Hacker for Hire

Well, since the plane trip to Aruba is going to be a long one … anyone have some suggested reading?

Someone has suggested The Art of Computer Virus Research and Defense; however, I was considering something more along the lines of Reversing: Secrets of Reverse Engineering.

I’ve previously gone through The Shellcoder’s Handbook and it was good (minus the code mistakes). So instead of watching Ask a Ninja and other DVD’s any ideas of books?

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Sara got a new puppy. She’s a lab/weimaraner mix and we need some good names. Anyone have any suggestions?

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Well it’s February and that means that it’s that time of year again. Valentines day is coming and guys all over the are going to buying flowers for their significant others. But what do the girls get their guys (other than the obvious unmentionables :-))? Now, I know that the ladies always treat their men right, but what I’m looking for is the guy equivalent of flowers. It would have to be something simple, enjoyable, and doesn’t have to last for a very long … and I’ve got it

A aerosol air-horn.

It totally fits the bill … simple, enjoyable, doesn’t last long, and plus it’s awesome. Trust me ladies, buy your guy one for V-day, he’ll love you for it

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Nothing really important, just crossed the 600-mile mark on my Yamaha. That’s right, first service and everything is Saturday. I felt the need to change the oil since it’s going to be over 600-miles by the time I get into the service place. As with any freakiod mechanic, I always feel the need to try out my handy work, including oil changes.

It reminded me of working on my old Grand Cherokee and how nice it ran right after a fresh oil change. Needless to say, riding the FZ6 right after an oil change brings the same sort of smile to your face :-).

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Recently, Sara picked up “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Steven Covey. If you’ve never read it, go down to your local used book store and pickup a copy. It’s worth it in ways I can’t begin to touch here; however, it’s reminded me that maybe I need to go back to the 7th habit, “Sharpening the Saw.”

I’ve been looking at my skills set over the few short years that I’ve been working and I’d have to say, I think I’ve done a relatively good job at broadening my skills; however, I don’t really feel that I’ve become anything close to a subject matter expert. Still, remembering Henry Ford’s quote on being an expert:

None of our men are “experts.” We have most unfortunately found it necessary to get rid of a man as soon as he thinks himself an expert–because no one ever considers himself expert if he really knows his job. A man who knows a job sees so much more to be done than he has done, that he is always pressing forward and never gives up an instant of thought to how good and how efficient he is. Thinking always ahead, thinking always of trying to do more, brings a state of mind in which nothing is impossible. The moment one gets into the “expert” state of mind a great number of things become impossible.

Continue reading ‘7 Habits and Tiny Rant’ »

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I hate that stupid movie. Never even seen more than the first 5 minutes of it; however, I couldn’t decide on a good title for this post so I went with this and I put my second favorite as the RSS feed heading.

After several years of suck, I broke down an bought a new bike

Without further adieu, here is my 2007 YZF6 (Photos courtesy of Sara):
Image 1
Image 2

And the specs for anyone who cares about that sort of thing:

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That’s right, Casa-de-Neal has a new look to its kitchen. Thanks to the assistance from Micah, Will, Joe, Sara, and my dad … we have new refrigerator and a new convection oven! Oh, and the matching under the counter microwave. My dad and step-mom moved into their new house that was already furnished and rather than hassle with changing everything, they opted to give it to me. All three are decked out in glorious stainless and black which looks great against the paint in our kitchen (kudos for the pick on that Sara). We still have to get the mounting bracket and a new cupboard for above the stove since the old one is too big … but that’s child’s play for professionals like me.

There are also two leather chairs and a sofa that came along for the ride. They are positioned comfortably down stairs whilst the older stuff has been moved up to the upstairs living area and the other futon into the spare bedroom. It actually makes the place look much nicer … that and the couches are great movie-watching/Wii-playing/Halo-smashing accessories. I’ll drop some pictures up when I get a chance.

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Wow … 2007 already and here I am with less stuff on my blog than I hoped. Things have been really busy lately so I’m just going to give you the drive by blogging version.

First up, congratulations to HTG and their purchase of a shinny new Sun Server. The thing fricken smokes! I swear I was about to be sucked into it when we booted it the first time. You can read more about that here … well, maybe. It is a short post.

In other news, we are now on release 0.3 of Project REM. There was a small spat between the group; however, that can pretty well be chalked up to stress from the holidays, server move, and taking on an ungodly number of points to complete for a delivery that happened to be a day to “early” (HTG, was on time … the client was not). Needless to say, trumpets sounded, people hugged, and life went back to normal after everyone got to say their piece (at least I hope so).

Going along with HTG, it’s now coming to tax season and unfortunately, this is one tax form I’m not ready to attack. I’m cool with doing my own 1040 and 1099 forms, but I’d prefer to make HTG’s first pseudo-fiscal year not be the first year we received an audit letter from the IRS. I have to say, I’m very impressed with the work that’s been accomplish and by the looks of it, we’re only going to have more fun as it goes along.

Lastly, I’ve got four resolutions that I’m trying to work on for the new year. First one is to eat more healthy foods like fruits and whole grain oats. Secondly, it’s to stop eating out so much at work since I know it’s not good for me and it’s just costing me more money. Thirdly, I’m going to attempt to get a more regular exercise schedule because it makes my head clearer to think and work. Lastly, I’m going to try and blog at least 3 times a week. And to help me keep track of how well I’m doing, there’s a sweet little app called Joe’s Goals. Basically, you set up some plus minus habits and it keeps track of them for you. It’s free, simple, and quick, go check it out.

That’s all for now, I’ll be back next week with the tale of my new fridge and oven.

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Wow, has it been insane busy this past month. Being as I’ve been chastised by multiple people that I haven’t been online/updating my blog/calling/etc enough to prove I’m alive, I’ll take the opportunity to give you the summary of what I’ve been up to.
Continue reading ‘He Does Exist!’ »

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Whilst browsing the Internet, Sara came across the Plot-o-matic. Here’s my story (with a couple of tweaks):

Echoing Placebo
an original screenplay concept
by Wyatt Neal
Political thriller: An Jedi warrior teams up with an alcoholic ex-CIA agent to solve the perfect crime. In the process they sign a suicide pact with a nun. By the end of the movie they burn 4933 double agents and end up winning the admiration of their kind hearted prostitute, living happily ever after.

Think Die Hard meets Braveheart.

Add a little panache and a dash of Mrs. Butterworth’s:

Echoing Placebo (Tweaked)
an original screenplay concept
by Wyatt Neal

Political thriller: Palcense, a framed Jedi warrior on the lamb teams up with an alcoholic ex-CIA agent named Carla to solve the perfect crime orchestrated by the Clandestine Shriners. In the process they sign a suicide pact with a nun, formerly of the president’s harem. By the end of the movie they have burned 4937 double agents and end up winning the admiration of their kind hearted prostitute, Madam Bovilla, living happily ever after … after they commit suicide with the nun at a fireworks factory in the most brilliant display of special effects this week.

Think Die Hard meets Braveheart on confessional day when the ninjas are attacking. The nun is on fire too.

Seems like a 4th Emmy for Wyatt is in the bag. Swish!

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