Thursday, August 30, 2012

Miners Say They Were Forced To Attend Romney Campaign Event Without Pay: 'We Knew What Would Happen'


Management says it they weren't forced, but it was "Mandatory". 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Interesting... Google Looks to Distance Android from Apple vs. Samsung Ruling

 From the article:
...Google "demanding" Samsung make changes in its implementation of Android over concerns that it was too similar to Apple's iOS. From one internal Samsung email describing Google's concerns:

"I am notifying you of the team leader's directives from the executives' meeting yesterday," the message begins. The sixth item on the list addresses a need to "respond to the issue of design similarity for the S series," which Samsung designer Kim Jin Soo testified was a reference to the company's S series of smartphones.

"Google is demanding distinguishable design vis-à-vis the iPad," according to the e-mail. "Consider design distinguishability for the items demanded by Google while maintaining the current design, and in regards to each carrier's demands."

More:
http://www.macrumors.com/2012/08/27/google-looks-to-distance-android-from-apple-vs-samsung-ruling/

Monday, August 27, 2012

Friday, August 24, 2012

An oldie, but a goodie. Free Online Nmap, OpenVas & More for One-Off Scans | NovaInfosec.com



Trinity Using NmapEver find yourself needing to do a quick security scan but are on a computer that doesn't have the right tools? This happens to me periodically when we need a quick scan done from "outside." Out of curiosity I searched around and found a few good options that I thought you may find useful.

(Note: As part of a campaign to bring forward some of our older posts that we feel still benefit the community, we've added this article to ourBest Of category that will periodically get tweeted out. Please mention it to me on Twitter or contact us if there are any other posts you feel we should include in this category. This post was previously categorized under Infosec Blogs/Podcasts. -@grecs)

More:

Monday, August 20, 2012

The 11 Worst Companies To Work For In America

 Countless companies promote themselves as "great places to work" -- on their own websites and elsewhere. Yet with the advent of websites such as Glassdoor, where employees can expose work conditions by posting anonymously, many companies are receiving ratings that proclaim their workplaces to be subpar.

The most common complaint? Not being paid well enough, followed by little opportunity for a raise or promotion. 24/7 Wall St. looked at publicly traded companies with over 300 reviews on Glassdoor, and found the lowest of the low-rated.

More:
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/08/14/the-11-worst-companies-to-work-for-in-america/?a_dgi=aolshare_linkedin

A Full Fact-Check Of Niall Ferguson's Argument Against Obama

 ...But rather than make this straightforward case against the current administration, Ferguson delves into a fantasy world of incorrect and tendentious facts. He simply gets things wrong, again and again and again. 

Raspberry Pi: Essential add-ons for modders and everyday users

 These are worth a look.  The tiny TV screens are sweet!

http://www.techrepublic.com/photos/raspberry-pi-essential-add-ons-for-modders-and-everyday-users/6378529

Sunday, August 19, 2012

2012 Consumer Health IT Summit: Expanding Access to Health Information


Are you working to advance consumer access to health information? Last year 1,400 people tuned in to the Consumer Health IT Summit to hear about new public and private sector efforts to make health information more easily available to consumers and to engage them in using their data to improve their care and well being. This year we are celebrating the progress we've made together and preparing to take it to the next level with the 2012 Consumer Health IT Summit.  Look for:
  • Announcements about new policies and federal initiatives
  • Examples of trailblazing companies that are enabling widespread consumer access to health information
  • Compelling consumer tools that help people to make use of their data
  • Creative approaches to motivate and support consumer engagement in health
  • Exciting developments related to the "Blue Button"

More:

When Conservatives Loved Keynes



Greenstein is taking the sensible position that the 2001 recession seems mild enough that Keynesian tax cuts will not be needed -- by the time their stimulative effect kicks in, the economy should be growing again. Hassett, the conservative, replies that Keynesian fiscal policy during recessions works, and the only problem is that it's usually too small. And Ryan agrees!

Ryan and Hassett, of course, fiercely opposed the concept of fiscal stimulus in 2009. I don't see how you can explain progressing from that position to opposing Keynesian stimulus during a severe liquidity trap, the worst economic crisis since the depression, except as a function of pure partisanship.

More:

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

VP Role for Paul Ryan Has His Former Parish Priest Worried

 FTA:
Ryan's austerity budget and proposed steep cuts in social programs are inconsistent with the Catholic teachings that Ryan cites to justify the policies. "...he shouldn't wrap himself in Catholic teaching because he is not using that [teaching] in what I would say is a balanced way," said Umhoefer.

More:
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2012/08/11707/vp-role-paul-ryan-has-his-former-parish-priest-worried

Best. Meme. Evar.



