Flaw in OS X Could Allow Hackers to Retrieve Scrambled Data

Reuters: "LAS VEGAS, July 29 (Reuters) - A Mac security expert has uncovered a technique that hackers could use to take control of Apple Inc (AAPL.O) computers and steal data that is scrambled to protect it from identity thieves.

Prominent Mac researcher Dino Dai Zovi disclosed the software flaw at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas, one of the world's top forums for exchanging information on Internet threats.

About 4,000 security professionals are in attendance, including some who are really hackers. While experts ferret out software flaws to fix them and protect users, hackers use the same information to devise pranks or commit crimes."

Is Apple Afraid of Google?:

"Everyone's afraid of Google (Nasdaq:GOOG).

Look at the iTunes App Store. Thanks to thumb-suckers at AT&T (NYSE: T) and Apple (Nasdaq:AAPL), iPhone owners won't be given access to Google Voice -- a worthless and apparently arbitrary gesture, sinceSkype for iPhone is still alive and well. (And one of my favorite and most-used applications.)

At least Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) and Yahoo! (Nasdaq:YHOO) have good reason to be afraid. For years, they've been lagging The Big G in search and search advertising. Now, they're teaming up."

Apple Issues iDisk App for iPhone:

"Apple has released its long-awaited MobileMe iDiskapplication for the iPhone and iPod touch. It's available for free download from the App Store."

Apple + Record Labels = 'Cocktail'

Apple is reportedly teaming up with record labels to offer iTunes users a greater incentive to buy whole albums as opposed to single tracks. The offering could include album artwork, liner notes, and music videos.

Record labels make most of there money off album sales, single track purchases do not offer the same margin the albums in their entirety.

Yahoo Financial Reports

Reuters Reports

Forbes Reports the Rest of the Story

Oscar Maryer Wienermobile crashes into Wisconsin Home.

original article here

"MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. – One southern Wisconsin homeowner is probably not in love with the Oscar Mayer wiener. The famed hot dog'sWienermobile crashed Friday into the deck and garage of a home in Mount Pleasant, about 35 miles south of Milwaukee.

Police said the driver was trying to turn the Wienermobile around in the driveway and thought she was moving in reverse. But she instead went forward and hit the home. It sat in the driveway as if it were stuck in the garage Friday afternoon.

No one was home and no one was injured. No citations were immediately issued.

Both the home and vehicle suffered moderate damage, which Oscar Mayer spokeswoman Sydney Lindner says insurance will cover.

Police hadn't been able to speak to the homeowner as of early Friday evening."

Pres. Obama Checking Out the Ladies

President Obama likes to look, but he needs to remember not to touch. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy takes a gander too. We never claimed to elect perfect men.

Update:

The bum that President Obama was checking out belongs to a 17-year old Brazilian girl, New York Post Reports.

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July! Everyone should take moment today and remember those who fought for our independence and our way of life!

God Bless America!

Buddy Holly's Death More Significant Than Michael Jackson's

The first thing that I need to say is that Michael Jackson's death is significant. He was a great talent and pop icon. As a performer he will be missed. However, his personal life was not something to be desired and will most likely taint his legacy.

That being said, Buddy

Holly's death was more significant than Michael Jackson's. Buddy was born in 1936 and he died in 1959. He was only 24 years old when the plane that was carrying him, Richie Valenz, and the Big Bopper went down. The next day there was only a small note in the newspaper the following day. I would argue that Buddy's death is more significant for the following reasons:

1. Buddy was a true musician. He wrote, arranged, played, and recorded all of his own music.

2. He gave us a truly unique sound, no one previously had sounded quite like he did.

3. He was a pioneer. Buddy was the first artist to use orchestral arrangements in "rock n roll".

4. Buddy crossed racial boundaries before many other artists. One of Buddy's first major shows was at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, at which he received a hugh ovation.

5. Buddy died at the young age of 24, he did no

t have the chance to become more of an icon. He was robbed of time.

While Michael Jackson had several of these attributes, he did not

embody all of them to the extent that Holly did. Michael should be remembered as a great performer, but not a great musician.

