Random Notes

Yeah, Oklahoma's Department of Corrections did have a security leak that allowed anyone with a modicum of computer knowledge to download the social security numbers and other private information of everyone who has been charged with any crime in Oklahoma. If you ever got a speeding ticket in OK, cancel your credit card and get a new one.

There also appears to be a security problem with Google Spreadsheets, but they are trying to catch people involved with child pornography, which is good. Though the idea of charting patterns in internet usage makes me nervous even if it is being used for a good cause.

Speaking of news that makes me nervous, Russia is requiring everyone setting up a Wi-fi network to register with the government and get a license. I'm going out on limb to say that this seems like a bad precedent.

If you're in an astronomy mood, something just went nova.


Lifehacker is making sure everybody knows how to make an iTouch into an iPhone.

I already have bamboo sheets, why not clothes? Apparently it is the big new thing because, in addition to being an environmentally friendly renewable resource since it requires no pesticides, the fabric now kills bacteria and protects one from the sun.

The uncrashable car that has been a feature of science fiction ever since it became a recognized genre is finally looking feasible.

A study that has been charting it for five years says that the noise level in Cairo is enough to cause damaging physiological responses in humans; I want to know how many cities they are charting and how everything compares. Put it all on NationMaster people! Also, the reporter talking about this just can't help trying to draw some sort of deep conclusions about cultural differences based on this study, which makes me want to slap him around; there is very little information to draw any conclusions from here. Why are reporters so allergic to admitting such things?