The M+G+R Foundation
Current News Commentary (1)
Please Note:
The
postings on this page will become less frequent than they have been in the past. Whenever we make
a post on this forum, the date will appear at the bottom of the
Divine Encouragement
page.
July 31st, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Apps That Know What You Want, Before You Do. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: "How does your phone know?" - The same way anyone who can easily hack into your Smart Phones will: "....reading your e-mail, scanning your calendar, tracking your location...."
No question about it - satan is having a proverbial Field Day in the little time he has left..... and most humans are falling for it.
_________________
(1) New York Times Reports
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Oakland City Council Considering Ban On 'Destructive Items' During Protests. (1)
Then, Mike Adams, from that obviously obscure Taiwanese NaturalNews conglomerate, twists around
the news to look like this:News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Apps That Know What You Want, Before You Do. (1)
A range of start-ups and big companies like Google are working on what is known as predictive
search - new tools that act as robotic personal assistants, anticipating what you need before you
ask for it. Glance at your phone in the morning, for instance, and see an alert that you need to
leave early for your next meeting because of traffic, even though you never told your phone you
had a meeting, or where it was.
How does the phone know? Because an application has read your e-mail, scanned your calendar, tracked your location, parsed traffic patterns and figured out you need an extra half-hour to drive to the meeting.
The technology is the latest development in Web search, and one of the first that is tailored to mobile devices. It does not even require people to enter a search query. Your context - location, time of day and digital activity - is the query, say the engineers who build these services.
Ads are not far off. "The better we can provide information, even without you asking for it, the better we can provide commercial information people are excited to be promoting to you," Larry Page, Google's chief executive, told analysts in April.
Some skeptics say pushing ads and other unwanted information could be annoying or even a violation of privacy. If you watch a movie trailer on YouTube, for instance, Google Now may send local showtimes when the film arrives in your city. But what if you hated the trailer?
"People could find the interface disruptive rather than helpful," Ms. Matwyshyn said.
Baris Gultekin, a product management director at Google who helped invent Now, said the company was aware of that risk and was "very conservative" with what it showed people.
How does the phone know? Because an application has read your e-mail, scanned your calendar, tracked your location, parsed traffic patterns and figured out you need an extra half-hour to drive to the meeting.
The technology is the latest development in Web search, and one of the first that is tailored to mobile devices. It does not even require people to enter a search query. Your context - location, time of day and digital activity - is the query, say the engineers who build these services.
Ads are not far off. "The better we can provide information, even without you asking for it, the better we can provide commercial information people are excited to be promoting to you," Larry Page, Google's chief executive, told analysts in April.
Some skeptics say pushing ads and other unwanted information could be annoying or even a violation of privacy. If you watch a movie trailer on YouTube, for instance, Google Now may send local showtimes when the film arrives in your city. But what if you hated the trailer?
"People could find the interface disruptive rather than helpful," Ms. Matwyshyn said.
Baris Gultekin, a product management director at Google who helped invent Now, said the company was aware of that risk and was "very conservative" with what it showed people.
miguel de Portugal comments: "How does your phone know?" - The same way anyone who can easily hack into your Smart Phones will: "....reading your e-mail, scanning your calendar, tracking your location...."
No question about it - satan is having a proverbial Field Day in the little time he has left..... and most humans are falling for it.
_________________
(1) New York Times Reports
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Oakland City Council Considering Ban On 'Destructive Items' During Protests. (1)
A proposal to ban hammers, wrenches, shields, sling shots, paint projectiles and other potentially
destructive items at protests will be considered by the Oakland City Council at its meeting on
Tuesday night.
The ordinance prohibiting so-called "tools of violence and vandalism" during a demonstration is being proposed by Councilman Noel Gallo, who said in a letter to his colleagues that it’s designed to counter violence that occurred during recent protests against the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin in Florida.
Gallo said the damage to businesses in downtown Oakland and the adjacent Chinatown district included broken windows, graffiti and arson. In addition, a waiter at the restaurant Flora was hit in the face with a hammer, he said.
The ordinance prohibiting so-called "tools of violence and vandalism" during a demonstration is being proposed by Councilman Noel Gallo, who said in a letter to his colleagues that it’s designed to counter violence that occurred during recent protests against the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin in Florida.
Gallo said the damage to businesses in downtown Oakland and the adjacent Chinatown district included broken windows, graffiti and arson. In addition, a waiter at the restaurant Flora was hit in the face with a hammer, he said.
Oakland to ban hammers, wrenches, tripods, walking canes, shields and other 'tools of vandalism' in bizarre Orwellian disarmament push. (2)
Forget "gun control." That's old news. The city of
Oakland, California now wants to ban any object that could be used as a "tool of vandalism,"
including hammers, wrenches, slingshots, shields and presumably anything else with a blunt edge
such as garden rakes or sticks.
miguel de Portugal comments: Although NaturalNews provides the original link to the CBS Local News, from our experience, very, very few people follow the referenced to links. They believe what they read and that is the information they walk away with.
Frankly, I do not understand why the City of Oakland needs to pass an ordinance to prevent demonstrators from carrying hammers, wrenches, etc. to a demonstration. Preventing this should be as logical - and legal - as preventing lighting a cigarette while filling the car tank with gas. Anyone who shows up to a demonstration with that kind of "equipment" should be barred from it and, if defiant, give him/her a one day tour of the city jail after passing through the "photo studio" of the police photographer.
If this is Police State - so be it! We have the Divine and constitutional right to peacefully demonstrate and show our disagreement/disapproval with this or that. We have no right to go on a violence and destructive spree under any circumstance.
As we wrote back in 2003 (3): Anarchical behavior, is not appropriate under any circumstances. Do you hear us, Bergoglio?
_________________
(1) CBS Reports
(2) NaturalNews Reports
(3) No To Anarchy
July 30th, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
FBI raids rescue 105 kids forced into prostitution. (1)
The FBI says it has rescued 105 children who were forced
into prostitution in the United States and arrested 150 people it described as pimps and
others in a series of raids in 76 American cities.
The campaign, known as "Operation Cross Country," was the largest of its type and conducted under the FBI's "Innocence Lost" initiative. The assistant director of the FBI's criminal investigative division, Ron Hosko, said that child prostitution remains what he called a "persistent threat" to children across America.
The FBI said the campaign has resulted in rescuing 2,700 children since 2003.
The campaign, known as "Operation Cross Country," was the largest of its type and conducted under the FBI's "Innocence Lost" initiative. The assistant director of the FBI's criminal investigative division, Ron Hosko, said that child prostitution remains what he called a "persistent threat" to children across America.
The FBI said the campaign has resulted in rescuing 2,700 children since 2003.
miguel de Portugal comments: More prayers are being answered. However, it is a shame that:
The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye
therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send labourers into his harvest.
[Luke 10:2]
Those who work to rescue these children of God need (and deserve!) our prayerful support.
The above news is more than music to my ears. It is "high octane fuel" to keep us praying for them.
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Pope Francis says he won't judge gay priests. (1)
Pope Francis reached out to gays, saying he won't judge
priests for their sexual orientation in a remarkably open and wide-ranging news conference
Monday as he returned from his first foreign trip.
"If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" Francis asked. "We shouldn't marginalize people for this. They must be integrated into society."
Francis' predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, signed a document in 2005 that said men who had deep-rooted homosexual tendencies should not be priests. Francis was much more conciliatory in his first news conference as pope, saying gay clergymen should be forgiven and their sins forgotten.
The comments did not signal any change in church policy. Catholic teaching still holds that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered." But they indicated a shift in tone under Francis' young papacy and an emphasis on a church that is more inclusive and merciful rather than critical and disciplinary.
Francis also said he wanted a greater role for women in the church, though he insisted that they cannot become priests.
"If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" Francis asked. "We shouldn't marginalize people for this. They must be integrated into society."
Francis' predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, signed a document in 2005 that said men who had deep-rooted homosexual tendencies should not be priests. Francis was much more conciliatory in his first news conference as pope, saying gay clergymen should be forgiven and their sins forgotten.
The comments did not signal any change in church policy. Catholic teaching still holds that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered." But they indicated a shift in tone under Francis' young papacy and an emphasis on a church that is more inclusive and merciful rather than critical and disciplinary.
Francis also said he wanted a greater role for women in the church, though he insisted that they cannot become priests.
miguel de Portugal comments: Indeed, sexual orientation (as long as it is not pedophilia as it is being classified by some now) should not interfere with a man being a good priest just as the very fine movie "The Priest" exemplified.
However, the potential for sexual abuse risks in heterosexual as well as homosexual priestly candidates needs to be seriously evaluated before they are given the go ahead for ordination.
This is something that we know is not done.
_________________
(1) News Report
July 29th, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Rebel pope urges Catholics to shake up dioceses. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: Has anyone, among his adoring crowd on a worldwide scale, enough sense to ponder why this was not done when the was "lord and master" of Argentine Catholicism?
An individual, of any country in the world, in the position that he held in the Argentine Roman Catholic Church could do just about anything short of denying the Divity of Christ, yet he did not do any of what he so vehemently and "saintly" preaches from the position most of the world believes he holds.
Nonetheless, all of this is coherent with the upcoming reality.... most of Roman Catholics will fall in the False Christ trap. Logically, this massive deception must happen.
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Four Steps for Dealing With a Data Breach. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: Considering the level of hacking in today's computerized world, one must be very alert regarding this matter. One may be the most security minded individual in the world, yet, the credit card or bank or IRS that one trusted with your identity and financial information, as we have often shown, get hacked regularly.
Please note: Although we use their services because we believe the seriousness of the situation - we are not promoting Equifax, but their suggestions are very good and we feel that it is our responsibility to share them with our readership.
_________________
(1) Source
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
Four out of Five in US face near-poverty, no work. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: Now for the "Belive it or not" section: Most countries in the world are in worse shape, and this situation really is a sad state of affairs. Mediocre leaders can only produce mediocre results.
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Rebel pope urges Catholics to shake up dioceses. (1)
Pope Francis showed his rebel side Thursday,
urging young Catholics to shake up the church and make a
"mess" in their dioceses by going out into the streets to spread the faith. It's a message
he put into practice by visiting one of Rio's most violent slums and opening the church's World
Youth Day on a rain-soaked Copacabana Beach.
miguel de Portugal comments: Has anyone, among his adoring crowd on a worldwide scale, enough sense to ponder why this was not done when the was "lord and master" of Argentine Catholicism?
An individual, of any country in the world, in the position that he held in the Argentine Roman Catholic Church could do just about anything short of denying the Divity of Christ, yet he did not do any of what he so vehemently and "saintly" preaches from the position most of the world believes he holds.
Nonetheless, all of this is coherent with the upcoming reality.... most of Roman Catholics will fall in the False Christ trap. Logically, this massive deception must happen.
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Four Steps for Dealing With a Data Breach. (1)
If your personal information has been compromised
because of a data breach, it's important that you
act fast to help protect against identity theft. Here are four proactive steps you should
immediately take to keep your information secure and avoid fraud down the road.
1. Place a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit
reports
2. Close necessary accounts
3. Keep an eye on your credit report
4. Be alert
With a fraud alert placed on your account, credit grantors are encouraged to take extra steps to
verify your identity any time your name is used to open a credit account, increase the credit
limit on an existing account or obtain a new card on an existing account.
2. Close necessary accounts
Close the accounts that are linked to the company hit by the data breach or any other accounts
that may have been compromised by contacting the necessary creditors, banks and phone and utility
companies.
3. Keep an eye on your credit report
If you are susceptible to identity theft, a credit monitoring service will allow you to closely
monitor your credit account activity.
The company that suffered the data breach may provide a temporary, free credit monitoring service for those whose information has been compromised. You can also access one free credit report each year from all three credit reporting agencies online at www.annualcreditreport.com.
The company that suffered the data breach may provide a temporary, free credit monitoring service for those whose information has been compromised. You can also access one free credit report each year from all three credit reporting agencies online at www.annualcreditreport.com.
4. Be alert
An identity thief may wait up to a year or even longer before using your personal information for
financial transactions, so stay alert by routinely monitoring your credit reports and thoroughly
reading your financial account statements.
miguel de Portugal comments: Considering the level of hacking in today's computerized world, one must be very alert regarding this matter. One may be the most security minded individual in the world, yet, the credit card or bank or IRS that one trusted with your identity and financial information, as we have often shown, get hacked regularly.
Please note: Although we use their services because we believe the seriousness of the situation - we are not promoting Equifax, but their suggestions are very good and we feel that it is our responsibility to share them with our readership.
_________________
(1) Source
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
Four out of Five in US face near-poverty, no work. (1)
Four out of 5 U.S. adults struggle with
joblessness, near-poverty
or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their
lives, a sign of deteriorating economic security and an elusive American dream.
Survey data exclusive to The Associated Press points to an increasingly globalized U.S. economy, the widening gap between rich and poor, and the loss of good-paying manufacturing jobs as reasons for the trend.
While racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to live in poverty, race disparities in the poverty rate have narrowed substantially since the 1970s, census data show.
Economic insecurity among whites also is more pervasive than is shown in the government's poverty data, engulfing more than 76 percent of white adults by the time they turn 60, according to a new economic gauge being published next year by the Oxford University Press.
The gauge defines "economic insecurity" as a year or more of periodic joblessness, reliance on government aid such as food stamps or income below 150 percent of the poverty line. Measured across all races, the risk of economic insecurity rises to 79 percent.
Marriage rates are in decline across all races, and the number of white mother-headed households living in poverty has risen to the level of black ones.
Survey data exclusive to The Associated Press points to an increasingly globalized U.S. economy, the widening gap between rich and poor, and the loss of good-paying manufacturing jobs as reasons for the trend.
While racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to live in poverty, race disparities in the poverty rate have narrowed substantially since the 1970s, census data show.
Economic insecurity among whites also is more pervasive than is shown in the government's poverty data, engulfing more than 76 percent of white adults by the time they turn 60, according to a new economic gauge being published next year by the Oxford University Press.
The gauge defines "economic insecurity" as a year or more of periodic joblessness, reliance on government aid such as food stamps or income below 150 percent of the poverty line. Measured across all races, the risk of economic insecurity rises to 79 percent.
Marriage rates are in decline across all races, and the number of white mother-headed households living in poverty has risen to the level of black ones.
miguel de Portugal comments: Now for the "Belive it or not" section: Most countries in the world are in worse shape, and this situation really is a sad state of affairs. Mediocre leaders can only produce mediocre results.
_________________
(1) News Report
July 27th, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Note: m de P's comments may be found within the news quotes in bold blue script.
Pope Francis showed his rebel side Thursday, urging young Catholics to shake up the church and make a "mess" in their dioceses by going out into the streets to spread the faith. It's a message he put into practice by visiting one of Rio's most violent slums and opening the church's World Youth Day on a rain-soaked Copacabana Beach.
