As you can see from that Wikipedia topic, a fire sale is a three-tier hack attack against a country. This was the plot of Life Free or Die Hard (Live Free or Die Hard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).
If you are, to any extent, a computer nerd like me, and take an interest in computer hacking sims, then the idea of pulling off a fire sale might excite you. You might think it as 'cool'. Well, it's not - not when you realize the problem it could pose for all of us. When you think about it, it's scary. Really, truly, scary.
Here's the facts:
- Currently, 99.7% of North America (give or take a few) use computers. They are everywhere - in your car, your kitchen, your cellphone, your game console, heck, some people even have then in their toothbrushes.
- Home security systems are getting more advanced. Some feature the ability to remotely control and monitor your home via a 'secure' login. Sure, you think your home is safe - but what if someone hacks into that control system? You're exposed to the world, and your doors are unlocked and wide-open to burglars.
- If you've seen I, Robot, you know the problem such technology could pose. Though most of us agree that robots aren't likely to take over the world anytime soon, your little brother's Robotron 3000 could be remotely hacked if it has wireless capability. Scary? Maybe. Imagine being trapped in your room because your robopet hamster's been infected with a virus.
In the next few years, the chance of a fire sale occurring will increase. Although it's not likely (most hackers aren't /that/ pro), there's still a chance. In order to prevent being tech-locked:
- Try not to use too much high-tech stuff. Sure, it can't be avoided, but do you really need that $2,000 automatic back door?
- Use a router. Even though, for a fire sale to occur, a hacker has to get through much /much/ more than a simple router, this gives you peace of mind, and keeps your network safe.
- If you simply can't stand not having your gadgets (I know how it feels ;)), get backup stuff. Sure, you have your wireless blackberry, but have a old-fashioned turntable phone on hand.
- Keep paying for that dial-up. I use wireless high-speed most of the time, but when the storm clouds set in, performance is affected. If I need to be connected, I use my old dial-up connection. Slow, but hey, it works. So if your one connection gets hacked, you can use slow joe to stay in the know.
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What is chivalry? From dictionary.com:
"The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women."
Gallantry toward women. Yay, another big word. Dictionary.com also says:
"courtesy towards women", and "polite attentiveness to women".
Meh, you say. Girls are teh suckzors.
Well, okay, fine. But you know, we need more chivalry in this world.
And not just to women/girls, but to people in general.
Today, I was on a float in a Christmas parade. Being in Canada, there was lots of snow, but the weather's warming up a bit, so the parking lot where the parade ended was full of slush and water.
People are jumping off the floats, most of them getting wet when they land. Now, I see people who would probably appreciate help off of the float, and I think, I should go help her off. Do I? No. But then, that's because I was tired and cold, and by the time I had made my decision, it was too late.
Still, we have become so self-centered that we don't even go out of our way to help others. We are 'programmed' to do what our friends do. Back in medieval times, we would be looked down on (or worse yet, put to death). Now, who cares?
True, a lot of people, especially Christians like myself do act chivalrous. However, this is often done to simply impress someone, which is, really, kind of sad.
So I encourage you to try being a knight for a while. It can feel really good, and if you're looking for approval, there's your chance. People will look up to you, not down on you, and you'll be a nicer person in general.
