As most of you probably know, I'm a computer security guy for my week-day job. I know a thing or two about viruses and such. I also know about the numerous "forward this to everyone you know" emails that always turn out to be hoaxes.
This one is real. Got it today:
A warning to everyone about some dangerous emails that are making the rounds...
If you receive an email with the subject: "Nude Pictures of Sarah Palin!", Do not open it-- it may contain a virus.
If you receive an email with the subject: "Nude Pictures of Hillary Clinton!", Do not open it-- it may contain nude photos of Hillary Clinton.
Consider yourself warned...
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Uncopyrightable
is widely acknowledged as being the longest word in the English language that does not repeat a letter.
Why do I care?
Well, as a consumer of all things trivial (helloooo. what's my name?), I also have a practical reason for knowing as many non-letter repeating words as possible.
A few months ago, as soon as The Kid was old enough for baths in the big tub (vice the kitchen sink) The Wife bought a set of foam letters that stick to the side of the tub. The only problem is that there is only one of each letter. Needless to say, that makes the number of words I can spell rather limited. It doesn't help that I have a compulsion to spell a different word every night.
Before you say it, I am well aware that OCD does not repeat a letter.
Why do I care?
Well, as a consumer of all things trivial (helloooo. what's my name?), I also have a practical reason for knowing as many non-letter repeating words as possible.
A few months ago, as soon as The Kid was old enough for baths in the big tub (vice the kitchen sink) The Wife bought a set of foam letters that stick to the side of the tub. The only problem is that there is only one of each letter. Needless to say, that makes the number of words I can spell rather limited. It doesn't help that I have a compulsion to spell a different word every night.
Before you say it, I am well aware that OCD does not repeat a letter.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Another post, but somewhere else
I posted on The Flight Deck for the first time in quite a while. You can check it out here.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
In My Inbox Today
From: HPAULSON@treasury.gov
Subject: INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU
To: Jeopardy
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 10:52 AM
DEAR AMERICAN:
I NEED TO ASK YOU TO SUPPORT AN URGENT SECRET BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH A TRANSFER OF FUNDS OF GREAT MAGNITUDE.
I AM MINISTRY OF THE TREASURY OF THE REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. MY COUNTRY HAS HAD CRISIS THAT HAS CAUSED THE NEED FOR LARGE TRANSFER OF FUNDS OF 800 BILLION DOLLARS US. IF YOU WOULD ASSIST ME IN THIS TRANSFER, IT WOULD BE MOST PROFITABLE TO YOU.
I AM WORKING WITH MR. PHIL GRAM, LOBBYIST FOR UBS, WHO WILL BE MY REPLACEMENT AS MINISTRY OF THE TREASURY IN JANUARY. AS A SENATOR, YOU MAY KNOW HIM AS THE LEADER OF THE AMERICAN BANKING DEREGULATION MOVEMENT IN THE 1990S. THIS TRANSACTIN IS 100% SAFE.
THIS IS A MATTER OF GREAT URGENCY. WE NEED A BLANK CHECK. WE NEED THE FUNDS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. WE CANNOT DIRECTLY TRANSFER THESE FUNDS IN THE NAMES OF OUR CLOSE FRIENDS BECAUSE WE ARE CONSTANTLY UNDER SURVEILLANCE. MY FAMILY LAWYER ADVISED ME THAT I SHOULD LOOK FOR A RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY PERSON WHO WILL ACT AS A NEXT OF KIN SO THE FUNDS CAN BE TRANSFERRED.
PLEASE REPLY WITH ALL OF YOUR BANK ACCOUNT, IRA AND COLLEGE FUND ACCOUNT NUMBERS AND THOSE OF YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN TO WALLSTREETBAILOUT@TREASURY.GOV SO THAT WE MAY TRANSFER YOUR COMMISSION FOR THIS TRANSACTION. AFTER I RECEIVE THAT INFORMATION, I WILL RESPOND WITH DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT SAFEGUARDS THAT WILL BE USED TO PROTECT THE FUNDS.
