Child online safety plans unveiled by Brussels

Posted by admin | Posted in children | Posted on 05-05-2012-05-2008

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4 May 2012 last updated at 11:26 Share this page Controls on who can use apps for mobiles are almost non-existent, warns the commission

The European Commission is considering setting up an age-based authentication system that limits where children can visit online.

The system is part of a series of proposals Brussels has put forward to make the net safer for children.

It says children are in danger of finding inappropriate material because ways to control where they can go are "fragmented".

More details of the authentication scheme will be published on 30 May.

In its draft proposals, the commission warns that neglecting protections for children could have a "profound impact" on European societies.

It says children's particular needs and vulnerabilities must be addressed so the net becomes a place of opportunities for them. It also notes that a uniform set of protections would help European businesses aiming services at children.

"Young people are particularly at ease with the use of the internet but they are still vulnerable to online threats," said Cecilia Malmstrom, European Commissioner for Home Affairs. "It is our duty as parents to keep our children safe – and this includes on the web."

‘Dearth’ of children’s sites

Current child safety measures taken by member states covering parental controls, rating content and reporting illegal content are "insufficient", according to the report.

Many controls, such as filters for web pages, only work well for English, it says, and in some sectors – such as mobile apps – rating, filtering and control systems are almost non-existent.

The report also says there is a dearth of sites specifically aimed at children where they can go to learn and play, or ones which stimulate creativity and critical thinking.

It proposes a plan – via legislation, self-regulation and research grants – to create an online "ecosystem" that keeps children safe but does not make going online too dull.

The commission plans to spend more on efforts in schools that tell people how to stay safe online and educate them about ways to use the net. It will also fund research into sites designed to stimulate children.

Active protection systems have to go alongside this, it says, and Brussels expects net firms to bring in "transparent default age-appropriate privacy settings".

It also wants industry to create a system that can electronically authenticate and identify children to ensure they do not stray onto inappropriate sites or see material unsuitable for them.

To back this up, the commission will later this year unveil a framework for the electronic authentication system that is based around age. This will help with both data protection and child safety, it says.

More details of the proposals are expected to be published at the end of May. The draft proposal comes as the UK starts a consultation on how to stop children viewing pornography online.

‘Burning Love’: Ken Marino previews his new dating show parody — EXCLUSIVE VIDEO

Posted by admin | Posted in dating | Posted on 05-05-2012-05-2008

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Given the line-up for the upcoming dating show parody Burning love, I’m pretty sure it’s mathematically impossible that the web series won’t leave you clutching your sides from laughter. along with star Ken Marino — of Wanderlust, Wet Hot American Summer, and “I wanna dip my balls in it!” fame — and producer/star Ben Stiller, the show features Michael Ian Black, Adam Scott, Ken Jeong, Kerri Kenney, Party Down‘s Ryan Hansen, Malin Akerman, Kristen Bell, and even a former Bachelor himself: Jake Pavelka.

All that’s without mentioning Burning Love‘s unabashed skewering of all the tropes that make shows like the Bachelor a guilty pleasure. well, PopWatchers, abandon your guilt as Marino offers EW an exclusive preview and explains the origins of love.

Though Burning love is inspired by reality shows from American Idol to Sweet Genius (a personal favorite of Marino’s), one can’t help but notice parallels to a certain ABC rose dangler. Marino admitted that the Bachelor is a “very guilty pleasure” for him and his wife Erica Oyama Marino, who wrote Love. ”I want to say we watch it ironically, but I don’t know at this point,” he laughed. the Marinos even had a very special gathering in 2010 for the finale of Pavelka’s season, On the Wings of love. “We had Adam Scott and his wife Naomi over for the finale. They brought roses for us and presented us with a key, should we choose to accept it,” he said. “We did not.” Admit it, PopWatchers. this is the perfect Monday night.

Suffice it to say, Marino had done plenty of “research” before Love started filming in February. he plays mark Orlando, “a guy who can’t help but be honest about his feelings. He thinks that’s the best approach to life, but he’s completely inappropriate at times and oblivious to other people’s feelings — basically to the point of  insult.” If that rings any bells, Marino admitted that Pavelka and Brad Womack were particular inspirations. Luckily, Pavelka was a good enough sport to accept a role in Love. Marino wouldn’t spoil any surprises, but he did say that Pavelka ”is not playing himself” and that “his character is a little disapproving of the show and the whole set-up.”

