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  • Inbox Zero – It Is Doable – Example #1

    October 11, 2019

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    Inbox-zero.email
    I recently attended for work the Manager Tools M Conference from October 9-10, 2019 in Dallas, TX.

    I made a deliberate decision to not check my work email from just before the beginning of the conference on Wednesday, Oct. 9 until I got to the airport on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 10. 

    My main motivation for this decision was because I wanted to stay as focused as possible on the conference content, and the people at the conference. 

    I should also point out that before walking into the conference on Wednesday morning my work email Inbox was empty.

    In addition, I would also like to say my only motivation for writing this blog post is to validate that getting your Email Inbox to Zero can happen. 

    If you read through the whole post, I didn't get every email with a Next Action or Project done.  All I did in David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) terms is (1) Capture, (2) Clarify, and (3) Organize.

    Once at the airport: I VPN'd into work; downloaded all my email on the server to my "Clarify" folder in Outlook; and went into airplane/off-line mode.

    During the first two hours on the plane on my way back to San Diego I cleared my Inbox. 

    I had 213 emails to process: ten were calendar invites; 24 were quick email replies (less than 2 minutes), 51 turned into Next Actions (three of which started new Projects), 23 were Reference, and the rest were Trash.

    After I sync'd up email the next day (Friday morning) I had 28 new messages.  Four of them were calendar invites, and four of them I had to Read (less than 2 minutes) and then Trash as they weren't worth keeping for Reference.  The rest I just Trashed after reading the email title and first line of the message. No new Next Actions or Projects.

    So, it is doable.  It takes practice and making it a habit.  Here is a link for more information on GTD coaching and teaching.

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  • Thoughts & Tips For October

    October 2, 2019

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    Wood-doorHealth Update (Bulged Disk & Bike Injury)

    Things are going pretty darn good. Not back to 100% but I'm not sure that is totally possible.  Just did a Sprint Triathlon on Sunday, Sept. 29 (500m swim, 17K bike, & 5K run).  I was slower than I wanted, but I finished, didn't get hurt, and didn't finish last in my age group!

    20190929_104027-01Getting Things Done (GTD)

    Several things going on related to #gtd:

    • I taught two GTD classed in DC (#12, #13) in September 2019. It was a lot of fun, but I'm not going to try to teach two back-to-back classes in the future.
    • David Allen recently released a new "workbook" for GTD — I highly recommend it if you are new to GTD, or maybe you need some help in getting GTD to work for you.  I especially like the extra video content. 
    • I recently recorded a guided weekly review and posted the audio.

    Technology & Tips

    I have had a "free" version of Plex Server running on the home network to serve up digital movies, photos, and music for several years. The free version is a solid product. But recently I upgraded to a version that enables access to our family's collection of media remotely while not on our home network.  Wow! Very nice! Especially when you are on travel.  No more copying down files before going on a trip.  Just get what you want, when you need it, while on travel.

    If you get to New Orleans, then I highly recommend you visit the World War II / D-Day Museum:

    DSC01417-COLLAGEFuture

    I am definitely ready for the 2019 Baseball Playoffs.  It should be a great October.

    Quote I'm Thinking About

    “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.” – Winston Churchill

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  • A Guided David Allen Getting Things Done (GTD) Weekly Review

    September 8, 2019

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    GTD-Weekly-Review-Graphic

    One of the things that I've been "promising" to my GTD students at work is doing a guided David Allen Getting Things Done (GTD) Weekly review (PDF).

    It finally made it off my SOMEDAY/MAYBE list to an active project, and I just recently posted it on my work's Intranet.

    As I was recording I decided to make a version that is Internet releasable.  It is available below.

    One of the reasons I did this was because I have personally found a great deal of benefit from many of the recorded weekly reviews that have been shared via GTD Connect membership. 

    I have also learned a lot from David Allen's Weekly Review audio program.

    I also like this summary of a Weekly Review posted to Doist.com.

    2019-10-25 Update: This weekly review checklist is another good perspective to consider.

     Listen! (Size: 72.6-MB, Time: 1h19m24s)

    Feedback is appreciated: sholden@pobox.com.

     

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  • Some Photos Of Slides From The NOC (Network Operations Center)

    September 2, 2019

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    Here are a few photos of the presentation by the NOC at Def Con 27 (2019).  But first here is may favorite non-focused photo as it says a lot:

    DSC01331-ANIMATIONSquirrels? 

