Norton Internet Security 2009

I subscribed to Norton Internet Security 2009 this morning. It's been nine days since the trial version was installed on my computer, and I'm impressed. The actual installation was performed remotely and tweaked by a Symantec technician.

I initially ran a full system scan, and found malware including Vundo. I then disabled system restore, and I ran the scan again, and destroyed it. Finally, I went to Safe Mode and rescanned to wipe trojan blood off the walls.

Over the past nine days, it has run quietly in the background of my computer. It updates every five minutes or so, or on demand. I have it set to run a full system scan each night. The time spent running a full system scan is of course dependent on the amount of data that must be scanned, but NIS2009 manages to get mine done in 28 minutes. Work continues uninterrupted as Norton scans or downloads updates. I forget it's happening. If you are already at the brink of memory overload, you may have difficulties, but NIS2009 uses very little resources to get the job done.

Boot time for my computer is increased by approximately 30-45 seconds. Norton Internet Security 2009 also allows me to run Spybot Search & Destroy, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Advanced System Care Free 3.0.0, and AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. I like to have multiple tools in my toolbox.

Now I know everyone has their favorites and their prejudices, and I'm sure to get a couple of "Get a Mac" comments. Cries of "Get a Mac" are little more than cries to get a Glock. In computer software, what meets one person's needs may not necessarily meet the needs of another. I am not a computer geek, although I do know my way around the guts of Windows. I use my computer as a tool, not as a toy. Norton Internet Security 2009 is meeting my needs. It continually monitors my system, staying in the background, and it doesn't impede me one bit. If you have avoided Norton products in the past because they were resource hogs, I don't blame you. They were. You might want to take a look at what Norton has accomplished with this package though. It might not be right for you, but then again, how will you know if you don't take a look? In short, Norton Internet Security 2009 works for me.

Geek.com Review

Hardware Geeks Review

CNET Review

AppScout Review

PC Mag Review

WSJ Review

Black Monday

Global spam levels decreased by as much as 75 per cent after the neutering of McColo, a US web host that provided the foundation for most of the world's spam. In a effort of online vigilante justice, California based McColo was disconnected by its internet service providers, Global Crossing and Hurricane Electric, following a four month investigation. A report published this week identified McColo as the host of 40 different kiddie porn sites, one of which garnered up to 25,000 visitors a day, counterfeit pharmaceutical web sites, fake designer goods web sites and malware disguised as security products. Even so, there has been no announcement of any US law enforcement action against the company.

IronPort tracks daily spam volumes and publishes their findings online in real time. They showed a 70 per cent drop in spam after McColo was clipped. Unfortunately, McColo relocated overseas, hooking up with Swedish ISP TeliaSonera and has begun to re-establish itself. One fortuitous event in the forced eviction is that McColo apparently could not save their botnet.

Meanwhile, November 24 has been dubbed "Black Monday" following predictions the date will usher in the latest information harvesting malware. Anti-virus protection manufacturers have repeatedly demonstrated that the Thanksgiving holiday time shows a dramatic spike in spyware, malware, trojans and viruses as Americans begin going online shopping for Christmas presents. As more people turn to cyberspace to help them find better prices in a sagging economy, as well as to save time and gasoline, cyberthugs stand ready to virtually mug them and relieve them of their money.

Although email greeting card attachments remain a staple, cyberthugs are infecting users through more current methods. The recent presidential election was a golden opportunity exploited by criminals in cyberspace. An onslaught of Barack Obama related emails and websites offer new video clips of "amazing" Obama speeches, fresh interviews and administration predictions. An Obama sex video was another hook, as well as anti-Obama lures towards cyberinfestations. When the user attempts to view the video, they are taken to a website and told they must first download the latest version of Adobe Flash. The downloaded program is a fake, containing a trojan capable of stealing sensitive data. Modern viruses, trojans and keyloggers tansmit a detailed log of everything the victim enters into their keyboard back to the cyberthug. Passwords, credit card numbers, and even the ability to control one's own computer are compromised.

