I watched season 1 of ANDOR. I had blown it off when it came out in 2022, assuming it was just more Star Wars trash. That is until I ran across a review of it which was total opposite of what I thought about the show without having seen it.

It's a prequel series to Star Wars 'Rogue One'. I thought the series was well done, subtly written to examine the nature of tyranny, the people that make authoritarian machinery work and their motivations for doing so. It puts a spotlight on the people of a planet, and how authoritarian rule inspires rebellion.

The show is centered around the perspective of character Cassian Andor, who, after killing a few Imperial officers in a dark alleyway, is a wanted man and is recruited by a mysterious stranger called Luthen Rael to become a part of an assault on an Imperial garrison.

All the characters are very good delivering great dialogue.
Action, adventure, gestapo tactics, political deception and espionage thriller.

A quote from the show:

Karis Nemik: There will be times when the struggle seems impossible. I know this already. Alone, unsure, dwarfed by the scale of the enemy. Remember this. Freedom is a pure idea. It occurs spontaneously and without instruction.

Random acts of insurrection are occurring constantly throughout the galaxy. There are whole armies, battalions that have no idea that they've already enlisted in the cause. Remember that the frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere. And even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward.

And then remember this. The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that.

And know this: the day will come when all these skirmishes and battles, these moments of defiance will have flooded the banks of the Empire's authority and then there will be one too many. One single thing will break the siege. Remember this. Try. 

Unfortunately, production got delayed and season 2 won't be out till sometime next year.



If you haven't seen it check it out if you're able.

Well "Spooktober" is already off to a rip roaring start here at Kdog's Castle. As many of you Rogues are already aware we have had many encounters with wandering spirits in the "Castle" during the 10 years we have lived here. Most (not all) of the spirits are "spill overs" from neighboring apartments, though we do have a few who visit that are particularly attached to Kdog and myself- personal relations who await us on the other side but pop in to visit every now and then.

The last few days have made it apparent that we have a new addition to our entourage and this one seems to have taken a shine to Kdog in particular. Here is our story:

For a few days (maybe a week?) something has been moving objects and making noises, daytime and nighttime, in the same room we are in or sometimes in adjacent rooms. Before anyone asks the answer is a resounding NO!- no mice, no rats, not even bugs, no neighbors with escaped reptiles, no bats, no squirrels, etc. Sometimes these noises happen directly in front of us, we're talking inches, but nothing is there. The noises can at times make us jump (as unexpected sounds often can) but other than that no biggie and we just go on with our daily lives... until yesterday.

Yesterday I was getting ready for an early-ish appointment when I heard what sounded like a young girl's voice coming from the bedroom where Kdog was asleep. I couldn't make out what the voice was saying, only that it sounded to be about a 5-7 year old girl. I walked into the bedroom, nothing there but Kdog "sawing logs". I went out on the patio, no children outside, nobody outside at all. The only girl child in our building is a 2 year old toddler who only comes for one day every other weekend and said child's dad wasn't even at home. Just to note the only other child in the whole building is an 8 year old boy who also only comes every other weekend and was in school during this time. 

I decided maybe I was just hearing things and went to my appointment. When I got home after a short while I heard a young girl's voice coming from the bedroom again, a little louder this time and definitely coming from our bedroom. I still couldn't make out what she was saying (the snoring gene is STRONG with the Kdog!) but she also giggled this time.  When Kdog wakes up I tell him about it. He wasn't surprised as this isn't even close to being our first rodeo.

Today, just a little while ago, Kdog sort of jolts up from sleep and walks through the living room on his way to the bathroom. He tells me he was awakened by a girl's voice right in his ear that just said "Hey!" and that it was (in his words) "freaky". He's back in bed asleep now, that man could sleep on a sinking Titanic I swear!

So I will try to keep you updated on what is going on with the new house guest. Could actually be the spirit of a small girl, could be something else presenting itself as a small girl, it is too early to know. Whatever it may be there are protections in place against harmful spirits or entities entering our "Castle" so this can only go one of two ways: either a harmless being or a very powerful bit of evil masquerading as a harmless being. When I find out I will let you know.

Happy Spooktober Rogues!

just saw this thread on ATS, they might as well stick a fork in it, it's done.

Quote:My account setting got changed just minutes ago:

Avatar: files.abovetopsecret.com...
your signature:files.abovetopsecret.com...
your custom title: P W N E D

Does that mean someone can change my password and take over the account?

Warning future posts may not be from me.

