Wednesday, March 22, 2017
A Freedom or Great Repeal Bill A deal with the devil worth making
A Freedom or Great Repeal Bill A deal with the devil worth making
I doubt many of the readers of this site will be that happy with Cameron in power. I know Im not.
But, I contend that 5 years of Cameron is worth it. Even if he looks like his greasy carapace might crack open at any moment to release a David Icke Lizard Man.
Because the protection of civil liberties that this new parliament will provide is more important in the long term than the damage he may do to our public services.
I was too young during Thatchers years to really appreciate what she did to the country. It was only during Major that I started to (crudely) understand the pain and inequality they brought to my (strangely tory voting) parents.
Blairs new labour were the only labour party in power I had experienced, so their new nomenclature was more or less irrelevant. And whilst many people had hope for this new way, by the time I could vote the reality of Blairs government had made itself apparent to me.
As such for many of us this election has been extremely difficult. The continual, systematic, piece by piece dismantling of civil liberties by Labour since the Twin Towers attacks has been such a tremendous long term threat to our freedoms that the idea of allowing them to continue unabated with another term was unthinkable.
As unthinkable as allowing the Tories back in.
And with the corrupt First Past the Post system preventing the Lib Dems from holding a number of seats in anyway representing the 7 million votes they would eventually receive it seemed we were doomed.
But the hung parliament and the Conservative/Lib Dem coalition has produced a unique chance to undo so much of this mess.
The overlap in the venn diagram of Lib Dem/Con policies is such that any areas on which they do they agree are areas they need to push with all their strength in order to convince the public (and themselves) that they are a strong and stable government.
This is the best situation we could have possibly hoped for — as if their is one area where these parties do agree it is Civil Liberties.
I now quote from the full text of the coalition agreement document produced by the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. §10 is a doozy.
10. Civil liberties
The parties agree to implement a full programme of measures to reverse the substantial erosion of civil liberties under the Labour Government and roll back state intrusion.
This will include:
A Freedom or Great Repeal Bill. The scrapping of ID card scheme, the National Identity register, the next generation of biometric passports and the Contact Point Database. Outlawing the finger-printing of children at school without parental permission. The extension of the scope of the Freedom of Information Act to provide greater transparency. Adopting the protections of the Scottish model for the DNA database. The protection of historic freedoms through the defence of trial by jury. The restoration of rights to non-violent protest. The review of libel laws to protect freedom of speech. Safeguards against the misuse of anti-terrorism legislation. Further regulation of CCTV. Ending of storage of internet and email records without good reason. A new mechanism to prevent the proliferation of unnecessary new criminal offences.
I began to bold the most important parts of that list. But I stopped, because each and every part is so very, very important.
The end of the system to systematically record every email sent and every url visited. The end of ID Cards. A commitment to libel reform. Its pretty much everything Ive talked about on this blog.
As such I wait with bated breath over the future of the Digital Economy Bill (and, of course, voting reform).
With Clegg we have a liberal deputy prime minister who stated that he would break the law and lead a campaign of civil disobedience over ID cards.
It is also reassuring that he will admit to being an atheist.
Weve been at a truly fundamental turning point in our history. One which is typically misunderstood or ridiculed but that makes it no less important.
When it comes to our civil liberties and the disruptive distributed and equalised printing press we call the internet we are lumbered with MPs full of the fear of terrorism whilst being the last generation that can not understand the internet in either purpose or form.
And for all its cat pictures that there internet represents our cultural future and public mouthpiece. So, for all the damage to our public services in the next 5 years - if the Tories push the internet off the knife edge and back towards the openess and liberty we need, then in fifty years well still have the internet we need in a world we can not yet begin to understand.
And that, I believe would be worth it.
Available link for download
Monday, March 6, 2017
2008 Or 2015
2008 Or 2015
Back in 2008 I wrote a story about a Houston townhouse that was for sale. I loved the townhouse – and thought the design was exactly what I would do in the same space, if I were the decorator. I called it “Lessons From A Townhouse” and went over each detail that the owner had gotten right. (The original story is HERE but for some reason the pictures have disappeared!)
