Authorities in Italy say they have seized works of art belonging to, and concealed by, the convicted founder of Italian firm Parmalat, Calisto Tanzi.
The 19 paintings and drawings, including works by Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh, are worth more than 100m euros (£90m), financial police said.
Tanzi denied owning any secret art collection earlier this week, Italian newspapers reported.
The concealed art was found in houses belonging to friends of the family.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tokyo is poised to back loans to keep carrier JAL going
The Japanese government is to guarantee 700bn yen ($7.7bn; £4.7bn) in loans and other funds from financial bodies to keep Japan Airlines going, reports say.
Funding will come from an extra budget for the financial year to March, which is expected to be approved this week, the Nikkei business daily has said.
It is hoped the move will keep debt-hit JAL from having to suspend scheduled flights due to a shortage of funds.
JAL has been struggling with rising fuel prices and competition
Funding will come from an extra budget for the financial year to March, which is expected to be approved this week, the Nikkei business daily has said.
It is hoped the move will keep debt-hit JAL from having to suspend scheduled flights due to a shortage of funds.
JAL has been struggling with rising fuel prices and competition
Chancellor Alistair Darling warns banks over bonuses
Chancellor Alistair Darling has warned banks that the government will not be "held to ransom" over bonuses.
He played down reports he will hit bankers with a windfall tax on bonuses in Wednesday's pre-Budget report.
But he told BBC One's Andrew Marr show the better-off would have to shoulder more of the "burden" of recovery.
Shadow chancellor George Osborne would not rule out a windfall tax on bonuses, likely to hit £6bn this year, but said he would prefer a future profits tax.
He played down reports he will hit bankers with a windfall tax on bonuses in Wednesday's pre-Budget report.
But he told BBC One's Andrew Marr show the better-off would have to shoulder more of the "burden" of recovery.
Shadow chancellor George Osborne would not rule out a windfall tax on bonuses, likely to hit £6bn this year, but said he would prefer a future profits tax.
Darling may shelve multi-billion pound NHS IT system
A multi-billion pound NHS IT system may be cancelled in Wednesday's pre-Budget report, Alistair Darling has hinted.
The chancellor said the "quite expensive" programme, which has been hit by problems and delays, could be axed to save cash.
He told BBC One's Andrew Marr show it was "not essential to the frontline" and "something which I do not think we need to go ahead with just now".
The chancellor said the "quite expensive" programme, which has been hit by problems and delays, could be axed to save cash.
He told BBC One's Andrew Marr show it was "not essential to the frontline" and "something which I do not think we need to go ahead with just now".
iPhone orchestra ready for debut
A group of US students has created an entire orchestra out of separate iPhone applications.
As part of their studies, the group from the University of Michigan built the applications themselves and composed music for them.
While some of the applications sound similar to traditional instruments, others make unique noises.
The iPhone handsets are attached to speakers which the performers wear around their wrists.
A live concert of the students' original compositions is planned for 9 December. It will mark the end of their three-month course, run by Austrian computer scientist and musician Georg Essl.
As part of their studies, the group from the University of Michigan built the applications themselves and composed music for them.
While some of the applications sound similar to traditional instruments, others make unique noises.
The iPhone handsets are attached to speakers which the performers wear around their wrists.
A live concert of the students' original compositions is planned for 9 December. It will mark the end of their three-month course, run by Austrian computer scientist and musician Georg Essl.
Monday, November 16, 2009
US welcomes strong China - Obama
President Barack Obama says the US "does not seek to contain" China's rise as a big player on the world stage.
"The rise of a strong, prosperous China can be a source of strength for the community of nations," Mr Obama said in a speech in Japan's capital, Tokyo.
Better US ties with Beijing do not mean a weakening of relations with US allies in the region, he said.
Describing himself as the first "Pacific" US president, he said the US was committed to the area's security.
"The rise of a strong, prosperous China can be a source of strength for the community of nations," Mr Obama said in a speech in Japan's capital, Tokyo.
Better US ties with Beijing do not mean a weakening of relations with US allies in the region, he said.
Describing himself as the first "Pacific" US president, he said the US was committed to the area's security.
New small firms 'need tax break'
Newly established small firms should be given some form of tax exemption for their first year or two of business, a report has concluded.
The suggestion is one of 10 core findings in the study produced by the British Library's Business & IP Centre.