I would also like to put out the idea that it would have been better for Michael's legacy had he died soon after the release of thriller. If this had been the case there never would have been the other side of Michael.

One last point, when Buddy Holly died celebrities did not capture the publics attention as much as today. Holly did not have the opportunity to become an icon because of the lack of exposure. I truly believe that people today are more attached to celebrities than in 1959.

Are Girls Evil?

I found a great set of math equations that tries to prove girls are evil. I'll let you be the judge.

Billy Mays Found Dead

Billy Mays, star of the show Pitchmen on the Discovery Channel, was found dead by his wife in his Florida home.

Police are reporting that there are no signs of forced entry or foul play at this time.

Billy's wife Deborah has stated, "Although Billy lived a public life, we don't anticipate making any public statements over the next couple of days. Our family asks that you respect our privacy during these difficult times."

Billy was known for his in your face, rhythmic style. He stood behind his products and his family, actually having them help pitch a few of his products.

I personally enjoyed watching Billy, he always made me want to buy whatever he was selling. His show with Anthony Sullivan on the Discovery Channel was a weekly staple for me as well. One of the best reality shows on the market.

Billy was known for the following products:

OxiClean,
Orange Glo,
Kaboom,
Engrave It,
Handy Switch,
iCan,
Mighty Mendit,
Mighty Putty (regular) &
Mighty Putty Wood,
Hercules Hook,
AwesomeAuger,
Steam Buddy,
Zorbeez,
Big City Slider Station,
The Ding King,
ESPN 360,
Energize,
Impact Gel Insoles,
Omni DualSaw,
Jupiter Jack,
What Odor?,
Soap-A-Dub-Slop Stopper,
Tool Bandit,
SIMONIZ Instant Shine,
SIMONIZ fix it! (regular) &
fix it! PRO,
Gopher,
Samurai Shark,
Grater Plater,
Ragazzi's Pizza, and
Green Now!

Our thoughts and prayers got out to the Mays family.

Twitter

Twitter - The Evils of Communication

Questions abound about Twitter:

1. What is twitter exactly?

2. Why use twitter?

3. What is the marginal utility of twitter?

4. Why only 140 characters?

5. Do people actually read tweets?

6. How does twitter make money?

7. What makes you tweet?

This is just the beginning of a laundry list of questions that can be asked about twitter. It is my goal to answer these 8 questions so you don't have to.

1. What is twitter exactly?

According to twitter's website: Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

Now that you know the formal definition of twitter, I'll tell you what it truly is. Twitter is evil. Plain and simple. It is one more way for people to know what I am doing. I'm not looking for 500 stalkers (twitter calls these people: followers). Sad to say I do have a twitter (you might call me a hypocrite at this point).

2. Why use twitter?

You shouldn't. I remember a day when no one had cell phones. I remember a day when I didn't know what my friends were doing all of the time. I remember a time when I had to call a landline and ask them. Technology has taken true communication out of the equation. We are now limited to 140 characters (more on this later). Technology is making life easier, but it is also dumbing down our society.

3. What is the marginal utility of twitter?

The marginal utility of twitter is diminishing. There is a point when twitter, because of it's lack of true purpose, will no longer be a useful form of communication. This follows the law of diminishing marginal utility. Simply stated the more of something you get the less you actually want. If you try to eat 100 oreos within a 20 minute period of time, the 100th oreo will taste like poo. For twitter to maintain its popularity it will have to remain innovative. I know that twitter has a team of highly educated college dropouts locked in a room brainstorming on ways to remain innovative.

4. Why only 140 characters?

Why are we limited? I thought technology was suppose to inspire creativity. There is a chance that limiting people to 140 characters will actually increase creativity, but I'm afraid this will only be for a few individuals. My best response is to ask another question: What if I need more than 140 characters to communicate my message?

5. Do people actually read tweets?

Yes and No. People glance at tweets, they don't "read" them. People read books, newspapers, blogs, and websites. tweets are too short to read.

6. How does twitter make money?

Investors. As of yet twitter does not make money off you. The biggest question for twitter and investors is: How will twitter make money in the future? Facebook and Myspace make money off the ads placed on your page.

