Report: Automakers fail to fully protect against hacking
FEBRUARY 10, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015, 1:21 AM
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS |
WIRE SERVICE
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* Industry hasn’t protected buyers against theft, senator says
WASHINGTON — Automakers are cramming cars with wireless technology, but they have failed to adequately protect those features against the real possibility that hackers could take control of vehicles or steal personal data, a member of the U.S. Senate is asserting.
Basing his argument on information provided by manufacturers, Sen. Edward Markey has concluded that “many in the automotive industry really don’t understand what the implications are of moving to this new computer-based era” of the automobile.
The Massachusetts Democrat has asked automakers a series of questions about the technologies — and any safeguards against hackers — that may or may not have been built into the latest models of their vehicles. He also asked what protections have been provided to ensure that information computers gather and often transmit wirelessly isn’t used in a harmful or invasive manner.
Appearing Monday on “CBS This Morning,” Markey said motorists should be asking questions because “there really aren’t any clear guidelines on the books.”
Markey said the movement of the automobile from the combustion engine era to the computer era carries wide implications. “No longer do you need a crowbar to break into an automobile,” he said in the interview. “You can do it with an iPad.
Ridgewood Sanitation Services During Snow and Icy Weather
Dear E-Notice Residents,
Due to the recent snow and ice conditions we are requiring that for the foreseeable future your sanitation containers have to be placed on the curb, by the driveway, for pick up. Last week we tried a hybrid approach in telling residents that we would continue rear yard pick-up if the driveways were free and clear of snow and ice. Unfortunately this caused some confusion. We also had four accidents last week of our staff falling and two needing to go to the hospital.
I know that for me personally this morning there was snow and ice on my driveway which was not there last evening. We placed our garbage out by the curb. The sanitation workers come around early during the coldest portion of the day. There are municipalities that suspend rear yard pick-up for the entire season for this reason. We would prefer to keep the services at a normal level whenever possible.Once we resume normal pick-up we will send E-Notices as well as post to our website.
House GOP Wants to Know What DOJ Did With $36B in Bank Fines
Some of America’s top banks paid a grand total of more than $36 billion to settle charges of selling worthless mortgage securities to investors.
Bill Hemmer explained on “America’s Newsroom” that the Justice Department was supposed to give that money to groups who help struggling homeowners, but some House GOP members don’t think that’s where the money went.
Now, a House committee is investigating.
Judge Andrew Napolitano explained that Republicans believe JP Morgan Chase, CitiBank, Bank of America, and others agreed to “give money to liberal-leaning nonprofit housing organizations” in order to avoid criminal prosecution.
Napolitano noted that this controversial move by the Justice Department is not illegal and is actually common in both political parties.
Warren Buffett is under fire from investment analysts who cover his $370bn company, Berkshire Hathaway, over the quality of its financial disclosures.
While Berkshire has grown to be the third-largest company on the US stock market, its quarterly filings reveal far less detail than companies of a similar size, according to the analysts, who all urged Mr Buffett to consider expanding disclosures, particularly about Berkshire’s large insurance businesses.
Mr Buffett rejected the criticism, telling the Financial Times that Berkshire communicates “all the relevant factors for a long-term investment in the shares”.
The FT interviewed five of Berkshire’s six analysts, all of whom noted the difficulty in modelling the company’s financial results. One said Berkshire “could stand to reveal more”; others described the level of disclosure as “limited”, “poor” and “terrible”.
Berkshire’s businesses span insurance, utilities, railways, manufacturing, retail, newspapers and many more industries. Eight of its subsidiaries would be Fortune 500 companies if they were split off.
Cancelled: February 17, 2015, Public MeetingCalled: Work Session & Special Public Meeting: Thursday, February 19, 2015
In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Planning Board has scheduled a special public meeting and work session for THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015, in RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT CENTER, 627 E. RIDGEWOOD AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NJ beginning AT 7:30 p.m.
The Board may take official action during this Special Public Meeting at which time the Board will continue the public hearing concerning a proposed amendment to the Land Use Plan Element of the Master Plan which would recommend changes in zone district classifications and boundaries within the Central Business District and surrounding area, creating the AH-2, B-3-R, and C-R Zone Districts and amending the existing C Zone District.
All meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work session meetings, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings which are always open to members of the general
Greece: Greenspan predicts exit from euro inevitable
Greenspan says only political integration will save the euro
Continue reading the main story
The former head of the US central bank, Alan Greenspan, has predicted that Greece will have to leave the eurozone.
