Three men rob convenience store in Halloween masks

<halloween 3 masksp>SAN ANTONIO -- Three men in Halloween masks robbed a convenience store on Palo Alto around 12:45 a.m. Sunday, according to police.

Three Hispanic males walked in to the store with their masks and pointed guns at the clerk, police said. They told him to get on the floor and then emptied the register and ran out.

The clerk was not hurt, according to police.

Source: Kens5

Breast Cancer calendar

MONDAY

Bosom Buddies, support and education program for breast cancer survivors and women at high risk, 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Women's Center of Jacksonville, 5644 Colcord Ave. (904) 722-3000, ext. 224.

TUESDAY

SenioRITAs Tennis Tournament to benefit The Rita Foundation, Oct. 1, 16 and 18-20. (904) 806-3613 or the-rita-foundation.org/senioritas.

■ Kick-off Party, 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Pusser's Caribbean Grille. $25, includes two drinks, hor d'oeuvres and a raffle.

■ Auction and Cocktail Party, 6 p.m. Oct. 16, Sawgrass Country Club. Includes light cuisine and a cash bar. $40, included in player registration fee.

■ Women's Doubles Tennis Tournament, for women 40 and older, 8 a.m. Oct. 18-20, Sawgrass Country Club. $85, includes auction and party (not kickoff party on Oct. 1).

Breast Cancer support group, presented by Mayo's Breast Clinic and the Pink Sisters and Friends, 6:30-8 p.m., Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Stabile Building, 125N. (904) 953-0707.

Breast Cancer Support Group of St. Augustine, 7 p.m., Flagler Hospital, 400 Health Park Blvd., Suite 1010. (904) 501-7100 or bcsg-staug.com.

WEDNESDAY

Bosom Buddies of Amelia Island, 5:30 p.m., Fernandina Beach Police Department, Lime St. (904) 225-0067.

SATURDAY

Pink Ribbon Symposium, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, St. Johns River Community College, 283 College Drive, Orange Park. Speakers are comedians Gwen Templeton and Roz McCoy on "Laughter is the Best Medicine," an insight into how laughter can ease pain and help the cancer journey in an up-close and personal way. Includes a healthy, continental breakfast, discussions, a Meet the Experts panel, exhibits and a silent auction. Free. (904) 838-2950 or pinkribbonsymposium.org.

OCT. 7

Bosom Buddies, support and education program for breast cancer survivors and women at high risk, 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Women's Center of Jacksonville, 5644 Colcord Ave. (904) 722-3000, ext. 224.

Young Survivors Group, presented by the Bosom Buddies program, 7-8:30 p.m., Women's Center of Jacksonville, 5644 Colcord Ave. Group meets again Oct. 21. Registration, (904) 722-3000, ext. 224.

OCT. 11

Upbeat Pink: A Musical Tribute to Breast Cancer Survivorship themed "An Evening with James Bond and Friends," 7:30 p.m., University of North Florida's Lazzara Performance Hall. Featurse the UNF Wind Symphony and guest ensembles. Free. (904) 953-0707 or facebook.com/breastclinic.

OCT. 12

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Jacksonville 5K Walk, 9 a.m., Best Bet, 455 Park Ave., Orange Park. Wear a pink bra (optional). (904) 284-2661 or facebook.com/makingstridesagainstbreastcanceroforangepark.

Shop Pink Women's Health Fair, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Augustine Outlets, Interstate 95, Exit 218, east side of interstate. Features information on healthy living, demonstrations, giveaways, health screenings, Chase the Pink Heals firetruck and a gift bag. Includes Bobbi Hanks, founder of Bosom Buddies at 1 p.m. and Managing Diabetes at 2 p.m. (904) 826-1052 or staugoutlets.com.

OCT. 14

Pink Ribbon Ladies breast cancer support group in Nassau County, 6-7:30 p.m., Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Conference Room. (904) 321-2057 or 261-2976.

Bosom Buddies, support and education program for breast cancer survivors and women at high risk, 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Women's Center of Jacksonville, 5644 Colcord Ave. (904) 722-3000, ext. 224.

OCT. 15

Candid Conversations about Breast Cancer, educational support group for breast cancer survivors and their caregivers, 6-7 p.m., St. Vincent's Mary Virginia Terry Cancer Center, 2 Shircliff Way, second floor. Park free on second floor of the DePaul Building parking garage. (904) 308-5490.

OCT. 19

Touchdown Against Cancer Games, 8 a.m., Bob Hayes Sports Complex, 5054 Soutel Drive. Breast cancer survivors who are ex-flag football players will be honored. Includes several flag football games. Donations being accepted for the Sister/Hermane Foundation, beginning in 2014. (904) 765-4321.

OCT. 21

Bosom Buddies, support and education program for breast cancer survivors and women at high risk, 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Women's Center of Jacksonville, 5644 Colcord Ave. (904) 722-3000, ext. 224.

