Ron Guest

Private bowling lanes for the party!

Bee you ti ful 7th Birthday cake

For Pho

Sidewalk Hottie

I’ve been closely following the investigation into Stuxnet and this video is a great introduction. I spent a big chunk of my career creating control systems followed by another chunk creating security products. I can assure you the control system industry, and hence it’s customers, are very poorly prepared to deal with any serious attack. Most users, even your average developer, think that addressing a security issue just means putting out a software patch. But those more heavily involved know that in many cases a true fix can require an architectural overhaul - sometimes on a massive scale. Vendors don’t undertake this kind of change without massive pressure from their customers and this is completely lacking in this industry. The only way I can see of forcing the needed changes (in implementation and in mentality of the industry) prior to a disaster would be government regulation along the lines of Sarbanes-Oxley. In other words forcing CxOs to sign off they instituted mandated changes and that their security statements are correct. Those who know me know I generally don’t favor creation of more regulation. However in this case I think it is the only solution short of letting a disaster occur.

Cracking Stuxnet, a 21st-century cyber weapon | Video on TED.com.

Looks like the Canadian ISPs have forced Netflix to cut streaming quality due to bandwidth caps. I have to think the US will soon "enjoy" the same "enhancement". The current quality is OK for smaller devices but not so great on our large TVs. Reduced quality would really suck... Note to you luddite movie and TV content owners: I'm willing to pay for convenient access to shows I want to watch. 

Data caps claim a victim: Netflix cuts streaming video quality.

There's been a lot of focus on rumors of Apple introducing Cloud storage for music and movies as part of a revised MobileMe offering. I still expect this to happen but Amazon has seized first mover advantage. Lack of iPhone support means I'm not too interested though.

Amazon officially introduces ‘Cloud Drive’ music service

I stated as much when Nokia originally filed their complaint and took a lot of crap from some Nokia lovers. I doubt I’ll get any sort of apology for that… Most folks don’t understand the patent portfolio game that’s played amongst the leading tech companies.

Apples mobile products do not violate Nokia patents, says ITC.

This is sweet. I’m going to set this up tonight :)

How To Play Your iTunes Library Remotely Over a VPN

Concise and on point- as Mike usually is. Follow him on Twitter if you’re interested in social media.

Mobile Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Beauty & the Beast - Spiderman vs a Dragon

Road trips are hard work!

You mean this is an all I can eat buffet

Early emptiness

The AppleTV is now sporting two apps: one for MLB subscriptions and the other NBA league pass. Just update to 4.2 (released today). See below for the full scoop (via Arstechnica).

Live MLB and NBA games come to Apple TV via software update.

If you’ve got an original model iPad and want a new one don’t be afraid to sell yours online. Apple products have good resale value. I’ve had a great experience selling used gear to Gazelle.com.

Used iPads selling well on eBay and Gazelle.

Parasol on the wall

Early morning today - Dinosaur Train with mini Me

I’ve seen several pundits criticizing the iPad 2 saying it is only a small improvement over the original iPad. Competitors surely aren’t thinking so - including most who are only now managing to get their first version out. As usual the pundits err largely in looking at this Apple product as a standalone “device” forgetting (intentionally, I have to think at this point) that Apple products are part of a system, are very well built and run (generally) superior software with more diverse and useful applications. And in the iPad/tablet category Apple, for once, is not the high priced product. In fact it is on the lower end considering the screen size.

The fact of the matter is the iPad 2 delivers on key features prospective users wanted. I’m finally willing to buy an iPad and know a number of others who feel the iPad 2 has pushed over the crest and will now buy as well. There will be a buying frenzy come the 11th. My only complaint right now is I can’t simply pre-order and expect one to show up. Read the below article on one competitor’s surprisingly frank comments.

Samsung Exec Says Aspects Of Galaxy Tab ‘Inadequate’

View from my 21st floor room

A great sidecar!

A little Heine

Pretty impressive - bottom line is the slowest new MacBook Pro is as fast as the fastest model of the previous generation. Photogs should be in heaven with this one.

New MacBook Pro Benchmarks Show Massive Improvement

TGIF!

Wife is cooking up a batch of egg rolls