My ATS Account just got hacked

Quote: Wrote:(Center for Strategic International Studies) CSIS’s Risk and Foresight Group created four plausible, differentiated scenarios to explore the changing geopolitical landscape of 2025-2030, including the potential lasting first- and second-order effects of Covid-19. The scenarios center on the relative power and influence of the United States and China and the interaction between them, along with detailed consideration of other major U.S. allies and adversaries within each of four worlds.

Each scenario narrative was informed by deep trends analysis and subject-matter-expert interviews. CSIS’s Dracopoulos iDeas Lab brought to life the scenarios in four engaging videos designed to test policymakers’ preconceived notions about the defense and security challenges facing the United States and its allies in the second half of this decade. This research was sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s Strategic Trends Division.
Center for Strategic International Studies

Quote: Wrote:This scenario analysis found that the highest likelihood outcome for world order in the decade ahead would not be a unipolar order or a bipolar Cold War-style competition, but a loose multipolarity. Under any outcome, the relative strength of both the United States and China would be diluted or balanced by the influence and independent foreign and security policies of India, Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and others. There also emerged in the scenarios a growing number of contestations of U.S. power and influence—in particular due to the “spoiler” or other nefarious behavior of Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Despite its relative loss of economic power during this timeframe, Russia remained the most problematic global actor for the United States and its allies, with only limited room for cooperation on issues of strategic stability. Iran was most aggressive across scenarios in which it sensed weakened U.S. commitment to the Middle East. North Korea remained a consistent challenge in the expansion of its weapons programs, though it was more open to negotiation when the United States was stronger and China was weaker. Violent extremist organizations were active across scenarios but more localized and less transnational. They preyed on relative U.S. weakness or its seeming retreat from key regions where they sought to consolidate gains and when they sensed diminished U.S. cooperation with regional partners.

Quote:In this shocking video, we delve into the recent Islamic stabbing attack in Germany that has left over 30 people injured. Witness the harrowing footage that captures the chaos and panic of the incident. We explore the events leading up to the attack, the response from law enforcement, and the implications for security in Germany and beyond. Join us as we discuss the societal impact of such violent acts and the ongoing debates surrounding immigration and extremism. This incident raises important questions about safety, community, and the challenges of integrating diverse cultures. Stay informed and aware of the realities of our world today.

https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us...-113719282

Quote:Surface-to-air Missiles And Kill Teams In New Donald Trump Plot? Claims Surface

An international war correspondent on X, platform formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday claimed that nine surface-to-air missiles have been smuggled into the US to target Trump Force One. Ann Vandersteel added that the operation will allegedly be led by Sinaloa Cartel of Mexico. However, she did not provide any concrete evidence to back the story.

Quote:[/url] Former Democrat Candidate Indicted for Threatening to Kill Republican Anna Paulina Luna Using Ukranian Hit Squad
[url=https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2024/09/29/former-democrat-candidate-indicted-for-threatening-to-kill-republican-anna-paulina-luna-using-ukranian-hit-squad/] September 29, 2024 | Sundance | 148 Comments
I have tongue-in-cheek called attention to the unstable mindset of the Ukrainian extremists, frequently in alignment with the “alligator emoji” people, by saying “Slava Ukrani.”  At the end of my purposefully Freudian snark (misnomer I know), it was always the intent to draw attention to the rabid ideological outlook of those who promote World War Reddit.
However, putting aside prior snark, deep inside this unstable and tribal mindset there exists a very real and dangerous proclivity toward violence. Given the nature of how the IC has positioned Iran to be the suspect of any foreign assassination attempt upon President Trump. Personally, I consider that proactive narrative as a deflection from the very real foreign violence threat represented by those who are Ukranian extremists.
In essence, if there was to be any further attempt on the life of President Trump, specifically related to the reports of extremely dangerous weapons (missiles) smuggled into the United States, the most likely nationality of the trigger operators would be Ukraine, not Iran.  The second assassination attempt by a Ukraine sympathizer Ryan Routh only underscores the view.
Under the guise of sympathy toward Ukraine, the UniParty power brokers in Washington DC have made substantial financial deposits toward their endeavors.  Yes, within the U.S-Ukraine relationship there are billions at stake; and it is within that reality the origination of any threat to Donald Trump must be reviewed.
Adding context to this violent outlook, yet another unstable ‘Slava Ukraini’ story surfaces.  Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (Tampa, Florida) received death threats from her democrat opponent, William Braddock, who then fled to the Philippines and was recently captured.

