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Firefox has thrown down the gauntlet in the race to take charge of your online identity, saying it will soon add identity-management features to its browser, and hopes at some point to build recommendation services into the browser as well. The move pits the Mozilla Foundation and its open-source model against the proprietary approach taken by Facebook, which recently launched a series of features that it hopes will convince users and websites to use Facebook profiles as their default log-in for online services, and to implement the social network’s “Like” plugins as a universal standard.

The new addition to Firefox is called Account Manager, and it effectively transfers authority over logging in to various websites and services to the browser. Using a single menu in the main toolbar of the browser, next to the address field, Firefox will be able to log a user — or multiple users — into and out of multiple services, and will even be able to generate random passwords for users who don’t want to come up with their own. The service will apparently also support any standard for authentication such as OpenID (or presumably OAuth as well, which Facebook now supports), and is designed to be an open standard.

Firefox has effectively promoted the Account Manager plugin (or add-on, as it calls them now) from its Labs experimentation project to the official browser development stream. The add-on is available as a beta here, and after some testing and development will be added to the shipping version of the browser. The Firefox team said it is looking to “ship this feature as soon as possible,” and that adding support for it to an existing website or service should only take “as little as fifteen minutes of hacking.”

It’s clear that Firefox sees the browser as the primary agent that stands between a user and the services and websites she wants to visit. That effectively means Firefox is going to go head-to-head with Facebook, which also wants to be the primary means by which users login to websites and services. According to the Firefox blog, the Account Manager add-on is just part of a larger “online identity concept series” that Mozilla Labs has been working on, which includes looking at all the ways the browser can help users interact with the web:

Your Web browser, as your most trusted relationship in your life online, has nearly perfect knowledge of everything you do on the Web. We envision a world where your browser will play an even more active and critical role in helping you control and shape your online experience. To realize this vision, we need to increase the browser’s understanding of your online identity and provide a platform for building new capabilities that securely take advantage of this rich, dynamic set of data that represents the digital “you.”

According to Mozilla Labs, some of the ideas it is working on include managing account information, but also questions such as “How can your browser help when you discover something cool on the Web that you want to share with your friends?” and also “What can your browser do to enable you to securely share data with websites and third-parties in return for context-rich Web experiences?” Those are both goals that will also bring the Firefox developer into direct competition with Facebook for access to user’s data and personalization or recommendation features.

Identity online seems to have gone from being a two-way race, with Google and Facebook, to being a three-way contest. May the best service win.

Related content from GigaOM Pro (sub req’d): There’s No Stopping Facebook

With the blockbuster movie expected to raked in millions next weekend, Sega has also been doing its fair share of promotional stuff, hyping up the video game adaptation of the upcoming super hero film, Iron Man 2.

So, just a few hours ago Phil showed us some custom themes for the HTC_IME keyboard. I know you readers love to support us, so I figured I would make a sweet Android Central keyboard to share with all of you! The install of the keyboard is rather easy, and goes as follows. Note: Your phone does NOT have to be rooted to do this.

• Download this file (Android_Central_Keyboard.apk, ~4 megabytes), and install with your favorite file browser.
• Go to Settings then Language & Keyboard > Check HTC_IME mod
• Open a text entry area, long press anywhere, select input method, and select HTC_IME mod
• Enjoy your new keyboard, and show it off to all your friends!

Hope you all enjoy this keyboard as much as I am, and if you come up with your own Android Central creations, we would love to see them in the forums!

Members from both sides of the aisle came together Tuesday to combat domestic violence.

The House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill that would establish a pilot program for the electronic monitoring of domestic violence offenders. It also unanimously voted in favor of a bill that would make sure school personnel learn about teen dating and domestic violence as part of their in-service training, and it approved, 125-19, a bill that would ensure that money promised to domestic violence victims’ shelters and rape crisis centers is distributed promptly.

The bills are a direct result of a bipartisan task force formed last fall by House Speaker Christopher Donovan, D-Meriden. After several domestic violence-related deaths in Connecticut, Donovan asked lawmakers to come up with ways that the state can improve its response to domestic violence incidents.

The domestic violence bill that has received the most attention deals with the judicial system.

The bill would establish a pilot program for the monitoring of high-risk domestic violence offenders. The judicial branch recently received $140,000 in federal stimulus money to help pay for the program. The money will be used to buy electronic monitoring devices and equipment for at least 21 high-risk offenders in Bridgeport, Danielson and Hartford.

The federal funding would run out in March, and the bill was amended Tuesday to clearly state that if there was no funding for the program, it would not be continued.

The amendment also addressed domestic violence dockets. The original bill called for domestic violence cases to be heard in 11 criminal courts that currently don’t hear them, but now only three additional courts would hear such cases.