It adds that a fast-track scheme should be created to help firms patent ideas, and that broadband speeds must rise.
The report has been produced to coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week, which starts on Monday.
The suggestion is one of 10 core findings in the study produced by the British Library's Business & IP Centre.
It adds that a fast-track scheme should be created to help firms patent ideas, and that broadband speeds must rise.
The report has been produced to coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week, which starts on Monday.
Eurostar toasts 15th anniversary
Relations between Britain and France have had their strained moments over the years, but it is fair to say that the Eurostar railway service between London and Paris has been a great boost to the famed Entente Cordiale.
In little over two hours, Britons can swap central London for lovely food and wine in an atmospheric Parisian bistro.
While French travellers coming in the opposite direction can perhaps enjoy a pint or two in a branch of UK pub chain Wetherspoons, or maybe visit an Aberdeen Angus steakhouse.
But not before the French visitors had - until two years ago - first arrived at Waterloo Station, named after the nearby bridge over the Thames that was so called to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo - Britain's 1815 victory over France.
In little over two hours, Britons can swap central London for lovely food and wine in an atmospheric Parisian bistro.
While French travellers coming in the opposite direction can perhaps enjoy a pint or two in a branch of UK pub chain Wetherspoons, or maybe visit an Aberdeen Angus steakhouse.
But not before the French visitors had - until two years ago - first arrived at Waterloo Station, named after the nearby bridge over the Thames that was so called to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo - Britain's 1815 victory over France.
Rethink defence, 'declining' UK urged
A report by defence experts for the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has called for radical changes in British security and defence policy.
The think tank's report is basically a plea that Britain should stop punching "above its weight" and start punching at its proper, much lighter, weight.
The report should be seen as part of a sequence since World War Two in which Britain has had to adjust its defence policy to fit its diminishing place in the world, often against resistance from entrenched political, military and industrial interests.
The think tank's report is basically a plea that Britain should stop punching "above its weight" and start punching at its proper, much lighter, weight.
The report should be seen as part of a sequence since World War Two in which Britain has had to adjust its defence policy to fit its diminishing place in the world, often against resistance from entrenched political, military and industrial interests.
Rolls-Royce in $2bn engine orders
UK engineering firm Rolls-Royce says it has won orders to make $2bn(£1.2bn) of aircraft engines to power Airbus planes for Air China and Ethiopian Airlines.
The orders were announced on the first day of the Dubai Airshow on Sunday.
The $1.5bn Air China order involves providing Trent 700 engines to power 20 A330 aircraft that will be delivered from 2011.
And the $480m Ethiopian order covers Trent XWB engines for 12 A350-900 XWB planes that will begin service in 2017.
The orders were announced on the first day of the Dubai Airshow on Sunday.
The $1.5bn Air China order involves providing Trent 700 engines to power 20 A330 aircraft that will be delivered from 2011.
And the $480m Ethiopian order covers Trent XWB engines for 12 A350-900 XWB planes that will begin service in 2017.
Street View under fire in Japan
Google's Street View service suffered a second blow this week after numerous complaints in Japan forced the firm to start reshooting all the photos.
Cameras attached to the Street View car were "too high" for Japanese buildings, allowing them to see over walls into private areas.
Google said it would lower the cameras on its cars by 40cm (16in).
On 12 May, Greece's data protection agency ordered Google to stop filming because of privacy concerns.
In a statement, Google said it would make "locally appropriate modifications to ensure a better user experience".
"We have lowered the height of the camera due to the unique characteristics of many Japanese roads; they tend to be narrow, without pavements and driveways, and houses are built close to the street," the statement said.
Cameras attached to the Street View car were "too high" for Japanese buildings, allowing them to see over walls into private areas.
Google said it would lower the cameras on its cars by 40cm (16in).
On 12 May, Greece's data protection agency ordered Google to stop filming because of privacy concerns.
In a statement, Google said it would make "locally appropriate modifications to ensure a better user experience".
"We have lowered the height of the camera due to the unique characteristics of many Japanese roads; they tend to be narrow, without pavements and driveways, and houses are built close to the street," the statement said.
Switzerland takes Google to court
Web search giant Google faces a court case in Switzerland because of privacy concerns over its Street View service.
The application allows a 360-degree view of any street-level location.
"Numerous faces and vehicle number plates are not made sufficiently unrecognisable," said data protection commissioner Hanspeter Thuer.