He told the BBC he could not see who would be willing to put up more loans to bolster Greece’s struggling economy.
Greece wants to re-negotiate its bailout, but Mr Greenspan said “I don’t think it will be resolved without Greece leaving the eurozone”.
Earlier, UK Chancellor George Osborne said a Greek exit would cause “deep ructions” for Britain.
Mr Greenspan, chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1987 to 2006, said: “I believe [Greece] will eventually leave. I don’t think it helps them or the rest of the eurozone – it is just a matter of time before everyone recognises that parting is the best strategy.
Ben & Jerry’s is offering a Mooeuphoric Ice Cream Experience this Valentine’s Day. You and up to two guests can reserve a personalized ice cream tasting experience with a dedicated Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Guru only on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14.
Based on your favorite flavors, we will customize a tasting menu that is sure to delight. You and your date will leave in a state of Mooeuphoria. Call for details:201-689-1122.
February 6, 2015 Last updated: Friday, February 6, 2015, 12:31 AM
The Ridgewood News
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Clinton Ave. should have sidewalks
To the Editor:
Clinton Avenue, which connects Godwin and West Ridgewood avenues, does not currently have any sidewalks. The street is closed to through vehicular traffic from 8 a.m. through 3:45 p.m. on school days. Nevertheless, some vehicles are permitted to travel on the block even during those hours, alongside children and their parents who are in the street walking to and from school. At all other times, the street is open, with people having to share the road with traffic. Clinton Avenue is a not a quiet, dead-end street on which the possibility of a car passing a pedestrian is unlikely.
The subject of whether to install sidewalks on Clinton Avenue in conjunction with a planned repaving project was discussed by Village Council members during their work session of Jan. 28 and in November 2014. Councilman Michael Sedon reported that the Citizens’ Safety Advisory Committee supports repaving Clinton Avenue without installing sidewalks, as does the Ridge Home and School Association. However, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld stated that Police Chief John Ward, Sgt. Brian Pullman and Village Engineer Chris Rutishauser all deem that sidewalks on Clinton Avenue would be safer than not having sidewalks.
During the Jan. 28 Village Council work session, numerous residents of Clinton Avenue offered their unequivocal opinions that the street is safe for pedestrians in spite of the fact that there are no sidewalks. They justified their stance by stating there is no history of pedestrian-involved traffic accidents on the block; this argument is flawed. As Councilwoman Susan Knudsen stated, lack of any accident is not a reasonable defense for continuing to allow residents (at times, “a parade of children,” as one resident characterized it) to walk in the street alongside vehicles, including trucks.
We can all be immensely grateful that no accident has occurred, but everyone knows that accidents happen without notice. A collision between a vehicle and a human being (especially a child) can reasonably be expected to be injurious, if not fatal. While we all encounter hazards each day as we move through our lives, many of which are unpredictable and unavoidable, we must do the best we can to protect one another from harm. It cannot be emphasized enough that everything possible should be done to prevent vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents, of which there have been too many in Ridgewood within the last few years. We need to do whatever is practical and reasonable to prevent any more from occurring.
Clinton Avenue residents also expressed concerns about how the installation of sidewalks would change their properties, plantings, and driveways. Front lawns on streets without sidewalks have the same right-of-way easement as those with sidewalks. In other words, the few feet encompassed by the width of a sidewalk do not belong to the homeowner, even though property owners are expected to maintain this strip.
It is my hope that the Village Council will decide for the safety of our residents by heeding the advice of the aforementioned experts and approving a sidewalk for Clinton Avenue.
New Allegations Against Former Bergen Democrat Boss Allege ‘Continuing Criminal Activity’
By Paul Nichols
Friday, Feb 06, 2015
Former Bergen County Democrat Boss Joe Ferriero was in court on Wednesday to fend off new allegations in his Federal corruption trial. The former chairman of the Bergen County Democrats stands accused of extorting $1.7 million from the previous developer of the Meadowlands retail/entertainment project formerly known as Xanadu.
In late December, the United States Attorney filed a motion to allow the Government to introduce evidence of the defendant’s solicitation and acceptance of payments from a Teaneck Law Firm and its clients in matters other than the Retail & Entertainment Project, (a.k.a. Xanadu).
