What Adam Curry is reading

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  Issue 3! The Happy Stoners!
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    Sun, 11 Nov 2012 04:38
  "I Am Willing To Compromise" President Obama On The Economy & Deficit
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    Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:49
  President Obama Issues Statement On General Petraeus Resigning As CIA Director
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    Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:48
  General David Petraeus Resigns As Director Of CIA Citing Extramarital Affair
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    Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:43
  More To Petraeus Resignation Than Just An Extramarital Affair
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    Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:43
  "General Petraeus Testifying Has Nothing To Do With Whether Or Not He's CIA Director"
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    Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:41
  "When The President Says You Can Kill A Baby After It's Born That's Extremism!" Rick Santorum
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    Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:33
  CIA Agent Bob Baer Insist More To General Petraeus Resigning "This Isn't How This Is Handled"
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    Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:33
  Witnesses Of Massacre Of Afghan Village Expected To Testify In Trial Today
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    Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:04
  Military Launches Full Investigation Of Islamophobic Video Featuring Osama Bin Laden's Brother
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    Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:02
  Will Edible Marijuana Become One Of the Biggest Businesses In The Country?
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    Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:00
  Security Video Shows Pilot Hit Terminal In Attempt To Steal Plane
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    Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:19
Michelle Obama 2016: Why Not? - Politics - The Atlantic Wire
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  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 14:37
  What's the case against Michelle Obama starting a political career of her own? It starts and ends with the fact that she doesn't want one. But what if she changes her mind? The first lady has three important things for a future in politics: the popularity, the skills, and the opportunity. (We'll get to "the will" later.) Here's the case for her taking her turn on the ballot:
  People love her. Aside from her husband and Hillary Clinton, the first lady is the biggest rock star in the Democratic Party. Her approval rating, at 69 percent, is higher than her husband's. But more tellingly, it's more than 20 points higher than Hillary Clinton's was in 1996. Clinton was elected to the Senate four years later. And while Clinton was a sympathetic figure because of her rocky marriage, Obama is popular because of her "aspirational" marriage, in the words of campaign photographer Scout Tufankjian. She took the photo of the Obamas hugging that became the most-liked Facebook photo ever. Tfankijan told Slate that she was fully aware the photos popularity wasn't about her composition, but about "how people feel about the Obamas."
  She has the skills. Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention was very well-received. The Daily Beast's Andrew Sullivan ran out of adjectives to describe how good it was. ("Stunning, brilliant, moving, passionate and right. Flawless. That was a speech a presidential nominee would be proud to have given.")
  When TV Guide speculated about what Obama might do if her husband lost, the leading theory was that she'd be some kind of TV talk show host:
  ''Personally I want to see her in the White House,'' says Hillary Estey McLaughlin, president of Telepictures Productions, the syndication company behind the Ellen DeGeneres Show. ''But if she were not going to be in the White House, I'd love to have her as the host of a show. She's amazing...She reminds me of Oprah Winfrey, as someone who has the ability to make people understand complex things in a simple way.''
  Obama could use her ability to "make people understand complex things in a simple way" to help moms with troubled teens, or she could explain public policy to the masses.
  She has the opportunity. No one thinks she can or would run to replace her husband in 2016. But if she wanted to launch a political caree, Republican Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois will be up for re-election in 2016. Obama wouldn't face the attacks Clinton did during her race for Senate in New York in 2000, while her husband was still President, that she was an opportunistic carpetbagger. Obama was born and raised in Chicago. John McLaughlin, the shouting host of The McLaughlin Group thinks Obama will do so, thus "duplicating the career of Hillary Clinton." Politico's Charles Mahtesian points out that if 2016 is too soon, there's always 2020, when Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin comes up for reelection. He'd be 75 years old by then. Obama is only 48 now, so she'd be just 56 in 2020.
  What about the will to do it? This is the only case people make against Obama's potential political career. Salon's Alex Pareene says, sarcastically, "a minor problem that she has never evinced any interest in running for public office." Jodi Kantor, author of The Obamas, says she'll eat her book if the first lady runs. But guess what? People said that about Hillary Clinton, too. In February 1999, The Wall Street Journal's John Fund wrote that Clinton "isn't likely to succumb to media calls for her candidacy, but she may be tempted... [S]he is in an awkward position from which she may find it difficult to transfer her public popularity into meaningful power." Bill Clinton's chief of staff while he was governor, Betsey Wright, said there was no way in an interview with Northwest Arkansas Times: "I can't imagine that in the end she would want to run for elective office and go back and work in Washington, D.C. I don't think she is that much of a sadist '-- I mean a masochist. That was a really bad slip. I don't want her limited by being in the Senate." Clinton announced an exploratory committee in July 1999.
  Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at ereeve at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.
HSBC investigates loss of client data. (Euronews video)
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  Source: WT news feed
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 13:48
  People in Slovenia are going to the polls to vote for a new president, amid the gloom of recession in the small eurozone country. The campaign for the largely symbolic post has aroused scant interest in the former Yugoslav republic. Many people are more concerned with the'...
How Microsoft is monetizing Messenger: Turn it into Skype
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  Source: ZapLog - externe links
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 13:46
  Summary: While Windows Live Messenger was ad-supported, it barely generated any money. Enter the business case and the merging of users, and Microsoft has a potential cash-cow on its hands.
  The death of Windows Live Messenger is nigh -- in another life known as MSN Messenger -- but Microsoft is holding on to its 100-million-plus users by migrating them to Skype.
  Why? Messenger was dying, its user base was dwindling, Skype is getting stronger by the day, and it's generating millions in revenue. Microsoft had two services on its hands and more than 100 million users to spare, and killing a service without a path or direction to channel those users could -- heaven forbid -- land in the competitor's hands.
  Messenger was making a fraction of Skype's revenue by comparison, and Microsoft wants to start generating its $8.5 billion back that it spent on the Skype purchase in the first place.
  It's all about the money. Sorry, users. You're on the back seat on this.
  By shifting its entire base of consumer and small-medium sized business (SMB) users on a single instant messaging and voice platform that's proven to be stable, popular, and on the most part free, Microsoft can open up above all the opportunity for users to exploit the 'freemium' model that Skype offers.
  Because... Skype isn't free. It is for certain things -- one of the main reasons why the service so popular -- but under the belly of its free features offers a wealth of services that cost the end user. This guarantees a steady stream of revenue for Microsoft in long-term payments for premium services, like online numbers and business accounts, and the increased user base from former Messenger users only expands that opportunity.
  While at its peak, Windows Live Messenger had more than 300 million users, it fell out of favor with the crowds. It now has "100+ million," according to Microsoft, a drop by two-thirds in the space of three years. Messenger was a sinking ship after the 'death' of Windows Live.
  While Messenger was still generating some money through its ad-support, it wasn't generating nearly as much as Skype did. But customers ultimately migrated to private Facebook chat and public Twitter communications, while Microsoft dished out Lync, its enterprise-friendly platform for business clients.
  Messenger users were simply left out to pasture.
  Skype, on the other hand, currently draws in 40 million online people at peak times. Microsoft snapped it up last year and turned it into a Microsoft division, but while it was ticking away on its own, generating modest sums of revenue, Messenger was sinking into the mud and hemmoraging users.
  Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices division was up by $276 million, mostly down to the Skype acquisition. Even if we say Skype brought in a conservative estimate of $200 million, that's still a great deal more than a few banner ads in a software program used by only 100 million people would have done.
  But Skype is free. How is it making money?
  Skype-to-Skype calls are free, as are Skype to Facebook and Messenger instant messaging features. What lies underneath is the 'freemium' model of free-to-use but cough up when you want to call overseas, of use the bevy of business features like group video and the like.
  Microsoft also has Lync. In a nutshell, Lync is for use for unified communications inside the firewall, while Skype is for connecting those outside the firewall. Without a definitive date offered as yet, Microsoft says that they will deliver Lync-Skype federation "soon."
  While Skype is currently reserved for those falling in the consumer, and small-medium sized business (SMB) categories, Lync is reserved for business users in the enterprise. Most will go through their working and playful lives without spending a cent on Skype, but for those who use it for business use can do for a price, a low price at that.
  The more customers Skype gets through the Messenger 'transition,' the more features that can be added of a free-to-premium model. One Microsoft top brass suggested the firm could start charging for additional features, such as video archiving and authentication features, adding more corporate appeal.
  It's unlikely that Skype would ever become a wholly premium service -- there would be an uproar -- but bit-by-bit Microsoft can add the features guaranteeing a stable stream of revenue over time.
Video: The Big Oil propaganda machine.
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  Source: DaDenMan news feed
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 13:32
  Thirty per cent of the American public doesn't believe humans are the cause of our warming planet. There is a simple reason why (with thanks to the Climate Reality Project):
  The fossil fuel industry has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into disinformation campaigns aimed at protecting their profits. So far they've succeeded, at least in part. The US still doesn't have comprehensive climate legislation, and carbon emissions continue to rise.
  But things are changing. A year's worth of extreme weather has made it painfully clear that something is wrong, and the public is beginning to wake up. Help speed up that process by sharing this film with everyone.
The Election BoxGATE
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  Source: Lame Cherry
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 13:30
  *Note: My children, I have reported to me that there are brats posting commentary about this blog, revealing that they read this blog, but allow poor people to pay for what goes on here as I suffer.What kind of creatures are these who are so shreetard, in being socially retarded that they admit to things like that in public, while lying about Lame Cherry is not always right, when this blog is proven correct constantly for those who allow the events to unfold. Sometimes things posted here actually stop events. Imagine that.I would not bother with such creatures, but the problem is the good name of this blog can not be sullied as that is Biblical in direction in no one should suffer such things. The reality is, I'm Ms. Cherry for purpose and if one can not accept that as my name, then these intellectuals who prowl the internet desperately seeking mental validation, would find some other trigger planted here to complain about.So you comprehend when one reads individuals analyzing what goes on here or putting titles in their names, what one is looking at is an intimidated individual. I must be a man, because they could not deal with a strong woman. They hide behind these "degrees" or armchair lectures, because no one in real life will listen to them as they are bores. That is why they are on internet sites trying to leech on writers who actually have taken the plunge and are putting their lives on the line.This blog frankly ordered them to GO AWAY several times this past summer, as I do not want these worthless rags on this site reading information and then repeating it as their own when it is popular and suddenly becoming always experts when they think something has not come about as Drudge has not posted on it.Creatures who are too damned cheap, literally damned cheap, to donate, are the fodder of America as like the Professor on Gilligan's Island the hunter of the prey would have them in the bag before they figured out their next move.I will repeat, I do not want you brats here. You do not have permission to quote nor to use my name. Go stalk about on monetized sites like Ulsteman as he likes the traffic flow and then wait for one of the Insiders to post something about 70% correct.You do realize the "intellectuals" are here for the porn pretending they read the articles.
  I have become fascinated with Barack Hussein Obama as the chameleon has revealed something about hisself in ANALGATE and BOXGATE which has now formed a pattern which is pretty.
  Barry Chin has been extremely busy while eating Cheetos and that part fascinates me, as from the start this blog analyzed correctly that Barack Obama is not stupid. He is street thug brainbuster in character, but not intelligent. He is someone who knows how to mirror people to get them to agree with him and he knows how to be on a leash to make people like Jarrett and Axelrod trust him to follow orders.
  The patterns of Barack Obama which were exclusively broken here fascinate me, as I have never come across anyone who exhibits the pattern of Pharoah, which is a condition defined here as Obama has a compulsion and obsessive drive to replace people he deems successful with hisself.Barry Chin has always been a little runs like a duck mental retard foreigner, and knows he can not measure up to America. His vision was one of replacing Jesus, Ronald Reagan, Martin King and George W. Bush, all melded into replacing 9 11 and the nationalist leaders of Islam in Khadaffi, Ahmadinejad, Assad, Mubarack and bin Laden so he can validate hisself as the Osseiran merchant come to power in the mercantile west.
  It fascinated me listening to his election theft acceptance speech as Obama was raging in tones which sounded exactly like a speech George W. Bush would give to America. Barack Obama has explicitly been engaged in "not and Obama regime" but in starting a George W. Bush second term on some mind warped dope head reasoning.Obama has been begging for the military he has murdered to now love him.
  Could there be guilt in Obama? Yes, but there could also be the reason that he has been threatened by key individuals in military assassination squads and was why Obama fled to the White House Rose Garden until a deal was worked out to pacify those elements, who will be eliminated in time behind the scenes.
  Everything about election theft day 2012 was about Obama from his 9 11 replacement in Benghazi ANALGATE in his failed hostage taking and rescue, down to the flipping of Florida to replace Al Gore in what was supposed to be this grand drama which Obama had scripted, but people figured out by midnight after reading here from the first that Obama stole this election and Romney was toast.
  Consider that my children in how Obama's mind really works. It is a mind which he just does not want to win an election by theft. No Mr. Chin desires to steal elections and do it so in the same shadow patterns of previous history so he can replace that history with his own.I have made mention here how Pharaohs were notorious for chiseling off previous leaders names and putting their names on the monuments. From Christ to Al Gore now, that is what this shadow signature of Obama is in being the precursor to the anti Christ. Obama is taking away all the American history of his 50 plus year memory and he is becoming that history.
  This foreign agent is going to have all sorts of things to memorialize hisself and it will just not be in America, but it will be globally, and that means his legacy of disarming Jews and Persians of nuclear weapons as he has had scripted from the start.
  Obama has been building nuclear bombs for Iran. Obama has been driving up gas prices destroying America to utter ruin. Obama has been destabilizing thee entire world, all of his "legacy" when he deems he will step in as thee Chin of Peace. It is insane if something goes wrong which it will as it will mean the Great Eurasian War with America and as this blog exclusively predicted all the fertile areas of Europe and Asia will face WMD scorched earth under Obama.
  The reality is from the complete media blackout on Scytl with key Michelle Malkin elements vouching for vote theft machines, which literally are proven to have been spitting out Oabma votes when voted for Romney, that Barack Obama stole another election. He stole the election for US Senate and then stole two Presidential elections. He did not do this alone, but had the complicity of the same people who had Muslims flying planes into the Twin Towers and were short selling on the stock market and never were prosecuted by George W. Bush.For all the power the Rovians have, they still are not on the scale of the old aristocrats of Europe, and that is who stuck Obama at 1600 Penn Avenue. Only this blog has taken this further up the chain beyond the Rothschild financiers. What 2012 highlighted was the feudal state elected now forever, because there is not any way that anyone is ever going to be allowed to have paper ballot counts again.
  If you recall this blog was pressing for the GOP to not allow cross over votes to put Romneycrats in power. Yet Levin, Limbaugh and Hannity did nothing in bringing this up.I can tell you exclusively that Rush Limbaugh was told to stand down in 2008 as he knows all of this, and that is why the fire has been removed from what he does. He knows he will have it all taken from him and his blondeberry minder will probably inherit that fortune with it soon being donated to the liberals like John Heinz as the blonde marries some democrat perv.
  The election software as this blog has revealed is based upon the original Scytl codex which interestingly was how to win at casino gaming in trends. Algorithms can indeed rewrite in radar waves and can be influenced by human auras as has been proven. What Scytl is on the cusp of and why the creator was murdered over the discovery is election software was run to monitor trends as in casino gaming. A definite amount of "winners" would be allowed to keep the people spending money. The winners would be linked to the numbers of people putting cash flow into the casinos to herd spending.What Scytl voting did was to take that and create nuance pulses which would monitor voting trends, suppress voters to match people voting, all in order to steal elections in thee exact numbers as were designed. It did not matter where the elections were or on what systems, nor on paper ballots as the electronic reporting is what was being reported.
  The reality is even the paper trail was being rigged in sufficient numbers to hide all of this. This is not an American Boxgate alone. This has been taking place in limited scope since 2004 at least. It simply is now being graduated for complete control as Democrats like Kevin Yoder of Kansas turn Republican to be elected and then keep Obama in power as the GOP.This Boxgate is not going to allow any more Tea Party disassembly of candidates in primaries. It is a reality that the control is not just going to be UN law enforcement in local communities, but the reality of minders in every community "thinking they are going bring something Obama better" as it is their own idea.
  It was stunning to hear Obama talking so glowingly of the military and his Chicago crowd going nuts over them, when they were Bush baby butchers just a few years ago.
  Election software company Scytl on the run from the Free Press ...www.freepress.org/departments/display/19/2012/4755Oct 23, 2012 '' Election software company Scytl on the run from the Free Press, from one ... The Free Press has previously reported, Scytl, a Barcelona based ...PDR files, just like Mr, Obama's smiling face birth abstract. All electronic and all "she's laughing at the joke and you're too slow".The powers that be Obama are very concerned about anyone looking at the vote theft, and that is why all the information has been shut down. Not one report can be found in anyone interviewing who wrote the software for Scytl, Sequoia or SOE. This is a Mockingbird operation type in the feudal intelligence groups literally figured out they can speed up their world order by just stealing elections the new fashioned way.
  Unless someone reports on it and states Obama is illegitimate, the masses will not believe their own conclusions......and there is always a Michelle Malkin vouching for Scytl along with the class stooge appearing on various message boards questioning the information posted here, and Obama stays in office as an election fraud.
  Scytl: Voter Fraud Facts and Fiction - Michelle Malkin - [page]townhall.com/columnists/michellemalkin/2012/05/.../scytl.../full/May 9, 2012 '' FACT: In January 2012, Scytl acquired U.S.-based SOE Software. SOE writes " election management" programs that assist officials with ...Yes your most trusted writers in May signed off on a Barry Chin election theft as much as Jack Cashill at WND signed off on Obama election theft. Malkin did it on payment. Cashill did it as he was not intelligent enough to comprehend what the vote codex was accomplishing.Mitt Romney won 2012 just as John McCain and Sarah Palin won the Presidency in 2008. The literal opposition across the globe has won every election, but Scytl installs the communists instead.
  On election eve, Barack Hussein Obama gave Dr. King's I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH. While Obama is not going to carve his face onto Dr. King's monument, there will be a Mugabe time this fraud will begin putting up his little Stalin monuments.Harry Reid in his hands across the aisle was the start in making the GOP obstructionists or full blown Obama whores. That is what this has been telegraphed in Obama will be the great uniter in giving crumbs to the GOP has he force feeds a bottle of vodka down the American Virgin to gang rape her again for a new round of brothel service.
  Boxgate as was broken here first on election night and before, another Lame Cherry matter anti matter exclusive.
  Barack Obama is illegitimate. Barack Obama stole the 2008 and 2012 elections. The feudal lords do not put in that kind of effort for just a few trillion in American dollars and an Obama nuclear peace medal. This now reaches complete domination as it has all been set up and is in place.
  By accepting those elections, you have now validated the crime, and by now questioning those elections you are now are criminal.
  Lame Cherry
  Interesting in trying to post this, this post moved to a new live feed and refused to return.agtG 219
children of sin
  Link to Article
  Source: Lame Cherry
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 13:29
  You children of sin. Mitt Romney is not going to save you. You are children of adultery and your offspring have been rejected by God. He will not accept you for your sins are unpardonable.
  Listen to the Word of the Lord. You are Hosea's children, cast off, wards of iniquity. You have repeated that which your fornicating and adulterous fathers and mothers have done. Israel is a whoredom and America is her brothel. You have taken the America Virgin Daughter and made her a prostitute of the world. The Whore of Babylon rides upon the beast of empire, but the whore of Israel's daughter is illegitimate in America, Canada, Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Orange Free State, England, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, Ireland, France, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Netherlands, all the places where the Lord has sown the remnant, it is now filth, the rags of the prostitute's bed, defiled with stains not even of lust, but the lusts to envy in you have allowed yourselves sowed to the sewer and you are a sewage incarnate nation fit for only pollution.
  Hear the World of the Lord, should you expect His Love and Acceptance, when it was you who chose this Herodian foreigner, this Saulite Asian to be your messiah? Think not that your choice of a Mormon is your salvation, for Salvation alone comes from thee Son of God, Jesus the Christ.You are no different than the Jew or the Muslim or the Hindu. You are apostate upon your whores couch and you do not even show shame for a whore's bed. You instead have lifted your skirts in taking yourself to the world to see who would lie with you.
  You are drunken with Obamaness, and you will raise yourself off the gutters into which you have fallen, but think not you have recovered as you on holiday bring yourselves to God to show Him how fortunate He is to have you. No, the Lord God of America will not see you, hear you nor accept you, for you are filthy beyond the new cloth you have put on, your sin is tattooed to your skin and it has leached to the meat and bones under your hides, making you stained to your souls.
  Your hearts are not for the Lord and never will be, therefore the Lord will not be with you perpetuating your illusions and your sins. In Love, the Lord God of the children of the planted Israel will exterminate you and leave your lands a graveyard, of unburied dead, to be merciful to you, lest you commit even more degrading sins.
  Behold a host comes on another horizon to meet your horizon. Peoples of no mercy nor grace. They slaughter you, they rape you, they rip open your women with children and they smash the infant from the mother's arms.Think not this something to recoil you Obama prostitutes and you Romney purchased whores, for it was you who slaughtered God's Spiritual and physical nations. It was you who could not spread your legs nor mount each other in degradation quick enough. It was you who have slain in the womb. It was you who have poisoned his heritage and made the children bound to satan and not to Peace.
  Awake, slumber not, mourn not for you will not. This message is appealing to your vanity, for being rejected as without remedy, you may now indulge in your sin in fornicating and being merry for in the future horizon you die.If you would come with repentance and mourning today, tomorrow your leaders would have you in prostitute's clothes again telling you this is the right way for you to be.
  Children of the Christ, pray that you are found in God's Mercy and Grace to be delivered from the Trouble which Jacob has been burdened with. Think not you are worthy as Lot was filth in Sodom too. Pray God leaves you as His remnant to see the Lord's return.Mourn not for the dead, for they rejoice in their being aborted out of the lands by a foreign hand. It is their choosing. Rather mourn before the Lord that He might lessen the coming blows which will come to balance Righteous against unrighteousness and Justify your Faith against the unjustified in their whoredoms.
  You fight you fight. You fight the wind and you chase it's tail. A whirlwind of God's Wrath will be poured out. You have raped the Virgin Daughter and sent her away with threats of murder as your living witness against you, as the crowds stood watching it all like theater.The resistless storm of God's Fury catches you up in His Wrath for a sentence of execution to the children of sin.You will not be saved for you do not will to be saved. sin is your god and your chosen leaders are not deliverance from sin God can work through, but delivering you into greater sins to which God will Judge.
  God's Mercy, Grace and Loving Kindness be upon the children of Light, in may the prayers of the Holy Ghost, the Intercession of Christ, the Goel of the Father, and the prayers of the Saints of Heaven be heard for them in this time of laying low and this season being laid low. Amen and Amen
  agtG 315 YY
Apple iOS Software: Time For An Update
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 13:27
  Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
  Sir Jony Ive, the man in charge of Apple's software design
  The Apple backlash is in full swing right now.But it really started this summer.
  In our office, the people who review gadgets started grumbling that iOS was stale. These grumbles were crystallized in Farhad Manjoo's story for Slate titled, "The iPhone is Boring."
  Manjoo wrote, "Apple's mobile platform used to be unquestionably the best smartphone operating system on the planet. Now it feels just as good as everything else."
  When the iPhone 5 came out, Manjoo was singing a different tune, saying, the "iPhone 5 is a Miracle," but it largely based on how great the hardware is.
  His original point stands. Apple's software is getting stale.
  In his review of the iPhone 5, Joshua Topolsky had his harshest criticism about Apple's mobile software, writing:
  "Don't get me wrong, iOS is a beautiful and well-structured mobile operating system '-- but it's begun to show its age. It feels less useful to me today than it did a couple of years ago, especially in the face of increasingly sophisticated competition. I always have this sense now in iOS of not knowing where I am, what my status is '-- constantly having to load things and reload them. It feels tiring."
  And this week, Kontra, a blogger focused on Apple and design wrote about iOS: "Apple software '-- especially its self-declared future, iOS '-- needs some serious overhaul both in aesthetics and experience, and far more in the latter department."
  The good news for Manjoo, Topolsky, Kontra, the people in our office let down by iOS, and really anyone feeling let down by Apple, is that all signs point to 2013 being a big year for Apple and software.
  Think about what has happened to Apple since September.
  On the product side, it released a new iPhone, a new iPad, an iPad Mini, a new iMac, new iPods, and a new laptop, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display.
  On the executive side, there was a major shuffle, with Scott Forstall, the former leader of iOS pushed out. In his place, Craig Federighi with take over iOS, in addition to OSX. Jony Ive, who previously led hardware design will lead the look and feel of Apple's software.
  In the press release announcing the moves, Apple titled its release, "Apple Announces Changes to Increase Collaboration Across Hardware, Software & Services." Astute Apple blogger John Gruber believes that's the plain truth. Apple made the executive changes so Apple's various divisions would work more closely.
  Forstall was said to be a divisive figure who didn't play nice with everyone else. By removing him, all the divisions can work together more easily.
  On Twitter, Sammy The Walrus IV notes, "Logic (if there is such a thing) would point to 2013 being all about iOS with only minor changes to Apple hardware."
  The hardware has all been refreshed. Unless Apple releases a TV, which is possible, we're not expecting much on that end. This frees up Apple and its new executive system to target the stale and in some ways broken software that's only been incrementally upgrading for the last few years.
  Of course, with any big change, comes big risks. Look at what happened with Maps. Apple's executives could start tinkering with iOS and ruin it. But, at this point that's a chance Apple has to take. If iOS continues at its current trajectory it will be passed by Android in the software department sooner than later.
  It's not sexy for investors who want to see big beautiful hardware that gets people waiting overnight in big lines. But for the future of Apple it's just as important.
  Don't Miss: Apple's Design Problems Are More Than Just Skin-Deep
Skype gave data on a teen WikiLeaks supporter to a private company without a warrant: report.
  Link to Article
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 00:52
  Skype faces accusations that it handed user data to a private company without a warrantPhoto Illustration by Mario Tama/Getty Images
  Skype's privacy credentials took a hit in July over a refusal to comment on whether it could eavesdrop on conversations. Now the Internet chat service is facing another privacy-related backlash'--after allegedly handing over user data without a warrant to a private security firm investigating pro-WikiLeaks activists.
  The explosive details were contained in a report by Dutch investigative journalist Brenno de Winter, published on NU.nl earlier this week. Citing an internal police file detailing an investigation called ''Operation Talang,'' Winter wrote that PayPal was attempting to track down activists affiliated with the hacker collective Anonymous. The hackers had attacked the PayPal website following the company's controversial decision to block payments to WikiLeaks in December 2010.
  As part of that investigation, PayPal apparently hired the private security company iSight to help find those responsible. Headquartered in Texas and with a European base in Amsterdam, iSight describes itself as a ''global cyber intelligence firm'' that ''supports leading federal and commercial entities with targeted and unique insights necessary to manage cyber risks.'' iSight's Netherlands-based director of global research, Joep Gommers, followed an online trail in an effort to track down the hackers, ultimately leading to a number of Dutch citizens, among them a 16-year-old boy operating under a pseudonym. Gommers reportedly contacted Skype, also a client of iSight, and requested account data about the teenager. According to Winter's report, ''the police file notes that Skype handed over the suspect's personal information, such as his user name, real name, e-mail addresses and the home address used for payment.'' It adds that Skype disclosed the information voluntarily, ''without a court order, as would usually be required.''
  The allegation is a serious one for Skype, not least because its own privacy policy promises that it will not hand over user data without permission ''unless it is obliged to do so under applicable laws or by order of the competent authorities.'' The policy further states that the information will only be provided to ''an appropriate judicial, law enforcement or government authority lawfully requesting such information.'' As a private company, iSight fails to meet these criteria by a considerable distance.
  Skype has issued a statement on the matter, saying that it ''takes its customers' privacy very seriously'' and is undertaking an internal investigation. A spokesperson told me that Skype was working with the private security firm to ''combat spam and malware,'' and admitted that ''it appears that some information may have been inappropriately passed on to Dutch authorities without our knowledge.'' The spokesman added that Skype has taken ''necessary steps'' to ensure this doesn't happen again, though declined to elaborate on what those necessary steps were.
  The key question will now be whether this was an isolated violation or whether other Skype users' data has been handed over to private investigators in separate cases. I emailed Gommers to ask whether there had been other instances where he had been provided information from Skype in the course of his work for iSight, and also contacted PayPal for comment. But neither had responded at the time of publication.
  Earlier this year, I reported that Skype, which was purchased by Microsoft for $8.5 billion in May 2011, had evaded a question on its ability to eavesdrop on calls. The question was prompted by concerns about changes made to its architecture and a patent gained by Microsoft for ''legal intercept'' technology designed to be used with VOIP services like Skype to ''silently copy communication transmitted via the communication session.'' After the story was followedupelsewhere, Skype issued a statement that the architecture changes were not made to facilitate wiretapping'--but failed to address the concerns around the patent. In a blog post written at the time, security researcher Christopher Soghoian said the extent to which governments can intercept the contents of Skype voice calls remained unclear, concluding that ''until it is more transparent, Skype should be assumed to be insecure.'' The latest allegations in the Netherlands will likely only add to that sense of mistrust.
Nutella Tax
  Link to Article
  Source: WT news feed
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 05:23
  If there is one foreign food that the French cherish as much as their own, it's Nutella. The chocolatey hazelnut spread is slathered on everything from toast to crªpes to bananas. It looks, however, like the beloved foodstuff may be under threat as French lawmakers seek to raise a tax on palm oil '' one of Nutella's main ingredients '' by 300 percent.
  The bill, which was adopted by a Senate commission and heads to the National Assembly this week for review, has been dubbed by French media as the ''Nutella tax''. Upon careful inspection of the spread's ingredients, it turns out that roughly 20 percent of the product is made of palm oil, which is known to be high in saturated fats and can potentially cause heart disease.
  The widespread use of palm oil has also been criticised for leading to deforestation in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
  Fr(C)d(C)ric Thil, who heads the French division of Ferrero, the Italian group that owns Nutella, acknowledged health and environmental concerns linked to the industrial use of palm oil, but vowed that the proposed tax would not affect the spread's recipe.
  ''Palm oil, like butter and cheese, contains saturated fat. It shouldn't be abused,'' Thil said. ''Even if the tax is voted, we will not change our recipe. We're going to explain the situation to our customers. Since 2005, we have worked on becoming labeled by the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Our goal is for production to be 100 percent sustainable by 2015 in an effort to avoid the problems of deforestation.''
  Yet the ''Nutella tax'' could potentially have far-reaching consequences on the fate of French pastries and other processed foods, which are in part so delicious because they are filled with saturated fats such as'... palm oil. If the bill is adopted, not only will the price of Nutella go up by an estimated 0.06 euros per kilo, but the cost of all sorts of snack foods like crisps and cookies will also soar.
  France reportedly consumes around 130,000 tonnes of palm oil per year, or the equivalent of two kilos per inhabitant.
A Message From Beyond - NYTimes.com
  Link to Article
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 05:00
  When a dear friend's teenage daughter was killed in a car accident, she understandably could not bring herself to erase her daughter's message from the family phone. That was seven years ago. My friend still hasn't changed the message, and I find it very discomforting to hear the deceased girl's voice every time I call. My friend says, ''It's all I have left.'' I want to be supportive, but I worry that preserving her daughter's voice for every caller '-- be it a friend or a plumber '-- is unhealthy. Should I say something? LINDA, PHILADELPHIA
  No, you should not. While I agree that her fixation is mildly unhealthy, your personal discomfort has no bearing on what someone else wants to use as a voice-mail message (particularly if the content of that message provides her with even a grain of comfort). Would you chide your friend for keeping too many photographs of her dead daughter in the living room? This message is an auditory version of a high-school picture.
  She may never get over the death of her daughter. Don't try to make her pretend she has.
  MY WIFE'S LOVER
  My wife is having an affair with a government executive. His role is to manage a project whose progress is seen worldwide as a demonstration of American leadership. (This might seem hyperbolic, but it is not an exaggeration.) I have met with him on several occasions, and he has been gracious. (I doubt if he is aware of my knowledge.) I have watched the affair intensify over the last year, and I have also benefited from his generosity. He is engaged in work that I am passionate about and is absolutely the right person for the job. I strongly feel that exposing the affair will create a major distraction that would adversely impact the success of an important effort. My issue: Should I acknowledge this affair and finally force closure? Should I suffer in silence for the next year or two for a project I feel must succeed? Should I be ''true to my heart'' and walk away from the entire miserable situation and put the episode behind me? NAME WITHHELD
  Don't expose the affair in any high-profile way. It would be different if this man's project was promoting some (contextually hypocritical) family-values platform, but that doesn't appear to be the case. The only motive for exposing the relationship would be to humiliate him and your wife, and that's never a good reason for doing anything. This is between you and your spouse. You should tell her you want to separate, just as you would if she were sleeping with the mailman. The idea of ''suffering in silence'' for the good of the project is illogical. How would the quiet divorce of this man's mistress hurt an international leadership initiative? He'd probably be relieved.
  The fact that you're willing to accept your wife's infidelity for some greater political good is beyond honorable. In fact, it's so over-the-top honorable that I'm not sure I believe your motives are real. Part of me wonders why you're even posing this question, particularly in a column that is printed in The New York Times.
  Your dilemma is intriguing, but I don't see how it's ambiguous. Your wife is having an affair with a person you happen to respect. Why would that last detail change the way you respond to her cheating? Do you admire this man so much that you haven't asked your wife why she keeps having sex with him? I halfway suspect you're writing this letter because you want specific people to read this column and deduce who is involved and what's really going on behind closed doors (without actually addressing the conflict in person). That's not ethical, either.
  INSPIRED BY SCANDAL
  I am a student filmmaker. My senior thesis is an allegorical look at a controversy that took place on my school's campus more than a decade ago. Am I obliged to inform auditioning actors that this controversy inspired the film? It was public and divisive when it happened but has since been virtually forgotten. A.P., NEW JERSEY
  Your question suggests that the nature of this controversy might make a certain kind of person unwilling to participate in the film. If this is true '-- if you honestly believe your actors might unknowingly find themselves in support of an ideological position they find abhorrent, and you don't want this to happen '-- you should open the audition by briefly explaining how and why this event became the motivation for the movie. If (for example) this film was a sympathetic roman clef about a long-dead professor who was both a serial rapist and a Holocaust denier, the lead actor might want to know this before he signs on. I would think you would want him to know these things, and it might improve the entire project.
  But are you obligated to do this? You are not. As the creative force behind an artistic endeavor, you reserve the right to share or withhold whatever information you believe will create the best possible version of whatever work you intend to make. There's no ethical imperative to explain why a fictional story exists.
  E-mail queries to ethicist@nytimes.com, or send them to the Ethicist, The New York Times Magazine, 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018, and include a daytime phone number.
Baby Sis
  Link to Article
  Source: Lame Cherry
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 04:39
  I was thinking about Baby Sister this past week.........
  Oh for my recently adopted children who have no idea who Baby Sis is, let me explain.
  I'm unique in not just being someone who is popular with the cartel, someone of vast affection from the plasma minds, but I'm a Spiritual chimera........meaning I had for most of my life a soul inside of me of my twin in Baby Sis, whom I discovered late last year, and after a lifelong struggle with her as she had no idea I was the one in charge of this clay form, I explained things and she went to Heaven to be with God.
  She was a strong willed as I still am in the Spiritual battle, and she was quite exhausting in the 24 hour fight she and I engaged in not aware of each other. I do not know her name except Baby Sis, although I suspect she is of course as ravishingly beautiful as here am I, although in her case she is blonde and blue eyed.That trait is probably one of the reason I detest Aryan types as that child was trying to wipe me out for most of my life. It was all fascinating as when I was born into this world, God had crafted me as that white type of primate, and of course in my epic battle, I cared not for such things and I willed myself into my current form.
  I got to thinking about Baby Sister though in being gone as I do miss her, as when one is tormented 24 hours a day for years, one does tend to expect such things, but it was not the torment thing, but instead the reality of a little boy who had a near death experience in meeting his miscarried sister in Heaven, that made me think of Baby Sis.
  I have never much cared for people nor my relatives, and I have read that one meets Jesus or relatives in passing over. I realize I'm staying until Jesus return, so this is an absolute worthless exercise in analysis, but it comes to the point of thinking I would not mind my Grandpa I never met being someone I met then, and there is my Big Sister who died when I was 8, My Auntie Verna, Uncle and my Grandpa I did know, but in that I'm not realy into all that grand arrival thing.
