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Friday January 20, 2012 - 8:00 am
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Tom is out today. Linda begins with our top stories. King 5 Meteorologist, Jim Guy, tells us what we can expect weather-wise for the week ahead. KIRO's Tim Haeck was in Issaquah talking with people trying to get by until the lights come on again. KIRO's Chris Sullivan was driving around the Puget Sound giving updates on roads and highways. And Puget Sound Energy Spokesman, Andy Wappler, joined us to talk about PSE outages and how long their customers can expect to be without power.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The most-hated companies in America Jan 17, 2012
The most-hated companies in America
By MSN Money partner on Tue, Jan 17, 2012
1. Facebook
Facebook has more than 800 million users. Any company of this size is sure to have some detractors. Compared with other leading social media sites, however, Facebook has the lowest customer satisfaction score from the American Customer Satisfaction Index. The site has repeatedly irked users by neglecting personal privacy. Notable events include the introduction of facial recognition software, which spurred an investigation by the European Union, and the Facebook timeline. Facebook received significant negative press for forcing new settings on users that change how their personal information is shared with other people. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has only recently said the company will no longer do this. According to the MSN Money-IBOPE Zogby International customer service survey for 2011, 25.9% of Facebook users described the company's customer service as poor -- the lowest rating.
more...
Source;
http://mcaf.ee/zlkp2
Copyright 2012 Atkins & Assoc. All Rights Reserved.
By MSN Money partner on Tue, Jan 17, 2012
1. Facebook
Facebook has more than 800 million users. Any company of this size is sure to have some detractors. Compared with other leading social media sites, however, Facebook has the lowest customer satisfaction score from the American Customer Satisfaction Index. The site has repeatedly irked users by neglecting personal privacy. Notable events include the introduction of facial recognition software, which spurred an investigation by the European Union, and the Facebook timeline. Facebook received significant negative press for forcing new settings on users that change how their personal information is shared with other people. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has only recently said the company will no longer do this. According to the MSN Money-IBOPE Zogby International customer service survey for 2011, 25.9% of Facebook users described the company's customer service as poor -- the lowest rating.
more...
- What's America's most promising company?
- The world's happiest brands By Meghan Casserly, Forbes.com
Source;
http://mcaf.ee/zlkp2
Copyright 2012 Atkins & Assoc. All Rights Reserved.
GAO: Force Protection Features Cost SAIC-Boeing In GCV Competition
Inside Defense
January 17, 2012
GAO: Force Protection Features Cost SAIC-Boeing In GCV Competition
Science Applications International Corp. and Boeing were excluded from the Army's Ground Combat Vehicle program last year because of concerns over their design's force-protection features, a Government Accountability Office decision reveals.
At issue is the industry team's proposal for an active protection system, aimed at destroying incoming rockets and grenades, and the design of its underbody armor, aimed at protecting a GCV's crew against improvised explosive devices. Force protection was a major factor on which offerors were judged when the Army awarded development contracts for the multibillion-dollar program last summer.
Contract awards went to BAE Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems. The SAIC-Boeing team came up empty and subsequently protested the Army's award decision. The team's principal argument held that the Army subjected its offering to a more demanding evaluation process than the other two proposals.
In a redacted protest decision issued by GAO last week, auditors explain their determination, reached in early December, that the Army held all three companies to the same standards. The 20-page opinion contains a plethora of details surrounding the case, including an assessment by the Army that officials had "concerns with all three offerors' force-protection solutions."
The sections discussing the characteristics of SAIC's proposal for an APS are heavily redacted. The bottom line in the Army's argument against the offering was that the company was unable to produce "substantiating data to support its performance claims," the GAO opinion states. Specifically, Army officials questioned that the company team would be able to improve the APS' response time so that it can defeat a specific round, the name of which was deleted from the GAO document.
The opinion addresses SAIC's claim that its offer is based on the Puma vehicle, used by the German army, and therefore should have ranked higher in the Army evaluation system. Industry team officials made the argument that a GCV based on an existing design would be less fraught with risk than a completely new vehicle design, as BAE and GDLS proposed.
Government lawyers determined that the Army had taken this argument into account, but noted the significant level of effort involved in modifying the Puma so it can fulfill the U.S. requirement of seating a nine-member squad.
The SAIC-Boeing underbelly protection design was found to constitute a "weakness," according to the GAO opinion. When asked by the Army to provide more information about it, company officials responded that the information was classified and belonged to the German ministry of defense.
