I tried using Google’s two factor authentication, where you install an app on your phone and it generates a code for you that you need in addition to your password in order to access your Google data.

The major problem with this is not all clients support it. You are forced to create a unique password for each of these clients, so that they don’t have to supply the 2nd factor (the PIN code on your phone). This includes clients such as iChat, Adium, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, Outlook, etc.

I think it might actually make your account *less* secure unless you *only* use Google services through their web interfaces that support the 2FA. If you use iChat, Mail, etc, you are adding additional keys that unlock the same lock. This increases the brute force possibilities. You don’t even get to create those keys yourself, they are chosen for you.

Until all of these clients support 2FA, I say pick a strong password and forget 2FA.

At Interlock Rochester we are searching for more things we can offer our members as membership benefits. One idea that came up was offsite backup using a standard USB hard drive that would be supplied by the member. I really like how Time Machine works for my onsite backups so I started searching for a way to replicate it’s functionality for an offsite backup (as TM only allows you to specify one backup set). I found this article by Michael Jakl that seems to do the job pretty well. (more…)

I’ve eaten my fair share of Garbage Plates. They are a Rochester, NY tradition. Started by Nick Tahou’s, you can find them at lots of local eateries. Generally they consist of some combination of macaroni salad, baked beans, home/french fries, tater tots, meat sauce, and a meat (usually cheeseburgers or hotdogs). Basically, they are one of the worst foods you can possibly eat. Well, I love them. So, we decided to make some with supplies from Wegmans (also a Rochester tradition). Pics below.

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I promised I’d post pictures of my mobile install, so here they are:

Shot of the outside of the car

Antennas

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Let me start by saying I really hate the term “ham shack.” “Ham” makes us sound like a bunch of porkers (which admittedly, does describe a good portion of the amateur radio community – self included… see hamsexy). Then you’ve got “shack.” When you think of the word shack, it doesn’t exactly convey imagery of well constructed facilities that you’d like to spend a lot of time in, does it?

In any event… (more…)

Sick of the poor quality education your child is getting in school? Teach them at home the importance of learning. Teach them respect. Stop medicating them for “illnesses” they do not have. Take an interest. When was the last time you went to a parent/teacher conference? Did you vote during the last election of the board of education? When is the last time you went to a board of education meeting? Take responsibility, instead of simply shoving your kids on the bus each morning like they are off to day care.

Take action instead of taking offense.