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It’s like the ‘Olympics for Auto Journalists’ Week

Because auto show. Technically that’s tomorrow, but there’s all this stuff happening all week that goes along with that.

For an idea what’s happening, here’s my post from last year’s show, or see the tag #CIAS, but really, the best part about the show are the people.

Really great day today, can’t wait to tell you about it.  Interviewed a Futurist come ON, attended a Chrysler party, then dinner with Nissan, wrote 2 articles, my winter driving tips column printed and went over well, and I laughed a lot.

Will make up for this weak post this weekend, and tell you all about it, but I have to be camera-ready at the show at 7:30am and it’s 12:30am now, so night!

 

Cleaned up a Compromise

Took all day. It was a big one this round: 3 computers, 2 phones, and I had to completely replace my router.

Another breach. All this security nonsense I blog is not without consequence.

Files go missing, my calendar is altered, a 4-star American General friends me on an unpublished Skype account, a fake POF account created to an email I haven’t posted online, my webcam turns on by itself, I am terrified of March 19th. That’s not even the highlight reel.

It frequently bleeds into my real life, too… my credit card has been compromised so often, the bank no longer blinks. I haven’t banked online since 2008. The mail I receive is wacked. Ever wonder why you no longer see me wearing a Bluetooth headset? And what’s the thing about Bluetooth? That its range is 30 feet. Think that through.

For sure I’m more organized and prepared for this than you, and still, to clean up took 9 hours focused like a laser beam.

What’s your plan is this happens to you,
what’s your disaster strategy?

Where are your backup(s) located? Copy of your passwords? Your contacts? Time is of the essence in these situations, can’t be looking around, hunting and gathering files. Your palms will be sweaty, and your mind scattered, scared, and prone to making mistakes. Prepare and practice your strategy.

And despite all those hours, that doesn’t include re-building my phone. Right now, the only way you can reach me, is if you have my phone number.

I am living your nightmares. Please go change your passwords, so it’s not for not.

This is a good password: (jO&X[NG}a[1rL];@jBmc@Ij$ TTY Monday.

 

 

Camouflaging Cars

When testing a new model, manufacturers disguise the cars from curious, long camera lenses… a leaked shot of an upcoming debut really sucks the drama away.

So many automakers keep a Camo Expert on staff.

The goal is to trick the eye into seeing something that’s not there.

How? The camo makes it difficult for a camera lens to focus, or sometimes an infrared-absorbing paint is used, B&W swirly paint can make convex appear concave, or the shape of the car is altered using styrofoam and fake body parts.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

 There are different types of camo, but both always mask the two most important design features – the grille and tail lights. 

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