Recent Posts

2951

Living Room / Re: August 4th is 1984 Day!

« Last post by Renegade on August 04, 2013, 01:14 AM »

Re: Cheerios offer

Dear Big Brother,

I think you've mistaken me for someone else. I long ago boycotted all General Mills products, most packaged foods, and all large "food" suppliers.

However, if you have information on cheap or discounted EMP weapons (preferably large ones) or DIY blueprints with lists of cheap or used parts suppliers, I am definitely interested.

Also, if you would, I'd appreciate schematics on critical surveillance infrastructure and storage facilities. A buy one get one free would be fantastic there.

Thank you for your kind concern,

Renegade

2952

Living Room / August 4th is 1984 Day!

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 11:29 PM »

I'd never heard of this until just today, 1984 day.

http://1984day.com/



August = 8, 4 = 4, 84.

2953

Living Room / Re: Movies or films you've seen lately

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 11:21 PM »

Ok...my quest for some quality H.P. Lovecraft stories or themed movies continues.

-40hz (August 03, 2013, 11:14 PM)

Lovecraft is difficult to get right in a film. Half the horror is simply not knowing, and film exposes a lot.

But if anyone wants to compile a list of good Lovecraftian films, I'm all eyes. 

2954

Living Room / Re: Movies or films you've seen lately

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 10:45 PM »

Here's a prediction... A DC comics movie about the Flash. Involves time travel. Sometime in the next 2 years.

-Renegade (August 03, 2013, 12:08 PM)

Not sure if that qualifies as a prediction since they've already said it, and it's in production slated for 2016.

They're trying to follow marvel's successful path, i.e. phase 1 to intro characters, group movie, phase to to develop those and more, group movie 2, phase three introduces more... ad infinitum.

-wraith808 (August 03, 2013, 12:19 PM)

Dang. Didn't know that. And I was off by a year.

What I have noticed is that the studios produce relatively cheap animated feature-length films, then shortly after the same basic theme is produced as a major motion picture. I saw that there was a Flash animated film, and hence, the prediction.

2955

Living Room / Re: Peer Review and the Scientific Process

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 10:40 PM »

Good news:

-IainB (August 03, 2013, 10:15 PM)

Very good news.

I briefly browsed and looked into a few articles.

One recently published one that I glanced at was simply terrifying. What the authors were advocating was horrific. And that was just the first paragraph.

I think it will be a very good thing to have these kinds of papers exposed to the light of day, rather than mulled over in dark corners by policy makers and implemented without anyone being able to even know what's going on.

2956

Living Room / Re: Slower Planes And Charging For Bathrooms

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 09:50 PM »

To my understanding, the US does not use diesel engines that much. That always struck me as strange, because families in the US live quite often far apart and diesel would cut the fuel bill significantly when it is time to visit.

-Shades (August 03, 2013, 09:16 PM)

It is illegal in the US to have/produce/whatever fuel-efficient automotive engines. So, just throw out all logic and reason... it is what it is. 

(Anyone remember the Volkswagen example? European versions of the exact same model have far higher fuel efficiency, etc.)

2957

Living Room / Re: New software obfuscation method - possible end to need for SW patents?

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 09:42 PM »

I've been using software obfuscation and encryption for about a decade, and this is the first time I've ever heard of "obfuscation" being used that way. Pretty much every single software protection program/solution out there makes a very hard distinction between obfuscation and encryption. They can be used together, but they are by no means similar in anything that they do - well, that is what I get from every vendor that I've ever looked at. (I'm over-simplifying, but other aspects of obfuscation are not significantly different in the abstract - they are all replacements.)

Many software obfuscators out there create an obfuscation map. It's a simple file that maps the obfuscated values to what the programmer wrote. So, you end up going from a, b, c back to year, month, day. It's a flat, linear transformation.

