Cyberattacks on Various U.S. Laboratories
December 8, 2007
(LongIsland, N.Y.) According to PCWORLD, Hackers have succeeded in breaking into the computer systems of two of the U.S.’ most important science labs, the the Knoxville, Tennessee based Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Scientists and engineers at these locations work to increase the availability of clean and abundant energy, restore and protect the environment, and contribute to providing solutions to the nation’s most crucial and complex problems including national security.
According to a note, the unknown hackers gained access to a nonclassifed laboratory database which contained personal data every person who visited the facility over a 14-year period between 1990 and 2004. Authorities suspect the hackers are based in China. Security experts of late have been pointing the finger at China as the main source of many cyberattacks and cyber-espionage, but Chinese officials deny it. The attack on Los Alamos seems to be linked to the one at Oak Ridge.
Thom Mason, director of the government research facility, said the hackers made about 1,100 attempts to steal data by sending an unknown number of staffers a total of seven phishing e-mails. Mason stated that they believe that about 11 staffers opened the attachments contained in the e-mails which enabled the hackers to infiltrate the system and remove data.
“Reconstructing this event is a very tedious and time-consuming effort that likely will take weeks, if not longer, to complete,” he added. Meanwhile, he said, the lab is attempting to notify all the potential victims that the personal information at risk includes names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers. Oak Ridge National Laboratory isn’t aware of any identity theft that has arisen from the security breach at this time, but is advising those persons affected to check their credit reports and put a fraud alert on their credit files.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory has posted a page for employees and visitors that will keep them up-to-date with the investigation and potential identity theft issues.
Mortgage Industry to Freeze Interest Rates
December 8, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) President George W. Bush and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson yesterday announced an agreement with the mortgage industry to freeze interest rates for up to five years for some of the two million homeowners who bought houses recently with subprime loans. The agreement, under much criticism, will help only the most strapped homeowners and many are bound to be disappointed.
“We should not bail out lenders, real estate speculators or those who made the reckless decision to buy a home they knew they could not afford,” Mr. Bush said at a White House appearance.
“The housing market is moving through a period of change,” Mr. Bush said. “In recent years, innovative mortgage products have helped millions of Americans afford their own homes, and that’s good. Unfortunately, some of these products were used irresponsibly.”
“Some lenders made loans that borrowers did not understand, especially in the subprime sector,” “Some borrowers took out loans they knew they could not afford. And to compound the problem, many mortgages are packaged into securities and sold to investors around the world.”
The agreement contains numerous limitations that would exclude many subprime borrowers. It won’t help the 16% of subprime borrowers who are already delinquent or in default, and it won’t help millions of other homeowners who either will be deemed able to pay the higher rates when they adjust, starting in January, or who have the unhappy circumstance of having a house worth less than their mortgage or a loan that has already reset to the higher rates.
Mortgage securities and leveraged loans have already caused $66 billion of losses at the world’s banks. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. estimated last month that losses in credit markets worldwide may reach $726 billion.
Foreclosures almost doubled in October from a year earlier as borrowers with poor credit failed to make higher payments, Irvine, California-based RealtyTrac Inc. said Nov. 29. Credit Suisse Group analyst’s project 775,000 homes with $143 billion of mortgage debt will go into foreclosure in the next two years.
Some representatives of the housing industry praised the plan. However, investors who hold bonds backed by the mortgages as well as critics bashed the move as government meddling in the free market.
CompUSA Stores Closing Doors
December 8, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) Computer and electronics retailer CompUSA, founded in 1984, announces that it will shut its doors after 23 years, succumbing to competition from direct computer sellers such as Dell Inc., and retail stores such as Best Buy Co., and Wal-Mart. The chain has already shut down more than half of its stores (leaving non on Long Island) earlier this year after receiving $400 million from an investor after new visions of restructuring the company.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the company approached rivals like Circuit City Stores, Micro Electronics and Systemax to take over the store and its operations, but no deal was struck.
The Dallas-based CompUSA said on Friday that active discussions are underway to sell its technical services business, CompUSA TechPro, its online sales operation, CompUSA.com, and select stores in key markets.
