Forgot to post the source of my info. Here's the NPR link.
and here's another
Finally, one from the Today show.
Here I'll blog about life and throw in some short stories. They may be funny, or about life, or something else.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
heartbleed and stuff
While I'm waiting for the pie crust to thicken up in the fridge, I'm going to quickly jot this down.
Being between a couple of worlds gives me rare insight into what's going on around me. One of these worlds is the tech world and the mainstream one. For the most part I end up explaining the tech stuff to the scientifically challenged.
On March 14, 2012 someone introduced a bug to a piece of software to a very popular program. Nobody knew it existed until last week. The program, open SSL, is used by nearly every business on the web. Do any online banking? Play any online games? Buy anything over the internet? Then you've used open SSL.
Quicker than you can say 'Patch that hole', nearly every major corporation did. Did anyone notice a software update from Micro$oft last night? Yep, that was it.
'But Will, what about all the stuff I purchased the last two Christmases with my MasterCard?'
Chances are, if you haven't had any random purchases like a trip to Cape Town and Beluga caviar for 200 of your friends, then you're good. Simply change your password and you'll be okay.
In the immortal words of Douglas Adams: Don't panic.
Change the password on your computer.
Don't freak out.
Try and stay off of public Wi-fi's for a week.
Finally, if you want to check on a site to see if it's okay to visit, enter is here to test for vulnerabilities.
Being between a couple of worlds gives me rare insight into what's going on around me. One of these worlds is the tech world and the mainstream one. For the most part I end up explaining the tech stuff to the scientifically challenged.
On March 14, 2012 someone introduced a bug to a piece of software to a very popular program. Nobody knew it existed until last week. The program, open SSL, is used by nearly every business on the web. Do any online banking? Play any online games? Buy anything over the internet? Then you've used open SSL.
Quicker than you can say 'Patch that hole', nearly every major corporation did. Did anyone notice a software update from Micro$oft last night? Yep, that was it.
'But Will, what about all the stuff I purchased the last two Christmases with my MasterCard?'
Chances are, if you haven't had any random purchases like a trip to Cape Town and Beluga caviar for 200 of your friends, then you're good. Simply change your password and you'll be okay.
In the immortal words of Douglas Adams: Don't panic.
Change the password on your computer.
Don't freak out.
Try and stay off of public Wi-fi's for a week.
Finally, if you want to check on a site to see if it's okay to visit, enter is here to test for vulnerabilities.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Taking the next step
This is going to be a short one folks. Chimaeracon was last weekend and a good time was had by all. That said, I need a day off to recover from my day off. 12 hours of sleep would be nice, but that isn't in the cards.
One of the cool things that happened is I got a chance to network with fellow geeks. I even met an aspiring author who gave me a clue as how to take my book to the next level.
Let me back up for a second. For reasons I can't talk about, my tenure at Lowe's is drawing to a close. The good news is that I have a few prospects lined up. So in the meantime, keep smiling and shut my trap.
On to the good stuff.
My book has been out as an e-book for a while now and tonight I sat down with Createspace, a subsidiary of Amazon, to put Travelers Road in book form.
Yep, a real live paper and ink book that can be ordered by retailers across the nation. It's even got the little stripy lines on the back. I got a semi-decent cover on it. Better than the green and black thingamajig I had before. They are reviewing it as I write this and I'll let you know when it's available. What I liked is the marketing and advertising tools that were set up. This way I can get the word out and even start hosting events at local bookstores. Now my goal is to put something else beside my novel. Gotta get on that stick. Perhaps next con I'll be the one behind the table signing books. One can hope.
One of the cool things that happened is I got a chance to network with fellow geeks. I even met an aspiring author who gave me a clue as how to take my book to the next level.
Let me back up for a second. For reasons I can't talk about, my tenure at Lowe's is drawing to a close. The good news is that I have a few prospects lined up. So in the meantime, keep smiling and shut my trap.
On to the good stuff.
My book has been out as an e-book for a while now and tonight I sat down with Createspace, a subsidiary of Amazon, to put Travelers Road in book form.
Yep, a real live paper and ink book that can be ordered by retailers across the nation. It's even got the little stripy lines on the back. I got a semi-decent cover on it. Better than the green and black thingamajig I had before. They are reviewing it as I write this and I'll let you know when it's available. What I liked is the marketing and advertising tools that were set up. This way I can get the word out and even start hosting events at local bookstores. Now my goal is to put something else beside my novel. Gotta get on that stick. Perhaps next con I'll be the one behind the table signing books. One can hope.
Monday, April 7, 2014
The Code originally posted July 26, 2013
How we behave is a good indicator of what kind of person you are. Do you act outgoing and friendly? How is your handshake? Where are your eyes looking when you talk to someone. What does your body language say to others? I want to tell you about a man I just read about. James Owens is a public speaker and he's published a few books on the cowboy way and how it applies to modern life. How many of the following guidelines do we follow in our day to day life?
