Former US guard jailed in China spying case

WASHINGTON: A former guard at a US consulate compound being built in China was sentenced to nine years' jail after admitting to trying to sell classified photographs and information about the building to the Chinese.

Bryan Underwood, 32, learned of his punishment on Tuesday in federal court in Washington after pleading guilty in August to attempting to communicate national defence information to China. He planned to sell the information and access to the compound under construction in the southern city of Guangzhou for as much as $US5 million, according to the US.

"Bryan Underwood betrayed America's trust by attempting to sell access to secure areas of the very US consulate compound he was charged to protect," Lisa Monaco, head of the Justice Department's national security division, said.

Underwood was charged in 2011 with attempting to pass secret information to China's State Security Ministry and making false statements. The guard lost a substantial amount of money in the stock market in March 2011 and then devised a plan to sell the classified information, the US government said.

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Underwood sneaked a camera into the compound and took photographs of a restricted building, the government said. He also wrote a letter to the Chinese ministry expressing interest in initiating a business arrangement, according to court papers.

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Evernote: 'All of Your Passwords Got Stolen So We'll Hurry Up With That Better Security'

Evernote was forced to reset passwords for all its users over the weekend after noticing something fishy. Now, the company says it will adopt two-factor authentication to prevent further mishaps. Finally! More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/00MFxtC2RMU/evernote-all-of-our-passwords-got-stolen-so-well-hurry-up-with-that-better-security

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PFT: Flacco's cap number low in '13? |? 'Fitting' deal

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Well, the circle has been complete.

The NFL allowed kicker-who-has-never-kicked Lauren Silberman to pay the $275 fee and show up for a Regional Scouting Combine.? The NFL went all in with the publicity stunt, spending far more time hyping her participation than checking her credentials.

And now that the Silberman?s tryout ended in failure, the NFL is aggressively pounding the nails into her football coffin.

Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com, who drew the short straw to spend her Sunday afternoon at the Jets? facility watching players far too pedestrian to play even for the team that owns the place, has penned an impressive take down of Silberman.

?What we saw was a sideshow,? she writes.? ?A delusional, haughty, heartbreaking sideshow.?

Yes, it was a sideshow.? A sideshow that the NFL inexplicably embraced, in an apparent effort to lay the foundation for its plan to launch American (Football) Idol, via Regional Scouting Combines that produce folks who get a shot at the Indianapolis edition.

Hopefully with intriguing, marketable, and unique personal stories.

Here?s where it becomes impossible to draw the lines between the NFL and NFL Media.? (And, no, I?m not better than that.)? NFL Media pretends at times to be independent, but as the title of the organization confirms it?s necessarily not.? And when NFL Media produces something that appears on the surface to be independent, it?s fair to wonder whether there?s another agenda.Still, it?s impossible to call out Silberman (which Kinkhabwala does) without calling out the league (which she doesn?t).? Silberman didn?t belong there, and the NFL knew or should have known it.

?[S]he disrespected the 37 other kickers in New Jersey on Sunday who?ve spent lifetimes honing their craft.? Kinhabwala writes.? ?She blithely said her friends saw her kick somewhere in that amorphous time she began kicking and told her, ?You should try out for the NFL.?? Like it?s that easy.?

Apparently, it is.? Because the NFL let Silberman in.? And that?s the subject Kinkhabwala conspicuously omitted from her article.

Or maybe she didn?t.? Maybe she did, and someone else at NFL Media killed it.

And, yes, it?s that easy.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/04/flaccos-cap-numbers-stay-low-in-2013-and-2014/related/

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U.S. Teen Mobile Report Calling Yesterday, Texting Today, Using ...

If it seems like American teens are texting all the time, it?s probably because on average they?re sending or receiving 3,339 texts a month. That?s more than six per every hour they're awake ? an 8 percent jump from last year. Using recent data from monthly cell phone bills of more than 60,000 mobile subscribers as well as survey data from over 3,000 teens, The Nielsen Company analyzed mobile usage data among teens in the United States for the second quarter of 2010 (April 2010 ? June 2010). No one texts more than teens (age 13-17), especially teen females, who send and receive an average of 4,050 texts per month. Teen males also outpace other male age groups, sending and receiving an average of 2,539 texts. Young adults (age 18-24) come in a distant second, exchanging 1,630 texts per month (a comparatively meager three texts per hour).

Number One Reason for Getting a Phone? It?s Not Safety Anymore

Texting is currently the centerpiece of mobile teen behavior. 43 percent claim it is their primary reason for getting a cellphone, which explains why QWERTY input is the first thing they look for choosing their devices. Safety, which was the main reason for getting a phone in 2008, is now less important ? it is secondary among girls and less so among boys. Keeping in touch with friends is still one of the top three factors, too.

