source: lindaikejisblog.com
US singer Ginuwine accuses Nigerians of scamming people using his name
Apple tells employees why it won’t help hack shooter’s phone
CEO Tim Cook acknowledged to employees Monday that “it does not feel right” to refuse to help the FBI hack a locked iPhone used by a gunman in the San Bernardino mass shootings. But he said that to do so would threaten data security for millions and “everyone’s civil liberties.”
“We have no tolerance or sympathy for terrorists,” Cook wrote in an early morning email addressed to the Apple “Team.” “When they commit unspeakable acts like the tragic attacks in San Bernardino, we work to help the authorities pursue justice for the victims.”
But he reiterated the company’s position that to hack the San Bernardino gunman’s phone would ultimately risk “security of hundreds of millions of law-abiding people.”
Cook’s email came just hours after FBI director James Comey said in an online post that Apple owes it to the San Bernardino victims to cooperate and said the dispute wasn’t about creating legal precedent.
The FBI “can’t look the survivors in the eye, or ourselves in the mirror, if we don’t follow this lead,” Comey said.
The iPhone used by Syed Farook, who along with his wife killed 14 people in the Dec. 2 rampage, was locked. At the government’s request, a Federal magistrate judge has ordered Apple to help the FBI hack into the password-protected phone.
The case has sparked nationwide debate over digital privacy and national security. Apple, in its message to employees, appeared to be sensitive to criticism that the company is simply trying to protect its proprietary business.
“Apple is a uniquely American company,” Cook wrote. “It does not feel right to be on the opposite side of the government in a case centering on the freedoms and liberties that government is meant to protect.” But he said, “this case is about much more than a single phone or a single investigation, so when we received the government’s order we knew we had to speak out.”
Comey, in a statement posted on the Lawfare blog, sought to defend the FBI demand for access to the iPhone as well as counter Apple’s arguments that the request risks threatening the digital privacy of Apple customers all over the world.
“We simply want the chance, with a search warrant, to try to guess the terrorist’s passcode without the phone essentially self-destructing and without it taking a decade to guess correctly. That’s it,” Comey wrote in a four-paragraph statement. “We don’t want to break anyone’s encryption or set a master key loose on the land.”
Cook’s message to employees had “Thank you for your support,” in the subject line. He told employees that the company believes abiding by the judge’s order would set a dangerous precedent that would essentially create a backdoor to the encrypted iPhone. That would set “a dangerous precedent that threatens everyone’s civil liberties,” he said.
An accompanying question-and-answer posting for customers acknowledges that while it is technically possible for Apple to do what the judge ordered, that it’s “something we believe is too dangerous to do.”
Apple also points to the difficulty of keeping such a “master key” safe once it has been created. The government has said that Apple could keep the specialized technology it would create to help officials hack the phone — bypassing a security time delay and feature that erases all data after 10 consecutive, unsuccessful attempts to guess the unlocking passcode. This would allow the FBI to use technology to rapidly and repeatedly test numbers.
Cook said that if the company’s engineers were to do as ordered, Apple would do its best to protect the technology, but that the company “would be relentlessly attacked by hackers and cybercriminals.”
“The only way to guarantee such a powerful tool isn’t abused and doesn’t fall into the wrong hands is to never create it,” Apple said. The company has until Friday to formally protest the ruling in court.
The case would not have existed if the county government that owned the iPhone had installed a feature on it that would have allowed the FBI to easily and immediately unlock the phone. San Bernardino County had bought the technology, known as mobile device management from MobileIron Inc., but never installed it on any of the inspectors’ phones, including Farook’s, said county spokesman David Wert said.
There is no countywide policy on the matter and departments make their own decisions, he said.
The service costs $4 per month per phone.
source: http://www.pbs.org
Dozens Killed In Blasts In 2 Syrian Cities; ISIS Claims Responsibility
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for multiple bombings on Sunday, which left at least 140 people dead in the Syrian cities of Damascus and Homs.
Syrian state media reported least 83 people were killed and at least 170 wounded in at least four blasts in the Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab, according to the BBC.
Earlier in Homs, two car bombs exploded in an area that's home to many Alawites, the minority sect of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the bombs killed 57 people. Syria's Foreign Ministry said at least 46 people died.
The blasts wrecked cars in a central district of Homs, where rescue crews have worked to help victims of the attack. The force of the explosion destroyed windows and walls on nearby buildings and left a crater in the street.