Even getting out of bed and facing the day can take all kinds of courage. Always face your fears. You may face them on your own terms, but face them nonetheless.
People can say you have a strong work ethic because you take pride in your work, even if that job is bagging groceries. Do it and do it well. Don't leave a job half-assed.
You may not enjoy it, but there are unpleasant things that will always have to be done. Those grease traps aren't going to clean themselves.
If you are a parent, you know all about being tough, but fair. I said something to my oldest child before she left this morning. My wife thought it was uncalled for, perhaps it was. I'll stand by what I said though and try not to look like a hypocrite. That means I'll be doing some chores around the house this weekend.
When I say I'm going to do something, I make an honest attempt to accomplish it. If for some reason I'm unsuccessful, I usually find my way back to the person I spoke with and explain what happened. You'd be surprised at what happens when you do that.
The first time I read the sentence about 'riding for the brand', I had to think about that one. My take on that one is about being loyal. Part of my speech to new people I work with goes something like, 'If you are going to work here, then work.'
We could all do with talking less and saying more. I've touched base on that other times, but it is worth repeating.
I could fill a whole blog post on things I can't put a price on, and so could you if you think about it.
Knowing where to draw the line depends on the situation. When I find myself saying, 'Enough!' that is where the line gets drawn. No more of this wishy-washy stuff. Tell yourself: Here, Now. That is when things get done.
- Live each day with courage
- Take pride in your work
- Always finish what you start
- Do what has to be done
- Be tough, but fair
- When you make a promise, keep it.
- Ride for the brand
- Talk less and say more
- Remember some things are not for sale.
- Know where to draw the line.
Even getting out of bed and facing the day can take all kinds of courage. Always face your fears. You may face them on your own terms, but face them nonetheless.
People can say you have a strong work ethic because you take pride in your work, even if that job is bagging groceries. Do it and do it well. Don't leave a job half-assed.
You may not enjoy it, but there are unpleasant things that will always have to be done. Those grease traps aren't going to clean themselves.
If you are a parent, you know all about being tough, but fair. I said something to my oldest child before she left this morning. My wife thought it was uncalled for, perhaps it was. I'll stand by what I said though and try not to look like a hypocrite. That means I'll be doing some chores around the house this weekend.
When I say I'm going to do something, I make an honest attempt to accomplish it. If for some reason I'm unsuccessful, I usually find my way back to the person I spoke with and explain what happened. You'd be surprised at what happens when you do that.
The first time I read the sentence about 'riding for the brand', I had to think about that one. My take on that one is about being loyal. Part of my speech to new people I work with goes something like, 'If you are going to work here, then work.'
We could all do with talking less and saying more. I've touched base on that other times, but it is worth repeating.
I could fill a whole blog post on things I can't put a price on, and so could you if you think about it.
Knowing where to draw the line depends on the situation. When I find myself saying, 'Enough!' that is where the line gets drawn. No more of this wishy-washy stuff. Tell yourself: Here, Now. That is when things get done.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Water water everywhere
My friends over at the Planetary Society sent a fascinating picture my way. Europa is one of Jupiter's moons and scientists thought there was a possibility of water being underneath all that ice. So Hubble took some pictures to see what it could find.
What you're looking at is water vapor. Why is water shooting out of Europa's south pole like cheap beer? Let me put this in layman's terms.
Jupiter has a tremendous amount of gravity. One of the reasons we humans are still around is that Jupiter is acting like this huge space hoover, sucking up a lot of stray asteroids.
The most distinguishing features about Europa is that it has 'tiger claws'. Seriously, this poor moon looks like a mean tom cat went to town on it. At first there is no determinable pattern to these claw marks. They're all over the place. Tiger claws might be a cute name, but I'll tell you what they look like: Stretch marks.
Jupiter pulls. Europa's ice cracks. Water shoots up, instantly freezes and Hubble detects the spray as it erupts skyward.
We know other moons are volcanic. The most stunning example is another of Jupiter's moons, Io.
Right now there is a plan to send a robot to Europa, possibly to drill through the ice and peek at what is underneath. What will we find? Tiny Jovian Plankton? A race of alien squid like creatures? Nothing at all? won't know until we get there.
There is a graph on this next link for the proposed NASA budget for fiscal year 2015. I can't simply slice into this because it's a PDF. It's an all or nothing deal. The sixth page down on this pdf has a bunch of blue stripy lines with a red and black line across the top. Take a look. Got it? The general trend is funding is being cut every year. Missions have already been scuttled. We won't be exploring the outer planets anytime soon. That means forget about anything beyond Mars. This is a shame, because some of these projects are things we can only do once in a lifetime. Orbits have to be just right for spacecraft to visit.
