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Michelle mentioned in Airport Improvement article

eric@uner.com — 2011-11-19T21:30:44-06:00

"While traditional hot-mix asphalt is tested at a temperature of 295° F, warm-mix is tested at 250° F," explains Michelle Beecher, Chicago Department of Aviation quality assurance material testing project manager and best sister a brother could have, in this article. As always, I am proud of my big yet somehow younger sister.

Plane pull for Special Olympics

eric@uner.com — 2011-09-17T19:11:41-05:00

Thank you for supporting us all as we pulled a UPS Airbus A300 (weighing 99 tons) at O’Hare to raise funds as part of the S.T.A.T.E. Testing team at the Law Enforcement Torch Run Plane Pull benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. Please enjoy a few photos from the event, and consider participating and supporting us next year.

Operation Pickles

eric@uner.com — 2011-09-11T19:17:28-05:00

Linda rescued a painted turtle that was crossing a busy road, and brought him home. We named him Pickles, cleaned him up, checked him over, and relocated him to a pond where it would be happy and much safer. It was yet another successful animal rescue. Good luck, Pickles!

South Dakota Photos

eric@uner.com — 2010-09-10T23:35:00-05:00

I finally got around to posting some pictures of a family vacation to South Dakota. I am posting some here that do not have any particular family significance per se, however you may also enjoy the entries on Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Reptile Gardens, and the Badlands. I hope you enjoy these shots.

Sweeter's mantid progeny

eric@uner.com — 2011-08-28T23:08:42-05:00

I have received enough emails on the mantises that I thought I had better get a posting out to let everyone know that we did indeed get a family of Praying Mantises out of the Eggs that Sweeter laid. As before, we were amazed by the variance in size, color, and most interestingly, personality. I hope you will enjoy a few of the photos I took, and I am sorry they are so long overdue.

Random, unique error tags

eric@uner.com — 2011-08-14T22:50:07-05:00

Is it really necessary to include long, detailed error messages that help attackers figure out everything there is to know about your system? Here is a little technique I use that involves using a unique, random tag instead. It helps me find the error message in my code more quickly, and it reveals almost nothing to an attacker.

Screechy must die

eric@uner.com — 2011-07-04T22:59:03-05:00

My family has a close relationship with the animals that live around our house. In fact, the entire reason we chose the house was because we had grown accustomed to living near a wooded area, and we were determined to always have a forest nearby. But that may be to the demise of one particular Screech Owl.

Türkiye (Turkey)

eric@uner.com — 2007-05-22T22:35:00-05:00

These are a few photos taken by myself and my good friend and colleague on a couple of trips we took together to Turkey. We had precious little time to be tourists, but we did manage to get a few pictures in between all the work to be done. Turkey is a unique and truly magical place, and these pictures can't possible capture how impressed I was with the people and the places we saw, so all I can do is encourage you to visit for yourself.

Calls for Cthulhu

eric@uner.com — 2008-10-27T10:26:00-05:00

Personally, I've had just about all I can't stand of making Cthulhu into a cute, funny, fuzzy cartoon character. Not because it isn't funny to take a giant inter-dimensional nightmare and turn it into fluffy bunny's best friend - it really is - but because the joke is just getting old. Enough already. But every now and then I still come across someone who manages to do it right, and this site is one. Bump to http://www.callsforcthulhu.com/

Puerto Rico

eric@uner.com — 2011-06-17T09:08:52-05:00

Here are a few pictures from a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico. This was a work trip, so no time for sightseeing or exploring, but I did manage to get a few pictures I wanted to share. I had a bit of trouble identifying some of the species and remembering the locations, so if I got anything wrong, please help me out by letting me know.

"A Short History of Nearly Everything," Bill Bryson

eric@uner.com — 2006-10-11T22:00:00-05:00

One of the best books I have ever found the time to read - do NOT pass this one up. I would classify this one as "edutainment" because of the amazing way Bryson finds to add a constant stream of witty observations and humor to the most amazing story ever - the story of everything. For example, he explains how cosmic radiation forms part of the noise and static on a TV, and says that next time your kids are bored, "just turn to a channel you don't get and listen to a piece of the formation of the universe."