    DSC01334Some WIFI User Tracking

    DSC01339Some Traffic Analysis

    DSC01341High-Level Network Diagram #1 For 2019

    DSC01345High-Level Network Diagram #2 For 2019

    DSC01348Previous WIFI Architectures (Rio)

    DSC01350Yuck! #1

    DSC01354Yuck #2

    DSC01356Bathrooms Make Great NOCs!

    Other photos!

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  • Some Favorite Slides From Def Con #27 (2019).

    September 2, 2019

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    The following photos of slides that are some of my favorites from Def Con #27 (2019).

    DSC01307Default Elevator Passwords

    DSC01310SQL Injection's Found In Vendor Databases For Schools

    DSC01319Radar Gun Frequencies

    DSC01323Some References On How To "Mess With" Radar Guns

    DSC01327Multi-Printer Attack Surfaces

    DSC01329More Detail On Multi-Printer Attack Surfaces

    DSC01361Sound Damage Levels

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  • Thoughts & Tips for August & September

    September 1, 2019

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    Omaha-woodOverload Museum – Photo: Steve Holden

    Health Update (Bulged Disk & Bike Injury)

    Things are going pretty well since my last update in July.  My current "perfect" weekly workout routine is: 30 minute run (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat); Pilates & swim (Wed & Fri); and bike & swim (Sun). Also usually every day starts off with a 30-40 minute set of stretching, rolling, and core exercises.

    Christy and I had a good time on the July 4th doing the 10K Old Pros in Scripps Ranch, and the kids did the Fun Walk/Run. It was the first time I  have run more than 5K in over a year.  My time was slow, but it felt good and nothing broke!

    2019-07-04 06.59.44-COLLAGE

    Traveling

    In July, Christy and I had a weekend trip up to Napa for a wedding.  It was a lot of fun, but I would not recommend flying in/out of San Francisco International Airport because of the traffic coming/going to the Napa area.  It was pretty bad.  Recommend considering Oakland airport or Sacramento airport for visiting Napa.

    DSC01040-COLLAGEWhen we were up in Napa we had some great beers at Field Work Brewing:

    DSC01011-COLLAGE

    In August, Christy and I made our regular trip to #hackersummercamp in Las Vegas for Def Con 27 (2019). I go to the conference during the day, and Christy gets time to read and relax. Then we get some dinner & craft beers, and binge watch a show in the evening.  In previous years it has been Homeland & Game of Thrones.  This year it was Season 1 of Westworld. You can get a copy of this year's Def Con conference report here: https://www.technewsradio.com/2019/08/def-con-27-notes-references.html.

    DSC01306-COLLAGE

    We also took Spencer, Carson, and some of Carson's friends up to Universal Studios in early August.  While they were at Universal Studios, Christy and I explored Griffith Park – hiking, multiple location sighting of the Hollywood Sign, seeing great views from the Observatory, checking out some outdoor movie sets (for instance the Bat Cave!), enjoying the Autry Museum Of The American West,  and had a great lunch at the Crossroads West Cafe.  If you have never been, I recommend it — you can almost forget you are in LA!

    2019-08-02 10.02.57-COLLAGE

    Honoring My Mom

    Also in the beginning of August my sister and her kids came down to San Diego for the weekend.  We had a wonderful time remember our Mom and spending quality time together – including a harbor cruise.

    2019-08-03 09.20.58-COLLAGE

    Getting Things Done (GTD)

    Several things going on related to #gtd:

    • I taught two classes this summer at work – one at the end of July (Class#10), and another at the end of August (Class#11).  I'm going to be teaching at least one and maybe two courses in the DC area in September.
    • David Allen had a great presentation about "building the ultimate GTD application" at the #GTDSUMMIT, and I summarized all the content – video, audio, and documents – on my blog —- LINK!
    • I am also very excited about the new book "GTD for Teens."  It is very approachable for teens, and young adults.  If you aren't a big reader (and like lots of pictures), then maybe this version is for you!

