FBI
Thread started by
studiodrome at 12.20.07 - 3:42 pm
I was questioned by the FBI today, for taking photos of a nuclear power plant a few months ago. They mentioned the patriot act and asked about environmental activism and bicycling. they had a stack of papers about me, it was pretty interesting. I recommend not taking pictures of nuclear powerplants. having the FBI knocking on your front door then showing up at your work with lots of info on you is nerve racking.
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man....for sure.
sucks...
tern12.20.07 - 3:46 pm
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are you sure it wasnt the cool orange astronaut suit you whore on a ride a while back?? (do you still have that awesome costume??)
speedybrian200012.20.07 - 3:51 pm
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Were these of the "Dolly Parton" Nuke plant in San Onofre? Everyone takes pictures of those beauties.
stevo412.20.07 - 3:53 pm
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That's crazy!!
Years ago I was a reference for some people who were getting security clearances. They called my house, and when they couldn't find me they went to my department and started asking around about me. I eventually learned they were looking for me from a professor.
I did an interview with this guy and it was bizarre. He was casual and then out of nowhere he would deliver a zinger. It would be like:
"So do you ever hang out with X outside of school"
I answer "blah blah blah"
"Ever go out for a beer or something with X"
me = "blah blah blah"
"Did he ever advocate the violent overthrow of the government?"
WHAT??!
Alex Thompson12.20.07 - 4:00 pm
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it was Palo Verde in Arizona. i do in fact have my astronaut suit still.
studiodrome12.20.07 - 4:07 pm
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It seems like everyone is gonna be on some kind of list....you know?
...with all of the things we have learned about how the government works in the past 7 or 8 years. It's sad, really.
tern12.20.07 - 4:15 pm
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How did you handle them? To you respond calmly, where you a smart ass, did you just talk to them? What happen?
sexy12.20.07 - 4:18 pm
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how did i handle them?
I was not a smart ass. I was very calm and answered most of their questions. Some i wouldn't but i gave them good reasoning behind this. They were as cool as they could be under the circumstances, but they were also very serious.
Under the Patriot Act since you are dealing with National Security you do not have the rights you do with the police. The entire thing is very odd and didn't seem for real.
I met them on the street across from where i work. there were two of them in two separate unmarked cars. they ask you many questions that they already know the answers to. then they show you a beautiful file with tons of info they have on you, and pictures of you from who knows where.
studiodrome12.20.07 - 4:33 pm
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i want to see my file...i hope its thick of stuff...if not then my life is pathetic. just kidding.
superfish12.20.07 - 4:41 pm
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DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD!
Joe Borfo12.20.07 - 4:41 pm
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We all know that Sexy is a national security risk, but studodrome?... Com'on!!
Joe Borfo12.20.07 - 4:48 pm
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You better believe they are reading this thread right now! And maybe, they'll even come out on our ride Friday night. Yay.
stevo412.20.07 - 4:55 pm
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DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! DIRGA DIRGA DIRGA? MOHAMED MOHAMED? JIHAD JIHAD! - DOT XOM
Joe Borfo12.20.07 - 4:57 pm
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What's the cost per Kw/H of nuclear power when you factor in that kind of investigation?
I'm surprised that you actually refused to answer some of their questions. So they called you to set up a meeting? So strange.
Alex Thompson12.20.07 - 5:01 pm
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TERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERRORTERROR
kyber12.20.07 - 5:04 pm
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COME AND GET ME 'CAPPERS
*RATTTAAA TTAAA TTAAA*
DeKadenzy12.20.07 - 5:04 pm
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Palo Verde in AZ.
That's the one somewhere near Phoenix if I'm not mistaken.
That place seems like it's out in the middle of another desert, so someone must've snitched you out.
If they worked at the plant, understandable.
If they were a normal civilian, find 'em and give 'em the "pineapple" treatment.
Like, "thanx for ruining the photo-op, asshole!!"
bentstrider12.20.07 - 5:07 pm
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this is part of our culture of FEAR
adrian12.20.07 - 5:16 pm
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Studio, that's f'ing crazy!
How did they track you down exactly? Did they see the photos you shot and then trace them back to you? Or did they have surveillance of you taking the actual photos and somehow ID you and track you down?
And what kind of information did they have? You said it was pretty impressive.
Do tell!
City Hobgoblin12.20.07 - 5:20 pm
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This is a great story and lesson for everybody, what did you see in the file. Things they get off the internet, or official files, like bankings statements and bills, or did they have pictures of you at some protest type things, or pictures of you on your bike?
If you don't want answer these things, I understand, if you don't want to answer them here, I'll take you out for dinner and beers, or just each or both or whatever you want. I would love to hear this.
sexy12.20.07 - 5:26 pm
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they had surveillance of me at the site. Photos of my car. There is a log of everything i was doing while taking the photos. Wondering why I use vegetable oil in my car. If I am affiliated with environmental groups. why do i take photos of cyclists? etc.. etc...
studiodrome12.20.07 - 5:28 pm
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Can I still buy you beer?
don't be jealous CH
sexy12.20.07 - 5:33 pm
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oh of course on the beer. pureluck is my place of choice.
studiodrome12.20.07 - 5:41 pm
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Wow, just . . . wow. As a guy that carries a camera and rides a bike, it makes me think.