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Note: m de P's comments may be found within the news quotes in bold blue script.
Pope Francis showed his rebel side Thursday, urging young Catholics to shake up the church and make a "mess" in their dioceses by going out into the streets to spread the faith. It's a message he put into practice by visiting one of Rio's most violent slums and opening the church's World Youth Day on a rain-soaked Copacabana Beach.
An order to
religious anarchism. Let a Bishop now try to stop any
project young Catholics will come up to "spread the
faith".
Dubbed the "slum pope" for his work with the poor, Francis received a rapturous welcome in the Varginha shantytown, part of a slum area of northern Rio so violent it's known as the Gaza Strip. The 76-year-old Argentine seemed entirely at home, wading into cheering crowds, kissing people young and old and telling them the Catholic Church is on their side.
Once again - What has been "his work for the poor" before and after his "election"? All that is
known about his real work for the poor is to talk about it but the masses keep falling for it -
right on schedule.
"No one can remain insensitive to the inequalities that persist in the world!" Francis told a crowd of thousands who braved a cold rain and stood in a muddy soccer field to welcome him. "No amount of peace-building will be able to last, nor will harmony and happiness be attained in a society that ignores, pushes to the margins or excludes a part of itself."
And how sensitive are you, Bergoglio? Photo and Video ops will not cut it. Action is what is
needed and which you will never do.... but the masses do fall for it on schedule.
He told the thousands of youngsters, with an estimated 30,000 Argentines registered, to get out into the streets and spread their faith and make a "mess," saying a church that doesn't go out and preach simply becomes a civic or humanitarian group.
He has that almost right - the "Church" did not become a civic or humanitarian group. The "Church"
became the largest and most powerful for profit
multinational the post Noah's Flood world has ever seen. Then, the question is: "Aren't you
ashamed to have been, and continue to be, a part of its Administration?"
"I want to tell you something. What is it that I expect
as a consequence of World Youth Day? I want a mess. We knew that in Rio there would be
great disorder, but I want trouble in the
dioceses!" he said, speaking off the cuff in his native Spanish. "I want to see the church
get closer to the people. I want to get rid of
clericalism, the mundane, this closing ourselves off within ourselves, in our parishes,
schools or structures. Because these need to get out!"
Apparently realizing the radicalness of his message, he apologized in advance to the bishops at home.
Apparently realizing the radicalness of his message, he apologized in advance to the bishops at home.
When one apologizes,
it is when one realizes one has made a mistake. Exactly what kind of cooperation does he expect to
have from the Bishops of the world with "this kind of tune"? None, of course, and no man can run a
multinational like the RCC without the full cooperation of most of its local managers - the
Bishops. But obviously that does not bother him much, does it? Do we need to call Daniel for a
handwriting on the wall reading?
In an indication of the havoc wreaked by four days of steady showers, organizers made an almost unheard-of change in the festival's agenda, moving the Saturday vigil and climactic Sunday Mass to Copacabana Beach from a rural area 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the city center. The terrain of the area, Guaratiba, had turned into a vast field of mud, making the overnight camping plans of pilgrims untenable.
May God be praised!
It was at Guaratiba where the demonic stage, we spoke about in our
June
24th News Commentary, was built. God saw to it that it would not be used.
Francis' visit to the Varginha slum followed in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II, who visited two such favelas during a 1980 trip to Brazil, and Mother Teresa, who visited Varginha itself in 1972. Her Missionaries of Charity order has kept a presence in the shantytown ever since.
Obviously John Paul II and Teresa's activities did not do much for them since their situation got
even worse. We wonder when they will realize that the only changes that will
ever take place are the ones secured through
prayer and fasting. That could only be after the RCC Administration has a conversion and start
believing and practicing the Faith they now promote for profit.... something that will never
happen.
"Events like this, with the pope and all the local media, get everyone so excited," said Antonieta de Souza Costa, a 56-year-old vendor and resident of Varginha. "I think this visit is going to bring people back to the Catholic Church."
Showmanship and not
faith! As if Jesus had recommended and taught that! Blessedly, it does not matter any
more.
Francis blasted what he said was a "culture of selfishness and individualism" that permeates society today, demanding that those with money and power share their wealth and resources to fight hunger and poverty.
"It is certainly necessary to give bread to the hungry - this is an act of justice. But there is also a deeper hunger, the hunger for a happiness that only God can satisfy," he said
And exactly what are you waiting for, Bergoglio, to start divesting of the massive real estate
holdings of the Roman Catholic Church on a worldwide scale and use that money precisely for that?
Remember, Bergoglio, Jesus did not just talk about it - He gave the examples by action so.... Just
do it or shut up and stop staining the Catholic faith further.
July 26th, 2013 [Feast
Day of Saints Anne and Joachim - Grandparents of
Jesus]
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
A Failure to Intercept (1)
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
A Failure to Intercept (1)
After 30 years of research and an estimated $250 billion
investment, the Pentagon's defense program against intercontinental ballistic missiles from
adversaries like Iran and North Korea had another failed
test this month. The advanced missile interceptor launched on July 5 from Vandenberg Air
Force Base in California failed to hit its target over the Pacific Ocean, the third consecutive
dud.
The military has tested the ground-based midcourse defense system 16 times; only eight were successful, the last in 2008.
One might expect the record to be near perfect since the tests are rigged, conducted in what the program’s director, Vice Admiral James Syring of the Navy, calls a "controlled, scripted environment." The Pentagon is doing a review to determine the cause of the latest failure. But whatever the cause, it is apparent that the program’s weaknesses go beyond this case.
The military has tested the ground-based midcourse defense system 16 times; only eight were successful, the last in 2008.
One might expect the record to be near perfect since the tests are rigged, conducted in what the program’s director, Vice Admiral James Syring of the Navy, calls a "controlled, scripted environment." The Pentagon is doing a review to determine the cause of the latest failure. But whatever the cause, it is apparent that the program’s weaknesses go beyond this case.
miguel de Portugal comments: "Houston, we (still) have a problem!"
But never forget that we have yet to hear of a Rosary, prayed with faith, that has failed.
_________________
(1) New York Times Report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
High-Tech, High-Risk Forensics - DNA "proof" is not always valid. (1)
When the police arrived last November at the ransacked mansion of the millionaire investor Raveesh
Kumra, outside of San Jose, Calif., they found Mr. Kumra had been blindfolded, tied and gagged.
The robbers took cash, rare coins and ultimately Mr. Kumra's life; he died at the scene,
suffocated by the packaging tape used to stifle his screams.
A forensics team found DNA on his fingernails that belonged to an unknown person, presumably one of the assailants. The sample was put into a DNA database and turned up a "hit" a local man by the name of Lukis Anderson.
Bingo. Mr. Anderson was arrested and charged with murder.
There was one small problem: the 26-year-old Mr. Anderson couldn't have been the culprit. During the night in question, he was at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, suffering from severe intoxication.
Yet he spent more than five months in jail with a possible death sentence hanging over his head. Once presented with Mr. Anderson's hospital records, prosecutors struggled to figure out how an innocent man's DNA could have ended up on a murder victim.
Late last month, prosecutors announced what they believe to be the answer: the paramedics who transported Mr. Anderson to the hospital were the very same individuals who responded to the crime scene at the mansion a few hours later. Prosecutors now conclude that at some point, Mr. Anderson's DNA must have been accidentally transferred to Mr. Kumra's body - likely by way of the paramedics' clothing or equipment.
This theory of transference is still under investigation. Nevertheless, the certainty with which prosecutors charged Mr. Anderson with murder highlights the very real injustices that can occur when we place too much faith in DNA forensic technologies.
In the end, Mr. Anderson was lucky. His alibi was rock solid; prosecutors were forced to concede that there must have been some other explanation. It's hard to believe that, out of the growing number of convictions based largely or exclusively on DNA evidence, there haven't been any similar mistakes.
A forensics team found DNA on his fingernails that belonged to an unknown person, presumably one of the assailants. The sample was put into a DNA database and turned up a "hit" a local man by the name of Lukis Anderson.
Bingo. Mr. Anderson was arrested and charged with murder.
There was one small problem: the 26-year-old Mr. Anderson couldn't have been the culprit. During the night in question, he was at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, suffering from severe intoxication.
Yet he spent more than five months in jail with a possible death sentence hanging over his head. Once presented with Mr. Anderson's hospital records, prosecutors struggled to figure out how an innocent man's DNA could have ended up on a murder victim.
Late last month, prosecutors announced what they believe to be the answer: the paramedics who transported Mr. Anderson to the hospital were the very same individuals who responded to the crime scene at the mansion a few hours later. Prosecutors now conclude that at some point, Mr. Anderson's DNA must have been accidentally transferred to Mr. Kumra's body - likely by way of the paramedics' clothing or equipment.
This theory of transference is still under investigation. Nevertheless, the certainty with which prosecutors charged Mr. Anderson with murder highlights the very real injustices that can occur when we place too much faith in DNA forensic technologies.
In the end, Mr. Anderson was lucky. His alibi was rock solid; prosecutors were forced to concede that there must have been some other explanation. It's hard to believe that, out of the growing number of convictions based largely or exclusively on DNA evidence, there haven't been any similar mistakes.
miguel de Portugal comments: "Houston, we have (another) problem!"
This is what happens when humans stop thinking and let tests and computer outputs do the thinking - and judging - for them. If Mr. Anderson had not had that absolutely iron clad alibi he would have been executed.
_________________
(1) New York Times Report
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
Six Contacts for Identity Theft Recovery. (1)
If you believe you have become a victim of identity theft, reporting the crime to the proper authorities will help minimize long-term financial and emotional damage, and help with identity theft prevention in the future.
If you fail to report identity theft, you may be held responsible for the fraud committed under your name.
Here are six authorities that you should contact for identity theft recovery and to report your identity theft case, depending on the type of fraud that has been committed:
1. Federal Trade Commission
For any type of identity theft, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission, which manages all identity theft consumer complaints. If your Social Security number has been used to commit identity theft, you can contact the FTC by filling out an online complaint form or by calling the identity theft helpline at 1-877-438-4338.
2. Social Security Administration
You can check if someone has used your Social Security number to seek employment or dodge taxes by ordering a copy of your earnings and benefits statement from the Social Security Administration .
3. U.S. Postal Inspector
If you believe that someone has used your mail to commit identity theft or has changed your address, contact the U.S. Postal Inspector.
4. U.S. State Department
If your passport has been lost or stolen, notify the State Department, and contact the Passport Services Department so that it can flag anyone who tries to order a new passport using your name.
5. Department of Motor Vehicles
Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state if your driver's license has been stolen or if the number has been used to verify checks or open new accounts.
6. U.S. Trustee
If bankruptcy has been filed under your name, write to the U.S. trustee from the region where the bankruptcy was filed. Make sure to include proof of your identity and a thorough description of the situation.
For any type of identity theft, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission, which manages all identity theft consumer complaints. If your Social Security number has been used to commit identity theft, you can contact the FTC by filling out an online complaint form or by calling the identity theft helpline at 1-877-438-4338.
2. Social Security Administration
You can check if someone has used your Social Security number to seek employment or dodge taxes by ordering a copy of your earnings and benefits statement from the Social Security Administration .
3. U.S. Postal Inspector
If you believe that someone has used your mail to commit identity theft or has changed your address, contact the U.S. Postal Inspector.
4. U.S. State Department
If your passport has been lost or stolen, notify the State Department, and contact the Passport Services Department so that it can flag anyone who tries to order a new passport using your name.
5. Department of Motor Vehicles
Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state if your driver's license has been stolen or if the number has been used to verify checks or open new accounts.
6. U.S. Trustee
If bankruptcy has been filed under your name, write to the U.S. trustee from the region where the bankruptcy was filed. Make sure to include proof of your identity and a thorough description of the situation.
Additional resources may be found at the source of this report (1).
miguel de Portugal comments: You may want to share this information far and wide.
_________________
(1) Source
July 25th, 2013 [Feast Day of the Apostle St.
James the Greater]
Not much to report today since the real important news of the crumbling world continue to be upstaged by the birth of the Third in line to the British Throne, the latest Lady Gaga's antics and similar "really important" news.
But wait! There are some news indeed! The intellectual level of the world population continues to plummet judging by what the Media highlights on a global scale.
But, then again, that's not really news.... that is "old news".
News Report No. 1
IRS Accidentally Exposes Thousands of Social Security Numbers. (1)
Not much to report today since the real important news of the crumbling world continue to be upstaged by the birth of the Third in line to the British Throne, the latest Lady Gaga's antics and similar "really important" news.
But wait! There are some news indeed! The intellectual level of the world population continues to plummet judging by what the Media highlights on a global scale.
But, then again, that's not really news.... that is "old news".
News Report No. 1
IRS Accidentally Exposes Thousands of Social Security Numbers. (1)
The Internal Revenue Service mistakenly published thousands of Americans' Social Security numbers
on its website from a database that contains the filings of tax-exempt political organizations,
according to a public-interest group.
Public.Resource.Org, which has worked to make non-profit tax returns more transparent and accessible, discovered the Social Security numbers on July 2 and contacted the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, along with the IRS and White House officials. The database was taken down the following day.
It's uncertain whether or not identity thieves or fraudsters took advantage of the leaked information - a Social Security number is one of the most important personal identifiers - but the IRS is "assessing the situation and exploring available options," the agency said in a statement posted by the Washington-based National Journal.
"When we were alerted last week that a substantial number of Social Security numbers were posted on IRS.gov in forms filed by section 527 political organizations, the IRS decided out of an abundance of caution to temporarily remove public web access to the records," the IRS wrote in its statement.
"The law requires the IRS to publicly post forms, such as Forms 8871, 8872 and 990, that are submitted by section 527 organizations. The IRS frequently and routinely reminds organizations of the public disclosure of these forms and urges them not to include personal information, including Social Security numbers, in their public filings."
Even if you take steps to protect your personal or financial information, your sensitive details could still end up exposed - through a data breach, for example.
Public.Resource.Org, which has worked to make non-profit tax returns more transparent and accessible, discovered the Social Security numbers on July 2 and contacted the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, along with the IRS and White House officials. The database was taken down the following day.
It's uncertain whether or not identity thieves or fraudsters took advantage of the leaked information - a Social Security number is one of the most important personal identifiers - but the IRS is "assessing the situation and exploring available options," the agency said in a statement posted by the Washington-based National Journal.
"When we were alerted last week that a substantial number of Social Security numbers were posted on IRS.gov in forms filed by section 527 political organizations, the IRS decided out of an abundance of caution to temporarily remove public web access to the records," the IRS wrote in its statement.
"The law requires the IRS to publicly post forms, such as Forms 8871, 8872 and 990, that are submitted by section 527 organizations. The IRS frequently and routinely reminds organizations of the public disclosure of these forms and urges them not to include personal information, including Social Security numbers, in their public filings."
