After 75 years of marriage, couple die one day apart at age 94

High school sweethearts Les and Helen Brown, who were born on the same
day on Dec. 31, 1918, died at age 94, within one day of each other.

"My mom often said she didn't want to see my father die, and he didn't
want to live without her," Daniel, the couple's youngest son, told the
Long Beach Press-Telegram.

Helen died on July 16, and Les died on July 17. The Southern
California couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in
September.

"It was a real love match, wasn't it?" their oldest son, Les Jr., told
the newspaper. "They were together every day for 75 years."

According to the sons, the pair met at Huntington Park High School and
eloped on Sept. 19, 1937, at the age of 18 against their parents'
wishes. They thought a match between a wealthy man and a working-class
woman would never work out.

The couple moved to Long Beach in 1963. He was a photographer for the
Navy. She sold real estate. They had seven grandchildren.

The two, who were friends with many of their neighbors, were known to
take road trips and worshipped at Kingdom Hall as Jehovah's Witnesses.

Eventually, Helen was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and Les suffered
from Parkinson's disease.

"Like the Bible says, 'They were as one,'" Bob Brobst told the
Press-Telegram, who was a friend of the couple's for a decade.
Copyright http://news.yahoo.com/

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Miami hostage standoff leaves 7 people dead

MIAMI -- Seven people were shot and killed at an apartment building in
a Miami suburb early Saturday, including the suspected gunman who was
holding two hostages when a SWAT team moved in, police said.

The hostages were rescued unharmed, Hialeah Police Sergeant Eddie
Rodriguez told NBC News.

The standoff began on Friday evening during an argument between the
gunman and the husband and wife who ran the apartment complex. Their
bodies were among the six found after the SWAT team moved in on
Saturday morning, police said.
The gunman lived in a fourth-floor apartment with his mother, the
Miami Herald quoted the landlords' daughter, Shamira Pisciotti, as
saying.

The couple, 78-year-old Italo Pisciotti and 68-year-old Samira
Pisciotti, went to the unit to discuss a problem with the gunman, who
opened fire and killed them both, their daughter told the newspaper.

Three other victims were found shot to death in that building and one
was walking into a building across the street when the gunman shot him
from a balcony, police said.

The shooter was barricaded inside a fifth-floor apartment with the two
hostages when police negotiators made contact with him during the
night. The SWAT team swarmed in after the talks broke down about 2
a.m., the Herald said.

The apartment complex in the blue-collar, mostly Hispanic community
housed about 90 families.

Copyright © 2013, Reuters

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Apple Developer site hack: doubts cast on Turkish hacker's claims

A Guardian investigation has cast doubt on claims by a UK-based
Turkish researcher that he hacked into Apple's Developer portal, which
has been offline for more than a week.

Ibrahim Balic, who describes himself as a security consultant, claimed
on Sunday that he had discovered a number of weaknesses in the site at
developer.apple.com which allowed him to grab email addresses of
registered developers.

Apple took its developer portal offline on Thursday 18 July. On Sunday
it emailed developers warning that the site had been hacked and that
some of their details might have been stolen. It has not given any
more details of how the hack was carried out.

In all, Balic said he had been able to grab the details of 100,000
people registered on the site, and that he included 73 of them in a
bug report to Apple. He claimed that he exploited a cross-site
scripting (XSS) bug in the site, and noted 13 issues in a bug report
to Apple between 16 and 20 July.

However XSS attacks generally require the attacker — which in this
case would be Balic — to "infect" a page, in this case Apple's, with a
malicious piece of Javascript or HTML which would then be used to
extract data from a visiting user. If Balic's claim is correct, he
seems to have used the XSS exploits against his own system.

Balic offered to provide proof of his hack by sharing some details of
the file with the Guardian, and provided the emails for 19 people; the
Guardian also extracted another 10 from an email Balic put on YouTube
in which he apparently showed how he hacked the site. (He has since
made the video private.)

But attempts by the Guardian two days ago to contact 29 of the group
whose details Balic claims to have acquired found that seven of the
emails bounced — because the email is no longer operational — and not
a single one of the others has responded to a request to say whether
they are registered with Apple. Nor could any of the emails or names
be discovered online — which would be unusual for any active
developer.

Many of the emails also belong to defunct services such as Freeserve,
Demon and SBC Global — which makes it unlikely that they would have
signed up as developers, as that only became possible in 2008.

Graham Cluley, an independent security consultant, commented: "Many of
the names and email addresses either don't look like they would belong
to Apple developers, or appear to have left no footprints anywhere
else on the net." Of the set of 10 emails which appeared in the video,
he said: "It's almost as though these are long-discarded ghost email
addresses from years ago or have been used by Balic in his video for
reasons best known to himself."

Balic told iMore that the user information that he showed in a video
came not from an exploit against a developer portal, but from Apple's
iAd Workbench, for targeting advertising campaigns to users. He said
that a malformed web request to those servers containing just a first
name or last name meant he could get more data — including a full
name, username and email address for those users.

He then said that he wrote a script that generated "random" users to
get more account information wherever there was a match of some sort,
and used that to acquire the user details.

Balic did not respond to a request by the Guardian to explain why the
emails he had apparently collected were defunct or apparently
inoperational.

Apple refused to comment on the method used to hack into its site. It
would not comment on whether it has called in law enforcement over the
hack, or whether it has identified any suspects.

Even if the hack was not carried out by Balic, Apple has still been
the target of a significant attack. However, standard iTunes Store and
App Store accounts belonging to non-developers have not been affected.

The increasing delay in bringing its developer portal back online may
also create problems for Apple in its preparation for the launch of
iOS 7, the updated version of its iPhone and iPad software. It
released the third beta for the software on 8 July, and has generally
aimed for a fortnightly cycle of releases. That would imply that the
fourth beta should have been released last Monday 22 July – although a
year ago there was a three-week delay, from 16 July to 6 August,
between the releases of the third and fourth betas for iOS 6, the
current iPhone software.

The company meanwhile has set up a new "system status" page, which on
Friday morning showed that only two of its 15 developer systems — for
updating apps, and reporting bugs — are online.
Copyright http://www.guardian.co.uk/

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T-Mobile Announces “Unprecedented Deal” This Summer With Zero Dollars Down For All Devices

Hello back-to-school special offer from T-Mobile as the company announces an "unparalleled promotion" this summer as it drops the down payment price on its entire lineup of devices in stores nationwide to zero down.

This promotion allows both new and existing well-qualified customers to get the latest 4G LTE smartphones, tablets, mobile hotspots and feature phones at the upfront price of $0 down with monthly device payments. Still, there's a bit of a catch as T-Mobile has bumped up the price of the monthly payments to offset the lack of a down payment. So, it's a promotion and the idea of no down payment might entice the masses, but the warning is the increased monthly payment. For example, the iPhone 5 now sells for $145.99 down with 24 monthly payments of $21. With T-Mobile's promotion beginning tomorrow, the iPhone 5 will be zero down and $27 per month for 24 months. That's $144 thanks to the extra $6 per month which all but makes up for down payment T-Mobile isn't asking for with this promotion. It's funky math, but a promotion nonetheless. There's still some savings on devices like the HTC One, but by and large the savings aren't as "unprecedented" as T-Mobile would have us believe.

This limited time promotion begins tomorrow, July 27th and can be paired with company's newest offering: JUMP! (not required) for any customers wishing go to that route. T-Mobile's JUMP! upgrade program allows customers to upgrade their next device up to twice a year as soon as six months from enrollment.

    "The number of reasons not to switch to T-Mobile this summer is ZERO," said John Legere, president and chief executive officer, T-Mobile US. "This is a fantastic offer and we're making it easier than ever for customers to get the latest amazing devices. Adding Zero Down in addition to JUMP!, and Simple Choice with no contract is all about making wireless work for consumers and shaking up this industry."

The full press release follows below as well as a quick run-down on some of the smartphones and tablets being offered with this special promotion.

