Geologists find East Coast quakes travel farther

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) ? Data from the 2011 earthquake centered in Virginia shows East Coast tremors can travel much farther and cause damage over larger areas than previously thought, the U.S. Geological Survey said Tuesday.

The agency estimated about one-third of the U.S. population could have felt the magnitude 5.8 tremor centered about 50 miles northwest of Richmond, which would mean more people were affected than any earthquake in U.S. history. Scientists also found the quake that caused more than $200 million in damage triggered landslides at distances four times farther and over an area 20 times larger than research from previous quakes has shown.

"Scientists are confirming with empirical data what more than 50 million people in the eastern U.S. experienced firsthand: this was one powerful earthquake," USGS Director Marcia McNutt said in a news release about the findings presented at the Geological Society of America conference in Charlotte, N.C.

Researchers used landslides to see how far-reaching the shaking from East coast earthquakes could be. The unexpected jolt cracked the Washington Monument in spots and toppled delicate masonry high atop the National Cathedral. The shaking was felt from Georgia to New England.

According to the findings, the farthest landslide from the quake was 150 miles from the epicenter, a greater distance than any other similar-sized earthquake. Previous similar quakes have resulted in landslides no farther than 36 miles from the epicenter.

Additionally, the landslides from the 2011 tremor occurred in an area of about 12,895 square-miles ? about the size of the state of Maryland. Previous studies indicated an area of about 580 square-miles ? about the size of Houston ? from an earthquake of similar magnitude.

"It's just much more dangerous to have an earthquake at that level back on the East Coast than it would be on the West Coast," said Edwin Harp, a USGS scientist and co-author of the study. "If something big happened, although it's much less frequent, it would tend to damage a lot more buildings because they're probably not quite up to the codes that they are in California."

Geologic structure and rock properties on the East Coast allow seismic waves to travel farther without weakening compared with the West Coast, Harp said.

He said equations used to predict ground shaking might need to be revised now that scientists know more about the power of East Coast earthquakes.

The information also will help with building codes as well as emergency preparedness, the USGS said.

While West Coast earthquake veterans scoffed at what they viewed as only a moderate temblor, the August 2011 quake changed the way officials along the East Coast viewed emergency preparedness. Emergency response plans that once focused on hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and snow are being revised to include quakes.

Some states have enacted laws specifically related to the quake, and there is anecdotal evidence of a spike in insurance coverage for earthquake damage.

___

Online:

U.S. Geological Survey: http://www.usgs.gov/

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/b2f0ca3a594644ee9e50a8ec4ce2d6de/Article_2012-11-06-Eastern%20Quake%20Research/id-073edfa88b994727998c07bd67f60af5

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Vupen Claims 'Remote Code Execution' on Windows 8

Vupen, a security company in the business of selling zero-day vulnerabilities, said ?that it has found a way to bypass security mechanisms on Windows 8 and execute code via a Web page.

Vupen Chief Executive Chaouki Bekrar said in an email that the company's researchers had found "multiple vulnerabilities" in Windows 8 and Internet Explorer 10, the latest version of Microsoft's operating system and Web browser.

"We have researched and discovered multiple vulnerabilities in Windows 8 and Internet Explorer 10 that we have combined together to achieve a full remote code execution via a Web page which bypasses the new exploit-mitigation technologies included in Win8," he said.

Microsoft declined comment on Bekrar's email, saying that it had not received any details of the flaws. "We continue to encourage researchers to participate in Microsoft's Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure program to help ensure our customers' protection," Dave Forstrom, director of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing, said in a statement.

Wolfgang Kandek, chief technology officer of Qualys, said the fact that Vupen had to chain vulnerabilities was an indication of how well Microsoft has bolstered security in Windows 8. To exploit such a collection of bugs would take considerable skill.

[Bill Brenner in Salted Hash:?Windows 8 - Security pros and cons]

Nevertheless, the fact that it was done reminds the industry that Windows is unlikely to ever be bulletproof. "We've not reached the point where the product is perfect, but that's probably not reachable anyway," Kandek said.

Bekrar first?announced the feat Tuesday on Twitter.?In the email to?CSO Online, the chief executive gave Windows 8 self-serving praise, since the more difficult software is to crack, the more Vupen can charge customers.

"This new Microsoft operating system is definitely the most secure version of Windows so far," he said.

The exploit-mitigation technologies Vupen claimed to bypass were HiASLR (high-entropy Address Space Layout Randomization), AntiROP (anti-Return Oriented Programming), DEP (data execution prevention) and the IE 10 Protected Mode sandbox.

Experts have cited?ASLR as a particularly useful anti-hacking mechanism?because it involves scrambling system memory to make an application's location more difficult to find.?

