Hulleye Comes By!

from bruce schneier again, (btw on a side note, im reading his book beyond fear currently. it’s brilliant).

Why is the Department of Homeland Security involved in copyright issues?

Agents shut down a popular Web site that allegedly had been distributing copyrighted music and movies, including versions of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Homeland Security agents from several divisions served search warrants on 10 people around the country suspected of being involved with the Elite Torrents site, and took over the group’s main server.

Shouldn’t they be spending their resources on matters of national security instead of worrying about who is downloading the new Star Wars movie? Here’s the DHS’s mission statement, in case anyone is unsure what they’re supposed to be doing.

We will lead the unified national effort to secure America. We will prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the nation. We will ensure safe and secure borders, welcome lawful immigrants and visitors, and promote the free-flow of commerce.

I simply don’t believe that running down file sharers counts under “promote the free-flow of commerce.” That’s more along the lines of checking incoming shipping for smuggled nuclear bombs without shutting down our seaports.

use simple household materials and make your own chloroform.

doesn’t sound like anything you’ve ever heard of before right? well spring heeled jack made the headlines a long, long time ago. sure sounds like bob kane’s batman though. being a huge batman fan, i loved this read. a snippet is below. thanks guidi.

Spring Heeled Jack was described by his victims as having a terrifying and frightful appearance, with diabolical physiognomy that included clawed hands and protuberant red eyes, which “glowed like fire”. One of these victims also recounted that, beneath a black cloak, he wore a helmet and a tight fitting white garment like an “oilskin”. Many depositions also mention a “Devil-like” aspect, wearing a tight fitting oilskin outfit, although its colour alternated between white (the most frequent) and jet black. Many a witness stated that Spring Heeled Jack’s physique was athletic and sturdy and that he was capable of effecting great leaps. Several reports mention that he could breathe blue and white flames from his mouth, and that he wore sharp metallic claws at his fingertips. At least two testimonies denote that he was able to speak in comprehensible English, albeit with an uncommonly deep voice.

Isolated accounts of a strange leaping man were in circulation as early as 1817 1, but the first confirmed sighting occurred in September 1837 in London. A businessman returning home late one night from work was suddenly shocked as a mysterious figure jumped with ease over the considerably high railings of a cemetery, landing right in his path. No attack was reported, but the submitted description was disturbing: a muscular human male with devilish features, which included large and pointed ears and nose, and protruding, glowing eyes.