No sign of Fla. man swallowed by sinkhole

Sinkholes are most often found in seven states, including Florida where the ground recently collapsed in Seffner, Fla., near Tampa, sending 37-year-old Jeffrey Bush and his entire bedroom into the earth. NBC's Gabe Gutierrez reports.

By Ian Johnston, Staff Writer, NBC News

There was still no sign Saturday of a 36-year-old Florida man swallowed by a sinkhole that appeared under his bedroom, an official said, as engineers continued testing on the unstable ground around the "chasm."

Jeffrey Bush has not been heard from since the hole appeared at about 11 p.m. ET Thursday in Seffner, near Tampa. He is feared to have been killed.

Authorities have said the hole, which was originally 30 feet deep, was ?seriously unstable.? A 100-foot safety zone was set up around it Friday and homes near the hole were evacuated for fear of a sudden collapse.

The sinkhole now poses a safety risk to the residence next door, said Hillsborough County Fire Rescue public information officer Ronnie Rivera at a noon press conference on Saturday. Family members would be allowed to enter briefly along with emergency personnel to recover belongings, Rivera said.

Jessica Damico, public relations officer for Hillsborough County Fire Department, said Saturday that experts resumed working at the site at 7 a.m. ET.

?Right now they are still looking at soil samples and drilling and looking for stability, so they can find the edge of the sinkhole,? she said by phone from the scene.

She said the sinkhole originally seemed to be about 30 feet deep, but said that it now appeared to be about 15 feet. However she added the actual depth of unstable ground was unclear.

Damico said there was still no sign of Jeffrey Bush.

?If you look in, it?s about 15 feet and there?s only sand,? she said. Engineers have been using camera equipment to examine the hole, but the area is still too unstable for people to go onto.

Bill Bracken, the owner of an engineering company called to assess the sinkhole, told the AP Friday that he "cannot tell you why it [the house] has not collapsed yet."

He added that the earth below was a "very large, very fluid mass."

"This is not your typical sinkhole," Hillsborough County administrator Mike Merrill told the AP Friday. "This is a chasm. For that reason, we're being very deliberate."

On Friday, Jeremy Bush spoke tearfully about how he tried to save his brother.

"I couldn't get him out," he said. "All I thought I could hear was him screaming for me and hollering for me, but I couldn't do nothing."

Jeremy Bush was saved from the hole by Hillsborough County sheriff's Deputy Douglas Duvall, NBC station WFLA reported.

'Really shocking'
Neighbors told NBC station WFLA.com of their surprise.

"It's just really shocking," said Kevin Charles, who lives two houses down from the Bush?s house. "It kind of worries me because ? it could have been any one of these houses along this side over here.?

"I think the issue now is everyone in the area is going to sit back and wonder whether should get sinkhole insurance," said neighbor Steve Hamlyn. "Because we really didn't see a need for it until now."

While some in the neighborhood did not know of the risks, sinkholes are common in Florida, the Associated Press reported, and home insurers are required by law to provide coverage for the sudden disaster.

Florida?s geological makeup increases the likelihood of sinkholes, and more than 500 have been reported in Hillsborough County since 1954, the state?s environmental agency told the AP. A monster 400-foot sinkhole that sucked in a house, five sports cars, two businesses, and part of a swimming pool appeared near Orlando in 1981.

"You can almost envision a piece of Swiss cheese," Taylor Yarkosky, a sinkhole expert from Brooksville, Fla, told the AP. "Any house in Florida could be in that same situation."

At a press conference at 8 a.m. ET Saturday, fire officials announced they had set up an email, accessible at www.firefighter-relief.com, for anyone wishing to send message of condolences or donations to the family.

NBC News' Matthew DeLuca, Gabe Gutierrez, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Luis Echeverria / AP

A look at some of the most amazing sinkholes around the world.

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This story was originally published on Sat Mar 2, 2013 8:40 AM EST

Source: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/02/17158691-still-no-sign-of-fla-man-swallowed-by-sinkhole?lite

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Factbox: North African al Qaeda's Belmokhtar

(Reuters) - Chad said on Saturday its soldiers in Mali had killed al Qaeda commander Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the al Qaeda mastermind of a bloody hostage-taking in Algeria in January.

Here are some facts about Belmokhtar:

- Belmokhtar's Mulathameen group claimed responsibility for the capture of Algeria's In Amenas gas plant, jointly-owned by BP, Statoil and Algeria's state energy company Sonatrach, in January. Up to 37 foreigners died after troops stormed the complex to end the hostage crisis in which 29 militants were also killed.

- Linked to a string of kidnappings of foreigners in North Africa in the last decade, French intelligence dubbed Algerian-born Belmokhtar "the uncatchable".

