You too, can be a patriot! From softpedia...a kind of interesting thing about how interactive we can now be in warfare!
Israel supporters respond to the cyber-attacks launched by Islamic hackers through DDoS. A group of students have developed an application that allows Israel sympathizers to use their computer resources and Internet bandwith in order to knock Palestinian websites offline.
The online group calling themselves “Help Israel Win,” is distributing a Trojan-like application that enables them to launch DDoS attacks. Installing this program onto a computer will turn it into a drone, and will place it at the disposal of the hacktivists. What differentiates this tool from regular malware is that the installation is performed voluntarily by individuals who sympathize with Israel's efforts.
“Our goal is to use this power in order to disrupt our enemy's efforts to destroy the state of Israel. The more support we get, the more efficient we are,” the website set up by the group reads. The hackers included an uninstaller for the application and vowed to dismantle the botnet, once the conflict in Gaza Strip is over.
Bojan Zdrnja, security researcher at the SANS Internet Storm Center, has analyzed the botnet client application and concluded that it can be a serious security risk, because of its update functionality. By using this option, the bot runners could theoretically install additional potentially malicious applications on the computers.
“While at the moment it does not appear to do anything bad (it just connects to the IRC server and sites there – there also appeared to be around 1000 machines running this when I tested this) the owner can probably do whatever he wants with machines running this,” Bojan writes. He also confirms that the uninstaller seems to function correctly, as stated by its creators, but it would be useless if other malware is installed.
The botnet command and control server is located on IRC, and the application uses a legit IRC client library in order to contact it. The group claims that over 8,000 individuals have joined the cause so far by willingly installing the “Patriot” tool on their computers. The students have even gone to the length of translating their website in other languages such as French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, in addition to English and Hebrew.
This is not the first time when end-users have assisted hackers in launching politically-motivated attacks. A highly similar project was launched by a Russian group during the conflict in Georgia. The website encouraged Russian sympathizers to install a botnet client and allow their bandwith to be used in order to launch denial of service attacks against Georgian websites.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Yes, they hate health care reform... that must be it...
Blagojevich said he wasn't surprised by the impeachment vote, which he blamed on a Legislature that has blocked his attempts to pass, among other things, health care reform.
who is this player?
"Terrific 2H after [giveaway clue deleted - ed.]. If those skillzzz represent change in approach, this could be big. Especially Ctl and FB%, as BB and HR have long been his downfall. Add in peak age: UP: 18 Wins, 3.25 ERA."
No peeking!
No peeking!
Season's greeting from Briggs
Apparently I insulted either his photo taking skillz or photoshop skillz, and dis was da response...
If you didn't have enuff reasons to HATE him...
... News item: Blago names street for Cubs GM weeks after getting SWEPT out of the playoffs. Meanwhile, White Sox GM Kenny boy, who at least has a World(?) Series title for his troubles, is still waiting for an honorary street.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
and FURTHERMORE
When Kirk is kicking Burris's @ss in the fall of next year, people won't remember that Blago called the Democrats' bluff, they'll remember how quickly the Dems caved afterward.
Why the Democrats will lose the Senate seat in 2010
Because they think that "if a Democrat loses a U.S. Senate race in Illinois, it will mean that things have gone horribly wrong in the next two years, and Roland Burris will be the least of the Democrats' problems."
It wasn't that long ago that Illinois was a swing state (the Blagoviator is the first Democratic governor in, what, 100 years? Or did it only seem that long? And the last two went to jail too...). I'm not sure if George Bush did for the Republicans nationally what George Ryan did for the Republicans in Illinois or the other way around, but Dems only started winning every statewide election when Ryan became the poster child for political corruption, and the Democrats seem to have settled that old score nicely.
If I were Mark Kirk, I'd have my press release announcing my candidacy ready to fire off five minutes after Senator Blagovurris (D-God) is sworn in.
It wasn't that long ago that Illinois was a swing state (the Blagoviator is the first Democratic governor in, what, 100 years? Or did it only seem that long? And the last two went to jail too...). I'm not sure if George Bush did for the Republicans nationally what George Ryan did for the Republicans in Illinois or the other way around, but Dems only started winning every statewide election when Ryan became the poster child for political corruption, and the Democrats seem to have settled that old score nicely.
If I were Mark Kirk, I'd have my press release announcing my candidacy ready to fire off five minutes after Senator Blagovurris (D-God) is sworn in.
Jesse White Tumbles
Notice how eagerly he backpedals when faced with the horrific prospect of being the last one with his integrity intact...
Reid and Durbin said Burris' certificate, since it lacks White's signature, violates a Senate rule that has been in place since the 19th century.
