So here we are with part two. This video is occasionally hard to follow, so if you are really interested in figuring out how to open a Master Lock combination lock in about five minutes, you will probably have to watch this a few times. Also, if you are going to try this, you're going to need a pencil and some paper. Check it out:

I've always considered myself a bit of a hacker. Not so much in a skill-minded way (cause I'm not L337), but more along the lines of always being fascinated of how things work, and how you can change how things work to your own advantage. Examples would be social engineering, phreaking and of course, lock picking.

Which brings me to the subject of this post. Lock picking. Not in the traditional sense (AKA, using actual picks), but with a more broad approach. Known as a bump key, an easily designed bump key will open any lock it fits into. Check out the video below:

If you wish to learn more about the bump key technique, here is some essential reading:

Locked, but not secure (part 1) — An explanation and history of bump keys.

Locked, but not secure (part 2) — Which locks are vulnerable, which locks are not, as well as security and insurance implications.

www.toool.nl/bumping.pdf — A lock picking organization’s canonical explanation of bump keying.

www.crypto.com/hobbs.html
— Is it harmful to disclose this sort of security vulnerability to the public?

Look forward to tomorrow when I will show you how to open a Master Lock combination lock with only a few steps and some relatively easy mathematical computations.

Okay, I'm back just as promised. Check out the previous update posting BELOW YOU (yeah scroll down) to get up to date. So what else happened? Let me fill you in.

We had the annual Powell Media company meeting Jan. 12-14, and the big guys hooked it up. Spa/snowmobile adventures took up most of Saturday, but we somehow squeezed in work during the off days. I guess I can't say enough positive things about the company I work for, with the lone exception being the frightening elevators that we have to ride everyday. It was a blast to see everyone from Milwaukee... I got to reconnect with the regulars and meet the rookies.

Also, I am happy to report that the roommate search is over. We have a new member at the Five Hundo, and his name is Allen. By all accounts, he seems to be a 200% upgrade from our previous situation. Down to hang out and be cool, don't be suprised if you see our new friend soon. Thanks to Matt Hayes for the tip!

And then there's the Patriots. Good lord. Despite being outplayed by the Colts in nearly every category, they managed to stay in the game until the end. An exhausted Pat's defense was no match for Peyton, and I could never shake the anxious feeling I'd had since it was 21-3 Pats in the first quarter. Giving the ball back to Manning with ANY time left on the clock is a potential game loser. Throw in a completely bogus roughing the passer penalty, and the Colts got what they deserved. A great performance and a penalty call in their favor. Just like the Patriots in many years past. You know it's true. Let's just hope that Belicheck (sp?) and the boys upstairs can make some solid personnel decisions next season. Had they allocated ANY of their cap space to keep a few of their premier players this paragraph might read: Patriots AFC Champions.

One final note: I HATE THE BEARS. Why? It's the constant media hype for a team that I have rarely seen play well overall. It's the way people continue to over look the atrocious ineptitude of Rex Grossman. It's the way they romped over all the horribly talentless NFC teams, but still somehow remained respectable in comparison to the AFC. I'll give Chicago fans this: you have an incredible defense... I don't think I've ever seen a team force more turnovers. It's just that their offense is horrendous. Defense wins championships, but it also helps if your QB doesn't look like a rookie with minor mental retardation. I am still amazed at how the Saints managed to OUT-SUCK the Bears, seeing as how it's neary impossible.

I'd never, ever thought I would say this, but GO COLTS! Manning deserves it, and the Bears are an insult to modern football. Here's my pick: 75-0 COLTS WIN.

Yeah I know, way overdue. And plenty of things have happened, so it's not like I have some good excuse. Busy holidays, bla bla bla... none of that. I'm just a slacker. So if anyone's still listening, let me do a quick recap.

The kids on the A side had a snow buildup on the upstairs balcony that resulted in a garbage bag size water balloon on the ceiling of the living room, which was hilarious (look for some footage in an upcoming update).

Jaden decided to test the warm waters of San Diego, which seems the be the new hotspot. Everyone here wishes him the best, and I smile thinking about the havoc that the current RW&GL combination will raise.

After snowfall after snowfall that was too much for the runway grounds crew to handle, I dug out my car and headed to DIA for my flight to NH, which was delayed by approximately 48 hours. I spent a wonderful Christmas with friends and family, reveling in the spectacle that is Christmas time for my young niece.

Congratulations to Taryn and Mike, who got married while I was home. Good old St. Lawrence church in Goffstown served as the backdrop for the ceremony, and despite consuming almost an entire bottle of wine beforehand, I managed only one uncontrollable giggle fit during the proceedings. I'll try harder next time.

Perhaps the highlight of my time in the 603 was Recycled Percussion's performance at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. As a veteran of RP shows, I can attest that this just might have been the best I've ever seen. True story: while hanging in the theatre lobby before the show, I spotted an interesting looking dude walking past. "That looks a bit like John Popper from Blues Traveller," I said to Lori. Fast forward into Recycled Percussion's second set, and guess who they bring on stage. Yeah... my boy JP. He annihilated the harmonica in a fifteen minute jam session with the percussion boys, then tossed his instruments into the crowd and went back to his seat. ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. Thanks Greg!

I'll recap the next bit tomorrow night after work. Promise!