SECURITY: Why doesn’t the Gooferment mandate not using SMS for 2FA?

Saturday, January 25, 2025

https://www.makeuseof.com/why-sms-2fa-insecure/?user=cmVpbmtlZmpAZ21haWwuY29t&lctg=7e6c3cd411d6a815afa18582d54bd455914c43c5f69df1448b8ec20ee4959f71

Why I Don’t Use SMS for 2FA (and What I Use Instead)
By John Awa-abuon
Published Dec 14, 2024

  •     SIM Swaps Allow Hackers to Steal Your Phone Number
  •     SMS Messages Can Be Intercepted
  •     SMS Is Tied to Your Phone Number
  •     What I Use Instead: Authenticator Apps

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a vital layer of security to your online accounts, but unfortunately, not all methods are created equal. Many people rely on SMS-based 2FA, assuming it’s a safe choice. Unfortunately, SMS is far from foolproof. Here’s why I’ve stopped using SMS for 2FA and what I use instead…

*** begin quote ***

What I Use Instead: Authenticator Apps

Rather than relying on SMS for 2FA, I’ve switched to 2FA authenticator apps. Apps like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) directly on your device, offering a much safer and more reliable alternative to SMS.

The first major advantage of authenticator apps is security. Unlike SMS, these apps generate codes locally on your phone, meaning they’re not transmitted over networks that could be intercepted or exploited. They’re also protected by additional layers of security—many apps require a passcode, fingerprint, or face scan to access the codes.

Another reason I prefer authenticator apps is their offline functionality. Since the codes are generated directly on the device, you don’t need a cellular connection to use them. Whether you’re in a remote area with no service or simply indoors with poor reception, you can still access your codes as long as you have your device.

I prefer Authy over other authenticator apps because it offers cloud backups, making it easy to recover my accounts if I lose my phone. At the same time, it secures these backups with encryption, ensuring that only I can access them. Google Authenticator is another popular choice. Both options are free, widely supported, and easy to set up.

Using an authenticator app is straightforward. Once you’ve set it up, usually by scanning a QR code provided by the website during the 2FA setup process, you simply open the app to access a code whenever you log in. The codes refresh every 30 seconds, so even if someone manages to steal one, it becomes useless almost immediately.

Two-factor authentication is essential for keeping your accounts secure, but the method you use matters. While SMS-based 2FA might seem convenient, it’s riddled with vulnerabilities—from SIM swaps to interception methods and even practical issues like poor cellular reception. These risks make SMS an unreliable safeguard for your online security.

*** end quote ***

The Gooferment politicians and bureaucrats have warned that the phone networks have been hacked.

So why not MANDATE better security.   

Seems simple to me?

—30—

Leave a Comment » | SECURITY | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

NEWJERSEY: Why are phones in schools a NJ State issue?

Friday, January 24, 2025

https://patch.com/new-jersey/southbrunswick/s/j3sj5/5-takeaways-from-gov-murphys-penultimate-state-of-the-state-address

5 Takeaways From Gov. Murphy’s Penultimate State Of The State Address

  • Murphy outlined his priorities to “run through the tape” in his final year in office. Here are some of the highlights:

Michelle Rotuno-Johnson, Patch Staff
Posted Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 4:24 pm ET | Updated Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 4:28 pm ET

*** begin quote ***

Education

As preschool expansion efforts continue around the state, Murphy said he would enact a new law requiring all districts to provide full-day kindergarten, to help set children “on a path to lifelong success.”

While most of the state’s school districts already offer a full-day kindergarten program, some families and children are being “left behind,” he said.

Speaking to the issue of youth mental health, Murphy said he would support a new proposal to ban cell phones from K-12 classrooms and help establish phone-free buildings.

“If you ask just about any educator, they will tell you that mobile devices are a distraction in the classroom,” he said. “They are fueling a rise in cyberbullying. And they are making it incredibly difficult for our kids, not only to learn, but to retain the substance of what they learn.”

*** end quote ***

I fail to see why this is a state issue.  And, besides, it’s controversial.  

Parents and guardians give their children phones for a reason.  It’s reasonable to restrict their use during class time.  BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), that doesn’t mean that the Gooferment should confiscate or technological prevent their use in parent – child communications.

As a tech guy, it’s very easy to kill web-surfing and interactive games during class time.  If you’re low tech, just have a rack of pigeon holes by the classroom door.  If the phone rings, allow the student to put it on speaker and talk to their adult.  (That should take care of that.)

Wasn’t there a recent school shooting that was reported by student with a phone from inside the incident?

Sorry, not a State-wide problem with a one size fits all solution that the Goofermentis famous for.  All because Governor Murphy wants to “run through the tape”!

—30—

Leave a Comment » | NEW JERSEY | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

INTERESTING: Here’s a factoid that must have some rational explanation?

Thursday, January 23, 2025
https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/mortality-death-birthday/2024/04/12/id/1160815/
 
Why You Are More Likely to Die on Your Birthday
By Lynn C. Allison | Friday, 12 April 2024 05:12 PM EDT 
 
​*** begin quote ***
 
The most common theory behind the birthday and death association is that a little too much celebrating may be going on that involves alcohol, says The Guardian. There is also the possibility that terminally ill people view birthdays as survival milestones and tend to pass on the day on either side of it.
 
