Before we begin today’s rant, it is important to point out that the word “elegant” holds a special meaning for software people. Let me quote the entry from the New Hacker’s Dictionary (or the “Jargon File” as it is sometimes known): Combining simplicity, power, and a certain ineffable grace of design. Higher praise than `clever’,… Continue reading Verizon and INCREDIBLY STUPID Verification Schemes
Speed
I saw this while I was downloading something from the Internet today. Remember the days when this would’ve been a 2-digit number? If not, you’re too young to be on the Internet. Get off my lawn!
The Power of Nightmares
An interesting BBC Video that explores the origins of Islamic Fundamentalism and Neo-conservatism. Well worth the time it takes to watch. “Both [the Islamists and Neoconservatives] were idealists who were born out of the failure of the liberal dream to build a better world. And both had a very similar explanation for what caused that… Continue reading The Power of Nightmares
Security vs. Privacy
As usual, Bruce Schneier puts it more eloquently than I can: …it’s precisely why, when people in their business are in charge of government, it becomes a police state. If privacy and security really were a zero-sum game, we would have seen mass immigration into the former East Germany and modern-day China. While it’s true… Continue reading Security vs. Privacy
Bluetooth and the Motorola V3 RAZR
I’ve had a Motorola V3 RAZR phone for a while now, and being the geek that I am, I’ve always been interested in the more technical aspects of the phone, such as file transfers, Bluetooth connectivity, and custom-made ring tones (not the ones you buy, but the ones you can make yourself). I’ve always known… Continue reading Bluetooth and the Motorola V3 RAZR