Google said it was disappointed by the move. The firm says it is sure that Street View is legal in Switzerland and will "vigorously contest" the case.
The application allows a 360-degree view of any street-level location.
"Numerous faces and vehicle number plates are not made sufficiently unrecognisable," said data protection commissioner Hanspeter Thuer.
Google said it was disappointed by the move. The firm says it is sure that Street View is legal in Switzerland and will "vigorously contest" the case.
Net talking shop kicks off debate
Egypt should not have been picked as the venue for a key net talking shop, say human rights activists.
Reporters Without Borders said it was "surprised" that the Internet Governance Forum will take place in Egypt's Sharm-el-Sheikh resort.
Set up by the UN, about 1,400 participants are expected to attend the three day meeting which gets under way on 15 November.
Delegates will debate security, access and the growth of social networks.
Reporters Without Borders said it was "surprised" that the Internet Governance Forum will take place in Egypt's Sharm-el-Sheikh resort.
Set up by the UN, about 1,400 participants are expected to attend the three day meeting which gets under way on 15 November.
Delegates will debate security, access and the growth of social networks.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
JP Morgan agrees $75m bribe fine
US banking giant JP Morgan Chase has agreed to pay a fine of $75m (£45.3m) to settle charges that it bribed local officials in the US state of Alabama.
As part of the settlement with US regulators, the bank also agreed to forfeit $647m in fees. It did not, however, admit or deny the charges.
The regulator has accused two former directors of making payments of $8m to friends of Jefferson County officials.
The county then selected JP Morgan to underwrite its bond offerings.
As part of the settlement with US regulators, the bank also agreed to forfeit $647m in fees. It did not, however, admit or deny the charges.
The regulator has accused two former directors of making payments of $8m to friends of Jefferson County officials.
The county then selected JP Morgan to underwrite its bond offerings.
The European Union (EU) has approved plans for nationalised bank Northern Rock to be split in two - paving the way for a partial sale.
The Bank of England's rate-setters have decided to pump an extra £25bn into the economy in their quantitative easing (QE) programme.
They also kept interest rates unchanged at 0.5% for an eighth month.
The Bank has already spent £175bn on QE, which involves printing money to buy assets from banks and other companies to stimulate the economy.
The extra £25bn will be spent over the next three months, which is a slower rate of spending than before.
In the previous three months the Bank had spent £50bn
They also kept interest rates unchanged at 0.5% for an eighth month.
The Bank has already spent £175bn on QE, which involves printing money to buy assets from banks and other companies to stimulate the economy.
The extra £25bn will be spent over the next three months, which is a slower rate of spending than before.
In the previous three months the Bank had spent £50bn
EU approves Northern Rock split
The European Union (EU) has approved plans for nationalised bank Northern Rock to be split in two - paving the way for a partial sale.
One business, described as the "good" bank, would hold savers' money, carry out new lending and hold some existing mortgages.
A second "bad" bank would be set up to hold the rest of the mortgages and repay outstanding government loans.
Northern Rock said the EU's approval was "an important and positive step".
It added that it was "business as usual" for customers
One business, described as the "good" bank, would hold savers' money, carry out new lending and hold some existing mortgages.
A second "bad" bank would be set up to hold the rest of the mortgages and repay outstanding government loans.
Northern Rock said the EU's approval was "an important and positive step".
It added that it was "business as usual" for customers
Darling hails Lloyds and RBS move
Alistair Darling has welcomed the announcements that Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Lloyds Banking Group are to sell off hundreds of branches.
The chancellor said the sales, which had been demanded by the European Commission, were in the "best interest" of the wider UK banking sector.
The government also announced that it would be putting up to a further £39.2bn into the two banks.
RBS is to get up to £33.5bn, while Lloyds is to receive £5.7bn
The chancellor said the sales, which had been demanded by the European Commission, were in the "best interest" of the wider UK banking sector.
The government also announced that it would be putting up to a further £39.2bn into the two banks.
RBS is to get up to £33.5bn, while Lloyds is to receive £5.7bn
UBS fined £8m by the UK regulator
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined Swiss banking giant UBS £8m for failing to stop its employees making unauthorised transactions.
The FSA said four UBS employees had carried out the transactions using customer money on at least 39 accounts.
