Freed by deal with government, Internet firms release new data on NSA surveillance requests

WASHINGTON (AP) - Freed by a recent legal deal with government lawyers, major technology firms released new data Monday on how often they are ordered to turn over customer information for secret national security investigations - figures that show that the government collected data on thousands of Americans.

The publications disclosed by Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tumblr provided expanded details and some vented criticism about the government's handling of customers' Internet data in counter-terrorism and other intelligence-related probes. The figures from 2012 and 2013 showed that companies, such as Google and Microsoft, were compelled by the government to provide information on as many as 10,000 customer accounts in a six-month period. Yahoo complied with government requests for information on more than 40,000 accounts in the same period.

The companies earlier provided limited information about government requests for data, but a new agreement reached last week with the Obama administration allowed the firms to provide a broadened, though still circumscribed, set of figures to the public.

Seeking to reassure customers and business partners alarmed by revelations about the government's massive collection of Internet and computer data, the firms stressed details indicating that only small numbers of their customers were targeted by authorities. Still, even those small numbers showed that thousands of Americans were affected by the government requests approved by judges of the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.

The data releases by the five major tech firms offered a mix of dispassionate graphics, reassurances and protests, seeking to alleviate customer concerns about government spying while pressuring national security officials about the companies' constitutional concerns. The shifting tone in the releases showed the precarious course that major tech firms have had to navigate in recent months, caught between their public commitments to Internet freedom and their enforced roles as data providers to U.S. spy agencies.

Cars warning each other of collisions? US to propose new rules in hopes of cutting crashes

WASHINGTON (AP) - Your car might see a deadly crash coming even if you don't, the government says, indicating it will require automakers to equip new vehicles with technology that lets cars warn each other if they're plunging toward peril.

The action, still some years off, has "game-changing potential" to cut collisions, deaths and injuries, federal transportation officials said at a news conference on Monday.

A radio signal would continually transmit a vehicle's position, heading, speed and other information. Cars and light trucks would receive the same information back from other cars, and a vehicle's computer would alert its driver to an impending collision. Alerts could be a flashing message, an audible warning, or a driver's seat that rumbles. Some systems might even automatically brake to avoid an accident if manufacturers choose to include that option.

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AP News in Brief at 5:58 p.m. EST - Quincy Herald-Whig | Illinois & Missouri News, Sports

Chicago Tribune reporter Rosemary Regina Sobol recaps crime happened overnight, including two shootings and an accident of a man falling onto CTA tracks.

10:34 a.m. CST, February 2, 2014

Three people were wounded in shootings early Sunday and Saturday on the south and west sides.

Most recently, a man took himself to Norwegian-American Hospital about 3 a.m. for treatment of a gunshot wound to the toe which happened when he accidentally shot himself in the 4100 block of West Crystal Street in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood on the West Side, police said.

His injuries were not life threatening.

In an earlier attack about 9 p.m. Saturday in the 5900 block of South Paulina Street in the city's Englewood community on the South Side, someone shot a teen in the leg, said Chicago Police Department News Affairs Officer Hector Alfaro. The 16-year-old boy was in a house when he heard shots and felt pain, police said; the victim and witnesses were uncooperative.

The teen was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition, Alfaro said.

Earlier, at 12:17 p.m. in the 1100 block of West 63rd Street in Englewood, a 23-year-old man was shot in the chest, said News Affairs Sgt. Antoinette Ursitti.

The man was taken in good condition to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, she said.

No one was in custody for the 63rd Street attack, according to Ursitti.

See the article here:
South, West Side shootings wound 3

Premature death in Russia is common, especially among men. And theyre known for their affinity for vodka. Now, evidence suggests the two are linked.

The latest study, published in the journal Lancet, was based on interviews with 151,000 Russians over age 35 in 1998 and 2001. They compared their drinking habits with how many had died by 2011, finding that death rates increased substantially with the amount of vodka consumed.

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Of men who said they consumed between 1/2 a liter and 1 1/2 liters of vodka weekly, 20 percent died between ages 35 and 54, and 54 percent died between the ages 55 and 74.

For men who drank the most (those who consumed more than 1 1/2 liters of vodka per week) and also smoked, 35 percent died between the ages of 35 and 54. And 64 percent died between the ages of 55 and 74. Almost all the drinkers in the study also smoked.

BLOG: Drinking and Driving Unsafe at Any Level, Study Says

The data reinforces other evidence that vodka is a major cause of the high risk of premature death in Russian adults, the authors wrote.

The average life expectancy for Russian men is just 64 years, which is among the bottom 50 countries worldwide, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Photo: iStock

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Russian Men: Drink Vodka, Die Younger

An outlawed plant could help fight Americas top killer,heart disease, which ended the lives of nearly 600,000 in the United States in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A recent analysis identified several potentially heart-healthy chemicals in hemp, marijuanas hard-working, non-intoxicating cousin.