Because of the security features in Microsoft's latest OS, Bekrar did not expect cybercriminals to find vulnerabilities on their own for a while.

"We do not expect to see, in the short term, attackers creating an exploit for Windows 8 and Internet Explorer 10 as the cost would be too high," he said.

Vupen?and competitors Endgame Systems and Netragard sell the vulnerabilities they discover or buy from third-party researchers to government agencies and large corporations. The bug hunters are in a gray area of the market because they don't pass along the knowledge to the software makers, which could release patches.?

Unlike many of its rivals, Vupen publicly promotes its services. The company claims to vet its customers and won't sell vulnerabilities to cybercriminals. In 2011, consulting firm Frost & Sullivan?named Vupen Entrepreneurial Company of the Year.?

Read more about application security?in CSOonline's Application Security section.

Source: http://www.computerworld.in/news/vupen-claims-remote-code-execution-windows-8-35822012

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SLAPPA 17? Transit Messenger Bag review

My favorite type of gear bag is the messenger style bag. I like the shape, the fact that it can sit upright instead of flopping over like some bags, and that it can hold a lot of stuff. So, what’s better than a messenger bag? A messenger bag that has interchangeable flaps so you don’t [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/11/05/slappa-17-transit-messenger-bag-review/

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Controversial Guns N' Roses promo being modified

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VIDEO: India Arie Performs I Am Not My Hair and 6th Avenue at ...

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Source: http://blackandmarriedwithkids.com/2012/11/video-india-arie-performs-i-am-not-my-hair-and-6th-avenue-at-black-girls-rock-2012/

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Somalia: Security Council agrees on short extension for mandate of African Union peacekeepers

2 November 2012 ? The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the international peacekeeping force providing support to the Government of Somalia in its efforts to bring peace and stability to the Horn of African country.

?Noting the exceptional circumstances in New York City arising from Hurricane Sandy,? the Council said in a resolution adopted in a meeting on Wednesday afternoon, adding that it recognised in ?those exceptional circumstances, the need for a short extension of the mandate of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM).?

While most meetings at UN Headquarters in New York City earlier this week had been cancelled due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy ? which caused death and destruction throughout the Caribbean region and the eastern US ? Council members briefly met on Wednesday to discuss AMISOM?s mandate, which was set to expire on 31 October.

Created and operated by the African Union Peace and Security Council in January 2007, AMISOM received a UN mandate from the world body?s Security Council the following month, and has been renewed ever since.

With close to 10,000 peacekeepers, it is mandated to conduct peace support operations in Somalia, which has been affected by conflict for more than two decades.

In its unanimously adopted resolution, the Council, acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, said it had determined that the situation in Somalia continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region, and ?decides to authorize the Member States of the African Union to maintain the deployment until 7 November 2012.?

Chapter VII of the Charter allows the Council to use force in the face of a threat to peace or aggression, taking ?such action by air, sea, or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security,? including blockades and other operations by the forces of Member States.

After decades of factional fighting and lawlessness, the East Africa country has been undergoing a peace and national reconciliation process, with a series of landmark steps in recent months that have helped to bring an end to the country?s nine-year political transition period. These steps included the adoption of a Provisional Constitution, the establishment of a new Parliament and the appointments of a new President and a new Prime Minister.

Until last year, most of the country?s capital, Mogadishu, was, for several years, riven by a fluid frontline dividing the two sides ? fighters belonging to the Al-Shabaab militant group and troops belonging to the Government of Somalia, with the latter supported by AMISOM.

Since the Al-Shabaab withdrawal from the capital in August last year, the frontlines have been pushed back to surrounding areas. In late September, Al-Shabaab insurgents withdrew from the port city of Kismayo, their last remaining stronghold located a sizable urban area, but still control parts of the country?s south-central areas.

Although the Al-Shabaab has now dispersed into a ?rag-tag militia,? it has nonetheless, embarked on more asymmetrical, terrorist and hit-and-run tactics as it occasionally does in Mogadishu, according to the Secretary-General?s Special Representative and head of the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), Augustine P. Mahiga.

Addressing the Council earlier this month, Mr. Mahiga said that the security situation in Somalia has ?vastly improved,? thanks to the continuing efforts of AMISOM, as well as Ethiopian forces and the Somali Government and its local allied forces.

He said it was essential that AMISOM is supported to control more effectively the coastal waters around Mogadishu, Marka, Baraawe and Kismayo, in order to protect its own forces, supply lines, interrupt Al-Shabaab re-supply lines and effectively secure the ports for commercial use.

The African Union has informed the Council that, working together with the UN, it intends to undertake a thorough assessment of AMISOM and how best it can contribute to the stabilization of Somalia in light of the gains made on the ground and the challenges ahead.

