"Bringing Peace" Declared by DOS

(Image by Bob Gorrell)

Just as 2015 was coming to a close, the Baghdad Bobs of the Department of State (DOS) counted "bringing peace" to Syria as a 2015 win.

I'm not sure what Syria the diplomats are discussing, but Planet Earth's version of Syria is undergoing a bloodbath that doesn't seem on the verge of ending anytime soon.

Nor is the so-called impending Peace in Syria the only self-proclaimed accomplishment.  The DipNote's Year in Review: Pivotal Foreign Policy Moments of 2015, would make one think the DOS is solely responsible for "...peace on earth and goodwill towards man."

(By the way, I find the title of DOS's blog "DipNote" to be rather appropriate, but probably not in the manner the webmasters intended it to be).

Not surprisingly, the DOS is finding itself defending its far-fetched, bringing-peace-to-Syria claim, which is about as far-fetched as our Dear Leader's claim that the "JV team" has been contained.

(Image by Michael Ramirez)

Thou shalt not speak ill of Hil

(Image by Jerry Holbert)

Well, despite the Benghazi Scandal, and having a secret server, enough people crowned Queen-in-Waiting Hillary Clinton The Most Admired Woman.

Yup.

To paraphrase Mel Brooks' History of the World:  It's good to be the queen.

So much so, that our supposed unbiased media is running interference for her.

Some time ago Townhall''s Kurt Schlicter ran afoul of a CNN news host when he dared to dredge-up Hill & Bill's dirty deeds of the past.

After the broadcast, Kurt warned:  Don't let liberals tell you what you can and can't say about Hillary.

Our current president has shown himself to be thin-skinned.  I can't imagine Hillary having a tougher hide if she gets into the Oval Office.

Democrats: More Concerned With Narrative Than Victory

(Image by Henry Payne)

Apparently, more Americans think the terrorists are winning.

This is hardly surprising since Our Dear Leader is more concerned with jetting around the globe (and burning aviation fuel) to complain about climate change.

(Image by Steve Kelley)

With the proletariat becoming more and more concerned about terrorism, Obama is now attempting to placate the masses.

By soundly defeating our jihadist enemies?

Oh no, nothing so bourgeois.

Instead of pursuing victory on all fronts--or any front for that matter-- the US military is in the process of drafting a "new narrative" for the ISIS War.

So once this "narrative" is refined, our military PR folks will look like they're taking their cues from Baghdad Bob.

(Image by Glenn Foden)

Obama isn't the only strategic simpleton among the Democrats.  Clinton is clueless.  And in general, the Democrats don't know ISIS.

Or choose not to know our enemies.

Over 3K Inmates Released Early in WA State

For the past 13 years, Christmas came early for a few thousand "guests" of the WA State Department of Corrections (DOC).

A few days before this past Christmas, news broke that the DOC released over 3,000 inmates early due to a computer glitch.

Governor Jay Inslee declared this was totally unacceptable and that they were working to locate offenders who need to complete their sentences.

At least three of these prisoners are believed to have committed new crimes.

Here's a DOC Early Release Error Timeline for a quick reference to this fiasco.

Merry Christmas!

(Image from:  Leavenworth (WA) Christmas Lighting)

I pray there will truly be Peace on Earth and Goodwill Towards Everyone.

Highway Mountain Pass in WA State Closed Overnight

(Image from earlier pass conditions 21 Dec 15 on KIRO-7 TV)

A winter storm has made driving through Washington State's mountain passes treacherous.  While I was on duty Snoqualmie Pass was closed temporarily due to vehicular spin-outs and accidents.  Avalanches are a common winter hazard.

Just as I was leaving work, it was announced Snoqualmie Pass would be closed until daylight today, while delays could be expected on other mountain passes.

For anyone traveling through Washington State this Christmas weekend, you can check out WSDOT Mountain Pass Report.

The Near East--It's Nearer Than You Think

(Image by Gary Varvel)

I mentioned earlier I've had zero interest in watching the GOP Debates.  If were possible to have an interest of less than zero, then it would apply to the Donkey Drove Debates.

