I really needed something to just show me the interesting things to focus on. Since I had all the nessus data in a database already via nbe2sql, I quickly wrote some sql statements and parsers to solve my problem and make a pretty report.

The latest release of the nessus tools has two more html reports.

• One script is called report_auto which generates html that contain findings to simply write up. For each vulnerability type there is a table with IP and supporting information columns. 
• The other script is called report_manual which generates html that contain findings or information to pursue.

Do note that only a handful of nessus pluginid’s are supported in the script. If you want other checks included please provide me with some sample data and I will get it included.

Code:

• nessus_tools-1.2-src.zip (Python source code)
• nessus_tools-1.2-win32-bin.zip (Windows binaries)

I do hope that others find these additions useful. I really hate it when testers have to spend time on low level findings. Yes they still need to be looked at and written up, but testers should be focusing on the interesting stuff.

• Attended 26 events – a combination of conferences, workshops, and training classes.
• Launched another startup.
• Built several applications that are in use by many today.
• Last year’s startup is gaining more traction.
• Traveled 12 times, being on the road for 46 days.

Hopefully next year will be just as productive, with less time on the road. Thanks to all that helped and supported me through all my various projects.

The rest of the year doesn’t seem that bad. I have one or two more business trips, and then some well needed vacation time. The hard question is if I want to do more traveling during my vacation time. I enjoy traveling and love to explore, but my body might be exhausted by then.

I finally got a room with a decent view this time. Is this Encore hotel an extension to Wynn, or a separate thing? I’m starting to get confused on all these brand expansions. Venetian has the Palazo, and Mandalay Bay has THEhotel. 

Speaking of back home, my sister and her family visited me yesterday. I haven’t seen my nieces in a while and they are growing quickly. Here is a cute picture of Ashley.

And tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter! Remember to drink lots of water and try to stay cool out there.

I’m on a two week assignment in Kansas City right now. It’s been a while since I’ve been here, and I’m glad it not super hot / humid. I’ll also be working nights, so lets hope that my sleep schedule doesn’t get too mixed up.

The Sprint Center is now open, and there has been a lot of development in that area, now called the Power and Light District. The area brings a much needed life back to downtown Kansas City. One restaurant that I am looking forward to is Jack Stack. I hear their ribs and burnt ends are amazing. Anyone else have recommendations on what to do in Kansas City?

This week I am at the Marriott Hotel at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the Hacker Halted conference. The hotel is right on the beach, and the weather is quite nice (not too hot, not too humid).

The conference will take up most of my time here, but I hope to visit the new Hard Rock Park, and Broadway at the Beach at night. One thing I didn’t see were volleyball courts on the beach :( Maybe I will just go for a nice run along the shore.

My next goal might be to get #1 for just my first name in Google, but I doubt that will happen. I think the metal detectors company will out rank me on that one. But maybe with the help of the blogosphere, this site will get at least to the top ten in Google when searching for Garrett.

While the concept of outsourcing is not new, there has been a big trend of personal assistants to perform your every-day tasks. Things like buying groceries, setting up appointments, and writing thank you cards. Many people outsource functions like house cleaning and gardening, but how about having someone cooking for you?

In today’s world where everyone seems busy, hiring a personal assistant could free up some valuable time. But is it worth your money? This is where I have a hard time evaluating the worth. If it was for business, you could easily figure out if its worth the money to outsource. But when it comes to your personal life, its extremely hard to associate value to time. If you weren’t cooking for an hour, you could be spending time with your kids. You can’t associate cost to that.

The video is online, and their web site has a list of the personal assistant companies they covered. Tim Ferriss, the person behind the 4-Hour Workweek book also has a good list of resources for personal outsourcing.

So have you outsourced anything in your life? What was it? I am somewhat interested in having someone cook for me. I do like cooking though, so we will see. Maybe I’ll try it out and report back.