Stiller, on the other hand, is not. In addition to producing through his production company, Red Hour Films, he plays the previous year’s leading man. “He might show up and give some tips to mark,” said Marino. And he won’t be the only one. on top of the aforementioned cast of comedy all-stars, Marino teased, ”There are some surprise guests and some interesting reveals. It is a show riddled with people looking for love in all the wrong places. If we know one thing about the Bachelor and shows of that ilk, we know that you can definitely find long-lasting love in six weeks.” And that there will be lots of making out. Laughed Marino, “My wife wrote it, so I only did what was in the script!”

Burning Love premieres on Yahoo! Screen’s Comedy Channel June 4.

What do you think, PopWatchers? Who are you rooting for — the homeless ingenue, the aged-like-fine-wine super-cougar, or the sassy comedian, or someone else entirely?

Read more:Attention, single men with no shame: ABC wants YOU to be ‘The Bachelor’EW Recaps: the Bachelor‘GCB’ gets reality knock-off, now let’s turn the tables: which reality show should go scripted?

Rap-Up.com

Posted by admin | Posted in celebrities | Posted on 05-05-2012-05-2008

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The untimely death of Adam Yauch sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community and beyond. as a founding member of the pioneering group the Beastie Boys, MCA helped paved the way for many of today’s artists. some of his peers and those he inspired took to Twitter to mourn his loss and pay respect to the rapper, who passed away at 47. from hip-hop icons Rev Run and big Daddy Kane to today’s hitmakers including Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake, read some of the heartfelt messages below.

Jay-Z: may a great musical pioneer rest in peace. our prayers go out to his family, as his hip hop family mourns our loss and celebrates his life.

Eminem: Adam Yauch brought a lot of positivity into the world and I think it’s obvious to anyone how big of an influence the Beastie Boys were on me and so many others. they are trailblazers and pioneers and Adam will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, Mike D., and Ad-Rock.

Rev Run: R I P Adam… I’m devastated. Praying for Adam Yauch’s family from the legendary Beastie Boys. Youll be missed!

Nas: RIP MCA!!!! – My prayers go out to the Beastie Boys and their families.

Ludacris: R.I.P. MCA from the Beastie Boys. he was an integral part of building the Def Jam label that I am a part of today. Condolences to the Fam

Q-Tip: RIP yauch and thank u mike and adam n adam 4 all of your help, the tours, the bball games, n great times. a humanitarian a tru friend

Justin Timberlake: Crushed to hear the news of Adam Yauch’s passing. A true pioneer of art. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. #RIPMCA

Russell Simmons: I was always inspired by his work. he will be missed by all of us.

DJ Jazzy Jeff: RIP Adam (MCA) of the Beastie Boys. this is happening wayy too much.

Boy George: such sad news about Beastie Boy Adam Yauch. A fellow Buddhist and part of hip hop history!! R.I.P!

Jazze Pha: Adam Yauch aka MC. A Of the Beastie Boys Died?… he was My Favorite!!!

Estelle: RIP Adam Yauch of the LEGENDARY Beastie Boys … damn.

Asher Roth: RIP MCA

Big Daddy Kane: Rest in peace MCA of the Beastie Boys. A pioneer, legend & OG that will be missed.

will.i.am: #restinpeaceMCA 1 of my favorite hiphop groups…hiphop raised a lot of us & now we have to wake up because are hero’s are dying too younge

Travis Barker: Rest In Peace Adam Yauch /MCA. 4ever somebody i looked up to & had the pleasure of meeting. Damn this bums me out, we lost one of the best

OneRepublic: R.I.P Adam MCA. Beastie Boys remain untouchable

Snoop Dogg: RIP MCA U are a Legend and a pioneer. #BeastieBoys4life

Common: God Bless the soul of Adam Yauch aka MCA of the Beastie Boys. RIP

Rob Thomas: holy shit. R.I.P. ADAM YAUCH. MCA, you will be missed.

DJ Drama: Sad news… RIP MCA of the Beastie Boys… We just lost another member of hiphop royalty

Benji Madden: this news hits hard. the Beastie Boys are 1of the reasons I do music&MCA was the captain. thanx for everythin MCA. Rest in Peace #RIPMCA

Bun B: Salute to the OG.

