Torrential rains batter Taiwan as typhoon hits

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) ? A slow-moving typhoon spawning torrential rains slammed into eastern Taiwan early Thursday, flooding farmlands, disrupting transportation and turning the normally bustling capital of Taipei into a ghost town.

Typhoon Saola, which killed at least 14 people in the Philippines, has already been blamed for four deaths in Taiwan, with the toll expected to rise.

The storm made landfall near the eastern coastal city of Hualien just before daybreak, before veering northward and hugging the coast. It was expected to pass near the northern port city of Keelung and skirt the Taipei suburbs by midday.

Packing sustained winds of 118 kilometers (74 miles) per hour and gusts of 155 kph (97 mph), Saola's slow speed ? only 12 kph (7 mph) ? made it a virtual certainty that the heavy rains inundating northern Taiwan for the past 48 hours would continue through the weekend. That raised the prospect of potentially devastating flooding in areas that have already absorbed more than 1,000 millimeters (39 inches) of rain since Tuesday.

Authorities ordered offices and businesses closed throughout northern Taiwan, including in Taipei. Normally busy streets in the capital were deserted during the morning rush hour, as cleanup crews labored to clear them of hundreds of trees and branches felled during the night by Saola's ferocious approach.

Television footage showed acre upon acre of flooded farmland in low-lying coastal areas, punctuated by scenes of raging rivers and roads blocked by mudslides in the island's mountainous center.

The Defense Ministry mobilized 48,000 soldiers to help mitigate the storm's impact, dispatching many to help hard-pressed farmers try to save threatened fruit and vegetable harvests.

Dozens of flights were canceled at Taipei's main international airport, and rail transport throughout the island was disrupted.

The typhoon left at least 14 people dead in the Philippines earlier this week and caused 154,000 to flee their homes.

Fierce rain and winds, compounded by a high tide, swamped a boulevard in the Philippine capital with garbage-laden water from Manila Bay and forced the U.S. Embassy to close Wednesday. Manila schools were also closed due to sporadic flooding and strong winds.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/torrential-rains-batter-taiwan-typhoon-hits-004202818.html

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Senate fails to approve cybersecurity legislation

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The Senate failed Thursday to pass legislation to protect the U.S. electrical grid, water supplies and other critical industries from cyberattack and electronic espionage, despite dire warnings from top national security officials about the potential for devastating assaults on American computer networks.

Both Republicans and Democrats said they are committed to approving a final bill when they return in September from a monthlong recess. But deep divisions between the two parties over the right approach to cybersecurity will make it difficult to forge a compromise. And there is very little time left to get a deal done with presidential and congressional elections coming up in November.

The White House and Senate Democrats blamed Republicans for blocking what they called the only comprehensive piece of cybersecurity legislation that would have given the federal government and businesses the tools they need to deal with vulnerabilities in the nation's critical infrastructure. More than 80 percent of the infrastructure, which includes financial networks, transportation systems and chemical plants, are owned and operated by the private sector.

"The politics of obstructionism, driven by special interest groups seeking to avoid accountability, prevented Congress from passing legislation to better protect our nation from potentially catastrophic cyber-attacks," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a statement.

Failure to approve the Senate's Cybersecurity Act of 2012 before the August congressional recess amounted to a rejection of advice from senior national security officials, including Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who have been calling for Congress to act now on comprehensive legislation to deal with cyberthreats.

"The uncomfortable reality of our world today is that bits and bytes can be as threatening as bullets and bombs," Dempsey said in an Aug. 1 letter to Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.

The principal stumbling block on Capitol Hill is what role the Homeland Security Department and other federal agencies should play in protecting U.S. businesses from cyberattacks. Republicans argued the bill would have led to rules imposed by Washington that would only increase the private sector's costs without substantially reducing its risks. They also said Democrats who control the Senate tried to ram the bill through without adequate time for debate.

"No one doubts the need to strengthen our nation's cybersecurity defenses," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. The issue, he added, is how the Democratic leadership "has tried to steamroll a bill that would address it."

A cloture motion filed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, to limit debate and force a vote on the bill fell well short of the 60 votes needed to pass, failing 52-46. Congress is scheduled to go on its August recess at the end of the week and won't return until after Labor Day.

