Scammers, identity thieves, phishers, rip-off websites, and outright maliciousness websites and callers, they appear to be everywhere. We the public as private citizen and consumers have learned to trust businesses that we frequent. We also trust that our most private information will remain confidential and is not mixed with slanderous or misleading leading information... . Continues
Back in February, our network was hacked and several files
containing personal information were stolen. Luckily, I had all our files
backed up. Actually, the problem started back in October 2023 when someone
attempted to gain access to one of our online accounts. The account was frozen
until we proved the account was ours.
Nevertheless, I took additional precautions by reporting
this most recent incident to the police department and our internet provider. I then changed our network,
restored the missing files, changed all the login information on the computers
and online accounts, upgraded our computers security, and informed businesses where
we frequent on and off line of what was happening. After all this we thought
that the matter was over. History…. Gone!
We were wrong. Last Friday I discovered that it might not be
over when I found that the new network that I created had been hacked and some
of the configurations changed. I surmised that among the files the hacker had
gotten was our modem login information; so any changes that I made, the hacker
just went back in and changed the configuration again. Therefore, I ended up
creating another network and resetting all the computers and other devices in
the house.
After doing a thorough search on my husband’s computer, I discovered
the problem stemmed from an app in the "Programs and Features" section
of the "Control Panel” and was called, “Remote Desktop Connection”.This seemingly innocuous little program was
downloaded to our network via a Microsoft update back in February, which is
when our hacking problems began in earnest. After removing the program from my
husband’s computer, he reminded me that he did tell me last month that he activated
it by accident. Back then, I did not understand what he was talking about, so I
ignored it), I tell you now, do not ignore this” Remote Desktop Connection” as
I did. It had not been shut off, so the hacker walked right in.
If you find this
“Remote Desktop Connection” program on your computer and you do not have a need
for it “DO NOT ACTIVATE IT”. However, to avoid mishaps, such as what we just
experience, uninstall it, as well as all other unused programs; such as
Outlook, One Drive, and One Note. These programs if not removed or deactivated
can open up access to your network and your computer. Be sure to turn off all share apps and guest
apps if you have no need of them as well.
After resetting all the computers back to their factory
settings, I shut them down. The next day, we found the program on all of our
computers and surmised that it came with a cloud update for windows when I reset.Therefore, I removed it from all the
computers and created another network as a precaution.
Because this “Remote Desktop Connection” program is
installed automatically within one of the windows updates be watchful, and remove
it if not needed. We do not need it and my husband learned the hard way about
installing and activating a program that pops up or out of curiosity.
As for the hacker and given the local range of our network I
believe he/she is nearby us.
This is very
important; once the hackers enter your computer via the “Remote Desktop
Connection” program and bypassing your security programs they can do you harm
in many ways.
Why is Remote Desktop Connection installed?
Microsoft
Remote Desktop Connection is a standard feature in Windows and is not
something that you typically need to download separately. This feature
is integrated into Windows and is used for remote access to other computers.Oct 11, 2023
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division hosted a virtual forum to
discuss efforts to combat hate crimes and incidents and highlight the
successful launch of the nationwide United Against Hate Community
Engagement Program. The forum included reflections from leaders of civil
rights organizations on increased threats against Jewish, Muslim, and
Arab communities across the country. The event coincided with the 25th
anniversary of the tragic murders of James Byrd Jr. and Matthew Shepard
and commemorated the 14th anniversary of the Shepard/Byrd Hate Crimes
Prevention Act.
After some disturbing encounters recently, I find that I want to share a bible story well known to all Catholics, but oddly unknown non-Catholics who trespass where they are not wanted. In addition, I posted this here and on my Catholic website because those that do wrong tend to read this website more often than my religious one.
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Book of Daniel, Chapter 13: Susanna
1In Babylon there lived a man named Joakim, 2who married a very beautiful and God-fearing woman, Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah; 3her parents were righteous and had trained their daughter according to the law of Moses. 4Joakim was very rich and he had a garden near his house. The Jews had recourse to him often because he was the most respected of them all.
