Thursday, 31 October 2013

India Bihar blast injured suspect dies



A man who was arrested in connection with last Sunday's bomb attacks on a crowd gathered for an opposition rally in the Indian state of Bihar has died. Ainul, who was also known as Tarique, was injured when a bomb he was carrying exploded at the main railway station. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24768183#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Tiananmen crash 'incited by Islamists'



China's top security official says a deadly crash in Beijing's Tiananmen Square was incited by the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. The crash occurred on Monday when a car ploughed into a crowd then burst into flames, killing three people inside the vehicle and two tourists. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-24768037#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

China plea paper 'to be overhauled'



A Chinese newspaper that made a front-page appeal for the release of a reporter accused of defamation is to be overhauled, a press regulator says. The Guangzhou-based New Express made a rare public plea for the release of journalist Chen Yongzhou. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-24768112#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

RBS set to avoid 'bad bank' split



Royal Bank of Scotland is not going to split into separate so-called good and bad banks, it is expected to announce alongside its financial results later. Instead it will create an internal "bad bank" ring-fencing about £40bn of bad assets - such as loans it does not expect to have repaid. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24767624#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Australia ambassador summoned amid Asia US spying reports



Indonesia has summoned Australia's ambassador amid reports that Australian embassies have been used as part of a US-led spying network in Asia. The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) reported on Thursday that diplomatic posts in Asia were being used to intercept phone calls and data. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24757968

Thai amnesty bill passes lower house



Thailand's lower house of parliament has passed a political amnesty bill that critics say could allow the return of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. The amnesty applies to offences committed during the political turmoil after Mr Thaksin was ousted in a coup. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24768110#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

US ends food stamp benefits as Congress debates more cuts



US food aid benefits are set to be cut after a temporary expansion of the government programme expires, as legislators fight over further cuts. Benefits to the supplemental nutrition assistance program (Snap) will be lowered by $36 (£22) a month for a family of four, officials say. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24767932#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Sony shares plunge as it cuts profit forecast



Shares in Japanese electronics giant Sony plunged as much as 11% to 1,699 yen on the Tokyo Stock Exchange after the firm cut its profit forecast. The firm lowered its full-year profit forecast by 40% on Thursday as it reported a loss for the July-to-September quarter. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24768047#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Connecting the 'last mile' of market research in Africa



"One thing about data in Africa is that there's a huge lack of it," says Jasper Grosskurth, managing director of Research Solutions Africa, a pan-African research firm based in Nairobi, Kenya. "If there is data, it's usually unreliable and dubious," he continues. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24763609#sa-ns_mchannel=rss%26ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

NY stop-and-frisk overhaul blocked and judge removed



A US appeals court has blocked changes to a controversial New York City police programme that a judge ruled had violated the rights of minorities. In an unusual move, the Second Circuit also removed Judge Shira Scheindlin from the stop-and-frisk case. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24767930#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

China's manufacturing activity at 18-month high



China's manufacturing activity grew at its fastest pace in 18 months in October, adding to signs of a recovery in the world's second-largest economy. The official Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), a gauge of the sector's health, rose to 51.4 from 51.1 in September. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24755438#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Look At All Of The Illegal Stuff That Happens On Instagram



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/0GzeUNRvwec/illegal-activity-on-instagram-2013-10

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford refuses to resign over 'drug video'



Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has refused to quit after police said they recovered a video appearing to show him smoking from a crack pipe. Mr Ford, who has denied smoking crack, said he had "no reason" to resign. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24767640#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Germany rebuffs US criticism of its growth model



Germany has hit back at US criticism of its export-led growth model, describing it as "incomprehensible". The rebuff came after a US Treasury report said Germany's dependence on exports for growth was hurting the eurozone and the wider global economy. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24755434#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Germany to allow 'indeterminate' gender at birth



Germany is to become Europe's first country to allow babies with characteristics of both sexes to be registered as neither male nor female. Parents will be allowed to leave the gender on birth certificates, in effect creating a new categories of "indeterminate sex". via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24767225#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Mexico indigenous teacher Alberto Patishtan is freed



A Mexican indigenous teacher who had been in jail for 13 years for killing seven police officers has been pardoned and freed, under new powers granted to President Enrique Pena Nieto. Alberto Patishtan, 41, was sentenced in 2002 to 60 years in jail but always maintained his innocence. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24767560#TWEET941389

Here's An Awesome Picture Of A Witch's Head In Space From NASA



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/xMVAHAKIRAk/a-witchs-head-in-space-from-nasa-2013-10

Can drones appeal to the masses?



