Monday, March 25, 2013

Monday, March 18, 2013

Nuo Xi (儺戲) from Gui Zhou (贵州)

Chinese New Year, a Time for... Exorcism?

Today people are celebrating the end of a year and the start of another.  With fireworks they scare away the monster called Nian (year).  They eat mooncakes and perform lion dances, and in one part of China, it's time for an exorcism.

This exorcism takes the form of an opera.

In the region called Gui Zhou (贵州), people put on masks; they dance and perform a ritual to banish devils, illness, and poor luck. 

The ritual is called Nuo Xi (儺戲).  It is performed in various regions at various times of year; now, at Gui Zhou, the performance takes place with the accompaniment of a single gong and a single drum.  It is performed upon a single tract of land.

Nuo masks are fascinating and famous.  Some are designed simply to scare away the devils, but others represent characters out of religious literature, like Sun Wukong (Monkey).  The perfomances can last ten or twelve days, and often incorporate stories from classical Chinese texts, like The Three Kingdoms and Journey to the West.

Some more photos of the Gui Zhou Nuo Xi:









And finally, a video:


"Talisman Used to Summon Souls and Lonely Ghosts." - Kāitōng Míng Lù (开通冥路

http://thedaoshichronicles.blogspot.com/2011/10/kaitong-ming-lu-ritual.html

"Talisman Used to Summon Souls and Lonely Ghosts."  Vermilion ink on yellow paper. Light it on fire to activate its magic. It contains instructions to infuse the talisman with power, the phrase "Wandering Ghosts within the Ten Directions," and the invocation,  "Gather together the spirits of both male and female wandering souls from the pathways of the Three Realms, the Nine Endless Nights, the pathways to the Six Main Realms, and the Four Rebirths."
imgimgimgimg

Two Spirits !

readqueer: At age 16, transgender American Indian Fred Martinez became one of the youngest hate crime victims in modern history when he was beaten to death by a man who later bragged about the brutal crime. This documentary tells Martinez’s story. In the process, it illuminates the Navajo two-spirit tradition — which honors individuals who embody both the masculine and the feminine — and demonstrates how ancient values can inform (and improve) modern life. Netflix | Amazon this is so fucking important our gender studies classes need to incorporate Two-Spirit theory/lit/politics if you have the time, please check out Sovereign Erotics: A Collection of Two-Spirit Literature, which is one of the most beautiful books you’ll ever have the pleasure of reading it creates a dialectic of sorts between more traditional forms of American Indian artistic expression and a queering of the sacred also, Qwo-Li Driskill is EVERYTHING

At age 16, transgender American Indian Fred Martinez became one of the youngest hate crime victims in modern history when he was beaten to death by a man who later bragged about the brutal crime.

This documentary tells Martinez’s story. In the process, it illuminates the Navajo two-spirit tradition — which honors individuals who embody both the masculine and the feminine — and demonstrates how ancient values can inform (and improve) modern life.

http://farahjoon.tumblr.com/post/32447394644/readqueer-at-age-16-transgender-...

Our gender studies classes need to incorporate Two-Spirit theory/lit/politics

if you have the time, please check out Sovereign Erotics: A Collection of Two-Spirit Literature, which is one of the most beautiful books you’ll ever have the pleasure of reading. It creates a dialectic of sorts between more traditional forms of American Indian artistic expression and a queering of the sacred: also, Qwo-Li Driskill is EVERYTHING


http://pinterest.com/pin/381750505883910032/


How does an email account get hacked?

http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/scamsandidentitytheft/f/spamemailaddresse...

more:

https://www.google.com/search?btnG=1&pws=0&q=How+do+hackers+access+yo...

  1. Spammers will illegally buy lists of real people's email addresses.
  2. Spammers will use "harvesting" programs that scour the Internet like Google, and copy any text that contains the "@" character.
  3. Spammers will use "dictionary" (brute force) programs like hackers.
  4. You will unwittingly volunteer your email address to dishonest subscribe/unsubscribe online services.
Buying illegal lists of real people's email is surprisingly commonplace. Dishonest employees of ISP's will sometimes sell information that they take from their work servers. This can happen on eBay or on the black market. From outside the ISP, hackers can also break in and steal ISP customer lists and then sell those addresses to spammers.

Harvesting programs, aka "crawl and scrape" programs, are also commonplace. Any text on a web page that contains "@" character is fair game for these programs, and lists of thousands of addresses can be harvested within an hour via these robotic harvesting tools.

Dictionary programs (brute force programs) are the third means to get spam target addresses. Just like hacker programs, these products will generate alphabetic/numeric combinations of addresses in sequence. While many of the results are incorrect, these dictionary programs can create hundreds of thousands of addresses per hour, guaranteeing that at least some will work as targets for spam.

Lastly, dishonest subscribe/unsubscribe newsletter services will also sell your email address for a commission. A very common unsubscribe tactic is to blast millions of people with a false "you have joined a newsletter" email. When users click on the "unsubscribe" link, they are actually confirming that a real person exists at their email address.

Ques: How do I defend against spammers harvesting my email address?

Ans: There are multiple manual techniques to hide yourself from spammers:

  1. Disguise your email address using obfuscation
  2. Use a disposable email address
  3. Use an email address encoding tool for publishing your address on your website or blog
  4. Avoid confirming an "unsubscribe" request from a newsletter you do not know. Simply delete the email.
Ques: What happens when the spammer gets my email address?

Ans: Spammers feed your email address to their spamming software ("ratware") , and then will often use botnets and falsified email addresses to spam you.

Next: how spammers and ratware users will attack you...

Friday, March 15, 2013

The Senate's 10-Year Iraq War Anniversary Gift: War With Iran !

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamal-abdi/the-senates-10-year-iraq_b_2877459.html

When we mark the grim 10-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq next Tuesday, most Americans will be reflecting on the enormous human, economic, and geopolitical costs that the disastrous war and occupation inflicted.


What they won't be doing is hoping for an anniversary gift from the people who got us into that war.

But Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and many of their Senate colleagues are busy wrapping up the perfect gift for a country who has been through everything: a new war of choice in the Middle East with Iran.


Senator Sessions recently addressed an audience on Capitol Hill at an event organized by affiliates of the Mujahedin-e Khalq, a radical Iranian exile group that was considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. until late last year. Sessions told the audience that, if President Obama took military action against Iran, "he would have great support in the Congress." He received not one but two standing ovations for his remarks. What he didn't mention was that military officials believe a war to end Iran's nuclear program would means "tens of years" of occupation and would make Iraq look like a cakewalk in comparison.


Meanwhile, the Senate is moving forward with an unprecedented resolution calling for the U.S. to provide support for Israeli strikes on Iran in the form military, economic, and diplomatic backing. The resolution, S.Res.65, is rightly being called a backdoor to war with Iran -- a convenient way to plunge the U.S. into war without a messy public debate but instead automatically, based on when Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu decides to pull the trigger.


Senator Schumer, an original cosponsor of the resolution, defended his support for declaring preemptive U.S. backing for a preventive Israel-led war on Iran by offering an argument so riddled with intelligence falsehoods that it would have made George W. Bush blush.


In a letter to constituents, Schumer asserted that the Senate measure is necessary because Iran "continues to enrich uranium into weapons-grade nuclear materials in violation of United Nations resolutions" and that "experts say that the type of fuel that they produce is sufficient to arm a nuclear warhead."


I don't know who are these "experts" that Senator Schumer is talking to, but they don't include the U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Clapper was on the Hill just this week testifying in the Senate about how Iran is still not enriching to weapons grade and has still not made a decision to build a nuclear weapon. Clapper also told senators that, if Iran did make a move to enrich to weapons grade, we would be able to detect it quickly.


The "experts" Schumer is talking to don't just ignore the U.S. intelligence community, they also apparently don't think much of intelligence agencies in Israel or any of the UN Security Council states, or the inspectors at the International Atomic Energy Agency who monitor Iran's nuclear sites. All of these experts are in firm agreement: Iran is not enriching to weapons grade; Iran does not have materials to load into a nuclear warhead; and, just to be clear, Iran would still be years away from being able to assemble and deploy such a warhead.


The overwhelming consensus of these basic facts notwithstanding, there are, of course, real concerns about Iran's nuclear intentions. Which is exactly why the Obama Administration is pursuing verifiable caps on Iran's enrichment through negotiations. Securing such limits on Iran's nuclear work would be a significant but achievable diplomatic accomplishment, and will take time. But the effort is beginning to showing progress, which is why The New York Times -- no dove during the Iraq war push -- called out Congress and the "pro-Israel" lobby AIPAC for pushing measures like S.Res.65 and new sanctions. The Times warns that these measures threaten to upend negotiations, fracture international efforts, and make war more likely. It is clear that some have actually learned the costly lessons from Iraq over the past decade.


While in the buildup to Iraq, the intelligence was being politicized from the inside; in the buildup to Iran, the intelligence is being politicized from outside. Leading up to the Iraq invasion, it was the White House that was heading up the effort to twist the intelligence and selling a public campaign reflecting an imagined reality based on suspicions and ideological agendas. It was Congress that eventually went along for the ride. But what we are seeing now from the intelligence community and the White House is the opposite -- a sober, reality-based analysis of Iran's nuclear program and capabilities, and a serious effort to utilize negotiations to avoid a disastrous war. Instead, it is lobby groups like AIPAC and a broken Congress who are helping dismantle diplomatic options, distorting the intelligence and building up the campaign for war.


If senators cannot be bothered to adhere to the most basic facts about the Iranian nuclear program, it is of little surprise they are okay with outsourcing the decision to go to war with Iran to Israel. But as we reflect on the past decade, the most important way that we can mark this grim anniversary is to make sure we never repeat the mistake of Iraq again and that our elected officials don't take us into war with Iran.

Follow Jamal Abdi on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jabdi

==========
Dear Sir/Madam:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to S.Res.65 and H.R.850--two measures that make war with Iran more likely. As the New York Times editorial board has written, these two measures "could harm negotiations" and "make diplomatic efforts even harder." [Congress Gets in the Way - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/09/opinion/congress-gets-in-the-way-on-iran.html?_r=3&]

I strongly urge you to withhold cosponsorship and to oppose both of these measures, and instead stand up for a negotiated settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue and for serious diplomacy that includes critical issues like human rights.

S.Res.65 would call for the U.S. to support Israeli military strikes against Iran with the promise of American troops, money, and political support should Israel take such action.

Should this resolution pass, the Senate would undercut U.S. civilian and military leaders and signal that the decision for the U.S. to go to war should be outsourced to Israel. The Pentagon reported last year that an Israeli strike on Iran would draw in the U.S. and leave hundreds of Americans dead in the immediate aftermath. The Joint Chiefs of Staff's Chairman, General Martin Dempsey, has warned, "I don't want to be complicit if [Israel] chooses to [bomb Iran.]" Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, "The results of an American or Israeli military strike on Iran could, in my view, prove catastrophic, haunting us for generations in that part of the world", and "such an attack would make a nuclear-armed Iran inevitable.  They would just bury the program deeper and make it more covert."

War would also be disastrous for the people of the U.S., Iran, and Israel. A recent study concludes that strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities would kill 85,000 Iranians. Iranian civil society is warning that war would bury the hopes of the Iranian people for democracy and human rights.

S.Res.65 resolution claims that the United States would back Israel militarily if it were to attack Iran in "self-defense", which Senator Graham has stated means preventive war. It  also misstates the U.S. "redline" regarding Iran's nuclear program--listing the redline  established by Israeli Prime Minister Netanayahu instead of the one stated by President Obama as U.S. policy. 

H.R.850 would impose further broad sanctions on Iran. As the New York Times wrote, the measure "would pile on tougher sanctions just as the two sides are trying to create trust after decades of hostility." Negotiations will require that the U.S. be prepared to leverage existing sanctions in exchange for concessions regarding Iran's nuclear program. Piling on more sanctions only makes this more difficult and threatens to unravel international efforts and derail hopes for preventing war through successful negotiations.

The new sanctions in H.R.850 would exacerbate the medicine shortage now occurring in Iran. Iranians are already suffering under sanctions that are increasingly failing to distinguish between prohibited transactions and permitted transactions for goods like medicine and food. Additionally, Iran's middle class, which has been the backbone of Iran's human rights and democracy movement, are being hit particularly hard by these sanctions--not Iran's government.  Congress should not be passing new sanctions that not only undercut negotiations that are the best hope for preventing war, but also punish the wrong targets in Iran.

We need leadership to prevent war and find a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the standoff with Iran. I urge you to stand up and be on the right side of this debate, and the right side of history by supporting diplomacy. I urge you to strongly oppose S.Res.65 and H.R.850. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

_______________________________
============================
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:h.r.850:

H.R.850
Latest Title: Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013
Sponsor: Rep Royce, Edward R. [CA-39] (introduced 2/27/2013)      Cosponsors (167)
Latest Major Action: 3/4/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.

Text:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c113:H.R.850:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr850ih/pdf/BILLS-113hr850ih.pdf

Oppose Iran War and Sanctions - No on S.Res.65 and H.R.850

via secure3.convio.net

Dear Sir/Madam:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamal-abdi/the-senates-10-year-iraq_b_2877459.html

When we mark the grim 10-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq next Tuesday, most Americans will be reflecting on the enormous human, economic, and geopolitical costs that the disastrous war and occupation inflicted.

What they won't be doing is hoping for an anniversary gift from the people who got us into that war.

But Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and many of their Senate colleagues are busy wrapping up the perfect gift for a country who has been through everything: a new war of choice in the Middle East with Iran.

Senator Sessions recently addressed an audience on Capitol Hill at an event organized by affiliates of the Mujahedin-e Khalq, a radical Iranian exile group that was considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. until late last year. Sessions told the audience that, if President Obama took military action against Iran, "he would have great support in the Congress." He received not one but two standing ovations for his remarks. What he didn't mention was that military officials believe a war to end Iran's nuclear program would means "tens of years" of occupation and would make Iraq look like a cakewalk in comparison.

Meanwhile, the Senate is moving forward with an unprecedented resolution calling for the U.S. to provide support for Israeli strikes on Iran in the form military, economic, and diplomatic backing. The resolution, S.Res.65, is rightly being called a backdoor to war with Iran -- a convenient way to plunge the U.S. into war without a messy public debate but instead automatically, based on when Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu decides to pull the trigger.

Senator Schumer, an original cosponsor of the resolution, defended his support for declaring preemptive U.S. backing for a preventive Israel-led war on Iran by offering an argument so riddled with intelligence falsehoods that it would have made George W. Bush blush.

In a letter to constituents, Schumer asserted that the Senate measure is necessary because Iran "continues to enrich uranium into weapons-grade nuclear materials in violation of United Nations resolutions" and that "experts say that the type of fuel that they produce is sufficient to arm a nuclear warhead."

I don't know who are these "experts" that Senator Schumer is talking to, but they don't include the U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Clapper was on the Hill just this week testifying in the Senate about how Iran is still not enriching to weapons grade and has still not made a decision to build a nuclear weapon. Clapper also told senators that, if Iran did make a move to enrich to weapons grade, we would be able to detect it quickly.

The "experts" Schumer is talking to don't just ignore the U.S. intelligence community, they also apparently don't think much of intelligence agencies in Israel or any of the UN Security Council states, or the inspectors at the International Atomic Energy Agency who monitor Iran's nuclear sites. All of these experts are in firm agreement: Iran is not enriching to weapons grade; Iran does not have materials to load into a nuclear warhead; and, just to be clear, Iran would still be years away from being able to assemble and deploy such a warhead.

