Published May 27th, 2005
in Entrepreneurship and Technology.
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I’m off to Japan in a few hours. I enjoyed my stay in Sweden, no major complaints. They do air “A-team” on standard television, I can’t believe I liked this show. Its really quite silly, how did Mr. T get anything done with all that gold on?
The best part of my stay in Sweden was meeting Ari Takanen CEO of Codenomicon. His company, which is actually based in Finland, develops protocol testing tools that include a VoIP auditing suite. It was great hanging with him not only because they are targeting the same markets we are, but because Ari is a entrepeneur and in America I unfortunatly don’t have many opportunities to chat with other entrepeneurs. It was really refreshing to discuss business tactics and game plans with him. It’s tough not spending time around other entrepeneurs because the mind of an entrepeneur is unique and hard for “normal” people to understand.
Won’t be having too much fun in Japan. All work, all day…
Published May 25th, 2005
in Travel and Technology.
VON (Voice on the Net) Europe is coming to a wrap. I gave a presentation on Tuesday on VoIP Security auditing and today (Wednesday) on Security Compliance management. My presentations went over fairly well but it was really hard reading the audience. I did manage to get one chuckle out of each audience, but I’m more used to getting 3-4! I was actually worried that they didn’t like the panels presentations until the moderator (who is European) explained that Europeans aren’t as involved of an audience as Americans. I saw the same thing in Japan. No one will ask questions at the end of a presentation. Instead they wait until you are leaving to approach you and ask questions. Thursday is the last day of the conference. I think I will propose similar topics for VON Fall in Boston.
I’m still trying to enjoy Stockholm. I’ve never really been a fan of European countries. I don’t really know why. France was the first European country I’ve visited and it didn’t live up to my expectations, so I think that soured me a bit. While Japan was the first Asian country I visited and it really blew me away. I’m going to try and make a run over to Finland on my way back. That is supposed to be a bit more exciting.
Published May 22nd, 2005
in Travel.
I’ve been in Sweden one night now and I like the country so far. Swedish people appear to be very friendly and approachable. Everyone speaks English fluently, even older people. The service is great and I compare the service industry in Japan with every country I ever visit and Sweden is just about on par with Japan. Spain on the other hand was far worse.
- Big Brother is still a big show in Sweden.
- They have a primetime Survivor show here where children compete with children.
I once worked with a Swedish guy who was extremely competitive. I wonder if competition is a national theme in this country.
- Everyone in the country seems to be relaxed and layed back. I think the 40% income tax they pay may have a numbing effect.
Published May 20th, 2005
in Travel and Technology.
I’m preparing for my flight in a few hours to Sweden. I’ve been traveling so much lately that I can pretty much pack for a week in about 30 minutes. This trip will be more like 2 1/2 weeks so its taking me a little longer. My lineup is Sweden first, I might make a day trip over to Finland, then eventually Japan from Sweden.
First I will be speaking at VON Europe on security compliance and VoIP Security. SecurityLab has been focusing a lot on VoIP security for our clients and as a result I’ve discovered some interesting flaws in VoIP technology. The most recent flaw published was in a popular sniffing tool Ethereal. I have three more advisories in other VoIP related technologies in the lineup to be published. So look out for those.
Japan will be work related for a client in Tokyo. Though I will try to get an extra day or two in to visit friends in Osaka. I think after this stint my travel will be limited to America. I’m just trying to rack up those milege points, I’m at 200K now, another 800K to go.
Published May 17th, 2005
in Politics.
I had a chance to speak with Andrew Rasiej while I was in NYC. I am absolutely convinced beyond a doubt that he should be elected to the position of Public Advocate of NYC. Andrew is challenging the political machine in a campaign that has all of the excitement and enthusiam of Dean.
Why Andrew Rasiej’s campaign is important…he has real ideas for improving NYC. Many of his ideas make use of technology in a way that would seem obvious to most computer literate people but have seemed to escape politicians and bureaucrats. Like creating a simple way to report potholes. Or ensuring that New Yorker’s can use their cell phone to dial 911 in the subway. Ideas that make living in NYC safer and more comfortable. He is embracing a policy of connectedness and empowerment that if successful will turn old school NY politics on its head and could be the roadmap for political campaigns throughout the country. Although Andrew is running in NYC his ideas are universal and that’s one of the greatest things about his campaign, for those of you following on the Internet 
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