According to the U.S. Attorney, the evidence ‘establishes the continuous nature of the defendant’s racketeering activities and the threat of continuing criminal activity given the financial rewards that the defendant was reaping from those financial arrangements’.
According to the documents filed in the case the U.S. Attorney wants to introduce evidence of four new schemes at trial. The U.S. Attorney calls those schemes ‘The Hackensack Project’, ‘The Landfill Project’, ‘The Port Company Matter’ and ‘The Medical Practitioner Matter’.
Ridgewood NJ, This Tuesday, February 10th at 6:00pm Shawn Michaels will be signing his new book: WRESTLING FOR MY LIFE ($22.99). Books available NOW!!
*All books MUST be purchased at Bookends Bookstore*
Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.
Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.
While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.
Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726
February 6, 2015 Last updated: Friday, February 6, 2015, 12:31 AM
The Ridgewood New
Super Science Saturday, the annual celebration of science and technology, will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Ridgewood High School. The event, now in its 27th year, is free and open to all members of the public.
Scientists from the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia will present one of the day’s featured shows, “Chemistry,” that demonstrates everything from substances that explode (safely) to chemical “detective work” performed by laboratory scientists. The half-hour show begins at 9:30 a.m. and is presented by former Ridgewood High School graduate Sarah Rowley.
The event also has interactive exhibits from dozens of professional and amateur scientists, including 3D printers, solar telescopes, drones, robotics, the environment, health and medicine, physics and the technology used by Ridgewood’s police, fire and EMT professionals.
Bob Jones ready to retire after 30 years with Children’s Aid and Family Services
February 6, 2015 Last updated: Friday, February 6, 2015, 10:51 AM
By Darius Amos
Staff Writer |
The Ridgewood News
Robert “Bob” Jones always hoped he’d give back to his community. Having served the past three decades as chief executive of the Children’s Aid and Family Services (CAFS), it’s clear that he accomplished just that.
Now 62 years old, Jones is ready for a fully dedicated family life and will officially hand over the reins of CAFS to new president and CEO Jerrold Binney, a longtime board member, on Feb. 9.
“[It’s] bittersweet, you bet,” Jones said this week about his retirement. “How do you say goodbye to people you love after three decades of a dance? The volunteers, the board and the staff are a joy with whom to work. The positive energy they create and share is inspiring and healing. They are simply amazing and I will miss them dearly.
Parlance Chamber Concerts presents David Finckel, Cello and Wu Han
World-renowned piano/cello duo to play in Ridgewood
February 6, 2015 Last updated: Friday, February 6, 2015, 12:31 AM
The Ridgewood News
Michael Parloff’s Parlance Chamber Concerts’ fourth event of the 2014-15 season will take place this coming Sunday afternoon, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m. at West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood. Michael Parloff provided our readers with some background on the musicians and the program.
The concert will feature the esteemed cello-piano duo of David Finckel and Wu Han. Hailed as “2012 Musicians of the Year” by the magazine “Musical America,” the husband-and-wife team ranks among the most dynamic and influential forces in classical music today
David Finckel was the first American protégé of the legendary Russian cellist/conductor, Mstislav Rostropovich. In celebration of his close, longtime relationship with the revered master musician, he and Wu Han have designed a special recital entitled Russian Reflections. The concert will feature three groundbreaking 20th-century cello sonatas, culminating in Rachmaninoff’s beloved Sonata in G Minor.
Parlance Chamber Concerts presents David Finckel, Cello and Wu Han, Piano in a concert which tells the gripping story of 20th century Russian music – Sunday, February 8 at 3PM at West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ. Tickets and information: 800/838-3006 or at the door.
Fraud outbreak hits TurboTax
By: Matt Krantz February 6, 2015 11:23 am
TurboTax has turned off the ability of its software to e-file state tax returns Thursday after the company found “an increase in suspicious filings,” the company said today.
The tax-preparation software company has found an increase in criminal activity where stolen personal data is used to file fake state returns with state authorities. This illegal act allows fraudsters to claim tax refunds from state governments.
An internal TurboTax investigation has found the breaches are not due to a problem with its own systems, but criminals digging up the personal information elsewhere. The company said the investigation is ongoing. Intuit says it’s working with state tax officials to get the e-filing security back to where it needs to be to turn it back on. TurboTax customers who already e-filed their state returns don’t have to do anything. The returns will be transmitted again when the problem is resolved, TurboTax says.
The e-filing halt only affect state returns. Federal tax returns can still be filed electronically.