Even if you take steps to protect your personal or financial information, your sensitive details could still end up exposed - through a data breach, for example.
miguel de Portugal comments: Well, as we said above. No real news.... Just the same old security breaches, violation of privacy, hackings, etc.....
_________________
(1) News Report
July 24th, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Report: Snowden has document to enter Russia. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: As expected and scheduled.
P.S. Less than six hours later Russia denies that the asylum requested has been granted. (2)
___________________
(1) News Report
(2) BBC Reports
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Report: Snowden has document to enter Russia. (1)
Russian state news agency says US leaker Edward Snowden
has been granted a document that allows him to leave the transit zone of a Moscow airport and
enter Russia.
Snowden has applied for temporary asylum in Rusia last week after his attempts to leave the airport were thwarted. The United States wants him sent home to face prosecution for espionage.
Snowden is believed to have been staying at the airport transit zone since June 23, when he arrived on a flight from Hong Kong.
RIA Novosti quoted an unnamed official on Wednesday saying that Snowden has been issued with documents, allowing him to leave the transit zone at the Moscow Sheremetyevo airport.
Snowden has applied for temporary asylum in Rusia last week after his attempts to leave the airport were thwarted. The United States wants him sent home to face prosecution for espionage.
Snowden is believed to have been staying at the airport transit zone since June 23, when he arrived on a flight from Hong Kong.
RIA Novosti quoted an unnamed official on Wednesday saying that Snowden has been issued with documents, allowing him to leave the transit zone at the Moscow Sheremetyevo airport.
miguel de Portugal comments: As expected and scheduled.
P.S. Less than six hours later Russia denies that the asylum requested has been granted. (2)
___________________
(1) News Report
(2) BBC Reports
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Protect yourself from Identity Theft.
[our highlights]
Protect yourself from Identity Theft.
Identity thieves steal your personal
information to commit fraud. They can damage your credit status and make it difficult to restore
your good name.
Visit USA.gov's Prevent and Report Identity Theft for tips on reducing your risk of becoming a victim.
Visit USA.gov's Prevent and Report Identity Theft for tips on reducing your risk of becoming a victim.
July 23rd, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Apple Inc.'s main website hacked! (1)
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Apple Inc.'s main website hacked! (1)
Apple
Inc's main website for developers remains shut after intruders tried to steal sensitive
information last week, forcing the iPhone maker to overhaul its database and server
software to prevent future breaches.
The intrusion last Thursday marked a rare cyber attack on the U.S. company's network and comes at a time when third-party developers are testing their apps on Apple's iOS 7 - a smartphone and tablet platform to be launched in the fall. Apple's developer site also houses sensitive financial information, which is encrypted.
Apple said on Sunday that no customer information had been compromised, but was unable to rule out the possibility that some developers' names, mailing addresses, and email addresses may have been accessed.
An Apple spokesman said the website that was breached was not associated with any customer information. It remained unclear how much, if any, data was compromised or who the attackers were. Apple would not comment on their identity.
"Sensitive personal information was encrypted and cannot be accessed. However, we have not been able to rule out the possibility that some developers' names, mailing addresses, and/or email addresses may have been accessed," Apple told developers on its website.
"To prevent a security threat like this from happening again, we're completely overhauling our developer systems, updating our server software, and rebuilding our entire database," Apple said
The intrusion last Thursday marked a rare cyber attack on the U.S. company's network and comes at a time when third-party developers are testing their apps on Apple's iOS 7 - a smartphone and tablet platform to be launched in the fall. Apple's developer site also houses sensitive financial information, which is encrypted.
Apple said on Sunday that no customer information had been compromised, but was unable to rule out the possibility that some developers' names, mailing addresses, and email addresses may have been accessed.
An Apple spokesman said the website that was breached was not associated with any customer information. It remained unclear how much, if any, data was compromised or who the attackers were. Apple would not comment on their identity.
"Sensitive personal information was encrypted and cannot be accessed. However, we have not been able to rule out the possibility that some developers' names, mailing addresses, and/or email addresses may have been accessed," Apple told developers on its website.
"To prevent a security threat like this from happening again, we're completely overhauling our developer systems, updating our server software, and rebuilding our entire database," Apple said
Apple says its Developer portal has been hacked and that some information about its 275,000 registered third-party developers who use it may have been stolen. (2)
... A Turkish security researcher, Ibrahim Balic, claims that he was behind the "hack" but
insisted that his intention was to demonstrate that Apple's system was leaking user information.
He posted a video on Youtube which appears to show that the site was vulnerable to an attack, but
adding "I have reported all the bugs I found to the company and waited for approval." A screenshot
in the video showed a bug filed on 19 July - the same day the site was taken down - saying "Data
leaks user information. I think you should fix it as soon as possible."
... Apple said in an email to developers late on Sunday night that "an intruder attempted to secure personal information of our registered developers... [and] we have not been able to rule out the possibility that some developers' names, mailing addresses and/or email addresses may have been accessed."
... Apple's Developer portal lets developers download new versions of the Mac OS X and iOS 7 betas, set up new devices so they can run the beta software and access forums to discuss problems.
... Apple said in an email to developers late on Sunday night that "an intruder attempted to secure personal information of our registered developers... [and] we have not been able to rule out the possibility that some developers' names, mailing addresses and/or email addresses may have been accessed."
... Apple's Developer portal lets developers download new versions of the Mac OS X and iOS 7 betas, set up new devices so they can run the beta software and access forums to discuss problems.
miguel de Portugal comments: (sarcasm on) We are used to, and can deal with the computers of the NSA, Pentagon, CIA, FBI, major banks, etc., being hacked and their top brains (like Snowden) "sing" like a Diva, but Apple being hacked? We must really be at "Gates of the End". (sarcasm off).
Do notice, however, that Apple is no stranger to Monday Morning Quartebacking....it is now that they are "completely overhauling our developer systems, updating our server software, and rebuilding our entire database". Frankly we would have thought that they were masters in the Potential Problem Analysis techniques. Obviously they are not... since they did not see that hack coming.
Why are we highlighting this? Because it is claimed that Apple computers do not need to use security systems like McAfee, Norton, etc. as the Windows based need to. Another myth shattered.
_________________
(1) News Report
(2) News report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Panama unveils MiG fighter jets on North Korean arms ship. (1)
Authorities in Panama have revealed two MiG-21 fighter
jets found on board a seized North Korean ship.
The vessel was captured last week carrying arms from Cuba after a tense stand off with the crew in which the captain apparently tried to slit his own throat.
Alongside the two supersonic planes, originally produced by the Soviet Union in the late 1950s, officials found two missile radar systems on board the Chong Chon Gang, President Ricardo Martinelli told reporters in the Atlantic port of Colon.
Once Panama has finished unloading the 155 meter (510 foot) ship, a United Nations team is expected to arrive in early August to establish whether a Security Council resolution has been breached.
The vessel was captured last week carrying arms from Cuba after a tense stand off with the crew in which the captain apparently tried to slit his own throat.
Alongside the two supersonic planes, originally produced by the Soviet Union in the late 1950s, officials found two missile radar systems on board the Chong Chon Gang, President Ricardo Martinelli told reporters in the Atlantic port of Colon.
Once Panama has finished unloading the 155 meter (510 foot) ship, a United Nations team is expected to arrive in early August to establish whether a Security Council resolution has been breached.
miguel de Portugal comments: We expect Cuba to now claim that the MiG-21 fighters were due their 12,000 mile check up and since the North Korea was running a special this month on "lube jobs", oil changes and general tune ups......
We are sincerely having a very difficult time taking humanity seriously (with the exception of the millions upon millions of individuals who are suffering throughout the world as a result of our uninhibited greed and iniquity - for them I pray and offer Mass intentions on a daily basis. It is the very least we can do for them.)
_________________
(1) News Report
July 22nd, 2013 [Feast day of St. Mary
Magdalene]
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Detroit files for bankruptcy. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: The symbolic meaning of the message delivered by this event is actually more serious than the event itself. Detroit, not New York, has symbolized, on a worldwide scale, the industrial might, security and wealth of the United States.
Five years ago the most prestigious financial entities in the world, with headquarters in New York City, went technically "belly up". Now, the whole city of Detroit.
Do we need to call Daniel for a "handwriting on the wall" interpretation?
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
False Report: TSA Airport Car Searches. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: We fail to see the difference between "searched by TSA" and "searched approved by TSA". This not good.
_________________
(1) TSA Reports
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
How to Identify Valid Federal Government Social Media Accounts. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: This is very important since someone could esily falsify governmental warning/alert information with the objective of creating chaos.
_________________
(1) Source of original post
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Detroit files for bankruptcy. (1)
Detroit filed the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S.
history last Thursday, setting the stage for a costly court battle with creditors and
opening a new chapter in the long struggle to revive the
city that was the cradle of the American auto industry.
The bankruptcy, if approved by a federal judge, would force Detroit's thousands of creditors into negotiations with the city's Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr to resolve an estimated $18.5 billion in debt that has crippled Michigan's largest city.
"Detroit simply cannot raise enough revenue to meet its current obligations, and that is a situation that is only projected to get worse absent a bankruptcy filing," wrote Snyder, a Republican, in a letter accompanying the filing.
Detroit's creditors are expected to face huge losses, and the future of retiree pension and health benefits for thousands of city workers hangs in the balance.
The bankruptcy, if approved by a federal judge, would force Detroit's thousands of creditors into negotiations with the city's Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr to resolve an estimated $18.5 billion in debt that has crippled Michigan's largest city.
"Detroit simply cannot raise enough revenue to meet its current obligations, and that is a situation that is only projected to get worse absent a bankruptcy filing," wrote Snyder, a Republican, in a letter accompanying the filing.
Detroit's creditors are expected to face huge losses, and the future of retiree pension and health benefits for thousands of city workers hangs in the balance.
miguel de Portugal comments: The symbolic meaning of the message delivered by this event is actually more serious than the event itself. Detroit, not New York, has symbolized, on a worldwide scale, the industrial might, security and wealth of the United States.
Five years ago the most prestigious financial entities in the world, with headquarters in New York City, went technically "belly up". Now, the whole city of Detroit.
Do we need to call Daniel for a "handwriting on the wall" interpretation?
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
False Report: TSA Airport Car Searches. (1)
It's has been reported that TSA Officers at airports are now searching cars.
The news started to spread after a story ran this week stating that a woman found a notice informing her that her car had been searched by TSA.
The short version: While we deploy numerous layers of security, TSA officers are not inspecting cars or mandating that they be searched.
In this case, it turns out the car was searched by an employee of a car parking service.
Each airport authority, along with its state and local law enforcement partners, is responsible for securing airport property, including the outer perimeter. At this particular airport, car searches are part of their "airport security plan."
An airport security plan addresses a myriad of security requirements that each airport must adhere to in order to protect the traveling public, which includes the physical security of the airport property. While the airport security plan is approved by the TSA, it is up to each airport authority and its state and local law enforcement partners to follow the plan that has been implemented.
The news started to spread after a story ran this week stating that a woman found a notice informing her that her car had been searched by TSA.
The short version: While we deploy numerous layers of security, TSA officers are not inspecting cars or mandating that they be searched.
In this case, it turns out the car was searched by an employee of a car parking service.
Each airport authority, along with its state and local law enforcement partners, is responsible for securing airport property, including the outer perimeter. At this particular airport, car searches are part of their "airport security plan."
An airport security plan addresses a myriad of security requirements that each airport must adhere to in order to protect the traveling public, which includes the physical security of the airport property. While the airport security plan is approved by the TSA, it is up to each airport authority and its state and local law enforcement partners to follow the plan that has been implemented.
miguel de Portugal comments: We fail to see the difference between "searched by TSA" and "searched approved by TSA". This not good.
_________________
(1) TSA Reports
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
How to Identify Valid Federal Government Social Media Accounts. (1)
Every day, the government uses social media services like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to
communicate with you and provide easy access to government information.
But social media sites are hosted on commercial domains (not .gov or .mil domains), making it difficult to determine which accounts are official government sources and which are impersonators.
Use our Social Media Registry to verify whether or not a social media account is managed by the U.S. federal government. You'll need the complete URL of the account you're verifying (example: http://twitter.com/whitehouse).
But social media sites are hosted on commercial domains (not .gov or .mil domains), making it difficult to determine which accounts are official government sources and which are impersonators.
Use our Social Media Registry to verify whether or not a social media account is managed by the U.S. federal government. You'll need the complete URL of the account you're verifying (example: http://twitter.com/whitehouse).
miguel de Portugal comments: This is very important since someone could esily falsify governmental warning/alert information with the objective of creating chaos.
_________________
(1) Source of original post
July 20th, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
U.S. Bishops' relief agency caught giving $2.7 million to top abortion-marketing firm. (1)
Catholic Relief Services is in the midst of distributing
a projected $2.789 million grant to one of the leading voices in the international abortion
movement.
The U.S. Bishops' foreign relief agency is distributing the funds to Population Services International, a $670 million organization that markets abortion drugs in the developing world.
When questioned about the grant, CRS initially claimed PSI had merely sold them mosquito nets to combat malaria, but when presented with more information, the Catholic agency acknowledged that the abortion giant took a decidedly more active role.
The U.S. Bishops' foreign relief agency is distributing the funds to Population Services International, a $670 million organization that markets abortion drugs in the developing world.
When questioned about the grant, CRS initially claimed PSI had merely sold them mosquito nets to combat malaria, but when presented with more information, the Catholic agency acknowledged that the abortion giant took a decidedly more active role.
miguel de Portugal comments: Notice - They are not birth control drugs, we are talking about abortion drugs.
Of course we are not surprised while, at the same time, Praise God that they have been caught with the hands in the proverbial cookie jar.
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Vatican offers 'time off purgatory' to followers of Pope Francis tweetsPapal. (1)
Court handling pardons for sins says contrite Catholics
may win 'indulgences' by following World Youth Day on Twitter.
A court of the Catholic church, warns that the faithful cannot obtain lesser punishment just by 'chatting online'.
In its latest attempt to keep up with the times the Vatican has married one of its oldest traditions to the world of social media by offering "indulgences" to followers of Pope Francis' tweets.
A court of the Catholic church, warns that the faithful cannot obtain lesser punishment just by 'chatting online'.
In its latest attempt to keep up with the times the Vatican has married one of its oldest traditions to the world of social media by offering "indulgences" to followers of Pope Francis' tweets.
miguel de Portugal comments: Get the young ones to practice so that it will be easier to spread the "news" of the "Second Coming" of Christ.
Again, we are not surprised. Anything is possible coming from the bowels of the Vatican.
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 3
[contributor's highlights]
Apocalypse Watch: Israeli Cabinet Minister Calls For Third Temple. (1)
The mainstream media will miss the significance of this story as it misses a lot of stories
having to do with religion, but tens of millions of American Christians were jolted this
week by the news that a member of the Israeli cabinet has called for the construction of the Third
Temple in Jerusalem on Temple Mount.
