Obama To Request An Additional $5 Billion For Cybersecurity Overhaul

By William Teach February 9, 2016 – 8:05 am

How many times have Executive Office agencies been hacked? You had the massive Officer of Personnel Management hack last year. The FBI just announced it was the recipient of a massive hack. Many other agencies have been hacked. Many others have successfully fought off hacks. This is a true common sense offering from Mr. Obama

(Washington Post) President Obama is seeking a 35 percent hike in cybersecurity funding in his final budget to boost the capability of the federal government to defend itself against cyberattacks.

The proposed $19 billion request, which represents one of the largest increases ever sought in this area, comes as Congress and the public have witnessed an alarming series of intrusions in recent years against targets ranging from Target and Sony to the Pentagon and the Office of Personnel Management.

The proposal, which will be announced Tuesday morning with the president’s 2017 budget request, is part of a larger package of initiatives the White House is calling the cybersecurity national action plan. (snip)

The money would go toward replacing aging — in some cases decades-old — computer systems with new machines and software, hiring additional skilled personnel, and increasing capabilities at the Pentagon’s Cyber Command and the FBI as well as in civilian agencies such as OPM and the Department of Veterans Affairs, officials said.

Overall, it is not $19 billion more, it amounts to a $5 billion increase in current funding, not $19 billion, as the Washington Post makes it seem. It has $3.1 billion for updating those computer systems and hiring a federal cybersecurity chief. $62 million will go towards offering training to teach cybersecurity, with loan forgiveness offered to those who join the federal government.

The plan itself is the most basic of basics, as explained at Wired.

ENABLE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION. Update your systems. Maybe get someone who knows what they’re doing to handle your security needs. It’s all the standard advice you’d give a tech novice. It also happens to be the foundation of President Obama’s new Cybersecurity National Action Plan, a long-overdue, comprehensive approach to keeping our country’s digital corridors safe.

That said, Wired doesn’t find it to be a bad plan, because you need to have the most basic of basics in place. The software and hardware do need a vast upgrade. For goodness sake, many still use Windows XP, which Microsoft stopped supporting in 2014. The plan does call for doling out the money in portions, rather than lump sums, in order to make sure it is used correctly and that targets are being hit on time.

Here’s two problems, though. From Wired we learn

It’s an initiative that has noble ambitions but few details attached, especially when it comes to cyberattack response.

From the Washington Post, which really caught my attention

The cyber plan, for instance, calls for the creation of a commission to make recommendations on actions to enhance national cybersecurity over the next decade. It calls for a campaign to urge more people to adopt anti-hacking techniques such as “two-factor” authentication, which combines a password with a fingerprint or a text message code.

Lack of details. A commission to study the problem. One would think that there would be some actual detail when asking for $5 billion more. One would think that there would be more than a few base ideas in dealing with the issue. This is typical Obama: make a big recommendation without concrete plans, expecting others to deal with it. I doubt Congress will have any objection to this, though, they might want a few more details rather than a sticky note. A final big question revolves on how Obama will roll this out: will he take it seriously, or will it just be another time where he “blasts” Congress, attempting to create a fight with Republicans, as he so often does?

Crossed at Right Wing News.

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NOAA Is Worried About Beer Threats From ‘Climate Change’ Or Something

By William Teach February 8, 2016 – 4:15 pm

Another day, another dire prediction from disciples of the Cult of Climastrology. It’s not even unique one, as Warmists have tried this schtick regarding beer for years and years, and it has yet to come to pass. In fact, beer in some form has been around since around 12,000 years ago, and production of it has gone through multiple cool and warm periods during the Holocene, and some of those warm periods were warmer than today. Beer similar to today’s dates back around 5,000 years ago, and we still have warm periods. But, hey, the CoC needs to continue to attempt to scare people, which they do every few months

(EcoWatch) As any beer lover knows, hops are a key ingredient in beer. But now, climate change poses a threat to hops production, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (snip)

