"...Ever been our friend and ally!"

• Sad news:  Pam's House Blend is going away.  (via Driftglass)
  
  Now, I didn't go there much. For one thing, for many years, Safari and her net host's code were deeply antagonistic; I would go there and the browser would either freeze or crash. Not optimal, no.  On the other hand, when that stopped being a problem, there was an occasional gold nugget to be had.  And Pam's "voice" was unmistakeable.  Also, she put me onto a couple of resources for Journey.
• They're listening to your calls.  Via both Comrade Misfit and Anna van Z, who are in different ways scathing.
1. Comrade Misfit:

   Do you mind the government knowing what books you've been reading? Unless you live in a good-sized area, chances are that the neighborhood bookstores are all gone. Which means that you're buying books over the Internet or borrowing them from your library, all of which means that the government can find out what you read, what magazines you subscribe to. Maybe you like to catch up with your favorite shows using the cable company's "on demand" feature-- which means you told the cable company what you like to watch. Do you use an "affinity" card in the grocery store? Did you sign up for the rewards points at your local movie house?

2. Anna van Z:

   We got us a full-blown Stasi/Secret Police-state up in here!

ETA: Apparently CNet got it wrong and has walked back the assertions about random warrantless eavesdropping. Nevertheless, it's time for precautions.

It's not paranoia if someone is really out to get you.