Political junkies saw this as a disturbing but not hugely significant development. Uri Ariel, the Israeli minister of Housing and Construction, is widely seen as an effective and charismatic figure on the fringe of Israeli politics. His inclusion in the Cabinet was a sign of just how far the balance has tilted in the current Knesset in favor of the settler movement. He’s a political provocateur who enjoys saying controversial things; he objected, for example, to having Chancellor Angela Merkel address the Knesset in German.
For people who follow Israeli politics, Ariel's call to rebuild the ancient Jewish Temple on a site sacred to Muslims was a troubling indication that some taboos are crumbling as the settler movement moves into the political mainstream. It’s also a marker for any discussions on the future of Jerusalem should US Secretary of State John Kerry actually restart peace negotiations.
From a purely political point of view, then, this was a bad news story but not a big news story.
To the hundreds of millions of people around the world for whom Israel news is religious news as well as political news, it was something else. The Jewish Temple is not just another historical building, and any discussion about rebuilding it isn't just another political story.
The Jewish Temple is unique in world religious history. It was a very different thing than the synagogues in which Jews pray today. In the Torah, God commanded the Hebrews to build a temple in the land he would give them; this command was carried out, the Bible tells us, by David’s son Solomon (who is revered as a prophet by Muslims). When built, the Temple was the only place where Jews could carry out the sacrifices required by Jewish law; it was the spiritual heart of Judaism in the way no church has ever been the central focus of Christianity, and its role can only be compared to that of Mecca in Islam.
miguel de Portugal comments: Another "unfinished symphony" in the making. They may try to start, but I really do not expect them to even place the first structural stone. ('Structural stone' because I believe that they have already placed the symbolic first stone some years back.)
No surprises and no lost sleep.
_________________
(1) News Source
July 19th, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Hackers turn Verizon box into spy tool (1)
Researchers at iSec hacked into a Verizon network
extender, which anyone can buy online, and turned
it into a cell phone tower small enough to fit inside a backpack.
The device is capable of capturing and intercepting all calls, text messages and data sent by mobile devices within range.
The device is capable of capturing and intercepting all calls, text messages and data sent by mobile devices within range.
miguel de Portugal comments: We do not make it a practice to search for this kind of news. Either there is much of it out there or God is selectively placing them on our lap so that we may highlight the true dangers of today's hi-tech "conveniences"..
As we keep saying: And some people are worried about the NSA activities!
_________________
(1) Source
News Report No. 2 - Courtesy of the US.gove Team
If you plan to spend time outdoors, check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your location. If the air quality is unhealthy, try to reduce the time you spend outside, or change your plans altogether.
Being exposed to polluted air can cause health problems,
especially in children, older adults, and those who have heart or lung conditions.
Even if you're healthy, you may experience coughing, throat
irritation, and shortness of breath when exposed to polluted air. Over time, repeated exposure can
trigger asthma and other respiratory diseases.
WHAT DOES AQI
MEASURE?
The Air Quality Index, which is updated daily, measures five
major air pollutants:
- Ground-level ozone
- Particle pollution (particulate matter)
- Carbon monoxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
WHAT DO THE AQI COLORS AND NUMBERS MEAN?
There are six AQI levels. Here's a brief summary of what each
level means:
Green - Good (AQI 0-50)
Air quality is satisfactory.
Yellow - Moderate (AQI 51-100)
Air quality is acceptable, but there may be a moderate health concern for very sensitive individuals.
Orange - Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101-150)
The general public is not likely to be affected, but older adults, children, and those with heart and lung illnesses may experience adverse health effects.
Red - Unhealthy (AQI 151-200)
Everyone may begin to experience adverse health effects.
Purple - Very Unhealthy (AQI 201-300)
This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.
Maroon - Hazardous (AQI greater than 300)
This would trigger a health warning. The entire population is likely to be affected.
Green - Good (AQI 0-50)
Air quality is satisfactory.
Yellow - Moderate (AQI 51-100)
Air quality is acceptable, but there may be a moderate health concern for very sensitive individuals.
Orange - Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101-150)
The general public is not likely to be affected, but older adults, children, and those with heart and lung illnesses may experience adverse health effects.
Red - Unhealthy (AQI 151-200)
Everyone may begin to experience adverse health effects.
Purple - Very Unhealthy (AQI 201-300)
This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.
Maroon - Hazardous (AQI greater than 300)
This would trigger a health warning. The entire population is likely to be affected.
Learn more about the Air Quality Index and find out what you can do to help keep the air clean.
July 18th, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Military investigating radioactive material found in, near bunker on East Fort Bliss. (1)
An investigation has begun at Fort Bliss after a small
amount of radioactive material was found in and near a bunker on East Fort Bliss where Army
training weapons were stored since 2003.
Prior to the 1960s, before it was turned over to the Army, the Air Force stored uranium there for use in nuclear weapons. According to Fort Bliss officials, there is no indication anyone is at risk although they did find low levels of alpha and beta when initial assessment was made.
Although elevated, these levels only slightly exceed regulatory guidelines.
Army Environmental Command is on post now investigating. The area has been sealed off, the bunker is now closed and locked.
They were alerted to this concern by an Air Force retiree from Florida who worked at Biggs back in '50s and '60s. Material of concern was buried in sealed containers 12 to 18 inches below ground but above the water table.
Closest El Paso neighborhood is a mile and a half away. Thirty people who currently worked in building from time to time have been notified and are being tested.
Prior to the 1960s, before it was turned over to the Army, the Air Force stored uranium there for use in nuclear weapons. According to Fort Bliss officials, there is no indication anyone is at risk although they did find low levels of alpha and beta when initial assessment was made.
Although elevated, these levels only slightly exceed regulatory guidelines.
Army Environmental Command is on post now investigating. The area has been sealed off, the bunker is now closed and locked.
They were alerted to this concern by an Air Force retiree from Florida who worked at Biggs back in '50s and '60s. Material of concern was buried in sealed containers 12 to 18 inches below ground but above the water table.
Closest El Paso neighborhood is a mile and a half away. Thirty people who currently worked in building from time to time have been notified and are being tested.
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Cuba says weapons found on North Korean ship are 'obsolete'. (1)
Cuba has laid claim to a load of weapons found stashed on a North Korean cargo ship beneath a
consignment of sugar, describing them as
"obsolete". The ship which was en route for North Korea had been seized by Panama last week
after a tip off.
In a statement read on Cuban television, the country's foreign ministry said along with 10,000 tonnes of sugar the ship was carrying weapons made last century which were merely being sent to Pyongyang for repair.
Announcing the seizure of the ship Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli claimed the weapons included sophisticated missile equipment . However a security expert viewing photos of the cargo said some of it looked like Soviet-made service to air missiles.
The president said his suspicions had been aroused when the crew and the captain had resisted arrest, with the captain even trying to kill himself. "After moving the boat to a local port it became clear after emptying one of the five compartments that there were probably more hidden beneath the sugar," he added.
The US says if confirmed the missiles found could be a violation of Security Council resolutions.
In a statement read on Cuban television, the country's foreign ministry said along with 10,000 tonnes of sugar the ship was carrying weapons made last century which were merely being sent to Pyongyang for repair.
Announcing the seizure of the ship Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli claimed the weapons included sophisticated missile equipment . However a security expert viewing photos of the cargo said some of it looked like Soviet-made service to air missiles.
The president said his suspicions had been aroused when the crew and the captain had resisted arrest, with the captain even trying to kill himself. "After moving the boat to a local port it became clear after emptying one of the five compartments that there were probably more hidden beneath the sugar," he added.
The US says if confirmed the missiles found could be a violation of Security Council resolutions.
miguel de Portugal comments: Let's see....
(a) Missiles being sent to North Korea for repairs when Russia was the manufacturer.... and Russia
announced (and we published) that they have nuclear tactical missiles in Cuba since May of last
year.
(b) If there was nothing wrong with their transportation, why hide them under the sugar cargo?
(c) Ship captains do not attempt to commit suicide when they are faced with just a logistic error or a misunderstanding.
Anyone who will believe the North Korean and Cuban lines, we are sure that will also believe that
Santa is real and lives with his wife and many, many elves in the North Pole.(b) If there was nothing wrong with their transportation, why hide them under the sugar cargo?
(c) Ship captains do not attempt to commit suicide when they are faced with just a logistic error or a misunderstanding.
_________________
(1) Euronews Reports
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
Are miracles really needed to become a saint? (1)
When the Vatican announced this month that Pope Francis would formally elevate Popes John Paul II
and John XXIII to sainthood, two things stood out.
For John Paul, it was the record speed that he reached sainthood, just eight years after his death. The only other saint to be canonized so quickly in modern times was Opus Dei founder Josemaria Escriva, whose sainthood bid took 27 years.
But for John XXIII, Francis decided to waive the church law that requires a second miracle in order to be named a saint. Asked how John XXIII could be named a saint without the required second miracle, the Vatican's chief spokesman said “no one doubts his virtues.”
With that rare, if not unprecedented, move, Francis has rekindled a years-old debate in Catholic circles, with some asking whether miracles are really needed for sainthood anymore.
"I think it is time to drop the miracle requirement," says the Rev. Thomas Reese, a Jesuit priest who is a senior analyst for the National Catholic Reporter.
For John Paul, it was the record speed that he reached sainthood, just eight years after his death. The only other saint to be canonized so quickly in modern times was Opus Dei founder Josemaria Escriva, whose sainthood bid took 27 years.
But for John XXIII, Francis decided to waive the church law that requires a second miracle in order to be named a saint. Asked how John XXIII could be named a saint without the required second miracle, the Vatican's chief spokesman said “no one doubts his virtues.”
With that rare, if not unprecedented, move, Francis has rekindled a years-old debate in Catholic circles, with some asking whether miracles are really needed for sainthood anymore.
"I think it is time to drop the miracle requirement," says the Rev. Thomas Reese, a Jesuit priest who is a senior analyst for the National Catholic Reporter.
miguel de Portugal comments: As I recently said, I would have steered from the Catholic Faith as far as I would steer from voo-doo, if I were to judge the Faith by its "promoters", "defenders" and "interpreters".
Blessedly God has given me the Light to see its scintillating brilliance and beauty in spite of its alleged representatives of the last 1,600 years.
_________________
(1) News Report
July 17th, 2013 [Memorial of Mary's Humility]
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Merkel Urges Europe to Tighten Internet Safeguards.(1)
Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany is calling for
the European Union to adopt legislation requiring
Internet companies to disclose what information about users they store and to whom they provide
it.
Ms. Merkel’s remarks, in a television interview on Sunday night, reflected the anger throughout much of Europe, including Germany, over recent accounts of government surveillance by the United States National Security Agency. Those accounts, in government documents leaked by Edward J. Snowden, a former N.S.A. contractor, included the agency's compilation of logs of virtually all telephone calls in the United States and its collection of e-mails of foreigners from the major American Internet companies, including Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Microsoft, Apple and Skype.
Those companies have already begun aggressive lobbying campaigns to stop or dilute tighter privacy rules, which they say would interfere with their business models and decrease profits and growth. The companies' efforts are, in turn, supported by countries like England and Ireland that fear that such restrictions would hamper economic recovery.
Ms. Merkel’s remarks, in a television interview on Sunday night, reflected the anger throughout much of Europe, including Germany, over recent accounts of government surveillance by the United States National Security Agency. Those accounts, in government documents leaked by Edward J. Snowden, a former N.S.A. contractor, included the agency's compilation of logs of virtually all telephone calls in the United States and its collection of e-mails of foreigners from the major American Internet companies, including Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Microsoft, Apple and Skype.
Those companies have already begun aggressive lobbying campaigns to stop or dilute tighter privacy rules, which they say would interfere with their business models and decrease profits and growth. The companies' efforts are, in turn, supported by countries like England and Ireland that fear that such restrictions would hamper economic recovery.
miguel de Portugal comments: Then, when "things go wrong" for Europe, as it did twice in the 20th Century, it is the U.S. who has to go, using all of its resources, and bail them out. Usually, at that time, Europe does not ask where those resources came from, even if they came from NSA intelligence.
_________________
(1) New York Times Reports
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Greeks hold a protest concert on the eve of a third general strike. (1)
Greek civil servants joined a protest concert outside
parliament ahead
of today's general strike over unpopular austerity
measures.
The stoppage will be the third this year and has been organised by the country's two main unions. It's timed to happen as lawmakers vote on a bill which will slash thousands of public sector jobs.
Nursery School teacher Elvira Kopsalia called on the government to take more care of the people:
Last week the European Union and the International Monetary Fund approved a 6.8 billion euro loan on the condition the Greek government reforms the civil service nationwide.
The stoppage will be the third this year and has been organised by the country's two main unions. It's timed to happen as lawmakers vote on a bill which will slash thousands of public sector jobs.
Nursery School teacher Elvira Kopsalia called on the government to take more care of the people:
"They need to start looking out for the people and to
stop looking out for their own wallets... .The people are suffering, and we need them to
look after us on a personal and individual level. We are
not numbers, nor are we people without brains or
hearts."
“Our country is bleeding,” said Teachers’ Unionist Evangelia Kalaitzi. "Our children have lost their hopes and their dreams and Europe must stop maiming their futures. The children are the future and the people are suffering. We are asking for help."
“Our country is bleeding,” said Teachers’ Unionist Evangelia Kalaitzi. "Our children have lost their hopes and their dreams and Europe must stop maiming their futures. The children are the future and the people are suffering. We are asking for help."
Last week the European Union and the International Monetary Fund approved a 6.8 billion euro loan on the condition the Greek government reforms the civil service nationwide.
miguel de Portugal comments: I do not believe that anyone in Europe has noticed yet but.... major strikes, major demonstrations - peaceful and violent - and other displays of citizen's despair have become "Europe's Daily Bread", yet the European Union central government and the national governments go about their business as if those manifestations of discontent were actually manifestations of support.
Amazing, simply amazing!
_________________
(1) Euronews Reports
July 16th, 2013 [Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Scapular Feast Day]
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Attention, Shoppers: Store Is Tracking Your Cell (1)
Like dozens of other brick-and-mortar retailers,
Nordstrom wanted to learn more about its customers - how many came through the doors, how
many were repeat visitors - the kind of information that e-commerce sites like Amazon have in
spades. So last fall the company started testing new
technology that allowed it to track customers’ movements by following the Wi-Fi signals from
their smartphones.
But when Nordstrom posted a sign telling customers it was tracking them, shoppers were unnerved.
"We did hear some complaints," said Tara Darrow, a spokeswoman for the store. Nordstrom ended the experiment in May, she said, in part because of the comments.
Nordstrom's experiment is part of a movement by retailers to gather data about in-store shoppers' behavior and moods, using video surveillance and signals from their cellphones and apps to learn information as varied as their sex, how many minutes they spend in the candy aisle and how long they look at merchandise before buying it.