"This has been a rule in the United States Senate since 1884," Durbin said. "We have never, ever (ever, ever, ever... ed.) waived this rule for any election or appointment.
"Everyone has to present a certificate, signed by the governor, cosigned by the secretary of state. ... So it's an important rule and one not easily challenged or changed," said Durbin, who noted that he has known Burris for decades.
White, however, disputed the claim that his signature was needed on Burris' certificate, saying Wednesday that he was the "fall guy" for politicians who oppose Burris.
"They could have seated him without my signature," White told WGN Radio. "It carries a lot of weight, but my signature is mostly ceremonial rather than being a point of law."
In other words, my opposition was strictly symbolic, not meant to be taken seriously, nothing to see here (move along), hey where are you guys going, don't leave me standing here, etc. etc.
Reid and Durbin said Burris' certificate, since it lacks White's signature, violates a Senate rule that has been in place since the 19th century.
"This has been a rule in the United States Senate since 1884," Durbin said. "We have never, ever (ever, ever, ever... ed.) waived this rule for any election or appointment.
"Everyone has to present a certificate, signed by the governor, cosigned by the secretary of state. ... So it's an important rule and one not easily challenged or changed," said Durbin, who noted that he has known Burris for decades.
White, however, disputed the claim that his signature was needed on Burris' certificate, saying Wednesday that he was the "fall guy" for politicians who oppose Burris.
"They could have seated him without my signature," White told WGN Radio. "It carries a lot of weight, but my signature is mostly ceremonial rather than being a point of law."
In other words, my opposition was strictly symbolic, not meant to be taken seriously, nothing to see here (move along), hey where are you guys going, don't leave me standing here, etc. etc.
That's a Tasty Squirrel (cont'd)
Just how did the Brits get such a poor reputation for food...?
Saving a Squirrel by Eating One
RARE roast beef splashed with meaty jus, pork enrobed in luscious crackling fat, perhaps a juicy, plump chicken ... these are feasts that come to mind when one thinks of quintessential British food. Lately, however, a new meat is gracing the British table: squirrel.
Though squirrel has appeared occasionally in British cookery, history doesn’t deem it a dining favorite. Even during World War II and the period of austerity that followed, the Ministry of Food valiantly promoted the joys of squirrel soup and pie. British carnivores replied, “No, thank you.”
These days, however, in farmers’ markets, butcher shops, village pubs and elegant restaurants, squirrel is selling as fast as gamekeepers and hunters can bring it in.
“Part of the interest is curiosity and novelty,” said Barry Shaw of Shaw Meats, who sells squirrel meat at the Wirral Farmers Market near Liverpool. “It’s a great conversation starter for dinner parties.”
While some have difficulty with the cuteness versus deliciousness ratio — that adorable little face, those itty-bitty claws — many feel that eating squirrel is a way to do something good for the environment while enjoying a unique gastronomical experience....
~
Saving a Squirrel by Eating One
RARE roast beef splashed with meaty jus, pork enrobed in luscious crackling fat, perhaps a juicy, plump chicken ... these are feasts that come to mind when one thinks of quintessential British food. Lately, however, a new meat is gracing the British table: squirrel.
Though squirrel has appeared occasionally in British cookery, history doesn’t deem it a dining favorite. Even during World War II and the period of austerity that followed, the Ministry of Food valiantly promoted the joys of squirrel soup and pie. British carnivores replied, “No, thank you.”
These days, however, in farmers’ markets, butcher shops, village pubs and elegant restaurants, squirrel is selling as fast as gamekeepers and hunters can bring it in.
“Part of the interest is curiosity and novelty,” said Barry Shaw of Shaw Meats, who sells squirrel meat at the Wirral Farmers Market near Liverpool. “It’s a great conversation starter for dinner parties.”
While some have difficulty with the cuteness versus deliciousness ratio — that adorable little face, those itty-bitty claws — many feel that eating squirrel is a way to do something good for the environment while enjoying a unique gastronomical experience....
~
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Ugh
Joe the Plumber to become war correspondent in Israel for conservative Web site
By Associated Press
12:58 PM CST, January 7, 2009
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Joe The Plumber is putting down his wrenches and picking up a reporter's notebook.
The Ohio man who became a household name during the presidential campaign says he is heading to Israel as a war correspondent for the conservative Web site pjtv.com.
Samuel J. Wurzelbacher (WUR'-zuhl-bah-kur) says he'll spend 10 days covering the fighting.He tells WNWO-TV in Toledo that he wants to let Israel's "'Average Joes' share their story."