In particular, oil from hemp seeds contained high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, according to the study published by Spanish pharmacologists in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that research suggests could reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Hemp seed oils high polyunsaturated fat content -- compared to saturated fats -- could help reduce peoples cholesterol levels and treat atherosclerosis, or the buildup of materials on the inside of arteries, wrote the researchers from the University of Seville, Spain.

PHOTOS: 7 Ways Drugs Ain't What They Used to Be

The hemp oil also held gamma-linolenic acid. This chemical improved the condition of mice suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome, a chronic degenerative disease, in an experiment published in the Journal of Functional Foods.

The hemp seed used in the study grew in western Canada. Canada legalized industrial hemp in 1998 for the production of fiber, vegetable oil and other products.

BLOG: Marijuana Farms: Just Google It

Since 1958, hemp has remained illegal in much of the United States, but change recently sprouted.

The Farm Bill currently working through the Senate would allow industrial hemp pilot projects on American farms. Seeking a head start in the reemergent hemp business, some state governments moved early in anticipation of the passage of the bill. For example, Kentuckys General Assembly voted to legalize hemp last year and recently began moving forward with a test project, reported USA Today.

Botanists classify hemp and marijuana as different varieties of one plant, Cannabis sativa. Sturdy fibers from the stems of hemp have been used for thousands of years to make rope, fabric and other materials, yet contain very little tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the main intoxicating chemicals that gives the flowers of the female marijuana plant her illegal potency.

Read more here:
Hemp Gets High Five for Heart-Health Benefits

A prank phone call led to about $15,000 in damage to the lobby and offices at the Comfort Inn on Shea Boulevard in Fountain Hills.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office someone called the hotel Sunday afternoon and claimed to be a representative of its alarm company.

The told the desk clerk they needed to reset the fire alarm system and asked them to pull the alarm lever, which they did.

The caller then told the clerk that to prevent all the fire sprinklers from going off they needed to activate one of the sprinkler heads by breaking it. The clerk did as they were asked, causing the flood.

Fountain Hills Fire Department was called to shut down the system and repair the sprinkler head. Firefighters also helped in removing water from the building.

*On Tuesday, Jan. 14, a Laveen woman was found in her car along the Beeline Highway north of Fountain Hills two days after she went off the road and into a wash. The woman reportedly left Mesa to return home in the West Valley on Sunday but got lost. Residents in nearby Goldfield Ranch heard a horn honking and found the woman in her vehicle. She was taken to the hospital for treatment as she had not taken medication in two days.

*On Wednesday, Jan. 15, a resident of the 3000 block of north 150th Street reported a pattern of harassment from his neighbor. A dispute between the two dates back 10 years and the man reported the neighbor was seen on his property Jan. 15.

*On Wednesday, Jan. 15, a Fountain Hills woman reported a financial consultant had fraudulently taken money from her account totaling more than $17,000.

*On Wednesday, Jan. 15, a resident of the 17000 block of San Marcus Drive reported someone entered his fenced back yard and removed lawn furniture.

*On Thursday, Jan. 16, deputies investigated a vehicle accident at Saguaro Boulevard and Indian Wells Drive. A vehicle traveling north on Saguaro collided with a second vehicle that was turning onto Saguaro from Indian Wells.

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Law enforcement report

Governor Cuomo in Solvay /Courtesy: Andy Wolf

SOLVAY -- The areas surrounding Onondaga Lake could be transformed thanks to a $30 million plan to revitalize the neighboring community.

Governor Andrew Cuomo was in Solvay Wednesday morning to unveil details of the Onondaga Lake Revitalization program designed to have a major economic impact in Onondaga County and throughout the region. "Today is a new day. This project is just the cherry on the cake...Onondaga Lake is clean," Cuomo said.

The money will support Brownfield remediation projects, infrastructure investments to encourage new housing and business opportunities, and enhancements to the Onondaga lakefront that will increase access and provide new recreational opportunities for New Yorkers and visitors. "These projects will help boost the local tourism industry and make the area a premier destination to attract new business and enhance the lives of residents - growing the whole region of Central New York," Cuomo said.

The first phase of the program includes project totaling $100.3 million. It would be funded by $30 million from the state as well as resources from the federal government. Onondaga County would contribute $2.5 million to the project. That money will come from the new gaming agreement with the Turning Stone Casino.