Fortunately, Jay Caruso of Red State, wrote Dem Debate Cliffnotes, and Leah Barkoukis of Townhall posted Everything You Need to Know About the Dem Debates for folks like me who have better things to do on a Saturday night.

What I did find interesting was that a Sanders Campaign was accused of hacking into the Hillary Campaign database.  A Watergate-sized scandal was averted (so far) when a handful of Sanders lackeys were forced to fall on their swords.

While the Donkey Drove candidates quibbled on issues like how much "free stuff" they'll give away, Mark Steyn took a passing swipe at the Pachyderm Parade and warns us the "...Near East...it's nearer than you think."

I thought Mark's quote made a good title for this post, especially since only one candidate among both political parties, appears to have an idea of the jihadi threat we face.

(Image by Lisa Benson)

Post GOP Debate Commentaries

(Image by Michael Ramirez)

I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record when it comes to Trump:  That I don't care for the guy personally, but he's the only one in the Pachyderm Parade going for the Immigration Jugular.  Whereas, everyone else is quibbling about how they'd "...make the trains run on time" better than a Queen Hillary, or Premier Bernie would.

 The Diplomad points out that "...Trump is setting the parameters for discussion in this election."

Mark Steyn's made similar observations, especially about "Jeb!" being the $100 million Bush Leaguer.

Firebrand Ann Coulter thinks it's time for the other [GOP] candidates to drop out.

I would like to disagree with Miss Coulter, especially if any of the other "more palatable" candidates decides to stiffen their Immigration Vertebrae.  But since this hasn't happened yet--and doesn't appear that it's going to happen--like it or not...

(Image by Jerry Holbert)

...we may see Trump being the "last elephant standing" in the GOP Primary Stampede.

Final GOP Debate of 2015

(Image by Gary Varvel)

For the past several days I've been doing a lot of off-line activities in preparation for Christmas:  Writing cards to family and friends, wrapping presents and mailing packages, along with attending a couple Holiday-ish gatherings.

The world, of course, isn't slowing down, let alone stopping, for the upcoming Holidays.

So I didn't watch last night's GOP debates in Vegas.

I'm not completely apathetic, I'm just in an "anybody-but-Hillary" mindset.

Townhall has a debate round-up for anyone, like me, who didn't watch.

While Mark Steyn comments on Marco Rubio's shortcomings, along with a swipe at attempting to regulate the earth's temperature.

Winter Weather Causes Damage in Western WA State

I was on duty for the past few days.

But it looks like I left just before our current batch of storm wrecked havoc in Western WA State.

There was a mudslide along I-5 that crews are working to clear.

Following the Jihadi Money Trail

(Image by Glenn McCoy)

There was early speculation that a heated debate about Islamic violence between Sayed Farook and an Islamophobic coworker triggered Mr & Mrs Jihadi Farook killing spree in San Bernadino.

A couple days ago, news broke that bank records show $28,000 was deposited to Sayed's account two weeks before he and the missus sprung their attack.

While the money trail hasn't led to any jihad supporters yet, the FBI is looking at possible evidence that Sayed may have conducted some planning for an attempted past terror plot.

Also, Mr & Mrs Jihadi may have been Islamists even before they met.

Regardless of what evidence leads where, Americans are looking out for their own personal protection.  Americans have bought over 100 million guns during Obama's presidency so far.

(Image by Lisa Benson)

According to this gun store owner, the the best way to piss off the prez is to buy a gun.

O's Speech on Terrorism

(Image by Bob Gorrell)

I watched most of Obama's speech in response to the San Bernadino shooting.

There was one good thing about the speech:  It was short.

Otherwise, O's reassurances fell flat.

All this has Mark Steyn "partying on the precipice."

Note:

This should have been posted earlier today (7 Dec 2015), but I forgot to press the "Publish" button.

(Image by Michael Ramirez)

The Unchanging Narrative of Mass Shootings

(Image by Nate Beeler)

So far, we're being told the San Bernadino Shooters were part of a larger group, although it's now being mentioned in-passing that the FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terror.

While the Feds are finally coming around to actually saying the word "terror," once again, the liberal media is completely wrong about gun violence.

