BS: Canadian Spy Coins

Subject: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 04:41 PM

U.S. warns about Canadian spy coins

"The Associated Press
Updated: 2:43 p.m. CT Jan 11, 2007"

"WASHINGTON - Money talks, but can it also follow your movements?"

"In a U.S. government warning high on the creepiness scale, the Defense Department cautioned its American contractors over what it described as a new espionage threat: Canadian coins with tiny radio frequency transmitters hidden inside."

"The government said the mysterious coins were found planted on U.S. contractors with classified security clearances on at least three separate occasions between October 2005 and January 2006 as the contractors traveled through Canada."

A video report is (I think) at Video but with my slow dial-up it will take me a couple of hours to check it out. The video is also linked from the text report at the first clicky.

Comment: The US (fools that they are?) does NOT believe that the Canadians are involved. The report indicates the suspicion that "foreign intelligence agents" operating in Canada, possible from China, Russia, "or even France" may be responsible.

Comment: The "example" hollow coin shown at the article is a common "magic shop" item that can be purchased almost anywhere in the US, used for a variety of well known "illusions."

Comment: Can anyone guess the purpose (hidden or otherwise) of this warning?

Comment: Or can anyone guess what purpose these "magic coins" (if they really exist) might accomplish?

John

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 04:51 PM

Defense Department Report Warns Of RFID-Enabled Spy Coins

James Bond would be impressed by these Canadian coins.

By Thomas Claburn
InformationWeek

Jan 11, 2007 02:00 PM

Money talks, particularly to spies. A recent report issued by the Defense Security Service, part of the U.S. Department of Defense, warns that RFID-enabled Canadian coins have been found on the persons of three defense contractors with security clearance.

Martha Deutscher, spokesperson for Defense Security Service, expressed surprise that there was so much interest in the report, "because it's just one tiny little paragraph. There's an appendix in the publication of recent cases and it describes seven scenarios, ways that individuals try to collect classified information.

"One of those paragraphs says, 'On at least three separate occasions between October 2005 and January 2006, cleared defense contractors' employees traveling through Canada have discovered radio frequency transmitters embedded in Canadian coins placed on their persons," Deutscher says.

The report then goes on to talk about other intelligence collection trends, not all of which involve James Bond-style technology. Reading from the report, Deutscher says, "There's one, 'a female foreign national seduced an American male translator to give her his password in order to log onto an unclassified network. Upon discovery of the security breach, a computer audit revealed foreign intelligence service viruses throughout the system.'"

There's some question as to whether these "spy coins" represent a real threat. A report today in Canada's Globe and Mail says that defense contractors had been given "certain special-issue Canadian coins" and that these had prompted an investigation, but the investigators "found no evidence of any secret transmitters, or of any other tampering." The article said it had no explanation for why this conclusion was not reflected in the Defense Security Service report.

In a message sent to computer science professor David Farber's Interesting People mailing list today, Canadian technology strategist and market analyst Michael Slavitch said that certain Canadian coins could be modified without too much difficulty because they're cast from two kinds of metal.

"The bi-metallic Canadian $2 coin normally bears an image of a polar bear in the center section that can be popped out with some effort," Slavitch said in his e-mail. "Early coins popped out simply by heating on a cast-iron skillet as they contained dissimilar metals. The core of the coin could be easily replaced with a fabricated metal RFID device, and to someone unfamiliar with the coins it would have the same look and feel, especially if the false coin was fabricated to match a special edition as any flaws in weight and design would be ignored as a part and parcel of the special edition."

If, indeed, such schemes reflect real efforts to track the comings and goings of defense contractors, they reveal not only the ease with which advanced technology can be used for covert surveillance, but also the presumption that defense contractors are tightwads. It would hardly make sense to plant spy coins on big spenders, after all.

from the www

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: number 6
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 04:58 PM

Anyone have 2 loonies for a toonie?

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Rowan
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 05:04 PM

And there I was, thinking that Mad Magazine was only for crazy teenagers.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Bill D
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 05:14 PM

"I bought a sandwich from a vending machine, and it flashed lights and said, "You are supposed to be in Edmonton!"

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Rapparee
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 05:43 PM

Obviously the Canadians are spying on the US. Why, an RFID-impregnated coin could...could...well, I sure it would be good for something.

Especially if the carrier used it to buy something, and it was then given to someone else, who lost it in a poker game to his neighbor, who....

I can't see any point to something like this! Besides, RFID reading requires fairly close proximity -- it's not like you can read it from a satellite or something.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Cluin
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 05:46 PM

"I think we should use the Cone of Silence for this conversation, Chief."