CompUSA was founded in 1984 as software seller Soft Warehouse, then branched out into computers. It took on the CompUSA name and went public in 1991. Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim bought his first stake in the company in 1999 and took it private the next year in an $800 million buyout. The chain went through several CEOs and tried several different turnaround strategies.
During the third quarter of 2007, the company reported a loss of $45.7 million. Gordon Brothers Group, a Boston-based retail store liquidator, will oversee the sale of 103 retail stores currently in operation.
Stores will remain open through the end of the year and will discount items to get rid of inventory. Long Island’s closest CompUSA stores still in operation are located in Manhattan: http://www.compusa.com/locations/store.asp
John Lennon Remembered - December 8th
December 8, 2007
Joe Aurello
(Bethpage, N.Y.) On December 8, 1980, a deranged man named Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon multiple times, causing him to collapse and lie helplessly in his own blood to his death. John had spent an otherwise uneventful day leading up to meeting his fate. Earlier in the day, John and Yoko Ono were interviewed for over 4 hours by a programmer of a radio network. One of John’s quotes within the interview sounded quite simple, however in retrospect is quite chilling. John indicated how it was great that we all survived the sixties, and that we should all stop worrying whether the Apocolypse is going to come will not do us any good. He also was hopeful that as the eighties went onward, people would see the positive side of life again. His most poignant quote was “While there is life, there’s hope”, unbeknownst to him that in just a few short hours he would meet his fate many years too early. These quotes as well as many other fascinating details of John’s life can be found in a book I am currently reading entitled Lennon Revealed written by Larry Kane, a former NY and Philadelphia news reporter who traveled with the Beatles in the early years and became good friends with John.
John also posed for what would become the last photo of him alive. Later in the afternoon, John spent some time at the recording studio to finish mixing a new single from his recently turned Gold album called Double Fantasy. John had spent the last few years in obscurity, and out of the public eye. He dedicated himself to his home life and the raising of his young son Sean with Yoko. This album was the first in a few years, and I believe John was truly enjoying himself, and his new lease on life after some troubled years.
On the afternoon of December 8, the same Mark Chapman had asked John for his autograph, which John obliged. It was typical that people would often hang around the Dakota apartments hoping to catch a glimpse of John. John was a true New Yorker, one who would always frequent many of the establishments which the city had to offer. Fortunately, failed attempts by the Nixon administration to kick John out of the country enabled John to keep New York City as his home. The Nixon administration stated the reason for the action was due to a marijuana conviction in England back in the sixties. The truth of the matter was that they wanted him deported because they felt he was a disruption due to his anti-war stance and could even disrupt the Republican Convention. I am sure Nixon had better things to worry about than John’s stance on the war. Fortunately, John won his battle and was granted his Green Card in 1976. As for Nixon, well we know what happened.
Just hours after signing the autograph John returned home from the recording studio to call it an evening. At approximately 10:50PM, the deranged Mark David Chapman, carrying the book “Catcher in the Rye” in a most cowardly fashion, fired 4 or more shots in the back of John. John was pronounced dead at approximately 11:10PM at Roosevelt Hospital after endless efforts to save him.
As for myself, well I was a 14 year old, sick at home with the flu. I was lying in my bedroom watching Monday Night Football, when the dreaded news was announced by Howard Cosell. Upon hearing the news, I sat up in disbelief and just stared at the TV. Yes, although just 14 years old, the news shook me. I always had a huge musical interest, although never sang nor played an instrument. The Beatles were always one of my favorite bands, and was also a fan of the solo work of each band member. The next morning, I was home from school, and listened to the radio and watched the endless coverage of John’s death on TV. The endless coverage became a learning experience for me, as I learned so much about John and the Beatles, more than just the music. The following Sunday, there was a silent vigil, in which radio stations went silent for 10 minutes in honor of John. I don’t believe this ever happened prior to this event, and may never happen again.