Texting is Easier and Faster than Voice Calls

All of this texting activity has come at the expense of voice. Last year, teens texted instead of calling because it was fun. Now, 78 percent of teens recognize the functionality and convenience of SMS, considering it easier (22 percent) and faster (20 percent) than voice calls (though still fun). Voice activity has decreased 14 percent among teens, who average 646 minutes talking on the phone per month. While voice consumption rises and peaks at age 24, only adults over 55 talk less than teens. Teen females, who are more social with their phones, average about 753 minutes per month, while males use around 525 minutes.

Data and Apps are Rising Stars

The undeniable area of growth is in data usage. 94 percent of teen subscribers self-identify as advanced data users, turning to their cellphones for messaging, Internet, multimedia, gaming, and other activities like downloads. While teen usage does not reach levels of activity seen by young adults, it has increased substantially versus Q2 last year, from 14 MB to 62 MB. This fourfold increase is the largest jump among all age groups. Much of this boost is led by males, who are more gadget-savvy and consume 75 MB of data, versus 17 MB in Q2 last year. Teen females use about 53 MB of data, compared to 11 MB a year ago.

Teens are not only using more data, but they are also downloading a wider range of applications. Software downloads among teen subscribers who use apps enjoyed a solid 12 percent increase in activity versus last year, from 26 to 38 percent. This includes popular apps such as Facebook, Pandora or YouTube. Usage of the mobile web has also surpassed activity on pre-installed games, ringtone downloads and instant messaging, too. Other mobile activities like mail and text alerts have also seen significant growth.

Source: http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2010/u-s-teen-mobile-report-calling-yesterday-texting-today-using-apps-tomorrow.html

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Biden: Obama is 'not bluffing' Iran

Vice President Joe Biden addresses the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) 2013 Policy Conference??President Barack Obama ?is not bluffing? when he says the U.S. will go to war if necessary to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, Vice President Joe Biden told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in a speech on Monday.

?The president of the United States cannot, and does not, bluff,? Biden told the powerful pro-Israel lobbying group.

Republicans have charged that Obama?s threat to use force?cloaked in the traditional diplo-speak ?all options are on the table??lacks credibility. And they sharply question the president's commitment to Israel?s security.

Democrats hit back by pointing to public comments from senior Israeli officials including Defense Minister Ehud Barak praising the strength of American-Israeli bilateral cooperation.

Biden?s speech served to set up Obama?s trip to the Middle East later this month, including his first visit to Israel since taking office.

The vice president delivered a wide-ranging defense of the administration's policies towards the region and worked to convince any doubters in his audience that Obama is a friend to Israel?and sees U.S. security as inextricably bound up in that of the Jewish state.

"Even as circumstances have changed, one thing has not: our deep commitment to the security of the state of Israel," Biden declared. "That will not change as long as I and he are president and vice president of the United States. It's in our naked self-interest, beyond the moral imperative."

The vice president's remarks came one week after the Senate confirmed Republican former Sen. Chuck Hagel as defense secretary despite opposition from his fellow Republicans and inflammatory past comments about the influence of the "Jewish lobby" over American policy (for which Hagel apologized).

Biden didn't mention Hagel. But he did promise AIPAC that Secretary of State John Kerry would please them.

"He's a good man. You're going to be happy with Kerry," Biden said.

(Earlier Monday, during a stop in Saudi Arabia, Kerry echoed Biden's warnings to Iran. Kerry said a peaceful outcome was his "first choice," but underlined that "the window for a diplomatic solution simply cannot, by definition, remain open indefinitely.")

Biden, at AIPAC, said the U.S. would stand firm in preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

"We have a shared strategic commitment. Let me make clear what that commitment is: It is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Period. Period. End of discussion. Period. To prevent, not contain, prevent," Biden said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose relationship with Obama is famously frosty, has warned against letting Iran get even the ability to build a nuclear weapon.

"If God forbid the need to act occurs, it is critically important for the whole world to know that we did everything in our power, we did everything that reasonably could have been expected to avoid any confrontation. That matters. Because God forbid if we have to act, it's important that the rest of the world is with us," Biden said.

The vice president also defended Obama's handling of the stalled Middle East peace process, which was eclipsed during his first term by the war in Afghanistan and other foreign policy crises.

"While there are those who question whether this goal will ever be reached, we make no apologies for continuing to pursue that goal. To pursue a better future. And he'll make that clear when he goes to Israel later this month," Biden said.

"He and I have spoken at length about this trip. I can assure he's particularly looking forward to having a chance to hear directly from the people of Israel, beyond their political leaders. And particularly the younger generation of Israelis," the vice president said.

?