"SAIC . . . responded that the information the Army was seeking was set out in a proprietary, classified drawing, which SAIC was not permitted to deliver," according to the GAO opinion.
The company offered to provide details to U.S. government personnel under the condition of non-disclosure agreements, but the Army judged the design as "uncertain." While the German defense ministry offered classified briefings to the Army on the underbody protection test results and simulated models, Army officials declined because it would have required them to travel to Germany. The German stipulation also was that no notes were to be taken and no documents handed over.
Consequently, the Army's characterization of a weakness due to the lack of data was justified, according to GAO attorneys.
Additional Army concerns with the SAIC-Boeing proposal included insufficient head clearance for crew members, "seating system integration problems," a risk of toxic fumes in the crew compartment due to the "battery pack" placement, and "various hazards inhibiting egress to the rear of the GCV," according to the GAO document.
Source-selection officials gave SAIC several warnings that the company's proposal would be rejected if critical weaknesses remained after a round of proposal revisions, GAO said.
Auditors considered only the Army's actions during the evaluation process, not the substance of the service's arguments against the SAIC-Boeing proposal.
###
end
Sources;
http://mcaf.ee/ynu23
http://atkins-philip.blogspot.com/2012/01/gao-force-protection-features-cost-saic.html
Copyright 2012 Atkins & Assoc. All Rights Reserved.
January 17, 2012
GAO: Force Protection Features Cost SAIC-Boeing In GCV Competition
Science Applications International Corp. and Boeing were excluded from the Army's Ground Combat Vehicle program last year because of concerns over their design's force-protection features, a Government Accountability Office decision reveals.
At issue is the industry team's proposal for an active protection system, aimed at destroying incoming rockets and grenades, and the design of its underbody armor, aimed at protecting a GCV's crew against improvised explosive devices. Force protection was a major factor on which offerors were judged when the Army awarded development contracts for the multibillion-dollar program last summer.
Contract awards went to BAE Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems. The SAIC-Boeing team came up empty and subsequently protested the Army's award decision. The team's principal argument held that the Army subjected its offering to a more demanding evaluation process than the other two proposals.
In a redacted protest decision issued by GAO last week, auditors explain their determination, reached in early December, that the Army held all three companies to the same standards. The 20-page opinion contains a plethora of details surrounding the case, including an assessment by the Army that officials had "concerns with all three offerors' force-protection solutions."
The sections discussing the characteristics of SAIC's proposal for an APS are heavily redacted. The bottom line in the Army's argument against the offering was that the company was unable to produce "substantiating data to support its performance claims," the GAO opinion states. Specifically, Army officials questioned that the company team would be able to improve the APS' response time so that it can defeat a specific round, the name of which was deleted from the GAO document.
The opinion addresses SAIC's claim that its offer is based on the Puma vehicle, used by the German army, and therefore should have ranked higher in the Army evaluation system. Industry team officials made the argument that a GCV based on an existing design would be less fraught with risk than a completely new vehicle design, as BAE and GDLS proposed.
Government lawyers determined that the Army had taken this argument into account, but noted the significant level of effort involved in modifying the Puma so it can fulfill the U.S. requirement of seating a nine-member squad.
The SAIC-Boeing underbelly protection design was found to constitute a "weakness," according to the GAO opinion. When asked by the Army to provide more information about it, company officials responded that the information was classified and belonged to the German ministry of defense.
"SAIC . . . responded that the information the Army was seeking was set out in a proprietary, classified drawing, which SAIC was not permitted to deliver," according to the GAO opinion.
The company offered to provide details to U.S. government personnel under the condition of non-disclosure agreements, but the Army judged the design as "uncertain." While the German defense ministry offered classified briefings to the Army on the underbody protection test results and simulated models, Army officials declined because it would have required them to travel to Germany. The German stipulation also was that no notes were to be taken and no documents handed over.
Consequently, the Army's characterization of a weakness due to the lack of data was justified, according to GAO attorneys.
Additional Army concerns with the SAIC-Boeing proposal included insufficient head clearance for crew members, "seating system integration problems," a risk of toxic fumes in the crew compartment due to the "battery pack" placement, and "various hazards inhibiting egress to the rear of the GCV," according to the GAO document.
Source-selection officials gave SAIC several warnings that the company's proposal would be rejected if critical weaknesses remained after a round of proposal revisions, GAO said.
Auditors considered only the Army's actions during the evaluation process, not the substance of the service's arguments against the SAIC-Boeing proposal.