- Born in Ghardaia, Algeria, in 1972, Belmokhtar said in an interview posted on jihadi forums in 2007 that he traveled at the age of 19 to Afghanistan where he gained training and combat experience before returning to Algeria in 1992.

- This launched him on a 2-decade career of Islamic militancy, first as a member of Algeria's Islamic Armed Group (GIA) in the country's civil war, then as a joint founder of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), which extended its attacks against security forces into countries along the southern fringe of the Sahara.

- The GSPC later took up the franchise of al Qaeda's North Africa wing, under the name al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Belmokhtar headed one of two AQIM battalions in Algeria's southern desert bordering Mali.

- Belmokhtar was sentenced by an Algerian court to life imprisonment in absentia in connection with the killing of 10 Algerian customs agents in 2007.

- His reputation as a "gangster-jihadist" involved in arms and cigarette smuggling earned him the nickname "Mister Malboro" among locals in the Sahara, according to French media.

- His activities gained him strong links with local Tuareg communities, including the ones in northern Mali whose fighters played a major role in the rebel offensive last year that seized the north of the West African state. He is reported to have married local Arab and Tuareg women. (Sources: U.S.-based Jamestown Foundation's Terrorism Monitor, U.N. al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, Reuters)

(Reporting by David Lewis, Pascal Fletcher and Madjiasra Nako; Editing by Jason Webb and Robin Pomeroy)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/factbox-north-african-al-qaedas-belmokhtar-205230563.html

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Talking Point: The Positive Power of Gaming - Nintendo Life

Stepping away from blaming games

We live in a world where blame is often too easily shifted and personal responsibility too easily avoided. Excuse-making has arguably become the fad of our time; as the laundry-list of blame-accepting environmental influences grows larger, the courage to accept and improve our own faults seemingly becomes more rare.

It?s in this environment that legislators, executive officers and community groups gather to determine the impact of violent games on the minds of impressionable youths and adults. Not to be misunderstood, there is a place, even in an excuse-making world, for these types of investigations and legislative remedies meant to better our societies. And, if there is a proven connection linking violent video games to the ever increasing occurrences of unspeakable acts of rage, our world could be better off without them ? or at least benefit from stronger age-gating. But for every criticism of the video game industry (founded or unfounded), there are many unheard and unrepresented voices of those who have been positively influenced by gaming.

Certainly, violence is not the only criticism of video games. While the debate over violent games rages in the wake of recent tragedies, it is worth noting that criticism of the gaming community is nothing new. Any discussion on the merits or vices of the medium should recognize that this debate is longstanding and broader than the current issues over violence.

To be sure, almost every game has some amount of violence built into its game-play. When they were first introduced to mainstream culture, many of us may remember the shock of seeing the wholesome, even if pixilated, Mickey Mouse fall victim to Peg-Leg Pete in a pirate-ship battle. Even the swing of Link?s sword or the flash of Rock?s blaster deals death to any creature that dares come in their path. Admittedly, the violence in these games (and many like them) pales in comparison to the realistic modern-day shooters, designed to give the player as close to a real-life experience without actually pulling the trigger of a gun. Still, the point bears repeating: violence is inherent to nearly all video games.

Whether well-intentioned or another attempt to shift blame, the recent impetus to investigate and ban violent games ignores one key piece of information: for many, they?re a source of comfort in difficult times.

Video games are familiar, predictable and easy to understand in an otherwise complicated world.

Video games are familiar, predictable and easy to understand in an otherwise complicated world. Examples abound of people who, through no fault of their own, have become lost, scared and, in their own eyes, alone. Despite best efforts, health, family relationships and social surroundings can spin out of control. But every time someone boots up a video game, he or she takes command; the destiny of their character and an entire world, waiting to be saved, is within their power. With hard work and a little luck, the player can accomplish great feats, go on unimaginable adventures and become the hero of an entire civilization.

If he or she stumbles along the way, no matter ? checkpoints, extra lives and fresh starts provide a consequence-free way to keep moving toward an end goal. Video games can offer hope amid bleakness, endow courage to overcome and, put simply, make people feel good about themselves. They offer second chances in a world where re- starts are difficult to come by. Regardless of personal circumstances, many of us have experienced this kind of comfort and healing-power afforded by a simple video game.

One well-documented example of this positive influence of video games is that of Steve Wiebe, a former Donkey Kong champion, whose pursuit of a world-record is chronicled in the documentary film, The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. Steve used games to help get him through a difficult time, which included the hardship of a job layoff. In his own words, describing the comfort he received from playing Donkey Kong, Steve said, ?When I got laid off and I had time on my hands, I was thinking ?what can I do to feel like I have control of something?? With this, it?s just me and the machine. It doesn?t matter if you let me down or someone doesn?t come through, I?m in control.?

