Europe furious, 'shocked' by report of U.S. spying

Europe furious, 'shocked' by report of U.S. spying

(CNN) -- European officials reacted with fury Sunday to a report that the U.S. National Security Agency spied on EU offices.

The European Union warned that if the report is accurate, it will have tremendous repercussions.

"I am deeply worried and shocked about the allegations," European Parliament President Martin Schulz said in a statement. "If the allegations prove to be true, it would be an extremely serious matter which will have a severe impact on EU-US relations. On behalf of the European Parliament, I demand full clarification and require further information speedily from the U.S. authorities with regard to these allegations."

German Justice Minister Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger "said if the accusations were true it was reminiscent of the Cold War," ministry spokesman Anders Mertzlufft said, adding that the minister "has asked for an immediate explanation from the United States."

Citing information from secret documents obtained by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, the German newsmagazine Der Spiegel reported Sunday that several U.S. spying operations targeted European Union leaders.

Read more:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/30/world/europe/eu-nsa/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

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Bert and Ernie Cuddle Over Supreme Court Ruling

Bert and Ernie Cuddle Over Supreme Court Ruling

The New Yorker magazine is celebrating the Supreme Court’s landmark marriage equality decisions by unveiling a cover featuring “Sesame Street’s” Bert and Ernie.

On the cover of next week’s issue of the magazine, the “Sesame Street” characters are drawn cozily sitting together in front of a TV with Bert’s arm around Ernie, and Ernie leaning on his shoulder. The TV shows an image of the Supreme Court justices in their black robes.

The artist behind the cover, called “Moment of Joy,” is Jack Hunter. He originally submitted the unsolicited image to a Tumblr page, according to the New Yorker’s website.

Read more:

http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/bert-ernie-cuddle-over-supreme-court-ruling-155657485.html

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'Make Love Not Porn': New Movement Gaining Popularity

'Make Love Not Porn': New Movement Gaining Popularity

US News | George Zimmerman Trial | More ABC News Videos

With hard-core porn just a click away, one entrepreneur is crusading to show sex in a softer light.

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http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/make-love-porn-movement-gaining-popularity-19452710

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10 things Generation Y won’t tell you

To Parents: 10 things Generation Y won’t tell you 

For the babies of the baby boomers, it’s top 1% or bust

From childhood through today, the distinct combination of cultural touchstones they’ve experienced has set them apart: They watched the Cosby Show, wore slap bracelets, wondered whether O.J. was guilty, worried about Y2K and waited for their Internet to dial-up so they could instant-message their friends.

They saw the World Trade Center towers crumble, and they struggled to find or keep a job in a tough economy. All before the age of 30 or so. Generation Y was born in the 1980s and ’90s—roughly those now between the ages of 18 and 34 (though experts disagree on the precise time frame). These so-called millennials are mostly the children of baby boomers, and at more than 82 million strong, they now outnumber the members of the boomer generation, according to the National Conference on Citizenship.

But the millennials have grown into adulthood with some personality problems that the boomers lacked, according to psychologists who measure such things, including high rates of narcissism, materialism, unrealistically inflated expectations and a startling lack of independence. American college students scored 30% higher on the 40-item Narcissistic Personality Index in 2006 than they did in 1979, for instance, according to a study led by psychologist Jean Twenge of San Diego State University.

Read more:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-things-millennials-wont-tell-you-2013-06-21?pagenumber=1

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ADHD diagnoses on the rise

ADHD diagnoses on the rise

A new study finds that white children in high-income homes are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. WSJ's Jennifer Corbett-Doreen breaks down the results on The News Hub. Photo: AP.

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http://live.wsj.com/video/adhd-diagnoses-on-the-rise/7ABA7354-91CE-4E6E-9970-8F7060856A05.html

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Snowden on the run, seeks asylum in Ecuador

Snowden on the run, seeks asylum in Ecuador

Moscow (CNN) -- The computer contractor who exposed details of U.S. surveillance programs was on the run late Sunday, seeking asylum in Ecuador with the aid of the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks, the organization and Ecuador's Foreign Ministry announced.