7. What makes you tweet?

I don't know. That is something you will have to answer for yourself. I think people tweet because twitter is the latest and greatest for the time being.

Jack Dorsey, the creator of twitter, is a smarter man than me. There is no denying this truth, he has taken a simple idea and sold it. His idea has made him richer than most will ever be. I might not like twitter, but it has caught the attention and imagination of our country and the world.

Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett Both Dead

This morning at 9:30 Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer. She stared on the hit television show 'Charlie's Angels' and was a 70s icon.

This afternoon Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest. He was 50. Michael was known as the "King of Pop" and had 13 number one singles during his solo career. He was also inducted twice into the Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame.

SC Gov Admits to Affair

South Carolina Republican Governor Mark Sanford has admitted to an affair with an Argentinean women. He has spent the last few days down in Argentina "crying".

I honestly did not read everything about this affair, nor do I know much about Gov. Mark Sanford. But, I do know that this is not acceptable for any politician, I don't care if you are a Mayor, Governor or President (Clinton).

The Republican Party should not allow this man to remain in any position of authority within the party. He should not be allowed to run for President in 2012. The people of South Carolina should not re-elect him. Top Conservatives and Republicans should denounce his actions.

Health Care Part 1

I found a great website which weighs a few of the pros and cons of Universal (government sponsored) Health Care.

You should know that Pres. Obama and Congress are currently debating what Universal Health Care should look like. Unfortunately with a Democrat controlled Congress it does not look as though they will actually debate the merits of Universal Health Care.

More to come...

News....I'm Back

President Obama stiffened his foreign policy towards Iran....for now. Mr. Obama has finally condemned the violence that has been taking place in Tehran and other parts of Iran since the Presidential Election on June 12th 2009.

Why is Nancy Pelosi so concerned with the environment when there are plenty of other problems facing our country? The House is set to vote on an environmental bill on Friday.

AT&T has released a new App. AT&T Navigator (app store, free). But watch out, AT&T will charge you a monthly for this turn by turn gem. $10 bucks a month. The app weighs in at 2.3MB, better than some other apps coming in at over 1GB.

That's all for now, check back for more.

Why Barack Obama is Ignorant

I am constantly told that President-Elect Barack Obama is an intelligent person. The media praises him for his brilliance. The Democrats heap worshipful comments on him. But....I don't buy it. I will not drink the kool-aid that they are serving and neither should you.

Before the man even takes office he is involved with a scandal from his hometown. Chicagoland, a place for family and corruption.

I can't wrap my brain around the idea that America elected this man to be our next president. We are being lead by crooks and criminals. Frankly I'm scared for our future.

As I'm sure all of you are aware that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat. TRYING TO SELL Barack Obama's Senate seat. What makes Obama ignorant is that instead of immediately demanding that Blago resign he said that he had nothing to do with it. INSTEAD of calling for Blago's resignation, Obama denies involvement. To me this screams guilt.

Blago was looking for upwards to $1 million dollars for the seat and an executive position with a major corporation for his wife. The amazing thing about all of this, he doesn't care that he is being investigated and brought up on charges. Arrogant! His arrogance amazes me.

I'm sure that this is just the tip of the iceberg. I would not be surprised if more information surfaces about Obama's connection to the whole thing.

Just this morning Obama's top advisor Rahm Emmanuel has denied to answer questions about the investigation. There is now speculation that he is one of the aids heard laughing in the background of taped conversation about the open senate seat.

Here are some other reasons why Obama is ignorant:

1. His denied and then accepted association with William Ayers, known terrorist.

2. He once accepted and now denies association with Jeremiah Wright, bigot and racist.

3. He is surrounding himself with politicians from one of the most politically corrupt cities and states in the country.

4. He chose Hilary Clinton to be Secretary of State. Do we need more of this women?

5. He is a closet socialist. Just admit it.

Someone needs to tell President-Elect Barack Obama that you will be associated with your friends. If you don't want to be viewed as corrupt, racist, radical, a liar, or anything else with a negative connotation don't befriend people who are those things.

