Is Truecrypt going the way of Lavabit? Don't trust the recent version 7.2, especially.
http://cryptome.org/2014/05/truecrypt-testing.htm
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/05/28/truecrypt_hack/
http://truecrypt.sourceforge.net/
https://github.com/warewolf/truecrypt/compare/master...7.2
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/05/29/truecrypt_analysis/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ztpm8QUISkk
Although, if you still have older versions than 7.2...like the last version of 2012...7.12a you may still be safe in using 7.12a. It is possible that the NSA, frustrated at their inability to penetrate Truecrypt 7.12a encrypted hard drives, may have just laid their heavy hand upon developers of Truecrypt and this resulted in the very odd recent warnings about 7.2. Perhaps they are trying to scare people out of using Truecrypt altogether and chasing people into seeking other encryption sources like Bit Locker or others...who many of us already suspect may be compromised by the NSA anyway. May be a way of scaring people, herding them, into using compromised encryption that have weak encryption or back door keys.

https://www.grc.com/misc/truecrypt/truecrypt.htm

Apologies 2U, AIW, I know not everyone will understand any or all of this but some may. 7.12a is the version of TrueCrypt that came out in 2012. TrueCrypt has worked very well to protect the privacy of those who have used it for over 10 years. The most recent version that just came out is version 7.2, which is what is causing all of the controversy. If you download and try to install version 7.2 it warns you that it is unreliable and you cannot use it to encrypt anything anyway. It only works to decrypt what one has previously encrypted using a previous version of TrueCrypt (ie: version 7.12a or earlier). The problem is that none of these encryption programs are really secure..especially since the Russians came out with a new decryption tool called Elcomsoft Forensic Disc Decryptor * back in 2012. It can decrypt TrueCrypt, Bit Locker, and PGP. And I'm sure the NSA, and other quasi-law enforcement groups have purchased it or have their own encryption crackers.

So, about the only way to protect your privacy is to pulverize your storage media but then you won't have it either after you do. If you are foolish enough to keep your storage media "in the cloud" where "they" have complete control of your data (since "they" can decrypt it), you can't even pulverize your media like you might be able to if you keep your data on local storage media. But then, they'll just sneak in when you're not there and make copies.

And "they" are not just the NSA or other like organizations. Try the Russian Mafia (not much difference from the NSA). You think your bank account information, personal private information, or other sensitive data, is safe?

And the hackers are winning...and who are the most well financed and fearless hackers? The NSA cybercriminals who are spying on us all. The NSA pays big money to hackers who find exploits that the NSA can then use them against all the rest of us.**

* http://www.darkreading.com/risk-management/forensic-tool-cracks-bitlocke...?

** http://www.dailyfinance.com/2014/05/28/survey-hackers-winning-cybercrime...

Of course, the TrueCrypt C++ source code is available, both 7.12a and 7.2, and they have been compared which show a lot of changes. If one is savvy enough and well versed in C++ programming and encryption techniques, they could modify the code in a way that would defend against any weaknesses. But I think the key to that Russian decryption program is that they have to do a memory dump under certain circumstances in order to capture the password. And that is not much of a problem for any intruder, keyboard loggers can do that, if you are silly enough to key in your password to your encryption program while online or don't use programs to clean your logs. All you have to after that is turn off the computer power to erase the volatile memory...the RAM.

By the way, the C++ source code is available for download for your perusal... but that doesn't mean that the executable code (the .exe for Windows, anyway) is without corruption. It would be safer to compile your own C++ executable code from the source code that you have deemed to be uncorrupted. Most people, with Windows, will just download and execute the .exe code which could be corrupted code. You can check the SLA1 or MD5 hashes but you are still putting a lot of faith in the unseen code.

Legislating science is not new, you had people refusing to look through Galileo's telescope, and in more recent times both Nazi and Stalinist biologists telling the leaders what they wanted to hear. Of course the planets still revolve, evolution occurs, and the earth continues to warm no matter what any distinguished scientific illiterates say.

I definitely agree with all of that! And it's kind of funny to even think that the Pentagon would have any concerns about global warming. Depleted Uranium. Bunker busting nukes. Cluster bombs. White Phosphorus bombs. HAARP stratosphere hole maker. Fighter jets and Naval vessels that pollute the atmosphere. Our worst enemies are the ones who pretend to be our friends yet stab us in the back. They are the most dangerous because they keep us forever hopeful of change that will never come. It's high time we rebel against both parties. It's high time we rebel against our oppressors...the top few percenters who have rigged this corrupt game against us.

