tombrennan.org

At The Last HOPE conference, hackers will broadcast their minds  and their iPods.

In the center of the summer’s top hacker event will be a small isolation booth. “Radio Statler!” as the station is called, will send out a three day broadcast of all-original material. From the center of Manhattan, around the clock, discussions of the past, present, and future of technology, creativity, and humanity itself will be transmitted.

The first night of the conference, July 18th, the station will carry a program called Digital Music Night, hosted by Peter Kirn, editor of createdigitalmusic.com. The three hour live concert will feature a convergence of artists and musicians using custom, original tools for performing live in new and bizarre ways, including:

* Houseplants hooked up to live computer visuals and music
* A mutant trumpet, halfway between the digital and acoustic worlds
* Packets of data visualized as three-dimensional eye candy
* An animated digital art sketchpad controlled by Wii remote
* A set of digital gloves for gestural DJing
* A robotic drummer
* Computer-generated vocals that sing your spam folder to you
* Live digital art made from vintage game consoles and computers

The station will give additional talk and interview time to the conference’s speakers, broadcast the keynotes and other popular seminars, and offer attendees who don’t speak at the podium a chance to share their ideas. Many hackers who already do their own podcasts are being asked to contribute and do special programs for the conference.

Program and content submissions are still being taken, volunteers are being sought, and the organizers are looking for promotional sponsors to help cover the cost of broadcasting. More information can be found at http://radio.hope.net/ or by emailing projects@hope.net.

For more information on The Last HOPE, visit http://www.hope.net.

It’s been reported from a few sources that a number of areas have been targeted for the “Phone Book Scam”.
As the summer vacation season is coming upon us please be aware of this scam. Men driving around in unmarked vehicles (usually vans) are throwing out free phone books. Usually they are getting tossed outside of a moving vehicle to everyone in a neighborhood.
The van will come around two days after the drop off to see who has not picked up the phone books. People who have not picked up the phone books are then targeted for a robbery that night.
Warning: Be suspicious of any free phone books coming your way, no matter what companies name is on it. If you use VoIP ask yourself, “Should I be getting the ‘Ma Bell’ phone book for free?”.
Be careful this upcoming summer season when you’re on vacation. Ask your neighbors to get anything that gets dropped off on your property

I got a message from Redbox this morning saying that there was a skimmer in one of their locations.

To Our Valued Customers:

A few days ago redbox detected and removed an illegal credit card skimming device at one of our 7,400 locations.  At the same time, redbox also discovered evidence of skimming attempts in two other locations.  Skimming involves the placement of an illegal device above the credit/debit card reader on a vending machine, ATM, or in this case a redbox.  These devices are used to illegally read or store personal credit card information.

Even if your redbox was not targeted, it never hurts to pay a little extra attention and check for any unusual activities or changes at your local redbox.  If you suspect your redbox has been tampered with (click this link to see pictures of skimmer devices:   http://www.redbox.com/creditcardsecurity/ ) please call 866-REDBOX3, e-mail alerts@redbox.com , or notify the store/restaurant manager of your concerns immediately.

Although there is no evidence currently that these skimming attempts were successful, consumer security is a top priority for redbox.  Reviewing transaction records, there is a possibility that up to 150 customers may have been affected.  Although only a small percentage of the millions of customers who use redbox each month, redbox has notified the major credit card companies so that they can monitor the situation. The redbox team is also working with local authorities to investigate the incidents and ensure your security.

Skimming is not new (click this link for more details: http://www.uboc.com/ ).   It has been attempted numerous times on ATMs, gas station pumps, and now redbox has been targeted.  Redbox has been aware of these industry threats and has spent significant time and resources to prepare for them.  The 7,400 redbox locations are visited frequently by redbox associates to maintain smooth operations and an optimum customer experience.  In this case, a redbox associate found evidence of skimming attempts and initiated the actions in the team’s response plan (including this e-mail message).

Redbox greatly values our customer relationships.  As a result, redbox is open and direct in our communications about this type of situation.  The redbox team also utilizes industry-leading technology to ensure you have a safe shopping experience and aggressively combats attempts by criminals to defraud customers.  Please see the questions and answers below for some additional details on skimming and how redbox ensures the safety of your account information.

Sincerely,

Trina Graham-Hodo
Director, Customer ServiceBill Caputo
Director, Security

Additional Questions / Answers:

Q.     What is credit card skimming?

A.     Skimming is the theft of credit card information used in an otherwise legitimate transaction.  It often involves the placement of an illegal device above the credit/debit card reader on a vending machine, ATM, or in this case a redbox.  For more info click these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_card_fraud#Skimming
http://www.uboc.com/about/main/0,,2485_703976951,00.html

Q.     What does redbox do to protect consumer credit card information?

A.     Redbox employs state-of-the-art security technology to ensure the privacy and security of our customers’ data before, during, and after their visit to our kiosks.  Customer credit card information is encrypted the moment it’s swiped through our readers.  Redbox uses further layers of encryption to protect all data transfers, too.  Kiosks are also actively monitored and regularly inspected both on-site and remotely.  Redbox never moves or stores unencrypted customer information.  Credit card information can not be accessed by outsiders or even by redbox employees once the card is swiped at a kiosk.