Here's a partial example of a map from a 1-off program that I wrote to do some data cleaning and normalization:

Code: Text [Select]

1. <map>
2.   <field>
3.       <signature>System.Windows.Forms.Label</signature>
4.       <name>lblEfwYear</name>
5.       <newname>k</newname>
6.   </field>
7.   <field>
8.       <signature>char[]</signature>
9.       <name>split</name>
10.       <newname>a</newname>
11.   </field>
12.   <field>
13.       <signature>System.Windows.Forms.TextBox</signature>
14.       <name>txtCountries</name>
15.       <newname>c</newname>
16.   </field>
17.   <field>
18.       <signature>System.Windows.Forms.TextBox</signature>
19.       <name>txtEfwYear</name>
20.       <newname>l</newname>
21.   </field>
22.   <field>
23.       <signature>System.Windows.Forms.TextBox</signature>
24.       <name>txtOriginal</name>
25.       <newname>e</newname>
26.   </field>
27.   <field>
28.       <signature>System.Windows.Forms.TextBox</signature>
29.       <name>txtTransformation</name>
30.       <newname>f</newname>
31.   </field>
32.   <field>
33.       <signature>System.Windows.Forms.TextBox</signature>
34.       <name>txtYears</name>
35.       <newname>d</newname>
36.   </field>
37.   <otherstuff />
38.   <method>
39.       <signature>void(object, System.EventArgs)</signature>
40.       <name>btnInsurance_Click</name>
41.       <newname>h</newname>
42.   </method>
43.   <method>
44.       <signature>void(object, System.EventArgs)</signature>
45.       <name>btnInsurance2_Click</name>
46.       <newname>c</newname>
47.   </method>
48.   <method>
49.       <signature>void(object, System.EventArgs)</signature>
50.       <name>btnSchool_Click</name>
51.       <newname>i</newname>
52.   </method>
53.   <method>
54.       <signature>void(object, System.EventArgs)</signature>
55.       <name>btnSchool2_Click</name>
56.       <newname>d</newname>
57.   </method>
58.   <method>
59.       <signature>void(bool)</signature>
60.       <name>Dispose</name>
61.   </method>
62.   <method>
63.       <signature>void(object, System.EventArgs)</signature>
64.       <name>Form1_Load</name>
65.       <newname>k</newname>
66.   </method>
67.   <method>
68.       <signature>void()</signature>
69.       <name>InitializeComponent</name>
70.       <newname>a</newname>
71.   </method>
72. </map>

Here's the abstract:

http://eprint.iacr.org/2013/451

Abstract: In this work, we study indistinguishability obfuscation and functional encryption for general circuits:

Indistinguishability obfuscation requires that given any two equivalent circuits C_0 and C_1 of similar size, the obfuscations of C_0 and C_1 should be computationally indistinguishable.

In functional encryption, ciphertexts encrypt inputs x and keys are issued for circuits C. Using the key SK_C to decrypt a ciphertext CT_x = Enc(x), yields the value C(x) but does not reveal anything else about x. Furthermore, no collusion of secret key holders should be able to learn anything more than the union of what they can each learn individually.

Sigh... Looks like yet another case of reporters not knowing about what they're reporting on and not understanding the terminology. The researchers are using the language normally.

Some friends and people I know (mISVs) actually roll their own solutions. But they're really damn good at it. They've found that most commercial solutions were simply too easy to crack (they cracked them), and it was simply better to do it themselves. (Ballsy.) One fellow wrote up a portion of his approach called "partial key verification". It's interesting, but not what these guys are doing.

I do wonder how they get around the dumping problem though... Maybe I'll read on it later after I finish some work. (I'm goofing off at the moment. )

2958

Living Room / Re: New software obfuscation method - possible end to need for SW patents?

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 08:23 PM »

They seem to be using language differently than the rest of the world. "Obfuscation" is not encryption. Software obfuscation, if you ask anyone else, is simple symbol replacement e.g.:

Code: C# [Select]

1. int years, months, days;

And obfuscated:

Code: C# [Select]

1. int a, b, c;

However, it does sound really good.

2959

Living Room / Re: Movies or films you've seen lately

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 12:08 PM »

Here's a prediction... A DC comics movie about the Flash. Involves time travel. Sometime in the next 2 years.

2960

Living Room / Re: How Much Do You Trust Wikipedia?

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 11:13 AM »

http://en.wikipedia....er_talk:156.33.241.5

That's more telling than anything...