All sorts of retailers — including national chains, like Family Dollar, Cabela's and Mothercare, a British company, and specialty stores like Benetton and Warby Parker - are testing these technologies and using them to decide on matters like changing store layouts and offering customized coupons.
But when Nordstrom posted a sign telling customers it was tracking them, shoppers were unnerved.
"We did hear some complaints," said Tara Darrow, a spokeswoman for the store. Nordstrom ended the experiment in May, she said, in part because of the comments.
Nordstrom's experiment is part of a movement by retailers to gather data about in-store shoppers' behavior and moods, using video surveillance and signals from their cellphones and apps to learn information as varied as their sex, how many minutes they spend in the candy aisle and how long they look at merchandise before buying it.
All sorts of retailers — including national chains, like Family Dollar, Cabela's and Mothercare, a British company, and specialty stores like Benetton and Warby Parker - are testing these technologies and using them to decide on matters like changing store layouts and offering customized coupons.
miguel de Portugal comments: ....and people are worried about the monitoring the NSA is doing!
We rather the NSA, not only monitor but, listen to our telephone conversations and, not only monitor, but read every e-mail in and out of our system, than to have every Tom, Dick and Harry exploiting my humanity to make one more buck!
_________________
(1) New York Times reports
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
When space weather attacks! (1)
On a cool September night in 1859, campers out in Colorado were roused from sleep by a "light so bright that one could easily read common print,"....
Farther east, thousands of New Yorkers ran out onto their sidewalks to watch the sky glow, ribboned in yellow, white and crimson. ... At the time, it was a dazzling display of nature. Yet if the same thing happened today, it would be an utter catastrophe.
The auroras of 1859, known as the "Carrington Event," came after the sun unleashed a large coronal mass ejection, a burst of charged plasma aimed directly at the Earth. When the particles hit our magnetosphere, they triggered an especially fierce geomagnetic storm that lit up the sky and frazzled communication wires around the world. Telegraphs in Philadelphia were spitting out "fantastical and unreadable messages," one paper reported, with some systems unusable for hours.
Today, electric utilities and the insurance industry are grappling with a scary possibility. A solar storm on the scale of that in 1859 would wreak havoc on power grids, pipelines and satellites. In the worst case, it could leave 20 million to 40 million people in the Northeast without power - possibly for years - as utilities struggled to replace thousands of fried transformers stretching from Washington to Boston. Chaos and riots might ensue.
That’s not a lurid sci-fi fantasy. It’s a sober new assessment by Lloyd’s of London, the world’s oldest insurance market. The report notes that even a much smaller solar-induced geomagnetic storm in 1989 left 6 million people in Quebec without power for nine hours.
"We're much more dependent on electricity now than we were in 1859," explains Neil Smith, an emerging-risks researcher at Lloyd's and co-author of the report. "The same event today could have a huge financial impact" - which the insurer pegs at up to $2.6 trillion for an especially severe storm. (To put that in context, Hurricane Sandy caused about $68 billion in damage.)
miguel de Portugal comments: If we had demonstrated to God, from past experience, that we would have learned something from such a catastrophic event, He would have allowed it so that we would be drawn back to Him as the Prodigal Son did.
Since we will not, the word from here is: Not to worry!..... the Gamma Ray Burst (2) (or equivalent) is the only thing that would do the proverbial trick. In this case, however, the Prodigal Sons will not walk back to the Father.... they will crawl back! Considering what I now know about humanity, we should consider ourselves very fortunate that He will not blast all of humanity to hell once and for all!
We should unceasingly praise God for His Mercy (3)!
_________________
(1) Washington Post Reports
(2) Gamma Ray Burst
(3) Mercy in Action
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
Gallup agrees to pay $10.5M to settle allegations. (1)
The Justice Department says the Gallup Organization has
agreed to pay $10.5 million to settle allegations that the polling and market research firm
improperly inflated prices for proposed contracts with the U.S. Mint and State
Department.
The settlement also resolves allegations that Gallup engaged in improper employment negotiations with an official from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in order to obtain a FEMA subcontract at an inflated price.
miguel de Portugal comments:
Well, well, well..... another bastion of "truth" is exposed for what they really are.The settlement also resolves allegations that Gallup engaged in improper employment negotiations with an official from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in order to obtain a FEMA subcontract at an inflated price.
_________________
(1) Source
July 15th, 2013
News Report No. 1
[contributor's highlights]
Pope
Francis talks about his fondness for his predecessor, Benedict XVI, in a phone call with
friend and former pupil, Jorge Milia. (1)
"You
cannot begin to imagine how humble and wise this man is ... there is no way I would turn down
advice from someone like him, it would be foolish of me to do so!" Pope Francis said referring to
his predecessor, Benedict XVI. The comment was made during a telephone conversation with
Jorge Milia, journalist, writer and a former pupil of Bergoglio’s. Milia quote
Francis’ words in an
article published on
Italian journalist Alver Metalli’s blog,
Terre
d’America.
The writer starts by saying that the Pope complained about receiving a twelve page letter from him. “But you can’t say I didn’t make you laugh...” Milia replied. “He laughed. For reasons not even I can understand, he still puts up with my writing, just as he did all those years ago when he was still my teacher. I told him I had started reading the Lumen Fidei encyclical and he would not take any credit for it. He said Benedict XVI had done most of the work, that he was a sublime thinker and that most people did not really know or understand him.
The writer quoted the Pope saying: "Today I spent the day with el viejo ["the old man" - That is, Benedict]. We talked a lot; it is always a pleasure to exchange ideas with him." Naturally, Francis used the Spanish term for “old man” in an affectionate way.
“Whenever he talks about Ratzinger, he does so with respect and tenderness,” Milia said. “He sounds like someone who has bumped into an old friend, an old classmate; one of those people who pop up now and again, who used to attend a course or two after ours and who we admired.”
In his telephone conversation with Milia, Francis said: “You cannot begin to imagine how humble and wise this man is.” To which Milia replied: “Then keep him close...” “There is no way I would turn down advice from someone like him, it would be foolish of me to do so!” Francis said.
Francis also confided in Milia about the fact that it is hard for the Pope to have contact with people: “It was not easy, Jorge. The Pope has many “masters” who have served for a long time here.”
“He went on to say that every change he has introduced has involved a great deal of work (and has earned him enemies no doubt). The thing he found most difficult was objecting to them managing his agenda. This is why he didn’t want to live in the Apostolic Palace, because many others ended up becoming “prisoners” of their secretaries, Milia wrote.
But he deprives
himself from seeing he wants to see, to be with those who ask to see him. He told me that Popes
have been isolated for centuries and that this is not good. A
shepherd’s place is with his sheep...”
miguel de Portugal comments: I believe that no comments are neede; the highlighted sections say it all!
_________________
(1) Source
News Report No. 2
[our highlights and translation]
The Spaniard who will reform the Vatican Bank. (1)
Juan Ignacio Arrieta, the coordinator of the commission set up to reform the Pope's bank, knows
that the Church needs to renew itself and will strengthen the power of the Opus Dei in Rome.
Juan Ignacio Arrieta, a prestigious expert in Canon and Civil Law, and a member of Opus Dei, will coordinate the commission which will look "under the rugs to see what it finds".
The new Pope made the decision to create this investigating commission very quickly.
Pope Francis and Arrieta have never met; .... Arrieta acknowledges.
Juan Ignacio Arrieta, a prestigious expert in Canon and Civil Law, and a member of Opus Dei, will coordinate the commission which will look "under the rugs to see what it finds".
The new Pope made the decision to create this investigating commission very quickly.
Pope Francis and Arrieta have never met; .... Arrieta acknowledges.
miguel de Portugal comments: As you may remember, the former Vatican Bank President, Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, a friend of Opus Dei was dismissed during the power struggle with Sodano, which took place just before Maledict announced his resignation. Therefore, Opus Dei is back in the Vatican Bank in an even more powerful position - that of "Terminator" and Power Broker combined.
If you even wonder how strong is my belief that the Catholic Faith is the faith which has the greatest concentration of Divine Truths and the means to better navigate through Time consider this: I do not know of another group of individuals on this planet for whom I have greater disdain than I have for the Roman Catholic Church Administrators and, the higher their level in the hierarchy, the greatest revulsion I feel toward them. (2) Exceptions noted, of course.
A human being cannot fall any lower than using the Holy Name of the Son of God and that of the Holiest Woman that has ever lived to advance their purely worldly agendas, which have nothing to do with what Jesus taught and died for.
_________________
(1) Revista TIEMPO, 12 July, 2013. pp 34-36
(2) Having said that we must add that we sincerely, and frequently, pray for those of the Elect among them see their errors and come back to the Father.
News Report No. 3
[our highlights, translation and comments]
Sonwden's messenger will continue revealing Snowden stolen secrets. (1)
In simple words: Snowden's link with the press, Glenn Greenwald, claims that he will continue leaking information, stolen by Snowden from the NSA, that he already has in hand.
Snowden claims that such action is out of his hands since he has already given Greenwald the information and he cannot control Greenwald.
This paves the way for Russia to extend temporary refuge for Snowden until he can figure out a way to get to Latin America without flying over unfriendly skies. As you may remember, Russia's initial condition to grant a refuge for Snowden was that he had to stop the leaks. After all, Snowden stopped the leaks; it is now Greenwald who is printing them.... and Greenwald does not need any favors from the Russians.
Clever, isn't it? Let us pray that the U.S. leadership is up to counter such clever move..... as soon as the White House stops wringing its collective hands.
_________________
(1) Spanish daily EL MUNDO, 14 July, 2013. p 30
July 13th, 2013
[Mary, Mystical Rose (Rosa
Mystica)
and
Revelation of the Secret of
Fátima]
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
From NaturalNews.com
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
From NaturalNews.com
The McAfee anti-virus and security company is currently engaged in a malicious, slanderous
defamation campaign against Natural News. Although the Natural News website contains no malicious
code whatsoever, it is being flagged by McAfee as a "malicious" website that "poses especially
hazardous risks to a user's computer security."
The McAfee Site Advisor website claims, about NaturalNews.com, "We tested it and found security risks. Beware."
These claims by McAfee are utterly false and highly defamatory. By spreading this information through its downloadable browser tools, McAfee is severely harming the reputation and web traffic of Natural News while misleading potentially millions of users about a website that they find to be highly informative, reputable and completely free of security risks.
We have already begun to consult with our attorneys concerning possible legal against McAfee for this vicious and harmful defamation of one of the internet's most highly-trafficked websites (Natural News). In the mean time, we need your help to help restore the Natural News reputation. (It's simple, see below...)
HOW IT WORKS:
McAfee's "web reputation" technology is based on a user rating system called "Site Advisor." You can see the NaturalNews.com false red flag rating at:
http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/naturalnews.com
The McAfee Site Advisor website claims, about NaturalNews.com, "We tested it and found security risks. Beware."
These claims by McAfee are utterly false and highly defamatory. By spreading this information through its downloadable browser tools, McAfee is severely harming the reputation and web traffic of Natural News while misleading potentially millions of users about a website that they find to be highly informative, reputable and completely free of security risks.
We have already begun to consult with our attorneys concerning possible legal against McAfee for this vicious and harmful defamation of one of the internet's most highly-trafficked websites (Natural News). In the mean time, we need your help to help restore the Natural News reputation. (It's simple, see below...)
HOW IT WORKS:
McAfee's "web reputation" technology is based on a user rating system called "Site Advisor." You can see the NaturalNews.com false red flag rating at:
http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/naturalnews.com
miguel de Portugal comments: Sometime ago we checked the coding of their pages because we noticed some browser abnormalities. The coding of their pages had many codes, scripts, hidden links, etc. etc. Maybe that is what McAfee meant.
Whether those codes, scripts, hidden links, etc., etc. are good or bad, we cannot say since that is certainly beyond our area of expertise.
Because of this Alert we decided to check our Domain since we had no idea that such Rating existed for domains. In case that you are curious this is what we found out:
http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/mgr.org
We are certainly glad that it is not The Vatican the organization issuing such ratings....
July 12th, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Bin Laden's life on the run revealed by Pakistani inquiry. (1)
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Bin Laden's life on the run revealed by Pakistani inquiry. (1)
Osama bin Laden lived in plain sight for almost a decade
and was once even pulled over for speeding but not apprehended, thanks to the incompetence
of Pakistan's intelligence and security services, an official report into his killing said on
Monday.
The report, leaked to Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera which circulated it late on Monday, offers fascinating details about life on the run for the world's most wanted man, who, it says, wore a cowboy hat to avoid being spotted from above.
Written by a judge-led commission that the Pakistani government set up shortly after U.S. special forces killed bin Laden in 2011, the 336-page report is based on interviews with 201 sources including members of his family and various officials.
In one testimony showing how close bin Laden came to being captured, "Maryam", the wife of one of his most trusted aides, recounted how his car was stopped by Pakistani police in the Swat region.
To avoid detection from the sky, bin Laden took to wearing a cowboy hat when moving about his compound in the city of Abbottabad, his wives told investigators.
The report, leaked to Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera which circulated it late on Monday, offers fascinating details about life on the run for the world's most wanted man, who, it says, wore a cowboy hat to avoid being spotted from above.
Written by a judge-led commission that the Pakistani government set up shortly after U.S. special forces killed bin Laden in 2011, the 336-page report is based on interviews with 201 sources including members of his family and various officials.
In one testimony showing how close bin Laden came to being captured, "Maryam", the wife of one of his most trusted aides, recounted how his car was stopped by Pakistani police in the Swat region.
To avoid detection from the sky, bin Laden took to wearing a cowboy hat when moving about his compound in the city of Abbottabad, his wives told investigators.
miguel de Portugal comments: We only have one question and one comment.
Question: OBL lived in plain sight for almost ten years and we did not know? Obviously we are throwing away most of the money we spend in intelligence. Considering our long term military involvement, one would expect the US to have paid-for-eyes everywhere in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Obviously we do not or we are hiring visually impaired agents.
Comment: Wearing a cowboy hat as not to be spotted from above? If he were hiding in a ranch in Texas, etc., that would be the most logical protection to avoid detection from the sky, but.... in the middle of a country where individuals dress according to Islam codes/customs?
Amazing... simply amazing!
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
The JFK Conspiracy Theory You Want to Believe In Is Almost Here. (1)
Phillip Shenon, a former New York Times reporter
and author of The Commission, an acclaimed and critical look at the 9/11 Commission Report,
has promised us a new book that claims that "powerful"
people had influenced the Warren Commission's investigation and final conclusion that Lee Harvey
Oswald acted alone in killing John F. Kennedy.
The details of who exactly these "powerful" people are and what their full involvement in tampering with the Warren Commission is remains scant, but Shenon's credentials are a good reason to be excited about his book, which is coming from Little, Brown on October 22.
Shenon is a former New York Times reporter who covered topics like the FBI, domestic terrorism, and the goings-on at the Justice Department for the Grey Lady. Most notably, Shenon wrote The Commission in 2008, a scathing look into the 9/11 Commission Report.