Another form of cyberthuggery that is emerging is holding the victim's data for ransom. Malware locks away access to personal files and requires a transfer of cash via the internet to restore access to the owner. Software is available that is capable of duplicating keys that appear in online photos, making even real world property vulnerable.

So what can the end user do? Many users have become complacent, considering it the norm to have some infestations of malware on their computers. Coping with malicious garbage on your hard drive should not be the norm. It is far easier to keep the stuff off your hard drive than it is to eradicate it afterwards.

If you use an Administrator account for your day to day usage, you are needlessly placing yourself at risk. This account should only be used when you want to change or install something on your computer. On Windows XP you can create three types of users, Limited User, Power User and Administrator. Use Limited User for every person on the computer and only one Administrator account, password protected for installations or system changes.

Internet Explorer is one big juicy target for cyberthugs. Switching to another web browser such as Opera or Firefox lowers your profile and makes you less of a target.

If you run Windows, keep it updated. As vulnerabilities are found and exploited, Microsoft tosses out band-aids and patches. Install them. If you are really concerned about the vulnerabilities in Windows, or if you are still trucking along with Windows 98, consider Linux instead.

Run a firewall, or two. Keep them updated. Obtain effective anti-virus software and keep it updated. Scan regularly, and become proficient in the interpretation and use of your protection software. It does you no good if it's turned off or only half effective.

Realize that very little is free. Use anti-virus software to examine attachments to emails and website downloads before opening them. If you are in doubt type the name of the program into Google and check the results for words such as "trojan," "spyware," "virus," or "malware." While viruses spread automatically, trojans require user input to install them. Resist the temptation to open and install programs on your hard drive that you have not previously researched and vetted.

If all else fails, copy your documents, or better yet, upload them to a secure cyberspace host for retrieval at a later date. Write down the password to the host. Dump your operating system, reinstall it, and learn from the experience. After all, it's only the internet.

Cybercriminals gearing up for Cyber Monday

Virtuemonde Update

Last night I went to the Kaspersky website and downloaded a trial version of Kaspersky Internet Security 2009. When I started to install it, I recieved a dialog box telling me it would uninstall my then present version of Norton Internet Security 2007. Kaspersky also required that I uninstall SpyBot Search & Destroy. I decided that if the Kaspersky suite was that powerful, I would hold it in reserve.

I browsed to the Symantec website to download a trial version of Norton Internet Security 2009. Installing Norton Internet Security 2009 vaporized my previous version of the program. To make matters worse, after installing it I was dismayed to find that because I already had Norton Internet Security on my computer, I would have to subscribe at a cost of $49.99 to activate the trial version. I decided to contact tech support via chat and cry foul. Here is the transcript of my chat session.

Mr. Xavier Breath has entered room.

We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.

We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.

We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.

We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.

We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.

We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.

We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.

We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.

We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.

We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.

Rajmohan P has entered room.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:13:30 CST 2008)>You are being transferred to Rajmohan P.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:13:33 CST 2008)>Welcome to Norton Support, my name is Raj Mohan. Can I please have a minute to go through the information you have provided?

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:13:48 CST 2008)>sure

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:14:06 CST 2008)>I decided to upgrade my internet security today and Norton's product was looking good in the reviews I have read.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:14:53 CST 2008)>Hi Xavier, I see that activating your Norton AntiVirus.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:15:46 CST 2008)>I downloaded your 15 day free trial version of Norton Internet Security 2009 from the symantec website and am unable to start the product because I am a prior customer of Norton. My last version was Norton's IS 2007. The trial version of Norton Internet Security 2009 uninstalled the 2007 version that came with my computer. I do not have a disc to reinstall what I previously had. I cannot start the 15 day trial version because it requires me to pay for a $49.99 subscription renewal.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:17:06 CST 2008)>Thanks, your case number is 081119-005742, please write this down.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:17:15 CST 2008)>If we get disconnected for any reason, please follow these instructions to reconnect this chat (we recommend that you to note down the link and code). You'll need to do this within a couple of minutes of being disconnected:

1) Open up Internet Explorer and then go to www.norton.com/connectme
2) Enter the [Connection Code] 293493 3) Click on [Submit]

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:17:18 CST 2008)>Are you chatting with me from the computer that has the issue?