Young Survivors Group, presented by the Bosom Buddies program, 7-8:30 p.m., Women's Center of Jacksonville, 5644 Colcord Ave. Registration, (904) 722-3000, ext. 224.

Wrap Up halloween ribbon wired Party for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Best Bet, 455 Park Ave., Orange Park. (904) 284-2661 or facebook.com/makingstridesagainstbreastcanceroforangepark.

OCT. 26

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Jacksonville 5K Walk/Run, 9 a.m., The Jacksonville Landing. Wear a pink bra (optional). (904) 285-4225, makingstrideswalk.org or facebook.com/makingstridesjax.

OCT. 28

Bosom Buddies, support and education program for breast cancer survivors and women at high risk, 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Women's Center of Jacksonville, 5644 Colcord Ave. (904) 722-3000, ext. 224.

UPCOMING

Bike 26.2 with Donna, check-in, 6:30 a.m. Nov. 10, Bartram Trail High School, 7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway, St. Johns. Includes a 110-mile ride, 7:45 a.m.; 52.4-mile ride, 8 a.m.; 26.2-mile ride, 8:15 a.m.; and 13.1-mile ride, 8:30 a.m.; postrace celebration with free lunch for registered participants, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Register online by Nov. 4. breastcancermarathon.com.

Fax to (904) 359-4478 or email events@jacksonville.com. Complete listing at jacksonville.com/calendars. To put your event in the free online calendar, go to events.jacksonville.com.

Source: Jacksonville

AXIS Camera Companion 2.10 Unveils with 360 degrees Overview and De- warped Recording - HispanicBusiness.com

Axis Communications, a company focusing on network video surveillance, announced version 2.10 of the AXIS Camera Companion software, a digital surveillance solution for installations of 16 cameras or less.

According to a release, AXIS Camera Companion 2.10 includes support for 360 degrees overview recording with de-warped views when zooming into the image. This allows users to take advantage of the benefits from Axis' 360 degrees fixed dome HDTV cameras, providing great overview and scene details with only one camera.

While most AXIS Camera Companion solutions record video directly to SD-cards inside Axis network cameras, the new release also includes support for easier integration of network-attached storage (NAS) when increased storage capacity is needed. A set-up wizard makes it possible to integrate any NAS device on the market and, for further simplicity, Axis has included automatic configuration in the software client for select NAS products.

"Usability is a key feature of AXIS Camera Companion, and the latest version provides end-customers with more capabilities to fully leverage the benefits of IP video for their small surveillance systems," said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications, Inc. "While small systems have traditionally been limited to analog CCTV, the market is now moving to digital networked technology thanks to the new concept of having the intelligent network cameras be the recorder, providing HDTV quality, 360 degrees surveillance and truly scalable solutions with AXIS Camera Companion 2.10."

As described by the company, the features include:

-Multi-view streaming to increase surveillance efficiency for multi-megapixel cameras

-Search filter for navigation to different sites

-Visual system status notification

-Windows 8 touch screen support

-Third-party apps for viewing live and recorded video from EyeSpyFX and BrightSentry

-Automatic NAS configuration currently compatible with units from QNAP

Unlike traditional surveillance installations, AXIS Camera Companion does not require a central recording device - such as a digital video recorder (DVR), network video recorder (NVR) or even a computer - to run. All video can be recorded onto a standard SD- card in each camera, and the cameras keep recording even if the network fails. The cameras can be powered over the network, eliminating the need for separate power cables.

Complete details:

http://www.axis.com

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

Source: Hispanicbusiness

SteamOS: who is it for exactly? - opinion

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SteamOS was announced last night to much excitement across the internet. Now he's had a chance to sleep on it, VG247′s Dave Cook talks about some of the feedback he's seen so far.

I absolutely didn't see SteamOS coming last night. Like many gamers, I watched the countdown on Valve's teaser site fritter away, fully expecting to see a Steambox console announcement at the end.

Instead, we were introduced to SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system designed to bring Steam into the living room in a more fluid and accessible manner. Valve founder Gabe Newell is a keen admirer of Linux, and its malleable nature, so it's little surprise to see the company using it as their operating system's base.

SteamOS is just one of three new announcements due from Valve, so its possible that the Steam Box reveal is currently in the mail. There's already a sense that the company is keen to tear down the barriers between the old notion of PCs or laptops being resigned to studies or bedrooms, and to establish them as a focal point in the family home.

Key to this vision is the ability to stream content from a SteamOS device to any living room appliance with a screen. I saw a few gamers last night exerting a degree of caution in regards to this promise, seeing as there is a potential for lag between your native device and the receiving screen, but as we all surely know by now, Valve is smart. It's a company that solves problems and thinks hard about solutions. It's not infallible of course, but I'm certain Gabe and his posse wouldn't settle for a mediocre service.

