The disadvantage of Dell Inspiron 1520 is the drivers are only compatible with Windows Vista. Out of the box, the Inspiron 1520 did not provide XP or other OS drivers. This is a big product mistake that freak me out. I had dig the net hard and finally found this thread which save my day. The drivers may also work with Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000
Thanks to kysterama from notebookreview forum.
Solution
For advance, Download XP Driver pack here -> (50mb)
Mirror 1
http://rapidshare.com/files/104607195/Dell5120_XPdrivers_V1.rar
Mirror 2
http://rapidshare.com/files/50075306/Dell5120_XPdrivers_V1.rar
This package includes -> (green lines represent 3rd party drivers)
Drivers
- Dell 1520 - R137139 Internal Modem XP drivers
- Dell 1520 - R149798 ethernet XP drivers
- Dell 1520 - R153997 Intel Chipset XP drivers
- Dell 1520 - R154200 Matrix Sata XP drivers (read above about using nlite to prepare your XP install ISO to include these drivers)
- Dell 1520 - R155105 Webcam XP drivers
- Dell 1520 - R141246 Ricoh XP drivers
- Intel 3945ABG pro/wireless drivers - sourced from Intel's website
- Latest LaptopVideo2Go Nvidia drivers for 8600m gt
- Dell Latitude - R153908 Sound XP driver
(There is currently no 1520 Xp driver for sound, but I used this Latitude driver which has the exact same sound chipset as the 1520 and it works great) * Its important to note, that you need to install the Intel Chipset drivers FIRST, reboot, and then you can install the sound drivers.
Programs->
- VistaBootPro (for setting up bootloader screen to choose between XP or Vista at boot)
- Nlite program for inserting the sata drivers into your XP install
Also at the dell page is the webcam manager software for XP which is 145mb ->
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/downloads/en/downloads_splash?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~mode=popup&file=214672
For more details,
Screen
I found that if i played games at abnormal resolutions to my native resolution, then yes it was a little fuzzy, but playing at 1024x768 or 1680x1050 remedied this situation. If the game is too demanding on my system, then I just use 1024x768 which doesn't seem to degrade the quality of the picture much at all. Oblivion for example was running at 1680x1050 and it looked amazing!
Webcam
The webcam is excellent. It comes with some pretty cool software that allows you to draw on your own face in real time and through motion capture algorithms, whatever your draw on your face (a moustache for example, heh) it stays where you drew it, even when moving your head around. That was pretty fun. It also has a bunch of masks and video effects which are also a lot of fun. I haven't hooked up a video chat to anyone yet, but was very impressed with the quality of the camera. With any webcam, the higher the resolution the slower the update time on-screen and its pretty obvious that the higher resolutions are using digital zoom which of course doesn't mean more pixels, just the same size lower res capture simply blown up.
Also with webcams, you need plenty of light to get a less grainy picture. Here's some examples...ones in my study with the window open and lights on, the rest are at the front of my house in varying resolutions at mid-day. These are untouched jpg's, just simpy uploaded straight from the capture folder on my HD. As you can see the webcam can capture pics at 320x240, 640x480, 1280x1024, 1600x1200 and 3200x2400...although judging by the quality, I feel 640x480 is the "actual" resolution of the camera and anything above it is digital zoom. Also to answer the above question, yes there is a blue led that turns on, right next to the camera lens.
Don't get me wrong, the pictures are not amazing, but as a web chatting device, its perfectly ample for this use and the quality in this regard is quite good.
1280x1024 indoors ->
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1.../1280x1024.jpg
320x240 outdoors ->
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ma/320x240.jpg
640x480 outdoors ->
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ma/640x480.jpg
1280x1024 outdoors ->
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...280x1024_a.jpg
1600x1200 outdoors ->
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1.../1600x1200.jpg
3200x2400 outdoors ->
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1.../3200x2400.jpg
Battery
I haven't had a chance to test battery life yet I'm sorry. I did get the 9-cell battery so I'm assuming that it will last a long time, but benchmarking a laptop battery in real-terms is a lenthy process so perhaps I'll get around to that soon. Perhaps under gaming conditions and a 2nd test under normal application conditions.
XP drivers
I'll say straight off the bat that I still have one yellow exclamation mark in my device manager, but nothing that impares my normal gaming or application usage. It's the internal modem audio driver which I'm never going to use anyway.
DUAL BOOT
There's plenty of info on how to actually install XP AFTER Vista is already on your system so I won't go into the semantics there. Here's the link I followed ->
http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/about88231.html
Now for the issues I ran into. I've already explained about trying to make a 5th primary partition for XP and that Vista wouldn't create the volume because of the 4x primary partition limit. There may be ways around this (I've read people using the Acronis partition software) but I'm not an expert so use caution and I can't be held responsible for anything that happens on your computer!
I was going to format the whole system and then install XP, but at the last minute thought, well if I'm going to do that, I may as well just delete the 2gig dell media direct partition and still keep vista on there for now which would save me installing 2 operating systems. Plus I wanted to keep Vista on there in case my XP experiments failed so I still had a usable OS to try again.
Okay, first Issue with installing XP was the sata drivers. I didn't have the drivers downloaded at the time so I went into the bios and switched my sata device from AHCI mode to ATA mode. XP installed fine after this switch. Vista also works fine in this mode btw. I ran into no other issues during the XP install process.
Using Nlite to create an XP install that includes the AHCI sata drivers
Why did I disable AHCI mode and not just install the dell sata drivers during install? Here's the problem with Microsoft and their infinite wisdom. If you try to hit f6 to install a 3rd party scsi or sata driver when first installing xp, it expects you to have an A: drive to have the drivers on. Hello??! Who the hell even has an a: drive anymore? I put the drivers on a cd, but the ONLY option in setup was a: drive. Duh!
Plan B: Making a slipstream XP ISO with the Dell sata drivers already in it. What a pain, but thank the "forward thinkers" at MS for not having the foresight to allow people to install 3rd party drivers from a bloody cd rom!
So, here's the info needed on creating the slipstreamed XP install using a handy utility called nlite.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Install-Windows-XP-On-SATA-Without-a-Floppy-F6-47807.shtml
Okay, I'll just remind you that both XP and Vista run fine in normal ATA mode in the bios, so if you can't be bothered with all the slipsteam stuff, then you'll still have 2 perfectly working OS's using normal XP sata drivers which install automatically during XP setup. But, if you're like me and the whole exercise is about speed and fine tuning your system, then go through the nlite process to keep your system in AHCI mode.
The 2nd issue was getting the bootloader to work properly on boot. My initial problem was that XP wouldn't load when I selected it on boot. It came up with an /Ntdl error. It took me a few hours, but I finally found the solution was really simple. When using the VistaBootPro software in the above article link, I set my XP to the e: drive, which is the partition I actually installed it on. Makes sense right? XP is on e: so i set the bootloader to look for XP on e: ... Wrong! Apparently both OS's expect themselves to be on c: so make sure you set both Vista and XP in this program to be the c: drive. Don't worry, XP still loads as it should after this no matter what partition it's on.
Well, thats about everything i've gone through so far dual booting XP and installing drivers. Still a few kinks to iron out, but hopefully this article will be a moot point as soon as Dell release COMPLETE XP drivers on their website. Please Dell!
For your convenience, I've zipped up all the drivers I grabbed from Dell's website and the 3rd party drivers I have installed for 8600gt that I have confirmed to be working.
Download XP Driver pack I put together here -> (filefront 50mb)
http://files.filefront.com/Dell5120+XPdrivers+V1rar/;8057753;;/fileinfo.html
This package includes -> (green lines represent 3rd party drivers)
Drivers
- Dell 1520 - R137139 Internal Modem XP drivers
- Dell 1520 - R149798 ethernet XP drivers
- Dell 1520 - R153997 Intel Chipset XP drivers
- Dell 1520 - R154200 Matrix Sata XP drivers (read above about using nlite to prepare your XP install ISO to include these drivers)
- Dell 1520 - R155105 Webcam XP drivers
- Dell 1520 - R141246 Ricoh XP drivers
- Intel 3945ABG pro/wireless drivers - sourced from Intel's website
- Latest LaptopVideo2Go Nvidia drivers for 8600m gt
- Dell Latitude - R153908 Sound XP driver
(There is currently no 1520 Xp driver for sound, but I used this Latitude driver which has the exact same sound chipset as the 1520 and it works great) * Its important to note, that you need to install the Intel Chipset drivers FIRST, reboot, and then you can install the sound drivers.
Programs->
- VistaBootPro (for setting up bootloader screen to choose between XP or Vista at boot)
- Nlite program for inserting the sata drivers into your XP install
Also at the dell page is the webcam manager software for XP which is 145mb ->
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...up&file=214672
Righto, i'm off to do an XP repair install with my new nlite XP slipstreamed CD that now includes the AHCI sata drivers on it. Wish me luck!
Source: Notebookreview.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Nicole Richie Sentenced 90 Hours Fined for DUI
Paris Hilton best friend Nicole Richie is following her foot step. According news from CNN, Nicole Richie was sentenced Friday to serve 90 hours in jail for driving under the influence in December. She was charged under DUI/DWI.
Richie, 25, was sentenced to 96 hours, or four days, but was given credit for the six hours she has already served in jail. She will also be on probation for three years, and was fined $2,048.
It was not immediately known where the time would be served.
Richie entered the courtroom in Glendale, California, on the arm of her boyfriend, Good Charlotte band member Joel Madden.
Superior Court Commissioner Steven K. Lubell warned Richie that she would go to jail for a year if she violates her probation.
She was ordered to enroll in a second-offender drug and alcohol program and must prove that she completed it by February 20, 2008.
"You are not to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol or drugs in your system," Lubell told her. "You are not to drive without a driver's license."
Richie was arrested in December after motorists spotted her SUV going the wrong way on the 134 freeway in Burbank, California, and called 911
Soure: CNN
To know more about DUI and DWI, visit DUI Lawyer or Attorney
Richie, 25, was sentenced to 96 hours, or four days, but was given credit for the six hours she has already served in jail. She will also be on probation for three years, and was fined $2,048.
It was not immediately known where the time would be served.
Richie entered the courtroom in Glendale, California, on the arm of her boyfriend, Good Charlotte band member Joel Madden.
Superior Court Commissioner Steven K. Lubell warned Richie that she would go to jail for a year if she violates her probation.
She was ordered to enroll in a second-offender drug and alcohol program and must prove that she completed it by February 20, 2008.
"You are not to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol or drugs in your system," Lubell told her. "You are not to drive without a driver's license."
Richie was arrested in December after motorists spotted her SUV going the wrong way on the 134 freeway in Burbank, California, and called 911
Soure: CNN
To know more about DUI and DWI, visit DUI Lawyer or Attorney
Friday, July 27, 2007
Weigh Down Workshop Make Couple Loses 580 Pounds
The Weigh Down Workshop, a faith-based weight loss program, which teaches people to conquer their addiction to food, as well as other substances and vices, by turning to God.
Maggie and Andy Sorrells weighed 440 pounds and 505 pounds, respectively, at their heaviest. Rite now, Maggie, weighs 140 pounds and wears a size six, and Andy, who weighs 220 pounds and wears a size 36. It's awesome. How did they do that?
BEFORE
AFTER
Weigh Down holds the keys to not just weight loss, but to ending the desire to overeat.
• The Weigh Down Diet (Doubleday), written by founder Gwen Shamblin, sold over a million copies.
• Rise Above, the follow-up book by founder Gwen Shamblin, takes the basic issues from The Weigh Down Diet and expounds upon them. It is equipped to facilitate the struggler.
• The Weigh Down Workshop has been around over 15 years. It has been held in over 30,000 locations all over the world.
• This program bridges the gap between spirituality and health; there is a spiritual link between spiritual health and addictions. Weigh Down has been a powerful tool to show the link between them.