If that book can give us any clues into his JFK dissection, it's that it won't be a blaring conspiracy theory, but rather a more clinical and subtle dissection of the Warren Commission. At the very least, it's a good bet it's going to be a more sober book than conservative TV figure Bill O'Reilly's "Killing Kennedy."
The details of who exactly these "powerful" people are and what their full involvement in tampering with the Warren Commission is remains scant, but Shenon's credentials are a good reason to be excited about his book, which is coming from Little, Brown on October 22.
Shenon is a former New York Times reporter who covered topics like the FBI, domestic terrorism, and the goings-on at the Justice Department for the Grey Lady. Most notably, Shenon wrote The Commission in 2008, a scathing look into the 9/11 Commission Report.
If that book can give us any clues into his JFK dissection, it's that it won't be a blaring conspiracy theory, but rather a more clinical and subtle dissection of the Warren Commission. At the very least, it's a good bet it's going to be a more sober book than conservative TV figure Bill O'Reilly's "Killing Kennedy."
miguel de Portugal comments: First comment: Get serious! Anyone who truly believes that the Warren Commission findings had anything to do with reality lives in denial.
Second comment: Unless Mr. Shenon has read our publication about this matter (2) and reviewed the sources quoted, he will have nothing of any significance to add to what we have published.
(sarcasm on) Have the Zombies taken over the world? It is either that or the global warming is affecting the brain of the "world's intelligentsia". (sarcasm off)
_________________
(1) News Report
(2) About the Kennedy Assasination
July 11th, 2013 [St. Benedict - Patron of
Europe]
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Currency Controls in Cyprus Increase Worry About Euro System. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: This is how the Eurozone and the Common Currency is collapsing while, as with the Titanic (2), the "Euro Orchestra" keeps playing music.
Notice Mr. Loucaides' position - Director of the Cyprus Trading Corporation.... and yet, he was not even aware that the "common currency" was not that "common" anymore.
_________________
(1) New York Times Reports
(2) Nearer My God to Thee
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Currency Controls in Cyprus Increase Worry About Euro System. (1)
On a visit to Athens this year, Marios Loucaides, a Cypriot businessman, saw an apartment he liked
in the heart of the Greek capital and decided to buy it. He told the owner he would seal the deal
with a bank transfer .... once he got back to Cyprus.
After returning home, however, Mr. Loucaides discovered that the euros he had on deposit here in Nicosia, Cyprus' capital, could not be moved to Greece, even though the two countries share the same currency and, in theory at least, the same commitment to the free movement of capital.
The apartment deal collapsed. And so, too, did Mr. Loucaides' belief that Europe has a common currency. Tangled in restrictions imposed in March as part of a bailout for the country's ailing banks, a euro in Cyprus is no longer the same as one in France, Germany or Greece.
"A Cyprus euro is a second-class euro," said Mr. Loucaides, the managing director of the Cyprus Trading Corporation.
After returning home, however, Mr. Loucaides discovered that the euros he had on deposit here in Nicosia, Cyprus' capital, could not be moved to Greece, even though the two countries share the same currency and, in theory at least, the same commitment to the free movement of capital.
The apartment deal collapsed. And so, too, did Mr. Loucaides' belief that Europe has a common currency. Tangled in restrictions imposed in March as part of a bailout for the country's ailing banks, a euro in Cyprus is no longer the same as one in France, Germany or Greece.
"A Cyprus euro is a second-class euro," said Mr. Loucaides, the managing director of the Cyprus Trading Corporation.
miguel de Portugal comments: This is how the Eurozone and the Common Currency is collapsing while, as with the Titanic (2), the "Euro Orchestra" keeps playing music.
Notice Mr. Loucaides' position - Director of the Cyprus Trading Corporation.... and yet, he was not even aware that the "common currency" was not that "common" anymore.
_________________
(1) New York Times Reports
(2) Nearer My God to Thee
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Spaniards Fight to Get Savings Back. (1)
[our highlights]
Spaniards Fight to Get Savings Back. (1)
For Gonzalo López, 77, it has been a lifetime of
scrimping on a factory worker’s salary, trying to
save enough to make sure his brain-damaged son would be
cared for even after he was gone. He and his wife
put aside $87,000. But four years ago, as the economic crisis took hold here,
a bank official called Mr. López at home to suggest he
move his money into a new "product" that would give him a 7 percent return.
"I asked, 'Is this safe?' " Mr. López said. "I trusted him. He knew the money was for my son."
Today, Mr. López is one of about 300,000 Spaniards who, in the midst of a brutal recession, have seen their life savings virtually wiped out in what critics call a deceptive and possibly fraudulent sales campaign by banks that were threatened by the implosion of Spain's property market. Many, like Mr. López, are older and lack formal education, and were easily misled when bank officials hit on the idea of raising capital and cleaning debts off their books by getting people with savings accounts to invest in their banks instead.
For many of these savers, the first hint of trouble - and understanding that they had bought into risky investments - was when some of these banks essentially failed about two years ago. Overnight, they were unable to withdraw their money.
The plight of these small-time savers - who invested $40,000 on average but have lost a collective $10.3 billion - has captured headlines and left the country torn about what should be done for them. Some say no matter how unsophisticated they were, they should have known better, especially when they were offered such a relatively high interest rate. They signed pages of documents saying they understood.
"I asked, 'Is this safe?' " Mr. López said. "I trusted him. He knew the money was for my son."
Today, Mr. López is one of about 300,000 Spaniards who, in the midst of a brutal recession, have seen their life savings virtually wiped out in what critics call a deceptive and possibly fraudulent sales campaign by banks that were threatened by the implosion of Spain's property market. Many, like Mr. López, are older and lack formal education, and were easily misled when bank officials hit on the idea of raising capital and cleaning debts off their books by getting people with savings accounts to invest in their banks instead.
For many of these savers, the first hint of trouble - and understanding that they had bought into risky investments - was when some of these banks essentially failed about two years ago. Overnight, they were unable to withdraw their money.
The plight of these small-time savers - who invested $40,000 on average but have lost a collective $10.3 billion - has captured headlines and left the country torn about what should be done for them. Some say no matter how unsophisticated they were, they should have known better, especially when they were offered such a relatively high interest rate. They signed pages of documents saying they understood.
miguel de Portugal comments: As bad as it sounds in the New York times report.... it is actually worse! Needless to say, those new "products" were not covered by the government insurance which "protects" bank client's money to a maximum of 100,000 Euro.
In Portugal they had their own home version of the same "let's scam our customers who trust in us". One of the members of my extended spiritual family in Portugal has been employed by a major bank for over 20 years. Because he refused to lie and deceive the bank customers who trusted in him he was eventually fired. Logically, at his age and with Portugal's economy in shambles, only a miracle - which we pray for - will help him get a job.
_________________
(1) New York Times Reports
July 9th, 2013
[Mary,
Miraculous
Mother
and begining of
Ramadan
(The
holiest period in the Islamic
year).]
miguel de Portugal comments on various recent News Reports
There have been some news reports recently which have struck us as odd. We are not making an effort to read anything into them but I feel compelled to share with our readership some oddities that leaped to our attention.
1. The Edward Snowden case.
2. The Korean airplane crash in San Francisco.
3. Train carrying light crude oil explodes in Canada
miguel de Portugal comments on various recent News Reports
There have been some news reports recently which have struck us as odd. We are not making an effort to read anything into them but I feel compelled to share with our readership some oddities that leaped to our attention.
1. The Edward Snowden case.
This should have been a "dream come true" for Russia yet, they seem to truly want to get rid of
him and the media inconvenience/interference that it is causing them.
Such an attitude would be coherent/logical only if they already have an agent, or two, within the NSA system who is feeding the Kremlin with information equivalent to that in the hands of Snowden.
Such an attitude would be coherent/logical only if they already have an agent, or two, within the NSA system who is feeding the Kremlin with information equivalent to that in the hands of Snowden.
2. The Korean airplane crash in San Francisco.
It is not how the plane crashed - that happens and the description of the last moments are quite
coherent. What is extremely odd is the way the fire developed.
Where, how and shape - while most passengers escaped the flames. Flames which did not even cause the remaining fuel to ignite and turn the entire plane into a ball of fire from which no one could escape.
It is interesting to note that the plane model was a Boeing 777. Three "7" - A Trinity of Sevens - the Holiest of numbers.
Number of humans aboard (passengers and crew) = 307 ; Again Three and Seven.
Where, how and shape - while most passengers escaped the flames. Flames which did not even cause the remaining fuel to ignite and turn the entire plane into a ball of fire from which no one could escape.
It is interesting to note that the plane model was a Boeing 777. Three "7" - A Trinity of Sevens - the Holiest of numbers.
Number of humans aboard (passengers and crew) = 307 ; Again Three and Seven.
3. Train carrying light crude oil explodes in Canada
With my experience in the petrochemical field as a background I cannot fathom the concept of light
crude oil exploding in the manner in which it occurred in that accident. Even if the tanks were
filled with high octane gasoline and they ruptured upon impact, the fire would be tremendous; any
explosion would come later if a still sealed tank was heated enough by the fire.
The only way that I can understand that tragedy - based on all reports heard/seen - is if someone attached an explosive device to one of the tanks, release the brake and let the force of gravity do the rest.
The only way that I can understand that tragedy - based on all reports heard/seen - is if someone attached an explosive device to one of the tanks, release the brake and let the force of gravity do the rest.
As we said - just some observations.
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(1a) Plane Crash
(1b) Plane Crash
(2) Explosion in Canada
News Report
[our highlights]
Facebook Rolls Out a Powerful Search Tool. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: And some people still worry about NSA!
_________________
(1) New York Times Reports
July 8th, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
In Secret, Court Vastly Broadens Powers of N.S.A. (1)
(1a) Plane Crash
(1b) Plane Crash
(2) Explosion in Canada
News Report
[our highlights]
Facebook Rolls Out a Powerful Search Tool. (1)
Facebook is trying to make it easier to find a
months-old photo or restaurant recommendation, half remembered from a friend’s feed, and unearth
other information buried within your social network with a tool it calls Graph Search,
Vindu Goel reports in The New York Times.
On Monday, the company will roll out the feature to its several hundred million users in the United States....
Developing a sophisticated search feature is vital to Facebook's long-term success, both to deepen users' engagement and to make it more appealing to advertisers.
Privacy could still be an issue as more user data becomes easily accessible, however, and the feature is dependent on Facebook users volunteering more information about their likes and dislikes.
On Monday, the company will roll out the feature to its several hundred million users in the United States....
Developing a sophisticated search feature is vital to Facebook's long-term success, both to deepen users' engagement and to make it more appealing to advertisers.
Privacy could still be an issue as more user data becomes easily accessible, however, and the feature is dependent on Facebook users volunteering more information about their likes and dislikes.
miguel de Portugal comments: And some people still worry about NSA!
_________________
(1) New York Times Reports
July 8th, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
In Secret, Court Vastly Broadens Powers of N.S.A. (1)
In more than a dozen classified rulings, the nation's surveillance court has created a secret body
of law giving the National Security Agency the power to
amass vast collections of data on Americans while
pursuing not only terrorism suspects, but also people possibly involved in nuclear proliferation,
espionage and cyberattacks, officials say.
The rulings, some nearly 100 pages long, reveal that the court has taken on a much more expansive role by regularly assessing broad constitutional questions and establishing important judicial precedents, with almost no public scrutiny, according to current and former officials familiar with the court’s classified decisions.
The 11-member Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, known as the FISA court, was once mostly focused on approving case-by-case wiretapping orders. But since major changes in legislation and greater judicial oversight of intelligence operations were instituted six years ago, it has quietly become almost a parallel Supreme Court, serving as the ultimate arbiter on surveillance issues and delivering opinions that will most likely shape intelligence practices for years to come, the officials said.
The rulings, some nearly 100 pages long, reveal that the court has taken on a much more expansive role by regularly assessing broad constitutional questions and establishing important judicial precedents, with almost no public scrutiny, according to current and former officials familiar with the court’s classified decisions.
The 11-member Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, known as the FISA court, was once mostly focused on approving case-by-case wiretapping orders. But since major changes in legislation and greater judicial oversight of intelligence operations were instituted six years ago, it has quietly become almost a parallel Supreme Court, serving as the ultimate arbiter on surveillance issues and delivering opinions that will most likely shape intelligence practices for years to come, the officials said.
miguel de Portugal comments: I am no necessarily promoting the proliferation of Big Brother techniques but.... what else can we do to really keep an eye on the very real issues of terrorism, nuclear proliferation, espionage and cyber attacks?
At least we have an 11 member Court reviewing our intelligence practices. I wonder if there is any other country in the world that has such court instead of having their surveillance "policies" under the control of one or two individuals.
NSA activities are not the real problem. The real problem, we repeat, is the militarized police acts across the nation. (2)
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(1) New York Times Reports
(2) A few examples....
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Sun's lost its head, pilots and high flyers beware of X and gamma rays. (1)
The sun is at the peak of its 11-year-old solar cycle and is emitting dangerous X-rays and gamma
rays, which can cause serious health complications.
Space scientists at the government-aided Indian Centre
for Space Physics (ICSP) have written a letter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA), warning it of the dire consequences of the cycle. Such cycles can last up to a
year.
"Flares from the sun have increased since April-May," says the ICSP letter, a copy of which is with DNA India. Signed by professor Sandip K Chakrabarti, in charge of academic affairs at ICSP, it says the peak activity began some months ago. "The sun injects huge amount of X-rays and gamma rays which are harmful to humans when the so-called solar flares take place," the letter states.
Solar flares can have adverse effects on brain activities, including physical, mental and emotional responses. In certain cases, it affects the central nervous system, leading to cancer. Besides, it can cause anxiousness and dizziness as well as affect pregnant women.
Scientists, though, are sceptical. "Yes, the intensity of the rays increases during this period, but the burst lasts for a few seconds or hours. There is no record of air passengers being affected during solar cycles in the past. Even if it happens, India need not worry as it may affect countries like Canada or the Arctic region more because they are near the poles," said Dr Mayank Vahia, cosmic rays scientist with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
Suhas Naik-Satam, programme co-ordinator (scientific), Nehru Planetarium, agrees. "There is nothing to worry about. I have not seen any passenger or crew being affected by solar flares cycles in the past," he said.
Chakrabarti says the study found that even during moderate solar activity, the X-rays of 60-70 kiloelectron-volt energy penetrate deep into the atmosphere at a height of 7-8 kilometres. With aircraft flying 13-14 kilometres above the earth’s atmosphere, they are exposed to harmful rays.
“Even the moderate flares are more than 25 times stronger and their radiation dose is alarming. During certain parts of the day, these rays may be a few thousand times stronger,” Chakrabarti told DNA India.
The rays cannot be predicted in advance and therefore, nothing can be done about them, the letter says. “The only precautionary measure that the aviation industry can take is to paint the aircraft with a coating that blocks the entry of such rays. Also, if possible, the aircraft should be delayed if the flares are at their worst,” Chakrabarti said.