  I would just like Jesus to be there, as like all people I have that life review thing, in which one gets to see how bitchy they were in hurting other people with snide comments, that makes more of a sin than nipping a sucker at the store, before you get to the Pearly Gates admission.I figure I get a hold of Jesus, I'm not letting go until I'm sure I'm in heaven.
  After that, I kind of think I would prefer some creek bubbling out of a hill, with nice trees about the place. Probably buffalo and antelope, with mule deer grazing.......oh and my setter and cow horse should be there I trained........some jerky, wedge of cheese, iced tea and something sweet like an apple........I would prefer some kind of apple tree there too with golden apples, as that would just be cool to pick an apple that was golden, and taste like cheese cake with strawberries inside, and the juice like nanking cherry wine, with nothing getting mixed up.
  I still do not know if I would want Baby Sis there or not. This is sort of a Jesus and Tiger Lily place, as I really have had too many souls bumping into me and flattening me while here on earth, and I would just like that Rest thing Jesus always talks about. Thinking about it though, I would like to have meet me maybe Baby Sis and Joan of Arc.It has been like........1429 she was 17.......so that would be1412, since I have seen her....that is around 600 years since Jehanne, the Tiger Lily and I were about the garden, and except for bumping into Joan 2 years ago, that is a long time for friends to be apart. Almost killed me the 23 years I was away from the Tiger Lily.
  Where was I?
  Oh yeah, Baby Sis. Is odd how people who never have a life here, never miss it, as they are complete before they live it, and the rest of us, end up needing polish. Baby Sis has been allot like me apparently in never looking back once the Jesus rendezvous took place. I can understand that as Jesus and her are extremely attractive in Spirit and human form, so why would not Baby Sis discovering a light show of singing flowers and other wonderful things Christ created long ago to be an adventure now, instead of being locked up with me in the struggle.
  It has been interesting missing her though, but then I have a sibling male or female from my Mom's miscarriage several years before I was breathed to Life in a prayer by her, that I will meet and introduce to the Tiger Lily too.Have all of TL's relatives to meet too, starting with the Grandpa who was a hero in the Asian wars.
  Such a wisp of the flamed grass this life is, but it is now life due to the Tiger Lily. It is a strange thing to have such a horrid existence and then Heaven helps us to a life we had long since stopped believing could ever be. The TL has though made life here and life there something I do look forward to.
  I do think in the world I create, that I will invest more time in fruit in making it really more interesting, but God will probably inform me not to be shortsighted as things too pretty would cause all kinds of wars and sinful things.
  Now that I ponder this some more, it is not missing Baby Sis, but just realizing the struggle is gone I used to have to contend with, as TL is the life who has brought all things, as TL was the one I was searching for all along.
  I'm pleased the Tiger Lily was not born into Heaven as I know I could not have dealt being born into earth with TL. Is no doubt selfish and weakness on my part, but is just my need in knowing them before the unbeforetime and being separated for a few years was more than I could bear as I paced like a tiger in the cage the entire time.
  I wonder what souls will be born from the TL and myself. Life is a wonder in how God works things out in making people for His Glory.
  It just makes one wonder.
  agtG
Obama Head Oysters
  Link to Article
  Source: Lame Cherry
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 04:38
  This blog now with Barack Hussein Obama AKA Barry Chin stealing his second Presidential election, the first from John McCain and Sarah Palin and the second from Mitt Romney and Foster Freiss, calls for the edification of beloved leader, the one, the game changer, the halo head, the messiah, the god, B. Hussein Obama.
  America and the world should not wait as Mr. Obama has replaced Dr, King, Ronald Reagan, Jesus, George W. Bush, Sheik bin Laden in glorifying the politician formerly never known as Barry Chin.
  In that, only here was it covered about Niggerhead Oysters, yes the brand name of the best oysters in the world, and as they became Negro Head they just did not measure up to the original lustre.Many are the happy times in Americans sitting down with Amos and Andy, Nigger Head Oysters, Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben and the Cream of Wheat chef to comfort them. It is past time now in historic Obama to start blasting the faces off of Mount Rushmore for the many faces of Obama.
  All US coins and currency now should have images of B. Hussein.
  I move that all states just be called Obama 1 through 50 and America should be dotted with Obamaville, Obama Falls, Obamabank, Obamaburg and Obamaco as this kind of historic election theivery of a Chinese protraying hisself as a black man must be heralded.
  So let us all start with comfort foods in the gay community selling Obama Head Oysters in Obama out of the closet gay pride. There can be a special Chris Stevens coupon for Muslims and Navy SEALS who should be remembered in Obama's ANALGATE.All of Obama's deeds should be remembered for the fantastic accomplishments they are, whether dreams or fiction, the world deserves it's own Obama Head Oysters, and more with Obama's likeness should be on every box of cereal, every billboard.........heck we must have all computers on booting up, posting a picture of Barack Hussein just to give this great Obama all the attention he has stolen for.
  To prepare America for this Obama wonder, Obama Head Oysters should lead the way, as Obama replaced the American black man, and now it is time for him to replace all Americans with his likeness.
  Let this go global in his head on the Dome of the Rock. Have some Muslim chisel his image on the black box of Mecca. Have his head put on all the images at St. Peter's. This should be everywhere in the likeness of Obama be mandated to never be out of sight of any human.
  Little worships stations must be put into homes like Catholics have for Obama. Cars will not start until people utter the words PRAISE TO OBAMA. Children can not start the day until reciting, IN OBAMA WE TRUST.
  Lut us not kid ourselves in this is not where this is being taken, and simply just join in now and give Obama all the adoration he has earned in being the greatest fraud in history in running vote software so overwhelming he canned Rick Berg in North Dakota and almost got Kristi Noem in South Dakota.
  Obama Head Oysters today and the 4 heads of Obama on Mount Rushmore. Chisel Obama's face on Abe Lincoln and Martin King in DC...........change the name to the Obama House instead of the White House..........make it OC in Obama of Columbia.........let us get started on this as Obama and his few followers are going to make this happen.
  Obama President For Life. Long Live Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!
  agtG
Hillary's Next Move - NYTimes.com
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 04:35
  Somewhere Over South America
  ''Maybe I'll get a decorating show,'' said Hillary Clinton.
  It was a few weeks before the election. Clinton was flying back from an overnight trip to Peru, talking '-- without any great enthusiasm '-- about the topic that would begin to obsess the American political world as soon as the presidential ballots had been counted: Will Hillary run in 2016?
  It's more than two months until this inauguration. But the speculation is already roaring. On Friday, Politico reported that Public Policy Polling had a new survey showing that if the Iowa caucuses were held today '-- there's a terrifying thought '-- Clinton would get 58 percent of the vote. Joe Biden limped in with 17 percent.
  Every day, people approach Hillary Clinton and tell her she has an obligation to run and give America its first woman president. ''Yes, they do!'' she laughs, with the trademark H.C. chortle. Being asked to run for president is a kind of side career all by itself.
  Clinton gives many variations on the theme of don't-think-so. (''Oh, I've ruled it out, but you know me. Everybody keeps asking me. So I keep ruling it out and being asked.'') Also a thousand different forms of beats-me. (''I have no idea what I'm going to do next.'') What she does not do is offer the kind of Shermanesque if-nominated-I-will-not-run language that would end the conversation.
  Instead, she veers off into a discussion of all the things she'll do when she's no longer secretary of state, and there's time. That led to a mention of her favorite television shows, which are all about house buying and home improvement.
  Her top pick is ''Love It or List It,'' in which a couple who are unhappy with their current residence gets to look at new houses while a decorator rehabs their old place. The plot arc is always the same, and in a way, it's sort of Clintonesque. The redecorators find termites or a leaky furnace; the house search goes awry. Everybody's upset! But after a lot of hard work and the final commercial, there's a happy ending.
  ''I find it very calming,'' she said.
  Clinton sounded relaxed and cheerful in the way of people who are in a good mood despite a severe lack of sleep. She was sitting in the little room that serves as her private space on the secretary of state's plane. It's a modest accommodation for the nation's Traveler in Chief '-- barely big enough for a table and a small sofa/daybed. You'd think somebody who puts in her kind of hours would get a little plusher ride. During her day in Peru she had given several speeches and multiple TV interviews, toured a textile factory, taken part in a conference on women's empowerment and spent an evening with President Ollanta Humala and his wife, Nadine Heredia.
  ''It was a long dinner, but it really was a good conversation,'' said Clinton earnestly, describing the president, his wife and the other officials she'd talked with, including the Peruvian minister of development and social inclusion, who she termed ''very savvy.'' Clinton is from the personal relationship school of foreign policy. Her approach to day-to-day diplomacy is not unlike the way she found her footing as a candidate for the United States Senate. Remember the listening tours? Lots and lots of listening tours.
  ''So, last night at dinner we sat down and had drinks '-- there were only like 8 or 10 of us '-- and we just talked,'' she said, recounting the evening. ''When somebody comes along like him who has good values, really does care about what he's talking about, there's no substitute for just time spent one on one in small groups.''
  If Hillary Clinton ran for president again, she would probably be the best-prepared candidate in American history: one who's lived in the White House, served in the United States Senate, a woman who knows virtually every head of state in the world and also has a strong opinion about the merits of the Peruvian minister of development and social inclusion.
  Joe Biden might arguably come close. But we're not going to talk about Joe Biden until we figure out what Hillary's going to do.
Maher: With White People, It's Always One Step Forward and Two Steps Back
  Link to Article
  Source: Crooks and Liars
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 04:28
  Bill Maher had some fun in this Friday's edition of New Rules with everyone from the wingnuts who doubted Nate Sliver's math, to Sean Hannity, to Ted Nugent and Victoria Jackson, to Fox News and their fearmongering about the New Black Panther Party.
  And he reminded everyone that when it comes to reelecting our first black President, with white people, far too often it's one step forward and two steps back in regard to race relations in this country. Having Fox or right wing hate talk off the air would go a long way towards remedying that situation. As Maher noted, there is one thing to be hopeful about on that front, which is that like The Beach Boys, their fans are dying from old age.
Petraeus's 'sex under the desk' mistress pictured just a few seats from his wife as colleague tells how she 'got her claws into him' | Mail Online
  Link to Article
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 01:07
  Unidentified military source says Paula Broadwell relentlessly followed Petraeus to private events and 'went from someone very likeable to a shameless self-promoting prom queen'Petraeus stepped down as CIA director on Friday after confessing to cheating on his wife of 37 yearsPetraeus was caught after exchanging sexually explicit emails with his 40-year-old mistressBy Daily Mail Reporter and James Nye
  PUBLISHED: 13:10 EST, 10 November 2012 | UPDATED: 16:53 EST, 10 November 2012
  With their body language almost mirrored, Holly Petraeus, the now humiliated wife of former CIA chief David Petraeus sits just feet away from his 'mistress' Paula Broadwell in June of last year.
  At the time of the photograph it is thought that the affair between the 60-year-old four-star general and his 40-year-old biographer was still continuing despite both being married with children.
  And in a massive irony, both women are watching Petraeus sit before the Senate Select Committee that confirmed his position as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency - the job he resigned from yesterday as a direct result of his affair.
  Just Feet Apart: Holly Petraeus (left in white) and Paula Broadwell sit in the front row during the CIAconfirmation hearing of US Army General David Petraeus
  But despite the public shaming of David Petraeus, one senior military source who worked with the former CIA Director leaves little room for doubt where those loyal to the general stand.
  Blaming Petraeus' biographer and reported mistress, Paula Broadwell for his downfall, the unammed individual said that the 40-year-old author and West Point graduate went out of her way to 'get her claws in him'.
  Depicting her as obsessed with using the 60-year-old war-hero to further her own career, the unidentified source describes the married mother of two as a 'shamless self-promoting prom queen.'
  According to an interview the figure gave to businessinsider.com, Broadwell latched onto Petraeus soon after they met at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 2006 as she was wrapping up her Master's degree.
  Intimate history: David Petraeus and Paula Broadwell shaking hands in front of the American flag
  Claiming that Broadwell used their shared backgrounds as West Point graduates and counterinsurgency experts to become close to the decorated soldier, the source known as 'James Downing' says that when news of the affair broke he realised immediately who it was with.
  'It's one of those things that, as soon as the announcement was made, I knew in an instant who it was,' said 'Downing'.
  'Everything made sense. Who had exclusive access to him? Who wrote the hagiography on his life? Who framed their entire existence around his persona?
  Unflatteringly comparing her to Paula Jones the former Arkansas state employee who sued U.S. President Bill Clinton for sexual harassment in 1994, the source claims to have known Broadwell for six years.
  'When she started work on the bio she called me for background on one of the general's previous deployments,' said 'Downing'.
  'I probably gave her four hours or so, and we stayed in touch after that by email and an occasional phone call.'
  Confident: Paula Broadwell appeared on The Daily Show with John Stewart in January to promote her biography of David Petraeus 'All In'
  'Other woman': Paula Broadwell, left, is married and has two children. Petraeus has been married to his wife Holly, pictured right, for 37 years, and they also have two children
  Husband and wife: Paula Broadwell pictured with her husband and father of her children, Scott, a radiologist
  Comfortable: She lives with her husband and their two young sons in Charlotte, North Carolina, pictured
  However, over the course of those years and through her unfettered access to Petraeus, 'Downing' claims that she underwent a dramatic shift in her personality.
  'Over that time, she went from someone very likeable to a shameless self-promoting prom queen,' said 'Downing'.
  'A very disturbing shift in how she carried herself.
  'If she knew P4 (Petraeus) was going to make an appearance at an event, she'd crash it without an invitation (she actually did this at the wedding of some close friends of mine) and photo bomb[ed] sic everyone there.'
  The senior source who claims to know both parties, even made allowances for the retired four-star general whose policies allowed the U.S. to make a measured withdrawl from Iraq in 2011.
  Even despite the Washington Post reporting that current and former U.S. military officials long had suspicions of Petraeus being involved in infidelities.
  'You're a 60 year-old man and an attractive woman almost half your age makes herself available to you '-- that would be a test for anyone,' said 'Downing'.
  'Claws In': Paula Broadwell and David Petraeus, pictured, reportedly had an affair that led to his resignation
  Close: Broadwell first met Petraeus when he visited Harvard University, where she was a student
  Oath of office: Petraeus was sworn in last September by Joe Biden with his wife Holly at his side
  Denying any suggestions that the Obama administration hung Petraeus out to dry for political gains over the upcoming Bengahzi hearings, he outright blames Broadwell for the affair.
  'The timing of the rumors of the administration throwing him under the bus after the election is suspect, but in the end I believe she got her claws '-- so to speak '-- in him,' said 'Downing'.
  Warming to his theme that Broadwell is a shameless manipulator, the source hopes that Petraeus can recover his career of public service.
  'He had enough honor to know that a cover-up is much worse than a public admission,' said 'Downing'.
  'As a result, I think he can recover and continue to be a player on the national stage, but she's toast. Her reputation is unrecoverable, in my opinion.
  'The General fell victim to the one thing that can destroy a military leader's reputation faster than death: Seduction.'
  Broadwell, who served in the military for more than a decade, lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her radiologist husband, Dr. Scott Broadwell, and their two young sons, Lucien and Landon.
  Embedded: Broadwell, pictured in Afghanistan, has more than a decade of U.S. military service
  Devoted: Broadwell, pictured with Lt Col. Steve Grenier in Gizab, also writes opinion pieces on leadership
  It has emerged that Petraeus was caught by investigators after exchanging sexually explicit emails with his 40-year-old mistress and bombarding her with thousands of messages even after she had broken off the affair.
  Author: Broadwell completed a biography about Petraeus, published earlier this year
  The racy communications between the four-star general and Broadwell were uncovered when the FBI began an investigation after suspecting corruption between the pair.
  Petraeus resigned on Friday after confessing to cheating on his wife of 37 years, Holly behaviour he explained was 'unacceptable' for a senior administration official.
  Petraeus issued a statement acknowledging the affair after President Obama accepted his resignation, which was announced by the CIA soon after.
  'After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair,'' he said in the statement. ''Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours. This afternoon, the president graciously accepted my resignation.'
  After being sworn in as CIA Director on September 6th, 2011, Broadwell broke up with Petraeus, but he continued to pursue her, sending her thousands of emails over the last few months - raising questions about his judgement which led in part to his resignation.
  Broadwell, who spent three years doing researching for her book, had extensive access to Petraeus in Afghanistan.
  In the biography, Broadwell revealed she first met him during his visit to Harvard in spring 2006 when he was a Commander at Fort Leavenworth.
  'I was among the students invited by the school to meet with the general at a dinner afterward, because of my military background,' she explained.
  'I introduced myself to then''Lieutenant General Petraeus and told him about my research interests; he gave me his card and offered to put me in touch with other researchers and service members working on the same issues.'
  Ally: Barack Obama could be harmed by the loss of one of his senior national security officials
  Broadwell added that this was not a one-off as he often 'does a lot of mentoring'.
  As she pursued her PhD in public policy in 2008, she contacted him to ask if she could interview him and they kept in touch via email.
  'A few months into my research, General Petraeus, who was then leading Central Command, invited me to go for a run with him and his team along the Potomac River during one of his visits to Washington,' she wrote. 'I figured I could interview him while we ran.'
  She explained that, after earning varsity letters in cross-country and indoor and outdoor track, she wanted to test him to see if he could keep up with her as she interviewed him.
  Instead it became a test for me,' she said. 'As we talked during the run from the Pentagon to the Washington Monument and back, Petraeus progressively increased the pace until the talk turned to heavy breathing and we reached a six-minute-per-mile pace. It was a signature Petraeus move.'
  Promoting the book on The Daily Show with John Stewart in January, she insisted that these mile-long runs together were nothing out of the ordinary.
  Family Man: In a photograph from 2004 David Petraeus, (center), commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, kisses his wife, Holly, (second left), as his son, Stephen, (left), and daughter, (Anne), right, look on
  'This is a typical mechanism for him to get to know young people,' she said. 'He's done it throughout his life. That was the foundation of our relationship.'
  In another often awkward radio interview in January, host Don Imus said that the pair must have 'obviously' liked each other.
  She responded: 'You know, as I said earlier, he has a number of mentees and that's one thing that's different when you compare him to other Senior Commanders.
  'But, yeah, we had a lot of rapport. I think some of that comes from a common ground of having gone to West Point [to the U.S. Military Academy].'
  Of her reported rival, she added: 'He is married to Holly Petraeus, who is a wonderful Military spouse and done so much for their children and for children of fallen soldiers, I respect her immensely.'
  The book's description explains Broadwell conducted research for three years and was 'afforded extensive access by General Petraeus, his mentors, his subordinates and his longtime friends'. Its website adds Broadwell was embedded in Afghanistan with Petraeus for a year between July 2010 and 2011.
  Glory Days: David Petraeus is America's best-known general and arguably the most consequential Army leader of his generation. Here he salutes troops in Afghanistan in 2011
  David Petraeus testifies before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in Washington D.C. in January in his capacity as Director of the CIA
  Broadwell graduated with honors from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, and came top of her class in physical fitness. Petraeus also attended the academy and married his wife Holly there.
  She has more than a decade of military service and nearly two decades of work in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency.
  She is studying for her PhD at Kings College in London, and is also a research associate at Harvard University's Center for Public Leadership. For her studies and the biography, she spent most of 2011 in Afghanistan as an embedded author.
  As well as contributing to book chapters, appearing on television interviews and writing opinion pieces for The New York Times and the Boston Globe about leadership and women in defense, she has also worked as a model and demonstrator for KRISS, a .45 caliber machine gun manufacturer.
  President Obama accepted Petraeus' resignation but described him as 'one of the outstanding General officers of his generation' as he added: 'By any measure, through his lifetime of service David Petraeus has made our country safer and stronger.'
  Deputy director Michael Morell will serve as acting head of the agency until a permanent replacement for Petraeus is appointed.
  In his resignation letter addressed to CIA agents, Petraeus wrote that 'such behaviour is unacceptable' for a senior administration official.
  Sweethearts: Petraeus on the day he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1974, pictured with his fianc(C)e Holly Knowlton, whose father was the superintendent of West Point
  Spouses: David and Holly Petraeus have been married for over 37 years
  One of the most puzzling aspects of the resignation is its proximity to next week's congressional hearings on Benghazi, which Petraeus has said he will not now attend, even though being out of office would not preclude his doing so.
  Petraeus, 60, has been married to Holly, n(C)e Knowlton, since 1975, after they meet when he was a military cadet at West Point and she was the daughter of the academy's superintendent.
  When he was sworn in as director of the CIA by Vice President Joe Biden, Holly held the Bible on which he swore his oath of office.
  Mrs Petraeus is head of the Office of Servicemember Affairs, a department of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which is responsible for ensuring members of the military are not taken advantage of by banks and other financial businesses.
  The resignation comes at an awkward time for the President, who is beginning to put together his team for his second term in the wake of his re-election on Tuesday.
  Man of action: Petraeus guided Obama around Iraq when he visited as a presidential candidate in 2008
  Appointment: The general served under George W. Bush as commander of U.S. forces in Iraq
  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has already declared her plans to step down in January, while Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is expected to follow some time in 2013.
  Petraeus' departure leaves another vacancy for a key position in the national security establishment.
  Morell, who has served as the agency's deputy director for two and a half years, will be one of the frontrunners to take over on a permanent basis - former CIA director George Tenet was promoted from deputy in the same way after the resignation of John Deutch in 1996.
  He is a long-serving analyst who has twice been a witness to history, travelling with George W. Bush on the day of the September 11 attacks and sitting in the White House situation room with Barack Obama during the mission to kill Osama Bin Laden in May last year.
  Petraeus was in charge of the CIA at the time of the terror attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi on September 11 of this year, a raid in which ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed and which has become a political disaster for the Obama administration.
  The former CIA director was due to address a congressional hearing on the attack next week, which could raise suspicions that the timing of his resignation was politically motivated.
  He will no longer be present at the hearing, which will instead grill Morell on the agency's failings in allowing four Americans to die during the assault on the consulate and a CIA compound.
Nate Silver: The man who predicted the election set to make millions | Mail Online
  Link to Article
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 01:02
  New York Times blogger Nate Silver bet MSNB morning host Joe Scarborough $2,000 that Obama would win the election on November 6Both men agreed to donate their winnings to charity.Silver won the bet and is now poised to earn millions in high-paid book deals and speaking gigsBy Daily Mail Reporter
  PUBLISHED: 11:26 EST, 10 November 2012 | UPDATED: 12:06 EST, 10 November 2012
  A New York Times blogger and celebrity numbers wiz is set to make millions for his spot-on election prediction.
  Nate Silver, the 34-year-old statistician who developed his own formula for predicting presidential outcomes, bet MSNB morning host Joe Scarborough $2,000 that Obama would win the election on November 6.
  Both men agreed to donate their winnings to charity.
  Scroll down for video
  Blogger celebrity: Nate Silver sits on the stairs at a hotel in Chicago on November 9, 2012
  Numbers man: The creator of the much-read FiveThirtyEight blog sits with computer in hand
  Silver won and is now poised to take in far more than his initial bet, Business Insider reports.
  Silver, who started his career analyzing baseball players' performances, earned $700,000 for a two book deal with Penguin after calling the 2008 presidential election, according to the New York Observer.
  On Election Day Business Insider proposed that Silver could potentially double those earnings in 2012 with more book deals and high-paid speaking gigs if he were to successfully call the election again.
  In addition to blogging for the Times, Silver is the founder of his own much-read blog FiveThirtyEight.com.
  Wrong call: MSNBC host Joe Scarborough bet Silver $2,000 that his 2102 election prediction would not come true
  Silver was the topic of a 'Today' show segment on Friday after successfully predicting Obama's win.
  'He's becoming a bit of a celebrity,' 'Today' show host Andrea Canning told viewers. 'President Obama may have been the big winner this week, but coming in a close second: New York Times blogger, statistician and self-described geek, Nate Silver.'
  Hometown support: Obama addresses supporters at his election night victory rally in Chicago.
  Watch video here:
Skype gave data on a teen WikiLeaks supporter to a private company without a warrant: report.
  Link to Article
  Sun, 11 Nov 2012 00:52
  Skype faces accusations that it handed user data to a private company without a warrantPhoto Illustration by Mario Tama/Getty Images
  Skype's privacy credentials took a hit in July over a refusal to comment on whether it could eavesdrop on conversations. Now the Internet chat service is facing another privacy-related backlash'--after allegedly handing over user data without a warrant to a private security firm investigating pro-WikiLeaks activists.
  The explosive details were contained in a report by Dutch investigative journalist Brenno de Winter, published on NU.nl earlier this week. Citing an internal police file detailing an investigation called ''Operation Talang,'' Winter wrote that PayPal was attempting to track down activists affiliated with the hacker collective Anonymous. The hackers had attacked the PayPal website following the company's controversial decision to block payments to WikiLeaks in December 2010.
  As part of that investigation, PayPal apparently hired the private security company iSight to help find those responsible. Headquartered in Texas and with a European base in Amsterdam, iSight describes itself as a ''global cyber intelligence firm'' that ''supports leading federal and commercial entities with targeted and unique insights necessary to manage cyber risks.'' iSight's Netherlands-based director of global research, Joep Gommers, followed an online trail in an effort to track down the hackers, ultimately leading to a number of Dutch citizens, among them a 16-year-old boy operating under a pseudonym. Gommers reportedly contacted Skype, also a client of iSight, and requested account data about the teenager. According to Winter's report, ''the police file notes that Skype handed over the suspect's personal information, such as his user name, real name, e-mail addresses and the home address used for payment.'' It adds that Skype disclosed the information voluntarily, ''without a court order, as would usually be required.''
  The allegation is a serious one for Skype, not least because its own privacy policy promises that it will not hand over user data without permission ''unless it is obliged to do so under applicable laws or by order of the competent authorities.'' The policy further states that the information will only be provided to ''an appropriate judicial, law enforcement or government authority lawfully requesting such information.'' As a private company, iSight fails to meet these criteria by a considerable distance.
  Skype has issued a statement on the matter, saying that it ''takes its customers' privacy very seriously'' and is undertaking an internal investigation. A spokesperson told me that Skype was working with the private security firm to ''combat spam and malware,'' and admitted that ''it appears that some information may have been inappropriately passed on to Dutch authorities without our knowledge.'' The spokesman added that Skype has taken ''necessary steps'' to ensure this doesn't happen again, though declined to elaborate on what those necessary steps were.
  The key question will now be whether this was an isolated violation or whether other Skype users' data has been handed over to private investigators in separate cases. I emailed Gommers to ask whether there had been other instances where he had been provided information from Skype in the course of his work for iSight, and also contacted PayPal for comment. But neither had responded at the time of publication.
  Earlier this year, I reported that Skype, which was purchased by Microsoft for $8.5 billion in May 2011, had evaded a question on its ability to eavesdrop on calls. The question was prompted by concerns about changes made to its architecture and a patent gained by Microsoft for ''legal intercept'' technology designed to be used with VOIP services like Skype to ''silently copy communication transmitted via the communication session.'' After the story was followedupelsewhere, Skype issued a statement that the architecture changes were not made to facilitate wiretapping'--but failed to address the concerns around the patent. In a blog post written at the time, security researcher Christopher Soghoian said the extent to which governments can intercept the contents of Skype voice calls remained unclear, concluding that ''until it is more transparent, Skype should be assumed to be insecure.'' The latest allegations in the Netherlands will likely only add to that sense of mistrust.
Icom ID-1 D-Star Transceiver, Icom ID1
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 23:03
  Features
  D-Star Digital VoiceHigh Speed Data capable (128K)PC Control via USB InterfaceRC24 Remote Control HeadCTCSS encode/decodeDigital Callsign SquelchDigital Code SquelchShort Text MessagingCall Record, displays Calling stationsBreak functionThe Icom ID-1 1.2 GHz transceiver is a vital part of a D-STAR system, you won½t have to wait for a new repeater to be set-up in your area. This rugged little rig operates with current analog 1.2GHz repeaters, plus simplex digital operation with another ID-1. Its operating frequency range is 1240-1300 MHz, with FM and GMSK (Digital) modulation formats. The ID-1 includes all the usual features that you expect - 105 alphanumeric memory channels, PLUS full PC control via the USB port (a black box 1.2 GHz radio!). Now for the fun part ... the ID-1 supports a 10BASE-T Ethernet cable for the 128K DATA operation! Both the USB and Ethernet connections are on the back panel. Explore the benefits of wireless high-speed integrated digital connections! Power can be set for 1 or 10 watts and tuning steps are: 5/6.25/10/12.5/20/25/50/100 kHz.
  Your Icom ID-1 comes with: RC24 Remote Control head, SP-22 speaker, HM-118TN or HM-154T Hand mic, RS-ID1 Windows application CD and various hook ups and brackets.
MFJ-1778 - RADIOS>ANTENNAS>BASE / FIXED LOCATION ANTENNAS>WIRE ANTENNAS
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 22:46
  G5RV HF AntennaCovers all bands, 160-10 Meters with antenna tuner. 102 feet long, shorter than 80 Meter dipole. Use as inverted vee or sloper to be more compact. Use on 160 Meters as Marconi with tuner and ground. Handles full legal limit power. Add coax feedline -- get on the air!The G5RV antenna is a multi-band center-fed dipole antenna capable of 1500 Watts. It was originallydesigned to operate as a 3/2 wavelength center fed antenna for 14 MHz, but amateurs soon discoveredit would offer reasonable performance on many other bands. The MFJ-1778 (G5RV) consists of a 102foot flat top fed with a 32.5 foot 450 ohm matching section ending in an SO-239 coaxial connector.The 450 ohm balanced transmission line serves as a 1:1 transmission line transformer on 14 MHz. TheSWR is approximately 2:1 at 14 MHz. The same balanced line section acts like a transmission lineimpedance matching section on the other HF bands. This antenna generally requires the use of asuitable matching network (antenna tuner) since the SWR of the G5RV is almost certainly not 1:1 onany band. The use of a tuner will guarantee maximum performance from solid state exciters.The G5RV is a balanced antenna that is fed by an unbalanced coaxial line. This feed system causesunwanted parallel RF currents to appear on the shield of the coaxial feedline. A choke type balunshould be used with this antenna to eliminate or reduce the undesirable parallel feedline currents.Failure to use a choke balun may result in RFI, RF feedback, or other symptoms of RF "in the shack".The Balun Requirement section describes how to construct a choke balun for this antenna.
Green Bay Professional Packet Radio
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 22:28
  Green Bay Professional Packet RadioGreen Bay Professional Packet Radio is our attempt at an advanced wireless communication research team. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, we have banded together a small group of specialized residents who strive for the advancement of modern forms of electromagnetic wave communication. We specialize in high-speed wireless data (packet), digital voice transmissions, ELINT/EW/ECM, radar, antenna design, bi-phase modulation and also the hardware/software side of all those types of communication.
  We are die-hard radio homebrewers and experimenters. While other people are drooling on nothing more than glorified ice cream truck 2-way radios and PL-259 connectors, we are out using new and efficient modulation techniques and pioneering new developments in modern radio. We've also homebrewed microwave radio bi-directional amplifiers for the local packet radio links, circular polarized repeater antennas, high quality audio hardware and all types of RF test equipment.
  Modeled from the concepts originated by Clarence 'Kelly' Johnson (of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works fame), we attempt to push the boundaries of modern radio and antenna technology. Using common off-the-shelf components, old VCRs, cellular phones, lots of trips to Radio Shack and, of course, well established theory. We will always forge on. Building and testing new designs while quietly ignoring anyone who tells us something is not possible.
  "Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it."
  Amateur Radio Projects
  Low-Cost Wireless Network How-ToExtremely detailed account of a Part 97 point-to-point 2.4 GHz wireless link.Using Part 15 Wireless Ethernet Devices for Amateur RadioHints, tips and rules for using off-the-shelf hardware for amateur radio Part 97 operations.KB9MWR Projects PageOngoing local amateur radio projects.Mirror of the Guerrilla.net WebsiteMirror site of the Guerrilla.net L0pht spin-off project. Few minor broken links.Low-Cost POCSAG Paging Network How-ToHomebrew your own amateur radio text or tone paging system.Low-Cost Laser Data LinksQuit shining laser pointers at people and use them for something useful.Homebrew RF Design Test Equipment & SoftwareSimple and useful tools for the RF experimenter.Homebrew Bi-Directional 2.4 GHz Amplifier DesignsMake your own amplifier for your 2.4 GHz wireless network.Homebrew Bi-Directional 915 MHz Amplifier DesignsMake your own high-power amplifier for your 900 MHz wireless network.Homebrew 1 Watt 2.4 GHz Power AmplifierIncrease the RF output power of your wireless network card to 1 Watt.Homebrew 144 MHz to 2.4 GHz TransverterScan and monitor the 2.4 GHz band using a common MMDS downconverter.GBPPR Frequency Transverters for 2.4 GHz Wireless LAN DevicesChange the frequency of your amateur radio 2.4 GHz network to overcome interference or line-of-sight issues.Family Radio Service (FRS) to 900 MHz TransverterI was really bored. (Unfinished)GBPPR AutoFoxKeys a transmitter and plays a pre-recorded message at one minute intervals.GBPPR 2.4 GHz / 10 Mbit Wireless Data LinkWhy buy a wireless network card when you can tear your hair out trying to build one?GBPPR POWER 64 kbps Wireless Serial Data ModemExperimental ideas for a low-speed, interference overcoming wireless data link.GBPPR 900 MHz High-Speed Packet RadioExperimental ideas for a high-speed, interference overcoming wireless data link.Elecraft EC1 Design Contest EntryGBPPR 1 GHz RF Spectrum AnalyzerHomebrew the most useful tool for a RF experimenter, work in progress.GBPPR 1 kHz to 16.384 MHz Synthesized Signal GeneratorSimple PLL signal generator for the test bench using a common Maxim IC.GBPPR Divide-by-1000 3.5 GHz PrescalerGBPPR Packet Radio Weather Radio AlertUse the National Weather Service's alert tone to send a packet radio message.GBPPR Portable Antenna Mast SystemPortable antenna mast system using PVC conduit.GBPPR 900 MHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum TransverterFrequency hopping transverter for amateur radio use.GBPPR Portable 28 VDC Power SupplySimple and portable 28 Volt power supply.GBPPR 1.2 GHz (23 cm) Amateur Video TransmitterSimple 1.2 GHz FM ATV exciter.Converting Cellular Phones to 900 MHzUse old Motorola cellular phones as IF rigs in a 900 MHz transmitter.Simple 2.4 GHz SWR MeterSimple way to tune wireless LAN antennas using an oscilloscope.Linux FRS Radio ControlEasily control a FRS/GMRS radio from a computer.Return Loss Bridge for the Radio AmateurDevice to quickly check the integrity of a radio antenna system.Using the MC145158 PLL Frequency SynthesizerSimple overview and source code for the Motorola MC145158.AeroComm CL4490 ExperimentsWireless data networking experiments using AeroComm modules and data modems.Metricom Ricochet Radio ExperimentationExperiments using components from old Metricom 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz RF data modems.100 Watt RF Power Amplifier for 2 GHzTurn an old 1.9 GHz PCS cellular phone basestation into a RF power amplifier.Qualcomm OmniTRACS ExperimentsUsing Qualcomm OmniTRACS fleet tracking satellite systems for amateur radio applications.General Electric GEMLINK InformationOverview of a General Electric GEMLINK K-band video transmitter.Motorola STF2520A 900 MHz Power Amplifier ModificationsModifying a surplus Motorola STF2520A cellular-band RF amplifier for 150 watts in the 900 MHz ham band.73 Magazine InformationAn attempt at a complete back issue and index listing for 73 Magazine.Doodle Labs DL435-30 420-450 MHz OFDM Transceiver ExperimentsExperimenting with high-speec data in the 440 MHz ham band.Other Projects
  GBPPR Miscellaneous Projects (Mirror)Other stuff you can blame us for.GBPPR Homebrew Military & Espionage Electronics (Mirror)Electronic projects for professional adventurers, independent contractors, and undocumented border patrol agents.Brown County, Wisconsin Frequency SearchFrequency search of local frequencies, PL-tones, DTMF codes, repeater offsets, notes, etc.Green Bay / Brown County, Wisconsin 800 MHz Trunked Radio System InformationGBPPR Microwave Oven & EMP Experiments (Mirror)EME, remote power via RF, radar, landmine detection, HERF, EMP, etc.GBPPR Homebrew Radar Experiments (Mirror)FMCW/doppler & pulse-doppler types, battlefield & air surveillance using old parts from motion detectors and microwave ovens.Passive Resonant Cavity & "Spycatcher" Technical Surveillance Devices (Mirror)Technical overview of the passive surveillance bug the Soviets used against the U.S. ambassador.$2600 Magazine Information (Mirror)The purpose of $2600 Magazine is to destroy the United States. The purpose of GBPPR is to destroy $2600 Magazine.GBPPR 'Zine (Mirror)The monthly journal of the American hacker.Low-Power FM Transmitter Circuits (Mirror)Help fight the liberal media. Build a low-power FM or TV station.Test Equipment ManualsSmall collection of old test equipment operating and service manuals.Obama FAIL! (Mirror)Helping to organizing communities to protect yourself from the Community Organizer.Local Terrain & RF Plots
  Elevation Plot for Green Bay, Wisconsin and the Surrounding AreaLowest elevation is 174 meters, highest is 274 meters. Plot is 22.5 km square and the contour lines are at 10 meter intervals.Zoomed Out Elevation Plot for Green Bay, Wisconsin and the Surrounding AreaLowest elevation is 176 meters, highest is 300 meters. Plot is 50 km square and the contour lines are at 10 meter intervals.Elevation Plot for the Northeast Wisconsin AreaLowest elevation is 176 meters, highest is 340 meters. Plot is 100 km square and the contour lines are at 10 meter intervals.Larger Elevation Plot for the Northeast Wisconsin AreaLowest elevation is 176 meters, highest is 579 meters. Plot is 250 km square and the contour lines are at 10 meter intervals."Leave the beaten path and dive into the woods. You are certain to find something interesting."
