The day bin Laden died

It's not often that the White House holds a news conference late on a Sunday night. Especially an unscheduled one.

So when it was announced, around 9:45 p.m. ET on May 1, that President Obama would be addressing the nation within the hour, you knew it had to be important.

Had there been a major development in Libya? Things had been heating up since NATO started intervening against Moammar Gadhafi's forces.

Were U.S. troops going into another part of the Arab world?

Had there been another terrorist attack?

Or was it the news that many Americans had been waiting on for nearly a decade: that Osama bin Laden, leader of al Qaeda, had finally been brought to justice for the tragic events of September 11?

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The White House announcement provided no details, so it was up to everyone else to fill in the blank. Speculation was rampant, especially online and on social media. What was so important that it couldn't wait until morning?

By the time Obama finally spoke at 11:30 p.m., the world already knew the news: "The United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children."

The president never had a chance to avoid the mother of all spoilers -- not with how fast news travels today. An hour before his speech, the cat was out of the bag, thanks to Keith Urbahn, chief of staff for former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

"So I'm told by a reputable person they have killed Osama Bin Laden. Hot damn," Urbahn tweeted.

It didn't take long after that for major news organizations to confirm that the news was indeed true: the most-wanted terrorist in the world was dead, eight years to the day after President Bush delivered his "Mission Accomplished" speech.

"It was an incredibly symbolic event," said William Keylor, a professor of history and international relations at Boston University. "It was closure to 9/11. ... Al Qaeda had been pretty much degraded, but (bin Laden) was still on the run."

As confirmation quickly spread of bin Laden's death, emotional celebrations began taking place across the country. Many were caught on camera.

People in the nation's capital flocked to the White House, carrying American flags, singing the national anthem and cheering the news in front of television cameras. At a baseball game in Philadelphia, fans of both teams stopped to chant "U-S-A, U-S-A!"

Celebrations also were held at New York's ground zero, the site of the former World Trade Center.

"I never thought this night would come, where we would actually capture or kill bin Laden. And, thank the Lord, he's been eliminated, to put it politely," said Bob Gibson, a retired New York City police officer. "A lot of us ... gave up. But it did come, and a lot of us are overjoyed that it happened."

'The most intense 38 minutes of my life'

By the next morning, the national conversation had started to change. The emotional impact of the announcement was subsiding, and the public wanted more detail, more explanation.

How did the United States find bin Laden? Why was he killed and not captured? Who exactly killed him?

It was soon learned that an elite team of Navy SEALs had flown two helicopters into Abbottabad, Pakistan, where bin Laden was living in a three-story compound with approximately two dozen people, including his relatives and one of his most trusted couriers. The United States had been tracking the courier for years, and the CIA informed the president in September 2010 that bin Laden might be living at the compound, a $1 million home surrounded by large privacy walls topped with barbed wire.

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On April 29, 2011, after several meetings with his National Security Council, Obama authorized an attack on the compound.

In an operation that lasted nearly 40 minutes, the SEALs breached the compound's walls and methodically went through the house, floor by floor. Bin Laden and his wife were found on the third floor, White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a news conference. Carney said a SEAL fatally shot bin Laden when bin Laden made a threatening move.

An iconic photo, released by the White House, shows Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and other officials in the White House Situation Room, following developments as the raid went down. Clinton later called it "the most intense 38 minutes of my life."

Today, there have already been several books written about the raid, and a movie is said to be in the works.

"I think the fact that it was such a tremendous success was the reason that the administration decided to publicize it: 'We're going to put out all the facts and let the chips fall where they may,' " Keylor said. "And, of course, the downside of that was that it really antagonized the Pakistanis."

The United States and Pakistan had been working together for years trying to track down bin Laden and fight extremists near the Afghanistan border. But the United States, fearing that a leak could jeopardize its mission and tip off bin Laden, kept its raid a complete secret from Pakistan.

The Pakistanis were outraged and humiliated by the blatant violation of their national sovereignty. U.S. officials questioned their ally's motivations, as bin Laden was "hiding in plain sight."

The CIA director at the time, Leon Panetta, told U.S. lawmakers in a closed-door session that Pakistani officials were either "involved or incompetent," adding that "neither is a good place to be."

From the raid, U.S. forces retrieved 10 hard drives, five computers and more than 100 storage devices containing intelligence from bin Laden's compound, according to a senior U.S. official.

They also found some homemade videos, including one that shows a graying bin Laden, wrapped in a blanket, watching himself on a small television.

"The fact that they killed (bin Laden) was significant, but they also demythologized him," said Thomas Mockaitis, author of "Osama bin Laden: A Biography." "They revealed him to be a megalomaniac, in many ways kind of a petty individual. Instead of this kind of great, powerful figure ... he looks like a bit of a narcissist. I think that, in some ways, was as important as actually killing him. It brought him down quite a bit it terms of his stature."

But perhaps the most talked about pieces of evidence from last year's raid have yet to see the light of day: photos of a dead bin Laden.

The administration decided to keep the photos classified, saying the graphic nature of the images would only incite further violence or be used for propaganda purposes. "We don't trot this stuff out as trophies," Obama told CBS News. "We don't need to spike the football."

However, many Americans, including prominent lawmakers, believe they have a right to see the images. And some people have another concern: How do they know bin Laden is dead if they can't see proof?

That isn't a concern of Sen. John McCain, one of several U.S. Congress members allowed to view the photos. The Arizona Republican, Obama's opponent in the 2008 presidential election, said there was no doubt that bin Laden is dead.

But the debate over the photos continues one year later. On Friday, a federal judge turned down a request for release of the photos, saying there were legitimate national security interests to deny disclosure.

The war on terror also continues. Bin Laden's death might have underlined the weakened state of al Qaeda, but affiliate groups, including the Taliban, al-Shabaab and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, "remain committed to the group's ideology," said a U.S. intelligence report released in January. "Lone wolf" terrorists are a threat as well, as we've seen recently in Norway and France.

The threats, however, should be no surprise to Obama, who warned that there was still work to be done when he announced bin Laden's death a year ago.

Bin Laden's death "does not mark the end of our effort," he said in his speech. "There's no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us.

"We must -- and we will -- remain vigilant at home and abroad."

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Top 10 Magazines in The World

NO it’s not the bulky comic book, neither it’s the children’s bedtime catalogue; it’s an honest, knowledgeable, acid free twenty page magazine. We all read it almost every day, its colorful and filled with rich business men, celebrities and models etc. pasted on glossy pages thin as silk to keep us entertained. So why are they so popular? May be because they help decorate a superstore or lure senior citizens into the market or whatever. Read on and find out why are they so popular.

10. Newsweek

As the name suggests this weekly, high quality slick American paper stack contains articles, discussions and opinions of scored, all time wining writers and journalists. So then you might think, why it’s so popular, in fact it should be “boringly” very popular, but be alarmed that this magazine is not intended for fashion geeks and entertainment junkies, it’s not your page flipping entertainment; it’s a serious attempt at news and the world today. This magazine picks out the most negotiable issues and discusses it and stretches opinions, in other words it’s a special news bulletin on paper. It also provides a touch of latest news from the showbiz world. Average net circulation = 3183000

9. Playboy

Since 1953, this American magazine has stirred and shaped men in every way, it has bought sex fresh from the shelves of gorgeous ladies into the pockets of ordinary men and teenagers. This periodical features photos of nude women in the most pleasing and erotic takes, of course you need to control yourself, but the newer issues every month packs a meaty punch and you find yourself hard to resist. The magic is in how this magazine tackles the deep desires of men; it publishes content such as interviews of artists, actors and other famous figures that is suited to the public while keeping an eye on changing trends and fashion. Playboy certainly plays its game and enjoys its revenue. Average net circulation = 3215000

8. People

“People” the magazine wholly responsible for human interests or should I say the magazine that spies on people when they do something interesting? It’s an American weekly magazine that has made its name throughout the world by coming up with interesting rankings such as “the best dressed”, “the best chefs around the world” and “the sexiest man alive”. It focuses on the key interest areas and has done a good job because its average net circulation is 3625000.

7. BusinessWeek

Every library, every academic shelf, and every well-equipped office will have this magazine somewhere around. It’s surprising to note that so much research goes into writing this critical magazine because each boring event in the business world is studied in-depth, analyzed and then printed. This magazine is very bold and straightforward; it always tries to express its opinion just the way it is not sugar-coating it. Many companies rely on its research and credibility and most importantly its topic of a four page analytical review of how political pressures impact the business world. Publishes 57 issues per year! It’s not to be missed

6. Ladies’ Home Journal

My mother has a stack of kitchen magazines, “How to Cook the Microwave Way” and other detailed cooking periodicals all around the house and the last thing on the menu was this Home Journal. I mean I got bored just by looking at them let alone flipping the pages, what on earth is in it that is fooling young moms into buying them. Ladies’ Home Journal is a leading women’s magazine which contains everything from beauty, fashion, health, relationships, food, pets and games mothers love to play. Average net circulation = 4101000

