Daily News Trends

If Egyptians want change, then they should have it | Martin Kettle

2011-02-04T18:43:00.004-08:00

It is a risk, and could destabilise the country and the region, but who are Mubarak or the west to deny it to them?

I blame the fall of the Berlin Wall. I'm not one of those weirdos who mourns the collapse of communism. It's just that, in retrospect, the problem with the events of 1989 is that they happened so easily. The wall fell in a weekend, then Hungary followed, then Romania, and eventually even the Soviet Union itself. And all, amazingly, without almost anyone, the odious Ceausescus notable exceptions, getting hurt.

In reality it was rather more messy, of course. Yet the speed and totality with which the communist system crumpled in Europe were spectacular. The 1989 collapse has framed a lot of expectations whenever any subsequent despot or military regime is challenged in the streets. We have come to expect revolutions to be quick, successful and peaceful. We seem to have forgotten what most revolutionaries of earlier eras took for granted – that their fate is as likely to be defeat, and even death, as victory.

Most of the time, despots don't fold – they fight back. Sometimes very effectively. See Burma. See Belarus. See Zimbabwe. And, for the past couple of days in Cairo, see Egypt. It's a mistake to assume all dictators are isolated tinpot tyrants who will obligingly decamp to the French Riviera with their ill-gotten gains at the first stirrings of trouble or as soon as John Simpson has positioned himself outside the presidential palace to see history made. As often as not, threatened despots summon the army and the secret police, and manoeuvre and terrorise their challengers into submission.

That is plainly part of what Hosni Mubarak and some of those around him are trying to achieve in Egypt. Mubarak may be a wounded beast, but he is still a big beast, and still – in some diminishing ways – a strong one. For 30 years he has sat atop a pyramid of Egyptian power whose interests are almost as much opposed to radical change as his own are. Whether his allies and battalions have the common purpose to maintain their own power when he finally steps down is difficult to predict. They certainly have an interest in such an outcome. And they are still trying today, making further strategic concessions while attacking protesters in the cities. Anything is possible. But that's the point. This is not a done deal.

Nevertheless, it is clear what ought to happen. Mubarak should go, or should make visible preparations to go as soon as possible – perhaps even, another tense Friday, tomorrow. Then there ought to be a transitional government based not just on the ruling National Democratic party and the army, but on opposition parties too. After that, free elections, independently verified, later this year. Restrictions on freedom of speech and the media should be eased immediately.

Easy to say. Much harder to do. But not impossible. Washington is manifestly now attempting to steer events that way – belatedly doing the right thing in Egypt, though inevitably berated by its usual enemies for it. More important, powerful Egyptians are getting there too. Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq's apology for Wednesday's violence did not go far enough, but it was a strikingly pragmatic intervention. The new vice-president, Omar Suleiman, struck the same tone. Above all, though, these are the demands of the thousands of protesters who have camped out in Tahrir Square for most of the last week. "We need democracy in Egypt. We just want what you have," as a headscarf-wearing woman told the New York Times's Nicholas Kristof this week. Sounds right to me.

Would democracy solve Egypt's problems? On its own, probably not. Most Egyptians are very poor. Forty percent subsist on less than $2 a day. Corruption and waste are massive problems. The size of the army is disproportionate. But true democracy would be a hugely important building-block for the future. Call it false consciousness and a phoney transition if you must. Call it a potentially destabilising change for Egypt and the region too – as both Israel and China do (the latter even bans its people from knowing what is happening in Egypt). But if it's what Egyptians want – and they continue to say very loudly that it is – then who are Mubarak or the outside world to deny it to them?

Is it a risk? Of course. The risk of a civil conflict with immense repercussions elsewhere has to be taken very seriously. But it is always tempting to say that everything is too dangerous to be put at risk. I am currently reading the final volume of Edmund Morris's masterly biography of Theodore Roosevelt, which starts with TR visiting Cairo in 1910 and endorsing British rule in Egypt as the least worst alternative to what he dismissed as hopelessly ineffective Egyptian nationalists and unchanged, bigoted Muslims. Not much change there then. A century on, plenty of foreign nations and some Egyptians still prefer the devil they know than the one that they don't.

That is not a stupid position. But there is both a principled counter-argument to it and a pragmatic one. The principled one is that the right to elect the government of your choice is a human right, whether for British prisoners or for Egyptian adults. If Egyptians want it they should have it.

The pragmatic one is that Egypt can take it. Yes, Egypt is a divided society. What society is not? But it is also a resilient one and in myriad ways, though always under pressure, broadly based and multicultural. This is rooted in its history. Egypt has been open to the outside world not just in the time of Mubarak but since the reign of Muhammad Ali, and even of Cleopatra. It has also long been historically in the van of modernising trends in Islamic thought which, while emphatically anti-imperialist, also find a place for everything from science to parliaments.

There are threats to this stability. And of course the outcome is uncertain. Yet the rising in Cairo has mostly been marked even now by restraint. There has been little hysteria. Anti-western and anti-Israeli paranoia has been conspicuously absent. The much touted threat from the Muslim Brotherhood has yet to emerge. These are all positive signs.

Only a fool would dismiss the possibility that this week's events may unravel in dangerous ways. Revolutions are volatile, not neat and biddable. If a revolutionary mood gathers speed, or even if a prospective revolution is crushed by the regime, the impact will be felt way beyond Egypt itself. The drama on the streets of Cairo is Egypt's to resolve, not ours. After Iraq, there is little that the west can do. But we are affected by what is happening in Egypt. We have a stake in the outcome, whether we acknowledge it or not.

Daily News Trends

VeriSign Trust Seal: Can it Make a Difference in Online Shopping?

2011-02-04T18:43:00.003-08:00

Trust is a huge part of getting a customer to buy from your website. Many customers have been educated on the value of a “trust” endorsement and that secure padlock symbol that tells them their transaction won’t be hacked. This post explores the new VeriSign trust seal program and provides general tips to help improve your e-commerce efforts.

This post is for any small business owner who runs a shopping cart or online store and discovers shopping cart abandonment (peopleRead More

From Small Business Trends

Egypt's fate is in the hands of its secretive army | Oliver Miles

2011-02-04T18:43:00.002-08:00

The 1952 'revolution' was really a military takeover – and the well-respected army remains key to the country's future

The resolution of the conflict in Egypt between a popular uprising and an entrenched president currently depends on decisions and actions to be taken by the army. What does that mean? It is not a question to which British history and political tradition provide much of an answer, even if the Duke of Wellington was not a bad prime minister.

The political role of the army in the Middle East has deep historical roots. When the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II set about reforming and rebuilding his empire's power and prestige nearly 200 years ago, one of the main planks of his programme was to build a modern conscript army on the European model, even though he had to slaughter the old model army, the janissaries, before he could begin.

His viceroy in Egypt, Muhammad Ali Pasha, putting together the pieces after the withdrawal of Napoleon who had largely destroyed the old order, followed the same course. He sent military students to Europe, and invited training missions to Egypt. The rest of his modernisation programme, also based on learning from Europe, was largely subordinate to his goal of building a modern army.

Muhammad Ali became the founder of the modern Egyptian state, and his dynasty remained at least nominally in power in Egypt until King Farouk, by then scarcely more than a puppet of the British, was expelled by the "revolution" of 1952. But that revolution, though popular in the sense that it had the support of the people, was not a true revolution. It was a military takeover. The monarchy had been marginalised and was overthrown. The army had not.

On the contrary, it remained the backbone of the state under the three men who have ruled Egypt for the past 57 years, President Nasser, President Sadat and President Mubarak. All were military men, steeped in military culture and pride. President Nasser's prestige outshone all rivals, not only in Egypt but throughout the Arab world. President Sadat, though lacking Nasser's charisma, restored Egypt's self-respect by his partial victory over the Israeli occupying forces in 1973. President Mubarak, as air force commander, shared in that partial victory, even if he had still less charisma; his nickname when I met him in 1980 was the name of a well-known brand of cheese "La vache qui rit".

In other successor states of the Ottoman empire the army also played an important role. In Turkey one of the few generals who emerged from defeat with his military reputation burnished became the father of the new nation, taking the name Ataturk. The Turkish army remained for half a century the guardian of the new nation and in particular of its secular and democratic character. Only in the last decade or two has that role been challenged. In Jordan the army had a different role, as the guardian of the monarchy and its protector, in particular, against internal challenge from the Palestinians.

Against this background, I doubt if most Egyptians find it strange that their fate should be in the hands of the army. The army is respected, even reverenced, in sharp contrast to politicians or – worst of all – the police. This may mean, of course, that the popular revolution will be hijacked by a military takeover. But not necessarily.

The Egyptian army, like other armies particularly in the Middle East, is secretive. Their dependence on the US army for much-prized modern equipment (US military aid in 2009 was $1.3bn compared with civil aid of $250m) must mean that the Americans are something of an exception. But I doubt whether the Americans know much about the political attitudes and ambitions of the officer class.

Leaked reports from the US embassy in Cairo show that the embassy were well aware of the widespread bitterness about rising prices, government corruption and even "disdain for the Mubarak government's perceived pro-US and Israel posture". But a mention by an unnamed Egyptian member of parliament in April 2007 of a post-Mubarak military coup as "the best of all the bad options available" is described as the only occasion on which the embassy heard speculation about a possible coup.

In 2009 the embassy reported that the minister of defence Field Marshal Tantawi consistently resists change "but he retains President Mubarak's support, and so he and the top brass will most likely stay in position until Mubarak leaves the scene", and in another report that he "keeps the armed forces appearing reasonably sharp and the officers satisfied with their perks and privileges." No doubt these reports were sound as far as they went, but they do not tell us what we want to know today.

If the army is something of a closed society, that does not necessarily mean that it does not know what the people want, or is against giving it to them. If tomorrow an unknown general or colonel or flight lieutenant (remember Jerry Rawlings of Ghana?) tells us that he has stepped in to restore order following the overthrow of the tyrant Mubarak and that he will restore freedom and democracy, after an essential cooling-off period of course, we must not be surprised, and must prepare to judge him by his actions. That will be the moment when external players, including not only America but ourselves, may have a part in keeping him to his word. It won't be easy.

Daily News Trends

Credit Card Companies Woo Small Businesses—But Will Entrepreneurs Say Yes?

2011-02-04T18:43:00.001-08:00

What financing methods have you been using to grow your business and keep cash flowing during the recession? As the economy improves again, credit card issuers are hoping more small business owners will turn to credit cards as a cash management tool.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that entrepreneurs can expect to see more credit card offers in their mailboxes in the coming months. Why? Because the 2009 legislation that reformed credit card policies put a lotRead More

Credit Card Companies Woo Small Businesses—But Will Entrepreneurs Say Yes?

Is It Time to Consider an Electric Vehicle for Your Business?

2011-02-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

For many businesses, vehicle travel produces the largest environmental impact. Think about all those meetings, errands and deliveries.

Automobile usage should be part of any business’s sustainability plan. Transportation accounts for about 30 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. One small SUV, for instance, contributes about 10,000 lbs. of carbon emissions for every 12,000 miles driven. What’s more, some oil industry insiders predict gasoline prices could rise to $5 per gallon by 2012, making fuel efficiency aRead More

Vodafone says Egyptian authorities forced it to send pro-Mubarak texts

2011-02-04T18:02:00.000-08:00

Messages urged 'honest and loyal men to confront the traitors and criminals'

Vodafone has claimed the Egyptian authorities forced it to send pro-government text messages during this week's protests.

Twitter has been buzzing with screen grabs from Vodafone's Egyptian customers showing text messages sent over the course of the demonstrations against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year-old regime.

A text message received on Sunday by an Associated Press reporter in Egypt appealed to the country's "honest and loyal men to confront the traitors and criminals and protect our people and honour". Another urged Egyptians to attend a pro-Mubarak rally in Cairo on Wednesday. The first was marked as coming from "Vodafone". The other was signed: "Egypt Lovers."

Vodafone said the messages had been drafted by Egyptian authorities and that it had no power to change them. "Vodafone Group has protested to the authorities that the current situation regarding these messages is unacceptable. We have made clear that all messages should be transparent and clearly attributable to the originator."

The company said its competitors – including Egypt's Mobinil and the United Arab Emirates' Etisalat – were doing the same. Vodafone said the texts had been sent "since the start of the protests" but declined to reveal how many such messages it had sent or whether it was still putting them out.

Vodafone is already under fire for its role in the internet blackout that cut Egyptian users off for several days. It said the order could not be ignored as it was binding under local law.

Daily News Trends

Tahrir Square battleground: 'These people tried to slaughter us last night'

2011-02-04T17:15:00.000-08:00

Anti-Mubarak protesters in Cairo fight to hold square littered with bricks and burnt-out vehicles after night of bloodshed

They were barely visible at first, a glimmer of tan clothing among the ranks of pro-Mubarak fighters lined on a low overpass above the entrance to Tahrir Square. It was from here that rocks, petrol bombs and bullets had been raining down on the anti-regime opposition defending their barricades below.

At 9am first one, then a second, and then dozens of Egyptian soldiers – the same military forces who had stood back and watched as last night's bloodshed unfolded – finally appeared at this key strategic flashpoint and began driving back those on the bridge. Before them lay a no-man's land littered with broken bricks and burnt-out vehicles that spoke of the extraordinary violence that had played out in the darkness.

It was the beginning of a day of to-and-fro street clashes in the densely populated neighbourhoods surrounding the square, as anti-Mubarak protesters fought close-quarter battles to hold Tahrir and, in a hail of warning shots and automatic gunfire, the army sporadically attempted to establish buffer zones.

A night of fighting that left more than 1,000 injured and several dead from gunshot wounds. Despite the denials of Egypt's government and interior ministry, both of which claimed these events were not state-orchestrated, the evidence strongly suggested otherwise.

Anti-Mubarak protesters dragged a supporter of the regime through their barricades just after 8am. In his pocket was an identity card showing him to be Ahmed Mahmoud Abdel Razik, a member of the police.

His was not the only identity card taken. Others were on display, taken as their owners were led away for interrogation in the buildings on the back streets before being handed over to the army. Despite the tensions in the crowd most captured fighters were protected from retribution by responsible protesters.

"These people tried to slaughter us last night – five of my fellow revolutionaries were killed by sniper fire at this location, and I saw one man collapse right in front of me at 4am with his brains falling out on to the road," said Mahmoud Mustafa, a 25-year-old anti-Mubarak demonstrator. "But look around you – we remain peaceful, we remain united and we remain determined to bring down this regime. I was never involved in politics before, but now I will stay here until Mubarak leaves or I die, whatever comes first."

The north side of the square was a scene of devastation – both physical and human. At the makeshift aid stations, which have been manned by 70 volunteer doctors in the open air, casualties were still coming in.

A man with a broken back was carried through the crowd on a piece of corrugated metal. Others came through with head injuries, broken arms and cuts.

One of those treating the injured was Dr Ibrahim Fakhr, a surgical professor. "We had shooting at 11pm last night and then again at around four in the morning from a sniper on the roof of the Egyptian Museum. We saw the laser light coming from the weapon. The latest that we have is that seven have been killed by gunfire."

Like the doctors, those trying to defend the square have been forced to improvise. Crude helmets were constructed out of cardboard boxes; others strapped water bottles to their heads. They built makeshift shields and used plastic crates to catch the incoming stones at their barricades.

"I'm an agricultural teacher by trade and I've never built weapons before, but I am good with my hands," explained Said el-Zoughly, who was directing a group of protesters as they broke down a burnt-out vehicle to salvage defence materials and put together catapults and slingshots. "We're not just running around wildly, we're trying to be organised and efficient. Anyone who wants a shield can get one. We'll stay for however long it takes – God is with us."

At the mouth of the square, buildings once held by the pro-Mubarak demonstrators had changed hands by morning. On the roof of one, a group of young men, equipped with stones and firebombs, were briefed by their leader, while others hauled sacks of rocks up the derelict stairs.

"Today's still early, but they're scared of us," he told those around him. "Don't get burnt out. If you are tired get into the building. If you want to sleep stay away from the edges of the roof and its corners.

"Then when they come into no-man's land we can surprise them."

As more people arrived at the square bearing food and supplies for those inside, the clashes – smaller in intensity than those the night before – broke out again. The lines of soldiers between were hit by missiles, and tanks moved in.

Mohamed Saleh, a 25-year-old senior accountant, surveyed the scene. "You must tell the world about this terrorism, government terrorism," he said. "We've been sitting here for eight days with no trouble, no fires, no violence – just a peaceful desire for revolution. Now civilians are being indiscriminately massacred by thugs. If the west cares so much about terrorism then why doesn't it act?

"Mubarak says he wants eight more months in power to manage a peaceful transition. Just see what the first day of that peaceful transition looks like, then you'll understand why we can't stop protesting until he leaves immediately. He is a thug and a criminal and he wants to kill us. Can you imagine what would happen to us tonight if we stood down and stopped defending ourselves? We would be slaughtered. We're fighting now for our lives."

On Twitter and by other means, anti-Mubarak protesters sent out appeals for medical supplies, blood donations and blankets, and exchanged information on which entrances and exits to the square were safe. On the fringes of Tahrir many people were assaulted and harassed by pro-Mubarak thugs, including dozens of local and international journalists who have been portrayed by state television as sympathisers of the revolution and accused of spreading misinformation and circulating drugs.

Elsewhere reports filtered in of other institutions perceived to be anti-Mubarak coming under attack, including the Hisham Mubarak law centre, which has previously provided legal services for arrested democracy activists, and the El Nadeem Centre for Rehabiliation of Victims of Violence, which has campaigned against police torture.

Daily News Trends

Small Business News: Social Media Business Success?

2011-02-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

Hey, is your small business using social media? Could be blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare you name it! While not so long ago there were plenty of people who doubted the overall impact of social media for the business community, nowadays few people question the possibilities. In a recent post on the BizSugar blog, we suggested ten bright ideas for using social media in your small business. They lead this roundup on small business social media success. Enjoy!

Middle East unrest according to Glenn Beck and friends

2011-02-04T14:25:00.000-08:00

Bored of balanced coverage from the lamestream, so-called news media? What you can learn about the Middle East protests from US rightwing commentators

'Tunisia is our Archduke Ferdinand moment'

Says Glenn Beck, Fox News host:

This is not just happenstance. This is not just poor people mad at rich people. This is coordinated. Tunisia was the beginning. I think there is a chance Tunisia was our Archduke Ferdinand moment that I've been telling you about, warning that it would start in some place that wouldn't look like anything – and most of us wouldn't understand it. He was the guy assassinated in Sarajevo. Month later Austria and Hungary declared war against Serbia and the rest is called World War One

Beck, the apocalyptically-minded TV host, has the most complete theory on Egypt: the protests there are part of what he calls the "coming insurrection".

He illustrates how it will happen in the clip below using blackboards featuring maps of Europe and the Middle East. He marks friends with a yellow smiley face (Israel), "Frenemies" (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc.) with blue faces and enemies (Iran) with red. Through the use of stick-on fires to illustrate riots he announces to his American viewers: "I'm going to show you how all this cascades over to us".

Key to all it all is that Europe, as his map shows, is already in flames because of some of our recent street protests. Beck never explains the connection between the Greek government's austerity programme, tuition fees demonstrations in the UK and radical Islam (which no one on the ground in Egypt says is behind the protests there). Do I need to? Because I can't.

To cut to the chase, a new caliphate will emerge in the Middle East and push further east until China, as Beck puts it, says "Knock it off guys" and takes over India, reaching some way into Pakistan. The caliphate will then push north, which is when it will absorb the UK:

What happens to the overwhelming radical population of the UK, of radical Islamicists. What happens? Do they just sit around on their hands or do they see an opportunity? When you take the Marxists and you combine them with the radical in Islam the whole world begins to implode

So there you have it, an "Archduke Ferdinand moment" which will split Europe, the Middle East and Asia into Chinese and radical Islamic zones. In the full Beck, he also introduces Bill Ayers (who Sarah Palin had in mind when she accused Barack Obama of "palling around with terrorists"), Hizbullah and Code Pink, a feminist antiwar group. But that's enough for now.

'It has spread, as we predicted it would'

Says a Glenn Beck radio show co-host:

Even when the French riots were going on, this was before Greece. The rioting in France - Paris was on fire virtually every night - we said this is coming to other countries

That's right. The origins of Egypt's protest lie not in Mubarak's dictatorship, a languid economy and lack of opportunity for young people but the 2005 unrest in Paris's banlieues. Does Greece have something to do with it too?

Here is Beck - this time on the radio - expanding on his theme of what the Egypt protests mean for Europe:

The Muslim radicals in Europe and England rise up. You've got the communists and the Muslim radicals, they are not one and the same, they are not coordinating or anything else. But once they start to work together - whether it is coordinated or not, and I don't believe it would be - once they start to work together in concert Europe is done. It is done. Where is the police force that is going to be able to police the entire world like that. Russia? The United States? How are you going to quell the Middle East?

Watch the two of them below:

'It tracks with this administration's views on the economy'

Says David Asman, Fox host:

President Mubarak sent a message by camel to President Obama today ... Mubarak was telling Obama to mind his own business, that he will leave on his own terms, not on terms or timetables dictated by the White House [...]

The administration's inability to have any sway there is what happens when you desert your allies and try to apply Robert's rules of order to the raw power plays of the Middle East. We saw the same thing happen with the Carter administration's mishandling of Iran in 1979 and we are shocked that this administration thinks the same lofty ideals will have better luck in Egypt. It is a fairyland, it is an academic view of the world that frankly tracks very closely with this administration's views on the economy. Take healthcare, for example ...

To a man with a hammer every problem is a nail, as the saying goes. To a man with a problem with Obama's healthcare reform, every problem looks like it has something to do with healthcare reform.

(via Media Matters for America)

'Obama should be impeached'

The strangest thing I've seen on the internet for a while: footage of JFK unconvincingly voiced-over by someone who cannot do a JFK impression.

