WebProNews

Tag: Pennsylvania

  • Police Chief Resigns After Questionable Photo Hits Facebook

    In yet another example of what-happens-on-Facebook-happens-in-front-of-everyone-in-the-world-please-stop-posting-private-crap-on-Facebook-it’s-going-to-get-you-fired-or-arrested news, a Confluence, Pennsylvania police chief has resigned after a questionable photo made its way on the site.

    The photo seen above of chief Tom Keller and a woman packing serious heat popped up on Facebook.

    In his defense, Keller claims to have been the victim of a hacker that’s “just trying to embarrass him.” That would explain the fact that photo wound up on Facebook, I guess. But explaining the photo itself, well, that’s a different task.

    According to Somerset County’s the Daily American, Keller has resigned his position after being suspended without pay.

    “This photo was meant to be private,” he said. “It is a propped photo, a family photo of me and my wife just having fun.”

    In response to the situation, town mayor Allen Gyorko said,

    “In the winter, people get a little, what you call, cabin fever, you know. And they do goofy things..We’re a little distraught about it.”

    [CBS Pittsburgh via CNET]

  • ‘Unconstitutional’ LGBT Internet Filters Land School District in ACLU’s Crosshairs

    The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Pennsylvania have sent a letter to the Governor Mifflin School District in Shillington, PA which threatens legal action if the district doesn’t address the claims of high school student Maison Fioravante. While performing research on Governor Mifflin High School computers, Fioravante discovered that many educational LGBT sites were being blocked by the school’s content filter.

    When she tried to access certain LGBT sites for research purposes, Fioravante was met with a filter notice that cited a “sexuality” filter as the reason for the blocking. She posted a YouTube video detailing her situation and also began a petition on change.org asking the high school to stop blocking LGBT sites. The petition has amassed over 3,300 signatures and drew the attention of the ACLU.

    In their letter, the ACLU notes that this sort of filtering is considered viewpoint discrimination that was recently ruled unconstitutional in a recent court case.

    They state that the “sexuality” filter seems to be only blocking LGBT-oriented sites.

    But it’s not just LGBT sites that the school district’s filter (running Smoothwall software) is blocking. Apparently, the firewall is preventing access to anti-gay websites from organizations like the National Organization for Marriage and the the Family Research Council. The reason given is that these sites are blocked due to “intolerance.”

    The ACLU says that this is also ill-advised, as blocking even an “intolerant” viewpoint is an independent violation of the First Amendment.

    The ACLU gives the school district until March 14th to address their concerns before they proceed with legal action.

    “The ACLU respectfully requests that Governor Mifflin School District immediately reconfigure its Smoothwall filtering system so that it operates in a viewpoint-neutral manner or the District should find an alternate software vendor with a product that satisfies the requirements of both the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”) and the First Amendment. Please contact us by Thursday, March 14, to advise us whether you will make the requested changes to the filter and if so, how you intend to do so,” says the letter.

    [h/t The Verge]

  • Pinterest Helps Local Police Clear Their Wanted List

    You may know Pinterest is that “place with all of the food pictures” or “that place where my girlfriend spends all of her time,” but social media is versatile – and Pinterest is proving to be no exception. The fast-growing social media site is on its way to becoming a great law enforcement tool.

    In Pottsville, Pennsylvania, local authorities have seen positive results from a new Pinterest page that displays wanted criminals – their mugshots and a brief blurb about their crimes. The idea was actually engendered by staff at The Mercury, Pottstown’s newspaper. The page, WANTED BY POLICE, currently features 74 pins and nearly 1,000 followers.

    “This is an album of persons wanted by local police departments for various offenses. All information and mug shots have been provided by law enforcement officials,” says the page. Below that you’ll find mugshots and more information.

    When you think about it, Pinterest is a perfect platform on which to try something like this. First of all, it’s photo-heavy, and all of those mugshots can be displayed in a manner that’s much better than how they would looks on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or even a Tumblr blog. Plus, users can repin the mugshots to their pinboards and provide direct feedback to officials via comments.

    For example, it probably helped local officials to learn that Ashley Pupek, who is wanted for prescription fraud, is on Facebook. It also probably helped to learn that Jesse Sterner, who was listed as living at 103 W. Philadelphia Ave, doesn’t live there anymore – because a commenter does.

    According to NPR, the Pinterest page is already helping – immensely.

    “We’ve actually seen a 57 percent increase in our warrant services, and we actually got more people based on our tips and our calls,” said Police Captain Richard Drumheller.

    He said that the Pinterest Wanted page has actually led some people to call in to report themselves, as they saw their own mugshot online.

    Apparently, the trend has spread to a bigger city. Seeing how well it has been working in Pottstown, police in Philadelphia began using Pinterest in the same way.

  • Arlen Specter Dies at 82, Pennsylvania Senator

    The political world mourns today as we lose a loyal servant to Pennsylvania, Arlen Specter, who recently changed his political affiliation from Republican to Democrat.

