About Thoughts of a TechnoGeek: This is where I'll post my thoughts, interesting articles, or anything else I want to. If you don't like it, don't read it. David L Brenner my email Subscribe Links
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Sat, 23 Aug 2003
Everyone knows that the last episode of Lord of the Rings is being released before Christmas. Well, according to this article at The One Ring there will be something special about the release. According to the article, the first two movies will be released in their extended versions in the two weeks before Return of the King. Then, the day before the official release, starting at 3pm, all three movies will be shown back to back. Too cool. This will be a limited release and tickets should be available for advance sales in September. I'll be in line! As most of you are aware, I have an interest in computer security, cryptology/cryptography, and the like. One of my favorite authors on these subjects is Bruce Schneier. He has written some of the finest books on the subject. His latest, Beyond Fear, is a departure from his previous writings. In the past Bruce has concentrated on the subjects of computer security and cryptography. In this book, he addresses security and the trade-offs associated with security in a general sense. He uses the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the "security" measures put in place after the fact as examples. It is a sobering look at security and how to weigh effectiveness against the costs. As with his other books, it is extremely well written, and is focused on the interested, but non-expert reader. He takes the time to explain concepts and put them in an appropriate context. Throughout the book, I was thinking, often out loud, "so that's why that is" or "I never thought of it that way". I don't run into that often. My biggest criticism of the book is the overwhelming lack of footnotes and references. He makes certain statements and expects the reader to take it at face value. It would be more satisfying if he gave the reader more information about where to check his facts. This has not been the case in his other writings. If the sources of the material are sensitive, then he should note that. Even with the shortcomings of the book, I would recommend this as reading for anyone in post-9/11 America. |