Recently the fires of discontent in the Middle East have been inflamed by the aid and comfort that have been given to America's enemies by our 44th president [...] The 44th president and Joseph Biden [should] be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanours. At that point the speaker of the house, John Boehner, will become the 45th president of our nation. I'm asking John Boehner to use our military power to quell the uprising that is currently threatening the government of Hosni Mubarak

I have no idea whether this is serious or satire. None at all.

'Obama is on the side of radical Islam'

Michael Savage, who calls Obama the "socialist-in-chief", talks over the US president's recent statement calling for a transition to democracy in Egypt.

Obama: ... people want the same things that we all want. A better life for ourselves and our children ...

Savage: What the heck does that mean? This is the rhetoric you would have heard from the Black Panthers

And here is a key quote:

Grievances? Here is the community organiser now using community organisational mentality for a nation of Egypt, which is flooded with the Muslim Brotherhood. This is astounding. We are listening to the biggest mistake in US diplomatic history. This fool. This pinheaded fool running this country either doesn't know his history or is on the side of radical Islam. There's no two ways about it

'What the Bible has already said'

Joseph Farah of WorldNetDaily:

Iran's quest serves a second purpose of eliminating all of Israel's supposed Islamic allies and replacing them with like-minded radical government heads that will renounce their alliance with the US and harden hatred toward Israel. Of course, this scenario only strengthens what the Bible has already said - that the enemies of Israel will one day attack them, thereby giving occasion for God to destroy their enemies

From about 4 mins, we get a Biblical reading of contemporary Middle Eastern politics

'Muslim Brotherhood has infiltrated the US government'

Frank Gaffney, neoconservative:

There are questionable people who are sympathetic to the program of the stealth jihadists who have influence with the United States government. Some I think are actually working for it, but for sure people who are persuaded that the folks that they need to work with to reach out to the Muslim-American community, for example, who incessantly turn to Muslim Brotherhood organisations for that purpose, are a very real problem

(Via Think Progress / Gawker)

'We will have a world war on our hands'

Bill O'Reilly forsees a domino effect where, aided by al-Jazeera, the Muslim Brotherhood takes charge in Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt and Jordan and gives al-Qaida free reign.

'Al-Jazeera is British intel'

Another take on al-Jazeera: Alex Jones talks Egypt with author and host of GCN's World Crisis Radio, Webster Tarpley. I have no idea what is going on here. There is an Anglo-American imperialist plot, they say, aided by al-Jazeera, to overthrow Mubarak. China and Russia might get involved somewhere down the line. Here is one exchange:

Jones: People are opening saying what al-Jazeera is: British intel

Tarpley: Yeah, that's for sure

To clear things up (joke!) at around the 3 mins mark Pink Floyd's Money comes in to provide a sonic backdrop to the Jones-Tarpley chat.

'The US should not fear Egypt regime change'

This may not fit the narrative but the US right is not speaking with one voice on Egypt. There are those (mainly above) who fear the consequences if Mubarak was to fall, but others who support the possibility that Egypt may transition to democracy. The quote heading this section comes from an article for Forbes by Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute (also home to Paul Wolfowitz) while a Bush administration official, Elliott Abrams, claims in the Washington Post that the Egypt protests are a vindication of his former boss.

Daily News Trends

Small Business News: Small Business Funding Facts

2011-02-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

There’s a lot of buzz about small business funding these days. The issue has become a major one not only in the small business community but also among government leaders. It’s certain that finding the funds for your small business venture, especially until cash flow becomes regular, is a challenge every small business owner or entrepreneur faces. If you’re facing this issue, we hope the resources below will help. If there is a creative way you have dealt with thisRead More

Small Business News: 21st Century Tools For Entrepreneurs

2011-02-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

The dawning of the 21st century has brought with it a staggering new array of tools, resources changing the very fabric of business as we know it. Though it may take some time to realize with many other changes on the horizon, it has been small business that has seen one of the most significant transformations. Leveraging their small staffs and budgets with the new power of the Internet and a new way of doing business as well, these entrepreneursRead More

From Small Business Trends

Egyptian protesters' makeshift helmets – in pictures

2011-02-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Demonstrators in Cairo calling for Hosni Mubarak's removal are resorting to bottles, boxes, bits of foam and anything else they can find to protect themselves from rocks and other objects thrown by regime supporters

Daily News Trends

6 Must-Haves for Your Small Business Website

2011-02-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

Whether you’re a brick and mortar or you’re strictly an online shop, you need a we site. And while many small business owners are starting to come to terms with this, I can’t tell you how many SMBs I’ve spoken to who have spent considerable amount of money (often five figures) on a website that simply “didn’t work.” Either it didn’t do a good job selling, wasn’t spiderable (please don’t build your whole site in Flash) or simply didn’t addressRead More

Egypt protests: the view from the Middle East

2011-02-04T06:32:00.000-08:00

Middle East correspondents from the Guardian, Der Spiegel and Le Monde report from around the region on reaction to protests in Egypt

In an effort to provide the most comprehensive coverage of the seismic events in Egypt and the shockwaves they are sending through the region, the Guardian has teamed up with leading European newspapers Der Spiegel and Le Monde. In the coming days we will be exploring ways to share our reporting from the region, so that you can read dispatches from their highly respected correspondents alongside reports from our own team on the ground. Kicking off this collaboration here are a series of audio reports from correspondents for the three papers in Cairo, Sana'a, Tunis and Beirut.

Egypt: Volkhard Windfuhr, from Der Spiegel, reports from Cairo

Windfuhr, who has lived in Egypt since the 1950s and been chairman of the Cairo foreign press association since 1994, confirms there has been a change of attitude from the army today, although he reports that there are rumours of a split in the military's leadership.

Yemen: Tom Finn reports for the Guardian

Thousands of anti-government demonstrators gathered in the Yemeni capital of Sana'a to take part in a "day of rage" against the ruling regime. Finn says protesters had planned to protest in Sana'a's Tahrir Square, but the pro-government supporters got there first.

Tunisia: Mathieu von Rohr, from Der Spiegel, reports

People in Tunisia, where mass demonstrations saw the ex-president Ben Ali flee last month, feel "very proud" that Egyptians have risen up in protest against Mubarak, von Rohr reports. Der Spiegel's foreign affairs correspondent says the mood in Tunisia has become more tense in the last couple of days, with clashes in the streets between police and protesters.

Lebanon: Ghaith Abdul-Ahad of the Guardian reports

Abdul-Ahad says "all is quiet now" in Lebanon after the clashes of last week. There is huge interest in the Egyptian protests from people in the country, however he says Lebanon is "so sectarian" that any potential protests in the country are unlikely to be united.

Jordan: Martin Chulov of the Guardian reports

There's a "tense calm" in Oman, Chulov says, where "all eyes" have been on Egypt. There is a lot of support for the protesters in Egypt, and talk about how protests may follow on on the streets of Jordan – where demonstrations are planned for Friday 4 February. So far the demonstrations have been carefully planned, but people are watching to see if tomorrow's protests are have more spontaneous elements, Chulov reports.

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Egypt's vice-president complains rioting is bad for business

2011-02-04T06:26:00.000-08:00

Tourism loses at least $1bn as one million visitors flee anti-Mubarak protests

Egypt's vice-president, Omar Suleiman has warned protesters that rioting is chasing away foreign tourists and investors who are vital for the country's economy.

He said Egypt had lost at least $1bn in tourism in the past nine days and that a million tourists had left during the turmoil.

Tui Travel, Europe's biggest travel company, warned that the unrest in Egypt and Tunisia would cost it up to £30m as customers cancelled or rescheduled holidays.

Tui has cancelled all holiday bookings for Egypt from Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Scandinavia, but is still running holidays booked in the UK for Red Sea resorts such as Sharm el-Sheikh "in line with government advice". This means that, at present, UK customers will not get a refund if they cancel their trip.

"If we are not able to operate any further holidays to Egypt for the rest of the winter from any source market except for the UK, we estimate the second-quarter impact will be approximately £20m. If UK government advice changes and we can no longer operate from that source market we would expect the impact to increase by approximately £5m," Tui said.

Repatriating customers from Tunisia and cancellation of holidays to the country has cost Tui another £5m.

Egypt's revenues are driven by tourism, which are thought to bring in about £7bn a year. Taxes on ships using the Suez canal generated £6bn in the last financial year. But Egypt still ran a current account deficit of £505m in the third quarter of 2010 and had to borrow to cover the difference.

Analysts at ratings agency Fitch, which downgraded Egypt today to BB, warned of further downgrades.

Many western businesses have shut their operations and pulled out senior staff. The agency said a lack of trade and tourism, which accounts for 11% of GDP, would send tax revenues into a downward spiral, making the budget deficit worse. The stock market remained closed.

The country's ports have seen much of their business move to Malta, Israel and other Mediterranean destinations as Egypt's docks remain largely shut down.

The Suez canal, which carries about 8% of global sea trade, has stayed open despite the chaos, with armed guards protecting the waterway that links the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, but ships have avoided Port Said and Alexandria.

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US embassy cables: Tantawi resistant to change in Egypt

2011-02-04T03:54:00.000-08:00

Cable dated:2008-03-16T16:43:00
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 CAIRO 000524
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR S AND NEA/FO WHITE HOUSE FOR OVP DOD FOR OSD
E.O. 12958: DECL: 3/16/28
TAGS: PARM, PREL, PGOV, MASS, MARR, PTER, IS, EG, XF
SUBJECT: SCENESETTER FOR MINDEF TANTAWI'S VISIT TO THE U.S. MARCH 24-28
REF: A. CAIRO 452 B. CAIRO 488 C. CAIRO 507
CAIRO 00000524 001.2 OF 002
Classified By: Ambassador Francis Ricciardone for reasons 1.4 (a)(b)&(d).

1. (S) Summary: Defense Minister Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi will travel to Washington, Tampa, and Chicago March 24-28. He will meet senior officials in Washington and at USCENTCOM HQ in Tampa, and view U.S. civil defense arrangements in Chicago. Mrs. Tantawi and as many as five senior generals will accompany him. Tantawi will seek assurances that the USG will not condition or reduce military assistance to Egypt in the future. He will emphasize Egypt's continuing value to the United States as an indispensable ally in the region, and he will press to return BRIGHT STAR to a full field training exercise. The eighty-year-old veteran of five wars with Israel is committed to preventing another one ever. But he is also frozen in the Camp David paradigm and uncomfortable with our shift to the post-9/11 GWOT. Recognizing that he is reluctant to change, we nonetheless should urge Minister Tantawi towards a broader and more flexible partnership based on shared strategic objectives, including border security, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping and civil defense. End Summary.

2. (S) Border Control: Egyptian effectiveness in preventing arms smuggling into Gaza is essential to stopping Palestinian rocket fire into Israel. When the Secretary pushed hard on smuggling in October 2007, the Egyptians finally got serious and agreed to open an FMF case that will deploy counter-tunnel technology to the Rafah border. The case also includes extensive training. The initial shipment of equipment is expected in June. Training will begin this spring in the US, due to Egyptian sensitivity towards having foreigners stationed at their borders. The Egyptians are also building a concrete barrier wall on the Egyptian side to avoid a repeat of the January incursion, in which thousands of Gazans poured into Rafah.

3. (C) The Egyptians insist that they are committed to do all they can to stop smuggling into Gaza. They acknowledge the threat that Hamas poses to their own security and to the peace process. They claim to have discovered more than 200 tunnels since November 2005. Tantawi will argue that Egypt is doing everything within its power but is not the only source of weapons in Gaza. He believes that Israeli politicians are blaming Egypt for domestic political reasons and resents the impact on Egyptian military assistance. He will also urge that the USG exert influence on Israel to ease humanitarian conditions in Gaza. EGIS Chief Omar Soliman has the lead on negotiations with Hamas but Tantawi will also likely urge that Rafah be opened to ease humanitarian pressures in Gaza.

4. (S) With Tantawi we should acknowledge that the counter-tunneling technology that we will introduce this summer will contribute to interdiction efforts but does not represent a complete solution. Indeed the Army Corps of Engineers experts who designed the system have told us that the Gaza border represents a "worst case scenario" for interdiction. In a March 6 meeting with NEA A/S Welch, Tantawi hinted that the Egyptians have adopted additional measures at the border. We are still interested in a trilateral meeting with the Egyptians and Israelis (ultimately perhaps to include the PA) to share intelligence and tactics. So far the Israelis have demurred. We should broaden the discussion to maritime interdiction efforts and also addressing the weapons trail, which starts in Yemen and Sudan.

5. (S) Civil Defense: The Red Sea ferry accident in February 2006 embarrassed the Mubarak government and cost more than 1000 lives. Tantawi will bring to Washington his mandate from President Mubarak to integrate the military into crisis response management. On this he needs and will be grateful for our help -- a small but important advance against the MOD's staunch resistance to engagement with us in shifting their priorities and transforming their forces. ASD for Homeland Defense McHale has suggested including Egyptian representatives in U.S.-based civil emergency exercises

CAIRO 00000524 002.2 OF 002

planned for spring and fall 2008, and inviting GOE officials to a civil defense symposium at the Army War College this fall.

6. (S) Peacekeeping: Egypt has contributed to all UN and AU peacekeeping efforts in Africa, and is sending 1300-1400 troops for the UN/AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). Egypt has also offered UNAMID two additional mechanized infantry battalions; the UN has accepted one. Despite our repeated requests, the Egyptians declined to contribute helicopters; they simply do not have the logistical and operational capability to operate in Darfur's challenging environment. We recommend that the helo request not be raised again.

7. (S) Reform: In the cabinet, where he still wields significant influence, Tantawi has opposed both economic and political reforms that he perceives as eroding central government power. He is supremely concerned with national unity, and has opposed policy initiatives he views as encouraging political or religious cleavages within Egyptian society. In a speech on March 9, Tantawi said one of the military's roles is to protect constitutional legitimacy and internal stability, signaling his willingness to use the military to control the Muslim Brotherhood in the run-up to the April 9 municipal council elections. On economic reform, Tantawi believes that Egypt's economic reform plan fosters social instability by lessening GOE controls over prices and production. Tantawi rejects any conditioning on Egyptian FMF on human rights or any other grounds. Before this year he thought that FMF was inviolable and regarded ESF as a layer of protection against possible cuts to FMF. He will argue that any conditions on military assistance are counter-productive. He will also state that the military is not behind human rights problems in Egypt and that U.S. Congressional human rights conditionally is mis-targeted.

8. (S) Washington interlocutors should be prepared to meet an aged and

change-resistant Tantawi. Charming and courtly, he is, nonetheless mired in a post-Camp David military paradigm that has served his cohort's narrow interests for the last three decades. He and Mubarak are focused on regime stability and maintaining the status quo through the end of their time. They simply do not have the energy, inclination or world view to do anything differently. Nonetheless, for the benefit of Tantawi's omnipresent aides, we should focus discussions on the future and how to operate as strategic partners as we face the challenges of that future together. RICCIARDONE

Daily News Trends

Why Networking in Person Still Matters

2011-02-04T03:05:00.000-08:00

I have grown up in the business world working and interacting directly with people for many years. I enjoy it, I look forward to it and I still say it’s where the magic happens in relationships. But today, we have two worlds that are learning how to blend, balance and work together: online/Web-based and offline/in person.

In the past few years, so much emphasis and shifting has gone to the Web/online world because that is where the growth and movement trendsRead More

View the original article here

4 Mantras For Small Business Owners To Follow

2011-02-04T00:57:00.000-08:00

As a small business owner, I’m always looking for lessons or mantras that I can hold on to. Little nuggets that I can use to guide my decision making help keep me on the right path during difficult times. Over the past two years, I’ve come up with four mantras that I think any small business owner would do well to follow. I’ll share them below. Let me know if you agree or, perhaps, what your own mantras are forRead More

The west must be wary of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood | Benny Morris

2011-02-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

The Brotherhood's aim is to take over the Egyptian state through the democratic process – and then bring an end to democracy

• Richard Bulliet: Time to end US fear of the Muslim Brotherhood

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood is playing a canny political game – and its objective – let no one doubt this – is to take power.

Opinion polls over the past decade have awarded the Brotherhood the support of between 30% and 60% of the populace, and it is the best organised and most powerful political party in the country. But while many of its supporters are taking part in the street demonstrations sweeping Egypt's cities, the organisation has kept a deliberately low profile. The Brotherhood has not published its calculations, but one may assume they include a desire to avoid the mass arrest by the security services of its leadership cadres and a clash with the army, whose general staff – like Iran's in 1978-79 – fear and detest the Islamists.

The Brotherhood also presumably wants to avoid deterring the secular middle class from participating in the popular upsurge, a participation that gives the popular revolt cachet abroad as well as at home (and in the greater Arab world). A display of Islamist leadership at the head of the crowds would alienate much of that middle class. So the Brotherhood has kept virtually out of sight.

But it has endorsed Mohamed ElBaradei as its choice to head a transitional regime. He is not exactly a household name in Egypt – he has lived abroad for the past three decades. As the head of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), a position he left in November 2009, he was frequently critical of the United States and Israel and was seen by some as an appeaser of Iran. No doubt his behaviour appealed to Egypt's Islamists. But ElBaradei is western-educated and appears to be a secularist, and he is likely to be shunted aside by the religious fanatics once they feel confident enough to emerge from the shadows. ElBaradei will then have filled the role of the Mensheviks, who paved the way for the eventual Bolshevik takeover of Russia in 1917.

For now, the Brotherhood will be satisfied with toppling the hated Mubarak regime, which, following the Gamal Abdel Nasser (1954-1970) and Anwar Sadat (1970-1981) regimes, has serially imprisoned and tortured the Brotherhood's cadres for decades. Above all, the organisation no doubt wants the prospective interim regime to organise and oversee free and fair general elections, say in six months' time.

But once the campaigning for these elections gets under way, we will see the country awash with Muslim Brotherhood activists and placards, broadcasts and sermons; perhaps even a measure of intimidation and violence. The Brotherhood's aim is to take over the state through the democratic process, and is likely, as one of its first acts, to annul Egypt's 1979 peace treaty with Israel.

It is possible that the movement will follow the model of Turkey's Islamists and try to follow democratic norms and adopt a stance of neutrality between Iran and the west. But it is more likely, given Egypt's position and history, and its own history, that the Brotherhood will follow the model of Iran and the Gaza Hamas. Both have employed extreme violence to crush their potential and real rivals to maintain power.

The Brotherhood is anything if not patient. It has looked to take over, and "purify", Egypt since the movement's foundation by Hassan al-Banna in 1928. Given the power of its enemies and the state's institutions, the movement's leadership has traditionally advocated a non-violent route to power (it was usually the movement's more impatient breakaways, like the Jama'a al Islamiyya, who murdered Sadat in 1981, who went in for blatant violence). But observers in the west should not delude themselves. This is not a movement for which democracy has any appeal, worth or value. Its leaders see democratic processes merely as means to an end, an end that includes an end to democracy.

Daily News Trends

Egypt cracks down on foreign journalists

2011-02-03T13:07:00.000-08:00

Members of international media and human rights groups arrested, attacked and beaten in intimidation campaign

Dozens of foreign journalists were arrested, attacked and beaten today as the Egyptian government and its supporters embarked on what the US state department called a "concerted campaign to intimidate" the international media.

A number of human rights workers also fell victim to crowd violence, while police raided the offices of two groups in Cairo – the Hisham Mubarak Law Centre and the Centre for Economic and Social Rights – and arrested observers. Amnesty International said one of its staff was detained at the Hisham Mubarak Law Centre with a colleague from Human Rights Watch.

The Egyptian interior ministry arrested more than 20 foreign journalists in Cairo – including the Washington Post's bureau chief and a photographer – while al-Jazeera said three of its journalists had been detained.

In Egypt's second city, Alexandria, hostility to western journalists escalated as angry mobs accused reporters of being Israeli spies and demanded they leave.

According to locals, Egypt's national television channel had warned viewers to beware of Israeli agents masquerading as journalists and seeking to damage the country's image and national interest.

On the streets, it was impossible to interview protesters without a crowd of people gathering, shouting accusations and jabbing fingers. One western TV crew was threatened in a residential area away from the scene of protests, with angry residents beating the roof of their car and refusing to allow the team to enter an apartment building. Local Egyptians acting as fixers to western journalists were also accused of being Zionists.

A hotel in central Alexandria being used as a base by reporters has been threatened at least twice in the past week by angry protesters. Journalists were warned against filming or taking photographs from hotel balconies of protests below.

The antipathy to the media appeared to extend to both opponents and supporters of the regime. The wave of violence and arrests prompted the US state department spokesman PJ Crowley to write on Twitter: "There is a concerted campaign to intimidate international journalists in Cairo and interfere with their reporting. We condemn such actions."

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs described the "systematic targeting" of journalists in Egypt as unacceptable, and called for those detained to be freed.

The leaders of France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain said in a joint statement that the "attacks against journalists are completely unacceptable".

Foreign photographers witnessed a string of attacks by supporters of Hosni Mubarak near Cairo's Tahrir Square, the scene of battles between the president's backers and protesters demanding he step down after nearly 30 years in power.

The Greek daily newspaper Kathimerini said its correspondent in the city was treated in hospital for a stab wound to the leg after being attacked by pro-Mubarak demonstrators in Tahrir Square. A Greek photographer was also beaten.

An Associated Press reporter saw eight foreign journalists detained by the military near the prime minister's office.

Turkey's state broadcaster TRT, said its Egypt correspondent was beaten by a group of around 15 pro-Mubarak demonstrators with batons and lost a tooth in the attack. His camera, money and mobile phone were stolen. Three other Turkish journalists were also stopped and roughed up near Tahrir Square, TRT said.

A reporter for Turkey's Fox TV, his Egyptian cameraman and their driver were abducted by men with knives while filming protests yesterday, but Egyptian police rescued them, according to Anatolia, a Turkish news agency.

