Keep your finger off the trigger…we’re only at Code Yellow
July 25, 2004
As the Democratic National Convention opens Monday, the city of Boston will be under an unprecedented $60 million security curtain. Federal agents have inspected manholes, welding them shut for safety. Mailboxes and most trash cans have been removed from businesses around the FleetCenter, where more than 4,300 delegates and 15,000 members of the media will gather for four days. Interstate 93, the main highway on which traffic flows in and out of the city, will be closed during convention hours because it passes within 10 feet of the convention site. About 40 miles of roads will be closed in total. Full Story
The New Face of Terrorism?
July 25, 2004
A lot has been written, broadcast and discussed regarding Annie Jacobsen's recent piece for WomensWallStreet.Com recounting her recent experience on a flight from Detroit to Los Angeles. Jacobsen expressed sincere concern regarding the activity of several Syrian passengers on the flight she was on and her disbelief that they were, as described by authorities, a music group. Additional research has been conducted, including an accounting for which musicians were on the flight. If you've read the original account, you ought to read this follow-up article.
Upgrading Experience
July 24, 2004
I decided to upgrade my Apple Powerbook from the 12in model to the 15in one. Thus far, I am extremely impressed with how great this machine is. I've owned laptops from all the major manufacturers and this one is simply the best. In addition, they were running a special on iPods that allowed me to pick up a Gen4 model with the academic discount and a $200 rebate. You do the math.
Thinking Defensively
July 24, 2004
This is an article that was done last year by the Alumni magazine for Saint Michael's College. The article is available in PDF format. Download Devost-SMC.pdf
Failure of Imagination
July 22, 2004
Given I've briefed the term "Failure of Imagination" to thousands of people in over 100 presentations in the past couple of years, I thought it might be important to note the original source. Other things I heard that I agree with "America is safer but not safe" and "It is time to focus on need to share, instead of need to know".
New Book is Out
July 9, 2004
If you were drawn here basd on my cyber security and information terrorism material, you would probably enjoy my latest book. Copies are on their way to Amazon, so ORDERS should be shipped soon. Please feel free to let me know what you think!
Save the summer!
June 21, 2004
In talking with my parents and others on the Canadian border, I am amazed to hear the impact this is having on the local economy and the tourism industry. I am also amazed at the complete lack of attention from U.S. government to remedy the situation. What am I talking about? Visit RAISE THE CAP! for more information.
Hockey bonding
May 31, 2004
There is something about watching hockey with a three year old that lends magic to the game. Amazingly, my daughter comprehends the basics of the game. Since she ice skates on Sundays, she can relate to the flow of the game and the concept of scoring is not lost on her, nor are the many penalties of the game where players go to "time out" for being bad and tripping or fighting. It has been well worth the extended hour past her bed-time to share a period or two of hockey with her over popcorn. I also had the opportunity to watch "Miracle" last night with my brother-in-law. It was a great movie and brought back lots of memories from the days of college hockey practices in the early morning and late on Saturday nights. Herb Brooks was…
Cyber-Terrorism – Broadcast Monday 14 October 2002
April 24, 2004
There's no evidence yet of genuine cyber-terrorism. But that doesn't mean it won't happen. Terrorism expert Matthew Devost says cyber-terrorism is becoming likelier for two reasons: firstly, critical infrastructure is increasingly migrating to the internet and secondly the attack tools are becoming both more powerful and easier to use.
Nine Hundred and eleven days later
March 19, 2004
As a terrorism expert, I was immediately confronted by the fact that under certain calculations, the bombings in Madrid last week were 911 days after September 11, 2001. Snopes.com provides on of the best explanations on the coincidence that I have seen to date, including the following explanation for why we care: So why do some of us continue to find significance in these types of coincidences? One answer is that it gives us back a sense of control over a world gone mad. Other than cower in our homes, we can do little to protect ourselves against an enemy who might strike against anyone, anywhere, at any time. Being able to find patterns, even obscure ones, between terorrist-related activities allows us to think that we can take back…
Quote of the week
March 15, 2004
"This is not like the Gambino crime family, a Mafia family, where if you just arrest the leaders it goes out of business," said Peter Bergen, a CNN terrorism expert. "This is more like a mass movement, and you can arrest as many people as you want. But it's very hard to arrest the movement of ideas."
Go Martin
March 12, 2004
Just a quick posting to draw your attention to the fact that Martin St. Louis is the current NHL leading scorer. Who says short guys can't play in the NHL?
There can be only one Jodie
March 3, 2004
At least from a Google page ranking perspective. When it comes to being number one on Google, this is the only Jodie I can endorse.
I was only kidding about the terrorists folks…
February 12, 2004
But this analyst can't resist. "With the open source community, there are a large percentage of tinkers and 'ankle biters' who are trying their hand at hacking. Some are even communicating with each other. So it only takes one or two of these groups sharing information to be able to pull something off. When you have this type of passion, it's hard to fight because these people are like virtual suicide car bombers."