Spam! From: ecardsforfun.net

I received the following e-mail today:

backers digested louse chubby resound
Dear recipient,

Anna L. has sent you a postcard from Cards For Fun.

Your card will be held for 7days.

You may pick up your postcard from the postbox located here

adherers knell refusing privacies numismatic
*************************************

Alternatively you can pick up the postcard by clicking on the link below:

Your ticket number is: 4200132146033862
assimilate rarely Giddings relievers confrontdolphins ingrate objection tacked Hayes
***********************************
Send A Card To Your Friend with Cards For Fun!

My first clue that this was spam was that it says “Anna L” sent it to me, even though I don't know anyone with that name. I also did not recognize the name of the company that the e-mail links to. (I have received other e-cards where the e-mail address of the person sending it was clearly visible in the text of the e-mail, and I recognize it instantly, and the e-card linked to a company website whose name I recognized.)

My second clue was the line “assimilate rarely Giddings relievers confrontdolphins ingrate objection tacked Hayes” and the line “adherers knell refusing privacies numismatic” and “backers digested louse chubby resound”. I don’t know why spam includes ridiculous phrases like this, but no legitimate e-mail should. By the way, these lines are written in the e-mail in text colored so lightly against the white background that you might not even see them, but they did show up on my screen, and of course they showed up when I copied and pasted them into this post.

Finally, I held my mouse cursor over the links in the e-mail to see what the e-mail links pointed to (you can do that if you use Thunderbird for e-mail, go get yourself a copy). They pointed me to ecardsforfun.net/something/something.htm. Rather than click on the link, I typed the ecardsforfun.net and got to their main page. Even at the main page, I was prompted to download a .exe file, which I refused to do. I suspect that had I clicked on the link, the website would have asked me to download the same file.

I have no idea what malicious code is contained in the .exe file they wanted me to download. But I do have a word to describe the people who sent this to me: “bastards”!

Firefox 1.5

Get the latest and greatest Firefox, now featuring:

• A Better Web Experience
• Faster Browsing
• Automatic Updates
• Tabbed Browsing
• Improved Pop-up Blocking
• Integrated Search
• Stronger Security
• Clear Private Data
• Live Bookmarks
• Accessibility
• Customize Firefox
• Next Generation Web Support

Kerosene

Miranda Lambert literally — I mean literally — sets the stage on fire at the Country Music Awards during her performance of her country rock song “Kerosene”. This was an impact performance you are not likely to forget. This hard driving tune tells a very dark story — surprisingly dark for this otherwise bubbly 22-year old singer. “Forget your high society, I’m soakin’ it in Kerosene”, and whoosh, the stage lights on fire. The video of the song, not the CMA performance, is similarly dark, with Lambert dumping Kerosene in an ex-beau’s house and down the middle of the road, lighting it when she finds her ex-beau in bed with another woman. Not your typical music video.

You wonder where the 22-year old Lambert gets this anger from. But this Dolly Parton sound-alike also shows quite a lot of range. Other songs on the CD (also titled Kerosene) range from blue: “Greyhound Bound for Nowhere” and “Bring Me Down” to the innocence of a 10 year old girl talking about life with her 10 year old male friend, in “Me and Charlie Talking”.

Kerosene is definitely worth listening to a few million times, and the video is definitely worth watching.

Venezuela To The Rescue

Venezuela has discounted by 40% up to 8 million gallons of heating fuel to low-income residents in the Bronx and Massachusetts. Imagine that, Venezuela steps in and helps in ways that the US government refused to do.

Joe Kennedy, the chairman of Citizens Energy, one of the organisations that will distribute the oil, said the deal highlighted the failure of oil companies in the US and the Government to step in to help. “Our government has made billions of dollars just this year on the royalty payments the oil companies pay to the Government,” he said. But when it is a question of poor Americans, “what do we hear from Washington? Sorry boys. There’s no money in the till.”

Just mark this down as another failure of the Bush administration, put into the spotlighted by the Venezuelans. (Links via The Left Coaster)

The Yeti Sets Us Straight

An interview with that mysterious creature, the Yeti, serves as a backdrop for the 22nd meeting of the Skeptic’s Circle, hosted at MileZero.

Creationist Quotes Article Out Of Context

Alert the media! This is shocking, disturbing, irresponsible, reprehensible! (And very typical of Creationists…)

Chris Mooney gives a recent example where a Creationist takes a single sentence out of an article, and uses that sentence to support his Creationist (and anti-evolution) beliefs. But in fact, the article goes into depth to show there is a lot of evidence in favor of evolution for this particular feature (echolocation in bats), and never once doubts that evolution happened.

