‘Fiber Optic Cable’
courtesy of ‘slgckgc’
Seems like a slow day here in DC-land, at least for us, so I thought I’d highlight this bit that Bruce Schneier’s monthly e-newsletter included: A Washington Post piece from May 31st with one of the most implausible stories you’re likely to see in mainstream media. The story is recounted in the first few paragraphs and claims, implausibly, that “within moments” of a fiber being cut that a car-load of supposed-spooks pulled up. It’s not till the end of the piece that it’s revealed that this supposed incident is from 2000.
Putting aside the wisdom of retelling an nine year-old uncorroborated story, this fails the sniff test on several levels. Moments? It takes me five minutes to make it to the drug store less than a mile from my house. How did they know where the cut was? Why would a construction crew pay any attention to a car-load of suits who refuse to show ID? If the cable is already cut what was the point of them coming? If it’s such a supah-sekret why was AT&T making the repairs?
WaPo ombudsman wrote a piece in Sunday’s paper talking about some of the defects staffers fear might come about after this recent buyout offer. “An editor expressed fears of “an overall loss of polish and professionalism.” If you’re recounting inanities like this in a supposedly serious article, you don’t need to worry about a loss there.
Well I used to say something in my profile about not quite being a “tinker, tailor, soldier, or spy” but Tom stole that for our about us page, so I guess I’ll have to find another way to express that I am a man of many interests.
Hmm, guess I just did.
My tastes run the gamut from sophomoric to Shakespeare and in my “professional” life I’ve sold things, served beer, written software, and carried heavy objects… sometimes at the same place. It’s that range of loves and activities that makes it so easy for me to love DC – we’ve got it all.