Polish television TVP said two of its crews were detained in Cairo, while the Arabic-language satellite channel al-Arabiya pleaded on a news scroll for the army to protect its offices and journalists.

The Egyptian government has accused media outlets of being sympathetic to protesters who want Mubarak to resign now rather than complete his term. Yesterday, government spokesman Magdy Rady described allegations of state involvement in clashes and attacks on reporters as a "fiction," adding that the government welcomed objective coverage.

"It would help our purpose to have it as transparent as possible. We need your help," Rady said. However, he claimed that some in the media were not impartial and were "taking sides against Egypt."

Egyptian authorities shut al-Jazeera's office on Sunday, complaining that its round-the-clock coverage was slanted toward protesters and could encourage more unrest.

There were reported assaults on journalists for CNN, CBS, the BBC, Danish TV2 News, Swiss television and Belgium's Le Soir newspaper, among other organisations. Two Associated Press correspondents were also set upon.A correspondent and a cameraman working for Russia's Zvezda television channel were detained by men in plainclothes and held overnight on Tuesday.

Reporter Jean-Francois Lepine of Canada's CBC all-French RDI network said that he and a cameraman were surrounded by a mob that beat them until they were rescued by the Egyptian army.

"Without them, we probably would have been beaten to death," he said.

Daily News Trends

Vodafone's Egypt texts may do them lasting damage | Charles Arthur

2011-02-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

Vodafone may have been forced to send out pro-Mubarak texts, but operating in oppressive countries is always risky for a brand

Vodafone has admitted sending out pro-Mubarak text messages to users of its mobile service in Egypt – although as the company says, in a mea exculpa, it was obliged to by the government.

I had seen the pictures on Flickr last night, and followed some debate (involving Graham Linehan on Twitter) in which people debated whether they could be faked, and whether the translations given really did indicate a pro-Mubarak instruction; one suggestion was that the words were somewhat in the Nostradamus mode, where the meaning depended on what you wanted it to mean.

This will be seized on by people who already want to dislike Vodafone (hello, UK Uncut) as further evidence of corporate evil. Certainly, it's the sort of thing that will have executives in technology companies heaving a sigh and being grateful it wasn't them.

Arguably, the staff at Vodafone Egypt didn't have much choice; it may be only 44.7% owned by the government there, but possession of a gun (or tank, or army, or secret police force armed with knives and sticks and a ruthless approach) is nine-tenths – often more – of the argument. But technology companies can hardly pretend they're surprised when they do business with autocratic regimes and then are unpopular when those regimes use their products to reinforce their diktat. Remember Nokia Siemens, which provided equipment that was used to monitor opposition in Iran? Or how about Cisco, whose routers have been used to build China's Great Firewall, which keeps the majority of its citizens in wilful ignorance of the opinions of the world beyond its shores?

The fact is for any corporation that if you're keen to do business with an autocrat, you'll be part of the collateral damage if – when – the shit hits the fan. Yet like moths batting themselves against a lightbulb in the belief that it's actually the sun, companies keep returning to do business with countries and regimes whose life spans must be limited because of their repressive nature: no tyrant is immortal, not even (despite appearances) Robert Mugabe, and Zimbabwe will be lucky if it survives his passing without turmoil.

It's not only technology companies, of course. I'm astonished that BP has thrown in its lot once more with the Russian government, having already had its ownership of one joint venture there simply stolen. But moths don't think about their headache. They just see something and think it's the sun.

And the people who succeed Mubarak and Mugabe and the rest – in Burma, in Iran, in North Korea, at some point in China – will not forget the brands that helped in the conspiracy to keep them down. The only faint light for Vodafone is that even while it was sending out those messages, its technology enabled the rebellion. It will have to rehearse that argument well. It's going to need it some time in the next few months.

Daily News Trends

Faberge spider brooch | Faberge spider

2010-09-06T21:38:00.002-07:00

Faberge spider | Faberge spider brooch

Faberge Spider:All you guys ever write about Faberge is Spider. Okay, it’s true. Faberge But Spider is all that is on my mind right now. I hate to say that I will said, but you hear about Faberge Spider? Yes, that’s what I thought. “While we try to grasp our correspondent at the scene, we will make you into all the details on the violation history of Faberge Spider. You do not want to miss it. we have our journalists on the front lines in this story. This is truly epic. This is not like it, actually, as you know. “Indeed. It reminds me of that Paris Hilton’s time struggled with this grizzly bear.

It was reported, the first Wall St Journal, but we have some details are much juicier. Wow, this is so crazy. Spider Faberge? Why Faberge Spider? Because it is a hot search on the Internet right now. It makes you very cool. You’re one smooth operator. These paparazzi took pictures posted below, uncensored and in high definition. Definitely not to be missed. Faberge Spider. Oh yes. We have placed all the photos below, including those in fact doubles 1. If you do not want pictures leaked onlne, not pictures. It’s funny, search engines, like a child skulls: very flexible. (Check it out – it is scary, but true). Hmm, Spider Faberge? No, I do not think so. Some people just make the most outrageous things. Scandal? Not really, but judge for yourself. At such moments, I wonder: “What would Rodney Dangerfield do

Bank strike Today | Nationwide bank strike on September 7 | Bank strike on September 7 | Nationwide bank strike Sep 7 2010 | Bank Strike 07.09.2010

2010-09-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

Public sector bank employees will go on a nation-wide strike on September 7 to protest the issue of new bank licences to private sector banks.

“Around 10 lakh bank employee from 27 public sector banks, 18 foreign banks, 26 private, 82 regional rural banks and 1,721 co-operative banks would be participating in this strike,” All India Bank Employees Association’s (AIBEA) General Secretary Vishwas Utagi said.

The bankers are also demanding an increase in the number of public sector branches through expansion from the existing 40,000 to 1 lakh.

Besides state-owned bankers, nearly 44 crore employees, including those from organised and unorganised sectors and industries would be participating in the strike, he said.

AIBEA and Maharashtra State Bank Employees Federation (MSBEF) have taken an initiative in the strike and other trade unions affiliated with INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, HMKP and various other unions operating in financial sector, government sector, port trust and transport sector, would be participating in the strike, Utagi said.

“When the RBI is talking about financial inclusion, there is a need to increase the number of branches of public sector banks. We want the number to go up from 40,000 to 1 lakh, if the financial model has to become a success,” he added.

The bankmen would also be protesting against the RBI’s proposal of issuing additional banking licences to private sector banks. “Employment, which a major concern for the employees, is also on our priority list of demands from both Central as well as State Governments,” Utagi added.

Bharat bandh Today | Bharat bandh 7 September 2010 | Bharat bandh 07.09.2010

2010-09-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

Bharat bandh on September 7 to protest the spiraling prices. “The Bharat Bandh on September 7, is setting trends. But it is not clear that what is in this bandh. Bharat Bandh on Google Trends is not so clear that in this context, has asked Bharat Bandh. You will called against the incumbent government in protest against rising prices and the days becomes a set Bandh economy and public order is endangered. “success” of the strike of 12 hours Encouraged have at the beginning of this month, main trade union wing parties, including Congress, other Bharat bandh scheduled for September 7 to protest the spiraling prices. ”

Meanwhile, the government collected money for damages caused to public property during the bandh on July 5, 2010 was carried out has been done. Congress affiliated INTUC (Indian National Trade Union Congress) supports this seventh India Bandh September. Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) are the other major unions support these Bandh. A mark of the SEP to emphasize the strike, said sources with theUniversity, one aspect of a Congress member would INTUC. INTUC arc was as good as a Congress MP Sanjeeva Reddy D convener available for a TU lawmakers spearheading a number of expenses.

This was bandh by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held and then were able to participate in the league of the Communist Party of India, the CPI (Marxist) Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and Forward Bloc. The AIADMK, Telegu Desam Party (TDP), Samajwadi Party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Janata Dal (Socialist) and the INLD have supported a strike.
There is a law in the Bandh, the harm to the public during the bandh propoety damages.Meanwhile will pay for, says the state government has begun to raise funds for the damage caused to public property during the bandh took place, took held on July 5 2010.On this day of 12 hours over 100 bandhMaharashtra State Road Transport buses Corporation, and 200 â € “odd Corporation buses were damaged in Mumbai and Pune and showrooms Some distributors.

Fullerène sur la page de Google

2010-09-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

Fullerène? Je vous entend déjà hurler: « Mais qu’est-ce que c’est que ça du Fullerène? » Et bien, tout d’abord, si vous vous posez la question, c’est probablement parce que vous êtes arrivés sur la page d’accueil de Google aujourd’hui et que vous avez aperçu une espèce de petite balle qui tourne sur elle même à même le logo de Google.

Tout d’abord, cette balle se nomme la Buckyball, et Google célèbre aujourd’hui son 25ème anniversaire. La buckyball est une molécule qui prend la forme d’un ballon de soccer (ou football). Cette molécule a été découverte il y a maintenant 25 ans et on la connait aussi sous le terme de fullerène. Voilà pour le lien entre la buckyball et le fullerène.

Le fullerène est entièrement composé de carbone et ne dépasse pas la taille d’un nanomètre, c’est-à-dire le 1/1 000 000 (un millionième) de mètre. On le reconnait aussi sous le terme de C₆₀. Cette molécule, que l’on nomme buckyball, a aussi pour nom le Buckminsterfullerène.

La Buckyball est aujourd’hui une molécule qui est fréquemment utilisée dans le monde des nanotechnologies, et elle est particulièrement utilisée comme roues lors de la fabrication de certaines nanomachines.

Le logo de Google d’aujourd’hui, qui représente la buckyball, a la particularité d’être un logo interactif dans la même veine que le logo de PacMan présenté sur la page d’accueil de Google au mois de mai. En effet, si vous glissez le curseur par dessus la fameuse buckyball, celle-ci pivote dans tous les sens.

Seton Hill University will give a new Apple iPad to every full-time student in fall 2010

2010-04-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

After we have seen schools and universities giving out free iPhone to its students, now its turn of iPad. Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania has announced that they will give a new Apple iPad to every full-time student in fall 2010. Nice initiative, I hope many follow their footsteps.

Seton Hill University Will Give All Its Students New iPad

iPad 3g App Store Is Live

2010-04-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for big iPad release tomorrow, Apple has released the locks on iPad Apps. You can now browse the all the apps for iPad through iTunes.

Apple iPad Ready Website Link

2010-04-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Apple Displays iPad Ready Websites

Since Apple iPad is coming without the flash, you could miss out on video contents on some major websites. Apple is working on damage control though, you can go to the Apple iPad Ready Website Link and see some big websites are already html 5 ready(means you will be able to play video on them without flash) . I am not sure its either Apple persuasion or website owners considering iPad next big thing which made them to be part change.

In any case, its the iPad owners who will be greatly benefited from them. Some bigwigs include CNN, Reuters, Vimeo, New York Times, Times, MLB, White House and many more. Check out the full list here .

Apple is ready with all guided " iPad 3g " know all about the iPad

2010-04-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Apple Releases iPad How To Guided Video Tours

As iPad release date approaches, Apple is ready with all guided tours to increase knowledge about various features on iPad. There are loads of videos divided into the following categories :
1. Youtube
2. Mail
3. Photos
4. Safari
5. iPod
6. iTunes
7. iBooks
8. Keynotes
9. Numbers
10. Videos
11. Pages

So, if you are buying iPad or Preordered, head over to the Guided Tours to know all about the device.

iPhone, HTML 5 Experience For iPad - Brightcove -

2010-04-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

Its loud and clear the Flash video won’t make the cut on iPad. And since Steve Jobs is in favour of HTML 5 standard, major companies have to take notice. Basically the using the HTML 5 standard, you will be able to watch videos on iPad, iPhone without the need of flash. And the major companies to jump into this foray were New York Times and Video platform Biggie Brightcove. Both are ready to cater the video content needs of iPhone, iPad owners with HTML 5.

Although flash covers almost everything video out there on net, this seems like a good start, since Apple is having some proxy battle with Adobe(read Flash).

Apple PR : Best Buy => iPads

2010-04-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Apple confirmed through a PR release that iPad will be available in the “most” Best Buy stores, throughout USA including all 221 Apple stores.

iPad will be available in Wi-Fi models on April 3 in the US for a suggested retail price of $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, and $699 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB. iPad will be sold in the US through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores, most Best Buy stores, select Apple Authorized Resellers and campus bookstores. The iBooks app for iPad including Apple’s iBookstore will be available as a free download from the App Store in the US on April 3.

Screenshots iPad App Store

2010-04-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Guys from App Annie and App Advice were able to get hold of the iPad app store screenshots. Along with other new apps, there are some apps with a acronym “HD” attached to them. And it been speculated that “HD” tag will be given to those apps which will be upscaling themselves from iPhone version. Make sense, following are few screenshots of how the iPad App Store might look like :

http://www.daily-trends.com/2010/04/screenshots-ipad-app-store.html

iPad Magazine Cover Mock Up

2010-04-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Jesse Rosten a photographer from California came up with a mock up video which shows, how magazine covers on iPad might look like. He took a example of Sunset Magazine and came with video embedded below :

The First iPad Jailbreak

2010-04-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

George Hot (a.k.a. Geohot) has done it again: From the guy who was first to hack the PS3 and the iPhone comes a fast and easy new jailbreak for lots of iDevices. One of these, of course, is the iPad, which hasn't even gone on sale yet.

Earlier on Geohot Twittered a link to a video where he demonstrated his funky new hacking technique on an iPod Touch. It's cleverest aspect is that it's "completely untethered." In other words, to hack your iPhone to free it of Apple's restrictive shackles, you simply have to run Geohot's code, without needing to have a PC handy to connect your iDevice to. The video is below, and it's slightly cryptic--but for good reason, since it doesn't reveal any clues to Apple as to how the jailbreak works, which could then allow the folks at Cupertino to code-around it in the next software update.

Geohot has obviously achieved something a bit special. He notes it's even simple to use, which may tempt some potential jailbreakers who may have been wary of messing with their expensive product's software before.

But the most staggering implication, as George notes, is that the hack should "probably work" on the iPad too, since it runs on the same core software as the iPhone. And this opens up a whole world...no, a whole universe of opportunity. Because the iPhone was powerful enough to allow jailbreakers to craft some very clever apps for it (even if they're apps that Apple would prefer you not to run, due to "non-optimal" behaviors or contractual problems like overloading a cellphone network with traffic from Skype. But the iPad is bigger, and way more powerful.

And there's one final spot of hope in this news. Now Geohot's done this, we've started a countdown that will get many potential tech-savvy Wi-fi iPad buyer's interest: iPad-to-iPhone-3G-tethering apps in 5...4...3...

The Apple iPad Unlock

2010-04-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

The iPad is the latest technological advance to be released by Apple. The iPad release date is set for the 3rd of April, 2010 and like all other Apple devices you can expect that this newest addition is going to be locked to the Apple because it is using the same operating system as the iPhone.

Why Should You Unlock / Jailbreak you iPad?

Some of the great things that you can expect from the iPad include having access to over 150,000 different apps, a big multi-touch screen that is 9.7 inches. With built in wi-fi this really is going to be the must have device for every tech junkie out there.

iPad Features

The Apple iPad is almost here and some of the great features that you can expect to see include:

• Web browsing using Safari
• Reading and sending email
• Viewing photos
• Watch videos via YouTube
• Listen to music
• Play games
• Read e-books using the ibookstore
• View maps
• Take notes
• Send SMS messages
• Calendar
• Contacts
• Home screen
• Accessibility
• iWork including keynote, pages and numbers for all your work presentations
• Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G
• starting from just $499
• Built in 25 watt hour rechargeable lithium polymer battery
• Up to 10 hours of battery life
• Charging via power adaptor or USB to computer
• Available in 16GB, 32GB or 64GB flash drive

When purchasing with Wi-Fi and 3G you can get access to the web and all the features even if you are not within range of a Wi-Fi network. In the U.S. the 3G service being made available for this device is from AT&T and for this you will have to choose a data plan that starts are $14.99 per month.

Why Unlock iPad?

This new Apple device sounds great but there are some iPad problems that you should be aware of. The first thing is that this new device doesn’t have a multitasking feature built in which means you can’t listen to your music and surf the web or you can’t switch back and forth between Twitter and Facebook.

There is also no adobe flash support.
Even though the 3G version of this device is to be unlocked it doesn’t mean that AT&T aren’t going to be the exclusive carrier. This new device is going to be GSM only and this means that a number of operators will be ruled out.

This new device has been built to run on the AT&T 3G. Because of this the iPad unlock is going to be a valuable resource for many people. Some of the benefits of iPad unlocking and jailbreaking will include:

• The ability to use this device with any network and any sim card in the world that doesn’t work with apple
• The ability to choose your own service provider
• The ability to use the iPad with your current network provider
• The ability to bypass iTunes and use whatever software you want
• The ability to use Bluetooth to transfer data
• Add folders
• The ability to multitask
• The ability to use the device as an external drive on your Mac

The difference between Unlock and Jailbreak is very simple. A jailbreak will allow you to install third party applications on your device and customize any of the settings that are in place by unlocking the iPad firmware that has been pre-installed and comes with the device when you buy it.

By unlocking iPad you will be able to use any carrier and any sim card in the world that currently does not work with Apple products.

Get Much More With Unlock iPad
If you are intending on purchasing the latest Apple device then you really will want to be able to use all the features that this beauty comes with. With our system you will be able to utilise all the great features of this device the way you want to use it.

Why put up with not being able to multi-task or having to use iTunes when you really don’t have to. Why sign up with AT&T when you really don’t have to. With this software solution you can use your iPad the way you want with whom you want in a matter of minutes.

Don’t be fooled by Apple, don’t take their word for it, unlock you device and see how truly powerful your iPad can be. For more information on how this works and what it really can do for you iPad Unlock.

first iPads reviews : iPad 3g includes hyberbole generator

2010-04-03T04:23:00.000-07:00

The first iPads reviews are up, pushing reviewers to their very limits in the search for superlatives worthy of the sublime magnificence bestowed upon them.

How fortunate we are to live in an age when we can have a device that's "instantly compelling and elegant" and "better than expected", not to mention "designed and built by a bunch of perfectionists". So, not just a big iPod Touch then. It's something much more exciting, as demonstrated by none other than Stephen Fry as he unpacks his very own:

Searching the reviews one struggles to find a single negative thought, though Walt Mossberg (WSJ) reports slight annoyance with a browser that lacks tabs and an email program that doesn't allow local folders. This would be less of an issue if there were third-party applications to fill the gap, but Apple will no doubt add the missing functions when it decides we need them.

We can't tell you what we think of the iPad, as our early review model seems to have been lost in the post, so we'll leave you with BoingBoing's particularly effusive commentary, which doesn't limit itself to what the iPad can do but extends the paradigm by reviewing what it will be able to do:

"The most exciting thing about iPad is the apps that aren't here yet. The book-film-game hybrid someone will bust out in a year, redefining the experience of each, and suggesting some new nouns and verbs in the process." ®

Apple iPad 3G (16GB) Music, games, apps, and more ...

2010-04-03T04:15:00.000-07:00

The Apple iPad is an unprecedented device. It doesn't shoot rainbows or make puppies, but this roughly 8x10-inch tablet computer melds your laptop, smartphone, gaming console, and iPod into a single, affordable, unfortunately named thing.

Of course, we come to you with a standard list of complaints. The absence of an integrated video camera puts the kibosh on any hope of using the iPad for video chats, and without Flash video support, many Web pages look like Swiss cheese. But the biggest problem with the device is coming up with bullet-proof reasons to buy one.

Because the iPad is an entirely new class of device, you'll probably need to lie to yourself a little to justify the purchase. But at this point, any CNET readers worth their salt have mastered the art of making excuses to buy new gadgets.

For the uninitiated, Apple has posted a cheat sheet of demo videos that provide a smorgasbord of reasonable answers to the question: "Why do I need an iPad?" To hear Apple tell it, the iPad is a Web browser for your living room, an e-book reader for the den, a movie player for the kids, a photo album, a jukebox, a gamer's best friend, a word processor, an e-mail machine, and a YouTube junkie's dream come true. No excuse good enough for you? Wait a few minutes and a developer will inevitably make an app for it.

Whatever you need to tell yourself to buy an iPad, we can safely say the device is a worthwhile addition to any wired home. We don't give much weight to the pundits who say that the iPad is the future of the personal computer, but we think it's the most entertaining gadget we'll see all year.

What is it, exactly?
If you're coming to this review already versed on the nitty gritty of what the iPad is and its roots in the iPhone and iPod Touch, feel free to skip ahead. Otherwise, here's the scoop:

The iPad is a touch-screen tablet computer, roughly the size of a magazine, with three models that connect to the Internet strictly over Wi-Fi (16GB for $499, 32GB for $599, 64GB for $699) and three that use a combination of Wi-Fi and AT&T's 3G wireless (16GB for $629, 32GB for $729, and 64GB for $829--pay-as-you go for the data subscription).

The iPad runs the same software found on Apple's popular iPhone and iPod Touch. Apple calls this software the iPhone OS, and it's generally regarded as one of the most successful operating systems designed for use with touch-screen devices. Unlike conventional computer OS software, designed around the mouse and the keyboard, the iPhone OS responds only to touch input and is generally capable of running only one application at a time.

If you've ever used an iPhone or iPod Touch, the iPad will feel immediately familiar. Out of the box, you get many of the iPhone's capabilities, including Apple-designed applications (apps) for Web browsing, e-mail, maps, photos, music, video, YouTube, and more. More apps can be installed using the built-in App Store software or by connecting the iPad to iTunes via your computer using the included cable. If you already own apps purchased for an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can transfer these apps to the iPad, as well.

Compared with the iPhone (shown right), the iPad offers a substantially larger screen for browsing the Web.

Design
Apple rarely skimps on design and the iPad is no exception. The screen is made of the same oleophobic-coated glass as the iPhone 3GS', making it relatively easy to wipe away fingerprints. Behind the glass is an LED-backlit, 9.7-inch capacitive touch screen that uses IPS (in-plane switching) technology for above-average viewing angles.