The overwhelming consensus of these basic facts notwithstanding, there are, of course, real concerns about Iran's nuclear intentions. Which is exactly why the Obama Administration is pursuing verifiable caps on Iran's enrichment through negotiations. Securing such limits on Iran's nuclear work would be a significant but achievable diplomatic accomplishment, and will take time. But the effort is beginning to showing progress, which is why The New York Times -- no dove during the Iraq war push -- called out Congress and the "pro-Israel" lobby AIPAC for pushing measures like S.Res.65 and new sanctions. The Times warns that these measures threaten to upend negotiations, fracture international efforts, and make war more likely. It is clear that some have actually learned the costly lessons from Iraq over the past decade.

While in the buildup to Iraq, the intelligence was being politicized from the inside; in the buildup to Iran, the intelligence is being politicized from outside. Leading up to the Iraq invasion, it was the White House that was heading up the effort to twist the intelligence and selling a public campaign reflecting an imagined reality based on suspicions and ideological agendas. It was Congress that eventually went along for the ride. But what we are seeing now from the intelligence community and the White House is the opposite -- a sober, reality-based analysis of Iran's nuclear program and capabilities, and a serious effort to utilize negotiations to avoid a disastrous war. Instead, it is lobby groups like AIPAC and a broken Congress who are helping dismantle diplomatic options, distorting the intelligence and building up the campaign for war.

If senators cannot be bothered to adhere to the most basic facts about the Iranian nuclear program, it is of little surprise they are okay with outsourcing the decision to go to war with Iran to Israel. But as we reflect on the past decade, the most important way that we can mark this grim anniversary is to make sure we never repeat the mistake of Iraq again and that our elected officials don't take us into war with Iran.

Follow Jamal Abdi on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jabdi
==========
Dear Sir/Madam:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to S.Res.65 and H.R.850--two measures that make war with Iran more likely. As the New York Times editorial board has written, these two measures "could harm negotiations" and "make diplomatic efforts even harder." [Congress Gets in the Way - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/09/opinion/congress-gets-in-the-way-on-iran.html?_r=3&]

I strongly urge you to withhold cosponsorship and to oppose both of these measures, and instead stand up for a negotiated settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue and for serious diplomacy that includes critical issues like human rights.

S.Res.65 would call for the U.S. to support Israeli military strikes against Iran with the promise of American troops, money, and political support should Israel take such action.

Should this resolution pass, the Senate would undercut U.S. civilian and military leaders and signal that the decision for the U.S. to go to war should be outsourced to Israel. The Pentagon reported last year that an Israeli strike on Iran would draw in the U.S. and leave hundreds of Americans dead in the immediate aftermath. The Joint Chiefs of Staff's Chairman, General Martin Dempsey, has warned, "I don't want to be complicit if [Israel] chooses to [bomb Iran.]" Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, "The results of an American or Israeli military strike on Iran could, in my view, prove catastrophic, haunting us for generations in that part of the world", and "such an attack would make a nuclear-armed Iran inevitable. They would just bury the program deeper and make it more covert."

War would also be disastrous for the people of the U.S., Iran, and Israel. A recent study concludes that strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities would kill 85,000 Iranians. Iranian civil society is warning that war would bury the hopes of the Iranian people for democracy and human rights.

S.Res.65 resolution claims that the United States would back Israel militarily if it were to attack Iran in "self-defense", which Senator Graham has stated means preventive war. It also misstates the U.S. "redline" regarding Iran's nuclear program--listing the redline established by Israeli Prime Minister Netanayahu instead of the one stated by President Obama as U.S. policy.

H.R.850 would impose further broad sanctions on Iran. As the New York Times wrote, the measure "would pile on tougher sanctions just as the two sides are trying to create trust after decades of hostility." Negotiations will require that the U.S. be prepared to leverage existing sanctions in exchange for concessions regarding Iran's nuclear program. Piling on more sanctions only makes this more difficult and threatens to unravel international efforts and derail hopes for preventing war through successful negotiations.

The new sanctions in H.R.850 would exacerbate the medicine shortage now occurring in Iran. Iranians are already suffering under sanctions that are increasingly failing to distinguish between prohibited transactions and permitted transactions for goods like medicine and food. Additionally, Iran's middle class, which has been the backbone of Iran's human rights and democracy movement, are being hit particularly hard by these sanctions--not Iran's government. Congress should not be passing new sanctions that not only undercut negotiations that are the best hope for preventing war, but also punish the wrong targets in Iran.

We need leadership to prevent war and find a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the standoff with Iran. I urge you to stand up and be on the right side of this debate, and the right side of history by supporting diplomacy. I urge you to strongly oppose S.Res.65 and H.R.850. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

_______________________________
============================
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:h.r.850:

H.R.850
Latest Title: Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013
Sponsor: Rep Royce, Edward R. [CA-39] (introduced 2/27/2013) Cosponsors (167)
Latest Major Action: 3/4/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.

Text:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c113:H.R.850:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr850ih/pdf/BILLS-113hr850ih.pdf

Look into the eyes of a wolf and see your heart & soul !

"The spirit of the Wolf resides in my soul."

The Final Song

http://indigenouspeople.net/wolf.htm#WolfWeb



His song was ancient and pure. The song of the wind and that of the moon.
The Ancient ones cried when his music faded forever from their ears,
and the children's dreams went sour without his lullaby.

In his music was contained the tales of all that ever was and a longing
for what he knew was never to be. Never again was his kind to travel boldly
and without fear across the great expanse. Respected and revered by all
that heard his song or saw his shadow pass.

His song now a whisper, his bold step but a crawl,
he gathered up his strength to cry one final call.
He sang of sorrow for those who would never know and for those who
knew too well that the song was meant to be.

When the song had ended and the echoes faded away,
all eyes opened to what was lost.
Tears were shed and souls did go astray when they knew
they had gone wrong, but no one stopped to
think of these things... before the Final Song.

============================


Wolves, like the Indian,
choose their mates wisely
and do not part till death;
making the two spiritually entwined.


two spiritually entwined source: geocities page nativevoices - missing

=============

Moon when Wolves run together

Long ago, an old wolf came to that time when
his life on earth could last no longer.

"My people," he said,

"You can follow in my footsteps when the time comes
for you to join me in the skyland."


Then he left the earth, climbing higher and higher,
and each place he stepped the sky filled with stars.

Shunk man-i-tu tan-ka we call the wolves,
the powerful spirits who look like dogs.


When they climb the hills to lift their heads and sing
toward that road of stars, their songs grow stronger as they join their voices.

===========


 


Wolf Ceremony


Story by
Cheif Dan George (1899-1981)


In my song, I appealed to the Wolf to come and preside over us while
I would perform the Wolf ceremony so that the bondage between
my grandson and the wolf would be lifelong.


I Sang.

In my voice was the hope that clings to every heartbeat.

I Sang.

In my words were the powers I inherited from my forefathers.

I Sang.

In my cupped hands lay a spruce seed...the link of creation.

I Sang.

In my eyes sparkled Love.

I Sang.

========

The Strength of the Wolf

The spirit of the Wolf resides in my heart
Mostly peacefully, yet ever wild
Running in time to the blowing wind
Dancing in the clouds that drift in the Heavens.

The spirit of the Wolf resides in my soul
Longing to hear the song of the Great One
Striving to be that which I am in my natural state
Succeeding only because of the Love that the Universe grants me.

St. Peter the Aleut ! [ another side to the Jesuits ]

http://www.allsaintsofalaska.ca/index.php/the-saints-of-alaska/st-peter-the-a...