Currently, nine of the state’s 22 criminal courts have domestic violence dockets, and Rep. Gerald Fox III, D-Stamford, said the Judicial Branch will use existing resources to add the three dockets. The branch will also decide where the dockets are added, he said.

In addition, the courts-related bill would improve the enforcement of protective orders and allow prosecutors to take into consideration all previous domestic violence offenses, including those committed out of state, for persistent offenders.

The education bill voted on Tuesday has no financial impact on cities and towns, according to the legislature’s budget office. The state Department of Education, however, would need to spend $35,000 next fiscal year to standardize training materials associated with teen dating and domestic violence.

While the training would be mandatory for teachers, administrators and pupil personnel, it would be voluntary for paraprofessionals and noncertified employees.

“It’s a small step, but a step in the right direction,” said Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, R-Old Saybrook.

The third and final domestic violence bill voted on Tuesday would ensure that money from the marriage license surcharge is given to the Department of Social Services and the Department of Public Health. The departments split $19 between shelter services for domestic violence victims and rape crisis services, and the bill would require the money to be distributed in a timely manner.

The bill would also require the Department of Public Health to develop a television public service announcement to prevent teen dating violence and family violence. The department would have to use existing money, or apply for a grant, to pay for the announcement, which would have to be developed by June 2012.

There was some debate over provisions that would allow domestic violence victims to break rental agreements if they reasonably believe they need to vacate their home for safety reasons. Victims would have to give at least 30 days written notice to their landlord and they would need to provide proof that they are domestic violence victims. Proof could be a copy of a police or court record, or a written statement from an employee or agent of a victim services organization, an employee of the Office of Victim Services with the Judicial Department of the Office of the Victim Advocate, or a medical or other licensed professional that has assisted the victim.

Victims would still be responsible for any rent owed prior to the termination of the lease, and landlords would still have the right to try to prevent termination of a lease in Superior Court.

Those who voted against the bill said they were worried about language in this specific domestic violence bill and said the bill could make things difficult for landlords.

All three domestic violence bills must still be approved by the Senate and signed by the governor becoming law.

by Kevin Jon Heller

From the Judgment:

It was further argued that Germany alone could decide, in accordance with the reservations made by many of the Signatory Powers at the time of the conclusion of the Briand-Kellogg Pact, whether preventive action was a necessity, and that in making her decision final judgment was conclusive. But whether action taken under the claim of seIf-defense was in fact aggressive or defensive must ultimately be subject to investigation and adjudication if international law is ever to be enforced.

Smart people, those Allied judges.

There’s an insidious force plaguing our nation’s military. It’s vaster than any insurgent network, though much closer to home. It confounds our commanders and keeps our generals up at night. And it’s included with every copy of Microsoft Office. More »

vegetarian proteins

Revealed! Soy Protein Increases Energy and Aids in Weight Loss

Are you concerned about the nutritional content of your food? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are becoming concerned with their health and wellness. A 1999 survey indicated that 87% of consumers reported changing their eating habits due to specific health concerns.

Among the greatest worries were heart health and dietary cholesterol intake. The major dietary concern (reported by almost half of those surveyed) was reducing fat. Animal protein is a major contributor to the fat in the average American diet.

Americans eat plenty of protein, but it is mostly from meat, eggs, and dairy sources, which are usually high in saturated fat and cholesterol. In contrast, many soy products are high in protein, naturally low in fat, and naturally lactose and cholesterol free.

Soy also provides all the amino acids, including the nine essential ones your body needs but cannot manufacture itself. Using the newest methods for assessing the quality of protein, soy protein was given the score of 1.0, the highest rating possible and equal to that given animal proteins such as those from eggs and milk.

Soy products are also good sources of calcium and iron. In addition, soy protein provides naturally occurring beneficial plant compounds that are being extensively studied. Soy contains isoflavones, especially genistein and daidzein.

These are intriguing to researchers because they are phytoestrogens and may be related to soy’s ability to regulate hormonal balance and deliver long-term health benefits. Some soy protein products are alcohol-processed, which removes isoflavones.

High quality soy protein is water washed to retain naturally occurring isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein and uses only non-genetically modified (GMO) soy protein certified through an Identity Preservation Program (IPP). This program assures that the soy we use is tightly monitored and controlled from planting and harvesting to processing.

The tremendous benefits of soy protein include sustained energy, vitality, and stamina, plus the benefits of naturally occurring isoflavones compounds not present in meat or dairy foods.

Who might benefit from taking a soy protein supplement? Anybody concerned about heart health. People interested in reducing their intake of the typically high-fat, high-cholesterol animal sources of protein and supplementing their diet with a plant-based protein source that is naturally low in fat and lactose and cholesterol free.

