W00t². I passed. The second test was quite serious; there was no playing around whatsoever:

Question 1: Using the space provided, write an improved implementation of a UDP checksum calculation in binary. (Note: the use of the 1 and 0 keys are not allowed)

Question 2: Stand up and run as fast as you can into the nearest wall. Get up and come back to resume your exam.

…and those were just the warmup questions… Nah, but seriously. Very hard test. This one I’m proud to have…

An HTTP Code 200 means you’re getting the web page you wanted. Your girlfriend or wife wearing these panties means you’re getting what you want.

Pathetic and Descending. OMFG.

Damn, the new Lamb of God single sounds a lot like Pantera. And yes, this is a good thing…

Perhaps the reason I’m so into information security certifications is because I still haven’t finished my bachelors degree.

I have over 90 hours (from a “regular” school) and all I lack is some core, but despite my now excellent CV I still feel the pang of inadequacy due to not having finished my degree. So I’m considering once again doing something about it — sooner rather than later. I’ve always known I am going to finish before moving into management at around 40, but maybe I can do it earlier — online.

I’m considering University of Phoenix Online, which seems to be the premier option, but I still have some negative thoughts about the whole online thing. I wonder if others will feel the same way, e.g. hiring managers, peers, etc., or if it ultimately won’t matter. At this point I almost think the BS degree is a “check the box” issue more than anything else. You either have one or you don’t.

The program I’m looking at actually seems pretty cool; it’s a bachelor of science in information security:

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology/Information System Security

So what are your thoughts on the matter. Do I ruin my reputation by having one of these degrees? Or is it a “just get one” scenario where all that matters is that it’s an accredited school?

Any input would be appreciated…

W00t. The anticipation got to me and I decided to take my first of two GCIA exams. I passed in less than an hour with an 83. Not bad considering I haven’t done any studying other than listen to the training audio files…

The next one is noticeably harder, though. It’s more on snort and IDS than general TCP/IP knowledge. In my opinion, it’s the “real” test of the two. I’m confident, however, as I just did a practice test for it and passed (not by much) without using any resources…

Yeah, feelin’ good…

This article is discussing the interesting correlation between having more money and being more mobile in the golden years.

The research, published in the current New England Journal of Medicine, found that Americans ages 55 to 84 who are wealthier have an easier time walking, carrying, reaching, lifting objects and climbing stairs than those with less money.

The focus seems to be on how money can lead to good health, which is ultimately backwards. The real answer is that the people in question are intelligent about how they approach life in general, and that fact is what leads to both money and good health.

The question is simply one of making good choices in life vs. making bad ones. If you’re likely to eat garbage, not get any exercise, remain sedentary for your entire life, etc. then you also probably lack the behaviors that make people rich. It’s the single cause (living smart) that leads to both outcomes, not one outcome leading to the other.

On to the next mystery…

If you enjoyed Ricky Gervais in The Office, this is a must:

VIDEO: David Brent Goes To Microsoft

One of the coolest things about Google Analytics is the ability it gives you to see where in the world your site is being accessed from. Here’s a screenshot of my map from a few moments ago. Very cool stuff — really makes you think about how small technology makes the world. Wow, that was cliche.

More accurately, it’s weird to think that anyone in the world can post something moderately useful, and people will come read it. The Internets are cool indeed.

So I’m trying my best to make time to study for my SANS Intrusion Analyst (GCIA) exams. I just passed a practice test using no resources whatsoever, so that boosted my confidence a bit, but overall I’m a bit worried.

I’ve had to put forth relatively little effort to get the certifications I have thus far, but I’m thinking this one’s going to be different. This one is the first that’s supposed to represent actual expertise, as opposed to just familiarity.

Anyway, If you see me posting about being the latest GCIA-certified mofo in town, you’ll know I passed. If you hear nothing at all…that means it didn’t go so well. Here’s to hoping it’ll be the former…