Q.     Where can I get more information on credit card skimmers?

A.     Please use these links to get more information on credit card skimmers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_card_fraud#Skimming
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/computersecurity/infotheft/2007-07-31-gift-cards_N.htm
http://www.uboc.com/about/main/0,,2485_703976951,00.html

Q.     How do I know if a skimmer is on my redbox?

A.     Redbox credit/debit card readers are standardized for all locations.  Click this link for pictures of the two approved readers and some examples of skimmer devices: http://www.redbox.com/creditcardsecurity/

Q.     Who should I call if I have questions?

If you suspect your credit card information was improperly used, contact your financial institution immediately.  If you have specific concerns related to this incident and redbox, please visit http://www.redbox.com/creditcardsecurity/ or call 866-REDBOX3. Please do not reply to this email.

Earlier in the week I received the TV Digital Converter Box Coupon.  So I looked around at what box I would buy.  In my area there were two places I’d want to go, Radio Shack and Best Buy.  The only website with good detail of their products was Best Buy.  So I called my local Best Buy (Store 400) 2130 State Route 35, Holmdel NJ and got put on hold waiting for the video department (I wanted to know if they had any boxes in stock).

I was never put on hold, the reciever was placed on the desk so I was privy to conversations I shouldn’t have been.  When the young lady picked the phone back up she asked me who I was holding for and I responded, “The TV slash Video department”

“What do you want?” She asked

“Wanted to see if you had any of the Insignia Converter Box…” I replied

“We have 58 of them”, she answered with a slight pinch of frustration in her voice.

“So the answer is ‘yes’, you do have them, thanks for the help.” I added with a bit of snark to my response.

Now I pack up the fam an head out with my $40 coupon.  When I get to the store I head right to the aisle where I’ve seen similar devices before.  In Store 400 it’s to the right as you enter and on the 2nd to last aisle before appliances.  With two kids in tow I have to quickly scan for the Insignia NS-DXA1.  It’s not there.

So I head to the counter inthe video department and ask the associate, “Do you guys have any of the Insigina DTV converter boxes?”

The associate that seemed oddly out of the kahki uniform replied, “You have to wait a month.”

I’m thinking to myself, “A month, that girl on the phone said you have 58.”

“You need to get a coupon to buy it.” He said to help quell my unrest.

“I have the coupon.” I replied.  Now I just want it on principle.

“They’re up in the rafters, you’ll have to wait.”  He told me as my kind smile was turning to a frown.  “We’ll get some down for you.”

Now I’m starting to get the impression that Best Buy doesn’t care about these boxes.  After all studies have shown that people with low-incomes need these boxes (which retail for about $60).  I’ve also heard statistics that people of color are more likely to need these in 2009 than their white counterparts.  This is all going through my head as my wife takes the kids for a walk and I’m staring at the lone employee who can use the movable staircase gets my box.  The nice area for the TVs happens to have a register.  Since I want to get out in a hurry before someone blows up in frustration (hopefully my kids) I ask if I can get rung up in the TV area.  The out of uniform associate assures me I can.

The stock guy/qualified stair man gets down and starts to walk way from the register where I’m standing with my wallet in hand (literally).  “You can follow me sir, you’ll have to pay up here anyway”, he instructs me.  So I follow them up to a ad-hok conference with the stair man, out of uniform, and new walkie talkie associate.  This is all due to a tiny little sticker on the box that says that special return rules apply to this box.

I’ve done my homework to make an informed decision on how I want to spend my $20 (after the $40 coupon) and I want to get out.  They say how it’s not returnable after 30 days hand me the box and I’m on my way.

I’m not really one to complain about experiences like this.  I understand that the employees working at night in these types of stores are mostly high school & college kids making enough to pay off their car, gas money, or even school.  I was there myself.  But being friendly, understanding, not easily frustrated, and just nice should be standard operating procedure when working anywhere.

So I’m sitting in my local Vespia’s waiting to get my tire fixed.  I have come from work so I had my laptop ready to start “working” on things.  For grins and giggles I figured I’d try to connect to the network using my wifi connection.  To my surprise a “WLAN” popped up with a 2/4 signal strength.

I tried to track down my IP address.  66.155.149.101 happened to show up.  Doing a look-up on this shows that the IP is owned by PAETEC Communications.  Is this something that Vespia’s is running or is from another store nearby?  According to their site:
PAETEC can also help you reduce costs by combining your voice and data networks. Reduce the number of lines by migrating to Voice over IP and get more bandwidth to your location at the same time. Our MPLS VPN product also supports video, so you can conduct conferences and train new employees when needed without having to travel.