The White House and Senate Democrats criticized Republicans for allowing the pro-business U.S. Chamber of Commerce to have such a prominent voice in a debate over a pressing national security issue. Democrats said they made substantial revisions to the legislation after the GOP and the Chamber complained it would expand the federal government's regulatory authority over businesses already struggling in a tough economy.

The new version of the bill offered incentives, such as liability protection and technical assistance, to businesses that voluntarily participated in a government-managed cybersecurity program. Industry associations and groups would be involved in developing the standards needed to blunt the risks of cyberattacks, according to the revised legislation.

But the chamber said the voluntary program was nothing more than a "springboard" to federal regulations that would take time and money away from efforts businesses already have under way to protect their networks. Once a "government-driven 'voluntary' standards system is enacted," the Chamber said on its FreeEnterprise blog, "it's only a short hop to a mandatory one because the administration has the intent and regulatory leverage."

The Cybersecurity Act would also create a framework for federal agencies and the private sector to exchanges information about cyberthreats or malicious software that can destroy computer networks if it's not detected. Provisions were included in the bill to ensure privacy and civil liberties aren't violated, said the bill's primary sponsors, Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn.

But the Chamber and other Republicans support a competing bill drafted by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that is similar to legislation passed by the House in late April. Those bills are focused only on the sharing of threat information between the federal government and private sector. The White House threatened to veto the House bill, however, over concerns the bill didn't do enough to protect privacy rights.

Dempsey and other national security officials said more than just information sharing is needed. Key to addressing the threat is the adoption of basic security requirements that will harden critical infrastructure networks and make it more difficult for cyberattackers to succeed.

"Minimum standards will help ensure there is no weak link in our infrastructure," Dempsey wrote in his letter to Rockefeller.

Speaking to reporters after the vote, Lieberman said he's not optimistic an agreement can be reached, but is open to discussions.

"The threat is so real," he said. "None of us are going to walk away from the table."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-08-02-Internet%20Security/id-02d985d6334b499988e1b4929399760b

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Blake Lively Stuns in Gucci Fragrance Ad

Blake Lively glimmers in a golden Gucci gown as she takes in the breathtaking views from her balcony in this new ad for the brand's Premiere fragrance.

The ad campaign was shot by Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn at one of Beverly Hills' most famed locations, the historic Sheats Goldstein Residence.

Watch the Savages star at her glamorous best below ...

 

Blake Lively Gucci Ad

"I admire the qualities of the Gucci Première woman and feel honored to represent the fragrance," the 24-year-old actress said of her new endorsement.

The perfume will be available worldwide in September.

One month later, Lively and her attractive co-stars will appear in the final, 10-episode season of Gossip Girl, the CW's career-launching guilty pleasure.

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/08/blake-lively-stuns-in-gucci-fragrance-ad/

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West Maui Improvement Foundation 808-661-7990 | Hawaii On TV

Joseph Pluta is the President of the West Maui Improvement Foundation Inc., a 501-c-3 Public Charity.

The Mission of the WMIF, with Public Charity designation 501-C-3 from the IRS, is to improve the West Maui Community by receiving and expending funds for the erection and maintenance of public buildings and services as well as community facilities such as our West Maui Hospital and Medical Center. The WMIF is restricted from direct political campaigning and lobbying or raising funds for those purposes.

West Maui Hospital The campaign to bring a new hospital is a community wide effort, spearheaded by the West Maui Improvement Foundation, lead by a highly dedicated set of volunteers who are putting their professional skills to work for this good cause because of their belief that a community can solve complicated issues and produce positive change. This team of volunteers is backed by solid group of consultants and specialists who also believe in the cause and are bringing their professional skills to bear at minimal cost. Click here for Board of Directors.

?