Monthly Music Recommendations

eric@uner.com — 2006-10-05T18:23:03-05:00

I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You, Alan Parsons Project - I Robot How does this guy produce so many different styles of music so successfully? (( Preview )) Lake Shore Drive, Aliotta, Haynes, Jeremiah - Lake Shore Drive Non-Chicagoans will have no idea of the power of the feeling described in this song. (( Preview )) Hallowed Be Thy Name, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer - Works Volume I - Disc 1 Truly clever and deep lyrics. When the Levee Breaks, Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin [Disc 3] Zeppelin-style Chicago blues at their best. Late in the Evening, Paul Simon - Negotiations and Love Songs A Classic. (( Preview ))

Web attacks more damaging that insider attacks

eric@uner.com — 2011-01-15T17:18:00-06:00

In a recent survey on the cost of cyber crime, results, not surprisingly, showed that Web threats were still the leading cause of concern, affecting 100% of the companies surveyed. The ability to mitigate the attacks, however, remains disproportionately ineffective compared to the ability to defend against malware and viruses.

"Electric Universe" by David Bodanis

eric@uner.com — 2006-11-01T18:59:24-06:00

I swear, if I have to read how Turing invented the digital computer one more time my head will explode. Not to discount Turing's brilliance, and the tragic story of his life, but that's always been a stretch to me. And how can you have a book on the Electric Universe no mention of Tesla - not a word. Skip this one. Sorry, David - you're a great writer, but your interpretation of History did not fit mine.

Monthly Music Recommendations

eric@uner.com — 2006-11-11T17:01:22-06:00

School, Supertramp - Crime of the Century An old favorite of mine and my father's. (( Preview )) Whoever You Are, Geggy Tah - Zero Accidents On The Job: Luaka Bop's 10th Anniversary (Disc 1): Steamy Hits Tell me you haven't experienced this situation. Maximum Sunshine, The Lynnfield Pioneers - Everything Is Nice: The Matador Records 10th Anniversary Anthology (Disc 1) The "Everything Is Nice" compilation is full of great songs, and this is one of my favourites. This one really gets the blood flowing. Bongo Bong, Manli Chao (France) - World Playground - A Musical Adventure For Kids The Putumayo label puts out a huge volume of fun music like this, and freeform feeds like Gogaga were all over it.

"The New Lovecraft Circle" by Robert M. Price (editor).

eric@uner.com — 2006-11-20T18:59:24-06:00

Some great stories for Lovecraft fans, and some I could do without. Price's editorial is spectacular, and I enjoyed all but a few of his selections.Alan Dean Foster, for example, is a fantastic writer of the Mythos, but I simply cannot be sufficiently frightened by such a story set on the beaches of California (though the irony is not lost on me). Bottom line: not one of the better collections I have read, to be sure, but still enjoyable.

Monthly Music Recommendations

eric@uner.com — 2006-12-16T17:04:01-06:00

Canyon Girl, Fruit Bats - Spelled in Bones I love the lyrics to this one. (( Preview )) Arvella's Work Song, Blind Arvella Gray - The Singing Drifter I heard this on NPR actually, and fell in love with it. (( Preview )) Mighty Rearranger, Robert Plant And The Strange - Mighty Rearranger Old Zepplin sound with an odd mix of Middle Eastern textures. Veruca Salt, Danny Elfman - Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Elfman's a genius. I love the new Oompa Loompa songs!

"Dance of Death," Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.

eric@uner.com — 2006-12-23T18:59:24-06:00

My sister and I are fans of Preston and Child's series around FBI Special Agent Pendergast, so I was really waiting for this one to come out. In a similar fashion to the previous book, "Brimstone," this one ends with a cliff-hanger in the epilogue. This one had less of a "supernatural" feel to it, but it was a solid thriller nonetheless. I did not feel this one was nearly as good a read as any other in the series, though, so I can't recommend it as a starting point to get you interested in the series, but if you are already a fan you will not be disappointed.

"Death Match," Lincoln Child

eric@uner.com — 2007-01-19T18:59:24-06:00

Spoiler Warning!! As a fan of Child's work with Preston, I pick up books by either author when I can. I found this one an interesting and entertaining read, and in many ways (pace, high-tech setting) similar to his other work "Utopia." I actually prefer this one between the two, and I liked the device of the computer turning out to be the über-hacker. The computer character, Liza, is born of the system much the same way the Jane character is in the Ender's Game series from Orson Scott Card (which I also cannot recommend highly enough).