But many worry how the industry will fare in the future. Most growers were able to adapt to last year’s water shortages by relying more heavily on groundwater supplies and other sources, George said. So, Yakima Valley hops growers were able to “beat the 2015 summer heat,” NOAA said, but they may not be as lucky in the future. (snip)

Climate models  project last year’s unusual warmth will be the “new normal” in the decades to come, Guillaume Mauger, a research scientist with the University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group, told NOAA. And while total precipitation isn’t expected to change much, more and more winter precipitation will fall as rain rather than snow, decreasing snowpack and threatening the area’s water supply. (snip)

It was already bad enough that climate change will diminish worldwide supplies of chocolate, wine and coffee. Now, beer too.

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Posted in AGW Scaremongering, Global Warming | 13 Comments | Trackback URL

If All You See…

By William Teach February 8, 2016 – 1:00 pm

…is an evil dog sucking up valuable resources which causes the seas to rise, you might just be a Warmist

The blog of the day is The Last Refugee, with a post on New Hampshire numbers.

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Sportsmanship: Are Complaints About Cam Newton “Racist”?

By William Teach February 8, 2016 – 9:36 am

This is a conversation I’ve had many times in the Real World, with friends, coworkers, even on local radio one time, as many sports sites have wondered if the condemnation and complaints about Cam Newton are racist. I would say that the majority of complaints have absolutely nothing to do with racism. You have to admit that Cam is a really good QB. He has the physical and mental talents to be an all-time great QB, possibly even a Hall of Fame one. Time will tell. I like that he came into the league with lots of fanfare, had a great first season, then regressed like so many 2nd year players, and worked hard to know the game not just physically, but learning the position, studying film, defenses, learning learning learning. You cannot fault his capabilities.

He understands when he should run, unlike lots of running QBs. You have to get the ball to the skill players, ie, wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs. Those running QBs who make 1 read and run tend to find the skill players tuning them out and getting bored. Cam is very smart in when to run.

The problem with Cam is one that seems prevalent throughout the NFL: unsportsmanlike conduct. All the taunting, the physical demonstrations. A guy makes a tackle and runs ten yards down the field to mug for the camera. All the dancing. All the mugging. I find it to be tedious and unsportsmanlike, personally.

When it comes to Cam, I find that he is over the top. I rarely watch Panthers games, as they are often on at the same time the Giants play, but, consider one late season game. Newton goes in for the running TD. He then has to do his little dab dance. Then he holds up a finger to the camera in a “wait” gesture, and does the Superman opening his shirt thing (which is the height of narcissism). Then gives the ball to a fan. Which is perfectly OK. Then the little jumping in the air and bumping a teammate thing. Then the little jump in the air like you’re shooting a basket with another teammate (guys, you play football, not basketball). It went on and on. Doing a dance then giving the ball away would have been fine. But, Cam, and many other players, just keep going on and on. It’s taunting, and poor sportsmanship.

Cam is the visible face of the Panthers. He’s The Man. He needs to set a proper tone.

Nor is Cam the only one, again. Carson Palmer’s “pelvic thrust” thing on the sidelines was despicable. I have a hard time rooting for the Steelers, despite being my dad’s team, due to Ben Rothlesberger’s antics in the past. There’s too much of this, and it sets a bad example for the kids watching. They think this is proper conduct, and, maybe the players are OK with all the taunting and gestures, but, they are grown ups.

I remember someone during one of the playoffs games this year about to go in the end zone, and pointing a finger at a player on the other team. While he’s mugging for the camera with a TD, there was a flag on the field hitting him with a 15 yard taunting penalty. Poor behavior.

So, what brings this up? I was reading all the sports news this am, and ran across stories with this, regarding Cam not going for that fumble late in the 4th

Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan basically called Newton selfish. “That’s the way he is. Playing for himself,” Trevathan told MMQB.com.

Broncos defensive back Aqib Talib agreed, saying, “He didn’t want it.”

No one was celebrating Newton’s downfall more than Talib after the game.

