About two months ago I started using a service called LastPass, based in large part on the review and recommendation of Steve Gibson on Security Now. He explained in-depth why LastPass is safe, effective and a much better solution than maintaining passwords yourself. Intrigued by this product that Steve seemed so enthusiastic about (and given that I trust Mr. Gibson’s opinions when it comes to computer security) I created an account & tried it out.

This was in the parking lot this morning as I was walking into work, and I couldn’t help but notice that one special word on the trunk lid: “DIESEL”. Is this really a MINI Cooper S convertible with a Diesel engine, here in the U.S.? The only Diesel MINI I know of that’s slated to come to the U.S. is the Countryman Diesel, which isn’t supposed to show up until early next year.

So, Apple had one of their now-famous events today. They unveiled a bunch of things, including a touch screen iPod Nano, a new iPod Touch with front-facing camera & FaceTime, and a new iPod Shuffle (which doesn’t really look any different from the old one). The thing that everyone was waiting for leading up to the event though, and the thing that’s gotten the most attention, is the new Apple TV.

The track design for the Formula 1 Austin Grand Prix has been unveiled, and it looks very promising. According to the American Statesman, the designer says it takes inspiration from some of the world’s best Grand Prix circuits and will offer good visibility for fans throughout the track, due to elevation changes & turn arrangements. The track will be 3.4 miles long, consisting of 20 turns and a total elevation change of 133 feet.

Happy Friday everyone! I took these photos earlier in the week while I was out walking the dog, and I figured I’d post them up as a pleasant start to the weekend. Enjoy!

Yesterday I received a reply to an email I’d sent to Sen. Ben Cardin that contained a link to my open letter on Net Neutrality. Here is what he said: Dear Christiaan: Thank you for contacting me in opposition to network neutrality. Due to the widespread growth of Internet broadband use, the issue that Congress needs to consider is whether legislation is needed to regulate access to broadband networks and services.

The Net Neutrality debate seems to have reached critical mass, and it’s making me angry. Google and Verizon have struck a deal to submit a proposal to lawmakers that, in short, would stand to kill the Internet as we know it. I’m not being dramatic or fear mongering, I’m stating the reality of the situation. The elements of this proposal are engineered to appear to protect users’ rights to open Internet, but in reality have major loopholes that seem to give them carte blanche to filter services at will on mobile networks & “new services” that show up.

At this point, pretty much everyone’s heard about Steven Slater’s dramatic exit from his job this week. He’s quickly become something of a cultural icon, and his story is pretty hilarious & creative. This one is equally (perhaps even more) funny & creative. Her name was initially thought to be Jenny, but she was in fact revealed as an actress pulling a prank. The story was that she quit her job using a series of photos of herself holding up a whiteboard with an amusing string of statements & awesome facial expressions.

Today marks the 220th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard. It was on this day in 1790 that Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton established the Revenue Cutter Service to intercept smugglers. Thus began the origins of the Coast Guard we know today, and the law enforcement mission of the U.S. Coast Guard. So to all members of the Coast Guard past & present, thank you for your service & continued dedication to the mission and values of the United States Coast Guard.

My sister & I took some time to go to the beach this morning/afternoon. This was my view while laying on a towel overlooking the water toward Martha’s Vineyard, watching boats go by. Very pleasant.