    Arlen Specter, a Kansas native, moved to Pennsylvania during his college years, where he attended University of Pennsylvania for his bachelor’s degree, and then later received his master’s degree from Yale. Specter also was involved with the Unites States Air Force from 1951 to 1953.

    Specter started his political involvement in 1965, when he ran for District Attorney for Pennsylvania under the Republication affiliation. He then later ran for the U.S. Senate in 1976 and 1978; however, he was defeated both times. He then later reattempted the Senate seat in 1980 and won, starting his first day in office in January 1981.

    Some of the events Specter is known for from his career are listed below:

    • 1998: Co-sponsored an amendment to the Fair Housing Act.
    • 1999: Criticized the Republican party (his own affiliation) for the impeachment of Bill Clinton, stating that he did not have a fair trial.
    • 2002: Voted in favor of H.J.Res 114, and authorizing the Iraq War.
    • 2007: Involved in communications with Robert Goddell (NFL Commissioner), concerning the destruction of the New England Patriots Spygate tapes.
    • 2009: Introduced a bill to require the televising of U.S. Supreme Court proceedings.

    In 2009, Specter changed his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, and then lost the Senate seat in 2010 after being defeated by Joe Sestak.

    Arlen Specter died on Sunday, October 14th, 2012, after battling long-term cancer (since 2005). He was 82 years old.

    Various Twitter users are stepping out from behind their political affiliation and posting condolences for this great Senator:





  • Bear at Mall: Pittsburgh Mall Gets Another Furry Visitor

    Bear at mall: Shoppers at the Pittsburgh Mills mall were treated to a peculiar event when a bear wandered into Sears department store on Saturday, prompting officials to evacuate the establishment. After using the automatic doors to gain entrance to the store, the bear was spotted running up and down the aisles, growling as it went. According to witnesses, people weren’t initially aware that a bear had entered the building. Thankfully, the 125-pound intruder was tranquilized and removed before it or any of the customers were injured.

    Strangely, this isn’t where the story ends. Authorities explained that a second bear was seen in the area around the same time. Less than two hours after taking care of the first unexpected visitor, another bear was seen lurking outside of an Olive Garden restaurant. Before it could be captured by State game officials, the beast disappeared, though not for very long.

    Sunday night, authorities believe the same bear caused a traffic jam when it wandered onto the highway. Again, the bear eluded captivity, prompting officials to set traps in hopes of ensnaring the animal before it harms itself or the poor soul unfortunate enough to stumble across its path.

    Remember, folks: If you spot the creature in-question, whatever you do, do not approach it. Find a safe spot and call the police. Having seen what happens when a bear is backed into a corner, I can honestly say that it’s not going to end well for you or the bear.

  • Pennsylvania Student Urinates On School Computers

    An 11 year-old boy caused quite a stir recently when he allegedly urinated all over a cart full of computers at a Pennsylvania elementary school. The grand total for his bladder-driven episode: $36,000. According to faculty, the MacBooks in question were completely destroyed, drenched to the point of inoperation by the audacity of a grade school delinquent. Why the boy decided it was time to relieve himself then and there is unclear at the moment.

    This smelly scenario only begs the question: Where in the world were teachers, principals, and/or custodians during the whole debacle? Was there no one around to make sure this kid didn’t spray the schools’ computerized equipment with the contents of his bladder? More importantly, did this kid have a history of recklessly destroying other people’s property? These are all pretty legitimate questions, ones I’d think the school would be more than willing to answer before slapping the kid with criminal charges. I’m all for facing the consequences for one’s actions, but shouldn’t the school and its employees bear some sort of responsibility for this situation?

    As a result of his potty-related adventures, the kid will be charged with institutional vandalism and criminal mischief. As inherently goofy as this whole thing sounds, I’d be curious to hear the parents’ reaction to their child’s ridiculous behavior. Obviously the boy has issues, and I’d be surprised if this is his first shot at revolting the entire planet with his antisocial abilities.

    Police have turned the boy over to the Cumberland County Juvenile Probation Department.

    (image)@critic
    M-D November    OK, really? WTF, Pennsylvania? Are you trying to give Florida a run for its money? http://t.co/rLfNh6bE(image) 1 hour ago via TweetDeck ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@Wayner83
    David Wayne Morgan    Parents, please keep your kids from peeing on Computers. It’s just not right. Especially Macs. http://t.co/5tH2HRAq(image) 36 minutes ago via Safari on iOS ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@dumigan
    dumigan    iPotty http://t.co/kqyD0M9C(image) 1 hour ago via Twitter for Mac ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

  • Google Boosting Pennsylvania Businesses With Free Websites

    When Google comes to town, you can hedge your bets that people are gonna be getting online. Pennsylvania businesses are going to get a bite of that particular Google-y candy bar in April as Google will be arriving to the state in order to help set up small businesses with a free website.

    Google developed the new plan, Pennsylvania Get Your Business Online, with local partners in order to boost economic growth in the area by giving Pennsylvania businesses the tools and resources to establish a website, find new customers, and grow their business.