###
end
Sources;
http://mcaf.ee/ynu23
http://atkins-philip.blogspot.com/2012/01/gao-force-protection-features-cost-saic.html
Copyright 2012 Atkins & Assoc. All Rights Reserved.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
General Dynamics To Bring Stryker Work To Ladson Facility
General Dynamics To Bring Stryker Work To Ladson Facility
January 11, 2012
Charleston Regional Business Journal
Force Protection will install communications and protective equipment on General Dynamics’ Double-V Hull Strykers, which will be deployed to Afghanistan. The work is expected to last from March through February 2013 and create about 45 jobs.
General Dynamics Land Systems is bringing new work and jobs to Force Protection’s Ladson facility, the company announced Tuesday.
Force Protection will install communications and protective equipment on General Dynamics’ Double-V Hull Strykers, which will be deployed to Afghanistan.
The work, which is expected to last from March through February 2013, will create about 45 jobs.
General Dynamics acquired Force Protection in December for about $360 million, and the Ladson-based mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle maker became part of General Dynamics Land Systems, headquartered in Sterling Heights, Mich.
Representatives from General Dynamics and Force Protection were not available for comment.
###
end
January 11, 2012
Charleston Regional Business Journal
Force Protection will install communications and protective equipment on General Dynamics’ Double-V Hull Strykers, which will be deployed to Afghanistan. The work is expected to last from March through February 2013 and create about 45 jobs.
General Dynamics Land Systems is bringing new work and jobs to Force Protection’s Ladson facility, the company announced Tuesday.
Force Protection will install communications and protective equipment on General Dynamics’ Double-V Hull Strykers, which will be deployed to Afghanistan.
The work, which is expected to last from March through February 2013, will create about 45 jobs.
General Dynamics acquired Force Protection in December for about $360 million, and the Ladson-based mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle maker became part of General Dynamics Land Systems, headquartered in Sterling Heights, Mich.
Representatives from General Dynamics and Force Protection were not available for comment.
###
end
General Dynamics Brings New Work to South Carolina
PRNewswire
January 10, 2012
General Dynamics Brings New Work to South Carolina
General Dynamics Land Systems announced today that the newly acquired Force Protection manufacturing facility in Ladson, S.C., will install additional combat-related equipment on 292 Double-V Hull Strykers to be deployed to Afghanistan.
The equipment provides combat capabilities to the vehicles in preparation for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) deployment. It includes additional communication, protection and situational-awareness enablers for the warfighter.
The $10 million in new work begins in March 2012 and leverages the skills of mechanics, supply professionals and management. Approximately 45 jobs will be created for the work, which is expected to be completed by February of 2013.
General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) completed its acquisition in December 2011 of Force Protection, Inc., a provider of blast- and ballistic-protected platforms that support the armed forces of the United States and its allies. The transaction, valued at approximately $360 million, was announced on November 7 and is expected to be accretive to General Dynamics’ earnings in 2012. Force Protection is part of General Dynamics Land Systems.
General Dynamics Land Systems is a leading manufacturer of wheeled, tracked and amphibious combat vehicles, offering a spectrum of design, production and lifecycle support to customers worldwide. Its portfolio of vehicle platforms includes the Stryker wheeled combat vehicle, the Abrams main battle tank and the MRAP class of tactical vehicles. The company employs world-class manufacturing and systems-integration processes to develop vehicles designed to meet current and future ground-combat requirements.
More information about General Dynamics is available at www.generaldynamics.com.
###
end
January 10, 2012
General Dynamics Brings New Work to South Carolina
General Dynamics Land Systems announced today that the newly acquired Force Protection manufacturing facility in Ladson, S.C., will install additional combat-related equipment on 292 Double-V Hull Strykers to be deployed to Afghanistan.
The equipment provides combat capabilities to the vehicles in preparation for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) deployment. It includes additional communication, protection and situational-awareness enablers for the warfighter.
The $10 million in new work begins in March 2012 and leverages the skills of mechanics, supply professionals and management. Approximately 45 jobs will be created for the work, which is expected to be completed by February of 2013.
General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) completed its acquisition in December 2011 of Force Protection, Inc., a provider of blast- and ballistic-protected platforms that support the armed forces of the United States and its allies. The transaction, valued at approximately $360 million, was announced on November 7 and is expected to be accretive to General Dynamics’ earnings in 2012. Force Protection is part of General Dynamics Land Systems.
