Brian Peck

Megan Reed

Brian Middleton

Lisa Allen

Brian Travis

Your wireless security
Posted:Thursday, 05/17/2012 at 04:05pm by Brian Middleton
Great article from Andy Ihnatko of the Sun Times:


NATO or not, protect your computers, phones from bad guys and freeloaders
ANDY IHNATKO ai@andyi.com May 16, 2012 1:48PM

Your laptop could come under attack at NATO, experts warn
Phone companies, wireless carriers boost capacity for NATO
Updated: May 17, 2012 5:52AM

I'm not sure if the influx of a large number of protesters specifically means that homes, businesses, and mobile users in the area are at a greater risk of cyber attacks. But a crowd of people, whether they're coming in for a political protest or a clam chowder cook-off, always means two things relating to wireless security:

1) More people will be trying to find and use open WiFi networks in that area.

So if you've set up your home or business WiFi so that total strangers can join the network without providing a password, or if it's been secured with WEP encryption (which is practically the same thing) . . . expect some rough sledding. At minimum, you're opening your network to the same risks as a public bathroom: ordinary, decent people who wish you no harm can create immense problems for you just by overwhelming your infrastructure. At worst? Jerks will enter your network to see what they can find. (On your computer's settings page, you usually can pick WEP -- Wired Equivalent Privacy -- or WPA. WPA is the good one.)

Why do you have an open network, anyway? You should secure that sucker whether 20,000 people in Guy Fawkes masks are coming or not. If you don't know how to do that, maybe you'd better just switch off your router until this whole thing blows over. In the meantime, make sure that your PCs have received the latest security updates. Particularly old Windows XP machines, which are the most vulnerable to attack.

2) People will be expecting to encounter more people who are looking for open WiFi networks. And a jerk who liked to intercept and exploit personal information via WiFi is drawn to that kind of environment like flies to that substance famous for drawing flies.

"Man in the middle" attacks have never been easier to pull off. Simple, easy-to-obtain hardware and software allow a notebook or even a pocket device to masquerade as the trusted open WiFi of your local library or coffee shop. Your phone or computer reconnects to it and logs you in to your mail or an online service without your even asking it to. Bang: the weasel suddenly has your online IDs and passwords. Another piece of software is scanning your ongoing traffic for other useful data.

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And you should never, ever under any circumstances trust an unfamiliar network just because its name is something innocuous, like "Free City Wifi."

Well, why are you sending data in clear text over open networks, anyway? You should never ever do that. You should be using a VPN service like WiTopia.net. Your data is still being transmitted over an open WiFi, but it's encrypted both ways. WiTopia works on PCs, Macs, and most handheld devices.

How about cellular data networks? Those are (cautious intake of breath) generally thought of as safe, in that intercepting cellular traffic is several orders of magnitude more complicated. All the same, it's possible for an enterprising criminal to operate an antenna that masquerades as a digital cell tower. Another vote in favor of installing WiTopia.

It's also a good time to remind yourself of all of the services on your device that allow incoming connections. Inside your office, it's probably OK that your PC is configured for file sharing, photo library sharing, and remote access. In public? Not so much. Ditto for that feature that turns your phone into a mobile WiFi hotspot. Again, if your phone broadcasts "I'm a free connection to the Internet!" the crowd will roar with approval and hammer it into atoms.

You don't need a political protest or a national sporting event or even a weekend house guest to do any of these things. Any computer or phone is loaded with cloud features that make them more useful. But most of these features make them vulnerable to Bad People and Good-Hearted Incompetents. Your computers need protection from both.

Get away from it all
Posted:Wednesday, 05/16/2012 at 03:05pm by Brian Middleton
With all the closures in the city this weekend, maybe the place to be is somewhere else? Check out this link

http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/The-Escape-Artist/May-2012/What-to-Do-This-Weekend-Roam-the-Earth-in-Indiana/

Your new lunch spot
Posted:Tuesday, 05/15/2012 at 02:05pm by 0
Its getting nice out, really nice out. Why not venture outside for lunch and experience one of the many food trucks that blanket the city. Prices are good and the sights are free.
Hot dogs, Tacos, Middle Eastern. something for everyone.


http://timeoutchicago.com/restaurants-bars/15323341/chicago-food-truck-guide

Talent competition
Posted:Tuesday, 05/08/2012 at 05:05pm by Brian Middleton
Talent shows are endless on television nowadays. Why should all of those people get famous when you have all this talent?
Here is a LOCAL show that may interest you

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120504/entlife/705039868/


save money, save money
Posted:Friday, 05/04/2012 at 06:05pm by Brian Middleton
How cool, want $10 movie tickets, makeup? Pizza? Check out this link

http://articles.redeyechicago.com/2012-05-03/news/31560180_1_movie-ticket-coupon-code-fandango-com