But those raising concerns have a point. Sure, SteamOS streaming isn't cloud-based, so concerns regarding broadband speed needn't necessarily apply to the same degree as say, Gaikai. We recently saw Sony's Shuhei Yoshida expressing doubt over Gaikai's launch in Europe due to the regions broadband services. I doubt we'll see the same level of logistical issues with SteamOS, but I think many of you would like to see it running in front of the naked eye first before putting lag concerns to bed. It's understandable.

Personally, I can't wait to see SteamOS in action and to try it for myself. It's free after all, and from what Valve stated yesterday, it seems that it's a platform engineered with gaming at the forefront. It's likely it will be robust and support a wide range of gaming tech. With the promise of hundreds of native games coming in 2014, as well as streaming support for Steam's existing library, it's going to get off to a solid launch in terms of content alone.

It's an exciting prospect for someone like me, as I recently saved up for a new gaming rig to use like a console in my living room. With Big Picture mode enabled, I'm having a blast playing Steam games on my telly. So absolutely, SteamOS speaks to me. I can take or leave the promised music, TV and movie services, but they're a nice little addition for others I'm sure.

All this said and done, I've seen a lot of people expressing some confusion as to who, exactly SteamOS is for. Many of them have big, expensive rigs away from their living room and are entirely content to separate their PC space from their living space. Others don't want a second operating system when they're already perfectly happy and familiar with Windows, Mac OS, or existing Linux set-ups. For many people, dual-booting two OS at the same time simply isn't an attractive option.

Does - for argument's sake - SteamOS offer the same functionality as Windows to the extent that you can swap one OS for the other? Can I run Microsoft Word and Photoshop through it? Can I install Chrome and fire up Spotify? Or is it purely a game and media launcher solely designed for the purpose of streaming content to other devices? Is it actually an alternative to Windows in full, or is it a service to be used on top?

These are all questions I saw raised last night, and while I'm personally not bothered or concerned, I think these are things people really want to know about. I think it largely has to do with how potentially disruptive SteamOS can be. Should it offer a free alternative to Windows, then that potentially breaks a decades-long monopoly on the OS market. It's exciting and a little unnerving to think about. Most of us know Windows like the back of our hands, so to see something new come along can get us a little nervous.

These are all broad questions and stray observations I made while reading your comments, and those on other sites last night and this morning, so I'm not saying anything concrete here as the jury's still out.

What I would like to do however is to continue the discussion further. So with that in mind, what do you think of the above?

Let us know below.

At the time of writing. Announcement two will drop in 31 hours.

Honeywell helps retailers get mobile with new scanning and payment accessories for iPod touch and iPhone 5 mobile devices

Honeywell's Captuvo SL42 and SL22 are encasements for the Apple iPhone 5 and fifth generation iPod Touch mobile digital devices, respectively, turning the consumer devices into selling tools that allow retail workers to look up inventory, scan barcodes and securely process payment, bringing the check out to the shopper so no one has to wait in line.

Both new products feature Honeywell Adaptus 6.0 imaging technology, which accurately reads virtually any bar code, including coupons or loyalty club bar codes increasingly found on the reflective screens of mobile devices.

"Mobile POS enablers like our Captuvo line are quickly changing the way customers and stores do business, and you will continue to see innovation from Honeywell in this area," said Tony Nasr, Regional Director - Middle East & Africa at Honeywell Scanning & Mobility. "What sets apart Honeywell devices is our technology with the industry's best scanning capability, security features and durability."

"The Honeywell Captuvo SL22 is a great fit for the Middle East's low-key shopping environment: it extends workers' product and inventory expertise, and is much easier for customers and workers to use than a traditional aisle-based check-out lane," continued Nasr. "And because it's based on the Apple iOS, we find our client's employees already are familiar with the user interface, so there is very little training needed, even for temporary or seasonal help."

The Captuvo SL22 is now shipping across the Middle East, and the SL42 will ship this month.

Posted by Siba Sami Ammari
Wednesday, September 18 - 2013 at 09:45 UAE local time (GMT+4)

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Source: Ameinfo

Axis' M7016 and P7216 Video Encoders

CHELMSFORD, Mass. - September 12, 2013 - Axis Communications, the world leader in network video, today announces two cost-effective additions to its line of video encoders that have been developed to meet the needs of small- to medium-sized surveillance installations. Offering full frame rate video, AXIS M7016 Video Encoder provides an attractive, cost-effective and easy entry to network video, while the flexible AXIS P7216 Video Encoder adds audio and I/O ports and is equipped with a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) slot for use with fiber optics.