Barack Obama a Natural-born Citizen?

I don't know if Barack Obama is a natural-born U.S. citizen. I don't know if John McCain is a natural-born U.S. Citizen. I haven't seen either of their birth certificates personally.

This is a copy of Barack Obama's birth certificate. To my untrained eye this looks like a legit certificate. However, with technology today there is always the chance that someone faked this document. There is always room to be skeptical. I think it is healthy to have a certain level of skepticism. But there is a line.

The Supreme Court has said it will not hear a case challenging Obama's citizenship. This case was brought by a New Jersey man, Leo Donofrio. Donofrio also claims that John McCain is not a natural-born U.S. Citizen. The court has made no comment about it's decision.

The question that we need to decide before a case is heard is what constitutes a natural-born U.S. Citizen?

1. Is it someone whose parents are both U.S. citizens already?

2. Is it someone born on U.S. soil?

3. Can you be a natural born U.S. citizen if you were born to U.S. Parents on foreign soil?

4. Can you be a natural born U.S. citizen if you are born in the U.S. to foreign parents?

5. If you are born on a U.S. military base in Japan to a U.S. father and a Japanese mother are you a natural-born U.S. citizen?

These are tough questions to answers because our constitution does not give us clear direction as to what a natural-born U.S. citizen is, it is left open to interpretation. Therefore, we rely on the Supreme Court to make that decision for us (Marbury v. Madison). That is why I believe that the Supreme Court should hear this man's case, it would give us precedent as to what it means to be a natural-born U.S. citizen.

O.J. Simpson Goes to the Big House

It is about time. This man is a prime example of getting away with murder. He did it. He thought he could fool the justice system again, but he was sorely mistaken.

He pleaded with the judge. He apologized to the judge. But she had already made her mind up what the sentence was going to be. He is going to serve a minimum of nine years and a maximum of 33 years.

I know the judge and Fred Goldman said this has nothing to do with the murder committed 13 years ago, but you could see in their eyes that it did. Everyone knows he killed his wife and Ron Goldman.

However, he is not going to jail for murder. He was found guilty of robbery and kidnapping with a deadly weapon, among other charges. The judge expressed her view that O.J. was both stupid and arrogant because he felt he did nothing wrong.

Enjoy your time in prison O.J. and do us all a favor, don't try and appeal this case. You committed the crime, now you should do the time. By the way, don't drop the soap.

Top 5 Books for Those New to Politics

If you are new to politics you need to read these books. They will make you think and hopefully question our government.

1. What's So Great About America? by Dinesh D'Souza.

This is an excellent read for anyone who is questioning whether or not America is a great country.

2. Bias by Bernard Goldberg

Within the pages of this book the author explores the liberal bias within the mainstream media. Don't fool yourself it is present. Mr. Goldberg himself is not a conservative, he tends to be liberal on certain issues, which he talks about in the book. He does however notice that liberals to have control of most mainstream media outlets.

3. Slander by Ann Coulter

A humorous look at the tactics of the extreme left-wing of the Democratic Party. Be ready to take it with a grain of salt.

4. Give Me a Break by John Stossel

This book is amazing. It is an easy read, written in language that even your 5th grader can understand. John Stossel is the king of exposing scams. He promotes the idea of competition and a personal responsibility. It's about time someone did.

5. The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison

This is the most difficult to read and understand, that is why it is at the bottom of the list. However, I would say this is the most important book of the five. The book is really a series of essays written to promote the new Constitution and the idea of Democracy. If you have trouble understanding out constitution these men will explain it.

Please read responsibly and enjoy.

The Iraq War is Hillary Clinton's Fault

Lessons on Government

Presidential Powers: War

The Iraq War is not President George W. Bush's War. It is Hillary Clinton's war and every other Senator and Representative who voted for the war.

I hate to say it, but America as a whole is ignorant. Most Americans have not read or know much about the constitution. Within the pages of our countries most sacred political document the Congress is given the Power to declare war, not the President. The average person on the street will not be able to explain this simple fact. I find this very disturbing.