5That year, two elders of the people were appointed judges, of whom the Lord said, “Lawlessness has come out of Babylon, that is, from the elders who were to govern the people as judges.” 6These men, to whom all brought their cases, frequented the house of Joakim. 7When the people left at noon, Susanna used to enter her husband’s garden for a walk. 8When the elders saw her enter every day for her walk, they began to lust for her. 9They perverted their thinking; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments. 10Though both were enamored of her, they did not tell each other their trouble, 11for they were ashamed to reveal their lustful desire to have her. 12Day by day they watched eagerly for her. 13One day they said to each other, “Let us be off for home, it is time for the noon meal.” So they went their separate ways. 14But both turned back and arrived at the same spot. When they asked each other the reason, they admitted their lust, and then they agreed to look for an occasion when they could find her alone.
15One day, while they were waiting for the right moment, she entered as usual, with two maids only, wanting to bathe in the garden, for the weather was warm. 16Nobody else was there except the two elders, who had hidden themselves and were watching her. 17“Bring me oil and soap,” she said to the maids, “and shut the garden gates while I bathe.” 18They did as she said; they shut the garden gates and left by the side gate to fetch what she had ordered, unaware that the elders were hidden inside.
19As soon as the maids had left, the two old men got up and ran to her. 20“Look,” they said, “the garden doors are shut, no one can see us, and we want you. So give in to our desire, and lie with us. 21If you refuse, we will testify against you that a young man was here with you and that is why you sent your maids away.”
22“I am completely trapped,” Susanna groaned. “If I yield, it will be my death; if I refuse, I cannot escape your power. 23Yet it is better for me not to do it and to fall into your power than to sin before the Lord.” 24Then Susanna screamed, and the two old men also shouted at her, 25as one of them ran to open the garden gates. 26When the people in the house heard the cries from the garden, they rushed in by the side gate to see what had happened to her. 27At the accusations of the old men, the servants felt very much ashamed, for never had any such thing been said about Susanna.
28When the people came to her husband Joakim the next day, the two wicked old men also came, full of lawless intent to put Susanna to death. 29Before the people they ordered: “Send for Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah, the wife of Joakim.” When she was sent for, 30she came with her parents, children and all her relatives. 31Susanna, very delicate and beautiful, 32was veiled; but those transgressors of the law ordered that she be exposed so as to sate themselves with her beauty. 33All her companions and the onlookers were weeping.
34In the midst of the people the two old men rose up and laid their hands on her head. 35As she wept she looked up to heaven, for she trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly. 36The old men said, “As we were walking in the garden alone, this woman entered with two servant girls, shut the garden gates and sent the servant girls away. 37A young man, who was hidden there, came and lay with her. 38When we, in a corner of the garden, saw this lawlessness, we ran toward them. 39We saw them lying together, but the man we could not hold, because he was stronger than we; he opened the gates and ran off. 40Then we seized this one and asked who the young man was, 41but she refused to tell us. We testify to this.” The assembly believed them, since they were elders and judges of the people, and they condemned her to death.
42But Susanna cried aloud: “Eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be: 43you know that they have testified falsely against me. Here I am about to die, though I have done none of the things for which these men have condemned me.”
44The Lord heard her prayer. 45As she was being led to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel, 46and he cried aloud: “I am innocent of this woman’s blood.” 47All the people turned and asked him, “What are you saying?” 48He stood in their midst and said, “Are you such fools, you Israelites, to condemn a daughter of Israel without investigation and without clear evidence? 49Return to court, for they have testified falsely against her.”
50Then all the people returned in haste. To Daniel the elders said, “Come, sit with us and inform us, since God has given you the prestige of old age.” 51But he replied, “Separate these two far from one another, and I will examine them.”