St. Peter the Aleut

In a letter to Abbot Damascene of Valaam, dated November 22, 1865, Simeon I. Yanovsky, Chief Manager of the Russian Colonies from 1818 to 1820, wrote:

 "Once I related to [Fr. (later St.) Herman] how the Spaniards in California had taken fourteen of our Aleuts prisoner, and how the Jesuits had tortured one of them, to try and force them all to take the Catholic faith. But the Aleuts would not submit, saying: We are Christians, we have been baptized, and they showed them the crosses they wore. But the Jesuits objected, saying No, you are heretics and schismatics; if you do not agree to take the Catholic faith we will torture you. And they left them shut up two to a cell until the evening to think it over.


In the evening they came back with a lantern and lighted candles, and began again to try and persuade them to become Catholics. But the Aleuts were filled with God's grace, and firmly and decisively answered, We are Christians and we would not betray our faith. Then the fanatics set about torturing them. First they tortured one singly while the other one was made to watch. First they cut off one of the toe joints from one foot, and then from the other, but the Aleut bore it all and continued to say: I am a Christian and I will not betray my faith. Then they cut a joint off each finger first from one hand, then the other; then they hacked off one foot at the instep, then one hand at the wrist. The blood poured out, but the martyr bore it all to the end, maintaining his stand, and with this faith he died, from loss of blood!

On the following day it was planned to torture the others, but that same night an order was received from Monterey that all the captured Russian Aleuts were to be sent under guard to Monterey. And so in the morning those remaining alive were sent away. This was related to me by an Aleut who was an eyewitness a colleague of the man put to death and who later escaped from the Spaniards....

When I had finished telling him this, Father [Herman] asked me, What was the name of this tortured Aleut? Peter, I replied, but I cannot remember the other name.


Then the elder stood before the Icon, devoutly crossed himself and said, Holy newly-martyred [Peter], pray to God for us!"

[The above accounts were taken from The Russian Orthodox Religious Mission in America, 1794-1837, with Materials Concerning the Life and Works of the Monk German, and Ethnographic Notes by the Hieromonk Gedeon, St. Petersburg, 1894.]

*Used with permission. Source: Alaska Outreach; An Institution of the Archdiocese of Alaska

Navajo woman challenges Washington Redskins “offensive” name !

http://cronkitenewsonline.com/2013/03/navajo-woman-in-washington-to-argue-aga...


By Michelle Peirano
 
Cronkite News

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Navajo woman was in Virginia on Thursday to argue that the Washington Redskins should not be allowed to trademark what she and other Native Americans see as a racial slur.


“I think enough people have spoken out,” said Kayenta resident Amanda Blackhorse, of the number of people who have called the team name offensive. “One is too many.”


Blackhorse was one of several Indians telling the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that Pro-Football Inc., the team’s parent company, should not be able to trademark the “Redskins.” In a petition first filed in 2006, the group of six plaintiffs said the team’s trademark should be canceled because it is used offensively, a violation of federal law.


But team officials argued that there is not enough evidence to show that the team‘s use of the name is offensive to Native Americans.


Pro-Football Inc.’s lawyer Robert Raskopf said surveys asking Native Americans if they thought the name was offensive did not find significant results, and were filed too late.


He also argued that several dictionary definitions say “redskin” simply means North American Indian, and that only a few dictionaries suggest it should not be used.


Redskins’ General Manager Bruce Allen said the team’s name is more often associated with the good deeds the team has done in the community since its inception.


“I’m extremely proud to be a member of the Redskins,” Allen said. “What we do in the community … helping kids … between the team and the foundation, over 100,000 kids have benefited.”


He said the name and logo are a significant part of the team’s history. The Redskins have had fans “for more than 80 years, and that’s who the team represents,” Allen said.


But Blackhorse said that attitude ignores the damage the word does to Native Americans who still suffer from negative stereotypes.


“It’s gone on so long we are desensitized from it,” she said.


She said she would like to see the name and logo banned entirely, but that the team would still be able to use the name even if it lost the trademark. But it would no longer be the sole producer, Blackhorse said.

This trademark fight is just the latest attempt to get team owners to change the name.


In 1992, another group of Native Americans petitioned the patent office on the same grounds and won. But the team appealed that ruling to U.S. District Court, which found in 2005 that there was not enough evidence against using the name.


Suzan Shown Harjo, a plaintiff in the 1992 case who was at Thursday’s hearing, said the underlying question in both cases is whether team owners are arrogant or ignorant.


“I don’t think they’re ignorant,” Harjo said. “They are ignoring that we are up against so many pressures in Indian Country.”


The name brings up a painful history for Native Americans and keeps that history alive by characterizing them by skin color, which carries a deeper societal implication, Harjo said.


“If it’s permissible to call us bad names in public, it’s permissible to do bad things to our children,” she said.

Blackhorse said she decided to get involved after attending a protest at a Redskins game when she was in college. Her petition was filed in 2006, and it could take another year to get a decision, lawyers said.


“The way our culture was mocked and the things people said to us,” Blackhorse said. “I got to see how offensive the games actually are.


“It’s hard to tell sometimes, but I have met a fair share of people who have been offended by it,” she said.


“And like I said before, one is too many.”

Recant the ‘Discovery Doctrine': Native Americans to new Pope ! "a load of papal bull"

NYDailyNews: Native Americans to new Pope: Recant the ‘Discovery Doctrine,’ which gave Catholics dominion over New World 

A 15th century Catholic decree permitting Europeans to seize Indian land in the New World is a load of papal bull. That was the message Tuesday from the Onondaga Nation, which is calling on the new Pope to revoke the so-called Discovery Doctrine, which evolved from a papal decree written by Pope Nicholas V in 1455. “Now is the time for the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church to extend a hand and talk about these issues,” said Tonya Frichner, the president of the American Indian Law Alliance.

Washington Examiner: Oklahoma Senate passes American Indian Museum bill

The Oklahoma Senate has approved legislation that would transfer management of the unfinished American Indian Museum from the museum's board to another agency. The Senate voted 26-20 for the measure Tuesday and sent it to the state House for consideration. As written, the measure by Republican Sen. Greg Treat of Oklahoma City would make the incomplete Oklahoma City museum a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. But Treat says the bill is likely to be amended to authorize the facility's transfer to the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation.

Fox: Defense: Govt overblowing case by accusing 3 American Indian gang members of racketeering

Three members of an American Indian gang known for terrorizing people in the Upper Midwest used witness retaliation and other tactics to maintain the gang's violent reputation as it operated as a criminal enterprise, a prosecutor said during closing arguments Tuesday at the men's Minnesota trial. But defense attorneys told jurors that prosecutors were overblowing the case, saying gang members may have committed individual crimes, but that there was no evidence to support racketeering charges that alleged the trio was part of a large, organized criminal group.

Yardsellr is closed ! - new site called: CompoundM

For the past three years we have been on an amazing journey together. Yardsellr started as an experiment and grew into a company and a community that weaves buying and selling into the social fabric of the Web. Today we are taking a new direction for our business so I wanted to let you know about the changes we are making.

A few months ago, we began to talk to a few other companies who wanted to borrow our playbook. They wanted to turbo-charge their ecommerce business using the Yardsellr strategies for blending games and social with buying and selling. As we looked at the growth potential and profitability of that business, it became clear that it was a very attractive option. But we knew we couldn’t focus on that business — selling software and services to ecommerce companies large or small — and on our existing Yardsellr business.

Today we are turning our attention 100% to the ecommerce services business and we will be shutting down Yardsellr. This change is exciting and sad at the same time. The team is excited to tackle a new business but we are also sad to say goodbye to Yardsellr. I know many of you have been through transitions like this in your own work, so I am sure you know how we feel.