    Technology & Tips

    My trusty work Samsung Galaxy S8+ recently had an issue where it appears that the battery was expanding, and causing a gap to grow on the side.  I was able to get a replacement new phone – Samsung Galaxy S10+.  I'm really enjoying this new phone.  Here are some setup recommendations and tips that I ran across during my setup:

    • https://www.popsci.com/samsung-galaxy-s10-tips/
    • https://www.androidauthority.com/how-to-disable-bixby-on-the-samsung-galaxy-s10-970309/
    • https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-galaxy-s10-tips/

    I am still enjoying the Sony RX-100 VI (6) … but I just learned that there is a new Sony RX-100 VII (7) out now.

    Future

    Some plans are starting to come together:

    • Work trip to DC.
    • Work trip to New Orleans.
    • Sprint Triathlon at the end of the month.

    Quote I'm Thinking About

    "Simplfy, simplfy, simplfy … Simplicity of life and elevation of purpose." – Henry David Thoreau

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  • DEF CON 27 Notes & References

    August 16, 2019

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    Defcon27-2019-collageHere are my DEF CON notes from the sessions that I attended in 2019 for DEF CON 27:

    • defcon27-2019-report_DRAFT.pdf

    Please fell free to do what you want with these notes.  I go to sessions so you don't have to.

    Screenshot 2019-08-12 at 11.25.43

    Here some quick links to notes from previous years: 26 (2018), 25 (2017), 24 (2016), 23 (2015), 22 (2014), 21 (2013), 20 (2012), 19 (2011), & 18 (2010). 

    Some podcasts that covered news from Black Hat and Def Con (there are probably more — send me links!):

    • Security Now 726 Black Hat and DefCon
    • Sizing Up People – Social Engineering Podcast
    • Security Weekly From DefCon

    Here are some more recent news links published since the conference:

    1. https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/10-700-in-speeding-tickets-after-invisibility-test-goes-wrong-1.3985905
    2. https://www.cisomag.com/smart-speakers-can-be-turned-into-cyber-weapons-to-make-aural-attacks-researcher/
    3. http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/discovered-defcon-27-automated-license-plate-readers-alprs-being-hoodwinked-clothing
    4. https://www.csoonline.com/article/3432158/thoughts-from-defcon-27.html
    5. https://securityboulevard.com/2019/08/black-hat-2019-recap-transformation-the-new-cybersecurity-culture/
    6. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/this-next-gen-weapon-is-sitting-in-your-room-and-you-dont-even-know/articleshow/70645696.cms
    7. https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/12/politics/defcon-voting-village-darpa-dominion/
    8. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/software/nmap-780-def-con-release-first-stable-version-in-over-a-year/
    9. https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/defcon-cisa-improve-election/
    10. https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/defcon-american-flaws-school/
    11. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/2019/08/12/the-air-force-is-all-in-on-software/
    12. https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/defcon-hackers-netflix-bank-acount/
    13. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carnegie-mellon-team-flexes-hacking-prowess-with-fifth-defcon-title-in-seven-years-300899772.html
    14. https://techspective.net/2019/08/14/qualys-has-a-prescription-for-better-cybersecurity/
    15. https://hub.packtpub.com/nmap-7-80-releases-with-a-new-npcap-windows-packet-capture-driver-and-other-80-improvements/
    16. https://futurism.com/the-byte/tesla-surveillance-hack
    17. https://www.cnet.com/news/anti-surveillance-clothes-foil-cameras-by-making-you-look-like-a-car/
    18. https://www.krdo.com/news/hacker-makes-iphone-cable-that-can-tap-into-computer/1109318553
    19. https://www.kare11.com/article/news/minnesota-team-places-2nd-in-national-hacking-competition/89-77305e34-dadd-4b55-afcb-c8d1af6165f9
    20. https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2019/august/hacking-champs.html
    21. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeanbaptiste/2019/08/14/defcon-27-how-hackers-used-a-netflix-account-to-steal-banking-information/#1f0f14a33710
    22. https://www.wired.com/story/null-license-plate-landed-one-hacker-ticket-hell/
    23. https://www.idgconnect.com/interviews/1502595/secret-cso-rick-howard-palo-alto-networks
    24. https://www.technologyreview.com/f/614175/a-new-clothing-line-confuses-automated-license-plate-readers/
    25. https://news.gcu.edu/2019/08/gcu-students-log-in-to-hacker-summer-camp/
    26. https://www.newsweek.com/cybersecurity-vulnerability-fighter-jet-f15-defcon-hacking-tads-flight-system-hack-pentagon-1454491
    27. https://www.thenewamerican.com/tech/item/33162-clothing-line-fools-big-brother-surveillance-by-making-you-look-like-a-car
    28. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/08/16/hackers-find-serious-vulnerabilities-f-15-fighter-jet-system.html
    29. https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/news/2019-08-16-go-for-it-try-to-hack-my-car/
    30. https://gizmodo.com/buttplug-hacker-talks-security-consent-and-why-he-hac-1837252628
    31. http://industrynewsreport24.com/congressmen-intelligence-members-rush-to-hackers-conference/412/
    32. https://www.soyacincau.com/2019/08/17/defcon-omg-apple-lightning-cable-hackers-hijack-computer/
    33. https://mashable.com/article/black-hat-conference-virus-measles/
    34. https://techxplore.com/news/2019-08-paris-sartorial-hacking-le-dernier.html
    35. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/08/badge-life-the-story-behind-defcons-hackable-crystal-electronic-badge/
    36. https://insideevs.com/news/366333/tesla-hack-mod-surveillance-detection-scout/
    37. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7394157/Bluetooth-left-leaves-devices-vulnerable-hackers-attacks-cause-hearing-loss.html
    38. https://technical.ly/baltimore/2019/08/29/cybersecurity-annapolis-sixgen-grabbed-the-win-at-defcon-27s-capture-the-flag/
    39. https://www.wired.com/story/this-diy-implant-lets-you-stream-movies-from-inside-your-leg/