Recently I noticed that the townhouse had sold yet again and thought it would be fun to see what the new owners had done with the space and if the townhouse that I so loved in 2008 still looked as good in 2015.
Enjoy!!!!
The townhouse is a three story Piano Nobile – it’s main floor is on the second level. Guest bedrooms are on the first floor, while the master is on the top floor with a large terrace. White stucco, the townhouse is located in the trendy - inside the loop area – in an older neighborhood where houses are torn down for larger multifamily complexes.
The same view at night. Most of this neighborhood is filled with empty nesters or newly marrieds without children. The front of the townhouse is quite attractive – sited on the street – it is located behind an iron gate.
It’s a multi family complex – and here is a view of the back where the garage is.
The double front French door is reached through a pergola.
AFTER: This view of the entry wasn’t shown in 2008. You can see immediately that new owners are like the former owners – they like casual antiques and textiles.
AFTER: And another view of the entry – shows the interesting floor – limestone with mosaic tiles. Seagrass runner leads to the main level.
AFTER: the view upstairs – with the seagrass runner and the sconces – both of which I love. There were no views of the stairs from the previous owners.
BEFORE: The living room – as seen with the former owner’s furniture. Back then, I absolutely loved their décor. I loved that there was a lot of high and low furniture – creating interest in the room. I also loved that instead of a coffee table, they added a dining table which would provide extra space for dinner parties. Hmmm. Not so sure I still love that today! I did note that the drapes were not on each window – something that I felt should have been done. I still agree on that.
BEFORE: Another view of the living room showing the two sided fireplace and views into the dining room. Love the chandelier.
AFTER: It looks like the previous owners left the silk curtains and the chandelier – what a surprise. I still think there should have been curtains throughout. Did they leave the baby grand piano too? There is a new rug – which is a much better size and two antique chaises. Hmmm. I can’t decide if I like this better or not. I do like the sparseness of it.
AFTER: The view from the other side – this owner added two bookcases where there was a sofa before. They do fit the space well. Are those from Tara Shaw? Maybe discontinued from there?
AFTER: another view. The room looks very nice from this view. BUT – the previous owners hung the chandelier over the dining room table originally – and here, it seems off center. It should be in the center of the room. Actually, the room is off balanced a bit because of the placement of the fireplace.
BEFORE: At the other side of the fireplace is the dining room. Love the chandelier and skirted table with antique chairs. I thought this was simple but very elegant. I still do.
AFTER: Beautiful French chairs. And I love the antique mirror and chest in the alcove. And this chandelier is absolutely gorgeous. Just gorgeous. The new owners added a cowskin rug – making the space a bit trendy. I must say I prefer this dining room to the previous owners.
AFTER: Another view – well, the curtains all pushed to one side looks a little sloppy. They look better before – divided. If this was me – I would hang them higher, closer to the ceiling – then I would add fabric shades between the window and the top of the curtains to hide the “dead space.” Also – I always, always line my curtains with blackout to avoid the light shining through. I do think a creamy silk would have been better than the gold – the gold went with the previous décor – not so much this.
BEFORE: The kitchen before – a bit early 2000 Frenchifried.
BEFORE: Another view.
AFTER: Looks better without the country French barstools, for sure which were way too short.
AFTER: Another view – I would probably update the granite with marble or white countertops.
BEFORE: I loved this room. I went on and on about the custom cut seagrass – at the time something few people did. I loved the antique styled sofa and chairs. I loved the mirror’s placement and the prints – noting they were hung correctly, just a few inches above the sofa.
Before: another view – love the shutters at the French doors.
AFTER: OK – are those the same shutters? And I love that they took down the ceiling fan and put up a chandelier instead. Not sure if that was the one in the dining room. Love the mirror and the Tara Shaw coffee table. But I miss the prints and the antique styled sofa and chairs. I think the mirror would look better over the sofa.
AFTER: Love the antique chairs and the metal table. I do think the shutters looked better at the French doors.
