GrogHeads Forum

IRL (In Real Life) => Current Events => Topic started by: mirth on January 13, 2018, 02:50:35 PM

Title: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 13, 2018, 02:50:35 PM
Damn.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/13/us/hawaii-missile.html
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 13, 2018, 02:51:06 PM
https://twitter.com/TulsiGabbard/status/952243723525677056
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 13, 2018, 02:52:30 PM
https://twitter.com/DavidSantoro1/status/952251754929782785
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: OJsDad on January 13, 2018, 03:20:57 PM
I'm sure no one working for Twitter was messing around. 
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: DoctorQuest on January 13, 2018, 03:48:41 PM
I am not following you. Twitter had nothing to do with the original false alarm from what I can glean from the story.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Pete Dero on January 13, 2018, 03:51:15 PM
https://www.thedailybeast.com/fake-missile-alert-sent-out-to-hawaii-residents?ref=home

Hawaii Gov. David Ige later said the warning and subsequent panic were caused by an employee pressing the "wrong button" during a shift change.

No mention of the size of the button ...
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: SirAndrewD on January 13, 2018, 04:06:14 PM
You'd think they'd have an "Are you sure" prompt on that button.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: trailrunner on January 13, 2018, 04:09:23 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/FJWLI2y.jpg)
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Gusington on January 13, 2018, 04:10:35 PM
Wow...scary.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: besilarius on January 13, 2018, 04:22:33 PM
"If he fires one, then I'll fire one"
"One fired, sir."
The Bedford Incident.   (And so a young Dano ends it all.)
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Con on January 13, 2018, 05:33:52 PM
I hope they don't have a button like that  on Trumps desk  :wow:
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: OJsDad on January 13, 2018, 05:59:32 PM
Quote from: DoctorQuest on January 13, 2018, 03:48:41 PM
I am not following you. Twitter had nothing to do with the original false alarm from what I can glean from the story.

My bad, I thought it had gone out on twitter. 
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: ComradeP on January 14, 2018, 02:23:43 AM
It remains difficult to comprehend that the world's most deadliest weapons can be launched through computer glitches or someone pressing the wrong button.

In this case it was just an alarm, but reading about incidents where nuclear war nearly came into being makes it clear that the nuclear arsenal isn't nearly as safe and secure as it should be.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: besilarius on January 14, 2018, 09:11:43 AM
It is ridiculous that such things happen.  But it creates awareness of the danger and reveals our human frailty.
Much prefer it happening now than at a time of higher tension.  It could -COULD- make people think twice instead of having an automatic reaction.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 15, 2018, 10:11:25 AM
https://twitter.com/bendhalpern/status/952918177113169922
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Nefaro on January 15, 2018, 10:21:58 AM
The UI:

Often the last consideration. 

:-\
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: OJsDad on January 15, 2018, 10:26:42 AM
Users unable to read, also the last thing engineers think of. 
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: DoctorQuest on January 15, 2018, 10:53:32 AM
I will go along with the need for a "Are you f**king sure!!!!" prompt for the non-test option.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Sir Slash on January 15, 2018, 11:50:55 AM
Hard to believe. When I was a State Employee, if you pushed the wrong button the only thing that happened was somebody showed-up at the wrong room with a bedpan. That, however can be VERY bad itself though rarely do you need to take cover from it. I wouldn't mind being in the Grass Skirts Shelter cause if it's the End...... ::)
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Gusington on January 15, 2018, 05:31:51 PM
Was the bedpan used or new?

My in laws leave for Hawaii in a few days for a two month stay at some military hotels out there as they've done for the last few years. They were nonplussed.

At my current job I have responsibility for some warning systems...nothing like a missile warning system, but if press the wrong button at the wrong time many, many staffers will come after me and try to beat the crap out of me.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Sir Slash on January 15, 2018, 07:42:41 PM
Bedpans all start out new but once you use them.... they're yours for life.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Staggerwing on January 15, 2018, 07:43:43 PM
Quote from: Gusington on January 15, 2018, 05:31:51 PM
At my current job I have responsibility for some warning systems...nothing like a missile warning system, but if press the wrong button at the wrong time many, many staffers will come after me and try to beat the crap out of me.

Will the PA crank out "Yakkity-Sax" while you lead them on a merry chase?
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Gusington on January 16, 2018, 08:55:41 AM
Heh the PA actually is not controlled by me but by an even more crotchety, older bastard. I wish I could play some of his 'announcements' for you...they are classics of the Archie Bunker type.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 16, 2018, 09:18:09 AM
"Hey there,  attention all youse meatheads. The Norks have flipped one of them nuke thingies at us and we're uh all totally screwed. That is all."
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Gusington on January 16, 2018, 09:33:57 AM
They're not even close to being that polite.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: DoctorQuest on January 16, 2018, 10:14:15 AM
Quote from: Gusington on January 15, 2018, 05:31:51 PM
My in laws leave for Hawaii in a few days for a two month stay at some military hotels out there as they've done for the last few years. They were nonplussed.