General Dynamics Land Systems is a leading manufacturer of wheeled, tracked and amphibious combat vehicles, offering a spectrum of design, production and lifecycle support to customers worldwide. Its portfolio of vehicle platforms includes the Stryker wheeled combat vehicle, the Abrams main battle tank and the MRAP class of tactical vehicles. The company employs world-class manufacturing and systems-integration processes to develop vehicles designed to meet current and future ground-combat requirements.
More information about General Dynamics is available at www.generaldynamics.com.
###
end
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Computer Security & Virus Protection Services
Computer Security & Virus Protection Services
Saturaday, January 7, 2012
Do you know of any company that will come to your home for a flat rate of $40 dollars and install Microsoft's Security Essentials on your home or office computer?
Do you already have a known virus on your computer and need it removed?
For an additional flat rate of $40 dollars we'll come to your home or office and remove the viruses that plague your computer by using Microsoft's latest and greatest virus fighting and removal tools.
For a flat rate of just $100 per year we will install Microsoft's latest virus software, remove any known viruses and provide unlimited phone and email support.
Using your computer for personal or business use you can't affort to have it attacked and shut down for hours or in some cases days.
We've been providing computer support over the Internet for the past ten years.
Call us today and arrange an appointment anytime that best fits your schedule day or night.
100% money back quarantee if you're not completely satisified with our services.
Currently providing service for the greater Tacoma area only!
Happy New Year!
Philip Atkins
Founder
Atkins & Associates
Internet Specialist & Computer Consulant
consulant.webs.com
253.987.6261
P.S. We're currently hiring commissioned based computer specialist so send us your resume via email.
###
end
Sources;
http://mcaf.ee/07f9g
http://bit.ly/xecYxz
http://atkins-philip.blogspot.com/2012/01/computer-security-virus-protection.html
Copyright 2012 Atkins & Assoc. All Rights Reserved.
Saturaday, January 7, 2012
Do you know of any company that will come to your home for a flat rate of $40 dollars and install Microsoft's Security Essentials on your home or office computer?
Do you already have a known virus on your computer and need it removed?
For an additional flat rate of $40 dollars we'll come to your home or office and remove the viruses that plague your computer by using Microsoft's latest and greatest virus fighting and removal tools.
For a flat rate of just $100 per year we will install Microsoft's latest virus software, remove any known viruses and provide unlimited phone and email support.
Using your computer for personal or business use you can't affort to have it attacked and shut down for hours or in some cases days.
We've been providing computer support over the Internet for the past ten years.
Call us today and arrange an appointment anytime that best fits your schedule day or night.
100% money back quarantee if you're not completely satisified with our services.
Currently providing service for the greater Tacoma area only!
Happy New Year!
Philip Atkins
Founder
Atkins & Associates
Internet Specialist & Computer Consulant
consulant.webs.com
253.987.6261
P.S. We're currently hiring commissioned based computer specialist so send us your resume via email.
###
end
Sources;
http://mcaf.ee/07f9g
http://bit.ly/xecYxz
http://atkins-philip.blogspot.com/2012/01/computer-security-virus-protection.html
Copyright 2012 Atkins & Assoc. All Rights Reserved.
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Atkins Family Christmas 2006
The Atkins Family
Christmas 2006
Tacoma, Washington
Copyright 2012 Atkins & Assoc. All rights reserved.
Christmas 2006
Tacoma, Washington
Copyright 2012 Atkins & Assoc. All rights reserved.
Microsoft Home Essentials Free Version 2012
Microsoft Home Essentials Free Version 2012
by Philip Atkins
Monday, January 2, 2012
Fake Microsoft Security Essentials Alert Removal and Analysis by Shanmuga - http://bit.ly/gwr14M
Monday, January 2, 2012
I've recently encounted a problem with my Microsoft Security Essentials software being hacked and guided onto a website in order to purcahse a fake $59.00 upgrade.
This virus program even runs a fake security scan just like the original version so it's very easy to be duped.
I didn't purchase the software and I would imagine that most folks would have bought the cheapest version and perhaps the phone support as well.
If I remember correctly the added feature of software support ran somewhere around $20.00 per year.
I've been running Microsoft's free antivirus software for about 2 years and could tell that something was wrong when the fake program shut down my Internet explorer and directed me to a fake site claiming to be from Microsoft.
Being a heavy computer user since the mid 90's, after leaving my military career for a Mr. Mom job, has bought me some serious computer time.
I continue to visit Microsoft's website for templates and calendars that are often produced by the end users.
I've only recently discovered this problem on my PC and after looking around on the Internet today's it looks like it's common knowledge.
Just remember that the 2012 version of Microsoft's Security Essentials antivirus program is free to download in order to keep your computer running at optimal performance.
About: Microsoft Security Essentials 2012
Use Microsoft Security Essentials to guard against viruses, spyware, and other evil software. It provides real-time protection for your home or small business PCs.
Microsoft Security Essentials is free* and we designed it to be simple to install and easy to use. It runs quietly and efficiently in the background so you don't have to worry about interruptions or making updates.
Need security for your business?
Microsoft Security Essentials is available for small businesses with up to 10 PCs.
If your business has more than 10 PCs, you can protect them with Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection.
* Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security Essentials.
Related Stories;
Fake Microsoft Security Essentials Alert Removal and Analysis by Shanmuga - http://bit.ly/gwr14M
Monday, January 2, 2012
Home Page > Computers > Security > What is Security Essentials 2011?
Microsoft Security Essentials beta registration opens November 18th, 2011
Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0 Review & Rating | PCMag.com
Can I Avoid Viruses Without Buying An Antivirus Program? | Security-FAQs.com
Microsoft Warns of IT Support Phone Scams by Chloe Albanesius June 16, 2011
Microsoft Wants You for Security Essentials Beta by Chris Paoli 11/30/2011
Plus: One dumb hacker tries to blackmail his way into a job; FBI cracks down on counterfeit merchandise online.
###
end
Source;
http://bit.ly/v0sejj
http://atkins-philip.blogspot.com/2012/01/microsoft-home-essentials-free-version.html
Philip Atkins is a freelance writer on issues concerning MS Windows based PC's, US Army history and the formation, rise and possible fall of the European Union. He has more than 30 years experience in this arena and has lived abroad for more than 11 years. He currently resides with his wife Diana in Tacoma, Washington.
Copyright 2012 Atkins & Associates. All rights reserved.
by Philip Atkins
Monday, January 2, 2012
Fake Microsoft Security Essentials Alert Removal and Analysis by Shanmuga - http://bit.ly/gwr14M
Monday, January 2, 2012
I've recently encounted a problem with my Microsoft Security Essentials software being hacked and guided onto a website in order to purcahse a fake $59.00 upgrade.
This virus program even runs a fake security scan just like the original version so it's very easy to be duped.
I didn't purchase the software and I would imagine that most folks would have bought the cheapest version and perhaps the phone support as well.
If I remember correctly the added feature of software support ran somewhere around $20.00 per year.
I've been running Microsoft's free antivirus software for about 2 years and could tell that something was wrong when the fake program shut down my Internet explorer and directed me to a fake site claiming to be from Microsoft.
Being a heavy computer user since the mid 90's, after leaving my military career for a Mr. Mom job, has bought me some serious computer time.
I continue to visit Microsoft's website for templates and calendars that are often produced by the end users.
I've only recently discovered this problem on my PC and after looking around on the Internet today's it looks like it's common knowledge.
Just remember that the 2012 version of Microsoft's Security Essentials antivirus program is free to download in order to keep your computer running at optimal performance.
About: Microsoft Security Essentials 2012
Use Microsoft Security Essentials to guard against viruses, spyware, and other evil software. It provides real-time protection for your home or small business PCs.
Microsoft Security Essentials is free* and we designed it to be simple to install and easy to use. It runs quietly and efficiently in the background so you don't have to worry about interruptions or making updates.
Need security for your business?
Microsoft Security Essentials is available for small businesses with up to 10 PCs.
If your business has more than 10 PCs, you can protect them with Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection.
* Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security Essentials.
Related Stories;
Monday, January 2, 2012
Plus: One dumb hacker tries to blackmail his way into a job; FBI cracks down on counterfeit merchandise online.
Download Microfoft Security Essentials Free Software
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials
###
end
Source;
http://bit.ly/v0sejj
http://atkins-philip.blogspot.com/2012/01/microsoft-home-essentials-free-version.html
Philip Atkins is a freelance writer on issues concerning MS Windows based PC's, US Army history and the formation, rise and possible fall of the European Union. He has more than 30 years experience in this arena and has lived abroad for more than 11 years. He currently resides with his wife Diana in Tacoma, Washington.
Copyright 2012 Atkins & Associates. All rights reserved.
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