Interesting that they saw you in the act, yet it took a few months for them to come knocking. I don't know what that says.
I'll buy you a beer, too . . . hey: "The Buy Studiodrome a Beer at Pure Luck Ride"!
mr rollers12.20.07 - 5:46 pm
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the subject is pouring a strange viscous substance thats smells of vegitable oil into an opening on the side that is normally reserved for petrolium based fuel. While the vehicle's emmisions have a very distinct odor they seem to be lacking in many of the toxic compunds that are normally emmited by petrolium based vehicles. This could indicate a serious threat to national security and deserves further investigation.
...
All joking aside. That is some scary shit, SD. Thanks for sharing. It's rare that we get a firsthand glance into the real world of the PATRIOT ACT. Mind your P's and Q's ridazz, you never know who's watching in the
panopticon.
trickmilla12.20.07 - 5:52 pm
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So they got photos of you and your licensce plate number, traced that to your name, then googled the hell out of you or something, found your website, found you on here, found you who knows where else?... jesus christo, that's pretty crazy.
I generally think of the US gov't as one of the most inefficient entities in the universe, then they pull some shit like this.
Knowing my luck they're probably like "studiodrome has led us to the mother lode -- City Hobgoblin is a real asshole and we will send his wise ass to secret Romanian prison for torture by the SS officers we've cryogenically preserved for real torture LOL."
sexy sez:
"don't be jealous CH"
I'M NOT FUCKING JEALOUS! I DON'T WANT YOUR FUCKING BEER!
*sobs into pillow*
City Hobgoblin12.20.07 - 5:53 pm
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Yes Pure Luck. I'm in the valley right now, and have my dad with me. We should do this very soon. Is you available,say around 8:30 tonight?
CH, guess what:? I'm half Romanian on my Father side. and CH, you can go to Pure Luck too, (after we left, to bus our table).
sexy12.20.07 - 6:11 pm
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Oh dang! The only list I want to be on is the guest list.
Your tax dollars at work, spooking studiodrome. Man, someone is either bored or really into nice bikes.
cabhauler12.20.07 - 6:13 pm
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Ah Romania, the land of gypsies and superstitions which break new ground in "crazy." God help the EU.
Your dad rules, BTW.
City Hobgoblin12.20.07 - 6:14 pm
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hey would love to get drinks. stacked for work until tomorrow night but looking pretty chill all next week starting probably this sat or sunday, finally.
studiodrome12.20.07 - 6:17 pm
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Do you ever get scared that what you do online will ruin your life in 20 years?
That would suck.
ubrayj0212.20.07 - 6:18 pm
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CH's life is already ruined
Whenever you are available SD, is good with me, let just not make it a night that CH is available. I can totally see CH giving us both dirty looks from across the table.
sexy12.20.07 - 6:21 pm
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When I get back, I am inviting you, city hobgoblin...to get a beer with me.
When I get back, I am inviting you, sexy...to get a beer with me.
When I get back, I am inviting you, Federal Bureau of Investigation...to get a beer with me (even though I can't seem to spell beaurueoueu right).
tern12.20.07 - 6:37 pm
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Mr. Drew Trapp,
What exactly do you mean by, "get a beer with me."?
We are awaiting your response. Thank you for your cooperation.
FBI12.20.07 - 6:54 pm
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Mr Sexy and Mr Studiodrome, whenever you setup your meeting please post it here so we can come too. It's too much hassle to monitor all your e-mail and phone conversations.
Thank you for your consideration.
F.B.I.
marino12.20.07 - 6:59 pm
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Dammit FBI we had the same idea at the same time but I was too lazy to create a New ID. I also didn't want to give a link back to them. No need to attract more attention.
marino12.20.07 - 7:04 pm
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@FBI:
LOL! Now that's a fake account I'm down with. Enough of this knittens shit.
Just don't get drunk and try to make everybody guess who knittens really is, like Richie and Alex Thompson did at the last midnight riders. That was so lame.
FBI, I respect you.
City Hobgoblin12.20.07 - 7:07 pm
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^^ should have read "Just don't get drunk and make everybody try to guess who FBI is..."
City Hobgoblin12.20.07 - 7:09 pm
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I TOLLZ U B4 SHITTY KNOBGOLBLER
now u eets my harballz
Knittens12.20.07 - 7:11 pm
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Alright suckas I'm going home.
Sexy, talk all the shit you want, Romania is a dump and you are no match for me.
City Hobgoblin12.20.07 - 7:11 pm
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I win again. ShityKnobslobber has left the building
sexy12.20.07 - 7:24 pm
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damn studio, was that the best you could do? next time take the guest vip tour with a camera tucked in your belt.
indigis12.20.07 - 8:05 pm
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heh, heh.
knobslobber.
That was a helluva slobberknocker.
bentstrider12.20.07 - 8:10 pm
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Woah. So much for paranoid conspiracy theories.