“There ain’t no Easter Bunny, there ain’t no Santa Claus, there ain’t no Superman,” Talib toldthe Broncos’ official website.

In a separate interview with a Canadian television station, Talib said Newton was probably tearing up in his press conference.

“Cam’s probably crying right now,” Talib said, via TSN.com.

Now, on one hand, Cam was asking for it

All of the high-energy antics Carolina was known for this season emanated from Newton’s on-field behavior. Dancing and celebrating when you win is fun, and it’s entertaining and was enjoyable to watch all season long. If you didn’t want Newton and the Panthers to dance, well, stop them from scoring. It’s what they told everyone.

Exactly. They said stop them. The Broncos did. But, the Broncos won the game. There is no need for these comments from Broncos players. Be happy you won. Be good winners. Don’t be sore winners. Don’t rub salt in the wound. It is simply bad sportsmanship. You don’t see this happening that much in the NHL or baseball. You try these on field and off field antics, and someone will run you over in the NHL or hit you/throw behind you in baseball. It’s part of the unwritten code, which requires respect. Perhaps the NFL could learn something about respect.

BTW, I will not blast Cam for his shoddy post-game conference conduct. He just had a bad game, his team lost, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. Give the guy a break on the questions. Much like I thought all the questions asking Peyton about retirement were absurd. Wrong time, wrong place. Let the guy celebrate. Likewise, let Cam sulk. It was a big loss. Yeah, many QBs have handled it better, but, put yourself in his place.

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Pentagon Forced To Prioritize ‘Climate Change’ In All Military Actions

By William Teach February 8, 2016 – 7:14 am

You know that this is something that is being shoved down the throat of the Pentagon by the President and his team, who are big believers in anthropogenic climate change, at least in terms of Other People’s lives

(Washington Times) The Pentagon is ordering the top brass to incorporate climate change into virtually everything they do, from testing weapons to training troops to war planning to joint exercises with allies.

A new directive’s theme: The U.S. Armed Forces must show “resilience” and beat back the threat based on “actionable science.”

It says the military will not be able to maintain effectiveness unless the directive is followed. It orders the establishment of a new layer of bureaucracy — a wide array of “climate change boards, councils and working groups” to infuse climate change into “programs, plans and policies.”

This idiotic plan will force compliance all the way down to the people serving in the field, who must take ‘climate change’ into account when when they decide to take a shot at ISIS fighters. “Hmm, I wonder what the carbon footprint will be if I shoot this ISIS killer holder a knife to the throat of a child? Will the shot be climate friendly?”

Climate change must be integrated in:

  • Weapons buying and testing “across the life cycle of weapons systems, platforms and equipment.”
  • Training ranges and capabilities.
  • Defense intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance.
  • Defense education and training.
  • Combatant commander joint training with allies to “assess the risks to U.S. security interests posed by climate change.”
  • Joint Chiefs of Staff collaboration “with allies and partners to optimize joint exercises and war games including factors contributing to geopolitical and socioeconomic instability.”

Good grief. Our military is being turned into a bunch of liberal Social Justice Warriors worried more about their carbon footprint and “climate justice” rather than protecting the United States from enemies. This is yet another reason to make sure that a Republican wins the White House in November.

No mention as to whether ‘climate change’ will be incorporated into Obama’s jumbo jets and helicopters, which are operated by the military.

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Posted in AGW Idiocy, Global Warming | 27 Comments | Trackback URL

After Obama’s Teary Eyed Gun Control Speech, He Takes Almost No Action

By William Teach February 8, 2016 – 6:59 am

Remember this when Obama cried some crocodile tears while announcing new “gun control” regulations? How’s that working out?

Obama’s Lofty Plans on Gun Violence Amount to Little Action

The centerpiece of a plan for stemming gun violence that President Obama announced last month largely amounts to this: an updated web page and 10,000 pamphlets that federal agents will give out at gun shows.

In a tearful display of anger and sadness in the East Room of the White House, Mr. Obama ordered steps intended to limit gun violence and vowed to clamp down on what he called widespread evasion of a federal law requiring gun dealers to obtain licenses.