The pilots are given ultra-long flying hours (16) only once. The rest period is dictated accordingly. Pilots say flying planes at 30,000-35,000 feet emanates radiation equal to one X-ray per hour.
"Flares from the sun have increased since April-May," says the ICSP letter, a copy of which is with DNA India. Signed by professor Sandip K Chakrabarti, in charge of academic affairs at ICSP, it says the peak activity began some months ago. "The sun injects huge amount of X-rays and gamma rays which are harmful to humans when the so-called solar flares take place," the letter states.
Solar flares can have adverse effects on brain activities, including physical, mental and emotional responses. In certain cases, it affects the central nervous system, leading to cancer. Besides, it can cause anxiousness and dizziness as well as affect pregnant women.
Scientists, though, are sceptical. "Yes, the intensity of the rays increases during this period, but the burst lasts for a few seconds or hours. There is no record of air passengers being affected during solar cycles in the past. Even if it happens, India need not worry as it may affect countries like Canada or the Arctic region more because they are near the poles," said Dr Mayank Vahia, cosmic rays scientist with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
Suhas Naik-Satam, programme co-ordinator (scientific), Nehru Planetarium, agrees. "There is nothing to worry about. I have not seen any passenger or crew being affected by solar flares cycles in the past," he said.
Chakrabarti says the study found that even during moderate solar activity, the X-rays of 60-70 kiloelectron-volt energy penetrate deep into the atmosphere at a height of 7-8 kilometres. With aircraft flying 13-14 kilometres above the earth’s atmosphere, they are exposed to harmful rays.
“Even the moderate flares are more than 25 times stronger and their radiation dose is alarming. During certain parts of the day, these rays may be a few thousand times stronger,” Chakrabarti told DNA India.
The rays cannot be predicted in advance and therefore, nothing can be done about them, the letter says. “The only precautionary measure that the aviation industry can take is to paint the aircraft with a coating that blocks the entry of such rays. Also, if possible, the aircraft should be delayed if the flares are at their worst,” Chakrabarti said.
The pilots are given ultra-long flying hours (16) only once. The rest period is dictated accordingly. Pilots say flying planes at 30,000-35,000 feet emanates radiation equal to one X-ray per hour.
miguel de Portugal comments: If indeed such is the case, just like with any harmful effects resulting from prolonged used of cell phones, it will be ignored and nothing will be done about it..... but I am not losing any sleep over it considering that the world, symbolically, is as if it were inside a "microwave oven" only waiting for an angel, under God's direction, to press the "Start" button (2).
Not losing any sleep about that either, as long as I adhere to the Will of God.
_________________
(1) DNA India Reports
(2) Gamma Ray Burst
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
Spain: We were told Snowden was on Bolivia plane. (1)
Spain on Friday said it had been warned along with other European countries that former U.S.
intelligence worker Edward Snowden was aboard the Bolivian presidential plane this week, an
acknowledgement that the manhunt for the fugitive leaker had something to do with the plane's
unexpected diversion to Austria.
....the drama surrounding the flight of Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose plane was abruptly rerouted to Vienna after apparently being denied permission to fly over France, suggests that pressure is being applied behind the scenes.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo told Spanish National Television that "they told us that the information was clear, that he was inside."
He did not identify who "they" were and declined to say whether he had been in contact with the U.S. But he said that European countries' decisions were based on the tip.
France has since sent a letter of apology to the Bolivian government.
....the drama surrounding the flight of Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose plane was abruptly rerouted to Vienna after apparently being denied permission to fly over France, suggests that pressure is being applied behind the scenes.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo told Spanish National Television that "they told us that the information was clear, that he was inside."
He did not identify who "they" were and declined to say whether he had been in contact with the U.S. But he said that European countries' decisions were based on the tip.
France has since sent a letter of apology to the Bolivian government.
miguel de Portugal comments: Another diplomatic "success story". All we accomplished was to generate more animosity against the U.S. in Europe and Latin America and to push Venezuela, Nicaragua and Ecuador to come out and offer asylum to Snowden.
In case the "head hunters" of NSA have not realized it yet, the more animosity we generate among the local people of a country, the more difficult it will be for us to recruit local agents and the greater the probability of generating double agents who will "stab us in the back" at the first opportunity.
_________________
(1) News Report
July 6th, 2013
[First
Saturday of the
Month]
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
An MIT Project That Lets You Spy On Yourself. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: This would be an interesting project to see how those who, without your consent, can access your e-mail accounts as well as your browsing history automatically kept by your computer.
A Word to the Wise: The less information that you keep in your Google, Yahoo, and any other on-line mail program, and the frequent deletion of your Browser history, the better it will be for your privacy which, in turn, will minimize having your identity stolen.
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Résumé Shows Snowden Honed Hacking Skills. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: What caught our attention was Snowden's schooling and job history - which constitutes the background of this article; a background which becomes obvious upon reading the entire article. His job hopping history was such that, it would have triggered an automatic disqualification for any applicant for employment in any of the businesses/profession I interviewed for in my past lifestyle.
If Mr. Snowden had tattooed on his forehead: "I am a security risk", the real message would not have been any clearer.
Amazing! Simply amazing!
_________________
(1) New York Times Reports
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
Volcano eruption grounds US and Mexican flights. (1)
andNews Report No. 1
[our highlights]
An MIT Project That Lets You Spy On Yourself. (1)
The project, called Immersion, was created by a few guys at the MIT Media Lab. It went live on
June 30th, according to the Boston Globe.
One goes to immersion.media.mit.edu and give the site permission to access your Gmail account and map your metadata. You can do it, too. It's fun and kind of creepy. It's like being your own Big Brother.
"When you see the map of your metadata all together, it is, in a way, an out-of-body experience," one of the creators of the project told the Boston Globe. "You're seeing all of your network and you're seeing yourself out of it and you're seeing it from afar and you're seeing it in one picture."
One goes to immersion.media.mit.edu and give the site permission to access your Gmail account and map your metadata. You can do it, too. It's fun and kind of creepy. It's like being your own Big Brother.
"When you see the map of your metadata all together, it is, in a way, an out-of-body experience," one of the creators of the project told the Boston Globe. "You're seeing all of your network and you're seeing yourself out of it and you're seeing it from afar and you're seeing it in one picture."
miguel de Portugal comments: This would be an interesting project to see how those who, without your consent, can access your e-mail accounts as well as your browsing history automatically kept by your computer.
A Word to the Wise: The less information that you keep in your Google, Yahoo, and any other on-line mail program, and the frequent deletion of your Browser history, the better it will be for your privacy which, in turn, will minimize having your identity stolen.
_________________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Résumé Shows Snowden Honed Hacking Skills. (1)
In 2010, while working for a National Security Agency contractor, Edward J. Snowden learned to be
a hacker.
He took a course that trains security professionals to think like hackers and understand their techniques, all with the intent of turning out "certified ethical hackers" who can better defend their employers' networks.
But the certification, listed on a résumé that Mr. Snowden later prepared, would also have given him some of the skills he needed to rummage undetected through N.S.A. computer systems and gather the highly classified surveillance documents that he leaked last month, security experts say.
Mr. Snowden's résumé, which has not been made public and was described by people who have seen it, provides a new picture of how his skills and responsibilities expanded while he worked as an intelligence contractor. Although federal officials offered only a vague description of him as a "systems administrator," the résumé suggests that he had transformed himself into the kind of cybersecurity expert the N.S.A. is desperate to recruit, making his decision to release the documents even more embarrassing to the agency.
He took a course that trains security professionals to think like hackers and understand their techniques, all with the intent of turning out "certified ethical hackers" who can better defend their employers' networks.
But the certification, listed on a résumé that Mr. Snowden later prepared, would also have given him some of the skills he needed to rummage undetected through N.S.A. computer systems and gather the highly classified surveillance documents that he leaked last month, security experts say.
Mr. Snowden's résumé, which has not been made public and was described by people who have seen it, provides a new picture of how his skills and responsibilities expanded while he worked as an intelligence contractor. Although federal officials offered only a vague description of him as a "systems administrator," the résumé suggests that he had transformed himself into the kind of cybersecurity expert the N.S.A. is desperate to recruit, making his decision to release the documents even more embarrassing to the agency.
miguel de Portugal comments: What caught our attention was Snowden's schooling and job history - which constitutes the background of this article; a background which becomes obvious upon reading the entire article. His job hopping history was such that, it would have triggered an automatic disqualification for any applicant for employment in any of the businesses/profession I interviewed for in my past lifestyle.
If Mr. Snowden had tattooed on his forehead: "I am a security risk", the real message would not have been any clearer.
Amazing! Simply amazing!
_________________
(1) New York Times Reports
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
Volcano eruption grounds US and Mexican flights. (1)
Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano has erupted in dramatic
fashion, sending plumes of ash-filled smoke into the air. A 12 kilometre safety radius
around the volcano has been put in place. But Popocatepetl is also having a major disruptive
affect on air travel.
At least six US airlines have cancelled flights out of Mexico City and Toluca airports affecting routes as far afield as Dallas to Chicago.
At least six US airlines have cancelled flights out of Mexico City and Toluca airports affecting routes as far afield as Dallas to Chicago.
Huge waves batter Chile coast. (2)
Waves as high as seven metres (about 23 feet) pounded
homes and businesses on Chile's coastline.
The extreme conditions started on Wednesday with weather experts warning they could last until the weekend.
The extreme conditions started on Wednesday with weather experts warning they could last until the weekend.
July 5th, 2013
[First Friday of the
Month
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
99% of All Android Phones Have A 'Master Key' Flaw That Gives Hackers A Back Door. (1)
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
99% of All Android Phones Have A 'Master Key' Flaw That Gives Hackers A Back Door. (1)
Ninety-nine percent of Android phones contain a "master
key" flaw that allows hackers to access all apps inside the phone, according to Jeff
Forristal, CTO of Bluebox Security.
The flaw leaves Android phones massively vulnerable to malware, botnets and computer fraud, he claims in a blog post. The implications are huge!
Installation of a Trojan application from the device manufacturer can grant the application full access to Android system and all applications (and their data) currently installed.
The application then, not only has the ability to read arbitrary application data on the device (email, SMS messages, documents, etc.), retrieve all stored account & service passwords, but it can essentially take over the normal functioning of the phone and control any function thereof (make arbitrary phone calls, send arbitrary SMS messages, turn on the camera, and record calls).
The flaw leaves Android phones massively vulnerable to malware, botnets and computer fraud, he claims in a blog post. The implications are huge!
Installation of a Trojan application from the device manufacturer can grant the application full access to Android system and all applications (and their data) currently installed.
The application then, not only has the ability to read arbitrary application data on the device (email, SMS messages, documents, etc.), retrieve all stored account & service passwords, but it can essentially take over the normal functioning of the phone and control any function thereof (make arbitrary phone calls, send arbitrary SMS messages, turn on the camera, and record calls).
miguel de Portugal comments: It seems that the only high-tech security good news is that no one can hack smoke signals.... yet!
________________
(1) News Report
July 4th, 2013 [Feast of St.
Elizabeth (Queen) of Portugal and U.S. Independence Day]
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Austrian authorities search plane of Bolivian President and France claims that it didn't block the plane of Bolivian President. (1) (2)
miguel de Portugal comments: It is obvious that our security system is infiltrated by those who want to embarrass the U.S. and eventually bring it down.... and they are doing a superb job of it!
I simply cannot believe (or just do not want to believe) that what we are witnessing is ineptitude. Between those who gave the go-ahead to employ an emotionally challenged individual such as Snowden, those who supervised him without raising bright red flags and those who came up with this latest escapade, in essence, commandeering the plane of the President of a sovereign nation to see if Snowden was in it - Who needs enemies?
There is no doubt that Snowden needs to be brought home and isolated lest he continues to "sing" to the detriment of many, but to commandeer the plane of a Head of State? If half of what Snowden claims is true, our security services should have known every time President Morales turned in his bed and been aware of every communication - phone and internet connections - coming in and out of Moscow's airport. Obviously they are not.
As we said before - we do not approve of lies, deceit, illegal spying, etc., etc. but, if a system is going to depend on that for their "world" to work, DO IT RIGHT !!!!
_________________
(1) News Report
(2) News Report
News Report No. 2
Five Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for Hurricane Season - Courtesy of US.gov-Team
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Austrian authorities search plane of Bolivian President and France claims that it didn't block the plane of Bolivian President. (1) (2)
Bolivia's president left Austria for home on Wednesday amid diplomatic drama, a day after
his flight was rerouted and delayed in Austria amid
suggestions that he was trying to spirit NSA leaker Edward Snowden to Latin America.
Bolivia demanded explanation from various European countries it accused of thwarting President Evo Morales' flight.
French officials denied Wednesday that France refused to let the plane cross over its airspace amid suspicions that Snowden was aboard. Spain, too, said the plane was free to cross its territory.
The plane carrying Morales home from Moscow was rerouted to Austria Tuesday night, in a new twist to the international uproar over Snowden and the widespread U.S. surveillance that he revealed. It took off again from Vienna shortly before noon Wednesday.
Bolivian and Austrian officials both say Snowden was not on Morales' plane, which left Moscow on Tuesday following a summit. Morales had suggested that his government would be willing to consider granting asylum to the American.
Snowden is believed to be in a Moscow airport transit area, seeking asylum from one of more than a dozen countries.
Bolivia's ambassador to the United Nations, speaking in Geneva Wednesday, continued to insist that several European countries had refused permission for the plane to fly in their airspace.
Sacha Llorenti said it was an "act of aggression" and that France, Portugal, Spain and Italy violated international law.
Bolivia demanded explanation from various European countries it accused of thwarting President Evo Morales' flight.
French officials denied Wednesday that France refused to let the plane cross over its airspace amid suspicions that Snowden was aboard. Spain, too, said the plane was free to cross its territory.
The plane carrying Morales home from Moscow was rerouted to Austria Tuesday night, in a new twist to the international uproar over Snowden and the widespread U.S. surveillance that he revealed. It took off again from Vienna shortly before noon Wednesday.
Bolivian and Austrian officials both say Snowden was not on Morales' plane, which left Moscow on Tuesday following a summit. Morales had suggested that his government would be willing to consider granting asylum to the American.
Snowden is believed to be in a Moscow airport transit area, seeking asylum from one of more than a dozen countries.
Bolivia's ambassador to the United Nations, speaking in Geneva Wednesday, continued to insist that several European countries had refused permission for the plane to fly in their airspace.
Sacha Llorenti said it was an "act of aggression" and that France, Portugal, Spain and Italy violated international law.
miguel de Portugal comments: It is obvious that our security system is infiltrated by those who want to embarrass the U.S. and eventually bring it down.... and they are doing a superb job of it!
