Hacker who helped the FBI to be freed from prison

Hector Xavier Monsegur

By Larry Neumeister 

NEW YORK (AP) — A computer hacker who helped the government disrupt hundreds of cyber-attacks on Congress, NASA and other sensitive targets and cripple the hacktivist crew known as Anonymous will be freed from prison after being sentenced Tuesday to time served.

Prosecutors had detailed Hector Xavier Monsegur's cooperation in court papers while asking a judge to reward him with leniency. He had spent seven months behind bars.

Working around the clock with FBI agents at his side, Monsegur "provided, in real time, information about then-ongoing computer hacks and vulnerabilities in significant computer systems," prosecutors wrote. The FBI estimates he helped detect at least 300 separate hacks, preventing millions of dollars in losses.

He was arrested and pleaded guilty in 2011.

Monsegur first began hacking in a Manhattan apartment in the early 2000s, according to court papers. His aim then was to steal credit card information, then sell it or use it to pay his own bills.

In a 2011 interview with an online magazine, Monsegur said he decided to join forces with Anonymous because he was upset over the arrest of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Starting in early 2011 and using the alias Sabu, Monsegur led an Anonymous splinter group called Lulz Security, or LulzSec, which hacked the computer systems of Fox television, Nintendo, PayPal and other businesses, stole private information and bragged about its exploits online.

The group was loosely affiliated with Jeremy Hammond, the FBI's most wanted cyber-criminal, whose stated objective was to cause mayhem with the attacks, prosecutors said.

When FBI agents showed up at Monsegur's home in the summer of 2011, he immediately agreed to cooperate, giving the FBI a tutorial on the inner workings and participants of LulzSec and Anonymous, prosecutors said.

Under their direction, he "convinced LulzSec members to provide him digital evidence of the hacking activities" and "asked seemingly innocuous questions that ... could be used to pinpoint their exact locations and identities," court papers said.

Associated Press Writer Tom Hays contributed to this report.

In keeping with his mastery of the art of double-talk, Jonathan declares "total war" on Boko Haram while also granting amnesty to the murderous sect

G.E. Jonathan: A confused man?

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President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the armed forces to launch a full-scale military operation against Boko Haram and other violent organisations to put an end to their impunity in the country.

"I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability by waging a total war against terrorism," he said in his nationwide Democracy Day broadcast in Abuja on Thursday.

It was not immediately known what such an offensive could entail given that the North-East where most of the activities of terrorists take place has been under emergency rule and a full-scale military operation for a year now.

But a top Defense Headquarters official reiterated after the broadcast that the Special Forces and other security operatives involved in the prosecution of the anti-terrorism campaign would have a near unlimited space to operate.

The phrase "total war", however, was used by Chad's President Idriss Deby following a meeting of Nigeria's neighbors in Paris in mid-May, in which they sought a common strategy to fight the militants.

"I assure you … that these thugs will be driven away. It will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal," Jonathan said.

The President explained that the full-scale operation against the terrorists had become imperative because they had unleashed war on Nigeria.

But he still did not rule out "dialogue, reconciliation" with the insurgents if they renounced terrorism and embraced peace.

Jonathan said that Nigeria's unity, stability and the protection of lives and property were non-negotiable.

He restated the determination of his administration to protect the nation's democracy, national unity and political stability.

The President said the activities of terror groups in the country had caused debilitating pains and horror for the nation particularly the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno, on April 14.

"It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians.

"I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.

"I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.

"I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done.

"I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away.

Amnesty for Boko Haram members

At another event organised to mark the Democracy Day for youths, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna, announced that Jonathan had offered amnesty for Boko Haram members ready to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

Haruna, who gave an overview of youths' position in the present administration's transformation agenda at an event attended by Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo, said the offer was part of youths-friendly programs and policies of the government.

The event was almost marred by power failure that happened when the President mounted the podium to present a compendium of his administration's achievements in the last one year and answer questions from youths.

Haruna said, "President Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect. A series of integration programs have been lined up for members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace."

He therefore called on the sect members to embrace the government's gesture by keying into the amnesty program.

The minister recalled that in the wake of youth restiveness in the Niger Delta, the government came up with a development program which provided an opportunity for the youth to express themselves and have a meaningful life.

