Blog Spam

I am still relatively new to blogging so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that spammers have software that enables them to automatically attach their solicitation garbage to blogs. Naturally, I found this out the hard way when I saw two comments on one of my pieces and I eagerly opened them to see what someone had to say about my words. I was surprised, disappointed, and angered, in that order, to find instead of reactions to something I'd written, but two advertisements. That's down right rude!

However, the good people who provide me this opportunity to publish my words on the internet always keep their feathers numbered for just such eventualities. (I know, it's a Foghorn Leghorn rip-off; but it works.) For those who wish to post a comment, whether a critique, opinion, or criticism, there is what is called a "word verification step" that must be completed before their comments can be posted. In a box, at the bottom of the comment page, there is a word. That word must be typed in another, smaller box labeled, "word verification." Then, and only then, will the comment be posted to the blog. Automatic spam software cannot complete this step because it must be done manually.

I think that's pretty clever and I am grateful for that kind of protective intervention on the part of my blogging host. I have no doubt, however, that the denizens of the evil spamming empire will eventually find a way around this step and once again threaten the peaceful sanctity of blogging life. Yet, I have no fear as I am confident that the "Spam Police; Blog Division" will diligently fight on in the pursuit of a clean and happy blogging universe.

A Tragedy Within a Tragedy

My heart is breaking as I sit and watch the news this morning. I feel a certain amount of guilt as I sit at my computer, sipping coffee, safe in my dry, comfortable home. I complain a lot about the run-down condition of my house and I often joke that I would like to get a home improvement loan so I can rent a bulldozer; for home improvement. As I see the reports of the utter devastation that has taken place in the Gulf states, particularly New Orleans, Louisiana, that joke about my own humble hovel isn't so funny any more. At least I have a home. Many thousands of people who had homes this time last week are now, suddenly, and unexpectedly, homeless. And worse yet, many have died in one of the worst Hurricanes hits this country has seen in a while. My heart aches for those thousands and I grieve that there is nothing that I, personally, can do to help.

All I can do is pray that things get better, but I can see that things will get worse before that happens. As usual, when ever a disaster such as this occurs, the bastards come out of the woodwork. Looters are running rampant in what is left of the city of New Orleans. I just saw a report of street gangs that have broken into stores and pawn shops and have acquired guns that they are using to fire on police and even National Guard helicopters. They probably think it's fun but what they are doing has effectively interrupted evacuation and rescue efforts. They have greatly reduced the amount of rescue personnel because many police and guardsmen have been pulled off of rescue operations to deal with looting and shooters. How many people will not have a timely rescue now? How many children will not get fed for how much longer? How many will suffer without medical treatment or life sustaining medicines? All for some jerks' idea of fun or personal gain.

The reports of relief operations, both financial and material, are somewhat buoying, but to me, at this point, they are overshadowed by the reports of greed and maliciousness. Elsewhere in the country, as the rest of us go on with our daily lives, we are bracing for extreme gas prices; a hardship for some, and an inconvenience for others. I have a truck with a hulky V-8 in my driveway with two full tanks of gas that I paid $2.55 a gallon for two days ago. A bargain compared to today's prices. I don't want to drive it, and I won't unless I have to. I've thought about getting a siphon and supplying my wife's car from my truck. Hers is a more economical four cylinder vehicle.

Already there are reports of hoarding and price gouging. The bogus relief web sites are already up and running, and spamming. More people trying to profit from the misery of others. The terrible thing is that many of them will profit. And many will suffer needlessly because of it. Although there are, and will be, genuine internet pleas for monetary assistance, it is vitally important to verify the authenticity of these sites. When in doubt, stick with the known agencies like the Red Cross or the Salvation Army.


There are times when I am embarrassed and ashamed to be a member of the human race. This is one of those times. If I had money, I'd send it. If I could go myself and help, I would. However, I don't have money to send and I'm incapable of going myself. All I can do is offer a prayer for those in need, and give thanks that there are those who can and will help.

In spite of this terrible tragedy of loss and human suffering, and the tragedy within this tragedy, the greed and contemptible actions by some, I know that we, as a people, will recover. The compassion of the many will win out over the evil of the few. Help from all over the country, and even from other countries, is being offered up to help alleviate the pain of this disaster. I am not, by nature, an overtly religious man, but, in times like this, I can't help but be. For those of us that cannot help physically, I ask that you join me in offering what little we can in the form of prayer. It can only help.