On the 20th anniversary of John’s death, I finally made it down the Strawberry Fields in Central Park. Thousands of people from all over the world were there, lighting candles, telling stories, and singing songs in celebration of John’s life. Many brought their guitars and drum sets, entertaining us all to hours of sing-a-longs. At precisely 10:50PM, the entire park went silent without being provoked. We all stood for a moment or two of silence, and then everyone in unison sang “Imagine”. For me, the experience was chilling. Just think, an entire park going silent at once, and then all of us singing Imagine together. It was truly emotional, and I knew that I had witnessed something wonderful. It was my way of attaining closure. We were all united as one. People still visit Strawberry Fields each anniversary, and this year will be no exception.
Perhaps many of you reading this are not fans of John. That’s fine. It’s what makes the world go around. We may or may not always agree with some of John’s comments, but what he did always believe in was peace and love, which most of the world lacks. I often think about what John would say if he were here today. Those of you who are fans, try to take a moment or two, or perhaps all day and celebrate what John has left us. John may not be here physically, but he is here in spirit. His music will live on forever. For those of you who are teachers, tell your students about this day. Those of you who are parents, tell your kids about John and what he believed in.
John, we all miss you. As for Mr Mark David Chapman we all hope you rot in the very jail cell you live in today.
Undefeated Lightweight Prospect Jorge Teron is ‘The Truth’
December 7, 2007
(New York City) Unbeaten Bronx lightweight prospect Jorge “The Truth” Teron steps-up in class against Mexican knockout artist Adrian “Canon” Navarette in the 10-round co-feature December 13 on the “Holiday Hits” pro boxing show, co-promoted by Ring Promotions and Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing, at The Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan.
WBA No. 9 rated middleweight contender challenger “Mean” Joe Greene (16-0, 12 KOs), the 2004 National Golden Gloves Tournament champion and reigning NABA middleweight champion from Queens (NY), headlines in the 10-round main event. Undefeated middleweight Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (15-0, 12 KOs), of Brooklyn, faces battle-tested Troy “TNT” Lowry (27-7, 16 KOs), of St. Paul (MN), in an eight-round Special Middleweight Attraction.
The 22-year-old Teron (18-0-1, 11 KOs), WBC No. 20 rated lightweight and 3-time New York Golden Gloves champion, will use his long reach and height advantage (4-inches, 6’ 0” to 5’ 8”) to box the power-punching Navarette (16-4-1, 13 KOs), former Intercontinental Mundo Hispano title-holder.
Teron is coming off of impressive back-to-back victories against Jefferson Auraad Rodriguez (20-10) by first-round TKO and an eight-round unanimous decision (80-72, 80-72, 79-73) and near shutout in his last action (September 5, 2007) versus Mike Gonzalez (10-1-1).
“It’s always exciting to fight at home because my family and friends watching makes me happy,” Teron said. “I’m also excited to be fighting in the co-feature for the first time. It’s a progression of my career and I want to show everybody what I can do. I’ll be headlining my own show soon. In 2008, I plan on fighting one or two 10-rounders and then I’ll be ready to take on the top lightweights in the world. I’m ready for the top level; no more swing bouts or 8-rounders. I’m fighting 10-rounders and eventually 12-rounders. I feel great for this fight.”
Dominican-born heavyweight prospect Nagy Aguilera (4-0, 2 KOs), the two-time New York Golden Gloves champion raised in Puerto Rico and fighting out of Newburgh (NY), takes on Darryl Holley (6-5, 1 KO), of Brigantine (NJ) in a 6-round bout.
Also fighting on the undercard is another Bronx fighter, New York State lightweight champion Freddy Soto (9-3-2, 5 KOs) vs. TBA; Paterson (NJ) light welterweight Jeremy Bryan (1-0) meets Broderick Antoine (2-3, 1 KO), of Troy (NY); Canadian bantamweight Noriko Kariya (7-2-1, 1 KO) battles Salina Jordan (2-2, 1 KOs), of Denver; Long Island heavyweights Darrel Madison (7-1, 3 KOs) and Elfair “The Wyandanch Warrior” McKnight are matched-up.