I simply cannot believe (or just do not want to believe) that what we are witnessing is ineptitude. Between those who gave the go-ahead to employ an emotionally challenged individual such as Snowden, those who supervised him without raising bright red flags and those who came up with this latest escapade, in essence, commandeering the plane of the President of a sovereign nation to see if Snowden was in it - Who needs enemies?
There is no doubt that Snowden needs to be brought home and isolated lest he continues to "sing" to the detriment of many, but to commandeer the plane of a Head of State? If half of what Snowden claims is true, our security services should have known every time President Morales turned in his bed and been aware of every communication - phone and internet connections - coming in and out of Moscow's airport. Obviously they are not.
As we said before - we do not approve of lies, deceit, illegal spying, etc., etc. but, if a system is going to depend on that for their "world" to work, DO IT RIGHT !!!!
_________________
(1) News Report
(2) News Report
News Report No. 2
Five Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for Hurricane Season - Courtesy of US.gov-Team
Hurricane season is officially under way, and if you live in certain regions of the United States--including Hawaii and coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico--preparing for a hurricane may be especially critical. The high winds and heavy rainfall of hurricanes can lead to flying debris, flooding, landslides, and other dangerous situations.
Use these five tips to make sure you have what you need to stay safe:
1. Have a family communications plan. In an emergency situation, your family might not all be together and traditional means of communication (like cell phone service) may not be readily available. Have an alternative plan in place to contact your family. Follow these tips from FEMA to put together a plan.
2. Create an emergency kit. Strong storms can knock out power for a long time and if you’re unable to evacuate, you’ll need to have enough food and water on hand until power can be restored. FEMA recommends having enough to last for at least 72 hours for all members of your household. Find out what other items to include in your kit.
3. Don't forget about your pets. Animals are an important part of many families, so you want to make sure they’re prepared for a hurricane as well. That means having additional food and water on hand for them and making sure their tags are up to date in case you get separated. If you evacuate, don’t leave your animals behind. They often can’t fend for themselves during a storm.
4. Learn the appropriate evacuation routes. Knowing the evacuation routes in advance will help you react calmly during an evacuation and help move your family to safety. Follow the direction of local emergency officials and law enforcement. If they tell you to evacuate, make sure you do so.
5. Know whether you live in a flood zone. Hurricanes can cause serious flood
damage to your property. If you live near rivers, streams or other bodies of water that could
overflow, make sure you are prepared to deal with flooding and have proper insurance coverage to
protect you. Learn more about your flood risk and
finding flood insurance coverage.
July 3rd, 2013 [Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle]
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Exorcist squad hired to fight satan in Madrid (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: That's the "fruit" of the country which is the birthplace of Escriva and which is essentialy controlled by the Opus Dei since 1939.
Make sense, doesn't it?
_________________
(1) News report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Iran importing missile-grade ore from Germany, France. (1)
miguel de Portugal comments: And these people - Germany and France (as well as other European nations) - wonder why we must keep them under a "Prism"?
A Prism and a Magnifying Glass - both seem to be needed!
_______________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
Oldest grave decorated with flowers found in Israel. (1)
miguel de Portugal corrects and comments: The Natufians may be the first human society to reside in a permanent villages after what they know as Noah's Flood (2). If they were nomadic before it was because they were trying to "get their act together" after their world was literally washed away.
"Finding such flowers is (indeed) very difficult" after an event as Noah's Flood washed away most of the "civilization" that existed.
_________________
(1) Euronews Reports
(2) Somewhere between 10,500 BC and 9,500 BC, the event that is Biblically know as Noah's Flood took place. (3)
(3) The Timeline of the Creation Story
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Exorcist squad hired to fight satan in Madrid (1)
The Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, Antonio María Rouco
Varela, has taken the unprecedented step of selecting eight priests to lock horns with Satan as
expert exorcists.
... According to online website 'Religious Freedom', the decision was taken personally by
Archbishop Rouco Valera to meet an avalanche of requests for help from the faithful to fight their
otherworldly foe.
... No priests are currently licensed to perform
exorcisms in the Madrid area, and all would-be banishers of evil must be personally
approved by the Archbishop himself.
miguel de Portugal comments: That's the "fruit" of the country which is the birthplace of Escriva and which is essentialy controlled by the Opus Dei since 1939.
Make sense, doesn't it?
_________________
(1) News report
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
Iran importing missile-grade ore from Germany, France. (1)
Exploiting a loophole in Western sanctions, Iran is
importing a high grade of refined alumina ore from several European countries including Germany
and France that Tehran could be using to make armor parts and missile components.
Western measures imposed on Iran over its disputed nuclear program have hit many sectors of its economy including steel and other metals, where it is heavily dependent on imports. Tehran says its atomic work is peaceful.
The refined ore has been excluded from European Union sanctions, but tightened U.S. sanctions that came into effect on July 1 seek to close the loophole. According to a U.S. Treasury briefing, the latest measures will cover "raw or semi-finished metals" that include aluminum.
Western measures imposed on Iran over its disputed nuclear program have hit many sectors of its economy including steel and other metals, where it is heavily dependent on imports. Tehran says its atomic work is peaceful.
The refined ore has been excluded from European Union sanctions, but tightened U.S. sanctions that came into effect on July 1 seek to close the loophole. According to a U.S. Treasury briefing, the latest measures will cover "raw or semi-finished metals" that include aluminum.
miguel de Portugal comments: And these people - Germany and France (as well as other European nations) - wonder why we must keep them under a "Prism"?
A Prism and a Magnifying Glass - both seem to be needed!
_______________
(1) News Report
News Report No. 3
[our highlights]
Oldest grave decorated with flowers found in Israel. (1)
Archaeologists in Israel say they have found evidence of the earliest examples of flowers being
used to decorate graves at a site inhabited by a
Natufian population around 12,000 years ago.
The Natufians are considered to be one of the first, if
not the first, human societies to reside in permanent villages rather than live a nomadic
life, according to University of Haifa archaeologist Daniel Nadel.
Carbon dating revealed that the graves were between
11,700 and 13,700 years old.
The graves were discovered in the nearby Mount Carmel area overlooking Haifa, with imprints of
flowering plants, such as mint and sage, stamped into the dirt of the ancient graves.
"From [the Neanderthal] example until the Natufians (a
period spanning some 50,000 years) there is not one example" of flowers decorating graves,
Nadel and his team wrote in a study published Monday in the journal of the Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences.
People may have been using flowers during the entire period, but "finding such flowers is very
difficult" since they decay, Nadel added.
miguel de Portugal corrects and comments: The Natufians may be the first human society to reside in a permanent villages after what they know as Noah's Flood (2). If they were nomadic before it was because they were trying to "get their act together" after their world was literally washed away.
"Finding such flowers is (indeed) very difficult" after an event as Noah's Flood washed away most of the "civilization" that existed.
_________________
(1) Euronews Reports
(2) Somewhere between 10,500 BC and 9,500 BC, the event that is Biblically know as Noah's Flood took place. (3)
(3) The Timeline of the Creation Story
July 2nd, 2013
About the News Reports Regarding the NSA Affair
The more is published (1)(2) about Edward Snowden's escapade playing the Lone Ranger, the more mystified we are about the outrage of US and foreign nationals and governments regarding the alleged violation of privacy. As we have said before, m de P has lived in a fish bowl at least since 1992, therefore we really are in a position to pass judgment on the "action" and "reactions" of the SnowdenGate.
We are more concerned about events like that of a twenty year old female college student being literally assaulted by a number of undercover agents because they thought that she was not of age yet and had purchased beer instead of water. (3) That this can easily happen, and happens, IS something that should concern each one of us and not the Spy vs Spy game.
First of all, allies spy on each other as a matter of course. Just recently it was reported that Israel was spying on the US. We do not approve of any of this - it is not consonant with our Faith - but it is the way this world has chosen to function.
Secondly, the situation is not as if NSA is reading every e-mail sent and listening to every sordid telephone conversation. They are storing the unreviewed information in case they have to go back and try to figure out something. What is the difference between: (a) operating security cameras, which are everywhere in the world spying, pardon, monitoring, in real time and viewed by real people, on nationals and foreigmers who happen to be walking by one of them; and (b) storing unread e-mails and unheard telephone conversations? Frankly, we fell that security cameras are far more intrusive and in greater violation of one's privacy since all is ocurring in real time regardless circumstances.
In Spain, is not uncommon to have one's photograph taken when entering the parking lot of a store before the parking ticket is issued and one is allowed to access the lot. The photograph is filed together with the photograph of the license plate of the vehicle that "the photographed face" is driving.
On another front - just yesterday, m de P witnessed a scene at a Post Office which seemed to be out of a movie. An elderly lady wanted to wire 50 Euro to someone. After the usual photocopy of her identity card, giving her address, phone number, etc., the questions began: (a) What kind of work do you do?; (b) Who is the individual receiving the money?; (c) What is the purpose of the money?; etc. The poor woman was almost in tears.... But that is not "the best" part. The receiving party will be subjected to the same questioning and, God help them, that the declared purpose of the money transfer matches!
That is an an example of outrageous violation of anyones privacy, and not what the NSA does.
It seem that "Let's knock down the US while we can" is fashionable in Europe as of late. Yesterday, Amazon UK released a DVD set with "The Untold Stories of the United States" by Oliver Stone.
About the News Reports Regarding the NSA Affair
The more is published (1)(2) about Edward Snowden's escapade playing the Lone Ranger, the more mystified we are about the outrage of US and foreign nationals and governments regarding the alleged violation of privacy. As we have said before, m de P has lived in a fish bowl at least since 1992, therefore we really are in a position to pass judgment on the "action" and "reactions" of the SnowdenGate.
We are more concerned about events like that of a twenty year old female college student being literally assaulted by a number of undercover agents because they thought that she was not of age yet and had purchased beer instead of water. (3) That this can easily happen, and happens, IS something that should concern each one of us and not the Spy vs Spy game.
First of all, allies spy on each other as a matter of course. Just recently it was reported that Israel was spying on the US. We do not approve of any of this - it is not consonant with our Faith - but it is the way this world has chosen to function.
Secondly, the situation is not as if NSA is reading every e-mail sent and listening to every sordid telephone conversation. They are storing the unreviewed information in case they have to go back and try to figure out something. What is the difference between: (a) operating security cameras, which are everywhere in the world spying, pardon, monitoring, in real time and viewed by real people, on nationals and foreigmers who happen to be walking by one of them; and (b) storing unread e-mails and unheard telephone conversations? Frankly, we fell that security cameras are far more intrusive and in greater violation of one's privacy since all is ocurring in real time regardless circumstances.
In Spain, is not uncommon to have one's photograph taken when entering the parking lot of a store before the parking ticket is issued and one is allowed to access the lot. The photograph is filed together with the photograph of the license plate of the vehicle that "the photographed face" is driving.
On another front - just yesterday, m de P witnessed a scene at a Post Office which seemed to be out of a movie. An elderly lady wanted to wire 50 Euro to someone. After the usual photocopy of her identity card, giving her address, phone number, etc., the questions began: (a) What kind of work do you do?; (b) Who is the individual receiving the money?; (c) What is the purpose of the money?; etc. The poor woman was almost in tears.... But that is not "the best" part. The receiving party will be subjected to the same questioning and, God help them, that the declared purpose of the money transfer matches!
That is an an example of outrageous violation of anyones privacy, and not what the NSA does.
It seem that "Let's knock down the US while we can" is fashionable in Europe as of late. Yesterday, Amazon UK released a DVD set with "The Untold Stories of the United States" by Oliver Stone.
Move over Snowden, Stone is trying to complete in Europe what you started in Hong Kong.
______________________
(1) Snowden's REAL Job Description
(2) There is no stoping the publishing process at this stage
(3) News Report
(4) The Untold History of the United States
(1) Snowden's REAL Job Description
(2) There is no stoping the publishing process at this stage
(3) News Report
(4) The Untold History of the United States
July 1st, 2013
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Obama Requests 15,000 Russian Troops For "Upcoming" Disaster
miguel de Portugal comments: The above has been published in The European Union Times with its source being the famed Sorcha Faal from What Does It Mean?
As we have stated some years back, we consider Sorcha Faal and What Does It Mean? as probably one of the largest disinformation system on-line.
Obviously, we will not comment on the "news" headline, although we sincerely thank one of our readers from bringing it to our attention.
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
German prosecutors probe NSA surveillance claims. (1)
News Report No. 1
[our highlights]
Obama Requests 15,000 Russian Troops For "Upcoming" Disaster
miguel de Portugal comments: The above has been published in The European Union Times with its source being the famed Sorcha Faal from What Does It Mean?
As we have stated some years back, we consider Sorcha Faal and What Does It Mean? as probably one of the largest disinformation system on-line.
Obviously, we will not comment on the "news" headline, although we sincerely thank one of our readers from bringing it to our attention.
News Report No. 2
[our highlights]
German prosecutors probe NSA surveillance claims. (1)
The magazine reported Sunday that apart from its PRISM program used to eavesdrop on Internet
traffic, the U.S. National Security Agency also spied on European Union offices on both sides of
the Atlantic.
German federal prosecutors say they are looking into whether reported U.S. electronic surveillance programs broke German laws.
The Federal Prosecutors' Office said in a statement Sunday that it was probing the claims so as to "achieve a reliable factual basis" before considering whether a formal investigation was warranted.
A top German official accused the United States on Sunday of using "Cold War" methods against its allies, after a German magazine cited secret intelligence documents to claim that U.S. spies bugged European Union offices.
German news weekly Der Spiegel, which claimed that the U.S. National Security Agency eavesdropped on EU offices in Washington, New York and Brussels, cited classified U.S. documents taken by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden that it said it had partly seen.
The United States has defended its efforts to intercept electronic communications overseas by arguing that this has helped prevent terror attacks at home and abroad.an
German federal prosecutors say they are looking into whether reported U.S. electronic surveillance programs broke German laws.
The Federal Prosecutors' Office said in a statement Sunday that it was probing the claims so as to "achieve a reliable factual basis" before considering whether a formal investigation was warranted.
A top German official accused the United States on Sunday of using "Cold War" methods against its allies, after a German magazine cited secret intelligence documents to claim that U.S. spies bugged European Union offices.
German news weekly Der Spiegel, which claimed that the U.S. National Security Agency eavesdropped on EU offices in Washington, New York and Brussels, cited classified U.S. documents taken by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden that it said it had partly seen.
The United States has defended its efforts to intercept electronic communications overseas by arguing that this has helped prevent terror attacks at home and abroad.an
miguel de Portugal comments: (sarcasm On) Not to worry...., (sarcasm Off) the father of NSA leaker Edward Snowden acknowledges that his son broke the law but doesn't think he committed treason.
Lonnie Snowden tells NBC that his son broke the law in releasing classified information, but says he didn't betray the people of the United States.
Who did he then betray?
From his father's comments we can fully understand the mind-set source of Edward Snowden.
_________________
(1) News Report
(2) News Report
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