-wraith808 (August 03, 2013, 10:57 AM)

Holy f*&^ing tip of the iceberg Batman!

http://en.wikipedia....f_edits_to_Wikipedia

I've got a feeling that article barely scratches the surface. No evidence (as of yet), but I'd bet on it.

2961

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 09:40 AM »

^^ Really? No kidding? Was that the intention then - a gruesome joke? I mean, what would be the point of it? I'm all for black humour, but I still don't get it, sorry.

-IainB (August 03, 2013, 09:37 AM)

Well, they didn't do it intentionally. It's just an accident. But when you look at it... unintended consequences or something like that?

But, whatever - not all of us find the same things funny. I've stared blankly at people who thought a joke was funny and I didn't. They laughed hysterically. I saw no humour. It happens.

2962

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 09:31 AM »

Eh? Why is the photo of some window-dressing in a shop "totally bad taste!"?
It just looks like a rather novel shop window display to me - or am I missing something?    

All I get from the photo is that it is of the window-dressing in a shop:

• It seems to be a children's clothing shop.
• The sign says "Le Marais" (which is a Paris district).
• The balloons may be a reference to the French film about the boy and a magical balloon that "found" him - rather than the other way around - "The Red Balloon".
• The heart-shaped balloon is probably a reference to love and the "romance" of Paris.
• The children's/dolls' clothes are on hangers and are puppet-like  - rather than dummies - and are floating/drifting objects like the balloons.

-IainB (August 03, 2013, 09:23 AM)

You'll laugh...

They've hung decapitated children in effigy. The joke is about hanging kids, which is in pretty bad taste.

2963

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 08:52 AM »

True, and here's a direct link in case you want to vote without having to dig for where.
http://www.newsmax.c...ns-/id/78/kw/default

-Stoic Joker (August 03, 2013, 08:50 AM)

Ooops. Sorry. Forgot that. Figured it might end up closed, and a screenshot would be needed, then farted around getting a scrolling screenshot and forgot the link.

2964

Living Room / Re: How Much Do You Trust Wikipedia?

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 08:32 AM »

Sigh...

http://en.wikipedia....&oldid=566903734

Note the highlight there.

Info for the changing IP address:

Spoiler

[Querying whois.arin.net]
[whois.arin.net]

#
# ARIN WHOIS data and services are subject to the Terms of Use
# available at: https://www.arin.net/whois_tou.html
#


#
# Query terms are ambiguous.  The query is assumed to be:
#     "n 156.33.241.5"
#
# Use "?" to get help.
#

#
# The following results may also be obtained via:
# http://whois.arin.ne...alse&ext=netref2
#

NetRange:       156.33.0.0 - 156.33.255.255
CIDR:           156.33.0.0/16
OriginAS:       AS3495
NetName:        USSAA
NetHandle:      NET-156-33-0-0-1
Parent:         NET-156-0-0-0-0
NetType:        Direct Assignment
RegDate:        1991-12-03
Updated:        2007-04-05
Ref:            http://whois.arin.net/rest/net/NET-156-33-0-0-1

OrgName:        United States Senate
OrgId:          USSAA
Address:        2 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.E. 6TH FLOOR
City:           WASHINGTON DC
StateProv:      DC
PostalCode:     20510
Country:        US
RegDate:        1991-12-03
Updated:        2011-09-24
Ref:            http://whois.arin.net/rest/org/USSAA

OrgTechHandle: NOC143-ARIN
OrgTechName:   NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER
OrgTechPhone:  +1-202-224-4186
OrgTechEmail:  [email protected]
OrgTechRef:    http://whois.arin.net/rest/poc/NOC143-ARIN

OrgAbuseHandle: NOC143-ARIN
OrgAbuseName:   NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER
OrgAbusePhone:  +1-202-224-4186
OrgAbuseEmail:  [email protected]
OrgAbuseRef:    http://whois.arin.net/rest/poc/NOC143-ARIN


#
# ARIN WHOIS data and services are subject to the Terms of Use
# available at: https://www.arin.net/whois_tou.html
#
   

And a link for another source identifying the IP address:

http://whois.arin.ne...NET-156-33-0-0-1/pft

2965

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 08:29 AM »

Just too good not to share. Also totally bad taste!