Below the screen sits a Home button that looks and behaves exactly like the one on the iPhone and iPod Touch, bouncing you out of any open app and placing you back in the main menu. Matte aluminum wraps around the backs and sides of the iPad, tapering a bit around the edges. If you've ever held one of Apple's unibody MacBooks, you know exactly the kind of feel and finish of the iPad's aluminum. Unlike the polished chrome of the iPod or glossy plastic of the iPhone, the back of the iPad seems less likely to show wear. Of course--as with any Apple product--there are already hundreds of cases for the iPad, should you feel the need to give it extra protection.

The iPad measures 7.47 inches wide by 9.56 inches tall by 0.5 inch thick, and weighs 1.5 pounds (or 1.6 pounds for the 3G model). Held in your hands, the dimensions and heft have a natural, magazine-like feel. Like the iPhone and iPod Touch, the iPad sports a finger-friendly OS with an onscreen QWERTY keyboard, and an accelerometer that can detect whether the device is in portrait or landscape mode. The buttons, switches, and ports around the edges of the iPad also mimic those of the iPhone. A 30-pin dock connector sits on the bottom, along with a small integrated speaker. On the right edge you have a volume rocker and a switch that works to disable the iPad's automatic screen rotation in case you need to look at something sideways without the iPad assuming you want it rotated.

The iPad's refined feel and high-quality materials won't surprise Apple devotees, but in the larger landscape of tablets, Netbook computers, and e-readers, the design feels distinctly upscale--especially given its price. Next to the Asus Eee PC, Amazon Kindle, or Fusion Garage JooJoo, the iPad looks like it was made on a different planet (where plastic doesn't exist). We don't make the point to be snobby, but looks matter considering that all these devices are marketed as living-room accessories.

Size also matters. As one of the first tablet computers to go mainstream, you'll need to assess the iPad's size on a case-by-case basis. For the advertised purposes of Web browsing, reading books, and checking your e-mail, we found the magazine-size screen perfectly adequate. After years of watching videos on devices like the iPod Touch, or even dedicated video players like the Archos 5, video playback on the iPad's 9.7-inch screen feels downright luxurious.

For all its charms, however, the iPad is not as portable as we'd like. Part of the problem is psychological. Logically, you know the iPad's dimensions are no less portable than a book. But when a book costs between $500 and $800 and is made of glass, you treat it differently. Without being tucked away in a messenger bag or protective case, walking outside with an iPad in your hand feels like slapping the laws of gravity in the face.

We'd also be lying if we didn't say we wish the iPad could be a little thinner and lighter. At 1.5 pounds and half an inch thick, it makes most Netbooks look bloated, but he iPad is slightly heavier and thicker than most dedicated e-book readers, including the relatively large Kindle DX. If your dream is to relax in a hammock with an e-book in one hand and a tropical drink in the other, plan to avoid the iPad's glass screen hurtling toward your face when you doze off.

iPhone OS
Unlike many of the tablet-style devices we've encountered, the iPad doesn't run a conventional OS (operating system) such as Windows, Linux, or Mac OS X. Instead, Apple decided to use the mobile version of OS X from what is arguably its most successful and fastest-growing product: the iPhone .

In our view, Apple's use of the iPhone OS distinguishes the iPad from the competition. As dozens of iPad alternatives come out of the woodwork, touting all sorts of advantages and added features, the iPad will remain the only tablet computer on the market with access to Apple's App Store.

For the most part, the iPhone OS feels like a natural fit for a device like this. You don't need to worry about traditional computer headaches, such as scattered files on your desktop, installing drivers for third-party hardware, or trying to figure out where you put a downloaded image. Instead, all your apps are clearly laid out, organized in a grid of nickel-size icons that respond to a single touch. If you download an image from a Web page or e-mail, it appears in your photo library, without fail. If you need to search for anything--a song, an e-mail, a photo, or a Web page--double-clicking the Home button brings up a Spotlight search feature that covers just about everything on the device. On the iPad, the organizational metaphor of the folder does not exist, and the effect feels liberating.

We think that most users will appreciate this simplicity and reliability compared with a traditional, budget-priced personal computer. Some of you, however, will probably feel suffocated by Apple's totalitarian control over the iPad's OS. If you get a kick out of running your computer using command lines and viewing device contents as a hierarchical file tree, the iPad will probably give you an aneurysm.

Purchasing software and media on the device makes Apple's "walled-garden" approach to the iPhone OS frustrating to a wider audience. The only way for users to purchase and download movies and music on the iPad is to use Apple's integrated iTunes store. If you want to buy new software for the device, you'll need to go through Apple's integrated App Store, which displays only applications deemed acceptable by Apple. Compared with the more laissez-faire approach of a Windows Netbook, for example, the iPad user is giving away freedom of choice in exchange for convenience. (One upside: In theory, Apple's top-down control over the iPhone OS and the commerce within it also serves to minimize the iPad's vulnerability to computer viruses.)

Everything old is new again
You can't place calls with the iPad (at least, not without a VoIP app) or easily text message your friends, but the other built-in capabilities are essentially the same as those on the iPhone 3GS.

That said, the iPad can be pushed much further than any non-laptop mobile device we've tested, including the iPhone. Because of the iPad's extra screen size, default apps such as the Safari Web browser, e-mail, iPod, video, maps, photos, and YouTube all look and behave much more like full-blown applications. The iPad's e-mail app, for example, is a doppelganger for the Mail application in Apple OS X, offering an overview of your in-box alongside the text of any currently selected message. The photos app could easily be mistaken for Apple's iPhoto, with its opening view of photos arranged in event-specific stacks. The iPod app looks and behaves like an abbreviated version of iTunes, for better or worse. And the YouTube app plays out like a prettier version of the actual Web site. Paradoxically, the two apps that have changed the least, Maps and the Safari browser, give the most radically different experience thanks to the iPad's big screen.

Size is meaningless without grace. Luckily, the iPad has both qualities in equal measure, helped by a new 1GHz Apple A4 processor, capacitive multitouch display technology, and an integrated Wi-Fi antenna compatible with the latest 802.1n wireless spec. Apps launch within seconds; waking from sleep mode is nearly instantaneous; and even a cold boot-up takes just 10 seconds. Even if your local Wi-Fi network isn't up to 802.11n speeds, the Web-browsing experience often feels faster than on an iPhone or iPod Touch on the same network, simply because you're doing a lot less scrolling and zooming to get to the information you need.

Other hardware features include Bluetooth 2.1, a stereo audio output (headphone jack), a built-in speaker, an integrated lithium ion rechargeable battery, NAND flash memory, an integrated accelerometer (tilt sensor), and an ambient light sensor. Apple's third-generation iPod Touch can claim many of the same features, but lacks the iPad's integrated digital compass, built-in microphone, and mute switch. It's also worth noting that the iPad's speaker is noticeably louder than the speaker included on the iPhone and iPod Touch, with a slightly beefier sound (though still ugly to listen to). Apple doesn't include earbuds with the iPad, so do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a nice pair.

A 3G wireless-compatible version of the iPad is also available, which includes a SIM card tray, as well as assisted GPS capabilities.

Bluetooth
Just like the iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch, the iPad includes wireless Bluetooth audio capabilities. We tested the iPad with an Altec Lansing BackBeat stereo Bluetooth headset, and the audio quality was on par with results from the third-generation iPod Touch. The pairing process was easy and incident-free. In the music player, a small Bluetooth icon appears next to the player controls and toggles audio back and forth between the speaker and the headset. The iPad's Bluetooth capabilities also allow peer-to-peer networking for gaming and wireless keyboard support for compatible writing applications.

iTunes Store and App Store
In the same way the iPad's apps all look and behave much more like Apple's full-blown OS X applications, the iPad's integrated iTunes Store could easily be mistaken for the desktop iTunes Store. Size aside, all the same capabilities are here, including movie rentals and purchases, TV show downloads, audiobooks, and access to iTunes U. You can pay for purchases by setting up an iTunes account with a credit card, or by redeeming iTunes gift cards.

The same can be said for the iPad version of the App Store; it looks and acts more like the store experience within Apple's iTunes software. Because the App Store is running on the iPad, however, the default display will bring up apps that are optimized specifically for the iPad.

Apple is encouraging developers to create new apps specifically for the iPad, which are not necessarily backward-compatible with the iPhone or iPod Touch. Because this is potentially an expensive proposition for users, we would like it to be easier to distinguish between an app designed for the iPhone and the same app designed for the iPad. There are dual-compatibility apps on offer that include both iPad versions and iPhone versions embedded within the same file, which Apple specially designates with a "+" symbol within the iPad App Store. We wish more apps were bundled this way to ensure broad compatibility, but we understand there's more money to be made in selling apps separately.

Fortunately, in the world of apps, the iPad is at the top of the food chain. Most apps designed for the iPhone or Touch can run on the iPad, either scaled-up to fit the screen, or presented at their original resolution framed at the center of the screen in black. This capability is good news for anyone bringing their existing apps over from an iPhone or iPod Touch, although users will likely want to purchase separate iPad-optimized versions of the apps they use regularly, which could get pricey.

Accessories
Beyond the deluge of third-party accessories already hitting store shelves, Apple is offering a handful of its own accessories for the iPad, including a physical keyboard with an integrated dock ($69), a charging dock without the keyboard ($29) that engages the iPad's photo frame mode, a camera connection kit ($30) that includes both a USB and an SD card adapter for importing images from a digital camera, and a wrap-around leather case ($40) that doubles as a kickstand.

If you're interested in using the iPad for presentations, Apple offers a $30 VGA adapter that can connect to a projector or computer monitor. Video output is only compatible with specific apps, such as Apple's Keynote. The maximum output resolution is only 1,024x768 pixels, so keep your HD expectations in check.

We'll be working on writing up individual reviews for several of these accessories, which we will link to as they become available. Off hand, though, we believe a protective case of some kind is a good investment. Also, given the alternative of charging the iPad using a basic wall adapter, $29 seems a fair price for a charging dock that transforms an otherwise techy device into an attractive digital photo frame.

Requirements
Though the iPad can be used without a computer most of the time, you will need to connect to a computer running Apple's iTunes 9.1 or later to set up the device and sync any existing media, contacts, e-mail, photos, or browser bookmarks. Computer specification requirements for iTunes 9.1 can be found on Apple's Web site.

If you plan to use the iPad at home for surfing the Web and you don't have a 3G-capable model, you will need to make sure your home is set up for wireless Internet.

iPad 3G
One of the big questions facing potential buyers is whether to buy an iPad model that supports wireless 3G service. (The 3G models won't be available till late April, according to Apple's Web site.) The benefit of 3G support is that you can use it to access Web and e-mail through the iPad anywhere with AT&T 3G wireless coverage. For a device so heavily focused on the Internet, the extra freedom of 3G compatibility is a clear advantage. Aside from a negligible added heft of 0.1 pound and the fact that buyers are paying an extra $130 for the 3G capability (compared with Wi-Fi-only models), there's no downside to owning a 3G-compatible model. Unlike the data plans for most smartphones, the iPad doesn't come with any contractual obligations. If you don't end up using the iPad's 3G capability, you can cancel the data plan at any time.

In fact, Apple and AT&T are offering a pretty good deal on 3G service for the iPad. There are two options: $15 a month for 250MB of data, or unlimited data for $29.99 a month. Each option can be prepaid for a month in advance. The 3G service is compatible with only the iPad models that offer both Wi-Fi and 3G, which are priced at $629 (16GB), $729 (32GB), and $829 (64GB).

Another advantage to the 3G-compatible iPad is the extra capability of assisted-GPS, allowing users to accurately pinpoint their locations on a map, making the device more useful for navigation and location-aware apps, such as restaurant finders and tour guides. The Wi-Fi-only models of the iPad can use rudimentary Wi-Fi hot-spot triangulation techniques to guess locations, but are much less accurate and consistent.

If you have no plans on regularly using the iPad outside of your home, you'd do just as well to save some money and stick with a Wi-Fi model. It's also worth noting that AT&T's 3G service might not be all it's cracked up to be, considering the complaints many iPhone 3G users have made over the years.

The Apple iPad as e-book reader

The iPad marks Apple's first foray into the world of e-book readers. With Apple's iBooks app (a free download, but not included), you can browse an e-bookstore stocked with bestsellers and textbooks. At launch, the iBooks store includes content from five major publishers: HarperCollins, Hachette, Penguin, Macmillan, and Simon & Schuster.

Just as in iTunes, titles in the iBooks store are organized by popularity and by genre. Users can preview the first few pages before purchasing, and downloaded books are sent directly to the user's virtual bookshelf. Unlike most dedicated e-book readers, the iPad allows you to read books in either portrait or a landscape mode that shows two pages at once. Onscreen settings also allow you to change the size of the text, search text within the book, look up words in a built-in dictionary, and hop around using a persistent table of contents.

Free public domain books are also available within the iBooks store, and any EPUB book format (including titles from Project Gutenberg and Google Books) can also be transferred to iPad via iTunes. Competing e-book software, such as the Amazon Kindle app, is also available on the iPad.

From a software perspective, the iPad's capability to integrate multiple e-book formats and third-party online stores makes it one of the most flexible, all-encompassing e-book readers on the market. With a 9.7-inch screen, it's also one of the largest readers we've tested, tied with Amazon's $489 Kindle DX.

One of the easiest criticisms to lay against the iPad as an e-reader is its lack of e-ink technology. There are good reasons why Sony, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others don't use backlit LCDs on their e-book readers: they drain battery life; fatigue the eye; and become difficult to read in direct sunlight. All of these criticisms are fair. You can read for four days on the Kindle DX without a recharge, compared with approximately 10 hours on the iPad. As on any LCD (including the one you're probably reading on right this minute), text isn't as easy on the eye as it could be with printed paper. Under bright outdoor lighting conditions, the iPad is very reflective, but fairs well in the shade. And at 1.5 pounds, the iPad is hefty for a reader, warranting a lap or a two-hand grasp for extended reading.

Under direct sunlight, the iPad's screen can be hard to read, compared with the Kindle's e-ink display.

But for all its potential pitfalls, the iPad as an e-book reader has an equal share of advantages, provided you confine yourself to reading indoors. The presentation of books on the iPad is gorgeous. Cover graphics and illustrations display in rich color, book pages have a deliberately paperlike tone, and turning pages by tapping or flipping is intuitive. Page turns also render much faster than with e-ink technology, allowing you to quickly flip through pages. Unique features, such as in-book music and video playback (when supported), and one-touch dictionary definitions further distinguish the iPad from its e-reader competitors.

Let's also not forget that there are a lot of books and periodicals that traditional e-ink readers do a poor job of presenting. For magazines, travel guides, photo essays, and graphic novels, the iPad's color screen has the upper hand. We also enjoy how the iPad's ambient-light-sensing screen provides just enough light for an in-bed read and automatically ramps up the brightness near the kitchen window. The only annoyance of reading in bed with the iPad is that lying flat on your back and holding the iPad over your head, or reading on your side, can cause the tilt-sensor to wonder if it's being held is landscape or portrait orientation. A flip of the orientation lock switch will freeze the screen orientation into position, but at the end of a long day, you tend to forget these details.

Gaming on the iPad

Just like the iPhone and iPod Touch, third-party apps for the iPad are a big deal. Generally speaking, apps made by these developers branch off in every conceivable direction, from cooking recipe journals to Twitter clients. But if there's one type of app that rules over all the rest in both quantity and popularity, it's games.

All of the thousands games available for the iPhone and iPod Touch can be played on the iPad, scaled up to fit the screen or played at their native resolution. The more than 21,000 games account for more titles than the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS, combined. And those are the games that predate the iPad.

The handful of games we tested on the iPad included N.O.V.A. (a first-person shooter reminiscent of HALO), Igga Arcade (a bundled series of children's games), Fieldrunners (war strategy), Scrabble, and Labyrinth 2 (puzzles). In every instance, the iPad-optimized games look and feel radically different from the experience of playing on an iPhone, or even a PSP. N.O.V.A., in particular, features the kind of responsiveness, graphics, and sharp resolution we'd expect from an Xbox 360.

Unfortunately, the closer the iPad comes to delivering the kind of games we're used to seeing on traditional gaming machines, the more we hunger for practical game controls. Some games are a natural fit for the iPad's touch input and tilt-sensor, others could really benefit from a standard direction pad or joystick.

Minor complaints aside, as a portable way to stay distracted for hours at a time, the iPad's gaming capabilities and deep catalog of compatible titles will appeal to thrill seekers of all types.

iWork
Unsatisfied to leave the iPad as an entertainment and casual computing device, Apple had to go and spoil the fun by offering the iWork suite of productivity software redesigned for the iPad. Already a familiar staple on Mac computers, the iWork software suite for iPad includes three apps: Pages (word processing), Numbers (spreadsheets), and Keynote (presentations). It's the first version of the software to run on one of Apple's portable devices and makes full use of the iPad's touch screen. Each app is offered separately at $9.99 apiece.

We'll be covering the iPad's iWork apps in greater depth on CNET's Download.com. For the purposes of our iPad review, however, we think it's fair to say that the apps represent a good value, especially considering that the Mac version of the suite sells for $70. More importantly, iWork (and similar third-party apps that are sure to follow) shows how the iPad can hold its own against inexpensive Netbooks running Microsoft's tried-and-true Office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In fact, iWork apps are capable of opening and editing common Office documents, though exporting options are somewhat meager. Pages documents can be saved as a Word, PDF, or Pages file. Keynote and Numbers documents can be saved only in their native format or exported as PDFs.

Capabilities aside, there are certain inherent design constraints that prevent the iPad from working gracefully as a productivity tool. The first hurdle is the keyboard. To Apple's credit, the iPad's onscreen keyboard is one of the largest and most responsive we've encountered on a tablet device. Chalk it up to an old dog's aptitude for new tricks, but when it comes to writing multiple pages of text (reports, term papers, rambling manifestos) our fingers just seem to fly faster on a real keyboard.

In response to this possible complaint, Apple's $69 keyboard dock or Bluetooth keyboard accessory can be used to give apps like Pages the kind of real keyboard they deserve. Unfortunately, once you've crossed over to a keyboard accessory, your brain might balk a little at the absence of a mouse. You're still stuck jumping around pages and making edits by reaching out and touching the display. It's an awkward disconnect that isn't impossible to power through, but isn't ideal, either.

Getting files off the iPad isn't as simple as plugging in a thumb drive or burning a CD. You either need to e-mail them, upload them to an Apple iWork.com account, or save them to a shared folder on the iPad's internal memory. You can access this shared folder by connecting the iPad to iTunes on a Mac or PC with the included cable, but if the connected computer isn't your own, it may prove impossible to grab the files.

You face a similar dilemma printing a document you've composed on the iPad--or anything else via the iPad, for that matter. We may see an elegant solution for this in time, but your best bet at the moment is e-mailing or transferring the document to a printer-equipped computer--not a good solution for printing out airline boarding passes, for instance.

Could a high school or college student get away with using an iPad as a primary computer? With the iWorks suite, a keyboard dock accessory, and a "can do" spirit, it's certainly possible, but a similarly priced Netbook, though not as sexy, will offer more flexibility and better typing and editing performance.

MobileMe
Apple's MobileMe service gives iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch owners a way to keep e-mail, contacts, and calendars in sync with their computers without ever having to dock the device. The service runs $99 per year (after a 60-day free trial) and also provides a Web-based photo gallery for your digital photo collection, an iDisk service for storing files remotely, a utility for locating the device if it becomes lost, and a security feature that can remotely erase the device in case of theft.

CNET has a separate review of Apple's MobileMe service, which goes into more depth. As it relates to the iPad, we think that MobileMe features such as remote wipe and location look-up are less relevant, since the product is less prone to loss than the iPhone or iPod Touch. Without a built-in camera on the iPad, the photo-hosting capabilities of MobileMe are less of a draw, as well.

For households with multiple computers and/or iPhones, MobileMe's capability to keep e-mails, contacts, and calendars updated across all your devices can be worth every penny. It's not for everyone, but for those who need it, MobileMe solves a real problem.

Accessibility features
At first glance, a touch-screen tablet may seem like a poor choice for anyone dealing with a physical impairment, but Apple's pioneering work with improving the accessibility of the iPhone and iPod brings some noteworthy enhancements to the iPad. Visually impaired users may find using Apple's VoiceOver feature a functional method for navigating menus and typing messages and e-mails. As you drag your finger around the display and tap a button, the iPad will read a description of that button. The iPad will also read the text of dialog boxes, the time of day, the status and orientation of the display (locked or unlocked, portrait or landscape), and detail information, such as the battery level and Wi-Fi signals. What's more, it speaks each character as you type a message, and it will suggest autocorrection choices. Voice Over can read text messages, e-mails, and even Web pages.

To use Voice Over in accessibility mode, you will need to learn a different set of gestures--for example, you'll have to double-tap to open an item--but the feature provides audible instruction. You can set the speaking rate and choose from 21 supported languages. Voice Over works with all of the iPad's native applications, but support for third-party apps varies. Though we're sighted and our Voice Over user experience can't compare with someone who is visually impaired, we were impressed by the feature's capabilities. The iPad also adds multitouch zoom support for the Home, Unlock, and Spotlight screens for all applications, both native and third-party. Previously, zoom worked only in the photo gallery, e-mail in-boxes, and the Safari browser. You can activate the enhanced zoom in the Settings menu, but you can't use it and Voice Over simultaneously.

You also can reverse the display's contrast to white on black. Menus will show white text on a black background, and the Home screen will change to a white background. Just be aware that the contrast change alters the appearance of photos in the gallery so that they look like negatives. It has a similar effect for app icons on the Home screen.

Performance
For a product that's between $500 and $900, the iPad smokes. The custom Apple 1GHz A4 processor wields some power, which is most evident in apps that don't depend on the Web, such as photos, iBooks, or games.

