AtomicInternet Archived News

Archived News starting from 12-20-2002 and earlier

I went to upgrade the memory in my dads computer lastnight and arrived to learn that while unpacking, he found 3 VHS tapes of mine from the past. My Tonight Show Debut, Bungee Jump., and high school auto class Saturn Teardown Project. Be forwarned: I had a slight mullet in the 1992-1998 timeframe (when videos were taped) so what you see may shock and amaze you.

As mentioned earlier, my work was subject to a Denial of Service attack a few weeks ago. These attacks always involve compromised computers owned by people who are oblivious to computer security. Even a simple anti-virus program would pick up many security vulnerabilities, but even that seems beyond the average internet users ability. While trying to learn more about how the attacks are executed, I found a good article detailing the extent to which computers are compromised. Groups of kids collecting as many "zombies" as they can. I can't help but admire them. Knowing very little, they can control legions of compromised systems and single handedly take down major websites. If everyone that owned a computer knew even basic security precautions, none of this would be possible. Ignorance is bliss.

Enorym, Stavos and I are waiting for Star Trek: Nemesis to start, so I decided to try a news update... FROM MY PHONE! Current conversation revolves around the theory Enorym is locked in the 80's. We also plan to attend the Midwest Auto Auction since we've seen 4 ads for it in the last hour. That's it for the update... FROM MY PHONE!!

After getting a text message from Stavos requesting a link to my halloween costume photo (link now forever a secret). He revealed his reasons in this graphic. Personally, I think it's better than the Insurrection poster.

The Information Awareness Office is designed to profile americans through monitoring credit cards, library records, and various other personal information. A recent column appeared with the personal information of the leader of this group. This is now being posted all over the internet, and I'm sure the guy is wishing he was never chosen to monitor all of OUR personal information. Instead, I think he should do something about all the NIMDA hits I get from idiot computer users. On Monday, my "unnamed" company had a DoS attack from an "unnamed" University. Not surprisingly all their computers had been compromised and were being used as zombies in the attack. Ironic how educational facilities are notorious for their lack of computer security. Now that I've fully developed my rant, I just have to say "Stay smart, or stay off my interweb!" It's great everyone has a computer now, it would be better if everyone knew how to use them.

The Gnome Cam has been updated for winter. Thanks to Steve for the graphics.

Today I decided to take my Supercharged Mercury Cougar to work. It's stored in my garage all winter, but since it hasn't snowed in a week, and isn't supposed to for another week, I figured I'd take it out for a mid-winter drive. It was good to have the feeling of power again, and hear the bypass valve WHOOSH between shifts. After work, I was heading back from school on the highway and a Honda Civic pulled up next to me. He kept lurching forward, so I dropped to fourth and floored it. It was quite a rush. I saw him exit the freeway once I was quite a distance ahead of him. Luckily no cops saw my demonstration of might.

I had a wonderful birthday. My dad came over and gave me some luggage, then took Melissa and I out to lunch. My mom came over and gave me a tree and stayed for awhile. Then I went to Meijers where a cashier asked for my I.D., did a double take, and said "Happy birthday man". I got home and Melissa made my favorite dinner. She gave me flowers, shoes, and a giant powerpuff girls card. After that, we had Pistachio pudding. In case you haven't heard, I love pistachio pudding. Melissa's parents got me fairy gnomes, and Myrone got me sleepy gnomes. The snowman approved.

After 3 hours of programming 1000+ lines of code, then debugging all the errors the "compiler from hell" kept spitting out, the program now works perfectly! It mixes two jars of paint, then prompts for a reload. Possible colors are Red, Yellow, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Green. We also have it abort when the door opens, or if the abort switch is thrown. I'm not sure if it's exactly what the professor wants, but I think it's pretty damn cool. Here is the code and some videos

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