You still like my hair though, right?

Hey girl,

I love your body, I just don't trust you with it.

xoxo Paul Ryan


  • You still like my hair though, right?


http://chooseryanlosechoice.tumblr.com/post/29434838513/you-still-like-my-hair-though-right

Rep Paul Ryan cosponsored this federal Forced Ultrasound bill. Bill Text - 112th Congress (2011-2012) - THOMAS (Library of Congress)



From the Bill text:

`SEC. 3402. REQUIREMENT OF INFORMED CONSENT.

    `(a) Requirement of Compliance by Providers- Any abortion provider in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, who knowingly performs any abortion, shall comply with the requirements of this title.

    `(b) Performance and Review of Ultrasound- Prior to a woman giving informed consent to having any part of an abortion performed, the abortion provider who is to perform the abortion, or an agent under the supervision of the provider, shall--

      `(1) perform an obstetric ultrasound on the pregnant woman;

      `(2) provide a simultaneous explanation of what the ultrasound is depicting;

      `(3) display the ultrasound images so that the pregnant woman may view them; and

      `(4) provide a complete medical description of the ultrasound images, which shall include all of the following: the dimensions of the embryo or fetus, cardiac activity if present and visible, and the presence of external members and internal organs if present and viewable.

    `(c) Ability To Turn Eyes Away- Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a pregnant woman from turning her eyes away from the ultrasound images required to be displayed and described to her. Neither the abortion provider nor the pregnant woman shall be subject to any penalty under this title if the pregnant woman declines to look at the displayed ultrasound images.

More:

Looking to Mexico for Alternative to Abortion Clinics — Reproductive Health | The Texas Tribune



McALLEN — In this Roman Catholic stronghold, where abortion is deeply stigmatized, reproductive health providers tell stories of women going to pharmacies across the border in Mexico, in search of a drug they hope will terminate unwanted pregnancies.

But the providers say that the pharmacies, which are largely unregulated, often fail to give proper instructions for the drug, misoprostol, and that it does not always give the women the result they seek.

"I'm sure it's always occurred, but we're noticing it more," said Kristeena Banda, the director of Whole Woman's Health in McAllen, one of two Rio Grande Valley abortion providers. "A few times a week, women come in to ask for a pregnancy test. They've taken the pills, but they're still seeing symptoms of pregnancy."

Misoprostol, which requires a prescription in the United States, is used primarily for ulcer prevention here and is not prescribed, on its own, for abortions. American doctors and clinics do sometimes pair it with the drug mifepristone (formerly known as RU-486) to produce a "medical abortion," a method considered more effective than using misoprostol by itself. But the World Health Organization has said that using misoprostol alone can be highly effective as an abortion method, provided patients take the correct dosage within the first nine weeks of gestation.

And knowledge of what the correct dosage is seems to be in short supply among the pharmacy workers dispensing the drugs in northern Mexico. Researchers say that the brand-name form of the medication, Cytotec, made by Pfizer, has been available over the counter in Mexico since 1985 and that generic versions have followed. The drug is available in many small, independent pharmacies in the country, but the people selling it often lack training. Because abortion is illegal outside the country's capital city, they are also wary of providing information on how misoprostol should be used for that purpose.

Without proper instructions, Banda said, her clinic's patients have often ingested misoprostol in varying amounts — some would take an entire bottle within days — based on what friends or family had told them.

Dan Grossman, an obstetrician-gynecologist who is vice president for research at Ibis Reproductive Health and an assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco, stressed that misoprostol was a safe drug when used properly, for example to prevent bleeding during labor and to control uterine contractions.

"The biggest risk for these women is that it's not going to be effective" at ending their pregnancies, he said. A woman for whom the drug doesn't work might well not know it, he added. "She could potentially have a continuing pregnancy and not get a follow-up."

Indeed, many health providers also say that women crossing into Mexico to buy misoprostol are ignoring important follow-up care.

Abortion-rights advocates are concerned that a lack of awareness about clinical options in the United States — as well as a lack of funds — could lead more women to go underground and risk their health in this way. In 2011, Texas lawmakers made deep cuts in financing for family planning for low-income women. And a new law that requires a woman seeking an abortion to receive a sonogram 24 hours ahead of the procedure — that is, to make at least two visits to the abortion clinic — may be prompting some to seek alternate abortion methods.

More:

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Citadel Malware Continues to Deliver Reveton Ransomware in Attempts to Extort Money



The IC3 has been made aware of a new Citadel malware platform used to deliver ransomware, named Reveton. The ransomware lures the victim to a drive-by download website, at which time the ransomware is installed on the user's computer. Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen is displayed warning the user they have violated United States Federal Law. The message further declares the user's IP address was identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as visiting child pornography and other illegal content.