The plan includes $50 million for the construction of a "Lakehouse Concert Pavilion" Performance Arts Center. It would be located across from the New York State Fairgrounds in the Village of Solvay. The indoor pavilion would seat up to 7,500 people and include a lawn area located on a former landfill overlooking the lake. It would also include $20 million for infrastructure improvements including changes to wastewater treatment facilities and Brownfield clean-up to open manufacturing sites for future business development. In addition, $10 million would be used for housing projects in Solvay, including $5 for the construction of a new senior housing facility, $5 million for leveraging against public/private funding of new housing projects and the rehabilitation of existing housing projects.

Other highlights of the plan include:

- $1.2 million to enhance the intersection of Milton Ave and Bridge Street in the heart of the Solvay business district - $600,000 to make streetscape enhancements from Cogswell Ave to Bailey Street in Solvay - $2 million for the demolition of blighted properties in targeted area of Solvay - $2 million in matching grants of up to $20,000 for residential homeowner improvements - $2 million in matching grants of up to $25,000 for business faade improvements on Milton Ave, Bridge Street, or Charles Ave - $1 million for a competitive grant program for new businesses that open in the targeted economic development zone

The project also designates $7 million for Bridge Street streetscape improvements to link the Fair to the Lakefront. The Onondaga Creekwalk would be completed with $3 million to create an existing loop along the lake connecting the communities of Liverpool, Solvay, Lakeland and the City of Syracuse.

In addition, $1 million would be used to create water taxi docks would be created at Onondaga Lake Park, Syracuse Inner Harbor and the Honeywell boat landing to allow water taxi travel to and from the Performing Arts Center. The five water taxis would cost $500,000.

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Onondaga Lake plan could transform Solvay, neighboring communities

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Submitted Just a month after celebrating the completion and grand opening of Vyne House Phase I at Talis Park, developer Kitson & Partners is moving forward with the construction of Vyne House Phase II.

Just a month after celebrating the completion and grand opening of Vyne House Phase I at Talis Park, developer Kitson & Partners announced it is moving forward with the construction of Vyne House Phase II at the private golf course community in North Naples.

Plans for the 26,500-square-foot under air, multilevel Phase II project are being finalized and site work is expected to begin no later than third quarter 2014. Vertical construction is scheduled to begin fourth quarter 2014. Kitson anticipates holding a soft opening of Phase II in December 2015 and a grand opening in January 2016.

Located adjacent to the Great Lawn at Talis Parks Grand Piazza, Vyne House epitomizes the New Fashioned aesthetic Kitson has introduced at the North Naples community. Vyne House consists of a series of lifestyle oriented spaces designed to be used every day, inviting users to come as they are in a relaxed, comfortable format. The buildings are interconnected by covered outdoor walkways and wrapped around multiple courtyards that offer the possibility of outdoor dining and entertaining. When Phase II is completed, Vyne House will include a total of 31,500 square feet under air and 20,000 square feet of outdoor space.

Phase I included completion of Vyne House Shops that features Fionas Market Caf. Fionas serves fresh, local fare, wine selections, bar service and other useful daily items and has quickly become a favored destination for Talis Park residents. It is the ideal gathering place for conversation and coffee after a bike ride or walk, after a workout, yoga or Pilates session in the Vyne House Core fitness center, or after a treatment or massage in the Esprit Spa, both of which were also completed in Phase I.

Phase II will introduce Palm Court, a large open-air courtyard that is the centerpiece of Vyne House. In addition to serving as a point of entry, Palm Court will be used as a social space perfectly suited to hosting a variety of events. The upper level will also include formal indoor dining, casual indoor and outdoor dining, a multipurpose room immediately adjacent to Palm Court, aerobics and cardio workout rooms, and a uniquely designed Wine Room/Board Room that will host wine tastings and monthly wine pairing dinners.

Memberships in the Talis Park Wine Club will be offered. Members will have preferred access to the wine tastings and pairing dinners as well as an opportunity to secure a private wine locker.

The lower level of Vyne House Phase II will host the golf pro shop as well as the mens and ladies locker rooms. The community is anchored by the lakes and fairways and greens of the Talis Park Golf Club golf course. One of just two Greg Norman-Pete Dye designed courses in the world, the course has been ranked No. 91 in Golfweeks 2014 Best Residential Courses and is consistently ranked among the top 20 courses in Florida.

The Vyne House design includes an abundance of outdoor areas that are ideal for community events, casual dining, informal get-togethers with family and friends, or simply relaxing. Phase II will include the completion of a resort-style pool with a large pool deck as well as a stately rotunda that will feature an oversized, two-sided fireplace and overlook the 18th green. As a final bonus, the Great Lawn in front of Vyne House is green space that serves as the backdrop for signature community events.

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Kitson to start Phase II of Vyne House at Talis Park

Two Orangeburg County property owners complained to county council members about citations theyd received from Litter Control officers.

The property owners agreed that litter such as trash and garbage should be addressed throughout the county. However, they think Litter Control officers went a bit too far by writing citations for not mowing grass.