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 05:51 PM

Maybe the coins are provided and placed not by spies or terrorists but by the Canadian government, as an intelligence matter to track where the contractors go after leaving a sensitive location! |:-)

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 05:55 PM

Canada has gone very high-tech in its pursuit of information that can be read in the newspaper or viewed on the television. The Twoonie is just the tip of the iceberg. I likely shouldn't disclose this, BUT, the Canadian nickle has the Queen on one side and a beaver on the obverse. You can actually make Liz smile if you tickle her beaver.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Rapparee
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 05:57 PM

Well, when I go to Canada later this year I'm only gonna take wooden nickels. So there!

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Cluin
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 05:59 PM

In the Centennial year (1967) our quarter had a big pussy on it. And our dime smelled like fish.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:01 PM

You say that like it's a bad thing, Cluin . . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:04 PM

Hey, Canada! Espionage is not nice.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: gnu
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:05 PM

And all along, youse all thought we were sooooo nice. Why do you think you have been invaded with basketball, and hockey, and Shatner, and Short and.... now, we know every move you all make with our... wait... they don't take Canuck money down south.

Okay, then... on to Operation Tim's.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Cluin
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:06 PM

Great... you think it was hard getting them to take our currency before...

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:10 PM

Hey. It's like this. Don't mess with Canada and we won't mess with the World. The boat pictured on the back of most Canadian dimes is really a very advanced prototype for a submarine that can also fly. It's the latest in stealth technology. So far our governemnt has constructed seven. We know the stealth technology works because none can be located. We are building an eighth, BUT, this one will have some Twoonies on board. So do NOT mess with Canada.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Cluin
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:16 PM

It was a looney sunk in the ice lost the US the gold in Olympic Men's Hockey in 2002.

Dunno what the hell happened in Ought Six.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:22 PM

Now is this going to put the price of the loonie up or down? Please explain.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Cluin
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:25 PM

Transmitters in our coinage will bankrupt the country. They already claim the penny isn't worth the copper in it.

Damn you, Ian Fleming!

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: bobad
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:27 PM

The last time I was in NY City I gave a panhandler some Canadian change and he came running after me to give it back saying that it was illegal - do you think he knew?

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Rapparee
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:48 PM

Well, if you Canadians used real money....

(Ducking and running like hell....)

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:50 PM

Jaysus, Rap, we DO. Beaver pelts . . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Cluin
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:53 PM

And empty beer bottles.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: bobad
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:53 PM

And Hudson Bay blankets...

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Beer
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 06:58 PM

Don't forget the Canadian Tire bill as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 07:05 PM

REAL Canuck money.

Thanks, Beer.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Murray on Saltspring
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 07:06 PM

The two dollar coin features the Queen [of course] on one side and a bear on the other. Someone suggested it be called a "Moonie", since it showed HRH with a bear behind.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 07:08 PM

Also, because the coin is two-piece construction, and the centers of the early ones often came out, someone suggested it be called the Quebecker because it always tried to separate.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Cluin
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 07:23 PM

I thought there was movement afoot to have old Sandy MacTire pulled off the Canadian Tire money becouse of the politically incorrect connotations regarding legendary Scottish thrift?

But then they'd have to remove the tartan from Scotch tape packaging as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 07:42 PM

That would require that they increase the length of the bill, assuming they want all of him on there.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 09:50 PM

The connection between our currency and the spy game is older than you think: I have it on good authority that your Sandy MacTire is actually one Alexander Tireshevsky, a KGB agent left out in the cold ever since the Gouzenko fiasco ...

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Rapparee
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 10:05 PM

I think that this is Canada's subtle attempt to slip hollow coins into the US of A so that they can take them into Ft. Know's Gold Depository and gradually rob the US of A of all the gold there. Then, when the gold is all gone, them Canadians will present all the REAL money (i.e., US money) they have been hoarding since 1867 and demand gold for it. Since there won't be any gold, the US of A economy will collapse and jack-booted Canadian storm troopers will take over the US of A without a shot being fired.

Well, I'm onta youse guys now and I'm gonna alert Washington and George Bush will DO something to thwart your nefarious plot!

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 10:34 PM

Well, since Rapaire is gone now I'll gently correct his gold repository to Ft. Knox.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 11:27 PM

And the U.S. went off the gold standard back in - 1970-something? That paper don't stand for nothin'!

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: dianavan
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 02:53 AM

Yes, Murray - We now have Loonies, and Twoonies and Moonies.

I think the "tiny radio frequency transmitters" inside are a plot by the U.S. to ruin the Canadian economy because they are jealous of our colourful, paper money.

Little do they know that we have private mints up here that mint their own coins for their own economy. Sub-cultures within a multi-cultural society, running rampant. We have a back-up plan.

