-
Paranoia trumps common sense
Today my family and I went to the San Diego County Fair and with most events these days, were prepared for the additional security and screening. While they allowed in backpacks and food, they didn't allow in water bottles (unless they were for children for fears that they would contain alcohol or explosives, I guess). There were numerous signs at the entrance saying that weapons including pocket knives were not allowed and should be left in cars. This wasn't a surprise, but the metal detectors surprised me (my wife had already been this year, so she went through it before). Stuff that didn't go through the metal detectors (backpacks, cell phones, etc.) were just pushed alongside the metal detectors.
-
Interview technique - crash logs
I periodically have to interview people and I find that I struggle to come up with ways to adequately determine a candidate's technical knowledge. While they can present their resume and what they've done in the past, it is hard to tell how they really think. I don't ask questions that I couldn't answer myself as I don't think that is fair. Many people ask basic computer science questions that I'd probably get wrong as I don't have a computer science background; so I tend to ask questions to see how a candidate would handle a situation.
-
What is security?
I'm sure my loyal readers will think that this article is about computer security as I write a lot about computers and technology, but this article is about physical home security.
-
When letters to companies work
Sometime last year, my wife and I went to Road Runner Sports to get new shoes. They've always had a decent selection and with their VIP club, we can wear the shoes for awhile and return them if they don't work out. This is extremely important to me as I run a bit and if the shoes aren't comfortable, I need to find a replacement. When we went, they were advertising an extra 10% off (VIP members get 10% off already). After we left the store, I realized that their advertised 20% off (10% off for VIP + 10% off for the sale) was not actually 20%. They took the 10% off first and then from the new price, took another 10% off. So for a $100 purchase, 20% off makes the cost $80. However, they were charging $81 (10% off $100 = $90 and the 10% off that make $81). This is not a huge deal taken in isolation, but irked me enough that I sent a letter to the company CEO.