  Interactive Wireless / RF Design Utilities
  Wireless Network Link AnalysisCalculates approximate received power levels and fade margins for microwave wireless links.Wireless Network Link Analysis - Super Edition (Mirror)Same as above, but generates a PDF file containing Fresnel zone and radio path graphs.Microwave Radio Path Analysis (Mirror)Generates a terrain profile graph and obstruction reports for a microwave radio link between two points.Line-of-Sight Path Analysis (Mirror)Generates a JPEG image showing the line-of-sight path for a given transmitter location.Longley-Rice Path Loss Analysis (Mirror)Generates a JPEG image showing the estimated Longley-Rice path loss for a given transmitter location.Fresnel Zone Calculator (Mirror)Calculates and graphs the required Fresnel zone clearances for a point-to-point link.United States Elevation Retriever (Mirror)Get the ground elevation at (almost) any location in the continental United States.3D Local Ground Elevation Map (Mirror)Get a graphic 3D representation of the local ground elevations surrounding a transmitter site.Parabolic Reflector Gain and Focal Point CalculatorCalculates the gain, focal point, and radiation distances for parabolic dishes.Urban Area Path LossCalculates the approximate path loss through an urban area.Antenna Up/Down Tilt CalculatorCalculates the required antenna tilt to compensate for Earth curvature.Distance & Bearing CalculatorCalculates the distance and bearing between two geographic points.Omnidirectional Antenna Beamwidth AnalysisEstimates the coverage of a vertical antenna pattern.Return Loss CalculatorCalculates return loss given forward/reverse power or SWR.Knife Edge Diffraction Loss CalculatorCalculates knife edge obstruction attenuation.Decibel Conversion CalculatorConverts various values referenced to/from decibels.Scattering Parameters Are Fun!Calculates gamma in/out from S-parameters, experimental.Lumped Component Wilkinson Splitter / Combiner DesignerDesign Wilkinson splitters/combiners for use under 400 MHz.Pi & Tee Network Resistive Attenuation CalculatorDesign resistive attenuators.United States Frequency Allocations 30 - 3000 MHzRetrieve the FCC band allocation for any frequency.Voltage To Power Conversion CalculatorConvert AC voltages to power.RF Safety Compliance CalculatorDetermines if your ERP will kill people.Approximate Air Coil Inductance CalculatorCalculates the approximate value of an air coil inductor.Microstripline Analysis & DesignCalculates the required width for making microstrip transmission lines.Calculating Phase Line LengthCalculates coaxial phase line lengths.3-Pole Butterworth Characteristic Bandpass Filter CalculatorRF Pi Network DesignerDesigns Pi-type networks for transforming impedances.PLL 3rd Order Passive Loop Filter CalculatorDesigns passive loop filters for phase lock loops.Antenna Isolation CalculatorCalculates isolation for horizontal & vertical antennas.Mixer IMD CalculatorCalculates potential IMD products in subtractive mode mixers.GBPPR Microwave Radio Path Analysis Tools
  A Perl CGI program to graphically show the radio path profile between two points. It will plot the 0.6 Fresnel zone and the true radio path for a given value of K (the effective Earth radius factor). This is all displayed in reference to the path's elevation data taken at intervals along the link path. This will let you see if you have a clear radio line-of-sight path. Currently, the elevation data is only available for most of North America. It is also extremely CPU intensive, so please be patient for the output PDF file to complete, or try again at a different time.
  All the plotting utilities are based around a slightly modified version of the SPLAT! program by KD2BD.
  GBPPR Microwave Radio Path Analysis Tools Source code for the above scripts. (758k Gzipped TAR)
  Advanced Wireless Communications Research Links
  AirHive Link Repository on Wireless, Mesh & Community Networks Also, check out their videosHigh-Speed CSMA Digital Networking for HFThe Utah T1-Rate ModemOptically Transparent Patch AntennasWeak Signal Communications, by K1JT (WSJT) A software package designed for amateur weak-signal radio communication at VHFMicrostrip Patch Rectenna With High Output VoltagePhilips RF Semiconductor Application NotesHigh-Speed Networking ProjectHigher Speeds with the G3RUH 9600 Baud Packet Radio ModemThe KD2BD 9600 Baud Modem23cm High-Speed Link Receiver from F1BIU23cm Wide-Band FM Data-TransceiverKE5FX's Homebrew 10 Mbit, 10 GHz Wireless Ethernet ProjectKE5FX NotesN6GN's Higher Speed Packet Web PagesDIY 10Mbps Optical Data LinkDUAL - A Packet Format for a New Amateur Radio Link LayerThe W1GHZ Online Microwave Antenna BookThe PIN Diode Circuit Designers Handbook (1.3M PDF)Papers by Hari Balakrishnan Wireless TCP/IP god.Lucent Technologies Wireless Research LaboratoryAntenna VisualizationElectrical Engineering Training SeriesOnline Lectures about Digital CommunicationXTP Overview Alternative transport protocol.Time Domain New ultra wideband modulation techniques.Communication Devices Using Ultra-Wideband, Nonsinusoidal Communication Technology Cool stuff.†ther Wire Notes and DocumentsUltra-Wideband Working GroupUltRa Lab at USCUnofficial NEC Archive Antenna modeling software.Decentralized Channel Management in Scalable Multihop Spread-Spectrum Packet Radio Networks (455k Gzipped PostScript)A Channel Access Scheme for Large Dense Packet Radio Networks (350k PDF)Design and Implemenation of a Wire Array Antenna Analyzer (150k PDF)High Power, Broadband, Linear, Solid-State Amplifier DesignSIGSALY Secure Digital Voice Communications in World War IISlot Antenna Design by Stephen Bell, KB7TRZA Transmission Line Calculator, Version 0.3 by Kevin Schmidt, W9CFSome Skin Effect NotesTale of the Radioactive Boy ScoutLots of Good Weak Signal RF LinksGNU Radio ProjectTemporary Telecommunications Infrastructure in Lower ManhattanSP-419 SETI: The Search for Extraterrestrial IntelligenceLow-Cost, Long-Range Wireless Network How-ToLow-Cost 2.4 GHz Digital CommunicationsChris's Wireless High-Speed ConnectAnother WAP11 EnclosureBAWUG - Outdoor Access Point Encloseure v1Notes on G-Lines (Goubau Transmission Lines)Free RF Schematics from Yordan StrundzhevSpread Spectrum - It's not Just for Breakfast Anymore! by Harold E. Price, NK6K (PDF)Fractal Antennas / Fractal Geometry
  If you think stringing wire between two trees is an antenna, you can skip this section.
  RF Design Notes & Links
  GBPPR - Facts Not Drivel
  FCC Compliance
  Part 97.309 & 97.311 compliance specifiations and source codes to the programs used in our amateur radio networks.
  Don't be stupid.
  Passwords on all amateur radio nodes are either the user's callsign or disabled.
  gzip Compresses and Decompresses Filesmod_gzip For Apache Web ServersOpenSSH OpenSSH is used in compression mode onlyBrutalcopy Pushes data using UDP protocol through rotten, overloaded and otherwise disgusting linesVtun The easiest way to create Virtual Tunnels over TCP/IP networks with traffic shaping, compression and encryptionAmateur Radio ID'ing via ICMP Echo Request Packets ID using ping packets and MAC manipulation.Toward New Link-Layer Protocols for Amateur Packet Radio
  Spread Spectrum Rule Recommendations
  Ideas for HF Modulation and Coding
  Proposed Coded AO-40 Telemetry Format
  Amateur Radio, Wireless Networks and the Information Age
  Physical Layer Considerations in Building a High-Speed Amateur Radio Network
  A Technological Rationale to Use Higher Wireless Frequencies
  A Mathematical Theory of Communication
  An Overview of the Application of CDMA to Digital Cellular Systems and Personal Cellular Networks
  A Method of Reducing Disturbances in Radio Signaling by a System of Frequency Modulation
  Shannon, Coding and the Radio Amateur
  TAPR Packet Status Register Archives
  The Shape of Bits to Come
  Various TAPR Digital Communications Conference Speeches
  TAPR FHSS Radio Update - 2001 by John Ackermann, N8UR (2.1M MP3)Spread Spectrum in the Amateur Radio Service: Current Status and Historical Notes by Dewayne Hendricks, WA8DZP and Barry McLarnon, VE3JF (3.5M MP3)Optimized Channel Access Mechanisms for Decentralized Spread Spectrum Packet Networks by Matthew Ettus, N2MJI (5.3M MP3)Status Report on TAPR 900 MHz Spread Spectrum Radio Project by Tom McDermott, N5EG (4.9M MP3) (Slides)TAPR DCC '98: Introduction to Spread Spectrum by Steve Bible, N7HPR (YouTube)Infrastructureless Packet Radio Networks by Don Lemke, WB9MJN (Slides) (YouTube)Introduction to Software Defined Radios by Steve Bible, N7HPR (10.7M MP3) (Slides)TAPR DCC '97: Spread Spectrum Design and Theory by Phil Karn, KA9Q (Slides) (YouTube)TAPR DCC '97: TAPR's 900 MHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Radio Project by Tom McDermott, N5EG (Slides) (YouTube)TAPR DCC '97: Spread Spectrum Regulation and the Future of Ham Radio by Dewayne Hendircks, WA8DZP (Slides) (YouTube)Microwave Associates (M/A-Com) Gunnplexer Notes
  10 GHz Path Loss Notes
  Free Space AttenuationPath Performance Calculations for 15 kHz IF BandwidthDistance vs. Carrier-to-Noise RatioMicrowave Beams Behave Much Like Light BeamsFresnel Zone RadiusK FactorsSurface DuctingElevated DuctMMDS Downconverter Notes & Applications
  Archived Down East Microwave Inc. Design & Library Notes
  Amateur Radio Repeater Notes
  Radar & Military Communications
  Communication is the key to success.
  Hardware & Parts Suppliers
  GBPPR Contact Information
  List of website Recent Changes.
  Also be sure to subscribe to the GBPPR Low-Cost Wireless Networks Mailing List
  The mailing list covers wireless networking, homebrew electronic projects, amateur radio projects, scanning radio projects, antennas, computers and everything else covered on this website.
  You'll have to subscribe to the mailing list to get your replies. Be sure to read the archives first!
  "The best way to predict the future is to invent it."
  Green Bay Professional Packet RadioGreen Bay Professional Packet Radio is our attempt at an advanced wireless communication research team. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, we have banded together a small group of specialized residents who strive for the advancement of modern forms of electromagnetic wave communication. We specialize in high-speed wireless data (packet), digital voice transmissions, ELINT/EW/ECM, radar, antenna design, bi-phase modulation and also the hardware/software side of all those types of communication.
  We are die-hard radio homebrewers and experimenters. While other people are drooling on nothing more than glorified ice cream truck 2-way radios and PL-259 connectors, we are out using new and efficient modulation techniques and pioneering new developments in modern radio. We've also homebrewed microwave radio bi-directional amplifiers for the local packet radio links, circular polarized repeater antennas, high quality audio hardware and all types of RF test equipment.
  Modeled from the concepts originated by Clarence 'Kelly' Johnson (of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works fame), we attempt to push the boundaries of modern radio and antenna technology. Using common off-the-shelf components, old VCRs, cellular phones, lots of trips to Radio Shack and, of course, well established theory. We will always forge on. Building and testing new designs while quietly ignoring anyone who tells us something is not possible.
  "Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it."
  Amateur Radio Projects
  Low-Cost Wireless Network How-ToExtremely detailed account of a Part 97 point-to-point 2.4 GHz wireless link.Using Part 15 Wireless Ethernet Devices for Amateur RadioHints, tips and rules for using off-the-shelf hardware for amateur radio Part 97 operations.KB9MWR Projects PageOngoing local amateur radio projects.Mirror of the Guerrilla.net WebsiteMirror site of the Guerrilla.net L0pht spin-off project. Few minor broken links.Low-Cost POCSAG Paging Network How-ToHomebrew your own amateur radio text or tone paging system.Low-Cost Laser Data LinksQuit shining laser pointers at people and use them for something useful.Homebrew RF Design Test Equipment & SoftwareSimple and useful tools for the RF experimenter.Homebrew Bi-Directional 2.4 GHz Amplifier DesignsMake your own amplifier for your 2.4 GHz wireless network.Homebrew Bi-Directional 915 MHz Amplifier DesignsMake your own high-power amplifier for your 900 MHz wireless network.Homebrew 1 Watt 2.4 GHz Power AmplifierIncrease the RF output power of your wireless network card to 1 Watt.Homebrew 144 MHz to 2.4 GHz TransverterScan and monitor the 2.4 GHz band using a common MMDS downconverter.GBPPR Frequency Transverters for 2.4 GHz Wireless LAN DevicesChange the frequency of your amateur radio 2.4 GHz network to overcome interference or line-of-sight issues.Family Radio Service (FRS) to 900 MHz TransverterI was really bored. (Unfinished)GBPPR AutoFoxKeys a transmitter and plays a pre-recorded message at one minute intervals.GBPPR 2.4 GHz / 10 Mbit Wireless Data LinkWhy buy a wireless network card when you can tear your hair out trying to build one?GBPPR POWER 64 kbps Wireless Serial Data ModemExperimental ideas for a low-speed, interference overcoming wireless data link.GBPPR 900 MHz High-Speed Packet RadioExperimental ideas for a high-speed, interference overcoming wireless data link.Elecraft EC1 Design Contest EntryGBPPR 1 GHz RF Spectrum AnalyzerHomebrew the most useful tool for a RF experimenter, work in progress.GBPPR 1 kHz to 16.384 MHz Synthesized Signal GeneratorSimple PLL signal generator for the test bench using a common Maxim IC.GBPPR Divide-by-1000 3.5 GHz PrescalerGBPPR Packet Radio Weather Radio AlertUse the National Weather Service's alert tone to send a packet radio message.GBPPR Portable Antenna Mast SystemPortable antenna mast system using PVC conduit.GBPPR 900 MHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum TransverterFrequency hopping transverter for amateur radio use.GBPPR Portable 28 VDC Power SupplySimple and portable 28 Volt power supply.GBPPR 1.2 GHz (23 cm) Amateur Video TransmitterSimple 1.2 GHz FM ATV exciter.Converting Cellular Phones to 900 MHzUse old Motorola cellular phones as IF rigs in a 900 MHz transmitter.Simple 2.4 GHz SWR MeterSimple way to tune wireless LAN antennas using an oscilloscope.Linux FRS Radio ControlEasily control a FRS/GMRS radio from a computer.Return Loss Bridge for the Radio AmateurDevice to quickly check the integrity of a radio antenna system.Using the MC145158 PLL Frequency SynthesizerSimple overview and source code for the Motorola MC145158.AeroComm CL4490 ExperimentsWireless data networking experiments using AeroComm modules and data modems.Metricom Ricochet Radio ExperimentationExperiments using components from old Metricom 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz RF data modems.100 Watt RF Power Amplifier for 2 GHzTurn an old 1.9 GHz PCS cellular phone basestation into a RF power amplifier.Qualcomm OmniTRACS ExperimentsUsing Qualcomm OmniTRACS fleet tracking satellite systems for amateur radio applications.General Electric GEMLINK InformationOverview of a General Electric GEMLINK K-band video transmitter.Motorola STF2520A 900 MHz Power Amplifier ModificationsModifying a surplus Motorola STF2520A cellular-band RF amplifier for 150 watts in the 900 MHz ham band.73 Magazine InformationAn attempt at a complete back issue and index listing for 73 Magazine.Doodle Labs DL435-30 420-450 MHz OFDM Transceiver ExperimentsExperimenting with high-speec data in the 440 MHz ham band.Other Projects
  GBPPR Miscellaneous Projects (Mirror)Other stuff you can blame us for.GBPPR Homebrew Military & Espionage Electronics (Mirror)Electronic projects for professional adventurers, independent contractors, and undocumented border patrol agents.Brown County, Wisconsin Frequency SearchFrequency search of local frequencies, PL-tones, DTMF codes, repeater offsets, notes, etc.Green Bay / Brown County, Wisconsin 800 MHz Trunked Radio System InformationGBPPR Microwave Oven & EMP Experiments (Mirror)EME, remote power via RF, radar, landmine detection, HERF, EMP, etc.GBPPR Homebrew Radar Experiments (Mirror)FMCW/doppler & pulse-doppler types, battlefield & air surveillance using old parts from motion detectors and microwave ovens.Passive Resonant Cavity & "Spycatcher" Technical Surveillance Devices (Mirror)Technical overview of the passive surveillance bug the Soviets used against the U.S. ambassador.$2600 Magazine Information (Mirror)The purpose of $2600 Magazine is to destroy the United States. The purpose of GBPPR is to destroy $2600 Magazine.GBPPR 'Zine (Mirror)The monthly journal of the American hacker.Low-Power FM Transmitter Circuits (Mirror)Help fight the liberal media. Build a low-power FM or TV station.Test Equipment ManualsSmall collection of old test equipment operating and service manuals.Obama FAIL! (Mirror)Helping to organizing communities to protect yourself from the Community Organizer.Local Terrain & RF Plots
  Elevation Plot for Green Bay, Wisconsin and the Surrounding AreaLowest elevation is 174 meters, highest is 274 meters. Plot is 22.5 km square and the contour lines are at 10 meter intervals.Zoomed Out Elevation Plot for Green Bay, Wisconsin and the Surrounding AreaLowest elevation is 176 meters, highest is 300 meters. Plot is 50 km square and the contour lines are at 10 meter intervals.Elevation Plot for the Northeast Wisconsin AreaLowest elevation is 176 meters, highest is 340 meters. Plot is 100 km square and the contour lines are at 10 meter intervals.Larger Elevation Plot for the Northeast Wisconsin AreaLowest elevation is 176 meters, highest is 579 meters. Plot is 250 km square and the contour lines are at 10 meter intervals."Leave the beaten path and dive into the woods. You are certain to find something interesting."
  Interactive Wireless / RF Design Utilities
  Wireless Network Link AnalysisCalculates approximate received power levels and fade margins for microwave wireless links.Wireless Network Link Analysis - Super Edition (Mirror)Same as above, but generates a PDF file containing Fresnel zone and radio path graphs.Microwave Radio Path Analysis (Mirror)Generates a terrain profile graph and obstruction reports for a microwave radio link between two points.Line-of-Sight Path Analysis (Mirror)Generates a JPEG image showing the line-of-sight path for a given transmitter location.Longley-Rice Path Loss Analysis (Mirror)Generates a JPEG image showing the estimated Longley-Rice path loss for a given transmitter location.Fresnel Zone Calculator (Mirror)Calculates and graphs the required Fresnel zone clearances for a point-to-point link.United States Elevation Retriever (Mirror)Get the ground elevation at (almost) any location in the continental United States.3D Local Ground Elevation Map (Mirror)Get a graphic 3D representation of the local ground elevations surrounding a transmitter site.Parabolic Reflector Gain and Focal Point CalculatorCalculates the gain, focal point, and radiation distances for parabolic dishes.Urban Area Path LossCalculates the approximate path loss through an urban area.Antenna Up/Down Tilt CalculatorCalculates the required antenna tilt to compensate for Earth curvature.Distance & Bearing CalculatorCalculates the distance and bearing between two geographic points.Omnidirectional Antenna Beamwidth AnalysisEstimates the coverage of a vertical antenna pattern.Return Loss CalculatorCalculates return loss given forward/reverse power or SWR.Knife Edge Diffraction Loss CalculatorCalculates knife edge obstruction attenuation.Decibel Conversion CalculatorConverts various values referenced to/from decibels.Scattering Parameters Are Fun!Calculates gamma in/out from S-parameters, experimental.Lumped Component Wilkinson Splitter / Combiner DesignerDesign Wilkinson splitters/combiners for use under 400 MHz.Pi & Tee Network Resistive Attenuation CalculatorDesign resistive attenuators.United States Frequency Allocations 30 - 3000 MHzRetrieve the FCC band allocation for any frequency.Voltage To Power Conversion CalculatorConvert AC voltages to power.RF Safety Compliance CalculatorDetermines if your ERP will kill people.Approximate Air Coil Inductance CalculatorCalculates the approximate value of an air coil inductor.Microstripline Analysis & DesignCalculates the required width for making microstrip transmission lines.Calculating Phase Line LengthCalculates coaxial phase line lengths.3-Pole Butterworth Characteristic Bandpass Filter CalculatorRF Pi Network DesignerDesigns Pi-type networks for transforming impedances.PLL 3rd Order Passive Loop Filter CalculatorDesigns passive loop filters for phase lock loops.Antenna Isolation CalculatorCalculates isolation for horizontal & vertical antennas.Mixer IMD CalculatorCalculates potential IMD products in subtractive mode mixers.GBPPR Microwave Radio Path Analysis Tools
  A Perl CGI program to graphically show the radio path profile between two points. It will plot the 0.6 Fresnel zone and the true radio path for a given value of K (the effective Earth radius factor). This is all displayed in reference to the path's elevation data taken at intervals along the link path. This will let you see if you have a clear radio line-of-sight path. Currently, the elevation data is only available for most of North America. It is also extremely CPU intensive, so please be patient for the output PDF file to complete, or try again at a different time.
  All the plotting utilities are based around a slightly modified version of the SPLAT! program by KD2BD.
  GBPPR Microwave Radio Path Analysis Tools Source code for the above scripts. (758k Gzipped TAR)
  Advanced Wireless Communications Research Links
  AirHive Link Repository on Wireless, Mesh & Community Networks Also, check out their videosHigh-Speed CSMA Digital Networking for HFThe Utah T1-Rate ModemOptically Transparent Patch AntennasWeak Signal Communications, by K1JT (WSJT) A software package designed for amateur weak-signal radio communication at VHFMicrostrip Patch Rectenna With High Output VoltagePhilips RF Semiconductor Application NotesHigh-Speed Networking ProjectHigher Speeds with the G3RUH 9600 Baud Packet Radio ModemThe KD2BD 9600 Baud Modem23cm High-Speed Link Receiver from F1BIU23cm Wide-Band FM Data-TransceiverKE5FX's Homebrew 10 Mbit, 10 GHz Wireless Ethernet ProjectKE5FX NotesN6GN's Higher Speed Packet Web PagesDIY 10Mbps Optical Data LinkDUAL - A Packet Format for a New Amateur Radio Link LayerThe W1GHZ Online Microwave Antenna BookThe PIN Diode Circuit Designers Handbook (1.3M PDF)Papers by Hari Balakrishnan Wireless TCP/IP god.Lucent Technologies Wireless Research LaboratoryAntenna VisualizationElectrical Engineering Training SeriesOnline Lectures about Digital CommunicationXTP Overview Alternative transport protocol.Time Domain New ultra wideband modulation techniques.Communication Devices Using Ultra-Wideband, Nonsinusoidal Communication Technology Cool stuff.†ther Wire Notes and DocumentsUltra-Wideband Working GroupUltRa Lab at USCUnofficial NEC Archive Antenna modeling software.Decentralized Channel Management in Scalable Multihop Spread-Spectrum Packet Radio Networks (455k Gzipped PostScript)A Channel Access Scheme for Large Dense Packet Radio Networks (350k PDF)Design and Implemenation of a Wire Array Antenna Analyzer (150k PDF)High Power, Broadband, Linear, Solid-State Amplifier DesignSIGSALY Secure Digital Voice Communications in World War IISlot Antenna Design by Stephen Bell, KB7TRZA Transmission Line Calculator, Version 0.3 by Kevin Schmidt, W9CFSome Skin Effect NotesTale of the Radioactive Boy ScoutLots of Good Weak Signal RF LinksGNU Radio ProjectTemporary Telecommunications Infrastructure in Lower ManhattanSP-419 SETI: The Search for Extraterrestrial IntelligenceLow-Cost, Long-Range Wireless Network How-ToLow-Cost 2.4 GHz Digital CommunicationsChris's Wireless High-Speed ConnectAnother WAP11 EnclosureBAWUG - Outdoor Access Point Encloseure v1Notes on G-Lines (Goubau Transmission Lines)Free RF Schematics from Yordan StrundzhevSpread Spectrum - It's not Just for Breakfast Anymore! by Harold E. Price, NK6K (PDF)Fractal Antennas / Fractal Geometry
  If you think stringing wire between two trees is an antenna, you can skip this section.
  RF Design Notes & Links
  GBPPR - Facts Not Drivel
  FCC Compliance
  Part 97.309 & 97.311 compliance specifiations and source codes to the programs used in our amateur radio networks.
  Don't be stupid.
  Passwords on all amateur radio nodes are either the user's callsign or disabled.
  gzip Compresses and Decompresses Filesmod_gzip For Apache Web ServersOpenSSH OpenSSH is used in compression mode onlyBrutalcopy Pushes data using UDP protocol through rotten, overloaded and otherwise disgusting linesVtun The easiest way to create Virtual Tunnels over TCP/IP networks with traffic shaping, compression and encryptionAmateur Radio ID'ing via ICMP Echo Request Packets ID using ping packets and MAC manipulation.Toward New Link-Layer Protocols for Amateur Packet Radio
  Spread Spectrum Rule Recommendations
  Ideas for HF Modulation and Coding
  Proposed Coded AO-40 Telemetry Format
  Amateur Radio, Wireless Networks and the Information Age
  Physical Layer Considerations in Building a High-Speed Amateur Radio Network
  A Technological Rationale to Use Higher Wireless Frequencies
  A Mathematical Theory of Communication
  An Overview of the Application of CDMA to Digital Cellular Systems and Personal Cellular Networks
  A Method of Reducing Disturbances in Radio Signaling by a System of Frequency Modulation
  Shannon, Coding and the Radio Amateur
  TAPR Packet Status Register Archives
  The Shape of Bits to Come
  Various TAPR Digital Communications Conference Speeches
  TAPR FHSS Radio Update - 2001 by John Ackermann, N8UR (2.1M MP3)Spread Spectrum in the Amateur Radio Service: Current Status and Historical Notes by Dewayne Hendricks, WA8DZP and Barry McLarnon, VE3JF (3.5M MP3)Optimized Channel Access Mechanisms for Decentralized Spread Spectrum Packet Networks by Matthew Ettus, N2MJI (5.3M MP3)Status Report on TAPR 900 MHz Spread Spectrum Radio Project by Tom McDermott, N5EG (4.9M MP3) (Slides)TAPR DCC '98: Introduction to Spread Spectrum by Steve Bible, N7HPR (YouTube)Infrastructureless Packet Radio Networks by Don Lemke, WB9MJN (Slides) (YouTube)Introduction to Software Defined Radios by Steve Bible, N7HPR (10.7M MP3) (Slides)TAPR DCC '97: Spread Spectrum Design and Theory by Phil Karn, KA9Q (Slides) (YouTube)TAPR DCC '97: TAPR's 900 MHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Radio Project by Tom McDermott, N5EG (Slides) (YouTube)TAPR DCC '97: Spread Spectrum Regulation and the Future of Ham Radio by Dewayne Hendircks, WA8DZP (Slides) (YouTube)Microwave Associates (M/A-Com) Gunnplexer Notes
  10 GHz Path Loss Notes
  Free Space AttenuationPath Performance Calculations for 15 kHz IF BandwidthDistance vs. Carrier-to-Noise RatioMicrowave Beams Behave Much Like Light BeamsFresnel Zone RadiusK FactorsSurface DuctingElevated DuctMMDS Downconverter Notes & Applications
  Archived Down East Microwave Inc. Design & Library Notes
  Amateur Radio Repeater Notes
  Radar & Military Communications
  Communication is the key to success.
  Hardware & Parts Suppliers
  GBPPR Contact Information
  List of website Recent Changes.
  Also be sure to subscribe to the GBPPR Low-Cost Wireless Networks Mailing List
  The mailing list covers wireless networking, homebrew electronic projects, amateur radio projects, scanning radio projects, antennas, computers and everything else covered on this website.
  You'll have to subscribe to the mailing list to get your replies. Be sure to read the archives first!
  "The best way to predict the future is to invent it."
WSJT Home Page
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:54
  HomeWSJTMAP65WSPRSimJTProgram DevelopmentReferences
  WSJT, MAP65, and WSPR are open-source programs designed for weak-signal digital communication by amateur radio. Normal usage requires a standard SSB transceiver and a personal computer with soundcard. Some SDR-style hardware including the SDR-IQ, Perseus, SoftRock, and FUNcube Dongle are also supported. SimJT is a utility that generates simulated signals for test purposes. Ready-to-run Windows versions of all four programs are available for free download. Installation files for Linux are available for WSJT and WSPR. For other operating systems, see the Program Development page.WSJT ("Weak Signal Communication, by K1JT") offers specific digital protocols optimized for meteor scatter, ionospheric scatter, and EME (moonbounce) at VHF/UHF, as well as HF skywave propagation. The program can decode fraction-of-a-second signals reflected from ionized meteor trails and steady signals 10 dB below the audible threshold. Check the WSJT page for details about new modes in WSJT 9.3 and the experimental program release WSJT-X.
  MAP65version 2 implements a wideband receiver for JT65 signals. It can be used together with Linrad (by SM5BSZ) or SDR-Radio (by HB9DRV), or with direct input from a soundcard. The program decodes all detectable JT65 signals in a passband up to 90 kHz wide, producing a band map of decoded callsigns sorted by frequency. The principal application of MAP65 is EME on the VHF and UHF bands. In a dual-polarization system, MAP65 optimally matches the linear polarization angle of each decodable signal, thereby eliminating problems with Faraday rotation and spatial polarization shifts. Check the MAP65 page for details on modes JT65B2 and JT65C2 in MAP65 v2.4.
  WSPR (pronounced "whisper") stands for "Weak Signal Propagation Reporter." This program is designed for sending and receiving low-power transmissions to test propagation paths on the MF and HF bands. Users with internet access can watch results in real time at WSPRnet. Version 2.11 of WSPR includes FMT, a package of command-line utilities that can help you make highly accurate frequency measurements without expensive laboratory equipment.
  SimJT generates JT65 and CW test signals with a user-specified signal-to-noise ratio. It is useful for testing the JT65 decoder and the relative capabilities of these two modes.
News from The Associated Press
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 15:50
  NEW YORK (AP) -- A return to 1970s-era gas rationing seemed to help with hourslong gas station lines that formed after Superstorm Sandy, but it didn't end a fuel-gauge fixation that suddenly has become a way of life for drivers in the nation's largest city.With police monitoring lines, motorists in New York City and Long Island on Friday began dealing with a new piece of fallout from the monster storm: odd-even gas rationing."Even? Odd? Whatever it is, I didn't have the right one," said Joe Standart, a 62-year-old artist, whose car was ordered off a Manhattan gas station line by a police officer. Friday was an odd-numbered day, meaning only motorists whose license plates end in odd numbers, or letters, could fuel up. Standart's plate ended in an even number, so he would have to wait until Saturday.As drivers sorted out an odd-even plan - a scheme not seen in New York since the 1970s Arab oil embargo - thousands of people in the region got their power back for the first time since Sandy came ashore 12 days ago. Still, more than 330,000 customers were still without power in New Jersey and the New York City area.President Barack Obama, who visited the battered Jersey coast earlier, said he would survey the damage in New York next week from the storm, which the American Red Cross said will create its largest U.S. relief effort since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie spent Friday visiting battered coastal areas in his state, from Sea Bright to Seaside Heights, calling the storm "our Katrina."The governor said the long, difficult rebuilding period would begin in earnest next week and include the restoration of the state's most iconic attractions. But Christie, who said he spent his youth at the Jersey Shore and brought his children there, cautioned that it wouldn't look the same next summer as it did last summer.He said power would be restored to nearly everyone in the state by Saturday night, and that he would likely decide by early next week whether to end gas rationing there.In New York City, Angel Ventura, who drives a delivery van for a camera rental company, has taken to hunting for gasoline every time his gauge drops below a quarter of a tank. "It makes me crazy, thinking I might hit empty and not be able to find it," he said.Industry officials first blamed the gas shortage on fuel stations that lost power but now say the problem has shifted to supply terminals, which are either shut or operating at reduced capacity. Drivers are also quicker to top off tanks because they're afraid gasoline won't be available, AAA spokesman Michael Green said.Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at the Oil Price Information Service, said the densely populated New York-New Jersey area has fewer stations per capita than any other major metropolitan area, making the shortage an even bigger problem. He said rationing earlier might have helped in New York City; New Jersey implemented it last week."It does curb some of the manic or panic behavior," Kloza said.Mayor Michael Bloomberg said one-third of the city's gas stations had gas to sell at any given time Friday, compared to 25 percent the day before, though the federal Energy Department said more than 70 percent of the city's stations have gas available.Bloomberg said the gas shortages could last for a couple of weeks.On Long Island, where odd-even rationing also began Friday, a spot check found shorter lines - 30 to 40 cars at most - and more stations with gas. In Brooklyn, car service owner Gary Lindenbaum said waits last week had been five or six hours."The rationing really helps us a lot," said Lindenbaum, owner of Court Express. "We need to work. We need the gas."Desperate drivers weren't paying much attention to prices, but in New Jersey, seven gas stations were among the eight businesses sued by the state Friday on price-gouging claims.Meanwhile, many officials were pointing to power companies as the culprit in the region's slow recovery. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called for investigation of the region's utilities, criticizing them as unprepared and badly managed. On Friday, two congressmen from Long Island urged the federal government - even the military - to come in and help the Long Island Power Authority restore electricity.Long Island's main utility, the Long Island Power Authority, has declined to respond to criticism; the president of National Grid US, which manages the grid on LIPA's behalf, said Friday that he thought his company had "performed extremely well" under the circumstances. New York utility Consolidated Edison Corp. has called the storm the worst in its history.Some residents of Toms River, N.J., were given a precious hour Friday to see their storm-wrecked houses for the first time and grab warm-weather clothing, important pictures - whatever belongings they could. When Steve Dabern saw his flooded house, the floor was torn in pieces, the refrigerator was on its side and the kitchen furniture was in the living room."Sickness. I felt sick," he said.---Fitzgerald reported from White Plains, N.Y. Associated Press writers Frank Eltman in North Massapequa, Paul Harloff, Meghan Barr, David B. Caruso, Jennifer Peltz, Colleen Long and Karen Matthews in New York City, Angela Delli Santi in Seaside Heights, N.J., Wayne Parry in Toms River, N.J., Samantha Henry in Newark, N.J., and Brett Zongker and Ken Thomas in Washington contributed to this report.
Military Stats Reveal Epicenter of U.S. Drone War | Danger Room
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:22
  U.S. Reaper drones in a hangar at Kandahar Air Field in Afghanistan. Photo: Noah Shachtman
  Forget Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and all the other secret little warzones. The real center of the U.S. drone campaign is in plain sight '-- on the hot and open battlefield of Afghanistan.
  The American military has launched 333 drone strikes this year in Afghanistan. That's not only the highest total ever, according to U.S. Air Force statistics. It's essentially the same number of robotic attacks in Pakistan since the CIA-led campaign there began nearly eight years ago. In the last 30 days, there have been three reported strikes in Yemen. In Afghanistan, that's just an average day's worth of remotely piloted attacks. And the increased strikes come as the rest of the war in Afghanistan is slowing down.
