Internet Security: The Chinese have Us by the ...

© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
internet security, Firefox, Chinese cyber attacks,.

"When you got them by the nuts, their hearts and minds will follow."

LBJ

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Ever since I got my first virus from having unprotected surfing with an Internet Explorer connected computer, I've been on the security bandwagon. I run an anti-virus program, trojan hunter, and several malware and spyware catchers. All in an effort to keep the bad guys thwarted in their evil attempts to take control of my computer.

Now it seems that not only do I have to fight the Russian mobsters and porn merchants, but the Chinese as well. Whereas the Russians only want to spam e-mails and make or steal money, the Chinese are out practicing Cyberfare (Computer Warfare) for when they decide to try to smoke us. And believe me, it is going to happen sooner or later.

I for one, do not wish to be even the tiniest cog in their machinations.

I keep a close tab on anything Mr BorePatch has to say. BorePatch has regular security updates that are essential, hints and layman's tech talk on a regular basis, and the occasional post that has nothing to do with security, but is fun to read anyway.

First of all, if you are not running Firefox, you are just helping evil doers that are trying to either milk us dry, or ultimately dominate us. It is a ten minute process to download and install Firefox, and quite frankly inexcusable not to be running it. You might as well do it now, and install it while you read the rest of this.

For those of us that are trying to step it up another notch, Borepatch has written a series of articles on the Linux operating system that is the most secure method for running your computer. It is neat, tidy, efficient, and above all secure. Not only that, but there are applications that are identical to all the offerings from Microsoft (Word, Excell, Publisher, etc,etc,etc.), and they are all free! Not only are they free, but they are in used by many professionals in their fields. Open Office is the best known, and the look and feel is so close to MS Office, that you will barely notice the difference.

The first step of course, is to install a version of Linux. BorePatch wrote a series of posts to help you through the process:

Why Internet Security is a Mess, and Why it Matters to You
Why it is Hard to Secure Windows

And finally, the solution and how to:
Using Linux to Increase your Windows Security

I am in the process of partitioning my hard drives for the installation and will report on it as the process evolves.

If I was you, and I cared about what happens in this Nation, I would follow BorePatch and keep up with his suggestions.

Firefox Install Team

But first, install Firefox. Seriously.
Don't force me to come over and do it myself.

Albert

Related Posts:
Which Laptop? Which Linux for It?

Florida Felons Report: Christopher A. Eddy-Captured

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I wasn't on top of this as I was out of town.

"Officer Vann Streety, a 10-year FWC veteran, was shot near the intersection of Satellite Boulevard and State Road 520 in Brevard County.

After Streety stopped Christopher A. Eddy (DOB 05/13/86), of 1214 Applecreek Lane in Rockledge, the officer attempted to arrest Eddy on warrants issued from Brevard County for multiple traffic violations. A struggle ensued during which Streety was shot many times.

Though Streety was wearing a bulletproof vest, he sustained gunshot wounds to his limbs and torso. Streety's injuries are not life threatening."

FWC Release

"Shooting suspect Eddy pleads not guilty.

Christopher A. Eddy offered no details that might explain why he allegedly shot a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer following a traffic stop."

FloridaToday.com

Offers no details? Could it be that he is a worthless piece of human refuse that needs to be disposed of? I mean really, how much contemplation does it really need to answer the question to any reasonable person's satisfaction?

Randolph Hearst would be proud of me...

Albert

America's Future!

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My Son the Soldier

First moments of liberty!

You will have to forgive an old soldier a moment of pride. That's my boy -better make that a man now- Jordan. We are very proud of how well he has made his way through adversity and performed all of his duties in an exemplary manner. He is in the best shape of his life, and full of confidence without arrogance. He now knows what he is capable of and, I am happy to say, appreciates his family all the more!

All together: Bubby, Babygirl, The Bear, and Mom

The Bear and his all too proud Dad!

DAD!!! Not in front of all the guys!

Goodbyes are the hardest part...

He is heading out to Arizona (and arrived safely), where he will continue training at his AIT, (Advanced Individual Training). It is four and a half months of intensive coursework in addition to the Army's new doctrinal approach to combat readiness. In other words, the college campus atmosphere of AIT is no more! It's Afghanistan-centric with constant simulations and readiness training.

We were all pleased as punch to be able to spend time with him and I've decided to surprise Mom and Bubby with tickets to Arizona in a couple of months so they can go see the Bear, and the Sonoran desert of Arizona.

All in all it has been a great experience for the Bear, and a he is now more of a role model to his brother and other young men than he has ever been. I can't express the pride we feel as parents.

Now, maybe we can get him to clean his room a little better...

All the best my friends!

Albert

And All He Did Was Give Him the Finger?

© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles

.I'm just a baby...

"Mano a Mano" with a Gator

This is what I call a real Man!

When Mr Grounds' terrier was grabbed by a seven foot gator, he did the only thing he could think of:

He went hand to hand with the cold blooded saurian. Or hand to jaw as this case is. Grabbing the slimy SOB by the jaws, he drove his thumbs into the gators eyes, forcing the reptile to release his dog.

Not to be outdone, the gator quick reversed the jaw hold and put Mr.Grounds into a fingerlock! Unfortunately the alligator used his teeth, mindful of his weak up body strength and lack of opposable thumbs. Mr Grounds lost a piece of his index finger and ring finger to the sharp teeth of the gator.

There's more to the story at the SunSentinal.com

Best to you all!

Albert

Hunting Merriam's Turkeys: Hints and How-to's

© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles

Grand Slam Tips: The Merriam's Turkey

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For those pursuing any of the National Wild Turkey Federation Slams, finding a great spot to hunt the Merriam's turkey can be a challenge. As we have discussed before, the reintroduction of wild turkeys in Nebraska began in 1959. 28 Merriam's turkeys trapped in South Dakota and Wyoming were released in the Pine Ridge area of Nebraska. Although Merriam's were not native to Nebraska, Pine Ridge was to their liking and in just four nesting seasons, the Merriam's population grew to 3,000 birds!

Further introductions of Rio Grande and Eastern turkeys increased the wild turkey population substantially. This has also had the effect of creating some interesting hybrids. The hybrids tend to be larger and brawnier than their purebred cousins, making them trophies in their own right.

For hunters in the pursuit of a trophy Merriam's turkey, the answer may be hunting the Pine Ridge area of Northwest Nebraska. Located between the Niobrara and White Rivers, the Pine Ridge is a high table top escarpment range where the turkeys are numerous, and the terrain is a challenge.

An escarpment is a natural geological uplift along a fault line or series of fault lines. It is characterized by steep elevations, cliffs, and canyons. It is also accented by the different erosion rates of the assorted geological strata which help in creating ridges and buttes. The Pine Ridge is well forested and in conjunction with the rugged terrain, creates a natural haven for the Merriam's turkey.

The Sandhills of Nebraska
Another premier area for Merriam's turkeys is the Sandhills region in north central Nebraska. The Sandhills region is a fascinating ecosystem that few people are aware of, and supports a thriving family of diverse plants and animals. Created by vast deposits of sand eroded from the Rockies and left there by glaciers, the Sandhills create an undulating topography, with innumerable micro wetlands and ponds between the vegetation covered dunes. It is actually the nation's largest wetland ecosystem and helps to replenish the vast Ogallala Aquifer. It is also the home to mule deer, bison, pronghorn deer, whitetail deer, and elk!

Merriam's tend to congregate through the few drainages that cut through the Sandhills. Most of that land is privately owned so it really is necessary to have an outfitter that can get you access. Turkeys look for tall trees to roost in and the river bottoms provide them. During the days they spend their time foraging throughout the rich dunes and grasslands of the Sandhills.

Clothing revolves around the Nebraska elements, and camouflage. Weather in Nebraska, especially in the spring can be, to put it politely, variable! You can get early spring storms that dump snow on one day, to near summer time temperatures the next. It is important that you dress accordingly. Check the long range weather reports before you leave, and bring appropriate gear in anticipation. Good boots for hiking are a prerequisite in the Pine Ridge area, while waterproof boots are imperative in the potholes of the Sandhills region.

Good camouflage and movement control are prerequisites for success. Turkeys have eyes practically at the top of their skulls, so they don't have to show much of their noggins to get a good look around. Touch base with your outfitter to get a handle on the proper camo pattern to wear. Good camo is an asset, but being still and quiet are more important. Turkeys have keen eyesight and will pick up unusual movements in the proverbial blink of an eye.

Calling is another challenge. The trick is to pick up the local dialect! As it turns out, turkeys have regional differences in their vocalization patterns. Your best bet is to start softly when emulating a hen, and work your way up. Remember, a tom will usually stick with the hen he has, rather than chase the one he can't see. Again, a good outfitter and guide can help you with the particulars. Scott Croner of Nebraska Hunting Company explained the differences in the different types of calls and the different ways to apply them in different hunting conditions and terrains.

Scott also explained to me the different decoy strategies that he employs in the various concessions that he manages and guides on. Hens, junior jakes, and tom decoys are all used in different fashions to entice gobblers into shooting range.

The more I learn about the different turkeys and the paraphernalia that you can get, (Of course I need another box call honey.), the more fascinated I have become by the siren call of the gobbler.

On another note, one of our blogging friends, Rick at Whitetail Woods loves his whitetails, but he is also an avid turkey hunter. He recently posted a quick article on a NWTF Grand Slam that was awarded to Jessica Haack. You can read about it at Whitetail Woods, Grand Slam of Turkey Hunting.

Best regards,
Albert