Write to Us at: West Maui Improvement Foundation ? PO Box 158 Lahaina, HI 96767

Give us a call at: 808-661-7990

E-mail us at: pluta@maui.net

Visit us at: 181 Lahainaluna Road, Suite I Lahaina, HI 96761

Source: http://hawaiiontv.com/west-maui-improvement-foundation-808-661-7990/

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Tyradel: Bellowing Flames

"Ack! Ancients damn it! Urza forces closing in sir, and fast!" Private First Class Denrio Evictus shouted over the exploding shells and ceaseless gunfire that erupted into the atmosphere. The loud grinding of tank treads and overhead roars of Griffon fighter planes split the air. Captain Bosch Vaneers crouched low, hovering over a recently deceased corporal; he was taken to High Realm by way of a bullet to the head. The captain peered around the corner, barely evading a large metal spike that ripped into the structure of the building he sought cover behind. There was a massive wave of these monsters, armored in a hefty rust-colored metal that made them appear even more imposing. They were large beasts, standing, at average, at least seven to eight feet tall. Their gnarled faces illustrated hatred, and their prowling, twisted and thorny tanks embodied much of that hatred. Shells erupted into the ground, ripping concrete and causing a rain of grit. Captain Vaneers turned to his lieutenant, Beriam Tersis, a Hir'zan of great merit. He was a brave and loyal high elf, but now his face painted a troubled spirit. A heavy, sinking frown and wide,terrified green eyes locked onto his captain's face. "Tersis, I need you to retrieve the Ram," Vaneers said plainly, pointing across the street into an alleyway full of fallen comrades. Atop one of these dead men was a large metal cylinder, green in color: the Ram, a missile launcher that ejected high impact explosive projectiles that had the strength to rip bunkers apart. Vaneers continued, "We'll provide cover fire. You get over there, arm that damned thing, and blast these monsters back to the Underrealm where they came from! Move quick, and don't you dare die on me. That's an order! Now move!"

Beriam's heart was pulsating, much like the gunfire that pierced the atmosphere around him. He held his rifle tightly, his knuckles growing an anticipated white. He was scared, he knew. But he had made a career of not letting his captain down, and he wasn't about to end that career now, dead in the streets of this war-torn city. He waited for his captain's order, and cover fire was unleashed upon the enemy. Beriam sprinted, unsure that his feet even touched the ground at all. He swerved, ducked, and stumbled as he avoided death by mere centimeters. He was just feet away from his objective, when life as he knew it took a sudden and unexpected turn upside-down. He was on his back, groggy and bleary-eyed. He saw double, triple of the clouds above him. Turning his head to the right, he saw the advancing hordes of the Urza. 'Move it, Tersis!,' he shouted mentally. 'Move, for your father's sake!' He practically glided to his feet and dove for cover into the alley. He hit the pavement hard but stayed focused. Adrenaline pushed its way through his veins like a speeding bullet, and his thoughts were on one thing: completion. He heaved the Ram from the corpse of the human soldier, and briefly bid him a safe journey to High Realm before grasping one of the missiles that lay scattered on the ground. Beriam jammed one of the projectiles down the tunnel of a weapon, arming the lethal tube and shouldering it. Preesed his back against the wall of the building; his safe place, for now. He closed his eyes, inhaled and sighed. 'Ancients pardon my sins as I stare into the face of death, never wavering, never faltering. Should I fall, guide me swiftly and safely to your everlasting embrace in High Realm. This I beg in your uttermost mercy. Save me.' His mental prayer complete, Beriam whipped around the corner and fired. There was a large kick, and Beriam was thrown to the ground. The Ram clattered to his side, and the missile flew through the air, producing a loud, ear-shattering boom. The arrow-shaped missile whisped through the air. Several Urza screaming in fear and dove to the ground. They left one of their tanks open for destruction. It was ripped asunder before exploding in a firestorm of destruction. A fraction of the advancing Urza were consumed by flames, shrieking in agony as the realization of doom washed over them. Beriam could only watch, and grin at his luck as the charred heap of metal that was his victim flew high into the air and came cascading back down atop another of those metal behemoths, also causing more crushed foot soldiers in the process. Captain Vaneers' men fired from cover, taking down more and more of the assaulting Urza infantry. Beriam wasted no more time. He grapped the Ram, dashed back into the alleyway, and loaded another missile. He got low this time, as again he rounded the corner and targeted the third and final Growler tank. He fired, sending that hulk of a weapon back to whatever machine hell it was wrought from. The Urza were riled up now, charging at full speed towards the Vanguards in the alleyways.