5. Time

  The magazine of time, a periodical not to be missed, a compilation giving you exactly what you want for the news and what you want filtered out. This magazine is genius creation, because it has become a platform for the most talked about news in the world. Very few personalities and some serious debaters qualify to discuss in the magazine, so in short this magazine contains a high quality of opinionated matter. What more do you want from a flashy magazine that gives you a world summary in a bunch and provide shocking stories behind certain events. This is an American weekly magazine with an average net circulation of 4112000; after all it is an abbreviation of “The International Magazine of Events”

4. Woman’s Day

If your wife is giving you a hard time when you return from a hectic day at the office, just stop by the superstore and get one of these Women’s Day magazines for her and you will be rewarded with utter silence. This magazine contains home decor ideas, relationship advice, lifestyle tips and lots more. This is an experienced women magazine with every curiosity for the ladies covered in detail and style. It’s an Australian weekly magazine with an average net circulation of 4205000 copies

3. Family Circle

This is an American answer to the Australians, “if you can come up with a woman’s magazine we will bring in the whole family!”

Oh yeah and that’s what it’s all about, this periodical talks about food, holidays, teens, home decor, health, style, beauty, fashion, prom, pets, charity and so on. The magazine is endless, and it is read by young mothers and newlywed women. This magazine even launched another website called Momster.com for mothers and teenagers. Average net circulation = 4634000

2. Better Homes and Gardens

If you have dirty chaotic home and the swimming pool needs cleaning, then you don’t need to call the cleaning and the vacuuming swat team to do the job, because now YOU CAN, all you need is a fresh copy of Better Homes and Gardens and that’s it. This magazine is the fourth bestselling magazine in US and it features content under recipes and cooking, decorating and home ideas, gardening, entertaining, holidays, health and family, pets and so on. They have got the best editors around America to produce such a worthy content. Average net circulation = 7605000

1. Reader’s Digest

At last the winner on our list, this is a true companion, a must have around your table and it’s a common interest magazine. It’s so popular that according to one survey this magazine is bought by almost everybody than any other magazine of any nature. That’s because it’s an all in one magazine, it contains areas such as heath, vocabulary, cooking, general advice, true stories, jokes, word games and so on. This magazine also publishes a series of books as supplements under the name “Reader’s Digest Select Editions”. A magazine for the elderly and the educated with average net circulation of stunning 12078000 copies around the globe

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Don’t Play These Games!

A low-status game may be known to be terrible or perhaps it’s cutesy or it lets you disappear into another world. Whatever it is, this low-status game is enough to make your friends, your coworkers and your fellow gamers want to hit the reset button on knowing you. If anyone sees you dominating Madden, they’ll not only get you, they’ll respect you. Hell, they may even fear  of your skills. However, what if someone sees you playing one of those games that cause people to cringe, shudder and question our game choice? These are low-status games. This is my list of low-status games that you shouldn’t let others know you play. Or, just hide yourself well

10. Wii Fit

Sure, it’s a fun game on Nintendo’s Wii and it has been advertised as a great way to get some exercise, but… Seriously?  Lose hours playing Wii Fit and those who know you will run like hell – and not virtually either. You’re a man and you get your exercise with weight-lifting in a gym or beating the other team on the court. You risk losing your status by bragging in the locker room about how much body fat Wii Fit has told you you’ve lost.

9. Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2

This is how you get your gun off? If you want to really hunt, grab your gun (or, even better, a bow) and head out into the woods. Chasing digitized deer in the virtual woods is lame and you deserve the raised eyebrows you’re going to get for doing it – especially if you wear camouflage while playing this low-status video game.

8. Hasbro Family Game Night

Yes, when you were a kid you pulled up to the dining room table and played Battleship, Boggle and Connect Four. You were also still wetting the bed. Hasbro Family Night (and Family Game Night 2) are great video games for the family. See the word “family” in the title? But you don’t want to sit in front of the big screen playing with Mr. Potato Head on a Saturday night. Don’t risk your fellow gamers’ respect boasting about your achievements in Bop It against the Xbox 360.

7. Tales of Vesperia

There’s not enough that can be said about how annoying this game is. It is a blend of extremely terrible voice acting, anime and Final Fantasy/Pokémon/Monster Rancher. Players run around gathering up a band of heroes and chasing creatures all while your character constantly says what they’re going to use next in battle. There’s some plot about ancient technology and imperial knight… blah, blah, blah… You get swag rights in killing the Covenant or blasting the undead hordes, but powering up your big-haired pointed-ear Akira-knockoff while fighting a praying mantis is lame. Tales of Vesperia is cool if you’re 8, weak if you’re 20 or 38.