Media types aren't the only ones who are clueless about guns and gun violence.  Leftist politicians are brainless.  Take Barbara Boxer for instance, who claimed Sensible gun laws work. We've proven it in California.

Her statement is as idiotic as Our Dear Leader's one about mass shootings don't happen outside the US.

Speaking of which, Obama will be addressing the nation tonight.

What Our Dear Leader parrot from the nearest teleprompter is anyone's guess.

Unless it's some radical executive order, tonight's address will probably another chapter in the unchanging storyline.

(Image by Lisa Benson)

SoCal Shooting Update

Well, the investigators haven't called Wednesday's massacre in San Bernadino "terrorism," but sure looking like, walking like and quacking like an act of terror.

The Feds are now probing the digital profile of the killers/jihadists.

The names of the 14 people killed in the attack have been released.

Apparently the hue & cry for more gun control erupted from the leftist ranks long before any of the facts were known--like the killers employing pipe bombs.

I haven't heard any of it, because I've been too busy putting up Christmas decorations, but The Diplomad has and rolled-in on the demand to revise our gun laws.

Meanwhile, Mark Steyn called-out both Our Dear Leader's "powerful rebuke" and the PC-infected if you see something, say something mantra.

Breaking News: Mass Shooting in San Bernadino, California

Live Updates on Yahoo! News

O's "Powerful Rebuke" to Terrorism

(Image by Michael Ramirez)

While most of us were enjoying the Thanksgiving Weekend, Our Dear Leader still considers the Paris Climate Change Summit to be a "powerful rebuke," and an "act of defiance" against terrorists.

The cost of Obama's attendance at the Paris Climate Change Summit totaled nearly $2 million--with "no sustainability included."

Obama even touted his stimulus funding for solar power (while omitting bankruptcy scandals).

Meanwhile, increase in mobilization by "contained" Islamic State supporters here in the US.

(Image by Glenn Foden)

Catching Up: Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood

(Image from WYFF-4 News)

I've been off line, first to celebrate Thanksgiving, then to help my bride decorate our house for Christmas, and finally to wrap and mail presents to some family members.

But as usual, bad news doesn't take a holiday.

I thought I'd start off by commenting about the Friday shooting at the Planned Parenthood Office in Colorado Springs, CO.

The POS (Piece of "Crap") killer appeared in court today.

As some regular readers know, I'm certainly no fan of Planned Parenthood, especially in light of their organ harvesting of fetuses.

That being said, the killer certainly deserves the death penalty.

It should go without saying that murdering innocent people at work, or seeking services, is not the way to protest Planned Parenthood's operation.

Apparently, some are willing to blame "Christian terrorism", while Our Dear Leader claimed mass shootings like this "...don't happen in other countries..."--while in Paris.

Meanwhile, Megyn Kelley called-out the leftist media claim that "angry rhetoric" was to blame for the shooting.

Terrorists in Refugee Horse

(Image by Gary Varvel)

Just before Thanksgiving, Our Dear Leader decreed that the states lack the authority to block refugees, despite the fact that a dozen refugees, currently in the US, have terrorist connections.

The stand-off raises serious states-rights issues.

Ann Coulter points out that "...America is under no obligation to admit anyone..." so the least we should do is make it harder for terrorist cells to set up shop here.

Of course, those of who don't want an influx of potential terrorists will be branded by leftists for raising such security issues...

(Image by Glenn McCoy)

Russo-Turkish Conflict--Part 13?

(Image by Glenn McCoy)

Normally I try not to post on holidays and try to maintain a façade of calm and peace, at least for one day.

However, the world outside the Ramparts of Civilization is in a state of turmoil and never respects holidays. 

(Things aren't exactly placid inside the Ramparts either, but I'll hold off on this topic for today). 

Besides, Glenn McCoy's cartoon is a perfect segue to illustrate the escalating tensions between Russia and Turkey, after a Russian SU-24 was shot down by Turkish forces.

This certainly isn't the first time Russia and Turkey have been at odds with each other, having fought a dozen wars since the 16th Century.

Will "...this business get out of control..."?
(One of my on-line friends referenced this scene in our e-mail exchange of this story).

Hard to say.