To unlock the computer, the user is instructed to pay a fine to the US Department of Justice, using prepaid money card services. The geographic location of the user's IP address determines what payment services are offered. In addition to the ransomware, the Citadel malware continues to operate on the compromised computer and can be used to commit online banking and credit card fraud.

More:
http://www.ic3.gov/media/2012/120809.aspx

Monday, August 13, 2012

5 things you need to know about Paul Ryan



Paul Ryan: Five things you need to know

More:
http://www.barackobama.com/romney/ryan/share/paul-ryan-five-things-you-need-to-know?source=vp-paul-ryan-ems

Brilliant comment. Need to share it.

 He is source of the deficit. He supported the following programs under Bush, which led to budget deficit and all 100% financed by borrowing. Now he wants to blame it on Liberals and morons buy this:

Medicare Part D
Iraq War
Afghanistan War
Bust Tax Cuts
TARP (yes, he voted for it).
Oil Subsidies.
Pork for his district(Conservative love shafting the govt for their own sake)

Also, just like another conservative and Republicans, if you didn't increase the debt ceiling under Bush to finance Iraqi school setup, you were a unpatriot. That pretty much sums up a typical republican: Rape the treasury and tell uninformed public(such as yourself) that its all Lefty agenda. Yup, you are his average uninformed American.Let me guess you are one or more of the following:

White southerner.
Evangelical: American Jesus talks to you and your family.
You watch Fox to get all the unbiased info. Everything that's wrong in life is all Liberal fault because your mommy/daddy/Church told you so.
Math/Science is really hard and is a liberal agenda anyway. Intelligent Design is a deep theory and perfect.
Home schooled?
Oral Roberts/Liberty or some third rate university graduate (if you went past high school).

Conservatives never learn: Its genetic. They just happen to be humans.

From this discussion:

http://mariopiperni.com/clowns/romney-and-ryan-as-the-new-munsters.php/comment-page-1#comment-34090



Sunday, August 12, 2012

EarthSky's meteor shower guide for 2012 | Astronomy Essentials | EarthSky



August 10/11, 11/12, and 12/13, 2012 Perseids
Meteors are typically best after midnight, but in 2012, with the moon rising into the predawn sky, you might want to watch for Perseid meteors in late evening as well. You can get moonrise times via this custom sunset calendar. As seen from around the world, the waning crescent moon will rise later on August 12 than on August 11, and, on the morning of August 13, although you're slightly past the peak, the moon will rise later still. On any of those mornings, moonlight shouldn't be so overwhelming as to ruin the show. Plus the moon on those mornings will be near the bright planets Venus and Jupiter in the eastern predawn sky. It'll be a beautiful early morning scene. The Perseids are typically fast and bright meteors. They radiate from a point in the constellation Perseus the Hero. You don't need to know Perseus to watch the shower because the meteors appear in all parts of the sky. The Perseids are considered by many people to be the year's best shower, and often peak at 50 or more meteors per hour in a dark sky. The Perseids tend to strengthen in number as late night deepens into midnight, and typically produce the most meteors in the wee hours before dawn. These meteors are often bright and frequently leave persistent trains. Starting in late evening on the nights of August 10/11, 11/12 and 12/13. The Perseid meteors will streak across these short summer nights from late night until dawn, with only a little interference from the waning crescent moon. Plus the moon will be near the bright planets Venus and Jupiter in the eastern predawn sky.



More:

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Sociopath Test | Sociopath Definition



Interesting. I have been thinking Mitt is a pathological liar, but maybe this is a more accurate fit. 

The following questionnaire is based on research and experiences of socialised sociopaths.  For each trait, decide if it applies to the person you suspect may be a socialised sociopath, fully (2 points), partially (1 point) or not at all (0 points).

1) Do they have problems sustaining stable relationships, personally and in business?

2) Do they frequently manipulate others to achieve selfish goals, with no consideration of the effects on those manipulated?

3) Are they cavalier about the truth, and capable of telling lies to your face?

4) Do they have an air of self-importance, regardless of their true standing in society?

5) Have they no apparent sense of remorse, shame or guilt?

6) Is their charm superficial, and capable of being switched on to suit immediate ends?

7) Are they easily bored and demand constant stimulation?

8) Are their displays of human emotion unconvincing?

9) Do they enjoy taking risks, and acting on reckless impulse?

10) Are they quick to blame others for their mistakes?

11) As teenagers, did they resent authority, play truant and/or steal?