Chris Moody contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-not-bluffing-iran-nukes-biden-tells-aipac-172855074--politics.html

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8 of the best tech products from Mobile World Congress

Staff , LAPTOP ? ? ? 1 day

Mobile World Congress remains the world?s biggest dedicated mobile technology event, and this year?s show saw more than 70,000 people converge in Barcelona to find out what?s next in smartphones, tablets and more. From upstart operating systems and the world?s thinnest slate to a whole new way to make your own apps, these are the eight best mobile products from Mobile World Congress 2013:

Best smartphone: LG Optimus G Pro

These days, high-end features like a quad-core processor and 1080p screen are just table stakes in the Android superphone game. That?s why with the Optimus G Pro, LG focused on delivering uniquely compelling software that makes work more efficient and play more fun.

With LG?s updated QSlide technology, users can run important apps in small windows on the 5.5-inch full HD screen, allowing them to multitask in a way never before available on a phone. Dual Recording, which allows you to capture video using both the front HD camera and back 13-MP shooter at the same time, takes family video to a whole new level. Then there's QTranslate, which provides real-time offline translation of words viewed through the camera lens. Add in a whopping 3,140mAh battery and you have an Android phone ready to take on the world.

More:LG Optimus G Pro Pairs 1080p Screen with Powerful Multitasking Features (VIDEO)

Best budget smartphone: Nokia Lumia 520

With the Lumia 520, Nokia has proved its dedication to bringing high-end features to lower price points, making the Windows Phone 8 experience available to an entirely new set of users worldwide. The 520 sports a 5-MP camera that supports Nokia's fun lens apps and offers super-sensitive touch technology for controlling the display even when you're wearing gloves. The phone cuts a few corners compared to the powerful Lumia 920, with a screen resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and no LTE support, but these compromises bring the price down to just 139 EUR, or around $180 USD unsubsidized. Overall, the Lumia 520 looks like a fantastic deal.

More:Nokia Debuts Lumia 520 Entry-Level Smartphone and Three Other Budget Options (VIDEO)

Best large tablet: Sony Xperia Tablet Z

At just 0.3 inches thick, Sony?s Xperia Tablet Z may be the ?world?s thinnest tablet,? but that isn?t the only reason it takes home the prize for Best Large Tablet of Mobile World Congress 2013. This 10-incher packs a gorgeous 1920 x 1080-pixel display with a 20 percent greater color gamut than Apple?s iPad, thanks to Sony?s Bravia Engine technology. And with a powerful quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, the Xperia Z has enough muscle to take on the toughest tasks.

Oh, and did we mention the whole thing goes underwater? That?s right, the Xperia Z can take a dip in up to 6 inches of water for 30 minutes. Rounding out this tablet?s top-tier features are an integrated IR blaster and Sony?s SideView app, which allows you to see what?s on TV and change the channel.

More:Sony Xperia Tablet Z is World?s Thinnest Tablet, Goes Underwater (VIDEO)

Best small tablet: Samsung Galaxy Note 8

If Goldilocks were shopping for a tablet, she?d say the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is just right. Samsung?s powerful new quad-core tablet was modeled after a notepad, making it ideal for taking notes in meetings using the built-in S Pen. The Galaxy Note 8 also packs a host of compelling software features, from Samsung?s Dual View multi-window feature to Idea Sketch, which provides clip art images based on words you scribble on screen. Other highlights include Smart Remote for controlling your TV and a Reading Mode that automatically adjusts the display for enjoying e-books.

More:Samsung Galaxy Note 8: The Pen Tablet You?ve Been Waiting For (VIDEO)

Best car tech: AT&T and GM 4G LTE

AT&T and General Motors want your next car to provide a truly connected experience. The two companies announced a new partnership at Mobile World Congress 2013 that will see GM?s 2015 model year vehicles equipped with AT&T's 4G LTE modems. With all that bandwidth, you can stream video to your car?s rear seat displays and keep the kids from asking "are we there yet?" every five minutes.

GM is also considering installing cameras at all four exterior corners of select vehicles, which users will then be able to access via the Web in order to get a live look at their cars from a mobile app. The system can also determine when your car has been hit and send you an alert.

More:AT&T 4G LTE Brings Live TV, Apps, and More to GM Vehicles

Best mobile software: AppMachine

These days everyone wants a mobile application, but software development can be a lengthy and complicated process. AppMachine is an online software platform that takes the pain and high learning curve out of creating applications for Android and iOS. Users can enter a website, social media page or RSS feed and populate an app in seconds. You can customize your app?s appearance using one of the included themes or more advanced settings. The company will even submit your application to the Apple App Store or Google Play, usually a long and tedious process, allowing you to create and sell your app in hours rather than weeks or months.