Our new business — which we are calling CompoundM — will launch in a few weeks. While we get ready for the launch, we will make sure to wind-down Yardsellr the best way possible. If you have bought or sold something, those transactions will all be honored. For more information about the transition see:

Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions at all, please email me at danny@yardsellr.com or for faster answers help@yardsellr.com.

=================

General Information about Yardsellr Sunset

February 4th, 2013 :: Jed

By now, you have probably read the announcement from our Founder & CEO. We are sad to report that we will be closing the Yardsellr marketplace over the next 60 days.

First, we would like to thank our community for all the support, time, effort and hard work at making this a great experience.

In addition to this blog, we have also published FAQs for both Buyers & Sellers.

What does this mean?
Starting today, you will no longer be able to list new items for sale on Yardsellr. All items that were listed prior to the announcement will remain live for 30 days from the time listed.

Yardsellr will fully support transactions made on the yardsellr platform for the next 60 days. Listings will be live for 30 days from the time listed and your Account page can be accessed for 60 days from today. That means, sellers can fulfill orders and input tracking, and buyers can access tracking information and report any issues with a transactions.

What will happen to Listings, Relists and Bulk Listings?
Starting today, you will no longer be able to list new items for sale on Yardsellr. All items that were listed prior to the announcement will remain live for 30 days from the time listed.

We are turning off the ability to relist items, as well as, the ability to use bulk list and bulk relist. If you’d like to keep your listings live, we’d recommend not canceling any listings to edit them during this time. You will not be able to relist your items if you cancel them.

Can I access my Account page?
Yes, you will be able to access your Account page for the next 60 days. During this time you will have full access to your Active, Sold, Unsold and Bought items. For the next 60 days you will have the ability to fulfill or cancel orders, input tracking to be paid, report issues with an order and respond to customers.

I have Photon$, what will happen to them?
You can continue to use Photons$ for any purchase on Yardsellr for the next 30 days.

Additionally, you can give and receive Photon$ Gifts and Boost items for the next 30 days. The value of a Photon$ Gift will not change.

At the end of the 30 days (March 7, 2013), if you have any unused Photon$ Gift credits or Boost credits you had bought, you will be able to claim a refund. We will not be processing refunds before March 7, 2013. Stay tuned for detailed information on how to claim a refund.

Many of the ways that you’re used to winning Photon$ will start to go away today.

There will be no changes made to the Photon$ Pause, so pause ‘em while you’ve got ‘em!

What will happen to the Leaderboards?
Today will be the last day we award points for Leaderboard participation. You can compete for the top spot today and win the stated Photon$ awards. After today, Leaderboards will no longer be available.

Can I continue to Blockify?
Today we will be removing the ‘Recently Listed’ page on Yardsellr. You will, however, be able to blockify items from the homepage, on Block pages and on search results pages. We will be reducing Photon$ awards for Blockifying activities over the next 30 days.

What will happen to the Photon Referral Program?
We will be turning off the Photon$ Referral program today. While including your PAP number in links to Yardsellr will still work, we will no longer be awarding Photon$ for new users, listings or purchases.

What will happen to ‘Giveaways’?
We will not be accepting any new Giveaways. All live Giveaways will run for their full 7 days.

You can continue to play the ‘Find Gus’ game for entries into a Giveaway. Like all Giveaways, we will pay Sellers in Photon$ for successfully completed Giveaways.

What if I have other questions?
If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please see our Buyer and Seller blogs. If you still have questions, please email help@yardsellr.com.

Sincerely,

Danny Leffel
Founder, CompoundM

================

Seller Information about Yardsellr Sunset

February 4th, 2013 :: Jed

By now, you have probably read the announcement from our Founder & CEO. We will be closing the Yardsellr marketplace over the next 60 days.

First, we would like to thank our community for all the support, time, effort and hard work at making this a great experience.

I’m a seller, whats going to happen?
Starting today, you will no longer be able to list new items for sale on Yardsellr. All items that were listed prior to the announcement will remain live for 30 days from the time listed.

Yardsellr will fully support transactions made on the yardsellr platform for the next 60 days. Listings will be live for 30 days from the time listed and your Account page can be accessed for 60 days from today. That means, sellers can fulfill orders and input tracking, and buyers can access tracking information and report any issues with a transactions.

What will happen to LIstings, Relists and Bulk Listings?
Starting today, you will no longer be able to list new items for sale on Yardsellr. All items that were listed prior to the announcement will remain live for 30 days from the time listed.

We are turning off the ability to relist items and the ability to use bulk relist items. You can cancel listings at any point in time, but If you’d like to keep your listings live, we’d recommend not canceling any listings to edit them during this time. You will not be able to relist your items if you cancel them.

Can I access my Account page?
You will be able to access your Account page for the next 60 days. During this time you will have full access to your Active, Sold, Unsold and Bought items. For the next 60 days you will have the ability to fulfill or cancel orders, input tracking to be paid, report issues with an order and respond to customers.

If I sell an item in the next 30 days, will I get paid?
Yes, we will continue to fully support all sales made on the Yardsellr platform. Buyers can continue to purchase any item that is live on the site for the next 30 days and we will support payments and refunds for 60 days from today.

Sellers are responsible to fulfill all orders in a timely manner and provide valid tracking. As always, Yardsellr will pay sellers in the method they’ve chosen (Direct Deposit, PayPal or Check) for all legitimate sales with valid tracking.

Photon$ Gifts & Boost Credits
You can use Photons$ for any purchase on Yardsellr for the next 30 days.

Additionally, you can give and receive Photon$ Gifts and Boost items for the next 30 days. The value of a Photon$ Gift will not change.

At the end of the 30 days (March 7, 2013), if you have any unused Photon$ Gift credits or Boost credits you had bought, you will be able to claim a refund. We will not be processing refunds before March 7, 2013. Stay tuned for detailed information on how to claim a refund.

Many of the ways that you’re used to winning Photon$ will start to go away today.

There will be no changes made to the Photon$ Pause, so pause ‘em while you’ve got ‘em!

Will I still see my items on Facebook?
As you know, we manage a ton of Facebook pages. We will continue to post items which ‘Live’ in a Block to the corresponding Facebook page.

Separately, you will still be able to use the ‘Share’ functionality to share any Yardsellr page or listing to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or via email.

What if I have other questions?
If you still have questions, please email into help@yardsellr.com.

=================

Buyer Information about Yardsellr Sunset

February 4th, 2013 :: Jed

By now, you have probably read the announcement from our Founder & CEO. We are sad to report, we will be closing the Yardsellr marketplace over the next 60 days.

First, we would like to thank our community for all the support, time, effort and hard work at making this a great experience.

I’m a buyer what’s going to happen?
It is important to us that all customers continue to have a great buying experience on Yardsellr. We will continue to fully support all sales made on the Yardsellr platform for the next 60 days.

Buyers can still purchase items currently live on the site. Sellers should fulfill those orders and provide valid tracking. Yardsellr Community and Support will be available for 60 days to support your buying activity and ensure you either receive your item or get a full refund.

I bought an item will I still get it?
Your seller is responsible for fulfilling your order. All of our normal processes will remain in place over the next 60 days to assure you either get your item or receive a full refund.

You will be notified when your seller provides valid tracking when they ship your item. If there are any issues with your purchase, you can ‘Report a problem’ or contact us at help@yardellr.com for the next 60 days.

I have a problem with an order or an item I’ve received, will Yardsellr still help me?
Yes, All of our normal support processes will remain in place over the next 60 days to assure you either get your item or receive a full refund.

If there are any issues with your purchase, you can ‘Report a problem’ or contact us at help@yardellr.com for the next 60 days.

Will I be able to Access my Account page?
You will be able to access your Account page for the next 60 days. During this time you will have full access to your Active, Sold, Unsold and Bought items. For the next 60 days you will have the ability to fulfill or cancel orders, input tracking to be paid, report issues with an order and respond to customers.

