Quis custodiet ipsos custodes

By now most people have heard of the situation in Lower Merion PA where a student was given a laptop and information from that laptop was used to discipline the kid for something he did at home. There are a lot of vague areas about this story so I’m going to try to stick to what we know for certain, anything else only furthers the hysteria which is bound to follow.

We know that the laptops given to the students had software installed on them which was able to access the webcam and monitor the system in case of theft to allow them to be recovered. We know that a student was disciplined for an action either view through the camera or from an image taken with the laptop camera. This image was obtained through the use of this software by a school official or teacher.  Other students have reported seeing the camera led activity indicator turn on for no reason, although this is just heresay at this point Read the rest of this entry »

A simple enough hack but ingenious. Take one part Wifi Detecting shirt from Thinkgeek, subtract fabric with scissors. Add in your car and shake and bake till it looks awesome. I’m not sure announcing your intent to go wardriving is the best practice considering the overall attitude towards borrowing another person’s poorly secured internet connection.

But don’t tell that to MACGEEK. All thats left is to have a ipod doc on the license plate, and the need to replace the car every year to something with less buttons. All snark aside; I’m a sucker for crazy license plates so this hit a couple buttons here.

SlipperyBrick.com

As any good kid from the 80’s will tell you “Knowing is half the battle” and G.I. Joe wasn’t far off in their assessment of value. Knowing is indeed paramount to success of any venture. But it is knowing where to go for the information that sets true professionals apart.

Computer Security is a hazy field full of tools that can both be used to secure a machine and at the same time used to break into them. More often than not these double edged swords are better off recognized and worked with. Manufacturers and vendors hate when security vulnerabilities are released, but by releasing them they get fixed quicker. So I’ve compiled a list of places you need to know about to prepare yourself and learn a bit more about the landscape of computer security.

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On Today’s Show: Rants, steaks, ghosts, security, coffins, Indiana Jones, facial hair

• Hi Def? I think not
• Cash Cow

Real News Bytes

• It might get interesting in the world of Patent law soon. Miranda Violation
• Microsoft Tool bypasses security… bad idea
• Web still a baby, throwing tantrums

Tech Cruft

• Hardcore web development NYT was hand coded
• A ghost hunter, a cell hunter
• Indiana Jones Whip? without the whip
• Whoops! Designer Gaff
• Creepy couches
• Creepy outfit
• Why hide your wire? Light the candle
• Programming languages and facial hair

Caffeine & Food

• Have your computer brew your beer,
• Mentos and coke go boom
• Thanks to MAS, we have a real steak and coffee recipe
• Food Network rocks one as well

Contact Me:

• Phone Me: 215-240-1319 :: Email Me @ CaffiNation@gmail.com
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Most of you might not know this but the anniversary of my birth happens next week, after tax day, so even entering tis world I was just a bit too late to the party to get in on the good stuff. One of the major problems, or conundrums i have is that people in my family ask me what exactly i would like for my birthday.  I frankly and honestly don’t know most of the time. Basically i go through life wanting almost every shiny gadget i see, the problem being most of the are not just prohibitively  expensive for me, but I would feel like a complete heel even asking for any of them.So instead I share the stories with others So I’m not alone in my plight.

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On Today’s Show: Caffeine, Sand, Mapping, Steampunk, Energy Drinks, twitter

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April 15th is Adopt a Newb Day. Consider it your Civic duty. Teach a man to Tech!

Real News Bytes

• Security can only go so far
• Tools from the geeks, Hardcore Security
  • Awesome Secuirty Website: Security Wizardry
• Twitter on Campus, new media in education

Tech Cruft

• Sandy Fun
• Kill them greenly
• All they need is a clock, and this steampunk would rock
• I have a weakness for Maps
• This is one of the most awesome web maps you will ever see
• The Original Internet Mapping Project

Caffeine & Food

• Submit your Mug! Get Famous
• Energy Drinks aren’t done yet. Why?
• I’ve had its Ilk, My thoughts
• A Caffeine guide, optimally caffeinated
• Starbucks bean there
• Coffee Calendar How to, You have to see these images

Want to Contact Me?

• Phone Me: 215-240-1319 :: Email Me @ CaffiNation@gmail.com
• Skype Me thecaffination :: Full Contact Details

Thanks and Stay Caffeinated People!