    “The perception that getting online is complex, costly and time-consuming has prevented many Pennsylvania small businesses from taking the first step,” said Scott Levitan, Director of Small Business Engagement at Google. “This program makes it fast, easy and free for businesses to get online.”

    Participating businesses will receive one full free year to develop and use their website through the assistance of Google’s partner, Intuit. After the first year, should businesses should see any benefit from their new website, they’ll be able to keep the website running for $6.99 a month.

    In February, Google released a series of videos through the YouTube channel learnwithgoogle that offer tutorials and promotions for small businesses looking to develop a website. A couple of samples can be found below.

    “This partnership with Google provides another important set of resources to help Pennsylvania’s small businesses start and grow,” said Christian Conroy, State Director of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers.

    Honestly, me in my first world-centric oblivion, it’s easy to forget that there are loads of businesses out there that still haven’t transitioned into the digital age. 97% of Americans look online for local products and services and, honestly, as phone books continue to become little more than unasked for doorstops, all business would benefit from at least having a site that offers up the basic info like hours, address, phone number, maybe even a handy Google Maps embed of where the place is. Still, 56% of small businesses in Pennsylvania don’t have any kind of online presence, so hopefully this Google plan will keep those mom and pop shops around in this era.

  • Pennsylvania Anti-Texting Law Begins March 8

    Pennsylvania Anti-Texting Law Begins March 8

    Texting drivers, take note: in the very near future, your haphazard multitasking of texting while driving will land you a $50 fine should you get caught doing it in Pennsylvania. A new law prohibiting text-based communication while driving in the Keystone State will go into effect exactly one minute after the stroke of midnight, 12:01 AM, March 8.

    “Your most important job when behind the wheel is to focus only on driving. Most people would never close their eyes for five seconds while driving, but that’s how long you take your eyes of the road, or even longer, every time you send or read a text message,” Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. “It’s not just your own life you’re risking; it’s the lives and safety of every motorist around you.”

    The law, while targeting the reckless habit of texting from behind the wheel, doesn’t exclude other smartphone-equipped services like checking your email or even browsing the internet. The new law specifically does the following:

  • Makes it a primary offense to use an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read or write a text-based message.
  • Defines an IWCD as a wireless phone, personal digital assistant, smartphone, portable or mobile computer or similar devices that can be used for texting, instant messaging, emailing or browsing the Internet.
  • Defines a text-based message as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication composed or received on an IWCD.
  • Institutes a $50 fine for convictions.
  • Makes clear that this law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive wireless devices by drivers.

    • According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s website, the penalty for breaking the anti-texting law is a summary offense but obstinate text-and-drivers will at least get one break should they get caught: the police won’t seize your phone.

    Additionally, the law will not prohibit the use of GPS devices.

    “This is a serious problem and we are hoping that we can educate citizens on the dangers of texting while driving and prevent future accidents,” said State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan. “Our troopers will attempt to use observations of the driver while the vehicle is in motion to determine if traffic stops are warranted. An example might be the motorist continues to manipulate the device over an extended distance with no apparent voice communication.

    “Ultimately, we hope that our enforcement efforts will create voluntary compliance by the majority of motorists,” Noonan said.

    In 2010, there were nearly 14,000 crashes in Pennsylvania where distracted driving played a role, with 68 people dying in those crashes.

    As if to pronounce the texting-while-driving epidemic, the phenomenon has its own Wikipedia page replete with a list of laws by location around the world. In other words, we officially lose at driving.

  • Foursquare Offers Unique Groundhog Day Badge

    Do you care enough about Groundhog Day to get a special badge from Foursquare?

    The Pennsylvania Tourism Office today announced an exclusive deal with Foursquare that will allow users to obtain the official “PA Groundhog Day 2012” badge on February 2. The badge features the likeness of Punxsutawney Phil, the world-famous co-star to Bill Murray in the 1993 classic, Groundhog Day.

    “We invite Foursquare users worldwide to earn this special badge from visitPA, which has been updated for 2012,” Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker said. “This is a one-day opportunity to earn a unique virtual badge as we all learn whether we may see an early spring.”

    For those who don’t know, or haven’t seen the classic Bill Murray film, Groundhog Day is celebrated every February 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. According to folklore dating back to the 1800s, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, there will be an early spring.

    To earn the exclusive “PA Groundhog Day 2012” badge, users should follow visitPA on the Foursquare site. From there, check in to shout on February 2 to receive the badge.

    “We’re thrilled that visitPA has been able to enhance the experiences of so many visitors through the use of our platform,” Eric Friedman, Director of Business Development at Foursquare said. “Pennsylvania’s continued enthusiasm and openness to new partnership opportunities and Foursquare’s ability to attract and reward people combine to make a powerful partnership.”

    In 2010, Pennsylvania became the first state to partner with Foursquare by populating the network with more than 200 state attractions and creating custom badges. Since its launch, visitPA has amassed nearly 93,000 followers and more than 67,800 users have unlocked a PA badge.