• Weigh Down is REVOLUTIONARY. It is not a diet. We would like to challenge any weight loss program to prove that it can produce more results, come up with more significant weight loss, and permanent weight loss than those of the Weigh Down Workshop. It does not change the food; it directs behavior modification toward the heart of man.
• THIS IS THE GENUINE ARTICLE. It deals with the root problem - the heart. We lovingly work with the heart and the genuine desire not to overeat.
Maggie, who had a family history of heart disease and diabetes, had been warned by her doctor at the age of 27 that she wouldn't live to see 30. But her real moment of truth came when she visited her mother in the hospital.
"The biggest shock of my entire life was stepping on a hospital scale and realizing I weighed 440 pounds," she recalls.
Until that moment, Maggie says she never knew how much she weighed, because she was too heavy to register on a household scale.
Andy, like Maggie, tried countless diets but failed to keep the weight off. At his heaviest, he was 505 pounds and had to have most of his size 64 clothing made by his mother to fit his 6-foot-3-inch frame.
Obesity took an emotional and physical toll on the couple.
Maggie, on the other hand, tried to conceal her misery by making other people laugh.
"I was so depressed and so miserable. I was always the funny fat girl, but on the inside I was miserable," recalls Maggie. "It held me back in many ways and I started to accept it as being genetic and felt this was just the way I was going to be."
Though she never let her obesity keep her from traveling or socializing, it had affected her quality of life. Maggie had to use a seatbelt extension on airplanes and was once asked to get off a roller-coaster at an amusement park.
In August 2002, the couple was married and they soon made a decision that would forever change their lives.
Before getting married, a friend introduced Maggie to The Weigh Down Workshop, a faith-based weight loss program, which teaches people to conquer their addiction to food, as well as other substances and vices, by turning to God.
Maggie says she was never consistent or committed enough to stick with the program. But shortly after their wedding, the couple started packing on the pounds and while Andy tried another diet, Maggie gave Weigh Down another try.
"At the end of 2002 and the beginning of 2003, I called Weigh Down and started taking the classes," says Maggie. "My whole life, I had always wanted somebody to [lose weight] with me. But I knew if I wanted it bad enough, I would have to do it alone."
She began to lose weight.
"I ate whatever I craved, but only when I was truly hungry and then I ate a lot more slowly, so I could tell when to stop," Maggie says.
In February 2003, after seeing his wife's results, Andy stopped counting calories, gave up the low-fat foods and reduced his portion sizes. Fifteen months later, he had lost 257 pounds.
"Once I started this program, it changed my outlook on my entire life. I realized that being happy is a choice. I can either be filled with hate and despair or I can be happy," says Andy, who realized he no longer needed the anti-depressants.
Maggie's weight loss was more gradual. Shortly after starting the program, Maggie became pregnant with the couple's first child. Sadly, she lost the baby when she was seven months pregnant.
"Many of our family members were afraid that we would turn back to food after we lost our first daughter, since we had turned to food to solve our problems our whole lives," remembers Maggie.
Faith, she says, helped her overcome the loss and continue on the program. Three years later, she had not only lost 300 pounds but she also gave birth to another daughter, Lily. Last week, the couple welcomed their son, Jacob.
How has the weight loss changed their lives? Maggie, who now weighs 140 pounds and wears a size six, and Andy, who weighs 220 pounds and wears a size 36, say they had no idea their lives could be this good.
"It blows my mind that we look the way we do," says Maggie.
The couple shares their success and strategy for weight loss by leading online classes for Weigh Down. Maggie believes if just one person's life can be changed by her story then her struggle will have been worth it.
"I want people to know there is hope. I looked for hope my whole life," says Maggie. "I want that person who is just like the old me to look at where I am now and know that you want to be here!"
Source: Gwen Shamblin, The Weigh Down Diet (Doubleday)
CNN
Maggie and Andy Sorrells weighed 440 pounds and 505 pounds, respectively, at their heaviest. Rite now, Maggie, weighs 140 pounds and wears a size six, and Andy, who weighs 220 pounds and wears a size 36. It's awesome. How did they do that?
AFTER
Weigh Down holds the keys to not just weight loss, but to ending the desire to overeat.
• The Weigh Down Diet (Doubleday), written by founder Gwen Shamblin, sold over a million copies.
• Rise Above, the follow-up book by founder Gwen Shamblin, takes the basic issues from The Weigh Down Diet and expounds upon them. It is equipped to facilitate the struggler.
• The Weigh Down Workshop has been around over 15 years. It has been held in over 30,000 locations all over the world.
• This program bridges the gap between spirituality and health; there is a spiritual link between spiritual health and addictions. Weigh Down has been a powerful tool to show the link between them.
• Weigh Down is REVOLUTIONARY. It is not a diet. We would like to challenge any weight loss program to prove that it can produce more results, come up with more significant weight loss, and permanent weight loss than those of the Weigh Down Workshop. It does not change the food; it directs behavior modification toward the heart of man.
• THIS IS THE GENUINE ARTICLE. It deals with the root problem - the heart. We lovingly work with the heart and the genuine desire not to overeat.
Maggie, who had a family history of heart disease and diabetes, had been warned by her doctor at the age of 27 that she wouldn't live to see 30. But her real moment of truth came when she visited her mother in the hospital.
"The biggest shock of my entire life was stepping on a hospital scale and realizing I weighed 440 pounds," she recalls.
Until that moment, Maggie says she never knew how much she weighed, because she was too heavy to register on a household scale.
Andy, like Maggie, tried countless diets but failed to keep the weight off. At his heaviest, he was 505 pounds and had to have most of his size 64 clothing made by his mother to fit his 6-foot-3-inch frame.
Obesity took an emotional and physical toll on the couple.
Maggie, on the other hand, tried to conceal her misery by making other people laugh.
"I was so depressed and so miserable. I was always the funny fat girl, but on the inside I was miserable," recalls Maggie. "It held me back in many ways and I started to accept it as being genetic and felt this was just the way I was going to be."
Though she never let her obesity keep her from traveling or socializing, it had affected her quality of life. Maggie had to use a seatbelt extension on airplanes and was once asked to get off a roller-coaster at an amusement park.
In August 2002, the couple was married and they soon made a decision that would forever change their lives.
Before getting married, a friend introduced Maggie to The Weigh Down Workshop, a faith-based weight loss program, which teaches people to conquer their addiction to food, as well as other substances and vices, by turning to God.
Maggie says she was never consistent or committed enough to stick with the program. But shortly after their wedding, the couple started packing on the pounds and while Andy tried another diet, Maggie gave Weigh Down another try.
"At the end of 2002 and the beginning of 2003, I called Weigh Down and started taking the classes," says Maggie. "My whole life, I had always wanted somebody to [lose weight] with me. But I knew if I wanted it bad enough, I would have to do it alone."
She began to lose weight.
"I ate whatever I craved, but only when I was truly hungry and then I ate a lot more slowly, so I could tell when to stop," Maggie says.
In February 2003, after seeing his wife's results, Andy stopped counting calories, gave up the low-fat foods and reduced his portion sizes. Fifteen months later, he had lost 257 pounds.
"Once I started this program, it changed my outlook on my entire life. I realized that being happy is a choice. I can either be filled with hate and despair or I can be happy," says Andy, who realized he no longer needed the anti-depressants.
Maggie's weight loss was more gradual. Shortly after starting the program, Maggie became pregnant with the couple's first child. Sadly, she lost the baby when she was seven months pregnant.
"Many of our family members were afraid that we would turn back to food after we lost our first daughter, since we had turned to food to solve our problems our whole lives," remembers Maggie.
Faith, she says, helped her overcome the loss and continue on the program. Three years later, she had not only lost 300 pounds but she also gave birth to another daughter, Lily. Last week, the couple welcomed their son, Jacob.
How has the weight loss changed their lives? Maggie, who now weighs 140 pounds and wears a size six, and Andy, who weighs 220 pounds and wears a size 36, say they had no idea their lives could be this good.
"It blows my mind that we look the way we do," says Maggie.
The couple shares their success and strategy for weight loss by leading online classes for Weigh Down. Maggie believes if just one person's life can be changed by her story then her struggle will have been worth it.
"I want people to know there is hope. I looked for hope my whole life," says Maggie. "I want that person who is just like the old me to look at where I am now and know that you want to be here!"
Source: Gwen Shamblin, The Weigh Down Diet (Doubleday)
CNN
How to Optimize AdSense Clickthrough Rate for Forum Site
Most of us had a forum to exchange ideas. But most had not fully promote Adsense ads. Google had suggested a few ways to increase the clickthrough rate effectively.
When Amit Kumar co-founded MegaGames Forum in 1998, Google Inc. was being run from a Menlo Park garage and AdSense didn't even exist yet. Fast-forward 9 years to 2007: Amit still runs MegaGames Forum just as a hobby, but he earns enough revenue through the AdSense program to run a dedicated server and continue growing his site.
Amit wasn't so successful with AdSense right from the start. When he first started using the program in 2005, his earnings were nothing to write home about, and it was largely because he chose his ad placement, formats, and colors at random. After recently optimizing his ads, however, Amit was able to more than double his AdSense revenue and even improve the user experience on his site. Results may vary since every site is unique, but here are some tips that any forum site, large or small, can also try out to increase revenue.
The welcome box ad
Many forums have a message above the fold on their pages welcoming users to the site and encouraging them to register. Placing a large (336x280) or medium (300x250) rectangle next to this message catches users' attention right when they walk through the door (so to speak). By the way, these are our best performing ad units, and may also increase the number of site-targeted ads on your pages.
The forum post ad
Based on previous testing, integrating ad units into your page content can improve clickthrough rate (CTR). It also provides a better online experience, since your users see relevant ads side by side with normal content. In forums, the highest visibility content is often the first post, so it makes sense to place the ads here. Again, large and medium rectangles are your best bet!
Blending colors and breaking down borders
Colors are important for making an ad visible to the user, but they should still blend with the design of the site. Removing the borders on your ads helps even more with this concept of blending. Don't worry -- even with a well-blended implementation, the 'Ads by Google' label keeps your users from confusing ads with content.
Bonus tip: Improve ad relevance with section targeting
With forums, the first post often contains the most relevant content on the page. By using the section targeting feature to emphasize this content, you can potentially increase CTR with better targeted ads. Visit this 'section targeting' link we mention for instructions.
When Amit Kumar co-founded MegaGames Forum in 1998, Google Inc. was being run from a Menlo Park garage and AdSense didn't even exist yet. Fast-forward 9 years to 2007: Amit still runs MegaGames Forum just as a hobby, but he earns enough revenue through the AdSense program to run a dedicated server and continue growing his site.
Amit wasn't so successful with AdSense right from the start. When he first started using the program in 2005, his earnings were nothing to write home about, and it was largely because he chose his ad placement, formats, and colors at random. After recently optimizing his ads, however, Amit was able to more than double his AdSense revenue and even improve the user experience on his site. Results may vary since every site is unique, but here are some tips that any forum site, large or small, can also try out to increase revenue.
The welcome box ad
Many forums have a message above the fold on their pages welcoming users to the site and encouraging them to register. Placing a large (336x280) or medium (300x250) rectangle next to this message catches users' attention right when they walk through the door (so to speak). By the way, these are our best performing ad units, and may also increase the number of site-targeted ads on your pages.
The forum post ad
Based on previous testing, integrating ad units into your page content can improve clickthrough rate (CTR). It also provides a better online experience, since your users see relevant ads side by side with normal content. In forums, the highest visibility content is often the first post, so it makes sense to place the ads here. Again, large and medium rectangles are your best bet!
Blending colors and breaking down borders
Colors are important for making an ad visible to the user, but they should still blend with the design of the site. Removing the borders on your ads helps even more with this concept of blending. Don't worry -- even with a well-blended implementation, the 'Ads by Google' label keeps your users from confusing ads with content.