12) Do they have no qualms about sponging off others?

13) Are they quick to lose their temper?

14) Are they sexually promiscuous?

15) Do they have a belligerent, bullying manner?

16) Are they unrealistic about their long-term aims?

17) Do they lack any ability to empathise with others?

18) Would you regard them as essentially irresponsible?

More:

The Sociopath Next Door | The Business Owner

 There are people in our world, lots of them, who are very different from you and me. They look normal and even act normally in most ways, but most definitely are not. They have absolutely no conscience. They are incapable of basic feelings of care, love and compassion. They are not this way by choice, rather they are born this way, wired this way. They are not bound by the same rules that govern our lives: rules of fairness, respect, honor and commitment. Much to the contrary, they want only for themselves.
Sociopaths can and do lie artfully and consistently to get what they want, which is basically wealth, ease and/or simply the pleasure of removing from you those things they wish they had and envy in you (such as true friends, self-respect, trust and faith).
Fail to recognize that these people are around you — at work, at school, in your neighborhoods and your homes — and you will fall victim. They will take hold of you and rob you of things you hold dear. They will use your sense of moral obligation, commitment and compassion against you to get what they want from you.

More:
http://www.thebusinessowner.com/business-guidance/professional-development/2009/11/the-sociopath-next-door

Friday, August 3, 2012

Don't Become Cats Chasing Mobile Security Laser Pointers



Mobile security threats may pose some risks, but do a risk analysis on the entire situation before diverting funds to fundamental security activities

Mobile device security threats are certainly real and the exploits demonstrated last week at Black Hat warrant some attention from CISOs as they look over the horizon. But when it comes to solid risk management, most organizations would do well to reexamine their entire IT infrastructure for solid footing in the fundamentals before they get too distracted by mobile security, some experts warn.
"I'm always excited about work done by smart, bright people in security, but it sometimes seems like the bright people in our industry tend to focus too much on the bleeding, cutting edge," says Marcus Carey, security researcher at Rapid7. "Have you ever seen a cat chase a laser pointer? That's how security researchers are. 'Oh, look! What's that over there? Oh, now, what's that over here?' That's where we're at with mobile."

More:

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Data breaches up 19 percent, GAO reports


Federal data breaches jumped 19 percent last year, the Government Accountability Office said Tuesday.

There were roughly 13,000 incidents reported by agencies in 2010 involving unauthorized disclosures of personally identifiable information — last year, that figure shot up to 15,500, Greg Wilshusen, GAO's director of information security issues, told the Senate subcommittee on government management oversight Tuesday at a hearing.

Subcommittee chairman Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, questioned the head of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, Greg Long, about a breach last year that involved personally identifiable information of about 123,000 Thrift Savings Plan participants. Participants were not notified of the July 2011 breach until the following May.

More:

The Real Blogger Status: Mail-To-Blogger - July 2012

 http://blogging.nitecruzr.net/2012/07/mail-to-blogger-july-2012.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Nitecruzr-Blogging+%28The+Real+Blogger+Status%29&m=1

(Source: https://twitter.com/nitecruzr/statuses/229764281082707970)

Industry Day - Cloud Brokerage RFI



GSA has issued a Request for Information (RFI), Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) Cloud Brokerage RFI, to learn how government can further leverage the key characteristics and advantages of cloud computing to save money and increase IT efficiencies. View the RFI QTA00AH12BRI0002 on FedBizOpps, released July 17, 2012. Responses are due August 17, 2012.

GSA is seeking information about alternative models and/or solutions for future cloud acquisition vehicles and processes that further the goals of reducing acquisition time, cost, and risk for customer agencies. One emerging concept in cloud computing is that of a 'cloud broker' or an entity that manages the use, performance and delivery of cloud services, and negotiates relationships between Cloud Providers and Cloud Consumers. On a larger scale, GSA is seeking innovative industry approaches to acquiring, ordering, securing, provisioning and managing advanced IT services.

More:

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Fake Android Security App is Mobile Zeus Malware in Disguise


Android Security Zeus Malware

A new variant of the Zeus banking malware is masquerading as a security app in order to lure users trying to protect their Android devices from…malware.

The fake security app, called the Android Security Suite Premium, is actually the latest Zeus malware, Denis Maslennikov, a Kaspersky Lab researcher, wrote on SecureList on Monday. Once Android Security Suite Premium is installed on the mobile device, it displays a blue shield icon on the menu and a fake "activation code" when executed, according to the blog post. The app first appeared in early June, and there are at least six different versions.

More:
http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/none/299291-fake-android-security-app-is-mobile-zeus-malware-in-disguise