Acknowledgments

Like most people, I have a list. The list is made up of life goals and dreams—things I would like to accomplish at some point in my life. Some of the items on the list are big, some small, some well-defined, stable, and concrete, whereas others are more transient and ambiguous—like early morning fog on the Lutsen Mountains, constantly changing and moving, sometimes even disappearing altogether only to reappear at a later date and time. Obviously, the list is not a stone tablet; it changes and updates as I move through life. A few things, however, have never moved off the list; they stand as the Mount Rushmore’s in my life. Hundreds of feet high, carved into solid granite. Never changing. Always there. They gracefully weather the storms and vicissitudes of life and simply wait to be crossed off. Some are nobler, some are egotistical, and some are even whimsical. I have had the good fortune in my life to be able to cross off many of the items on my list. Even the big ones. This book represents the crossing off of one of my “Rushmore” items. A presidential face to be sure (although I am not sure which face it actually represents!).

As with most things in life, this book, the end product that you see, is the culmination of many people’s efforts and energies. So while I do get to cross this off my list, and while my name appears on the cover, please do not take that to mean that this book is my sole creation. Without the dedication, support, help, and advice from everyone involved, there is no doubt you would not be reading these words right now. Writing a proper “Acknowledgments” section by truly listing everyone involved would fill many, many pages—below you will find a simple attempt to say thanks. I apologize in advance if I forgot to mention anyone.

My Wife

What can I say that would justify or somehow verbalize what you mean to me? There is no doubt that this book is as much an effort on your part as mine. You gave me the wings of encouragement to fly and the dedication of long lonely days and nights while I worked on it. You never complained, never resisted, and were never upset when I needed more from you. Every man should be so lucky. I am who I am because of you. Thank you.

My Girls

To my little Liebchens—you are the light of my life! I apologize for all early mornings, late nights, and long weekends. Bring on the sunroom, Little People, Mary and Joseph, princesses, Barbie’s, and the Pirate Ship! Daddy loves you more than life itself.

My Family

Thanks to my mother and father for the gift of education and teaching me to understand the value of hard work and dedication to a project. Thanks also to my other mother, who dedicated countless hours to reading and correcting my initial rough drafts.

To the Syngress Team

Thanks for the opportunity! Thanks to the editing team; I appreciate all the hard work and dedication you gave to this project. Special thanks to Angelina Ward who ultimately earned a green light for the project, to Heather Scherer, my editor, for the countless hours and assistance, and to James Broad for the excellent eye and great suggestions throughout the technical review process.

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