Wurzelbacher gained attention during the final weeks of the campaign when he asked Barack Obama about his tax plan.
He later joined Republican John McCain on the campaign trail. At one stop, he agreed with a McCain supporter who asked if he believed a vote for Obama was a vote for the death of Israel.
___Information from: WNWO-TV, http://www.nbc24.com/
By Associated Press
12:58 PM CST, January 7, 2009
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Joe The Plumber is putting down his wrenches and picking up a reporter's notebook.
The Ohio man who became a household name during the presidential campaign says he is heading to Israel as a war correspondent for the conservative Web site pjtv.com.
Samuel J. Wurzelbacher (WUR'-zuhl-bah-kur) says he'll spend 10 days covering the fighting.He tells WNWO-TV in Toledo that he wants to let Israel's "'Average Joes' share their story."
Wurzelbacher gained attention during the final weeks of the campaign when he asked Barack Obama about his tax plan.
He later joined Republican John McCain on the campaign trail. At one stop, he agreed with a McCain supporter who asked if he believed a vote for Obama was a vote for the death of Israel.
___Information from: WNWO-TV, http://www.nbc24.com/
Well then... what was all the fuss about? I just wish we'd known this earlier...
Mr. Burris "obviously is a very engaging, extremely nice man," Mr. Reid declared at a Capitol Hill news conference. "He presents himself very well. He's very proud of his family."
more evidence that video games are bad for kids
Boy, 6, Misses Bus, Takes Mom's Car Instead
Sgt. Thomas A. Cunningham Jr. of the Virginia State Police said the boy is not particularly tall for his age and was "possibly standing" while driving the Taurus. Wilkins said the child had an idea about how to start, propel and steer the car from playing video games.
Aren't they cute? But they grow up so fast...
Boy, 4, shoots babysitter for stepping on his foot
Sgt. Thomas A. Cunningham Jr. of the Virginia State Police said the boy is not particularly tall for his age and was "possibly standing" while driving the Taurus. Wilkins said the child had an idea about how to start, propel and steer the car from playing video games.
Aren't they cute? But they grow up so fast...
Boy, 4, shoots babysitter for stepping on his foot
From 'Yes We Can' to 'Ubi Est Mea'
'Paying no heed to what's right or wrong'
"In accepting this appointment to the Senate, Mr. Burris has done what was good for him, paying no heed to what is right or wrong, just as he did with Rolando Cruz."
Attorney Lawrence Marshall, one of the lawyers who helped obtain Cruz's acquittal in 1995 and who is now a professor at Stanford Law School, said in a separate interview, "Then and now, this is really the same person and the same behavior, which is that -- although I don't think Roland Burris is an evil man -- I do think his career has been about one thing and one only -- the advancement of Roland Burris."
"In accepting this appointment to the Senate, Mr. Burris has done what was good for him, paying no heed to what is right or wrong, just as he did with Rolando Cruz."
Attorney Lawrence Marshall, one of the lawyers who helped obtain Cruz's acquittal in 1995 and who is now a professor at Stanford Law School, said in a separate interview, "Then and now, this is really the same person and the same behavior, which is that -- although I don't think Roland Burris is an evil man -- I do think his career has been about one thing and one only -- the advancement of Roland Burris."
Big shoes to fill, but then again he does have his own monument, so maybe he's up to it
News item: Senate Democrats plan to accept Roland Burris for President-elect Barack Obama's vacant seat.
Blogger's spell-checker still doesn't recognize "Barack Obama," or "Blogger's," by the way.
Blogger's spell-checker still doesn't recognize "Barack Obama," or "Blogger's," by the way.
Is there any question that he's the next Bears QB?
It might have been the final college game for (Ball State quarterback Nate) Davis, who has indicated he was considering skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft. He was 9-of-29 passing for 145 yards and lost two fumbles and an interception in the first half. Davis was not made available for interviews after the game. He was 0-for-10 in the second half.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
our long regional nightmare is finally over
Florida Atlantic 24, Central Michigan 21
Louisiana Tech 17, Northern Illinois 10
Rice 38, Western Michigan 14
Connecticut 38, Buffalo 20
Tulsa 45, Ball State 13
If George Bush's FEMA had a football league, this would be it.
Louisiana Tech 17, Northern Illinois 10
Rice 38, Western Michigan 14
Connecticut 38, Buffalo 20
Tulsa 45, Ball State 13
If George Bush's FEMA had a football league, this would be it.
How to flush $12 million down the terlet...
Warriors president Robert Rowell said recently that Don Nelson's job as head coach is secure.