  The secret drone campaigns have drawn the most scrutiny because of the legal, geopolitical, and ethical questions they raise. But it's worth remembering that the rise of the flying robots is largely occurring in the open, on an acknowledged battlefield where the targets are largely unquestioned and the attending issues aren't nearly as fraught.
  ''The difference between the Afghan operation and the ones operations in Pakistan and elsewhere come down to the fundamental differences between open military campaigns and covert campaigns run by the intelligence community. It shapes everything from the level of transparency to the command and control to the rules of engagements to the process and consequences if an air strike goes wrong,'' e-mails Peter W. Singer, who runs the Brookings Institution's 21st Century Defense Initiative. (Full disclosure: I have a non-resident fellowship there.) ''This is why the military side has been far less controversial, and thus why many have pushed for it to play a greater role as the strikes slowly morphed from isolated, covert events into a regularized air war.''
  The military has 61 Predator and Reaper ''combat air patrols,'' each with three or four robotic planes. The CIA's inventory is believed to be just a fraction of that: 30 to 35 drones total, although there is thought to be some overlap between the military and intelligence agency fleets. The Washington Post reported last month that the CIA is looking for another 10 drones as the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become more and more central to the agency's worldwide counterterror campaign.
  In Pakistan, those drones are flown with a wink and a nod, to avoid the perception of violating national sovereignty. In Yemen, the robots go after men just because they fit a profile of what the U.S. believes a terrorist to be. In both countries, people are considered legitimate targets if they happen to be male and young and in the wrong place at the wrong time. The White House keeps a ''matrix'' on who merits robotic death. Congress (outside of the intelligence committees) largely learns about the programs through the papers.
  None of these statements is true about the drone war in Afghanistan, where strikes are ordered by a local commander, overseen by military lawyers, conducted with the (sometimes reluctant) blessing of the Kabul government, and used almost entirely to help troops under fire. The UAVs aren't flown to dodge issues of sovereignty or to avoid traditional military assets. They're used because they work better '-- staying in the sky longer than traditional aircraft and employing more advanced sensors to make sure the targets they hit are legit.
  Figures on the air war in Afghanistan, supplied by the U.S. military.
  The U.S. military is now launching more drone strikes '-- an average of 33 per month '-- than at any moment in the 11 years of the Afghan conflict. It's a major escalation from just last year, when the monthly average was 24.5. And it's happening while the rest of the American war effort is winding down: There are 34,000 fewer American troops than there were in early 2011; U.S. casualties are down 40 percent from 2010'²s toll; militant attacks are off by about a quarter; civilian deaths have declined a bit from their awful peak.
  Even the air war is shrinking. Overall surveillance sorties are down, from an average of 3,183 per month last year to 2,954 in 2012. (Drones flew 860 of those sorties in 2011, and now fly 761 per month today.) Missions in which U.S. aircraft fire their weapons have declined, too. That used to happen 450 times per month on average in 2011. This year, the monthly total dropped to 360.
  In other words, drone strikes in Afghanistan now make up about 9 percent of the overall total of aerial attacks. Last year, it was a little more than 5 percent. The UAVs are growing in importance while the rest of the military campaign is receding.
  ''The numbers are yet another powerful data point illustrating the fact that unmanned systems are here and they are here to stay. They show their growing use, even as overall air strikes go down,'' e-mails Singer, who first noticed the drone strike increase.
  When Barack Obama began his first term in the White House, many in his administration pushed for keeping the number of troops in Afghanistan relatively small while boosting the number of drone strikes. At the time, Obama decided to go in a different direction. But now, as he gets set for the start of his second term, the president appears ready to embrace his internal critics, and leave Afghanistan to the robots.
BBC News - Babies to get 'gut bug vaccine'
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:20
  10 November 2012Last updated at03:02 ETBy James GallagherHealth and science reporter, BBC NewsPlease turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.
  Prof David Salisbury, Director of Immunisation, DoH: "We expect this will save around £20m"
  Babies in the UK are to be vaccinated against a tummy bug which causes tens of thousands of cases of vomiting and diarrhoea each year.
  Rotavirus infection is rarely fatal in the UK.
  Using the vaccine has cut cases and reduced hospital admissions in other countries, including the US.
  The Department of Health said the vaccine would be offered from September 2013 and would be given in two doses after two and three months.
  Continue reading the main storyTwo months
  Five-in-one: first dose for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b jabPneumococcal infectionRotavirus from September 2013Three months
  Second five-in-oneMeningitis CSecond rotavirus from September 2013Four months
  Third five-in-oneSecond Pneumococcal infectionSecond meningitis COne year
  MMRThird Pneumococcal infectionBooster for Haemophilus influenzae type b and meningitis CSource: NHS Choices
  The bug is very infectious and causes about 140,000 cases every year in the under-fives. About 14,000 will need hospital treatment.
  Experts believe that vaccination would cut the number of cases in half and lead to 70% fewer hospital visits.
  DistressProf David Salisbury, the director of immunisation at the Department of Health, said the virus "spreads very easily" and causes distress for children and families.
  "Many people think of diarrhoea as something that all children get and that you have to put up with. But there is a way to protect children from this. I'd encourage all parents of young children to accept this vaccine when the programme begins next year."
  He added the vaccine - which is administered in drops - had been "used very extensively" with "huge trials demonstrating both its safety and its effectiveness".
  It is expected to cost £25m a year to vaccinate 840,000 children a year. However, the government believes cutting the number of cases will save the NHS £20m.
  Prof Adam Finn, from the University of Bristol, said: "Rotavirus causes large epidemics of diarrhoea and vomiting in babies and young children every winter and with it, misery for thousands of families across the country.
  "I'm pleased that another unpleasant illness that affects most children is going to be brought under control. It will also help hospitals cope in the busy winter months by reducing pressure on beds and front-line staff."
  Dr David Elliman, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said the vaccine would prevent a "huge amount of suffering" and save the NHS money.
  "This vaccine will mean less pressure both on distressed parents who have to care for their children and of course the GPs and hospital services who are treating them," he said.
LA Times
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  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:03
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Secret Service said to have foiled several assassination attempts on President Obama and Mitt Romney during the campaign, but report is under scrutiny
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:00
  EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty ImagesMitt Romney greets supporters at the end of his last campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, on November 5, 2012.
  President Obama and Mitt Romney may have had something much more serious to lose on this year's campaign trail than the presidency: life itself.
  A number of assassination plots were thwarted by Secret Service agents over the course of this campaign, according to one reporter, whose findings have come under scrutiny from the media in the wake of Tuesday's election.
  In an article about Romney's intensive security detail written by GQ's Marc Ambinder, the journalist said that in the Secret Service's busiest year yet, ''Several assassination plots were nipped in the bud.''
  This claim was almost immediately questioned by members of the media, especially as Ambinder took to Twitter to suggest that more information might come out in a print edition of the article.
  RELATED: ONE OF OBAMA'S TOP SECRET SERVICE AGENTS DIES IN APPARENT SUICIDE
  Politicker reached out to Secret Service spokesman Edwin Donovan for further details on the reported plots.
  ''We didn't work with Marc Ambinder on that article, so I don't know what his sourcing is,'' Donovan told the publication.
  When Politicker contacted the author, he eventually responded but without many juicy details.
  ''There was that guy who shot at the White House from across the ellipse, and then the soldiers arrested for plotting the assassination of the president and others,'' Ambinder wrote, ticking off a list of public-record assassination attempts.
  ''I don't know any details about any non-public attempts, if there were any,'' he wrote.
  BEFORE: FIRST PHOTOS OF ESCORT AT CENTER OF SECRET SERVICE SCANDAL
  Whether someone attempted to kill him as a presidential hopeful or not, Romney -- apparently known as ''Javelin'' by the Secret Service -- will return to post-candidate life without the massive security detail that followed his every move on the trail.
  Obama, whose detail will, of course, continue, is known by the Service as ''Renegade.''
How the Secret Service Said Goodbye to Mitt Romney
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 13:59
  At some point, early Wednesday morning, when Gov. Mitt Romney and family were tucked into bed, a quiet call went out on the radio channel used by his Secret Service agents: "Javelin, Jockey details, all posts, discontinue."
  Of all the indignities involved in losing a presidential race, none is more stark than the sudden emptiness of your entourage. The Secret Service detail guarding Governor Romney since Feb 1. stood down quickly. He had ridden in a 15-car motorcade to the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston for his concession speech. He rode in a single-car motorcade back across the Charles River to Belmont. His son, Tagg, did the driving.
  There is no formal guideline for the Secret Service agents in this situation; it's up to the discretion of the detail leader, who usually consults with the local police to make sure that his protectee's home won't be overrun by protestors and supporters all of a sudden.
  But the Service leaves quickly. No more motorcades. No more rope lines. No more bubbles. Familiar faces disappear, never to be seen again.
  In 2008, agents offered to see John McCain back to his ranch in Sedona, but McCain insisted on saying his good byes in his suite at the Biltmore Hotel. The next morning, McCain was seen driving his own car to get groceries.
  Had Romney won, everything would have been different. A full counter-assault team, "Hawkeye Javelin," was on stand-by in Boston, ready to supplement his detail. A team from the White House Communications Agency, which had been consulting with his informal transition team on secure space for intelligence briefings, was on hand too.
  Romney has his family. When the race was close, agents would joke about the number of "j" words they'd need to come up with in order to give every one of his children, their wives, and all of their children code names. That's 29 people who would have received, if not protection, at least a protective survey and recommendations from the Service. Quietly, plans had already been put in place to assign protective details to all of them, just in case.
  The Secret Service has had a hellish year. Not only has it been the busiest ever for the small agency, but it has been their most embarrassing since the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan in 1981. April's prostitution in scandal in Cartegana, Colombia threatened to demoralize the entity in charge of safeguarding the democratic process right on the eve of their active phase; two conventions, major foreign trips for the president, the presidential debates, the United Nations General Assembly, the campaign season itself (with sometimes more than a thousand agents and officers changing locations daily). An Inspector General's report has concluded that agents did not jeopardize the president's safety, but having spent time with agents over these past few months, their morale has been flagging. The public mockery takes it toll, even on silent soldiers.
  And yet, for everything they were confronted with, the Service did its job. Protectees were protected 100 percent of the time. Several assassination plots were nipped in the bud. Thousands of events were secured, perfectly. Results matter, as we learned Tuesday night.
  Though no one in the Service was rooting one way or the other for any particular candidate, at least not to colleagues or publicly, not having to secure the Romney family means that agents who have been working 12 hours shifts for eight weeks straight can take some time off before the inauguration. Families of many more agents will get them home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Ham Radio Outlet | YAESU FT-817ND
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 07:41
  Click the buttons below to view additional product images
  YAESUFT-817ND5 Watt HF/6/2/440 QRP Transceiver Multi mode w Battery and chargerHRO Discount Price: $669.95You can also buy this item at these HRO LocationsIn StockAnaheim, CAIn StockWoodbridge, VALow StockSunnyvale, CAIn StockAtlanta, GAIn StockOakland, CAIn StockSalem, NHIn StockSan Diego, CAIn StockDenver, COIn StockBurbank, CAIn StockPortland, ORIn StockPhoenix, AZIn StockNew Castle, DEDetailed Product DescriptionThe Yaesu FT-817ND: the world's first HF/VHF/UHF self-contained battery-powered Multi-mode Portable Transceiver. Providing up to five watts of power output, the FT-817 is designed for operation on the 160-10 meter HF bands, plus the 6 meter, 2 meter, and 70 cm bands. Whether your preferred operating mode is SSB, CW, AM, FM, Packet, or SSB-based Digital modes like PSK31, the FT-817 is ready to join you on your next hiking, camping, or search-and-rescue adventure!HRO's price for the Yaesu FT-817ND includes free UPS ground shipping in 48 US States!
  Download the FT-817ND brochure
  Manufacturer's Website Product Website
  YAESU FT-817ND Accessories and Related Items*Rules apply. Continental USA only. Items marked as Freight not included in offer.
your PSK31 guide and email discussion list
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 07:34
  Welcome to bpsk31.com, your definitive resource for PSK31 station setup and operation'... this is the third version of the site, and it is a work in progress.
  We invite you to sign up for our email newsletter where we will send you a brief listing of contests, news, and reviews all in the big world of PSK31. Best of all, it's completely free!
  About PSK31PSK31 is a digital communication mode for amateur radio. It is one of the most common and easy-to-use digital modes as a PSK31 station needs only to consist of an SSB transceiver, an antenna, and a soundcard equipped PC.
  Brief history of PSK31PSK31 was created by Peter Martinez, G3PLX, in the mid-'90s. In the early stages, PSK31 signals were sent using specialized DSP platforms. However, in 1999, Peter released software that allowed PSK31 to be sent and received using a computer soundcard. Due in part to the widespread availability of such a setup, PSK31 has become one of the most popular digital modes in amateur radio.
  How PSK31 WorksPSK31 signals consist of changing audio tones to convey the transmission content. Individual characters are represented by a binary sequence of 1'²s and 0'²s, the sequence being determined by a system called Varicode. The number of bits per character varies based on how commonly the letter is used, an ''e'' being represented by 11, thus achieving greater transmission speed.
  The bits, 1'²s and 0'²s, are transmitted my phase-shifting an audio tone, hence the name Phase Shift Keying (PSK). The 31 in PSK31 refers to the speed at which data is sent; in this mode, at about 31 bits-per-second.
  PSK31 archives its weak-signal performance as a result of two factors. First, a PSK31 signal is narrow, being about 31 Hz wide. Second, the structure of Varicode allows the receiving computer to anticipate the times for each data bit. These factors combine to make PSK31 one of the most popular and high performance digital modes.
  What's the ''b'' in BPSK31?The ''b'' in BSPK31 stands for binary. This refers to the most common form of PSK31, which sends two channels of data with a transmission. There is also another flavor, QPSK31, which adds two additional channels for error correction, but it is far less popular than BSPK31.PSK31 is a digital communication mode for amateur radio. It is one of the most common and easy-to-use digital modes as a PSK31 station needs only to consist of an SSB transceiver, an antenna, and a soundcard equipped PC.
  PSK31 Station SetupA basic PSK31 station should consist of the following components:
  HF SSB TransceiverSoundcard-equipped PCAntennaPSK31 Software(optional) Soundcard InterfaceTransceiver / AntennaVirtually any SSB transceiver will do. The same is true of the antenna, as PSk31 will function with a few watts and a wire antenna. Obviously, the better the transceiver and antenna, the better performance will be achieved, however PSK31 performance is often virtually the same on both low-end and high-end equipment.
  PC / SoftwareThe only major requirement for the computer used to send and receive the PSK31 signals is that it contain a soundcard. As a rule, a faster CPU and more memory are desired, however PSK31 will work on virtually any PC equipped with an internal or external soundcard.
  Software for PSK31 is abundant, so the choice of software packages depends largely on personal preference, as will as system requirements. All PSK31 software has the basic ability to send and receive PSK31 signals. Many more features exist. Be sure to check our Software Reviews section to see some of the available packages.
  Soundcard InterfacePSK31 software will output audio to the PC's soundcard to send a transmission, however a mechanism must exits for keying the radio to transmit an RF signal, as well as link the audio tone to the radio's audio input. Therefore some form of soundcard interface may be used. It might simply be an audio cable with a radio with VOX capabilities, or it might be a specialized external interface. These interfaces connect to the computer and key the transmitter whenever an audio tone is present. Some interfaces contain external soundcards themselves, allowing extra flexibility in soundcard setup. My personal favorite is the SignaLink USB from TigerTronics. This device is an external soundcard that connects to the computer via USB and to my Yaesu FT-857D radio via its data port. It is plug-and-play compatible with minimal setup required.
  Another option lies in software based keying. The software suite, Ham Radio Deluxe, can utilize this approach. If the radio's CAT port is already connected to the computer, Ham Radio Deluxe and its multimode software, Digital Master 780, will send the keying command via the CAT connection.
  Setup StepsSetup / Install Soundcard Interface or CableInstall PSK31 SoftwareRead User Guide / Help for SoftwareConfigure Settings as DesiredOperate!PSK31 OperationThe first, and most important, step before operating any station is making sure to tune the transmitter. This will prevent damage to the transmitter and guard against messy, distorted signals. most PSK31 software packages have a testing / tuning feature for this purpose.
  Another thing to watch is the ALS (automatic leveling control) meter on the radio. Adjust the audio level until the ALS meter always reads at 0. If the audio level is too high, the ALC controls in the transmitter will kick in, and the result will be a distorted PSK31 signal (splatter).
  If you do contact someone with a messy signal, do not give them an automated (macro) signal report of 599 '' an easy 595 will let them know to adjust their audio drive.
  Next, tune your radio to a common PSK31 frequency; two are 7.070 MHz and 14.070 MHz (see a full list of PSK31 Frequencies). Make sure your radio is set to SSB mode on the upper sideband (USB). Your will not have to change frequencies after that, since PSK31 signals are so narrow (31 Hz), all the transmissions will be picked up by the receiver without changing frequencies. It is then up to the software, not the radio, what signal(s) to decode.
  Fire up your favorite your favorite PSK31 software. Most packages will have a ''waterfall'' display where you will see all the signals from the receiver. If all station setup is correct, you will see something like this:
  In most software packages, you can click on or move a marker to a signal to begin decoding the transmission.
  ConversationThe first transmission is usually a CQ call. This is similar to CW, like this:
  CQ CQ CQ de KD5TEN KD5TEN KD5TENCQ CQ CQ de KD5TEN KD5TEN KD5TEN K
  This basically means that KD5TEN (myself) is calling for someone to contact. The ''K'' a the end of the transmission means ''over,'' signifing that the other station may begin transmission. Typically, the next transmission would be something like this:
  KD5TEN KD5TEN KD5TEN de OTHERCALL OTHERCALL OTHERCALLKD5TEN KD5TEN KD5TEN de OTHERCALL OTHERCALL OTHERCALL pse K
  After that, the conversation proceeds with the station transmitting back and forth following this format:
  OTHERCALL de MYCALL Hi there! (rest of message) BTU OTHERCALL de MYCALL k
  The ''BTU'' stands for ''back to you'' and is optional.
  Finally, at the end of the conversation, both stations end their last with ''sk'' instead of ''k'' to signify the end (''sk'' stands for silent key).
  Further ReadingARRL's HF Digital HandbookARRL's VHF Digital HandbookNifty E-Z Guide To Psk31 OperationSignal Reports and IMDPSK31 without a Computer
Yaesu FT-817 QRP Rig
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 07:22
  Includes everything shown in the pictures,works great! $450 plus $15 shipping signature required to the lower 48. Pay-pal or U.S.Postal Money Order. E-mail me at carltonandbecky@sbcglobal.net if interested.Posting PermissionsYou may not post new threadsYou may not post repliesYou may not post attachmentsYou may not edit your posts Forum Rules
Kankergala voor tonnen opgelicht
  Link to Article
  Source: Een andere kijk op nieuws @infomagnl » Nieuws items
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 07:13
  Geplaatst @ 10 november 2012
  Een bestuurslid van het Quality of Life Gala, dat geld inzamelt voor onderzoek naar kanker bij kinderen, blijkt ruim een half miljoen euro in eigen zak te hebben gestoken. Justitie in Amsterdam heeft de fraude in onderzoek.Dit wordt bevestigd door het stichtingsbestuur van het gala, waarin theatermaker Erwin Lambaart en hoteldirecteur Jaap Liethof zitting hebben. 'žHet is een schande dat dit mannetje met z'n vingers aan het geld voor zieke kinderen heeft gezeten'', aldus een zegsman namens het bestuur.
Two To The Head - Guard dies of gunshot wounds at Swedish leader's home.
  Link to Article
  Source: It's Not News Yet
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 07:12
  9 November 2012Last updated at10:33 ETA security guard is reported to have shot and killed himself inside the Swedish prime minister's residence.
  Police have not yet given many details about the incident at the Sager Palace in Stockholm, but said "there are no signs of any crime".
  Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt was not in the building at the time, a government spokesperson said.
  Television footage showed police and ambulances outside Mr Reinfeldt's waterfront home and office.
  They were called at just after 13:00 (12:00 GMT).
  Aftonbladet newspaper reported that the dead man had been found by a colleague who had just returned from lunch.
  Initial reports suggested that a bodyguard - normally employed by the Swedish Security Service (Sapo) - had died, although this soon changed to security guard.
  Security guards are employed by a private company to protect the building.
  A Sapo spokesperson confirmed that the incident had not involved anyone from the agency.
  "There is no indication that the incident has any link to the parliament or government," said Sirpa Franzen.
  Police have not named the dead man, but have confirmed he had security clearance for the building.
  "We investigate this as a suicide or a work-related accident," police spokeswoman Towe Hagg told Reuters news agency.
  Mr Reinfeldt's spokesman Markus Friberg confirmed that the prime minister was not at home at the time.
  "The prime minister is fine. He was at an external meeting," Mr Friberg said.
Daily Press Briefing - November 9, 2012
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:48
  12:56 p.m. EST
  MS. NULAND: All right, everybody. Happy Friday. Apologies for the delay. I think you know that the President is coming out with a statement very shortly, so we will do as much as we can until we hear that he's going out. And then if we have things to clean up later, we can do it by phone or by email.
  I want to just start by coming back to something that we mentioned either yesterday or the day before, which was that we would be participating in some Hill engagements next week on Benghazi. Just to give you the list there, on Tuesday, Under Secretary Kennedy and Assistant Secretary Boswell will brief members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Let me, sorry, go back and say that all of these are going to be closed sessions at the Hill's request. Okay?
  So first, on Tuesday, Under Secretary Kennedy and Assistant Secretary Boswell will brief members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. On Wednesday, Under Secretary Kennedy and Assistant Secretary Boswell will brief members of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. On Thursday morning, Under Secretary Kennedy will testify in a closed hearing before the House Permanent Select Intelligence Committee, and in the afternoon, he'll testify before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. And on Friday morning, Under Secretary Kennedy will brief Chairmen and ranking members from the House. And again, all of those are in closed, classified session and at the Hill's request. Let's go to what's on your minds.
  QUESTION: I'm sorry, because I came in late. This is on Benghazi, right?
  MS. NULAND: Correct.
  QUESTION: All of these are in closed session at the Hill's request?
  MS. NULAND: Correct.
  QUESTION: Do you have '' did they say why these needed to be closed sessions, since they seem to be the source of all the documents that are leaking out in dribs and drabs?
  MS. NULAND: Well, my understanding is that they wanted to have a conversation that incorporated classified information, including intelligence reporting.
  QUESTION: Was there not classified information '' did members of Congress not complain that classified information was released at the House Oversight Committee hearing that already had been held?
  MS. NULAND: Matt, they've asked for closed hearings, closed briefings; that's what we're complying with.
  QUESTION: The Secretary won't appear before any of these committees?
  MS. NULAND: The Secretary has not been asked to appear. They've asked for the individuals that are coming.
  QUESTION: Would she be willing to fly back from Australia to appear?
  MS. NULAND: Again, she has not been asked to appear. She was asked to appear at House Foreign Affairs next week, and we have written back to the Chairman to say that she'll be on travel next week.
  QUESTION: Are you aware that any Libyans will be called to the hearings to be talked to?
  MS. NULAND: That sounds like a question for the Hill. I'm not aware of any panels other than the government panels.
  QUESTION: But you have not been asked to facilitate any visas or anything like this for ''
  MS. NULAND: To my knowledge, no.
  QUESTION: -- maybe some Libyan officials?
  MS. NULAND: No.
  QUESTION: Toria, I'm sorry. I was running down here to get here. You may have said this: Is there any effort by the State Department to brief us on anything that might not be classified or any information, any progress that we could talk about next week that could come out of that?
  MS. NULAND: I don't anticipate that we're going to have new information for the press before we have the ARB report, but let's just see where we go there.
  QUESTION: Do you know '' do you anticipate that you'll have new information for members of Congress?
  MS. NULAND: Well, again, they've asked for classified hearings.
  QUESTION: I understood that.
  MS. NULAND: Some of them have been '' there are a lot of folks who have been out of town during this '' the period that the Congress was out of session. These hearings and briefings were requested by them now that they're coming back into session, so I can't speak to what different members know and how much different members have followed.
  QUESTION: Yeah. But, I mean, do you expect Pat Kennedy to get up there and say anything substantially different than what he's already said in public?
  MS. NULAND: I can't speak to what might be spoken about in a classified session. I would guess, Matt, that it's also going to go to issues of intelligence, which we haven't been briefing.
  QUESTION: And Pat is the person that's discussed issues of intelligence with them?
  MS. NULAND: Again, Pat is the Under Secretary for Management. He can speak to the entire threat environment that we were working under, which included both unclassified and classified information.
  Jill.
  QUESTION: Toria, the Congress has asked for a lot of documents, obviously. Can you give us an update on even percentage-wise how much the State Department has collected, how you're giving them these documents, or whether you're waiting to get everything together, compiled, and then you will give it to them?
  MS. NULAND: Well, thanks for that question, Jill. As you know, we've had requests for documents from a number of committees and from a number of staff and members. We have now made documents available to members of and staff on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. We have told all of these requesting committees and their staff that they can see these documents as many times as they'd like to see them, for as long as they'd like to see them.
  Our understanding, in fact, is that today Senator Corker of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is reviewing documents at his request. So there have been some reports out there that we've been withholding information or that we've been limiting time. None of that is accurate. We've really done our utmost under the Secretary's instructions to be fully compliant, transparent, and open with the Congress.
  QUESTION: And do they come over here to view them?
  MS. NULAND: No, we take them up there to their classified rooms.
  QUESTION: And same question really, and then you '' and they review them, and then you take them back and await the next request to see them?
  MS. NULAND: Exactly. We arrange whatever requests are needed after they've had a chance to take a first look. And sometimes you have staff looking and then they want their members to see, subset, et cetera. So we've been facilitating all of that.
  QUESTION: Just on these hearings, I'm wondering, given the fact that the refrain from the Hill or at least some members of the Hill, has been since this all began that the American people have the right to know, they deserve to know, was there any pushback from you guys when they said that we want to have these closed, we want to have these closed hearings rather than having open so that the American people could hear?
  MS. NULAND: Well, as you know, relatively soon after the events, there was a set of open hearings. It's obviously up to the Congress to ask for what it wants to have. In this case, they've asked for a set of closed briefings and hearings, so we're going to comply with that.
  QUESTION: Fair enough. I understand, but did '' was there any suggestion from this building that, hey, if you really want the American people to know, maybe these shouldn't be held behind closed doors?
  MS. NULAND: I think we are in the posture of complying with what the Congress is asking for to help them in their review and to be supportive of their understanding of the situation as we go forward. As we've said, we have the ARB running. We also have whatever the FBI will come forward with. So there will be a time to be as open as we can be about the findings of the ARB with the public understanding the need to protect classified.
  Please.
  QUESTION: More clarification on the documents. Many '' there have been many different requests and sometimes defined with different parameters. How did you collect those documents? Is it the full collection of documents that has been asked for? Is it this committee gets exactly what they ask for? Or if you can get into a little more depth in terms of which documents go where and how many, and whether this is it or whether there will be more.
  MS. NULAND: Whether this is it, whether this '' there'll be more, I mean, that depends on whether the scope is broadened by committees. But in fact, whenever we have '' particularly when we have classified documents requested, we have to do a full search. It involves both telegrams, intelligence reports, classified email, all of that kind of thing. And then we meet the requests that the different committees have, that the different staff members have. It's not unusual for a first set of documents to be reviewed and then additional things to be requested. All of that has to be gone through. So it's really specific to the requests as they come in.
  QUESTION: Toria, there are currently Pentagon teams that are studying the situation in Libya to see how best an army, or a Libyan army, can be built. Is the State Department involved in any way in these processes, or are you involved in any way in sort of restructuring Libyan security?
  MS. NULAND: Well, first of all, as you know, there is a UN-sponsored effort underway to be supportive to the Libyans. We also have made bilateral proposals. We've had teams, mil-mil teams and other teams, out there offering support in all of the various categories where we often help transitioning countries, whether it's destruction of excess equipment, whether it's nationalizing a military, whether it is training, all those kinds of things.
  I think one of the issues, as the Libyans have been clear about, is that in this '' in the context of there being an interim government first and then having a relatively protracted period of establishing the current transitional government, they have been loath to make some of the larger structural decisions that would enable us to provide more help. But we are hopeful that, now that they have a fully agreed upon transitional government, that we will be able to do more together to help them meet the security needs of the country and to provide stronger population security. And we're open to doing all of that.
  Please, Margaret.
  QUESTION: Toria, when you're talking about this process, going up to the Hill, delivering these documents, is there a chief Benghazi point person at State? Who's doing this? It sounds extremely time consuming. So who is focused on this specifically?
  MS. NULAND: Well, there are a whole bunch of folks who, obviously, have to look at things to ensure that we've been complete. But as has been clear by our public presentations, Under Secretary Kennedy has the line authority for ensuring that we're fully compliant, and obviously, our Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs Dave Adams.
  Andy.
  QUESTION: You mentioned that Senator Corker is looking at some of this stuff today. Is he the only person up there who's so far gotten hold of any of these documents, or have they gone to other offices as well? Can you tell how many?
  MS. NULAND: I think I just did that about five minutes ago.
  QUESTION: Did you? I'm sorry.
  MS. NULAND: Maybe you slept through that piece, Andy. (Laughter.) I can do it again.
  Members and staff of House Oversight and Government Reform, Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs --
  QUESTION: Okay. I got that list. So it's actually gone up to all of these folks?
  MS. NULAND: Correct. Correct. Yeah.
  QUESTION: Okay. That was it. Right.
  MS. NULAND: And again, with members in and out before they came back into session, we now have some members whose staff have seen documents who want to see them themselves, et cetera.
  QUESTION: Okay.
  MS. NULAND: Yeah. It's the usual --
  QUESTION: Victoria, will the Secretary be appearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee next week?
  MS. NULAND: I spoke to that about 15 minutes ago.
  QUESTION: Oh, sorry. It's just been posted on their website.
  MS. NULAND: She is traveling next week, as you know. We just put out a message. So she will not appear, but we '' I did give a list, at the top of this, of multiple briefings and hearings where Pat Kennedy will be appearing.
  QUESTION: So just to make 100 percent sure, the Secretary is not going to interrupt her trip to come back and testify?
  MS. NULAND: She has a commitment with the Secretary of Defense to the AUSMIN Ministerial. So --
  QUESTION: And doesn't she also have a commitment with the President to go to certain other countries in the region?
  MS. NULAND: She does. Was that the '' okay. Sounds like the President's going to come out, so we can do the rest of this in gaggle format afterwards. Thanks.
  (The briefing paused at 1:08 p.m. and resumed at 1:28 p.m.)
  MS. NULAND: Here we go. Friday briefing, round two. All right, where were we, guys?
  QUESTION: (Inaudible) fiscal cliff and the President's plan to avert going over it. Are we done with Libya?
  MS. NULAND: I think we are. Let's keep moving on.
  QUESTION: Can we go to Iran or, more specifically, Austria? The IAEA says that it's going to have talks with the Iranians on the 13th. What do you see, if anything, as coming out of this? Is this a sign of possible moderation '' possible progress?
  MS. NULAND: We've seen these same reports that Iran and the IAEA are going to go back to the table in December. As you know, the IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution in September, which called on Iran to conclude a structural approach for resolving their outstanding concerns with the IAEA. They had a couple of rounds, they did not have success. So we will see how this round goes. In the past, Iran has been unwilling to do what it needs to do, despite the best efforts of the IAEA. But we commend the IAEA for keeping at it, and we call on Iran to do what it needs to do to meet the international community's concerns.
  QUESTION: And does this have any bearing on any potential future P-5+1 meeting?
  MS. NULAND: Well, obviously, these two things have been pursued in parallel. We want to see Iran comply with the demands of the IAEA. We also want to see them be more forthcoming and more engaged in the P-5+1 process, so we these moving very much in parallel.
  QUESTION: Right. But I mean in terms of a meeting of the P-5+1.
  MS. NULAND: No.
  QUESTION: Do you expect one before, after, at the same time? Not necessarily with Iran at the table, but just to '' kind of a strategy session?
  MS. NULAND: I think we're still looking at that. What Lady Ashton has said is that her next step, and the P-5+1 agrees with this, is that she'll have a phone call with Mr. Jalili following up on the call that her deputy had a couple of weeks ago, and then we'll see from there. But traditionally, we have coordinated in the P-5+1 before seeing the Iranians at one level or another, but I don't have anything to announce today, Matt.
  QUESTION: Are there any secret talks ongoing directly between the United States and Iran?
  MS. NULAND: No.
  QUESTION: Yes. (Laughter.)
  MS. NULAND: For the record, without Matt over me, no, there are no secret talks.
  QUESTION: There are absolutely no talks, directly or indirectly, going on with Iran?
  MS. NULAND: There are no secret talks. What you see is what you get.
  QUESTION: Can we move to Syria?
  QUESTION: Oh, wait, wait. Hold on. What do you mean, ''What you see is what you get?''
  MS. NULAND: Meaning --
  QUESTION: Because we don't see nothing '' we see nothing, that we get nothing?
  MS. NULAND: You have all seen when the P-5+1 has sat down with Iran, and I've got nothing else to share with you.
  QUESTION: Well, that means that you have nothing else to share with us. That doesn't necessarily mean there are no secret talks going on.
  MS. NULAND: I am --
  QUESTION: What you are saying, that all of these, or that the several reports with dubious sourcing are incorrect.
  MS. NULAND: Correct. Correct, they are incorrect.
  QUESTION: Valerie Jarrett is not running around on the President's behalf, negotiating with the Iranians in Bahrain. Is that what you mean?
  MS. NULAND: As my colleague Tommy Vietor has already confirmed, these reports are ridiculous. There are no Valerie Jarrett talks.
  QUESTION: Are there --
  QUESTION: She has no role in the negotiations with the Iranians?
  MS. NULAND: Correct. She has no role.
  QUESTION: Not even (inaudible)?
  QUESTION: Aha. Wait a second. She has no role in the direct talks with the Iranians. And you said, ''No,'' '' (laughter) '' but that suggests there are direct talks with Iranians going on. She just isn't part of them.
  MS. NULAND: Okay, guys. I think we've done this one.
  Margaret.
  QUESTION: Can you give us a readout on the diplomatic response to the event that was reported out by the Pentagon yesterday in regard to the attack on the U.S. drone by Iranian forces?
  MS. NULAND: Well, as you know, our colleagues in the Pentagon yesterday briefed about the shot against the drone. As they said, we have raised this with the Iranians through our regular channels to them. I don't have any response to report to you today.
  QUESTION: So that would be the Swiss?
  MS. NULAND: Yes.
  Please.
  QUESTION: And that '' sorry. That would have been in Tehran, or that would have been in Bern?
  MS. NULAND: My understanding is that it's the Swiss mission in Tehran that usually makes the representations on our behalf.
  All right? Moving on.
  QUESTION: Can we move to Syria?
  MS. NULAND: Yeah.
  QUESTION: Do you have a readout of the talks in Doha and whether it looks like the SNC is ready to compromise in terms of a final group?
  MS. NULAND: Well, as we've been saying all week, the initial part of this week was SNC talking to itself.
  QUESTION: Right.
  MS. NULAND: The talks actually didn't begin today until just a couple of hours ago because it's Friday, the traditional day of prayer out in that part of the world. So they've really only just gotten started in the larger plenary session, and we are not inside the room, as we've said. But I think we need to give them a little time and space. Apparently, it is very focused, it's very vigorous, and there are a broad representation of groups participating. So that's a good thing, but now we have to see if they can come up with some results.
  QUESTION: There were some reports coming out of the meeting that specifically the United States and some other countries are not demanding, but really putting pressure on them to leave this meeting with a formation of some kind of new council.
  MS. NULAND: There is not a country represented in international observer status who does not want to see this meeting bring results specifically in the form of a more diverse, broader Syrian opposition leadership structure that is more connected to leaders on the ground, the situation on the ground, and that protects and advances the rights of all Syrians. We all want to see that. We're all putting up pressure on them to do as much as they can and not to miss this opportunity to come together in defense of the Syrian people.
  QUESTION: Do you want them to stay there until they do?
  MS. NULAND: Again, this is their meeting. They've got to make those decisions. But we want to see, and the Syrian people certainly want to see, results.