Bonus tip: Improve ad relevance with section targeting
With forums, the first post often contains the most relevant content on the page. By using the section targeting feature to emphasize this content, you can potentially increase CTR with better targeted ads. Visit this 'section targeting' link we mention for instructions.
Foreclosure Rates Could Soar
The already poor performance of many mortgage loans will worsen substantially through the rest of the year, according to an analysis released Thursday by Moody's Economy.com.
The company predicts that 2.5 million first mortgages will default this year, with little chance for improvement soon - Economy.com expects delinquencies to peak in the summer of 2008 at 3.6 percent of all outstanding mortgage debt, up from 2.9 percent during the first three months of 2007.
The worst-hit loan category will be subprime adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). Economy.com expects foreclosures for those loans to hit 10 percent of that group by mid-2008. The foreclosure rate for that group is currently 4 percent and was as low as 2.5 percent in 2005.
"The economic fallout from the devolving mortgage market will be substantial, but conditions would be even worse if not for a continued generally sturdy job market," said Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Economy.com.
Subprime ARMs issued during the last three months of 2006 could fare worst of all, with a projected foreclosure rate of just under 20 percent during the fall of 2011.
That would mean a full one in five owners still paying off subprime ARMs from late 2006 - about 12,000 in all - would lose their homes. Many others from that group would have already lost their homes to foreclosure in the previous years. (Foreclosures: Most ruthless states)
One-time, high-flying markets will suffer the most. California's Central Valley is particularly vulnerable, according to the study. Other hard-pressed areas cluster in Florida, Nevada, New York, Arizona and the District of Columbia.
The delinquency increase will be sparked by two main factors: Falling home prices and rising interest rates on adjustable mortgages. (Another drop in new home sales.)
"As [interest] rates reset, it will make it more difficult for borrowers," said Zandi. They'll face higher monthly mortgage payments even as other housing expenses - taxes, energy, insurance - are also growing.
Falling home prices - Zandi forecasts a 7 percent drop nationwide for the year -mean that less home equity is available for homeowners to tap to pay bills.
The impact of housing woes will be felt throughout the economy, according to Zandi - he has shaved a quarter point off his projected economic growth because of housing related issues.
But some local markets will suffer far more. Nationwide, about one in 10 jobs is housing related. On the west coast of Florida, however, the most housing industry dependant area in the nation, one of every five jobs is housing related.
As for the national picture, Zandi evaluated several risks to the accuracy of his housing market outlook. Some of them could have positive impacts on markets, such as if the Fed lowered interest rates.
Another positive would be if lenders, mortgage servicers and investors in mortgage backed securities were able to increase their loan modification efforts. These are concessions made to mortgage borrowers that would alter the terms of their loans, even lower payments, and enable them to keep their homes.
Negative risks would include some kind of shock to the global economy. "Until quite recently," said Zandi, "investors have been nonchalant about risk; they are still quite tolerant of it."
A shock, such another major hedge fund meltdown, as two Bear Stearns funds recently experienced, could cause a "crisis of confidence," according to Zandi and usher in a period of "investor freeze" leading to lower liquidity. "And credit," he said, "is the lifeblood of the economy." Foreclosures: Hardest hit zip codes.
Source: http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/26/real_estate/deelinquencies_to_soar_in_2008/index.htm?postversion=2007072617
The company predicts that 2.5 million first mortgages will default this year, with little chance for improvement soon - Economy.com expects delinquencies to peak in the summer of 2008 at 3.6 percent of all outstanding mortgage debt, up from 2.9 percent during the first three months of 2007.
The worst-hit loan category will be subprime adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). Economy.com expects foreclosures for those loans to hit 10 percent of that group by mid-2008. The foreclosure rate for that group is currently 4 percent and was as low as 2.5 percent in 2005.
"The economic fallout from the devolving mortgage market will be substantial, but conditions would be even worse if not for a continued generally sturdy job market," said Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Economy.com.
Subprime ARMs issued during the last three months of 2006 could fare worst of all, with a projected foreclosure rate of just under 20 percent during the fall of 2011.
That would mean a full one in five owners still paying off subprime ARMs from late 2006 - about 12,000 in all - would lose their homes. Many others from that group would have already lost their homes to foreclosure in the previous years. (Foreclosures: Most ruthless states)
One-time, high-flying markets will suffer the most. California's Central Valley is particularly vulnerable, according to the study. Other hard-pressed areas cluster in Florida, Nevada, New York, Arizona and the District of Columbia.
The delinquency increase will be sparked by two main factors: Falling home prices and rising interest rates on adjustable mortgages. (Another drop in new home sales.)
"As [interest] rates reset, it will make it more difficult for borrowers," said Zandi. They'll face higher monthly mortgage payments even as other housing expenses - taxes, energy, insurance - are also growing.
Falling home prices - Zandi forecasts a 7 percent drop nationwide for the year -mean that less home equity is available for homeowners to tap to pay bills.
The impact of housing woes will be felt throughout the economy, according to Zandi - he has shaved a quarter point off his projected economic growth because of housing related issues.
But some local markets will suffer far more. Nationwide, about one in 10 jobs is housing related. On the west coast of Florida, however, the most housing industry dependant area in the nation, one of every five jobs is housing related.
As for the national picture, Zandi evaluated several risks to the accuracy of his housing market outlook. Some of them could have positive impacts on markets, such as if the Fed lowered interest rates.
Another positive would be if lenders, mortgage servicers and investors in mortgage backed securities were able to increase their loan modification efforts. These are concessions made to mortgage borrowers that would alter the terms of their loans, even lower payments, and enable them to keep their homes.
Negative risks would include some kind of shock to the global economy. "Until quite recently," said Zandi, "investors have been nonchalant about risk; they are still quite tolerant of it."
A shock, such another major hedge fund meltdown, as two Bear Stearns funds recently experienced, could cause a "crisis of confidence," according to Zandi and usher in a period of "investor freeze" leading to lower liquidity. "And credit," he said, "is the lifeblood of the economy." Foreclosures: Hardest hit zip codes.
Source: http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/26/real_estate/deelinquencies_to_soar_in_2008/index.htm?postversion=2007072617
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tedy Bruschi Dead Is Rumour
April fool had passed. But the joke is on. The crazy rumor is spreading online. The Web world was abuzz Tuesday night with news that Tedy Bruschi of the New England Patriots was dead, that he had committed suicide. The good news: Teddy Bruschi is alive and kicking. Well, maybe not kicking since he is a linebacker.
Tedy's agent, Brad Blank, confirms that Tedy is still, very much, ALIVE.
Tom Curran of NBC News also confirmed the rumors to be false.
Tedy's agent, Brad Blank, confirms that Tedy is still, very much, ALIVE.
Tom Curran of NBC News also confirmed the rumors to be false.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Chihuahua Saves Boy Life From Rattlesnake
Zoey, a Chihuahua, is a hero by attacking a rattlesnake. Its small body is powerfull than a bulldog. Booker West was splashing his hands in a birdbath in his grandparents’ northern Colorado backyard when the snake slithered up to the toddler, rattled and struck. Five-pound Zoey jumped in the way and took the bites.
“She got in between Booker and the snake, and that’s when I heard her yipe,” said Monty Long, the boy’s grandfather.
The dog required treatment and for a time it appeared she might not survive. Now she prances about.
“These little bitty dogs, they just don’t really get credit,” Booker’s grandma, Denise Long, told the Loveland (Colo.) Daily Reporter-Herald.
The Chihuahua dog is the smallest breed of dog in the world and is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Chihuahuas are best known for their small size, large eyes, and large, erect ears. The AKC (American Kennel Club) recognizes two varieties of Chihuahua: the long-coat and the smooth-coat. Many long-coat Chihuahuas dog have very thin hair, but other long coats have a very dense, thick coat.
Source: CNN
“She got in between Booker and the snake, and that’s when I heard her yipe,” said Monty Long, the boy’s grandfather.
The dog required treatment and for a time it appeared she might not survive. Now she prances about.
“These little bitty dogs, they just don’t really get credit,” Booker’s grandma, Denise Long, told the Loveland (Colo.) Daily Reporter-Herald.
The Chihuahua dog is the smallest breed of dog in the world and is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Chihuahuas are best known for their small size, large eyes, and large, erect ears. The AKC (American Kennel Club) recognizes two varieties of Chihuahua: the long-coat and the smooth-coat. Many long-coat Chihuahuas dog have very thin hair, but other long coats have a very dense, thick coat.
Source: CNN
US Ex-Army Officer Taking Bribes In Iraq
WASHINGTON (AFP) - A former US army reserve major pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from US government contractors while deployed in Iraq, the US Department of Justice said Monday.
Separately, federal agents arrested an active-duty army major on charges of taking millions of dollars in bribes while working as a contracting officer stationed in Kuwait.
John Allen Rivard, 48, faces up to 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to bribery, conspiracy to commit bribery and money laundering at federal court in Austin, Texas, a statement by the department said.
Between April 2004 and August 2005 Rivard steered US government contracts worth 21 million dollars to a private contractor in exchange for bribes of more than 220,000 dollars.
At the time Rivard was stationed at LSA Anaconda, one of the largest US military bases in Iraq located outside the town of Balad.
Rivard also admitted to conspiring with accomplices in the United States to launder the bribery proceeds.
When he is sentenced Rivard will also likely have to pay a fine of up to 1.16 million dollars, the statement read.
In a similar case, federal agents arrested US Army Major John Cockerham, 41, at a Texas army base late Sunday on charges of bribery, money laundering and conspiracy linked to his role as a contracting officer in Kuwait in 2004 and 2005.
Federal agents also arrested Cockerham's wife Melissa, 40, on charges of money laundering and conspiracy, the Justice Department said Monday in a separate statement.
"Records obtained in the case indicate that Cockerham may have received up to 9.6 million dollars in bribe payments from at least eight contractors, and he anticipated receiving as much as 5.4 million dollars more," read the DOJ statement.
Cockerham took the bribes starting in 2005 from companies that had US military contracts in Iraq and Kuwait that he either awarded or controlled, according to the affidavit in the case.
Under his direction, Cockerham's wife Melissa allegedly received millions in US and foreign currency from the contractors, then deposited the money in bank accounts and safe deposit boxes in Kuwait and Dubai.
Both defendants face up to 20 years in prison and a half-million dollar fine for money laundering. The bribery carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a 250,000 dollar fine, while the conspiracy charge carries a maximum five year prison sentence and a 250,000 fine.
A detention hearing is set for the couple for Wednesday at federal court in San Antonio, Texas, according to the statement.
Separately, federal agents arrested an active-duty army major on charges of taking millions of dollars in bribes while working as a contracting officer stationed in Kuwait.
John Allen Rivard, 48, faces up to 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to bribery, conspiracy to commit bribery and money laundering at federal court in Austin, Texas, a statement by the department said.
Between April 2004 and August 2005 Rivard steered US government contracts worth 21 million dollars to a private contractor in exchange for bribes of more than 220,000 dollars.
At the time Rivard was stationed at LSA Anaconda, one of the largest US military bases in Iraq located outside the town of Balad.
Rivard also admitted to conspiring with accomplices in the United States to launder the bribery proceeds.
When he is sentenced Rivard will also likely have to pay a fine of up to 1.16 million dollars, the statement read.
In a similar case, federal agents arrested US Army Major John Cockerham, 41, at a Texas army base late Sunday on charges of bribery, money laundering and conspiracy linked to his role as a contracting officer in Kuwait in 2004 and 2005.
Federal agents also arrested Cockerham's wife Melissa, 40, on charges of money laundering and conspiracy, the Justice Department said Monday in a separate statement.