Looking back on his period of unemployment, Steve?s wife recalled that video games were a ?Godsend to him the last couple of years to get him through, it was a safe-haven for him.? Sometime later, after Steve had been chasing a world record and an elusive matchup with renowned Donkey Kong expert, Billy Mitchell, stress and time away from family had taken its toll on Steve?s wife, who again said of her husband, ?he was searching ? he wanted something and I wanted that for him because I wanted him to be happy, so now I see that.?

Steve Wiebe (Image credit: http://www.classicarcadegaming.com)

Steve Wiebe?s experience may resonate with many, especially young gamers looking for something certain in an uncertain world ? something, as Steve Wiebe put it, to control. It doesn?t matter if school, family or health let them down, video games can be a welcome diversion for many young people searching for happiness. That much needs to be understood by anyone who advocates banning the sale of violent video games. In the process of gathering information and formulating legislation and community rallies, it must be understood that many turn to video games for reasons much nobler than the pursuit of violence.

Again, this is not an attempt to put a stop to these types of investigative discussions. In fact, the tendency to shift blame to violent video games and the call for personal responsibility falls just as squarely on the shoulders of gamers as it does the legislators and lawmakers. Rather, the purpose of this article is to point out that there is a deeper-seeded issue at play and that many turn to games for positive reasons, not with an intention to hurt.

So, as discussions move forward to determine the impact of violent video games, let the unrepresented voices of gamers be heard to say that there is a deeply powerful quality about video games, a quality that helps many to overcome problems, cultivate courage, inspire hope, and most importantly find a source of happiness.

Source: http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/03/talking_point_the_positive_power_of_gaming

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Christian-Muslim tension flares in southern Egypt

LUXOR, Egypt (AP) ? Security officials say hundreds of Muslim residents have thrown firebombs and rocks at police outside a church in the south of Egypt.

They accuse local Christians of providing a safe haven for a missing woman suspected of converting.

Six policemen and a dozen Christians were wounded in the clashes late Thursday in the town of Kom Ombo, near the Aswan High Dam.

Tensions rose after a 36-year-old Muslim woman disappeared five days ago. She was allegedly spotted outside the Mar Gergis church in Kom Ombo on Thursday.

Officials say within a few hours, hundreds of Muslims gathered outside the church and tried to storm it, believing she was hiding inside.

Police erected checkpoints around the church Friday in anticipation of more protests. Officials spoke anonymously in line with regulations.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/christian-muslim-tension-flares-southern-egypt-115003235.html

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Mobile Ads Now As Mainstream As TV Ads - Business Insider

Mobile Insights?is a daily newsletter from?BI Intelligence?delivered first thing every morning exclusively to?BI Intelligence?subscribers.?Sign up for a free trial of BI Intelligence today.?

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Mobile Web Users As Comfortable With Ads As With TV Ads?(InMobi via the Drum)
InMobi launched the results of its Mobile Media Consumption Report, which has found that 75 percent of respondents have been introduced to a new product or service via their mobile device.

The study of over 15,000 mobile users also found that 59 percent of global mobile Web users are now as comfortable with mobile advertising as they are with TV or online advertising, while 80 percent of consumers plan to conduct mobile commerce in the next 12 months.? Read >>

Holidays Still Impacting Mobile Advertising (Fiksu via Inside Mobile Apps)
User acquisition and marketing company Fisku today reported a cost per loyal user decrease of 7 percent from $1.67 in its December 2012 Index to $1.56 in its January 2013 Index.

The company, which measures the average aggregate daily download volume of the top 200 free U.S. iPhone apps, saw mobile app downloads increase by 13 percent from 5.32 million daily downloads in December 2012 to 6.01 million downloads in January.

CEO Micah Adler says Fiksu?s January indexes are early indicators of the "mainstreaming of mobile advertising," meaning marketers emphasizing value over volume by spreading their budgets out for maximum profit, especially to mobile advertising campaigns. Read >>

Nearly 40 Percent Of Internet Time Now On Mobile (comScore via Marketing Land)
comScore released a report yesterday noting that 37 percent of total Internet time was coming from mobile devices.

comScore predicts continued smartphone and tablet adoption, as well as "form factor" blurring. It also predicts mobile advertising becoming a "branding medium." The firm is equally bullish on m-commerce and anticipates 4G adoption will enable more content consumption and new use cases. Read >>

Half Of Smartphone Users Have Never Seen An Ad In The UK (Nielsen via Econsultancy)
More than half (53 percent) of UK smartphone owners say they have never received advertisements while using their device. The findings come from Nielsen?s Mobile Consumer Report, which surveyed mobile users across 10 nations, regarding their attitude toward mobile advertising.