The President does not have the ability to commit our troops to a conflict for any longer than 60 days without Congressional approval. This comes from the War Powers Act of 1973.

The War Powers Act requires:

1. The President notify Congress within 48 hours of committing our troops
2. The troops may not remain for more than 60 days without:

• a. Congressional Approval or
• b. A Declaration of War

This Act was introduced to help bring an end to the Vietnam Conflict (started by a democrat). The Vietnam Conflict is not technically a war because we never declared war on Vietnam.

President Bush did seek out a declaration of war from Congress and it was almost unanimously given. Congress had the ability from the beginning to avoid war with Iraq, but they chose military action instead. They also have the ability to end the war now, but they have chosen to stay. (Keep in mind the Democrats have controlled Congress for two years now, these are the guys that say they didn’t want the war. If they don’t want the war, end it.)

You can criticize President Bush for the management of the war; this is something that I have done regularly. President Bush has done a much better job over the last few years, but we would have benefited greatly if he had started the war with this approach. All that to say, calling the Iraq War only President Bush’s is a lie, Congress has their hand in the cookie jar too.

This Newsweek article offers up some good criticism of President Bush. I recommend you read it, I was pleasantly surprised there wasn’t more bias within the pages.

Previous Lesson on Government.

Man Dies In Wal-Mart Stampede

Buying presents is good. Killing people is bad. This is absolutely ridiculous. An employee of Wal-Mart was trampled to death by blood thirsty shoppers. Their greed for toys and good deals knows no bounds. No present or toy or gadget is worth a human life. I am disgusted by the greed that has engulfed our country.

What are your thoughts?


This is the Wal-Mart.

This is the crowd.

Lessons on Government: The Electoral College

Do you know what the Electoral College is?

If you don't then you should keep reading, I'm going to explain it.

First, let me start by saying the President of the United States is not directly elected by the people! The popular vote of the entire nation does not count. This is something that you must understand, many people are under the impression that the popular vote counts for something. Pres. Bush won in 2000 because he had more Electoral votes than Al Gore, Gore won the popular vote by 500,000.

Article II, Section 1 created the Electoral College. Each state will have the same number of Electors as Senators and Representatives. For example, Texas has 2 Senators and 32 representatives, this means that Texas has 34 electoral votes.

Now if the Texas popular vote sways towards John McCain, then he will get those 34 electoral votes. There is a total of 538 electoral votes.

How many votes does it take to win the Presidential Election?

A majority. That means half + 1. In other words, 270 electoral votes wins the election.

It is possible to become president and only win 11 states. Here is what you need to win:

California (55 votes)
Texas (34)
New York (31)
Florida (27)
Illinois (21)
Pennsylvania (21)

Ohio (20)
Michigan (17)
Georgia (15)
New Jersey (15)
North Carolina (15)

With these 11 states you will have 271 electoral votes. Of course this could change depending on the mobility of the population.

What if there is a tie?

If both candidates receive 269 votes each then a tie breaker must happen. This will go to the House of Representatives. In the tie breaking vote each state will get 1 vote. A majority is again required, which means 26 votes. However, the house is only voting on who becomes president.

The VP will be chosen by the Senate.

What are the flaws with the current system?

The biggest, most glaring flaw is the lack of concern for the states with a lower population. There is not enough of an incentive for a candidate to visit a state that only has 3 electoral votes.

This is a map of swing vote states. Most of these states have a decent amount of Electoral votes. This map illustrates time and money spent by both John Kerry and George W. Bush during the last five weeks of the 2004 presidential election.

Another problem, what if the people choose a different president. For example, in 2000 Al Gore won the popular vote, but Pres. Bush won the election. Some believe that this doesn't represent the views of the people. All I can say is the founding fathers did not feel that the American people were intelligent enough, at the birth of our country, to decide on a leader for themselves.

Why can't we switch to popular vote?

We haven't switched to popular vote because nobody has given their congressmen enough grief about the current system.

Speak up if you want your voice heard.

Here are some good resources:

NY Times Electoral Page

270 to win

Stay tuned for more Lessons on Government.