"Records obtained in the case indicate that Cockerham may have received up to 9.6 million dollars in bribe payments from at least eight contractors, and he anticipated receiving as much as 5.4 million dollars more," read the DOJ statement.
Cockerham took the bribes starting in 2005 from companies that had US military contracts in Iraq and Kuwait that he either awarded or controlled, according to the affidavit in the case.
Under his direction, Cockerham's wife Melissa allegedly received millions in US and foreign currency from the contractors, then deposited the money in bank accounts and safe deposit boxes in Kuwait and Dubai.
Both defendants face up to 20 years in prison and a half-million dollar fine for money laundering. The bribery carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a 250,000 dollar fine, while the conspiracy charge carries a maximum five year prison sentence and a 250,000 fine.
A detention hearing is set for the couple for Wednesday at federal court in San Antonio, Texas, according to the statement.
Malaysia Harry Potter Book Price War and Bookstore Boycott End
Good for consumers, but bad for businessman. The week long release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book had started a price war and boycott among Malaysia major bookstore and hypermarket. The event ended peacefully today.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is back on the shelves of the four major bookstores that boycotted the sale of the books since Saturday and at a discount.
As a goodwill gesture, MPH, Times, Popular and Harris Bookstores said they would sell the book at a 25% discount for their members. Walk-in-customers will enjoy a 20% discount provided they make other purchases.
The recommended retail price of the book is RM109.90. Those who have pre-ordered the book are to refer to the respective bookstores for more details.
“(We) are happy to have reached an agreement with Penguin Books Singapore and Malaysia with regard to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and will resume sale of the book with immediate effect,” the bookstores said in a statement.
MPH Bookstores (M) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Patricia Chen said they had resolved the issue with the publisher and would now like to meet the request of customers to sell the book.
She said the decision to sell the book was also taken in view of the many readers who wrote to newspapers asking why the stores were not selling the novel.
On Saturday, the four bookstores decided not to sell the book after Carrefour and Tesco hypermarkets advertised the sale of the book at RM69.90.
Earlier, Penguin managing director Eddy Teo urged the hypermarkets to practise good business sense and fair trade.
“The public must understand that bookstores don’t make much profit because their source of income is only books while the range is diversified for hypermarkets,” he said.
He said bookstores had to worry about hypermarkets and other parties who did not have to provide a range of book titles but had the resources to price key titles very low and use them as “loss leaders” (items sold at a loss in order to attract customers).
He confirmed that books sold at RM69.90 were being sold at a loss.
Source: TheStar
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is back on the shelves of the four major bookstores that boycotted the sale of the books since Saturday and at a discount.
As a goodwill gesture, MPH, Times, Popular and Harris Bookstores said they would sell the book at a 25% discount for their members. Walk-in-customers will enjoy a 20% discount provided they make other purchases.
The recommended retail price of the book is RM109.90. Those who have pre-ordered the book are to refer to the respective bookstores for more details.
“(We) are happy to have reached an agreement with Penguin Books Singapore and Malaysia with regard to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and will resume sale of the book with immediate effect,” the bookstores said in a statement.
MPH Bookstores (M) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Patricia Chen said they had resolved the issue with the publisher and would now like to meet the request of customers to sell the book.
She said the decision to sell the book was also taken in view of the many readers who wrote to newspapers asking why the stores were not selling the novel.
On Saturday, the four bookstores decided not to sell the book after Carrefour and Tesco hypermarkets advertised the sale of the book at RM69.90.
Earlier, Penguin managing director Eddy Teo urged the hypermarkets to practise good business sense and fair trade.
“The public must understand that bookstores don’t make much profit because their source of income is only books while the range is diversified for hypermarkets,” he said.
He said bookstores had to worry about hypermarkets and other parties who did not have to provide a range of book titles but had the resources to price key titles very low and use them as “loss leaders” (items sold at a loss in order to attract customers).
He confirmed that books sold at RM69.90 were being sold at a loss.
Source: TheStar
Newlywed: Laila Ali and Curtis Conway
Super middleweight champ Laila Ali has married retired NFL wide receiver Curtis Conway, Ali's manager Eric Kaufman said. Will the newlywed born a super champ baby and carry on their family boxing tradition!
Ali's parents, former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porsche Anderson, her sister Hana Ali, and Conway's twin sons Cameron and Kelton, 12, were among the 200 guests at Sunday's wedding, People magazine reported.
The 29-year-old quadruple crown super middleweight champion wore a champagne-colored silk charmeuse strapless gown, the magazine reported.
Kaufman would not release any details of the wedding.
Ali came in third during last season's television competition "Dancing With the Stars."
Conway and Ali met two years ago when he hosted a small party at his home. Conway, 36, proposed last Thanksgiving.
In 2005, Ali divorced her husband and former promoter Yahya McClain.
CNN YouTube Presedential Debate
For the first time in presidential debate history, user-generated video will drive two unprecedented debates. On July 23 at 7 p.m. ET, the Democratic candidates for president will face your questions. No journalists. No panelists. No filters. Just the people's questions and the candidate's answers. The Democratic candidates will be confronted with the questions you sent in via YouTube.
To Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York: Are you feminine enough?
"I couldn't run as anything other than a woman,"
Her answer drew a challenge from former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, who said he was the best advocate for women on the debate stage.
"I have the strongest, boldest ideas," he said.
More questions from YouTube Debate
The debate featured questions submitted to the online video community and screened by the all-news cable TV network. It was held at the military college of The Citadel in South Carolina, site of one of the earliest primaries -- Jan. 29.
"Wassup?" came the first question, from a voter named Zach, after another, named Chris, opened the CNN-YouTube debate with a challenge to the entire eight-candidate field: "Can you as politicians ... actually answer questions rather than beat around the bush?"
The answer was a qualified yes.
Posing a question that few, if any, of the candidates had fielded before, one voter asked whether young women should register for the draft as do young men. Clinton, Obama and Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut said yes.
The Democrats skirmished over Iraq. Asked if Democrats are playing politics with the war, Rep. Dennis Kucinich said yes. "The Democrats have failed the people," he said.
Former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel said U.S. soldiers are dying in vain. No other candidate would go that far.
Obama took the opportunity to take a slap at his rivals who voted to give Bush authority to invade Iraq, including Clinton and Edwards. "The time to ask how we're going to get out of Iraq was before we got in," he said, without naming Clinton, Edwards and other foes.
Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico said he's the only candidate pledging to remove troops within six months. "Our troops have become targets," he said. Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware said Richardson's goal was unrealistic.
Sensing her position was under attack, Clinton bristled as she argued that U.S. troops must be removed from Iraq "safely, orderly and carefully."
On an other foreign policy topic, Biden said he would send 2,500 U.S. troops to Darfur to try to end the civil war there. It took three tries to get Clinton to answer the same questions. She finally said American ground troops don't belong in the fight because they are overextended in Iraq.
She also refused to call herself a liberal. "I prefer the word progressive, which has a very American meaning," she said.
Clinton, Obama and Edwards lead in most polls of the Democratic field.
The opening question challenged Democrats to do better than the failed leadership in Congress and the White House. "How are you going to be any different?" the voter asked.
Obama, a freshmen lawmaker trying to appeal to the public's thirst for change, replied, "One of the things I bring is a perspective ... that says Washington has to change."
Clinton claimed she has a 35-year-record as an agent of change. "The issue is which one of us will be ready from Day One."
The Democratic gathering marked a turning point in political communications. CNN, a landmark all-news cable network when founded 27 years ago, is now part of a media establishment coming to terms with upstarts like the 2 1/2-year-old online video community.
The debate aside, YouTube has already left its mark on politics. Republican George Allen lost his Senate seat and a likely spot in the 2008 presidential race after a YouTube video caught him referring to a man of South Asian decent as "macaca" -- an ethnic slur in some countries.
In the presidential campaign, buzz-worthy video clips have included Bill and Hillary Clinton's spoof of "The Sopranos" finale, Edwards' combing his hair to the tune "I Feel Pretty," and a buxom model professing her crush on Obama.
Most of the candidates use social networking tools popularized by YouTube and MySpace.com to draw voters to their sites and create a sense of community. At least two of the Democratic candidates planned to answers supporters' questions on their sites after Monday night's debate.
In the spirit of the era, each candidate was asked to produce his or her own video.
Edwards' video poked fun at the attention paid to his pricey haircuts at the expense of more serious issues. Set to the theme from the 1968 musical "Hair," the video opens with several close-up of hairdos, giving way to less frivolous images including several from Iraq. It ends with a white-on-black slide: "What really matters? You Choose"
Clinton's video-ad ended with the kicker, "Sometimes the best man for a job is a woman."
To Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York: Are you feminine enough?
"I couldn't run as anything other than a woman,"
Her answer drew a challenge from former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, who said he was the best advocate for women on the debate stage.
"I have the strongest, boldest ideas," he said.
More questions from YouTube Debate
The debate featured questions submitted to the online video community and screened by the all-news cable TV network. It was held at the military college of The Citadel in South Carolina, site of one of the earliest primaries -- Jan. 29.
"Wassup?" came the first question, from a voter named Zach, after another, named Chris, opened the CNN-YouTube debate with a challenge to the entire eight-candidate field: "Can you as politicians ... actually answer questions rather than beat around the bush?"
The answer was a qualified yes.
Posing a question that few, if any, of the candidates had fielded before, one voter asked whether young women should register for the draft as do young men. Clinton, Obama and Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut said yes.
The Democrats skirmished over Iraq. Asked if Democrats are playing politics with the war, Rep. Dennis Kucinich said yes. "The Democrats have failed the people," he said.
Former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel said U.S. soldiers are dying in vain. No other candidate would go that far.
Obama took the opportunity to take a slap at his rivals who voted to give Bush authority to invade Iraq, including Clinton and Edwards. "The time to ask how we're going to get out of Iraq was before we got in," he said, without naming Clinton, Edwards and other foes.
Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico said he's the only candidate pledging to remove troops within six months. "Our troops have become targets," he said. Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware said Richardson's goal was unrealistic.
Sensing her position was under attack, Clinton bristled as she argued that U.S. troops must be removed from Iraq "safely, orderly and carefully."
On an other foreign policy topic, Biden said he would send 2,500 U.S. troops to Darfur to try to end the civil war there. It took three tries to get Clinton to answer the same questions. She finally said American ground troops don't belong in the fight because they are overextended in Iraq.
She also refused to call herself a liberal. "I prefer the word progressive, which has a very American meaning," she said.
Clinton, Obama and Edwards lead in most polls of the Democratic field.
The opening question challenged Democrats to do better than the failed leadership in Congress and the White House. "How are you going to be any different?" the voter asked.
Obama, a freshmen lawmaker trying to appeal to the public's thirst for change, replied, "One of the things I bring is a perspective ... that says Washington has to change."
Clinton claimed she has a 35-year-record as an agent of change. "The issue is which one of us will be ready from Day One."
The Democratic gathering marked a turning point in political communications. CNN, a landmark all-news cable network when founded 27 years ago, is now part of a media establishment coming to terms with upstarts like the 2 1/2-year-old online video community.
The debate aside, YouTube has already left its mark on politics. Republican George Allen lost his Senate seat and a likely spot in the 2008 presidential race after a YouTube video caught him referring to a man of South Asian decent as "macaca" -- an ethnic slur in some countries.
In the presidential campaign, buzz-worthy video clips have included Bill and Hillary Clinton's spoof of "The Sopranos" finale, Edwards' combing his hair to the tune "I Feel Pretty," and a buxom model professing her crush on Obama.
Most of the candidates use social networking tools popularized by YouTube and MySpace.com to draw voters to their sites and create a sense of community. At least two of the Democratic candidates planned to answers supporters' questions on their sites after Monday night's debate.
In the spirit of the era, each candidate was asked to produce his or her own video.