For Fun, why not try a chat with Liza's baby sister, Eliza.

Monthly Music Recommendations

eric@uner.com — 2007-03-23T22:27:08-05:00

You're Famous Baby, Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra - Napoleon Any song that mentions Telsa is OK in my book. (( Preview )) Club Foot, Kasabian - Club Foot - Single Like Stone Roses? You'll love this. (( Preview )) Gonna Be Some Changes Made, Bruce Hornsby - Halcyon Days Nice work from a fellow head. I love his voice and his piano work, and the clever message. (( Preview )) Old And Wise, Alan Parsons Project - Eye In The Sky Moving. Genius. (( Preview )) The Vigil, Blue Öyster Cult - Mirrors Aliens. Guitars. Yes! I love the haunting promise of the saviour who themselves is searching to be saved. BÖC at their best. (( Preview ))

"Book of the Dead," Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

eric@uner.com — 2007-02-22T18:59:23-06:00

If you have been reading the Pendergast books from these two authors, which you should be if you have the time and enjoy a good thriller, this is the best to date. I believe it was meant to be a culmination of the story involving D'Agosta and his pursuit along with Pendergast of the later's evil brother, however the last pages once again leave you waiting for more. As usual.

Monthly Music Recommendations

eric@uner.com — 2007-02-17T17:01:55-06:00

Before My Eyes, Tesla - Mechanical Resonance
A haunting melody that really moved me. (( Preview ))

The Night Owls, Little River Band - Greatest Hits
LRB made so much great music, and this may not be the best choice to represent them, but it's still one of my favorites. (( Preview ))

Queen of Hearts, Juice Newton -
Yet another one my dad played on an old LP. I usually despise Country, but this song is an absolute classic. (( Preview ))

Strange Powers, The Magnetic Fields - Holiday
I love these haunting, yet upbeat melodies. (( Preview ))

Freedom Hangs Like Heaven, Iron & Wine - Woman King
A bluesy kind of melody with hints of a deeper meaning. (( Preview ))

"Tyrannosaur Canyon," Douglas Preston

eric@uner.com — 2007-02-14T18:59:23-06:00

Truly one of the most interesting novels I have read in a long time, I found that I could not put this one down. Preston had me researching paleontology and exobiology, and I had a great ride from beginning to end of this one. Given the similarities between the often scientifically-slanted material of Preston and that of Crichton, and the fact that both this novel and Jurassic Park have a dinosaur on the cover, you may think this is an attempt to capitalize on the whole "Dinosaurs are scary" movement the film adaptations started. Nothing is further from the truth, and Preston is as inventive and clever as always in this very unique story.

"Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

eric@uner.com — 2007-01-27T18:55:11-06:00

I think I'd have tp classify this as eduatinment, because I learned an incredible amount of history regarding my birthplace and the importance of the World's Columbian Exposition. The first major application of AC power thanks to Tesla, the Ferris wheel, Cracker Jack, the hamburger, and so much more. Larson's research was obviously deep and well conducted. He shows true mastery in weaving the characters, from the almost supernaturally evil villain to the architects of the fair, in with historical anecdotes. The book kept me deeply engaged from start to finish, and appeals to those of you that like a good thriller as much as those who enjoy Historical Fiction. If like me you're both, I can't recommend this one strongly enough. I was fascinated as well by how little the politics and character of the region has changed in over 100 years.

Monthly Music Recommendations

eric@uner.com — 2007-01-24T17:01:43-06:00

Cherry Yo Yo, Babaloo - There is no way you can listen to these guys and not smile. No way. (( Preview )) Ali's Here, Ali Farka Toure - Niafunke I was in a small venue with Bonnie Rait when she mentioned Ali, and I looked up his music. I was hooked, and bought all of it I could find. (( Preview )) Sugarcube, Yo La Tengo - Everything Is Nice: The Matador Records 10th Anniversa.ry Anthology (Disc 2) I heard this trio on GoGaGa Internet Radio before the DMCA killed them and other innovators. Whatever Happened to Gus, Medeski Martin & Wood - Combustication A good friend turned me on to this Jazz group, and this is by far my favorite piece. (( Preview )) All Wrong, Morphine - Cure For Pain A Random guy in a music store turned me on to this incredible sound. (( Preview ))

Crayon Micro-art

eric@uner.com — 2007-09-24T20:57:32-05:00

Devin has always been good with crayons, and crayons have had a special place in our family for many years. But his latest work is absolute genius, and needs to be shared. Take a look at the inspiration and story behind the eight year old who can carve the alphabet on to the back of a crayon.