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:17:32 CST 2008)>Yes.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:18:07 CST 2008)>Do you have your 25 digit product key?\

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:19:28 CST 2008)>No, I do not. Your product has now changed my home page.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:19:46 CST 2008)>It is tossing up pop-ups right and left.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:20:52 CST 2008)>I cannot remove the pop-ups because I do not know if they are from your product or more malware.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:21:32 CST 2008)>May I know if you have purchased CD version of Norton program or download version?

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:21:58 CST 2008)>Is aniti-virusproccan.com one of your sites?

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:22:18 CST 2008)>I downloaded your 15 day free trial version of Norton Internet Security 2009 from the symantec website and am unable to start the product because I am a prior customer of Norton. My last version was Norton's IS 2007. The trial version of Norton Internet Security 2009 uninstalled the 2007 version that came with my computer. I do not have a disc to reinstall what I previously had. I cannot start the 15 day trial version because it requires me to pay for a $49.99 subscription renewal.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:22:47 CST 2008)>Are you reading what I have written?

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:22:47 CST 2008)>No, aniti-virusproccan.com is not one of our sites.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:22:53 CST 2008)>Yep.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:23:04 CST 2008)>You have to purchase renewal.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:23:21 CST 2008)>For a "free" trial version?

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:23:25 CST 2008)>Yes.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:23:47 CST 2008)>I would like to try your trial version of Norton Internet Security 2009 prior to purchase or renewal of any subscription.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:24:00 CST 2008)>I had planned to purchase it at retail if I decided to keep a Norton product on my computer. The previous version was slow, unweildy, inefficient, and it missed a good bit of malware. I want to know the effectiveness of Norton Internet Security 2009 before I lay down any cash.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:24:02 CST 2008)>Okay

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:24:45 CST 2008)>Okay

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:25:01 CST 2008)>Is that possible?

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:25:57 CST 2008)>Yes.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:26:12 CST 2008)>How?

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:27:08 CST 2008)>Xavier, I can connect to your computer and work to resolve the problem from here, while you sit back and watch.

This is a secure connection, and I won't access any personal information on your computer. If at any point you are concerned, you can disconnect me by clicking on the [End] button. I'd encourage you to view the troubleshooting from your end.

If for any reason you need to leave your computer, let me know via the chat window and we'll disconnect the remote session and resume once you're back.

Shall we go ahead with the remote connection?

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:27:55 CST 2008)>Be my guest

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:28:17 CST 2008)>One quick question....... Will Norton Internet Security 2009 efficiently and thoroughly eradicate the virtuemundo trojan?

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:28:20 CST 2008)>To set up a connection:
1. Please click on the link http://www.norton.com/link
2. Enter in the 6 digit pin code 570632 and click [Connect to technician].
3. You will now see a prompt to accept the connection. Please click on [Yes]. It may take a few minutes for me to connect.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:28:32 CST 2008)>Yes.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:29:37 CST 2008)>I'm getting a pop-up that says the current chat session will end if I navigate away is that normal?

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:29:54 CST 2008)>No.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:30:08 CST 2008)>Please open a Internet explorer webpage and type www.norton.com/link

Let me know when you are being asked for a 6-digit pin code.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:31:44 CST 2008)>Ok, it's asking........

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:32:00 CST 2008)>Same one?

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:31:59 CST 2008)>Use the pin given below 570632 and click on "Connect to Technician".

Next you will be prompted for Run, Save or Cancel. Click on Run to start the remote session

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:32:05 CST 2008)>If you get a any prompts to block or unblock the program from Windows, click on "Unblock". On further prompts, click on Yes or Continue if you are being asked for.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:33:15 CST 2008)>logmeinrescue.exe is that you?