Biz Markie: A VERY SPECIAL R.I.P. TO ADAM YAUCH FROM THE BEASTIE BOYS MY BROTHER YOU ARE GONNA BE TRULY MISSED MY HEART IS HEAVY…..

Linkin Park: We’re sad to learn about the death of MCA. our condolences to the Beastie Boys and Adam’s family.

Childish Gambino: Adam Yauch was an amazing artist and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. His music was some of my favorite. Truly saddened. RIP MCA.

Diplo: Mca Adam Yauch RIP… Im sittin in the former g son studios.. Flying the flag half mast today…. Rap/punk hero, philanthropist, legend

MC Hammer: R.I.P. Adam Yauch Beastie Boys #RIPMCA

Lenny Kravitz: Rest in peace MCA. You are a legend. No sleep ’till Brooklyn. Lenny

Jimmy Fallon: So sad to hear of the passing of Adam Yauch. he was a great performer, director, father, humanitarian and New Yorker. #RIPMCA

Big Boi: #RIPMCA the first Tape I ever bought as a kid was the Beastie Boys , Stank ya for the inspiration

Cee Lo Green: Now playing: something’s got to give: BEASTIE BOYS R.I.P. M.C.A. one of the best hip-hop groups of all time!much love to MIKE-D and AD-ROCK

Fergie: RIP MCA

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Chancellor agrees to hefty payout for Adams

Posted by admin | Posted in president michael adams | Posted on 05-05-2012-05-2008

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By Laura Diamond and James Salzer University of Georgia President Michael Adams stands to receive about $2.7 million over five years as part of a retirement agreement the State Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on Wednesday.
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The 2012 winners of the James Beard Foundation book, broadcast and journalism

Posted by admin | Posted in fame | Posted on 05-05-2012-05-2008

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The winners of the 2012 James Beard Foundation book, broadcast and journalism awards announced Friday are: ___ COOKBOOK AWARDS — Cookbook Hall of Fame “Home Cooking” and “More Home Cooking” by Laurie Cowin — Cookbook of the Year “Modernist Cuisine
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Physical therapists to give 'motherhood' talk on May 11 in Madison

Posted by admin | Posted in free seminar | Posted on 05-05-2012-05-2008

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MADISON – just in time for the Mother's Day weekend, The Madison Area YMCA will host its next free seminar in a Women's Health Series, “Motherhood with less Aches and Pains,” from 10:30 to 11:30 am Friday, May 11, at the YMCA Family Center at 111 Kings
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Special needs student tells jurors in Fort Worth of beating by defendant

Posted by admin | Posted in special needs | Posted on 05-05-2012-05-2008

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dhunt@star-telegram.com

A special needs student who was beaten so severely by Brandon Patterson and another youth that he ended up in intensive care took the witness stand Wednesday to tell jurors about the incident.The student is now 20 years old and is living in a group home in Burleson. He served as a trainer for the Southwest High School football team while attending the school.The student told jurors that Patterson was one of those who attacked him. Patterson, who was expelled from Southwest High after the beating, has pleaded guilty to murder in the death of Eric Forrester, 18, during a burglary gone awry.Forrester and his sister had gone home for lunch and surprised the burglars. Forrester was shot in the head but his sister was able to escape.A jury in state District Judge Robb Catalano’s courtroom is now considering punishment for Patterson.Read more here: http://blogs.star-telegram.com/crime_time/2012/05/special-needs-student-tells-jurors-of-beating-he-received-from-patterson.html#storylink=cpy

Full moon Saturday night will be biggest, brightest of year

Posted by admin | Posted in full moon | Posted on 05-05-2012-05-2008

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(CNN) — Wait until dark Saturday. Dust off your telescope or binoculars. Grab the kids (dust them off too if needed). go outside. look up at the moon. does it look bigger than usual?

According to NASA, this May’s full moon is called a “super moon,” and it will look about 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full moons this year.

Scientists call it a “perigee moon.” Perigee, as all good space and science geeks know, means the moon is as close to the Earth as it will get for a while. the exact time of perigee will be 11:34 p.m. ET Saturday. (Apogee means far away — but we don’t care about a distant, tiny dim moon, do we?)

The best time to see the “super moon” is just as it crosses Earth’s horizon. the moon always looks biggest then, although why is a bit of a mystery. go online to find out when the moon rises in your area.