Military hotel?  ???
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Sir Slash on January 16, 2018, 10:21:01 AM
That's where they have Major accommodations. And Private rooms.  :2funny:
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 16, 2018, 10:23:56 AM
Quote from: Sir Slash on January 16, 2018, 10:21:01 AM
That's where they have Major accommodations. And Private rooms.  :2funny:

That is Generally true.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Gusington on January 16, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
My father in law is a US Army Reserve LTCOL (retired) and they stay at military run hotels and condos in Hawaii for probably 1/3 the price of civilian hotels. One they love is literally on the property of the Barking Sands missile test center, appropriately enough.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: DoctorQuest on January 16, 2018, 11:03:56 AM
Quote from: Gusington on January 16, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
My father in law is a US Army Reserve LTCOL (retired) and they stay at military run hotels and condos in Hawaii for probably 1/3 the price of civilian hotels. One they love is literally on the property of the Barking Sands missile test center, appropriately enough.

That's pretty cool. Thanks for the explanation. Hopefully they have good fallout shelters in such places.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: BanzaiCat on January 16, 2018, 11:10:58 AM
Quote from: mirth on January 16, 2018, 10:23:56 AM
Quote from: Sir Slash on January 16, 2018, 10:21:01 AM
That's where they have Major accommodations. And Private rooms.  :2funny:

That is Generally true.

There's Corporal punishment if you aren't inside when curfew hits.

Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 16, 2018, 12:39:46 PM
You've gotta be kidding

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/16/world/asia/japan-hawaii-alert.html
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: ComradeP on January 16, 2018, 12:42:17 PM
Commission for every booking.

-

I'm not really sure why it took so long for the authorities to rectify their error. You'd think the governor could've been bothered to respond promptly.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Sir Slash on January 16, 2018, 12:47:57 PM
Shamefrul Dispray I say!  #:-)
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Gusington on January 16, 2018, 01:03:18 PM
Dr. Quest I said the same exact thing to my in laws. I think they would be better off than most if/when the apocalypse comes at one of these hotels.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: trailrunner on January 16, 2018, 05:29:03 PM
Quote from: DoctorQuest on January 16, 2018, 10:14:15 AM

Military hotel?  ???

I've spent more than a few nights of my life at military hotels.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 16, 2018, 09:08:49 PM
(https://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/daily-morning-awesomeness-36-photos-20.jpg?quality=85&strip=info&w=600)
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Gusington on January 17, 2018, 08:41:43 AM
That is my father in law.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: RedArgo on January 17, 2018, 09:13:45 AM
This is one bad UI if it is really what they use to issue warnings, especially if there is no confirmation prompt.  I can see how this could happen.

http://nymag.com/selectall/2018/01/hawaii-missile-warning-set-off-by-bad-design.html (http://nymag.com/selectall/2018/01/hawaii-missile-warning-set-off-by-bad-design.html)

I remember having a Lance Haffner baseball league back in the '80s and it gave you two chances to not delete the league stats when you pushed the button.  Of course one of the guys still did it and we had to recalculate everything by hand.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 17, 2018, 09:19:32 AM
You have to think that's something they built in-house or farmed out to some guy related to one of the bosses. "Hey my nephew Timmy is pretty good with computers and stuff. Let's give him the $100,000 contract to build this."

Either way, there was clearly no oversight or QA/UA testing.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Pete Dero on January 17, 2018, 09:22:26 AM
https://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/26/us/pentagon-floppy-disks-nuclear/index.html

Want to launch a nuclear missile? You'll need a floppy disk.

That's according to a new report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), which found that the Pentagon was still using 1970s-era computing systems that require "eight-inch floppy disks."

The GAO report says that U.S. government departments spend upwards of $60 billion a year on operating and maintaining out-of-date technologies.
That's three times the investment on modern IT systems.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 17, 2018, 09:28:57 AM
Quote from: Pete Dero on January 17, 2018, 09:22:26 AM
https://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/26/us/pentagon-floppy-disks-nuclear/index.html

Want to launch a nuclear missile? You'll need a floppy disk.

That's according to a new report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), which found that the Pentagon was still using 1970s-era computing systems that require "eight-inch floppy disks."

The GAO report says that U.S. government departments spend upwards of $60 billion a year on operating and maintaining out-of-date technologies.
That's three times the investment on modern IT systems.


I've been reading about this stuff for a few years. Wasn't too long back that the US Navy contracted with Microsoft to continue with support for XP because the Navy new it would take years to upgrade all their systems.