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:33:24 CST 2008)>Yes.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:34:53 CST 2008)>Is this you? http://anti-virusproscan.com/2009/1/en/_freescan.php?nu=770522169011

[11:33 PM] Connecting to Rescue Gateway: control.app04.logmeinrescue.com...
[11:33 PM] Connected to Rescue Gateway. A support representative will be with you shortly.
[11:34 PM] Chat session established with Rajmohan.
[11:34 PM] Remote control started.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:34:49 CST 2008)>Now, I can access your computer and we will check for the issue.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:35:03 CST 2008)>No.

[11:52 PM] Rajmohan has ended the session.
[11:52 PM] Remote control ended.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:48:40 CST 2008)>We have activated your Norton Internet Security.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:48:57 CST 2008)>May I know the home page you want to set?

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:49:05 CST 2008)>I see the virtumonde trojan is still active

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:49:16 CST 2008)>Please run full system scan.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:49:44 CST 2008)>my homepage is correct now, that was it.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:50:05 CST 2008)>Okay

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:50:20 CST 2008)>I'm impressed

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:50:26 CST 2008)>Before I go, can I check that you're ok with the resolution I've provided?

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:51:02 CST 2008)>Yes. I'd like to publish this chat on my blog to inform other people who might be considering your product. I have a readership of close to 4000 users per day. Customer service is often a factor in the choice of products purchased. Do I have your consent for publication?

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:51:26 CST 2008)>Yes.

Mr. Xavier Breath(Wed Nov 19 23:51:47 CST 2008)>You did a fantastic job sir. Kudos.

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:52:00 CST 2008)>You may receive a survey by email regarding this support
session and we'd really appreciate it if you could take a few moments to respond once it arrives. If you'd like to take up a specific issue with my manager you can send an email to Symantecmanagement@e4e.com

Rajmohan P(Wed Nov 19 21:52:02 CST 2008)>Thank you for contacting us. It's been my pleasure to assist you.

Of course, once the trial version of Norton Internet Security 2009 had been activated, I did a full system scan.

Nothing.

I went back to SpyBot Search & Destroy. I updated, immunized and scanned. Virtuemonde was still present, malicious as ever. I surfed a bit. Pop-ups galore. Every webpage rendered a pop-up window. I tried Mozilla. Pop-ups. Opera. Pop-ups. I scanned with Advanced Windows Care V2. Virtuemonde. tuzivard.dll and uganwerd.dll. f-monde gave me no joy. Dr. Delete committed malpractice. After a bit of research, I decided to try VundoFix V7.0.0 as suggested by one of my anonymous readers. VundoFix did not even see the trojan. It said all was well.

All was not well. I could not do squat without another pop-up window.

After work today, I decided to take a look again. As soon as I went to my desktop, Norton Internet Security 2009 popped up a window informing me I was infected with Vundo. No shit.

At least Norton Internet Security 2009 saw it. Then, it showed me how to corner it, quarantine it, and kill it. This evening, I am surfing free.

I want to thank everyone, anonymous or not, who took the time to offer suggestions. I wasn't about to purge my hard drive and start from a clean slate again. I had done that several times years ago. In fact, I have been known to shotgun a PCU or two. I wasn't tossing in the towel that easily.

Norton Internet Security 2009 does not seem to be slowing down my web surfing or the use of my computer. It allows me to use SpyBot Search & Destroy, as well as other programs to agument it's capabilities. Perhaps the Virtuemuno trojan had to wiggle a little bit and try to morph into something new before Norton could spot it. Perhaps Norton updated with new data specific to my infestation. I'm not sure why it slipped through the cracks initially, but I have a feeling there is Virtuemundo blood on the walls of my hard drive.

Sometimes I think that personal computing is a lot like guns. There is a lot of well intentioned opinion of what is best, of which method is superior. Often times there are many paths and what is best for one person may not be for another. In the next week or so, I will decide if Norton's new Internet Security Suite meets my needs without impeding my productivity or my enjoyment of the web.

In related news, I'm back to watching Jodi Miller on You Tube as well. I guess the Vundo trojan was screwing that up too.