"With tens of millions of analog cameras still in operation around the world, video encoders allow these end-customers to leverage existing investments while providing a scalable solution to network video - now at a more cost-effective price starting at $81 per channel," said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications, Inc. "We continue to invest R&D into video encoder technology to increase performance and lower cost so that analog CCTV users can migrate at their own pace and still benefit from the advantages of IP video. These two new encoders in particular address the needs of small- to mid-sized applications where cost and scalability are often barriers to going fully IP, like in many retail environments."

Unlike many encoder solutions that require four network ports per 16-channel unit, AXIS M7016 and AXIS P7216 Video Encoders utilize one single network port, which helps drive down overall cost and port density of the surveillance system infrastructure. Both AXIS M7016 and AXIS P7216 come with a power supply, offer simultaneous H.264 and Motion JPEG streams and include four micro SD-card slots supporting up to 64 GB (cards not included).

Additionally, AXIS P7216 features a separate Ethernet service port to allow direct connection for maintenance and configuration, while its SFP slot offers network redundancy by automatically switching traffic over to the Ethernet port if the SFP module fails.

The video encoders join a product portfolio that has expanded to include solutions for systems of all sizes. The recently announced AXIS Q7436 Video Encoder Blade and complementary AXIS Q7920 Video Encoder Chassis create a high-performance solution for large-scale, mission-critical applications. Axis also recently claimed the number one spot globally in the video encoder category for 2012 according to a report from information and analytics firm IHS.

AXIS M7016 and AXIS P7216 are supported by AXIS Camera Station video management software as well as the industry's largest base of application software through the Axis Application Development Partner (ADP) program. Furthermore the video encoders support AXIS Camera Companion, Hosted Video and ONVIF for easy system integration.

The new 16-channel encoders are planned to be available to order in Q4 2013 through Axis' standard distribution channels at the suggested retail prices of $1299 for AXIS M7016 ($81 per channel) and $1599 for AXIS P7216 ($100 per channel). Affordable surveillance kits including the encoders and 16 licenses of AXIS Camera Station will also be made available for $1499 and $1799, respectively.

Source: Securityinfowatch

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BANGALORE: Karnataka government employees reaching office late will lose half-day leave or salary from November 1. The government is gearing up to discipline errant government employees by introducing biometrics attendance system and monitor their login time live online.

According to a circular issued by principal secretary (department of personnel and administrative reforms) Shalini Rajneesh on September 4 (a copy of which is with The Times of India), all government offices must install the biometric system by October 31. This will replace the old system of manually recording the attendance of employees in a register.

When an employee swipes his/her smart card in office, the system records the details of arrival and departure, and any office-related outdoor duty. The employees get a 30-minute cushion to enter the office. Any delay more than 30 minutes attracts half-day leave or pay cut, a senior official in the e-governance department said.

The move follows complaints flooding the government against employees' late arrivals and bunking office. A senior DPAR officer said: "The employees raised a hue and cry when we introduced the dress code, which was, in fact, based on a request by their association's office-bearers. We hope they won't complain now. This e-attendance initiative is a step towards e-governance."

According to sources, some employees would attend office once a week, but sign in the register for all the seven days and avail salary. Some others sign the attendance register and leave the office for unofficial work. The introduction of biometric system will help the government check this menace.

As per the circular, the departments must buy the biometric-reader system from the empanelled gadget suppliers, and the e-governance department will provide the technical help. "The secretariat has successfully introduced the system. We've no qualms about such plans,'' Karnataka State Government Employees' Association president L Byrappa said.

Strict vigil

Branded biometric attendance system costs between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000

System introduced in the secretariat, Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha and major departments and government colleges in Bangalore three years ago as a pilot

Once all offices introduce biometric system, attendance will be monitored live by department heads

There are about 5.5 lakh Karnataka government employees

By The Associated Press
The Associated Press

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Monday:

1. KENYA'S MILITARY LAUNCHES OPERATION TO END HOSTAGE CRISIS

The Kenya Defense Forces says it has rescued "most" hostages and has taken control of most of the mall in Nairobi, where militants from al-Shabab killed at least 68 people.

2. 'THEY'RE ON THE RISE, AS YOU CAN SEE FROM NAIROBI'

The White House comes under pressure to ramp up counterterror action against al-Shabab in Somalia after the group's deadly Kenya mall attack.

3. WHO'S FINDING UNEXPECTED DIPLOMATIC OPENINGS

With the U.N. General Assembly meetings beginning, President Obama sees possible progress with Israel and the Palestinians, Iran and Syria.

4. 'OUR TEARS ARE NOT ENOUGH'

President Obama joins military leaders in eulogizing the dozen victims killed in last Monday's shootings at the Washington Navy Yard.

5. QUESTIONS ARISE OVER NSA REVIEW PANEL'S INDEPENDENCE

The advisers have effectively been operating as an arm of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees the NSA.

6. BUDGET FIGHT BLAME GAME COMMENCES

GOP and Democratic lawmakers are denouncing each other for a government shutdown many are treating as inevitable.