Also, earlier this week, Mr. Mahiga condemned, in the ?strongest terms,? the latest killing of another media worker in Mogadishu.

The latest victim was a playwright and comedian for the Kulmiye News Network, Warsame Shire Awale, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen, according to an UNPOS news release.

?This has been the deadliest year for journalists and media workers in Somalia? Mr. Mahiga noted. ?The latest killing raised the number of Somali media professionals killed in 2012 to 18.?

On Sunday, a journalist and producer with Radio Shabelle, Mohamed Mohamud Turyare, died as a result of wounds inflicted on 21 October when he was shot in a similar attack.

?I strongly condemn the targeted and persistent assault on Somalia?s media professionals. The world is concerned that none of these murders have resulted in conclusive arrests, investigations and due process or convictions of suspects,? Mr. Mahiga said.

He added, ?We renew our offer to facilitate assistance to the Government in addressing impunity and urge the Somali public to assist the Government by providing information, which will expose perpetrators of these violent acts to law enforcement agencies.?

Source: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2012/11/mil-121102-unnews03.htm

Source: http://endthelie.com/2012/11/04/somalia-security-council-agrees-on-short-extension-for-mandate-of-african-union-peacekeepers/

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Alabama-LSU: Another showdown in epic rivalry

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, foreground, looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in Knoxville, Tenn. Alabama won 44-13. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, foreground, looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in Knoxville, Tenn. Alabama won 44-13. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2012, file photo, LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) hands off against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college football game in College Station, Texas. Game manager sounds like such a mundane description for the quarterback of a national title contender. Yet Nick Saban, the coach of No. 1 Alabama, thinks it's the "ultimate compliment" for AJ McCarron or for his counterpart Mettenberger of No. 5 LSU. (AP Photo/Eric Kayne, File)

FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2012, file photo, Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron (10) signals a play at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Game manager sounds like such a mundane description for the quarterback of a national title contender. Yet Nick Saban, the coach of No. 1 Alabama, thinks it's the "ultimate compliment" for McCarron or for his counterpart Satuday, Zach Mettenberger of No. 5 LSU. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)

Jason Breaux takes aim at an eight-foot-tall target of Alabama head coach Nick Saban, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, at The Caddy Shack, a golf driving range, pro shop, bar and grill in Baton Rouge, La. Co-owners Jeff Russell and Pickles Kelly had the likeness installed about two years ago, after it was suggested by an Alabama alumnus who is a friend of Russell's. Alabama is scheduled to play LSU in an NCAA college football game Saturday. (AP Photo/The Advocate, Travis Spradling) MAGS OUT; INTERNET OUT; NO SALES; TV OUT; NO FORNS; LOUISIANA BUSINESS INC. OUT (INCLUDING GREATER BATON ROUGE BUSINESS REPORT, 225, 10/12, INREGISTER, LBI CUSTOM); MANDATORY CREDIT

LSU running back Jeremy Hill (33) breaks away for a touchdown to extend the LSU lead against Texas A&M during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in College Station, Texas. LSU won the game 24-19. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Nick de la Torre) MANDATORY CREDIT

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) ? OK, so maybe it's not the Game of the Century.

No disputing it's the game of the year.

Nothing new about that.

Alabama-LSU has undoubtedly become the greatest rivalry in college football, supplanting Michigan-Ohio State, Florida-Florida State and any of those other annual showdowns with historic overtones. Last year, these Southeastern Conference powerhouses met twice ? once with the Crimson Tide ranked No. 1 and the Tigers No. 2, the second time with the roles reversed.

Another epic showdown looms Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. Top-ranked Alabama (8-0, 5-0 SEC) is looking to stay on course for its second straight national title, but a familiar foe ? No. 5 LSU ? stands in the way.

"You've got your Michigan-Ohio States and stuff like that, but I feel like those games are not what they used to be," LSU linebacker Kevin Minter said. "This is the gusto right here."

The teams have long been SEC rivals, but it was a largely overlooked game on the national stage. That all changed in 2007, when former LSU coach Nick Saban, after a brief stint in the NFL, returned to the college game ? at Alabama, of all places.

Suddenly, this series took on a whole new level of nastiness and vitriol.

"It has definitely grown," LSU safety Eric Reid said. "I grew up watching LSU-Bama, and it was always a good game, but since I got here it's definitely gotten way bigger. Both of our teams have developed and become very good football teams. Whenever we play each other, everybody expects a big game. We can't disappoint them."

Indeed, these are two modern dynasties. LSU, guided by Saban successor Les Miles, won the national title in 2007. Alabama finished on top in 2009, then did it again last season ? by beating the Tigers 21-0 in the title game.