Hand in hand with the processor speed is the responsiveness of the multitouch screen, which also manages to dazzle the eye with its sharp 1,024x768-pixel resolution backlit by even-toned LEDs. Screen angles are unbelievably good, thanks to the same IPS (in-plane-switching) screen technology Apple uses in its desktop displays.

Audio quality is indistinguishable from our trusty iPod Touch, offering a smooth and balanced sound, provided you pair it with quality headphones.

Apple rates the iPad at 10 hours of continuous use, including video playback. Our experience so far shows this to be a somewhat conservative estimate, especially if you're spending much of your time in less-intensive apps, such as iBooks or e-mail. We'll post a detailed breakdown of battery-drain results from CNET Labs, once testing is complete.

Final thoughts
Depending on who you talk to, the iPad is either the future of personal computing, the best distraction money can buy, or Apple's most doomed product since the Apple QuickTake digital camera. Even Apple's marketing team seems to be having a hard time nailing down exactly what the iPad is; in commercials, one minute it's a digital book, the next it's the photo album of the future.

There's nothing specific we can tell you that will justify paying $499 for the 16GB base model, much less $829 for a juiced-up 64GB version with 3G wireless. The only concrete reason to buy an Apple iPad is to be able to play around with the most celebrated gadget of the year. For CNET readers, we expect that is reason enough.

'Miami Medical' reminiscent of 'MAS*H'

2010-04-03T04:10:00.000-07:00

TV Show: Miami_Medical

Jeremy Northam stars as Dr. Matthew Proctor in the new series 'Miami Medical,' premiering Friday, April 2, on CBS. (QMI Agency/Handout)

Maybe it was a flash of ESP.

While watching the first episode of Miami Medical, which debuts Friday (CBS, A), a thought struck us:

The setup is kind of like M*A*S*H, but in modern-day Florida. And Jeremy Northam’s character — Dr. Matthew Proctor — is the Charles Emerson Winchester III of the group.

We swear, at the exact moment that notion struck us, Northam’s character exclaimed, “This is like M*A*S*H in paradise!”

Great minds think alike.

Miami Medical definitely is a drama, though, not a comedy. But then again, M*A*S*H became less of a comedy as the years rolled by, didn’t it?

Miami Medical Tv Show: New Doctor Show 'Miami Medical' Premieres Friday On CBS

2010-04-03T04:01:00.000-07:00

New Doctor Show 'Miami Medical' : Miami Medical Tv Show Premieres Friday On CBS

There’s another new medical drama coming to TV. What’s going to set Miami Medical apart from all the others? For one thing, it’s a Jerry Bruckheimer production, so it can be as intense and in your face as the stalwart CSI and Without a Trace franchises.

“This is a different way of looking at a medical show,” Bruckheimer said. “It's got a lot more humor, it's got the gallows humor.”

And Bruckheimer wouldn’t make a show about just any doctors. He likes to deal with the best of the best, in this case the Alpha Team of surgeons at a trauma hospital. “They're the Rolling Stones of doctors,” Bruckheimer continued. “I mean, they have to be the best of the best because they have 60 minutes to save a life. What does that do to you when you lose someone? When you lose somebody, how does that affect you? So these are really deep characters, dimensional characters.”

NBC tried another series about Trauma surgeons, and claimed the juicy name Trauma. Miami series creator Jeffrey Lieber says his show might deserve that title more. “I think that show should be called EMTs, which is really what that show was about, because they were guys in the field,” Lieber said. “Our show is very much about this concept of golden hour, which is the first 60 minutes after a trauma accident. If you did a little bell curve in terms of being able to save a life, in those first 60 minutes, if you can get to these doctors, these guys here, the odds of saving your life are way up here on the bell curve. Then the minute you hit that 60-minute mark, it starts to drop precipitously.”

And I thought I had deadlines. Lieber added, “So it's really about how do people, doctors, people who are faced with that line between life and death in everyday, how do they do what they do for a living, and then how do you go home and just live a life?”

Miami Medical starts April 2 on CBS.

MIAMI MEDICAL First Look: New CBS TV Show

2010-04-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

Check out some photos of a new CBS TV show MIAMI MEDICAL which premieres Spring 2010 on the CBS Television Network. Could this be the new ER?

From CBS: MIAMI MEDICAL is about a team of expert surgeons who shine brightest under the adrenaline rush of working on the edge. As part of the Alpha Team at one of the premiere trauma facilities in the country, these professionals exclusively treat patients with life threatening injuries. Dr. Matthew Proctor is new to the trauma team, after leaving a lucrative private practice following his return from a tour of duty in a MASH unit during the first Gulf War. Dr. Eva Zambrano is a workaholic surgeon who wishes she had more time for a personal life. Dr. Christopher Deleo, "Dr. C.," is a playboy who thrives on the high-stakes of trauma medicine and is, by his own description, a genius cowboy. Dr. Serena Warren is fresh out of medical school and is quickly learning the meaning of trial by fire. Although the glue that keeps the team together is head nurse Tuck Brody, who balances the needs of the doctors and their patients' families in this chaotic corner of the medical profession. Together, this team of doctors excels in the "golden hour," the 60 minutes after being critically injured, when a patient's life hangs in the balance. (From CBS)

Also here are photos of the cast of the Miami Medical:

Jeremy Northam.................. Dr. Matthew Proctor
Lana Parrilla........................Dr. Eva Zambrano
Mike Vogel........................Dr. Chris "C" Deleo
Elisabeth Harnois...................Dr. Serena Warren
Omar Gooding..............................Tuck Brody

Mike Vogel stars as Dr. Chris C Deleo

Elisabeth Harnois as Dr. Serena Warren

Omar Gooding as Tuck Brody

Jeremy Northam stars as Dr. Matthew Proctor

Lana Parrilla as Dr. Eva Zambrano

Episode 1: MIAMI MEDICAL "Pilot"

2010-04-03T03:58:00.000-07:00

Watch a sneak peek of the pilot episode of the new CBS TV show MIAMI MEDICAL which premieres Friday, April 2, (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network.

Episode Synopsis: The Alpha Team is aided by a new surgeon after the head of their unit goes AWOL and a restaurant explosion floods the halls of the hospital with victims, on the series premiere of MIAMI MEDICAL, Friday, April 2 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Emmy Award Winner Andre Braugher ("Men of a Certain Age," "Homicide: Life on the Street") guest stars as Dr. William Rayner, the head of Alpha Team.

remplace Numb3rs sur CBS: Miami Medical remplace Numb3rs sur CBS

2010-04-03T03:57:00.000-07:00

Après la fin de sa saison, Numb3rs s'éclipsera pour laisser sa place à Miami Medical, le nouveau drama produit par Jerry Brukheimer. Si l'on ne sait pas grand-chose sur l'avenir de la première, la seconde arrivera le 2 avril à 22h, après Medium, qui a débarqué cet automne sur la chaine américaine.

Pour rappel, Miami Medical racontera les aventures des meilleurs chirurgiens des Etats-Unis, qui devront faire face aux malades d'un hôpital de Miami.

TV SHOWS Miami Medical

2010-04-03T03:56:00.000-07:00

About the Show:

As part of the Alpha Team at one of the top trauma hospitals in the country, Miami Trauma One, the professionals in MIAMI MEDICAL exclusively treat patients with serious, life-threatening injuries. These "rock stars of medicine" excel in the "golden hour," while drawing upon their wit and irreverence to survive on the edge of life and death.

Dr. Matthew Proctor (Northam) is new to the trauma team after leaving a lucrative private practice following his return from a tour of duty in a MASH unit during the first Gulf War. Dr. Eva Zambrano (Lana Parrilla, LOST, SWINGTOWN) is a workaholic surgeon who wishes she had more time for a personal life. Dr. Christopher Deleo, "Dr. C." (Mike Vogel, Cloverfield), is a playboy who thrives on the high-stakes of trauma medicine and is, by his own description, a genius cowboy. Dr. Serena Warren (Elisabeth Harnois, WITHOUT A TRACE) is fresh out of medical school and is quickly learning the meaning of "trial by fire."

The glue that keeps the team together is head nurse Tuck Brody (Omar Gooding, PLAYMAKERS, BARBERSHOP), who balances the needs of the doctors and their patients' families in this chaotic corner of the medical profession.

TV Miami Medical

2010-04-03T03:55:00.000-07:00

Miami Medical

After a tour of duty in a surgical unit during the Gulf War, Dr. Matthew Proctor (Jeremy Northam, ``The Tudors'') heads to Miami to join a team at one of the premiere trauma centers in the United States. Proctor and his colleagues, a workaholic, a playboy, a fresh-faced newbie just out of medical school, and the head nurse, work to save the lives of patients in that critical first hour after injury.

Premiere:: Apr 02, 2010
Original Network:: CBS

Miami Medica

2010-04-03T03:54:00.000-07:00

Miami Medical is about a team of expert surgeons who work at one of the premiere trauma facilities in the country, where only patients with life threatening injuries are treated. Dr. Matthew Proctor (Jeremy Northam) is new to the trauma team, after a tour of duty in a MASH unit during the Gulf war. Dr. Eva Zambrano (Lana Parrilla) is a workaholic surgeon who is more comfortable in her scrubs than she is out in the real world. Dr. Christopher Deleo, "Dr. C.," is a playboy who thrives on the high-stakes of trauma medicine and is, by his own description, a genius redneck. Dr. Serena Warren (Elisabeth Harnois) is fresh out of medical school, and head nurse Tuck Brody (Omar Gooding) keeps the doctors on track and the patients' families updated in this chaotic corner of the medical profession. Together, this team of doctors excels in the "golden hour," the 60 minutes after being critically injured, when a patient's life hangs in the balance.

Why nuclear energy ? / Nuclear power / nuclear-radiation.blogspot.com

2009-12-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

www.nuclear-radiation.blogspot.com

Why nuclear energy ? / Nuclear power

2- Why nuclear energy?

World reserves of coal are, in theory, large enough to produce the electricity we shall need for more than a hundred years. However, it is likely that more and more of the coal mined in the future will be converted into ... read more

a) Economics

The difference in fuel requirements between coal fired and nuclear power stations also affects their economics. The cost of fuel for a nuclear power station is very much less than for an equivalent coal fired power station, ... read more

b) Electricity generation - the future fuel mix

For most countries the questions that need to be answered are: What are our likely electricity requirements? What forms of generation are available to us? Which combination will affordably provide our needs with maximum security,.... read more

c) Alternatives to nuclear electricity

No technology is absolutely safe or without environmental effects. We should therefore compare the production of electricity from nuclear energy with the other ... read more

source:http://nuclear-radiation.blogspot.com/2009/12/why-nuclear-energy-nuclear-power.html

Sources of pollution / Environmental pollution

2009-12-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

www.nuclear-radiation.blogspot.com Environmental pollution


Pathways of human exposure to radiation Sources of pollution How to Manage contaminated areas? Total doses

We have seen in that natural radionuclides pervade our environment. This chapter deals with the artificial radionuclides that have been widely dispersed by events such as tests of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere and the Chemobyl accident and by the deliberate discharge of radioactive wastes from nuclear and other installations. Such radionuclides find their way from air and water onto the ground and into foodstuffs and so deliver radiation doses in various ways to human beings.

Pathways of human exposure to radiation The release of radionuclides to the environment can occur according to the following : -Rain washing radioactive materials out of the air -External radiation direct from cloud -External dose direct from radioactive materials deposited on the ground -Internal dose from eating and drinking radioactive materials in food -Internal dose from water intake.
Sources of pollution

1) The Nuclear Fuel Cycle

2) Nuclear weapon tests

3) Nuclear Accidents

4) Radioactive discharges

5) Depleted uranium

6) Transport of radioactive materials

7) Radioactive Dispersal Devices

How to Manage contaminated areas?

As we have seen (and will see from other examples in later chapters), areas in various parts of the world have become contaminated with radionuclides as a result of various human activities. In cases where the level of contamination is high, measures might be needed to ensure that the area is safe for people to live or use for other purposes. For small areas, it might be possible to do this by removing contaminated soil and other materials, but for large areas the amount of material would be too large.

Other ways of protecting people include restrictions on access to or use of areas, for example, preventing house building on areas affected by mining wastes that could produce high radon levels. Chemical treatments can also be used to reduce the amount of activity that gets from soil into food. Examples of this include giving 'Prussian blue' - a chemical that increases the rate at which caesium is excreted by the cow so that it does not get into milk and meat -to cows grazing on contaminated grass in the Chernobyl area and treating the soil on Bikini Island with potassium to stop the trees absorbing caesium.

Total doses

With the exception of some military facilities and those mentioned above, no other facilities that discharge artificial radionuclides to the environment cause doses much above 0.02 mSv in a year to the most exposed people; nor do they make a significant contribution to collective dose. On average, therefore, the maximum effective dose from the discharge of artificial radionuclides, other than some military facilities, is about 0.14 mSv in a year and the collective effective dose about 5000 man Sv in a year or 0.001 mSv when averaged throughout the entire global population.

source: http://nuclear-radiation.blogspot.com

Nuclear power Nuclear power / Safety applications of radiation

2009-12-28T08:02:00.000-08:00

www.nuclear-radiation.blogspot.com

Nuclear power is generated using Uranium, which is a metal mined in various parts of the world.

The first large-scale nuclear power station opened at Calder Hall in Cumbria, England, in 1956.

Some military ships and submarines have nuclear power plants for engines.

Nuclear power produces around 11% of the world's energy needs, and produces huge amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel, without the pollution that you'd get from burning fossil fuels.

www.nuclear-radiation.blogspot.com

1- Introduction: Energy Sources

2- Why nuclear energy?

3) Fission and Fusion:

a) Nuclear Fission

b) Nuclear Fusion

منتظر الزيدي يُضرَب بفردتي حذاء بعد سنة من قيامه برمي بوش بحذائه

2009-12-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

ضارب بوش يتعرض بالضرب اليوم

أقدم الصحافي العراقي سيف الخياط على ضرب مراسل قناة البغدادية منتظر الزيدي بفردتي حذائه أثناء عقد الأخير ندوة في العاصمة الفرنسية باريس عصر اليوم عن واقع الإعلام في العراق، وتزامن الحادث مع الذكرى الأولى لرمي الزيدي فردتي حذائه على الرئيس الأميركي السابق جورج بوش.

وكان الزيدي قام بالاعتداء على الرئيس الأمريكي جورج بوش برميه بفردتي حذائه ونعته بـ"الكلب" في شهر كانون الأول من عام 2008 أثناء مؤتمر صحافي مشترك عقده الرئيس الأمريكي جورج وبوش ورئيس الوزراء العراقي نوري المالكي في بغداد.

وقال الخياط في حديث لـ"السومرية نيوز" إن قيامه برمي فردتي حذائه على الزيدي جاء "بسبب تنظيم البعثيين للمؤتمر الذي أقامه اليوم الثلاثاء في العاصمة باريس فضلا عن تسميته للجماعات الإرهابية بالمقاومة خلال المؤتمر"، بحسب قوله، مشيرا إلى أن المؤتمر نظم من قبل الإعلامي العراقي سعد المسعودي، الذي وصفه الخياط بأنه "احد عناصر مخابرات نظام صدام حسين السابق".

واعتبر الخياط أن "الزيدي تجاوز على الصحافيين العراقيين واتهمهم بعدم الحيادية ومحاولة تمرير المشروع الأمريكي في العراق"، وروى قائلا "قمت وسألت الزيدي عن سبب الحفاوة السورية به وسبب وتسميته الجماعات الإرهابية بأنها مقاومة، ثم رميت فردتي حذائي عليه، وصحت بصوت عال إنها لك يا زيدي من الصحافيين العراقيين الأحرار".

وأشار الخياط إلى أن شقيق الزيدي وبعض الحرس الذي يرافقونه فضلا عن منظم المؤتمر سعد المسعودي "حاولوا الاعتداء" عليه، إلا انه رفع احد الكراسي مهددا إياهم بـ"الضرب" في حال الاقتراب منه، بحسب ما قال.

ولفت الخياط إلى أن رميه للزيدي بالحذاء جاء لـ"إفشال مخطط البعثيين للتمدد بين الإعلاميين في باريس فضلا عن إسكات صوت معاد للتجربة الديمقراطية في العراق" بحسب تعبيره.

يذكر أن الخياط عمل في عدة مؤسسات إعلامية عراقية خلال الأعوام الأربعة الماضي مثل قناتي الفيحاء والعراقية فضلا عن كونه مراسلاً لوكالة الأنباء اليابانية قبل أن يقرر طلب اللجوء في فرنسا والإقامة فيها نهاية عام 2008.

المصدر :
http://educ4ever.com/vb/t22439.html#post23273

daily Windows 7 News

2009-11-01T04:22:00.000-08:00

Here are the most recent Windows 7 news stories this week...

We will continue to present the most current Windows 7 News stories every week...

In addition, we have daily Windows 7 Updates for each day of each month of the year.

http://windo-7.blogspot.com/

Windows 7 Installation : How to install windows 7

2009-11-01T02:26:00.002-08:00

Windows 7 beta is now available on the market. There are a few steps to install on your PC.

1. Preparing the DVD ISO image

Burn a DVD ISO image downloaded. The requirements are a DVD burner, DVD burning software and a DVD-R or DVD-RW. Thus, the installation disc will be ready. Preferably choose a very low burn speed for best results.

2. Set up your computer and BIOS settings

After burning the DVD to restart your computer.

3 Booting Tips

Read the instructions carefully so that the process runs correctly during the Windows 7 installation.

In the dropdown, select your preferred language, time and currency, a keyboard or input method.

Install option is now on the next page you will install Windows 7. If the installation is damaged then use the Repair option to make the team. This button is on the bottom left. Carefully read the license terms before accepting.

On the next screen you will find two options, update and customized (advanced). Preferably choose the latter.

4. Place of the installation of Windows 7

When you click the custom button on the screen for selecting installation location. If not a test machine, you get the list of all hard disk partitions. The recommended size is 15 GB. Be aware of important data on the drive you choose. Otherwise it will be deleted.

5. Create or modify partitions

Click the advanced options of the unit, such as delete, format, new and expanded. You can also create a new partition only opting for the new button. After the partition has been selected, click Next to continue. The new option provides a text box to enter the sizes. Click the application button to continue. Window 7 could create additional partitions for system files.

Almost everything is now done. A 8.8-GB primary partition is created in this way. Select the newly created partition.

Click Next. Wait for 20-30 minutes. And all the new operating system Windows 7 is on your PC, installed.

Windows 7 - author bio
Alina Wilson is a technical and security specialist, associated with numerous tech firms including iYogi. iYogi is synergistic ally aligned to offer help for windows 7 tech support, Microsoft support, computer repair, PC help services, computer support, online technical support, data back-up services to its clients in Australia, US, UK and Canada by Microsoft certified technician.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alina_Wilson

Evaluation Microsoft Windows 7

2009-11-01T02:26:00.001-08:00

After the rather lackluster launch of Windows Vista, Microsoft is ready with another operating system that could succeed Windows XP in the true sense. While Windows Vista offered a flashy new interface, it failed to create a stir in the market due to its poor performance, compatibility goof ups and the lack of any impressive features. The new Windows 7 operating system, which is set to be launched on October 22, 2009, has been designed to fix the old and new annoying features of its immediate predecessor and the older versions.

Although impressive design has never been Microsoft's strength, the company has managed to improve tremendously on this aspect in the Windows 7 operating system. While users might take a while to get accustomed to the new Taskbar and Aero Peek of Windows 7, they will be pleased with the changes and the ease of use of this OS.

Windows 7 Operating System: What Has Been Discarded?
There are several capabilities and programs that were a part of Windows Vista are no longer present in Windows 7 versions. Some of the discarded items from a long list are:
Quick Launch: This feature had been the trademark of Windows XP and enabled a one-click access to programs. You could add any program to Quick Launch by dragging its icon to the Quick Launch toolbar. This distinctive feature has been eliminated from the Windows 7 versions.
Troubleshooting Warnings: Windows 7 has got rid of the onslaught of word-balloon warnings related to troubleshooting issues and potential security problems.

Windows 7 Beta: What's New or Improved?
Some of the new or improved features of the Windows 7 operating system are:
Taskbar: The Taskbar is unique to Windows and offers the Windows experience mainly through the Start menu and System Tray. While the Start menu got a much needed redesign in Vista, in Windows 7, the System Tray and the entire Taskbar get a complete makeover.
• The old small icons and text labels that appear for applications currently running on the system are replaced by larger, unlabeled icons in the new Taskbar. The new design reduces the clutter on the Taskbar.
• You also have the option of shrinking the icons and bringing the labels back if you feel uncomfortable. You can also reorganize the position of these icons in the Taskbar.
• The capabilities of Quick Launch have been included in the Taskbar of Microsoft Windows 7.
• The Live Preview feature of Windows Vista has been improved such that you can simultaneously view the thumbnails of all the running applications just by taking the pointer to an icon.
• A new feature called Jump Lists in Microsoft Windows 7 lets you perform several tasks within an application even if the application is closed. For example, you can open the browser, initiate an InPrivate stealth browsing session or visit any of the eight most frequently visited web pages by using the Jump List of Internet Explorer 8.
• You can view the Windows 7 screen (desktop) with one click, even if you have several open windows, by using the brand new feature called Aero Peek. This feature can be accessed by using the kind of nub at the extreme right edge of the Taskbar. If you hover your pointer to the nub, all windows become transparent, revealing the Windows 7 screen. You can access the applications and icons on the desktop by clicking the nub.

Windows 7 Compatibility
The requirements for the 32-bit version of Microsoft Windows 7 are similar to that of the premium editions of Vista. However, the Windows 7 compatibility requirements for the version built for the 64-bit processor are significantly higher than that for the 32-bit version.