Screen Shot 2013-07-26 at 9.23.25 AM

Press Release:

    T-Mobile Promotes Unprecedented Deal This Summer – Zero Dollars Down for All Devices

    America's Un-carrier offers the ultimate promotion with the lowest upfront price on devices

    BELLEVUE, Wash. — July 26, 2013 — In time for back-to-school, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) will drive an unparalleled promotion this summer, dropping the upfront price on its entire lineup of devices in stores nationwide to zero dollars down. With this promotion, new and existing well-qualified consumers and small business customers will get affordable and hassle-free access to the latest 4G LTE smartphones, tablets, mobile hotspots and feature phones at the upfront price of $0 down with monthly device payments[1].

    This limited-time promotion is available starting tomorrow, July 27, 2013. In addition to the promotion, customers also cantake advantage of T-Mobile's groundbreaking upgrade program, JUMP!™, which enables them to sign up to upgrade their phones when they want, up to twice a year as soon as six months from enrollment.

    "The number of reasons not to switch to T-Mobile this summer is ZERO," said John Legere, president and chief executive officer, T-Mobile US. "This is a fantastic offer and we're making it easier than ever for customers to get the latest amazing devices. Adding Zero Down in addition to JUMP!, and Simple Choice with no contract is all about making wireless work for consumers and shaking up this industry."

    The hottest devices of the summer at the lowest upfront cost combined with T-Mobile's Simple Choice Plan, unlimited data on a nationwide 4G network and no annual service contracts gives customers an opportunity that's tough to beat. The promotion will be available nationwide at participating T-Mobile retail stores, via customer care, and online at http://www.T-Mobile.com. A selection of the devices included in the promotion is as follows:

    Screen Shot 2013-07-26 at 9.23.25 AM

    

    JUMP!
    JUMP!, only from T-Mobile, offers customers the freedom to upgrade to a new device more frequently and affordably, and it includes handset protection that helps to protect against malfunction, damage, loss or theft – all for just $10 per month, per phone (plus taxes and fees). Customers can upgrade to a new phone, financed through T-Mobile's Equipment Installment Program (EIP), twice every 12 months after they've been in the JUMP! program for six months.[3] Simply trade in an eligible T-Mobile phone in good working condition at a participating store location. Any remaining EIP payments will be eliminated, and current customers can purchase new phones for the same upfront pricing as new customers, with device financing3 and a no-annual-service contract Simple Choice Plan.

    Simple Choice Plan

    T-Mobile's Simple Choice and Simple Choice for Business Plan start with a base rate of $50 per month for unlimited talk, text and Web with 500MB of high-speed data. Customers can get 2.5GB of high-speed data for $10 more per month per line or unlimited data for an additional $20 per month per line. Customers can add a second phone line for $30 per month, and each additional line is just $10 per month. There are no caps and no overages on T-Mobile's network, and no restrictive annual service contracts.

    When small business customers activate a new line or renew an existing line of service with a Simple Choice for Business plan (min. 500 MB data required), they can access T-Mobile's Business Extras bundle for added value. Business Extras customers with capable devices may opt into a free year of 24/7 remote IT support from a well-recognized, third-party service provider and a year of T-Mobile North American Flat-rate Data feature, allowing free monthly access to up to 150MB of overage-free, high-speed data across North America, including Canada and Mexico on our partner networks.[4] Other benefits include two free paper-to-mobile form conversions, waived activation fees, Business Care support, Wi-Fi Calling on enabled devices, and free Smartphone Mobile Hotspot on select rate plans.

    T-Mobile's 4G LTE Network
    T-Mobile's 4G LTE network now reaches more than 157 million people across the United States and is live in 116 metropolitan areas. T-Mobile remains on target to deliver nationwide 4G LTE coverage by the end of the year, reaching 200 million people in more than 200 metropolitan areas. In addition, T-Mobile's 4G HSPA+ service is available to 228 million people nationwide. By combining 4G HSPA+ and LTE network technologies, T-Mobile can provide customers with a strong, seamless nationwide 4G network experience[5].

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Hacker Barnaby Jack dies in San Francisco aged 35

Barnaby JackJack, who became famous after demonstrating an ATM hack,
died on Thursday – but coroners did not give details

Barnaby Jack, a hacker who was due to present his findings on the
security vulnerabilities of implanted medical devices, has died.

The San Francisco medical examiner's office said Jack, 35, died in the
city on Thursday – but did not provide details on the circumstances
surrounding his death.

Jack had exposed a security flaw in insulin pumps that could be made
to dispense a fatal dose by a hacker 300ft away, pushing some medical
companies to review the security of these devices.

He was also a popular and respected figure in the information security
scene. Within that small scene, reverse engineers are especially
close, said Matthieu Suiche, a friend of Jack's and chief scientist at
CloudVolumes Inc in an email. "We pretty much all know each other, or
have lots of common friends," Suiche said. "It's almost like we all
grew up together."images

He added: "There isn't much to say except that Barnaby was one of the
rare people in InfoSec who was a brilliant researcher but also a good
friend to many of us."

Suiche met Jack at the Black Hat conference a few years ago and said
they had been really good friends since. He said he had drinks with
Jack and his girlfriend in San Francisco just over a week ago.

He called his friend "brilliant", and said Jack's latest research on
medical devices could help save the lives of many people. "In this
world full of people fearfully complying and worrying, very few people
are crazy enough to challenge the rules, to approach life in an
unconventional paradigm and to speak up to contribute to change this
world," Suiche said.

Jack was due to speak at the Black Hat conference, which starts
Saturday in Las Vegas. His presentation, "Implantable medical devices:
hacking humans," would have explained how these devices could be
compromised and would have suggested ways to improve device security.

Black Hat said the room his discussion was meant to take place will
instead be used as a place for his friends and colleagues to gather
and remember him on 1 August, when the session was set to take place.

Black Hat said in a statement:

We have lost a member of our family. Everyone would agree that the
life and work of Barnaby Jack are legendary and irreplaceable. Barnaby
had the ability to take complex technology and intricate research and
make it tangible and accessible for everyone to learn and grow from.
Beyond his work in our industry, Barnaby was an incredibly warm
hearted and welcoming individual with a passion for celebrating life.
We all have a hilarious and upbeat story about Barnaby. He is truly a
shining example of what we love about this community.

Black Hat will not be replacing Barnaby's talk on Thursday, Aug.
1. No one could possibly replace him, nor would we want them to. The
community needs time to process this loss. The hour will be left
vacant as a time to commemorate his life and work, and we welcome our
attendees to come and share in what we hope to be a celebration of his
life. Barnaby Jack meant so much to so many people, and we hope this
forum will offer an opportunity for us all to recognize the legacy
that he leaves behind.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Barnaby Jack's family and loved
ones. Words cannot adequately describe how much he will be missed, but
it is certain that Barnaby will NEVER be forgotten.

At the time of his death, Jack was director of embedded security
research at security firm IOActive. On Twitter, the company said:
"Lost but never forgotten our beloved pirate, Barnaby Jack has passed.
He was a master hacker and dear friend. Here's to you Barnes!"

Copyright http://www.guardian.co.uk/

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'The Wolverine:' A Howling Good Time

With his colossal muscle "guns" and his thousand-watt smile, there is
a reason the magnetic and charming Mr. Jackman makes the biggest
bucks. It might abut the reason he has played the same superhero more
times than anyone else on film (six with The Wolverine, seven with
2014's Days of Future Past).
He is known as the nicest man in Hollywood, extremely versatile and so
well cut his muscles have muscles, so much so we the audience take his
exceptional 44 year-old body for granted.

Not all his wolfish outings have been successful (X-men Origins:
Wolverine sent fanboys exiting the theaters in droves) …but The
Wolverine, a standalone adventure starring the wingy-banged grumpy
immortal X-man, does a great deal to explain the continued faith
Hollywood has in Jackman as a leading man and action star.

The movie, however, is far more than just a simple action-er and in
its choice to add depth and complexity to the story and character, it
follows the great trajectory so well established by recent movies like
The Avengers and Iron Man 3.