Playing Politics With The Katrina Recovery

Today’s New York Times, my emphasis:

But by Sept. 7, at Mississippi’s request, the disaster zone was expanded as far as 220 miles inland, reaching 32 counties, including several that never experienced sustained hurricane-force winds. The zone eventually reached 47 counties. The disaster area in Mississippi - which is led by a Gov. Haley Barbour, a Republican ally of President Bush's - extends 200 miles farther north than that in Louisiana, which is led by Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, a Democrat who at times criticized the federal storm response.

The Wegmans Mystique

I once wrote that Wegmans is not only the best grocery store on the planet, but the best in the entire galaxy. An article in the Albany (NY) Times-Union shows that others feel that way too. Some quotes:

Saratoga Springs resident Lisa Nagle, 36, admits to striking up conversations about Wegmans with strangers at wedding receptions. The former Rochester resident said she became an evangelist for the chain without even meaning to.
…
If you’re with Von's in (Los Angeles), you’ve not only heard of Wegmans, you’ve probably flown to Rochester to look at some stores.
…
The Wegmans buzz was most recently visible in the Baltimore area, where the company opened its first store in September. On opening day, 15,000 visitors moved through the doors by noon, and police provided crowd control, according to news accounts.
…
Wegmans’ popularity “is not surprising,” said James Kunstler of Saratoga Springs, author of The Geography of Nowhere, a sharp critique of sprawl. “They’ve discovered that shopping is entertainment and they do it fairly well.”
…
Everyone — Krogers, Publix, — has heard of Wegmans, and they treat it with a kind of awe.

Support The Troops!

Watching the national debate over the last few years, I have learned what “Support The Troops” really means. It means “how dare you criticize this country’s leaders?”

But it also appears to mean you can call decorated servicemen cowards, traitors, or “staff puke”, because if you do that it’s okay, you are can still accuse others of not supporting the troops.

And the same government that wants us to “Support The Troops” has failed to support the troops by:

• taking away health care benefits from servicemen, and denying disability benefits to those who truly deserve it
  
• being unable to properly arm those soldiers currently fighting in Iraq, despite the fact that we have now been in Iraq for over two years
• making some soldiers pay for their own body armor
  
• entering into a war without adequate planning or without adequate troop levels
• entering into a war with no plan to bring about its termination other than “stay the course”
  

Comin’ To Your City

We loved Big & Rich’s first CD, A Horse Of A Different Color. Their second effort was eagerly awaited, and now we can report that Comin’ To Your City does not disappoint. The music fits clearly into the “not your daddy’s country music” style, borrowing liberally from hard rock, southern rock, and even rap music. And each song has something noticeable and memorable about it. We particularly love Big & Rich (and Gretchen Wilson and Cowboy Troy) remaking “The Star Spangled Banner” into a song entitled “Our America”, which includes short musical breaks into which certain memorable phrases from our country’s birth and our democracy, such as “… with liberty and justice for all …” You really have to hear it to appreciate the brilliance of what Big & Rich have done here.

I have to report a complaint as well. In the lyrics of the title song, we hear: “Oh and Chippewa is where we go when we’re up in Buffalo…” Well, anyone who has ever lived in Buffalo knows that Chippewa Street is where the hookers hang out. Now is that what Big & Rich really meant, they go down to Chippewa Street for the hookers? Apparently so, as I learned by watching the video to this song. You would think that there was something else Big & Rich could have found in this beautiful city (yes, Buffalo is a beautiful city) to appreciate — chicken wings for example?

Sony Copy Protection Problems

We’ve already blogged about the problems with Sony Copy Protected CDs. Do not put them in a Windows based computer. For the latest on this issue, read what Michael O’Hare has to say:

We need a new, short pithy word for “unbelievable! no, it’s really, completely unbelievable!” I’m tired of saying the phrase and others like it, but it seems lately I have to every time I look at a newspaper. UNOIRCU? Unwarkoo...maybe workable...

All the not-so-technical details follow. (Link via Political Animal)

Badonkadonk

I really enjoy that new song by Trace Adkins “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”. But what does “badonkadonk” mean? When faced with any new slang, Urban Dictionary is the place to turn. And thus, I know the meaning of badonkadonk. And I think I have seen quite a few Honky Tonk Badonkadonks in my time.

Hilary’s Squeaky Clean Image

Hilary Duff has promised to keep her image clean. So what was she doing recently at the premiere of a porn movie? Will she stay squeaky clean? Stay tuned!
Tags: Hilary Duff

It’s Like Deja Vu All Over Again

Another questionable Ohio election? Apparently so. Statewide electoral propositions that were highly favored by voters in pre-election polling went down to huge defeats. And surprise! Diebold electoral machines, which are easily hacked according to a recent GAO report, and which produce no paper trail of votes, were used in 40 of Ohio’s counties.