"It'll definitely be the most physical game we play all year, without a doubt," Alabama center Barrett Jones said. "The most physical games I've played in my life have been against them. We really respect the way they play football."

When the teams met last year in Tuscaloosa, the buildup was so intense that everyone broke out the "Game of the Century" moniker. Alabama was the favorite but LSU pulled out a 9-6 victory in overtime, winning a battle of the field goals.

This game doesn't have quite the same luster, since LSU (7-1, 3-1) already has a loss on its record, a 14-6 setback at Florida.

"To be honest with you, I'm not sure any game will be like that game was last year," Minter said, shaking his head as he remembered the hype. "That was a once-in-a-lifetime type of game."

Turns out, it wasn't a once-in-a-season type of game.

Even though Alabama was runner-up in the SEC West, the Crimson Tide climbed back to No. 2 in the BCS standings, earning a much-debated rematch with the conference champion Tigers in the national title game.

That one was no contest. The Crimson Tide ruined LSU's perfect season in the New Orleans Superdome with a stifling defensive performance, limiting the Tigers to 92 yards and five first downs.

LSU has been stewing about it ever since.

"They took something from us," running back Michael Ford said. "We should have won the national championship. We got it taken away. It should have been a magical season for us."

Ever since Saban took over at Alabama, the teams have met with one or the other ? or both ? ranked in the top five. They have split their previous six meetings, four of which were decided by a touchdown or less, including two that went to overtime. It's not always pretty, but it sure is intense.

"They're not really going to try to trick us," Jones said. "That's why we like playing them and that's why they like playing us. We both respect each other and both really are kind of founded on toughness."

Especially on the defensive side.

Despite losing six players from one of the greatest defenses in college football history to the NFL (including three first-round picks), the Crimson Tide has picked up where it left off in the Superdome.

Alabama is ranked No. 1 in all four major defensive categories.

"Coming into the season, we were always talking about what was going to be our identity," linebacker C.J. Mosley said. "Great players left last year, but we had players that could fill their roles. So far, we're getting the job done. It's all about communication because we've got the athletes and we've got the players that can play with anybody in the nation."

LSU isn't too shabby, either. Even with some major losses of their own ? most notably, Heisman finalist Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu ? the Tigers rank among the top 10 in points allowed, yards allowed, pass defense and run defense.

"Both teams pride themselves on defense," Reid said. "Yeah, both teams lost guys to the NFL, and we're very happy for those guys, but when young guys come in, we tell them when they get here, 'We expect you to play big. We know you're freshmen, but you can't play like that.' When they get on campus, we work them hard in the summer trying to get them to learn the playbook as soon as possible, then we throw them out there and see what they've got."

While both defenses are stout, Alabama would appear to have a clear edge on offense. That's why the Crimson Tide is a rather surprising nine-point favorite going into a Saturday night in Death Valley, one of the most imposing environments for a road team.

Quarterback A.J. McCarron has been about as close to perfection as one can expect, completing nearly 69 percent of his throws for 1,684 yards and 18 touchdowns ? and not one interception. He has put together a stretch of 262 passes without a pick, the longest in school history.

"You have to have the ability to make plays," Saban said. "We've certainly been able to make a few with our quarterback this year, and I think it's going to be important that we continue to be able to do that as well."

LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger hasn't been nearly as effective, raising familiar concerns for a team that has flailed around for several years trying to settle on a starter and didn't reach the end zone in two games against the Crimson Tide a season ago.

Mettenberger, a transfer from Georgia, has completed about 57 percent for 1,419 yards, with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. Essentially, his role is to make sure he doesn't do anything that gets the Tigers beat.

"Not making mistakes will be huge," he said. "We can't turn it over for sure."

But it's hard to envision the Tigers just running the ball down Alabama's throat, even with an extremely deep stable of backs that has grown even deeper with the emergence of freshman Jeremy Hill, who rushed for more than 100 yards in LSU's last two games.

Mettenberger must step up for his team to have any chance.

"I'm very confident in our ability as an offense to move the ball and get things done," he said. "I hope we can go out there and show everyone our potential. The opportunity will be there for us to make big plays. We have to take advantage of those opportunities when they present themselves."

Saban has learned a thing or two from last year's game in Tuscaloosa.

Yes, it's a big game.

Just don't let it affect the way you prepare.

"I think there is such a thing as being too ramped-up for a game," Saban said. "Everyone would say that it is really critical that you play your best in a game like this. The formula and the recipe for that doesn't really change. Even though you would like to change it and put some more sugar in the cake to make it taste better, it usually makes it taste worse."

___

Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-11-02-FBC-T25-Alabama-LSU/id-eac360445baf4182be1bc22b6610502c

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