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Interestingly, majorities of people say they are willing to accept mobile advertising if it means free content or services. Read >>

Major Themes From The Mobile World Congress (BrandRepublic)
Mobile developments continue to happen at lightning speed, with a vast array of new devices and start-ups. To help make sense of it all, here are six key themes coming out of last week's Mobile World Congress:

1. Device convergence
2. Open mobile
3. 4G / LTE
4. Mobile payments
5. Mobile brand experiences
6. Mobile advertising as value-add

With regard to mobile advertising, the challenge for mobile networks and publishers is to continue to drive format innovation to find organic, seamless ways of integrating ads into mobile, beyond the standard banner. Read >>

The iPhone Dominated The Mobile Web Last Year (Mobify)
What mobile devices are customers using to browse and buy online? To answer this question, Mobify gathered data from 20 major Mobify-powered mobile websites.

You can see that iPhone, iPad and iPod users accounted for a whopping 85 percent of unique views among the top 20 devices, compared to 15 percent for devices from other manufacturers. Read >>

The State Of Mobile Advertising In Europe (Rubicon Project)
Advertising automation company Rubicon Project is providing a comprehensive overview of the European market for mobile real-time bidding (RTB). Read >>

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/mobile-ads-now-as-mainstream-as-tv-ads-2013-22

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Brain can't cope with making a left-hand turn and talking on hands-free cell phone

Feb. 28, 2013 ? Most serious traffic accidents occur when drivers are making a left-hand turn at a busy intersection. When those drivers are also talking on a hands-free cell phone, "that could be the most dangerous thing they ever do on the road," said Dr. Tom Schweizer, a researcher at St. Michael's Hospital.

Researchers led by Dr. Schweizer tested healthy young drivers operating a novel driving simulator equipped with a steering wheel, brake pedal and accelerator inside a high-powered functional MRI. All previous studies on distracted driving have used just a joy-stick or trackball or else patients passively watching scenarios on a screen.

Immersing a driving simulator with a fully functional steering wheel and pedals in an MRI at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre allowed researchers to map in real time which parts of the brain were activated or deactivated as the simulator took them through increasingly difficult driving maneuvers.

The researchers were able to show for the first time that making a left-hand turn requires a huge amount of brain activation and involves far more areas of the brain than driving on a straight road or other maneuvers.

When the drivers were also involved in a conversation, the part of the brain that controls vision significantly reduced its activity as the part that controls monitoring a conversation and attention was activated.

The research was published February 28 online in the open access journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

"Visually, a left-hand turn is quite demanding," Dr. Schweizer said. "You have to look at oncoming traffic, pedestrians and lights, and coordinate all that. Add talking on a cell phone, and your visual area shuts down significantly, which obviously is key to performing the maneuver."

The simulation had the drivers making six left turns with oncoming traffic, which required them to decide when to turn safely. It then distracted them, by making them answer a series of true-false audio questions, such as "Does a triangle have four sides?" The MRIs showed that blood moved from the visual cortex, which controls sight, to the prefrontal cortex, which controls decision-making.

"Brain activity shifted dramatically from the posterior, visual and spatial areas [of the brain] to the prefrontal cortex," said Dr. Schweizer, a neuroscientist and director of the Neuroscience Research Program at the hospital's Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute.

"This study provides real-time neuroimaging evidence supporting previous behavioural observations suggesting that multitasking while driving may compromise vision and alertness. 'Hands free' not does mean 'brains free.'"

Dr. Schweizer said his study needed to be replicated in larger groups and with various age groups and with people with known brain impairments such as Alzheimer's disease.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by St. Michael's Hospital, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. Tom A. Schweizer, Karen Kan, Yuwen Hung, Fred Tam, Gary Naglie, and Simon J. Graham. Brain activity during driving with distraction: an immersive fMRI study. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 28 February 2013 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00053

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_health/~3/zTT3N2i-M40/130228124142.htm

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Google Muscles Further Into Paid Discovery Of Apps With New Focus On Click-To-Download Mobile Ads

The app stores are overrun, and there's little way to get noticed until you break into the charts. So Google has just announced a new AdWords unit called "Click-To-Download" mobile ads that lead directly to iTunes and Google Play. With a similar design to Facebook's app ads, Google is reaching out its hand for a cut of the paid discovery market emerging as every company in the world goes mobile.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/7T9m1zooTTA/

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