7. WHERE CUBANS ARE GETTING A TASTE OF TOURISM

As Cuban government eases some travel restrictions, more are flying from Havana to Miami to sample an American vacation.

8. JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS WINS EMMY FOR 'VEEP'

Her victory honored her for a portrayal of the cynical Selina Meyer in the send-up of modern-day Washington.

9. HOW CASINOS ARE CATCHING CARD SHARPS

Gaming resorts from the U.S. to Australia use their own intelligence network to warn one another about cheaters.

10. YANKEES PAY HOMAGE TO RETIRING 'SANDMAN'

'It is a great pleasure and honor for me to be the last player to ever wear number 42," closer Mariano Rivera said during the ceremony in The Bronx.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: Njherald

The dodgers have a plethora of outfielders. They have , Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford. They have one problem. They can't play all of them at the same time. Because of that, don't be surprised if they look into trading one of those four to upgrade other positions.

Rival executives expect the Dodgers to move "at least" one of their elite outfielders, according toFox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. He says that Yasiel Puig is the most unlikely to be dealt, which is smart, considering he is the cheapest of the "big four" outfielders.

While it would be tough for the Dodgers to trade one of their outfielders, it would be smart. It would save them some money and maybe help them make a run at some players that may command a good amount of money.

I'm not exactly sure who would be dealt in this group, but I know for sure that Yasiel Puig isn't going anywhere. This is a very exciting situation for teams in need of an outfielder. While they may have to give up some of their elite prospects for a guy like Kemp, it could make the difference between almost making the playoffs and actually getting into the playoffs.

Follow Robert on Twitter@RobertMurrayMLB
Follow @mlbinjurynews

Source: Mlbinjurynews

NAIROBI, kenya Kenyan security forces launched a "major" assault late Sunday on the upscale Nairobi mall where an unknown number of hostages are being held by al Qaeda-linked militants, in an operation officials said would end the two-day standoff that had already killed 68 people.

The assault, which began shortly before sun down, came as two helicopters circled the mall, with one skimming very close to the roof. A loud explosion rang, far larger than any previous grenade blast or gunfire volley.

Kenyan police said on Twitter that a "MAJOR" assault by security forces was ongoing to end the two-day siege.

"This will end tonight. Our forces will prevail. Kenyans are standing firm against aggression, and we will win," Kenya's Disaster Operations Centre said on Twitter.

CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg, currently in Nairobi, said government sources have told him that joint Israeli-Kenyan forces are inside the mall and that the operation to end the siege is underway.

Westgate Mall is at least partially owned by Israelis, and reports circulated that Israeli commandos were on the ground to assist in the response. Four restaurants inside the mall are Israeli-run or owned.

In Israel, a senior defense official said there were no Israeli forces participating in an assault, but the official said it was possible that Israeli advisers were providing assistance. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was discussing a classified military issue, would not elaborate.

Israel has close ties to Kenya going back many years. And in recent years, Israel has identified East Africa as an area of strategic interest and stepped up ties with Kenya and other neighboring countries, due to shared threats posed by al Qaeda and other extremist elements.

In 2002, militants bombed an Israeli-owned luxury hotel near Mombasa, killing 13 people, and tried to shoot down an Israeli airliner at the same time. Kenyans and foreigners were among those confirmed dead, including British, French, Canadians, Indians, a Ghanaian, a South African and a Chinese woman.

The assault came about 30 hours after 10 to 15 al-Shabab extremists stormed the mall from two sides, throwing grenades and firing on civilians at will.

Loud exchanges of gunfire emanated from inside the four-story upscale mall, throughout the day Sunday. Kenyan troops were seen carrying in at least two rocket propelled grenades and helicopters hovered throughout the day. Al-Shabab militants reacted angrily to the helicopters on Twitter and said the Kenyan military action was endangering hostages.

Kenyan officials said they would do their utmost to save hostages lives, but no officials could say precisely how many hostages were inside. Kenya's Red Cross said in a statement citing police that 49 people had been reported missing. Officials did not make an explicit link but that number could form the basis of the number of people held captive.

Somalia's al Qaeda-linked rebel group, al-Shabab, claimed responsibility for the attack that specifically targeted non-Muslims. The attackers included some women. The Islamic extremist rebels said the attack was retribution for Kenyan forces' 2011 push into neighboring Somalia.

Al-Shabab said on its new Twitter feed — after its previous one was shut down on Saturday — that Kenyan officials were asking the hostage-takers to negotiate and offering incentives.

"We'll not negotiate with the Kenyan govt as long as its forces are invading our country, so reap the bitter fruits of your harvest," al-Shabab said in a tweet.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta reiterated his government's determination to continue fighting al-Shabab.

"We went as a nation into Somalia to help stabilize the country and most importantly to fight terror that had been unleashed on Kenya and the world," said Kenyatta."We shall not relent on the war on terror."