As things stand this is just another shade of NATO's shadow wars.

The Bare Chested Czar certainly isn't backing down and plans on long-rang surface-to-air (SA) missiles to its base in Syria.

Let's hope cooler heads prevail.

Happy Thanksgiving!

(Image from:  Best DecorIdeas, Thanksgiving Decorations)

In case you're wondering how best to cook todays bird, along with some amusing anecdotes, here's some advice and stories from the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line.

Censored Speech and Cultural Appropriation

(Image by Bob Gorrell)

It's no secret that us middle-aged fogeys are often bewildered by the younger generation. 

For starters, most of us older types are firm believers in unconditional free speech. 

Don't like what I have to say, or write?  Then don't listen to me, or read my material.

Unfortunately, Millennials are cool with censoring speech they find "offensive."

I guess scurrying to their safe rooms isn't enough for them.  Stephen Moore wonders Who created these campus whiners?

Regardless of their collective origin stories, the "crybullies" won't be content until they've silenced dissenting opinions wherever they exist.

Not only has the Freedom of Speech drawn the ire of the PC Commissars, so has the Pursuit of Happiness.

Apparently, one cannot conduct classes, workshops, panel discussions, etc. unless one is "culturally aligned" to the event.  The most recent case is the University of Ottawa suspended a yoga class due to a "cultural appropriation" dispute.

The online friend that notified us of this latest PC clampdown asked: 

Does this mean ALL ethnic restaurants are off-limits to anyone not of that culture?

I wouldn't put it past the Cultural Appropriation Commissars to come up with something like this.

Another on-line friend asked: 

When will this all end?

It won't until we push back.

Hard.

Ben Shapiro notified the whiney Mizzou students to toughen up.

(Image by Lisa Benson)

And it looks like the yoga classes at the U of Ottawa are still being offered after all (see update at the bottom of the Townhall article).

Last Week's "Nothing-to-Do-With-Islam" News

(Image by Bob Gorrell)

 

First, the good news:  On Thursday, the House passed a veto-proof bill, which will attempt to curb the flow of Syrian refugees into the US.

And now for all the bad news...

Friday saw 19 killed by terrorists in Mali before police stormed the hotel, where they had seized 200 hostages.

Apparently, the terrorists didn't get the memo from John Kerry claiming Al-Qaeda has been neutralized.

(Image by Michael Ramirez)

However, our "rationalizing" Secretary of State isn't the only one "on message."

Even though it's been a whole week of nothing to do with Islam, Brussels remains on high alert, even after conducting 22 raids over the weekend.

Despite the murder and mayhem caused by the "non-Islamic" Islamic terrorists, Our Dear Leader maintains his safe space.

(Image by Nate Beeler)

Book Review: The [Un]documented Mark Steyn

As you regular Station WTFO readers are aware, I'm a fan of Mark Steyn.  His balance of acerbic wit coupled with tongue in cheek humor makes the bad news Mark comments on, along with his dire predictions of the future, makes being informed on current events tolerable and entertaining.

When I'm on duty at WA State Emergency Management, our agency's televisions are tuned to the news.  I would have paid better attention to the terrorist attack on Paris, if we weren't dealing with a wind storm event.

Anyway, when I'm off duty, I usually minimize my news intake in order to take a mental break from all the breaking bad news.  If I decide to catch up on the news, the first site I go to is Mark Steyn's.  At least I'll be able to smile, or even laugh at Mark's presentation of events-of-the-day.

Of Mark's recent books, I chose to purchase The [Un]documented Mark Steyn.  While I believe in Mark's Freedom of Speech cause against Michael Mann, I'm currently not interested in reading any book-length material on climate change.

I found The [Un]documented Mark Steyn to be like watching re-runs of my favorite TV shows, or movies.  There were some "scenes" (previously published articles) I remember vividly, some vaguely, while others I don't remember at all.  The author added some new material, along with footnotes to help new readers understand the circumstances he's written about, some dating back to the '90s.

Since I'm familiar with most of Mark's work, I'll give his "[Un]documented" edition 4-stars.  I liked it, even re-reading the articles I remember very well.

