MS helps circumvent encryption

If you thought operating system vendors providing encryption was to prevent others from looking at your data, then you were apparently wrong.

Microsoft has created a tool for law enforcement that will allow them to use flash drives to take a snapshot of important files. It doesn't break BitLocker or use a backdoor, but it circumvents these protections by capturing data on a computer that is left powered on and logged in.

Some would argue that instead of providing software to capture data on systems from peripherals, they should focus on detecting peripherals and preventing them from monitoring or altering the system.

Feeling sick? Eat a gator

Apparently alligator blood is a potential source of a new generation of antibiotics. Researchers have found that the blood can destroy numerous types of bacteria.

National Geographic article

Top 5 YouTube videos: April 2008

Retro returns...

#5: You don't even remember this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQdgbs0IUDg
#4: Primary colors (of light): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRP7JMvJ27s
#3: Cobra Commander smoked way too much: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg_uD5n0TwU
#2: Space is cool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC_Z-ebp9Es
#1: The only cool cats in existence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qd_IsxgAf8

Canes can solidify 3rd position in playoffs with win in regulation

The Carolina Hurricanes (42-31-6, 90 points) play the Washington Capitals (40-31-8, 88 points) at 7PM tonight. The playoff tie breaking procedure is as follows:

If two or more clubs are tied in points during the regular season, the standing of the clubs is determined in the following order:

1. The fewer number of games played (i.e., superior points percentage).
2. The greater number of games won.
3. The greater number of points earned in games between the tied clubs. If two clubs are tied, and have not played an equal number of home games against each other, points earned in the first game played in the city that had the extra game shall not be included. If more than two clubs are tied, the higher percentage of available points earned in games among those clubs, and not including any "odd" games, shall be used to determine the standing.
4. The greater differential between goals for and against for the entire regular season.

Since both teams have 3 games remaining, it means if the Canes win this game in regulation, then they would have four points more than the Caps. The Caps would then be able to tie them (at best), but Carolina would have more wins (#2) in the same amount of game (#1). Therefore, they would get the third position in the playoffs.

It may also help that Ray Whitney and Justin Williams are probable to play tonight after missing a combined 55 games.