6. Rayman: Raving Rabbids

No arms, no legs and you still wonder why this game pulls your status down? Rayman was once considered a new and innovative hero, but that was, what, like 10 years ago? Now, no one knows what the hell he is (is it even a he?). Ubisoft’s Rayman: Raving Rabbids puts the titular hero against a race of giant, evil rabbits. So why does playing this cute game take your credits down? Because, once again, no arms and no legs and you’re fighting rabbits. These evil bunnies dress up like ninjas, pirates and French maids, and yell with red eyes when they attack. In today’s world of cyborg super-soldiers and ninja assassins, there’s no room for what little space freaky Rayman and his bunny enemies take up.

5. Superhero movie games

This category includes, but isn’t limited to, such titles as Spider-Man 3, Iron Man, Fantastic Four, etc. Truth is that every guy wanted to be a superhero growing up. So when a video game comes out, of course it’s a great chance to slip on tights and save the day. However, when you spend hours playing the crap video games that are pumped out in time for summer blockbusters, you quickly lose gamer cred. Be a weak-ass superhero behind closed doors.

4. Sims

Life is hard, yes it is. But is it really so hard that you need to hide in a make-believe version of the real world? You look extremely lame to your fellow gamers. You better not dare go into the office pumped up or saddened because your Sim has a problem. There’s no pride in your day being affected by how your virtual life is faring. Your friends and fellow gamers will realize you’re a huge loser as you play your “life-simulation computer game.” Want to build a family? Get off the damn game console and PC and go find a girl and have some kids. You’re losing status, man. There’s no practice for living life.

3. Leisure Suit Larry

Wow, a game in which you get to sleep with fake women. Dating back to the late ’80s, Leisure Suit Larry lets you play as Larry Laffer, a balding, pudgy bachelor, in his 40s always on the electronic prowl for pixilated poonanny. Even he has low status. The game series has the player trying to get laid all the time, and you usually fail. So you want to spend time trying to have sex only to get rejected by a game? This game makes you a loser because you’re wasting time virtually wasting time trying to get some. Go out there and at least try to pick up women in real life.

2. Pokémon

Any game with a Pokémon in it drags you far below the bottom of the barrel. You’re not an 8-year-old boy living in a world of anime animals. Keep your Poke-playing completely and absolutely to yourself. If your friends find out that you spent the weekend capturing yellow rabbit creatures that throw lightning and you did this willingly, you may have any Xbox Live and PS3 friendships revoked. Make damn sure you also get rid of your trading cards that you surely have hidden somewhere.

1. World of Warcraft

If your biggest achievement of the day is that you’re a Level 20 Undead Warlock, you may want to keep this to yourself. While Warcraft and WoW are impressive games, losing yourself in an imaginary world of gold, Lich Kings and orcs will drop your status with a quickness. Like the Sims – you spend so much time trying to build up your make-believe rank that you lose your real-life status. Sure, the Blood Elves may quake with your name, but spending hours playing World of Warcraft is like putting a giant “L” on your forehead and a “Kick Me” sign on your back, gamer.

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NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690: Dual-Kepler GPUs

After teasing us for most of last week, NVIDIA has finally launched its GeForce GTX 690, a graphics card powered by two GPUs based on the “Kepler” architecture. The new card was announced at an odd hour in the USA, but that’s because Jen-Hsun Huang (NVIDIA’s CEO) presented it in Shanghai, China.

Now, you finally get to see the card in all its glory, and NVIDIA is rather proud of the reference design, which uses thixomolded magnesium alloy (instead of plastic) for the fan housing because this material provides better heat dissipation. Like previous designs, the heat sink uses vapor chambers, which is not too much to help cool the “beast”.

In ideal conditions, the GeForce GTX 690 should perform close to 2X faster than the GeForce GTX 680, but in reality, performance does not scale linearly with the number of GPUs. If you have a specific game in mind, wait for the independent benchmarks, but most likely, you will be able to crank the resolution and image quality to the maximum settings. All in all, the GeForce GTX 690 embarks 3072 CUDA cores, which are basic processing building blocks. But that’s not it, you can pair two GeForce GTX 690 to achieve a -mind blowing- total of 6144 CUDA cores.

The card should be available “by May 7″, “in limited quantities”, says NVIDIA. You can expect NVIDIA’s closest partners to have those “bragging rights” cards, namely (but not limited to) ASUS, EVGA, Gainward, Galaxy, Gigabyte, Inno3D, MSI, Palit and Zotac. Finally, the card may be the fastest in the world, but it won’t come for cheap, the price is $999, which seems to be the price for the ultimate graphics experience of the moment.

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