New York Post – A former congressional candidate was charged over allegations that he threatened to dispatch a hit squad to murder his political opponent while he was running against Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.)
William Braddock, 41, of St. Petersburg, Fla. is accused of making the alleged threats on June 8, 2021 — including one where he threatened to “call up my Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to take out his rival. (read more) 
FROM THE DOJ: […] “According to the indictment, William Robert Braddock III, 41, of St. Petersburg, and Victim 1 were candidates in the primary election to represent the 13th Congressional District of Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives. Victim 2 was a private citizen and acquaintance of Victim 1. On June 8, 2021, Braddock made several threats to injure and kill Victim 1 and Victim 2 during a telephone call with Victim 2. Specifically, Braddock threatened, in part, to “call up my Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” and make Victim 1 disappear.
After making the threats, Braddock left the United States and was later found to be residing in the Philippines. Braddock was recently deported from the Philippines to the United States and made his first court appearance yesterday in Los Angeles.
Braddock is charged with one count of interstate transmission of a true threat to injure another person. If convicted, Braddock faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.” [Read Indictment Here]

Posted in Death Threats, Domestic Terrorism, Election 2024, Professional Idiots, propaganda, Ukraine, Uncategorized

   
Search Term DDG

2024/25 are not just 'election years' they are THE election years. With over 2 billion people voting in over 50 countries around the world, the stakes have never been higher.

We've seen an alarming increase in online censorship recently, and an ever increasing amount of that is under advisement from our respective governments and their liberal supporters, though, there is also an uptick in censorship by the right.

Do we have freedom of speech? Or not?

Are we able to decide for ourselves, what to believe, or not to believe? And then, to express it?

The problem with misinformation and disinformation isn't a 'people' problem, but, as the evidence reflects, it is an 'intelligence agency' and a 'health agency' and an 'economic agency' problem, as recent history attests, they are the main proprietors and cause of the problem, yet, they are also in charge of the 'solution'

Classical Hegelian Dialectic, and the 'people' fall for it every time:

Quote:As the U.S. 2024 presidential election gets underway, social media companies are caught in an unenviable position: trying to stop the spread of misinformation while also facing more and more allegations of censorship.

Claims of censorship online have, in some cases, stymied efforts to combat false election news shared online. The problem is not unique to the U.S.: high-stake elections are being held in dozens of countries around the world this year and some worry that misinformation could influence the results.

"Half of the world is voting this year and the world could stick with democracy or move toward authoritarianism," Darrell West, a senior fellow of technology innovation at the Brookings Institution, said. "The danger is, disinformation could decide the elections in a number of different countries."
CBS News

Quote:The Canadian cyber spy agency, the Communications Security Establishment (“CSE”), has stated that it is “very likely” that Canadian voters will encounter some sort of foreign interference ahead of the September 2021 election. This type of interference may come in the way of overt hacking attempts, or the more insidious dissemination of “fake news” on online platforms.
McCarthy

Quote:Just days before Slovakia's national election last fall, a mysterious voice recording began spreading a lie online.

The manipulated file made it sound like Michal Simecka, leader of the Progressive Slovakia party, was discussing buying votes with a local journalist. But the conversation never happened; the file was later debunked as a "deepfake" hoax.

On election day, Simecka lost to the pro-Kremlin populist candidate Robert Fico in a tight race.
CBC

Quote:While it's nearly impossible to determine whether the deepfake file contributed to the final results, the incident points to growing fears about the effect products of artificial intelligence are having on democracy around the world — and in Canada.

"This is what we fear ... that there could be a foreign interference so grave that then the electoral roll results are brought into question," Caroline Xavier, head of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) — Canada's cyber intelligence agency — told CBC News.
CBC

Quote:After weathering a years-long political and legal assault, researchers who study disinformation say they see reasons to be cautiously hopeful as their efforts heat up ahead of the 2024 election.

These researchers, along with the universities and nonprofits that they work for, have been in the crosshairs of Republicans and their allies, accused of acting as government proxies in a Biden administration plot to censor conservative speech online. Since 2021, those who worked to identify and combat disinformation around the last presidential election and Covid-19 have faced lawsuits, congressional inquiries and attacks online and in right-wing media that have threatened their reputations, careers and personal safety.