AFTER: OK – this owner added doors where the TV was. Love that detail. But I’m being picky. They didn’t have the seagrass recut under the doors. NOTE: having your seagrass recut is NO BIG DEAL. They can do it on site. And – the beauty of seagrass? It’s just not that expensive to replace which is why I love it. Really beautiful antique chairs.
BEFORE: I loved the powder room with all its antique books and baskets. Just so casual.
AFTER: Much prettier mirror. Interesting that they left the basket?
AFTER: Views of the hall showing the double doors to the master bedroom.
AFTER: The view into the bedroom with the pretty double doors.
BEFORE: The master bedroom. I loved this. I loved the high bed and noted it was probably placed on risers purchased at Bed Bath and Beyond. I loved the arch and the antique shutters that added texture. I loved the lantern. And I loved all the furniture in front of the bed. I loved the wall to wall seagrass. I still love this room all these years later.
BEFORE: Another view showing the antique armoire and the study beyond.
BEFORE: A fauxed breakfast bar in the alcove next to the master bed.
A beautiful French antique day bed in the study in the master bedroom. I said this room needed curtains and shades – and I still agree. I loved the wicker basket instead of a coffee table.
BEFORE: The master bedroom terrace with antique furniture and a large urn.
BEFORE: The master bathroom. I loved the bench and furniture. But looking at this now – can’t say I like the manly duck print in the bath alcove!
AFTER: I like this – love the headboard and the mirrors. Love that they kept the shutters. Love the new lantern and the French chairs – but I probably prefer the before décor more. Still this is very pretty.
AFTER: Love this armoire. OK, Love this more than the armoire before.
AFTER: Fabulous Swedish sofa from Tara Shaw that I love, love, love! And I love the gray shutters they added.
AFTER: Same furniture? OK – I have no idea why the previous owners left so much furniture??? The added curtains are a nice touch.
AFTER: less furniture is better. Tara Shaw cachepot.
BEFORE: The Guest Room – I loved this with the beautiful armoire and the lantern and wine table.
AFTER: Swedish chest. Seagrass is gone, which I miss. Tara Shaw floor lamp. I think that might be a Tara Shaw cornice that was discontinued. BTW – I love Tara Shaw Maison furniture – I think her reproductions are wonderful. OK – prefer the 2008 version.
OK – so, do you prefer the 2008 version?
Or the 2015 version. I’m divided. Some parts of each – I wish I could pick and choose from each version!!
It is interesting to see how two talented people designed the same space. Do people usually sell a house and let the new owner keep some of the furniture? That was strange – but nice for the new owners!
NOTICE: Information on HUGE contest coming up next!!!!!!!!!
Available link for download
Saturday, February 25, 2017
4 Methods To Bypass Android Pattern Lockscreen PIN or Password
4 Methods To Bypass Android Pattern Lockscreen PIN or Password
Android is one of the most popular operating system for android phone. If you want smartphone but android phone. Android phone comes with many features and securities. You can lock your device from pattern and pin. This is one of the most easy way to lock your android smartphone , without your permission no one can use your android smartphone.
But many times we forget own lock or pattern in android smartphone. In this post we tell you how you can unlock/bypass your android smartphone without typing pin and enter pattern in android phone. There are many ways for bypass android pattern lock in your android phone.
4 Tricks to Unlock Android Lock Screen
- Bypass Android Pattern Lock from ADB
- Bypass Android Pattern Lock from Factory Reset
- Bypass Android Pattern Lock from Sending SMS
- Unlock Android Pattern Lockscreen from Google
Now Below we give you brief description how you unlock your android pattern. Make sure your phone is fully charged when trying to bypass android pattern lockscreen.
1. Bypass Android Pattern Lock from ADB Tool
You can bypass or disable your android pattern lock from usinh ADB (Android Debugging Bridge) Tool. You can download this tools from its official website. ADB tools work with your Window PC Linux, You can easily bypass android lockscreen from ADB Tools.Download ADB Tools with Drivers for Window 7, Window 8.1 and Window 10.
Make Sure USB Debugging is enabled in your android phone. If your Mobile USB Debugging is not enabled in your android phone, you can;t use this method.
- Download and Install ADB Drivers in your Window PC.