  I'd like to also call your attention to the fact that while the Syrian opposition is doing this work on behalf of the Syrian people in Doha, the regime has, nonetheless, intensified its aerial bombing of civilian areas. It seems to be intentionally increasing its targeting of civilians. We are seeing intensified fighting and explosions in neighborhoods all over the country, but particularly in Damascus, including the fact that this fighting is getting closer and closer to government installation. So obviously, even as they attack their own people, the regime is losing more and more control, including in Damascus.
  QUESTION: Did '' I forgot to ask about this yesterday '' did you have any particular reaction to President Assad's interview?
  MS. NULAND: I wasn't asked for reaction. I think --
  QUESTION: No, it was because we '' I forgot to ask about it. So I'm asking now, do you have any reaction to his comments about him being Syrian, staying Syrian, born in Syria, will die in Syria?
  MS. NULAND: Well, you know our view. Our view is that he needs to leave, he needs to leave power, he needs to transfer power to a group that can take Syria into the future. That remains our view. He is living in his own parallel universe.
  QUESTION: So just --
  QUESTION: Do you support safe passage for him out of the country?
  MS. NULAND: I think I said a couple of days ago that we understand a number of countries have made that offer to him. We haven't seen any openness or willingness on his behalf to do the right thing.
  QUESTION: That wasn't the question. The question was: Do you support safe passage for him to go somewhere to exile?
  MS. NULAND: We're not going to get ahead of a decision by the Syrian people. Again, he hasn't shown any willingness to do that. A number of countries have offered it. We want to get him out of there so we can move on. That said, we also support accountability for him and for everybody else with blood on their hands.
  QUESTION: But just to put a fine point on it, you '' him staying in Syria, even in a non-leadership or nonpolitical role, is not acceptable; he's got to get out of the country is what --
  MS. NULAND: Look, we've obviously said, as most members of the Syrian opposition have said, that it's hard to imagine him staying in the country and not trying to be a spoiler and actually turning over power. Were he willing to have that conversation with his own opposition, that would obviously change the game, but there's no evidence that he's interested in walking that walk.
  QUESTION: So your stance or your position now is that he has to leave the country and leave power, same as it was with Qadhafi?
  MS. NULAND: Let's start with the fact that he's got to leave power. That's the only way we see things moving.
  QUESTION: Victoria, on the talks in Doha --
  MS. NULAND: Yeah.
  QUESTION: -- you're saying that they're meeting '' you're not in there in the meeting, but how are you kept abreast of what's going on in the meeting?
  MS. NULAND: Well, we, like about 15 other countries, have relatively senior representatives there. We are meeting with a broad cross-section of Syrians who want to meet with us and with other countries who are there, so we're hearing about the process that way, and encouraging them to stay at it and get something serious done there.
  QUESTION: Toria, there's some '' sorry, there are some reports in the Western media now about growing revulsion, concern, et cetera, among Syrians about the opposition fighters who are carrying out atrocities as well. Is there any indication that the State Department has that the situation is worsening, that there are more atrocities, more violence on the part of the opposition fighters?
  MS. NULAND: I don't think that we are in a position to really keep a tally here. We're obviously watching with concern reports by any Syrian groups or any international human rights organizations about human rights violations by any side.
  But I think you've heard the Secretary say for many, many months, we've been saying here, other leaders have been saying that the way the Syrian opposition comports itself in this period will send a signal to the Syrian population about whether they can and should be trusted to lead a democratic transition; that we are all looking for '' first and foremost, the Syrian people are looking for respect for international human rights standards, for respect for the rules of war, Geneva Conventions, et cetera, and the treatment of prisoners, that all eyes are on them. And if they want the Syrian population in all of its colors to trust them and trust that a future without Assad is going to be better, then they need to demonstrate that in the way they comport themselves now and the way they lead into the future.
  QUESTION: On the humanitarian side of the things, the State Department put out a statement saying that the United States has increased its humanitarian aid by $34 million today at a meeting in Geneva, and this coincided with the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs saying that they think by this '' by next year, we could have 4 million people in need of humanitarian aid within Syria.
  I just wondered what the United States' assessment is about this growing humanitarian crisis, particularly with the approach of winter now and these people '' these refugees in camps along the borders in various countries.
  MS. NULAND: Well, first, to confirm what we put out in our statement that at the monthly humanitarian meeting in Geneva today, the U.S. did announce that our humanitarian contribution to Syrians is being increased by some $34 million, bringing our total up to 165 million; that 16.7 of this is going to UNHCR for winterization support in Jordan, in Libya[1], in Turkey; 3 million for UNICEF priority needs outside of Syria; 323 for UN Food Program support in neighboring countries as well; and 6 million for UNICEF inside Syria for health, for relief supplies; 2 million for the World Food Program for logistics and relief supplies inside Syria; and 5.7 million to NGO partners for health, logistics, relief, protection, shelter, and settlements also inside Syria. We are gravely concerned with the onset of winter that we need to provide winterization support not only inside Syria, but also in these neighboring countries as the weather gets cold.
  The numbers are very concerning, very disturbing, and they don't actually capture the totality of displaced Syrians because you also have huge numbers of Syrians displaced inside the country but also living with relatives and not taking advantage of formal relief in Turkey, in Lebanon, in Jordan, in other neighboring states. So again, this is what Assad has wrought on his country.
  QUESTION: Are you satisfied that your partners are also taking a sort of aggressive enough stance on the humanitarian side? Are they keeping pace with your increase in donations or do you think that more can be done by others as well?
  MS. NULAND: I actually don't have a final result out of the UN meetings today in Geneva. As you know, the UN appeal overall was less than half filled before this meeting, so I just don't have a full picture of how other countries stepped up. But it is something that we work very hard to coordinate on and to encourage countries to meet the UN's needs.
  QUESTION: Can you confirm that the number of refugees is 400,000 Syrian refugees?
  MS. NULAND: Is --
  QUESTION: The figures that are suggesting the number of Syrian refugees has reached 400,000.
  MS. NULAND: That the total number has reached 400,000?
  QUESTION: Right.
  MS. NULAND: I'm going to take that. I don't know what our guesstimate is at the moment.
  QUESTION: And a quick follow-up --
  MS. NULAND: I've got '' there are now upwards of 170,000 Syrians in Turkey, 118,000 in Turkish camps. UNHCR's estimate '' this is their estimate, and they're in a better position to estimate than we are '' is that the total number of Syrian refugees is approximately 408,000 now.
  QUESTION: Does that include displaced persons inside the country?
  MS. NULAND: This is refugees.
  QUESTION: Refugees.
  MS. NULAND: So it's people who have fled Syria.
  Please.
  QUESTION: Just a quick follow-up on Jill's question?
  MS. NULAND: Mm-hmm.
  QUESTION: It is said that there something like 300 militant groups in Syria fighting the regime, many of whom are not represented in the opposition that is meeting in Doha. How do you '' are you suggesting anything to the opposition to bring them under control?
  MS. NULAND: Well, this is part and parcel of why we want to see a strong, unified, diverse political opposition that's well connected to the ground, because when the political opposition has its act together, it's in a position to speak to and for and with the Syrian people and those fighting on their behalf about not only the appropriate manner in which to conduct themselves but about the future. So it's hard to imagine you can have a political conversation with fighters unless you're unified as a political entity.
  Please.
  QUESTION: What else are you expecting from this broadening of the opposition structure?
  MS. NULAND: Well, we've talked about this a number of times. I can repeat it again today. But internally, we want to see a more unified, more diverse, more geographically representative group that is connected to what's going on on the ground, not only so that they can provide that political cohesion inside the country, but so that they can attract those Syrians who are still on the fence to trust that a Syria without Assad is going to be better, those who are still on the fence and peel off more defections from the Assad regime. So that's one thing.
  The second piece of this is to provide better political cohesion in terms of the way areas that are now liberated from the regime are managing the transition and preparing for a better day, that they're meeting the needs of citizens, that they're doing it in a way that reflects the Syria we want to see, not the Syria of the past.
  And then the third piece is the international piece that we've talked about, that we want to see a strong, unified opposition that can be persuasive in terms of a future set of leaders for the country to those countries like Russia, China, et cetera who are on the fence about breaking with Assad, and who can also work with all of us to help us better direct the assistance that we're providing to the places where it's most needed.
  QUESTION: So the next step for them is agreeing on a transition plan that would be also comprehensive and --
  MS. NULAND: Well, they have '' as you know, on July 3rd they agreed a set of principles and then they agreed on a transition plan. And our sense from talking to them is that those documents are very much live and still the basis of conversation among this group. So the question has always been not starting from scratch again, but how you build on the work that's already been done, how you socialize it inside Syria, how you make it the basis of the way they operate inside Syria now and prepare for a transition. So it's a matter of broadening and deepening.
  QUESTION: So it's just bringing people on board? There is nothing new you expect from them?
  MS. NULAND: No. I mean, the question will be, once they've unified, how they want to take that work forward, do they want to put more specificity on it, do they want to start governing according to those principles in those areas that they control, et cetera.
  QUESTION: Will the international community be '' accept doing more things for them if they are united? I mean --
  MS. NULAND: We have said that it will be easier to do more when we are better connected to a unified opposition that is itself connected to more Syrians on the ground.
  QUESTION: Do more even militarily?
  MS. NULAND: Again, you know where we are on that issue. I'm not going '' I don't have any change of policy on that issue.
  QUESTION: But one of the problems is '' you were saying that you don't '' one of the problems in not giving lethal aid is, you said, you don't know where these weapons would be going; you have to make sure they're going to the right person. If you are in touch with an opposition entity that has greater access and communication and coordination with people on the ground that are actually doing the fighting, that would eliminate, or at least kind of dampen, some of those concerns.
  MS. NULAND: We're talking about a political leadership structure here '' that's what we're talking about '' that can lead Syria to a better political day. We don't have any change in our current approach, which is that we are providing nonlethal assistance. We want to make sure that that nonlethal assistance we provide, including in things like communications, which help the opposition to resist and coordinate among itself in defense of the people, are going to the right people and are going where it's most needed. So among the things that can be better directed if we have a more unified opposition is all of that '' the assistance that we are already providing.
  Please.
  QUESTION: Do you see today the possibility of a political solution in Syria? Today.
  MS. NULAND: Again we '' a more unified opposition makes that more likely, in our view.
  Please.
  QUESTION: Victoria, do you have an update about military defections from Syria? There's a report today that more than 25 officers defected to Turkey.
  MS. NULAND: We've seen those same reports that some 71 Syrian soldiers, including two generals and 11 colonels, have defected to Turkey. We are not able at this point to confirm those, but they would be in keeping with the steady stream of defections, losses in territorial terms, losses in materiel terms, that we're seeing the regime forces suffer.
  QUESTION: Thank you.
  MS. NULAND: Please.
  QUESTION: Can I change the subject?
  MS. NULAND: Yeah.
  QUESTION: India.
  MS. NULAND: Mm-hmm.
  QUESTION: The British Government today has said it's going to halt all its aid to India from 2015, partly because of austerity measures, but also because, I think, there's a recognition that India is a country with a space program and maybe it doesn't need the same amount of aid as it has been having.
  I wondered specifically if the United States is also looking at '' so now you have a very broad USAID program with India '' whether there's any possibility that the United States might slash its budget to India, and more generally whether, in these times, tough times, whether you're looking at the overseas aid programs and ways of recalibrating that.
  MS. NULAND: Well, we're constantly, particularly in tough budget times, looking at ensuring that our assistance dollars are spent as well as we possibly can. You know that we've been talking in general about trying to move, in as many countries as we can, from aid to trade, empowering individuals, but most of our programs are directed already in that '' along that vector, supporting all of the kinds of things that we do in India, including the strengthening and deepening of the nongovernmental sector, the health and human security issues. But I don't see '' I don't have any change in our India assistance to announce today, but obviously in every budget cycle, we look at all the priorities across the planet, and we have to make tough decisions in consultations with those governments in terms of what's effective.
  QUESTION: (Inaudible) want to remind us again how much '' what percentage of the budget is foreign aid?
  MS. NULAND: Less than 1 percent.
  QUESTION: Oh, wow.
  MS. NULAND: Thank you, Matt.
  QUESTION: Just one question. Last night, the Secretary said that they had '' that the State Department and Defense had sent out teams around the world to different posts, embassies, to assess the security situation and, obviously, try to improve it if necessary. Are there any conclusions or have there been any steps taken or is this still the assessment period?
  MS. NULAND: Well, the teams have been going out over the last week and half, so they are largely still out in the field. Just to say a little bit more, these are joint State-DOD teams to review the security environment at a number of our high-threat posts. They're going to visit more than a dozen posts in regions around the world. I would say, though, that obviously, as we always do, this is not an exhaustive list of what we are up to. We review our security at every single post around the world on a daily, weekly basis, and we're going to continue to do that.
  QUESTION: Is that just about '' when you say review security, do you mean for diplomats and U.S. facilities overseas or also the environment for '' security environment for Americans living overseas?
  MS. NULAND: Well, we're looking at the security environment in general. So that means what's going on in the host country nationally in general. As you know, whatever decisions we make about our security posture generally also are reflected in the warnings that we give to American citizens about travel. Usually there's a direct correlation there.
  Please.
  QUESTION: Change topic?
  QUESTION: I have a planning question for you. We all know Secretary Clinton has said she's going to be leaving. I'm wondering if you have some sort of timetable you can share with us about what this transition will look like.
  MS. NULAND: Not beyond what she has said, which is that she is committed to see through the term. She's committed to ensuring that the transition to a successor is smooth. But in terms of how the timing rolls out, obviously the first decision will be for the President to make a decision on the successor. Then that person would have to be confirmed and all that stuff.
  QUESTION: But just to put a fine point on it, and a lot of people are saying, oh, she agreed to stay to the end of the month, she said '' she '' once a new secretary takes office and is confirmed, she intends to leave. Is that ''
  MS. NULAND: Well, you only have one secretary at a time, so ''
  QUESTION: Well, no, I understand but she's going to wait until a new secretary is confirmed and ready to be seated before she leaves. Is that right?
  MS. NULAND: Look, I can't give you an hour or a date, but she has '' beyond what she has said, which is that she is committed to staying through the end of the term, that is January, that she's committed to seeing a smooth transition. So I'm not going to herein give you the hour so that we can all start wearing our mourning clothes, but we'll '' as the situation becomes clearer and as we move through a transition, we'll obviously be as transparent as we can.
  QUESTION: You would expect that to be after the Inaugural then?
  MS. NULAND: Traditionally, that is the way it has gone, but because it's usually the newly seated Senate that wants to confirm the newly appointed secretary, but I think we don't know anything yet until the President makes his decision and we go from there with the Congress.
  Please.
  QUESTION: Change topics to the Palestinian issue?
  MS. NULAND: Please.
  QUESTION: Today a Palestinian spokesman said that they are going to the United Nations on the 29th of this month to seek a statement of observer status. The day happens to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. That's the 29th of November. Do you have any comment on that?
  MS. NULAND: I'm going to make a comment that you've heard me make many, many times before, Said. Action of this kind is not going to take them any closer to having what they really want and need, which is a functioning, independent state living at peace with Israel.
  QUESTION: Are you '' have you taken any measures or have you spoken to them to dissuade them from the ''
  MS. NULAND: We speak to them constantly about this. We've been making this case for a long time and will continue to do so.
  Please.
  QUESTION: On Mexico?
  MS. NULAND: Yeah.
  QUESTION: Today, the Mexican authorities have charged 14 police officers with the shooting in August of two U.S. Government employees, who were wounded in the attack. I just wondered if you had heard that they'd been charged, whether this is likely to change anything with your cooperation with the Mexican authorities?
  MS. NULAND: I hadn't heard that the charging had actually happened. If we have any particular comment on that, we'll get back to you, Jo. But I think you know that we work very hard on both sides of the border when these incidents happens to be prompt and quick in judicial proceedings and being transparent with each other and to try to correct any issues that we have along the border.
  QUESTION: So you don't foresee any changes in cooperation between the two sides on --
  MS. NULAND: No. In general we continue to enjoy excellent cooperation and we work very hard at it, so --
  QUESTION: There were reports initially that these two guys were CIA employees. Can you confirm this?
  MS. NULAND: I'm obviously not going to speak to intelligence. I don't have anything for you on it one way or the other. But if we have anything to share, we will.
  All right? Thanks everybody.
  (The briefing was concluded at 1:56 p.m.)
  DPB #192
  [1] Lebanon
FBI Investigating General Petraeus Biographer For Having Access To Classified Information - YouTube
  Link to Article
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:43
Paula Broadwell talks Gen. Petraeus on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:43
  Screen grab from Paul Broadwell's interview with Charlie Rose
  As Fred Kaplan just reported, the woman with whom Gen. David Petraeus was having an affair with was Paula Broadwell, the author of a recent hagiographic book about him, All In: The Education of General David Petraeus.
  Broadwell, who herself has a military background, made a number of media appearances earlier this year while promoting the release of her book. As you'll see in the clips below, she clearly thought very highly of the general.
  Here she was back in January on The Daily Show:
  And being interviewed by Arthur Kade for a Web video:
  She also sat down with Charlie Rose in February, a clip of which you can find here.
  Only last week, Broadwell published her latest piece on the general, titled "David Petraeus's Rules for Living," in The Daily Beast/Newsweek. Number five was this:
  We all will make mistakes. The key is to recognize them and admit them, to learn from them, and to take off the rear­ view mirrors'--drive on and avoid making them again.
No Tears for David Petraeus: Good Riddance to Islamopandering, Anti-Israel CIA Director; Put Himself in Blackmail Position
  Link to Article
  Source: Debbie Schlussel
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:42
  By Debbie Schlussel
  No tears from me over the resignation of CIA Director and retired General David Petraeus, late today. Petraeus was and is a pan-Arabist, anti-Israel piece of crap, who built his career on expending the lives of American soldiers to build roads for and hand out candy to Muslims who hate us, as he constantly bent over for them. He blamed our problems with the Muslim world on our relationship with Israel.
  Dhimmi Fashion Victim: Former CIA Director & Retired General David Petraeus Dresses Like a MuslimAs American Commander of Middle Eastern Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Petraeus dressed up in Muslm garb to display the latest appeasement in uber-dhimmi chic dumbass fashion. Apparently, it did wonders in the bedroom for him. Oh, and don't forget that he was part of the crowd who blamed the attacks on our embassies and the murders of four Americans on the anti-Mohammed video and condemning free speech.
  And, yet, he had no problem jeopardizing America's national security by having an extra-marital affair. Can you imagine the kind of blackmail he could have been subject to, had the FBI not discovered his dancing in the sheets? What a selfish idiot!
  It's truly incredible that this man was being touted by everyone from FOX News chief Roger Ailes to New York's grandstanding (but never doing anything) Congressman and Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King. All of them begged this schmuck to run Whatta joke.
  There are many theories abound about the timing. Surely, the Obama people must have known this affair was going on for some time and did nothing about it, plus it came out AFTER the election for a reason. And there are many on the right who now think this came out so that Barack Obama could avoid having Petraues testify about the events at the U.S. consulate in Benghazi. But as CIA Director, he would probably avoid answering much. And he could still be subpoenaed as a private citizen. So, I'm not sure I buy that part.
  What I do know is that I'm glad this creep is gone. Back during the Iraq War, left-wing groups called him ''Betray-us.'' And, while they were attacking him for something else, his pandering to Muslims against Western interests backs that nickname up.
  U.S. General David Petraeus said on Wednesday that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was fomenting anti-American sentiment due to the perception of U.S. favoritism towards Israel.
  Speaking to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Petraeus explained that ''enduring hostilities between Israel and some of its neighbors present distinct challenges to our ability to advance our interests in the area of responsibility.''
  ''Arab anger over the Palestinian question limits the strength and depth of U.S. partnerships with governments and peoples [in the region],'' Petraeus said.
  His comments follow a week of tense relations between Israel and the U.S. following Israel's announcement of plans to build 1,600 housing units in East Jerusalem, which was made public while U.S. Vice President Joe Biden was visiting the country.
  Yup, for this over-rated general, it was the old stand-by: when things get tough, blame the JOOOOOOS and Israel.
  This was the same idiot who was the archtiect of the Bush ''hearts and minds'' strategy to win over Muslim savages who hate us.
  And how did that work out? Just like his affair.
  A lot of people got bleeped. And thousands of American soldiers died.
  Buh-bye, Betray-Us Petraus. Don't let the halal door hit ya on the way out.
  Thank G-d this jerk will never be President. But, don't worry, there are more Islamo-ass kissing Jew-haters and Israel-blamers to take his place.
Democracy Corps: Voters Want Jobs, Not Deficit Reduction
  Link to Article
  Source: Crooks and Liars
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:40
  No fiscal cliff hysteria here. Democracy Corps, working with progressive groups, did an election-night survey that shows voters don't want austerity, aren't willing to cut Social Security and Medicare, and see jobs as more important than deficit reduction:
  While elites assume the fiscal cliff is about deficit reduction and avoiding a contraction in the economy, voters want progress to create jobs over the next five years. Voters want growth, not austerity, and above all, do not see 'entitlements' as on the table.
  · Two-thirds give an intense positive response to a ''plan to invest in new industries and rebuild the country and create jobs over the next five years.'' That is 5 points higher than ''a plan to dramatically reduce the deficit to allow the economy to grow over next five years.''
  · By 67 to 26 percent, voters say the priority should be growth rather deficit reduction.
  There is no evidence that voters have any interest in the contours of Simpson-Bowles approach to the budget.
  · Over 60 percent rule out cuts in Medicare and Social Security as part of a deficit reduction package.
  · Almost three-quarters find acceptable in any such plan creating a new higher rate for those earning over a million dollars.
  By putting Paul Ryan on the budget, Republicans decided to put social insurance for seniors on the table, but the Obama's biggest advantage over Romney was on whom voters trust to deal with Medicare: 51 to 38 percent, a 13-point advantage.
  If you've been listening, President Obama has been saying all along that he intends to get his debt deal with the Republicans -- and so have his surrogates. Pay attention, because now they'll be ramping up the Grand Bargain. We don't know yet if they will attempt to push it through in the lame-duck session, or whether they kick it down the road until after the next session of Congress. But it will happen, so be prepared to fight.
  Because the whole thing is a fabrication meant to scare us into supporting it.
US military warned to prepare for consequences of climate change | World news
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:32
  The US military has already cited facilities like Eglin air force base in Florida as being particularly at risk due to rising sea levels. Photograph: Joely Santiago/AP
  The Pentagon was warned on Friday to stand guard against "climate surprises" which could throw off its efforts to secure America's future.
  An expert report, prepared for the intelligence community by the National Academy of Sciences, warns that the security establishment is going to have start planning for natural disasters, sea-level rise, drought, epidemics and the other consequences of climate change.
  The Pentagon already ranks climate change as a national security threat, putting US troops in danger around the world and adding fuel to existing conflicts. More than 30 US bases are threatened by sea level rise.
  It has also identified potential new danger zones, such as sub-Saharan Africa.
  The military is also working to cut back on its fuel costs in an age of budget austerity, by installing solar arrays and wind turbines, and monitoring electricity use.
  But Friday's report suggests strategic planners are going to have make sweeping adjustments to their planning to take account of climate change over the next decade and beyond.
  Current scenarios could be thrown completely askew by "climate surprises", the report said. These could be a single catastrophic event '' such as a food price shock '' or a cascade of reactions that could ultimately put America at risk. "It makes sense for the intelligence community to apply a scenario approach in thinking about potentially disruptive events," the report said. "It may make sense to consider the security implications of two or three more plausible trends as a way to anticipate risks."
  The study also recommends a crash course for intelligence analysts on the potential threat posed by sea-level rise, drought, food shortages and other consequences of climate change. "It is essential for the intelligence community to understand adaptation and changes in vulnerability to climate events," it said.
New Organizing Institute
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:31
  Work Forward is a job matching platform for the 21st Century. We're not a resume bank, or a list-serv. Our goal is simple: match talented organizers with rewarding jobs, and help employers find the talented organizers to win campaigns. If you want to access to the best jobs and talent in the progressive movement, sign up now.
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David Petraeus Resigns From CIA
  Link to Article
  Source: Crooks and Liars
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:27
  MSNBC has the scoop. David Petraeus has submitted a letter of resignation from the CIA, which has been accepted by President Obama. Apparently, Petraeus has cited an extra-marital affair as one of the contributing factors.
  More information as it develops...
  Update: No video yet, but the text of his resignation letter is on MSNBC's site.
  Update #2: Just added the video from Andrea Mitchell's show with the original breaking news report.
The Obama Campaign Won't Go Away
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:24
  Posted Nov 9, 2012 12:25pm EST
  WASHINGTON, DC '-- Don't believe the cheesy good-bye e-mails from aides and the super-triple-final requests for donations: The Obama campaign and its giant e-mail list are here to stay.
  The pace may have slowed, but the campaign is still tweeting, still e-mailing, still posting to Tumblr and Facebook. And on a conference call with reporters Thursday, campaign manager Jim Messina hinted at a much larger role.
  "We're going to go through a process with our supporters and have a conversation about what they want to do next," he said, on what his deputy, Stephanie Cutter, billed as the "last conference call for the OFA campaign."
  The future of this massive online organization, and of the enormous data operation that backs and interacts with it, is perhaps the most important and most-asked organizational question left by the 2012 elections. The conference call offered several clues on what shape the organization will take, but one thing is clear: This digital empire is likely to be important both to President Barack Obama's last term and to whatever follows it.
  "It could be his Clinton Global Initiative, targeted at home," suggested one Democrat close to the campaign.
  And Obama's lieutenants have suggested that they will keep a tight hold on the most powerful techncial tool in American politics.
  "You just can't transfer this, right," David Plouffe told reporters, ruling out handing it over to the Democratic National Committee or a 2016 candidate. "I mean, people are not going to spend hours away from their families and their jobs, contributing financially when it's hard for them to do it, unless they believe in the candidate."
  In the nearer term, it appears aides are hoping the organization provides the president with assistance as he prepares to tackle the "fiscal cliff" '-- the massive spending and tax decisions that need to be made in the coming weeks and months.
  They may also reverse what many see as an error in 2008: keeping "Organizing for America," as the successor to that first campaign was known, on the sidelines. After their historic victory, Obama aides recognized that they had amassed a heap of political capital in the form of millions of e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers of marginal or swing voters, as well as an army of loyal volunteers and staffers. At one point in 2009, the group mobilized hundreds of thousands of calls to Congress to pass health care reform, inundating the switchboard.
  But the White House quickly sidelined the organization at the request of congressional leaders, who resented the president's early attempts to apply pressure on them inside their own districts. And Obama campaign aides also privately acknowledged that supporters weren't as engaged as they would have liked in the group "because of the Jesus effect": the belief that Obama's election would magically solve all problems.
  "It's not that people didn't want to work for him, or for his legislative agenda '-- it's that they were tired," said one aide.
  That was the challenge facing the Obama campaign over the last 18 months, and it occupied a vast portion of its resources. Hundreds of field staff in states by the end of the campaign helped, but the statistic masked the efforts of the dozens who hadn't left since 2008 and had been organizing supporters for the president nonstop since April 2011.
  But even so, it all came down to the connection between the president and his supporters.
  "We have remarkable staff, and the campaign that Jim put together, you know, is the best in history, but the reason those people got involved was because they believed in Barack Obama," Plouffe said, offering the key for any future iteration of OFA. "It was a relationship between them and our candidate."
  The Obama campaign now has a second chance to turn its digital prowess toward governance, and they're unlikely to defer to anyone this time.
David Petraeus resigns from CIA
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:23
  CIA Director David Petraeus testifies at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Jan. 31.(Photo: H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY file)
  3:02PM EST November 9. 2012 - NBC reported Friday that CIA director David Petraeus has resigned from the CIA, citing an extramarital affair.
  NBC's Andrea Mitchell said the resignation was submitted in a letter dated Friday and was accepted by the White House.
  In a letter, Petraeus noted that he had been married for 37 years and had exercised "extremely poor judgment' in conducting an extramarital affair.
  Petraues took over as head of the CIA in September of 2011 following his tour as head of allied forces in Afghanistan.
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31 Worst People On The Planet
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 18:35
  An unfortunate truth is that, without publishing examples such as these, there are MANY in this country who insist this kind of hatred is gone, or at least that it plays very little role in political discourse today. WRONG. True enough, only a tiny percentage put their names alongside such trash. But this is exactly the crowd Pat Buchanan, Glen Beck, much of FOX News and much of the Romney campaign have been appealing to for a long time. They just use ''safer'' words that give them some hope for deniability, like 'foodstamps'' and ''welfare'' and ''47 percent.'' Ironically, and though the bigots are too ignorant to know or accept the truth, use of foodstamps, government benefits are highest in red states, and include more whites than any other ethnicity, just as those same red states have the highest teen birth rates and lowest ratings in education. Those aren't coincidences. Ann Romney may be shocked at the language, given her concern for appearances and all. But there's no question she shares the sentiments.
NWO AGENDA 21 IN YOUR FACE ON THE BLAZE!! - YouTube
  Link to Article
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:43
Exclusive: SEC left computers vulnerable to cyber attacks - sources
  Link to Article
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:17
  Exclusive: SEC left computers vulnerable to cyber attacks - sourcesTop News
  Exclusive: SEC left computers vulnerable to cyber attacks - sources
  Thu, Nov 08 20:55 PM EST
  By Sarah N. Lynch
  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Staffers at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission failed to encrypt some of their computers containing highly sensitive information from stock exchanges, leaving the data vulnerable to cyber attacks, according to people familiar with the matter.
  While the computers were unprotected, there was no evidence that hacking or spying on the SEC's computers took place, these people said.
  The computers and other electronic devices in question belonged to a handful of employees in an office within the SEC's Trading and Markets Division. That office is responsible for making sure exchanges follow certain guidelines to protect the markets from potential cyber threats and systems problems, one of those people said.
  Some of the staffers even brought the unprotected devices to a Black Hat convention, a conference where computer hacking experts gather to discuss the latest trends. It is not clear why the staffers brought the devices to the event.
  The security lapses in the Trading and Markets Division are laid out in a yet-to-be-released report that by the SEC's Interim Inspector General Jon Rymer.
  NO DATA BREACHED
  The revelation comes as the SEC is encouraging companies to get more serious about cyber attacks. Last year, the agency issued guidance that public companies should follow in determining when to report breaches to investors.
  Cyber security has become an even more pressing issue after high-profile companies from Lockheed Martin Corp to Bank of America Corp have fallen victim to hacking in recent years.
  Nasdaq OMX Group, which runs the No. 2 U.S. equities exchange, in 2010 suffered a cyber attack on its collaboration software for corporate boards, but its trading systems were not breached.
  One of the people familiar with the SEC's security lapse said the agency was forced to spend at least $200,000 and hire a third-party firm to conduct a thorough analysis to make sure none of the data was compromised.
  The watchdog's report has already been circulated to the SEC's five commissioners, as well as to key lawmakers on Capitol Hill, and is expected to be made public soon.
  SEC spokesman John Nester declined to comment on the report's findings.
  SEC NOTIFIED EXCHANGES
  Rich Adamonis, a spokesman for the New York Stock Exchange, said the exchange operator is "disappointed" with the SEC's lapse.
  "From the moment we were informed, we have been actively seeking clarity from the SEC to understand the full extent of the use of improperly secured devices and the information involved, as well as the actions taken by the SEC to ensure that there is proper remediation and a complete audit trail for the information," he said.
  A spokesman for Nasdaq OMX declined to comment on the security lapse at the SEC.
  Since the internal investigation was concluded, the SEC initiated disciplinary actions against the people involved, one of the people familiar with the matter said.
  The SEC also notified all of the exchanges about the incident.
  The SEC's Trading and Markets Division, which has several hundred staffers, is primarily responsible for overseeing the U.S. equity markets, ensuring compliance with rules and writing regulations for exchanges and brokerages.
  Among the division's tasks is to ensure exchanges are following a series of voluntary guidelines known as "Automation Review Policies," or ARPs. These policies call for exchanges to establish programs concerning computer audits, security and capacity. They are, in essence, a road map of the capital markets' infrastructure.
  Although they are only voluntary guidelines, exchanges take them seriously.
  Under the ARP, exchanges must provide highly secure information to the SEC such as architectural maps, systems recovery and business continuity planning details in the event of a disaster or other major event.
  That is the same kind of data used by exchanges last week after Hurricane Sandy forced U.S. equities markets to shut down for two days.
  Prior to re-opening, all of the U.S. stock market operators took part in coordinated testing for trading on NYSE's backup system.
  SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro recently said the SEC is working to convert the voluntary ARP guidelines into enforceable rules after a software error at Knight Capital Group nearly bankrupt the brokerage and led to a $440 million trading loss.
  (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Karey Wutkowski and Lisa Shumaker)
  Exclusive: SEC left computers vulnerable to cyber attacks - sourcesTop News
  Exclusive: SEC left computers vulnerable to cyber attacks - sources
  Thu, Nov 08 20:55 PM EST
  By Sarah N. Lynch
  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Staffers at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission failed to encrypt some of their computers containing highly sensitive information from stock exchanges, leaving the data vulnerable to cyber attacks, according to people familiar with the matter.
  While the computers were unprotected, there was no evidence that hacking or spying on the SEC's computers took place, these people said.
  The computers and other electronic devices in question belonged to a handful of employees in an office within the SEC's Trading and Markets Division. That office is responsible for making sure exchanges follow certain guidelines to protect the markets from potential cyber threats and systems problems, one of those people said.
  Some of the staffers even brought the unprotected devices to a Black Hat convention, a conference where computer hacking experts gather to discuss the latest trends. It is not clear why the staffers brought the devices to the event.
  The security lapses in the Trading and Markets Division are laid out in a yet-to-be-released report that by the SEC's Interim Inspector General Jon Rymer.
  NO DATA BREACHED
  The revelation comes as the SEC is encouraging companies to get more serious about cyber attacks. Last year, the agency issued guidance that public companies should follow in determining when to report breaches to investors.
  Cyber security has become an even more pressing issue after high-profile companies from Lockheed Martin Corp to Bank of America Corp have fallen victim to hacking in recent years.
  Nasdaq OMX Group, which runs the No. 2 U.S. equities exchange, in 2010 suffered a cyber attack on its collaboration software for corporate boards, but its trading systems were not breached.
  One of the people familiar with the SEC's security lapse said the agency was forced to spend at least $200,000 and hire a third-party firm to conduct a thorough analysis to make sure none of the data was compromised.
  The watchdog's report has already been circulated to the SEC's five commissioners, as well as to key lawmakers on Capitol Hill, and is expected to be made public soon.
  SEC spokesman John Nester declined to comment on the report's findings.
  SEC NOTIFIED EXCHANGES
  Rich Adamonis, a spokesman for the New York Stock Exchange, said the exchange operator is "disappointed" with the SEC's lapse.
  "From the moment we were informed, we have been actively seeking clarity from the SEC to understand the full extent of the use of improperly secured devices and the information involved, as well as the actions taken by the SEC to ensure that there is proper remediation and a complete audit trail for the information," he said.
  A spokesman for Nasdaq OMX declined to comment on the security lapse at the SEC.
  Since the internal investigation was concluded, the SEC initiated disciplinary actions against the people involved, one of the people familiar with the matter said.
  The SEC also notified all of the exchanges about the incident.
  The SEC's Trading and Markets Division, which has several hundred staffers, is primarily responsible for overseeing the U.S. equity markets, ensuring compliance with rules and writing regulations for exchanges and brokerages.
  Among the division's tasks is to ensure exchanges are following a series of voluntary guidelines known as "Automation Review Policies," or ARPs. These policies call for exchanges to establish programs concerning computer audits, security and capacity. They are, in essence, a road map of the capital markets' infrastructure.
  Although they are only voluntary guidelines, exchanges take them seriously.
  Under the ARP, exchanges must provide highly secure information to the SEC such as architectural maps, systems recovery and business continuity planning details in the event of a disaster or other major event.
  That is the same kind of data used by exchanges last week after Hurricane Sandy forced U.S. equities markets to shut down for two days.
  Prior to re-opening, all of the U.S. stock market operators took part in coordinated testing for trading on NYSE's backup system.
  SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro recently said the SEC is working to convert the voluntary ARP guidelines into enforceable rules after a software error at Knight Capital Group nearly bankrupt the brokerage and led to a $440 million trading loss.
  (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Karey Wutkowski and Lisa Shumaker)
US imposes sanctions on Iran for Internet censorship | Ars Technica
  Link to Article
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:13
  US government officials have been calling out Iran on its harsh treatment of bloggers and journalists for some time now. Now the US State Department is trying to put some teeth into those condemnations.