*** end quote ***
 
Laugh! 
 
Some things are just inexplicable.
 
# – # – # – # – # 
 
“What you do on your birthday you do all year long.”  — Anonymous old proverb
 
Never figured out what that meant.  Does it mean, literally, what ever you do on your birthday, you’ll repeat it over and over again like the movie “Groundhog’s Day”.  Or, maybe that your attitude on your birthday, will carry on through the year.  Or something else.
 
For me, that annual day of introspection leads me to think of the things I wanna change.  Life choices?
 
—30—

Leave a Comment » | INTERESTING | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

RECOMMENDED: Netflix’s ‘Number 24’ asks you the question “what would you do”?

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

https://www.netflix.com/title/81664509

Netflix’s ‘Number 24’

*** begin quote ***

Netflix’s ‘Number 24’ transports the audience to 1940s Norway, where the German occupation incites the Norwegians to form a resistance. While a lot of people join it to fight the Nazi regime and free their country, Gunnar Sønsteby is one of the few who leaves an indelible mark in history with his many acts of sabotage. The film begins with a 90-something Gunnar appearing for a lecture to the youth, who have several questions about his story, which has now become somewhat of a legend in the country. He starts with the times before the war and how drastically everything changed once the Nazis set foot on the streets of Norway.

*** end quote ***

I’m not sure I could have done a fraction of what he did.   I can understand how after the war his comrade became an alcoholic and eventually suicided. 

Watch this if yo9u want to understand what true patriotism means.

Can’t imagine being in those circumstances.

Can you?

—30—

Leave a Comment » | RECOMMENDED | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

RECOMMENDED: Netflix’s ‘Number 24’ asks you the question “what would you do”?

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

https://www.netflix.com/title/81664509

Netflix’s ‘Number 24’

*** begin quote ***

Netflix’s ‘Number 24’ transports the audience to 1940s Norway, where the German occupation incites the Norwegians to form a resistance. While a lot of people join it to fight the Nazi regime and free their country, Gunnar Sønsteby is one of the few who leaves an indelible mark in history with his many acts of sabotage. The film begins with a 90-something Gunnar appearing for a lecture to the youth, who have several questions about his story, which has now become somewhat of a legend in the country. He starts with the times before the war and how drastically everything changed once the Nazis set foot on the streets of Norway.

*** end quote ***

I’m not sure I could have done a fraction of what he did.   I can understand how after the war his comrade became an alcoholic and eventually suicided. 

Watch this if yo9u want to understand what true patriotism means.

Can’t imagine being in those circumstances.

Can you?

—30—

Leave a Comment » | RECOMMENDED | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

PEACE: MLK was Correct about a lot of things — we just didn’t listen

Monday, January 20, 2025

https://www.lewrockwell.com/lrc-blog/mlks-courageous-antiwar-speech/

MLK’s Courageous Antiwar Speech

Joshua Shoenfeld 

<< EDITOR ADDED DATE 2025-01-20>>

*** begin quote ***

One year prior to his assassination, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his powerful antiwar speech, “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” decrying the United States’ genocidal war on the people of Vietnam. King eloquently linked the state-sanctioned oppression of blacks with the suffering that the Vietnamese were enduring in the face of a genocidal onslaught at the hands of the US national-security state. The mainstream media denounced King for speaking out against the war when they should have praised him for speaking truth to power.

*** end quote ***

MLK, Gandhi, various moral philosophers, and religious leaders continue to urge peace.

What the US Gooferment has done in foreign policy is nothing short of war crimes, and foolish interventions.

When will we ever learn?

No money or weapons given away to allow killing and worse.

Argh!

Dona Nobis Pacem

—30—

Leave a Comment » | Peace | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

FINANCIAL: Not so sure about ‘Super Catch-Ups’ for 401(k)s

Monday, January 20, 2025

https://www.barrons.com/articles/401k-retirement-super-catch-up-contributions-e2358dd8?mod=past_editions

How to Make the Most of the New ‘Super Catch-Ups’ for 401(k)s
By Elizabeth O’Brien
Updated Jan 09, 2025, 8:53 am EST / Original Jan 09, 2025, 2:30 am 70EST

*** begin quote ***

Savers in their early 60s can sock away nearly $35,000 in their 401(k) account for retirement in 2025, thanks to the new “super catch-up” rules. The higher contribution limits aren’t a slam dunk for everyone, though, and you may need to make adjustments to other retirement accounts to maximize your savings.

*** end quote ***

Unfortunately behind a paywall.

I’m not so sure that if I was 60 and had 35k$ to spare that any tax deffered savings plan would be the course I would chose.

Tell me what the inflation rate will be between now and say age 70 and that might be a case of getting out “depreciated dollars”.  For the very rich in a high tax bracket, the tax savings MAY offset the loss of “purchasing power”.  Everyone else has to guess what reality will have to offer.

I’m no Warren Buffet By far, I’ve made some great trades and some terrible decisions.

YMMV

I am a firm believe that you can’t trust the Gooferment, its politicians and bureaucrats, or any “celebrity spokesman”.   If you see it on TV, hear it on radio, or read it on the net, then ask “cut bono”.  Who’s paying for the advertisement?  Even if you can see it, some one is getting a cut.