The latest generation of camera-equipped drones offers the chance to take the kinds of photos once only available to helicopter pilots. The BBC's Kim Gittleson asks if the drones of the future will be panorama picture takers, not predators. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24762835#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

A Company Jointly Owned by Apple, Microsoft, And Blackberry Is Suing Google, Samsung And Others (AAPL, GOOG)



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/ABo6H0b6y10/a-company-jointly-owned-by-apple-microsoft-blackberry-is-suing-google-samsung-and-others-2013-10

Syria conflict: Israel 'carries out Latakia air strike'



Israeli aircraft have carried out a strike near the Syrian coastal city of Latakia, a US official says. The official said the strike targeted Russian-made missiles intended for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24767571#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Spotify - friend or foe of musicians?



Newsnight's Jim Reed investigates whether music streaming service Spotify is a positive or negative influence on recording artists. Spotify allows users to listen to music over the internet for free, and is now passing millions in pounds to record labels every year. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24767631#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

VCs Are Tripping Over Themselves To Fund Enterprise Startups, Research Shows



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/ILYUCT2LkJU/vcs-are-funding-enterprise-startups-2013-10

US boy jailed for killing neo-Nazi father



A Californian boy who was 10 years old when he shot dead his neo-Nazi father has been sentenced to between seven to 10 years in a juvenile prison. The unnamed boy, now 13, will be eligible for parole when he is 20. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24767061#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

RBS traders suspended in forex probe



Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has suspended two traders in connection to a growing investigation into the possible manipulation of foreign exchange rates. The news follows reports that London-based executives at three other major banks have been placed on leave. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24767239#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Row over Marine Le Pen comments on Niger hostages



French National Front leader Marine Le Pen has sparked criticism with comments on the appearance of four French hostages freed in Niger. Mrs Le Pen said she had felt "uneasy" on seeing footage of the return, calling their behaviour and clothing - including their beards - "surprising". via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24765101#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Thavisha Peiris pizza delivery murder: Teenager arrested



Thavisha Lakindu Peiris, 25, was found dead by colleagues in his car in Southey Crescent, Sheffield, on Sunday. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24765398#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Tunnel linking US and Mexico found



A drug-smuggling tunnel equipped with electricity, ventilation and a rail system has been found connecting San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico. Authorities seized more than eight tons of marijuana and 325lb (147kg) of cocaine in the discovery. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24760728

Here Are The US Zip Codes Where Tesla Is The Most Popular Car



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/Eb1FrSgqTDg/zip-codes-where-tesla-is-most-popular-car-2013-10

Mexico passes 'junk food tax' reform



The Mexican Senate has approved a tax reform bill imposing new levies on junk food and soft drinks. President Enrique Pena Nieto's project also aims to boost government revenue by increasing top earners' income tax. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24766027#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Here's What Happened When Cisco Lost A $1 Billion Deal With Amazon (CSCO)



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/195Liy8tDoM/source-cisco-1b-amazon-deal-led-to-insieme-sdn-2013-10

Sriracha hot sauce factory fends off restraining order



A judge has rejected a Los Angeles suburb's attempt to halt production of a popular hot sauce, after residents complained of the factory's smell. Irwindale's application for a temporary restraining order against Sriracha-maker Huy Fong Foods was "very radical", Judge Robert O'Brien said. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24766585#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Why Is Vertical Resolution Monitor Resolution so Often a Multiple of 360?



