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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2009)
16 vernonia’s voice business february 2009 Intruder Alert – Major Security Breach By Burt Tschache I realize that I promised to define the concepts of Spoofing and Phishing in Intruder Alert this month, but a major information security breach that af- fects all Americans who use phones, faxes or emails, has been uncovered, the depth of which has not yet been determined and I felt it was my civic duty to pass on that information. Do you recall in my initial column I stated that no computer security suite is 100% secure if someone is determined enough to want your infor- mation? This month’s column will explain a bit of what I meant and how a particular type of security breach can and does occur. This security breach is not accomplished by any virus or malware, but our own government. On the MSNBC news program Countdown, January 21st and 22nd, Keith Olbermann interviewed Russell Tice, a former NSA analyst. He released this new information only after President Obama had taken office as he feared for his life had he released it earlier. Tice revealed that the NSA has been recording ALL digital communica- tions since shortly after 9/11/2001. In essence, every phone call, fax trans- mission and email is checked by the NSA for certain keywords or param- eters. If any of these keywords or parameters are discovered, the individuals on the sending and receiving ends of the conversation are considered pos- sible terrorists and the particular data is then checked further. In many cases, other personal data of the “possible terrorists” is mined including banking and credit card information and then added to the NSA database. Mr. Tice also let us know that news organizations and journalists were just one group that was especially targeted. Tice had written the data algo- rithms to set up the organizations that would be excepted from the scanning process, or so he thought, until he was told that these are the individuals and organizations that are monitored 24/7/365. Tice then began his own careful exploration into exactly what was going on as he said that his oath of office was to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and this operation was definitely unconstitutional in its scope and nature. It was also not approved judicially. He does not know just how many organizations and citizens are included in this monitoring and does not know if this is still occurring as he was fired from the agency shortly after beginning his investigation. Jazzercise Hosts Fundraisers On Saturday, December 13, 2008, Vernonia Jazzercisers raised over $500 for Vernonia Cares & the Toy-n-Joy program by staging a benefit “Guts-n-Butts” dance-fitness class. According to Jazzercise instructor and benefit organizer Penelope Costley, Vernonia Cares & the Toy-n-Joy program used the dona- tions for purchasing turkeys and toys for those in need this past Christmas Season. Held at the Vernonia Grange Hall, 375 North Street, the event drew over 25 participants. Not only did local Jazzercisers get to work off some extra calories before the holidays, they also got to do a good deed and help out two local charities in the process. Special guest, Richard Mundy, District Manager, USA Pacific Northwest/Australia and member of the Jazzercise Taping Team, led the second hour of the workout with all new, never before seen routines, much to the delight of students and instructors alike. Costley said, “I’m so excited to see such a large turnout of support, not only for one another, but also for our community. I believe that is what Jazzercise is all about. My team and my students are here to support, encourage and enhance the lives of one another as well as those living in our community.” Vernonia Cares Food Bank director, Sandy Welch, adds, “Jazzercise contin- ues to be a strong supporter of this local food bank. We were thrilled with the Guts-n-Butts idea and Penny’s enthusiasm was contagious, drawing in many participants. It was a fun and successful event which assisted Vernonia Cares in its mission to provide clients with the groceries to have a Christmas meal together. Penny did a wonderful job bringing this successful event together!” concludes Ms. Welch (who is also a Jazzercise member). Coming Soon… Vernonia Jazzercise will be at it again with another Fundraiser Class; this time is for the Vernonia Grange Hall #305. So, get ready for “Jazz to the Max.” This High Intensity Interval Workout is guaranteed to PUMP IT UP! If you are looking to Blast Fat, Enhance Endurance, Define your Muscles, Burn Mega-Calories, Build Stamina and Strengthen your Core, all while sup- porting our Historic Vernonia Grange Hall, it’s a win-win opportunity. This four-part series of classes will be held on the following Fridays at 6:15 PM: February 20th, February 27th, March 6th and March 13th. Contact Pe- nelope Costley, (503)429-0196, for registration information. The NSA was able to enact this security breach by tapping into the In- ternet at friendly phone companies that allowed them office space to set up their equipment. The NSA has the best computers in the world, but obvi- ously even they cannot keep everything, only filter everything and then keep that which includes the specific keywords or parameters that are updated on a regular basis. Just imagine for a moment two elderly sisters living in different parts of the U. S. sending an email in which one of them describes how disgusted they are with those Iraqi’s setting off car bombs that kill and maim our troops and Iraqi citizens. Guess what ladies: You are now considered possible ter- rorists. In that case, so am I, if this practice is still in use. We all owe a great debt of gratitude to Russell Tice for making this information public. Burt Tschache is the owner of B&B Computing in Vernonia. He can be reached at bnb998@msn.com or 503-429-0817. Wauna Federal Credit Union’s 42nd Annual Meeting Where: Westport Church at 49246 Hwy 30, Westport When: Saturday, March 7, 2009 Social 2pm, Meeting 3pm no charge to attend the meeting Banks Christian Academy Vernonia Dance Center Presents... The Nutcracker A variation of George Balanchine’s ballet February 27, 2009 7pm Vernonia Community Church Gym Donations Requested ‘Mommy and Me’ Classes have been postponed Jessica Davis (503) 429~0850 Open House Kindergarten Roundup and Preschool Preview Meal Tickets: Limited to 200 Adult Tickets - $5 each 30 Children Tickets (10 and under) - $1 Hurry - First Come, First Serve! All tickets sold at the door will be $10 each. Join us for this celebration of great food, many prizes, a credit union update and elections for our Board of Directors! March 6 th 6:30pm 22785 NW Fisher Road Buxton, OR 97109 503-324-4500 1.800.773.3236 www.waunafcu.org Call your Member Service Agent at: Astoria Clatskanie St Helens Vernonia Warrenton 325.1044 728.4321 366.1334 429.8031 861.7526