  The department announced sanctions against four Iranian individuals, along with five Iranian "entities"'--government agencies and private companies. The sanctioned organizations have all limited access to media, by jamming satellite broadcasts and "restricting Internet connectivity." They've also censored and closed newspapers, detained and even tortured journalists according to the State Department.
  The sanctioned agencies include the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the country's Press Supervisory Board, and the Center to Investigate Organized Crime, which helps "identify Internet users who published material insulting government officials," the AFP reports. Communications Minister Reza Taghipour has been personally cited.
  Two Iranian software companies are being sanctioned as well: AmnAfzar Gostar-e Sharif, and PeykAsa, along with their founder Rasool Jalili. The companies monitor Iranian Web traffic and block access to Facebook, eBay, and YouTube.
  All the sanctioned people and entities will have any US assets frozen.
  The US wants to stop the "Iranian government from creating an 'electronic curtain' to cut Iranian citizens off from the rest of the world," said State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.
  The AFP report on today's sanctions also describes a recent act of somewhat ham-handed censorship by Iranian officials, who accidentally blocked Gmail when they were trying to censor only YouTube.
  "Unfortunately, we do not yet have enough technical knowhow to differentiate between these two services," said Mohammad Reza Miri, an official charged with filtering the Internet in Iran. "We wanted to block YouTube and Gmail was also blocked, which was involuntary. We absolutely do not want YouTube to be accessible."
  Joe Mullin / Joe Mullin has been covering the intersection of law and technology '-- including the world's biggest copyright and patent battles '-- for a number of years, mostly at The American Lawyer.
Federal Register | Yemen Sanctions Regulations
  Link to Article
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:57
  begin regulatory text
  Authority:3 U.S.C. 301; 31 U.S.C. 321(b); 50 U.S.C. 1601-1651, 1701-1706; 101, 104 Stat. 890 (28 U.S.C. 2461 note); Pub. L. 110-96, 121 Stat. 1011 (50 U.S.C. 1705 note); E.O. 13611,77 FR 29533, May 18, 2012.
  § 552.101 Relation of this part to other laws and regulations.This part is separate from, and independent of, the other parts of this chapter, with the exception of part 501 of this chapter, the recordkeeping and reporting requirements and license application and other procedures of which apply to this part. Actions taken pursuant to part 501 of this chapter with respect to the prohibitions contained in this part are considered actions taken pursuant to this part. Differing foreign policy and national security circumstances may result in differing interpretations of similar language among the parts of this chapter. No license or authorization contained in or issued pursuant to those other parts authorizes any transaction prohibited by this part. No license or authorization contained in or issued pursuant to any other provision of law or regulation authorizes any transaction prohibited by this part. No license or authorization contained in or issued pursuant to this part relieves the involved parties from complying with any other applicable laws or regulations.
  Note to § 552.101:This part has been published in abbreviated form for the purpose of providing immediate guidance to the public. OFAC intends to supplement this part with a more comprehensive set of regulations, which may include additional interpretive and definitional guidance and additional general licenses and statements of licensing policy.
  § 552.201 Prohibited transactions.All transactions prohibited pursuant to Executive Order 13611 of May 16, 2012, are also prohibited pursuant to this part.
  Note 1 to § 552.201:The names of persons designated pursuant to Executive Order 13611, whose property and interests in property therefore are blocked pursuant to this section, are published in the Federal Register and incorporated into the Office of Foreign Assets Control's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (''SDN List'') with the identifier ''[YEMEN].'' The SDN List is accessible through the following page on the Office of Foreign Assets Control's Web site: www.treasury.gov/sdn. Additional information pertaining to the SDN List can be found in Appendix A to this chapter. See§ 552.406 concerning entities that may not be listed on the SDN List but whose property and interests in property are nevertheless blocked pursuant to this section.
  Note 2 to § 552.201:The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706), in Section 203 (50 U.S.C. 1702), authorizes the blocking of property and interests in property of a person during the pendency of an investigation. The names of persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pending investigation pursuant to this section also are published in the Federal Register and incorporated into the SDN List with the identifier ''[BPI-YEMEN].''
  Note 3 to § 552.201:Sections 501.806 and 501.807 of this chapter describe the procedures to be followed by persons seeking, respectively, the unblocking of funds that they believe were blocked due to mistaken identity, or administrative reconsideration of their status as persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this section.
  § 552.202 Effect of transfers violating the provisions of this part.(a) Any transfer after the effective date that is in violation of any provision of this part or of any regulation, order, directive, ruling, instruction, or license issued pursuant to this part, and that involves any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to § 552.201, is null and void and shall not be the basis for the assertion or recognition of any interest in or right, remedy, power, or privilege with respect to such property or property interests.
  (b) No transfer before the effective date shall be the basis for the assertion or recognition of any right, remedy, power, or privilege with respect to, or any interest in, any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to § 552.201, unless the person who holds or maintains such property, prior to that date, had written notice of the transfer or by any written evidence had recognized such transfer.
  (c) Unless otherwise provided, an appropriate license or other authorization issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control before, during, or after a transfer shall validate such transfer or make it enforceable to the same extent that it would be valid or enforceable but for the provisions of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Executive Order 13611, this part, and any regulation, order, directive, ruling, instruction, or license issued pursuant to this part.
  (d) Transfers of property that otherwise would be null and void or unenforceable by virtue of the provisions of this section shall not be deemed to be null and void or unenforceable as to any person with whom such property is or was held or maintained (and as to such person only) in cases in which such person is able to establish to the satisfaction of the Office of Foreign Assets Control each of the following:
  (1) Such transfer did not represent a willful violation of the provisions of this part by the person with whom such property is or was held or maintained (and as to such person only);
  (2) The person with whom such property is or was held or maintained did not have reasonable cause to know or suspect, in view of all the facts and circumstances known or available to such person, that such transfer required a license or authorization issued pursuant to this part and was not so licensed or authorized, or, if a license or authorization did purport to cover the transfer, that such license or authorization had been obtained by misrepresentation of a third party or withholding of material facts or was otherwise fraudulently obtained; and
  (3) The person with whom such property is or was held or maintained filed with the Office of Foreign Assets Control a report setting forth in full the circumstances relating to such transfer promptly upon discovery that:
  (i) Such transfer was in violation of the provisions of this part or any regulation, ruling, instruction, license, or other directive or authorization issued pursuant to this part;
  (ii) Such transfer was not licensed or authorized by the Office of Foreign Assets Control; or
  (iii) If a license did purport to cover the transfer, such license had been obtained by misrepresentation of a third party or withholding of material facts or was otherwise fraudulently obtained.
  Note to paragraph (d) of § 552.202:The filing of a report in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall not be deemed evidence that the terms of paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this section have been satisfied.
  (e) Unless licensed pursuant to this part, any attachment, judgment, decree, lien, execution, garnishment, or other judicial process is null and void with respect to any property in which, on or since the effective date, there existed an interest of a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201.
  § 552.203 Holding of funds in interest-bearing accounts; investment and reinvestment.(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (e) or (f) of this section, or as otherwise directed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, any U.S. person holding funds, such as currency, bank deposits, or liquidated financial obligations, subject to § 552.201 shall hold or place such funds in a blocked interest-bearing account located in the United States.
  (b)(1) For purposes of this section, the term blocked interest-bearing account means a blocked account:
  (i) In a federally-insured U.S. bank, thrift institution, or credit union, provided the funds are earning interest at rates that are commercially reasonable; or
  (ii) With a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.), provided the funds are invested in a money market fund or in U.S. Treasury bills.
  (2) Funds held or placed in a blocked account pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section may not be invested in instruments the maturity of which exceeds 180 days.
  (c) For purposes of this section, a rate is commercially reasonable if it is the rate currently offered to other depositors on deposits or instruments of comparable size and maturity.
  (d) For purposes of this section, if interest is credited to a separate blocked account or subaccount, the name of the account party on each account must be the same.
  (e) Blocked funds held in instruments the maturity of which exceeds 180 days at the time the funds become subject to § 552.201 may continue to be held until maturity in the original instrument, provided any interest, earnings, or other proceeds derived therefrom are paid into a blocked interest-bearing account in accordance with paragraphs (a) or (f) of this section.
  (f) Blocked funds held in accounts or instruments outside the United States at the time the funds become subject to § 552.201 may continue to be held in the same type of accounts or instruments, provided the funds earn interest at rates that are commercially reasonable.
  (g) This section does not create an affirmative obligation for the holder of blocked tangible property, such as chattels or real estate, or of other blocked property, such as debt or equity securities, to sell or liquidate such property. However, the Office of Foreign Assets Control may issue licenses permitting or directing such sales or liquidation in appropriate cases.
  (h) Funds subject to this section may not be held, invested, or reinvested in a manner that provides immediate financial or economic benefit or access to any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201, nor may their holder cooperate in or facilitate the pledging or other attempted use as collateral of blocked funds or other assets.
  § 552.301 Blocked account; blocked property.The terms blocked account and blocked property shall mean any account or property subject to the prohibitions in § 552.201 held in the name of a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201, or in which such person has an interest, and with respect to which payments, transfers, exportations, withdrawals, or other dealings may not be made or effected except pursuant to an authorization or license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control expressly authorizing such action.
  Note to § 552.301:See § 552.406 concerning the blocked status of property and interests in property of an entity that is 50 percent or more owned by a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201.
  § 552.302 Effective date.The term effective date refers to the effective date of the applicable prohibitions and directives contained in this part, and, with respect to a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201, is the earlier of the date of actual or constructive notice that such person's property and interests in property are blocked.
  § 552.303 Entity.The term entity means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization.
  § 552.304 Interest.Except as otherwise provided in this part, the term interest, when used with respect to property (e.g.,''an interest in property''), means an interest of any nature whatsoever, direct or indirect.
  § 552.305 Licenses; general and specific.(a) Except as otherwise specified, the term license means any license or authorization contained in or issued pursuant to this part.
  (b) The term general license means any license or authorization the terms of which are set forth in subpart E of this part.
  (c) The term specific license means any license or authorization not set forth in subpart E of this part but issued pursuant to this part.
  Note to § 552.305:See§ 501.801 of this chapter on licensing procedures.
  § 552.306 Person.The term person means an individual or entity.
  § 552.307 Property; property interest.The terms property and property interest include, but are not limited to, money, checks, drafts, bullion, bank deposits, savings accounts, debts, indebtedness, obligations, notes, guarantees, debentures, stocks, bonds, coupons, any other financial instruments, bankers acceptances, mortgages, pledges, liens or other rights in the nature of security, warehouse receipts, bills of lading, trust receipts, bills of sale, any other evidences of title, ownership or indebtedness, letters of credit and any documents relating to any rights or obligations thereunder, powers of attorney, goods, wares, merchandise, chattels, stocks on hand, ships, goods on ships, real estate mortgages, deeds of trust, vendors' sales agreements, land contracts, leaseholds, ground rents, real estate and any other interest therein, options, negotiable instruments, trade acceptances, royalties, book accounts, accounts payable, judgments, patents, trademarks or copyrights, insurance policies, safe deposit boxes and their contents, annuities, pooling agreements, services of any nature whatsoever, contracts of any nature whatsoever, and any other property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, or interest or interests therein, present, future, or contingent.
  § 552.308 Transfer.The term transfer means any actual or purported act or transaction, whether or not evidenced by writing, and whether or not done or performed within the United States, the purpose, intent, or effect of which is to create, surrender, release, convey, transfer, or alter, directly or indirectly, any right, remedy, power, privilege, or interest with respect to any property. Without limitation on the foregoing, it shall include the making, execution, or delivery of any assignment, power, conveyance, check, declaration, deed, deed of trust, power of attorney, power of appointment, bill of sale, mortgage, receipt, agreement, contract, certificate, gift, sale, affidavit, or statement; the making of any payment; the setting off of any obligation or credit; the appointment of any agent, trustee, or fiduciary; the creation or transfer of any lien; the issuance, docketing, or filing of, or levy of or under, any judgment, decree, attachment, injunction, execution, or other judicial or administrative process or order, or the service of any garnishment; the acquisition of any interest of any nature whatsoever by reason of a judgment or decree of any foreign country; the fulfillment of any condition; the exercise of any power of appointment, power of attorney, or other power; or the acquisition, disposition, transportation, importation, exportation, or withdrawal of any security.
  § 552.309 United States.The term United States means the United States, its territories and possessions, and all areas under the jurisdiction or authority thereof.
  § 552.310 U.S. financial institution.The term U.S. financialinstitution means any U.S. entity (including its foreign branches) that is engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making, granting, transferring, holding, or brokering loans or credits, or purchasing or selling foreign exchange, securities, or commodity futures or options, or procuring purchasers and sellers thereof, as principal or agent. It includes but is not limited to depository institutions, banks, savings banks, trust companies, securities brokers and dealers, commodity futures and options brokers and dealers, forward contract and foreign exchange merchants, securities and commodities exchanges, clearing corporations, investment companies, employee benefit plans, and U.S. holding companies, U.S. affiliates, or U.S. subsidiaries of any of the foregoing. This term includes those branches, offices, and agencies of foreign financial institutions that are located in the United States, but not such institutions' foreign branches, offices, or agencies.
  § 552.311 United States person; U.S. person.The term United Statesperson or U.S. person means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States.
  § 552.401 [Reserved]§ 552.402 Effect of amendment.Unless otherwise specifically provided, any amendment, modification, or revocation of any provision in or appendix to this part or chapter or of any order, regulation, ruling, instruction, or license issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control does not affect any act done or omitted, or any civil or criminal proceeding commenced or pending, prior to such amendment, modification, or revocation. All penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities under any such order, regulation, ruling, instruction, or license continue and may be enforced as if such amendment, modification, or revocation had not been made.
  § 552.403 Termination and acquisition of an interest in blocked property.(a) Whenever a transaction licensed or authorized by or pursuant to this part results in the transfer of property (including any property interest) away from a person, such property shall no longer be deemed to be property blocked pursuant to § 552.201, unless there exists in the property another interest that is blocked pursuant to § 552.201, the transfer of which has not been effected pursuant to license or other authorization.
  (b) Unless otherwise specifically provided in a license or authorization issued pursuant to this part, if property (including any property interest) is transferred or attempted to be transferred to a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201, such property shall be deemed to be property in which that person has an interest and therefore blocked.
  § 552.404 Transactions ordinarily incident to a licensed transaction.Any transaction ordinarily incident to a licensed transaction and necessary to give effect thereto is also authorized, except:
  (a) An ordinarily incident transaction, not explicitly authorized within the terms of the license, by or with a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201; or
  (b) An ordinarily incident transaction, not explicitly authorized within the terms of the license, involving a debit to a blocked account or a transfer of blocked property.
  § 552.405 Setoffs prohibited.A setoff against blocked property (including a blocked account), whether by a U.S. bank or other U.S. person, is a prohibited transfer under § 552.201 if effected after the effective date.
  § 552.406 Entities owned by a person whose property and interests in property are blocked.A person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201 has an interest in all property and interests in property of an entity in which it owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest. The property and interests in property of such an entity, therefore, are blocked, and such an entity is a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201, regardless of whether the entity itself is designated pursuant to Executive Order 13611.
  § 552.501 General and specific licensing procedures.For provisions relating to licensing procedures, see part 501, subpart E of this chapter. Licensing actions taken pursuant to part 501 of this chapter with respect to the prohibitions contained in this part are considered actions taken pursuant to this part. General licenses and statements of licensing policy relating to this part also may be available through the Yemen sanctions page on OFAC's Web site: www.treasury.gov/ofac.
  § 552.502 [Reserved]§ 552.503 Exclusion from licenses.The Office of Foreign Assets Control reserves the right to exclude any person, property, transaction, or class thereof from the operation of any license or from the privileges conferred by any license. The Office of Foreign Assets Control also reserves the right to restrict the applicability of any license to particular persons, property, transactions, or classes thereof. Such actions are binding upon actual or constructive notice of the exclusions or restrictions.
  § 552.504 Payments and transfers to blocked accounts in U.S. financial institutions.Any payment of funds or transfer of credit in which a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201 has any interest that comes within the possession or control of a U.S. financial institution must be blocked in an account on the books of that financial institution. A transfer of funds or credit by a U.S. financial institution between blocked accounts in its branches or offices is authorized, provided that no transfer is made from an account within the United States to an account held outside the United States, and further provided that a transfer from a blocked account may be made only to another blocked account held in the same name.
  Note to § 552.504:See§ 501.603 of this chapter for mandatory reporting requirements regarding financial transfers. See also§ 552.203 concerning the obligation to hold blocked funds in interest-bearing accounts.
  § 552.505 Entries in certain accounts for normal service charges authorized.(a) A U.S. financial institution is authorized to debit any blocked account held at that financial institution in payment or reimbursement for normal service charges owed it by the owner of that blocked account.
  (b) As used in this section, the term normal servicecharges shall include charges in payment or reimbursement for interest due; cable, telegraph, internet, or telephone charges; postage costs; custody fees; small adjustment charges to correct bookkeeping errors; and, but not by way of limitation, minimum balance charges, notary and protest fees, and charges for reference books, photocopies, credit reports, transcripts of statements, registered mail, insurance, stationery and supplies, and other similar items.
  § 552.506 Provision of certain legal services authorized.(a) The provision of the following legal services to or on behalf of persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201 is authorized, provided that all receipts of payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses must be specifically licensed:
  (1) Provision of legal advice and counseling on the requirements of and compliance with the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, provided that such advice and counseling are not provided to facilitate transactions in violation of this part;
  (2) Representation of persons named as defendants in or otherwise made parties to domestic U.S. legal, arbitration, or administrative proceedings;
  (3) Initiation and conduct of legal, arbitration, or administrative proceedings before any U.S. federal, state, or local court or agency;
  (4) Representation of persons before any U.S. federal, state, or local court or agency with respect to the imposition, administration, or enforcement of U.S. sanctions against such persons; and
  (5) Provision of legal services in any other context in which prevailing U.S. law requires access to legal counsel at public expense.
  (b) The provision of any other legal services to persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201, not otherwise authorized in this part, requires the issuance of a specific license.
  (c) Entry into a settlement agreement or the enforcement of any lien, judgment, arbitral award, decree, or other order through execution, garnishment, or other judicial process purporting to transfer or otherwise alter or affect property or interests in property blocked pursuant to § 552.201 is prohibited unless licensed pursuant to this part.
  § 552.507 Authorization of emergency medical services.The provision of nonscheduled emergency medical services in the United States to persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 552.201 is authorized, provided that all receipt of payment for such services must be specifically licensed.
  § 552.801 [Reserved]§ 552.802 Delegation by the Secretary of the Treasury.Any action that the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to take pursuant to Executive Order 13611 of May 16, 2012 (77 FR 29533, May 18, 2012), and any further Executive orders relating to the national emergency declared therein, may be taken by the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control or by any other person to whom the Secretary of the Treasury has delegated authority so to act.
  § 552.901 Paperwork Reduction Act notice.For approval by the Office of Management and Budget (''OMB'') under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507) of information collections relating to recordkeeping and reporting requirements, licensing procedures (including those pursuant to statements of licensing policy), and other procedures, see§ 501.901 of this chapter. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid control number assigned by OMB.
  Appendix A to Part 552'--Executive Order 13611 Back to TopBlocking Property of Persons Threatening the Peace, Security, or Stability of YemenBy the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601et seq.) (NEA), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, find that the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Yemen and others threaten Yemen's peace, security, and stability, including by obstructing the implementation of the agreement of November 23, 2011, between the Government of Yemen and those in opposition to it, which provides for a peaceful transition of power that meets the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Yemeni people for change, and by obstructing the political process in Yemen. I further find that these actions constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, and I hereby declare a national emergency to deal with that threat. I hereby order:
  Section 1. All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person, including any foreign branch, of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in: any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to:
  (a) have engaged in acts that directly or indirectly threaten the peace, security, or stability of Yemen, such as acts that obstruct the implementation of the agreement of November 23, 2011, between the Government of Yemen and those in opposition to it, which provides for a peaceful transition of power in Yemen, or that obstruct the political process in Yemen;
  (b) be a political or military leader of an entity that has engaged in the acts described in subsection (a) of this section;
  (c) have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the acts described in subsection (a) of this section or any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or
  (d) be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order.
  Sec. 2. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the type of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1 of this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in this order, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 1 of this order.
  Sec. 3. The prohibitions in section 1 of this order include but are not limited to:
  (a) the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; and
  (b) the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
  Sec. 4. The prohibitions in section 1 of this order apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date of this order.
  Sec. 5. Nothing in section 1 of this order shall prohibit transactions for the conduct of the official business of the United States Government by employees, grantees, or contractors thereof.
  Sec. 6. (a) Any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.
  (b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.
  Sec. 7. For the purposes of this order:
  (a) the term ''person'' means an individual or entity;
  (b) the term ''entity'' means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization; and
  (c) the term ''United States person'' means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States.
  Sec. 8. For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render those measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in this order, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to section 1 of this order.
  Sec. 9. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this order. The Secretary of the Treasury may redelegate any of these functions to other officers and agencies of the United States Government consistent with applicable law. All agencies of the United States Government are hereby directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of this order.
  Sec. 10. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to submit the recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).
  Sec. 11. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
  Barack Obama
  THE WHITE HOUSE,
  May 16, 2012.
  end regulatory text
Did Prop 37 really lose or was it vote fraud?
  Link to Article
  Source: News 1 Stop
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:49
  Jon RappoportInfowars.comNov 9, 2012
  Hold your horses.
  On election night, not long after the polls closed in California, the announcement came out: Prop 37 was losing. A little while later, it was all over. 37 had gone down to defeat.
  But is that the whole story? No.
  As of 2:30PM today, Thursday, November 8th, two days after the election, many votes in California remain uncounted.
  I tried to find out how many.
  It turns out that the Secretary of State of CA, responsible for elections in the state, doesn't know.
  I was told all counties in California have been asked, not ordered, to report in with those figures. It's voluntary.
  A d v e r t i s e m e n tSo I picked out a few of the biggest counties and called their voter registrar offices. Here are the boggling results:
  Santa Clara County: 180,000 votes remain uncounted.
  Orange County: 241,336 votes remain uncounted.
  San Diego County: 475,000 votes remain uncounted.
  LA County: 782,658 votes remain uncounted.
  In just those four counties, 1.6 million votes remain uncounted.
  The California Secretary of State's website indicates that Prop 37 is behind by 559,776 votes.
  So in the four counties I looked into, there are roughly three times as many uncounted votes as the margin of Prop 37'²s defeat.
  And as I say, I checked the numbers in only four counties. There are 54 other counties in the state. Who knows how many votes they still need to process?
  So why is anyone saying Prop 37 lost?
  People will say, ''Well, it's all about projections. There are experts. They know what they're doing. They made a prediction'...''
  Really? Who are those experts? I have yet to find them.
  For big elections, the television networks rely on a private consortium called the National Election Pool (NEP). NEP does projections and predictions. Did NEP make the premature call on Prop 37? So far I see no evidence one way or the other.
  NEP makes some calls for the television networks, but NEP is composed of CBS, CNN, FOX, NBC, ABC, and AP. It could hardly be called an independent source of information for those networks.
  NEP has AP (Associated Press) do the actual vote tabulating, and NEP also contracts work out to Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International to do exit polls and projections based on those polls.
  Edison Media Research did the exit polls in the state of Washington for this election. How? They surveyed 1493 people by phone. Based on that, I assume they made all the projections for elections in that state, even though there is no in-person voting in Washington, and voters can submit their ballots by mail, postmarked no later than election Tuesday. So how could Edison know anything worth knowing or projecting on election night?
  Both Edison Research and Mitofsky were involved in the 2004 election scandal (Kerry-Bush), in which their exit polls confounded network news anchors, because the poll results were so far off from the incoming vote-counts.
  Edison and Mitofsky issued a later report explaining how the disparity could have occurred; they tried to validate their own exit-poll data and the vote-count, which was like explaining a sudden shift in ocean tides by saying clouds covered the moon. It made no sense.
  So if NEP did the premature Prop 37 projections that handed 37 a resounding loss, there is little reason to accept their word.
  We're faced with a scandal here. An early unwarranted projection against Prop 37 was made, when so many votes were still uncounted.
  Those votes are still uncounted.
  Why should we believe anything that comes next?
  Jon RappoportThe author of an explosive collection, THE MATRIX REVEALED, Jon was a candidate for a US Congressional seat in the 29th District of California. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, he has worked as an investigative reporter for 30 years, writing articles on politics, medicine, and health for CBS Healthwatch, LA Weekly, Spin Magazine, Stern, and other newspapers and magazines in the US and Europe. Jon has delivered lectures and seminars on global politics, health, logic, and creative power to audiences around the world. You can sign up for his free emails at www.nomorefakenews.com
  This article was posted: Friday, November 9, 2012 at 6:04 am
  Tags: domestic news, food, gmo
  Share this article:
Video: Big Sky, Big Money | Watch FRONTLINE Online
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:42
  How Al Gore Galvanized a MovementGore helped put climate change on the agenda, but also stoked fervent opposition.2:05Air Date 10/23/12
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  Mitt Romney Debates Ted KennedyMitt Romney and Ted Kennedy spar over health care reform in their first debate from 1994.3:02Air Date 09/27/12
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@@adamcurry RBS, UBS Traders Said to Face Arrest in Libor Probe #ITM #NANN #libor http://t.co/QHGXj5aR
  Link to Article
  Source: @adamcurry - Twitter Search
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:40
  Simon Dawson/Bloomberg
  The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc (RBS) headquarters in London.
  U.K. prosecutors are poised to arrest former traders and rate setters at UBS AG (UBSN), Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc (RBS) and Barclays Plc within a month for questioning over their role in the Libor scandal, a person with knowledge of the probe said.
  The arrests will be made by police under the direction of prosecutors at the Serious Fraud Office within the next month, said the person, who declined to be identified because the matter isn't public. Arrests in the U.K. are made at an early stage of the investigation, allowing police and prosecutors to question people under caution and may not lead to charges.
  The SFO has 40 people working on the probe into manipulation of the London interbank bank offered rate, a benchmark for financial products valued at $360 trillion worldwide, and has involved the City of London Police, said David Green, the agency's director.
  ''Significant developments'' in the case are coming ''in the near future,'' Green said yesterday in an interview at his office in London without giving further details and declining to comment on any possible arrests.
  The SFO opened the investigation in July at the request of British politicians after Barclays was fined a record 290 million pounds ($462 million) for rate manipulation. Regulators across the globe are investigating claims banks altered submissions that were used to set Libor in an effort to benefit traders, or to appear financially healthier than they were.
  The arrests could be temporarily delayed because of disruptions to the SFO's schedule caused by moving the prosecutor's offices from Elm Street to Trafalgar Square.
  Egregious AttemptsGreen said the agency is focusing on the most egregious attempts to manipulate Libor and other related benchmarks, with probes into firms, managers, traders and rate setters at lesser- offenders coming later.
  Regulators in the U.S. and U.K. are probing how derivatives traders and bankers who submitted interest-rate data colluded to rig benchmarks to benefit their own trades, and whether banks low-balled submissions in 2008 to hide their true cost of borrowing. Criminal probes by the SFO and U.S. Department of Justice are running in parallel with civil investigations being conducted by the DOJ's fraud division, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the U.K. Financial Services Authority.
  Barclays spokesman John McGuinness, UBS spokesman Richard Morton and RBS spokesman Michael Strachan all declined to comment.
  UBS and RBS are next in line to settle with the regulators, people familiar with the case have said. Edinburgh-based RBS has fired four traders following an internal probe.
  UBS ReviewUBS has fired more than 25 people after an internal review of interest-rate manipulation, a person familiar with the matter said. Robert Diamond, who stepped down as Barclays chief executive officer after the fine, said 14 traders were involved in wrongdoing at the bank.
  The SFO has ''hoovered up all the stuff from the FSA and loaded it onto our computers,'' Green said. It has also received evidence from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and some of the banks.
  The SFO is cooperating with a request from the U.S. Department of Justice for access to information from the U.K., Green said. That could include investigators from the DOJ sitting in on interviews that the SFO conducts with suspects, or having access to evidence the agency has gathered.
  The request, which came under a mutual legal assistance treaty, or MLAT, was initially stalled while the SFO sought to get up to speed on the case. The DOJ submitted an amended request in recent months with ''very substantial'' information sought, Green said.
  ''Obviously when we first received it there was anxiety that execution of the request could mop up SFO resources,'' he said. ''We are anxious to execute it'' and will ''certainly'' assist, he said.
  Green said the agency, while working closely with the DOJ, is also competing to bring charges first in order to handle the prosecution of any British citizens in the U.K., reducing the chance of extradition.
  The SFO's previous director, Richard Alderman, had declined to get involved in the case. Green took over as director in April.
  To contact the reporter on this story: Lindsay Fortado in London at lfortado@bloomberg.net
  To contact the editor responsible for this story: Anthony Aarons at aaarons@bloomberg.net
Are Republicans Really This Stupid?
  Link to Article
  Source: Crooks and Liars
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:37
  Karl Rove, blaming Democratic voter suppression for Tuesday's landslide
  The big spin today is on how "shell-shocked" the Romney campaign was when the numbers started to turn on them, how incredibly amazed they were when voters started "crawling out of the woodwork" in places they never expected, and how it all just took them by utter surprise.
  CBS News quoted one campaign spokesman as saying "There's nothing worse than when you think you're going to win, and you don't...It was like a sucker punch."
  Sucker punches happen when people are stupid, when they listen to each other instead of the facts or their instincts. Still, I have to say honestly that I'm not buying into the theme as an overarching excuse for why the Romney campaign failed on such a huge scale. I'm not willing to buy excuses like this, via Huffington Post:
  The GOP was blindsided Tuesday, but also revealed. The Democrats' ground organization was beyond anything they'd imagined, pulling in new voters with stunning effectiveness. It exposed a major weakness in the Republican approach to winning elections, practically and intellectually.
  "I don't think anyone on our side understood or comprehended how good their turnout was going to be," said Henry Barbour, a Republican committee man from Mississippi. "The Democrats do voter registration like a factory, like a business, and Republicans tend to leave it to the blue hairs."
  This, from a representative of the party that hired Nathan Sproul to register only Republicans in swing states.
  The truth is more stark and revealing than anyone seems willing to admit.
  Fact: This race should never have even been close. If Barack Obama were a white dude with a normal name who had just served a first term that was as effective as his first one was, it would have been a landslide with absolutely no prospect for any Republican candidate. No one seems to want to talk about racism and the role it played in this election even being "faux close", and I'm not sure why.
  The only weapon in the Republicans' arsenal was race, and they played it on a near-daily basis for four years. The backup weapon was gender, and they played that one for the past two years in order to marshall the evangelical conservatives behind an otherwise unelectable candidate.
  Think about it. They nominated the guy who actually represented the larger group that drove this economy into the gutter. Imagine Dupont running against FDR in 1936. How do you suppose that would have worked out? Would there have been any doubt about who would have been re-elected?
  Would it have felt like a "sucker punch" when FDR won that second term? Not even close.
  So now we come to 2012, and a bid by Barack Obama for re-election after four years of daily demonization and "othering" by conservatives in the mainstream and on the fringes. In the process of marginalizing him, conservatives have also taken aim at women, particularly younger single women, and Hispanics. For four years they have honked their horns about jobs and the economy while working to stall all growth whatsoever until they could get someone more favorable to the billionaire's tax goals, at the expense of working people everywhere.
  They demonized unions and tried to take voting rights away from anyone they could. This is what they did for four years, and they thought people would simply sit idly by and watch them do it?
  I don't think they're stupid. I think they're spinning, because they have a real problem. They cannot reconcile the purity trolls in their party with the pragmatic thinkers, for starters. They've let the John Birchers take over the party's core, which is a near-promise of irrelevance in the short-term.
  They were 'surprised' because they relied on racial division to carry them over the finish line. This is why the despicable John Sununu and Donald Trump were permitted to carry the race card and play it at will. They thought they had the numbers because they believe there are enough racist haters in the world to actually win.
  Shocking, isn't it?
  And here you have Karl Rove spinning madly (see video above) because he's got to have something to tell his billionaires, and they're a little peeved about spending all that money only to lose ground rather than gain any.
  In Rove's world, Barack Obama lost voters because people "couldn't stand the guy and couldn't stand voting for him" so he demonized the other guy. There's that personal thing again. Never mind that both parties lost voters and Romney lost more than Obama overall. What could that reason be for people not being able to "stand the guy" personally? Could it be.....scary race-baiting?
  Seriously, Republicans. You're not stupid. Not all of you are racist. But racists are also Republicans. Time to step up and start dealing with it.
Obama weeps while thanking campaign staffers; Where were tears over Benghazi murders?
  Link to Article
  Source: Twitchy » US Politics
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:36
  There's not much that brings the narcissist in chief to tears. The news of four Americans killed in Benghazi? Nah. The victims of Hurricane Sandy? Nuh-uh. His reelection to a second term? Aw yeah!
  Joe Rospars, the campaign's chief digital strategist, ''signed up for this'' because he wanted to back a guy who blubbers over his own victory while addressing campaign staffers, but won't shed a tear for the Americans murdered in Benghazi?
  Naturally, his supporters swooned over the video anyway.
  A few days after the Benghazi attack, the White House released a photo to prove Obama was totally focused on security thingies. But did his team scrounge up a single pic of President ''I Won'' shedding a tear when he found out about the Americans murdered on his watch? Evidently, scrambling to lie to the public shuts that tear valve off pretty fast.
  He's not the only one crying.
  Like this:Be the first to like this.
De ongelofelijke geschiedenis van Adolf & Angela : waar of niet waar ?
  Link to Article
  Source: Een andere kijk op nieuws @infomagnl » Nieuws items
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:33
  Geplaatst @ 9 november 2012
  De laatste maanden circuleert er een hardnekkig gerucht over de Duitse bondskanselier, ook nu weer naar aanleiding van haar visitatio aan de momenteel slechtste leerling van de Europese klas. Dit werd nog versterkt door vele uitspraken, cartoons of foto's waarbij zij in al dan niet bedekte termen wordt voorgesteld als de erfgename van het Nazi-regime en zelfs met Hitler geassocieerd wordt.Want dat wordt er gefluisterd
  Mevrouw Merkel zou de (onnatuurlijke) dochter van Adolf Hitler zijn !
  Ieder weldenkend mens doet deze veronderstelling in een eerste reactie af als totale nonsens.
  Wie echter doorzicht begint te krijgen in wat er in deze wereld aan het gebeuren is zal echter met open ingesteldheid op kritisch onderzoek gaan om na te gaan of er achter deze rook al dan niet een reel vuur schuilgaat .
  Ik heb ook lang geloofd dat JFK door Lee Harvey Oswald, dat 9/11 door Osama was beraamd, dat WO II de schuld was van Hitler, enz. ... tot je begint na te denken en de bronnen te onderzoeken.
  Men dient hierbij te beseffen dat de geschiedschrijving altijd van de hand van de 'winnaars' is en dat de persberichtgeving in belangrijke mate gecontroleerd wordt door de huidige werkelijke machthebbers.
  Bovendien blijkt de ware realiteit soms erger te zijn dan de fictie waardoor ze voor veel mensen moeilijk aan te nemen is. " Dat kan ik niet geloven " zegt men dan. Cognitieve dissonantie heet dat met een geleerd woord : men kan de waarheid niet integreren in zijn wereldbeeld en dus wordt het van de tafel en onder de mat geveegd als onmogelijk of als complottheorie,
  Kan het zijn dat Angela de dochter is van Adolf ?
  Na wikken en wegen heb ik besloten om toch in alle openheid onderstaande tekst aan uw oordeel voor te leggen. Hierin wordt deze hypothese verkend en toegelicht. Het is een louter persoonlijk initiatief. Ik besef dat de inhoud explosief-gevoelig kan zijn maar in een vrije, democratische samenleving moeten de ideen zonder schroom of remming kunnen circuleren.
  Het staat iedereen vrij zijn filtering te doen van ' Wahrheit und Dichtung ' !
  note: Lees asjeblieft verder bij de bron!!
Is Nederland wakker geworden ?