52After they were separated from each other, he called one of them and said: “How you have grown evil with age! Now have your past sins come to term: 53passing unjust sentences, condemning the innocent, and freeing the guilty,a although the Lord says, ‘The innocent and the just you shall not put to death.’ 54Now, then, if you were a witness, tell me under what tree you saw them together.” 55“Under a mastic tree,”* he answered. “Your fine lie has cost you your head,” said Daniel; “for the angel of God has already received the sentence from God and shall split you in two.” 56Putting him to one side, he ordered the other one to be brought. “Offspring of Canaan, not of Judah,” Daniel said to him, “beauty has seduced you, lust has perverted your heart. 57This is how you acted with the daughters of Israel, and in their fear they yielded to you; but a daughter of Judah did not tolerate your lawlessness. 58Now, then, tell me under what tree you surprised them together.” 59“Under an oak,” he said. “Your fine lie has cost you also your head,” said Daniel; “for the angel of God waits with a sword to cut you in two so as to destroy you both.”
60The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God who saves those who hope in him. 61They rose up against the two old men, for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of bearing false witness.b They condemned them to the fate they had planned for their neighbor: 62in accordance with the law of Moses they put them to death. Thus was innocent blood spared that day.
63Hilkiah and his wife praised God for their daughter Susanna, with Joakim her husband and all her relatives, because she was found innocent of any shameful deed. 64And from that day onward Daniel was greatly esteemed by the people.
Although, the story of Susanna is excluded from most other
bibles, and may be seen as more of an allegory tale, her story is very much a
part of the Catholic faith. The story of Susanna is also a cautionary tale for the
protection of the holy union of marriage. It warns wives and husbands of the wickedness
of some men and women as well, who, out of lust, greed and jealousy will
attempt to destroy a marriage. These
evil men and women make attempts to prey on who they deem the weaker one within
the marriage, usually the wife, failing that, the husband. These evil men and
women often attempt to use the promise of a better relationship, better sex,
better job and the threat of financial ruined and bodily harm upon one or both
members of the couple in various ways. In addition, occasional one or two of them will lose their wits
and commit bodily harm upon the couple and their children and their children’s
children, and further victimizing the couple by enlisting others to destroy the
couple within the community in which they live. These evil men and women subvert
the social norms and the laws when unable to control their greed and jealousy.
Yes, these men and women are the type of evil people
attempting to interfere with my life and my marriage. So, I reference Susanna, but by God, I think
like a Judith!
Recently, I trimmed away a few fronds from a neighbor's Sabal palm that were hanging over the property line and rubbing against our greenhouse. Today, I heard on Fox 13 News Tampa that Sabal palm are considered Florida state tree and are therefore protected.
However, that is not the full story. Below is what the State of Florida has to say about Sabal palm and all other trees in the states.
Sabal Palm:
They are greatly valued as ornamental trees both for home and industrial landscaping. Most nurseries sell them in various sizes and shapes, deliver them, and set them in place. Although the swamp cabbage tree grows wild, it is protected from indiscriminate cutting by its designation as Florida's state tree.
Regarding necessarily cutting and trimming:
The adjoining landowner may, at his or her own expense, trim back the branches or roots as he or she desires up to the property line. If the branches are dead, however, then the landowner with the tree located on his or her property may be responsible, and could be liable for damages caused by the branches. 1 Fla. Jur.
So neighbor, don't be mad. Be glad that I saved you $600 to $1000 bucks.
There is a problem within Amazon and those in charge need to clean it up. Here is a copy of a letter stating to be from Asurion, the Amazon product protection center. To the best of my knowledge, Asurion never sends letters requesting additional information from customers via the United States Postal Service (USPS). If this should happen, report it to Amazon. Should it continue to happen report it to the police department, and if necessary the Office of the Attorney General fraud and scam departments within your state. We received this letter yesterday. It is the second letter we have received. The one was shredded, but because the sender is trying again, it warrant posting to warn consumers of this scam. Fortunately, we do not have an active claim, and neither would we provide the requested information via a letter from the mail.
In addition, shred everything that contains invoice numbers, account numbers, bank and medical statements, and all other private information that scammers and con artists should not obtain. Never put this type of information in the recycle bin. Furthermore, remove, blackout and/or redact your names and addresses from shipping labels before recycling the boxes and envelopes received with the products you bought online. Unfortunately, we failed to do this part all the time and trusted that no one would search the recycle bins for information . I am not saying this is why we got this letter. I am saying that every bit of precaution helps protect you.