These legacy systems are a real problem for the military and many industry sectors like banking. Old-timers who know COBOL and FORTRAN are being paid big bucks to support systems that are 40-50 years old. They are the only ones who can do it. No else knows the ins-and-outs of code that old.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Gusington on January 17, 2018, 09:36:03 AM
Let me whip out my punch cards, son.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Pete Dero on January 17, 2018, 09:37:06 AM
Maybe Kim Jon-Un's 'button' is smaller because he already made the switch to 3.5 inch floppy disks ?
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 17, 2018, 09:43:29 AM
Quote from: Pete Dero on January 17, 2018, 09:37:06 AM
Maybe Kim Jon-Un's 'button' is smaller because he already made the switch to 3.5 inch floppy disks ?

Cue Donald Trump Tweet, "My disks are very hard.! Not floppy at all like Little Kim's!".
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Pete Dero on January 17, 2018, 09:49:22 AM
Quote from: mirth on January 17, 2018, 09:43:29 AM
Quote from: Pete Dero on January 17, 2018, 09:37:06 AM
Maybe Kim Jon-Un's 'button' is smaller because he already made the switch to 3.5 inch floppy disks ?

Cue Donald Trump Tweet, "My disks are very hard.! Not floppy at all like Little Kim's!".

Stormy Daniels was paid $130.000 to keep quiet about the floppiness.  https://www.thedailybeast.com/porn-star-donald-trump-and-stormy-daniels-invited-me-to-their-hotel-room
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Gusington on January 17, 2018, 10:00:31 AM
#covfloppy
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: mirth on January 17, 2018, 10:00:54 AM
^well played
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Gusington on January 17, 2018, 10:09:37 AM
Thank you. Stuff writes itself.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 17, 2018, 10:34:03 AM
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26907579_10111361338268955_7311993221038434947_n.jpg?oh=56fa1109dcf653ab275a466e5b7c5e8f&oe=5AB0DE5C)
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Sir Slash on January 17, 2018, 11:49:53 AM
 :2funny:
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 18, 2018, 09:19:27 AM
A friend of mine posted this on FB

QuoteAfter-action report on the false missile alarm in Hawaii, from Pornhub:
"On Saturday January 13, residents all across Hawaii received a text message at 8:07am stating that a ballistic missile was on [its] way to their island and advised they should take shelter immediately. With international tensions currently at a high, it's no surprise that the warning was taken very, very seriously. We can't begin to imagine what would go through someone's mind after reading that message, but based purely on the traffic numbers, it's NOT to be watching porn.
Based on real-time, per-minute pageviews, and compared to levels on the previous two Saturdays, our statisticians found a precipitous drop in traffic at 8:07am immediately after the warning was sent out. By 8:23am, traffic was a massive -77% below that of a typical Saturday. As residents were notified around 8:45 that the initial warning was sent in error, traffic began to return to normal and Hawaiians collectively breathed a sigh of relief. Those seeking further relief, headed back to Pornhub where pageviews surged +48% above typical levels at 9:01am."
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Barthheart on January 18, 2018, 09:21:05 AM
 :2funny:
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Gusington on January 18, 2018, 09:23:35 AM
Fap until you can't fap no more.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Sir Slash on January 18, 2018, 10:38:27 AM
If that ever happens here, I'm going out in style with a Bourbon in one hand and a keg of ice cream in the other. Maybe I'll text my doctor to go screw himself. But.... if it is a false alarm, maybe not.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: Barthheart on January 18, 2018, 12:37:33 PM
(https://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/daily-afternoon-randomness-49-photos-25138.jpg?quality=85&strip=info&w=641)
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: OJsDad on January 30, 2018, 04:59:37 PM
The guy that triggered the alarm has been fired. 

An AP story;

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/worker-who-sent-false-missile-alert-has-been-fired-had-past-performance-issues/ar-BBItwBx?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartanntp

Quote
The now-fired Hawaii emergency worker who sent a false missile alert that caused widespread panic and confusion had performance issues in the past.

A report released Tuesday from an internal investigation into the Jan. 13 alert says the worker confused real-life events and drills at least two previous times. State officials say he was fired Friday.

The report describes a drill leading to the mistaken alert. Even though the word "exercise" was said six times, the employee who pushed the button said he did not hear it.

According to the report, co-workers say he just sat there and seemed confused as others tried to let the public know it was a false alarm.
The administrator of the agency resigned. A second worker has quit and another is being suspended.

A mistaken missile alert that caused widespread panic and confusion in Hawaii has led to the resignation of the state's emergency management leader and the firing of the worker who sent the false warning.

Maj. Gen. Joe Logan, the state adjutant general, says Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator Vern Miyagi resigned Tuesday.

The employee who has been fired mistakenly sent an emergency alert to mobile devices and TV and radio stations warning of an incoming missile strike on Jan. 13. Regulators say he mistook a drill for the real thing.

Logan says a second worker has quit before disciplinary action was taken and another is being suspended without pay.

A corrected alert was not sent to mobile devices for nearly 40 minutes because state workers had no prepared message for a false alarm.
Title: Re: Ballistic Missile Alert for Hawaii Sent in Error
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 10, 2018, 09:43:35 AM
https://www.gq.com/story/real-story-of-hawaiian-missile-crisis