The story follows a reclusive Wolfie (aka Logan) who is leading a
hermitic existence in the wilds of Canada, looking like a filthier
Outlaw Josey Wales, living in caves and wandering the days aimlessly
after restlessly struggling through night after night of nightmares
featuring his past lady love, whom he was forced to kill in X-Men: The
Last Stand. She serves as tortuous delusion, popping up at the worst
times to remind him how miserable he is, and how little use he has for
his near immortality. He has lost his family, and everyone he loves
dies. He is lost.

Enter a wealthy Japanese businessman, whom he outed himself as mutant
saving him at Nagasaki, in an impressive sequence that starts by
featuring Logan's swoon-enducing male physicality and ends with the
unenviable task of reproducing moments from one of WWII's worst
disasters. Mr. Yashida is now dying, we are told by Yukio, a mutant
emissary in thigh-high red striped socks, Yukio. He wants to say good
bye, and offer a gift of thanks.

Out of that annoying sense of honor and duty he can't seem to shake,
Logan goes to Japan to see his old friend. Once there, he is offered
the chance to feel physical pain, deterioration and mortality like the
rest of humanity. It is in this newfound vulnerability that Logan
finds himself and we as the audience connect more with him than ever
before.

Mortality, love, vengeance and subjective morality are all themes that
trundle this tale along, and they are none too light a set of
subjects. There is the idea of Logan as ronin, or a samurai without a
master, which thematically has been used in a variety of genres, and
here, along with other clear influences, it is what integrates the
movie's desperate influences together. These influences separate The
Wolverine from the superhero movies of the past.

Logan's "man without a name" archetype brings to mind westerns like
The Outlaw Josey Wales. The hyper-colorized scenes in Tokyo seem
influenced by films like Happy Together and In the Mood for Love by
Hong Kong auteur Wong Kar-wai.

There is also an element of sparse expansiveness in the Japanese
seaside scenes reminiscent of classic director Yahujiro Ozu's work.
That freaky do-it-my-way auteur Darren Aronofsky (of Requiem for a
Dream and Black Swan) was originally attached to direct speaks to how
far a departure they were planning for The Wolverine...

Giving credit where it's due, without Hugh Jackman's versatility, this
kind of complicated blending of genres into a Marvel comic story would
not have worked. Jackman has the ability to seem intense and off the
cuff at the same time. Coming from another actor, some of the retorts
he tosses out would seem somewhere between cliched and ridiculous.

They seem perfectly at home coming from The Wolverine as a character,
and it shows just how well Jackman can embody the role, reminding us
how much we care about this troubled misanthrope with a heart of
gold. Immortality breeds existential despair, as well as, apparently,
perfect deadpan delivery of comic-book-ready pith and sass.

It was great to hear that Hugh Jackman found a way into the
character's bad attitude during the film shoots by starting every
morning with an ice cold shower. No wonder he's grumpy.

They have emassed a collection of pedigreed actors from all over the
world to play supporting roles, with greater and less successful
results. Rila Fukushima as Yukio, is immediately magnetic as friend
and battle-ready companion (or as she calls it, bodyguard) to the
reticent Logan.

She is a mutant with an unpleasant ability she wishes she could give
back, unlike her hard won and colossal fighting skills. Her costuming
and character are both unique and badass enough to inspire Halloween
homages, to become this year's "Hitgirl." The relationship between
her and Logan shows his goodness to the audience even before he
finally sees it for himself.

The character of Mariko as Logan's love interest, is less successful.
Tao Okamoto does what she can with the role, but she is meant to be
enigmatic, a mix of damsel in distress and femme fatale, and we as
the audience never learn to care much about her in specifics, beyond
the fact that she makes Logan feel again.

It is unfortunate that the climactic last quarter of the movie gets so
buried in CGI and desperate measures to fill holes in the plot or
explain character motivations that it almost loses us all to bleed to
death in its own bluster. It is assumed that Hollywood required
neater bows than the filmmakers would have wanted to tie, and as a
result, the bluster and cacophony ensued. The rest of the film is
inventive and unusual enough to compensate for the disastrous sections
towards the end.

At the X-Men: Days of Future Past panel at San Diego Comic-Con,
someone facetiously asked about Wolverine singing as part of the
movies. After saying no one wanted to see that, he burst into a song,
"I'm gonna SLICE 'em, i'm gonna DICE 'em…", bringing laughter and
cheers from the assembled masses. And speaking of Days of Future
Past, stay past the credits, for a scene worth going to see the movie.
It ties together the upcoming and highly anticipated movie to The
Wolverine, and features big talent and big hints about the next year's
star studded release.

Aussie man-meat, sharp claws, an over-the-top balletic fight atop a
bullet train, a nuclear explosion, an exciting clip from X-Men in 2014
that "plays the future cast," and more…Wolverine. See it. It's a
howling good time.

Leslie Combemale, "Cinema Siren", is a movie lover and aficionado in
Northern Virginia. Alongside Michael Barry, she owns ArtInsights
Animation and Film Art Gallery in Reston Town Center. She has a
background in film and art history. She often is invited to present at
conventions such as the San Diego Comic Con. In 2013 she will
moderate "Legendary Animators of Classic 60s Cartoons" at SDCC. She
previously moderated "The Art of the Hollywood Movie Poster" and is a
perennial panelist on the Harry Potter Fandom panel. Visit her art
gallery online at www.artinsights.com, and see more of her reviews and
interviews on www.artinsightsmagazine.com.
This is Copyright News Of http://fallschurch.patch.com/

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Egypt: dozens killed in clashes between security forces and Mursi supporters in Cairo

Blood soaked the streets of Cairo around Rabaa al-Adawiya Square after
a night of deadly clashes between the Egyptian army and supporters of
ousted Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.

The Muslim Brotherhood said more than 70 people had been killed. Some
reports put the number of injured as high as 4,000.

Medical centres are overflowing with wounded people, some riddled with
bullet wounds. The head of the Rabaa al-Adawiya field hospital told
euronews: "All those admitted are in serious condition. You can see
for yourself, they've all got gunshot wounds."

Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed al-Beltaji said the group would not
back down in the face of persecution, telling euronews: "We are
staying here in peaceful protest."

"We have the right to stand in front of the world to say that all the
people of Egypt have the right to choose their president, parliament
and constitution. No military force has the right to one day wake up
and suddenly decide who runs the government," al-Beltaji continued.

The deadly overnight clashes came after a day of pro and anti-Mursi
rallies. The former president was deposed by the military after mass
protests against his year-long rule.

From Cairo, Mohamed Shaikhibrahim reported: "The period of 48 hours,
which the army gave to negotiate on national reconciliation, has not
ended. The deterioration of the security situation is clear through
the bloody clashes we've seen at Rabaa al-Adawiya. The atmosphere here
indicates fear that even worse could still be to come."
This News Is Copyright © 2013 euronews.

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Lea Michele Has ‘Horrible Anxiety Attacks’ over Cory Monteith’s Death

She lost boyfriend and "Glee" co-star Cory Monteith to a heroin
overdose, and now Lea Michele is suffering from debilitating anxiety,
a source tells HollywoodLife.
"Lea is getting worse -- the shock is wearing off now and the reality
is setting in," the insider said. "She's been having horrible anxiety
attacks where she feels like she can't breathe."

Video: Cory's Best 'Glee' Moments

Michele was with her "Glee" family at a memorial service on Thursday,
saying a final goodbye to Cory. The cast and crew are set to return to
work on Aug. 5.

"Lea pushes herself so hard and expects so much from herself," the
source said. "And she doesn't want to let down anyone at 'Glee'
because she knows everyone is counting on her to come back."
copyright http://www.extratv.com/

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Lady Gaga's Return To The VMAs: A Comeback And A Coronation

Gaga will take the stage at the 2013 VMAs on August 25, and Bigger
Than The Sound can't wait.
It's fitting that Lady Gaga will make her triumphant return to the
stage at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards ... after all, since she
burst on the scene five years ago, the show has served as her own
personal catwalk, throne room, theater, soap box, studio, gallery,
performance art space and launching pad.