More Inner Tubes Issues

It seems as though I cannot view You Tube videos from their site. I've downloaded the new Flash player and installed it. I've made sure scripting is enabled. I've rebooted. I still get this message.

"Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player."

There are other venues available, although I will miss Jodi Miller and News Busted. Strangely, I can still view embedded You Tube videos on other web pages.

Meanwhile Virtuemonde seems to be gone, or at least quiet. Several blows from f-vmonde seem to have done the sonovabitch in. is still regenerating on my system. The latest offending files are system32\yogeresi.dll and system32\tirowefa.dll.

So, I am researching which internet security suite would best meet my needs. It seems the two real players are the old standby Norton, and a new contender Kaspersky. Whichever one I chose, getting rid of Virtuemonde and like trojans is top priority.

Norton has the reputation, but it is also well known, and as such, it also falls into the list of worthy targets for hackers. The newcomer (at least to me) Kaspersky has keylogger protection via a virtual keyboard, as well as the advantage of not being as common a target. I just don't know how reliable it is though.

I think I will try the free trial of Kaspersky and a free trial of Nortons and see how it goes......

More about Kaspersky Internet Security 2009

More about Norton Internet Security 2009

The Best Security Suites for 2009

The Matrix Runs on Windows

Virtumonde

I think I finally got Virtumonde out of my system. Virtumonde, AKA the Vundo Trojan, Virtumondo and MS Juan is a trojan horse that causes popups and advertising for bullshit antispyware programs, as well as other problems including slowing of the processor and denial of service with some high traffic websites such as Google. I am not certain where I picked it up from.

I got rid of it by running Spybot Search & Destroy several times with the modem physically disconnected, and forcing reboots several times. Virtumonde inserts itself in your memory and attaches to Explorer.Exe and Winlogon. They must be stopped before trying to remove the virus. Without Winlogon, there is no way to reboot your computer. You have to force a reboot, because when Winlogon cranks up again, the virus files will be replicated. Virtumonde DLL files are usually designated by eight random upper and lower case characters and stored in the Windows system32 directory. Unless you remove the DLL files first, while they are running, the DLL file will simply rename itself and replicate. Nasty stuff.

If you want the best in spyware protection, you don't have to pay for it. Spyware Search & Destroy is absolutely free, and is constantly updated. You can flip the switches any way you desire. The support is through an international internet forum and is quite efficient. Do consider donating to help support the cause.

Update: It's back. The offending files are: system32\sejuvoma.dll, system32\jejuvusu.dll, system32\yizesoko.dll, system32\turakana.dll, and system32\jeziluku.dll

I'm going for Dr. Delete.



Update: So far, so good. It looks like Dr. Delete euthanized those little sonovabiches.

Update: Nope. Dr. Delete failed. I'm trying f-vmonde. The offending files are: system32\supilime.dll and system32\pihimage.dll.

Pop-up Ads

It seems something on my blog is now causing pop-up advertisements from Moxie Search, Premier Bank and a bunch of other internet parasites.

I apologize for this inconvience and am working on getting rid of the offender. If you can help me pinpoint the offensive bug, post it in the comments of this piece. If you are having no problems, post that as well.

Issue resolved. It was a trojan known as Virtumonde, in my own browser....

Spam Blog Still

On September 23, I first blogged that Blogger had word verification inititated for me to post. I was designated a spam blog. When, after two weeks had elapsed past my notification, the word verification still was not turned off, I notified them again. Today, I sent the third notification.

The failure of Blogger to respond appropriately only makes me believe my blog is politically incorrect in their eyes. So Blogger, is it my support of McCain/Palin, or my advocacy of gun rights that has you doing this? 'Fess up.

Where Did The Stance Films Go?

The Expert Village stance films were causing the blog to lock up on some people's computers. I have placed them on standby until I can figure out why.

Links:

The Weaver Stance

The Isoceles Stance

The Modified Weaver Stance

More on stances can be found here.