  Link to Article
  Source: Een andere kijk op nieuws @infomagnl » Nieuws items
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:28
  Geplaatst @ 9 november 2012
  We mogen Rutte en Samsom wel dankbaar zijn voor hun gestuntel. Nu in (C)(C)n klap duidelijk wordt dat ook wij Nederlanders wel eens flink in zouden moeten gaan leveren komt er een kakafonie aan reacties los, blijken lastenverzwaring, inleveren en delen opeens geen nietszeggende woorden meer te zijn die alleen voor de Grieken van belang zijn. Nee de zwarte wolk van nog elke dag meer uitgeven in ons land dan wat er binnenkomt blijkt opeens regen, sneeuw en onweer te bevatten.ONRUST EN WOEDE
  Wie de reacties op de plannen van het kabinet Rutte II ziet en hoort die krijgt volgens mij op slag weer meer sympathie voor de Griekse bevolking. Zij hebben al een hele tijd met de echte gevolgen van honderden maatregelen te maken, merken in de praktijk wat het betekent om werkloos te worden, enorm kortingen op de lonen, pensioen- en aow-regelingen te moeten incasseren.WIJ STAAN SLECHTS AAN HET BEGIN
  Bij de lastenverhogingen en verschuivingen die nu bedacht zijn gaat het nog slecht om een eerste stap om op een begrotingstekort van 3% uit te komen. Feitelijk gezien geven we dan, per jaar, nog steeds zo'n 18 miljard meer uit dan er aan inkomsten is,
Clay Shirky: The Real Revolution is Openness
  Link to Article
  Source: Public Intelligence Blog
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:27
  Clay Skirky
  The Real Revolution Is Openness, Clay Shirky Tells Tech Leaders
  Wired Campus, November 7, 2012, 9:29 pm
  By Marc Parry
  Denver '-- Clay Shirky is one of the country's most prominent Internet thinkers'--''a spiritual guide to the wired set,'' as The Chronicle Review put it in a 2010 profile of him. In his latest book, Cognitive Surplus,the New York University professor argues that a flowering of creative production will arise as the Internet turns people ''from consumers to collaborators.''
  On Wednesday, Mr. Shirky took that message to a group of higher-education-technology leaders who have been buffeted by a rapidly evolving ed-tech landscape. Mr. Shirky, in a keynote speech kicking off this year's Educause conference, explored how technology was changing everything, from research to publishing to studying. (The talk starts about 20 minutes into this link.)
  Among his most vivid examples was the tale of the mathematician Timothy Gowers and the ''quiet revolution'' that began after Mr. Gowers posed a question on his blog: ''Is massively collaborative mathematics possible?'' This led to The Polymath Blog, Mr. Shirky said, an experiment in letting anyone participate in mathematical research, rather than confining it to individuals or small groups.
  The big theme of Mr. Shirky's talk was openness. Taking advantage of technology, he argued, will require ''doing more sharing than we're used to and then learning to live with results.'' He underscored the power of sharing with an anecdote about what happened when the Smithsonian Institution made a cache of photographs available on Flickr, the photo-sharing site. Users catalogued the archive with tags that reflected an unpredictable range of interests, including facial hair, the history of photography, and the fiction genre known as Steampunk.
  ''There's all kinds of hidden value in our systems which you can't even understand until you open them up to see what people do with them,'' Mr. Shirky said. ''The thing that drives me craziest in conversations with large institutions about large data sets is they want to know in advance what will happen. Why should we open up our data? To which the answer is, you open up your data to see where the value is. It's the value you can't even predict until you try it that you get back.''
  Mr. Shirky also offered some advice to people interested in experimenting with openness: ''Do not put together an interdisciplinary team from 12 departments and give them a budget of a quarter of a million dollars, and a year and a half deadline. Find five people and ask them what can you do in a month'--for free. I think the results will surprise you.''
  See Also:
  Open Source List
  Open Source Agency
  THE OPEN SOURCE EVERYTHING MANIFESTO: Transparency, Truth & Trust (paperback)
  THE OPEN SOURCE EVERYTHING MANIFESTO: Transparency, Truth & Trust (Kindle)
  Books on Intelligence & Information Operations by Robert David STEELE Vivas et al
It's Here - Bitcoin Friday, Nov. 9th, 2012
  Link to Article
  Source: Bitcoin News
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:24
  It's Here - Bitcoin Friday, Nov. 9th, 2012The first significant cross-vendor promotion of merchants who accept Bitcoin payments is underway. Bitcoin Friday is a one-day sale event at many Bitcoin merchants as a unified attempt at advertising Bitcoin businesses. Over 65 businesses are participating, including:
  - BitcoinStore.com (A recently launched electronic direct seller priced to compete against NewEgg and Amazon) - Coinabul.com (Gold and silver bullion) - BitBrew.net (Coffee and tea shipped to your door. [BitBrew was one of the first merchants with a business model which only accepts Bitcoins as payment.) - BitcoinCoffee.com (Coffee shipped to you.) - Bees Brothers (Candy and honey) - BitLasers.com - GrassHillAlpacas.com (Yes, this is the merchant with the Alpaca socks - one of the first real-world good bitcoins could purchase)
  Additionally there are other merchants include computing-related vendors that sell servers and others that rent out server hosting or VPN services.
  There are bricks and mortar merchants like Cups and Cakes, San Francisco and Vegemesta in Helsinki. There is The Pao Cafe in New Market, New Hampshire and Room 77 in Berlin.
  Even online gambling provides Bitcoin Friday offers. BC-Casino will cover half of any losses nad StrikeSapphire.com also is running a special offer.
  Other categories include magazine subscriptions and a property rental agency,
  Many Bitcoin exchanges are offering reduced rates for trading on Friday and merchant processors are offering extended deals to attract even more merchants.
  - http://BitcoinFriday.com - http://bit.ly/TQosTW (Article on Bitcoin Friday in American Banker) - http://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=123251.0 (Additional discussion on Bitcoin Friday)
  All News - Daily E-mail Subscription - Twitter: @BitcoinNews
Assad: "I will live and die in Syria"
  Link to Article
  Source: euronews
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:20
  The Spanish airline Iberia is to cut four and a half thousand jobs - a quarter of its workforce. Its parent company, International Airlines Group, says the aim is to save the company which is "struggling for survival". A deadline has been fixed for the end of January to agree a'...
Bodyguard shoots himself dead at Swedish PM's home: report
  Link to Article
  Source: The Daily Star >> Live News
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:19
  STOCKHOLM: A bodyguard shot himself dead inside Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt's residence in central Stockholm on Friday, the Aftonbladet newspaper reported on its website.
  A spokesman for the prime minister, Markus Friberg, told AFP that Reinfeldt was at work at the time, and that he and his family were doing well.
Chrysler roept bijna een miljoen Jeeps terug
  Link to Article
  Source: VK: Home
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:18
  09/11/12, 15:36 '' bron: ANP
  (C) EPA. Jeep
  De Amerikaanse autofabrikant Chrysler heeft de eigenaars van 920.000 Jeeps opgeroepen een reparatie te laten uitvoeren. Het gaat om een elektronisch euvel dat de airbag tijdens het rijden kan laten opblazen zonder dat daar reden toe is.
  De fabrikant wil daarom onder meer de Jeeps Grand Cherokee uit de jaren 2002-2004 en Liberty uit de jaren 2002-2003 laten herstellen. De oproep is gedaan aan eigenaars van bijna 745.000 auto's in de VS, bijna 50.000 in Canada, bijna 22.000 in Mexico en meer dan 100.000 buiten Noord-Amerika.
Lijfwacht dood aangetroffen in huis Zweedse premier
  Link to Article
  Source: VK: Home
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:18
  Door: Redactie '' 09/11/12, 14:47
  (C) I99pema.. Sagerska Palatset Stockholm
  De lijfwacht van de Zweedse premier Fredrik Reinfeldt is vandaag dood aangetroffen nadat er schoten gelost waren in de ambtswoning van de premier in Stockholm.
  De minister-president en zijn familie zijn veilig. Reinfeldt is momenteel op een officieel bezoek. Zijn zoon was daarentegen wel thuis. Hij wordt nu gehoord door de politie.
  Volgens de Zweedse binnenlandse veiligheidsdienst S¤po lijkt er in ieder geval geen politiek motief voor de schietpartij te zijn. 'Momenteel zien we geen verband met regerings- of parlementszaken', aldus de dienst. Er wordt gespeculeerd dat de lijfwacht zichzelf van het leven zou hebben beroofd, maar dit wilde de politie nog niet bevestigen.
  Het wemelt op dit moment van de politieagenten en hulpdiensten rond het Sagerska Palatset. De reguliere politie van de Zweedse hoofdstad heeft de zaak in onderzoek.
Space net used to control robot
  Link to Article
  Source: BBC News - Home
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:17
  9 November 2012Last updated at09:33 ETThe interplanetary internet has been used by an astronaut at the International Space Station (ISS) to send commands to a robot on Earth.
  The experimental technology, called Disruption-Tolerant Networking (DTN) protocol, could be a future way to communicate with astronauts on Mars.
  Currently, if there is a problem when data is sent between Earth and Mars rovers, information can be lost.
  The DTN could offer a more robust way to send data over the vast distances.
  The European Space Agency (Esa) and Nasa conducted the experiment in late October.
  ISS Expedition 33 commander Sunita Williams used a laptop with DTN software to control a rover in Germany.
  The DTN is similar to the internet on Earth, but is much more tolerant to the delays and disruptions that are likely to occur when data is shuttling between planets, satellites, space stations and distant spacecraft.
  The delays can be due to solar storms or when spacecraft are behind a planet.
  "It's all about communicating over large distances, because the 'normal' internet doesn't expect that it may take minutes before something is sent for it to arrive," Kim Nergaard from Esa told the BBC.
  The work on the DTN was first proposed a decade ago by Vint Cerf - one of the creators of the internet on Earth.
  The technology was first tested in November 2008, when Nasa successfully transmitted images to and from a spacecraft 20 million miles away with a communications system based on the net.
  Space networkThe system uses a network of nodes - connection points - to cope with delays. If there is a disruption, the data gets stored at one of the nodes until the communication is available again to send it further.
  This "store and forward" mechanism ensures data is not lost and gradually works its way towards its destination.
  "With the internet on Earth, if something is disconnected, the source has to retransmit everything, or you lose your data," said Mr Nergaard.
  "But the DTN has this disruption tolerance, and that's the difference - it has to be much more robust over the kind of distances and the kind of networks we're talking about."
  Currently, to communicate with Curiosity, the latest rover that landed in Gale Crater on the Red Planet on 6 August, Nasa and Esa use what is called "point-to-point communication".
  "Normally, the rover on the surface of Mars is commanded directly from Earth, or in some cases using spacecraft orbiting Mars as data relay satellites - but it's still considered single point-to-point communication," said Mr Nergaard.
  "It's not built-up as a network. There are several rovers on the surface of Mars, many spacecraft orbiting Mars, but they are all seen as individual items.
  "But the idea is that in the future rovers on Mars and spacecraft orbiting it will be treated as a network, so that you can send things to the network just as you send things using the internet on Earth.
  "It will still be via radio waves, but over different frequencies, to allow you higher data rate communication than the ones used today."
  Nasa's Badri Younes said that the test was a success, and it demonstrated "the feasibility of using a new communications infrastructure to send commands to a surface robot from an orbiting spacecraft and receive images and data back from the robot".
And So the Obama Racist Piling On Continues: Blogs Against White People, Romney ''Shellshock'' Stories '' ENOUGH ALREADY!
  Link to Article
  Source: Debbie Schlussel
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:10
  By Debbie Schlussel
  Some schmuck on Twitter (follow me on Twitter) tweeted at me that I and other Romney voters are ''not gracious losers.'' But the best fighters are not ''gracious losers.'' They keep getting back up and fighting. (Didn't anyone ever see ''Rocky''?) And if you really want to see who's NOT gracious, it's the Obamabots. Not only are they not gracious, their gloating goes way beyond the acceptable. It's pure anti-White racism, bigotry, and all-around sleaze.
  Today a racist new blog, ''White People Mourning Romney,'' went up. It's brought to you by the same asshats who brought you the ''Binders Full of Women'' blog. Only it's far worse. It's mocking people based on race. But, hey, it's mocking the White race, so it's okay. OMG, it's a White man (crime #1) and his wife''to whom he's married (crime #2)''holding an American flag (crime #3). The nerve of them. Let's send the New Black Panther Party to beat them to death.
  Ya think if Romney had won, there would be a ''Black People Mourning Obama'' blog? Nope, because we'd call that Stormfront. And this is the same thing. (If Romney had won, I'd suggest a ''Dumb Slutty Single Mothers and Fat Chick Law Students Who Want Free Birth Control Mourning Obama'' blog or a ''Bidiots Named Beyonce Mourning Obama'' blog.)
  We've had enough. The piling on is disgusting. And low class. Obama and his supporters low class? Nah, that would never happen, right?
  I got tweets asking me ''how Obama's ass tastes.'' Um, Shaquille O'Neill called, and he wants his bad attempt at rapping against Kobe Bryant back. Now, CBS News has a whole long story about how Romney was allegedly ''shellshocked'' by his loss. Even though I predicted an Obama win, who can blame Romney for being surprised? He worked hard for this in literally 6 years of campaigning for President non-stop and his people''plus (my former boss) Fred Barnes and Dick Morris and Michael Barone and Rush Limbaugh and everyone else, on his campaign staff and at FOX News''told him he'd win big time. When you're surrounded by these people for so long, you begin to believe 'em. And as a candidate who ran for office twice and lost by close margins (the first time by just ONE Vote!), I can tell you that it really is a mourning process for the time you spent giving it your all and forsaking every other area of life to win.
  Then, there is tonight's Jimmy Kimmel monologue. He showed an early morning photo of Mitt Romney with his kids and grandkids in his hotel room, and he mocked the Romneys for having a gallon of chocolate milk on the table. Better he shouldn't have been a Mormon and should have been drunk on alcohol? What's wrong with chocolate milk, especially in a room with kids? That question ain't for you, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Husein Obama Idi Amin Dada. Oh, and better to be a member of the Choom Gang than drink chocolate milk, right?
  The Romney Crime of ''Chocolate Milk''
  Enough of the piling on and the blatant racism. You won and destroyed America, Obamabots. Be happy. And go back to watching Honey Boo Boo and your other intellectually stimulating fare. Yeah, you really made America better. Chumps.
  The Obamaniks continue to be at war with us, the same way Muslims are at war with America. They won't let up. The sooner we get out of our depression and buck up, the better.
  Those of you who want to believe that America is not winnable unless the Republican Party becomes the Democrat Party, you can go back to sleep at the bottom of the pile of pilers on. As for me, I ain't buyin' it. And the attacks only energize me.
  And they should energize you, too.
BOXGATE: Obama's Election Theft Propaganda
  Link to Article
  Source: Lame Cherry
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:08
  It is amazing in how a few short years that Puffy Lips Rove and Puffy Cheeks Obama have seized upon a new explanation on how elections are rigged as posted by Real Clear Politics.
  Yes in 2008, we were told all the Republicans "moved" in America and that is why 10 million votes for John McCain disappeared, but in 2012 election theft the "white folks" simply just did not show up, but for some reason Sean Trende just can not figure out the numbers as he wants to blame Christians, but yet the Southern vote was not off, so it is these saltines who are missing and no one knows who they are, where they are or what they are.......they simply just do not vote.
  The answer of course is Scytl, Sequoia and SOE, the Big Three S's in vote fraud which Tiger Lily pointed out first. The programs are simply running now casino software making it a payout for the masses in the minority, while the "house" which is Obama or Rove always win.
  It is amusing this RCP propaganda as it quotes numbers of these "minorities" which vote and they do not make up a great part of the vote. You got blackoids at 13 percent, hispanoids at 10 percent and the other oids of Asian at 5 percent with Caucasoids at 72 %.It is amazing in these numbers that when it came down to missing white folks, that Obama still "wins" the elections as it is only the right wing white people who do not show up to vote in the missing millions.
  I desire you to read this quote which is telling:
  We'll have to wait for this year's absolute final exit polls to come in to know the exact estimate of the composition this time, but right now it appears to be pegged at about 72 percent white, 13 percent black, 10 percent Latino and 5 percent ''other.''
  How do the sources of Real Clear Politics know the race of people voting as that does not show up on registrations now does it. This is the clue in this that when Scytl runs it's pre programmes that the 2012 election was designed to run on suppressed Obama voter numbers, so it immediately started running vote tallies exactly as the model was set up, the same model which stated that this would be a "close" election and other such things like a close Senate.I make the point that Baby and the Plasmas have a most interesting offspring in Scytl in that it literally on the Obama model wiped 20% of the vote approximately off the Romney voting block so Obama would "win". We know this absolutely, because in Missouri Todd Akin was doing well in winning that election, but was trounced by Clair McCaskill. I have watched this model working and something started projecting out in this Scytl monster went into North Dakota and flipped enough votes to send another Obama girl there, while Kristi Noem of South Dakota had a far too close of race against some bubblehead candidateThe national elections all evidenced an algorithm which broke hard for Obama liberals. Scott Brown of Massachusetts found this out in being booted out of office.
  Al West is the bugger in this snot pile as he had 5000 votes just appear and disappear to boot him out of office. For some odd reason, the codex does not nuance as it should. This is a primitive gaming program by effects in it is just a nuke program that turns on and puts out the same effects and when the Obabots get their marching orders, they put ballots into places they should not be on the Al Franken voter fraud principles.
  RCP goes on with this bizarre statement :
  Obviously, this surge in the non-white vote is troubling to Republicans, who are increasingly almost as reliant upon the white vote to win as Democrats are on the non-white vote.
  What surge, according to their own data, minority voting was down for Obama from 2008. The reality of this Mockingbird propaganda is to condition voters into thinking these stolen elections were valid, because Scytl was valid, but the reality is as this blog has been proven right again, is that across the board major anomalies were taking place A liberal Obama skirt in North Dakota beats a Conservative as the rest of the state goes hard GOP?That is bogus and it is all that software turning on and off to throw elections based upon the population centers deciding things.Kristi Noem of South Dakota "surged" in West River where......there were hand ballot counts.
  As it stands, the bigger puzzle for figuring out the path of American politics is who these non-voters are, why they stayed home, and whether they might be reactivated in 2016 (by either party).
  No it is not, the reality is Obama used corrupt software to steal another election and Mockingbird is conditioning the people to accept it.Mark Levin is screeching about being the last man standing and this idiotry about next elections. That is all designed to pacify you, criminalize you and the main point is to keep you from revolution.There is a way out of this and Lame Cherry will provide it. It will require you doing something though that will make things much easier financially for you. Yes Lame Cherry is going to from the poverty patch help you do things legal, not worrying about some frickoid politician or suckoid talking head like Limbaugh to save you and save America.
  That is enough now in the Lame Cherry exclusives in matter and anti matter.
  Do not fear my children. This is the brier patch and I was born here. I know how to get you out of here and to do it all legal and each of you rugged individuals is going to do this in the quiet of your homes. The patricians are secure and think in their election theft and absolute power they have you in the gulag where you are helpless.
  Not the case, but pay attention as this is so simple it will explain the brilliance of God's Inspiration.
  Prepare yourself to accept every free gratuity which is being offered you. Do not be repulsed by this, but start pondering this as a chess move. It will be explained
  nuff said.
  Oh my television is turning on again.....hmmm infrared sweeps off the computer. Thought they had enough pictures of me, but then this is how they have overthrown the world in corrupt elections for Obama Marxists.
  agtG 361YY
Flaps about Flaps
  Link to Article
  Source: Lame Cherry
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:05
  It seems this blogs idol, Dangerous Weapon Ulsterman, is losing friends who are insiders. That is too bad as being inside with an insider is like a double negative making a positive.
  Take for example, that dreamy Pentagon Insider, or Military Insider who is playing coy with Ulsterman, in now going to not waterboard Barry Chin but Watergate B. Hussein. Ulsterman just should not have broken the illusion of the PI or MI, who is part of the military contractors in asking him if he killed folks.Killing folks is what military insiders do. I can not say I have ever enjoyed killing folks, as killing comes in many forms. Some people enjoy putting a shot on other people. Some like kitty scratching some horny big shot with a bacterial potion which will eat away the heart. Some, well some like employing ancient of days things like in bagging political insiders who screw with popular girls. God said no one prosecutes Him, and I'll be blessed if God is always right.
  I never understand telegraphing information to someone one is going to undo. Like the MI, telling Ulsterman, all emotional, about going to check out Obama's plumbing like Nixon got his dick weeded. One only informs someone of your actions to get into their head to make them their worst enemy in scaring them. Barack Obama is really too stupid to comprehend fear as he is a sociopath and that emotion does not exist in his psychological framework. It is not that Obama is brave and not a coward, but it is Obama has no conception of fear to govern his actions, so fear is a useless entity, and in that telling the world one is going to hotel Obama only alerts those who are in Berlin of your actions and then one has to deal with them...........and sometimes it is a demon machine one has flipped into gear against one's operations and most do not know how to bust a demon.
  I have mentioned there is a SEAL option now in the Obama operations ledger which concerns the very MI issue, in Mr. Obama in his claim to be George W. Bush..........that is exactly what B. Hussein did in Chicago upon declaring victory as he was all over the military begging it to love him, and Mr. Obama desires the military to love him the way it did George W. Bush.Obama has all these goofy little nuances in being a chamelion in he is obsessed in replacing any American of note with hisself.I really had hoped never to have to write hisself again, but when the civilians do their job in voting Obama out and Romney in and Obama flips millions of votes for hisself again as he did in 2008, then one has the reality that the MI was incorrect in blaming the civilians for not doing their job.
  It is puzzling why none of these types have any unction at all to ever mention Scytl as all those electronic brains just intimidate the insiders.
  Speaking of which, Obama invested his first trimester in domestic policy as he blew up the Muslim world. People who occupy 1600 Penn always shift of foreign policy as that is where the legend is made. Obama's legend is dogging Iran out the nukes Obama has built for them along with the Jews, as he gets flexible with Putin.I doubt the Military Insider has time for popular girls, but Lame Cherry does have some advice for him and or her. If you are going to Nixonize Mr. Obama, do it with ANALGATE and make the bored children in the media use the phrase as Jake Tapper is looking very much like he has not had a good bowel movement for some years.
  The reason for the haste in this with ANALGATE is that if the military waits about the place in this, Mr. Putin is going to tire of Mr. Obama's blowing up Syrians and Iranians, and just send in a spear which will chuck all the way to Saudi Arabia, and take all those pretty toys the Americans have in the Middle East.
  Fire sale prices bring Obama sale results.
  Am thinking here...........where was I going with this?
  Oh yes, how much people like people in uniforms. Is odd how men like banging little Air Force vixen wives in flap clothes. Then those women just seem to like to get banged by dress blues.
  Where was I going with this?
  Have no idea really, but one wonders about women who want to be in bed with males who are trained killers so they can get off in pretending they can tame them and how men thinking riding some guy girl in a uniform who is the wife of some flap is some kind of trophy.
  If the dots do not connect, in the ledger there is still the issue of those SEALS threatening B. Hussein, and how to guilt the military into loving him, one of the crazy SEALS is going to be set loose to humiliate the military and to put the diaper on ANALGATE.
  I guess that is what is called another Lame Cherry matter anti matter exclusive.
  Don't know why these mid level insiders never talk to me or donate, as I'm always friendly and have pointers to hone their operations.
  Oh well, am on a private mission of Peace.
  agtG 304Y
SEAL Team Kardashian: Attention Whore Navy SEALs Punished for Giving Away Natl Security
  Link to Article
  Source: Debbie Schlussel
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:05
  By Debbie Schlussel
  What ever happened to serving your country quietly and anonymously? Apparently, the Navy SEALs want to be Kardashians instead. At our peril. The latest case of that is the seven Navy SEALs who gave out classified information when they advised makers of a video game, ironically called, ''Medal of Honor.'' There is no honor in seeking to be a star when your job is to remain silent and protect America's interests.
  Seven members of SEAL Team Six have been punished for supporting development of a video game released last month, according to a U.S. military official.
  The SEALs worked as paid consultants for Electronic Arts, the company that made ''Medal of Honor Warfighter.'' They received letters of reprimand and forfeited half of their pay for two months. . . .
  The official did not say what, if any, information the SEALs revealed by participating in the video game's development. However, a written statement from Deputy Commander of Naval Special Warfare, Rear Admiral Garry Bonelli, indicates this is more about making an example of these sailors after a string of high-profile SEAL products. . . .
  The video game hit store shelves on October 23. In a press release, EA said ''Medal of Honor Warfighter'' was ''written by actual U.S. Tier 1 Operators while deployed overseas,'' and that it ''features a dotted line to real world events and provides players a view into globally recognized threats and situations letting them experience the action as it might have unfolded.''
  Let me tell you something: members of Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah and the Taliban aren't giving out tips to video game makers or movie producers. They are focused on beating us. Sadly our side is focused on attention whoring. But that's what happens when you live in a fame-obsessed culture, where people get reality TV shows because they made porno tapes (Kim Kardashian), had kids out of wedlock (''Teen Mom''), or because they are hoarders or have weird habits, like eating rocks. Everyone wants to get in on the action. Including Navy SEALs who are supposed to remain anonymous and shut the bleep up.
  I've written before about the Navy SEALs' apparent obsession with PR and blabbing. It's a huge national security concern, and the SEALs who do this''including Matt Bissonette, the author of ''No Easy Day,'' the book about the Bin Laden kill''are jeopardizing their fellow and future Navy SEALs by giving away methods and other classified information. And they are jeopardizing the rest of America.
  What I wrote about Bissonnette applies here in spades:
  The men who go into these professions know they are supposed to remain nameless, faceless, and silent. Sadly, in recent years, the Navy SEALs have become a league of publicity hounds, from the anti-Semitic, cheesy ''Act of Valor'' movie (read my review) to Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, who modestly calls himself the best there is''''the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history''in the title of his own book. You don't see this kind of braggadocio from the Army Special Forces and other similar outfits in the U.S. Armed Forces. And that's because they know the deal. You don't get to talk. We simply cannot operate with everyone in these positions of secrecy blabbing to the world.
  Retired General James Vaught, who led the U.S. Army's elite Delta forces, said this about Bissonnette's book and ''Act of Valor,'' and it's spot on for this incident, too:
  ''Get the hell out of the media . . . We don't ever want to get to the point where our sensitive tactics, techniques and procedures are open for everybody to take a look at so the next time we come in on a target we are exposed.'' . . .
  ''They are trying to appoint themselves as unique heroes, when they're no damn thing. I had guys that worked for me that make them look like children,'' he said.
  ''I think it's a stupid act and a very grand disservice to the other members of the SEAL community,'' Gen. Vaught said.
  Attention, Navy SEALS, a nice, warm cup of STFU juice is in order. Shut the bleep up.
Commentary on Why Germans Want America's Downfall
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:00
  AFP
  Germany's Messiah boarding Air Force One.
  German schadenfreude knows no bounds, particularly when it comes to the United States. The country loves to feel superior to a superpower like America. Yet Germany also harbors a childish infatuation with Obama -- one which has little political grounding. The reasons are psychological.
  It's too bad that Mitt Romney didn't win. If the Republicans had won, we could finally have known for sure that our suspicion of America's imminent demise is correct. "Four more years," translated into the German viewpoint means little more than a "four-year reprieve."
  For the ¼ber-watchful among us, the signs of the downfall are obvious. One must only take a look at the condition of the streets (every fourth bridge is crumbling!), or the entirely outdated power grid, to come to the conclusion that this country has its future behind it. A nation that has its utility lines hanging from poles in the street, instead of burying them in an orderly fashion underground, cannot really be taken seriously.
  With a bit of luck, the specter across the Atlantic might even take care of itself. It can't be ruled out. When they are not shooting each other or being fried by dangling power lines then the Americans might simply pop. Two out of every three US citizens are overweight, or even obese! Every child in Germany knows the numbers.
  There is hardly an issue about which Germans as so united as they are by their desire to see America on its knees. It unites both the left and the right. Wherever they look, they see decay, a lack of culture and ignorance. "A perverse mixture of irresponsibility, greed, and religious zealotry," as my adversary, columnist Jacob Augstein, furiously argued on Monday.
  A Blessing to Live in Germany
  What a blessing it is, one must conclude, to live in Germany, a country where the highways are regularly repaired and the washing machines use so little water that one could water the entire Sahara with what is left over. In which citizens' initiatives are formed against McDonald's, and two-bit crime dramas are considered the pinnacle of TV entertainment. If the utility poles here were to snap like toothpicks, then it would be the fault of some natural catastrophe, the likes of which would make a hurricane seem like a gentle breeze.
  I don't want to sound like a smart aleck, but does anyone remember when, in December 2005, a surprisingly strong winter storm left 250,000 people in the area surrounding M¼nster without power for days? M¼nster and its environs do not want to rule the world. But still, it was strange to see the same experts on TV, who two years prior, during a large power outage on the east coast of the US, had given their reasons for why something like that could never happen in Germany.
  The criticism of America has always been a bit infantile. One is familiar with the theory from psychoanalysis, when people talk about transference, or when suppressed feelings or emotions are overcome by projecting them onto others. It may work for a while, improving one's feeling of self-worth by devaluing an imagined adversary. But it always falls short. Which is why the ritual must be constantly carried out anew.
  For as long as I can remember, America has been on the decline. Already in the 1970s, the country was doomed, and that was before people like Ronald Reagan or George W. Bush came to power. In the meantime, Americans brought communism to its knees, rang in the age of the Internet and revolutionized capitalism several times.
  The reality is that a quarter of global wealth is still created in the United States. They still have at their command the largest military power on the globe, and will continue to do so, despite all of the talk of a multi-polar world.
  The Infatuation with Obama
  Above all, the United States remains the largest chosen destination of millions of people in the world. If they had the choice of where they could live, the majority oddly enough would not choose the German DIN standard for happiness, but life in New York or California, where the potholes are as big as gravel pits. That may make people here want to light as many candles as possible, to pray for the downfall to finally come.
  The childish excitement over Obama, that once again took hold over Germans during this election -- fully 93 percent of the country would have voted for him in this election -- is the flip side of this desire for America's demise. That the Germans, of all people, should see themselves in a black civil rights attorney from Chicago can only be explained by the fact that they see him as the opposite of what they consider to be normal Americans.
  Since Obama spoke to the world in front of the Victory Column in Berlin during his first presidential campaign in the summer of 2008, he has found a firm place in the hearts of German citizens. They will always be grateful to him for this honor. That's why they forgive him for keeping Guantanamo open and for sending out drones like other people would send postcards.
  In the daily S¼ddeutsche Zeitung, Andrian Kreye correctly pointed out that for Europe, life with Republican presidents is usually easier, because the US then takes the obligations of its alliances seriously.
  Obama has no interest in Europe, and all of his attention goes to Asia. If this president calls the German chancellor's office, it is only to try to sweet talk her into finally implementing euro-bonds, so Wall Street can sleep again. But that is one of those facts that is better to suppress.
  Superpowers don't disappear over the course of years. It takes decades, if not centuries. As such, the verdict might not arrive for awhile yet. The prophets of doom can continue to hope.
  (C) SPIEGEL ONLINE 2012All Rights ReservedReproduction only allowed with the permission of SPIEGELnet GmbH
Remarks at the Common Ground Awards in Honor of the Late Ambassador Chris Stevens
  Link to Article
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:59
  SECRETARY CLINTON: This is a very moving moment to honor someone whose life and work truly exemplify the meaning of ''search for common ground.'' And I greatly appreciate everyone who has supported this organization and its mission over a number of years, John Marks and Susan Collin Marks, my longtime friend Ambassador George Moose, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and supporters of Search for Common Ground. I also want to congratulate all of tonight's honorees.It's a special privilege and honor to have Chris's sister Anne with us tonight. This has been for everyone a very difficult, personal ordeal. But of course, for Chris's family, it has been so much more. They grieve and they remember. And they have shown such grace and dignity in the weeks since they were thrust into the harsh spotlight of history.
  In the rush of headlines, it is easy to forget that at the center of this national tragedy was such a real person, with passion and principles, with humor and irony, with ambition and humility, with friends and colleagues and loved ones.
  Chris Stevens was a son of the West. He hiked and jogged and danced his way through the hills and forests of northern California, and then he did it in Libya. He loved the cool, refreshing fog of the Bay Area, the sight of the Golden Gate, and the warm embrace of his family. But his family gave him not only roots but wings. And he shared the restless soul of the frontier. His mother liked to say that he had sand in his shoes, always moving and running and working, seeking out new challenges and adventures. And there was music in his life. The son of a cellist, he himself played the saxophone, which, of course, for me '' (laughter). Friends in Jerusalem remember his passion for Palestinian songs, as he would serenade them in Arabic.
  When Chris first took the Foreign Service exam in college, he was asked to compare American democracy with the freewheeling energy of jazz. One of his closest friends, Steve McDonald, remembers spending hours discussing the question, about experimentation and improvisation, about the relationship between a brilliant soloist and a band that all have to pull together to achieve harmony. Later, Steve would come to think of Chris as a jazz diplomat. That really resonates with anyone who ever worked with or knew Chris, who saw his creativity and inspiration up close.
  Jazz musicians like to talk about playing the changes. Their art lies in the space between structure and spontaneity. Yes, they do master the technique, but then they begin to improvise. And that is how Chris worked. A young Foreign Service officer who was with him in Libya marveled at Chris's appetite for history and culture. He stayed up late reading memoirs of former Libyan leaders and delighted in sharing obscure historical trivia and cracking jokes not just in Arabic but in the local dialect.
  Other colleagues remember his endless patience and talent for listening, two characteristics that really are required to be a successful diplomat. As one of Chris's friends explained recently, you develop a relationship and a personal connection, and a series of connections become a network. Many Americans, well, we start at A and work down the list to F. But A to B is not a straight line, and Chris had an instinctive feel for this, how to get things done. He understood not just the science of diplomacy but the art. He heard the music and the words. And he was committed to his mission of helping others find their own freedom.
  He found a second home amidst the shifting deserts and crowded cities of the Middle East. He climbed the Atlas Mountains, he wandered through Syrian souks, he jogged through Libyan olive groves. And he had so many moments of common ground.
  When the revolution broke out in Libya, I asked Chris to travel to Benghazi. And he did so on a Greek cargo ship, like a 19th century envoy. It certainly appealed to his romantic side. But his work was very much 21st century hardnosed diplomacy and relationship building. Even when a bomb exploded in the parking lot of the hotel where he was staying, he never wavered.
  Chris would have been the first to say that the terrorists who attacked our mission in Benghazi on September 11th did not represent the millions of Libyans who want peace and deplore violence. You saw and you heard the President's inspired and inspiring words about that. Chris understood that most people, in Libya or anywhere, reject the extremist arguments that violence and death are the only way to reclaim dignity and achieve justice. He understood that's why he was in Libya, and there was no substitute for going beyond the Embassy walls, building relationships, and finding common ground. He also knew that when America is absent, especially from the dangerous places, there are consequences. Extremism takes root, our interests suffer, and our security at home is threatened.
  The State Department sends people to more than 275 posts in 170 countries around the world. Chris understood that diplomats must operate in many places where soldiers do not, where there are no other boots on the ground, and security is far from guaranteed. And he volunteered for those kinds of assignments. He understood that we will never prevent every act of terrorism or achieve perfect security in this world, and that our diplomats cannot work in bunkers and do their jobs, that we inevitably must accept a level of risk to protect our country, a country we love, and to advance our interests and values.
  Of course, it is also our responsibility to constantly improve, to reduce the risks our people face, to make sure they have the resources they need to do what we ask of them. And nobody takes that more seriously than I do, and the security professionals at the State Department. We now have a formal Accountability Review Board investigating the terrorist attack that killed Chris, and we will certainly apply its recommendations and lessons learned to improving security everywhere. It's appropriate that we do so based on facts and evidence. Chris's family, his colleagues at the Department, and the American people deserve nothing less.
  As that process moves forward, though, we are taking immediate steps to bolster security and readiness. We've dispatched teams, joint teams from the Department of State and Defense, to review high-threat posts to determine whether there are other improvements we need in light of the evolving security challenges we now face.
  The men and women who serve our country overseas represent the best traditions of a bold and generous nation, and they are no strangers to danger. From Tehran and Beirut to Islamabad, East Africa, and Saudi Arabia, and now in Benghazi, and many other places in between over the years, we have seen our diplomats devoted to peace targeted by terrorists devoted to death. But we cannot, indeed we must not, be intimidated. We have to remain focused and clear in our vision of the kind of world we seek to build.