NPR's Alison Meuse reports for our Newscast unit:
The attack comes on the same day negotiators are reporting progress in talks about reaching a ceasefire in Syria.
Secretary of State John Kerry says a "provisional agreement" has been reached on a ceasefire — but the AP notes that as Kerry described a productive talk with Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, he also reiterated that the U.S. will not enter into a military alliance with Assad.
It's now up to Russia to speak to Assad, Kerry said. On Saturday, Assad told Spanish newspaper El Pais that he will "definitely" accept a cessation of hostilities.
But Assad also said that a truce can't be used by terrorists to improve their positions, and he listed other concerns about how a ceasefire is implemented. From the interview transcript:
"Q. So, there will be still some fighting even though there's this ceasefire, at least against some of the armed groups?
A. Yes, of course, like ISIS, like Al-Nusra, and other organizations or terrorist groups that belong to Al Qaeda. Now, Syria and Russia have announced four names: Ahrar al-Sham and Jaysh al-Islam [Army of Islam] and Al-Nusra and ISIS."
As NPR's Alice Fordham reminds us, in her report for Newscast:
Russia vows to ensure Damascus observes ceasefire: Putin
"We will do whatever is necessary with Damascus, with the legitimate Syrian authorities," Putin said during a televised address after speaking by phone with US President Barack Obama.
"We are counting on the United States to do the same with its allies and the groups that it supports."
Putin said the United States and Russia were "ready to put in place an effective control mechanism" to ensure respect of the ceasefire, adding that a "direct line of communication will be created as well as, if necessary, a working group to exchange information".
"Finally a real chance to bring an end to the years of bloodshed and violence is emerging," Putin said.
The Russian president said the ceasefire agreement had come out of "intense work by teams of Russian and American experts", made easier by the "positive experience" of a US-Russian deal on the dismantling of Syria's chemical weapons arsenal, signed in September 2013.
"All fighting groups should confirm to us, or to the United States, their commitment to this truce," Putin said of the deal signed between Moscow and Washington on Monday.
"The Russian and American militaries, together, will define the territories on which these groups are operating. There will be no military operations against them."
But "with regard to the Al-Nusra Front, the Islamic State and other terrorist groups recognised as such by the UN, a ceasefire is totally excluded. The strikes against them will continue," he added.
Russia and the United States said in a joint statement that the partial truce would come into force at midnight Damascus time on Saturday (2200 GMT Friday).
Obama, Putin huddle on Syria ceasefire
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the call came at the request of Putin, who has often butted heads with Obama about Moscow's efforts to prop up Syrian President Bashar Assad, whom the U.S. president has called on to step aside.
After weeks of talks, the U.S. and Russia agreed to a ceasefire in the Middle Eastern nation, which has been torn apart for five years by civil war.
“We recognize … that this is going to be difficult to implement," said Earnest. "We know that there are a lot of obstacles and there are sure to be some setbacks. But this is a moment of opportunity.”
Under the agreement, which is set to take effect Saturday, Russian and Assad’s forces would agree to stop airstrikes against opposition fighters who are verified by both the U.S. and Russia to be party to the pact.
Both sides would also agree to stop efforts to take territory and only use force in self-defense.
The Syrian regime and opposition groups have until midday Friday to agree to the pact, which is designed to bring an end to the civil war and ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to millions of displaced civilians.
The agreement does not apply to strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), al Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria (known as al Nusra) or any other United Nations-designated terrorist group.
The cessation of hostilities will be enforced by a United Nations task force. A previous ceasefire agreement broke down earlier this month when Russian forces continued to bomb rebel-held strongholds in northern Syria.
source:http://thehill.com
POLITICS: Vladimir Putin should be in charge of Europe, says F1’s Bernie Ecclestone
Bernie Ecclestone believes Vladimir Putin should run Europe. The Formula One chief executive, who says he does not like democracy, also thinks the Russian president will “sort out this other business” in Syria and Great Britain should leave the European Union.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Ecclestone said F1 is the “worst it has ever been” and the billionaire would not “spend money to take my family to watch a race”.
The 85-year-old’s admiration of Putin, however, was striking. “He’s the guy who should run Europe,” Ecclestone said. “He will sort out this other business that is going on in Syria. The good thing is that he does what he believes to be right and he stands by it. It’s hard to talk him out of anything.
“I’ve said before that I don’t much like democracy. Nothing gets done. I do quite like David Cameron. I didn’t think I would, but he has done what he thinks is best for Britain in the EU negotiations.