- Connect Your Android Phone with your Window PC.
- Open Command Prompt , type adb devices and press enter.
- Now you see your Device Name with its model number.
- Type one by one these commands in your Command Prompt Screen
- adb shell
- su
- rm /data/system/gesture.key
- Now enter any pattern in your android phone and you can easily bypass android pattern lockscreen from using adb in your window pc.
2. Bypass Android Pattern Lock from Factory Reset
- Switch Off your android phone and start it.
- Press Volume Down + Power Button when you power on your android device. (Or You can search for internet , how you can open android recovery mode in your android device. This combination works different in every android mobiles.)
- Now press volume up and down button and delete all user data in your android smartphone.
- Bypass Android Pattern LockScreen from Factory Reset - Android Recovery Mode
- This is one of the best way for bypass android pattern lock without using adb and cmd.
3. Bypass Android Pattern from Sending SMS
When you buy new android phone for your daily use. Download SMS Bypass LockScreen Android App for your android phone. If somehow you forget your android pattern lock/pin/password , you can easily recover it throught sending sms from another android phone.4. Unlock Android Pattern Lockscreen from Google (Default Method)
This is default method and working in every android smartphone , but make sure your phone is connected with wifi or mobile data network. When you enter too many wrong pattern lock in your android phone , your phone will be locked and give you options for recovering your pattern lock from forget password options.Select your Google Account and type your gmail password and google account password. If you type right password in your android smartphone , your phone will be unlocked. But this method is not working in your android phone, because people off data connection and they did not enable auto connect wifi in android settings.
If you buy new phone make sure you always enable data connection for bypass android pattern , if your forget password.
These are one of the best way for bypass android pattern lock in any android smartphone. Make sure you use these tricks for only educational purposes.
Also Read:
- How ToTurn Your Android Phone Into A Portable Hacking Device
- Deep Web Surfing On Android: Setup Tor And Stay Anonymous
- Setup Kali Linux In Raspberry Pi And Android Device As Screen & Input
Available link for download
Thursday, February 16, 2017
30 Helpful Nmap Commands For Pentester or System Admins
30 Helpful Nmap Commands For Pentester or System Admins
Nmap is short for Network Mapper. It is an open source security tool for network exploration, security scanning and auditing. However, nmap command comes with lots of options that can make the utility more robust and difficult to follow for new users.
The purpose of this post is to introduce a user to the nmap command line tool to scan a host and/or network, so to find out the possible vulnerable points in the hosts. You will also learn how to use Nmap for offensive and defensive purposes.
More about nmap
NMAP (“NETWORK MAPPER”) IS AN OPEN SOURCE TOOL FOR NETWORK EXPLORATION AND SECURITY AUDITING. IT WAS DESIGNED TO RAPIDLY SCAN LARGE NETWORKS, ALTHOUGH IT WORKS FINE AGAINST SINGLE HOSTS. NMAP USES RAW IP PACKETS IN NOVEL WAYS TO DETERMINE WHAT HOSTS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE NETWORK, WHAT SERVICES (APPLICATION NAME AND VERSION) THOSE HOSTS ARE OFFERING, WHAT OPERATING SYSTEMS (AND OS VERSIONS) THEY ARE RUNNING, WHAT TYPE OF PACKET FILTERS/FIREWALLS ARE IN USE, AND DOZENS OF OTHER CHARACTERISTICS. WHILE NMAP IS COMMONLY USED FOR SECURITY AUDITS, MANY SYSTEMS AND NETWORK ADMINISTRATORS FIND IT USEFUL FOR ROUTINE TASKS SUCH AS NETWORK INVENTORY, MANAGING SERVICE UPGRADE SCHEDULES, AND MONITORING HOST OR SERVICE UPTIME.
- What computers did you find running on the local network?
- What IP addresses did you find running on the local network?
- What is the operating system of your target machine?
- Find out what ports are open on the machine that you just scanned?
- Find out if the system is infected with malware or virus.
- Search for unauthorized servers or network service on your network.
- Find and remove computers which don’t meet the organization’s minimum level of security.
