Passwords, Part Deux

Lyn, my fourth cousin 17 or 15 times removed, lives and computes in Houston. Not only is she an ace genealogist, Naperville Now reader and good-friend-I've-yet-to-meet, but she has her finger on the software pulse of America and a solution to all of life's problems:

Our son talked me into buying a software called 1Password which works like a charm. You create one password to lock in all of your passwords to every single account you have. You never have to remember any of those again. You then can create passwords which are protected as they have a higher level of complication like, e.g., iHqrStUV152266 or something equally crazy. As long as you can remember the 1Password's password, you're covered. Worth looking into!

Complete genius. Thank you, Lyn. Clearly we're related.

(Neither Lyn nor I have a vested interest in this brilliant company. Just wish I'd thought of it.)

And Your Name Is...?

To be truthful, I'm a little worried about myself. CRS Syndrome has made itself quite comfy in my head these past few months and it's taking a huge toll on my online self-esteem.

How many computer passwords do you have? I think I counted 25 that are essential, all of them some variation of old addresses and telephone numbers and dead pets from the 70s. There's eBay, Etsy, AOL, Gmail, this very blog, work passwords, the banking accounts, stores online. Even dooce.com, a favorite blog of mine, has a password, and you know what? I'm furious that I can't remember the combo to access all of this stuff. It's like being duck taped to a wall outside the junior high dance while The Beatles sing inside. Live.

Chase Bank called me last week to ask if I was in Brazil, trying to buy Brazilian crap with my credit card. Now, as much fun as that sounds, it would appear that some drug cartel nearly bought a country with my credit line. Oh sure, the Brazilians can be up to no good while I'm here at home, locked out of all the fun.

Apparently my password bollixed up their good time.

Okay, so passwords work for Good and Evil.

I'd try a little bit of both, if I could remember the right combination.

But What About Tuition?

I have a very odd job that involves advertising, the Internet, images and search engines. Sounds sexy, right? Not so much, actually, but from time to time, we encounter stuff on the Internet that is hilarious. This morning, my colleague happened upon this website:

http://www.freebabycoupons.com/

Now think about that. A website that hawks coupons? Or free babies? Or just coupons for free babies?

People in the grammar biz call this a misplaced modifier. Or a baby slavery ring. Possibly a misplaced baby slavery ring. You decide.

Poor thing. Cute, too.

Inevitable

I knew all that sunshine couldn't possibly last. Chicagoans just don't know what to do with warmth and sun streams and balmy-ness. Fair weather, like the Cubs winning World Series, is just not meant for those of us who live over by der.

That being said, it is time to dig into your closets and pry out that overcoat you haven't worn since 1999 and take it over to Casey's. Or District 203's office on Hillside. Or the YMCA (Washington Street and/or 95th Street).  Leave the leather gloves in the pockets because the Rotary folk need your winter clothing. All sizes are accepted.

So quit that woolen hoarding habit and help those in need. You have until November 19.

Besides, raccoon is just so 2009.

With Thanks

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

Generous Sunshine

Ole Tom Skilling tells me (via the Tribune) that today will be the 4th consecutive unseasonably mild day in Chicago. In fact, we will be warmer than San Diego. (And if I could find my cheaters, I could probably name other cities as well. When did they reduce the size of the type? More importantly, why?)

I would like to thank everyone who has had a hand in making this post-Autumn just about the most glorious ever. And I would like to tell my boss I won't be in today.

Pfew

Happy to report we dodged the snow bullet. I think the Lake dwellers got several inches. Thank you, lucky stars. Living inland rocks, especially today.

Of course, there are still mountains of leaves to create from the backyard, a never-ending, back-breaking job that I try my best to avoid. Gale-force winds have helped. (Apologies to the families at the end of the court. Act of God. Promise.)

Meanwhile, it is time for the next generation to learn responsibility. There's a lot that goes into being a homeowner.

I think he's doing pretty well, don't you? Very symmetrical. I like that.

Always good to take time out for a brief jump. But, duty calls, buddy.
Chop chop.

If your back is tired from all that raking, there are other ways to make piles.

(Just don't tell Mommy.)