Haruna said although the amnesty program was a fallout of a bitter national security challenge , its effect on the youth had been profound.

He disclosed that 30,000 youths that benefited from the program transformed from militants to wealth creators, employers of labor and skilled citizens.

Jonathan while answering questions from youths who attended the program tagged "A day with young leaders of Nigeria," said the military alone was incapable of stopping terrorism or any kind of radicalism alone.

Pointing out that terrorism could not succeed in any community without local support, Jonathan stressed the need for people respected by insurgents to join hands with the government to persuade them to desist from violence.

He said, "Terror succeeds with local support. It will be difficult for terror to thrive where people reject it. It is a major challenge to all of us.

"Military alone cannot stop terror or any radicalism. Terrorists have people they respect, they have community, traditional and opinion leaders they respect. All of us can de-radicalize them.

"We will through persuasive activities encourage people to shun violence."

He said the Federal Government was already working out the modalities for reintroducing moral education into the school curriculum.

This, he said, would assist in re-orientating young people.

Jonathan promised that his administration would continue to encourage young people because they are no longer leaders of tomorrow but of today.

He said youths were already leading because they decide who rules at all levels of government by virtue of their population which he put at 60 per cent of the electorate.

The President also reiterated his position that the nation's income distribution was skewed.

While saying that government was working hard to redistribute wealth, he added that one of the priorities of his government was to encourage self-employment.

Responding to a question on the need to have a youth as the Minister of Youth Development, Jonathan said, "the best person to take care of a child may not necessarily be a child."

Mercedes-Benz Commercial: MAGIC BODY CONTROL courtesy of the "Chicken"?

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Shakira - Dare (La La La)

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Maya Angelou: A pictorial tribute to a life and a road less traveled..... but much revered.....

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Credits: Maya Angelou

Pictorial: Real Madrid win "La Decima" in epic Champions League final by beating Athletico 4-1.....

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Captain Iker Casillas and team mates lift Champions League trophy in Lisbon


Cristiano Ronaldo scores the fourth goal from the penalty spot


Marcelo(R) and Sergio Ramos celebrate his (Marcelo's) third


Gareth Bale scores the second for Madrid


Sergio Ramos scores last gasp equalizer to send the game into extra time


Iker Casillas's blunder led to Athletico's goal


Godin's header caught Iker Casillas in no man's land


Diego Costa was subbed off after only 9 minutes


The Champions League Trophy

Local Nigerian hunters with amulets and armor ask to go after Boko Haram.....

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Recreational Marijuana: The birth of a new retail market?

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Whether or not you agree with the legalization of marijuana, from a marketing perspective what is evolving is certainly an intriguing case study on how markets evolve. In some respects, this market can be examined from a Product Life Cycle (PLC) standpoint, with the legal recreational marijuana retailing business being in Introduction stage. However, PLC analysis is somewhat less effective in suggesting that the current purchasers are considered Innovators and Early Adopters. Such analysis is generally limited to New-to-the-World products rather than something that has been available, albeit illegally, for a long time.

Maybe a better way to analyze this is to say recreational marijuana is a new retail distribution outlet. While currently limited to Colorado and soon to the state of Washington, over the next few years many predict this channel will expand into many other areas of the country. As the market grows, it will also be fascinating to see the retail strategies marketers use to broaden distribution. Currently these products are sold within small independent retail stores, but some day we may see marijuana sold in large corporate chain stores and retail franchises. We could also see other retail options, such as sales through vending machines (see included YouTube video) or as discussed in this National Public Radio story, via mobile truck retailer.

Of course, distribution will not be the only marketing area impacted. For instance, promotional decisions will also be significant. While mainstream media are not likely to accept direct advertising of marijuana any time soon, it will be interesting to see if they permit ads that indirectly allude to the drug by using creative words and images to get the point across.

While some marketing options will be limited by government regulation, expect marketers to find creative ways to take advantage of whatever opportunities are available.

For more information, visit http://www.knowthis.com/

Brazil 2014: Ignored Ike Uche scores again

By Pius Ayinor

Nigeria striker Ikechukwu Uche scored his 14th goal in the La Liga on Sunday as his Spanish club defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 away from home. He scored in the 69th minute to increase the lead before the home team cut it down to 2-1. 