Edwards' video poked fun at the attention paid to his pricey haircuts at the expense of more serious issues. Set to the theme from the 1968 musical "Hair," the video opens with several close-up of hairdos, giving way to less frivolous images including several from Iraq. It ends with a white-on-black slide: "What really matters? You Choose"
Clinton's video-ad ended with the kicker, "Sometimes the best man for a job is a woman."
Monday, July 23, 2007
New Proton Gen2 Sedan Teaser
Follow up on the previous post, Proton has put up a teaser video of the Proton New Sedan up on it’s website. At this moment, it only shows the new front grille of the sedan. Stay tune for next update!
Click here for teaser video
OLPC Brings Porn To The Third World
Thanks to the One Laptop Per Child plan, the child had grown mature. OLPC initiative has reached new heights by delivering internet porn to third world children.
According to a report Thursday from the official News Agency of Nigeria, laptops in a primary school in Abuja “have gone awry as the pupils freely browse adult sites with explicit sexual materials.”
It’s heart warming to know that the efforts of the well meaning folks behind the OLPC project are delivering real results on the ground; providing the same opportunities for teenage boys to access internet porn no matter how impoverished they are or where they live.
The party however will be short lived; a representative of the One Laptop Per Child group was reported saying that the OLPC computers would now be fitted with porn filters.
Source: TechCrunch
According to a report Thursday from the official News Agency of Nigeria, laptops in a primary school in Abuja “have gone awry as the pupils freely browse adult sites with explicit sexual materials.”
It’s heart warming to know that the efforts of the well meaning folks behind the OLPC project are delivering real results on the ground; providing the same opportunities for teenage boys to access internet porn no matter how impoverished they are or where they live.
The party however will be short lived; a representative of the One Laptop Per Child group was reported saying that the OLPC computers would now be fitted with porn filters.
Source: TechCrunch
Padraig Harrington is British Open champion
Padraig Harrington has become the first Irish winner of The Open Championship since Fred Daly in 1947. He clinched the title in nail-biting fashion in a four-hole play-off with Sergio Garcia of Spain.
He had a one stroke advantage on the final hole of normal play but twice put his ball in the Barry Burn to take six. Garcia then had the chanceto win at the 72nd hole, but bunkered his second shot and took five to force the play-off.
Harrington took an immediate advantage in the four hole decider, holing a birdie putt from eight feet while Garcia was bunkered short of the pin and failed to get up and down. They matched shots at the 16th and 17th before Harrington laid up in two at the 18th.
Going for broke Garcia hit his driver and then fired a six-iron from the light rough on the left 203 yards into the centre of the green. Harrington's approach pulled up outside Garcia's ball and his first putt rolled three feet past. Garcia's putted shaved the hole but made the return, leaving Harrington an unwanted three-footer for the title.
Pos Players Holes Par
1 Padraig HARRINGTON 18 -7
2 Sergio GARCIA 18 -7
3 Andres ROMERO 18 -6
T4 Richard GREEN 18 -5
T4 Ernie ELS 18 -5
T6 Hunter MAHAN 18 -4
T6 Stewart CINK 18 -4
T8 Ben CURTIS 18 -3
T8 Mike WEIR 18 -3
T8 KJ CHOI 18 -3
He had a one stroke advantage on the final hole of normal play but twice put his ball in the Barry Burn to take six. Garcia then had the chanceto win at the 72nd hole, but bunkered his second shot and took five to force the play-off.
Harrington took an immediate advantage in the four hole decider, holing a birdie putt from eight feet while Garcia was bunkered short of the pin and failed to get up and down. They matched shots at the 16th and 17th before Harrington laid up in two at the 18th.
Going for broke Garcia hit his driver and then fired a six-iron from the light rough on the left 203 yards into the centre of the green. Harrington's approach pulled up outside Garcia's ball and his first putt rolled three feet past. Garcia's putted shaved the hole but made the return, leaving Harrington an unwanted three-footer for the title.
Pos Players Holes Par
1 Padraig HARRINGTON 18 -7
2 Sergio GARCIA 18 -7
3 Andres ROMERO 18 -6
T4 Richard GREEN 18 -5
T4 Ernie ELS 18 -5
T6 Hunter MAHAN 18 -4
T6 Stewart CINK 18 -4
T8 Ben CURTIS 18 -3
T8 Mike WEIR 18 -3
T8 KJ CHOI 18 -3
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Lewis Hamilton Unlucky Crash in Nurburgring Qualifiying
In the qualifying round of Nurburgring Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton cruised through to the third qualifying session but suffered a big accident minutes later that brought out the red flags and halted the session. The rookie star was on his first real hot lap of the session when the front right wheel suffered a failure. With no steering input the McLaren speared across the gravel trap before making heavy contact with the tyre barrier on the outside of the flat out Schumacher S turn.
The MP4-22 was badly damaged as Hamilton was unable to scrub off much speed before making contact with the front and front right corner of the car. The medical team arrived quickly on the scene as Hamilton clambered from the car. Usual precautions saw the team take their time to remove Hamilton from the scene. Hopefully he will be able to take part in tomorrow’s race as he has no apparent serious injury.
Source: Yeeloon Blog
The MP4-22 was badly damaged as Hamilton was unable to scrub off much speed before making contact with the front and front right corner of the car. The medical team arrived quickly on the scene as Hamilton clambered from the car. Usual precautions saw the team take their time to remove Hamilton from the scene. Hopefully he will be able to take part in tomorrow’s race as he has no apparent serious injury.
Source: Yeeloon Blog
Friday, July 20, 2007
Pan American Games Rio 2007 Medals Chart
COUNTRY GOLD SILVER BRONZE
1 USA - USA 38 42 19
2 CUB - Cuba 20 6 11
3 CAN - Canada 13 15 19
4 BRA - Brazil 11 14 24
5 COL - Colombia 10 11 5
6 VEN - Venezuela 6 8 15
7 MEX - Mexico 6 5 8
8 ARG - Argentina 5 5 12
9 CHI - Chile 4 2 4
Canada and USA count their medals in Badminton at RIO 2007. USA is currently leading the Pan Games follow by Cuba.
1 USA - USA 38 42 19
2 CUB - Cuba 20 6 11
3 CAN - Canada 13 15 19
4 BRA - Brazil 11 14 24
5 COL - Colombia 10 11 5
6 VEN - Venezuela 6 8 15
7 MEX - Mexico 6 5 8
8 ARG - Argentina 5 5 12
9 CHI - Chile 4 2 4
Canada and USA count their medals in Badminton at RIO 2007. USA is currently leading the Pan Games follow by Cuba.
Tammy Faye Stay Optimistic
Tammy Faye: Coping With Cancer Through Faith & Courage
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (July 19, 2007) -- In an interview that was both hard to watch and impossible to turn away from, Tammy Faye Messner provided a lesson in dignity.
Messner, struggling with cancer at a frail 65 pounds, bravely put on those trademark lashes and mascara yesterday to tape an interview with Larry King.
"I talk to God every single day," said Tammy, as she sat beside her husband. "And I say 'God, my life is in your hands, and I trust you, with me.'"
The spiritual former televangelist displayed the optimism and courage that make her an inspiration to so many people.
"I'm doing pretty good considering the circumstances," she told Larry as the interview got underway.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (July 19, 2007) -- In an interview that was both hard to watch and impossible to turn away from, Tammy Faye Messner provided a lesson in dignity.
Messner, struggling with cancer at a frail 65 pounds, bravely put on those trademark lashes and mascara yesterday to tape an interview with Larry King.
"I talk to God every single day," said Tammy, as she sat beside her husband. "And I say 'God, my life is in your hands, and I trust you, with me.'"
The spiritual former televangelist displayed the optimism and courage that make her an inspiration to so many people.
"I'm doing pretty good considering the circumstances," she told Larry as the interview got underway.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Another Pro Wrestler John Kronus Found Dead
Wrestler George "John Kronus" Caiazo was found dead on Wednesday afternoon in his New Hampshire home according to Pro Wrestling Insider.
"I've heard Kronus underwent a knee operation (possibly a knee replacement, which I heard a few months back he was going to have) last week," Mike Johnson writes.
No other details were available as of press time.
Kronus, whose real name was George Caiazo, was a top act in the now-defunct Extreme Championship Wrestling promotion run by Paul Heyman during the mid-'90s. Kronus and Perry Saturn (Perry Satullo) held the tag-team title on several occasions.
The Eliminators were best known for using high-impact, double-team maneuvers, with their coup de grace being a move known as "The Total Elimination."
The team engaged in noteworthy feuds with the likes of The Pit Bulls, The Gangstas, and Rob Van Dam and Sabu. Kronus later teamed with New Jack (Jerome Young) to win the ECW tag-team belts from The Dudleys (now Team 3-D).
Kronus, who was trained by the legendary Walter "Killer" Kowalski, retired from the wrestling business in 2002.
"I've heard Kronus underwent a knee operation (possibly a knee replacement, which I heard a few months back he was going to have) last week," Mike Johnson writes.
No other details were available as of press time. Kronus, whose real name was George Caiazo, was a top act in the now-defunct Extreme Championship Wrestling promotion run by Paul Heyman during the mid-'90s. Kronus and Perry Saturn (Perry Satullo) held the tag-team title on several occasions.
The Eliminators were best known for using high-impact, double-team maneuvers, with their coup de grace being a move known as "The Total Elimination."
The team engaged in noteworthy feuds with the likes of The Pit Bulls, The Gangstas, and Rob Van Dam and Sabu. Kronus later teamed with New Jack (Jerome Young) to win the ECW tag-team belts from The Dudleys (now Team 3-D).
Kronus, who was trained by the legendary Walter "Killer" Kowalski, retired from the wrestling business in 2002.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Daniel Baldwin Rehab Diaries
You can do it, Daniel.
Daniel Baldwin share his cocaine addiction in a series of confessional video diaries, taped at various stages of his treatment, that were to be shown Tuesday night on ABC News' "Primetime."
The "Primetime" will chart his progress through a three-month drug treatment program at Renaissance Malibu, in Malibu, Calif. He taped more than 19 video entries for "Primetime."
"I've been very thorough in my recovery, and identified where I am powerless," the 46-year-old actor said. "And I'm truly powerless over cocaine. There's no question about that in my life."
Last year, police said they found Baldwin and another man in a Santa Monica motel, along with cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors declined to file felony charges.
"It's difficult to look into this camera," Baldwin said. "It's difficult to talk about, you know, my inadequacies, my inability to stay sober when I'm a relatively bright man and I've had a lot of great blessings and a lot of great opportunities."
Baldwin, who appeared in TV's "Homicide: Life on the Street," said he tried to "get things fixed so quickly" but has now accepted that addiction will be a part of his life.
"Fact of the matter is, I will never recover," he said. "I will just always be in recovery and stay sober, so I pray."
Baldwin said in a statement posted on Renaissance Malibu's Web site that he had tried nine other treatment centers in his battle with addiction.
News: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/17/ap3923198.html
Daniel Baldwin share his cocaine addiction in a series of confessional video diaries, taped at various stages of his treatment, that were to be shown Tuesday night on ABC News' "Primetime."
The "Primetime" will chart his progress through a three-month drug treatment program at Renaissance Malibu, in Malibu, Calif. He taped more than 19 video entries for "Primetime."
"I've been very thorough in my recovery, and identified where I am powerless," the 46-year-old actor said. "And I'm truly powerless over cocaine. There's no question about that in my life."
Last year, police said they found Baldwin and another man in a Santa Monica motel, along with cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors declined to file felony charges.
"It's difficult to look into this camera," Baldwin said. "It's difficult to talk about, you know, my inadequacies, my inability to stay sober when I'm a relatively bright man and I've had a lot of great blessings and a lot of great opportunities."