32-bit processor 64-bit processor
Memory (RAM) 1 GB of RAM 2 GB of RAM
HDD free space 16 GB of available disk space 20 GB of available disk space

Apart from the RAM and HDD requirements, you must have a DVD drive (only to install from DVD/CD Media) and DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver model 1.0 to install Windows 7 versions.

Security - Windows 7
In Vista, the security - Windows feature, User Account Control (UAC), insistently prompted you to approve the running of applications or change systems settings in order to prevent rogue software from tampering with your PC. In Windows 7, you have more control over this irritating feature. You can alter your UAC settings to notify only when your Windows settings are being changed by software, instead of you.

Windows Upgrade Offers
Various companies are providing their customers with special offers for a Windows upgrade. For example, Acer has announced that customers who purchase a qualifying Windows Vista-based PC from June 26, 2009 to January 31, 2010 would be eligible for an upgrade to Windows 7.

Windows 7 beta is far from being flawless. While some features do not seem fine tuned properly, others can not be utilized to their true capability without additional support from third party applications. However, the overall final shipping Windows 7 versions appear to be the worthy successor of Windows XP that Vista never was.

Upgrade to Windows 7 New Operating System Software

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lloyd_Farrell

Windows 7 Slow? Speed Up Slowing Windows 7 With These Tips

2009-11-01T02:25:00.000-08:00

Are you experiencing Windows 7 slow down? Do you want to speed it up? If so, then let's find out more about Windows 7 first.

Windows 7 is fast approaching. Microsoft verifies that they'll be launching Windows 7 next year. Currently, they are giving everyone a taste of Windows 7. They'll let you download the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) for free. This is used for Beta testing the product. And right now, many people are using it. You can also try it for yourself.

Why use Windows 7? If you're into something new, Windows 7 has lots to offer. Windows 7's taskbar is like no other. All you'll see on the taskbar is the icon of the application open. You'll also get more visual delights when you try flipping the windows opened. Also, Windows 7 is a lot faster than Vista, so you should really try it.

Before installing Windows 7 in your computer, make sure your computer meets the system requirements:

• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)

• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

If your computer meets the requirements, then there should be no problem installing it. But there are a lot of people who said that Windows 7 is slow. How can you fix this slow down problem? Let's find out.

One thing you can do to solve the Windows 7 slow down problem is to see if there are a lot of programs that runs automatically when Windows 7 starts up. This slows down your computer. Click start, then run and then type "msconfig". Press enter. Look for the list of startup programs. Remove those programs that you don't want to run on startup.

Another thing that you can do to solve the Windows 7 slow down problem is to clean the windows registry. You can download registry cleaners for Windows 7 on the internet.

Perhaps the best thing you can do to solve the slow down problem is to download and install the Process Explorer. This tool is a part of the Microsoft SysInternals package. This program will help you identify the programs running on your computer. It will even give a brief description of that program, so that you'll know which to remove. Remove the program by right clicking it, and then select "KILL". This program works just like the Task Manager, but gives you more information and has a better design.

After doing all these three methods, the Windows 7 slow down problem should be solved.

Resolving the issue of Windows 7 slow down can be done easily and fast with a good registry cleaner software. Read this review on leading registry cleaners and do a free registry scan now.

Author's review website on clickbank products: http://www.clickbankproductreview.com

Disclaimer: The content of this article is provided for the purpose of education and illustration only. This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Th

Verizon's Droid to go after iPhone

2009-10-18T13:37:00.001-07:00

Many have tried, not one has succeeded; going after Apple's iPhone appears to be a futile excersise.

Now Verizon is taking its turn with a new release upcoming in the Droid. The Droid will have a horizontal QWERTY keyboard in addition to a touch screen. No pictures have been officially released by Verizon at this point, but a few have leaked.

Like its name the phone will be Android based, with tie-ins to all of Google's applications. A nice feature is the 5 mexapixel phone it comes with and GPS functions also will be able to be activated. The phone is thin and is to have a very nice vibrant screen.

TV ads are running on the internet and during Major League Baseball Playoff Games. The ads go right at the iPhone.

Go to DroidDoes.com for the page set up for the Droid.

Verizon Droid Exposed.

2009-10-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

Verizon unveiled an ad in tonight's Yankees-Angels game aimed pretty squarely at the iPhone. It is interesting to remember that the Motorola ROKR had Apple iTunes software on it three years ago... and Apple was negotiating to put the iPhone on Verizon (never gonna happen now!) at about the same time.

It also looks like George Lucas is getting some Droid money. You'll notice a “DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license.” in the materials

We knew Verizon Wireless would soon be throwing caution to the wind in an effort to sway uncommitted smartphone buyers towards Big Red, and it looks like the November-bound Motorola Droid will be VZW's anti-iPhone. The spot, which launched tonight and can be view in its entirety after the break, is a 30 second clip that begins by mocking Apple's cutesy music and iconic font typically seen in iPhone plugs. It reels off a number of things that the iPhone can't do, and then abruptly goes into full-on tease mode by flashing glimpses of a robot-controlled future and a tagline that simply states: "Droid Does." No shots of the actual Motorola Droid (or Sholes, as it was known in the past) are shown, but a dedicated teaser portal has already been erected; through that, we're told that the phone will boast Android 2.0 and a 5 megapixel camera. At this point, we'd say the gloves are definitely off -- AT&T, have anything to say for yourself, or is the iPhone doing just fine on its own?

source: http://verizondroid.blogspot.com

Droid does or Motorola Droid

2009-10-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Here is Latest news and views about Droid does or Motorola Droid. With the imminent launch of the Motorola Droid, the iPhone will soon see a fresh challenge, and Verizon with a series of anti-iPhone attack ads titled “Droid Does“, is set to market the phone.

The first ad rolled out tonight, directly picking on the iPhone’s most commonly-cited shortfalls: no replaceable battery, lack of flash, lack of a tactile keyboard and more. The counter on the DroidDoes site appears, according to BGR, to count down to October 30th, meaning the iPhone could have some legitimate competition going into the holiday shopping season.

The Droid runs Google Android 2.0 and features a 5-megapixel with a flash camera, supports multi-tasking, includes both a tactile keyboard and touch screen and it seems not the ugliest phone in the world either. Meanwhile, the marketing campaign hits Apple at its core: with extra features in favor of simplicity, the company’s minimalist philosophy does away.

Watch Droid Does Advertisement Video

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source: http://wearestjohns.com

iPhone Diss Ads : Verizon Droid Phone Mocks Apple Favorite with iDon’t Ad

2009-10-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Will the Verizon Droid be a serious challenger for the iPhone’s title of World’s Sexiest Gadget? Motorola, Google and Verizon, who teamed up to deliver the Droid, clearly think so. An aggressive ad campaign targeting the iPhone’s weak points, the iDon’t ad mocks Apple’s ads by listing the things that the iPhone can’t do. The Verizon Droid is rumored to be as small or slightly smaller than the iPhone with a slide-out keyboard.

Rumored specs include a powerful OMAP3430 processor, 5 megapixel camera, slideout QWERTY keyboard and touch screen, all housed in a super-compact package and running Android 2.0. Droid’s features include, running background tasks, and video recording support. Some of the differences mentioned, like the Droid’s inclusion of a physical keyboard, are really a matter of personal preference. Others, aren’t. For one, Droid can claim to run on “The Network”, which runs circles around AT&T.

Verizon Droid Phone Mocks Apple Favorite with iDon’t Ad

source: http://www.trendhunter.com

Android Volcano About To Erupt

2009-10-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

“Welcome to Mobile Phone Island where Mt. Android is about to erupt on all the little peon hills that claim to be mobile operating systems. For so many years those heaps of crap sat dormant and now, when Mt. Android flings gobs of hot handset lava all over the world, those punk bitches had better hope they don’t go the way of the Stegosaurus. And they think their little spiky tails are so kick-ass…”

Those are the exact words Eric Schmidt used at Google’s 3rd Quarter Earnings Report to explain Android’s competitive landscape. Okay… not the EXACT words. According to TechCrunch here is what the Google CEO said:

Android adoption is about to explode. You have all the necessary conditions.. a critcial period.

Close enough… right? He also re-iterated that Android now has 12 devices in 26 countries on 32 carriers. Pretty darn impressive considering the “real” push hasn’t even begun yet. What we’ve got on the market right now are “feelers” – manufacturers and carriers first foray into the Android land. Next year I think you’ll see Android make the upgrade to more of a “staple” where you see it consistently used as a featured operating system in a carrier’s “stable” of smartphones. Okay, I know what you’re thinking… enough with the “quotes”…

Done and done.

It is coming ladies and gentlemen. We knew it was coming. You probably did too. But seriously… Android is about to take the world by storm. And those 2012 market share projections? If the cards are played right they could be blown out of the water. Or out of the lava.

source: http://phandroid.com

Phone Wars II: Attack of the Droids

2009-10-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

What an iPhone Really is

Have you seen an iPhone commercial lately? They're remarkable, because they aren't iPhone commercials anymore--they're App Store commercials. They're fetching, arresting, compelling because suddenly the Star Trek future ("...Need to know the closest place to buy fresh garlic? There's an app for that...") seems real. Like all those flying cars we were promised 40 years ago, this is one promise of the future made good.

This is a longer way of saying that the iPhone is really just a bully handheld computer. And this is a good thing, because as you probably know, no one’s particularly happy with the device qua phone. (Apple tifosi will debate this, but that’s an argument for another time.) At last count, Apple claims that there are something over 80,000 applications for it.

Right now the iPhone runs what's been programmed specifically for it. Apple wins because you have to buy iPhone apps through their online store. Developers win because they get a first-rate storefront to hawk their wares and a rock-solid OS to build on. Consumers win because they get what they want easily—and in many cases, quite inexpensively. Investors win because it’s a sticky product that attracts and retains users better than the back of my couch attracts dust bunnies.

If it ain’t broke…

But what if you could come up with an OS that anyone could write for, tinker with, re-assemble, re-package, and re-shell? What if you made it free? What would that market it created look like?

We’re about to see. Enter the Droid. Specifically, Android, an 'open source' operating system shepherded, but not controlled by, Google. It is powerful, fast, and free to handset makers. That’s right—they don’t pay licensing fees to install it on their phones. And its open source nature means that adopters, should they decide, can customize it. This can range from simple re-skinning (making the user interface, or UI, look different) to really getting into its guts and playing around.

As I write, Samsung, Motorola, HTC and Acer are all Android handset makers. You can buy a first-generation North American market Android device through T-Mobile now (the MyTouch 3G or the G1), or wait a little bit and pick up at least two through Verizon, and at least one through Sprint.

Everybody Wins...

The value proposition to the consumer is unreal. This is nothing less than a nascent Windows-of-the-smartphone world. As a software developer, presently you have the choice of developing code for Blackberrys, iPhones, as well as Windows Mobile devices. This is not to forget any code that you might want to develop for Nokia smart handsets. Or, you could write one basic set of code for Android—an OS that almost every major smartphone maker is beginning to load on its phones. Where’s the bigger, easier market? There are only so many hours in the day, what are you going to code for? As a user, you will have access to a tidal wave of available apps. Android is the rising tide; everybody wins.

...Except for Apple

I’m a shareholder and pleased as punch with AAPL stock, but the iPhone’s undisputed reign is questionable in the near-term and severely undermined in the mid-term. See here http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9139026/Android_to...... to see how the bell tolls for thee, iPhone.

Android isn’t Google, but who cares?

Android isn’t owned or operated by Google, but the consumer perception will be that it is, in the same way that users once upon a time conflated “the internet” with “AOL”. That perception is going to sell handsets, and, more important, hook users into Android applications. Once they’re hooked, switching costs are high. (Ask anyone who owns an app-laden iPhone user if she’ll ever go back. I challenge you to find a significant number.)

A Growing Ecosystem versus a Walled Garden

An open-source OS represents an ecosystem; closed OSes represent a pale facsimile of same. Not every ecosystem is successful. But the interlocking and self-interested software developers, wireless providers, handset makers, and consumer parties who will profit from it being so, are all there.

And you know that cool new Kindle competitor from Barnes and Noble? It runs Android, too.

source: http://caps.fool.com/Blogs/

Motorola Sholes/Droid Comes to Europe Too

2009-10-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

Mobile phone maker Motorola is already known to plan on coming to the US market with a second Android-powered mobile phone, following the Motorola Cliq, which will soon come to T-Mobile and is already available for purchase in Europe as Motorola Dext, and now we learn that the handset might also come to the old continent in the near future. The device, dubbed Motorola Sholes (or Droid), has just made a short pit stop at FCC, bearing GSM connectivity.

“This equipment is a GSM portable transceiver, which operates in the 850, 900,1800 and 1900 MHz PCS band. It also operates in WCDMA 900 and 2100 MHz and contains GPRS Class 12 and a 2.4 GHz Bluetooth function (Part 15.247). The unit may also be connected to a computer via a USB connection (Part 15 Class B Computing Device Peripheral),” is how the handset is described.

Interestingly enough, it seems that Motorola has been trying to get the phone through FCC without people noticing it, and the filing shows the Sholes name only once. The Android handset, as many of you might already know, was already spotted at FCC a while ago, only that it sported support for CDMA frequencies at that time, unlike now, when it comes with GSM support.

Moreover, it seems that this is indeed a European version of the Motorola Sholes, as a recent post on MobileCrunch notes, since there are no signs that the phone includes support for AT&T or T-Mobile's networks. The phone has been already expected for a few weeks now to be officially announced as coming to Verizon Wireless' offering, and, while that announcement seems to be late to the party, it should be interesting to see whether the Motorola Sholes will come to the European market first, just as the Android-based Moto Cliq / Dext did.

source: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Sholes-Droid-Comes-to-Europe-Too-124600.shtml

Verizon, son énorme campagne Anti-iPhone

2009-10-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

Verizon, opérateur téléphonique identique à Free chez nous (Offre Triple Play) a mis en place une attaque de masse contre Apple et l'iPhone avec une grosse campagne publicitaire qui a débutée hier soir

Une campagne au look inhabituel et surtout avec une toute nouvelle attitude. En effet, Verizion a décidé de mettre en évidence tout ce que l"iPhone ne fait pas.

De plus, pour ne pas passer inaperçu et pour être sur de toucher un maximum de personnes, la campagne publicitaire a été diffusée hier soir durant les playoffs de la Major League de Baseball sur la FOX, qui opposait les LA Angels aux Yankees de New York. Elle sera également fortement diffusée pendant les matchs de NFL, le dimanche.

Cette campagne n'est pas anodine ! Le 30 Octobre prochain sortira le nouveau Motorola avec comme système d"exploitation, Androïd 2.0

Le but de cette campagne est donc de montrer aux consommateurs que Androïd 2.0 est bien meilleur que OSX Mobile

Verizion a débuté sa campagne avec cette vidéo très simple mais sacrément efficace !

Cette vidéo qui se termine par ces mots "Droïd Does", est malheureusement hyper réaliste....

Pensez vous que Androïd 2.0 sera finalement meilleur que OSX Mobile ?

-------------------------------------

EDIT :

Je précise que nous parlons d'un iPhone NON JAILBREAKE donc d'origine
Alors arrêtez de me dire qu'on peut faire ce que l'on veut avec son iPhone !

Sans Jailbreak, pas de custom, pas de meilleur qualité photo, pas de Widgets....
Si Androïd continu ainsi, ça va être un très très bon Système....

sources: http://www.iphon.fr/post/2009/10/18/Verizon%2C-son-%C3%A9norme-campagne-Anti-iPhone

Droid Does : quand Verizon tacle Apple

2009-10-18T13:10:00.001-07:00

En marketing, on appelle ça de la publicité comparative et, en règle général, ça ne fait pas dans la dentelle. Pour promouvoir l’arrivée prochaine du Motorola Droid sur le sol américain, l’opérateur Verizon diffuse depuis peu la vidéo ci-dessous, qui appuie là où ça fait mal, en pointant du doigt tout ce que ne fait pas l’iPhone. Une communication d’autant plus savoureuse qu’Apple s’est fait une spécialité de ce type de réclame avec sa campagne I’m a Mac, I’m a PC.

Pour ne rien gâcher, Verizon se moque d’Apple et de cette habitude qui consiste à coller un i minuscule partout (iPod, iPhone, iMac), en surnommant l’iPhone iDon’t, soit « je ne fais pas ». Et l’iPhone ne fait bien évidemment pas certaines choses : il n’offre pas de clavier physique, il ne prend pas de photos 5 mégapixels, il ne se personnalise pas, etc. Le sous-entendu est clair : ce que l’iPhone ne fait pas, le Droid le fera. La campagne s’intitule d’ailleurs « Droid Does ».

Jusqu’ici connu sous le nom de code Sholes, le Droid de Motorola embarquera la version 2.0 du système d’exploitation mobile de Google, Android. Il devrait ainsi offrir certaines choses dont ne dispose pas l’iPhone, à commencer par un environnement de développement ouvert et la possibilité d’exécuter simultanément plusieurs applications.

Les caractéristiques définitives du Droid ne sont pas encore connues, mais on parle d’un téléphone à clavier coulissant horizontal, doté d’un écran 3,8 pouces tactile affichant une belle résolution de 480 x 854 pixels. Il devrait par ailleurs disposer d’une prise jack, d’un logement pour carte micro-SD, du WiFi, du Bluetooth, le tout pour un poids d’environ 170 grammes.

iDon’t « Droid Does » : la musique est « Magic (Oh Oh Oh) » de MoZella

2009-10-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

Très bonne pub de Verizon pour décrédibiliser l’iPhone en tapant là où ça fait mal, avec un très bon slogan : « Droid Does » (ils parlent bien sûr d’Android).

N’oublions pas que AT&T est l’opérateur exclusif pour l’iPhone aux États-Unis (le pays de la liberté… ou pas), et donc que les autres opérateurs subissent de lourdes pertes de clients à cause d’une migration d’une partie de ceux-ci pour acheter le smartphone d’Apple. Donc pour enrayer cette tendance, il faut des messages forts, il faut identifier les lacunes de l’iPhone, et les mettre en évidence dans une jolie pub humoristique, que voici ci-dessous :

La musique de cette pub ?

MoZella – « Magic (Oh Oh Oh) »

Je n’ai pas réussi à trouver les paroles, mais si vous les avez, je suis preneur !

Les affiches de pub iDon’t

Il faut également préciser que SanDisk avait lancé une campagne publicitaire du même genre (toujours avec le site iDont), avec les affiches sur le même slogan :

iSheep (ou en français, le mouton -celui qui fait comme les autres sans réfléchir)

iChimp (pour le singe, celui qui n’est pas un humain, et donc qui ne réfléchit pas)

Et encore iFollow (avec l’âne)

sources: http://www.abricocotier.fr/7457-idont-droid-does-la-musique-est-magic%EF%BB%BF-oh-oh-oh-de-mozella

Droid Does : Ce que l’iPhone ne fait pas, le Motorola Droid le fera.

2009-10-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Verizon s’apprête à sortir le Motorola Droid (anciennement connu sous le nom de Motorola Tao) et prépare le terrain en lançant une campagne de communication agressive contre l’iPhone !

Verizon lance une campagne de communication pour promouvoir son Motorola Droid… et descendre l’iPhone :

iDon’t have a real keyboard : je n’ai pas de clavier physique
iDon’t run simultaneous apps : je ne fais pas tourner plusieurs applications en simultané
iDon’t take 5-megapixel pictures : je ne prend pas de photos 5 megapixels
iDon’t customize : je ne suis pas personnalisable
iDon’t run widgets : je ne fais pas tourner de widgets
iDon’t allow open development : je ne permet pas le développement ouvert
iDon’t take pictures in the dark : je ne prend pas de photos dans le noir
iDon’t have interchangeable batteries : je n’ai pas de batteries interchangeables

Toutes ces choses que l’iPhone ne fait pas, le Motorola Droid le fera ! C’est agressif, mais tellement vrai ! Selon le compteur disponible sur le site le Motorola Droid devrait être disponible début novembre.

De quoi relancer la guerre entre les fans d’Android et d’iPhone… Même si on sait déjà qui va gagner !

sources:Droid Does

Watch Live Zambia vs Egypt شاهد مباراة مصر / زومبيا مباشرة بدون تقطع

2009-10-10T05:22:00.001-07:00

Egypt

Egypt vs Zambia Highlights World Cup 2010 Qualifiers Live Score . Zambia vs Egypt FIFA World Cup 2010 Qualifier Highlights, Live Score, Results On October 10th 2009 at 13:00 UK time

التعليق العربي

Zambia vs Egypt

====
تعليق : اشرف شلبي

You are watching Zambia vs Egypt
--World Cup 2010 Qualifying--

Google Barcode Logo Celebrates 57 Years of Barcode Patent

2009-10-07T04:31:00.000-07:00

Google is celebrating the 57th anniversary of the patenting of the barcode with a Google logo that is literally a barcode.

On October 7, 1952, Joseph Woodland, Bernard Silver, and Jordin Johanson were awarded US Patent 2,612,994, after waiting since 1949 for it to come through.

The barcode could have ended up in the hands of IBM, where Woodland and Johanson moved to in 1951 and “continually tried to interest IBM in developing the system.” IBM commissioned a report which concluded “that it was both feasible and interesting, but that processing the resulting information would require equipment that was some time off in the future.”

In 1952 Philco purchased the patent, and then sold it to RCA the same year.

The common use of barcodes though was more recent. In July 1972 RCA began an eighteen-month test of their system in a Kroger store in Cincinnati. By 1977, there were scanning machines in fewer than 200 grocery stores in the United States. By 1980 the technology was being adopted by 8000 stores per year.

At 34 I’m just old enough to remember shopping at a supermarket where every item had a price tag. During the 80’s old fashioned price tags disappeared, and today you even see self service checkouts in supermarkets.

Although not yet confirmed by Google, it’s fair guess that the barcode logo on Google.com equates to something along the lines of Google, be it in the numeric form of the word.