The unauthorised activities took place between January 2006 and December 2007. The FSA also said the trades involved foreign exchange and precious metals.
Earlier this week, UBS reported a loss for the July to September quarter.
The FSA said four UBS employees had carried out the transactions using customer money on at least 39 accounts.
The unauthorised activities took place between January 2006 and December 2007. The FSA also said the trades involved foreign exchange and precious metals.
Earlier this week, UBS reported a loss for the July to September quarter.
South Africa cancels Airbus deal
South Africa has cancelled a multi-billion dollar contract for eight military aircraft with Airbus, citing escalating costs and delivery delays.
The deal for the A400M planes was signed a number of years ago, when the proposed cost of the planes was significantly less.
A government spokesman said the cost was now too great given its more limited resources during the downturn.
The A400M has suffered technical problems and has been delayed.
It was due to fly for the first time in March
The deal for the A400M planes was signed a number of years ago, when the proposed cost of the planes was significantly less.
A government spokesman said the cost was now too great given its more limited resources during the downturn.
The A400M has suffered technical problems and has been delayed.
It was due to fly for the first time in March
Eurozone interest rates unchanged
The European Central Bank (ECB) has kept interest rates on hold at a record low of 1% for the sixth month in a row.
Earlier on Thursday figures showed that retail sales in the 16 countries that use the euro fell by 0.7% in September.
The drop came as rising unemployment and financial uncertainty continue to drag on consumer confidence.
Data this week showed unemployment levels across the 16 states that use the euro rose to 9.7% in September, the highest rate since January 1999.
Earlier on Thursday figures showed that retail sales in the 16 countries that use the euro fell by 0.7% in September.
The drop came as rising unemployment and financial uncertainty continue to drag on consumer confidence.
Data this week showed unemployment levels across the 16 states that use the euro rose to 9.7% in September, the highest rate since January 1999.
The Samsung Fashion Phone Tells Us When We’ve Eaten Too Much
Now I like a nicely styled, pretty phone as much as the next girl, but the plethora of ‘pink girly’ phones that companies produce in the hope they will lure girls into starry eyed submission is getting a little annoying. Now this offering is rather curious, as at first glance it does look nice, but moving beyond the clam-shell design, it’s packed with frankly insulting features, from a calorie counting system to a perfume matcher.
Intel in lawsuit over bullying
Anti-competition lawsuit over Intel's reported 'stranglehold' on manufacturers
As the saying goes: all’s fair in love and war. The same can’t be said for business, as it turns out, as Intel has found itself under attack by other manufacturers claiming the processor manufacturer has a stranglehold over computer companies.New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo suggests that Intel has been paying millions and perhaps billions of dollars a year to various pc manufacturers in an effort to bribe them into Intel exclusivity.
As the saying goes: all’s fair in love and war. The same can’t be said for business, as it turns out, as Intel has found itself under attack by other manufacturers claiming the processor manufacturer has a stranglehold over computer companies.New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo suggests that Intel has been paying millions and perhaps billions of dollars a year to various pc manufacturers in an effort to bribe them into Intel exclusivity.
Opel U-turn sparks German strikes
Opel workers in Germany are attending a mass rally outside US parent company General Motors' (GM) headquarters.
Thousands of the 25,000 workers from Opel's four factories are gathered in Ruesselsheim to protest at GM's refusal to sell its European operations.
GM's U-turn came just days before the agreed sale of a majority stake in Opel and Vauxhall to car parts maker Magna and Russian bank Sberbank.
Under that agreement, Opel workers were promised no factories would be closed.
Thousands of the 25,000 workers from Opel's four factories are gathered in Ruesselsheim to protest at GM's refusal to sell its European operations.
GM's U-turn came just days before the agreed sale of a majority stake in Opel and Vauxhall to car parts maker Magna and Russian bank Sberbank.
Under that agreement, Opel workers were promised no factories would be closed.
BBC iPlayer to launch on Freesat
The BBC iPlayer will be trialled to a limited number of Freesat viewers at the end of November.
A full service on Freesat should be launched in 2010, said a BBC spokesperson. All Freesat HD boxes will be able to receive it.
Rahul Chakkara, head of TV platforms at the BBC, announced the beta trial on the BBC internet blog.
He also said that a quarter of BBC iPlayer viewing is now done through the TV via Virgin Media.