Baldwin, who appeared in TV's "Homicide: Life on the Street," said he tried to "get things fixed so quickly" but has now accepted that addiction will be a part of his life.
"Fact of the matter is, I will never recover," he said. "I will just always be in recovery and stay sober, so I pray."
Baldwin said in a statement posted on Renaissance Malibu's Web site that he had tried nine other treatment centers in his battle with addiction.
News: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/17/ap3923198.html
TAM Airlines Airbus 320 Skidded on Sao Paulo Road
SAO PAULO, Brazil (CNN) -- Heavy black smoke poured into the air and bright orange flames lit the night sky in Sao Paulo after a passenger plane skidded across a road and crashed into a building Tuesday. At least 200 people were killed.
A TAM Airlines Airbus 320 carrying 176 people crashed while attempting to land in heavy rain at Sao Paulo's Congonhas Airport, the airline said.
The Sao Paulo fire department said at least 200 people, including some on the ground, were dead at the scene.
There was no immediate word on survivors.
Witnesses said the plane skidded across a major road at rush hour. Reports that the plane struck a gas station could not be confirmed, but a massive fire broke out.
The plane apparently struck a building bearing the airline's logo at the small domestic airport in the heart of the city. At least 50 rescue vehicles were at the scene, firefighters said. The fire continued to burn into the night.
Paulo Barros told the Brazilian newspaper O Globo that he was getting ready to board a flight to Brasilia on another runway when the plane crashed.
"We saw the plane go straight down the runway. It didn't manage to stop and went into the avenue. It went by so fast that we thought it was taking off," Barros said.
Flight JJ3054 was coming to Sao Paulo from Porto Alegre in southern Brazil, the airline said. Watch scene after plane crashes in Sao Paulo »
The airport is notorious for having short, slippery runways, CNN's Miles O'Brien reported. The runway was recently resurfaced but the cutting of grooves to channel rainwater off the pavement had not been completed, he said.
A Brazilian court in February banned large jets at the busy airport because of safety concerns, The Associated Press reported.
But an appeals court overruled the ban, saying it would hurt business and that the safety problems did not warrant halting air traffic, according to AP.
The airline said it could not immediately confirm the extent of the damage or the number of victims. Family members of those on the plane were being given assistance, it said.
"I was surprised by a ball of fire in front of my window," Deisy Oliveira, who lives by the airport, told O Globo.
"The atmosphere is tense and nervous, because nobody really knows what happened. Since the plane hit the building and a gas station, you can't tell exactly where the explosion happened."
The airport's main runway was closed for several weeks at one point while it was repaired because of a problem with water collecting on the runway, Tom Hennigan, a reporter from The Times of London in Sao Paulo, told CNN. It was too early, however, to say whether that may have contributed to Tuesday's incident, he said.
The airport is small and in a densely populated area, he said.
"When you fly into Congonhas airport, it is like you are literally flying past people's living rooms in apartment blocks," Hennigan said. "Then you land on the runway. It is completely surrounded by the central part of Sao Paulo city. This is not an airport out on the edge of the city. This is right in the city."
According to AP, Brazil's deadliest crash before Tuesday occurred last September when a Gol Aerolinhas Inteligentes SA Boeing 737 collided with an executive jet over the Amazon rainforest, killing 154 people. The executive jet landed safely. E-mail to a friend
A TAM Airlines Airbus 320 carrying 176 people crashed while attempting to land in heavy rain at Sao Paulo's Congonhas Airport, the airline said.
The Sao Paulo fire department said at least 200 people, including some on the ground, were dead at the scene.
There was no immediate word on survivors.
Witnesses said the plane skidded across a major road at rush hour. Reports that the plane struck a gas station could not be confirmed, but a massive fire broke out.
The plane apparently struck a building bearing the airline's logo at the small domestic airport in the heart of the city. At least 50 rescue vehicles were at the scene, firefighters said. The fire continued to burn into the night.
Paulo Barros told the Brazilian newspaper O Globo that he was getting ready to board a flight to Brasilia on another runway when the plane crashed.
"We saw the plane go straight down the runway. It didn't manage to stop and went into the avenue. It went by so fast that we thought it was taking off," Barros said.
Flight JJ3054 was coming to Sao Paulo from Porto Alegre in southern Brazil, the airline said. Watch scene after plane crashes in Sao Paulo »
The airport is notorious for having short, slippery runways, CNN's Miles O'Brien reported. The runway was recently resurfaced but the cutting of grooves to channel rainwater off the pavement had not been completed, he said.
A Brazilian court in February banned large jets at the busy airport because of safety concerns, The Associated Press reported.
But an appeals court overruled the ban, saying it would hurt business and that the safety problems did not warrant halting air traffic, according to AP.
The airline said it could not immediately confirm the extent of the damage or the number of victims. Family members of those on the plane were being given assistance, it said.
"I was surprised by a ball of fire in front of my window," Deisy Oliveira, who lives by the airport, told O Globo.
"The atmosphere is tense and nervous, because nobody really knows what happened. Since the plane hit the building and a gas station, you can't tell exactly where the explosion happened."
The airport's main runway was closed for several weeks at one point while it was repaired because of a problem with water collecting on the runway, Tom Hennigan, a reporter from The Times of London in Sao Paulo, told CNN. It was too early, however, to say whether that may have contributed to Tuesday's incident, he said.
The airport is small and in a densely populated area, he said.
"When you fly into Congonhas airport, it is like you are literally flying past people's living rooms in apartment blocks," Hennigan said. "Then you land on the runway. It is completely surrounded by the central part of Sao Paulo city. This is not an airport out on the edge of the city. This is right in the city."
According to AP, Brazil's deadliest crash before Tuesday occurred last September when a Gol Aerolinhas Inteligentes SA Boeing 737 collided with an executive jet over the Amazon rainforest, killing 154 people. The executive jet landed safely. E-mail to a friend
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
RMAF Nuri Helicoper Wreckage Found, All Dead
The mystery of the copter crash and missing that utilize 1000 man power and US copter assistance is founded. May them rest in peace.
GENTING HIGHLANDS: All six on board the RMAF Nuri helicoper which was reported missing last Friday are confirmed dead, according to search-and-rescue teams which found the wreckage on Tuesday.
RMAF's public relations officer Mejar Zulkiflee Abdul Latiff said rescue teams found the helicopter at about 1.24pm. He said preparations were underway to retrieve and airlift the bodies to KL Hospital.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force helicopter went missing at 9.35am on July 13, about 10 minutes after taking off from the Sungai Besi airbase on the way to the Gambang base in Pahang.
Those on board were pilot Kapt Nor Azlan Termuzi, co-pilot Kapt Nor Intan Asykeen Mohd Arof, air quartermaster Sgt Khusnizam Ariffin, Sgt Azmie Md Yassin, senior airman Saifulizam Alias and airman Muhammad Ridzuan Ahmad.
GENTING HIGHLANDS: All six on board the RMAF Nuri helicoper which was reported missing last Friday are confirmed dead, according to search-and-rescue teams which found the wreckage on Tuesday.
RMAF's public relations officer Mejar Zulkiflee Abdul Latiff said rescue teams found the helicopter at about 1.24pm. He said preparations were underway to retrieve and airlift the bodies to KL Hospital.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force helicopter went missing at 9.35am on July 13, about 10 minutes after taking off from the Sungai Besi airbase on the way to the Gambang base in Pahang.
Those on board were pilot Kapt Nor Azlan Termuzi, co-pilot Kapt Nor Intan Asykeen Mohd Arof, air quartermaster Sgt Khusnizam Ariffin, Sgt Azmie Md Yassin, senior airman Saifulizam Alias and airman Muhammad Ridzuan Ahmad.
Japanese Nuke Plant Leaked After Earthquake
TOKYO, Japan (AP) - A strong earthquake struck northwestern Japan on Monday, causing a radioactive water leak and fire at one of the world's most powerful nuclear power plants and turning buildings into piles of lumber. At least seven people were killed and hundreds injured.
The plant leaked about a half-gallon of water in a building housing one of its reactors, said Katsuya Uchino, a Tokyo Electric Power Co. official.
Uchino said the water contained a tiny amount of radioactive material -- a billionth of the guideline under Japanese law -- and is believed to have flushed into the Sea of Japan.
A company statement said the leak had stopped and that there had been no "significant change" in the seawater under surveillance and no effect on the environment.
The reactor automatically shut down at the time of the leak, the report said. The quake triggered a fire at an electrical transformer at the plant, but Tokyo Electric Power Co. said earlier in the day that the reactor was not damaged.
Flames and billows of black smoke poured from the Kashiwazaki nuclear plant -- the world's largest in terms of power output capacity. Photo See crumbled roads and homes after the killer quake »
Aileen Mioko Smith, of the environmentalist group Green Action, said the fire showed that some facilities at nuclear power plants such as electrical transformers were built to lower quake-resistance levels than other equipment such as reactor cores.
"That's the Achilles heel of nuclear power plants," said Mioko Smith, who said it took the plant two hours to extinguish the fire. "Today's a good example of that... How prepared are they to put out fires when they happen?
The earthquake, which left fissures 3 feet wide in the ground along the coast, hit shortly after 10 a.m. local time and was centered off Niigata state. Buildings swayed 160 miles away in Tokyo. Sirens wailed in Kashiwazaki, a city of about 90,000, which appeared to be hardest hit.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/16/japan.quake.ap/index.html
The plant leaked about a half-gallon of water in a building housing one of its reactors, said Katsuya Uchino, a Tokyo Electric Power Co. official.
Uchino said the water contained a tiny amount of radioactive material -- a billionth of the guideline under Japanese law -- and is believed to have flushed into the Sea of Japan.
A company statement said the leak had stopped and that there had been no "significant change" in the seawater under surveillance and no effect on the environment.
The reactor automatically shut down at the time of the leak, the report said. The quake triggered a fire at an electrical transformer at the plant, but Tokyo Electric Power Co. said earlier in the day that the reactor was not damaged.
Flames and billows of black smoke poured from the Kashiwazaki nuclear plant -- the world's largest in terms of power output capacity. Photo See crumbled roads and homes after the killer quake »
Aileen Mioko Smith, of the environmentalist group Green Action, said the fire showed that some facilities at nuclear power plants such as electrical transformers were built to lower quake-resistance levels than other equipment such as reactor cores.
"That's the Achilles heel of nuclear power plants," said Mioko Smith, who said it took the plant two hours to extinguish the fire. "Today's a good example of that... How prepared are they to put out fires when they happen?
The earthquake, which left fissures 3 feet wide in the ground along the coast, hit shortly after 10 a.m. local time and was centered off Niigata state. Buildings swayed 160 miles away in Tokyo. Sirens wailed in Kashiwazaki, a city of about 90,000, which appeared to be hardest hit.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/16/japan.quake.ap/index.html
Monday, July 16, 2007
Japan Earthquake, Tsunami Warning
Five people have been killed and at least 500 injured following an earthquake in Japan.
The 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Niigata, which is situated about 250km northwest of Tokyo.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe broke off from election campaigning to visit the scene of the worst damage in Niigata and Nagano prefectures.
Mr Abe, who is struggling in opinion polls, gave instructions to his government that 'all possible measures be taken to ensure the safety of residents'.
Nearly 300 buildings were flattened by the quake, which also triggered mudslides and sparked a fire at a nuclear plant.
However, officials at the Kashiwazaki nuclear plant said there was no risk of a radiation leak.
The quake triggered a small 50cm tsunami and was followed by several aftershocks, including a strong 5.6 tremor in the afternoon.
Monday was a bank holiday in Japan, so financial markets and many offices were closed.
Service on Japan's famed Shinkansen trains was temporarily suspended as a precaution after the earthquake, which severed power to some 21,000 households.
Japan lies at the junction of four tectonic plates and is hit by about 20% of the world's most powerful earthquakes.