The [Un]documented Mark Steyn gets an average 4.6-star rating on Amazon.com.  The overwhelming majority of readers (79%) give the book 5-stars.  I would too if I read the articles for the first time.

A number of the less-than 4-star raters (9% total) are really put off by the author resurrecting previously published articles. 

Normally, I'm not interested in re-reading book-length novels, except for a few:  The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and Starship Troopers.  I guess I felt the articles in The [Un]documented Mark Steyn were presented in "bite-sized" nuggets that made me feel I could put the book down any time I wanted to.

Also, as a writer myself, I understand this is a tactic used by freelancers, who'll sell the same article to different magazines; along with fiction authors whose novels often started off as short stories.

I guess whether or not someone likes The [Un]documented Mark Steyn depends on how much they like Mark's work vs. whether or not they like re-reading previously published material.

The Non-Containment of ISIS

(Image by Michael Ramirez)

Hours before the attack on Paris (13 November 2015), Our Dear Leader assured the folks on Good Morning America that the Islamic State has been contained.

While a lot of leftists believe Obama's words, not all of them are onboard.  One of them is Senator Dianne Feinstein, who's concerned ISIS is expanding, despite preparing their capital, Raqqa, against a possible assault.

Whether the Islamic State is advancing, hunkering-down or in full retreat, is nearly irrelevant because our (non) containment strategy is equally pathetic under any circumstance:  Adding a brand new hashtag (#RefugeesWelcome) to the pile of pathetic hashtags.

And with "...reality is on the march..." it's just one more argument in favor of an armed citizenry.

(Image by Bob Gorrell)

Wolves in the Umma Fold

(Image by Robert Ariail)

We had a storm blow through WA State knocking out power to nearly 116,000 customers.  So I've been busy at work, with no time afterwards to write about national or international events.  My last post was simply a link to FOX News about the raids against a terrorist hideout.

While the storm here in WA State has died down, another type of storm has been brewing:  The issue over "Syrian refugees."

As of now, 30 state governors (29 of them Republicans) oppose Our Dear Leader's scheme of admitting Syrian refugees. 

While I admire the governors taking a stand against O's over-reach, I'm afraid The Diplomad has a point:  All it takes is for one state to accept these "refugees," then they'll be free to roam wherever they want to.

But the leftists aren't sitting idle either.  They're looking to place political pressure on uncooperative GOP governors.

While leftists scheme to circumvent state opposition to the "refugee" problem, Michelle Malkin wonders: Where is America's force-protection from these "refujihadis?"

Where indeed?

The terrorist attack on Paris was gut-wrenching to watch unfold. 

But with at least one terrorist being able to sneak into Europe as a "refugee," illustrates a bigger problem than the Islamic State alone:  Our broken immigration system.

Ann Coulter writes:  The insistent demand for an endless flow of Third World immigrants to the West goes well beyond cheap labor for the rich. It has become a mass psychosis.

Ann could be Donald Trump's press secretary.

(Image by Steve Kelley)

French Police Raided Terrorist Hideout

Two terrorist suspects killed and seven arrested during a police raid in a French suburb.

France Strikes Back--But How Hard?

(Image by Steve Benson, found on USA Today's Facebook page)

France didn't wait for its "three days of mourning" to strike back.  Yesterday, the French Air Force launched airstrikes against ISIS in Raqqa.

But will dropping bombs be enough?

Mark Steyn reminds us the barbarians are inside and there are no gates. Throughout this article, he asks a critical question the political ruling class on both sides of the Atlantic refuse to answer (in regards to mass Muslim migration and their religious-political ideology):

What's the happy ending here?

There won't be any, at least for us infidels, if we merely launch retaliatory strikes.

Steyn maintained his momentum and rolled-in on the latest pacifist symbol calling it the cool civilizational death-wish going viral.

The Diplomad shares similar feelings, concluding that the Paris Attack is the murderous cost of Progressive delusions.

I love Steve Benson's image of Lady Liberty, with assault rifle in-hand, charging forward to help France militarily to defeat the Islamic State once and for all.