I’m old enough to remember lessons from a family friend who lived thru the Weimar Republic inflation. Wife would go to the old man’s office at lunchtime every day, take whatever he earned that morning, and run out an buy something,  Anything!  When she spoke of it, her hands trembled in fear almost 50 years later.  Who she buy the “right thing”, or anything. Or be left with a handful of worthless paper.  Made a big impression on me.

So where ever you put that “extra” 35k$, make sure it’s money well spent.

I’d select gold rounds, silver rounds, bitcoin, or goldbacks.  Probably some mix of the four.  Take the tax hit now and avoid the “inflation tax”.  Probably be some complex math to say that is “bad advice”, but that would be my choice. 

As always YMMV and faiwwypfi (Free Advice Is Worth What You Pay For It! ?zero?)

See you on the other side to decide if I was more right than wrong.

—30—

Leave a Comment » | FINANCIAL | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

VOCABULARY: ‘future-faking’ — making promises to their partner that they have no sincere intent on making true

Sunday, January 19, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/01/12/lifestyle/psychologist-warns-future-faking-is-subtle-narcissistic-behavior/

Beware ‘future-faking’ — this common relationship behavior is actually narcissistic manipulation: expert
By Eric Todisco 
Published Jan. 12, 2025, 12:49 p.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

Partners who do this should be left in the past.

Los Angeles-based psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula made a YouTube video with a dire warning about “future-faking,” a common manipulation tactic used by narcissists in romantic relationships.

Future-faking involves a person making promises to their partner that they have no sincere intent on making true.

*** and ***

She noted that society “didn’t talk about narcissism until relatively recently in the way that we do now,” so many people who are in their 40s and older “are tolerating toxic relationships but didn’t have any word or model for it.”

*** end quote ***

Interesting that not having word or model for a behavior prevents humans from recognizing it.  Never thought of that concept.  It’s like another “window” in the Johari window Quadrant 3  — “what I can’t see that others can”.  

Have to think about that?

—30—

Leave a Comment » | VOCABULARY | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

RANT: Seems just a tad hypocricial

Saturday, January 18, 2025

https://www.amren.com/news/2025/01/vatican-cracks-down-on-illegal-entry-into-its-territory/

Posted on January 16, 2025
Vatican Cracks Down on Illegal Entry Into Its Territory
Almudena Martínez-Bordiú, Catholic News Agency, January 15, 2025

*** begin quote ***

The Vatican City State has toughened sanctions for those who try to illegally enter its territory in areas where free access is not allowed.

In a decree issued last month by the Holy See, the monetary sanctions and prison sentences for those who violate the strict security regulations of Vatican City have been considerably increased.

The document, signed by Cardinal Fernando Vérguez Alzaga, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, provides for monetary fines ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 euros (about $10,200 to $25,700) and prison sentences ranging from one to four years.

*** end quote ***

Are you kidding me?

Seems very “good for thee, but not for me”.

If the childmolesting clergy wasn’t enough of a turn off, then surely this is!

—30—

Leave a Comment » | Ranting | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

FUN: Cute — a little dumb — what if she said no?

Saturday, January 18, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/01/11/sports/knicks-fan-proposes-to-girlfriend-at-thunder-game/

Knicks fan proposes to girlfriend at Thunder game in OKC: ‘I could have gotten booed’

By Angela Barbuti 

Published Jan. 11, 2025, 9:01 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

Diehard Knicks fan Joseph DeSimone popped the question to his girlfriend Erica Vann on the Kiss Cam in Oklahoma City as the team took on the Thunder in a clash of NBA heavyweights last Friday. 

*** end quote ***

I thought this was funny.  Clearly she might have said “no”.  Not sure what you do then.  Propose to each and every cheerleader.  Even the male ones?  Maybe the mascot.

Anyway it all worked out for the happy couple and I hope they have a long and great life.  One can only hope.  

Maazel Toff!

—30—

Leave a Comment » | FUN | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

GOVEROTRAGEOUS: AT&T “cancels” NY State internet service

Friday, January 17, 2025

https://www.androidauthority.com/atnt-exits-new-york-home-internet-aba-3517417/

AT&T shuts down its home internet service in New York to avoid new broadband law
New York’s affordable broadband act comes into effect this week.
By Rashid Agrawal
13 hours ago << EDITOR ADDED DATE 2025-01-17>>

*** begin quote ***

TL;DR

  •     AT&T has announced it will end its home internet service in New York, effective January 15.
  •     The decision comes in response to the state’s Affordable Broadband Act.
  •     The law requires internet providers to offer low-income households broadband plans priced at $15 and $20.

AT&T has announced that it will cease offering its 5G home internet service in New York State. This drastic decision, first reported by CNET, comes in direct response to the state’s landmark Affordable Broadband Act (ABA), which mandates that internet service providers offer low-income households significantly cheaper internet plans. (h/t: Ars Technica)

*** end quote ***

Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerk strikes a blow for cheap internet for “the poor”.

One problem: AT&T picked up their tech and moved out.  Big middle finger to the Comunists who think their diktats have power.  Nah, nah, de nah.  

Did the politicians and bureaucrats expect this?

More and more businesses are pushing back.  I cite PornHub’s departure from certain southern States.

Finally, Ma Bell grew a set.  Where were they when Judge Green and DOJ were breaking up the finest phone system in the world?  The casualties were Bell Labs, a million employees, and untold numbers of investors who lost their collective shirts.