Could Vespia’s be using this company to handle their retail traffic and customer base?  How easy would it be for someone to hop on the wireless network and get into the internal network complete with name, addresses, and telephone number, and credit card numbers?

We’ll have to wait until next time, my car’s done.

During their Fall Membership Drive a public radio station out of New York City was holding a contest giving away an Apple MacBook Pro.  You didn’t need to join as a member to get in on the contest, just call in with you information.

I figured, what do I have to loose.  I called into WNYC and gave them my name, address, and phone number.  I figured, these guys are a big public radio station what will they do with my info.

Well two weeks later I got a membership letter from local public television station, Thirteen (WNET) and yesterday I got a letter from the Sierra Club.

This really upsets me.  I am going to write to WNYC and see what the deal is with this and why are they selling my info.

You can take these few steps and cut down on the amount of trash you and your house throws out. If you pay for garbage collection, this will help on your bill. If you get a municipal pick-up (aka pay through taxes) this will help the earth.

I have two small kids, a wife, and a dog. Our weekly trash can fit into a tall kitchen bag. That includes the baby’s diaper table waste and bathroom waste. We’re not perfect, but the amount of garbage we get rid of is a lot less than our neighbors.

Here’s a few helpful hints. You can take them, leave them, or go beyond them. They’re just some ideas to get your creative juices flowing on how to cut down on waste.

1) Recycle. I know this sounds silly but people still don’t recycle. Reuse cardboard boxes for tossing in your paper goods and other packages you get at the grocery store.

2) Buy in bulk. Head to the bulk-foods section of your local supermarket. Buying bulk seeds, flour, grains, nuts, etc will cut down on the packaging you find in other sections of the store and may even save you some money.

3) Use cloth diapers. I know this is a big one and not applicable to everyone who reads this. Cloth diapers mean there’s very little waste you create with your little one. The only thing you’re throwing out from you baby is the wipes. You will also save a lot of money.

4) Reuse. There’s no reason why you can’t use regular plates instead of paper in most situations. You can also get cloth napkins and toss them in the wash when the meal is done. In my county 41% of the trash in the county dump is paper goods. Granted that also includes newspaper and such, but I’m sure paper plates and napkins are in there too.

5) Compost. If you through all of your organic waste in a compost heap you will make awesome fill dirt or potting soil for when you work on the yard. You’ll also cut down on the smell associated with a garbage filled with old coffee grinds, egg shells, and the like. Here’s a quick guide on composting (external link)

6) Make your own meals. If time allows making your own meals saves you money (depending how many of you there are) and also cuts down on waste. Throwing out that pizza box or chinese food bag with 4 containers adds to the weekly garbage.

7) Watch out for individual servings. Do you really need to get the “Fridge Packs” that are so common these days? Buying a two liter of soda saves on waste and money. Buying powdered drink mix for the kids stops on the piling of juice boxes in the garbage. Who’s to say that bringing a bottle from home is not cool now with kids. Your kid may be the cool one if they reply to their classmates with, “I’m helping save the planet”.

The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has now officially declined to investigate an inquiry into the behavior of telephone companies in American.

There have been many news reports claiming telephone companies like AT&T, BellSouth, and Verizon have willingly sent information on their networks to the National Security Agency (NSA) in a way to support the “war on terror”.  In one case there was a report that AT&T gave the NSA access to install optical splitters at locations.  This would allow the government instant access to the Verizon network.  Some intelligence officials want retroactive immunity to phone companies in their service to our nation.
The Democratic head of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, Rep. Ed Markey, has been asking the FCC for a number of months to launch an investigation into this “agreement” between the NSA and telcos.

Kevin Martin, Chairman of the FCC wrote to the US Attorney General saying that an investigation would jeopardize national security of the US.
The Attorney General’s office has not responded to Chairman Martin’s message.  When pressed for a response from Martin the AG’s office reffered him to J.M. McConnell the Director of National Intelligence.  McConnell said that this investigation would cause “grave damage to national security”.  Martin then responded to Congressman Markey.
Markey then release this statement on the issue:
“I am disappointed by the FCC’s response.  I still hold that it is well within the authority of the independent agency responsible for the enforcement of our nation’s communications privacy laws to investigate the very serious reports that the intelligence agencies were using telephone companies to obtain phone records and Internet data on citizens without proper, prior authorization. I believe the agency could conduct its own examination of such reports in a way that safeguards national security.”

A&P Supermarkets have filed a lawsuit against two brothers who worked at the store and shot a video called “Produce Paradise” while working.  The supermarket chain sued the former produce workers with defamation.

A&P claims that the video starring Mark and Matthew D’Avella have disgusted at least one customer enough for that one customer to boycott the supermarket.  This is due to “repulsive acts” in the video.

How much is one customers boycott worth?  The Montvale, NJ based chain is seeking $1 million in damages and are also demanding the video get pulled off the internet.  A&P claims the video “contains numerous false and defamatory statements that are injurious to the reputation and livelihood of A&P.”.

I for one plan on boycotting because A&P is suing these kids.