He said although this violent attack had succeeded, the Kenyan security forces had "neutralized" many others.

Earlier in the day Kenyatta said he his nephew and his nephew's fiance were killed in the attack.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga told reporters at the mall that a number of people were being held hostage on the third floor and the basement area of the mall, which includes stores for Nike, Adidas and Bose stores.

Kenyan security officials sought to reassure the families of hostages inside but implied that hostages could be killed. The security operation is "delicate" because Kenyan forces hoped to ensure the hostages are evacuated safely, said Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Lenku.

"The priority is to save as many lives as possible," Lenku said, adding that more than 1,000 people escaped the attack inside the mall on Saturday.

"We have received a lot of messages from friendly countries, but for now it remains our operation," Lenku said.

More than 175 people were injured in the attack, Lenku said, including many children. Kenyan forces were by Sunday in control of the mall's security cameras, he said.

CBS News' Peter Greenberg described the Westgate as "a very large mall, with more than 80 stores and large grocery stores and banks" that is popular with locals and tourists alike. He said the attacks have been "terrifying."

Greenberg said many buildings in Nairobi, including the parliament building, have been placed on lockdown.

Britain's prime minister, in confirming the deaths of three British nationals, told the country to "prepare ourselves for further bad news."

Westgate Mall is at least partially owned by Israelis, and reports circulated that Israeli commandos were on the ground to assist in the response. Four restaurants inside the mall are Israeli-run or owned.

Kenyans and foreigners were among those confirmed dead, including British, French, Canadians, Indians, a Ghanaian, a South African and a Chinese woman.

Kofi Awoonor, a Ghanaian poet, professor and former ambassador to Brazil, Cuba and the United Nations, died after being injured in the attack, Ghana's presidential office confirmed. Ghana's ministry of information said Awoonor's son was injured and is responding to treatment.

Kenya's Red Cross said the death toll on Sunday rose to 68 after nine bodies were recovered in a joint rescue mission.

Kenya's presidential office said that one of the attackers was arrested on Saturday and died after suffering from bullet wounds.

Britain's Foreign Office said that Foreign Secretary William Hague has chaired a meeting of Britain's crisis committee and sent a rapid deployment team from London to Nairobi to provide extra consular support.

The United Nations Security Council condemned the attacks and "expressed their solidarity with the people and Government of Kenya" in a statement.

There was some good news on Sunday, as Kenyan media reported that several people in hiding in the mall escaped to safety in the morning, suggesting that not everyone who was inside overnight was being held by al-Shabab.

Cecile Ndwiga said she had been hiding under a car in the basement parking garage.

"I called my husband to ask the soldiers to come and rescue me. Because I couldn't just walk out anyhow. The shootout was all over here — left, right- just gun shots," she said.

Four American citizens were reported injured in the attack. The wife of a foreign service national working for the U.S. Agency for International Development was killed, U.S. officials said. No details about the injured Americans were released by the State Department, which cited privacy concerns. Consular officers were in contact with the injured and were providing appropriate assistance, a State Department official said.

Source: Cbsnews

Peter Lee

Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee says the small business insurance exchange will "give small businesses a way to buy better."

When Covered California opens for business on October 1, the state-run insurance exchange will include a separate marketplace where small business owners can compare and buy "competitively-priced" employee health insurance, according to state officials.

But critics of the federal health law say it's far from certain the venture will succeed in lowering prices for small group plans; there are also questions as to whether the offered plans will provide networks of doctors and hospitals robust enough to satisfy employees.

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), small business are not required to provide health insurance to their workers. Only those medium and large businesses, defined by the law as those with more than 50 employees, must do so, starting in 2015 , or pay a penalty.

Still, many small businesses owners consider the ability to provide health coverage essential to attracting and holding on to top-notch workers.

"It's a huge tool in our arsenal in terms of getting good people to come work for us," says Sunder Ramani, general manager for Westwind Media, a Burbank post-production house that has been grappling with double-digit premium increases for the past several years.

But that escalation in health insurance costs has kept employee coverage out of reach for many of California's 500,000 small businesses. High broker fees, fixed marketing and administrative costs and small risk pools result in small businesses paying on average 18 percent more than large firms for the same health insurance policy, according to a 2009 report by the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA).

"Small businesses are horribly disadvantaged in terms of being able to purchase insurance," says Peter Harbage, president of Harbage Consulting, a health policy consulting firm in Sacramento. "And if they're even able to purchase, they have to pay more and they get less...it's simply unfair."

That's where the state's small business exchange comes in. It's called The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), and it will let small business owners comparison shop and buy insurance plans that may earn them tax credits.

Offered through Covered California, the SHOP marketplace is designed to provide mom and pops with the same purchasing clout as big business, thanks to plans negotiated on their behalf by the state.

