-atlas wandering-
Bloggorama for breaking things

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And now for something completely different...

Ok, so not really. More of the same for the moment. A bit more on defcon capture the flag... hey, when the waves are high you ride 'em.

Start out with a picture of the last second the scoreboard was up (approx 15 minutes before the end of the contest):


And a few more links of interest:

An overview of the challenge (thanx drb)
Nice writeup by George Ou (famous for wireless security, etc... Thanks George!)
My previous blog entry
Article on the compentition(update: gone dead?)
CNet's picture of 1@stplace
Who are we?
Two of the team recognized by the local newspaper


I also received a great deal of positive feedback to my defcon talk, The Making of atlas. Thank you! Your feedback is very much appreciated. Things like "Here the clock is striking 0430 and I maintain a feeling of exuberant success.... In this week I've drilled through material that I used to shy away from and I'm sure hearing your talk had something to do with it." and "For the last four years I have yet to meet someone that could inspired as you were a inspiration for me at the end of your speech."

Wow. My humblest thanks. I have likely received much *more* attention for leading the winning CTF team... but these choice morsels of appreciation are the quality which cannot be compared. You, my friends, have understood the talk. It wasn't so much about in-depth teaching... but hoping to encourage others to take the chance and enjoy the process of growing beyond your perceived potential. Thank you. A thousand times, thank you.

On a separate note, I have a friend who is searching for something he will not let himself find... purpose. In his latest lament, he mentioned other people doing GREAT things and worrying that soon it will be too late to start and become great. First off, Mr. Friend, vocational greatness compares little with true greatness. I've known "common" janitors, construction and factory workers who are great.... and celebrities who were not. Look at Hollywood and you'll see a great number of celebrities who are not great. I'm reminded of a song by Barlow Girl. "I wanna be a star, but is that all I'm really here for? And if I'm not a star will it be ok? will I still be someone?" Hang in there. Life has many purposes.
The true impact of a life is not measured by the far away spectators, but by the people you touch. You've chosen not to have kids until this point. Not that they immediately "fulfill your life cravings" but they do give many opportunities to be great... or fail.
There is one great investment left in the world. Many will tell you it is real estate... but it is in other people. Caring for other people. You would bluntly label it "altruism". I would call it loving your "neighbor" as yourself. These are different. The former does not include the "love yourself" thing.
It's a long road, with many subtlties along the way. It is often your life and the way you live it which create value you will not immediately see. Surround yourself with a few good, kind, respectable friends of character. Let their company cheer you and their advice take hold. I believe this world was created primarily for our enjoyment and tending. Do some of both.

Your friend,
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