Argh!

Time to squeeze Gooferment back in a very very small box.

It really only has a few limited Constitution duties  —  protect against external aggression, foreign relations, and keep the States from interfering in interstate commerce.

States have more lattitude, but no guarantee that they won’t do stupid <synonym for excrement> like this.

What’s next the Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerk “diktat” that AT&T phones can’t handle calls in NY?

Argh!

—30—

Leave a Comment » | GOVEROTRAGEOUS | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

NEWJERSEY: “We”, the middle and working-class families, need to keep the politicians and bureaucrats focused on our priorities

Friday, January 17, 2025

https://nj1015.com/california-fire-disaster-wake-up-call-new-jersey-is-next-without-action/?lh_aid=84349&lh_cid=01rk6ndmqt&di=668253fd18d5308e2c5357c98b931ee1

California fire disaster wake-up call: New Jersey is next without action
Bill Spadea
Published: January 10, 2025

*** begin quote ***

The bottom line is that we need to keep the environmental wackos in check so that we are managing our forests, keeping our reservoirs filled and stopping overdevelopment, which has a negative impact on water pressure and infrastructure potentially making it much harder for firefighters to do their jobs.

The state needs to encourage and empower local fire departments to recruit young people into the departments and eliminate harmful mandates that keep recruiting down.

All firefighters, both volunteer and career, should receive free cancer screening and Chapter 78 pension reform should be struck down until overall insurance costs are brought down.

*** and ***

Politicians in Trenton want to pit public workers against the private sector as if it’s us vs. them. What they have completely wrong is the “us” in the equation are all middle and working-class families, whether you’re working the public or private sector. The “them” in the equation are the back-room Trenton insiders who have been profiting on our backs for far too long. It is the real us vs. them and it’s time we hold them accountable and take back Trenton government for us.

*** end quote ***

I think that Bill Spadea is absolutely correct about the “us vs. them”.  Too long we have allowed politicians and bureaucrats to pit us against each other.

In this particular case, the Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerzee can learn from the California fires without having to experience them personally.  Same as floods, let’s take “lessons learned” and transform them into positive actions.

We have fires here in New Jersey every year.  (Remember the Garden State Parkway being closed by smoke recently.)  Where is the plan to mitigate and control.

We have floods here in New Jersey every year.  (Remember the town named Bound Brook. It’s for a reason.)  Where is the plan for that.

We have an “insurance cancellation” problem here in New Jersey every year.  (Remember the various harror stories about being cancelled for a stained roof or dilapidated shed?). Where is our plan for eminent domaining properties that are repeatedly flooded?  Or no coverage to rebuild in disaster zones. And, certainly not rebuilding mansions at the shore repeatedly covered by flood insurance. How about state wide “insurance pools” run like credit unions?

Let’s not let the politicians and bureaucrats lull us back to sleep with vague promises only to be reawakened by disasters.

Argh!

—30—

Leave a Comment » | NEW JERSEY | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

HEALTHCARE: Hospitals are deadly; never forget it

Thursday, January 16, 2025

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/12/13/hospitalization.aspx?ui=f9839516412491bb1e06c9e47058c6fb81b9b9b6acedf03e65e93dfdb263c1b9&sd=20210317&cid_source=dnl&cid_medium=email&cid_content=art1ReadMore&cid=20241213&foDate=false&mid=DM1672472&rid=183055644

What Makes Hospitals So Deadly and How Can We Fix It?
Analysis by A Midwestern Doctor

December 13, 2024

  • Throughout COVID-19, abysmal hospital care and the suppression of effective off-patent therapies killed approximately a million Americans. Much of this originated from Obamacare pressuring hospitals to aggressively treat patients so they could quickly leave the hospital and reduce health care costs
  • More frail patients respond poorly to aggressive protocols, resulting in them frequently being pushed into palliative care or hospice. Sadly doctors are no longer trained to gradually bring their patients back to health, and hence view many of those deaths as inevitable
  • During COVID-19, hospitals enforced rigid protocols centered around remdesivir and ventilators while denying alternative treatments, even in cases where patients were likely to die — in one striking example, patients who received court-ordered ivermectin had a 95% survival rate compared to just 5% for those denied it
  • Current medical training emphasizes following standardized protocols rather than practicing individualized medicine, with younger doctors being trained to execute procedures rather than critically examine cases and adjust treatment plans for each patient
  • In this article, we will review some of the forgotten medical therapies that dramatically improve hospital outcomes and highlight some of the key strategies patients and lawmakers can use to reduce hospital deaths

*** begin quote ***

During COVID-19, we witnessed something previously unimaginable. A national emergency hospitalized thousands of Americans, where they were cut off from their loved ones and inevitably died. It soon became clear that the hospital protocols did not work, but regardless of how futile conventional care was, patients in our hospitals could not get the alternative therapies they needed.

This led to a sobering realization throughout America — what many of us believed about our hospitals was utterly incorrect. Rather than help patients, hospitals effectively functioned like assembly lines that ran disastrous protocols (e.g., remdesivir), denied patients access to their loved ones and refused to use alternative therapies even when it was known the patients were otherwise expected to die.

