Update:
It appears I was misinformed. An e-mail sent to my entire organization stated something to the effect of, "Hey, turn on CNN, Osama's been captured."
So, just like the mainstream media, sometimes the little guys get duped as well.
As of this moment, it appears that Osama bin Laden has NOT been captured.
Original story follows below.
Read about all the hi-jinks leading up to this little misadventure here.
<<<<<>>>>>
Breaking News:
I can't confirm this story as I'm in a television-less environment, but I've received word that CNN is at this moment reporting that al Qaeda leader and reputed 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden has been captured.
What will this mean for the war on terrorism?
What will this mean for the world?
In any event, this is — assuming the news is accurate — a moment to celebrate for the civilized world.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Justin
mmmm yeah they're talking about sports and Deep Throat so I'm taking it Osama is still in a cave somewhere.
Though your post did brighten my day for a moment!
2 - David Walker
There's a virus going around through e-mail that says Osama has been captured, and it wants you to either click ona link, or run the attached file to see pictures. It is a virus.
3 - C Murray CISC
I have just received an email that appears to be spam from someone called Blanca Foote with the following message :-
"Turn on your TV. Osama Bin Laden has been captured. While CNN has no pictures at this point of time, the military channel (PPV) released some. I managed to capture a couple of these pictures off my TV. Ive attached a slideshow containing all the pictures I managed to capture. I apologize for the low quality, its the best I could do at this point of time. Hopefully CNN will have pictures and a video soon. God bless the USA! Blanca Foote"
-:
As the attachment is a zipped .scr file normally associated with screensavers and viruses I suspect it falls into the latter category. The emotive content of the message encouraging you to open the attachment and spread the virus.
Perhaps this is the source of the story if this is a virus and it is spreading over the internet.
4 - Phillip Winn
Whether 'tis true or not (doubtful), CNN certainly doesn't seem to be reporting anything of the sort.
5 - Eric Berlin
Yep -- I got hit with the same virus.
So much for bringing the world breaking news...
And it goes without saying for everyone out there: don't believe everything you read and NEVER open attachments that you're in the least suspicious about!
6 - Eric Olsen
thanks EB, nothing wrong with reporting rumors as long as they are identified as such and corrected if they don't pan out
7 - SFC SKI
No, EB, you need a letterhead, a big office downtown and some J-school grads, you're on your way to MSM-hood, LOL!
8 - Eric Berlin
Yep, I'll be a crusty old vet in no time...
9 - Eric Olsen
EB, the virus angle is interesting - perhaps a new story about the whole thing, linking to this one, would make sense
10 - Sfc SKI
Unless by posting and reading this, you've managed to infect us all!
I know that tonight at work there will be at least 5 emails regarding this, and someone will have wound up bringing it into the system.
11 - Eric Berlin
Great idea, EO. In fact, great minds think alike... or at least misinformed/easily duped minds at times think in some manner like great ones.
Or something.
Thanks.
12 - Silas Kain
Careful, folks. Somebody in bin Laden's group may get the bright idea to craft a virus that will attack the core of our electronic existance. They'll attach it to an email that says Osama's been captured. Of course, the lemmings will gleefully open their emails praising God for the capture.
Speaking of which, capture and rapture could mean the same thing. Think about it.
13 - Eric Berlin
Okay, I thought about it.
14 - Silas Kain
And after thinking, what?
15 - Temple Stark
Survival of the Smarter or Survival of the Mac owners. Like it Silas. [except for the whole terrorism angle]
16 - Eric Olsen
I would also incorporate the title of this post into the title of the new post (in quotes) and add the word "virus," or something
17 - JOE WEBER
YO BLANCA YOU DUMMY, ANYBODY WHO OPENS UP YOUR FILE CAN'T BE THAT SMART. YOU ARE A CREEP.
18 - Darcy
Yep, I got the same info from a Curtis Giovanni. However, did not open it. Too bad though, I'd like to see Bin Laden captured and burned. And I think I would have to go with Silas Kain on the virus attack idea.
Darcy in Canada
19 - A. Guevara
Thank God for the MAC that couldn't open the PC document.
My message was sent by a supposed Kenneth Craig.
20 - Eric Olsen
you could also link to the new post in th body of this one, dude
21 - Eric Berlin
Yes my master. It is done, Emperor Palpat... er...
Very good idea, dude -- 'tis done.
22 - Majik
I heard Elvis was captured!
23 - Temple Stark
I just sent you an e-mail Eric. I think you'll like it. Lots of "pron." A couple of really hot links.
:-)
24 - Silas Kain
Elvis has left the building.
25 - Eric Berlin
Still waiting for that e-mail, Temple.