Source: http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0716/japan.html
The 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Niigata, which is situated about 250km northwest of Tokyo.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe broke off from election campaigning to visit the scene of the worst damage in Niigata and Nagano prefectures.
Mr Abe, who is struggling in opinion polls, gave instructions to his government that 'all possible measures be taken to ensure the safety of residents'.
Nearly 300 buildings were flattened by the quake, which also triggered mudslides and sparked a fire at a nuclear plant.
However, officials at the Kashiwazaki nuclear plant said there was no risk of a radiation leak.
The quake triggered a small 50cm tsunami and was followed by several aftershocks, including a strong 5.6 tremor in the afternoon.
Monday was a bank holiday in Japan, so financial markets and many offices were closed.
Service on Japan's famed Shinkansen trains was temporarily suspended as a precaution after the earthquake, which severed power to some 21,000 households.
Japan lies at the junction of four tectonic plates and is hit by about 20% of the world's most powerful earthquakes.
Source: http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0716/japan.html
How Brazil Win Copa America vs Argentina 3-0
YAHOOO! Brazil beat Argentina 3-0 in the Copa America. If Kaka and Ronaldinho on the field, the winning is assured.
How Brazil Win?
Brazil had play a solid defensive game against Argentina especially on talented Messi, Riquelme and Tevez. Defensive midfielders Josué e Mineiro also did a great job.
First Goal:
Brazil began in top form. With only 4 minutes of play, Vagner Love intercepted a pass by Messi, and linked up with Elano. The player made a pinpoint cross from right to left to midfielder Júlio Baptista, who sent the ball into the top corner to open the scoring.
Second Goal:
Argentina continued searching for an equalizer, and were dangerous with their set-plays. Brazil were able to mount a solid defense, mainly with their defensive midfielders Josué e Mineiro. Both seemed tireless. When Argentina were stepping up the pressure, Brazil added their second. On 40 minutes, Daniel Alves broke down the right and made a cross. Defender Ayala tried to intercept it and scored an own-goal.
Third Goal:
On a swift counter-attack, Vagner Love left Daniel Alves alone before the Argentinean keeper. The right-back struck in the far corner to extend the Brazilian lead. Then, it was time for a Brazilian celebration to break out in Maracaibo.
Technical File:
Brazil 3-0 Argentina
Brazil: Doni; Maicon, Alex, Juan and Gilberto; Mineiro, Josué, Elano (Daniel Alves) and Júlio Baptista; Vagner Love (Fernando) and Robinho (Diego). Coach: Dunga.
Argentina: Abbondanzieri; Zanetti, Ayala, Gabriel Milito and Heinze; Mascherano, Cambiasso (Aimar), Verón (Luís Gonzalez) and Riquelme; Messi and Tevez. Coach: Alfio Basile.
Goals: Júlio Baptista on 4 and Roberto Ayala (own-goal) on 40 minutes; Daniel Alves on 68 minutes.
Yellow Cards: Alex, Doni, Gilberto, Júlio Baptista, Josué and Mascherano.
Referee: Carlos Amarilla (PAR).
Assistant Referees: Walter Rial (URU) and Luis Sánchez (VEN).
Venue: Pachencho Romero Stadium, in Maracaibo.
How Brazil Win?
Brazil had play a solid defensive game against Argentina especially on talented Messi, Riquelme and Tevez. Defensive midfielders Josué e Mineiro also did a great job.
First Goal:
Brazil began in top form. With only 4 minutes of play, Vagner Love intercepted a pass by Messi, and linked up with Elano. The player made a pinpoint cross from right to left to midfielder Júlio Baptista, who sent the ball into the top corner to open the scoring.
Second Goal:
Argentina continued searching for an equalizer, and were dangerous with their set-plays. Brazil were able to mount a solid defense, mainly with their defensive midfielders Josué e Mineiro. Both seemed tireless. When Argentina were stepping up the pressure, Brazil added their second. On 40 minutes, Daniel Alves broke down the right and made a cross. Defender Ayala tried to intercept it and scored an own-goal.
Third Goal:
On a swift counter-attack, Vagner Love left Daniel Alves alone before the Argentinean keeper. The right-back struck in the far corner to extend the Brazilian lead. Then, it was time for a Brazilian celebration to break out in Maracaibo.
Technical File:
Brazil 3-0 Argentina
Brazil: Doni; Maicon, Alex, Juan and Gilberto; Mineiro, Josué, Elano (Daniel Alves) and Júlio Baptista; Vagner Love (Fernando) and Robinho (Diego). Coach: Dunga.
Argentina: Abbondanzieri; Zanetti, Ayala, Gabriel Milito and Heinze; Mascherano, Cambiasso (Aimar), Verón (Luís Gonzalez) and Riquelme; Messi and Tevez. Coach: Alfio Basile.
Goals: Júlio Baptista on 4 and Roberto Ayala (own-goal) on 40 minutes; Daniel Alves on 68 minutes.
Yellow Cards: Alex, Doni, Gilberto, Júlio Baptista, Josué and Mascherano.
Referee: Carlos Amarilla (PAR).
Assistant Referees: Walter Rial (URU) and Luis Sánchez (VEN).
Venue: Pachencho Romero Stadium, in Maracaibo.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Copa America 2007 Final - Argentina VS Brazil
VS
JinJinBlog is the supporter of Brazil for this Copa America 2007. Although Brazil not perform well in few match due to absense of Kaka and Ronaldinho, we believe the final match is belong to Brazil.
Bets is on.
COPA AMERICA 2007 WINNER (livescore.com)
Argentina 1.83
Draw 3.40
Brazil 4.33
News from LUIS ARROYAVE of Chicago Tribune:
Brazil has won more World Cups than any other country, and as the saying about soccer goes, "The English invented it, the Brazilians perfected it."
But Brazil hasn't looked "perfect" in South America's regional tournament, Copa America. It lost to Mexico in its opening game and barely beat Uruguay in penalty kicks in the semifinals Tuesday.
The "perfected" label is more fitting for Argentina, the team Brazil will meet in the final in Maracaibo, Venezuela, at 5 p.m. EDT today (GolTV and Univision). Argentina has yet to lose or draw during the tournament and has lit up opponents for 16 goals in five games.
Still, Brazil is Brazil. Whenever these two rivals meet, there is potential for a classic. Here is a look at the matchup:
Brazil: After a stunning 2-0 loss to Mexico in its opening game, Brazil rebounded with a 3-0 victory over Chile and 1-0 triumph over Ecuador in the group stage. Brazil eliminated Chile in the quarterfinals 6-1 and then Uruguay in the semifinals (2-2 in regulation, 5-4 in penalty kicks).
Argentina: First Argentina pounded the United States 4-1, then beat Colombia 4-2 and then squeaked out a 1-0 victory over Paraguay. In the quarterfinals, Argentina defeated Peru 4-0 and then made a statement by defeating red hot Mexico 3-0 in the semifinals Wednesday.
Key player
Brazil: Robinho. With Kaka and Ronaldinho skipping the tournament, the Real Madrid forward carried Brazil in its group stage matches against Chile and Ecuador.
Argentina: Juan Riquelme. As good as Lionel Messi has been for Argentina (and he has been very good), Riquelme has been better. Riquelme's five goals are behind only Robinho's six in the tournament. When he isn't scoring goals, Riquelme is setting them up, which is why Argentina's attack runs through him.
Key number
Brazil: 3. The number of goals Brazil scored in its last match against Argentina -- a 3-0 exhibition victory Sept. 3, 2006.
Argentina: 8. The number of times Argentina has beaten Brazil in the Copa America final. Brazil's only final victory over Argentina came on penalty kicks in the 2004 final.
Why they will win
Brazil: Both the United States and Colombia had early leads in their games against Argentina but did not have enough to hold on for the victory. Brazil has the experience and knowledge needed to keep a lead and, of more importance, it has the offensive weapons to pad onto it.
Argentina: If the game turns into a shootout -- which it very well could -- Argentina should have the advantage against a Brazilian side that is without Kaka and Ronaldinho. And even if Riquelme stumbles, Argentina will have Messi and Carlos Tevez to pick up the slack.
Google AdSense Website is Temporarily Unavailable
Are you reading this message in Adsense page in all kind of language.
"The Google AdSense website is temporarily unavailable. Please try back later.
We apologize for any inconvenience."
Well, stay cool. Adsense is having a maintenance from 10AM to 2PM. So, you have time for a break for you and your PC as well. Get some fresh air and feel the world outside.
Below is message from Adsense:
To help you achieve better AdSense-life balance (and, okay, technically to perform routine system maintenance), your AdSense account will be inaccessible starting at 10am PDT on Saturday, July 14th. As usual, your ads will keep running and your reports will keep tracking during this time.
While the maintenance will be over at 2pm PDT, feel free to spend the rest of the day – nay, the whole weekend! – enjoying yourself in whatever fashion you choose. And, hey, if you choose to spend it optimizing your account, who are we to argue?
Google AdSense Website is Temporarily Unavailable
"The Google AdSense website is temporarily unavailable. Please try back later.
We apologize for any inconvenience."
Well, stay cool. Adsense is having a maintenance from 10AM to 2PM. So, you have time for a break for you and your PC as well. Get some fresh air and feel the world outside.
Below is message from Adsense:
To help you achieve better AdSense-life balance (and, okay, technically to perform routine system maintenance), your AdSense account will be inaccessible starting at 10am PDT on Saturday, July 14th. As usual, your ads will keep running and your reports will keep tracking during this time.
While the maintenance will be over at 2pm PDT, feel free to spend the rest of the day – nay, the whole weekend! – enjoying yourself in whatever fashion you choose. And, hey, if you choose to spend it optimizing your account, who are we to argue?
Google AdSense Website is Temporarily Unavailable
Friday, July 13, 2007
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Harry Potter is back to the cinema again with more Magic.
As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. It's been yet another infuriating and boring summer with the despicable Dursleys, this time with minimal contact from our hero's non-Muggle friends from school. Harry is feeling especially edgy at the lack of news from the magic world, wondering when the freshly revived evil Lord Voldemort will strike. Returning to Hogwarts will be a relief--or will it?
Production Status: Released
Genres: Action/Adventure, Kids/Family, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation and Sequel
Running Time: 2 hr. 18 min.
Release Date: July 11th, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images.
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures International, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Production Co.: Wigram Productions, 1492 Pictures, Heyday Films
Studios: Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.
Produced in: United States
Monday, July 9, 2007
7-8-07, 787 Dreamliner Launched
The awating moment for the finest air craft had arrived, 787 Dreamliner was unveiled yesterday.
By assembly with new materials and highly efficient engines, The Chicago-based firm, with much of its design, manufacturing and assembly plants in the north-western US state of Washington, has booked more than 650 orders from dozens of airlines for the long- distance carrier.
In comparison to older aircraft, the Boeing 787 employs large amounts of composite materials in the fuselage and carbon-fibre wings.
Large structural components for the fuselage and wings are being built at Italy's Alenia Aeronautica and in Japan. The jet engines are the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 and General Electric's GEnx.
The various 787 models have comparatively few seats - 200 to 300 compared to a capacity of some 400 seats in the jumbo-jet class - but a flight range stretching from 5,600 kilometres to 15,700 kilometres. That flexibility can enable direct flights between smaller airports or flights from smaller airports to larger hubs.
The first 787 test flight is in August, and Boeing must prove that the jet can deliver on its promised efficiency and aeronautical performance.
There are 3 model for 787 which are 787-3, 787-8, 787-9
With the improve of cabin interior, spacious seats, and ambient, no doubt this is the best selling commercial jet. The flight journey had brought to another level.
For more cabin interior photo, click here
By assembly with new materials and highly efficient engines, The Chicago-based firm, with much of its design, manufacturing and assembly plants in the north-western US state of Washington, has booked more than 650 orders from dozens of airlines for the long- distance carrier.