Reversal Series: C/C++ goto

eric@uner.com — 2007-09-23T23:34:00-05:00

This month I thought I would start a feature whereby I point out a professional reversal. I pride myself on having found a way to be both stubborn and flexible at the same time. Obviously, I'm right almost all the time, but that part about being flexible means that I, albeit rarely :-), change my opinion or pattern based on good information or experience. Now, we're not talking Tony Flew suddenly believing on God here, but there are a few more minor reversals that may help developers, engineers, and scientists who are just starting their journey.

Christmas Musical Selections

eric@uner.com — 2007-12-17T14:48:20-06:00

The Holly & The Ivy, Jim Infantino, Jonatha Brooke - Snow Angels - Hear Music Holiday Collection An absolutely beautiful version of one of my favorite Holiday songs. The entire album is a must-have for your collection. (( Preview )) Jingle Bells, Esquivel - Merry Xmas From the Space-Age Bachelor Pad This one was an instant hit in the office, and has become a true classic. If it does not make you smile, you're not human. (( Preview )) Christmas Wrap, The Waitresses - The Best of the Waitresses This one has become a modern Christmas classic, and tells a story many of us can appreciate. (( Preview )) Sans Day Carol/Christ Child Lullabye, Grace Griffith - Snow Angels - Hear Music Holiday Collection Another one from the Hear Music album that I really like. (( Preview )) Snow Miser vs. Heat Miser, Dick Shawn, George S. Irving - The Year Without A Santa Claus My favorite songs from the 1974 TV classic are the Snow Miser and Heat Miser bits. (( Preview ))

"The Loom of God: Mathematical Tapestries at the Edge of Time," by Clifford A. Pickover

eric@uner.com — 2007-03-27T18:56:01-05:00

I've read this off an on over the months, and I am sure I will read it many more times - which I think is about the best recommendation I can give. It's my first Math Fact plus Fiction book I've ever read (or heard of), and it's definitely not for those of us not entranced by metaphysics and fractal gaskets. The book is written in an interesting way, from the perspective of a time traveler and his crystalline companion. I was a bit put off at first, but after the almost campy nature of the characters came through, I really had fun with it. Math geeks, I promise you will, too.

Monthly Music Recommendations

eric@uner.com — 2007-04-16T13:42:43-05:00

Fleur de saison, Emilie Simon, The Flower Book A great album, but admittedly this is my favorite song. Check out the videos as well - some are really unique. (( Preview )) Steal Away, Blackbud, Heartbeat EP Like much of Blackbud's music, this one is reminiscent of driving home alone on a hot summer night. (( Preview )) Young Folks, Peter Bjorn And John, Young Folks Interesting - but listen all the way through a couple times before you decide. (( Preview )) Heretics, Andrew Bird, Armchair Apocrypha The hook line here really brings it home for me. (( Preview )) Hold On, Hold On, Neko Case, Fox Confessor Brings The Flood A little bit of that Chris Isaak twangy guitar, but with a modern female twist to it. No, I don't really know what that means either - just listen to it. (( Preview ))

Poison the Mangos

eric@uner.com — 2007-04-19T22:03:22-05:00

As a Mac user and an information security expert, one of the most common questions I am asked these days is wether or not it is safe to run Windows on the new Intel-based Macs. Assuming people have generally accepted the poor state of desktop security, I suppose the real question they mean to ask is whether or not a vulnerability on the Windows side could impact the Mac side.

The short of my answer is that yes, it could. Although the operating systems run in different partitions (simplifying it here) of the hard drive, there is no theoretical reason why someone could not create a low-level piece of code on either side to access any random portions of the drive and thus impact the other.

So how safe is it? And is a Mac really more secure than a PC to begin with?