And so they are now pretending to cover up the corruption in the VA. They find people to fall on their swords but what of all of the doctors in the VA who may have a bad attitude about "social medicine"? What about the ones that down deep believe that all medicine should be privatized? Are they going to act in a manner that will detract from good VA care?

I had a friend, a VA vet who died of cancer last year. He was not well off financially and could not afford to go to a non-VA doctor. He had been exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam but the VA would never agree with this until after he died. He kept going to his primary care doctor with complaints of excruciating pain for several years. The only thing the doctor did was prescribe more and more pills that eventually would have no effect. The last thing the doctor prescribed was physical therapy to deal with his pain. Never did that doctor prescribe tests to determine what was causing the pain. When he finally went to the emergency hospital, against his doctor's will, the second time, they finally did some scans and found massive cancer tumors and that the cancer had spread to his bones. They reluctantly tried chemo but only one kind of chemo (there are more than one kind of treatments) and he got even sicker. They sent a couple of doctors in to his bed and got him to sign a release to let him die without further treatments. Now that the VA is under fire for corruption, I wonder if my friend would still be alive had his doctor taken the steps to test and treat him in his early cancer phase.

So, I went to the VA the other day, myself, for a cough that I've had for over two months now. All I got was some more pills to swallow, no antibiotics, and an inhaler that has a big scarey warning on the papers that come with it that says that some people have died from taking this medicine. I got no tests of any kind. The main hospital doctor just spent his time typing my symptoms into the computer. This was not even the same clinic VA doctor I normally go to....doctor death I call him because he is the same doctor that refused to give tests and care to my now dead friend.

I strongly suspect that they are all doctor deaths and the primary goal is to ensure that we all die an early death so as to not add to anything that might suggest that the VA socialized medicine can work. You have to remember that these doctors make lots of money and could make even more in a privatized system. I believe they have an innate hatred of all of us "freeloaders" who served our country. They really do want to see the VA institution fail so that they can privatize all healthcare. And they really do want to see most of us die off as cheaply as possible. The problem is not socialized medicine....the problem is the arrogant selfish twits that think they are better than anyone else who are running the system and corrupting it.

We hear all kinds of psychological smoothies from the mouths of our politicians claiming that the veteran deserves better care. But I believe it is all just so much bullshit they expect us to swallow. I certainly don't believe in their sincerity. They are all Machiavellis as far as I'm concerned. They'll pretend to be your friends and then they will stab you in the back whenever they can.

MontanaMuleGal: Thank you. And, yes, I know I run on a lot sometimes...well...most of the time.

Palindromedary ~ it is so good to see you again. I for one have really missed you my friend. While you are here, ChicagoMatt asked a question a while ago that only you can answer. It was a question for atheists. I had an answer; but, felt unqualified. The question, to paraphrase, was on the order of, 'If you don't believe in an afterlife they way bother with the present life?'

My answer would have been, Because I am human. As a human I have a vested interest in the future of the human race. I do not want to be part of something that is a complete failed--yet intelligent--species. I hesitated to say that because--right now--I'm not so sure.

Would you be so kind as to elaborate on that statement--if you think it needs further explanation! I would so appreciate it. I am sure, so would ChicagoMatt.

By the way, it's so good to have you back. It's made much more than my day.

I feel that the problem with VA is that senior managers were paid performance bonuses for grades GS-13 and above under the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act. In order to get their bonuses, senior managers. who were keeping secret lists of appointments, were trying to protect their bonuses. I have always felt that these bonuses were a bad idea. Add to that the fact that Congress cut the funding for the VA, we have a perfect opportunity for the senior managers to play the system by hiding performance problems. Doesn't this make sense?

McLoser's and other Neotard heads are exploding. They have another "Benghazi". They don't remember "Bushghazi" where there were 10 embassy attacks where 60 people were killed and Saint Raygun's marine barracks in Lebanon where 241 marines were blown up. THEY NEVER SAID A WORD. Loser hannity says that "Benghazi" was different. HA!!!!

