Attack of the Network Nazis

I completely understand my client's need for security and support all of their policies. It just seems to me that infrastructure security is always around 7 steps behind the mainstream.
What did I do? I spent the next 15 minutes getting the mail from my cell phone, which has a browser. Not comfortable, but workable. There were a couple of important messages. I needed to know about them, on somebody else's clock or not.
If anything, I feel really sorry for those who are responsible for network and systems security. I've written a couple of security systems, and it's enough to drive you nuts. Some places will spend millions on security software and services and then allow people to bring cameras and USB drives to work. Go figure.
To me, the computer is an extension of my brain, not a communications device. I need to be plugged-in wherever I go -- things happen, and I need to know about them. I know, I'm unusual that way, I guess. But things like instant messaging? Groupware? Blogging? Why would any competitive organization sacrifice these productivity enhancers?
Like I said, I'm glad I'm not responsible for it. Later that day, I checked the weather on the computer (hey, is looking at the weather going to give nuclear missile secrets to the Soviets?) It came up fine, although I was nervous the entire time. Two or three little boxes on the page were blocked -- I could see the big "WARNING" message showing through them. E-gads! You can't trust anyone!
Now I really feel awful. Coppers! You'll never take me alive!