There is one more link I'd like you to click on. This link is to urge your congressman or senator to maintain funding for the space agency. On that page Bill Nye has an open letter to President Obama. Please click on it and urge your representative to support exploring the solar system.
This is the next big step for humans. The nation that steps out and claims the next moon base or Martian outpost will not only command the resources of an entire planet, but will ensure that country plays a pivotal role in not only scientific achievement, but in technology.
Yesterday I posted a picture of the Hubble telescope and how it helped in earlier detection of breast cancer. Go ahead and take a look. Think about that for a moment and decide for yourself if this is all worth it. Many of us know a loved one with breast cancer. Wouldn't it be worth it if we could use the technology and resources out there for the benefit of mankind.
As of this writing the Chinese, Russians, and Indian governments have designs on putting bases on the moon. Now who do you want to ask permission to build a rocket or leave the planet? If history is any teacher of events, the countries that had the colonies/ ports of entries, controlled the commerce to the new world.
Think of it as paying the cost to be the boss.
The next new world isn't over the horizon, it's literally straight up.
 |
| Not a bowtie |
What you're looking at is water vapor. Why is water shooting out of Europa's south pole like cheap beer? Let me put this in layman's terms.
Jupiter has a tremendous amount of gravity. One of the reasons we humans are still around is that Jupiter is acting like this huge space hoover, sucking up a lot of stray asteroids.
The most distinguishing features about Europa is that it has 'tiger claws'. Seriously, this poor moon looks like a mean tom cat went to town on it. At first there is no determinable pattern to these claw marks. They're all over the place. Tiger claws might be a cute name, but I'll tell you what they look like: Stretch marks.
Jupiter pulls. Europa's ice cracks. Water shoots up, instantly freezes and Hubble detects the spray as it erupts skyward.
We know other moons are volcanic. The most stunning example is another of Jupiter's moons, Io.
 |
| Those pock marks? Sulfuric volcanoes |
There is a graph on this next link for the proposed NASA budget for fiscal year 2015. I can't simply slice into this because it's a PDF. It's an all or nothing deal. The sixth page down on this pdf has a bunch of blue stripy lines with a red and black line across the top. Take a look. Got it? The general trend is funding is being cut every year. Missions have already been scuttled. We won't be exploring the outer planets anytime soon. That means forget about anything beyond Mars. This is a shame, because some of these projects are things we can only do once in a lifetime. Orbits have to be just right for spacecraft to visit.
There is one more link I'd like you to click on. This link is to urge your congressman or senator to maintain funding for the space agency. On that page Bill Nye has an open letter to President Obama. Please click on it and urge your representative to support exploring the solar system.
This is the next big step for humans. The nation that steps out and claims the next moon base or Martian outpost will not only command the resources of an entire planet, but will ensure that country plays a pivotal role in not only scientific achievement, but in technology.
Yesterday I posted a picture of the Hubble telescope and how it helped in earlier detection of breast cancer. Go ahead and take a look. Think about that for a moment and decide for yourself if this is all worth it. Many of us know a loved one with breast cancer. Wouldn't it be worth it if we could use the technology and resources out there for the benefit of mankind.
As of this writing the Chinese, Russians, and Indian governments have designs on putting bases on the moon. Now who do you want to ask permission to build a rocket or leave the planet? If history is any teacher of events, the countries that had the colonies/ ports of entries, controlled the commerce to the new world.
Think of it as paying the cost to be the boss.
The next new world isn't over the horizon, it's literally straight up.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Just saying...
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
April Fools
Some jokes are better than others. A few cross the line between hoax and prank. Others take on a whole new dimension. Here's a few of my favorite ones that I've seen and think they're hysterical.
There's the spaghetti harvest
Too bad I can't post videos here.
I'm going to have to Google this one from Johnny Carson if I can find it.
Oh, I did. Johnny, you are the master prankster.
The Taco Liberty Bell.
Terry Jones and his flying penguins.
There's a lot of stuff I want to show, but I need to find the links. There simply isn't a picture of a left handed whopper or Alabama legislators changing the numerical value of pi.
Why do we like to pull pranks like that? If I had the resources, I'd pull stuff like that more often. I remember doing some pretty funny stuff in the past. Must be an irony deficiency.
Carry on folks.
There's the spaghetti harvest
Too bad I can't post videos here.
I'm going to have to Google this one from Johnny Carson if I can find it.
Oh, I did. Johnny, you are the master prankster.
The Taco Liberty Bell.
Terry Jones and his flying penguins.
There's a lot of stuff I want to show, but I need to find the links. There simply isn't a picture of a left handed whopper or Alabama legislators changing the numerical value of pi.
Why do we like to pull pranks like that? If I had the resources, I'd pull stuff like that more often. I remember doing some pretty funny stuff in the past. Must be an irony deficiency.
Carry on folks.
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