“I respect that, but I want us to leave Europe. It doesn’t make any difference to my business. It doesn’t make any difference to anyone here. I know what we give the EU, but not what it gives us back.”
SOURCE: http://www.theguardian.com
NIGERIA: Ben Bruce intervenes in Don Jazzy/Dbanj beef
As Kokomaster, Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly referred to as Dbanj gave the last performance at Senator Ben Murray Bruce’s 60th birthday celebration last Friday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, joining him on the stage of the Expo Hall was the celebrator who declared that one present would be dear to his heart.
“I will like you and Don Jazzy to do a song together,” the showbiz impresario and founder of Silverbird Group said to Dbanj, asking for Don Jazzy to come up the stage. His calls for Don Jazzy, however, met shouts of ‘he’s gone.’
But with his song Igwe playing in the background, Dbanj countered, “he’s not gone. I know his table”
However, it turned out that the Supreme Mavin Dynasty boss had left the venue.
Within minutes, the social media was agog and Don Jazzy tweeted, saying that his team performed that night and “Moreover, I had left the venue way before Dbanj’s performance tho.”
However, Ben Bruce told Dbanj to promise he and Don Jazzy would do a song together.
“That is the only present I want,” said Ben Bruce.
Responding, Dbanj described Ben Bruce as Nigeria’s equivalent of Quincy Jones and Steven Spielberg. He then went on exonerate himself saying he even extended a hand of fellowship to Don Jazzy while he was backstage.
“As I was coming to perform on stage, I told Don ‘I will call you on stage,’” Dbanj said.
“And when I got on stage, I didn’t tell Uncle Ben anything. And Uncle Ben called him out. But he donrun.”
Dbanj also said he ready to do a song with Don Jazzy once the Mavin boss is ready.
“If you want a song from D’banj and Don Jazzy, that request is no longer with me. That lies in his hands. If he sends me the beat tomorrow, we will make the song next tomorrow.”
Before Bruce’s latest intervention, 2Baba had also requested that Dbanj and Don Jazzy should also do a song together when celebrated his 40th birthday last year.
But with this latest development, it seems all is not yet settled between the duo who until 2012 were partners in Mo Hits Records.
The 60th birthday party of Senator Bruce which also featured the presentation of his book, A CommonSense Revolution, was well-attended by politicians as well entertainers including musicians and actors, both locally and internationally.
For Bruce who since 1980 has changed Nigeria’s face of entertainment, it was not surprising that Nigerian artistes, both young and old, turned out to celebrate him. Opening the floor was Bonsue Fuji king Adewale Ayuba. Other artistes that graced the stage were Ras Kimono, YCEE, 2Baba, Vector, Timaya, Olu Maintain, Ruby, Dr Sid, Sound Sultan, WizKid, Alariwo of Africa, MI, Jesse Jagz, Reekado Banks, Timi Dakolo and Dbanj. Others that turned up but didn’t perform include Teemac and Darey Art Alade and a lot of Nollywood big wigs.
His friend of 35 years, Jeffrey Daniels of the Shalamar fame told of how Bruce was insistent on bringing top notch entertainment to Nigeria when he could have easily done his ‘thing’ in the US. He later took to the stage to give an electrifying performance of songs of the group with singer Yinka Davies.
At a point during the ceremony, an excited Bruce joined Adekunle Gold to dance on stage as he performed God Win which compere IK Osaduwa revealed was specially requested by the celebrator.
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo who was supposed to chair the event was represented by former governor of Cross River State.
“What makes Ben Bruce special is his patriotic zeal,” Duke said.
“As exposed as Ben Bruce is, his heart is always for Nigeria. Ben said to me that the book will be distributed free and so he has done today.”
Other politicians in attendance include Deputy Senate president Ike Ekweremadu, former Ogun State governor Gbenga Daniel, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, Senator Sam Egwu, Senator Dino Melaye, Adamawa governorship aspirant Nuhu Ribadu. Also in the audience was Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, founder of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, Pat Utomi and former Lagos State governorship candidate Jimi Agbaje.
Ovia described the celebrator thus: “Ben Bruce is one of the most patriotic Nigerian I’ve ever known.”
source:http://thenationonlineng.net
CYCLONE: Death Toll From Fiji Cyclone Hits 18 as Aid Sent to Islands
The death toll from a ferocious cyclone which tore through Fiji over the weekend has risen to 18 as authorities on Monday began to get a grasp on the scale of the disaster and deploy aid to hard-hit outer islands.