I remember reading some articles about the recent NYC critical mass crackdowns, where apparently the NYCPD defined bicycling as a "technique used by protesters", as opposed to a means of transportation. Makes me wonder if all of us have an FBI file.
angle12.20.07 - 8:25 pm
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indigis,
where is that control room picture from? I worked at a couple power plants in the past, that room is monstrous.
sexy12.20.07 - 9:44 pm
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makes me wonder about the filming at SMCM, this does... hrm...
ephemerae12.20.07 - 9:50 pm
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This really happened to you?
The "Patriot Act" makes me sick. What a horrible and shitty way to undermine our constitution in the name of "national security." This country is becoming everything we're trying to fight.
Enzo Gucci12.20.07 - 10:00 pm
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Are you talking to me on a cellular phone? I don't know you, who is this? Don't come here, I'm hanging up the phone, prank caller, prank caller!
mixtemotions12.20.07 - 10:26 pm
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I strongly recommend taking pictures of whatever the fuck you feel like taking pictures of. The best way to deal with these lunatics and their attempts to create a lockdown culture is casual civil disobedience. Don't make a big dramatic thing of it, but live your life as though the wingnut rules didn't exist. Eventually they'll have so many files that they'll choke on them, and they'll all be meaningless anyway.
PC12.21.07 - 1:33 am
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Mr. Buchan,
We have a line of questions for you in regards to your online comments. Please call us immediately at (310) 477-6565
FBI12.21.07 - 1:45 am
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You're the FBI, you call me. You've got my number. Fucking lazy-asses.
PC12.21.07 - 1:47 am
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Lazy asses, exactly.
Oh, and FBI, when are you going to release my great grandma from that gulag on Guam that you've been holding her in ever since my protests back in 1982 against the monarchy of Santa Monica and it's 27th degree Illuminati control over the governments of the Universe?
toweliesbong12.21.07 - 1:53 am
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if studiodrome is te falcon does that make wise the snowman?
ruinedbyidiots12.21.07 - 8:37 am
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"I strongly recommend taking pictures of whatever the fuck you feel like taking pictures of. The best way to deal with these lunatics and their attempts to create a lockdown culture is casual civil disobedience. Don't make a big dramatic thing of it, but live your life as though the wingnut rules didn't exist. Eventually they'll have so many files that they'll choke on them, and they'll all be meaningless anyway."
I concur... but do it anonymously if possible. It adds to the confusion.
Wink Martindale12.21.07 - 10:26 am
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or better yet ... use a film camera with no film.
That will really fuck with them.
trickmilla12.21.07 - 10:33 am
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Ha, well you are allowed to take pictures of the nuclear powerplants. It just means you might have the FBI knocking on your door. The Palo Verde plant in Arizona is the largest in the country and in a very remote location.
It is important to read the Patriot Act.
studiodrome12.21.07 - 10:52 am
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very freaky. on another note I say we all bring cameras and take pictures of cops faces at the next smcm.
Wink Martindale12.21.07 - 10:54 am
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Never, ever talk to the FBI. Ever. Except to say, 'Please send your questions to my lawyer.'
bike punk12.21.07 - 11:53 pm
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sexy, it's at shearon harris nuclear plant.
indigis12.22.07 - 2:27 am
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btw, it's not just nuke plants you can't photograph now. take a snapshot of the golden gate bridge and see who knocks on your door.
indigis12.22.07 - 2:33 am
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"Never, ever talk to the FBI. Ever. Except to say, 'Please send your questions to my lawyer.' "
+1
420LaHaRR12.22.07 - 8:03 am
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Very Orwellian experience there. It makes me wonder how many people that show up to these rides are there to gather information? Despite my opnions on mixing politcs and bikes, it is the way things are going and it would not be a big leap in logic to think that some government agency has been keeping tabs on the bike scene for some time.
Of course putting your ideas on the internet makes it accessible and able to be documented (ctrl c anyone?) by anyone that wants to.
There is a program called echellon that is ran by our government that intercepts e-mail, faxes, and cell phone calls. The feds take this stuff and filter it, looking for buzz words like "bomb" or "attack" and then look further I suppose.. I read up on it a while back, some of my info may be fuzzy on the subject. Regardless, it's something to think about. How much of this information gets cataloged for "future" use? Scary.
For a brief time, many moons ago I was involved with a girl that was militant Vegan. She went to protests etc. They were in my opinion skirting what the government would deem "dangerous or terrorist" activity. I felt it was pretty harmless, but what ever... The thing was is that they talked about all this crazy crap like bombings, killing people etc. Not that I took them seriously, but someone could. It's just talk right? Well, they would send e-mail back and forth to each other with this kind of stuff going on. If one were to read some message in a strangers e-mail, how easy would it be to take it out of context?
I imagine they monitor this site as well. I figure at some point, an undercover agent from local, state, or federal government has gone on most of these rides to see if they pose a threat. All you need is a computer and a bicycle, it's that easy.
Paul.
rev10612.22.07 - 8:28 am
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Oh my god, it's just like that episode of The Twilight Zone, where everyone in a small town starts to suspect each other of being an undercover alien being....
angle12.22.07 - 1:57 pm
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Free the bicycle lizard!
rev10612.22.07 - 6:17 pm
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