"No, I've not given [Nelson's job performance] an ounce of thought," Rowell said. "Nellie's a great coach." This isn't surprising, considering Rowell gave "No Title" Nellie a two-year, $12 million extension this past offseason.
$6 million a year for a coach who has never won anything? I tells ya, Smiff could coach this team to a 10-26 record for just $1 million a year.
~
"No, I've not given [Nelson's job performance] an ounce of thought," Rowell said. "Nellie's a great coach." This isn't surprising, considering Rowell gave "No Title" Nellie a two-year, $12 million extension this past offseason.
$6 million a year for a coach who has never won anything? I tells ya, Smiff could coach this team to a 10-26 record for just $1 million a year.
~
Monday, January 5, 2009
Reid to Blago: this is how it's done
As reported in the New York Times:
Despite repeated threats from Senate Democrats that they would not seat anyone Mr. Blagojevich appointed, Mr. Reid said, “There’s always room to negotiate.”
“So you’re not saying no completely that he won’t serve?” asked David Gregory, the host of “Meet the Press.”
“That’s right,” Mr. Reid said, nodding. "There's always a deal to be made behind closed doors, especially for something so phokking golden."
This will be fun...
Should we start a pool and pick a date for when he inevitably blows up and says something to the affect of "Fuck those fuckin' fans who come out here and say they're Cub fans that are supposed to be behind you, rippin' every fuckin' thing you do. I'll tell you one fuckin' thing, I hope we get fuckin' hotter than shit, just to stuff it up them 40,000 fuckin' people that show up every fuckin' day, because if they're the real Chicago fuckin' fans, they can kiss my fuckin' ass right downtown and PRINT IT! They're really, really behind you around here...my fuckin' ass."
ESPN reports that the Cubs and Milton Bradley have agreed to terms on a three-year, $30 million contract. That was the expected amount, but it still looks like a pretty poor deal for the Cubs, especially with Pat Burrell signing for $16 million over two years on the same day. Bradley may or may not still be an above average defensive outfielder. What we can be relatively certain of is that he won't be a healthy one for long. Bradley has played in 130 games just once in his career. He's an underrated star when he's on the field, but he's not worth a $30 million commitment.
~
ESPN reports that the Cubs and Milton Bradley have agreed to terms on a three-year, $30 million contract. That was the expected amount, but it still looks like a pretty poor deal for the Cubs, especially with Pat Burrell signing for $16 million over two years on the same day. Bradley may or may not still be an above average defensive outfielder. What we can be relatively certain of is that he won't be a healthy one for long. Bradley has played in 130 games just once in his career. He's an underrated star when he's on the field, but he's not worth a $30 million commitment.
~
The Final Outrage
Buffalo loses to UConn 38-20 in the International Bowl in Toronto (the MAC now losing in foreign countries), to bring their conference bowl record to 0-4.
Meanwhile, after Ohio St. loses to Texas, the Big Ten will finish at 1-6 (and that doesn't even include Michigan, who sucked so bad they didn't qualify for a bowl).
Resolved: the Midwest needs to take a break from college football next year.
~
Meanwhile, after Ohio St. loses to Texas, the Big Ten will finish at 1-6 (and that doesn't even include Michigan, who sucked so bad they didn't qualify for a bowl).
Resolved: the Midwest needs to take a break from college football next year.
~
Potty Mouth
The Corporal and I saw this live on New Year's Day. It was funny as hell at the time, I had to rewind the DVR to make sure. That's what CNN gets - you can't expect Kathy Griffin to play it str8 for hours on end now can you?
When in doubt...
...put your money on whitey keeping darky down as the most likely explanation...
Johann Hari You Are Being Lied to About Pirates
Johann Hari You Are Being Lied to About Pirates
NYT pushes LoC's Count Dickula meme
"Mr. Cheney, of course, retreats from sunshine with the wariness of Alucard. . ."
Match Made in Heck
Jay Mariotti joins AOL Sports
So you left the World's Awfulest Newspaper (tie) because it and other newspapers were going to die. Then you go to AOL? Yeah, that's a winner. You guys have fun together
So you left the World's Awfulest Newspaper (tie) because it and other newspapers were going to die. Then you go to AOL? Yeah, that's a winner. You guys have fun together
Sunday, January 4, 2009
I can't tell if he thinks this is SHOCKING or not
"Michael Lewis, a contributing editor at Vanity Fair and the author of 'Liar’s Poker,' is writing a book about the collapse of Wall Street." He wrote in today's NYT:
...
Created to protect investors from financial predators, the [SEC] has somehow evolved into a mechanism for protecting financial predators with political clout from investors.
...
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