October 7 Google Doodle : Barcode:

2009-10-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

Today, the barcode is Google’s logo. This Google doodle commemorates the issuance of the patent for the barcode, which happened October 7, 1952 with US Patent 2,612,994.

The barcode patent belongs to Norman Joseph Woodland, Bernard Silver and Jordin Johanson who worked on the idea after learning about a thesis by a 1932 business student named Wallace Flint regarding an automated grocery store.

A barcode is mainly an optical machine-readable representation of data. Originally, bar codes represented data in the widths (lines) and the spacings of parallel lines, and may be referred to as linear barcodes or symbologies.

However, other patterns such as squares, dots, hexagons and other geometric patterns within images, often termed as 2D matrix codes are also referred to as barcodes as well.

Source: Wikipedia

Bar code logo : is Google's birthday barcodes

2009-10-07T04:26:00.000-07:00

No, Google is not for sale. (At least as far as we know.) That barcode logo on the Google home page and its search results pages is in honor of the 57th anniversary of the barcode being patented: October 7, 1952 to Norman Woodland and Bernard Silver.

If you’re thinking that Google’s really upped its pace of publishing special logos lately, I’d have to agree. A quick glance at our Google Logos archive suggests this is at least the seventh Google doodle in the last month.

New Google Logo Celebrates The Barcode

2009-10-07T04:25:00.000-07:00

Google’s new logo is a barcode which, as far as we can tell, says “Google.” Today is the 57th anniversary of the first patent on the bar code. Inventors Norman Woodland and Bernard Silver filed the patent on October 1949, and it was granted, No. 2,612,994 (pdf), on October 7, 1952. The original patent was for a system that would encode data in circles (a bulls eye pattern), so that it could be scanned in any direction (see this interesting article for more history).

The barcode on the Google homepage is Code 128 encoded, which is a standard way of encoding ASCII character strings (ie. A-Z, a-z, 0-9, etc.) into a barcode. It would be safe to assume that Google used their own open source barcode project, ZXing, to generate the barcode. The same library is used in Android for barcode recognition.

The barcode is a technical innovation that has become an often unnoticed, yet essential, part of modern day life. The format is a global standard, where a scanner from any manufacturer can interpret almost any conforming barcode from anywhere (assuming it can interpret the encoding format – which is UPC in the case of products, and Code128 or something else for other applications, depending). The barcode is a great example of why uniform protocols and standards serve a greater good for everybody, and the same lesson certainly applies to the web.

We had to double check that the barcode in this instance was correct (some of the geeks here insist the barcode isn’t 100% correct), since Google has previously messed things up when they try and talk geek dirty.

Google regularly changes its logo for holidays and other special events. Here’s their 10th birthday logo from last year, for example. More recently they celebrated Gandhi’s birthday. Google hosts some of their holiday logos here, and fan created logos here.

source:

http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/06/new-google-logo-celebrates-the-barcode/

Xerox Corp: announced $6.4 billion dollar bid to acquire Affiliated Computer Services (ACS).

2009-09-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Xerox Corp. announced this morning a $6.4 billion dollar bid to acquire Affiliated Computer Services (ACS).

The deal is the second big industry acquisition in as many weeks. Last week computer hardware and IT services provider Dell bought Texas-based Perot System for $3.9 billion. ACS is the largest provider of managed services to government with over 1,700 federal, state, county and local government contracts.

Just last week, ACS signed a deal with the Louisiana Department of Social Services to administer transaction authorization processing, card management and helpdesk services for Louisiana’s Food Stamps program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. ACS performs similar work for sixteen other states and the federal government to deliver EBT services.

ACS shareholders would receive 63.11 per share in cash and Xerox stock, according to officials, giving the copier company a new revenue stream as an outsourcer and information services company. The combined company would create a $22 billion global enterprise for document technology and business process management, officials said in a statement.

ACS president and chief executive Lynn Blodgett said the deal would allow the ACS brand to expand globally through the Xerox name and “leading innovation.”

Ursula M. Burns, Xerox chief executive officer, said the deal was a “game-changer for Xerox.”

Foreign sales may be the biggest factor in the deal. According to Xerox, the company will use its established brand and client relations in Europe, Asia and South America to scale ACS’s business. ACS’s expertise is in managing paper-based work processes and providing specialized BPO and information technology services for industries that range from telecommunications, retail and financial services to healthcare, education and transportation. The BPO market is expected to reach $150 billion this year.

The company also expects to achieve annualized cost synergies in the range of $300 million to $400 million in the first three years by using ACS’s back-office expertise to handle Xerox’s internal functions..

Darwin Deason, founder and chairman of ACS, said the deal was a “tremendous outcome” for their shareholders, and that he’ll remain a “long-term investor.” The acquisition is still subject to government and regulatory approval.

Ice cold 2d half for Ryan

2009-09-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ice cold 2d half for Ryan

FOXBOROUGH - It was never Matt Ryan’s intent to wax nostalgic about the memorable moments he had during his career at Boston College.

Sure, the former BC quarterback, selected third overall by the Falcons last year, was happy to be back in the area and catch up with some familiar faces.

But make no mistake: Ryan would have preferred if things had gone differently in yesterday’s 26-10 loss to the Patriots.

“Yeah, it’s always a good place to come back to,’’ Ryan said. “I have some great memories from BC, so it was a good visit but, unfortunately, we didn’t get the outcome that we wanted, so in that sense it was frustrating.’’

But was it distracting?

“Since we started back in the draft process, you can see that Matt is a focused football player,’’ said Falcons coach Mike Smith. “Matt is focused on one thing and that’s what happens between those two sidelines. I don’t think it affected Matt one bit.’’

Whether it was the football gear he wore on the field or the maroon and gold necktie he wore after the game, Ryan comported himself in a businesslike manner.

He flashed a smile and chuckled when he was asked if his choice of neckwear was intentional.

“Coincidence,’’ Ryan said. “Actually, I didn’t even really think about it. But thank you for noticing, I appreciate that.’’ Then, noting the Eagles’ 27-24 overtime victory against Wake Forest Saturday, Ryan added, “A big win yesterday for BC.’’

Ryan had hoped for a big win of his own yesterday.

“We thought we came out and did a good job of moving the ball but we just couldn’t put the ball in the end zone,’’ said Ryan, who completed 17 of 28 passes for 199 yards. “When you play a good football team like New England, in their stadium, you’re going to have to do that, so [my] hat’s off to them. They played better than us today.’’

The Patriots’ defense seemed to put a great deal of pressure on Ryan by taking away Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, who was limited to a 16-yard catch in the fourth quarter, and by keeping in check running back Michael Turner, who was held to 56 yards on 15 carries.

“They wanted to bracket Tony a little bit and obviously stop Michael and the run game,’’ receiver Michael Jenkins said. “But we were still able to move the ball. They didn’t want us to have the ball on defense. We worked hard, but it wasn’t enough.’’

Ryan never appeared awestruck by sharing the field with Tom Brady, whom Ryan followed and admired during his time at BC.

“I had never been down here so, first and foremost, it was cool to see it,’’ Ryan said. “I have watched from a distance from my time at BC. But, that said, I have played enough games in the league now that when you get somewhere, you have to go out there and you have to produce and you have to line up against whoever you’re playing, so it doesn’t make a difference who the opponent is that week, you have to go out there and you have to execute.’’

For the better part of three quarters, Ryan succeeded in doing just that. But after Jenkins’s apparent TD was called back in the third quarter, the Falcons seemed to sputter. To make matters worse, the Patriots went on drives of 70 and 72 yards in the fourth quarter that resulted in Stephen Gostkowski’s 33-yard field goal and Chris Baker’s 36-yard TD grab, respectively.

Atlanta, meanwhile, generated just 32 yards on its three possessions in the fourth quarter, the last two of which resulted in three-and-outs.

“Again, when you play a good football team like New England, especially a good offense like New England, [which] controls the tempo and tries to eat up time of possession, you have to score when you get opportunities and, unfortunately, we didn’t get that done,’’ said Ryan.

But the Falcons departed Foxborough recognizing there will be many more games than not when their quarterback does get the job done.

“I keep saying it all along that he has got the great arm and is the prototype,’’ Gonzalez said. “But I think the real thing that is going to separate him in the long run is him wanting to go out there and be the best. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say he is a 10 as far as his work ethic is concerned . . . He is a special player and is on his way.’’

Xerox and Affiliated Computer Services $6.4 Billion Deal

2009-09-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

Xerox and Affiliated Computer Services $6.4 Billion Deal

Xerox announced it will acquire computer services Association of Caribbean States (ACS), transactions worth 6.4 billion. Xerox hopes that this agreement will allow them to expand their current business plan, which is document management.

It has been reported from the PC world, the Association of Caribbean States of the agreement is better than Xerox's services revenue three times the figure will rise to 3.5 billion U.S. dollars a year to 100 billion U.S. dollars. At present, only a small number of buyers service has not been with Xerox, this is only a matter of time before the hardware vendor has done a play in the Dallas Association of Caribbean States.

The news, which is the latest in a line of acquisitions, recently reported that computer maker Dell is one of Perot Systems to purchase 3.9 billion. This will not be the last one independent, swallowing larger companies, other risks, including Unisys and information system technology.

sources:
http://www.product-reviews.net/2009/09/28/xerox-and-affiliated-computer-services-64-billion-deal/

Obama to Attend Olympic Vote

2009-09-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON — President Obama will travel to Copenhagen later this week to support Chicago’s bid to play host to the 2016 Summer Games, the White House and the Chicago organizers announced on Monday. It will be the first time an American president attended an International Olympic Committee vote and lobbied in person for an American city to become host of the Games.

Mr. Obama had initially said that the pressing issue of health care reform would prevent him from making the trip to Copenhagen, where one of four cities — Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro or Tokyo — would be named the host city after Friday’s vote. Mr. Obama said he would send his wife, Michelle Obama, a lifelong Chicagoan, in his place. But there were signals last week that Mr. Obama was likely to make the trip after all, and the White House sent an advance team to Copenhagen to prepare the way. The final decision was made public early Monday morning.

“President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama symbolize the hope, opportunity and inspiration that makes Chicago great, and we are honored to have two of our city’s most accomplished residents leading our delegation in Copenhagen,” Mayor Richard M. Daley said in a statement. “Who better to share with members of the International Olympic Committee the commitment and enthusiasm Chicago has for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement than the President and First Lady.”

The Chicago bid leader, Patrick G. Ryan, said he was honored that Mr. Obama would join the bid team “for the pinnacle moment in our bid.”

The host city will be announced Friday at 12:30 p.m. Eastern time, after each city delivers a 70-minute final presentation to the 100-plus I.O.C. members. Mr. Obama is expected to be a part of that final presentation. Heads of state from Brazil and Spain are also expected to be present in Copenhagen.

The competition to become the host city for the 2016 Games is said to be the tightest in years. Rio, trying to become the first South American city to play host to the Games, is thought to have a slight lead over Chicago. The vote may be won by one or two votes, so Mr. Obama’s presence there is “very critical” because he is likely to sway votes Chicago’s way, said Robert Livingstone, the producer for the Web site GamesBids.com, which follows the business of Olympic bids.

Mr. Obama and his wife will join a large delegation that will be in Copenhagen, including more than two dozen Olympians and Paralympians. Oprah Winfrey, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood also will make the trip.

Other bid cities will have their own large group of supporters in Copenhagen. But in the recent past, the presence of the heads of states made the difference.

Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain set the bar high in 2005, when he and his wife, Cherie, traveled to the I.O.C. meeting in Singapore to lobby for London’s bid for the 2012 Games. London won those Games in an upset over Paris. Mr. Blair’s last-minute efforts were said to have won the day.

At the next vote to choose a host city, in 2007, Vladimir Putin, who was then president of Russia and is now prime minister, addressed the I.O.C. membership in Guatemala City in English, pushing for the resort city of Sochi, Russia, to host the 2014 Winter Games. Sochi was chosen.

google's 11th birthday

2009-09-26T15:23:00.001-07:00

google's 11th birthday

4 September, marks the 11th year since the founding of the company Google, the most influential technology companies in the world. In 1998, the same day, Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded the company in Menlo Park, California, to promote the search engine they had developed as a research project. Here's to many more years of glory!

L’Algérie l’emporte sur la Zambie à Blida

2009-09-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

Match disputé mais score modeste : 1-0

Le match attendu entre Zambie et Algérie s’est soldé dimanche 6 septembre au soir, au stade Mustapha Tchaker de Blida, par une victoire fortement disputée de l’équipe nationale algérienne, qui prend ainsi le chemin de la qualification...

La série noire va-t-elle s’arrêter, et l’Algérie sera-t-elle qualifiée pour la Coupe du Monde 2010 en Afrique du sud ? C’était l’enjeu premier du match qui se déroulait ce dimanche 6 septembre 2009 au stade Mustapha Tchaker de Blida, littéralement tapissé de vert et rouge, aux couleurs de l’Algérie... Pari gagné pour l’équipe nationale algérienne, au terme d’un match aprement disputé, grâce à un but décisif marqué en deuxième mi-temps.

Les premières minutes de la rencontre avaient été euphoriques, la sélection algérienne semblant d’emblée imposer son rythme et une domination claire à une équipe zambienne un temps désarçonnée. Mais les joueurs zambiens reprenaient rapidement l’offensive, avec des contres particulièrement menaçants, et une vélocité qui paraissait, après vingt minutes de jeu, couper les jambes des joueurs algériens. Le match aurait alors pu basculer, à la faveur du désarroi de la défense algérienne... Mais les attaquants zambiens ne parvinrent pas à concrétiser leurs occasions, échouant à plusieurs reprises sur des actions très menaçantes.

La première période se soldait donc par un score nul, et une forme d’incertitude planait encore sur le stade de Blida, où les spectateurs commençaient à douter...

Dès le début de la deuxième mi-temps la sélection algérienne reprit l’offensive, et bientôt l’avantage, grâce à un but magnifique de son attaquant Rafik Saifi à la 59e minute. L’attaquant qui fit les beaux jours du club de Lorient, transféré cet été au club qatari d’Al-Khor, avait déjà inscrit un but de la tête à la 33ème minute de la première période, mais l’arbitre l’avait refusé pour un hors-jeu... discutable ? Inutile de polémiquer sur sa décision, puisque le deuxième but marqué fut incontestable !

Le match resta pourtant extrêmement disputé jusqu’aux arrêts de jeu, l’équipe zambienne ne s’avouant pas vaincue tant que le coup de sifflet final n’eut pas retenti...

La victoire algérienne a soulevé l’enthousiasme à Blida comme dans toute l’Algérie, dont l’équipe nationale reprend ainsi son avance dans le classement du groupe C, où l’Egypte l’avait rejointe en s’imposant face au Rwanda (1-0) samedi 5 septembre.

La suite reste à écrire, puisque les Fenechs rencontreront les Pharaons pour la "Finale" du groupe C le 14 novembre, au Caire, après avoir rencontré les Rwandais le 10 octobre prochain... Même si rien n’est joué, le chemin de la qualification est donc largement ouvert, puique l’Algérie a trois points d’avance avec deux matchs à jouer seulement... L’espoir naît à Alger de retrouver l’élite mondiale du foorball et de disputer enfin une nouvelle Coupe du Monde en 2010... Après 24 ans d’absence (depuis 1986) dans la plus prestigieuse compétition mondiale !

الخدع و الألعاب السحرية

2009-09-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

أكبر موقع عربي لتعليم و كشف اسرار الألعاب السحرية والخدع و ألعاب الخفة

http://als7r.blogspot.com/

أكبر موقع عربي للألعاب و الخدع السحرية ,تعلم الالعاب السحرية,كشف الخدع السحرية,خدع السحر,العاب الورق, ألعاب الحظ, فديو الخدع السحريةFree Magic Tricks,learn magic tricks, magic, card magic, خدع أكبر المشاهير و السحرة,خدع الاختفاء ,خدع الشوارع, خدع الطيران و الإسترفاع ,خدع العاب الورق , خدع النقود و العملات,خدع منوعة magic tricks revealed

Birthday Freebies

2009-09-04T13:59:00.001-07:00

You say it’s your birthday…

Everyone loves birthdays and everyone loves free stuff. Luckily for us, there are a ton of places out there that offer birthday freebies! I’ve compiled a list of some of the best birthday freebies out there. Remember that some places will want you to show proof, so be honest!

Abbot’s Frozen Custard – Join the Abbott’s Frozen Custard Fun Club to a get a free frozen custard on your birthday. The site says there will also be freebies throughout the year for their members.

Alfy’s Pizza – Get a free mini pizza on your birthday.

Applebee’s – Free dessert and song on your birthday.

Austin Grill – Register for their eClub and get a free meal on your birthday.

Bakers Square – Get a free peice of pie on your birthday at Bakers Square.

Bandido’s – Get $10 off your favorite entree when you celebrate your birthday at Bandido’s in Ohio and Indiana.

Baskin Robbins – Baskin Robbins will send you a coupon for a free 2.5 oz scoop of ice cream on your birthday plus other special promotions when you join the Baskin Robbins Birthday Club.

BD’s Mongolian BBQ – Receive a free stifry on your birthday when you join Club Mongo.

Ben & Jerry’s – Get a free ice cream treat on your birthday when you become a ChunkSpelunker with Ben & Jerry’s.

Bennigan’s – Get a buy 1 entree, get 1 entrée free and a free brownie ice cream dessert coupon on your birthday.

Black Angus Steakhouse – Get a free steak dinner on your birthday when you join the BA Prime Club. You also get a complimentary dessert for signing up for the club.

Blimpie – Get a coupon for a free 6” sub on your birthday at Blimpie’s.

Blue Bell – Members of the Blue Bell Country Club will receive a gift certificate for a free half gallon of Blue Bell Ice Cream during the month of their birthday.

Bob’s Big Boy – Get a free hot fudge ice cream on your birthday.

Bob Evans – Sign up your child for their birthday club and they’ll get a free kids’ meal on their birthday at Bob Evans.

The Body Shop – The Body Shop will give you a free birthday gift up to a $10 value during the month of your birthday. **No longer valid**

Boston Market – Kids 12 and under will receive a birthday coupon good for a free kid’s meal, drink, and dessert at Boston Market.

Buffalo Wild Wings – Get a free dozen hot wings on your birthday at Buffalo Wild Wings. **No longer valid**

Burger King – Sign up your child to be a member of Club BK so they can get a free kid’s meal on their birthday.

California Pizza Kitchen – Sign up your child (10 and under) for CPKids and they will receive a free CPKids meal during the month of their birthday.

Captain D’s – Kids get a free kids meal and birthday greeting on their birthday at Captain D’s.

Caribou Coffee – Create an account and be sure to update it with your birthday. They will send you a coupon for a free coffee drink on your birthday.

Carrows – Join the Carrows E-Club to get a free dessert on your birthday as well as one for joining.

Cattlemen’s – Join the Cattlemen’s E-Club and get a free dessert when you come in on your birthday.

Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse – Get a free gift on your birthday as a member of the Charlie Brown’s Handshake Club as well as gift vouchers and special members-only events.

Chevys – Join Chevys Compadres Club and get a free dessert on your birthday.

Claim Jumper Restaurant – Join the CJ E-Club and get a free dessert on your birthday.

Cold Stone Creamery – Cold Stone Creamery will send you an email with a coupon for a free ice cream creation to enjoy on your birthday. All ages are welcome!

Country Buffet – Join the eClub and get a free birthday coupon in the mail.

Crazy Buffet – Bring a friend and your ID into Crazy Buffet on your birthday and get a free dinner buffet.

Dairy Queen – Join the Dairy Queen Blizzard Fan Club and get a free ice cream cone on your birthday as well as a coupon for a blizzard when you join.

Dave & Buster’s – Get a free $5 game card credit on your birthday.

Denny’s – Fill in and mail out this form to enroll your child (10 and under) in the Denny’s Kids’ Birthday Club where they will receive a birthday card entitling them to a free kid’s entrée and sundae.

Desparados Mexican Restaraunt – Come in and get a free meal at Desparados on your birthday.

Discovery Cruise Line – You get a free one-day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas. You do have to make the trip with another fare-paying adult and will have to shell out the $20 for the Bahama departure and harbor fee.

Disneyland – Get free admission on your birthday when you register in advance. You will need to bring the confirmation along with your ID to the park.

Dockside Restaurants – Get a free meal on your birthday.

Duke’s ChowderHouse – Get a coupon for a free lunch or dinner entree on your birthday when you sign up on Duke’s website.

Famous Daves BBQ – Free food coupon via email on your birthday when you join the Famous Dave’s P.I.G. Club (could be free cake, an appetizer, or some ribs!).

Firehouse Subs – Jon the Firehouse Subs Birthday Club and enjoy a free sub on your birthday.

Friendly’s – Sign up for Friendly’s E-News and get free ice cream for your birthday. This is now for kids and adults!

Fuddruckers – Join the Fudds Club and gett a free burger on your birthday. (May not be available in all areas.)

Garozzo’s Ristorante – Bring in your driver’s license to get a free spedini meal at this Kansas City eatery.

Hana Japan – Get a free birthday lunch or dinner when you bring in 4 or more people on your birthday.

Hard Rock Cafe – Come in and get a free dessert on your birthday.

Hollywood Video – Get a free rental at Hollywood Video on your birthday with card membership. In fact, anyone on your account can get a free rental on their birthday.

Hometown Buffet – Join the eClub and get a free birthday coupon in the mail.

Houlihan’s – Visit Houlihan’s on your birthday and get free cake and ice cream.

IHOP – Come on into IHOP and get a free meal on your birthday. (May not be available in all areas.)

Joe’s Crab Shack – Go to Joe’s Crab Shack on your birthday and get a free piece of cake.

Lone Star Steakhouse – Sign up for the Lone Star Steakhouse e-club and you’ll receive a coupon for a free entree (up to $15 value) to help you celebrate your birthday.

Luby’s - Free kid’s birthday meal (ages 9 and younger) on their birthday as a member of the Luby’s birthday club.