However, today's political reality means American assistance is more like this:

(Image from:  Restless Patriot)

The Unfolding Story of the Terrorist Attack on Paris of 13 Nov 2015

(Image from:  Voice of America)

 

The Islamic State didn't waste any time claiming responsibility for yesterday's attack against Paris "...in the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful..."

Yahoo News posted a What We Know Livestream.

I don't claim to be clairvoyant, but as the news of the attack unfolded yesterday, I was certain I knew the perpetrators would be jihadists.  This terrorist act was conducted in a manner that reminded me of the Mumbai Attacks of 2008.  For a while it appeared as if another Nord-Ost Siege was in the making.

French President Francois Hollande vowed a merciless response to the attack that has left 127 dead (at this point).

Let's hope so.

But speaking of "merciless responses," leftist media sites haven't let this crisis go to waste.

Chauncey DeVage of Salon added the proverbial apples & oranges to conclude the attack on Paris was the direct result of right-wing rhetoric, especially against Black Lives Matter.

Yeah, right.

And Natalie Nagayrede of The Guardian is more concerned about far-right groups fanning the flames of hatred than jihadis roaming the streets killing innocent people. 

Us right-wingers aren't the enemies of civilization as Natalie imagines.

As leftists like Natalie and Chauncey continue making excuses for this, or any future jihadi attack, I'm afraid France's response won't be as "merciless" as I'd like it to be.

In the meantime, information about yesterday's attack is still unfolding.  News stations continue to cover this story with their "first string" newscasters. 

(Image from:  Digital Music News)

Meltdown at Mizzou (and Other Campuses)

(Image by Glenn McCoy)

 

 

On Saturdays, sports fans around the country tune-in to college football games.  However, it's uncertain if the Mizzou football team will be suiting-up.

 

They may still be too busy protesting.

 

Initially, I only scanned the headlines of this on-going saga, but the situation escalated in a matter of days.  The epicenter of discontent occurred at Missouri State U, "Mizzou," where  college kids are unhappy with the school president's response, or lack thereof, regarding racism, social injustice and of course the so-called "white privilege."

 

Apparently, Mizzou's president didn't move fast enough, to address their grievances--real or imagined--nor are his responses in PC-compliance.

 

Jonah Goldberg wondered if these campus commotions show we're raising fragile kids.

 

The short answer is:  Yes.

 

PJ Media which has gotten into the YouTube act, and posted Missouri U in Chaos as PC Police Crackdown.

 

Since then, the temper tantrums have spread as college kids across the country have called for the resignation of adults in the faculty.

 

At Claremont McKenna College, the Dean of Students was forced out and Mark Steyn concludes:  Tomorrow belongs to them (as in the college cry babies).

 

Guy Benson calls today's universities "petri-dishes of grievance-mongering" as more campuses are gripped with anti-freedom hysteria.   

 

Sultan Knish examined their tactics in his article: Crymobs, Crybullying and Left's Whiny War On Free Speech.



 

For sports fans:  I hope you enjoy today's games.

As for the Mizzou football players, be careful what you wish for...

(Image by Chip Bok)

Breaking News: "Mumbai-Style" Attack on Paris

FOX News reported at least 26 people have been killed in multiple attacks throughout Paris.

The national news stations are attempting to get a clearer picture of this event.

Townhall is also carrying this story of explosions and shootouts throughout the city.

TV stations are also reporting 60-100 people taken hostage at a Paris theater, but there's nothing on line yet.

Kaboshing Keystone

(Image by Lisa Benson)

 

 Our Leftist-in-Chief would rather see working-class Americans eking out an existence on food stamps and welfare, rather than helping them become self-sufficient.  

 

And yet, Obama and his would-be successors, along with their leftist policies remain popular among working-class Democrats. 

 

Star Parker wonders why do Americans support job-killing Democrats?

 

She's not the only one.  I've been wondering this very same thing myself.

 

I read an article once years ago, probably during the 2000 or 2004 election about a cultural split within the Democratic Party.  The author observed that Democrats came in two varieties:  "Walmart Democrats" and "Starbuck Democrats."

 

As you could probably guess, the People of Walmart are the party's proletariat.  (Hey I often go to my neighborhood "Wally World"). While the party's apparatchiks are the "Starbucks Democrats."