Vegetarians or vegans looking for a high-quality protein source that contains no animal products. People interested in the health benefits associated with consuming soy Anyone interested in supporting the body’s natural ability to ward off hunger and maintain energy for hours.

How does a soy protein supplement work to sustain energy? The key to any good soy protein supplement is glycemic response. Glycemic response describes the effect a food has on blood sugar. Foods like a hot-fudge sundae can cause your blood sugar to spike and then plummet rapidly.

A short time after you have finished the last spoonful, you feel tired, irritable, and surprisingly hungry considering the number of calories you have just consumed. This is exactly the opposite of how you feel after a serving of high quality soy protein.

In a clinical study, subjects consumed 110 calories from carbohydrates alone and their blood sugar was measured every half hour. As expected, blood sugar shot up immediately and then quickly crashed. It is this rollercoaster response that can lead to feelings of jitteriness, irritability, and hunger.

However, when subjects consumed 110 calories of high quality soy protein, the results were significantly different. Blood sugar did not spike, nor did it plummet. Instead, it remained essentially level. The body’s natural metabolic balance was undisturbed.

When choosing a soy protein supplement it should be made of or include the following: it should have at least 12 grams of protein per serving, and the protein itself should come from a natural vegetarian protein source, it should be naturally cholesterol free, it should not contain any saturated fat, and it should only contain 1 gram of total fat per serving.

Your high quality soy protein supplement should meet 50% of your daily needs for calcium and your soy protein supplement should not have any artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, or preservatives added to it. And finally your soy protein supplement should also be kosher certified and come with a money-back guarantee.

Good luck on your journey towards health and wellness!

About the Author

Brue M. Baker, is an expert on natural health and fitness who has helped people from all across the country sky-rocket their health and well-being. Rather than hitting your head against a wall trying every natural nutrition product out there, let Brue introduce you to what he has found to be the best natural health products on the planet. Visit DynamicHealthTips.com to receive Brue’s free newsletter.

What is the easiet source of proteins for a vegetarian?

You need about 50 grams of protein per day, more if you’re active. I usually have to get my protein on the go since I’m a flight attendant, so here’s what I do: Luna Bars: delicious and about 8-10 grams per bar, Health Valley Black Bean and Lentil Soups (these are lower in sodium than most pre-made soups) and have 12 grams of protein per bowl- the to go soups not the canned ones; Progresso Lentil Soup has a lot of protein in it. Its wonderful but high in sodium. I munch on walnuts, almonds, and cashews throughout the day and a serving is usually 1/4 cup and has on average 5 grams of protein. Hummus is my favorite food and its made with chickpeas/garbanzo beans which not only have lots of protein but also vitamin b12. I add GenSoy Protein powder to my oatmeal in the morning b/c I don’t like the shakes or have the equipment when I’m out of town to do so. If you go out to eat, you’ll have more luck finding protein rich, vegan foods at ethnic places. I get Channa masala (a chickpea dish) at Indian places, coconut curry with tofu at Thai places, and Bean Curd dishes at Chinese restaurants (although if you get the bean-curd steamed without the sauce or sauce on the side its healthier). It sounds like a lot to do, but I have so much energy when I get enough protein and its not that hard to include these things. Good Luck and Happy Tofurky Day!

[phpbay]vegetarian proteins, 100[/phpbay]
Being a Vegan : Getting Protein in a Vegan Diet

Vegetarian Proteins is a post from the Vegetarian Vitamins Guide blog where you can find suggestions and advice from vegetarians and vegans on vegetarian diets, supplements, vitamins and overall nutrition.

Cypress Semiconductor has enhanced its TrueTouch touchscreen solution so that hovering a finger over a capacitive display mimics mouseover functionality. The new technology could be used to magnify sections of a small touchscreen prior to activation by touch…
Continue Reading TrueTouch technology gets Hover Detection

Tags: Cypress Semiconductor,
Touchscreen

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• TrueTouch touchscreen solution
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• Pressure sensitive technology set to bring 3D capability to touchscreens

The best thing about M.I.A. is that you never know what she is going to hit you with next. On her new track “Born Free” she proves that her creativity has not diminished since her sophomore release ‘Kala’ by delivering a high energy, no frills, grimy punk rock sound that is distinctly her own. We’re unsure if this is a promo cut or if it will be included on her upcoming album due out in June, either way we like what we here so far.

Continue reading to view the video.