This was best illustrated by a travel nurse who was assigned to the New York hospital with the highest death tolls in the nation and realized something very wrong was happening throughout the hospital so she covertly recorded it:

{Extraneous Deleted}

*** end quote ***

It’s hard to imagine that a system that is based on “first do no harm” can deliver such an abominable result.

A plague on all their houses,

Clearly, the system needs to dismantled  and reassembled.

And, some trials and tribunals to assess blame and punishment.

Surely, McDonalds needs fry cooks.

—30—

 

Leave a Comment » | Healthcare | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

ENCOURAGING: Getty Museum team had their game plan payoff

Thursday, January 16, 2025

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14268629/Getty-museum-fire-prevention-karen-bass.html

Simple steps taken to prevent Getty Museum burning down. Why didn’t Karen Bass do the same?
By BRITTANY CHAIN FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
Published: 18:44 EST, 9 January 2025 | Updated: 19:10 EST, 9 January 2025

*** begin quote ***

While most of the Pacific Palisades has been reduced to ash and rubble after it was caught in the path of the devastating California wildfires, the iconic Getty Museum is still standing after implementing a simple routine. 

The museum’s successful efforts to keep the fire at bay begs the question: why didn’t Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass use similar tactics to protect homes and land? 

*** end quote ***

Sounds like the Getty Museum leadership had their game plan and worked it.

All the politicians and bureaucrats are scrambling to blame someone else.  Just once, I’d like someone stand up and say: “I made a mistake but we will not make that one again.”  Maybe they won’t get praised for the mistake, but they can serve as an object lesson.

The Getty Museum team demonstrated that if you do the job, excuses are not needed.

Impressive. Easy to succumb to complacency until it’s too late. Wonder if any lessons are being learned anywhere else?

Old maxim is: “You don’t have to pay for EVERY lesson yourself.  You are allowed to learn from the mistakes of others.”

Leave a Comment » | ENCOURAGING | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

POLICY: It seems that Gooferment is consistently bad across the ages

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

https://petermcculloughmd.substack.com/p/like-lahaina-la-was-warned-in-2018?publication_id=1119676&post_id=154433547&isFreemail=true&r=3snn7d&triedRedirect=true

Like Lahaina, LA Was Warned in 2018

Little investment made in fire prevention since the Woolsey Fire of 2018.

John Leake

Jan 08, 2025

*** begin quote ***

A letter from Pliny the Younger to the Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century touched on this perennial issue:

    While I was making a progress in a different part of the province, a most extensive fire broke out at Nicomedia [now Izmit, Turkey] which not only consumed several private houses, but also two public buildings; the town-house and the temple of Isis, though they stood on contrary sides of the street. The occasion of its spreading thus far was partly owing to the violence of the wind, and partly to the indolence of the people, who, manifestly, stood idle and motionless spectators of this terrible calamity. The truth is the city was not furnished with either engines, buckets, or any single instrument suitable for extinguishing fires; which I have now however given directions to have prepared. 

Just as Lahaina was warned in 2018, Los Angeles was warned by the Woolsey Fire—which ignited on November 8, 2018, burned 96,949 acres, and destroyed 1,643 structures—of the sort of catastrophes that are likely to occur when conditions are dry and windy. As was the case in Lahaina, it appears that what passes for leadership in Los Angeles made little to no investment to prevent the same kind of disaster from happening again.

To preserve civilization from natural disasters, it is necessary to make considerable investment in infrastructure and human resources, even if such investments do not yield a significant profit for any particular business interest.

It is also necessary to invest in good leadership. The Roman Emperor Trajan was an extremely capable soldier and administrator, and Pliny the Younger was a gifted lawyer, writer, and magistrate. 

*** end quote ***

I remember one snowstorm in NYC when I was young that the entire Brough of Queens was snow bound for weeks.  And, that swung the entire mayoral election as Queens’ residents almost entirely voted as a bloc against the incumbent.

I guess things haven’t changed since the early 2nd century.  Gooferments suck at infraructure.  And, its care and maintainence too.

Wonder how “We, The Sheeple” fix this attention failure?

Guess before we vote for a politician, we better look for a track record of attention to such details.

Or, we’ll be disappointed with results again.

Maybe there should be a “system” of promotion  —  you can’t be a county executive unless you have been a mayor.  Or you can’t be a governor unless you’ve been a good mayor.  Only governor should be Presidents.  Only a Representative should be a Senator.

Might be worth trying!

—30—

Leave a Comment » | Policy | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

RANT: And now we all know why  Pfizer wanted the data hidden for 75 years!

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

https://kirschsubstack.com/p/pfizers-secret-documents-reveal-that?publication_id=548354&post_id=154381843&isFreemail=true&r=onvra&triedRedirect=true

Pfizer’s secret documents reveal that their COVID vaccine actually made you 8.7% more likely to get COVID

  • Buried in the documents that Pfizer wanted hidden from public view for 75 years there was a table that revealed that their vaccine actually had negative efficacy.

Steve Kirsch

Jan 08, 2025

*** begin quote ***

Pfizer tested all participants in their Phase 3 trial for N-antibodies. The results were kept hidden from the public. It was only through court order that we finally know what the results were.

Do you think they would have kept this data secret from the public if it showed good news? Heck no!

The table showed that Pfizer only had around 50% protection if you just take the table at face value. But if you interpret the table correctly, it shows Pfizer had negative efficacy.