Be watchful of scammers, con artists, thugs knocking on your door, harassing and attempting to threaten you on the street, and acting as if they are going to attack to get you in a position to scam you and/or do other harm. These con artists will also lie to your neighbors and businesses you frequent. They will attempt to destroy your life to gain they illegal profits in an act of revenge because you protected yourself by reporting them. We and you have every right to protect ourselves from these malicious con artists.
Finally, this world is changing rapidly, and not all of it for the better, so be watchful there is always the possibility of a scammer, con artist or thief living among you, manipulating you and your neighbors, but not for your protection but for their gain. If you find this post helpful and you have been threaten or scammed in some way, protect yourselves. Call the police department.
When I went out to
put my greenhouse back up, on close inspection, I discovered that it had been
vandalized, and the major damages was not caused by the high winds and rains as
I thought and as I written in my last postbecause
the canopy was off. Someone had broken many of the joints couplings . The
criminal(s) that did the damage discovered last year during an active hurricane
season that bypassed us, like this hurricane did, that when he/she tried to
uproot the greenhouse that it was firmly secured to the ground, and the damages
was done to the canopy. Therefore, this year the criminal(s) broke many of the
joints couplings that held the metal rods of the greenhouse frame together.
However, because the
criminal(s) has damage this greenhouse two previous time and each under
the cover of a hurricane that never came our way, we where prepared them. The
video below explains more as well as the photos.
Off and on for a few years, I have notices young women, usually two at a time, lingerings our patch of the avenue, and not really understanding why they would lingering. Then after losing a few packages or having them tamper with.we put out secondary security camera in that area, and the women stopped coming around. Recently, these delivery problems began again, and two Fordecore Patio Recliner Cushions were stolen. According the Amazon driver, the cushions were handed to someone posing as me (the owner of the cushions). Now, we happened because stopped placing that secondary camera out to watch the front of our avenue. There is already a camera to watch our porch where packages are left, and these crafty thieves know that it there. However, since we had not had problem with these female thieves in a while, we stopped adding the secondary camera to watch the walk and highway where the delivery drivers sometimes park to make their deliveries.
These two stolen Fordecore Patio Recliner Cushions are very beautiful, and rare. They came all the way from China, so the theft of them is that much more irksome; however, in this case, we have suspects.
Below is a picture of what the two Fordecore Patio Recliner Cushions actually looks like.
As stated above we have suspects, we want them to know that we will be watching them. Their theft has been reported. In addition, we have reordered them.
My garden plants are victims of trespassers, who have fallen
in with some really bad people and instead admitting they were wrong, and make
of mends before thing got to this point, they now are trying to hide the fact
they made a huge mistake and are now bullying us and destroying my plants.
Below are pictures the some of the damaged plants, others
were so badly damaged by some kind of unknown caustic liquid poured on them
that I threw them away. These plants have been through many winters and also
the few coldest ones we have had in recent years; not just at this house.I bring them with us wherever we live. However,
first and because the trespassers have lied and attempted to put my experience
with the care of plants into question, check out my indoor and outdoor
gardening books. I have been collecting and studying from these books as well
as the internet sources since 1975. While I am no professional, I have learned
much about all the plants in my indoor and outdoor gardens, including how to
protect them from harsh cold weather and extreme hot weather as well.
I trimmed back some of the damage on a few of the plants. One
of the troublemakers also went into my greenhouse and destroyed most my herbs,
mint, a newly transplanted Chicago fig sapling. I knew the moment that I went
to undo the clamps on the greenhouse door that the troublemaker had been in it,
because they couldn’t reseal the door correctly.
Before and very healthy:
A film from 2021. I just recently moved many of the damaged plants pictured here out to the drive.
Afterwards:
Surviving sapling from another attack. A cutting from the same one above.
My husband and I are victims of discrimination and the
troublemakers keep lying to the police, and others we do business with regularly.