Edward Snowden left Hong Kong after Washington sought his extradition on espionage charges, according to WikiLeaks, which facilitates the publication of classified information.

"He is bound for the Republic of Ecuador via a safe route for the purposes of asylum and is being escorted by diplomats and legal advisers from WikiLeaks," the group said. Ecuador's foreign ministry said it had received a request for asylum from Snowden, and a CNN crew spotted a car with diplomatic plates and an Ecuadorian flag at the Russian capital's international airport.

Ecuador has already given WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange refuge in its embassy in London for a year after he unsuccessfully fought extradition to Sweden in British courts.

In Washington, the response was swift. The Obama administration asked Ecuador, Cuba and Venezuela, not to admit Snowden or to expel him if they do, a senior Obama administration official told CNN on Sunday. It also urged countries through which he might pass not to accept him.

Why would Snowden head for Ecuador?

Read more:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/23/politics/nsa-leaks/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

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Americans Worked Less, Watched More TV in 2012

Americans Worked Less, Watched More TV in 2012

With the economy struggling to find its footing, Americans spent less time at work last year and found more time for leisure activities such as watching television, a new government survey finds.

The average American aged 15 or older spent three hours, 32 minutes a day doing work-related activities last year, according to the American Time Use Survey released by the Labor Department on Thursday. That is down from 2011, when time spent on work jumped from three hours and 30 minutes to three hours and 34 minutes. While such changes may not seem big, average yearly changes in time spent on different activities tend to be small, and even minor changes are significant.

Read more:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323300004578557703281646888.html?mod=e2fb

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Maps of Twitter metadata show where Apple iPhone users hang out

Maps of Twitter metadata show where Apple iPhone users hang out

Maps of the metadata from millions of geo-located tweets over the past couple of years give a pretty clear indication of where the wealthiest people in America and elsewhere live, The Atlantic notes.

They also show a strong correlation between Apple iPhones and higher-income areas such as Manhattan (see above), northwest Washington D.C., and western areas of Los Angeles.

By contrast, Android devices are strongly correlated with poorer areas on the maps, such as Trenton, New Jersey, southeast Washington DC, and eastern areas of Los Angeles.

Check out the map: http://www.mapbox.com/labs/twitter-gnip/brands/#10/39.8881/-75.1300

Read more:

http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell/2013/06/20/maps-of-twitter-metadata-show-where-apple-iphone-users-hang-out/

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An innocent looking plant that poses a serious danger

An innocent looking plant that poses a serious danger

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http://news.yahoo.com/video/innocent-looking-plant-poses-serious-151214291.html

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James Gandolfini, Who Portrayed Tony Soprano, Dead at 51

James Gandolfini, Who Portrayed Tony Soprano, Dead at 51

James Gandolfini, the actor who most famously portrayed Tony Soprano on the series "The Sopranos," has died in Italy at age 51. "It is with immense sorrow that we report our client James Gandolfini passed away today while on holiday in Rome, Italy," said his managers, 

Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders. "Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him deeply. He and his family were part of our family for many years and we are all grieving." Though he rose to his greatest fame with "The Sopranos," Gandolfini also had a long list of credits as a stage and film actor, largely in character and supporting roles. He received a 

Tony nomination starring in the Broadway hit, "God of Carnage."

Read more:

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/james-gandolfini-portrayed-tony-soprano-dies-51/story?id=19441746#.UcJjrxbt6LB

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10 apps that could save your life

10 apps that could save your life

USA.gov, the federal government’s portal to all things governmental, offers a mobile app gallery that features a range of apps related to education, travel, business, job searching and health. Some of these apps can give you real-time emergency information, get you out of trouble in a tight spot, help you avoid sickness and untimely death, quit smoking, or just check up on the safety record of that bus you’re about to board.