Stare at a list of monitor resolutions long enough and you might notice a pattern: many of the vertical resolutions, especially those of gaming or multimedia displays, are multiples of 360 (720, 1080, 1440, etc. via Pocket http://www.howtogeek.com/174309/why-is-vertical-resolution-monitor-resolution-so-often-a-multiple-of-360/

Samsung Is Now A More Profitable Company Than Apple



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/cvlmpzjpico/samsung-is-now-a-more-profitable-company-than-apple-2013-10

American Pilots Are Not Happy About Passengers Using Their Phones During Takeoff And Landing



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/RhJNEAmrRJA/pilots-upset-over-faas-ped-rule-change-2013-10

French chef Vaussion reveals presidential tastes



The Elysee Palace's departing head chef has revealed the culinary tastes of several French presidents. Bernard Vaussion described the presidents he served as "gourmands" but singled out Jacques Chirac as having a particularly fine palate. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24764924#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Hollande defends 75% tax despite football strike threat



French President Francois Hollande has rebuffed protests against a 75% tax on high earners, prompting football clubs to press on with a planned "strike". Mr Hollande stood firm by his plan to levy the tax on incomes above 1m euros (£850,000; $1.36m) at a meeting with club presidents. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24766254#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Fannie Mae sues banks $800m (£499m) over Libor



US mortgage giant Fannie Mae is suing nine banks including Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) over losses relating to the Libor scandal. The mortgage financer is seeking more than $800m (£499m) in damages. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24766326#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Niger aims to prevent Sahara deaths with travel curb



A minister in Niger says women and children may be banned from travelling north out of the country. "I will be proposing in our next cabinet meeting to ban women and children from travelling to the north from Arlit," Foreign Minister Bazoum Mohammed told the BBC. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24765099#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

10 Fictional Floorplans From Popular TV Shows



Loading more via Pocket http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-fictional-floorplans-from-popular-tv-shows/

Airlines Are Racing To Let You Use Your Electronic Devices During Takeoff And Landing



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/OVkKtdBLdo4/airlines-racing-to-allow-ped-use-in-flight-2013-10

Tablets and the Talmud: The digital ascendance of a holy tract



Every morning Jewish Orthodox commuters from Long Island use their hour-long train ride to New York City to study the Talmud, a centuries old compilation of Jewish law and tradition. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24678794#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Google launches Nexus 5 handset with Android Kitkat



Google has officially unveiled the latest incarnation of its flagship Nexus smartphone. Made by LG, the handset is smaller, slimmer and lighter than the Nexus 4 but its 4.96in (126mm) touchscreen is bigger. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24762945#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Desperate Government Hires Google and Oracle Experts To Fix The Obamacare Website



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/W0lu-Vd-V5U/obamacare-website-healthcare-gov-google-oracle-red-hat-2013-10

Jimmy Kimmel Pranks People with 'Scented iPhone' On 'Lie Witness News'



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/q8JPcWMnzIw/jimmy-kimmel-pranks-people-with-scented-iphone-on-lie-witness-news-2013-10

Study Says Even If A Guy Texts You A Lot, That Doesn't Mean He's In Love With You



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/2nb0dAw-C5g/texting-and-love-study-2013-10

Urban Outfitters' Co-Founder Explains Why He's Building A College Campus Without Tests Or Homework



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/hkWJ_0N-F_w/urban-outfitters-co-founder-explains-the-college-campus-hes-building-2013-10

CHART OF THE DAY: The Incredible Explosion In Facebook's Mobile Ad Revenue



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/U3VLU4yF86A/chart-of-the-day-the-incredible-explosion-in-facebooks-mobile-ad-revenue-2013-10

Here's Google's Newest Smartphone, The Nexus 5



Tech http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/ZZlT68RAg84/nexus-5-2013-10

'Low health risk' from fracking, says UK agency



The risks to public health from fracking for shale gas are low, according to a new official report. Any problems publicised so far - such as in the US - are the result of operational failure or poor regulation. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24761980#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Wednesday, 30 October 2013

Techniques for counter-surveillance



The US National Security Agency has come under increased pressure to disclose whose calls they have been monitoring. Today programme reporter Tom Bateman has been to find out the types of equipment available to counter surveillance. via Pocket http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24683651#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa