Paul Wilkinson's Weblog - Media

So much spin I'm getting dizzy

nospam@example.com (Paul Wilkinson) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:42:26 -0700

This is kind of old news now, but I have been too busy to post in the last week or so.
The chaser "invasion" of the APEC security zone was funny but also extremely alarming.
The authorities applied "spin" to the issue, claiming that the security worked as the Chaser boys were arrested and that they placed themselves at risk of being shot by snipers.
In fact, as shown by the video below, it wasn't until "Osama" got out of the car that they were challenged. And if they weren't challenged by ground staff, why would snipers suddenly decide to open fire?

The fact is that once again a lot of money was spent and a great deal of public inconvenience caused in the name of security that was in effect "security theatre".

Although it seems unlikely that the cars were close enough to a venue to actually kill or injur any APEC delegates, if the vans had been packed with explosives and detonated it would have killed & injured a number of police officers and created a serious embarassment for the Australian government.

The Chaser's stunt was fairly simple impersonation attack and even if the police didn't have time to examine the (obviously) fake security passes on the cars, procedures should have been in place to challenge any unexpected convoys. The movement of these VIP convoys through the city was obviously co-ordinated with the RTA traffic operations centre to ensure green lights; this means that even if they movements weren't scheduled it should have been simple to notify the people "on the ground".

The police would have had standing orders to either

Stop any unexpected convoys
or allow through unexpected convoys

Clearly option 1 may have resulted in potential inconvenience to a VIP, but is the more secure stance. It is what is known in IT security as a "default deny" policy. Option 2, "default permit" increases risks while reducing inconvenience.

Surely the same world leaders that decide we can't take nail files on to an airplane would understand the need for a little inconvenience to protect their safety?

Minisodes - TV in 6 Minutes

nospam@example.com (Paul Wilkinson) — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 09:22:25 -0700

A new site on Myspace offers classic television episodes in 4-6 minutes. Cool!

Dilbert - THE KNACK

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Fascinating Captain

nospam@example.com (Paul Wilkinson) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 19:48:45 -0700

Well, colour me excited. Tonight when I brought up the TV guide on Foxtel I noticed a new entry.
Starting from December 1, The SciFi channel arrives on Foxtel.

The Foxtel IQ Remote is a Universal Remote

nospam@example.com (Paul Wilkinson) — Tue, 09 May 2006 13:14:10 -0700

While browsing the Foxtel site today I discovered that the remote controls for the Foxtel digital set top box and Foxtel IQ box are actually universal remote, and can be configured to control your television, DVD, VCR and amp. I am sure that this information was not included in my Foxtel IQ manual. The manual for the remote explains how it all works. It even includes a learning feature, in case the code for your product isn't included.

A much cooler way to spend US$20,000

nospam@example.com (Paul Wilkinson) — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:30:43 -0700

Your very own "Lost In Space" Robot
I have a 12" model, but this would be so much cooler. I think I would put in by the front door to great callers. "My sensors indicate religious missonaries approaching. Danger! Danger Will Robinson".