Here are 10 apps that could save your life:

Read more:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-apps-that-could-save-your-life-2013-06-19

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Chad Johnson to be released from 30-day jail sentence after one week

Chad Johnson to be released from 30-day jail sentence after one week

Former NFL receiver Chad Johnson, sentenced to 30 days in a Florida jail on June 10, has gained his release after apologizing to a local judge, per the Associated Press. Johnson was on the verge of a plea deal last Monday with Broward County Judge Kathleen McHugh, in which Johnson would have avoided jail time after probation violations stemming from a domestic violence charge. However, as Judge McHugh was getting ready to adjudicate the matter, Johnson playfully slapped his attorney on the backside, the Judge thought Johnson wasn't taking the matter seriously, and she sentenced him to 30 days in the slammer.

A week later, McHugh accepted Johnson's apology and released him.

When Terrell Owens, who played with Johnson in Cincinnati in 2010, went to visit his friend over the weekend, it was about as sobering as you might expect.

Read more:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/chad-johnson-released-30-day-jail-sentence-one-154049186.html

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The Weirdest Looks from London Men's Fashion Week

The Weirdest Looks from London Men's Fashion Week

Astrid Andersen – Actually, if you have abs like these we have no issues with this look. None at all. We're even willing to overlook the Teva-esque sandals and two-toned pants! We're just curious of this guy can pass the "no shirt, no shoes, no service" policy.

Read more:

http://shine.yahoo.com/photos/the-weirdest-looks-from-london-men-s-fashion-week-slideshow/

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Obama’s job approval tumbles, Americans split on spying: Poll

Obama’s job approval tumbles, Americans split on spying: Poll

President Barack Obama delivers a keynote address ahead of the G-8 summit in Belfast, Northern Ireland, June 17, …

President Barack Obama’s job approval rating fell sharply over the past month—from 53 to 45 percent, according to a new CNN poll. Fifty-four percent of Americans disapprove of the job he’s doing, also up from 45 percent, the survey found.

Sixty-one percent disapprove of the way he’s handling government surveillance of Americans in the aftermath of a series of dramatic reports about National Security Agency spying, while 35 percent approve.

Obama's early second term has been buffeted by a series of controversies—not just about the NSA surveillance, but also allegations of misconduct at the IRS and government spying on reporters. The president was expected to address those issues in a new interview with Charlie Rose, which airs Monday night.

Read more:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-job-approval-tumbles-americans-split-spying-132827668.html

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US: Obama’s Trip to Africa Comes With a Hefty Price Tag

Obama’s Trip to Africa Comes With a Hefty Price Tag

US News | Weird News | More ABC News Videos

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http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/06/obamas-trip-to-africa-comes-with-a-hefty-price-tag/

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Kim Kardashian, Kanye West welcome baby daughter

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West welcome baby daughter

She's here! Kim Kardashian has given birth to a baby daughter, Us Weekly can confirm. The E! reality star welcomed the tot with beau, Kanye West, by her side at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood, Calif. Originally due July 11, the star couple's new bundle of joy arrived a bit early, and as a special (early!) Father's Day gift for West.

Read more:

http://wonderwall.msn.com/tv/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-welcome-baby-daughter-25345.gallery?ocid=answw11

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North Korea proposes high-level talks with U.S.

State news: North Korea proposes high-level talks with U.S.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects a military factory in this undated picture released by the Korean Central News Agency on Friday, May 17. North Korea launched several short-range guided missiles into the sea off the Korean Peninsula's east coast May 18, South Korea's semi-official news agency Yonhap cited the South Korean Defense Ministry as saying.

Seoul, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea proposed high-level talks with the United States to "ease tensions in the Korean Peninsula," its state news agency reported early Sunday.

The topics that "can be sincerely discussed" include easing military tensions, changing a truce treaty to a peace treaty and nuclear matters, according to a statement from the North's National Defense Commission, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency. It left some details -- like where and when the talks might be held -- up to Washington, and insisted U.S. officials should not lay out any preconditions for talks.