The SHOP portal will make it easier for businesses to compare and buy insurance plans by standardizing information that will streamline comparison shopping, says Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California.

"We're going to give small businesses a way to buy better," Lee says.

What's more, small businesses that meet certain criteria will become eligible to receive federal tax credits of up to 50 percent of the premiums they pay for their full time employees, starting in 2014.

"In general, small business owners have high hopes that the SHOP exchange will provide some options that will be affordable and accessible to small business owners," says John Kabateck, California executive director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), which represents about 22,000 small firms across the state. "But there are a lot of questions that remain."

Among the uncertainties the NFIB cites:

• Whether insurance companies on the SHOP exchange will offer only narrow provider networks that provide fewer hospital and physician choices to the insured as a way to keep prices down. Fewer providers translate into longer wait times and less access to care for consumers.
• Whether the tax credits will provide much value to businesses. "There are a number of hoops the average small business must jump through" to qualify for them, Kabateck says. And for those who do make it through the regulation gauntlet, the credits will last only until 2016. "Small business owners need some long-term certainty," he says.
• Whether the "essential benefits" required of plans offered in the individual and small group markets -including free preventive services and bans on annual and lifetime payout limits - will drive up premium prices. obamacare contains no mechanisms to contain premium costs.
• Whether the specter of the "employer mandate" will act as a deterrent to small business growth, as the NFIB and other opponents of the law predict. "It's a disincentive to small businesses that want to exceed 50 or 100 or 150 employees," Kabateck says. The "Employer Shared Responsibility" provision, which was to take effect on Jan. 1, but has now been delayed a year, requires medium and large employers to provide health insurance to their workers that's both "affordable" and that meets certain minimum standards. If they don't, they face fines of between $2,000 and $3,000 per employee. (Insurance qualifies as "affordable" if the premium costs no more than 9.5 percent of an employee's income. It meets minimum standards if it provides at least 60 percent of the cost of covered services).

Kabateck says instead of investing and growing their business as the economy accelerates into recovery, many of his members are hunkering down "in maintenance mode" to see how Obamacare plays out.

Ramani is among them.

"I'm waiting...to see what happens," he says, "This is so new, it's almost like the first electric car and I don't know how to plug it in yet."

Confused about how the Affordable Care Act may affect your small business? Here are answers to common questions about the small business exchange:

1. What is SHOP? It's the acronym for "The Small Business Health Options Program," which is a health insurance marketplace for small businesses with 50 or fewer full time or full time equivalent employees.

2. Which of my workers qualify as "full time" or "full time equivalent" employees? While you might consider only those who work a solid 40 hours a week as full time workers, the law casts a wider net and includes anyone who works more than 30 hours a week as a full time employee. Furthermore, it takes into account "full time equivalents." So if you have 20 employees who work 15 hours a week each, that counts as ten full time workers.

3. When can I buy a health insurance plan for my workers through SHOP? Enrollment starts on Oct. 1, 2013 for coverage that takes effect on Jan. 1, 2014. Unlike the health insurance marketplace for individuals, there is no enrollment deadline, as businesses with 50 or fewer workers are not required to purchase health insurance for them.

4. Can I buy insurance through SHOP if I have more than 50 workers? Not yet. But beginning in 2016, SHOP will be open to businesses with up to 100 employees.

5. Which insurance companies will provide coverage through SHOP? Covered California has approved six companies to sell insurance through SHOP. But only three of them -- Blue Shield of California, Health Net of California and Kaiser Permanente --will offer plans to small businesses in the five-county greater Los Angeles region. The other companies participating in the exchange are: Chinese Community Health Plan in the San Francisco Bay area; Sharp Heath Plan in San Diego; and Western Health Advantage in Sacramento and the northern San Francisco Bay area.

6. Will the SHOP plans provide the same coverage and networks as they do in plans they sell outside of SHOP? There is nothing in the federal health law that requires that they do, and in fact - on the individual exchange at least -- insurers are already narrowing their provider networks.

7. Can my insurance broker help me pick my plan? Yes. You can work with your broker or log on to CoveredCA.com to compare and pick a plan on your own. The SHOP website will provide side-by-side comparisons of the plans and the four medal tier levels of coverage, from the least expensive bronze plans to high-end platinum coverage. California's plans include health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs).

8. Will I qualify for tax credits? It depends. First: you've got to buy your insurance through the SHOP exchange. Second: the IRS says that you must cover at least half the cost of single (not family) health insurance for each of your employees. Third: you must have fewer than 25 "full time equivalent" employees (with average wages of less than $50,000. Once you meet those rules, you've got to file a Form 8941. The amount of credit you may qualify for will be affected by your size. The smaller the business, the bigger the credit. As with anything involving the IRS, it's probably a good idea to consult your accountant. Meanwhile, you can find a little more detail here.

