Ox Road South: Recent Comments

Comment on Hello, My Name is (Hurricane) Earl

2010-09-03T01:31:40Z

Groveton and Larry:
Thank you for the explanations. I am going to try to touch base with Sam Nixon, our IT director tomorrow, and see what the status is. There was an article in the Post which touched on this overall issue. I agree that we need some sort of ombudsan/auditor (not related to Northrop) who can look at this thing and propose some fixes. NG ought to pay for it.

Comment on Hello, My Name is (Hurricane) Earl

2010-09-02T22:42:29Z

Chap:

I don't know the facts but it sounds like the recovery / restore failed. Which means it wasn't tested on the current configuration.

That's most definitely a guess although there are only so many reasons a system can be out that long.

Frankly, I think you could ask around NoVa for some volunteers to take a look at what happened with this incident and what's going on overall. Retired guys from technology companies with no axe to grind and no dog in the fight.

Drop me a line if you want some suggestions of people who might be good candidates for a pro bono review.

Comment on Hello, My Name is (Hurricane) Earl

2010-09-02T21:45:11Z

re: computer meltdown. It appears that the problem occurred when changes were made to the centralized network storage - AND the backups also.

Generally speaking - when you're upgrading a 24/7 system - you need to have: 1. - the ability to "undo" the change if it messes up and 2. have a failover capability - when means you normally don't change both the primary and the backup at the same time.

Normally.. what you do is update one and hold the other in case of a problem.

The problem with computer networks is that upper level management usually does not have a clue how they work and don't know the difference between a well-designed and well-maintained system and one that is flawed and hanging by a thread.

Management thinks of computer networks like they do about a building's wiring and plumbing and that you just call technicians when things go awry.

It take things like this to remind everyone that computer networks are fundamental to the health of the enterprise - in this case - the government.

The "fix" is not to track down the supposed miscreants and send them packing - the "fix" is to build and maintain a system where you are not vulnerable to this kind of failure in the first place.

The tendency is to blame the contractor but there are State Level people in charge and ultimately it is their responsibility - to assure that the contractor does their job.

Blaming the contractor - after the fact - does not address why there was a failure to start with.

Are the Virginia people who are in charge - IT professionals? That's the first question that needs to be answered.

If they are not IT professionals then they have no way to competently judge the efficacy of the state network.

that's my 2cents.

Comment on Heading to FedEx tonight ...

2010-09-02T02:21:30Z

I live in Chicago and I'm constantly planning routes on trains. I have to pull it up on my phone every time I want to go somewhere. When my friends from the suburbs come to visit they seem a little shocked by that reality. But to the urbanites, it's just another way of life.

Comment on Iftar Dinner in Fairfax

2010-09-02T02:18:10Z

As someone of Christian faith, it must have been interesting to speak at the Muslim event. I'm glad it wasn't controversial discussion and everyone was able to enjoy each other's company.

Comment on Chilling Out In Western VA

2010-09-02T02:09:27Z

A cabin in the park sounds incredibly relaxing. I'm a hiker at heart, so I love every opportunity I can get out there. I wish my family shared my hobby; I usually get stuck going by myself while they play at the pool. It's always a good time for self-reflection.

Comment on Journey to the Center of the Earth (or Wise County, VA)

2010-09-02T02:06:03Z

I'm always fascinated to hear of new types of energy. This new energy center will be an interesting change from Virginia's coal mining roots. If it's an efficient energy alternative, more states will be likely to follow. Sounds like an interesting trip.

Comment on A Quick Note on METRO, et al.

2010-09-02T02:02:02Z

$180 sounds steep for tickets, until I read that you spent it with your son. Bonding moments like that are vital. You're right; you can't place a dollar amount on that memory. I'm so glad you had a good time.

Comment on C'ville Judge Rejects AG Position

2010-09-01T06:02:59Z

Chap:

Interesting view. How would you categorize UVA's willingness to send e-mails written by former researcher Pat Michaels to Greenpeace while refusing to send the same type of documents written by Michael Mann to Del. Bob Marshall under a FOIA request.

Is the state government in command of the University of Virginia? Do FOIA requests yield answers only when they are directed at politically incorrect research?

There is something fishy going on in Charlottesville.

http://www.nationalreview.com/planet-gore/55940/uvas-double-standard-climate-scientists/edward-john-craig

Comment on C'ville Judge Rejects AG Position

2010-09-01T03:22:45Z

Thanks for this analysis, Chap. May I suggest the Senate use the power of the purse, so that if the AG wants to continue such witch hunts he will have to do so without our taxpayer funds?
Keep up the good work!