The Tale of Sir Robin

Several of my readers have emailed me to ask advice on what to do, how to handle the recent internal turmoil at The High Road. I encourage everyone to retain their membership, whether you post or not. Whether or not you want to continue to read or participate there is an individual decision that only you can make.

If you desire to retain your membership, please abide by the forum rules and guidelines. Personal attacks and name calling has never been tolerated at The High Road, and it will not be tolerated now. If you go about the forum posting attacks against another member, no matter what the reason, you have violated the rules, and deserve to be banned. Bans at The High Road are permanent. You will not be reinstated. Your warning was given when you read the forum guidelines and agreed with them on registration. Today is no different than when you signed up.

As far as "choosing sides" you do not have to. Everyone involved wants The High Road to continue to survive, grow and flourish. The High Road is a community. I suppose one man can claim ownership of the domain, but the true worth of any online forum is owned by it's members. It has always been that way, and always will be. If the membership fails, the forum fails. If the membership thrives, the forum thrives.

Over the past couple of days I have given a lot of thought to these issues. I do not know everything that was said nor everything that was done. Others have published accounts of the series of events that led to the present acrimony. I do not dispute those people, nor do I condemn them. Whether the publication of these issues was wise is not for me to determine. I do not know "the truth." I can only act on that which I know.

I do know the ideals and principles The High Road was founded on. I still believe in them. While I hold an opinion, I will not "choose sides" between two men in this debacle. That is childish. The "side" I choose is that of The High Road itself. I sincerely hope that all others concerned will also choose The High Road as the side they are on. Among the staff, I ceased commenting on the current flap on September 12. At that point, I resolved to simply moderate and enjoy the forum as long as the forum continues to hold true to the ideals it was founded on. These issues will resolve. Until then, I hope to be a part of keeping The High Road the valuable resource and civil forum it has been from it's inception.

Camelot, or Not

Each evening, from December to December,
Before you drift to sleep upon your cot,
Think back on all the tales that you remember
Of Camelot.
Ask ev'ry person if he's heard the story,
And tell it strong and clear if he has not,
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Camelot! Camelot!
Now say it out with pride and joy!
Camelot! Camelot!

But then again........



In times of turmoil and strife, the legends of old can offer diversion, comfort, reflection and direction.

The Round Table is no more.

A Dark Day

A message from Oleg Volk concerning The High Road:

In December 2002, I founded The High Road forum dedicated to the advancement of responsible gun ownership. Recently, it was discovered that in 2006, the volunteer forum systems administrator, Derek Zeanah of Statesboro, Georgia, changed domain registration to himself. After he was confronted, Derek locked out all other staff from accessing the Web server administration and would not share even backup copies of its content. After failed attempts to peacefully resolve the dispute, it has become necessary for me to initiate a lawsuit against Derek Zeanah for the return of thehighroad.org domain name and the forum database.

I am seeking and would greatly appreciate donations to help with the cost of litigation. You can use Paypal (olegvolk@gmail.com) or send a check to:
Oleg Volk 3112 Chambley Ct Hermitage, TN 37076

All donations shall be returned if the lawsuit is ultimately avoided. You can also aid me by re-posting this appeal on your blog, forum or web site. My legal position is already endorsed by almost all of The High Road staff as well as Rich Lucibella, the founder of The Firing Line forum.

UPDATE: Derek's reaction was to disable The High Road forum all together. He also removed most of the staff who opposed him.

The High Road went down as I was responding to several member's posts ranging from what would be the best choice for a first 1911 to whether a Browning 22 Auto rifle was really worth the money. The High Road has long been recognized as one of the most civil gun forums on the internet, with a dedicated crew of moderators who kept things in line without favoritism or nepotism.

Update: September 25, 2008, 4:53PM

Today, I arrived home to find that Oleg is again aboard with moderator privileges. Some readers will no doubt note that this post has been abridged as well as ammended. I think my compadre Don Gwinn has said it best. It is my hope that the forum will survive with Oleg at the helm.