Now, it will play host to her rebirth.
It's not a stretch to say that, outside of any artist not named
Madonna or Britney or Beyonce (cue the angry comments!) there is no
artist as synonymous with the VMAs as Gaga. Beginning in 2009— when
she first creeped out Eminem while accepting her Best New Artist
Moonman, then thoroughly terrified all of America with her bloody
performance of "Paparazzi" — and running all the way through her
gender-bending turn as Jo Calderone in 2011, the Mother Monster has
continually found new was to shock and amaze. She has routinely stolen
the show, dominated blog discussions the following day, and managed to
outshine a room full of the biggest stars on the planet.

Photos: Lady Gaga's Best VMA Moments

In short, she is one of the few who seem to realize the stage and
scope of the VMA stage, but rather than shrink from the spotlight, she
seizes it, occasionally shines it directly into our eyes, and always
leaves us dazzled. She's delivered epic performances, touching
personal moments, and even album launches. She's won a staggering 13
Moonmen in just four years. How great has her impact been on this
show? I've already written more than 250 words about her, and I
haven't even mentioned the Meat Dress yet.

Oh, about that dress. She wore it — and several other outfits — at the
2010 show, a night that began with her walking the carpet with members
of the U.S. Armed Services that had been discharged because they were
openly gay and ended with her winning Video of the Year, announcing
the title of Born This Way and meeting Cher. Most artists don't pack
that much action into one year. Gaga did it in roughly four hours.

A Brief History Of Lady Gaga's VMA Outfits

Or consider the first nine minutes of the 2011 show, in which Gaga —
in full Jo Calderone garb — broke all sorts of California codes by
smoking inside, delivered a rambling monologue, launched into "You and
I," drank a beer, performed an elaborately choreographed routine,
weirded out Justin Bieber and jammed with legendary Queen guitarist
Bryan May. Oh, and then she hit on Britney Spears during a tribute
speech and won the Moonman for Best Female Video ... which she
accepted as a man. Naturally.

And on August 25, she'll return to the VMAs, performing the debut
single off ARTPOP for the first time. It's perfect, really — after
all, she's given our show more than its fair share of firsts over the
years. But you get the feeling this one may be bigger than any of the
others ... it's her comeback, her moment, her first salvo. Given her
history with the show, there's no better place for her to not only
launch the next phase of her career, but serve notice that she hasn't
lost a step.

Is there any doubt she'll deliver the goods? Have you been paying
attention? Gaga has always treated the VMAs like the biggest show in
the world, and given everything she's got riding on this performance,
well, let's just say August 25 can't come soon enough. It's time to
make new memories.
Copyright www.mtv.com

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Hot posters of Poonam Pandey's Nasha

Poonam Pandey is a classic example of a celeb who has climbed the
ladder of success by alluring the social media audience.

Her candid comments, explicit statements and above all her revealing
photos have not just catapulted her position as the most sought after
model on the internet, but has also tremendously contributed in
bringing her upcoming film Nasha in the limelight.

Poonam Pandey's Nasha which releases on July 26 is an adult comedy
directed by Amit Saxena, the person who gave 'Jism' to Bollywood. Have
a look at some hot posters of Nasha that have become a rage on the
internet.

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Aubrey Plaza talks awkward sexual scene in new movie 'The To-Do List'

"Parks and Recreation" star Aubrey Plaza plays the lead role in "The
To-Do List," a raunchy low-budget comedy about a graduating high
school senior who wants to lose her virginity before she starts
college.
Plaza was on 'Conan' Tuesday night plugging the film and talked about
shooting a particularly awkward masturbation scene.
"I read it on the page and it said Brandy masturbates, and in my head
I envisioned a nice scene where you just see my hand slowly go out of
frame. That's what I thought I was going into," she said. "But then
when I showed up, the camera was mounted on the ceiling, I was in my
underwear and a Clinton tee shirt, and there were a bunch of old men
smoking. You know, the crew guys!"
The scene illustrates one of the sexual activities Plaza's character
Brandy is trying to check off her list on the summer between high
school and college. This was apparently much different than Plaza's
real-life checklist.
"I was a type-A loser, so I had a lot of 'Figure out how to dress
yourself' or 'Figure out how to make a better ponytail' [on the
list]," she told GQ magazine.


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/

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Apple Earnings Tops Estimates on iPhone Sales, Sees A 'Busy Fall' With New Products

Apple, which reported tearnings that topped analysts' estimates on
better-than-expected iPhone sales, says it expects a "busy fall" with
new products.

"We are laser-focused and working hard on some amazing new products
that we will introduce in the fall and across 2014," Apple CEO Tim
Cook said in a statement. Later, during an hour-long call with
financial analysts, Cook added that "we're working on stuff we're
really proud of," while CFO Peter Oppenheimer said the company is "on
track to have a very busy fall."

Company watchers and investors, who have hammered the stock in the
past 10 months because of the absence of new products, are looking
for Apple to release an update to the iPhone, its top moneymaker, in
September or October. A smartwatch and interactive TV may also be in
the works, as well as an update to the iPad mini tablet.

"Our key catalyst will always be new products and services," said
Cook, who celebrates his second anniversary as CEO next month. "These
will be both in existing categories we're in and in new categories…I
think we have lots of growth opportunities. I don't subscribe to the
common view that the high-end of the smartphone market has hit its
peak."

Investors seemed pleased with the results and the company's
commentary, sending the shares up as much as 5 percent in late
trading.

Apple said today that sales rose to $35.3 billion from $35 billion in
the fiscal third quarter ended in June. Profit was $7.47 a share, down
from $9.32 a year ago. That topped the expectations of analysts, who
were expecting expecting sales of $35.01 billion and profit of $7.32 a
share.

Gross margin, a key measure of profitability, narrowed to 36.9 percent
from 42.8 percent, as analysts expected. Apple had forecast gross
margin of between 36 percent and 37 percent.

For the fourth quarter, which ends in September, Apple said it expects
sales of $34 billion to $37 billion and a gross margin between 36 and
37 percent. Analysts were looking for fourth-quarter revenue of $37.1
billion and a gross margin of 36.9 percent.

"We believe fiscal year 2013 will prove to be a year to forget, but
fiscal year 2014 will prove to be a year of new product innovations,"
said Brian White, an analyst with Topeka Capital Markets.

iPhone Shipments Up, iPad Shipments Down

Apple sold 31.2 million iPhones, up from 26 million in the year ago
quarter, on better-than-anticipated demand for the iPhone 5 and sales
of lower-priced iPhone 4 models to first-time smartphone buyers,
according to Cook. While sales of the iPhone 4 reduced the average
selling price for the iPhone — the ASP was down 4 percent of $27 a
unit in the quarter — that demand did drive a spike in the shipments,
allowing Apple to top analysts expectations. Toni Sacconaghi of
Sanford C. Bernstein was looking for third-quarter iPhone sales of
25.5 million units, while analysts on average were expecting iPhone
shipments of 26.4 million units.

In addition, Apple sold 14.6 million iPads, down from 17 million in
the same period a year ago. Analysts had expected iPad shipments of
17.8 million units. Cook said the decline was due to lower levels of
iPad inventory in the 2013 third quarter versus the 2012 third
quarter.

"Overall we view Apple's June quarter results and September quarter
guidance as largely as expected with better iPhone sales and worse
iPads," Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray said after the results were
announced. "Since we continue to view iPhones as the most important
part of the story, we view the overall report as slightly better than
expected. Nothing about the report itself changes our belief that the
key factors on the stock are the expected cheaper phone in the fall as
well the potential TV announcement late this year and an iWatch in
2014."

Apple shares jumped in late trading after earlier closing down $7.33,
or 1.7 percent, to $418.98 in regular Nasdaq trading as investors
awaited the results. In late trading, they rose as much as 5 percent,
or $20.98, to $439.97, and were up about about 3.3 percent at the
conclusion of the earnings call with Cook and Oppenheimer.

The company hosted a conference call to discuss earnings results.
Here's a play-by-play.