YOURS FAITHFULLY MINISTER OF TREASURY PAULSON
Subject: INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU
To: Jeopardy
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 10:52 AM
DEAR AMERICAN:
I NEED TO ASK YOU TO SUPPORT AN URGENT SECRET BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH A TRANSFER OF FUNDS OF GREAT MAGNITUDE.
I AM MINISTRY OF THE TREASURY OF THE REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. MY COUNTRY HAS HAD CRISIS THAT HAS CAUSED THE NEED FOR LARGE TRANSFER OF FUNDS OF 800 BILLION DOLLARS US. IF YOU WOULD ASSIST ME IN THIS TRANSFER, IT WOULD BE MOST PROFITABLE TO YOU.
I AM WORKING WITH MR. PHIL GRAM, LOBBYIST FOR UBS, WHO WILL BE MY REPLACEMENT AS MINISTRY OF THE TREASURY IN JANUARY. AS A SENATOR, YOU MAY KNOW HIM AS THE LEADER OF THE AMERICAN BANKING DEREGULATION MOVEMENT IN THE 1990S. THIS TRANSACTIN IS 100% SAFE.
THIS IS A MATTER OF GREAT URGENCY. WE NEED A BLANK CHECK. WE NEED THE FUNDS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. WE CANNOT DIRECTLY TRANSFER THESE FUNDS IN THE NAMES OF OUR CLOSE FRIENDS BECAUSE WE ARE CONSTANTLY UNDER SURVEILLANCE. MY FAMILY LAWYER ADVISED ME THAT I SHOULD LOOK FOR A RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY PERSON WHO WILL ACT AS A NEXT OF KIN SO THE FUNDS CAN BE TRANSFERRED.
PLEASE REPLY WITH ALL OF YOUR BANK ACCOUNT, IRA AND COLLEGE FUND ACCOUNT NUMBERS AND THOSE OF YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN TO WALLSTREETBAILOUT@TREASURY.GOV SO THAT WE MAY TRANSFER YOUR COMMISSION FOR THIS TRANSACTION. AFTER I RECEIVE THAT INFORMATION, I WILL RESPOND WITH DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT SAFEGUARDS THAT WILL BE USED TO PROTECT THE FUNDS.
YOURS FAITHFULLY MINISTER OF TREASURY PAULSON
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Ravages of Age
One of the things I don't appreciate about getting older is what it happening to my eyebrows.
They used to be completely normal, but now there are a few rogue hairs that have decided to go all-out. If this continues, I can't help but wonder what it will be like.
With modern image-rendering technology, we don't have to wonder. Using sophisticated age simulation technology, we can peer into the magic mirror and see my future self.
It isn't pretty:
Turns out that I'm not alone. More and more men are turning to the professionals for manscaping their manbrows.
They used to be completely normal, but now there are a few rogue hairs that have decided to go all-out. If this continues, I can't help but wonder what it will be like.
With modern image-rendering technology, we don't have to wonder. Using sophisticated age simulation technology, we can peer into the magic mirror and see my future self.
It isn't pretty:
Turns out that I'm not alone. More and more men are turning to the professionals for manscaping their manbrows.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Hard to Find the Right Word
As I have mentioned before, The Kid is a pretty happy toddler. It seems like she's always in a good mood.
So, what happens when you give a first ice cream sandwich to someone who is already very happy?
They cross over into emotional territory that is beyond just bliss or joy.
Click the picture to embiggin and appreciate the mess we had afterwards. This photo was taken when she was about half-way through the sandwich.
With video goodness to boot:
Note the lizard-like tongue action.
So, what happens when you give a first ice cream sandwich to someone who is already very happy?
They cross over into emotional territory that is beyond just bliss or joy.
Click the picture to embiggin and appreciate the mess we had afterwards. This photo was taken when she was about half-way through the sandwich.