2966

Living Room / Hail Guccifer!

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 07:54 AM »

Amidst dark chants and ancient rites, Guccifer has risen again to take his fiery toll! HAIL GUCCIFER~!

http://www.thesmokin...er-email-hack-594321

Hacker Forces Colin Powell To Deny Affair
Ex-Secretary of State told foreign diplomat to delete her e-mails


As a notorious hacker seeks to distribute “very personal” e-mails sent to Colin Powell by a female Romanian diplomat, the retired general is denying that he engaged in an extramarital affair with the woman while he served as Secretary of State, though he recently advised her to delete all their online exchanges, The Smoking Gun has learned.

In a statement addressing his relationship with Corina Cretu, a member of the European Parliament who previously held a series of senior posts in the Romanian government, Powell, 76, wrote that he has known Cretu for about 10 years, having first met her “when I was the Secretary of State and she was an assistant to the President of Romania. We occasionally attended the same diplomatic and international meetings.

I love when Guccifer makes the news~! More hilarity at the link, including hacked Facebook accounts.

2967

Living Room / Re: SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps Specification Set and Ready for Development

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 07:20 AM »

Windows is nasty with USB. There are bugs where speeds crawl and the only way to fix it is to sacrifice several endangered chickens while chanting black magic in ancient Egyptian as you... etc. etc.

Try deleting the device in the device manager then rebooting. Idiotic? Yes. Does it work? Kind of. But you can try the chicken thing too. It probably works better.

2968

Living Room / Re: Damn Hackers!

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 07:17 AM »

In the past I've had routers that touted WPA/2, but in reality, didn't quite work as advertised. That was years ago though, and where I lived, bandwidth was pretty much free.

2969

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 07:09 AM »

We need more mousers...

http://unbelievable-...human-population-wit

2970

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 05:52 AM »

This is just silly ironic:

2971

Living Room / Flying Car Has Motorcycle in Belly

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 04:39 AM »

Talk about things coming in 3s! A car. A plane. A motorcycle!

http://www.jsonline....713z1-217484281.html

A car that will likely cost close to $300,000 and won't roll off the assembly line for a couple of more years must be pretty special.

The Terrafugia Transition offers a few bells and whistles for the sky-high price tag — it's a car that flies. Or a plane that can be driven on the interstate.

...

Motorcycle in the belly

Meanwhile, David Shelton, owner and founder of Illinois-based MotoPOD, also knows the grumblings of pilots who are grounded by storms and lack of transportation once they reach their destination. So he designed a storage compartment containing a street-legal motorcycle that takes two minutes to unload from underneath a plane and set up for traveling down the highway.

G-Force has nothing on this thing! Well, except lots of weapons and an arch-nemesis.

2972

Living Room / Re: Couple Visited by Feds After Google Search for Backpacks and Pressure Cookers

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 02:59 AM »

^^ Just as a quick note, you can pretty much sub anything you want into #1. It doesn't really matter. The process is simply one of the universal application of a moral law/principle. Works pretty much every time.

2973

Living Room / Re: Slower Planes And Charging For Bathrooms

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 02:55 AM »

...is answered by "No Attendant, I will be pissing in this water jug here!"

-TaoPhoenix (August 02, 2013, 10:13 AM)

For those considering this option, I recommend that you practice first and that you be acutely aware of the volume of your chosen container.

While aircraft mini-wine bottles measure around 170 ml and aircraft water bottles might be as large as 330 ml, you may find that during practice a 500 ml bottle is still insufficient.

2974

Living Room / Re: Peer Review and the Scientific Process

« Last post by Renegade on August 03, 2013, 01:30 AM »

More funny stuff from politicians about vitamins:

http://healthimpactn...reatens-supplements/

2975

Living Room / Re: "Want to Be Smarter: play video games"

« Last post by Renegade on August 02, 2013, 11:25 PM »

BWAHAHAHAHAHA~~~!!!

Ok, maybe a few games actually help, but I'm willing to bet that good old fashioned books are probably better.

Sounds like, "Feeling hungry? Kill that hunger with chocolate bars and potato chips!"

(And yes... I peed myself laughing again! )