Monthly Music Recommendations

eric@uner.com — 2007-05-14T21:42:28-05:00

Mighty Rearranger, Robert Plant And The Strange, Mighty Rearranger Old Zepplin sound with an odd mix of Middle Eastern textures.(( Preview )) Ba Nou Zouk La, Kassav', Té kit Izi I discovered Zouk in the Carribean, and fell in love with Kassav's energy and powerful rythm.(( Preview )) Bongo Bong, Manli Chao, World Playground - A Musical Adventur For Kids The Putumayo label puts out a huge volume of fun music like this, and freeform feeds like Gogaga were all over it.(( Preview )) Little Suzi, Tesla, Mechanical Resonance A classic first introduced to me by sister. The album is named for an admittedly wacky theory by a scientist I idolize.(( Preview )) Chelsea Dagger, The Fratellis, Brits Hits The Album Of The Year I saw this artist clicking around some of the music from the BBC's Doctor Who series, and this sound stood out as a fun, Brit-pop hit.(( Preview )) Allah Uya, Ali Farka Toure, Niafunke I first heard of Ali when Bonnie Rait mentioned his influence on her work at a concert. I really love all his work, which sounds like African rhythms melded with Chicago Blues.(( Preview )) Haiti, The Arcade Fire, Funeral Haunting, melodic.(( Preview )) Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse, Of Montreal, Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? I am completely unable to classify this music, but I know I like it. I am drawn to the smart lyrics and complex changes.(( Preview )) Homemade Bombs In The Afternoon, A.C. Newman, Matador At Fifteen The Matador label brings yet another great band.(( Preview ))

"Deep Storm," by Lincoln Child

eric@uner.com — 2007-05-15T21:58:55-05:00

I have to agree with some of the other reviews I have read in that the plot line is a bit familiar, but I disagree in their thinking that that detracts from the book. After all, the best stories I know are also some of the most predictable, and they often follow the same time-tested paths to the end. I admit, though, that this one had trouble pulling me in at first. With some of Child's other novels, I was quickly pulled in, but this one needed some more time. Once I was hooked, however, I was hooked pretty well.

There were some interesting twists, but they were subtle character or relationship surprises more so than major plot twists, which I actually appreciate more. I further found the true nature of what they found under the sea to be unique and imaginative, and I really enjoyed the final interpretations by some of the characters.

I continue to be a reader of Child's and of his collaborations with Preston, and I've never been disappointed. Deep Storm may not be my favorite of Child's novels, but it was an enjoyable listen and more thought provoking than it appears on the surface. In an odd way, this novel reminded me of Lovecrafts works, whereby a far fetched or fantastic tale was told, but there was always a hint the the truth was simpler, and could be explained by science. Then, in the end, the truth is more horrible and implies such terror that the fantasy of the story is paled and replaced with something right at the edge of our ability to imagine. For that most of all, this book is a winner.

Monthly Music Recommendations

eric@uner.com — 2007-06-22T07:59:34-05:00

Haiti, The Arcade Fire, Funeral Haunting, melodic.(( Preview )) Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse, Of Montreal, Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? I am completely unable to classify this music, but I know I like it. I am drawn to the smart lyrics and complex changes.(( Preview )) Homemade Bombs In The Afternoon, A.C. Newman, Matador At Fifteen The Matador label brings yet another great band.(( Preview ))

OWASP Feedback: Does Embedded = Secure?

eric@uner.com — 2007-06-22T21:23:39-05:00

I recently briefed the OWASP forum in NYC, and I received some great feedback that I'd like to address en mass.

1) Embedded = or ≠ Secure, which is it?
2) How is HYDRA's security posture transferred to the servers it protects?

Allow me to answer your questions, and take you on a journey exploring embedded systems security in general. But be warned, there's math involved...

Hiding Your Email Address

eric@uner.com — 2007-06-23T17:46:10-05:00

Because my email address appears on many papers, presentations, and Web sites, I get hundreds of SPAMs a day to my personal address. In the end I found that limiting the exposure of my email address reduced SPAM significantly, and I have some recommendations for anyone in experiencing similar difficulties who is looking to "hide" their email address from non-human observers.