But few concrete actions have been put in motion by law enforcement agencies to aggressively carry out the gun dealer initiative, despite the lofty expectations that Mr. Obama and top aides set.

Obama administration officials said they had no specific plans to increase investigations, arrests or prosecutions of gun sellers who do not comply with the law. No task forces have been assembled. No agents or prosecutors have been specifically reassigned to such cases. And no funding has been reallocated to accelerate gun sale investigations in Washington or at the offices of the 93 United States attorneys.

“No specific plans”. Which is not unusual with this administration. A speech and a sticky note is not a plan, and, as so often happens, Team Obama doesn’t follow through on those speeches and sticky notes. Mr. Obama just expects everyone to jump to it, while he goes to play golf.

Of course, this is the NY Times, so, Obama and his peeps are not to blame

The absence of aggressive enforcement is a reminder of the limits of Mr. Obama’s executive authority, even as he repeatedly asserts the power of the Oval Office to get things done in the face of inaction by a Republican Congress. (snip)

But turning promises into action is often difficult — a political reality that Mr. Obama and his aides know all too well — especially in the face of a sluggish bureaucracy and a determined, partisan opposition in Congress. The president’s attempts to sidestep lawmakers on immigration have been tied in courts for more than a year, and he faces fights on executive orders to expand gay rights, establish a minimum wage for federal contractors and combat climate change.

See? It’s the fault of Congress and the bureaucracy, the latter of which is stocked with Democrat voters, for the inaction on things that can mostly be done within the Executive Office with no Congressional approval. It obviously cannot be the laziness of those in the Obama administration and Obama himself, right? Right?

Of course, Congress had authorized funding for hiring 230 more FBI agents to deal with background checks prior to the speech. And, of course, the White House blames Republicans for refusing to confirm anyone to the position of ATF director. Apparently, Team Obama wants Republicans to decide who to confirm, because Obama hasn’t nominated anyone. ATF will take no initiative without clear guidance.

“It was significant; it was bold,” said Maura Healey, the Massachusetts state attorney general. “It takes time for the directive to be implemented.”

I wouldn’t hold your breath: Obama cried crocodile tears, made his speech, subject closed. He moved on.

Crossed at Right Wing News.

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If All You See…

By William Teach February 7, 2016 – 1:00 pm

…is a world turning to desert because Someone Else didn’t turn their heat down to 58, you might just be a Warmist

The blog of the day is The Last Tradition, with a post on the GOP bait and switch.

The theme of the week is “cleaning out unused photos from other themes.”

Read: If All You See… »

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Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup

By William Teach February 7, 2016 – 10:19 am

Happy Sunday! Another gorgeous day in America. Who’s going to win the Super Bowl? I have the Panthers by 4, 35-31, with the Panthers stifling a late Peyton Manning comeback for the win. This very interesting pinup is by Gil Elvgren, with a wee bit of help.

What is happening in Ye Olde Blogosphere? The Fine 15

  1. Patterico discusses Hillary’s inability to answer on Goldman-Sachs
  2. Independent Sentinel wonders which President Hillary is most like
  3. Vox Popoli says bring the 3rd world, become the 3rd world
  4. Vlad Tepes notes that “refugees” are hunting homosexuals
  5. This Ain’t Hell… notes another historical moment (sic) for SJWs
  6. The People’s Cube has burnouts for Bernie
  7. The Other McCain says feminism is a synonym for “shut up”
  8. The Lonely Conservative covers the open borders lobby going after Cruz
  9. The Lid wonders why Trump hates female reporters
  10. The Last Refuge discusses Christie nailing Rubio, and his role
  11. The Daley Gator has an update on Obamanomics
  12. Raised On Hoecakes discusses the return of racial segregation
  13. Powerline Blog wonders about the coming Hillary meltdown
  14. Outside The Beltway covers requiring women to register for the draft
  15. And last, but not least, Neo-neocon has GOP debate wrapup thoughts

As always, the full set of pinups can be seen in the Patriotic Pinup category, or over at my Gallery page. While we are on pinups, since it is that time of year, have you gotten your “Pinups for Vets” calendar yet? And don’t forget to check out what I declare to be our War on Women Rule 5 and linky luv posts and things that interest me

Don’t forget to check out all the other great material all the linked blogs have!