On Monday, during oral arguments at the Supreme Court, most of the justices voiced some support for governments and researchers working with social media platforms on content moderation, especially related to national security, emergencies and health.
NBC

Quote:As destructive as these false election narratives have been, there is good reason to believe the problem may be markedly worse in 2024. Five factors are poised to degrade the election information environment even further compared with 2020: 1) right-wing legal and political attacks have successfully deterred key institutions, organizations, and government agencies from addressing falsehoods about the election process; 2) domestic actors appear increasingly robust and coordinated in their broader efforts to undermine confidence in American elections, too; 3) social media companies have drastically reduced efforts to moderate false election content and amplify accurate information; (4) a convergence of recent geopolitical crises seem set to galvanize renewed interest from foreign adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran to interfere in U.S. elections; and (5) recent advances in artificial intelligence mean adversaries of American democracy have access to tools that can boost voter suppression efforts and pollute the information environment on a scale and level of sophistication never seen before in a federal election cycle, though AI may also help address these threats.
Brennan Center

Quote:The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a decision that could have enormous consequences for the 2024 election, saying the US government can – for now – keep warning social media companies about mis- and disinformation threats it’s seeing online.

Although the case was decided narrowly on a technicality and not on the substance of the issues, the decision is nonetheless among the most consequential of the court’s current term.

The government’s outreach to social media platforms has been happening since the 2016 election and in direct response to Russia’s attempts to meddle in US politics. In 2020, a congressional inquiry faulted the US government and tech platforms for not working together more to respond to those types of informational threats, which could baselessly sow division among voters and weaken the United States on the world stage.
CNN

Quote:The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued urgent safety recommendations on Thursday to Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in response to the potential for a jammed or restricted rudder control system on some 737 Next-Generation and 737 Max 8 aircraft. 
The rudder controls the side to side movement of the nose of the aircraft, otherwise known as the yaw motion. 
BOEING 737 MAX INCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION OVER 'STUCK' RUDDER PEDALS
The agency is in the midst of investigating a February incident in which the rudder pedals on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 were "stuck" in their neutral position during the landing rollout at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. 
   
United Boeing aircraft parked at gates at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey on March 19, 2024. (Photographer: Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
At the time, the captain had to rely on the nosewheel steering tiller to control the airplane’s direction after touching down, the NTSB said.
The pilots reported that the plane was able to taxi to the gate "without further incident" and all 155 passengers and six crew members were able to deplane. No injuries were reported. 

Quote:From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia United Airlines Flight 585 N999UA (left), the aircraft involved in the accident Accident Date March 3, 1991 Summary Loss of control due to rudder hardover[1] Site Widefield Park, near Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, United States 38°44′09.4″N 104°42′42.4″W Total fatalities 25 Total injuries 1 Aircraft Aircraft type Boeing 737-291 Operator United Airlines IATA flight No. UA585 ICAO flight No. UAL585 Call sign UNITED 585 Registration N999UA Flight origin Greater Peoria Regional Airport Stopover Quad City International Airport Last stopover Stapleton International Airport Destination Colorado Springs Municipal Airport Occupants 25 Passengers 20 Crew 5 Fatalities 25 Survivors 0 Ground casualties Ground injuries 1 United Airlines Flight 585 was a scheduled passenger flight on March 3, 1991, from Denver to Colorado Springs, Colorado, carrying 20 passengers and 5 crew members on board. The plane experienced a rudder hardover while on final approach to runway 35 at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, causing the plane to roll over and enter an uncontrolled dive. All 25 people on board the Boeing 737 were killed on impact. The National Transportation Safety Board, (NTSB), was initially unable to resolve the cause of the crash, but after similar accidents and incidents involving Boeing 737 aircraft, the crash was determined to be caused by a defect in the design of the 737's rudder power control unit.[1]: ix 

I have not seen him this worked up before. Edit to add I do believe this could be said about most countries that have opened the flood gates of immigration.

It seems like since Elon and Trump have become friends the great arm of the federal government in the form of the Federal Aviation Administration has started screwing with Space-X's launch plans.. No doubt China loves this stuff !

There used to be a magazine (maybe 20 years ago" called "US Aviator" that wrote about and exposed many of the corrupt vengeful acts by certain regional departments of the FAA. There were many stories about inept idiots at work. One I still remember was a twin engine aircraft that had the new "Q" tipped props.. A fed during a ramp check grounded the aircraft and accused the pilot of almost landing gear up and managing to make a go-around; thus the prop tips were perfectly bent over (no scratches or runway rash visible..yet that must be the cause!!"

So the aircraft was grounded for several days even though they had been given the paperwork about the new propellers installation which was legal and certified.. Federal bureaucratic B.S.