I forgot to tell you about something good that happened on Thursday – I finally remembered to order my new prescription from the surgery. I’d meant to do it at the weekend, but I kept forgetting. That isn’t the good bit, though, the good bit was that I remembered my username and password two months after I last used them. This probably says as much about my very simp[le password as it does about my memory, but it was still a pleasant surprise. maybe my faculties aren’t universally deteriorating.
The usual story is that every time I use a password I forget it and, next time, have to get a replacement. I spoke to Number One Son about this and he tells me he doesn’t bother remembering passwords most of the time as it’s so easy to get a replacement.
Talking of which, I looked up an article on the subject of passwords a while ago. I don’t think I wrote about it but the results made me shake my head in disbelief. Most of them are stupidly simple, even by my standards, I looked at a second list and have to say that Number 86 rang a few bells. It’s interesting to see that there are others who share my hatred of aspects of the internet. I’m told that British codebreakers of WW2 were given lists of German swear words, as German soldiers, like me, were given to profanity when thinking of passwords. I notice echoes of this on the current list of most common German passwords. It might be the same in all countries, but I am not able to swear in all languages.
Actually, I see I can recognise at least one Spanish swear word and that the Italian for password is password. At least the French go with motdepasse.
There will be a break of a few seconds now – I need to alter the password for my banking details. I wasn’t very happy with them last time I had to alter it.
Finally, it seems that the best way to ensure password safety is to use a password management system. I always thought that was a way of having all your passwords lifted in one go, so I’m not going to rush into it. I will, however, be looking at the patterns I use to produce passwords.
Just one more thing before I go, I know I said I was going to stop doing this, but have a look at this month’s Failed Haiku. I’m near the top this time. (That’s Simon Wilson for those of you who don’t remember). Most poets adopt a meaningful and mysterious name for their poetry and use the boring one for everyday life – just one more way I have got it wrong. I’m near the top, in case you are wondering, because I got my submission in early – it’s about speed rather than quality.
Wonderful poem!
Thank you. I’ve always likes it, but a succession of editors have sent it back. Took at least two years to get it accepted (including rewriting from an original that was twice as long).
🙂
Oh, Simon, that poem is s beautiful. It made me cry. Does Julia love it? I see it as love letter to her: that you notice the rain on her sleeve, even if you don’t open the door for her anymore. So touching.
As for passwords, ever since I’ve had to have passwords, I have kept them on my Rolodex. I love it! Just flip to the right card and there it is. No guessing, no waiting for a reset email. Super simple. A couple years ago, I started designing and making pretty ones and, over 1000 sales later, I realize that LOTS of people still use a Rolodex. lol
I used to have a notebook, but I started forgetting where I put it.
1,000 Rolodex is a lot of Rolodex! I have probably only seen two or three in use in a lifetime over here.
I tend not to show my work to Julia as I don’t want to raise her expectations about door opening and such things. 🙂
Don’t belittle yourself, its probably rather good!
🙂 You never know…
You have reminded me to order my repeat prescription, but I’m scared I won’t remember my very long password. How was I to know I would have to pick out random letters from it every time?
Random letters? WE don’t have to do that. I have to do it with my bank account and it is a stiff test at the best of times. I did start writing all mine down, but I put them in a safe place…
Yes, I think we all know how that one ends. 🙂
I enjoyed reading your entry, Simon Quercus Wilson! Speed always helps, but I you write quality poems!
Thank you.
“She opens her own door now”….What a great line.
I have sent that haibun out many times, had it returned many times. I think it finally found an editor who had been married long enough to appreciate it. Thank you.
I wonder if that is true? It sounds quite likely. 🙂
🙂
SUCH a great line! It made me tear up.
Thank you, it may be a great line, but it might also be a reminder to start opening doors again. 🙂
I go with your son’s attitude to passwords. Quite often the moment I’ve written one, I forget it! There are just too many to remember these days.
It’s good for security! 🙂
😊