The striker, who was ignored by Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, also scored last week as Villarreal won 4-0 over visiting Rayo Vallencano at the Estadio El Madrigal. In the game against Vallecano, a 22nd minute goal from the Nigerian put the Yellow Submarine ahead before goals from Bruno Soriano, Jonathan Pereira and Jaume Costa sealed victory for them.

The Villarreal goals and win on Sunday were very significant as they confirmed their place in the Europa League for next season. They finished seventh although they tied at 59 points with Sociedad.

Uche now holds the record for the highest scoring Nigerian in Spain having broken Finidi George's haul of 11 goals with Real Betis in the 1990s.

But in spite of his goal haul, the player has been left out of the Brazil 2014 World Cup party and his exclusion has continued to generate mixed reactions from Nigerians particularly former Nigeria internationals. A former Green Eagles defender Yisa Sofoluwe, who spoke with our correspondent on Sunday, said the exclusion of such a key player should not create much cause for worries as the coach of the team understands the level of opposition at the World Cup.

He said, "The coach has watched his players all through the year and believes he could achieve the set target with the squad he has and so we have to let him move on with that decision. I am sure he consulted extensively with his assistants before arriving at the decision to drop Uche and I guess it was taken in best collective interest of the team.

"Personally, I like Uche but I am not the coach and so there's nothing I can do about it. Another coach can equally use the same squad or completely alter it depending on his approach to the game. He may be playing well and scoring well but many other things are put into consideration in selecting a team and so he didn't make Keshi's list, and that's it."

Uche, who missed out on the 2010 World Cup in South Africa on account of an injury he had, has since put the disappointment behind him and wished the Super Eagles the best in Brazil using his Twitter handle.

"I wish my colleagues all the best in Brazil. To the fans, I’d like to thank you for your support. Let’s get behind the Eagles in Brazil," he tweeted.

Chibok: Boko Haram, Northern-Nigeria elders and the United States.....

David Femi Fani-Kayode

By Femi Fani-Kayode

On May 4, 2014, Abubakar Shekau, the leader Boko Haram, proclaimed: "I am going to marry out any woman who is twelve years old, and if she is younger, I will marry her out at the age of nine. I am the one who captured all those girls and will sell all of them. Slavery is allowed in my religion and I shall capture people and make them slaves. We are on our way to Abuja and we shall also visit the South.

I am going to kill all the Imams and other Islamic clerics in Nigeria because they are not Muslims since they follow democracy and constitution. It is Allah that instructed us, we will soak the ground of Nigeria with Christian blood, and so-called Muslims contradicting Islam. 

We will kill and wonder what to do with their smelling corpses. This is a war against Christians and democracy and their constitution".

It is self-evident that Mr. Shekau is not only a dangerous, barbaric, sadistic, bestial, delusional, homicidal, misogynistic, paedophilic, psycopathic and sociopathic vampire and cold-blooded murderer all rolled into one, but his words adequately reflect the sheer ruthlessness and callousness that has seized the Haramite mind.

There is no doubt in my mind that he is possessed by the most vicious and cruel demons and that he has a blood-lust that is second to none. Even Al Qaeda condemned the latest atrocity committed by Boko Haram in Chibok.

Yet despite their sheer depravity they appear to have a few friends at home who insist on speaking for them. Permit me to give just one example.

Some northern elders have said that the Federal Government ''should pay billions as ransom to Shekau and release all detained Boko Haram members'' and that there must be ''no foreign forces in Nigeria". They have also demanded that ''force should not be used'' in securing the freedom of the abducted girls.

These demands are repugnant. It is the same people that did not want troops to be deployed in the area in the first place.

It is the same people that did not want state of emergency to be declared in the North. It is the same people that have been urging the government to negotiate with Boko Haram in the last three years.

It is the same people that have consistently asked that Boko Haram should be treated lightly and that they should be offered amnesty even though they have slaughtered no less than 10,000 innocent people.

It is the same people that are suggesting that Boko Haram is actually a creation of the CIA, MOSSAD and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

It is one of these northern elders that referred to Boko Haram as ''freedom fighters'' who are simply ''fighting for justice" only last year. It is another that said that members of Boko Haram ought to be treated ''in the same way as the Niger Delta militants'' and that they should be rehabilitated, resettled and paid large sums of money only last year.