*** end quote ***

And now we all know why  Pfizer wanted the data hidden for 75 years!

It ain’t because it showed why we needed their “vaccine”.

I’d like some heads on pikes!  From Pfizer, the Gooferment bureaucrats, and the politicians. Pfizer has immunity from damage suits by Federal diktat.  But DJT47 can make that go away FOREVER.

My biggest concern is what I call the “thalidomide effect” where side effects aren’t known for generations later.  Argh!

I think it’s time for public trials.  And, Pfizer should be give a corporate “death sentence”.   Like Enron, their stock value should go to zero.  If nothing else, 100% corporate tax on all past profits from this pseudo-vaccine.  

Argh!

—30—

Leave a Comment » | Ranting | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

PHILOSOPHY: “Find joy” where ever you are and when ever you can

Monday, January 13, 2025

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/understand-other-people/202011/birthday-musings-life-is-learning

Beverly D. Flaxington
Understand Other People
Education
Birthday Musings: Life Is Learning
Seven practical insights.
Posted November 6, 2020 

*** begin quote ***

6. Find joy. 

It’s so easy to get down and out about what you don’t have. Things have changed dramatically in the world and in each of our lives these last few months. Dealing with isolation, sickness, loss of a job, or worry about how to pay the rent seems to permeate everywhere. These are real issues and they need attention and support, but even in the midst of the darkest days, there is joy to be found.

Are you breathing? Does your physical body work reasonably well to get done what you need to? Do you have even one reliable friend? Are you able to walk outside and feel the breeze, smell the air, and watch a bird fly? Joy is the emotion that comes quickly and often fleetingly, but in the midst of turmoil, it’s worth trying to glimpse it as often as you can.

*** end quote ***

Well, I’m not sure about any of the other 6 but I guess “Find joy” where ever you are and when ever you can is a good one. 

In retrospect, it’s all too easy to see all of our “mistakes”.  But like they say “hindsight is 20/20”.  

“That Which is Seen, and That Which is Not Seen”  — Frédéric Bastiat

We can’t see what might have been.

“It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not weakness, that is life.” – Jean-Luc Picard

“… checked the Eternal Possibilities Machine, which generates all the possibilities for use in creating the alternative worlds. In all those probability lines …” CHURCH 10●19●62 (Vol 1) 978-0-557-08387-9 page 45

Laugh!

One can only remember that at the time, you made a decision  — consciously or unconsciously  —  it was the “best choice” you could see at the time.

So there are no “mistakes”; only choices that worked out badly then as judged now.

Sigh!

So the philosophy going forward is “carpe diem” and don’t look back except for heuristics (“rules of thumb”) that can be useful in the future.  For example, don’t kiss metal poles in the winter.  Laugh!

Argh!

Ahh time is the thief that steals our life.

—30—

Leave a Comment » | Philosophy | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

NEWJERSEY: We have to get tought on career criminals

Sunday, January 12, 2025

https://mybeachradio.com/ixp/385/p/2-serial-burglars-caught-robbing-new-jersey-homes-police-say/

2 serial burglars caught robbing New Jersey homes, police say
Rick Rickman
Published: January 7, 2025

*** begin quote ***

PERTH AMBOY — Police say they’ve connected a pair of New Jersey men to home break-ins across North and Central Jersey.

Mohammad Abdeljawad, 41, of North Bergen, and Elias Abreu, 38, of Jersey City, face burglary charges, the Paramus police said on Saturday.

Court records showed the recent charges were connected to Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, and Middlesex Counties.

*** and ***

In 2012, Abreu was charged with burglary and was ultimately sentenced on a third-degree theft charge, according to state records.

Then in April 2020, he was arrested along with five other people — police accused the group of conspiring to steal packages from a Hoboken building and sell them.*** end quote ***

And what are their immigration statuses?

Why are they not in prison?

If they are “citizens”, were they born here?  If so, shame on us.  If not, their “citizenship” should be revoked and deported.  If they come back, emprison them then deport them. 

We have to get tought on career criminals!

—30—

Leave a Comment » | NEW JERSEY | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

GUNS: When trouble happens, 911 is a long time away

Saturday, January 11, 2025

https://www.quora.com/

*** begin quote ***

AR Dawari’s

Nov 7

At bedtime, the 81-year-old woman said to her 83-year-old husband:

“Listen… I just looked out the window, and I think the garage light is on. Would you get up and turn it off?”

With great difficulty, the old man got out of bed, opened the door, and went outside. He saw five or six burglars tampering with the garage door. He immediately called the police station.

“Look… take down my address. It’s just my wife and me here, and five or six thieves are attacking my garage. Please send a police team quickly…”

The dispatcher replied, “We’ve noted your address. Don’t worry. No team is available right now. I’ll send someone as soon as I can get a team.”

Frustrated, the old man watched the burglars struggling with the garage locks. Two minutes later, he called the police station again:

“Listen… there’s no need to send anyone now. I’ve shot all five of them.”

The police station erupted in chaos. Within five minutes, a police team arrived in the street with a helicopter, paramedics, three doctors, and two ambulances. Soon, they had the criminals under control. Later, the team leader casually walked up to the old man and asked:

“You said you shot them, didn’t you?”

“And didn’t you say no team was available?”

*** end quote ***

I’m not sure if this is true, but it is funny,  Remember you are the “First Responder”.