VIP Seats Now Available
Special VIP seats in the balcony, four seats to each table, are now available for $200.00 per seat. A private bar is located in the VIP area – barstool seating is available for $100.00 — as well as cocktail waitress service at each VIP table so you won’t miss a single punch waiting in concession lines. Exclusive VIP balcony access looks directly down into the ring without any obstructed views.
Tickets are priced at $150.00, $100.00, $75.00 and $50.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call Ring Promotions (516.313.2304) or Gotham Boxing (212.755.1944). Doors open at 6:30 PM, first bout at 7:30 PM.
Giuliani, Romney, McCain Offered $10,000 to Prove Statements on Medical Marijuana
December 6, 2007
(West Babylon, N.Y.) At a press conference in front of Rudy Giuliani’s Manchester headquarters this morning with a massive mobile truck billboard in tow, a representative of the Marijuana Policy Project joined two New Hampshire patients to challenge presidential candidates Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and Mitt Romney to back up their statements regarding medical marijuana with scientific evidence, offering the legal maximum $10,000 campaign contribution to any of the three who can prove that their statements are true.
“In response to questions from patients who have benefited from medical marijuana, these candidates have made claims that are flat-out false,” said MPP executive director Rob Kampia. “Since appeals to science, compassion and common sense haven’t worked, we’re talking to them in a language we know they understand — campaign contributions. If Giuliani, Romney or McCain can back up their claims that medical marijuana isn’t needed or is too dangerous, we’ll give their campaign $10,000, but if they can’t, they need to stop lying.”
Any responses from the campaigns will be evaluated by an independent panel of medical experts. An image of the billboard along with full details of the challenge and relevant scientific data are posted at www.medicalmarijuanaworks.org.
“I’m sick of the lies,” said Clayton Holton, who is disabled by muscular dystrophy and who was snubbed by Romney in video footage widely seen on CNN and YouTube. “If our politicians are going to withhold my medical treatment from me, something that’s considered torture to do to our enemies in battle, then for the sake of all sick Americans, they better be able to prove that it’s necessary, with evidence and not just with words.”
In responses to questions posed by New Hampshire voters at campaign events, all three leading Republicans have claimed that marijuana is either too dangerous for medical use or not needed because adequate substitutes exist — claims that are contradicted by published scientific data. In letters being delivered today to each of the three candidates, Kampia cited their specific statements and challenged them to supply proof. In his letter to Giuliani, Kampia wrote:
“We find it notable that you dismiss marijuana as too dangerous for medical use, while your law firm represented Purdue Pharma — the makers of the highly addictive and toxic opioid OxyContin — given that the company paid $634.5 million in fines and penalties for misleading doctors and patients about the drug’s abuse potential, and given that a growing body of evidence suggests that medical marijuana can reduce the use of such highly addictive opioid painkillers.”
The billboard will accompany MPP’s Stuart Cooper this afternoon as he delivers letters from Kampia to the McCain and Romney headquarters in Manchester. A visit to Romney’s national headquarters in Boston is planned for Friday. Further events with the Pinocchio billboard in New Hampshire and other primary or caucus states are expected.
With more than 23,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.
Long Island Christians Wouldn’t Settle for Tiny Christmas Tree
December 6, 2007
(Long Beach, L.I.) Many Long Island residents were appalled when the city erected a seven foot Christmas tree in front of City Hall next to a 20 foot menorah. While the citizens like the idea of recognizing both the Christian and Jewish celebrations, they wondered why the Christmas tree was standing in the shadow of the menorah. Edwin Eaton, Long Island City Manager, was quick to defend the tree stating that he just could not find a bigger tree.
The city tried to make light of the size difference, but Christians just weren’t having it. They wanted the two symbols of different celebrations to be equal in size and they kept the pressure on Eaton and other city officials. Two residents wrote in to the city manager saying, “The Menorah is statuesque and a pleasure to view, but regrettably the diminutive size of the Christmas tree can only be perceived as an insult to the Christian community residing in Long Beach.”