It is another that said that ''Muslims should only vote for those that would protect their interests" and that he would see to it that ''Sharia law is implemented and applied throughout the whole country" in 2001.

It is another that said that Nigeria was created by the British and granted independence by them in 1960 on the clear understanding that ''a northern Muslim would always lead the country" in 1994. It is another that said that if the North does not have it's way on the voting formula at the Constitutional Conference he would lead his people ''out of Nigeria and into the Cameroons" just over a month ago. It is another that said that they would make our country ''ungovernable" if a southerner was elected into power in 2011.

It is another that said, only a few weeks ago, that our country ''would burn" if President Jonathan or any other southerner contests for the presidential election in 2015. It is another that told us last year that ''poverty was the root cause of Boko Haram'' and that the South was receiving too much money whilst the North was not receiving enough. How much more of this can we be expected to take?

Just three weeks after the Haramites have abducted almost 300 young school girls at Chibok, burnt down their school and kept them as sex slaves, just a few days after they abducted eight more at Warabe Village, Borno state, just two weeks after two bombs went off in Nyanya, Abuja killing a total of 150 people between them and just three days after no less than 350 innocent people were slaughtered by the terrorists in Gamborou Ngala, a border town with the Cameroons, these northern elders are saying that force must not be used against them. This is unacceptable and their suggestion must be treated with the contempt that it deserves.

I do not know what it will take for the Nigerian people to accept the fact that Boko Haram is the greatest evil that our country has ever had to contend with and that there can be no dialogue with such demons. I do not know what it will take for these northern elders to accept the fact that evil is evil, that you must never negotiate with terrorists and that their ''gentle way'' simply cannot work.

The truth is that until every single one of the Haramites is hunted down, brought to justice and dispatched to hell there will be no peace in our country. We must also eliminate those who secretly encourage, fund and protect them.

I have always viewed those that suggest that Boko Haram should be treated with kid gloves with the utmost suspicion. It is either that we live in a secular state where the rule of law prevails, where beasts have no place and where murderous animals are treated like the savages that they are or we shall have no country at all.

All this talk about ''not using force'' must stop because it is nonsensical, it is counter-productive and it presents a very real threat to our desire to continue to live as one nation. 

Those that abduct, rape, kill and enslave children do not deserve to live.

Those that say that ''force should not be used'' should give up them their own daughters in exchange for our missing girls. After they have done that they can be as gentle as they like with Boko Haram.

In all this, President Goodluck Jonathan has much to learn and I would be the last person to endorse what I consider to be his inexplicable restraint and obvious weakness in the fight against Boko Haram. Mr. President has failed to protect the lives and property of the Nigerian people and no responsible, self-respecting and rational human being, including those that consider themselves to be his friends, should shy away from telling him so.

We expect far better from him and if he fails to deliver he would not only have betrayed his mandate, violated his oath of office and let down the Nigerian people but he would also play right into the hands of his critics. 

These include the American Senator John McCain, who told the world that ''no government exists in Nigeria'' and Senator Hilary Clinton, who said that the Federal Government of Nigeria had ''squandered their oil wealth, allowed corruption to fester and now they are losing control of parts of their country''.

These are timely admonitions from the Americans but they made their share of blunders as well. For example, one wonders why it took the Obama administration up until early this year (2014) to formally recognize Boko Haram as a terrorist organization despite repeated calls to do so earlier by many prominent Nigerians including Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the President of CAN. 

When Senator Clinton was Secretary of State, the State Department refused to label Boko Haram as a terrorist organization even though they had butchered thousands of Nigerians. Perhaps if they had done so more lives would have been saved.

There is no doubt that our government has handled this matter in an unacceptable manner but the Americans must carry their own fair share of the blame. For Jonathan, the words of Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje are instructive. On May 9, 2014 he wrote:

"We warned Jonathan. We called for action against Boko Haram and we screamed until our voices went hoarse. Now the people who advised him against taking strong action and called for dialogue, the very people that said it was caused by poverty, the very people that promised that traditional rulers would resolve the matter, the very people that encouraged him to vacillate and do nothing or little, are the ones mocking him. Well, that is why leaders must exercise leadership. The buck stops at his table. The credit or the failure goes to him. I hope he learns!''

A word is enough for the wise.

* David Femi Fani-Kayode is a Cambridge educated former Minister of Aviation, Culture and Tourism as well as Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.