Ann Sutcliffe addressed council Tuesday about citations she received last fall from Litter Control. It was her second time bringing the issue before council.

Sutcliffe explained that shed received tickets from Orangeburg County Litter Control stating that she needed to cut two acres of grass that had grown too high.

Theyre telling me Ive got to clear two acres of property. Its not trash. Its not garbage. I can understand that. Its trees and underbrush, she said as she distributed photographs of the property in question and a nearby property she said is in the same condition as hers.

Is this going to be enforced on all property owners or are you going to pick and choose? she asked council.

I think Ive been singled out, she said.

Sutcliffe also said shed heard that the states Department of Health and Environmental Control would visit the property with infrared (equipment) to see if Id buried the garbage.

I did not bury the garbage, she said.

Councilwoman Janie Cooper-Smith, who represents the council district where the property is located, said she wants to hear from Litter Control to get its side of the story too.

See the article here:
Orangeburg County Council pledges fair treatment following litter control complaints

A new lawsuit is filed against the Chicago Archdiocese on behalf of three people who say they were sexually abused as children.

A lawsuit filed Thursday in Cook County Court alleges Norbert Maday molested three boys as part of a tag team with a scout leader who volunteered under the priests supervision.

The men who brought the legal action also accuse the Archdiocese of Chicago of failing to protect them more than 40 years ago during the abuse.

The unnamed plaintiffs, all in their 50s, said the legal action was sparked after media accounts in recent years revealed the churchs troubled past of responding to pedophile priests.

Maday is accused in the lawsuit of inappropriately touching all three boys in separate acts from 1967 to 1973 while he was at St. Leo Catholic Church in Chicago and, later, at St Louis de Montfort in Oak Lawn.

Two of the men said they also were fondled by Thomas Hacker, a former Boy Scout leader and volunteer at the Oak Lawn church in the early 1970s, who often accompanied them on parish retreats.

In an interview at his lawyer's office, a 52-year-old south suburban man identified as John Doe 3 said Maday seemed to target boys like him at St. Louis de Montfort, who were being raised by single mothers.

The man told the Tribune he was inappropriately touched by both Maday and Hacker as a preteen during car rides, gym class and parish outings. He said he eventually told his mother, who confronted the parish school principal, but Maday remained in ministry.

The man said he overcame years of substance abuse and depression and remains in counseling. He has not returned to the Catholic church since he was young.

It's hard to grasp that someone who you think is in God's word would take advantage of a child's innocence, said the man, who asked not to be named publicly. That's something that cuts me real deep. Officials at the archdiocese said they had not seen the lawsuit and did not have a response.

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Lawsuit: 'Tag team' of former priest, ex-scout leader molested kids

Riverside, CA (PRWEB) January 23, 2014

Gopher Patrol recently announced that same day service is now available for new customers in the city of Riverside. Time is critical when dealing with gophers. Within a matter of hours a gopher can cause extensive damage to your lawn. "We saw that there was a serious concern in the city of Riverside with gophers," states Richard Hernandez, Service Manager at Gopher Patrol, "so we knew we had to take action." Finding a experienced gopher exterminator is not an easy task, getting them out quickly is even more difficult. Gopher Patrol saw that Riverside was in urgent need of quick service and set out to help by making same day service a possibility in Riverside. Gopher Control has become a serious concern in Riverside. Gophers can cause damage to properties, undermine foundations and cause serious damage to hillsides and slopes. Gopher Patrol has been serving Southern California for over 17 years and recently won the Angie's List Super Service Award for the 2nd year straight in the Animal Control category and won their first Angie's List Super Service Award in the Pest Control/Extermination category. "We make every effort to get out the same day, and in most cases we can if contacted early enough in the day. If we can't make it, we will definitely be out the very next day. Less than 24 hours from the time of the call is our goal, and so far we have been able to make that goal, and our customers are very happy that we can do that now," states Richard.

Gopher Patrol has been under the same ownership since 1996 when they opened for business. They are fully licensed and all their technicians are licensed and registered with the DOJ. For more information on how Gopher Patrol can help you can visit their website at gopherpatrol.com or you can fill out their schedule and appointment form online and a Gopher Patrol representative can get back to you same day. Gopher Patrol is available Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm and on Saturdays from 9am-2pm. You can reach them at 1-888-466-4674 or locally at 1-951-689-8200.

Gopher control has been Gopher Patrols main business for their 17 years in service. Most of the methods and treatment schedules we're perfected by Gopher Patrol. "17 years ago you couldn't find a company that knew how to treat for gophers," Richard states, "We saw a serious need for gopher control and took the challenge, now we see another challenge, same day service, and happily take that challenge too."

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Gopher Patrol Now Offering Same Day Gopher Control Service in Riverside