Residents wanted a bigger tree, and so the city kept looking, hoping to find something that would make everyone happy. Though they hadn’t been able to find a bigger tree before, that all changed on Wednesday! The city has found a 22 foot blue spruce to replace the seven foot Bacheri spruce and a lighting ceremony is planned for Friday. While the seven foot spruce is out, it was not simply tossed aside, instead city officials moved it to a local mall where it will continue to be enjoyed throughout the season.
Thirty Year Prison Term for Man Who Killed Long Island Neighbor
December 6, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) A man who murdered and dismembered his neighbor has been convicted to thirty years in prison by Nassau County Court Judge Richard LaPera on Wednesday. The sentence involves a 25 year prison term for second-degree murder, and an additional five years in jail for assault in running down a pedestrian. However, the judgment leaves open the possibility of allowing parole after the convict completes 30 years in jail.
The 32 year old Evan Marshall had pleaded guilty in September to murder, assault, and other charges leveled against him by the prosecution, saying he was in search of money for drugs when he confronted Denice Fox and repeatedly stabbed her.
Marshall, after killing the retired school teacher in August 2006 in an exclusive gated community in Glen Cove, dismembered her body, laying away the remains in his basement trash cans. He was arrested by police the following day while he was driving back to the crime scene. The victim’s head was later found in the car trunk.
The victim’s family is not at all satisfied with the verdict. They believe the punishment should have been much more severe, and insist that the judge went too lightly giving the convict a possibility of parole after the thirty year jail term. In a press conference conveyed after the judgment had been delivered, the victim’s son, Andrew Fox said “I’m going to have to spend the rest of my life making sure that this guy doesn’t walk the streets, to protect my family and the community, and that’s not my responsibility”. In a press conference held a week back as well, Fox’ family had expressed that they wanted Evan Marshall to receive a life term without the privilege of parole.
Earlier, before delivering the judgment, Nassau County Court Judge Richard LaPera had listened to the impassioned pleas from Fox’s husband, Jay, and their children, as well as the woman whom Marshall had run down on August 17, 2006. However, he said that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to convict Marshall for first degree murder, a charge that would could have fetched the death sentence. He added that he’ll add a recommendation in the court record that Marshall be denied the privilege of parole when he becomes eligible for one in 30 yrs. “It is my expectation that he will not be paroled,” said Richard LaPera. “This is the best resolution for a most difficult situation.”
According to ABC News, the severity of the crime including the dismemberment of the victims body could make this the worst crime in Nassau County history.
New York State Attorney General Subpoenas Mortgage Giants
December 6, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday reported that Some of the world’s biggest banks, Merrill Lynch & Co, Bear Stearns Cos and Deutsche Bank AG received subpoenas seeking information related to the packaging and selling of debt tied to high-risk mortgages. The subpoenas, sent by New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, also request information about how debt was pooled into securities and the banks’ relationship with credit-rating firms.
Last month, Cuomo also subpoenaed mortgage giants Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, as part of the investigation. Cuomo attacked the mortgage industry for conspiring to “rip off homeowners and investors alike”. People will lose their homes, and that could create a lifetime of debt problems,” Cuomo said. “We do need new laws” to keep the subprime market liquid while protecting borrowers, he said.
The Bush administration is close to a plan to freeze mortgage rates temporarily for some homeowners who are threatened with foreclosure. Experts believe that as many as 2 million homes are at risk of repossession as a slump in the property market makes it difficult for struggling owners to refinance overly-aggressive mortgages.
Merrill Lynch joined Goldman Sachs this week in predicting that a recession is likely to grip the US next year. The bank predicted that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates as low as 2% in an attempt to kick-start the economy.
Wall Street has played a major role in the boom in lending to buyers with weak credit records. It has extended credit to mortgage originators to allow them to offer more mortgages, bought companies that originate and service mortgages, and packaged the mortgages into securities to sell to investors.
By selling those securities, they are able to retain less risk and originate more loans; investors wanted to buy the securities because they had very high interest rates in an environment where general interest rates were very low.