The BBC iPlayer became available on Virgin Media in June 2008
A full service on Freesat should be launched in 2010, said a BBC spokesperson. All Freesat HD boxes will be able to receive it.
Rahul Chakkara, head of TV platforms at the BBC, announced the beta trial on the BBC internet blog.
He also said that a quarter of BBC iPlayer viewing is now done through the TV via Virgin Media.
The BBC iPlayer became available on Virgin Media in June 2008
EU offers hope to file-sharers
Internet users throughout Europe accused of illegal file-sharing are to receive more protection from being cut off by their service provider.
The European Parliament and Council is due to make a decision on its Telecoms Reform Package in late November.
The package will entitle users in all 27 EU states to be put through a "fair and impartial procedure" before being disconnected
The European Parliament and Council is due to make a decision on its Telecoms Reform Package in late November.
The package will entitle users in all 27 EU states to be put through a "fair and impartial procedure" before being disconnected
F1 designer unveils electric car
A new electric car created by ex-McLaren Formula One designer Gordon Murray has been unveiled.
Three prototypes of the T.27 model will be developed over the next 16 months.
The manufacturing process, called iStream, has received £9m of investment, half of which came from the government's Technology Strategy Board.
iStream plants can be just one fifth of the size of a conventional car factory, as the cars are not made from stamped steel.
All the parts are designed by computer and welded together rather than being stamped out of metal sheets, explained David Bott, Director of Innovation Platforms at the Technology Strategy Board
Three prototypes of the T.27 model will be developed over the next 16 months.
The manufacturing process, called iStream, has received £9m of investment, half of which came from the government's Technology Strategy Board.
iStream plants can be just one fifth of the size of a conventional car factory, as the cars are not made from stamped steel.
All the parts are designed by computer and welded together rather than being stamped out of metal sheets, explained David Bott, Director of Innovation Platforms at the Technology Strategy Board
Monday, October 12, 2009
StockReflex: Stock Market Analysis Tool
StockReflex is a stock market analysis tool that allows you practice trading by replaying historical stock data in various market sectors. This software is equipped with the Trend Lines that will help you to see when a stock breaks out or breaks down, Technical Indicators like EMA, RSI, Stochastics, Bollinger bands, MACD and DMI. Another features are Virtual Money, Moving Averages,
Kuwait wants Gulf currency delay
Kuwait has called for the launch of a Gulf monetary union and single currency - due in 2010 - to be delayed so it could address "technical issues".
Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain signed an accord in June to create a joint monetary union council as a prelude to a Gulf central bank.
This would be followed by the launch of a single currency, though observers said the target date was optimistic.
United Arab Emirates and Oman withdrew from the project earlier this year.
These withdrawals dealt a blow to further economic integration in the oil-rich region.
The UAE objected to the Saudi capital Riyadh being chosen to host the future central bank, and said it would be keeping its own currency, the dirham, which would remain pegged to the dollar.
Meanwhile Oman said it was not ready to meet the preconditions.
Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain signed an accord in June to create a joint monetary union council as a prelude to a Gulf central bank.
This would be followed by the launch of a single currency, though observers said the target date was optimistic.
United Arab Emirates and Oman withdrew from the project earlier this year.
These withdrawals dealt a blow to further economic integration in the oil-rich region.
The UAE objected to the Saudi capital Riyadh being chosen to host the future central bank, and said it would be keeping its own currency, the dirham, which would remain pegged to the dollar.
Meanwhile Oman said it was not ready to meet the preconditions.
Russia economy 'to shrink 7.5%
Russia's economy will shrink by 7.5% in 2009, President Dmitry Medvedev has said - but claimed Kremlin intervention had prevented a worse decline.
Russia, which is heavily reliant on oil exports, has been hit by the sharp fall in energy prices.
Mr Medvedev said the decline was "very serious" and admitted the government had been surprised at how severely Russia had been hit by the crisis.
Russia, which is heavily reliant on oil exports, has been hit by the sharp fall in energy prices.
Mr Medvedev said the decline was "very serious" and admitted the government had been surprised at how severely Russia had been hit by the crisis.
One billion hits a day on YouTube
YouTube now gets over a billion hits a day, according to a new video blog post by the founder of the website.
Chad Hurley's blog marks the third anniversary of YouTube's controversial acquisition by Google.
The site was bought by Google in 2006 for $1.65bn - a price it later described as "a premium".