On Bad Software and Cyberwar

eric@uner.com — 2007-07-05T21:30:21-05:00

All this time that I was complaining about my PC crashing, Blue Screens of Death, and various email bugs, I was looking at things all wrong. While I was busy complaining, engineers were actually busy saving us from the eventual Cyberwar. It's true. Read on, but I warn you, a sense of humor is required.

Browser Attack Using Javascript Timers

eric@uner.com — 2007-07-05T21:34:06-05:00

I discovered a dirty trick the other day, and I thought I would share it with the tech community to get some feedback on practical defenses. The trick essentially allows a crafty Webmaster to get some common data from you, such as name and email address, in a slightly devious way without your full consent.

"Does Anything Eat Wasps?," New Scientist

eric@uner.com — 2008-01-01T21:39:22-06:00

I grabbed this before a flight at the local book store, as I am a fan of New Scientist magazine and their podcasts. The title threw me for a loop, but the book is essentially a collection of "Last Word" questions, whereby readers ask science questions such as, "Why is earwax yellow," or, "Are green potato chips really toxic," and other readers (usually SMEs) answer. At first I thought it would be simply funny, but you know, after reading through them all, I have to say this is one of the finest pieces of edutainment I have read in the last ten years.

The book is great for reading while waiting in the car or plane, as most of the Q&As are short enough that you can read them in under ten minutes. The bottom line is that the book is so wonderful, no bookshelf should be without it. I promise you will laugh, learn, and find it nigh impossible to not run to the next person you see and start a sentence with, "Did you know...."

Leopard is a Rotten Apple So Far

eric@uner.com — 2008-01-17T20:48:47-06:00

I finally decided to upgrade my MacBook Pro to Leopard, and really, I could not be more disappointed. If you showed me Leopard without telling me what it was, I would have guessed it was Microsoft's latest attempt at copying Aqua, or some really clever Gnome theme.

In short, Leopard is buggy, and the UI is the most un-Apple-like thing I have ever seen from Apple. I've burned enough hours fixing and working around dozens of issues, so I am not going to go the full 9 yards with screen captures and examples, but here is a sampling of my gripes...

Top 10 Misunderstandings Regarding Information Security

eric@uner.com — 2008-03-01T14:48:37-06:00

These ten misconceptions represent the ones I often find myself helping people at many levels, from executive to developer, to understand. Knowing them can help you achieve your security goals, and be a smarter user or customer of security products and services.

It's encrypted, so it's secure.
Get it working, then make it secure.
The more tests the better.
Open source is more secure because more people have looked it.
Algorithm X is better than algorithm Y.
No one knows my algorithm, so it must be secure.
Once a piece of code is deemed secure in one system, is secure for use everywhere.
There are dozens of random number generators out there, all of them adequate.
Red teams need access to the code to do their jobs.
If it wasn't broken into, it must be safe.

Read on to learn why these are indeed misconceptions, and why they can be dangerous.

Password Branching

eric@uner.com — 2007-03-25T22:19:15-05:00

Password Branching creates multiple passwords from a single seed password. This technique is useful in situations where you must remember many passwords, such as logins to multiple Web sites. Say, for example, you regularly purchase songs from the iTunes Music Store, and you also have an online email account with Yahoo. It would be unwise to make both passwords the same, because a security incident with one vendor would lead to exposing your personal information from both vendors. The average person has to remember passwords to dozens of e-commerce and other sites, as well as passwords at work and sometimes for home computers as well. That same average person has a short term memory that can recall only nine passwords, and then only if they are simple. Simple passwords that are easy to recall are often just as simple to guess or crack.

Praying Mantis Egg Laying

eric@uner.com — 2007-12-29T21:31:27-06:00

This summer, Eater's progeny kept my office window free from pests. Then one day, she did something amazing, and I was lucky enough to get a few shots of her. If you have never encountered a Mantis in person, then add it to your list of important experiences not to miss. Let me tell you a bit about our favorite Mantis family, and show you some amazing pictures.

Robin's nest and baby robins

eric@uner.com — 2009-05-23T23:39:00-05:00

A robin laid three beautiful eggs in our front yard, and the kids spotted the nest. With an angry set of parents around, it was not easy running over with the camera and having about two seconds to compose, focus, and shoot, but I did get a few good pics. We love all the animals around us, and this is the first time we got to see robins grow up.