In comparison to older aircraft, the Boeing 787 employs large amounts of composite materials in the fuselage and carbon-fibre wings.
Large structural components for the fuselage and wings are being built at Italy's Alenia Aeronautica and in Japan. The jet engines are the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 and General Electric's GEnx.
The various 787 models have comparatively few seats - 200 to 300 compared to a capacity of some 400 seats in the jumbo-jet class - but a flight range stretching from 5,600 kilometres to 15,700 kilometres. That flexibility can enable direct flights between smaller airports or flights from smaller airports to larger hubs.
The first 787 test flight is in August, and Boeing must prove that the jet can deliver on its promised efficiency and aeronautical performance.
There are 3 model for 787 which are 787-3, 787-8, 787-9
With the improve of cabin interior, spacious seats, and ambient, no doubt this is the best selling commercial jet. The flight journey had brought to another level.
For more cabin interior photo, click here
Saturday, July 7, 2007
7/7/07, july 7 2007 Special Day and Special Thing to Do
Yeah, 7-7-07 is the most special day of 2007. Triple 7 is also consider a lucky day. It is a multiple metaphor. Seven is often associated with good luck and for some people it has mystical or religious associations. It's a prime number, though so are 3, 11 and 13,267. Seven appears frequently in the Bible.
- there are seven days in a week,
- seven wonders of the world,
- seven seas,
- seven sins and
- seven virtues,
- seven years bad luck,
- seven dwarves,
- the Boeing 777 and
- winning numbers in craps, slot machines and blackjack (where three times seven is a blackjack).
American Indians have seven directions, Christianity has seven sacraments and Hinduism believes in seven chakras. Then there's the world's most popular boy wizard: the seventh Harry Potter book comes out on the 21st day (that's three sevens) of July, 2007.
What To Do on This Memorable Day 070707
- Wedding. Needless to say, Wedding on this day is the most memorable thing. It also easier for us guys to remember the anniversary day
- Hit the casino Jackpot if you think is the lucky day
- Do whatever thing with your love ones.
- Participate in Live Earth Day. Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place on 7/7/07 that will bring together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis
- Make a blog post
Anyway, hope you all have a 07-07-07 nice day. Share your memorable day by comment here
- there are seven days in a week,
- seven wonders of the world,
- seven seas,
- seven sins and
- seven virtues,
- seven years bad luck,
- seven dwarves,
- the Boeing 777 and
- winning numbers in craps, slot machines and blackjack (where three times seven is a blackjack).
American Indians have seven directions, Christianity has seven sacraments and Hinduism believes in seven chakras. Then there's the world's most popular boy wizard: the seventh Harry Potter book comes out on the 21st day (that's three sevens) of July, 2007.
What To Do on This Memorable Day 070707
- Wedding. Needless to say, Wedding on this day is the most memorable thing. It also easier for us guys to remember the anniversary day
- Hit the casino Jackpot if you think is the lucky day
- Do whatever thing with your love ones.
- Participate in Live Earth Day. Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place on 7/7/07 that will bring together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis
- Make a blog post
Anyway, hope you all have a 07-07-07 nice day. Share your memorable day by comment here
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Fourth of July, 4th July, Independence Day
What is your Independence day plan? In the United States, Independence Day (commonly known as "the Fourth of July", or "July the Fourth") is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain.
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since 1777.
Things to Do on Fourth of July
Send a Greeting Card to President. Give him your love
Philadelphia; Sunoco Welcome America! FestivalFrom end of June to July 4th: "eight days of family-oriented entertainment" with concerts, fireworks, barbeque, Day at the Fair, Fiesta on the Parkway, Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade...
Fourth of July in New York City About's Guide for NYC covers many Fourth of July events, from Hot Dog Eating Contests to Cruises to Concerts...
A highlight in NYC is Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks, set off from multiple locations. About's Guide for Manhattan has best spots to view these pyrotechnics.
Long Island, NY Fireworks, parades, festivals, races, more.
Boston's Fourth of July Harborfest"America's Biggest Independence Day Party" is a multi-day bash with hundreds of events -- from historic tours to Children's Day to Chowderfest-- and attracts more than 2.5M visitors. Fireworks over the Charles River are a highlight.
Baltimore's Fourth of July Celebration Baltimore's Inner Harbor is the place to be: check Calendar for all-day fun, and grand finale fireworks.
Connecticut Fourth of July Events Click on Events and select July 4th for parades, fireworks, etc. Mystic Seaport, for ex., has an 1870s Fourth of July.
Washington DC: Fourth of July A giant National Independence Day Parade starts the celebration along Constitution Avenue; in the afternoon, the annual Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife entertains; the National Archives has a Family Day; and in the evening, the National Symphony Orchestra performs while one of the country's largest shows of fireworks lights up the reflecting pool on the National Mall. About's Guide for DC covers Fourth of July Fireworks in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia, and has National Parade photos, and more.
Fourth of July in Colonial WilliamsburgColonial Williamsburg is living history: real-life actors in the streets and in historic houses bring to life the days before the American Revolution. Expect fireworks, and the chance to ask a few questions -- ask Thomas Jefferson or Patrick Henry, that is.
Fourth of July in Orlando Expect great fireworks in this town! Find fireworks and celebrations at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, more.
Other Florida:About's Florida for Visitors site covers other Independence Day festivities too.
Fourth of July - Amelia Island, Florida Some resorts go all-out for July 4th festivities: and at the Ritz-Carleton on Amelia Island (northern Florida) likes to throw a beachside bash.*
July 4th Celebrations in the Southeast Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia - About's Guide for Southeast for Visitors covers Independence Day celebrations in all these states.
Austin, Texas:bring a blanket and picnic basket, for fireworks and music by the Austin Symphony; other venues too.
Phoenix Independence Day About's guide for Phoenix suggests great venues for the 4th of July, with picnics, concerts, rides, etc., leading up to the fireworks.
More Southwest About's Guide for Southwest for Visitors has ten suggestions: Wildflower Festival in CO, small town in AZ, rodeos, even a (family-friendly) UFO Festival in Roswell NM.
LA: Americafest at the Rose BowlAt the Rose Bowl statium, in Pasadena, is day-long Family Fun Festival, evening concert by the California Philharmonic, and Americafest fireworks.
Los Angeles: Top Fireworks for Fourth of July About's guide for Los Angeles selects the Top 10 Fireworks in LA County; most venues have activities all day.
San Francisco 4th of July The Fourth of July Celebration takes place at Pier 39, part of the popular tourist complex that includes Fisherman's Wharf, the Cannery, and Ghirardelli Square. Free family fun, bands, street performers, marionettes, face-painting, and (do we need to say it?) fireworks.
Seattle: Fourth of Jul-Ivars Ivars is a big name in Seattle for its seafood restaurants. Some 40 years ago, founder Ivar Haglund was asked to put on a fireworks show for the city. The fireworks have gone off year after year, plus music, kids' activities, food and more.
Also in Seattle: Family 4th at Lake Union fireworks extravaganza, and Tacoma's Fourth of July Freedom Fair.
July 4th 2007 Celebrations in many more cities:
Not interested in festivities at the places above? Check these sites for events in towns that might suit you better.
Independence Day / 4th of July at Festivals.com Festivals.com is a great place to look for events: but you might have to search for "July 4th", "Fourth of July", and "Independence Day".
Fourth of July - Multiple Cities GoCityKids has detailed calendars with family fun for over a dozen major cities.
Looking for more:
http://national.citysearch.com/feature/40948
http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/holidays/a/Fourthofjuly.htm
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since 1777.
Things to Do on Fourth of July
Send a Greeting Card to President. Give him your love
Philadelphia; Sunoco Welcome America! FestivalFrom end of June to July 4th: "eight days of family-oriented entertainment" with concerts, fireworks, barbeque, Day at the Fair, Fiesta on the Parkway, Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade...
Fourth of July in New York City About's Guide for NYC covers many Fourth of July events, from Hot Dog Eating Contests to Cruises to Concerts...
A highlight in NYC is Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks, set off from multiple locations. About's Guide for Manhattan has best spots to view these pyrotechnics.
Long Island, NY Fireworks, parades, festivals, races, more.
Boston's Fourth of July Harborfest"America's Biggest Independence Day Party" is a multi-day bash with hundreds of events -- from historic tours to Children's Day to Chowderfest-- and attracts more than 2.5M visitors. Fireworks over the Charles River are a highlight.
Baltimore's Fourth of July Celebration Baltimore's Inner Harbor is the place to be: check Calendar for all-day fun, and grand finale fireworks.
Connecticut Fourth of July Events Click on Events and select July 4th for parades, fireworks, etc. Mystic Seaport, for ex., has an 1870s Fourth of July.
Washington DC: Fourth of July A giant National Independence Day Parade starts the celebration along Constitution Avenue; in the afternoon, the annual Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife entertains; the National Archives has a Family Day; and in the evening, the National Symphony Orchestra performs while one of the country's largest shows of fireworks lights up the reflecting pool on the National Mall. About's Guide for DC covers Fourth of July Fireworks in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia, and has National Parade photos, and more.
Fourth of July in Colonial WilliamsburgColonial Williamsburg is living history: real-life actors in the streets and in historic houses bring to life the days before the American Revolution. Expect fireworks, and the chance to ask a few questions -- ask Thomas Jefferson or Patrick Henry, that is.
Fourth of July in Orlando Expect great fireworks in this town! Find fireworks and celebrations at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, more.
Other Florida:About's Florida for Visitors site covers other Independence Day festivities too.
Fourth of July - Amelia Island, Florida Some resorts go all-out for July 4th festivities: and at the Ritz-Carleton on Amelia Island (northern Florida) likes to throw a beachside bash.*
July 4th Celebrations in the Southeast Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia - About's Guide for Southeast for Visitors covers Independence Day celebrations in all these states.
Austin, Texas:bring a blanket and picnic basket, for fireworks and music by the Austin Symphony; other venues too.
Phoenix Independence Day About's guide for Phoenix suggests great venues for the 4th of July, with picnics, concerts, rides, etc., leading up to the fireworks.
More Southwest About's Guide for Southwest for Visitors has ten suggestions: Wildflower Festival in CO, small town in AZ, rodeos, even a (family-friendly) UFO Festival in Roswell NM.
LA: Americafest at the Rose BowlAt the Rose Bowl statium, in Pasadena, is day-long Family Fun Festival, evening concert by the California Philharmonic, and Americafest fireworks.
Los Angeles: Top Fireworks for Fourth of July About's guide for Los Angeles selects the Top 10 Fireworks in LA County; most venues have activities all day.
San Francisco 4th of July The Fourth of July Celebration takes place at Pier 39, part of the popular tourist complex that includes Fisherman's Wharf, the Cannery, and Ghirardelli Square. Free family fun, bands, street performers, marionettes, face-painting, and (do we need to say it?) fireworks.
Seattle: Fourth of Jul-Ivars Ivars is a big name in Seattle for its seafood restaurants. Some 40 years ago, founder Ivar Haglund was asked to put on a fireworks show for the city. The fireworks have gone off year after year, plus music, kids' activities, food and more.
Also in Seattle: Family 4th at Lake Union fireworks extravaganza, and Tacoma's Fourth of July Freedom Fair.
July 4th 2007 Celebrations in many more cities:
Not interested in festivities at the places above? Check these sites for events in towns that might suit you better.
Independence Day / 4th of July at Festivals.com Festivals.com is a great place to look for events: but you might have to search for "July 4th", "Fourth of July", and "Independence Day".
Fourth of July - Multiple Cities GoCityKids has detailed calendars with family fun for over a dozen major cities.
Looking for more:
http://national.citysearch.com/feature/40948
http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/holidays/a/Fourthofjuly.htm