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

Praise the Android Gods, we now have a date for when the HTC Desire will launch on U.S. Cellular!   According to the U.S. Cellular Facebook page, the HTC Desire will be launching sometime in July so get your checkbooks ready. Originally, it was thought the HTC Desire would land on more carriers, but it appears that U.S. Cellular has scored an exclusive.  Honestly, I am kinda surprised this phone didn’t land on one of the “big four.”  So, how many U.S. Cellular customers are excited? Let us know!

Source: Android and Me

Might We Suggest…

• Fast-Acting Hacker Makes Nexus One More ‘Desire’-able
  Paul O’Brien, founder of MoDaCo, has been a busy little boy.  In what feels like only a matter of hours, he’s been able to flash an unofficial ROM from the HTC Desire onto a Nexus One.  And just to pr…

Amanda Pogany's 1996 Honda Accord returned in drag-race condition

How many who have experienced the misfortune of a stolen car have had it returned to them with value-raising work done? Nobody? Didn’t think so. That is exactly what happened however, to Brooklyn, New York teacher Amanda Pogany when her ’96 Accord was stolen.

The car, stolen in 2006, had found its way into the hands of an enthusiast who had dropped a V-8 under the hood, tinted the windows, put on oversized tires with special hubcaps and custom valve stems, leather interior, and an automatic transmission. “When I first saw under the hood I thought it looked like, you know in the movie ‘Grease?’ Like the ‘Grease Lightning’ car,” said Pogany, 31, who lives in Prospect Heights.

Police had found the car during a raid on a chop shop in Queens, and were able to trace the car back to Pogany, even though the VIN had been scraped off. The car was in the middle of the transmission installation during the raid.

Pogany has not been able to take the car for a joyride herself however, as she doesn’t know how to drive stick, and is still awaiting a new VIN and vehicle registration. Don’t worry though, she has a few friends who have volunteered to give her stick lessons.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: NY Daily News (via AutoBlog)

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Toys/Games

We’ve always envied those awesome home-stitched arcade racing consoles. It’s not that we aren’t handy enough to screw a few pieces of plywood together, it’s just that there isn’t enough space in either the living room or the garage for that kind of craft project, and our significant others don’t generally go for that sort of thing anyhow. The kids from Karjak CarLab have us officially reconsidering that stance, though.

Instead of raiding the local home-supply store for materials, the crew managed to talk a brand-new 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco into pretending that it’s a video game controller by hooking up the OBD port to a computer. As the nut in the driver’s seat wrenches on the steering wheel and operates the pedals, the system translates the maneuvers into ones and zeros. Throw in a projector good enough to cover your garage door, add a decent sound system, and you’ve officially got the most awesome driving simulator on the block – no shaking or baking required. We would suggest this would be the only way to play Gran Turismo 5 when it hits the shelves, but honestly, we’re increasingly feeling that we’re more likely we’ll get our AARP cards in the mail first. Hop the jump to see a video of the set up in action.

[Source: Hack A Day]

Continue reading Video: Digital Fahrvergnügen – VW Scirocco used as video game controller

Video: Digital Fahrvergnügen – VW Scirocco used as video game controller originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here’s a lovely little tidbit that’s leaked out of the FCC, looks like HTC has a new phone coming out in the AT&T 3G bands. Along with the boring technical details, the FCC also was kind enough to share some pictures! Could this be the new HTC Wildfire? HTC currently calls it the “PC70110″, but it’s typical to see this type of code name used during pre-production. Check out the pictures after the jump.

[via Unwired View]

Get ready for the most delicious way to travel: Amtrak will soon run its Heartland Flyer rail line on beef byproduct biodiesel. Just like me, this train will run slowly and inefficiently on burgers. More »

Honda Civic GX

Much to the chagrin of buyers in many states, the Honda Civic GX is currently sold only in the States of California, New York, and Utah. The reason? Infrastructure. The GX is natural gas powered and therefore requires natural gas filling stations, or home filling stations. Oklahoma has now been added to the list of states in which the car will be available for consume purchase; it had previously been available in Oklahoma to commercial fleets.

Honda has made their decision in light of Oklahoma being the second leading state in natural gas production and the incentives offered by the State of Oklahoma.

There are 13 Honda dealerships in Oklahoma, and they are all set to carry the GX, which given its performance to date, is expected to sell with fury. The MSRP starts at $25,340 and the EPA estimates 24/36 mpg city/highway.

– By Steven Calogera

Source: KickingTires

Diesel is working in conjunction with the folks behind Iron Man 2 to release a special Only The Brave France. The release coincides with the movie’s premiere in France this coming April 28th. It is a limited edition fragrance that reflects the Iron Man suit in looks as well as packaging. An animated comic is also accompanied by the release.

Continue reading to view more images and to see the animated comic.

Only The Brave Iron Man Limited Edition from Diesel-Fragrance-Factory on Vimeo.