Macaroni Grill – Come on into Macaroni Grill on your birthday and get a free dessert plus a song.

Marie Callender’s – Join Marie Callender’s E-Club and get a coupon for $5 off your meal and piece of pie when you visit during the month of your birthday.

McDonald’s - Free Happy Meal for your child on their birthday. This offer is only good at participating McDonald’s in Colorado, Greater Las Vegas Area, Western Nebraska and Wyoming.

Memphis Barbecue – Receive a coupon good for a free rack of ribs and a dessert when you join the free eClub.

Moe’s Southwest Grill – Get a coupon for a free Moe’s entree on your birthday when you choose to “stay in the moe.”

Noodles & Company – Join the Noodleville Noodlegram to get a coupon for a free dish on your birthday.

Olan Mills Portrait Studios – Get a free Olan Mills portrait package that includes (1) 8X10, (2) 5X7 and (8) wallets when you join the birthday club.

Old Country Buffet – Join the eClub and get a free birthday coupon in the mail.

Old Spaghetti Warehouse – Join the Warehouse Club and get a coupon for a free meal on your birthday.

On the Border – Get a free appetizer on your birthday when you join On the Border’s Club Cantina. When you initially join you will get an instant coupon for a free bowl of queso or empanadas.

Outback – Get a free dessert and a song when you go to Outback on your birthday.

P.F. Changs – Come in and get a free dessert on your birthday.

Pancho’s – Join Pancho’s Birthday Club to get $10 off the bill for adults or $5 off the bill for kids.

Perkins – Receive an email for a free kid’s meal and birthday greeting on their birthday when you sign them up for the Bakery Buddies Kid’s Birthday Club.

Provino’s – Come on into Provino’s on your birthday and show your ID to get a free pasta speciality dinner (which includes salad, garlic rolls and a birthday dessert!).

Red Lobster – Join the Overboard Club and they will email you a suprise for your birthday.

Red Robin – Join the Red Robin eClub and get a coupon for a fee burger on your birthday. This is for all ages!

Rock Bottom – Join the Mug Club and get a free appetizer on your birthday.

Round Table – Get a free personal pizza when you visit on your birthday.

Ru Sans – Visit Ru Sans to sign up for their birthday card to get free food on your birthday.

Sephora – Sign up as a Beauty Insider and get a free gift from Sephora on your birthday.

Shoney’s – Get your child (10 and under) a free kid’s meal on their birthday when you sign them up for the the Kids Club.

Sonic – Members of the Wacky Pack Kid’s Birthday Club will receive a coupon for a free Wacky Pack during the week of their birthday.

Taco Bell – Get a free combo meal of your choice on your birthday at Taco Bell. (May not be available in all areas.)

Taco Time – Taco Time send kids ages 12 or younger a coupon for a free kid’s meal on their next birthday.

Texas Roadhouse – Become a Texas Roadie and come into Texas Roadhouse to get a free dessert on your birthday.

TGI Friday’s – Receive a coupon for a free appetizer to use on your birthday when you sign up for Friday’s E-Club. You also get a coupon for a free appetizer just for signing up!

Tony Roma’s – Get a free dinner on your birthday from Tony Roma’s.

Toys ‘R’ Us – Children ages 2 – 10 will receive a birthday card and surprise gift from Geoffrey when you sign them up for Geoffrey’s Birthday Club.

The Transformation Studio – The Transformation Studio (TX) will give you a free makeover or express facial for your birthday! Be sure to mention the birthday special when you book your makeover or express facial and bring in your ID.

Walt Disney World – Free admission on your birthday when you register in advance and bring the confirmation along with an ID.

Zio’s Italian – Come in and get a free dessert on your birthday at Zio’s.

Please leave a comment below if you find any of these birthday freebies to be invalid. Thanks for helping FrugalLiving.TV keep this list updated!

birthday freebies

2009-09-04T13:45:00.000-07:00

Free Birthday Freebies

Everyone love’s having what they want for that special day right? Well below is a list of companies that offer freebies for your birthday. Thank you 24/7 Moms for this great list.

Restaurants 

Applebee’s - free dessert (no sign-up).
 Arby’s Extras - free food w/purchase. 
Bds Mongolian -Grill free food .
Bakers Square- free pie.
 Biaggi’s - free dessert .
Black Angus Prime Club free dinner w/purchase .
Black-eyed Pea - free food. 
Buca di Beppo eClub - free dessert
 Buffalo Wild Wings - free dessert 
Dave and Busters - $10 game play
 Duke’s Chowder House - free entree 
Famous Daves P.I.G. Club free food, kids included
 FirstWatch Cafe - free entree 
Friendlys Birthday Club free ice cream or kids meal w/ purchase 
Fuddruckers - free shake w/purchase 
Houlihan’s - free entree 
Islands - free entree and dessert month after your birthday 
Joe’s Crabshack - free appetizer w/purchase
Joe’s Farm Grill - free meal plus dessert
Lone Star Steakhouse - $15 gift card 
Macaroni Grill- free dessert w/purchase 
Maggiano’s- free dessert 
Mimi’s Cafe - free food, free breakfast with sign-up  
Moe’s Southwest Grill – free entree 
Noodles & Company – free entree 
Orange Julius - free food 
Old Country Buffet- free buffet when you buy one
On The Border - free food 
Outback Steakhouse – free dessert on your birthday, no sign-up 
Papa Murphy’s - free food  
Provino’s - free meal, no sign-up
Qdoba Mexican Grill - free burrito w/entree purchase 
Quizno’s - free cookie  
Ram Restaurant- free Mile High Mud Pie 
Red Lobster - $5 Coupon
 Red Robin - free burger 
Rita’s - birthday discounts 
Ruby Tuesday - free dessert 
Salsarita’s - free burrito w/drink purchase
Schlotzky’s - free sandwich 
Sonic Cruisers - free food
Subway - free meal w/purchase 
Sweet Tomatoes – free meal 
Texas de Brazil - free meal w/purchase 
Texas Land & Cattle- free food w/purchase 
The Melting Pot’s Club Fondue - free dessert with purchase 
The Keg Steakhouse- free prime rib meal, in-store sign-up 
Timber Lodge Steak house – free food 
T.G.I.Friday’s - coupon 

Sweet Treats: Coffee, Ice Cream & Donuts 

Baskin Robbins Birthday Club free ice cream
 Bruster’s - free ice cream
 Caribou Coffee – free drink 
Cold Stone Creamery Birthday Club free ice cream 
Culver’s - free sundae when you buy one
 Dairy Queen- free Blizzard when you buy one 
Dunkin Donuts - free ice cream 
Krispy Kreme- free dozen when you buy one
Marble Slab Creamery - free ice cream 
Sheridan’s Frozen Custard – free treat.

Stores 

Ace Rewards $5 off $20 coupon 
Border Rewards free dessert and 15% coupon 
DSW Rewards $10 off $10 when you join, plus birthday coupon
 Hollywood Video - free rental on your birthday, no sign-up 
Sephora - vanilla cupcake bath & shower bubbles 
The Children’s Place – coupon for 20% off 
The Coconut Scrap Shop gift certificate 
Disney Wold or Disneyland - free admission on your birthday

Kids Only:
Check with your local grocery store because many give discounted or even free birthday cakes to celebrate a 1st birthday.

Applebee’s - free meal for child, fill out postcard at restaurant
Bob Evans Kid Times Birthday Club – free food (12 & younger)
Burger King - free kids meal
California Pizza Kitchen – free meal (10 & younger)
Cheeburger Cheeburger – free kids meal
Chuck E. Cheese’s - free tokens (12 & younger)
Denny’s – free meal (10 & younger)
Geoffrey’s Birthday Club – free toy with $3 or $5 coupon (ages 2 to 10)
IKEA Kids Club – free stuff (in-store sign-up)
Marble Slab Kid’s Club - free ice cream (12 & younger)
Michael’s The Knack Kids Club – coupons all year long (12 & younger)
Shoney’s Kids Club – free meal (10 & younger)
Sonic Wacky Pack Birthday Club – free meal (13 & younger)
The Old Spaghetti Factory Kids Club- free meal (12 & younger)
Zaxby’s Kidz Club - free meal (10 & younger).

Lunette astronomique Galilée atteint 400e anniversaire

2009-08-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Lunette astronomique Galilée [Galileo est icône Google?] Google à partir de surprise Lunette astronomique Galilée; Galileos traduire Google Translation propos Lunette astronomique Galilée.

Et Google change son logo pour célébrer l'anniversaire »400e anniversaire de Lunette astronomique Galiléede ", lit donc le point sur la souris, la vérité au moment d'écrire le mot apparaît en anglais comme "Galileo's telescope" «400e anniversaire de télescope de Galilée."

La découverte de la lunette astronomique

C'est l’Italien Galileo Galilei, plus connu sous le nom de Galilée, qui fabrique la première lunette astronomique.

Grâce à Lunette astronomique Galilée, il découvrit des éléments jusqu’alors inconnus, comme des montagnes à la surface de la Lune ou des taches sombres à la surface de la Terre. Les études menées par cet homme viennent confirmer la théorie de Copernic. La preuve qu’un objet céleste peut tourner autour d’autre chose que la Terre est apportée .

Lunette Galilée

Pour plus d'information visite:
http://zi4.blogspot.com/

Le télescope de Galilée "Galileo's telescope" atteint 400e anniversaire

2009-08-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

Comme nous savons tous que, sur certaines journées spéciales célèbre Google avec changement de logo. Aujourd'hui, Google a changé de logo pour célébrer le 400e anniversaire de télescope de Galilée.
Galileo Galilei n'a pas découvert le télescope, mais a été le premier à l'utiliser pour contrôler méthodiquement matière d'espace et de vérification de sa découverte. Son livre, Nuncius Sidereus ou le Messager céleste fut d'abord publié en 1610 et rendu célèbre. Il y rend compte de ses observations de la Lune, Jupiter et la Voie Lactée.

Galileo Galilei est né en 1564 à Pise. Galileo commencer ses études en médecine à l'Université de Pise, mais rapidement abandonné, préférant apprendre les mathématiques avec Ostilio Ricci. En 1592 il obtient la chaire de mathématiques à Padoue, et commence à travailler sur le plan incliné et le pendule. En 1598, Galileo cru à la vérité de la théorie copernicienne, comme il l'écrit à Kepler. Autour de 1604, il a commencé à travailler sur l'astronomie afin de donner des conférences sur la nouvelle étoile qui avait paru la même année.

Pour plus d'information visite:
http://zi4.blogspot.com/

Google Celebrate 400th Anniversary of Galileo's Telescope

2009-08-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

As we all know that on some special days Google Celebrates it with change in logo. Today Google has changed logo to celebrate 400th Anniversary of Galileo's Telescope.

Galileo Galilei did not discover the telescope but was the earliest to use it methodically to monitor space matter and verification his discovery. His book, Sidereus nuncius or The Starry Messenger was first published in 1610 and made him famous. In it he reported on his observations of the Moon, Jupiter and the Milky Way.

Galileo Galilei was born in 1564 at Pisa. Galileo begin his studies in medicine at the University of Pisa, but quickly dropped out, preferring to learn mathematics with Ostilio Ricci. In 1592 he obtained the chair of mathematics at Padua, and begins work on the inclined plane and the pendulum. By 1598, Galileo believed in the truth of the Copernican theory, as he wrote to Kepler. Around 1604, he began working on astronomy in order to lecture on the new star that had appeared that year.

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Google Wears Galileo's telescope

2009-08-24T16:10:00.001-07:00

Doodle 400th Anniversary of Galileo's Telescope

Galileo's telescope will be online on every google homepage

If you visit Google.com today, you will notice a special logo that looks like a telescope, It is a depiction of the Galileo's telescope .

Click the google logo to learn more about Nikola Tesla.

for more information visite:

http://zi4.blogspot.com/

14 juillet, fête nationale et vérité historique.

2009-07-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

Le 14 juillet est devenu fête nationale au début de la IIIe République, après un débat fort animé le 8 juin 1880. Il est savoureux de lire, avec le recul, le propos du rapporteur de la proposition de loi, le dénommé Antoine Achard (député radical de la Gironde), et d’en montrer, au vu des connaissances historiques qui ne sont pas toujours en concordance avec l’idéologie, les limites et les contradictions : « Les grands, les glorieux anniversaires ne manquent pas dans notre histoire. Celui qui vous est désigné est mémorable à double titre ; il rappelle en effet la prise de la Bastille le 14 juillet 1789 et la grande Fête de la Fédération célébrée le 14 juillet 1790. La prise de la Bastille qui fut le glorieux prélude, le premier acte de la Révolution a mis fin au monde ancien et, en ouvrant les portes de la rénovation sociale, a inauguré le monde nouveau, celui dont nous voyons l’aurore, celui qui s’édifie, lentement mais sûrement, le monde de la justice et de l’humanité, de l’égalité des droits et des devoirs.

La Fête de la Fédération a fait le monde moderne. En mettant en contact sympathique des populations jusqu’alors étrangères les unes aux autres, de races, d’origines différentes, distinctes par les mœurs, par le langage, par les lois ; en les groupant dans une grande manifestation pacifique, en leur apprenant en un mot à se connaître et à s’aimer, la Fête de la Fédération a fondé, sur des bases indestructibles, l’unité de la patrie ».

Quelques décennies après, l’historien monarchiste Pierre Gaxotte (1895-1982) répliquait, à sa façon, à ce discours par un texte ironique, publié dans l’été 1939, quelques jours avant le début de la Seconde guerre mondiale : « Le 14 juillet est devenu la fête de l’unité française. Devenu, ou plutôt redevenu. Historiquement et légalement en effet, notre 14 juillet ne commémore pas la délivrance des faux-monnayeurs et des satyres qui étaient emprisonnés à la Bastille, mais bien la fête de la Fédération qui eut lieu, en 1790, au Champ-de-Mars.

(…) Quoique agrégé d’Histoire, M. Daladier avait, par prudence, recouru à la science de M. le Directeur des Archives nationales (…). Je ne m’explique pas comment, à eux deux, ils ont pu commettre, dans leur reconstitution, deux énormes oublis.

1° La fête de la Fédération consista d’abord en une messe solennelle chantée par un évêque. Cette année, pas de messe. 2° Pour la présider, il y avait un roi, circonstance importante et nécessaire. Un roi, monsieur le président, un vrai roi à fleurs de lys, avec sa femme, son fils, sa fille et sa sœur. Puisque vous vouliez que votre fête révolutionnaire et commémorative de l’unité française fût exacte, il fallait y mettre le roi. Il fallait rétablir la monarchie. Sinon, ce n’est plus de l’histoire, c’est du roman ». Il est vrai que les deux « 14 juillet » se sont déroulés quelques années avant la République, en un temps où cette idée même apparaissait incongrue en France, et que, au grand dam de nos républicains, les deux se sont faits aux cris de… « vive le roi », y compris pour mieux, dans celui de 1789, violer la loi…

Car, malgré les accents lyriques du député Achard, le 14 juillet 1789 ne fut pas vraiment glorieux et il n’y a pas de quoi s’en vanter. Il est d’ailleurs amusant de constater que nos officiels de la République célèbrent une émeute dont ils se seraient effrayés à l’automne 2005… Comment, ainsi, dénoncer les désordres des banlieues quand on glorifie un épisode d’une violence aveugle et, à l’origine, si peu politique ? Je viens d’acquérir un livre fort intéressant intitulé « Les secrets de la Bastille tirés de ses archives » et écrit par l’historien Frantz Funck-Brentano dans les années 30, et qui remet un peu les choses au point : après le pillage des dépôts d’armes des Invalides (28.000 fusils et 24 canons), l’émeute se déplaça vers la Bastille pour y aller chercher la poudre qui s’y trouvait, et pas vraiment pour aller libérer les prisonniers qui y étaient enfermés (au nombre de … 7… : connaissez-vous beaucoup de prisons aujourd’hui qui n’accueillent que ce petit nombre de personnes ?). Funck-Brentano écrit : « Il faut bien distinguer les deux éléments dont se composa la foule qui se porta sur la Bastille. D’une part une horde de gens sans aveu, ceux que les documents contemporains ne cessent d’appeler « les brigands » et, d’autre part, les citoyens honnêtes – ils formaient certainement la minorité – qui désiraient des armes pour la constitution de la garde bourgeoise. La seule cause qui poussa cette bande sur la Bastille fut le désir de se procurer des armes. (…) Il n’était pas question de liberté, ni de tyrannie, de délivrer des prisonniers, ni de protester contre l’autorité royale. La prise de la Bastille se fit aux cris de : Vive le Roi ! tout comme, depuis plusieurs mois en province, se faisaient les pillages de grains ».

Je passe sur les différents épisodes de la journée relatés dans cet excellent petit bouquin. Mais il n’est pas inintéressant d’évoquer un élément souvent oublié dans les manuels d’Histoire (trop anecdotique, sans doute) qui montre un « autre » aspect de ce 14 juillet 1789 : « Une jolie jeune fille, Mademoiselle de Monsigny, fille du capitaine de la compagnie d’invalides de la Bastille, avait été rencontrée dans la cour des casernes. Quelques forcenés s’imaginèrent que c’était Mademoiselle de Launey (M. de Launey, ou Launay, était le gouverneur de la Bastille). Ils la traînèrent sur le bord des fossés, et, par gestes, firent comprendre à la garnison qu’ils allaient la brûler vive si la place ne se rendait. Ils avaient renversé la malheureuse enfant, évanouie, sur une paillasse, à laquelle, déjà, ils avaient mis le feu. M. de Monsigny voit le spectacle du haut des tours, il veut se précipiter vers son enfant et est tué par deux coups de feu. (…) Un soldat, Aubin Bonnemère, s’interposa avec courage et parvint à sauver la malheureuse enfant ».

La Bastille se rendit sans vraiment combattre et le gouverneur, malgré les promesses, fut massacré et sa tête fichée au bout d’une pique : c’était la première à tomber, la première d’une liste fort longue…

Ce livre donne d’autres indications intéressantes et qui rompent avec « l’histoire sainte » de la prise de la Bastille : en particulier les textes relatant l’événement dus à Saint-Just et à Marat, révolutionnaires insoupçonnables de tendresse pour l’Ancien Régime et qui offrent quelques surprises à leur lecture… Quant à la liste définitive des « vainqueurs de la Bastille », elle comptera près de 900 noms (863 selon Funck-Brentano), ce qui est fort loin des foules ou du « peuple de Paris » évoqués par les manuels d’Histoire (ou d’histoires ?)…

Le dramaturge Victorien Sardou, dans sa pièce « Rabagas », écrit ceci, qui résume bien l’affaire : « Mais alors à quoi distingue-t-on une émeute d’une révolution ? L’émeute, c’est quand le populaire est vaincu…, tous des canailles. La révolution, c’est quand il est le plus fort : tous des héros ! » : une leçon à méditer, pour l’historien comme pour le politique…

Fête Nationale - 14 Juillet 2009

2009-07-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Fête Nationale - 14 Juillet 2009

Mardi 14 Juillet à partir de 19H30

Le consulat Général de France organise, avec le soutien de l'hôtel The Mira, un buffet dînatoire et un bal populaire le mardi 14 juillet à partir de 19h30, dans la salle de bal de l'hôtel The Mira à Tsim Sha Tsui.

Une participation de 200 HKD par personne sera demandée à l'entrée.

Pour plus d'information, consultez le site du consulat : http://www.consulfrance-hongkong.org/

Fête nationale : 14 juillet 2009 à Paris avec l’Inde

2009-07-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

Cette année, l’Inde sera à l’honneur sur les Champs-Elysées à l’occasion du défilé du 14 juillet. Déjà hier, les régiments indiens ont répété hier, en manches courtes et ayant un peu froid d’après le coordinateur de la cérémonie qui parle indien… Mais c’est pour la bonne cause car un énorme contrat d’armements est en jeu ! L’année dernière, l’ambiance n’était pas au beau fixe entre le Chef de l’Etat qui est aussi le Chef des Armées et les différentes armées françaises. Restructuration avec la suppression de 54 000 postes et polémique suivant le drame de Carcassonne avaient quelque peu entaché la cérémonie nationale. Le général Bruno Cuche, Chef d’Etat-major de l’armée de terre, avait même démissionné suite aux mots présidentiels très durs qualifiant l’affaire de Carcassonne qui avait fait 16 morts d’ « amateurisme ». Cette année, l’ambiance devrait être plus détendue… L’Inde sera donc représentée, en couleurs comme il se doit, avec 400 soldats qui descendront les Champs-Elysées en présence du Premier ministre indien, Manmohan Singh. C’est peut-être un prêté pour un rendu car l’année dernière, Nicolas Sarkozy avait été l’invité d’honneur de la fête nationale indienne en janvier. Autre point et non des moindres, la France est le 3me fournisseur d’armes de l’Inde après Israël et la Russie et un accord de coopération dans le domaine civil a été signé entre la France et l’Inde en septembre 2008. Réintégration de la France dans l’OTAN oblige, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, secrétaire général de l’OTAN, fait aussi partie des invités… Tout un symbole puisqu’aucun secrétaire général de l’OTAN n’avait participé à un défilé du 14 juillet depuis la décision du Général de Gaulle de quitter le commandement intégré. Les autres vedettes de ce défilé seront les unités engagées en Afghanistan ainsi que le premier régiment du Tchad et le 152me régiment d’infanterie du Kosovo sans oublier les commandos de marine qui luttent contre la piraterie en Somalie. Dernière nouveauté pour le défilé du 14 juillet : la brigade franco-allemande sera intégrée à la cérémonie… Évidemment, comme chaque année, le défilé de la fête nationale sera le prétexte pour montrer les nouveaux équipements achetés par l’armée…
Un défilé qui devrait se dérouler sous le soleil et auquel assisteront, comme toujours, des milliers de personnes admirant les prouesses de la patrouille de France…

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