2:00: Apple is starting the call, with opening comments to be made by
CFO Peter Oppenheimer.
He's reading through the sales, earnings and gross margin results.
Channel inventories declined sequentially by $1 billion. Sell through
was $36.3 billion. As such, our June quarter sell through increased by
6 percent year over year.
On to iPhone. 31.2 million shipments were up from 26 million a year
ago. 'iPhone sales were ahead of our expectations." Says sales were
good in the US, UK, Japan (up 66 percent year over year), Brazil,
Russia, India and Thailand. iPhone 5 was the most popular but Apple
was "happy" with sales of iPhone 4 and 4S sales too. Apple exited the
quarter with 11 million iPhones in channel inventory.
iPhone has earned the top spot in customer satisfaction from JD Powers
nine consecutive times, Oppenheimer says.
Enterprise and government customers continue to adopt iPhone.
American Airlines, Cisco, General Electric, Roche and SAP have
deployed more than 25,000 iPhones each across their organization. JPL,
ATF and National Geospatial Agency are supporting "thousands of
iPhones" on their network.
RE: iPad decline in shipments from a year ago, Oppenheimer says the
tough year over year comparison was due to channel inventory. "We
built 1.2 million units of iPad inventory in the June quarter last
year, but reduced it by 700,000 units this quarter. Sell through was
down about 3 percent year over year."
2:08: Number of iPad apps continue to grow, along with custom iPad
apps used by business and government. Novartis, SAP and others have
deployed more than 25,000 each at their companies.
On to Macs. Oppenheimer says sales of 3.8 million units, down from 4
million a year, was better than Apple expected. He says the new Mac
Pro, demonstrated at WWDC in June, is still set to be available in the
US (and made in the US) starting later this year.
OS X Mavericks, the new version of the Mac operating system unveiled
at WWDC in June, is still on track to be available in the fall.
Education sales were up, thanks to sales of 1.1 million iPads as well
as sales of Macs in the June quarter. LA Unified School District made
a $30 million purchase of iPads (as reported June 19).
iTunes revenue now being discussed. Sales of iTunes, software and
services totaled $3.99 billion.
Apple has posted a data sheet that breaks out earnings by products and
geography. You can find it here.
2:15: More than 900,000 apps created for iOS, with 375,000 designed
specifically for iPad.
iOS 7, new version of the mobile operating system, still on track for
fall release.
On to retail stores, 408 stores — 156 outside the U.S. Apple will open
9 new stores this quarter. Four stores were relocated in June quarter
that had outgrown their space. Retail sales were $4.07 billion.
Average store sales were $10.1 million, down from $11.1 million a year
ago.
Cash: Apple now has $146.6 billion in cash, up from $144.7 billion at
the end of the March quarter. $106 billion of that cash is offshore.
Apple spent cash in the third quarter on stock repurchases and
dividend payouts. (They announced an expanded dividend and stock
repurchase program back in April). 9 million shares were retired in
the quarter.
Fourth quarter outlook: Revenue of 34-$37 billion. Gross margin of
36-37 percent, including $90 million related to stock-related
expenses. Operating expenses will be between $3.9 to $3.95 billion.
Tax rate will be 26.5 percent.
2:20: Shares still up about 4.5 percent.
Q&A Begins. First question is about why gross margins don't seem to
reflect the fact that Apple says it will announce new products in the
fall.
"We are on track to have a very busy fall." Oppenheimer says he will
talk more about in October, when Apple announces 4Q results.
Tim Cook now joins the call to answer a question about channel
inventory. Cook says channel inventor for iPad was down 700,000 units
in the third quarter and iPhone inventory was down over 600,000 units.
"We typically don't like to have any more inventory than we need. So
if we can find a way to reduce, we do so."
Cook asked about where new innovation will come from. "Our key
catalyst will always be new products and services…these will be both
in existing categories we're in and in new categories." Apple can also
expand into markets such as enterprise market with iPhone and iPad. "I
think we have lots of growth opportunities. I don't subscribe to the
common view that the high-end of the smartphone market has hit its
peak."
Question about decline of iPad shipments — a 2.4 million unit decline
from a year ago. Cook says 1.9 million units were just due to changes
in channel inventory. We reduced by 700,000 units in the current
quarter. So the underlying sell through declined by 3 percent. If you
look at the situation we were in a year ago quarter, we had just
announced the third-generation iPad…It was not a surprise to us."
iPad accounts for more than 80 percent of Web traffic. "IF there are a
lot of other tablets selling, I don't know what they're being used
for," Cook said. "We feel incredibly good about where we are."
Shares snapshot: $436.79, up $17.80 (4.25%) at 5:27PM EDT.
2:28: Question about gross margin. Oppenheimer says they were
"pleased" with the third quarter results. The sequential decline from
the prior quarter "wasn't a surprise to us." Apple expected lower
sequential revenue going from March to June, and the company expected
a different product mix. Oppenheimer said gross margin "ultimately
ended up within the range we thought it would be and we hit the high
end' of our guidance.
Question about a decline in average selling price of iPhone. The
iPhone ASP was down 4 percent, or $27 as customers bought more
lower-priced iPhone 4.
Cook said that we saw very strong sales in emerging markets — or
prepaid markets. India up 400 percent, Turkey and Poland up over 60
percent, Philippines were up about 140 percent. Apple also said it saw
uptick in demand
Question about sales of China. Cook says that China was weaker in the
quarter. Sell through in China was "only down 4 percent from the year
ago quarter, when you normalize for channel inventory." Hong Kong was
down — not sure why — while mainland China was up 5 percent year over
year. That is a lower growth rate than we've been seeing. He
attributes it to the economy there.
2:34: Question about whether there will be an iPhone trade in program.
Cook says we haven't announced anything related to a trade-in program.
Says there are a number of other places that do trade ins. "The reason
is that it's so attractive around iPhone is the residual value around
iPhone stays so high…it makes the trade-in programs lucrative. But we
haven't announced anything…I'm not opposed to it. I see the channels
doing it and I like the environmental aspect of it."
China: $4.9 billion in sales in the quarter. "We've grown our business
there significantly. In the last 12 months, we've done $27 billion.
It's a huge business for us." Cook says that there are more than half
a million developers in China developing iOS apps. That number is up
70 percent from a year ago.
Shares shapshot: $432.11, up $13.12 (3.13%)at 5:38PM EDT
Cook asked about more affordable pricing and if that speaks only to
iPhone 4 sales. Cook says yes, and that the iPhone 4 is attracting
many first-time smartphone buyers. "It's proving to be a great product
for that buyer." Are there more weapons Apple could use to attract
more iPhone buyers? Cook says there are always more weapons.
Question: Are there new product categories big enough to move the
needle on sales growth? Cook says, "We'll see…We're working on stuff
we're really proud of."
Question about carrier partners. He says that there have been articles
about partnerships in Russia. Apple is selling phones through retail
organizations, as well as through some carrier-owned stores. iPhone
activations in Russia set a record — were the highest ever.
Cook asked about components. He says DRAM pricing has increased and we
see continued upward pressure. NAND pricing is fairly stable and
following seasonal trends. LCD prices have dropped and we expect
further reductions. Other commodities are in a supply-demand balance,
which means pricing will decline.
Cook asked about new products and if Apple is chasing some huge
markets. Cook says that's not how Apple looks at things; they start at
products. "We're focused on great products." Says if we do that really
well, the financial rewards will come. If you don't look at products,
"you can end up creating things that customers don't want."
2:48: Question about iPhone ASPs. Cook again says the company saw good
demand for the lower-cost iPhone 4. He says those sales, coupled with
great demand for iPhone 5 allowed Apple to ship more iPhones than many
expected.
Oppenheimer asked about gross margin forecast for Q4. He says they
expect component costs to be favorable but currency exchange to be
challenging.
Shares at $433.51, up $14.52 (3.47%) at 5:52PM EDT.
Question about iOS being built into car models. "I see it as very
important," Cook said. "It is a part of the ecosystem. Just like the
app store is a key part of the ecosystem and iTunes and all our
content are key and the services we provide from messaging to Siri and
so forth, having something in the automobile is very very important.
It's something people want. I think Apple can do this in a unique
way."
2:55 p.m.That's it. Call ends with shares at $433.05, up $14.06 or
3.36%, at 5:55PM EDT.
Copyright http://www.forbes.com/

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Google takes another stab at the living room with Chromecast

Walking in to the Dogpatch Studios in San Francisco on Wednesday
morning, one of the only objects already propped up on the bare stage
was an HDTV from Samsung.