  Chris Stevens was an inspiration to all who served with him and knew him during his life. He remains an inspiration now and I believe far into the future, because he exemplified the best of what we stand for, who we are as a people. And he believed in the search for common ground.
  So we thank you for recognizing this brave and good man, this consummate diplomat, this American hero. And now please join me in welcoming Anne Stevens to the stage. (Applause.)
Thread: Why Romney Lost
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:55
  The meme du jour is Why Romney Lost.
  It's really not so hard to figure out.
  "There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it. That that's an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what.These are people who pay no income tax."
  You don't have to look any further. Basically this limited the field of possible Republican voters to people who were too stupid to get that he was talking about them.
  As another famous Republican said: "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time."
  In this case you could only fool 53 percent. And some of them were Democrats.
  As President Clinton says -- it's just arithmetic.
  PS: I wish President Obama had thanked President Clinton in his victory speech. It would have brought the house down. The Big Dog really earned it.
Clinton honors slain envoy to Libya
  Link to Article
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:54
  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton paid tribute Thursday to slain U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens, calling him a "fallen hero" who understood that diplomacy requires taking risks.About two months after Stevens and three other Americans were killed in an attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi on Sept. 11, Clinton said the State Department and Pentagon are reviewing security at high-threat diplomatic posts to determine what improvements should be made.But Clinton also stressed that diplomacy in unstable areas is inherently dangerous and praised Stevens for volunteering for difficult jobs to serve his country."Our country mourns a fallen hero," she said of Stevens at a speech honoring him and others receiving the Common Ground award for conflict resolution, negotiation and peace building. The award was presented by the group Search for Common Ground, which is focused on ways of resolving conflicts.Stevens "understood that there is no substitute for going beyond the embassy walls, building relationships, and finding common ground," she said. "We will never prevent every act of terrorism or achieve perfect security. And our diplomats cannot work in bunkers and do their jobs. We must accept a level of risk to protect this country we love and to advance our interests and values around the world."Clinton's comments came as lawmakers step up demands for information about the Benghazi attack. Several congressional committees will hold classified hearings on the matter next week amid Republican charges that the Obama administration ignored increased threats to the mission. The State Department and FBI are also investigating.
News Headlines
  Link to Article
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:45
  US News
  Twitter Attacked? Strange Photos Appear on Timelines
  CNBC.com | November 08, 2012 | 11:36 PM EST
  Shortly before 10:00pm ET on Thursday, Twitter users began complaining of unusual photos appearing in their timelines.
  "Almost all pics are getting replaced by some weird Benghazi Libya/US flag bloody hand image," tweeted user @Eledhril.
  A quick search for related tweets pulled up more than 20 complaints about the same mysterious image. Users described it as a "bloody hand" and "disturbing picture of American flag" with a message "about Libya on September 11th."
  The photo, as tweeted by users, shows the names of the four Americans killed on September 11, 2012 in Libya. President Obama's campain logo can be seen as part of an American flag, where this hand wipes blood.
  Sam Laird, a writer for social media blog Mashable, also noticed a strange photo accompanying a tweeted story; a story that was unrelated to September 11th or Libya. As you can see in the photo, the thumbnail alongside the article's headline shows, what Laird called, "a demon tattoo photo."
  CNBC.com reached out to Twitter to ask if the social networking site was the victim of an attack. A spokeswoman responded with a question of her own, inquiring if these photos are still showing in users' timelines. Apparently, this may have been news to the company.
  Earlier on Thursday, Twitter was thought to have been hacked after the site reset some users' passwords.
  CNBC.com will continue to update this story as we learn more.
  E-mail: tech@cnbc.com
Dental Floss
  Link to Article
  Source: Lame Cherry
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:31
  My children, I know you have been concerned about your popular girl and thank you for your prayers in the tooth omen sign incident of wisdom shattered.
  It upset me really in having that happen, as my original dentist I think was taught by the Nazi's and he extracted gold from live Jews teeth, as I recall horrid events of his scolding me for squirming in the chair as he drilled, his pulling a tooth and me bleeding all night in bed.........and the time he drilled my teeth without novacaine telling me it would tickle.
  Dentists upset me, and I did not want any part of dentists, as 10 years ago mine told me about the wisdom tooth with a major cavity, and sure enough that white spot just disintegrated into a big cavity.
  I experimented on it though, as I do those things in my body, in I brushed my teeth with iodized salt which made them very clean and kept cleaning that wisdom tooth.
  It was a bad tooth though as it always hurt with my allergies, as my body is allergic to things in running beyond what a human body is designed to operate under. It just seems I have so much Spirit in me at odds with the world, that things just go haywire.
  So I knew this tooth should be pulled, but I assumed it would need to be cut out as most of it was going away, and that did not please me as not having a money, one tends to find that dentists like to be paid quite large sums of money for doing things with teeth........at least the ones not trained my Nazi's.
  My new adventure was on election day or election theft day, and the net result was I was eating pizza, was using a toothpick to clean out the cavity and I noticed the tooth was loose, and to my cringing horror, it lifted off.........and I had a date with Tiger Lily.
  I was all for just ignoring it, but TL is sound and I obey the TL who told me that tooth might get infected so get it taken care of.
  I did the child thing as I was upset and had my Mum call the emergency number for my tooth doc, who was out I think shooting elk as he does those things, and we then tracked down his assistant who would not treat me then, but made an appointment for 11 am.
  It was nice as at 7:50 her assistant phoned and told me to come in early, fill out papers and to make sure I paid not with my good looks.
  So in trying to deal with stress, I posted something here, went to the city and found after pickig things up with Mum that the front tire on my pick up was low......so off I went to pump it up as it probably was a cool weather deflation and it appears it was...........so back I went to fill in my papers and give the dentist more information than my government has.
  In any case, after 15 minutes of me wanting to run for the door, a nice gal came and told me to follow her and she looked at my tooth which I of course was embarassed by as it was now a broken off black nub. I confessed terror of dentists and she was nice about it, and took an x ray of my entire head.I think they found two brains which would explain things I write, but I do know for certain I was told I was part of the class which grows a great deal of bone.
  After pictures and more snap pictures, the girl dentist showed up. She like the assistant was of the small variety and would never be mistaken for Muchelle Obama.I was praying not for Muchelle, but my tooth, Holy Angels to come and pull it, help the gal and other things, when she mentioned my elk hunter dentist would be back and he likes carving out wisdom teeth.
  I frowned as it took a great deal of effort to get me there the first time and I did not want to wait and come back. I asked her about what she was talking about in part of my jaw breaking off in bone parts, and she said it was something that might happen, and it really would not matter as I was not going to get dentures....so weighing it all, I figured a pulled tooth with part of my jaw was worth not waiting around as I have grown to hate this tooth and the original dentist from Germany who caused this thing to fall apart.
  She agreed and pretty soon was numbing things, injecting things.......gone away humming, she hums which was a nice happy thing about a dentist I never knew before.........and she came back, stuck metal pointed obejcts in the tooth to which I said, I could feel that, so she dosed me up double and came back, and pretty soon had me on my back and was working on that tooth.
  I was told I had good movement, which I took to mean the tooth was loosening up. Really only took about two minutes and one pinched lip and some banter between the gals, and it was announced the tooth was out to my delight.
  I was dreading thinking they were going to cut the thing out and give me stitches, but apparently they can somehow move the gum down or something and pull mostly roots out. Was a great joy, not too much blood taste.............I was asked if I wanted to keep my tooth which I did for the tooth fairy, and after biting down on gauze, I was soon enough paying the 300 bucks to end things.
  It is just salt water mouth washes for awhile.....two weeks the hole is supposed to close up, and I was told to stay away from that in no sucking like smoking or straws to allow the bloodclot to form and seal things up.Am taking two ibruprofin for the discomfort, and when I relaxed the thing stopped bleeding after 3 gauze changes from the dentist office to about 3 hours later.
  It was an interesting adventure, and am quite delighted with women dental practioners. Made me almost lose my fear of them as they were talking about extracting more wisdom teeth, no doubt as Oabma is at 1600 Penn with no wisdom in par dux of that.
  I think that is about all of my dental adventure, and share it as Holy Angels did help pull that thing out and stopped the bleeding. Praise God for their help.Too many people tell stories of bone chips, broken jaws, sinus things, jagged bones growing back and all the other warnings out there. The point is pray to God and things go well. Sure my tooth area is sore, as that is what happens, but it is not anything going to put me in the emergency ward.
  I do not say a great deal of good about most people, but I will say this about the dentist and assistant who worked on me, a recent graduate from college, in they both were really good and it was nice having them experiment on me as with God it all turned out great and God will heal me speedily for all His Glory.
  That should suffice and if I can get over dental phobia, then you can too. Was so pleased no scalpels were used as that pleased and surprised me. Amazing things which can be accomplished, even if I'm questioning now how long I can put off the other extractions for years as impacted wisdom teeth apparently move on other tooth roots and wear them out and one then gets really expensive root canal work which I could not afford.........well unless perfect tooth Rush Limbaugh paid his bills in plagiarism.
  nuff said
  agtG
Rod Blagojevich made a deal
  Link to Article
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:30
  Ernie Souchak, Editor-in-Chief
  Illinoispaytoplay.com has learned that Blagojevich's attorneys'decision to not call John Chase to testify in their client's trial was part of a backroom negotiation to insure that Blago spent little time behind bars.
  We've, also, been told to expect Blago to be released from prison'...soon.
  You'll remember that Chase is the Chicago Tribune reporter who informed Blago that John Wyma was co-operating with the U.S. Attorney, and that the feds were wiretapping Blago's calls.
  Chase recently revealed, in the book entitled Golden, that the U.S. Attorney's Office leaked information about their investigation of Blago to the Trib.Additionally, Chase revealed that he and co-author and Trib reporter Jeff Coen were given exclusive access to the federal government's tapes and transcripts of the Blago wiretaps.
  While this story unfolds, ponder these questions:(1) Why would Blagojevich's defense not call the one witness who represents a serious problem for the prosecution ? (After all, Patrick Fitzgerald had established a precedent in cases involving leaks to the press.)(2) Why would the Feds give Chase exclusive access to the tapes and transcripts of government wiretaps after he derailed their investigation by revealing the existence of said wiretaps?(3) If what Chase and Coen wrote in their book asserting that there's nothing on the Blago tapes worth reporting, why do the feds refuse to make the tapes/transcripts public? And why were they sealed in the first place?(4) Why are Blago's attorneys so silent? (5) Is it a coincidence that former U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald is now Greg Craig's* business partner? * Greg Craig was Obama's White House Counsel.
Ace of Spades HQ
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:20
  Shocker: Iran Fired At A US Drone, And The Obama Administration Hid That Information Until After The Election | Main | Unexpectedly: Stocks Suffer Heavy Losses Second Straight Day After Election;Analysts Baffled >>November 08, 2012
  The Unmitigated Disaster Known As Project ORCAWhat is Project Orca? Well, this is what they told us:
  Project ORCA is a massive undertaking '' the Republican Party's newest, unprecedented and most technologically advanced plan to win the 2012 presidential election.
  Pretty much everything in that sentence is false. The "massive undertaking" is true, however. It would take a lot of planning, training and coordination to be done successfully (oh, we'll get to that in a second). This wasn't really the GOP's effort, it was Team Romney's. And perhaps "unprecedented" would fit if we're discussing failure.The entire purpose of this project was to digitize the decades-old practice of strike lists. The old way was to sit with your paper and mark off people that have voted and every hour or so, someone from the campaign would come get your list and take it back to local headquarters. Then, they'd begin contacting people that hadn't voted yet and encourage them to head to the polls. It's worked for years.
  From the very start there were warning signs. After signing up, you were invited to take part in nightly conference calls. The calls were more of the slick marketing speech type than helpful training sessions. There was a lot of "rah-rahs" and lofty talk about how this would change the ballgame.
  Working primarily as a web developer, I had some serious questions. Things like "Has this been stress tested?", "Is there redundancy in place?" and "What steps have been taken to combat a coordinated DDOS attack or the like?", among others. These types of questions were brushed aside (truth be told, they never took one of my questions). They assured us that the system had been relentlessly tested and would be a tremendous success.
  On one of the last conference calls (I believe it was on Saturday night), they told us that our packets would be arriving shortly. Now, there seemed to be a fair amount of confusion about what they meant by "packet". Some people on Twitter were wondering if that meant a packet in the mail or a pdf or what. Finally, my packet arrived at 4PM on Monday afternoon as an emailed 60 page pdf. Nothing came in the mail. Because I was out most of the day, I only got around to seeing it at around 10PM Monday night. So, I sat down and cursed as I would have to print out 60+ pages of instructions and voter rolls on my home printer. Naturally, for reasons I can't begin to comprehend, my printer would not print in black and white with an empty magenta cartridge (No HP, I will never buy another one of your products ever again). So, at this point I became panicked. I was expected to be at the polls at 6:45AM and nothing was open. I was thankfully able to find a Kinko's open until 11PM that was able to print it out and bind it for me, but this is not something I should have had to do. They expected 75-80 year old veteran volunteers to print out 60+ pages on their home computers? The night before election day? From what I hear, other people had similar experiences. In fact, many volunteers never received their packets at all.
  At 6:30AM on Tuesday, I went to the polls. I was immediately turned away because I didn't have my poll watcher certificate. Many, many people had this problem. The impression I got was this was taken care of because they had "registered me". Others were as well. But apparently, I was supposed to go on my own to a Victory Center to pick it up, but that was never communicated properly. Outside of the technical problems, this was the single biggest failure of the operation. They simply didn't inform people that this was a requirement. In fact, check out my "checklist" from my ORCA packet:
  Notice anything missing? My guess is the second "Chair (if allowed)" was supposed to be "poll watcher certificate" but they put chair twice. This was an instruction packet that went out to 30,000+ people. Did no one proof-read it?So, I headed back home to see if I could get my certificate. I called their official help line. It went unanswered. I tried their legal line. Same thing. I emailed them. No response. I continued to do this for six straight hours and never got a response. I even tried to call three local victory centers. All went straight to voicemail.
  While I was home, I took to Twitter and the web to try to find some answers. From what I saw, these problems were widespread. People had been kicked from poll watching for having no certificate. Others never received their pdf packets. Some were sent the wrong packets from a different area. Some received their packet, but their usernames and passwords didn't work.
  Now a note about the technology itself. For starters, this was billed as an "app" when it was actually a mobile-optimized website (or "web app"). For days I saw people on Twitter saying they couldn't find the app on the Android Market or iTunes and couldn't download it. Well, that's because it didn't exist. It was a website. This created a ton of confusion. Not to mention that they didn't even "turn it on" until 6AM in the morning, so people couldn't properly familiarize themselves with how it worked on their personal phone beforehand.
  Next, and this part I find mind-boggingly absurd, the web address was located at "https://www.whateveritwas.com/orca". Notice the "s" after http. This denotes it's a secure connection, something that's used for e-commerce and web-based email. So far, so good. The problem is that they didn't auto-forward the regular "http" to "https" and as a result, many people got a blank page and thought the system was down. Setting up forwarding is the simplest thing in the world and only takes seconds, but they failed to do it. This is compounded by the fact that mobile browsers default to "http" when you just start with "www" (as 95% of the world does).
  By 2PM, I had completely given up. I finally got ahold of someone at around 1PM and I never heard back. From what I understand, the entire system crashed at around 4PM. I'm not sure if that's true, but it wouldn't surprise me. I decided to wait for my wife to get home from work to vote, which meant going very late (around 6:15PM). Here's the kicker, I never got a call to go out and vote. So, who the hell knows if that end of it was working either.
  So, the end result was that 30,000+ of the most active and fired-up volunteers were wandering around confused and frustrated when they could have been doing anything else to help. Like driving people to the polls, phone-banking, walking door-to-door, etc. We lost by fairly small margins in Florida, Virginia, Ohio and Colorado. If this had worked could it have closed the gap? I sure hope not for my sanity's sake.
  The bitter irony of this entire endeavor was that a supposedly small government candidate gutted the local structure of GOTV efforts in favor of a centralized, faceless organization in a far off place (in this case, their Boston headquarters). Wrap your head around that.
  I'm on Twitter at @JohnEkdahl if you have any questions.
Is Obama About to Start A War With Iran?
  Link to Article
  Source: Information Liberation
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 01:24
  Chris | InformationLiberationThe Obama administration, fresh off being reelected and no longer needing any sort of public support, appears to be following a Bush script for war with Iran. The Pentagon is claiming Iran shot at one of their unmanned drones, supposedly in international waters off the coast of Iran, though the missiles allegedly fired at the UAV missed, so there is no actual evidence this took place. The story is quite similar to a leaked Bush administration plan to lure Saddam into war with the U.S. by flying a UAV painted with UN colors in their airspace enticing them to shoot at it as a pretext for war with Iraq.Bush 'plotted to lure Saddam into war with fake UN plane'George Bush considered provoking a war with Saddam Hussein's regime by flying a United States spyplane over Iraq bearing UN colours, enticing the Iraqis to take a shot at it, according to a leaked memo of a meeting between the US President and Tony Blair.
  The two leaders were worried by the lack of hard evidence that Saddam Hussein had broken UN resolutions, though privately they were convinced that he had. According to the memorandum, Mr Bush said: "The US was thinking of flying U2 reconnaissance aircraft with fighter cover over Iraq, painted in UN colours. If Saddam fired on them, he would be in breach."
  Iran fired at unarmed US drone, Pentagon saysIran fired on an unarmed U.S. drone last week as it was hovering in international airspace, the Pentagon announced Thursday.
  Spokesman George Little said the incident, which marks the first time the Iranians have fired on a U.S. drone, occurred Nov. 1 at 4:50 a.m. ET. He said the unarmed, unmanned drone was conducting "routine surveillance" over the Persian Gulf when it was "intercepted" by Iran. He said the MQ1 Predator drone, which was not hit, was not in Iranian airspace.
  [InfoLib Note: The Iranians claimed to have shot a US drone down before, they featured it all over TV, this is not the "first time," the US claimed the drone crashed, a claim which was no more verified than Iran's claim to have shot it down.]
  According to Little, two Iranian jets fired twice, missing on both attempts -- the drone headed away from the Iranian coast, landing safely soon after at an undisclosed location. The Iranian jets pursued the drone for a short period before giving up.
  Little said the U.S. government has protested to the Iranians. Asked about how the U.S. could respond, he said: "We have a wide range of options from diplomatic to military."
  He would not say whether there were actually plans for a military response. Asked if this should be considered an act of war, Little said he didn't want to get into "legal characterizations" of the event.
  Now that Obama has been reelected, he doesn't have to do anything to court support from the public, so this warmongering is especially dangerous. While this is an extremely flimsy pretext to start a war with Iran, this story is currently the number one story on FoxNews.com and it's getting a lot of coverage on TV. Also, the similarities to the Bush administration's attempt to have one of their drones shot down to start a war with Iraq are striking, if the drone had been blown up this story could be quite different. There was widespread speculation Obama and Israel were waiting for his reelection to be over before launching another war on Iran, it's only been two days since his reelection and the war drums have already begun._Chris runs the website InformationLiberation.com, you can read more of his writings here. Follow infolib on twitter here.Latest Cover-Up/Deceptions- FBI yet again foils their own fake terrorist plot, this time targeting the NY Federal Reserve- Requiem for the Suicided: Vince Foster- NYT reporter leaked advance copy of Maureen Dowd column to CIA- Empire State Shooting: Shooter Never Shot At Police, Nine Bystanders All Shot By Police- Man Who Trained Black Panthers on How To Fire Guns Was an FBI Informant- DHS Classifies New Ammo Purchases Following Controversy- The James Holmes Conspiracy (2012 Full Documentary)- DHS Makes Massive Purchase of Explosive Nitrates, Then Scrubs Order from the History Books
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Obama's Holding the Cards - Businessweek
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:17
  At first glance, the results of the 2012 election look like a return to the status quo: President Obama was reelected, Democrats retained the Senate, and Republicans held on to the House. But don't be fooled. The political dynamic of the next four years will be almost exactly the opposite of the last four.
  Sure, partisan bickering will endure. There will still be Red America and Blue America, Fox News and MSNBC. But with one big difference: During Obama's first term, and particularly in the last two years, the Republican Party had most of the leverage. The GOP's willingness to reject stimulus, default on the debt, and sabotage the nation's credit rating'--threats that shook financial markets'--often put the White House at the mercy of the opposition.
  Photograph by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
  In Obama's second term, leverage will shift to the Democrats on almost every issue of importance. And that shift has already begun.
  Once the economy stabilized, the defining struggle in Obama's first term was the battle for revenue. From his efforts to end the Bush tax cuts for the rich, close the carried-interest deduction, and enact the Buffett Rule, Obama failed in every attempt to generate higher tax revenue to pay for new spending and reduce the deficit. Obama confronted a Republican party determined to starve government and convinced that its path back to power lay in engineering his failure. As Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in 2010, ''The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.'' Republicans mostly held the line.
  To keep the economy afloat, the White House cut the deals it felt it had to. Many, such as Obama's agreement to extend all of the Bush tax cuts in 2010, were poorly received by Democrats. Now comes the payoff. The expiration of those cuts and the automatic reductions set to take effect at year's end'--the so-called fiscal cliff'--mean that Obama and the Democrats can gain a huge source of new revenue by doing nothing at all. Republican priorities are the ones suddenly in peril. The combination of tax increases on the rich, higher capital-gains taxes, and sharp cuts in defense spending have congressional Republicans deeply worried. To mitigate these, they'll have to bargain.
  Despite their post-election tough talk, Republican leaders have dealt themselves a lousy hand. Obama can propose a ''middle-class tax cut'' for the 98 percent of American households earning less than $250,000 a year'--while letting the Bush tax cuts expire for those earning more'--and dare the Republicans to block it. If they do, everyone's taxes will rise on Jan. 1. It's true that going over the fiscal cliff, as some Democrats believe will happen, would set back the recovery and could eventually cause a recession. But Democratic leaders in Congress believe the public furor would be too intense for Republicans to withstand for long.
  Going over the cliff would also weaken the Republicans' greatest point of leverage: renewing their threat to default on the national debt. Right now, the Treasury expects to hit the debt ceiling in February. But if the cliff can't be avoided, tax rates will rise and government coffers will swell, delaying the date of default'--thus diminishing the Republicans' advantage. Alice Rivlin, the founding director of the Office of Management and Budget and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, says that ''as quickly as the IRS began changing the withholding schedule, the date would be pushed back.''
  Photograph by Alessio Romenzi/Corbis
  This new, post-election reality should compel both sides toward the ''Grand Bargain'' on entitlement and tax reform that President Obama and John Boehner tried, and failed, to strike in the summer of 2011. Most people in Washington expect these negotiations to dominate the 2013 calendar year. Here again, leverage has shifted from Republicans to Democrats. ''The message of this election is twofold,'' says Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). ''Americans want us to come together around a balanced compromise. And the major issue surrounding the fiscal cliff that was litigated in the election was revenues'--voters clearly sided with us. The president made it a campaign issue, and he won.''
  Privately, some Republicans, especially in the Senate, share this assessment. Many more do not. The battle to control the Republican Party and determine its course could inflict further damage on the conservative cause. ''The 'right wing of the Republican Party' has become a redundancy,'' says GOP strategist Rich Galen. ''It now is the Republican Party, and there simply aren't enough voters who agree with all of the Tea Party doctrine to win a national election.'' Establishment conservatives recognize this problem. ''It's clear that with our losses in the presidential race and a number of key Senate races we have a period of reflection and recalibration ahead,'' Senator John Cornyn (Tex.), the chairman of the National Republican Senate Committee, said on Nov. 7. ''While some will want to blame one wing of the party over the other, the reality is candidates from all corners of our GOP lost tonight. Clearly, we have work to do in the weeks and months ahead.''
  The trouble for the GOP is that it's dominated not by Washington figures like Cornyn and the consulting class, but by its activist base. Once a welcome source of energy that catapulted Republicans to control of the House in 2010, the Tea Party has become a millstone. Flawed candidates have twice cost Republicans control of the Senate'--in 2010 and 2012'--and could do so again in 2014.
  At the same time, the Republican Senate caucus has moved further to the right. Relative moderates such as Kay Bailey Hutchison (Tex.) and Scott Brown (Mass.) are departing; staunch right-wingers like incoming Senators Ted Cruz (Tex.) and Deb Fischer (Neb.) will replace them. And the senior party members who might steer a safer path are hemmed in by the threat of Tea Party challenges back home: Cornyn, McConnell, Lindsey Graham (S.C.), and Saxby Chambliss (Ga.) are all up for reelection in two years, and they are aware of the fate that befell ousted colleagues such as Richard Lugar (Ind.) and Bob Bennett (Utah).
  Where this tension could hurt Republicans most in Obama's second term is on immigration, the other big issue sure to come to the fore in the next two years. In September, Obama was taken to task in a Telemundo candidate forum for not having fulfilled his pledge to push for a path to citizenship or legal work status for the nation's 12 million illegal immigrants. He lamely submitted that ''you can't change Washington from the inside'--you can only change it from the outside.''
  A month later, in an off-the-record interview with the Des Moines Register soon made public, he shared his true thoughts. ''Since this is off the record,'' he said, ''I will just be very blunt. Should I win a second term, a big reason '... is because the Republican nominee and the Republican Party have so alienated the fastest-growing demographic group in the country, the Latino community. And this is a relatively new phenomenon. '... I am fairly confident that they're going to have a deep interest in getting that done.''
  Obama could see coming, as any poll-watcher could, the demographic tidal wave that swamped Republicans on Nov. 6. Exit polls show that 89 percent of Mitt Romney's votes were from whites, compared with 56 percent for Obama. Latinos went to Obama in record numbers, 71 percent to Romney's 29 percent, down sharply from the 44 percent George W. Bush won in 2000. Obama also carried 93 percent of blacks and 73 percent of Asians. In 1980 whites cast about 90 percent of all votes; this year they cast 72 percent, and that number falls an average of 2 percentage points every four years.
  Republicans have become prisoners of demography, helpless to break free from the nativism of their activist base. Bush failed to persuade a much more moderate Congress to pass immigration reform in 2007. Obama will soon try again. In the process he will expose the deep fissure among Republicans that, if not bridged, will consign the party to minority status, certainly in presidential elections. Solving this problem and ending the party's unconscionable voter suppression efforts stand as the Republicans' two greatest challenges to broadening their appeal in the years ahead.
  For Democrats, the picture is brighter. Obama's first-term achievements, including the health-care law and Wall Street reform, are now secure. A second term marked by an improving economy and capped with historic tax and entitlement reform seems well within reach. That would put Obama among a select group of Democratic presidents. When the scope of his Nov. 6 victory became clear, some giddy liberals likened Obama to Ronald Reagan'--the Republican whose legacy defined much of the last quarter century of American politics. Such comparisons may be premature. But looking four years out, they are not unthinkable.
Let's Not Make a Deal
  Link to Article
  Source: Dave Winer's linkblog feed
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:16
  To say the obvious: Democrats won an amazing victory. Not only did they hold the White House despite a still-troubled economy, in a year when their Senate majority was supposed to be doomed, they actually added seats.
  Nor was that all: They scored major gains in the states. Most notably, California '-- long a poster child for the political dysfunction that comes when nothing can get done without a legislative supermajority '-- not only voted for much-needed tax increases, but elected, you guessed it, a Democratic supermajority.
  But one goal eluded the victors. Even though preliminary estimates suggest that Democrats received somewhat more votes than Republicans in Congressional elections, the G.O.P. retains solid control of the House thanks to extreme gerrymandering by courts and Republican-controlled state governments. And Representative John Boehner, the speaker of the House, wasted no time in declaring that his party remains as intransigent as ever, utterly opposed to any rise in tax rates even as it whines about the size of the deficit.
  So President Obama has to make a decision, almost immediately, about how to deal with continuing Republican obstruction. How far should he go in accommodating the G.O.P.'s demands?
  My answer is, not far at all. Mr. Obama should hang tough, declaring himself willing, if necessary, to hold his ground even at the cost of letting his opponents inflict damage on a still-shaky economy. And this is definitely no time to negotiate a ''grand bargain'' on the budget that snatches defeat from the jaws of victory.
  In saying this, I don't mean to minimize the very real economic dangers posed by the so-called fiscal cliff that is looming at the end of this year if the two parties can't reach a deal. Both the Bush-era tax cuts and the Obama administration's payroll tax cut are set to expire, even as automatic spending cuts in defense and elsewhere kick in thanks to the deal struck after the 2011 confrontation over the debt ceiling. And the looming combination of tax increases and spending cuts looks easily large enough to push America back into recession.
  Nobody wants to see that happen. Yet it may happen all the same, and Mr. Obama has to be willing to let it happen if necessary.
  Why? Because Republicans are trying, for the third time since he took office, to use economic blackmail to achieve a goal they lack the votes to achieve through the normal legislative process. In particular, they want to extend the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, even though the nation can't afford to make those tax cuts permanent and the public believes that taxes on the rich should go up '-- and they're threatening to block any deal on anything else unless they get their way. So they are, in effect, threatening to tank the economy unless their demands are met.
  Mr. Obama essentially surrendered in the face of similar tactics at the end of 2010, extending low taxes on the rich for two more years. He made significant concessions again in 2011, when Republicans threatened to create financial chaos by refusing to raise the debt ceiling. And the current potential crisis is the legacy of those past concessions.
  Well, this has to stop '-- unless we want hostage-taking, the threat of making the nation ungovernable, to become a standard part of our political process.
  So what should he do? Just say no, and go over the cliff if necessary.
  It's worth pointing out that the fiscal cliff isn't really a cliff. It's not like the debt-ceiling confrontation, where terrible things might well have happened right away if the deadline had been missed. This time, nothing very bad will happen to the economy if agreement isn't reached until a few weeks or even a few months into 2013. So there's time to bargain.
  More important, however, is the point that a stalemate would hurt Republican backers, corporate donors in particular, every bit as much as it hurt the rest of the country. As the risk of severe economic damage grew, Republicans would face intense pressure to cut a deal after all.
  Meanwhile, the president is in a far stronger position than in previous confrontations. I don't place much stock in talk of ''mandates,'' but Mr. Obama did win re-election with a populist campaign, so he can plausibly claim that Republicans are defying the will of the American people. And he just won his big election and is, therefore, far better placed than before to weather any political blowback from economic troubles '-- especially when it would be so obvious that these troubles were being deliberately inflicted by the G.O.P. in a last-ditch attempt to defend the privileges of the 1 percent.
  Most of all, standing up to hostage-taking is the right thing to do for the health of America's political system.
  So stand your ground, Mr. President, and don't give in to threats. No deal is better than a bad deal.
Remarks at USAID's Higher Education Solutions Network Event
  Link to Article
  Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:15
  ADMINISTRATOR SHAH: Well, I will be very brief. My name is Raj Shah. I'm the Administrator at USAID. We want to thank all of our colleagues from universities, from the Department of State, and from across our government.And I'll get a chance to make a few remarks after Secretary Clinton departs this afternoon, but we are '' I am so honored to be able to host you here in this room. It is a special room with a lot of significance, but in this case, the significance is Secretary Clinton has been a tremendous proponent not just of development and of tackling extreme poverty around the world, but of bringing American science, technology, innovation, and youthful enterprise to that task. And one of the ways we have tried to put into practice that guidance and theme has been creating and launching the development laboratories on college campuses that we're inaugurating here today and in the conference series tomorrow.
  So I do want to take just one moment to thank Megan Smith from Google who's on our advisory board and has been from the beginning, Rick Klausner for helping us to conceptualize this, and [inaudible], who has also served in that capacity.
  So with that, Madam Secretary, thank you for having us here today.
  SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much, Raj, and it's exciting for me to welcome all of you here to the State Department, actually to the Benjamin Franklin Room. Mr. Franklin is above us over the fireplace. But what a especially fitting setting for us to be discussing this exciting new initiative, harnessing science and technology to save and improve millions of lives around the world.
  Raj just finished thanking a lot of people, but I want to thank you, Raj, for your leadership and your commitment to innovation that produces results. And it's been a very exciting time to try to reach out and create a network of likeminded partners and institutions to work with USAID. And I am delighted to see all of you here.
  Having representatives of these seven universities focusing the ingenuity of your brightest people on these daunting challenges is very reassuring to us because we know we cannot do the work we try to do solely on the '' building on the past, looking at what might have worked 10 years ago or 20 years ago. Nobody does that in the private sector, and it's perhaps slightly more difficult to change direction in the public sector, but we know we must, and this is a very strong indicator of that.
  I know we have some students with us today and we thank them for being part of this. I think it's exciting that you will have a chance to really be part of solving some of these difficult problems we face. What we've tried to do in the Obama Administration is to elevate development alongside diplomacy and defense, because we consider the so-called three ''D''s as being the basis, the foundation, of our foreign policy and national security. And we've also tried to put real substance behind the slogan ''Country-led, Country-owned.'' Our goal is to help countries become self-sufficient, to be in the hoped-for future themselves, putting us out of business because of the way that we are working together now.
  So we cannot rely solely on traditional development '' building roads, infrastructure, hospitals, training, doctors, nurses, teachers. Incremental change is a necessary but not sufficient pathway to what we hope to accomplish. And that's why Raj and his team have put a special focus on science and technology, and we've already seen some serious steps forward because of that. We've kicked off a series of prizes, challenges, and competitions. USAID launched three grand challenges for development '' to save lives at birth, get all children reading, and power agriculture through clean energy. We've also created new funding mechanisms that will help bring new ideas to scale like our Development Innovation Ventures program, which is supporting new solutions to prevent electoral fraud and to expand access to credit for underserved populations.
  We're helping build research capacity through new partnerships with the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health that connect American scientists with their counterparts around the world. And through science fellowships, we're bringing in more researchers, engineers, and physicians to work with USAID.
  Now we want to build on and expand all this progress, and we especially want to expand our portfolio of partners in the private sector, in local NGOs, and of course in the academic and research community, and that's where all of you come in. Each of the seven universities represented here today has committed to create a development lab. Working with USAID's field mission experts and Washington staff, scientists and researchers in these labs will apply the latest science and technology to some of the biggest challenges in development.
  For example, MIT, a leader in design and technology, will publish reports on the effectiveness of different technologies ranging from treadle pumps to microscopes mounted on cell phones. Think of it as a kind of consumers report for development. Berkeley and MIT are creating a new discipline of development science and engineering. That will mean new courses, new journals, new departments, and even new PhDs dedicated to design for low and middle-income countries. And Makerere, a university in Uganda, will engage the developing world by creating online courses with a special focus on people helping themselves to get an education as well as fighting for more transparency, accountability, justice and equality in their own societies.
  At Texas A&M, researchers will bring a special focus on improving agricultural productivity. William & Mary will help USAID advance its use of data and analytics to improve decision-making. Scientists at Michigan State will study megatrends like population growth and climate change. In many parts of the world, as you know so well, rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns are making it harder for farmers to grow enough food, putting a strain on entire agricultural systems. Now of course, climate change is not a problem that only hurts people in faraway places. It affects everyone, and we are seeing the effects, as we speak, in our own country. And I think it's increasingly imperative that we address that issue at every level of society.
  So the idea behind the Higher Education Solutions Network that we are launching today is to take advantage of each lab's unique abilities. Here's an example of how it could work: An entrepreneur at Berkeley discovers a groundbreaking innovation to bring clean drinking water to low-income families, but she needs to take it to scale. So the network connects her to researchers at Duke who have expertise in accelerating and scaling up solutions, and together, they grow her business so her work benefits hundreds of thousands, even millions of people.
  I'm very excited about this project and pleased to announce that USAID has committed up to $130 million for the network and development labs over the next five years. This commitment will be matched by an equivalent amount from universities and their partners. But to make this network a reality, we need your input and ideas. So in the rest of this session, which Raj will chair, I hope you'll explore how we can work together to make what we're doing as effective as possible as soon as possible. How can we ensure that this is not just a series of individual grants or one-off accomplishments, but instead we create an integrated network that delivers large scale impact?
  So I'm very excited about this. I'm sorry I can't stay for the discussion. I have to go over to the White House. Now that the election is over, we're trying to '' (laughter) '' make up for a lot of lost time in dealing with a lot of the issues that are pressing for our country and the world. But Raj will give me a full de-brief.
  But again, I want to thank all the universities. We're especially pleased to have you come from Uganda. Eventually, our dream would be that this would be a global network, and that development labs would be working around the world, all networked and creating very positive outcomes for millions and millions of people who might never hear of what we are doing, but would see the results of all of your work.
  Thank you very much. Thanks, Raj. (Applause.)