It’s time we demanded a paper trail on all voting and voting machines with the highest levels of security, so that we can have confidence in the vote.
Tags: Voting Machines, Elections

Sony Sued Over Copy Protection Scheme

Sony has been sued for placing malicious software on your computer when you insert a Sony Copy Protected CD into a Windows computer. More here and here.
Tags: Sony

Take Your Meds, Pat!

Looney Pat Robertson issues threats on behalf of the Lord:

I’d like to say to the good citizens of Dover. If there is a disaster in your area, don’t turn to God, you just rejected Him from your city. And don’t wonder why He hasn’t helped you when problems begin, if they begin. I’m not saying they will, but if they do, just remember, you just voted God out of your city. And if that’s the case, don’t ask for His help because he might not be there.

First, its good to know that the recent trial in Dover, Pa. over Intelligent Design Creationism is really truly about God himself and not about science as the Creationists claim; according to Pat Robertson, it’s about religion and not science.

But, Pat, I want to correct one of the other big lies that you just told. The people of Dover did not reject God. They did nothing of the sort. I’d be willing to bet that the vast majority of them truly embrace God, despite their recent vote to remove from office all of the school board members who voted for Intelligent Design Creationism. What they were saying is that God simply doesn’t belong in science class. I suspect that this is too obvious a point for Pat Robertson to comprehend.

PZ Myers has more comments about Robertson’s speech:

I like it. The message is clear, it’s not hard to figure it out…Christianity is like an extortion racket, see, and if you don’t cough up, well, Lew here might have a little accident with your car, or your house, or your little girl. And then Mr Big wouldn’t be able to do nothin’ for you. He doesn’t mean nothing by it, he likes you, see, but if you don’t show him a little respect, you can’t expect him to trouble himself with your worries, OK? Me and Vinnie’ll be by tomorrow, and you will have that little donation ready.

Tags: Pat Robertson

More On Sony’s Diabolical CD Copy Protection

Computer Associates is releasing a software tool that will eliminate the Sony Copy Protection software that is secretly installed on your computer when you play a Sony Copy Protected CD.

According to Computer Associates, the Sony software makes itself a default media player on a computer after it is installed. The software then reports back the user’s Internet address and identifies which CDs are played on that computer. Intentionally or not, the software also seems to damage a computer’s ability to “rip” clean copies of MP3s from non-copy protected CDs, the security company said.

“It will effectively insert pseudo-random noise into a file so that it becomes less listenable,” said Sam Curry, a Computer Associates vice president. “What’s disturbing about this is the lack of notice, the lack of consent, and the lack of an easy removal tool.”

John W. at J-Walk has a list of Sony CDs that will install this abusive technology on your computer. John W. advises us: “It’s not a complete list. To be on the safe side, just don’t buy Sony-BMG CDs.”

Oh No! Hilary’s A Stick Figure

Hilary Duff has gone on a diet. And although the results aren’t as shocking as Oprah Winfrey’s diet, Hilary does indeed resemble a stick figure.

Hilary, you see, has always been a very attractive girl. She was attractive despite the fact that she was not a stick figure (and she certainly wasn’t plump) like so many other teenage girl stars are. So what do I think of the new, thinner, Hilary? If you ask me, this is not an improvement. She does not look as attractive this way as she used to look. She is now way too thin. She almost looks like she is suffering from anorexia or bulimia.

It’s odd that Hilary has risen to be one of the most popular teenage girl stars ever, and yet she thinks she needs to change tihngs up. She also has promised that she would never "sex up" her image like other female stars have done (see: Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan). I wonder if Hilary's promise is about to go by the wayside.
Tags: Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff Launches Blog

Well, it’s about time, Hil! We really want to know what you think of those Carolina Panther cheerleaders and stuff. We are dying to get to know you! Show us what kind of person you are! Inquiring minds want to know!

Here’s a sample from Hilary’s Blog:

I love New York City. They have the best shopping in Manhattan. Shopping for clothes and make-up is one of my favorite things to do. I love just strolling down Madison Avenue and going to the beautiful stores. Another cool place I like to shop is down in SoHo. It’s trendier and the people are really down to earth.

Doesn’t that make you salivate for more?
Tags: Hilary Duff

The Same Voting Problems As 2004

Oliver Willis points to a story in which several Viriginia citizens tried to vote for the Democratic party candidate for governor, and the electronic voting machine repeatedly indicated that the vote was for the Republican candidate.

This happened in 2004 with electronic voting machines as well. Now, it may turn out that there are an equal number of instances where the vote was for the Republican candidate and the machine indicated that the vote was for the Democratic candidate. One would have to conclude that this the designers of the electronic device were guilty of incompetence of the highest order. For something as important as the vote, this is unacceptable, to be charitable.

But I don’t recall such stories about how Republican voters ran into this particular problem. Could it be that the electronic voting device is somehow rigged in favor of Republicans? I don’t know ... but there is sure-fire way to find out. Force the makers of these devices to turn over their software and hardware for independent validation and verification. Has this been done? No, of course not. And so the impression remains that there is something to hide. And for something as precious as our right to vote, this type of secrecy is unacceptable, to put things mildly.