It became evident that Google taking yet another approach at syncing
up the living room, but the surprise announcement wasn't another
Google TV or even the dead-on-arrival Nexus Q.

Enter the Chromecast.

Measuring in at just two inches in length, Chromecast runs a
"simplified version" of Chrome OS. It plugs into any HDMI input port
and "simply disappears behind your TV."

Essentially, the Chromecast links up other Google products in your
home (Android and Chrome-based) such as smartphones, tablets, and
laptops.

The Chromecast streams the content (i.e. YouTube, Netflix, Google Play
social games, etc.) from the device source via the cloud. The device
(i.e. smartphone) operates as the remote control.

For developers, there is the new Google Cast SDK, which should enable
building upon existing apps and interactions between devices and the
TV through the Chromecast devices.

The developer preview for Android, Chrome and iOS is rolling out today.

The obvious benefits here include the compact form factor and the easy
upgrade in a simple package. That is to say that consumers just need a
TV with HDMI connectivity, and this device should be good-to-go.

Instead of paying hundreds of dollars to upgrade the HDTV itself (at
least for Internet connectivity and related apps), consumers could
save themselves a lot of time, trouble and money with a dongle that
just plugs in.

Compared to the confusing Nexus Q and the expensive Google TV models
that had limited functionality, the Chromecast peripheral is possibly
Google's best attempt at satisfying home entertainment devices yet.

That is, at first glance.

There are a few features still in the infamous beta mode, meaning
users can't expect things to work so seamlessly out of the box.

For example, one function rolling out in beta is the ability to launch
any Chrome tab from a user's laptop to the television via Chromecast.
Based on the live demo, it also appears that there is a bit of a time
delay between the source and the TV's display of Chrome.

Regardless, the Chromecast is nothing to shake your head at when you
consider the price.

The Chromecast will launch in the United States first for $35, which
garnered an audible (but deserved) gasp from the media audience, a
typically jaded bunch at these product announcements.

Google reps promised that Chromecast will be shipped out to other
international markets as soon as possible.
Copyright http://www.zdnet.com

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Google Unveils New Nexus 7

Google unveiled a new version of its Nexus 7 tablet computer
Wednesday, boasting new features like a virtual surround sound and a
faster processor, as it looks to boost Android's lead over Apple 's
iPad in terms of market share for tablets.

Google showed off the new device, designed in partnership with Asustek
Computer , at an event in San Francisco. It is powered by an updated
version of Android, which also is the No. 1 software for smartphones.

The Mountain View, Calif., company is working to fend off Apple and
its popular iPad tablet, as well as Amazon.com's Kindle Fire tablets.
Sundar Pichai, senior vice president of Android and Chrome, said
Android tablets now account for nearly half of all such computers sold
worldwide.
"By the end of 2013, consumers are going to buy more tablets each year
than personal computers," said Pichai.

The new tablet, which goes on sale at Best Buy Wal-Mart and other
retailers July 30, costs $229 with 16 gigabytes of storage and $269
for 32 gigabytes, according to Google and the Best Buy website. That
compares to $329 for the 16-gigabyte iPad mini, an 8-inch tablet, and
$429 for the 32-gigabyte version.

The device will soon be available in major markets in Europe and Asia,
Google said.

The new Nexus device has parental controls so an owner can restrict
the type of apps their children can access, as well as 3D graphics and
video compression capabilities that would appeal to videogame app
developers, said Android executive Hugo Barra, at the event.

Google's support for the Nexus tablet serves several purposes,
including the need to compete with Amazon's $159 Kindle Fire tablet, a
formidable threat to Google. Unlike the majority of Android devices,
Amazon's tablet uses a separate version of Android that doesn't come
with Google services pre-installed. (Android is a free, open-sourced
software, so it is available to anyone.)

Google is currently at work on a major update of Android software that
is expected to be unveiled sometime later this year. Nearly a billion
Android devices have been activated since 2008, the company has said,
allowing Google to ensure that its revenue-generating services such as
Google Search have a guaranteed spot on people's mobile devices.

The Nexus 7 has a high-definition display that is more advanced than
that of the iPad, but its 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snap dragon S4 Pro quad-core
processor is less advanced than some Android enthusiasts had expected.

The Nexus 7 became the most successful device in the history of the
Nexus program—at one point selling at a rate of about one million
devices per month—after being launched last year. Typically, Nexus
devices cater to hardcore fans of Android and are meant to show
hardware makers what they can do with the Android operating system,
but aren't meant to be big sellers.

Still, Asus-made tablets still were a distant No. 4 behind Apple
Samsung Electronics and Amazon in terms of shipments during the
critical fourth quarter of last year, according to research firm IDC.

The Nexus 7 succeeded in part because it was the most advanced
Android-powered tablet on the market at the time and thanks to its low
$199 price tag and significant marketing push by Google, which some
analysts believe subsidized the device so that it cost the same as
Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet at the time.

Amazon has yet to release the next version of the Kindle Fire, which
is expected to be available before the fourth-quarter shopping season.

Unlike Apple, which generates hefty profit from the sale of hardware,
Google and Amazon play a different game. Google, which does get an
undisclosed cut of Nexus 7 sales, simply wants as many Android-powered
devices in the market because they are preloaded with
revenue-generating services such as YouTube, Google Search and Google
Maps. Amazon's bet is that customers will use its tablet to shop for
products and digital media that is sold by Amazon.

For Google, increased sales of Android tablets can help its financial
results in the short term, as prices for online ads viewed on tablets
are higher than for ads viewed on smartphones and nearly in line with
ads viewed on PCs. The rise of smartphones has weighed on Google's
revenue growth in recent quarters.
copyright http://stream.wsj.com

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Prince of Wales accepts £10 from well-wisher to buy royal baby a teddy bear The Prince of Wales accepted £10 from a wellwisher to pay for a teddy bear for his newborn grandson.

The Prince was handed a congratulations card for the Duke and Duchess
of Cambridge which was stuffed with a crisp £10 as he toured the Royal
Welsh Show in Builth Wells, Powys.
Between lengthy discussions about bee-keeping, sheep-rearing and the
price of cattle, the Prince, who was accompanied by the Duchess of
Cornwall, indicated that there was only one other subject on his mind;
his "absolutely gorgeous" grandson.
The Prince was on his way to the annual agricultural event's main show
ring after being shown some prize-winning cattle when Amanda Winney,
49, waved the card in his direction and caught his attention.
Delighted Mrs Winney, from Leominster, said: "He took the card and
said that he will pass it on which is fantastic.
"It's amazing to meet him. He shouldn't really be here what with the
new baby, but duty calls in his case.

She said the card, inside a pale blue envelope, depicted a baby in a
cradle and contained a £10 note in the hope that the new parents might
splash out on a cuddly toy.
When the Prince came across a heavily pregnant Bethan Davies, 36, from
Llangadog, he could not resist asking her whether or not she was
overdue and if she had chosen to find out the baby's sex.
Miss Davies told him that the gender of the baby, due on Monday, would
be a surprise, and he inadvertently confirmed that the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge had also chosen to do the same.
"It's better that way we had a lovely surprise on Monday when our
grandson was born," he replied.
Those manning the tannoys as the Prince arrived in various rings to
present trophies and speak to participants did their best to whip up a
flavour of the baby fever that has gripped the country in recent
weeks.
Andrew Jones, a farmer who was in charge of announcements in the sheep
ring, bellowed: "We must extend our congratulations to the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge.
"It's a proud moment for Anglesey too, they're convinced that the new
prince was conceived there."
A member of the National Sheep Association also managed to crowbar a
baby reference into a speech, noting that although it had been a bad
year for the industry "nothing gave them more of a lift than then news
that his Royal Highness is now a grandfather".
The Prince, however, stoically kept to the subject in hand, save for
disclosing to one well-wisher that the as yet unnamed baby was
"absolutely gorgeous".
Such was the enthusiasm for the agricultural subjects at hand that few
thought to ask him for details about the newly born future king.
Rather than be showered with babygrows, booties and tips on
grand-fatherhood, he was presented with a picture of a prancing cob
and a sheepskin rug.
Paul Eales from Pembrokeshire Bees was not alone when he said he had
not thought of mentioning the baby when introduced to the royal.
"No, he was just really interested in the bees," he said.
"He has a very good understanding about them, I was really impressed."
Rhys Jones, 50, from the Cambrian Mountains Initiative, agreed: "No,
no, we didn't mention it. No tips or anything, we were too busy
talking about whether there were enough lambs for the scheme."
As the Prince left one venue for the next, he was congratulated by
Susan Fiander-Woodhouse, 52, the first in a line of people waiting to
meet him.
"Is everyone queuing to congratulate me?" he asked drily, before
passing quickly along.
He couldn't resist one reference to the newborn, however. Giving a
speech on behalf of the Prince's Countryside Fund, of which he is
president, he noted that it was his seventh visit to the show in 50
years. "That's probably why I've become a grandfather," he smiled.