Midwest must do's
Posted:Thursday, 05/03/2012 at 03:05pm by Brian Middleton
The festivals are coming like they do every summer. Problem is, we get so busy with summer activities, we often forget about the really cool festivals until they have passed. Check these out below, print the page and make plans now




http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/travel/12234495-502/nine-midwest-food-fests-you-dont-want-to-miss.html

Buying or selling your home? No problem
Posted:Tuesday, 05/01/2012 at 04:05pm by Brian Middleton
Have you been trying to buy or sell your home? Well, great news, the housing market, according to experts, is finally showing signs of life. Check out the Heat index (sales data) for Counties in Illinois. This great resource shows most recent home sales.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/transactions/

Cool magazine
Posted:Saturday, 04/28/2012 at 12:04pm by Brian Middleton
When it comes to things to do in and around Chicago, this is the source. Got kids, they look at summer camps. Dining guide, events, Check this out

http://www.suburbanfocus.com/

Gas price break? Gimme a break
Posted:Thursday, 04/26/2012 at 02:04pm by Brian Middleton
Did ya hear the news stories over the last few days? "gas prices coming down, expect relief" "prices drop 30 cents over the last few weeks" What are they talking about? Driving to work today I went to fill up and decided to keep driving for a while because it was 4.27 per gallon. The next station, same thing, next station, 4.22, what is going on? The national average as of today is 3.83 per gallon, why so high in Chicago? Is it tough to get the trucks here, are we in the Mountains? on the Coast? NO!! We are in the middle of the Country and our prices are higher than most others........ Could Somebody in the state look into this please.... I'm gonna convert my car to Cooking oil and smell like French fries when I get home.

http://www.chicagogasprices.com/index.aspx

It happened 30 years ago today........... Music experts?
Posted:Tuesday, 04/24/2012 at 06:04pm by Brian Middleton
It was 30 years ago today....


It may seem like only yesterday but 30 years ago on April 24, 1982, Sire Records honcho Seymour Stein released a single called 'EVERYBODY' on Warner Bros. Records by an unknown singer from Rochester, Michigan by the name of Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone.
To say the world would never be the same is an understatement. The song went on to become a huge dancefloor hit and was heard all over the radio in the Summer of 1982.

That little girl from Michigan would go on to become one of the most famous entertainers and cultural icons in history - selling millions of records and remaining a star of enormous magnitude and influence for the next 30 years. She's just getting started.

Long Live the Queen and Happy Anniversary to Madonna!



Note: This is based on a Liz Rosenberg press release/Madonna.com story from the 25th anniversary celebrations in 2007 - see madonnalicious.com/archive/april2007


What is it with the Hawks?
Posted:Monday, 04/23/2012 at 02:04pm by Brian Middleton
Sometimes we overthink things.... remember your big tests in High School? I for one did better when I didn't beat myself up studying day and night. When think too much, it gets in your head. My opinion? the hawks are a much better hockey team than the opposition, they just need to relax and be great.... this coming from an arm chair critic, but really. I'm hoping for yet another overtime this evening

GO HAWKS!

Is a vacation a vacation
Posted:Wednesday, 04/18/2012 at 02:04pm by Brian Middleton
You plan it, schedule it, look forward to it, summer vacation. I just came back from Cancun, had a great time, but wonder if a vacation is in fact a vacation. After you pack, go to the airport early, check baggage, buckle up, fly, eat peanuts, go through immigration (forever) find the right cab, get to resort, put your stuff in drawers, open the new bar of soap, book the Dolphins, zip line and snorkling tours (had enough yet) find something to eat, watch the fire jugglers, buy questionable silver, when does it end?? Don't get me wrong, LOVED MEXICO, but sure would like a "fast track" system of some sort. An airstrip at the Hotel would be nice, disposable clothes, my own reserved chair on the beach, are on all on my wish list..I just wish there was more doing and less set up to the whole vacation thing, everything is a set up to something.
Glad to be back in the good o USA.

gracias

Free ICE CREAM
Posted:Tuesday, 04/03/2012 at 06:04pm by Brian Middleton
The good stuff too, Ben and Jerrys...... Today only until 8pm, google locations in Chicago and get a Free cone on the way home for free, you deserve it.....

Stray cat strut
Posted:Tuesday, 03/27/2012 at 03:03pm by Brian Middleton
I have a stray cat. What, you don't? Couple of years ago I posted that I had come across a stray cat from the field behind my house. I went ahead and let her set up shop in my garage (heated), fed her, water, bed to sleep in, all the creature comforts. The cat is livin the life.... Monday, I back out of the garage to come to work, I get two miles from home, this black cat leaps from my back seat and starts bouncing all around my car, claws out.....
I'm swervin all over the road, it looked like a vacation movie....I must have had my window down over the weekend, cat climbed into sleep, hence, mad cat in car. I turned the car around, took the cat home, picked up some band aids, came to work, Oh, the cat is fine. Thanks for asking.