I have Photon$, what will happen to them?
You can use Photons$ for any purchase on Yardsellr for the next 30 days.

Additionally, you can give and receive Photon$ Gifts and Boost items for the next 30 days. The value of a Photon$ Gift will not change.

At the end of the 30 days (March 7, 2013), if you have any unused Photon$ Gift credits or Boost credits you had bought, you will be able to claim a refund. We will not be processing refunds before March 7, 2013. Stay tuned for detailed information on how to claim a refund.

Many of the ways that you’re used to winning Photon$ will start to go away today.

There will be no changes made to the Photon$ Pause, so pause ‘em while you’ve got ‘em!

Can I continue to Blockify?
Today we will be removing the ‘Recently Listed’ page on Yardsellr. You will, however, be able to blockify items from the homepage, on Block pages and on search results pages. We will be reducing Photon$ awards for Blockifying activities over the next 30 days.

What if I have other questions?
If you still have questions, please email into help@yardsellr.com.


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Navajo woman challenges Washington Redskins “offensive” name !

Navajo woman challenges Washington Redskins “offensive” name

A Navajo woman was in Virginia on Thursday to argue that the Washington Redskins should not be allowed to trademark what she and other Native Americans see as a racial slur. “I think enough people have spoken out,” said Kayenta resident Amanda Blackhorse, of the number of people who have called the team name offensive. “One is too many.” Blackhorse was one of several Indians telling the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that Pro-Football Inc., the team’s parent company, should not be able to trademark the “Redskins.” In a petition first filed in 2006, the group of six plaintiffs said the team’s trademark should be canceled because it is used offensively, a violation of federal law.

AP: Amid renewed momentum, Native Americans opposing Redskins nickname go before trademark judges

As someone who has spent nearly a third of her life fighting the Washington Redskins nickname, Suzan Shown Harjo had a good laugh when asked about the team’s latest line of defense. Redskins general manager Bruce Allen said last month that it is “ludicrous” to think that the team is “trying to upset anybody” with its nickname, which many Native Americans consider to be offensive.

Redskins, Native American group take name battle to court

The Redskins front office was in court Thursday fighting to keep ownership of their team name. ESPN is reporting that a group of Native Americans wants the team to lose trademark protection for the name “Redskins.” If the court approves the petition any company could profit from using the team’s name. The group hopes that owner Dan Snyder would change the team name to something only his organization could profit from.

Obama signs anti-violence act renewal, extending protection to gays, Native Americans

President Barack Obama signed expanded protections for domestic violence victims into law Thursday, renewing a measure credited with curbing attacks against women a year and a half after it lapsed amid partisan bickering. The revitalized Violence Against Women Act also marked an important win for gay rights advocates and Native Americans, who will see new protections under the law, and for Obama, whose attempts to push for a renewal failed last year after they became entangled in gender politics and the presidential election.

Superintendent of Yakima reservation schools joins U.S. Secretary of Education in bemoaning sequester cuts

Henry Strom, superintendent of the tiny Mount Adams School District on Washington's Yakima Indian Reservation, was one of six school district leaders from around the nation chosen to stand with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Monday to decry sequester-induced cuts to the federal education budget. While most school districts will feel a relatively tiny hit, and not until next school year, some are disproportionately affected by the automatic federal budget cutbacks, triggered by Congressional inaction. Most of those are located on tribal lands or military bases and benefit from extra education money known as federal impact aid.

AP: Council of Michigan Indian tribe OKs gay marriage

A northern Michigan Indian tribal council has voted to recognize gay marriage. The Petoskey News-Review reports that the legislative body of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians made the decision Sunday. The tribe is based in Harbor Springs.

CHART: The Extraordinary Rise Of Native American Casinos

When you think about gambling in America, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Las Vegas. But Las Vegas currently represents just 10 percent of U.S. gaming industry revenue. This is according to a new report from Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Regional commercial gaming accounts for another 47 percent of the industry. The remaining 43 percent: Native American gaming.

Center in OH boosts reclaiming of tribe's language

Daryl Baldwin was born around the time that his Miami Tribe of Oklahoma was losing its last generation of fluent speakers and facing the possibility that its language would die with them. Fifty years later, a project that Baldwin directs at Miami University in southwest Ohio is making headway reclaiming and revitalizing the Myaamia language, through a collaboration that linguists around the country say is an outstanding role model to help save dormant languages from extinction. The collaborative project between the tribe and its namesake university recently became a full-fledged center on the Oxford campus, a move that university and linguists say enhances the project's efforts and expands access to grants and other resources.

Don't use "MacDefender" !

MacDefender pretends to be anti-malware software that detects infections on your computer.


http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20064394-245.html


MacDefender pretends to be anti-malware software that detects infections on your computer.


Macintosh users are being targeted with malware that poses as an antivirus warning and tries to trick people into paying for software they don't need.


This ruse isn't new. So-called rogue antivirus has been hitting Windows machines for years. But this is the first time this type of malware has been written to target the much smaller Mac market.


This FAQ sorts through the facts to help determine how serious the issue really is.


What is the malware?


MacDefender, also known as Mac Security and Mac Protector, is a fake antivirus program that is designed to scare people into thinking that their computers are infected with malware and that they have to pay with a credit card to clean the machine up. People get infected with the rogue antivirus programs when they happen to stumble upon Web sites hosting the malware. The malicious sites are created solely to distribute malware and they are search engine optimized so they will appear high up in search results. They use an image related to a popular news topic as bait to lure people to the site, according to Mac antivirus firm Intego, which warned about MacDefender earlier this month. For instance, one of the sites was in the top five spots this week for searches on "DSK," or Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the French official on the International Monetary Fund who was arrested on sexual assault charges last weekend, according to Intego spokesman Peter James. The malicious sites are taken down and changed from day to day so blocking them is difficult.


How widespread is the malware?


While it's definitely not an epidemic, it does seem to be hitting the radar more than other Mac malware has in the past. Ed Bott at ZDNet reports that an AppleCare support rep told him call volume on the support line was four to five times higher than normal and most of the calls were about the malware. "It started with one call a day two weeks ago, now it's every other call. It's getting worse. And quick," the unnamed source is quoted as saying."

Bott also published what appeared to be an internal Apple document with guidance for support reps when they get calls about MacDefender. It advises reps to not confirm or deny that the software has been installed and not attempt to remove or uninstall any malware software. Meanwhile, Bott reports that he found more than 200 separate discussion threads on discussions.apple.com about the matter, including comments from many who had been tricked into installing the malware. He offers juicy tidbits from those discussions here.


Intego said it had been contacted by a "huge number" of customers worried about the malware, and that it had collected dozens of samples of the code. "The news stories were making it worse because it makes Mac users worried and they are more convinced that the fake antivirus warning is real," Intego spokesman James said in an interview today. "It's a self perpetuating process."


Apple declined to provide comment for this story.


How does it work?


The malware has gone through several changes so depending on the version, the screens and wording may be different. An early version displayed some fake Windows screens, but later versions changed that to use an Apple-type interface. Typically, when you click on one of the malicious images you are directed to a site where JavaScript starts running and automatically downloads the program. A warning pops up saying something like, suspicious activity has been detected on the machine, or Apple Web Security has detected malware on the machine and is offering to remove it. Clicking "ok" launches what looks like a scan of the machine and then you are told that the machine is infected and clicking "ok" launches what looks like a Mac OS installer that then asks you to type in your administrator password for the computer. Doing so installs the malware and displays a process that looks like another scan of the computer and provides alerts on supposed infections. In order to clean up the infections, you are required to provide register your machine and it asks for credit card information, according to Intego.