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Spitzer asked about prostitutes amid Weiner scandal

Just for the record, Eliot Spitzer says he has not paid for
prostitutes since he resigned as New York governor in 2008.

The Wall Street Journal reports Spitzer was asked that question
Wednesday as he campaigned for New York City comptroller on Staten
Island. The query was prompted, obviously, by Anthony Weiner's
confirmation that he engaged in lewd online exchanges with women even
after resigning from Congress in 2011.
"Absolutely not," Spitzer is quoted as saying by the Journal. "And
we're done answering those questions."

Spitzer and Weiner are inextricably linked because they're both New
York Democrats who fell from grace because of sex scandals — and are
now trying to get elected to office again.

This isn't the first time Spitzer has been asked whether he still
engages in the behavior that forced him to step down. There was this
exchange, for example, last week with CNN's Jake Tapper, who noted
that paying for sex became a "Class E felony" under a law signed by
Spitzer:

Tapper: "When was the last time you broke that law? 2008?"

Spitzer: "That's correct."

Copyright www.usatoday.com

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How a terror attack backfired on Hezbollah

The EU move to label Hezbollah's military wing a terrorist group is
the fruit of a lengthy diplomatic, legal and intelligence campaign.
The European Union's decision to list Hezbollah's military wing as a
terrorist organization is the fruit of a lengthy diplomatic, legal and
intelligence campaign waged jointly by Israel, Britain, the United
States, the Netherlands and Canada. A cache of bombs discovered in
Nazareth, a 150-page legal document, and dozens of secret visits and
phone calls to various leaders were among the key factors contributing
to the decision.

The campaign began after the bombing in Burgas, Bulgaria, last July,
which killed five Israeli tourists and one Bulgarian. As intelligence
indicating that Hezbollah was to blame accumulated, the Foreign
Ministry decided the time was ripe for action.

To this end, it set up a special task force, headed by the ministry's
Deputy Director General Jeremy Issacharoff and Shai Cohen, head of the
Regional Security and Counterterrorism Department. The team also
included representatives of the National Security Council, the Defense
Ministry and the intelligence agencies. Similar task forces were set
up by Britain's Foreign Office and the U.S. State Department.

One of the task force's first moves was giving various EU countries
masses of intelligence that Israel had collected - not just about
Hezbollah's role in the Burgas attack, but also about its involvement
in Syria's civil war, money laundering, drug smuggling and setting up
sleeper cells in Europe. Unusually, the intelligence agencies agreed
to this massive transfer of sensitive information.

A senior Foreign Ministry official said that, among other things,
Israel passed on intelligence showing that Hezbollah was fighting
alongside President Bashar Assad's regime in Syria in early 2013,
before this became publicly known.

Israel also gave Berlin information about the assets and bank accounts
of 950 Lebanese Shi'ites living in Germany who were suspected of being
sleeper agents, or of involvement in transferring money to Hezbollah
and helping it with logistics. Similar information was given to Spain,
France and Italy.

One move that ultimately proved critical was Israel's decision,
immediately after the Burgas attack, to send a forensics team to help
investigate.

The Burgas probe, in which the United States, Britain, Germany, Canada
and Australia also participated, convinced the Bulgarian government to
announce in February 2013 that Hezbollah's military wing was behind
the attack.

One key piece of evidence was the large number of phone calls between
Burgas and various locations in Lebanon associated with Hezbollah,
including calls from phone numbers known to belong to Hezbollah
operatives. Another was the forged American driver's license used by
one member of the three-man cell, which was traced back to a Beirut
printer affiliated with Hezbollah.

The smoking gun, though, was the bomb's composition, including the
specific type of plastic explosive used - which proved identical to
the composition of 24 bombs discovered by Israeli security services in
Nazareth in August 2012. These bombs had been smuggled into the
country at Hezbollah's behest by a group of drug smugglers. Later, the
bomb's composition also proved an exact match to bombs discovered by
Thailand's security services in January 2012, at a warehouse owned by
a Hezbollah operative in Bangkok.

The Burgas investigation also uncovered the three perpetrators'
identities, but this information was kept secret. The senior Foreign
Ministry official said the men are hiding in southern Lebanon, and
that Israel is searching for them.

From the start, the ministry official said, the task force knew the
biggest obstacle would be translating the accumulated intelligence
about Hezbollah into evidence that would stand up in a European court.
Several EU countries, first and foremost Germany, said they wouldn't
support listing Hezbollah as a terrorist organization unless they were
sure their domestic courts wouldn't overturn the decision for lack of
evidence.

Consequently, the task force put together a 150-page document
detailing all the evidence, as well as its legal significance.

"We didn't just collect all the relevant material for them; we also
linked it to European legislation and various [legal] precedents," the
official said.

After months of work, the document was completed in May. It was given
first to Germany, which at that time was wavering. A few days after
the document was hand delivered to Germany's interior minister,
members of the task force gave a four-hour briefing to German
officials with additional intelligence material.

A week later, on May 22, Germany announced it was ready to blacklist
Hezbollah's military wing. This decision convinced several other
wavering countries that the evidence was truly solid.

With the legal obstacle surmounted, it was time for the diplomatic
campaign to begin.

About six weeks ago, the Foreign Ministry gave all EU ambassadors a
detailed briefing on the matter, and Israeli ambassadors in Europe
were instructed to do the same for the highest-level officials they
could reach - generally, foreign ministers, prime ministers or
presidents.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres also made
personal phone calls to the leaders of wavering states, such as
Austria, many of which voiced fears that listing Hezbollah as a
terrorist organization would destabilize Lebanon and make Hezbollah
even more extreme.

"We argued that Hezbollah was already destabilizing Lebanon by its
involvement in the Syrian war, its ties with Iran and its possession
of tens of thousands of rockets," and that blacklisting it would
actually "weaken its power in Lebanon," the senior Foreign Ministry
official explained.

Thus, in their calls to countries like Austria, Malta, Greece and
Slovakia, Netanyahu and Peres stressed both the Burgas attack and
Hezbollah's involvement in Syria.

Washington also exerted heavy diplomatic pressure. U.S. Secretary of
State John Kerry and Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy
Sherman made calls to dozens of senior European officials in recent
weeks.

Now that the EU has finally made the decision in principle, the next
step is for each member state to enact appropriate legislation, and
then to start enforcing it. In theory, blacklisting Hezbollah's
military wing means that its money and assets in Europe will be
frozen, Europeans will be barred from doing business with it, and its
operatives will be denied visas to Europe.

The difficulty, however, lies in distinguishing between its military
and political wings, and determining which assets or operatives belong
to each. That is why Netanyahu stressed that though Israel welcomes
the EU move, it remains opposed to this distinction.
Copyright http://www.haaretz.com/

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6 Die in Egypt as Morsi Supporters Continue Protests

CAIRO — At least six people were killed Tuesday near a sit-in held by
supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsi, the latest sign that
Egypt's political impasse is devolving into street battles.
The deaths brought to at least nine the number of people killed over
the last 24 hours during clashes in central Cairo, around Cairo
University in Giza and north of the city in the Nile Delta, making it
one of the deadliest periods since July 8, when more than 50
supporters of Mr. Morsi were killed by soldiers and police officers.

