Qui Custodes

Hints From Heloise

I wish I could find the durn thing online.  Last week there was a letter from a former police officer that the "Hints from Heloise" column published.  It was a short letter--only 3 paragraphs--but it managed to please me and enrage me all at the same time.  First, why it pleased me:  He suggested that people put their important medical information with their Driver's license so it could be found in case of emergency.  That's a good idea.

But then he went off the rails:  he basically blows off cell phones entirely.  That's not just dumb, that's wrong.  For several years now people have been told to put their emergency contact information on the phone under "I C E" [In Case of Emergency] and anybody who ignores this new protocol is just plain wrong!  Everyone should do that. 

As an aside, I've got to wonder about his comment re:  garage door openers and glove boxes too.  After all, it is the police who insist we have license and registration in every car.  What does this guy think is on the registration for Pete's sake?

Computer Spyware is Everywhere

Even from sources you don't expect.  You really must read Brian Schneier's blog on Sears' new program on Jan. 3rd.  Apparently if you join Sears' "My SHC Community" and install their software Sears can monitor all internet traffic, including a lot of secure information. 

I join with Brian in describing this level of monitoring as scary as he!!.  And I've got to wonder if Sears' lawyers knew what they were doing.  Seems to me it's a big problem. 

Cold weather

With winter upon us (and especially the snow & ice storms) I thought it might be a good idea to post a few tips or material about cold weather survival.  First of all, the Centers for Disease Control has a very good site for how to cope with Extreme Cold.  You should read it to get a basic idea of what goes on and what you should do to protect yourself and your family. 

security in Church

The Colorado shootings have highlighted a growing trend:  Churches need security too.  This has been well known to the Jewish community for years.  In fact, the Anti-Defamation League has published a Security Manual designed for synagogues but applicable to almost any house of worship.  If you are concerned about the security of your church, temple, or mosque, you should download this manual.  It is filled with lots of useful information for you to consider and apply as you see fit. 

Call them back

I was just reading about another of the various credit card or bank scams that are going around like a flu virus.  But they all have 1 thing in common:  they try to get you to give them information over the phone.  Don't do it!  But it can be hard to resist.  So try this:  tell them that you will call them back.  But DO NOT ask for a telephone number.  Please do not ask for a telephone number.  No, no no!!

Be responsible and careful instead.  You call the customer service number on your credit card or for your bank. That way you know who you are talking to and have some confidence that your information will not be misused.

Funny thing, too:  you never, ever get the person you were just talking to.  It's always a scam.  So, don't talk to them-call them back!

Identify Theft

We all are becoming more sensitive to Identity Theft.  One day I'll blog about the physical security issues linked to identity theft but most of us are more worried about theft of credit and those consequences.  We're so sensitive, in fact, that we don't like giving out our Social Security Numbers.  We're told not to give them out.  Well, here's the story of one person's attempt to get telephone service without giving out his SSN. 

I couldn't say it better. 

Wear your Seatbelts

Here in the DC suburbs there have been a rash of car accidents with young drivers--teens mainly. According to the Washington Post story  there have been 13 young people killed in the past few weeks.  Our governments are thinking about how to fix the problem and may be considering tightening the teenage driving laws.  But one thing struck me:  wear your durn seatbelts.  Apparently a lot of the kids killed in these collisions were not wearing their seat belts.   

Fer Pete's Sake:  wear the things--they can save your life!!

Shopping tip--put receipts with the presents

Last year I ran into a new cop trick.  At the random stops we see so much of this year, they will pull some people out of line and ask to search the car.  Now, you don't have to permit this, but most people do reasoning that there is no reason to object and that if they do the cops will only be difficult, hold you there, try to get a search warrant etc.  So you let them search the car. 

But you've been shopping and have the presents stored in your car.  But not the receipts--those are at home or in your wallet or something.  So now the cops charge you with stealing/shoplifting the presents you bought.  Fun Christmas right?  Thanks guys.  They seem to be doing this a lot to younger people like college kids etc. (or at least these are the ones who store presents in their cars). 

To avoid this problem, keep your receipts stored with the presents if you are carrying the presents in your car. 

Cell phones as tracking devices

For those parents who want to know what their children are up too, the cell phone companies will let you do it for a fee: Sprint Nextel and Verizon has "ehanced 911" which you can subscribe to.  Although slightly different, both provide tracking services so you know where your child is.

Cyperstalking

I stumbled on an interesting article by Caitlin Flanagan in the June Atlantic Magazine. In it Flanagan demonstrates how easy it is to become a cyberstalker.  She focuses on My Space and teenagers, but to me the article raises a more basic point:  Do you know what you are revealing to random strangers online.  The Internet is NOT anonymous and you should be aware of what you are revealing when you go online. 

Maybe I should start posting tips for how to remain anonymous but so far there seems to be no demand for it. 

Regardless, the least you can do is be aware of what you are revealing and *think* before you reveal all the intimate details of your life.