Anyone else have a link or hotty-fest going on? Let me know so I can add you to the list. (BTW, since someone asked, the reason I leave links for the previous week up (or you might see a *) is because they are place holders for later in the day or for next weeks. Easier than rewriting all the time. Also, the listing order has to do with how they are added over time, not how good a post is. I just copy and paste from the previous week, then edit. If you see one of the *’s, go ahead and check out the blog anyhow, see if there is an update. I cannot update with my Android during the day.

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Young Female Voter Nails Hillary On Benghazi, Server

By William Teach February 7, 2016 – 8:04 am

And Hillary is unable to give more than a typical foolish answer

(Washington Post) The question was just what Hillary Clinton asked for when she came to a small college campus Saturday to directly tackle the exodus of support for her among young voters, many of whom are drawn to opponent Bernie Sanders.

A young woman, speaking slowly, told Clinton she had worked for her in 2008. A smiling Clinton thanked her. But then the woman posed among the toughest challenges anyone has yet put to the former secretary of state. It covered the deaths of four Americans in Benghazi, Libya, on Clinton’s watch, and her use of a private email system for her government work.

“I’ve heard your somewhat pat answer,” that other secretaries of state had also used non-government email, the woman said. “But they didn’t have a private server.”

And why, she asked, did Clinton tell her daughter Chelsea Clinton on the night of the Benghazi attacks that they were the work of an al-Qaeda-like group, at a time when the public explanation was that a spontaneous protest over an anti-Islamic video had turned deadly.

The WP says Hillary looked “startled” and went into a long, rambling explanation, sounding very defensive, which included

“When Benghazi happened, it was the fog of war. There was no clear understanding, and there wasn’t for many, many days,” Clinton said. The group that had initially claimed responsibility withdrew that claim a day later, after Clinton had sent the email, she said.

That still doesn’t answer the question as to why she told her daughter (and others) that it was terrorism, then told the public that it was a video that no one had seen. Nor why the intelligence community was saying it was terrorism. Nor why she told others in private days later that it was terrorism, not a video. And she never answered the question on her server (she certainly doesn’t want to make a statement that can be used against her in a courtroom).

“But in the end of the day it was a terrorist attack,” Clinton said. “I wish I could give you an absolute answer,” she added, before posing a question of her own.

“Why is this being used as a great political issue? I really regret it is.”

She regrets that she’s being attacked for her actions and incompetence, not for leaving 4 Americans to die. Once again she attempts to turn the question around.

During much of the rest of the appearance, she played the “I’m a woman so misogyny” card.

As for the “fog of war” answer, well, do we really need a president who is not cool and calm in the face of adversity? One who is unable to answer that “3am call”? She stated Obama wasn’t ready for it, and she was right. She sure seems unable to answer it, and, if she manages to garner the Democratic nomination, she’ll have to answer questions from whoever the Republican nominee is. Cruz, Rubio, Trump, Christie, Fiorina, Carson, all would certainly come after her. Not so sure about Kasich or Bush. But, then, I doubt it will be anyone either than Cruz, Rubio, or Trump. And Hillary will get asked these questions. In public. In debates. And she’ll have to answer them.

Of course, this all supposes she isn’t under indictment by the time the general election period comes around. Not that Democrats will care. They seem not to care about either what happened in Benghazi nor Hillary’s illegalities with her home-brew, insecure server.

Crossed at Right Wing News.

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If All You See…

By William Teach February 6, 2016 – 1:00 pm

…is a sea that will rise due to Other People driving fossil fueled vehicles, you might just be a Warmist

The blog of the day is The Daley Gator, with a post with proof showing Leftists are bat guano crazy.

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