Blogging Abroad

Recently, on a trip to Nawlin's, I decided to finally join the modern age and try going online from my hotel room, and maybe blogging and posting to a forum I moderate. I took my wife's laptop. Here are a few lessons learned.

1. Make certain you are familiar with the lap top computer.
2. Get a mouse and mouse pad, or a trackball.
3. Have a photo editor program on board.
4. Have the adapters to get your photos out of your camera.
5. Have web based email.
6. Know how to use your web based email.
7. Place frequently used data from home on flash drives.

I found that once connectivity was accomplished, and once I had a track ball (my preference) things went pretty smoothly.

10 laptop traveling tips.

More laptop travel tips.

Keffiyeh, Shemagh, Keffimaghflap

First there was Pam Atlas. Then Michelle Malkin. Next, Jawa, Red Alerts, and Wizbang. John Cole weighed in. Static emitted from Radio Left. Break The Terror broke. Holly had her say. Meanwhile World Net Whirled Nut Daily ran a similar story. LawDog had long expressed his opinion. Finally, Breda spoke.

The quickest way to drive a symbol into irrelevance is through saturation. If it was even a symbol to start with......

If only I had a pig.......

Carrier

First......Two words........

Comcast Sucks!

Now that I am back online and have that off my chest, I have been watching the PBS series filmed on the USS Nimitz while the ship was deployed in 2005. I brings back huge memories. I ordered the DVD set. It's an excellent series. (Sidenote: I noticed the aviators of VFA 41 were toting Sigs.)

Back when I was in Uncle Sugar's Yacht Club, women were not allowed on board combatant vessels. It was considered to be a logistical compromise, and an unnecessary complicating factor in many ways. Limited space needed for fuel and ordnance being occupied by separate heads, berthing and stockpiles of maxi-pads. Decreased combat readiness with members of the crew becoming pregnant days before deployment. Fatal distraction on a ship that could lead to not only loss of careers, but of lives. For people who have never sailed in the Navy, the reality of being at sea for months with a mission of going to war if need be is a foreign thing. I would not expect them to understand my thoughts on the matter. I will simply say that if you have not humped 110 pounds of rusty greasy chain around your shoulders at a dead run for 12 hours a day for 110 days straight without a break, eating on your 12 hours off, sleeping on your 12 hours off, showering on your twelve hours off, and all the time wondering if this was your last hour before you lost your life to somebody else's carelessness, well, you don't have a knowledgeable opinion on the matter.

I usually keep that opinion to myself. The new politically correct Navy and Marine Corp is different from what it once was. My generation of sailors resolved conflicts with smokers. If you don't know what a smoker is, you are new Navy, bottom line. It ain't a burnt hot dog or a cigarette.

Unspeakable

If there are not criminal charges to prevent this from ever happening again, justice has failed.

If this community does not absolutely shun these miscreants they are culpable.

Read Megan's story at the risk of never viewing MySpace in the same light again.

CNN's Gary Tuchman video report.

Connectivity

Just a quick note in case you didn't know.........Comcast sucks. Of course AOL is always worse.

People of the Gun

What happens when a misinformed columnist decides to deride online gun owners? They set the record straight.

Laura Washington, you are incorrect. We are not necessarily white rural men, although we do not seek to demean white rural men. We include the women and African Americans that you seem to believe are anti-gun. We also include people from all races, nationalities, and sexual orientations. Although some of us are members of the NRA, the NRA does not direct us. Freedom of choice directs us. Self determination directs us. Liberty directs us.

Know what Laura? We could include you too. We do not stand in the way of you purchasing a legal firearm for your own protection or enjoyment. Any time you feel like learning to shoot, contact one of us. Anytime you decide your life is more important than a criminal's decision to take it, contact one of us. When you come to realize that a 911 dispatcher is not a policeman in your pocket, contact us. We will show you the way. We welcome you to join us too.

People of the Gun

What's This?

Tam shows why it's handy to know what the hell you are talking about before you start saying someone is a fraud.

Yeah, it was probably a distinction overheard on CSI, but still, if you are debunking, it's best to know the facts yourself.