Two-Factor Absurdity

I find it ironic that as a human being, I have to prove that I am a human being to online robots about half a dozen times a day. One machine won’t let me access another machine without getting my personal details, a password, sending a 7 digit code to the cell phone I can’t find or making me click on the 5 school buses out of the 9 pictures in the puzzle.

Two-Factor Authentication has become Too Factor Absurdity. People hate it.

I recognize it’s a balance between security and convenience, but c’mon there has to be a better way. I can understand why my bank has 2FA. It’s to safeguard my money and prevent bad guys from getting access to my money. But every site seems to have some sort of security barrier that interrupts my web surfing. I forgot the password, because they made me change it the last time I forgot the password and it won’t let me use the password I can easily remember.

If your phone dies, you get a new device, or you are traveling without iPhone or iPad, you risk being completely locked out of your Apple account.

For the life of me I can’t figure out why Kroger and Walmart have such high security. If someone breaks into my grocery account and wants to buy me some beer or brownies, go for it. I won’t be upset.

The more security layers that companies stack on top, the less convenient they become. And convenience is the cornerstone of online shopping. We buy everything online because it’s more convenient than going to the store. I had to take a selfie and upload my driver’s license and answer personal details to book an AirBNB last week. Is that 3 Factor Authentication?

What’s the future hold? More hurdles for the consumer or smarter, more convenient ways to access our own accounts and data?

Maybe we can start a petition on Change.org. On second thought, forget it. In order for people to sign the petition, they need to 2-step verification.

We’re doomed.

MONDAY:

BUCKLE UP, RAMS

In our continued expansion of our safety campaign in partnership with Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and Drive Smart VA, we’re getting on-campus and in front of our very own VCU Rams! Check out our hyper-local rollout and art inspired by Richmond’s own murals.

TUESDAY:

LIGHTS, CAMERA, PIZZA!

Tuesday, our creative team joined forces with the powerhouses at Spang TV to make pizza-perfect magic at Zorch’s Forest Hill Pizza Parlor, while shooting their first TV commercial. From early load-in to final “Cut!”, this project has been a delicious and exciting experience and we can’t wait for you to see it. If you simply can’t wait, don’t worry – you can grab a slice from Zorch in Carytown or head out to the Forest Hills location to see where the spot got made.

WEDNESDAY:

FLY OVER TO THE TEXAS INN

There’s never been a better time to grab game-changing grub before, during, or after a game at Richmond’s recently debuted Carmax Park! Texas Inn in Richmond is kickstarting a tasty collab with the Richmond Flying Squirrels: get 20% off Texas Inn grub with a same-day game ticket stub! 9 innings have never tasted better when you kick off – or end! – your night with a delicious cheesy, hot dog, or chili bowl “all the way.” And less than a mile from the stadium, right on Boulevard, you can skip the stadium prices and eat your faves. Promo starts Monday, 6/15. Don’t miss out!

THURSDAY:

DAVE GOES TO DOLLYWOOD

I write this week’s missive from beautiful downtown Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where I am visiting my daughter. We braved the heat and the mountainous terrain of Dollywood. I drank 7 bottles of water, one for each hour I spent meandering through the park. If you’ve never been to Dollywood, I highly recommend it. Great rides, exhibits and it’s the ultimate place to explore your inner redneck. The star of the show? Dolly’s Cinnamon Bread. 5 stars.

FRIDAY:

HOT WEEKEND

I jumped on WRVA this morning and listed off lots of things to do and ways to cool off this weekend with Rich Herrera on Richmond’s Morning News. Highlights included Richmond Sail Fest, Bucko’s Album Party at the Camel, and the Richmond SPCA’s Big Ass*tronomical Pet adoption Bonanza at Richmond Raceway. ICYMI, here’s the full segment.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Feel Good Event of the Week –

Richmond SPCA’s Big Ass*tronomical Pet Adoption Bonanza

Saturday, June 13
11 am – 3 pm

Richmond Raceway

More than 100 adoptable dogs and cats and puppies and kittens expected.

Adoption fees directly support local animal welfare organizations and rescue efforts.

FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY –

Richmond SailFest

Virginia Museum of History & Culture and RVA

Friday- 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Dock Street Park & Intermediate Terminal

Saturday- 10:00 am to 9:30 pm (Virginia’s biggest fireworks show begins at 9:00 pm)

Sunday – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

A fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships making their way up the country’s east coast Kicking off Central Virginia’s countdown to America’s 250th anniversary, Richmond will host several impressive tall ships along with dockside entertainment and concessions. This FREE, family-friendly, event with ship tours, live music and performances, historical re-enactors, exhibitions of history and art, and much more. The evening of Saturday, June 13, will end with an epic display of fireworks over the James River!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY –

19th RVA Latino Festival 2026

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

June 12, 2026: 7PM – 11PM
June 13, 2026: 12PM – 11PM

Tickets for food and drinks are $1 each.

FRIDAY –

USA vs. Paraguay – World Cup Group Match

Gus’s Bar and Grill, The British Embassy, River City Roll, Penny Lane Pub and the big screen at City Stadium – 9pm

Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentleman –

The National, 7pm

Tickets start at $50, tix.axs.com

Ryan Bingham is a Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician known for his cinematic storytelling and genre-spanning sound, blending folk, blues, country, rock, and mariachi. In addition to his award-winning music career, Bingham appeared on Paramount’s hit series Yellowstone for five seasons as Walker.

SATURDAY –

Bucko’s Album Release w/Flat Tired, Ma’am at The Camel

Casino’s and Landfills is the album

Doors 8pm, Show 9pm

Tickets are only $18

“The Internet is the first thing that humanity has built that humanity doesn’t understand, the largest experiment in anarchy that we have ever had.” – Eric Schmidt