I think getting off of oil is something that 99% of Americans can really agree on, albeit for different reasons. Some may want to do it for environmental reasons, some want to do it to save money at the pump, some may even want to do it because they hate the thought of giving money to Middle-Easterners. No matter how you arrive at the conclusion, it is still the same: Time to get off of oil.

I wish someone (Sanders, perhaps) would introduce a bill that would give people tax breaks for installing solar panels AND buying electric cars, which is about the only way to really free yourself of oil. They should also offer research money or guarenteed government contracts to any company that can design a clean-air tractor trailer. If the post office alone switched to all clean-air vehicles, the insentive would be there for companies to begin making more of them.

Quote Palindromedary:I have, however, read everything everyone has said and as tempted as I was to add my two cents worth, I resisted the temptation. I've got a lot to do.

Palindromedary ~ Oh, how I know how that goes. Take your time my friend. No rush. Personally, I'm going through similar times myself. The best of luck. See you on the other side; and, hopefully, a happier side! DAM

You know I read these articles from time to time and really very unfair. It is not only the republicans its also the dems. Just look at Harry Reid... He sickens me. You speak about Policy currently we have had time after time failed policy with this administration, scandle after scandles that hurt the American people, Lies, deciet and and 4 dead Americans in Bengazi and still responsible party. Everything is a lies.. Remember these words 6 years ago. We will be the most transparent administration. Haha... There is not a smigen of corruption in the IRS Ha Ha... OMG thes list goes on and on and one. Our ecomony is a mess embarassing growth report the other day of 0.1 percent that is not a recovery. So lets face it the Dems should not be alway protected too. They also have made a mess of this Country. Try to be fair is all I am asking. NO MORE BLAME GAME Geez when will the Repulicans and Democrats take responsiblity for their actions, their words and stop playing such childlish games. Consider thinking out of the box... look at both sides. Now that would be refreshing.

ChicagoMatt ~ I can't speak for Palindromedary; and he is the best person to address that question. However, for myself I keep my beliefs locked up inside. I don't need a public spectacle to convince me of my beliefs like so many other "believers" do.

That being said, I remember quite clearly the time in my life when I was an atheist. I really wasn't that much different. I still had the same ambitions, the same personal morals, the same sense of right versus wrong. If you know how to live you never need fear death. Personally I think the need to know what happens after death comes from the lack of knowing how to live. The lack of morals. The lack of a defined sense of right versus wrong. Certainly every religion claims to be the source of these ideals; and, for the most part, every member of these cults claim to be guided by the principles offered. I'm sure that to some degree they are; however, I'm also sure that we all come into the world with an innate sense of what is right and what is wrong.

My experience with church goers is not so much people guided by heavenly principles as much as people seeking to skirt those principles. For instance, the entire idea of 'confession' never rested well with me. As a child I found myself having to make things up when I was forced to go into 'confession'. It has always seemed to me that the entire ritual of 'confession' was set up just so that people could sin without a care in the world. To me, it is nothing more than a vehicle by which sin is not only permitted, but encouraged. What better way to get around our innate sense of what is right and what is wrong than the public spectacle of 'confession'. It is a shame that our economic system doesn't have a similar ritual for forgiving student loans.

No my friend, I can not say that I feel any different as a believer than I did as an atheist. Right is still right and wrong is still wrong. Perhaps the only difference to me is that now when I do something for myself, I am also doing it for God. I have always had a higher sense of myself. A super ego if you will. A greater good if you will. My invisible friend who follows me everywhere. The only difference concerning that aspect of myself between now and when I was an atheist is that now that higher aspect of myself has a name other than just my conscience.

As far as heaven is concerned I have never feared death. To me death is the ultimate inconvenience. It always has been. The one thing I would like when I die is for people to miss me. To remember me--fondly that is. No one really knows what happens after death. Surely you can 'say' "I know because I believe." However, that is nonsense. What you really should say is, "I hope I'm right." No one knows. That is a fact. Fixation on the afterlife is a distraction from this life. That is a fact. What I've always done is concentrated and fixated on the now. The now is all there really is. What is history is gone. The future may never happen. You can plan for it; but, you cannot live in it. All you can do is put all your energy in the now and let the rest take care of itself. Like Jesus said, the kingdom of heaven is already poured out everywhere around you. If you're looking for it, you've already missed it.

Willie, the Republicans are a crazy bunch of psychopaths, along with that so-called "Tea Party". Today's Republicans have no regard for anything or anybody and they are dangerous. We need to remove them from office before they do more harm than they already have!