They were met with nonstop gunfire, and only when Captain Vaneers witnessed the last Urza soldier fall to his gruesome and deserved death did he give the cease fire order. With this wave punished and destroyed, Captain Vaneers congratulated his men for a hard-fought skirmish and well-deserved victory. Beriam walked up alongside his captain, and was met with a proud clap on the shoulder. "You did great, lieutenant," he said. Beriam smiled and stared his captain in the face.

"I know. I was there."

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RolePlayGateway/~3/cI8o4C7h7vo/viewtopic.php

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Survivors of crash that killed Cuba's Paya say it was an accident

HAVANA (Reuters) - Two European politicians who survived a car crash that killed prominent Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya said on Monday that no other vehicle was involved and denied suggestions they had been deliberately forced off the road.

Their versions appeared to support the Cuban government's description of the accident, contradicting suggestions by Paya's family and some fellow dissidents that another vehicle may have hit the car from behind to cause the crash. They have called for an international investigation.

The government views opposition members as subversives trying, with outside help, to topple the communist system. Dissidents say they are routinely monitored and harassed by state security agents.

The driver, Spaniard Angel Carromero, said in a video shown to reporters in a Havana press conference that he lost control of the small rental car on a patch of highway under repair and unpaved on July 22 in Granma province 480 miles southeast of Havana.

The car struck a tree and the impact killed Paya, 60, and another dissident, Harold Cepero. They were sitting in the back seat and not wearing seat belts, authorities said.

"?No vehicle hit us from behind. Simply, I was driving, I struck a pothole and I took the precaution of any other driver (by applying the brakes)," Carromero said.

Jens Aron Modig of Sweden, who was the front seat passenger and appeared at the press conference, said he and Carromero were taking Paya and Cepero to meet with supporters.

He said he slept through part of the trip and had only vague memories of the accident, but said ?"I don't remember that there was another vehicle involved."

CUBA SAYS DRIVING TOO FAST

Both Europeans, members of conservative parties in their countries, suffered minor injuries.

The Cuban government said Carromero was driving too fast, had not heeded warning signs about road construction ahead and jammed on the brakes too abruptly.

They are being "retained," not detained, in Cuba, awaiting disposition of the case, which could include criminal charges against Carromero, a Cuban official said.

Paya was awarded the European Union's Sakharov Prize for human rights in 2002 for leading the Varela Project, a campaign to reform Cuba's one-party political system.

He and supporters gathered thousands of signatures seeking democratic change, but the government, then led by Fidel Castro, rejected the effort.

In recent years, Paya's visibility waned as other dissidents, particularly blogger Yoani Sanchez, became the more public face of Cuban opposition.

Modig said he had been sent by his party to meet with Paya and members of his Christian Liberation Movement and give him 4,000 Euros ($4,904) to help finance his work.

He said he now regrets his involvement with the dissidents.

"I understand that these activities are not legal in Cuba and would like to apologize for having come to this country to carry out illicit activities," Modig said.

In the video, Carromero requested help in getting out of his predicament and that the case not become a political matter.

"I ask the international community to please concentrate on getting me out of here and to not use the traffic accident that could have happened to any other person for political ends," he said.

(Editing by David Adams and Cynthia Osterman)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/survivors-crash-killed-cubas-paya-accident-024451670.html

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There Is No Escape: All Facebook users will soon be forced to switch to Timeline

It's not so bad so long as you remove incrimination photos before your Timeline goes live

If you consider yourself one of the lucky people who haven't been forced to switch to Timeline yet, know that your luck may soon run out. According to Techcrunch, Facebook will force all of its 955 million accounts to use the new, more visual profile layout this fall in order to give everyone a consistent experience throughout the site.

Timeline was introduced in January of this year, catching some people by surprise. Facebook has been periodically forcing more and more users to make the switch since then; the rollout will merely be accelerated so that the transition will be complete in the next few months. Its recently announced revamped Photos interface is also part of the site-wide change, so expect to get the feature soon.

You'll know you're getting Timeline once Facebook shows you a prompt upon login, telling you when your new profile is going live. Make sure you edit your profile first before it goes public if you don't want friends and co-workers coming across old party pictures you forgot you had on your account.

This article was written by Mariella Moon and originally appeared on Tecca

More from Tecca:

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/no-escape-facebook-users-soon-forced-switch-timeline-022757182.html

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