-gun groups win when they can get companies to implement policies they cannot legislate. They win when they get enough confusing limitations on the books that keep an honest citizen from carrying because they are afraid of accidentally breaking the law. They win when they get the international community to back control laws that restrict international gun sales.

Single Malt Scotch

We've been talking about single malt Scotch at work lately. Probably the best one I've tried is the Macallan 25 year old. The 25 year old Macallan is fairly expensive, but not as bad as the 70 year old Glenlivet for over $20,000. (That's a lot of ammo.)

My collection is below. For me, the most notable is the 18 year old Macallen and the 10 year old Edradour. Edradour is the smallest distillery in Scotland. If memory serves me correctly, when I did the tour, they said three guys spend three days to make a cask that then sits for years.



Via Uncrate

Lumberjack Commandos

I have new respect for Canadians.

Source: Black Five

Miller's Building

New tenants for the Miller's Building.

I loved working in that building and being downtown. Implementing the infrastructure was a lot of fun.

Beauty Queen Shoots Intruder

I've seen lots of people linking to the story of a Florida beauty queen who shot an intruder. They mention that she wasn't a very good shot according to her fiancé and that she had a pink gun. I think what should get more attention is what appears to be a lack of common sense:

“We live in a very prominent area and my fiancee wears a $60,000 engagement ring,” he said. “The pizza man knew we had money because sometimes we needed change for a $100 bill when he came to deliver pizza.”

Don't get me wrong, they don't deserved to be robbed or attacked, but who goes around talking about how much a ring costs and pays for deliveries with hundred dollar bills?