 

Whether Democrats are Walmart shoppers, or coffee snobs; both often consider some pipelines more equal than others...

 

 

(Image by Michael Ramirez)

 

Hijacking History

(Image by Steve Breen)

 

Yesterday, many Americans and businesses showed their support of our veterans. 

 

However, even as far back as 2001, some have lost touch of the true meaning of Veterans Day.

 

Mark Steyn commented about this a mere two months after the September 11th Attack in his War and Rememberence article.

 

Fast-forward fourteen years, and the delusional usurpation of our culture has accelerated.

 

But for those of us who still care:  We still appreciate the sacrifices our veterans have made on our behalf.

 

(Image by Ken Catalino)

 

Honoring Veterans Day

(Image by William Warren, found on pics Happy Veterans Day Quotes)

No Jihad to See On the Shrinking Horizon

(Image by Chip Bok)

While I was down with a cold last week, I still managed to scan the headlines.  I've certainly had worse illnesses and injuries, so I could have wrote more timely posts.

But I noticed right away, each story that caught my eye, or the attention of my friends, followed the same tiresome trajectory, which sapped my motivation for writing more timely posts:

Someone goes on a shooting/stabbing spree in public shouting "Allahu Akbar!"

Chances are good in this post-9/11 world that the perpetrator is a guy named Mo.

Mo, as in Mohammed.

Then we're told by officials and the media that, while they're trying to ascertain the perpetrator's motive, they're 100% certain it had nothing to do with Islam.

And these types of "assurances" are being peddled all over the civilized world, such as Euro-leaders claiming terrorists, like this one, aren't trying to sneak into their homelands.

Mark Steyn wrote about the shrinking horizon.  That is a world of interconnected "green(ish) zones." 

But why bother with distant shores when enemies are already inside the Ramparts of Civilization--and yet we're still being told there's no Islam to see here.

(Steyn, followed up yesterday with his Jihad On A Tray article).

It's obvious to us like-minded folks as to what's going on.  

It's the bureaucrats, politicians, the media, and about 50% of the voting public that's clueless.

(Image by Ken Catalino)

Of Spammers and Derelict Sites

(Image by Seraphmx)

A few weeks back, I posted about a possible hack attack against my blog.  A week later, I found another litter of spam in my Read List.  I found a solution on-line, and I haven't had any additional issues--yet.  While I posted it on my Stern Rake Studio blog, I forgot to do so on Station WTFO.

My apologies for not posting this soon in order to re-assure readers.

Here's what I found:

 Last week I discovered the Reading List on my blog's administration page was overrun by Indonesian gambling sites. 

In response, I changed my password and filed a complaint with Google, who owns and runs Blogger.

The gambling spam was still in my Reading List the following day, so I fired-off another complaint to Google.

On the morning of the third day, the spam was gone, so I thought my problems were over.

But then a couple days later, I discovered two spam posts from the same Indonesian gambling sites.

This time I Googled "Spam found on Blogger Reading List."  Fortunately, I found a woman who had the same problem two years ago.

The first person to respond told her that the problem wasn't her blog, but one or more of the blogs she had on her reading list.  Spammers hijacked one of the blogs she was following and was using to spam other blogs.

It was like facehuggers infesting a derelict spaceship.

(Image:  The derelict ship in "Alien," found on Electric Shadow)

The recommended solution was to find the infected blog and delete it from her Reading List. 

I was following over 100 blogs.

Was I reading them every day?

No, of course not, but they were blogs I was interested in and would check out some of them when the mood struck me.

So I scrolled through my list.

I found five that were infected.  

However, I didn't just delete the five infected ones--I deleted over 40.  Some of them were from close friends and family.

These blog owners hadn't posted in anywhere from 1-5 years.  I figured sooner or later, these "cyber derelicts" would be too inviting for facehugger/spammers.

There were some I hated deleting, but I didn't want to run the risk of being spammed, or worse, passing along viruses.

(This Halloween-appropriate image found on The Richest: The 10 Most Dangerous Computer Viruses Ever)

Now I scroll down my Reading List every day I log on and scan for facehugger/spammers.