9. How do my seasonal workers affect my employee count? If your seasonal workforce bumps your full time employee count above 50 for 120 days or fewer during a calendar year, you're exempted from the employer mandate and will not be required to provide insurance to your workers.

10. What if I have 35 full time employees in one business I own, and 45 in another? Because that would put your total number of employees over 50, it's likely you won't qualify as a small business and that you will be subject to the rules for medium and large employers, which have been delayed to Jan. 1, 2015.

Source: Scpr

* New Zealand one win away from taking Cup from Oracle

By Noel Randewich

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Emirates Team New Zealand's america's Cup campaign that a week ago looked all but won has turned into a bitter battle against Oracle Team USA, which has repeatedly denied the Kiwis the final point they need.

After struggling for much of the regatta's final series in San Francisco, the team owned by Oracle Corp. co-founder Larry Ellison has gained momentum against Emirates Team New Zealand, refusing since Thursday to let the Kiwis win the one race that would give them the trophy.

Fluky weather conditions on San Francisco Bay have wreaked havoc on the race schedule all week. On Saturday, a southerly wind direction made it likely that one or possibly both scheduled matches would be called off. The race course is set up for the Bay's dependable westerly sea breeze.

"It's raining, light and variable wind, and the little wind that we have is out of the south," said regatta director Iain Murray. "We may not get a race in today or we may get one race, but we probably won't get two races in."

Oracle staved off elimination on Friday, catching a huge break when the day's first race suffered from a lack of wind and was abandoned for exceeding the time limit, with New Zealand far ahead. Oracle then came back to win a second race in stronger breezes.

"Luck is a great thing. Luck beats skill every time," New Zealand's frustrated tactician Ray Davies later told reporters.

That victory trimmed New Zealand's advantage in the best-of-17 series to 8-3. Two more races are scheduled for Sunday, if needed.

Until Friday the regatta had been dogged by winds that often exceeded the limits set by the organizers, which were lowered for safety reasons after a sailor died when one of the 72-foot America's Cup catamarans capsized during practice in May.

The wind limit rule forced five race cancellations since the America's Cup finals began two weeks ago, and the two teams have bickered about raising the threshold.

The Kiwis dominated the early matches of the final series and appeared poised to easily reclaim the trophy they lost in 2003. But Oracle has succeeded in shifting the momentum with boat changes and improved tacking, and the two teams now appear remarkably even.

"We're in a battle now. Honestly, we both want to kill each other, but that's sport," Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill said of rival skipper Dean Barker, the two sitting beside each other at a post-race press conference.

"At match point, it's almost like we get the best out of our boys when they're under pressure," Spithill said.

Following alterations it made to its AC72 catamaran, Oracle is now seen as having a slight advantage over the Kiwi boat in strong winds.

Oracle sent a letter this week to the New Zealand team suggesting the wind limits be increased in order to avoid more delays, a proposal the Kiwis flatly rejected.

Ellison's team won the America's Cup in Valencia, Spain in 2010 and with it the right to set the rules for this year's competition, including choosing to race on the AC72s and to hold the regatta on windy San Francisco Bay.

The Kiwis first won the America's Cup in 1995 and successfully defended it in 2000 before losing the trophy three years later to Swiss biotechnology billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli's Alinghi in a disastrous campaign that left the team in shambles.

Source: Reuters

joy Covey, the former Amazon.com chief financial officer and a Fresno State graduate, was killed Wednesday afternoon when a van hit the bicycle she was riding on a rural roadway in San Mateo County, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

Covey, 50, of Woodside, was biking on Skyline Boulevard at 1:30 p.m. when the collision occurred, the California Highway Patrol said.

The driver, a 22-year-old Fremont man, cooperated with officers and has not been cited in the incident, the newspaper reported.

The CHP said the collision is under investigation, although drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor.

The tech executive served as treasurer and a director at The Natural Resources Defense Council.

Covey, a 1982 Fresno State graduate in business administration, received Fresno State's 2003 Distinguished Alumna Award -- the highest honor given by the university's Alumni Association. She went on to receive her law degree from Harvard Law School and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1990.

She served as president of the Beagle Foundation, a private environmental group, and as a board member of JetBlue Airways and a trustee of the Santa Fe Institute, a private, nonprofit research and education center.

Covey joined Amazon.com in December 1996 as CFO and vice president of finance and administration. She became chief strategy officer in September 1999, and served until the end of that year.

Covey was born in Boston (her father was a doctor) and grew up in San Mateo. In a 2002 interview with the Harvard Law Bulletin, she said she didn't finish high school, moving away from home at age 15 and working as a grocery clerk in Fresno.

She told the Wall Street Journal in a 1999 interview that she began her career as an accountant at Arthur Young LLP, working for clients including Denny's restaurants. She graduated from Harvard Law School's joint J.D.-MBA program in 1989.

Check fresnobee.com for breaking news.

Source: Fresnobee