Scroll down for a closer look at the floral emblem.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 07:01 AM

I don't care about the Lotto. That's small change. I want all the Canadian Tire money in all the glove compartments in Canada.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Rapparee
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 08:39 AM

The US of A is still secretly on the gold standard but it's not telling anyone that it is because it's a secret. That way when the The Great World Economic Collapse comes we're assured that we'll have all the gold and as you know, Those That Have The Gold Make The Rules (that's the Golden Rule). Only we won't be able to because Canada will have all the gold.

Oh, Canada! How could you do this? After all the stuff I'd done for you, after all the Labatt's and Moosehead I've drunk, after all the Yukon Jack that's been poured down my throat, after all the BC salmon I've eaten and bail I jumped in Halifax and Montreal and Ottawa and Vancouver and Prince Rupert and Whitehorse and Sainte Jovite and Carcross and St. Jean Port Jolie and Beaver Falls, how could you?!

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 11:25 AM

"Well, I'm onta youse guys now and I'm gonna alert Washington and George Bush will DO something to thwart your nefarious plot!"

Whew. If he follows the same pattern, that means he'll invade Mexico!

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Rapparee
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 12:08 PM

Utter nonsense. GWB knows north from south, most of the time. He'll invade Minnesota.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 12:12 PM

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: dianavan
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 01:53 PM

Sorry I didn't provide the link.

Little do they know that we have private mints up here that mint their own coins for their own economy. Sub-cultures within a multi-cultural society, running rampant. We have a back-up plan.

Scroll down for a closer look at the floral emblem.

http://www.jandm.com/script/getitem.asp?PID=271

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Amos
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 02:28 PM

I suspect the whole story is a granfaloon.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 02:46 PM

Well, that was a kurt answer!

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Amos
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 02:51 PM

I'm going with my vonne gut, junior!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Rapparee
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 03:46 PM

No, it's the Duchy of Grand Fenwick.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Cluin
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 05:45 PM

The Mouse that Burped and Farted.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 20 Jan 07 - 10:10 AM

The US Defense Dept. has confirmed that the spy coin story is utter BS. News Story Here

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 20 Jan 07 - 03:13 PM

OK Bee-dubya-ell -

Now which US Defense Department Lie are we supposed to believe?

1. US DoD has a history of denying secret device development projects.

2. US DoD is as likely as any "foregn power" to want to track DoD contractors.

3. A good cover story is better than the best prevention, when something wants to be kept "secret."

4. A good "official denial" is one of the better ways to encourage many people to believe the first lie.

Sceneario #1:

One department accidentally discovered something another department was doing, and made a public report of it. Second deparment "officially denies" that the purported thing is technologically feasible and claims it can't be done, to salvage the project.

Scenario #2

The first story was a "plant" to cause someone else to respond, and the first lie is being recalled by the second denial. A "response" as trivial as making "suspects" reluctant to carry small change would be sufficient cause. "Encouraging" another (foreign?) agency to attempt to replicate a non-existing device might interupt and delay other work believed to be in process by "someone." etc.

Scenario #3

The first story was a "plant" to cause someone else to respond, and the first lie is being reinforced by the second denial.

Scenario #4

The first story was true, and another agency knew it and was obtaining information by observing someone else's use of this mystery device. The second story is to make the third-party someone feel safe in resuming use.

Scenario #5

Both stories were concocted to distract someone from learning something else that someone is doing or might do.

Any public announcement by an "official agency" known for it's reputation for "disinformation" could be just the current lie, but no such statement carries much weight without physical evidence. Unless/until someone finds "a coin" the first lie remains suspect. Since proving something doesn't exist is so seldom done, the second lie can't be proven and remains suspect.

Personally, I don't believe either story rates "full faith and credit," and quite likely both are "disinformation releases."

John

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 20 Jan 07 - 03:27 PM

Hey, all you Canucks out there! They fell for it.

The coins DO NOT EXIST. (Repeat that until you believe it.)

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 20 Jan 07 - 03:48 PM

Did it ever strike you folks that some of the American intelligence agencies could screw up a one-car funeral?

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 20 Jan 07 - 03:50 PM

The Trojan Horse--brought up to date.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 20 Jan 07 - 04:17 PM

I know she ain't exactly Helen of Troy, but please don't call our sovereign a horse ... you do have to admit, that face has launched a few ships in its time ...

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 20 Jan 07 - 04:30 PM

For Peace:

Guy #1 "My god is bigger than his god."

Guy #2 "My god is bigger than his god."

Which one do you believe?




                                      The one with the biggest gun.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 20 Jan 07 - 05:04 PM

From a pragmatic pov, it would likely depend on who the gun was pointed at.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Spy Coins
From: Peace
Date: 20 Jan 07 - 05:08 PM

It's like this . . . .