"(The United States should) not lose the opportunity that is laid out and should actively agree with our resolute step and good intention," the commission said.

Read more:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/15/world/asia/north-korea-us-talks/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

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Are Google, Facebook lying about the spying?

Are Google, Facebook lying about the spying?

Google and Facebook have denied being part of a secret government data-collection program led by the National Security Agency but many analysts and industry observers just don't believe them.

Read more:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/are-google-facebook-lying-about-the-spying-2013-06-14

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Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

Lightning struck the Willis Tower, right, in Chicago, Wednesday. The massive storm system surged Thursday toward the mid-Atlantic after causing widespread power outages through the Upper Midwest.

In despite of the current severe weather throughout the mid atlantic and the midwest, we can look at the brighter side of the art of lightning.  Above is the skyline of Chicago's Willis Tower being struck by a lightning strike.

Read more:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324688404578543241868694334.html#slide/1?mod=e2fb

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US: Confidence in Congress lowest ever in Gallup poll

Confidence in Congress lowest ever in Gallup poll

Chalk up a very dubious distinction for Congress: Americans’ confidence in the institution has fallen to its lowest level ever.

That’s according to Gallup on Thursday, in a new poll ranking the combined House and Senate dead last on a list of societal institutions for the fourth year in a row.

Confidence in the legislative branch is at just 10%, down three percentage points from last year’s poll, Gallup said.

According to the polling organization: “The divided Congress, with Democrats controlling the Senate and Republicans the House, is likely part of the reason for the low levels of confidence rank-and-file Democrats and Republicans express, and is tied to Americans frustrations with Congress’ inability to get much done.”

P.S. - The american government is stubborn and stupid running around in circles without brains in their heads!

Read more:

http://blogs.marketwatch.com/election/2013/06/13/confidence-in-congress-lowest-ever-in-gallup-poll/

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US: 11 dark trends killing Millennials’ dreams

11 dark trends killing Millennials’ dreams

Capitalism is sabotaging the Millennial generation.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (MarketWatch) — Wake up, Millennials: Yes, you 80 million Americans born between 1980 and 2000. You’re the biggest. But regardless what that Time cover story says, you’re not America’s New Greatest Generation. Not yet.

Yes, you are inheriting the huge mess we created. But Time adds, “Millennials will save us all?” Save us? Save America? Save the world? When? Later? Well, if you buy into that hype ... if you’re that narcissistic ... if you believe you’re “destined” to be the New Greatest, you’re in denial.

Yes, maybe someday. But not yet. And maybe never. Maybe the messes older generations created are so bad, America is already past the point of no return. Maybe.

Wake up, Millennials, you are in denial. Not about your individual dreams. No, about the future of your country. About our collective future in the years to 2050. Denial? Big time. You’re in denial about who and what’s killing the future.

Read more:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/11-dark-trends-killing-millennials-dreams-2013-06-12?pagenumber=1

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Protestors Dig In, Build Barricades in Istanbul

Protestors Dig In, Build Barricades in Istanbul

Scenes from Tuesday night's demonstrations in Istanbul. Thousands have been taking to the streets amid the biggest anti-government protests in Turkey in decades. WSJ's Joe Parkinson reports

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The Five Happiest Countries

The Five Happiest Countries

Studies that try to uncover what makes people happy often reveal that happiness has little to do with material goods or money. MarketWatch's Jim Jelter discusses new data that shows which countries among all OECD member nations are the happiest. (Photo: AP)

Visit http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org to learn more about the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Better Life Index

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US: Most Seniors Are In Danger Of Outliving Their Retirement Savings

Most Seniors Are In Danger Of Outliving Their Retirement Savings

In an ideal world, retirees would tuck away at least 70% of their pre-retirement income by the time they're ready to leave the workforce. 

Unfortunately, there's nothing ideal about the savings climate in the U.S. today. A new study by Interest.com found that there are only two states, Hawaii and Nevada, where households of those 65 and over are earning at least 70% of the income earned by households between 45 and 64 years of age. 

Read more:

http://www.businessinsider.com/workers-may-outlive-retirement-savings-2013-6

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Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia shake hands at U.S. Open

Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia shake hands at U.S. Open

It appears for now that the bad blood is over between Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia.

Woods and Garcia met on the driving range at the Merion West practice course on Monday and shook hands. The Golf Channel took video of the handshake and the picture above is from that video. The U.S. Open starts on Thursday.

It is reportedly the first time the two have been face to face since Garcia made racial comments directed at Woods May 21 at a European Tour function outside of London.

Woods and Garcia had been at it for weeks, resulting in a verbal spate at the Players Championship about course etiquette. It turned into a full-out verbal brawl last month as Garcia said he was going to serve Woods fried chicken when asked what he would serve at dinner if Woods was there.

Garcia later apologized for the remarks,  saying they were “wrong, hurtful and inappropriate.”

Read more:

http://tracking.si.com/2013/06/10/tiger-woods-and-sergio-garcia-shake-hands-at-us-open/

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Apple unveils revamped iOS, iTunes Radio

Apple unveils revamped iOS, iTunes Radio

New mobile operating system coming this fall; Mac tower redesigned

Read more:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/apple-unveils-revamped-ios-itunes-radio-2013-06-10

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NFL star Chad Johnson ripped by judge for slapping lawyer's ass

NFL star Chad Johnson ripped by judge for slapping lawyer's ass

Chad Johnson -- Ripped By Judge for Slapping Lawyer's Ass - Watch More Celebrity Videos or Subscribe

Chad Johnson was just kicked out of a Florida courtroom ... after the former NFL star playfully slapped his male lawyer's ass -- a move that ENRAGED the judge, TMZ has learned. 

Johnson was in court in Broward County, FL to face the judge for his recent probation violation in his domestic violence case. 

Read more:

http://www.tmz.com/2013/06/10/chad-johnson-slapped-lawyers-ass-court/?adid=hero3

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US: Leak of NSA programs tests US, China ties

Leak of NSA programs tests US, China ties

Associated Press/Evan Vucci, File - FILE - In this Saturday, June 8, 2013 file photo, President Barack Obama, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping wave as they walk at the Annenberg Retreat of the Sunnylands estate in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Weekend revelations that an American whistleblower holed up in Hong Kong has given an early test to the new working relationship the presidents of the U.S. and China tried to forge just a day earlier. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

BEIJING (AP) — A day after the presidents of China and the United States ended their first summit, pledges of cooperation by the two leaders faced an early test from an unexpected quarter -- an American intelligence contractor was leaking highly sensitive U.S. surveillance programs from his hiding place in the Chinese territory of Hong Kong.

China, which has long chafed at U.S. accusations that it carries out extensive surveillance on American government and commercial operations, may now have to make a decision on how to deal with the problem presented by the 29-year-old Edward Snowden, who has come out as the source of the leaks.

Cyber-security was one of the main topics during the informal summit this weekend between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Barack Obama at an estate in the California desert where they also sought to build a personal relationship.

Read more:

http://news.yahoo.com/leak-nsa-programs-tests-us-china-ties-110817133.html

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2 Koreas to hold senior-level meeting in Seoul

2 Koreas to hold senior-level meeting in Seoul

Associated Press/South Korean Unification Ministry - In this photo released by the South Korean Unification Ministry, South Korea's Unification Policy Officer Chun Hae-sung, left, shakes hands with the head of North Korea's delegation Kim Song Hye, right, after ending their meeting at the southern side of Panmunjom, which has separated the two Koreas since the Korean War, in Paju, South Korea, Monday, June 10, 2013. The rival Koreas will hold senior-level talks this week in Seoul, South Korea said Monday, a breakthrough of sorts after Pyongyang’s recent threats of nuclear war and Seoul’s vows of counterstrikes.(AP Photo/South Korean Unification Ministry

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North and South Korea agreed Monday to hold senior-level talks this week in Seoul, a breakthrough of sorts to ease tensions after Pyongyang's recent threats of nuclear war and Seoul's vows of counterstrikes.

The two-day meeting starting Wednesday will focus on stalled cooperation projects, including the resumption of operations at a jointly-run factory park near the border in North Korea that was the last remaining symbol of inter-Korean rapprochement until Pyongyang pulled out its workers in April during heightened tensions that followed its February nuclear test.

The details of the upcoming talks were ironed out in a nearly 17-hour negotiating session by lower-level officials. Those discussions began Sunday in the countries' first government-level meeting on the Korean Peninsula in more than two years and took place at the village of Panmunjom on their heavily armed border, near where the armistice ending the three-year Korean War was signed 60 years ago next month. That truce has never been replaced with a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula technically at war.

Read more:

http://news.yahoo.com/2-koreas-hold-senior-level-meeting-seoul-224000712.html

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To retire securely, save like an Aussie

To retire securely, save like an Aussie

In the United States, fewer than half of all workers participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. In Australia, about 90% of the workforce has a formal retirement account. The most important difference between the two systems, as Bloomberg BusinessWeek’s Nick Summers explains in a recent piece, is that in Australia, contributing to your account is mandatory—and most workers now put in a minimum of 9% of each paycheck. The result: A little more than 20 years after it was enacted, Australia’s Superannuation Guarantee program now has $1.52 trillion in assets, a little over half as much as the $2.8 trillion parked in American 401(k)s—in a country whose population is only one-fourteenth the size of ours.

Read more:

http://blogs.marketwatch.com/encore/2013/06/06/to-retire-securely-save-like-an-aussie/

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France: Daytime Hours for Aging Clubbers in Paris

Daytime Hours for Aging Clubbers in Paris

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US: You Say 'Car-ml,' I Say 'Carra-mel'

You Say 'Car-ml,' I Say 'Carra-mel'

Soda vs. pop: Coastal residents are more likely to use the word 'soda' (in red), while residents of the upper Midwest tend to use the word 'pop' (blue). 'Coke' (in green) serves as a stand-in for any sweetened, carbonated beverage in some Southern states.

Building on linguistic data from Dr. Bert Vaux of Cambridge University, North Carolina State University graduate student Joshua Katz has highlighted key differences in American dialects. These maps show the differences. ( See his full project. )

Read more:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324798904578529272964502276.html?mod=e2fb#slide/1

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US: We are being secretly watched

Monumental phone-records monitoring is laid bare

WASHINGTON (AP) — A leaked document has laid bare the monumental scope of the government's surveillance of Americans'phone records — hundreds of millions of calls — in the first hard evidence of a massive data collection program aimed at combating terrorism under powers granted by Congress after the 9/11 attacks.

At issue is a court order, first disclosed Wednesday by The Guardian newspaper in Britain, that requires the communications companyVerizon to turn over on an "ongoing, daily basis" the records of all landline and mobile telephone calls of its customers, both within the U.S. and between the U.S. and other countries. Intelligence experts said the government, though not listening in on calls, would be looking for patterns that could lead to terrorists — and that there was every reason to believe similar orders were in place for other phone companies.

Some critics in Congress, as well as civil liberties advocates, declared that the sweeping nature of the National Security Agency program represented an unwarranted intrusion into Americans' private lives. But a number of lawmakers, including some Republicans who normally jump at the chance to criticize the Obama administration, lauded the program's effectiveness. Leaders of the House Intelligence Committee said the program had helped thwart at least one attempted terrorist attack in the United States, "possibly saving American lives."

Read more:

http://news.yahoo.com/monumental-phone-records-monitoring-laid-bare-214828693.html

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