'Supermoon' could outshine meteor shower

Posted by admin | Posted in supermoon | Posted on 05-05-2012-05-2008

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The biggest full moon of the year, a so-called “supermoon,” will take center stage when it rises this weekend, and may interfere with the peak of an annual meteor shower created by the leftovers from Halley’s comet.

The supermoon of 2012 is the biggest full moon of the year and will occur on Saturday at 11:35 p.m. EDT, though the moon may still appear full to skywatchers on the day before and after the actual event. at the same time, the annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower will be hitting its peak, NASA scientists say.

“Its light will wash out the fainter Eta Aquarid meteors,” NASA meteor expert Bill Cooke of the Marshall Space Flight Center told Space.com in an email. Still, Cooke said there’s a chance that the brightest fireballs from the meteor display may still be visible.

A supermoon occurs when the moon hits its full phase at the same time it makes closest approach to Earth for the month, a lunar milestone known as perigee. Scientists also refer to the event as a “perigee moon,” according to a NASA video on the 2012 supermoon.

That’s exactly what will happen on Saturday, when the moon will swing within 221,802 miles (356,955 kilometers) of Earth — its closest approach of the entire year. because the moon’s orbit is not exactly circular, there is a 3 percent variation in its closest approaches to Earth each month. The average Earth-moon distance is about 230,000 miles (384,400 km).

With May’s full moon timed with the moon’s perigee, it could appear 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than other full moons of 2012, astronomer Tony Phillips explained in a NASA video. there is absolutely no chance the supermoon will threaten Earth.

The last supermoon was in March 2011. at the time, it was the biggest and brightest full moon in 18 years. [ Amazing Supermoon Photos from 2011 ]

While the moon’s extra brightness during the supermoon may wash out some of the fainter Eta Aquarid meteors, all is not lost, Cooke said.

“Our fireball cameras have already detected four bright ones. so I would say that the odds are pretty good that folks can see a bit of Halley’s Comet over the next few days, if they care to take the time to look,” Cooke explained. “They will be the big and bright ones, fewer in number with a rate of just a few per hour, but they will be there.”

Cooke anticipates that the 2012 Eta Aquarid meteor shower will peak at up to 60 meteors per hour on may 5.

The eta Aquarid display is one of two meteor showers created by dust from Halley’s comet (the Orionid shower in October is the other). It occurs every April and may when the Earth passes through a stream of debris cast off by comet Halley during its 76-year trip around the sun.

The eta Aquarid meteor shower of 2012 actually began on April 19 and ends on may 28, but its peak is in the overnight period between Saturday and Sunday (May 5 and 6).

“Meteor watchers in the Southern Hemisphere stand the best chance of seeing any meteors,” a NASA advisory from the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory explained.

If you snap an amazing photo of the supermoon of may or the Eta Aquarid meteor shower and would like to share it with Space.com for a story or gallery, send photos and comments to managing editor Tariq Malik at: tmalik@space.com.

You can follow Space.com Managing Editor Tariq Malik on Twitter @tariqjmalik. Follow Space.com for the latest in space science and exploration news on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.

© 2012 Space.com. all rights reserved. More from Space.com.

One Of The Country’s First Fashion Trucks To Make D.C. Tour

Posted by admin | Posted in fashion | Posted on 05-05-2012-05-2008

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WASHINGTON (CBSDC) - Food trucks have inspired a new revolution in technology with fashion trucks making their way around the streets of metropolitan cities across the country.

‘What started as a twenty-foot potato chip truck’ turned boutique-on-wheels will now be driving down Constitution Avenue and into Washington, D.C.

At 29 years old, Joey Wolffer, who started her career as a jewelry designer in the United Kingdom, with an eye for innovation as well as fashion, had the idea to pack her jewels into an old potato truck and take her product to the streets.

She ripped everything out of what would later be named “The Styleliner”  and stuffed it with a little bit of everything, its main focus being accessories, and began touring it around cities across the country.

“The first time I drove it, I immediately got in an accident,” Wolffer told Nine News Now.

The Styleliner recently embarked on a journey from its hometown of New York City, bound for Washington, D.C. It will be patrolling the District’s streets for the next six weeks, parking on various streets throughout its tour.

To find it’s hours of operation, exact location, or to get a preview of what you can shop for, Wolffer’s website here.

The Styleliner’s first stop is Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown on Friday, May 4.