YMMV

—30—

Leave a Comment » | GUNS | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

GOVEROTRAGEOUS: Just how many federal and state informants or agents were in the January 6th “Insurrection”

Friday, January 10, 2025

https://sharylattkisson.substack.com/p/draft?publication_id=2579146&post_id=154178798&isFreemail=true&r=3snn7d&triedRedirect=true

Now that you know federal informants were in the US Capitol on Jan. 6, watch the videos

  • 4 years later, videos capture odd behavior and scenarios

Sharyl Attkisson  —   Jan 05, 2025

*** begin quote ***

Of course, we can assume we have only a slice of the whole truth, if recent history is our guide. The FBI has not been honest and forthcoming about many of its scandals and failures. To name but a few examples: FBI Director Christopher Wray has given false testimony to Congress about surveillance abuses. The FBI conspired with Democrats and the Hillary Clinton campaign to try to frame Donald Trump for Russia collusion. This included falsifying a document used to get a wiretap against a Trump campaign volunteer— a wiretap that gave the FBI access to Trump’s communications. The IG referred former FBI Director James Comey for criminal prosecution for his mishandling of information regarding President Trump, some of it classified, in his efforts to undermine Trump. (Unsurprisingly, the DOJ took a pass on the prosecution referral.) And the agency used armed SWAT teams to raid homes of cooperative, nonviolent January 6 suspects.

So it’s hard to take at face value anything the FBI may have admitted to in terms of numbers of agents or sources on site, and their supposed role.

*** end quote ***

I’m sure the low information “We, The Sheeple” have no idea that the “insurrection” was a Gooferment instigated false flag.

I’d hope that every agent and informant are put in front of a Grand Jury and asked some hard questions.  As always, convict the bottom of the conspiracy and they will roll on up.  The top tier should go to jail or worse.

Fines and pensions lost seems needed to go along with real jail terms.  No country club prisons for those convicted.

Argh!

Have to send a message to future politicians and bureaucrats about what happens when you betray the nation’s trust.

—30—

Leave a Comment » | GOVEROTRAGEOUS | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

SECURITY: Got a pin for an Affirm account I don’t have?

Thursday, January 9, 2025

You have to be kidding me!  They “are aware of the issue”?  I went into full “identify theft” mode.  

“BATTLE STATIONS.  All hands report.  Stand by to fire at any available target.  Notify CIC of any intruders.  You are authorized to fire at any unidentified objects.  THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”

I was ready to trigger password reset on all financial and email accounts.

Argh!

But they “are aware of the issue”!

*** begin quote ***

Dear Fedinand,

Thank you for contacting Affirm!

I’m Alejandra from the Customer Care team, and I hope you are doing well.

If you don’t have an Affirm account, please ignore the text message that you received. We are aware of this issue and working on a fix. Be sure to not give your pin out to anyone. Do not click on any links sent referring to OTP (one-time passwords) if you did not request it.

*** end quote ***

YMMV

—30—

Leave a Comment » | SECURITY | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

TECHNOLOGY: WhatsApp is the natural choice for comms

Thursday, January 9, 2025

https://www.makeuseof.com/why-do-video-voice-calls-whatsapp/?user=cmVpbmtlZmpAZ21haWwuY29t&lctg=7e6c3cd411d6a815afa18582d54bd455914c43c5f69df1448b8ec20ee4959f71

Why I Do All My Video and Voice Calls on WhatsApp
By John Awa-abuon
Published Nov 20, 2024

*** begin quote ***

WhatsApp is the natural choice for my video and voice calls because it just works—without any fuss. Whether I’m chatting with a friend in another time zone or hopping on a call while switching between devices, WhatsApp keeps everything seamless. Other apps may have their charm, but WhatsApp wins because it stays grounded in what matters: reliable connections, simple tools, and features that feel tailor-made for everyday life.

*** end quote ***

I’ve had it up for years but no one seems to use it even for chat and texts.  With all the mischief going on, seems obvious.

I’ve invited some of my contacts (again) to try it. 

Makes your comms snoop proof; why not.

And it’s completely free and platform independent

What more could you want?

—30—

Leave a Comment » | Technology | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

POLITICAL: I was always addressed by my last name until I got to employment

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/5064235-ohio-first-amendment-lgbtq-case-settlement-450k/?tbref=hp&ICID=ref_fark

$450,000 settlement for Ohio teacher who refused to use students’ pronouns
by David Rees – 01/03/25 8:40 AM ET

*** begin quote ***

MASSILLON, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio school district will pay $450,000 to a middle school teacher who resigned for refusing to address two transgender students by their preferred names and pronouns.

Jackson Local School District reached a settlement in December with the teacher, Vivian Geraghty, after she claimed in a 2022 lawsuit that her First Amendment rights were violated when she was told to resign from a middle school language arts position.

*** end quote ***

Interesting.

In my time in Catholic schools, I don’t think I was ever addressed with a pronoun.  It was always last name.

Correction, when I got to Catholic College, I became Mister.

Further correction, I was called “Mister Lastname” when I thought I was going to be expelled.

Ditto for my time in the Air Force, when the Mister was dropped.

Wonder why that form of address was ever dropped?