In other versions, just visiting the site downloads a zip file to the hard drive with a name like "MacDefender" or "MacSecurity" and an extension of .mpkg. If your Mac is set up to automatically open "safe" files, a screen will offer to guide you through the installation process. Clicking "continue" will display another screen that asks for your administrative password and the application is launched. A window will display saying your machine is infected, offering the option of cleaning up the computer if you register and provide credit card information.

After installation, a menu item is added to the Mac OS X menubar. The icon looks like a small orange shield that turns red and flashes when it "finds" viruses. If you fail to "register" and provide your credit card information the malware will start to open up porn pages in your browser in an attempt to spur you to pay. The malware will re-launch every time you log into your Mac thereafter until it is removed. It also does not install a dock icon so it is not easy to close the program and you will need to end the process through the Activity Monitor before removing the malware. Intego created a video demonstration showing how the malware works.


What can I do to protect myself?


Don't visit untrusted Web sites, especially ones that could be preying on a hot news topic. Don't install programs unless they come from a reputable source. Don't supply your administrative password except when you are intentionally installing software from a trusted source. Consider changing your settings so you have two accounts, an administrative account and a regular account for regular surfing. If an installer appears mysteriously, block it from installing. Quit out of odd warnings and pop ups, particularly if the "back" or "cancel" option is not highlighted, by clicking the red dot in the upper corner of the pop-up window. Move any suspicious looking files that appear related to MacDefender from your downloads folder into trash. In Safari under "preferences" uncheck the "open safe files after downloading" box. Consider using antivirus software such as Intego or ClamX AV, which is free. Avoid providing your credit card number through an application. If you have provided your credit card information, call your financial institution immediately and have the card canceled. My colleague Seth Rosenblatt explains how to remove the malware in a blog post. And there is more information on how to protect against MacDefender on the TUAW site and BleepingComputer.com.


Does this mean the Mac is not secure?


No. It means that criminals who used to focus on Windows machines to reach the most potential victims are now targeting Mac too. Around the same time MacDefender first appeared, a new crimeware kit showed up on criminal underground sites that makes it easy to write botnet malware for Mac OSX, according to security blogger Brian Krebs. And yesterday, security researcher Joshua Long argued in a blog post that the Mac App Store is putting users at risk after he found outdated versions of software there, including at least one with a critical security hole.


But others, like blogger John Gruber, insist that the reports that Mac security is taking a hit are mere hype. Ars Technica's Jacqui Cheng talked to a bunch of third-party Mac support specialists who said they had not seen a noticeable spike. She also talked to some Apple Store support staffers who said the opposite, including one who said he had never had to remove a virus or malware from a Mac until this month.


Macs are not inherently more secure than Windows, says security expert Charlie Miller, who has successfully attacked Safari on the Mac in three Pwn2Own contests over the past few years. In the instance of MacDefender, the malware requires user action and does not exploit a vulnerability in the Mac OS. In addition, Macs have built-in antivirus, although that does not appear to be protecting against MacDefender, he added.


"There are about 10 pieces of malware that have been written for the Mac, while Microsoft says that one in 14 downloads (on PCs) is malicious," he said. "So, it's big news because it's rare."


more info:


http://www.google.com/search?btnG=1&pws=0&q=extension+malware&safe=active#hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_rn=5&gs_ri=psy-ab&gs_mss=macintoshextension%20malware&pq=extension%20malware&cp=10&gs_id=8z&xhr=t&q=macintosh+extension+malware&es_nrs=true&pf=p&safe=active&pws=0&sclient=psy-ab&oq=macintosh+extension+malware&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.43287494,d.dmg&fp=a40d5a44b89bf8df&biw=1066&bih=861

New Mac malware poses as PDF doc !

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220232/New_Mac_malware_poses_as_PDF_doc

Computerworld - Security firms today warned Mac users of a new Trojan horse that masquerades as a PDF document.


The malware, which was spotted by U.K.-based Sophos and Finnish antivirus vendor F-Secure, uses a technique long practiced by Windows attackers.


"This malware may be attempting to copy the technique implemented by Windows malware, which opens a PDF file containing a '.pdf.exe' extension and an accompanying PDF icon," said F-Secure today.


That practice relies on what is called the "double extension" trick: adding the characters ".pdf" to the filename to disguise an executable file.


The Mac malware uses a two-step process, composed of a Trojan "dropper" utility that downloads a second element, a Trojan "backdoor" that then connects to a remote server controlled by the attacker, using that communications channel to send information gleaned from the infected Mac and receiving additional instructions from the hacker.


Because it doesn't exploit a vulnerability in Mac OS X -- or any other software -- the malware instead must dupe users into downloading and opening the seemingly-innocuous PDF document, which is actually an executable.


Once run, the dropper downloads the second-stage backdoor and opens a Chinese-language PDF. F-Secure said that the PDF was another sleight-of-hand trick: "[The dropper component] drops a PDF file in the /tmp folder, then opens it to distract the user from noticing any other activity occurring," the company said in a description of the attack.


Both Sophos and F-Secure noted that the malware doesn't work reliably, and currently can't connect to the command-and-control (C&C) server because the latter isn't fully functional.


Mac malware is typically crude in comparison with what targets Windows PCs.


Because the C&C server is not yet operational and since it found samples of the Trojans on VirusTotal -- a free service that runs malware against a host of antivirus engines -- F-Secure speculated that the malware is still in the testing phase.


Although Apple's Mac OS X includes a bare-bones antivirus detector, it has not been updated to detect the just-noticed Trojan dropper or backdoor. Checks of several Computerworld Macs running Lion, for instance, found that Apple last updated its detector on Aug. 9.


Mac users had their biggest malware scare earlier this year, when a series of fake security programs, dubbed "scareware," were aimed at them.


Several antivirus companies, including Sophos, F-Secure and Intego, offer security software for the Mac.

Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at Twitter@gkeizer, or subscribe to Gregg's RSS feed Keizer RSS. His e-mail address is gkeizer@ix.netcom.com.


Read more about Security in Computerworld's Security Topic Center.

=================

Scareware

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scareware


From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Scareware comprises several classes of ransomware or scam software with malicious payloads, usually of limited or no benefit, that are sold to consumers via certain unethical marketing practices. The selling approach uses social engineering to cause shock, anxiety, or the perception of a threat, generally directed at an unsuspecting user. Some forms of spyware and adware also use scareware tactics.

A tactic frequently used by criminals involves convincing users that a virus has infected their computer, then suggesting that they download (and pay for) fake antivirus software to remove it.[1] Usually the virus is entirely fictional and the software is non-functional or malware itself.[2] According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, the number of scareware packages in circulation rose from 2,850 to 9,287 in the second half of 2008.[3] In the first half of 2009, the APWG identified a 585% increase in scareware programs.[4]

The "scareware" label can also apply to any application or virus (not necessarily sold as above) which pranks users with intent to cause anxiety or panic.

Contents

Scam scareware

Internet Security bloggers/writers use the term "scareware" to describe software products that produce frivolous and alarming warnings or threat notices, most typically for fictitious or useless commercial firewall and registry cleaner software. This class of program tries to increase its perceived value by bombarding the user with constant warning messages that do not increase its effectiveness in any way. Software is packaged with a look and feel that mimics legitimate security software in order to deceive consumers.[5]

Some websites display pop-up advertisement windows or banners with text such as: "Your computer may be infected with harmful spyware programs. Immediate removal may be required. To scan, click 'Yes' below." These websites can go as far as saying that a user's job, career, or marriage would be at risk.[6] Products using advertisements such as these are often considered scareware. Serious scareware applications qualify as rogue software.

In recent[when?] findings some scareware is not affiliated with any other installed programs. A user can encounter a pop-up on a website indicating that their PC is infected.[7] In some scenarios it is possible to become infected with scareware even if the user attempts to cancel the notification. These popups are especially designed to look like they come from the user's operating system when they are actually a webpage.

A 2010 study by Google found 11,000 domains hosting fake anti-virus software, accounting for 50% of all malware delivered via internet advertising.[8]

Starting on March 29, 2011, more than 1.5 million web sites around the world have been infected by the LizaMoon SQL injection attack spread by scareware.[9][10]

Research by Google discovered that scareware was using some of its servers to check for internet connectivity. The data suggested that up to a million machines were infected with scareware.[11] The company has placed a warning in the search results of users whose computers appear to be infected.

Spyware

Dialog from SpySheriff, designed to scare users into installing the rogue software

Some forms of spyware also qualify as scareware because they change the user's desktop background, install icons in the computer's notification area (under Microsoft Windows), and generally make a nuisance of themselves, claiming that some kind of spyware has infected the user's computer and that the scareware application will help to remove the infection. In some cases, scareware trojans have replaced the desktop of the victim with large, yellow text reading "Warning! You have spyware!" or a box containing similar text, and have even forced the screensaver to change to "bugs" crawling across the screen.[citation needed] Winwebsec is the term usually used to address the malwares that attacks the users of Windows operating system and produce fake claims as genuine Anti-Malware software.

SpySheriff,[12] exemplifies spyware/scareware: it purports to remove spyware, but is actually a piece of spyware in itself, often accompanying SmitFraud infections. Other AntiSpyware Scareware may be promoted using a Phishing scam.

Another example of Scareware is Smart Fortress. This site scares people into thinking they have lots of viruses on their computer and asks them to buy the professional service.

Uninstallation of security software

Another approach is to trick users into uninstalling legitimate antivirus software, such as Microsoft Security Essentials, or disabling their firewall.[13]

Legal action

In 2005, Microsoft and Washington State successfully sued Secure Computer (makers of Spyware Cleaner) for $1 million over charges of using scareware pop-ups.[14] Washington's attorney general has also brought lawsuits against Securelink Networks, High Falls Media and the makers of Quick Shield.[15]

In October 2008, Microsoft and the Washington attorney general filed a lawsuit against two Texas firms, Branch Software and Alpha Red, producers of the Registry Cleaner XP scareware.[16] The lawsuit alleges that the company sent incessant pop-ups resembling system warnings to consumers' personal computers stating "CRITICAL ERROR MESSAGE! - REGISTRY DAMAGED AND CORRUPTED", before instructing users to visit a web site to download Registry Cleaner XP at a cost of $39.95.

On December 2, 2008, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) filed a Complaint in federal court against Innovative Marketing, Inc., ByteHosting Internet Services, LLC, as well as individuals Sam Jain, Daniel Sundin, James Reno, Marc D’Souza and Kristy Ross. The Complaint also listed Maurice D’Souza as a Relief Defendant, alleged that he held proceeds of wrongful conduct but not accusing him of violating any law. The FTC alleged that the other Defendants violated the FTC Act by deceptively marketing software, including WinFixer, WinAntivirus, DriveCleaner, ErrorSafe, and XP Antivirus. According to the complaint, the Defendants falsely represented that scans of a consumer’s computer showed that it is had been compromised or infected and then offered to sell software to fix the alleged problems. The FTC alleged that the unlawful conduct netted the Defendants more than $100 million. On June 25, 2009, the FTC reached a settlement with two defendants, James Reno and ByteHosting Internet Services, LLC. The settlement required the two defendants to pay nearly $1.9 million to the FTC. The settlement also prohibited James Reno and ByteHosting from using deceptive “scareware” advertising tactics and from installing malicious programs on consumers’ computers.[17] On February 10, 2010 the United States District Court for the District of Maryland entered a default judgment and order for permanent injunction against Jain, Sundin and Innovative Marketing, Inc. that imposed a judgment of more than $163 million. Subsequently, on May 26, 2010, Jain, Sundin and Reno were indicted by a federal grand jury for the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit computer fraud. The indictment alleges that from December 2006 to October 2008, Jain and Sundin placed false advertisements on the websites of legitimate companies. Currently both Jain and Sundin are fugitives and the FBI is offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to their arrest..[18] On January 10, 2011 the FTC reached a settlement with Marc and Maurice D’Souza which resolved the lawsuit brought by the FTC. The settlement required the D’Souzas, who had voluntarily terminated their relationship with the other Defendants at the end of 2006—before much of the alleged unlawful conduct took place, to assist the FTC in obtaining $5 million that was being held in an escrow account and to pay an additional $3.2 million to the FTC.[19]

Prank software

Another type of scareware involves software designed to literally scare the user through the use of unanticipated shocking images, sounds or video.

  • The first program of this type is generally credited[by whom?] to be NightMare, a program distributed on the Fish Disks for the Amiga computer (Fish #448) in 1991. When NightMare executes, it lies dormant for an extended (and random) period of time, finally changing the entire screen of the computer to an image of a skull while playing a horrifying shriek on the audio channels.[20]
  • Anxiety-based scareware puts users in situations where there are no positive outcomes. For example, a small program can present a dialog box saying "Erase everything on hard drive?" with two buttons, both labeled "OK". Regardless of which button is chosen, nothing is destroyed other than the user's composure.[21]
  • This tactic was used in an advertisement campaign by Sir-Tech in 1997 to advertise Virus: The Game. When the file is run, a full screen representation of the desktop appears. The software then begins simulating deletion of the Windows folder. When this process is complete, a message is slowly typed on screen saying "Thank God this is only a game." A screen with the purchase information appears on screen and then returns to the desktop. No damage is done to the computer during the advertisement.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "Millions tricked by 'scareware'". BBC News. 2009-10-19. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  2. ^ 'Scareware' scams trick searchers. BBC News (2009-03-23). Retrieved on 2009-03-23.
  3. ^ "Scareware scammers adopt cold call tactics". The Register. 2009-04-10. Retrieved 2009-04-12.
  4. ^ Phishing Activity Trends Report: 1st Half 2009
  5. ^ John Leydon (2009-10-20). "Scareware Mr Bigs enjoy 'low risk' crime bonanza". The Register. Retrieved 2009-10-21.
  6. ^ "Symantec Security Response: Misleading Applications". Symantec. 2007-08-31. Retrieved 2010-04-15.
  7. ^ JM Hipolito (2009-06-04). "Air France Flight 447 Search Results Lead to Rogue Antivirus". Trend Micro. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
  8. ^ Moheeb Abu Rajab and Luca Ballard (2010-04-13). The Nocebo Effect on the Web: An Analysis of Fake Anti-Virus Distribution. Google. Retrieved 2010-11-18.
  9. ^ content.usatoday.com
  10. ^ reuters.com
  11. ^ "Google to Warn PC Virus Victims via Search Site". BBC News. 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2011-07-22.
  12. ^ spywarewarrior.com filed under "Brave Sentry."
  13. ^ theregister.co.uk
  14. ^ Etengoff, Aharon (2008-09-29). "Washington and Microsoft target spammers". The Inquirer. Retrieved 2008-10-04.
  15. ^ "Microsoft to sue scareware security vendors". Lunarsoft. 2008-09-29. Retrieved 2009-09-24. "[...] the Washington attorney general (AG) [...] has also brought lawsuits against companies such as Securelink Networks and High Falls Media, and the makers of a product called QuickShield, all of whom were accused of marketing their products using deceptive techniques such as fake alert messages."
  16. ^ "Fighting the scourge of scareware". BBC News. 2008-10-01. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
  17. ^ "Win software". Federal Trade Commission.
  18. ^ "Wanted by the FBI - SHAILESHKUMAR P. JAIN". FBI.
  19. ^ "D’Souza Final Order". Federal Trade Commission.
  20. ^ Contents of disk #448. Amiga-stuff.com - see DISK 448.
  21. ^ Dark Drive Prank

Further reading

External links