I read this when it first came out, then re-read. As a book, it's probably a 4-5. Greenwald himself has a lot of flaws but was undoubtedly (and somewhI read this when it first came out, then re-read. As a book, it's probably a 4-5. Greenwald himself has a lot of flaws but was undoubtedly (and somewhat accidentally, or at least despite his own efforts) at the center of one of the most important stories of modern times. There isn't very much new in this book vs. the huge amount of press coverage on the issue, and I definitely find the Snowden and Poitras takes more interesting than Greenwald's, but due to the overall importance of the issue, it's worth reading this book too....more
This was a really good book of “stupid questions” taken to absurd extremes and answered in a scientifically rigorous way. The author is the creator ofThis was a really good book of “stupid questions” taken to absurd extremes and answered in a scientifically rigorous way. The author is the creator of the xkcd comic, and a former NASA scientist, and is very good at doing analyses of weird situations (e.g. what happens if you throw a baseball at a batter at higher and higher speeds, ending up at 0.9c), clearly presenting some interesting scientific concepts. This would be a great gift for someone who is not yet interested in science and math....more
This is a classic business book about creating new markets rather than competing in existing markets. The core idea is simple, but the authors go throThis is a classic business book about creating new markets rather than competing in existing markets. The core idea is simple, but the authors go through a fairly rigorous (for a business book) system, including how to accomplish this with existing teams and organizations. They provide solid examples of products, companies, and industries where this kind of innovation has happened. Especially since it is so short and clear, it is a good book for anyone in business. It probably would be less interesting to the mass market because it includes mostly “how to” vs colorful examples, though....more
Really interesting first-hand info about how Russian spam affiliate programs work(ed). Interesting to learn that the downfall of the spam industry wasReally interesting first-hand info about how Russian spam affiliate programs work(ed). Interesting to learn that the downfall of the spam industry was basically due to a rivalry/war, followed by dox being dropped. Unfortunately ended right as all the really interesting new stuff (cryptolockers, etc.) became popular.
I had no idea most of the pharmaceuticals promoted via spam were basically good drugs, and how businesslike these programs were.
Solid overview of security issues at the intersection of government and the Internet
Overall, a great overview of government policies (what events wentSolid overview of security issues at the intersection of government and the Internet
Overall, a great overview of government policies (what events went into making them, what the agendas and goals were) as they relate to the Internet and cyber security. Both solid historical data and good analyses....more