—30—

Leave a Comment » | Political | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

HEALTHCARE: How could AI and “big data” change our healthcare

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

https://www.lewrockwell.com/2025/01/james-anthony/clinicians-should-lead-in-improving-healthcare-by-sharing-big-data/

lewrockwell.com
Clinicians Should Lead in Improving Healthcare, by Sharing Big Data
By James Anthony January 3, 2025

*** begin quote ***

Clinicians’ future practice will use big data, instantly.

A clinician will start with a profile of what’s already known about his customer’s genetics, health history, and lifestyle. He will add his current observations. He will then query to find out, for customers who match his customer either closely or closely enough, what outcomes all other clinicians have seen using their own best practices, from as far back as has been recorded to as recently as has been added.

He will consider what interventions will be his best practice for his customer right now—maybe trying a lower dose that might lessen side effects, maybe trying a higher dose that might increase efficacy. He will add these interventions to his customer’s profile.

Later, if he learns anything more about this intervention’s safety or efficacy, he will add this information to that profile.

Unlike in current practice, in future practice all releasable information that’s known about all customers will be collected, shared, pooled, interpreted, and used to guide the next interventions by the next clinicians everywhere.

The resulting model of customers’ responses won’t be biased by only collecting information about unrepresentative groups of customers and adequate dosing regimens. Instead, the model of all the world’s customers will be all the world’s customers. Also, dosing regimens will be as closely tailored as producers make available to support.

*** end quote ***

Ideally this should be happening now.  BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), will the current cast of “rent seekers”, grifters, monopolists, oligarchs,politicians and bureaucrats allow this to happen?

An effective and efficient model would squeeze the parasites out of their current “gravy train” cash flow.  After all, if a healthcare professional can see what works best for their patient, then the cost of trial and error to find out is eliminated.  Think of all the redundant and excessive testing that is done now to avoid and defend against malpractice suits.  And where there is “malpractice”, then there would be a road map as to why it is demonstrable.

Again, I see the problem getting to this future is all the entrenched parasites.

Argh!

—30—

Leave a Comment » | Healthcare | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

NEWJERSEY: Central Planners know best in “affordable housing construction” — not the Free Market!

Monday, January 6, 2025

https://nj1015.com/nj-is-forcing-affordable-housing-construction-and-towns-are-furious/?lh_aid=84349&lh_cid=31sphn37zz&di=e8a157adf7d40ab8ccfa69dbacb1a3f0

nj1015.com
Fury in NJ as state forces affordable housing construction
Rick Rickman Published: December 28, 2024

*** begin quote ***

In a bold and controversial move, New Jersey is forcing its municipalities to build thousands of new affordable housing units — and local leaders are pushing back.

The state’s latest mandate has some municipalities reeling, with mayors warning that the plan is asking too much and threatens to completely change the character of their communities.

Earlier in 2024, the state Department of Community Affairs released its first official list of affordable housing requirements for every municipality. This follows the passage of a new law that forces municipalities to comply with a constitutional obligation dating back decades.

*** end quote ***

Aahhha, yes, the Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerzee kommissars have issued new diktats and you slaves will obey.

Sorry, but this sounds like it should be coming from North Korea or China; not the USA.

The fourth branch of Gooferment is the bureaucrats in the regulatory state.  Hence, the other branches can avoid blame by pointing at the out of control “regulators”.

Argh!

Sorry but does anyone think that these are “good ideas”.  The invisible hand of the marketplace provides what the people want.  If the politicians and bureaucrats would get out of the way, then we could have “utopia”.

The FED, the FHA – FREDDIE – FANNIE, and countless federal / state regulations make building “affordable housing” impossible.  Who in their right mind would get into the rental housing business?

Argh!

—30— 

Leave a Comment » | NEW JERSEY | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

DISCOURAGING: What is the penalty for one or more blatant lies?

Sunday, January 5, 2025

https://www.lewrockwell.com/2024/12/no_author/our-lying-eyes-new-photo-shows-biden-with-hunter-s-business-associates-despite-past-denials/

Our Lying Eyes: New Photo Shows Biden With Hunter ‘s Business Associates Despite Past Denials – LewRockwell
By Jonathan Turley JonathanTurley.org
December 30, 2024

*** begin quote ***

“Lies.” That response was a mantra for President Joe Biden, who denied ever meeting or knowing about his son’s foreign dealings. Despite the pronounced lack of interest by most media outlets in the alleged multimillion dollar influence-peddling scheme, the House and conservative groups have doggedly pursued the matter and found overwhelming evidence that the President has repeatedly lied about his interactions with foreign clients. Now, a new photo further contradicts the President, who recently pardoned his son for any crimes committed over a ten-year period.

*** end quote ***

We have just seen the death of Jimmy Carter, who for all his mistakes, bad policies, and “wrong decisions”, was basically an honest guy.  He always was a “good guy” even at his worst.

Now we have clear photographic evidence that “We, The Sheeple” were lied to on many occasions.  Is there a diktat that punishes such lying?

If we can’t prosecute the befuddled old “king” because he’s senile, can we ask who has been running the country in his mental absence.

Can’t we prosecute those who lied with a straight face about how “sharp” old Joe was?

At the very least, since the Left likes to cancel people, may be brand liar on the foreheads of everyone convicted of the new “crime” of lying to the American people.

Argh!

I’m at loss for words to describe my disgust at these liars.

—30—

Leave a Comment » | DISCOURAGING | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »