UK's Prince Charles takes first "Tube" trip since 1986

LONDON (Reuters) - Four million Londoners cram onto the city's Underground passenger railway nearly every day, but it is a rarer event for Prince Charles. He rode the British capital's bustling commuter network on Wednesday for the first time since 1986.

The heir to the British throne and his wife Camilla took a one-stop journey from Farringdon to King's Cross on the Metropolitan Line as part of celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of a transport service affectionately known to Britons as the "Tube".

The short journey was a rare enough event to cause some confusion at the prince's press office, which initially said he had last ventured onto the Tube in 1979.

"This is just to let you know that it has come to our attention that The Prince of Wales has travelled on the London Underground more recently than 1979. In 1986 The Prince and Princess of Wales travelled by tube to Heathrow Airport to open Terminal 4," a spokeswoman said in an email to media.

"We're sorry that our previous information was incorrect. Our archives of Royal engagements prior to 1988 are not computerized and in this particular instance a search under 'The Prince of Wales takes the Tube' did not bring up an event which had been logged as the 'official opening of Terminal 4'."

(Reporting By Estelle Shirbon, editing by Paul Casciato)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/uks-prince-charles-takes-first-tube-trip-since-184105012.html

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Philip O Sullivan: From Private to Public

After going to private school for seven years, switching to a public school and going into my first year of high school was a scary experience for me. The transition is like going from living in a house out in the countryside where you know all your neighbors to an apartment in the city where there are lots of people. At private school, life is very different from public school. At my private school, the class sizes were very small and the atmosphere was very sheltered because everyone knew each other, and everyone trusted one another. By comparison, at my current school, the class sizes are huge.

One of the biggest adjustments in the transition from private to public was the social aspect. At my old school I knew all the kids in my class, and there were rarely any new kids. At my new school, there are so many kids and so many different types of people. The shift is massive. I prefer the public school because I get to meet more new people. At my old school, my class was tiny and there were only one or two new kids each year. I didn't dislike anyone in my class, but after a while one can get bored; new people are more interesting. Finding friends hasn't been a problem at my new school.

Another difference is extracurricular activities. Private school, for me, was like living in the country, where there are only a few things to do and almost everyone did them. Public school, on the other hand, is like going to the city where there seems to be an infinite number of things to do. Finding an extracurricular activity that you like is an important part of high school in the sense that in addition to school you have another leisure activity to do in your free time. Joining a club or sport helps you meet people and have an activity to do. At my private school, the opportunities were very limited and there weren't new people to meet when joining an activity -- but at public school, you're guaranteed to meet some new people and try something new.

There are also small differences, such as having to write my first and last name on worksheets. At my old school I was the only Philip, so on worksheets I just had to write my first name. At my new school, that's not the case, so for every worksheet I have to make sure I write my first and last name. Another thing is attendance. My old school was strict about being late, but not nearly as strict as DCPS. DCPS is very strict on attendance and the penalties for being late are harsh -- for example, if you are late to class more than three times per advisory quarter, your grade is lowered a letter. I don't struggle with being on time, but it's a little disconcerting to think of penalties. Another thing is the rules: My private school was like the neighborhood out in the country where everyone trusts each other and the rules are never really enforced because nobody breaks them. But in my new school, although people don't necessarily break the rules, but there are much stricter enforcements and punishments if it does happen. An example is hall passes. At my old school, nobody used hall passes because they weren't needed. Nobody needed a hall pass because there was no chance anyone would try to sneak off campus or try anything mischievous. At my new school, you need a hall pass whenever you have to leave class.

Overall, there is nothing to be scared of when switching schools. Nevertheless, I think the country-city switch has given me more opportunities both in and outside of school, and has given me another view on life. I'm grateful for both styles.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/philip-o-sullivan/from-private-to-public_b_2576850.html

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Unlocking Your Phone Without Permission Becomes Illegal Tomorrow: Here's Why You Should Care

After this upcoming weekend, you have to ask your phone company if you want to use the phone you (kind of) bought from them on any other carrier's network. You used to be able to ask for, or purchase, or hack your way to an "unlocked" phone, but that will be illegal after Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013.

The Librarian of Congress believes cellphone companies are doing a good enough job of fostering competition in their market, so the era of third-party unlocking is coming to a close.

Back in October 2012, the Librarian of Congress was asked by the Register of Copyrights to examine the exemptions made for certain classes of work under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, or DMCA. I know what you may be thinking. "This Librarian, and this Register?do they live in giant vine-strewn towers? Do have any special powers if they leave Washington?" That is a good question, but first we must address other things.

The DMCA is an oft-referenced 1998 bill that, while tightening and specifying certain online and digital copyright laws, also allows for certain exceptions. It is the bill that allows YouTube and other sites to avoid never-ending lawsuits over copyright infringement, so long as they take down infringing materials once notified. The DMCA also makes it illegal to circumvent encryption and protection measures on copyright-protected materials?with exceptions.

In October 2012, that Librarian of Congress, tasked with regularly reviewing and determining whether the exceptions to the DMCA are still valid, changed course from previous decisions in 2006 and 2010 and determined that, in short, there exists enough unlocked phones, carrier unlocking options, and other options for consumers, such that unsanctioned unlocking of cellphones no longer needed to be a protected right.

The Librarian's decision is not a casual or short read. In its writing, the Librarian weighs the arguments of consumers' groups, digital rights advocates, and generally smaller and pre-paid carriers that would benefit from unlocking against a trade group that represents most major cellular carriers.

On the pro-unlocking side:

Proponents noted that "huge numbers" of people have already unlocked their phones under the 2006 and 2010 exemptions and claimed that ending the exemption will lead to higher device prices for consumers, increased electronic waste, higher costs associated with switching service providers, and widespread mobile customer "lock-in." Although proponents acknowledged that unlocked mobile devices are widely available for purchase, they contended that an exemption is still warranted because some devices sold by carriers are permanently locked and because unlocking policies contain restrictions and may not apply to all of a carrier's devices.

On the cellular side:

CTIA explained that the practice of locking cell phones is an essential part of the wireless industry's predominant business model, which involves subsidizing the cost of wireless handsets in exchange for a commitment from the customer that the phone will be used on that carrier's service so that the subsidy can eventually be recouped by the carrier. CTIA alleged that the industry has been plagued by "large scale phone trafficking operations" that buy large quantities of pre-paid phones, unlock them, and resell them in foreign markets where carriers do not subsidize handsets.

So the Librarian decided in October 2012 to no longer provide a safe space for third-party phone unlocking tools for phones purchased as new. A 90-day window was provided, so those who bought a new phone could still unlock it however they would like, legally. That window is closed on Jan. 26.

You may be able to get your carrier to unlock your phone, either after a 90-day period or when your contract is up. You might discover the pathways to unlocked phones, already well tread by those who broke their glass-backed iPhone 4 or 4S. Or you might just decide that it's not worth the hassle and just ask your smartphone carrier how much it costs to replace or upgrade your phone on their schedule, or to travel abroad at their pricing.

I think that expecting the carriers to maintain a consistent unlocking policy for transactions they've already processed is like asking the scorpion not to sting. I think that the unlocking exception in the DMCA can be revised to prevent "large scale phone trafficking operations" from exploiting loopholes, without cracking down on the guy who broke his $200 phone after 3 months and can't afford a $600 replacement. I think it stinks that the end of this 90-day window garnered only 12 articles that Google News could see today (now there are 13). Maybe there were just too many aspects of Apple's quarterly earnings and stock price to fit in fundamental device rights this week.

Why unlocking your phone without permission will be illegal (and why you should care) | ITWorld

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Kevin Purdy is a freelance writer, author of The Complete Android Guide, and a former Lifehacker editor. Follow him on Google+ and Twitter.

Image remixed from Elnur and Kozorez Vladislav (Shutterstock).

Want to see your work on Lifehacker? Email Tessa.

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/RK5sIdDDHUY/unlocking-your-phone-without-permission-becomes-illegal-tomorrow-heres-why-you-should-care

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Soccer-Maradona faces Eriksson competition for Iraq job - agent

BUENOS AIRES, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Diego Maradonas chances of becoming Iraq's coach hung in the balance on Friday as the Middle East country's soccer federation also studied options to sign Sven-Goran Eriksson instead.

The Swedish former England manager's name came into consideration as some 30 federation members met to discuss who would replace departed Brazilian Zico as Iraq's coach, said Hernan Tofoni, the agent representing Argentine great Maradona.

"There are about 30 club representatives who are meeting," Tofoni, whose Argentine company World Eleven is pushing Maradona's candidacy, told Reuters on Friday.

"They're enthused that Diego should coach their national team but other (federation) directors proposed Eriksson so the issue could be resolved next week," Tofoni added.

"We'll travel to Dubai next week to meet with Diego (and the directors)."

Tofoni told Reuters on Thursday that Maradona, former coach of United Arab Emirates side Al Wasl and now their consultant, was excited at the prospect of a chance to lead Iraq to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

Brazil great Zico quit last month leaving Iraq in third place in Group B in the fourth round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers. Japan lead with 13 points from five matches, while Iraq are equal on five points with second-placed Australia, who have a match in hand, and Oman. (Writing by Rex Gowar in London; Editing by Clare Fallon)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/soccer-maradona-faces-eriksson-competition-iraq-job-agent-140020546--sow.html

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In Latin America, Women Are Breaking Barriers To Entrepreneurship

Editor?s note:?Maria Rocio Paniagua currently works as a project manager at?Innku, one of the top mobile and web workshops in Mexico. The lack of women in technology in Latin America and the Caribbean is an issue whose cause has deep roots. Still, despite the barriers, there are examples of women disrupting not only businesses, but entire societies all over the continent. Entrepreneurship has proven to be an area where the few that excel really go the distance, particularly where technology is concerned.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/RphBtk1YkCg/

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Christmas Tour of Homes in Macon, Georgia - Part 1

The President of Intown Macon, said it so well in the booklet supplied with the map of all the homes on the Macon, Georgia Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes......He said, "We hope you will experience the warmth and spirit that comes from being in a home lovingly cared for by different families over successive generations."? In Town is the neighborhood association for the residents in the Macon Historic District.

Yes, all of these homes have had many owners down through the generations.? Just walking inside any one of these homes,? you can feel the whisperings of the past all around you.

The first house on the tour is a Classical Revival house built back in 1905.? The house had many owners through the years.

The current owners have chosen traditional decorations, and a huge Christmas tree filled with ornaments collected by their family, and hand-made lovingly by their children.

?Living Room

?Dining Room

?Kitchen

I thought this was such a simple and good idea.? In preparation for the candlelight portion of the tour later as evening approached,? there were Mason jars with candles inside,? ready to light......What a simple, easy and good idea!
The next home is a Queen Anne house built on a solid granite foundation back in 1875.? The original owner was a Macon railroad official.
?

One of the many Nativity scenes on display in the home.

The walls are decorated with art by local artists.

The piano in the below photo was used by a Macon native and singer Otis Redding, who was very popular in the mid 60's

The next home on the Christmas Tour of Homes was what they call "The Crisco House."? This house is a Beaux Arts designed home, built in 1901.? The original owner of this home was the inventor of Crisco Oil, and of course he made a fortune.? He went on to be an executive in the very successful Proctor and Gamble Company.

As you walk in the front door this is the staircase you see from the foyer.

This elaborate staircase was fabricated in Chicago and shipped by rail to Macon in three pieces.

How about that beautiful fireplace at mid-level, along with two huge windows, and then you can continue on up the rest of the stairway on either side.

?Off to the left of the entrance hall is this sitting room or living room.

The house interior includes oak paneling, pocket doors and wooden curved walls.

?Off to the right of the entrance hall is the dining room.? You can see the wooden curved wall to the right in this photo below.

Family room.

?Below is a later photo of The Crisco House during the candlelight portion of the tour.

The next home on tour is called the Wiley - Lawton, Miller, Gerhardt House.? Those are the names of all the previous owners of the home.? This home was built in 1850 and had many design changes.? It is now referred to as a Queen Anne style house.

This next home is a Victorian style home built in 1880.? This home has had multiple owners and has been passed down from generation to generation.?

Each fireplace in the home has cast iron mantels.

Our tour booklet told us that a part of this home is featured in the upcoming movie "42," the story of Jackie Robinson that was recently filmed in Macon.
The current owners have furnished their home with family heirlooms and artwork as well as antiques acquired through the years.
In the below photo this beautiful Christmas tree in the formal parlor is decorated with hand-painted ceramic ornaments made by a family member,? plus handmade items from the owner's childhood.
This was quite a long tour,? so I am going to separate into Part 1 and then Part 2.?? Come on along with us later for part two,? if you would like to see the rest of the tour.

Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas week with, as a friend of mine would say,? "Merry Happy Days" wherever you may be.

Source: http://sweetsoutherndays.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-tour-of-homes-in-macon.html

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Rush to buy armored backpacks, guns after shooting

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) ? When Ken Larson's 1-year-old son starts school in a few years, he'll be carrying an armored backpack.

After the Connecticut school shooting, Larson and his wife have decided to buy him one just to be safe. Larson already owns one himself that he takes with him when he goes to the movies.

"It's a no brainer. My son's life is invaluable," said Larson, 41, of Denver. "If I can get him a backpack for $200 that makes him safer, I don't even have to think about that."

The reaction to the deadly Connecticut school shooting can be seen at gun stores and self-defense retailers across the nation, with anxious parents buying armored backpacks for children and firearms enthusiasts stocking up on semi-automatic rifles in anticipation of tighter gun control measures.

A spike in gun sales is common after a mass shooting, but the latest rampage has generated record sales in some states, particularly of assault weapons similar to the AR-15 rifle the gunman used Friday in an attack on Sandy Hook Elementary School that killed 26 people, including 20 children.

Colorado set a single-day record for gun background check requests the day after the shootings, while Nevada saw more checks in the two days that followed than any other weekend this year. Records were also set in Tennessee, California and Virginia, among others.

Some gun shop owners stopped selling the remaining stock of their assault weapons, anticipating only more interest and value after President Barack Obama on Wednesday instructed his administration to create concrete proposals to reduce gun violence.

Robert Akers, a Rapid City, S.D., gun seller who specializes in military-style weapons, said the rush of customers had transformed his Rapid Fire Firearms store into a "madhouse" and that he's not actively selling the guns and has turned off his phone.

"The price is only going to go up higher," he said.

There was also an unusual increase in sales for armored backpacks designed to shield children caught in shootings, according to three companies that make them.

The armor inserts fit into the back panel of a child's backpack, and sell for up to $400, depending on the retailer. The armor is designed to stop bullets from handguns, not assault weapons like the one used in the shooting at the Newtown, Conn., school.

Still, the manufacturers and some parents say that while they don't guarantee children won't be killed, they could be useful as shields.

Some experts, however, say sending children to school in armored backpacks is not a healthy response to fear about mass shootings. Anne Marie Albano, psychiatry director at Columbia University's Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders, said parents should convey calmness, not anxiety.

"This is not serving to keep children safe," she said. "This is serving to increase their fear and their suspicion of their peers."

At Amendment II in Salt Lake City, sales of its children's backpacks and armored inserts have increased, with 200 purchase requests Wednesday alone.

"The incident last week highlights the need to protect our children," said co-owner Derek Williams. "We didn't get in this business to do this. But the fact is that our armor can help children just as it can help soldiers."

Kerry Clark, president of Texas-based Backpackshield.com, began making the backpacks after the deadly mass shooting at Virginia Tech in 2007. Clark said he sold 15 backpacks Wednesday. Prior to Friday's shooting, he said, the company would sometimes go an entire month and just sell one.

"It's the busiest I've seen it in my life," he said.

Bullet Blocker, a Massachusetts-based company that sells the backpack armor, declined to provide sales numbers but noted that recent sales were substantially greater than normal.

Sales of assault weapons also were on the rise.

Austin Cook, general manager of Hoover Tactical Firearms in suburban Birmingham, Ala., said the spike in sales since Friday's shootings has been so intense that federal background checks that typically take five minutes or less are now taking up to an hour.

Cook said about 50 people were waiting in line for his store to open the morning after the shootings, and that he's since sold nearly all of his assault weapons. Now, he's trying to find more distributors.

"I can't keep them in the store," Cook said.

In Pittsburgh, Dick's Sporting Goods said it was suspending sales of modern rifles nationwide because of the shooting. The company also said it's removing all guns from display at its store closest to Newtown.

Aaron Byrd, co-owner of Patriot Shooting Sports in Youngsville, N.C., is sold out of AR-15 rifles, ammo for those types of guns and high-capacity magazines.

"Things have been crazy the past couple of days. A lot of people have been coming in looking to purchase semiautomatic rifles. They're worried that the government's going to ban semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines, so they've been coming in looking for those," he said.

He added, "I think it is a knee-jerk reaction by both parties ? both the government and the citizens."

___

Skoloff reported from Phoenix. Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Allen G. Breed and Mitch Weiss in North Carolina; Scott Sonner in Nevada; Steven K. Paulson in Colorado; Dirk Lammers in South Dakota; Pam Ramsey in West Virginia; Matt Gouras in Montana; and Jay Reeves in Alabama.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/armored-backpacks-rush-guns-conn-182739177.html

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