What we now know as the "Tea Party" is actually an insult to the original Tea Party, whose legitimacy, let alone their intent, were polar opposite to the Koch brothers' astro-turf creation known as todays "Tea Party", all about corporate tyranny!! The tea-dumping antics of the originals were in direct defiance to corporate power, and prefaced the American Revolution! They must be rolling in their graves, the poor souls... - AIW

I think the Tea Party has seen it's better days. Grabbing a patriotic name like that will get you some attention for a while untill people realize that you're full of it. They're good at name dropping. They will come back as something else. All polished and shiny, but still shallow.

This may help anyone who is loosing sleep over global warming feel a little more optimistic about humanity's chances:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/4290084

There are five proposals on that page for geo-engingeering the environment back to pre-industrial temperatures. My personal favorite is the last one - giant fake trees to get carbon back out of the air.

I agree, but real trees aren't going to be able to do this alone anymore. The fake ones look like giant version of air purifiers you can get from Brookstone for your house.

The other options they talked about in the article revolved around directing sunlight back out into space, or stopping it before it got here in the first place, with mirrors.

Giant mirrors in space could do two things: direct sunlight away from Earth, or direct sunlight into the ocean, ahead of a hurricane, to warm water in a path that would direct the hurricane away from land.

Yes, it's sad that's it's coming to this. But also really cool from a scientific standpoint. I'm more confident now that my grandchildren will have a livable planet 100 years from now.

Politically fair -- Why do keep quoting the repug playbook? Cosmetically, I could agree with you. However, I think the best hope of fighting against the 0.1% is "card check". Every democrat in the senate voted for it in 2009. Every repug voted against it, thus enabling the filibuster. You can be a nice republican and point out every stupid thing the dems do wrong. That would certainly assure we will never get a filibuster proof senate.

The only real solution is phasing out fossil fuel and the technology dependent on it. Anything else is just a band-aid. Sorry to rain on anyone's parade... - AIW

Hey guys! Ready for a little comic relief? This morning I found a message from Rand Paul in my inbox, with a petition to "do away" with the IRS! My reply: "Since you hate government so much, have you considered a change of occupation?" - AIW

Quote ChicagoMatt:Perhaps I should add Blazing Saddles to my summer "things to do" list, for the cultural capital aspect of it.

ChicagoMatt ~ Oh God yes! You are perhaps the first person I've met who hasn't seen that movie. It was definitely Mel Brook's masterpiece. Brilliant writing, acting, hilarious, and almost prophetic. He even wrote the title music. Sadly, compared to Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs was somewhat pathetic. That's the price you pay for creating a masterpiece. It casts a shadow on everything else you do.

By the way, if you haven't yet I would also suggest checking out, "The Jerk" and "Idiocracy." Other similar masterpieces. Aside of the entertainment aspect of these comedy classics they also offer a provocative perspective on our modern culture that you might appreciate.

Chi Matt -- Interestingly, I was watching the Cycle on MSNBC today and they were talking about the BRIC countries. They were mostly talking about China.

Quote Chi Matt:There was a good opinion article on MSNBC two weeks ago about the unfortunate truth about environmentalism - it doesn't matter much what the USA does now, unless the BRIC countries do the same.

They were saying that China is doing more than the US about the environment.

ChicagoMatt ~ A clip from the hilarious--and ominously scary--opening scene of "Idiocracy." Scary because it's so true!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icmRCixQrx8

"Saneminded", that's not what climate scientists are saying about our extreme weather patterns today. You sound like one of those climate deniers. - AIW

There's a company that's making prototype solar power panels that are strong enough to be made into roads, parking lots, etc. It's really genius - those areas get the most sun anyway, since they don't have trees. And there are a lot of them. AND you can then use that solar power to charge the cars that are driving on them.

This gives me hope for the future. Here's the website:

http://www.solarroadways.com/intro.shtml

AIW: Yes, I know. Thank goodness my 7-11 is only a couple of blocks away. But, I would be better off if I got the exercise from biking up a long steep hill. I had a Navy buddy that biked all the way across Canada from Seattle to Buffalo. He told me that since then every time he started to feel a little ill, he would hop on the bike and ride a few miles and this made him feel much better. There may be something to that but I have yet to try it.