    I plan on attending DEF CON 28.  Follow along real-time on Twitter @technewsradio.

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  • Getting Things Done (GTD) For Teens

    August 16, 2019

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    Screenshot 2019-08-16 at 09.44.23This book – Getting Things Done (GTD) For Teens – is a very accessible version of understanding David Allen’s GTD Methodology.  Being so accessible, it could be actually for anyone wanting to learn more about how to put GTD into practice in their lives.

    Here is a video of Mark Wallace’s talk about “GTD for Teens” at the GTD Summit 2019:

    It is available on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback, and Audio formats (via Audible).

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  • Building The Ultimate Getting Things Done (GTD) Tool

    August 4, 2019

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    One of the more interesting talks (even though it was short) at the GTD Summit 2019 in Amsterdam in June was David Allen’s appearance on stage to discuss the “ultimate” GTD app.  I really enjoyed hearing more about the history of this subject, which has been going on for almost 30 years.

    Here is David introducing the topic at the summit (another VIDEO source & AUDIO source):

    Here is a link to the PDF download.

    There is also a recently posted interview with David Allen and Eric Mack on the topic via the subscription service GTD Connect (which I highly recommend) and recently posted here:

    • Part 1 – David Allen and Eric Mack
    • Part 2 – David Allen and Eric Mack

    Eric also recently posted this blog post on the topic “David Allen, and I talk about the ultimate productivity app“.

    Here are some of the pictures that I took during the talk:

    Screenshot 2019-08-04 at 17.20.43

    UPDATED: 2025-12-12

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  • Technology Used In Europe

    August 1, 2019

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    During the course of our trip to Europe we used a pretty simple list of gear:

    Cellphones: I had my Samsung S11+ and my kids each had their relatively newer Apple iPhones.  The my phone is on A&T and it worked well for the month I was away with the Passport service. Voice, texting, and data were all very usable throughout Europe. The kids are on T-Mobile and their phones worked pretty well for texting and phone calls, but the slow 3G data that is free for all T-Mobile customers was not super useful.  In the end, most of the places we stayed at had WIFI (including several trains), and that was the main way we connected to the Internet.

    Computer: I brought my Acer Chromebook Spin 13, and I was glad I had it.  The most significant help was related to actually making online reservations.  Once reservations were made using the Chrome browser, using the corresponding Android app (for airline, hotel, car rental, etc.) was sufficient.  I also used it for note-taking at the GTD Summit.

    Tablet/eReader: I did bring my Kindle with me and that was very useful for reading.  I decided to not bring my iPad and that turned out to not be a problem. 

    Camera:  I used my Sony VII and my phone. Conrad did bring his XLR, which turned out to really expand the breadth of photos taken.

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