Don't be scared
Posted:Saturday, 03/24/2012 at 12:03pm by Brian Middleton
2 dollar per gallon gas? Worth taking a look right?



http://finance.yahoo.com/news/how-to-get--2-per-gallon-gas.html

Somebody please explain this to me
Posted:Wednesday, 03/21/2012 at 08:03pm by 0
Tonight on ..... American Idol..... P. Diddy critiquing contestants singing Billy Joel Songs? Ahhh, I'd like to speak to the manager please.

Lottery confusion
Posted:Monday, 03/19/2012 at 11:03pm by Brian Middleton
Did you hear about the cool St. Pattys lottery drawing? Tix were 20.00 a pop, but the State of Illinois promised (4) 1 million dollar winners and a bunch of smaller prizes.
The tix went fast and no wonder, lottery drawings roll over every week and some of the pots (over 200 million) just don't seem obtainable right? Why can't every weekly drawing have 100 1 million dollars winners instead of 1 100 million dollar winner? I think more people would play

Since your doing more walking or runninng now
Posted:Tuesday, 03/13/2012 at 07:03pm by Brian Middleton
Since the weather has broken, I'm gonna let you in on my game..... Predict your steps, what? When I leave the station each night in the parking garage, I look at my car and try to predict the number of steps it will take me to get to the car +/- 5 steps. Ok, I'm nuts I know, but this game is pretty cool. Guess the number of steps to the train, in the lot walking to the mall doors, the number of steps for you to run a mile, get it? got it? good. Reward yourself with Ice Cream when your dead on..


Brian

M&M's ethics question
Posted:Monday, 03/12/2012 at 11:03pm by 0
11:03pm, I head to the Rewind break room, insert coins, and make a selection of E5 (I know it by heart). The wheels turn, waiting, waiting, waiting and STOP.. What? my peanut M&M's did not drop out of the machine. Sure it has happened to others, friends, coworkers but NEVER to me...
What happens now? my hands on the sides of the machine, nose against the glass, come on, come on, (the Romantics song is only 2:54, I gotta go). What would you do???? I do know this, Murphy will be very happy in the morning when he hits E5, he'll get two.......

Sugar buzzless Brian

Are you goin green?
Posted:Saturday, 03/10/2012 at 11:03am by Brian Middleton
Two parades this weekend

South side Irish Parade
in the Beverly Neighborhood
11Am Sunday 103rd to 115th on Western avenue

Downtown Tinley park
Irish Parade
2pm Sunday
181st to 171st on Oak Park ave.

Cabin fever almost over
Posted:Monday, 03/05/2012 at 09:03pm by Brian Middleton
Start thinking Summer.. Were gonna see 60 tomorrow and if your thinking about loadin up the Family truckster this summer, check out a few vacation destinations..

http://www.boutique-homes.com/dispatches/where-the-action-is-2012-ten-handpicked-travel-hotspots/

Leap Day
Posted:Wednesday, 02/29/2012 at 08:02pm by Brian Middleton
I never knew, it's ok for the woman to propose on leap day? It happens every four years, read this article and take advantage of some of the great deals if your out and about on Leap day.....



http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-buzz/post/how-to-make-leap-day-feel-like-a-real-holiday/2012/02/29/gIQAGaePiR_blog.html

The next President
Posted:Thursday, 02/23/2012 at 05:02pm by Brian Middleton
This is all I have to say about it..... Which ever candidate gets in, I want gas to be 2 dollars a gallon ago, thats the first order of business. Can someone work on this please, Why is it SO overlooked??? Fix taxes, gas prices, and your hired.....

Your chance to be a star
Posted:Tuesday, 02/21/2012 at 03:02pm by Brian Middleton
"The Voice" is the number one new series of the season, featuring the country's best unknown artists and four of the biggest names in music; Coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera. Last season, "The Voice" became one of the most successful new television shows in years, averaging almost 13 million viewers.

The search to find artists for "The Voice" starts this spring across the nation, and we are coming to a town near you. Prove to us that YOU are The Voice!

We are looking for solo artists and duos that perform all types of music: pop, rock, R&B, hip-hop, alternative, latin, country, blues, indie. We want to know your story and why you are The Voice.

Auditions for "The Voice" will be sweeping the nation beginning March 2012!

To audition you must be a legal resident of the United States, be 15 years of age or older, and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Go to nbcthevoice.com for all the details

cubs
Posted:Monday, 02/20/2012 at 03:02pm by Brian Middleton
Prices just better or.......worse at Wrigley


http://chicagoist.com/2012/02/20/cubs_implementing_dynamic_pricing_f.php