I have used computers and touch-screens for many years now. I know that the banking industry has developed their computer systems and touch-screens to the point that I have extremely high confidence in them. I know that if I touch the deposit button, I will not be charged with a withdrawal of the same amount. I know that the receipt I get protects me, and protects the bank as well. Such confidence should be mandatory in an electronic voting machine, and such safeguards (like that receipt from the bank) also should be mandatory.

We continually hear about voting problems as described above. In addition, we read a recent GAO Report showing serious security lapses in the software. I have no confidence in the system. My state, New York, may be on the verge of an historic mistake by not allowing counties to purchase voting machines that provide a paper trail, replacing old clunky but very secure mechanical voting machines. When I voted in 2004 using the mechanical machines, I was very confident that my vote would be properly recorded. Next time around, I don't think I will have much confidence at all.

The reluctance of our legislators to demand a secure and trustworty voting system is repulsive. The very foundation of our democracy is at stake.

Food Blogs!

Here is the big list of Food Blogs. I particularly enjoyed the naming of the blogs; one of my favorites is Holy Shitake. (Link via Dispatches from the Culture Wars)

Things That Are Wrong

Words speak louder than actions? That’s wrong, that’s backwards. But that’s exactly what President Bush wants us to believe. He says “We do not torture”, although there are clearly multiple documented instances of torture of prisoners and his own Vice President argues strenuously to try to prevent anti-torture legislation.

Are electronic voting machines hopelessly compromised to the point where we cannot trust them? Over at Fact-esque, we are horrified to read summaries of a 107 page GAO report that details overwhelming security flaws in current electronic voting software and hardware. Says Fact-esque: “This is the issue. There is no other issue. If we’ve lost the vote, and I believe we have, then we have lost everything. If we have even lost a crucial percentage of the vote, as we’ve seen in the last three elections, then we have lost everything. That means no poll matters. No protest. No letter to the editor. No GOTV effort. Nothing.”

Anti-war sermons at churches are at risk of losing their tax exemption; but pro-war sermons at churches do not appear to have been targeted by the IRS. (Link via The Washington Note)

Also wrong: Intelligent Design Creationist Michael Behe, claiming the mantle of science but actually being extremely closeminded. From the plaintiff’s summation in a Pennsylvania trial about Intelligent Design Creationism: “Professor Behe’s testimony and his book Darwin’s Black Box is really one extended insult to hard working scientists, and the scientific enterprise. For example, Professor Behe asserts in Darwin’s Black Box that ‘the scientific literature has no answers to the question of the origin of the immune system’ and ‘the complexity of the system dooms all Darwinian explanations to frustration.’ I showed Professor Behe more than 50 articles, as well as books on the evolution of the immune system. He had not read most of them, but he confidently, contemptuously dismissed them as inadequate. He testified that it is a waste of time to look for answers about how the immune system developed.”

Finally, in the wrong column tonight we find Terrell Owens, and also the media that can’t seem to tear themselves away from this moron’s story. (Sorry, no links here, they are not deserved)

Impeachment

Steve Soto lays out the case for impeachment of President George W. Bush. It is becoming more and more incontrovertible that Bush used evidence that he knew was false in his certification to Congress. To top it off, 53% of Americans say Bush should be impeached if he lied about the evidence leading up to the Iraq war, according to a poll by Zogby International.
Tags: George W. Bush, Impeachment

In Case You Missed The Latest Bog Snorkeling Results...

Here are the latest results from the World Championships of Bog Snorkelling in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales (sponsored by Ben & Jerry’s). (Link via Improbable Research)

Astronomer Copernicus Believed Excavated

A skull with a scar matching that of Nicolas Copernicus was unearthed in a Polish cathedral. Copernicus was an important figure in the scientific revolution in the 17th century, and is considered to be the founder of modern astronomy. He was one of the first to develop a theory in which the sun was the center of the solar system. Copernicus was condemned by Pope Paul V for publishing this theory. (Also, read about the unearthing of Galileo’s remains).
Tags: Nicolas Copernicus

Someone Had To Do It, Part 2

As long as we are on the subject of comprehensive railroad websites, check out CSX Photo Archives. Photos of almost every CSX locomotive! Here’s a picture of my favorite CSX locomotive, number 812. Which one is your favorite?

Tags: Railroad

Someone Had To Do It

You have to wonder why people put up comprehensive websites on very obscure topics. But, if you want to see photos of all Amtrak stations in the United States, well, have I got a website for you! Visit USA Rail Guide. It not only has multiple photos of each station, but it tells you what trains stop there and gives a local map and the state flag! As I said, you have to wonder why...

Tags: Railroad