Authorities were still having trouble communicating with some islands, including places like Koro Island which suffered some of the worst damage. And more than 6,000 residents across Fiji were staying in emergency shelters after their homes were broken or swamped.
Winds from Cyclone Winston, which tore through Fiji over the weekend, reached 177 miles (285 kilometers) per hour, making it the strongest storm in the Southern Hemisphere since record-keeping began, according to the Weather Underground website.
Getting emergency supplies to the group's far-flung islands and remote communities was the government's top priority said Ewan Perrin, Fiji's permanent secretary for communications. Home to 900,000 people, Fiji has more than 100 inhabited islands.
"The logistics of getting supplies and equipment to remote communities is difficult," he said. "Some have lost their jetties and it's uncertain if airstrips are able to be landed on."
Perrin said authorities on Monday were sending a vessel to Koro Island filled with medical supplies, food and water. He said crews on the boat would build temporary shelters for those people on the island whose homes had been destroyed.
Perrin said the electricity network across Fiji remained patchy, and in some cases power had been deliberately cut to prevent further damage. He said clean water was also a challenge, and people were being asked to boil their water, treat it with chemicals or drink bottled water.
Phone communications had been rapidly restored in many areas but in other areas the damage was severe and would take longer to fix, he said.
He said Fijians were taking the disaster in stride.
"The people here are fairly resilient and they're accustomed to these things happening," he said. "Most are going about their business or helping clean up. There's been a very well-coordinated disaster response and we're deploying quickly."
Perrin said most of the people who died in the cyclone were hit by flying debris or were in buildings which collapsed. A handful of people had also been hospitalized with severe injuries, he said.
Fijians were finally able to venture outside Monday after authorities lifted a curfew that had been imposed on Saturday evening. A 30-day declaration of a state of natural disaster remains in effect, giving police extraordinary powers.
"The damage has been widespread, homes have been destroyed, many low-lying areas have flooded, and many people have been left stunned and confused about what to do," said Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in a televised address to the nation.
He said that the police and military had been brought in to help with rescue operations and the general cleanup, and that government agencies were working overtime to clear roads and restore power.
"This is a time of sorrow, but it will also be a time of action," Bainimarama said. "We will stand united in the face of this disaster."
Tourism Minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said that all tourists in Fiji were safe and that there was no significant damage to the majority of hotels on the main island. Fiji is a popular tourist destination, known for its beach resorts and scuba diving.
Cyclone Winston hit Fiji on Saturday and moved westward overnight along the northern coast of Viti Levu. Fiji's capital, Suva, located in the southern part of the main island, was not directly in the cyclone's path and avoided the worst of its destructive power.
Authorities said that all schools would be closed for a week to allow time for the cleanup, and that three universities would be closed until further notice.
The main international airport on Viti Levu has been reopened.
source: http://abcnews.go.com/
Hacker group releases information about Cincinnati Police Department employees
Hacking group Anonymous briefly posted online a video detailing the personal information of 52 Cincinnati Police Department employees, including Chief Eliot Isaac, Cincinnati.com reported.
The group said it released the info Sunday night in response to Wednesday’s shooting death of Paul Gaston, a black man, by three white Cincinnati cops. By 4:30 a.m. Monday the video had been taken down, according to WLWT.
“Thin Blue Line, your game is over,” an Anonymous figure said in the video, according to a transcript. “You lost. While we release your officers’ information, we will hold no responsibility of the actions of those that see the information.”
That information included names, ages, street addresses, email addresses and social media accounts, as well as the names and addresses of officers’ family members. It’s unclear if the information was obtained via a data breach or through publicly available sources, Cincinnati Police Lt. Steve Saunders told Cincinnati.com.
The incident that prompted the Anonymous action involved the somewhat contentious details surrounding Gaston’s death. While video of the incident shows Gaston initially on his knees with his hands behind his head as cops approach him, police said he reached toward his waistband for what they believed to be a weapon before they shot him. Video evidence appears to back up the officers’ assertions. After his death, authorities discovered Gaston was carrying a pellet gun designed to look like a real weapon.
Anonymous included footage of the shooting – which police had previously released – as part of its video message.
“For far too long we have sat idle by letting the gang known as the Thin Blue Line murder citizens of United States without allowing them due process,” the video transcript said. “Well, we have a message to not only the Cincinnati Police Department but to every law enforcement officer. When you murder a human being when you have other choices of containing your suspect available, we will make your officers’ information public record.”
source:foxnews.com
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