Obituary

Famed economist and champion of freedom Milton Friedman has died. Some nice obituaries: The New York Times. The Financial Times. Catallarchy: “RIP: Milton Friedman (1912-2006)" and “Milton Friedman Video” (the latter posted by his grandson, Patri Friedman) Long or Short Capital: “Long Milton Friedman." David Friedman’s Blog. (Milton Friedman’s son) The Agitator: “Milton Friedman, RIP” Technology Liberation Front: “RIP Milton Friedman” The Only Republican in San Francisco: “Friedman passes away” UPDATE (November 27, 2006): Catallarchy has produced a series of postings on various aspects of Milton Friedman’s life and work from different perspectives as a tribute.

Adrienne Shelly, an actress who starred in Hal Hartley’s films The Unbelievable Trust and Truth, was found dead in her NYC office by her husband. She was 40. Shelly, an agnostic, was a writer and director of independent films as well as an actress. UPDATE (November 7, 2006): A 19-year-old worker, Diego Pillco, who was helping renovate the Manhattan apartment that was Shelly’s office, has confessed to killing her and hanging her from the shower rod in the apartment bathroom. Very sad. UPDATE (February 18, 2007): Adrienne Shelly’s murder has now been fictionalized into an episode of Law & Order that aired last week, titled “Melting Pot.” The episode is really a mix of Adrienne Shelly’s murder and Theo van Gogh’s murder after making the film “Submission” with Ayaan Hirsi Ali–the character Erin Garrett is a combination of Shelly and Hirsi Ali. She is found hanged in her film office, and to have recently made a documentary film called “Fire Under the Veil.” (Shelly and Hirsi Ali are both known for being atheists, but atheism doesn’t factor in the Law & Order episode.) This may be the first time when the murder of someone who appeared on Law & Order was fictionalized in an episode of the show. She appeared in the episode “High & Low” in 2000. ...

It was just a matter of time, but the “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray, not a crocodile or a poisonous snake. While filming his show at Batt Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia, he swam up too close on a stingray and the poisonous barb at the end of its tail penetrated his chest and heart. CPR was administered by crew members, but Irwin was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. He was 44 years old. ...

The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium ("(ISC)2")’s CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification is the best known information security certification. According to “(ISC)2”’s website, all CISSPs “are required to commit to fully support” the “(ISC)2” Code of Ethics. This code of ethics includes four mandatory canons: Protect society, the commonwealth, and the infrastructure. Act honorably, honestly, justly, responsibly, and legally. Provide diligent and competent service to principals. Advance and protect the profession.The second of these canons is spelled out in more detail with a set of bullet points, the first of which is: Tell the truth; make all stakeholders aware of your actions on a timely basis.Clearly, honesty is a key requirement of this code of ethics. An up-and-coming certificate for information security managers is the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification from the Information Systems Audit and Compliance Association (ISACA). ISACA also has a Code of Professional Ethics, which states that all ISACA certificate holders will comply with seven statements, the third of which is: 3. Serve in the interest of stakeholders in a lawful and honest manner, while maintaining high standards of conduct and character, and not engage in acts discreditable to the profession.Again, honesty is clearly a key requirement. I recently learned that these requirements are not met by a prominent information security professional who frequently speaks at high-profile security conferences, has held the Chief Security Officer position at Exodus, Cable & Wireless, and Savvis, has been Chairman of the Internet Security Alliance, and is Chairman of the FCC’s NRIC Homeland Security focus group on cyber security. “Dr.” Bill Hancock has degrees from a diploma mill, has repeatedly told false stories about being a Vietnam war veteran, a Navy SEAL, and a prisoner of war, and has lied about his martial arts expertise.