The aftermath of the mortgage fallout has already claimed the jobs of two Wall Street chief executives and dragged on many banks’ profits.
Presidential Candidate Ron Paul Bears Empty Pot For Americans
December 6, 2007
Carl Fiser
(Smithtown, N.Y.) Many contend that Ron Paul, although an honest, plain-talking man, comes to the 2008 presidential campaign podium without a lot of achievement. While in office, he hasn’t steer-headed proposed legislation into law, or galvanized broad-based support for this national agenda or that, or even been on board with most post-911 bills and actions. For almost twenty years, he’s been a dedicated representative for his Texas District and has not a potpourri of achievements about which to boast on the presidential campaign trail. Is this exactly true? How could someone serve for so long, and have so little to show for it?
At this time, I should share a story I heard from two entertainers at my son’s grade school. The entertainers were turning books from different parts of the world into short, little plays, in order to spark the children’s interest in reading. The following story took place centuries ago in the Far East.
The wise, old emperor was keenly aware that he was getting along in years, and he worried about finding a suitable replacement to lead the people. One day, he solicited the young people of his kingdom to gather, and he shocked them by telling them that he would be stepping down and that he would choose one of them to be his successor. “I am going to give each one of you a seed today, a very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next emperor!”
One young man named Ling, a son of a farmer, was there that day, and he was certain that he could cultivate that seed better than anyone else. He got a pot, filled it with rich soil and watered it carefully. Day after day, he checked the pot. Weeks passed by, then months, and still nothing had grown. Other youths from the kingdom began to talk about their plants and flowers and trees, but Ling said nothing. He was sure that he somehow had killed the seed.
After a year had passed, all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling’s first inclination was not to attend, but he showed up that day, sick to his stomach. He was amazed at the plants that the others had brought. They were of all different varieties and all so beautiful. Some of the others made fun of Ling’s empty pot and others felt pity for him. Ling stood toward the back of the crowd.
The emperor looked over the vast array and seemed pleased. Then, he spotted Ling standing at the back of the room with his empty pot, and he ordered his guards to bring the young man to the front. Ling was led grudgingly, fearful that he may be punished for his utter failure. The emperor asked his name. “My name is Ling,” he replied. Now, all the youths were laughing and making fun. The emperor then announced to the crowd, “Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!”
The emperor continued,
One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds which would not grow. The rest of you substituted your own seeds for the one I gave you, but Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be your new emperor!
Ron Paul, like Ling, is a great truth-teller. His voting record is one of the most consistent
this writer has ever seen. No flip-flops are to be found. As well, he is a courageous and wise man, and a heck of an economist. Just ask the Wall Streeters. However, he bears to his fellow countrymen (and countrywomen), an empty pot. He can’t claim to have brought you wars or higher taxes, which we now have. He never brought you an unbalanced budget, which is a perennial joke. He never voted himself a wage increase and, to this day, gives back part of his salary every year. He has always voted to preserve the Constitution, cut government spending, lower healthcare costs, end the war on drugs, secure our borders with immigration reform and protect our civil liberties. Sorrowfully, he was outvoted or shot down on all measures. The Constitution has been chiseled down, government spending is through the roof, healthcare costs are out of control, the war on drugs keeps getting less effective, immigration issues remain unresolved and our civil liberties have been crimped for our own safety. I’ll just throw in that Ron Paul opposes regulation of the internet, which has been a revolution in the exchange of ideas, this article being a case in point.
The eye-popping reality of the situation is this. No longer can it be said that Ron Paul is running for President. Amazingly enough, his candidacy has been hijacked, and it appears now that the people are running for President. . . through Ron Paul! That’s the true revolution about which your neighbors are speaking.
So, do you want the plants and flowers that your other government representatives have cultivated for you year after year, or do you want an open and honest effort at change, not for the powerful interests, but for you and for members of your family yet to arrive. If you want to see an unprecedented effort at change - starting with the only man on the campaign trail who is not afraid to tell you the truth - your action must start now. Get informed. Get angry. Get talking to your neighbors. Then, get to the voting booths!