On Monday and Tuesday, the former president's supporters and
unidentified opponents fought running battles with firearms, bottles
and rocks near Tahrir Square in Cairo and on the edges of two protest
sites that have been held by Mr. Morsi's Islamist supporters for
weeks. The confrontations have escalated as the Islamists have
broadened their demonstrations, marching in cities across the country
as part of a determined but so far fruitless effort to restore Mr.
Morsi to power.

There has been little sign of a solution to the standoff, which
started after the military removed Mr. Morsi from power on July 3
after mass demonstrations throughout Egypt calling for his ouster. As
Egypt's new military-backed government has moved swiftly to assert its
authority, Mr. Morsi's movement, the Muslim Brotherhood, has refused,
at least publicly, to abandon its positions.

On Monday, the Brotherhood released a statement reiterating its
demands that the "coup must be halted" and that the president, the
Constitution and the Parliament must be restored.

"It was the putschists' intention to sow despair in the hearts of the
Egyptian people," the statement said.

The authorities appear to be unable or unwilling to halt the violence.
The fighting near the university spread to streets that have become a
virtual garrison for army troops and riot police officers. Mr. Morsi's
supporters have accused the police of joining the fight on the side of
their opponents, and said that early Tuesday, police officers had
fired on demonstrators in at least two locations.

That claim was impossible to verify. In front of Cairo University on
Tuesday morning, cars damaged in the fighting were hauled away as
protesters slept in tents. A man yelled "We only want security!" as
friends tried to comfort him. A mother and her two children, carrying
suitcases, walked away from the square, toward entrances once flimsily
barricaded and now fortified with walls.
Copyright http://www.nytimes.com

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Amanda Bynes forced to undergo mental health evaluation after allegedly starting small fire on stranger's driveway

Amanda Bynes was forced to undergo a mental evaluation on Monday
night, after the troubled starlet caused a commotion in a California
residential neighborhood.
Ventura County fire officials responded to a phone call at 8:38pm,
about a disturbance in a Thousand Oaks, Calif., neighborhood involving
Bynes, 27, who authorities believe started a small fire at a
stranger's residence.
"The fire was in a driveway of a single family dwelling," Ventura
County fire captain Scott Dettorre told the Daily News. "There wasn't
anything in the report to indicate it was a large fire."
"We did respond with an engine company," he said, adding that Bynes
was then taken into the care and custody of the Ventura County
Sheriff's Department, after it was determined that the onetime actress
didn't have any relationship to the homeowner
"[Bynes] met the criteria of 5150 (California Welfare & Institutions
Code)," Cpt. Don Aguilar told the News."She was detained and taken for
a mental health evaluation."
There were no injuries reported in relation to the fire incident, police said.
Bynes was also accused of trespassing at a nearby retirement
community, TMZ reported.
The embattled "Easy A" actress was stopped by management at the
facility and reportedly became argumentative when she was denied
access.
The former child star was accused of being drunk, and refused to leave
when a cab was called for her convenience - saying she had no money.
Bynes may have been trying to visit a relative at the retirement
community - the cab driver told the gossip site.
copyright http://www.nydailynews.com

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Nicki Minaj turns #throwback into #thong

ICYMI: Nicki Minaj got herself retweeted more than 1,000 times on
Twitter and liked more than 65,000 times on Instagram on Thursday.

While it's widely-recognized as #Throwback Thursday (Kim Kardashian
posted what appeared to be a July 4 Keek; Jennifer Nettles shared a
high shool photo and Melissa Joan Hart posted an old ad she did as a
kid for a head lice product ), for Minaj it became #Thong Thursday.

The former American Idol judge shared a shot of herself on Instagram
showing off her hot pink one. Thong, that is.

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Batman/Superman teamup movie coming in 2015

SAN DIEGO --Start your drooling, fanboys and fangirls, and get ready
for lots of Batarangs and heat vision. Batman and Superman will soon
be teaming up on a big screen near you.

At a Warner Bros. panel at Comic-Con Saturday, the studio announced
that Henry Cavill, the star of this summer's Man of Steel, will
reprise the role of Superman in a sequel that will also feature
Batman.

Man of Steel director Zack Snyder will act in the same capacity for
the follow-up, expected in 2015.

No casting for Batman was mentioned but Snyder teased that the Gotham
City hero's relationship with Superman in Frank Miller's seminal 1980s
comic The Dark Knight Returns will inform aspects of Man of Steel 2.

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Judge delays hearing on Detroit bankruptcy, pensions

A hearing on whether Detroit's bankruptcy filing violates the state's
constitution rules against tampering with pension benefits was
adjourned to July 29. Despite the state's desire to move the case to
federal court, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina of Ingham County Circuit Court
said Monday that she believes the case should be heard in state court.
"This is a very important issue," she said. "I understand that there
may be this question of moving it to federal court. ... But these are
state issues. We're dealing with the state constitution and an
emergency manager who is a product of the state legislation." The
city's emergency manager, Kevyn Orr, filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy in
federal court Thursday, and Detroit became the largest city government
ever to declare bankruptcy. Aquilina ruled last week that the
bankruptcy filing violated the state constitution. "As you all know,
my decision last week was because there's been a violation of
constitution. I don't believe the constitution should be made of swiss
cheese," she said. Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr plans to pursue
"significant" cuts to the pensions of the city's 21,000 retirees.
Although the Michigan Constitution protects public pensions, Orr
believes that U.S. bankruptcy law, which allows contracts to be
slashed, will take precedent. The state also believes that the
bankruptcy filing in federal court will supercede a lawsuit that the
pension boards for city employees and the police and fire department
employees have filed. Bankruptcy experts say retiree pensions probably
won't be completely wiped out, but monthly payments could be reduced.
Ronald King, lawyer for the pension systems, said his case does not
enjoin the city from proceeding in bankruptcy. "But you have to
respect the constitutional provision in Michigan that protects accrued
pension benefits," he said.

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Apple Said to Buy HopStop, Pushing Deeper Into Maps

Apple Inc. (AAPL) agreed to buy online transit-navigation service
HopStop.com Inc., people with knowledge of the deal said, seeking to
improve mapping tools after a rocky debut for its directions software
last year.
The people asked not to be identified because the deal isn't public.
AllThingsD reported yesterday that Cupertino, California-based Apple
is purchasing Locationary Inc., a Toronto-based company focused on
business-location maps.
New mapping software Apple debuted in September with the iPhone 5 has
been faulted for getting users lost and for its lack of
public-transportation directions. HopStop shows users in more than 500
cities the fastest way to travel by foot, bike, subway and car;
Locationary deploys real-time data from a variety of sources to help
users find featured businesses.
Apple, which touted the map features as a key software change in the
iPhone 5, built its navigation application amid a growing battle with
Google Inc. (GOOG), which had provided mapping data since the iPhone
was introduced in 2007. Apple built the replacement app in part
because it wanted to scale back its relationship with Google, not
because of any product flaws, two people familiar with Apple's mapping
product said last year.
Google unveiled its mapping application for the iPhone and iPad in
December. Google Maps is the most popular free program in Apple's App
Store. HopStop ranks No. 7 among free navigation tools.
HopStop, based in New York, provides directions for more than 140
major metropolitan areas in the U.S. and six other countries,
according to its website.
Maps Battle
Google, seeking to seeking to keep rivals from eroding its lead in
mobile-navigation, acquired Waze Inc. last month. The developer, whose
mobile app solicits input from about 50 million users to improve
directions and display traffic and road-hazard details.
The acquisitions reflect a widening rift between the two companies as
they court mobile users.
After Apple introduced its mapping software and met with customer
complaints, Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook apologized for the
"frustration" in September, vowing to improve the program and
suggesting alternative apps.
Google has been building out its online mapping software since 2005,
using cars and satellites to accumulate data that helps improve its
accuracy and reliability. To catch up, Apple can use location data
collected from customers using its maps to improve the service.
Apple's map software includes a feedback feature for users to report
inaccurate directions and other bugs.

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