With video goodness to boot:
Note the lizard-like tongue action.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Puzzler
I wanted to bring up something that has been troubling me for some time. I fear that I am spending far too much time pondering it, and doubt I will ever find a satisfactory solution. I may very well spend the rest of my days lacking a clear resolution. Here goes...
How exactly does one throw out a trash can?
Seriously. Think about it.
I'm not talking about a kitchen or household trash can, but one of the large take-to-the-curb ones.
Let's turn a critical eye to our options.
1) Take the Can to the Curb
I suppose this might work, but more likely than not, the garbage man (er, I mean waste disposal technician) will simply figure you are a moron for taking an empty trash can to the street.
2) Add a Sign to the Can
Let's imagine that you place a sign on the can that says "this can is trash". What exactly do you mean? The can itself is trash, or the items contained within it are trash? Maybe you have multiple cans, each labeled "this can is trash", "this can is recycling", or "this can is lawn debris". Once again, the collecting of the can itself as trash is placed into doubt by the ambiguity of the sign. A sign that clearly states what you intend would have to be something like: "This can is trash. And by that I mean the can itself (not the contents) is trash and should be collected." Methinks a sign that long won't be read. Again, you'll be thought a moron.
3) Cut the Can up into Little Pieces
Curb-side trash cans are designed to be durable and resist breakage. Even with my sawzall, it would take considerable effort to render a can into small enough pieces to put them into another can. Sounds a little too much like work o me.
4) Put it into a Bigger Can
While this is the primary method of disposing of lesser containers, it only works a few times before you end up with a trash can the size of the Space Shuttle External Tank. Not practical at all.
5) Take it to The Dump
Like I'm going to put a nasty trash can in my car and take a day off from work so I can go to the dump during their convenient weekday working hour.
6) Move and Leave the Old Can Behind
While expensive, it certainly has it benefits. Let somebody else deal with it, along with that leak in the basement. You just have to make sure that the movers don't pack it and take it to the new place.
As you can probably see, this is a problem that has vexed me for some time now. Our current trash can is starting to show its age, but The Wife has yet to recognize the dilemma in which we shall shortly find ourselves.
How exactly does one throw out a trash can?
Seriously. Think about it.
I'm not talking about a kitchen or household trash can, but one of the large take-to-the-curb ones.
Let's turn a critical eye to our options.
1) Take the Can to the Curb
I suppose this might work, but more likely than not, the garbage man (er, I mean waste disposal technician) will simply figure you are a moron for taking an empty trash can to the street.
2) Add a Sign to the Can
Let's imagine that you place a sign on the can that says "this can is trash". What exactly do you mean? The can itself is trash, or the items contained within it are trash? Maybe you have multiple cans, each labeled "this can is trash", "this can is recycling", or "this can is lawn debris". Once again, the collecting of the can itself as trash is placed into doubt by the ambiguity of the sign. A sign that clearly states what you intend would have to be something like: "This can is trash. And by that I mean the can itself (not the contents) is trash and should be collected." Methinks a sign that long won't be read. Again, you'll be thought a moron.
3) Cut the Can up into Little Pieces
Curb-side trash cans are designed to be durable and resist breakage. Even with my sawzall, it would take considerable effort to render a can into small enough pieces to put them into another can. Sounds a little too much like work o me.
4) Put it into a Bigger Can
While this is the primary method of disposing of lesser containers, it only works a few times before you end up with a trash can the size of the Space Shuttle External Tank. Not practical at all.
5) Take it to The Dump
Like I'm going to put a nasty trash can in my car and take a day off from work so I can go to the dump during their convenient weekday working hour.
6) Move and Leave the Old Can Behind
While expensive, it certainly has it benefits. Let somebody else deal with it, along with that leak in the basement. You just have to make sure that the movers don't pack it and take it to the new place.
As you can probably see, this is a problem that has vexed me for some time now. Our current trash can is starting to show its age, but The Wife has yet to recognize the dilemma in which we shall shortly find ourselves.
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