Book Reviews


[Day Permalink] Monday, March 31, 2003

[Item Permalink]  -- Comment()
The Search for Total Information: "The federal government's Total Information Awareness program promises to consign Google to the Stone Age. So what's all the fuss? A commentary by Howard Bloom from Wired magazine." [Wired News]


[Item Permalink] How to oppose the US hegemony? -- Comment()
I have been thinking of way how to demonstrate against the US war in Iraq. I'm not for Saddam, that is for sure, but I'm also against the war in Iraq. I didn't come up with really good actions, but here is a start on demonstrating:
Boycott those US companies which profit the most from the killing and suffering in Iraq
This is not easy, because the American companies seem to be everywhere. Think about computers: IBM, Microsoft, Sun, Apple. Which ones to boycott? For example, Macs are used in the war, but on the other hand Apple released a press release titled Bush Demands Recount In Gore's Board Election when Al Gore was elected to the board of directors. Was this a gesture against the war?
Call USA the evil empire or the politically correct killing machine in all contexts
This is also difficult, for example when writing a scientific paper. And even if the actions of the Unites States are problematic, there are also good things about USA. Although I don't remember any at the moment.
Write to the media and local politicians
This seems to be a good tactic, but writing sensible things about the war is difficult when your emotions are on the surface. On the other hand, angry writing is sometimes the best writing.
Put an anti-war logo on your web pages
This could help to visualize the protest. A good choice seemed at first the Piss off the planet graphic at the Onion, but perhaps this formulation is not precise enough.
Support the Iraq casualties through Red Cross or United Nations
This seems to be a sensible choice. However, I hope the aid through these organizations is not interpreted as aid given by the occupying forces.


[Item Permalink] Digital camera, finally? -- Comment()
I'm once again seriously considering a digital camera. My old 35mm SLR and my new APS zoom have become a bit awkward, when I mostly view my photos on the iBook.

The Canon PowerShot S400 (Digital IXUS 400) seems a competent choice. The resolution is 4.0 megapixels, and the camera has a 3x optical zoom. According to reviews, the photo quality is excellent. And the usability and features are not bad either. Most of all: the camera is small and light enough to be taken everywhere. But I'll check the alternatives before buying.