More: AppMachine Helps Anyone Create Native iPhone and Android Apps (VIDEO)

Best innovation: Firefox OS

We?ve had high hopes for Mozilla?s HTML 5-powered Firefox OS for quite awhile, and when it finally made its big debut here at Mobile World Congress 2013, it didn?t disappoint. Mozilla designed the attractive operating open system to break down the barriers between apps and Web pages and between developers and users. Unlike other platforms that rely exclusively on walled garden app stores to distribute software, Firefox OS will allow software publishers to sell their wares directly to consumers while also providing a vibrant market for app discovery.

To Mozilla, local apps and remote Web pages deserve equal treatment. So Firefox OS? most unique feature is a dynamic search function that scours websites and HTML 5 apps at the same time. If you want information on your favorite musician, the search engine will show a screen with background wallpaper of that artist and icons representing both Web pages and apps with ticket info, biographies and songs. So far, we?ve only seen the Firefox OS running on entry-level smartphones, but it should be coming to mid-range and high-end handsets soon.

More:Firefox OS Breaks Barrier Between Web and Apps (VIDEO)

Best accessory: Samsung HomeSync

We?ve seen network-attached storage drives and we?ve seen set-top boxes, but we?ve never seen anything quite like the Samsung HomeSync, a home media center that runs a full version of Android 4.1 Jellybean while providing 1TB of storage for sharing media across all of your devices.

Using a Bluetooth input device or a Samsung smartphone as your keyboard/mouse, you can play demanding games, watch movies or run any app from Google Play on the device?s 1.7-GHz, dual-core processor. Fire up the AllShare app on your phone or tablet and use it to browse photos, videos or songs from the HomeSync?s massive hard drive.

More: Samsung HomeSync 1TB Media Center Doubles as Android Station (VIDEO]

Copyright 2013 LAPTOP, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/gadgetbox/8-best-tech-products-mobile-world-congress-1C8645570

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Teens with Learning Disabilities Benefit from Closer Relationships ...

By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on March 2, 2013

Many kids with learning disabilities also face social and emotional challenges, which in adolescence can lead to depression, anxiety and isolation.

For these youngsters, more positive relationships with the significant adults in their lives ? including parents and teachers ? can improve learning and ?socioemotional? experiences, said?Michal Al-Yagon, Ph.D., of Tel Aviv University in Israel.

In a recent study, Al-Yagon reported that teens with learning disabilities were less likely to have secure attachment relationships to their mothers and teachers compared to peers without learning disabilities.

The study, found in the journal of Journal of Youth and Adolescence, suggests the absence of close and supportive relationships can harm a teens? social and emotional functioning. In turn, this void can contribute to behavioral problems including isolation, depression, and aggression.

?We found that more secure child-adult attachments may act as a protective factor during this developmental period, whereas insecure attachments are a risk factor? for social and emotional issues,?Al-Yagon said.

These results could help researchers design more effective interventions for children and adolescents with learning disabilities. Helping to strengthen their relationships with parents and teachers may decrease their emotional and behavioral problems.

Researcher say attachment theory, which describes long-term relationship dynamics, may explain how parental involvement, availability, and support can shape a child?s social and emotional development.

Insecure attachments are damaging to a child, hindering future relationships with peers, romantic partners and family members.

For this study,?Al-Yagon measured the socioemotional state and the security of attachments to parents and teachers for 181 adolescents with learning disabilities and 188 with typical development, all between the ages of 15-17.

Participants completed a series of questionnaires regarding their attachment to their mother and father, perceived teacher availability and rejection, loneliness, experience of positive and negative emotions and behavioral problems.

Adolescents with learning disabilities were discovered to have less secure attachments with significant adult figures compared to their non-disabled peers, which had a direct impact on their socioemotional state.

Within the disabled group, those who had more secure attachments to their mother and father, or who considered their teacher caring and available, exhibited fewer negative emotions, feelings of loneliness, and behavior problems ? all of which can interfere with learning.

Experts say these findings can help guide clinicians in developing effective treatment strategies.

Examples include family intervention techniques that focus on creating more secure attachments between parents and children, or school workshops to help teachers understand the needs of their learning disabled students and make more of an effort to include them in classroom activities, said Al-Yagon.

While social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties cannot be entirely avoided,?Al-Yagon believes that a little effort, care, and attention can go a long way toward helping learning disabled children and teens feel happier and more secure.

?Parents and teachers should be aware not just of academic difficulties, but also of socioemotional difficulties ? and work to treat them. They should not avoid or ignore issues such as depression or aggression, which are another dimension of the original problem,? she said.

Source: American Friends of Tel Aviv University

Mother and daughter spending time together photo by shutterstock.

APA Reference
Nauert PhD, R. (2013). Teens with Learning Disabilities Benefit from Closer Relationships. Psych Central. Retrieved on March 3, 2013, from http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/03/02/teens-with-learning-disabilities-benefit-from-closer-relationships/52087.html

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Source: http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/03/02/teens-with-learning-disabilities-benefit-from-closer-relationships/52087.html

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