Earlier this year YouTube was at the centre of a content row over the amount of royalties it paid to musicians for hosting music videos.
Six months later the dispute was resolved when Google agreed to pay UK royalty collecting body PRS for Music an undisclosed lump sum.
Music videos reappeared for British YouTube visitors in September.
Mr Hurley co-founded the website in 2004 with Steve Chen and Jawed Karim.
They met while employees at online pay service PayPal.
"We wanted to create a place where anyone with a video camera, a computer, and an internet connection can share their life, art, and voice with the world, and in many cases they can make a living from doing so," Mr Hurley said, reflecting on YouTube's original aims.
Chad Hurley's blog marks the third anniversary of YouTube's controversial acquisition by Google.
The site was bought by Google in 2006 for $1.65bn - a price it later described as "a premium".
Earlier this year YouTube was at the centre of a content row over the amount of royalties it paid to musicians for hosting music videos.
Six months later the dispute was resolved when Google agreed to pay UK royalty collecting body PRS for Music an undisclosed lump sum.
Music videos reappeared for British YouTube visitors in September.
Mr Hurley co-founded the website in 2004 with Steve Chen and Jawed Karim.
They met while employees at online pay service PayPal.
"We wanted to create a place where anyone with a video camera, a computer, and an internet connection can share their life, art, and voice with the world, and in many cases they can make a living from doing so," Mr Hurley said, reflecting on YouTube's original aims.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Global economy expanding says IMF
The global economy is expanding again and financial conditions have improved significantly, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.
But in its latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF said the "pace of recovery is expected to be slow".
It added that the recovery is likely to be "insufficient to decrease unemployment for quite some time".
On Wednesday, the IMF cut its forecast for the amount that banks are likely to lose in bad loans and investments.
The total it expects banks to lose between 2007 and 2010 is now $3.4tn (£2.1tn), down from its previous estimate of $4tn.
This reduction is a direct result of the improved outlook for the global economy.
But in its latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF said the "pace of recovery is expected to be slow".
It added that the recovery is likely to be "insufficient to decrease unemployment for quite some time".
On Wednesday, the IMF cut its forecast for the amount that banks are likely to lose in bad loans and investments.
The total it expects banks to lose between 2007 and 2010 is now $3.4tn (£2.1tn), down from its previous estimate of $4tn.
This reduction is a direct result of the improved outlook for the global economy.
Amazon's Kindle to launch in UK
Amazon's Kindle e-book reader is going on sale in more than 100 countries around the world, including the UK.
The reader has been confined to the US since its launch in November 2007; Amazon expects to have sold a million of the devices by the end of the year.
The global version will run on the 3G network, although Amazon has not specified the networks that will provide connectivity for the devices.
The Kindle store will offer over 200,000 English language titles.
Hundreds of publishers are signed up including Penguin, Faber and Faber, and HarperCollins.
It will also carry more than 85 US and international newspapers and magazines.
The reader has been confined to the US since its launch in November 2007; Amazon expects to have sold a million of the devices by the end of the year.
The global version will run on the 3G network, although Amazon has not specified the networks that will provide connectivity for the devices.
The Kindle store will offer over 200,000 English language titles.
Hundreds of publishers are signed up including Penguin, Faber and Faber, and HarperCollins.
It will also carry more than 85 US and international newspapers and magazines.
Web mail scam propagates itself
The industry-wide phishing scam that has affected popular web mail services such as Hotmail and GMail, is spreading, according to experts.
Security firm Websense says it has noticed a sharp rise in spam emails from Yahoo, Gmail and Hotmail accounts.
This is because infected accounts are sending personalised e-mails to contacts suggesting shopping sites, which are in fact fakes.
Security expert Carl Leonard warned people to be on their guard.
He advised people to check with friends that they had indeed sent the recommendation before visiting any new shopping sites.
He also advised people to check web addresses: they should read https, with the 's' standing for secure.
Security firm Websense says it has noticed a sharp rise in spam emails from Yahoo, Gmail and Hotmail accounts.
This is because infected accounts are sending personalised e-mails to contacts suggesting shopping sites, which are in fact fakes.
Security expert Carl Leonard warned people to be on their guard.
He advised people to check with friends that they had indeed sent the recommendation before visiting any new shopping sites.
He also advised people to check web addresses: they should read https, with the 's' standing for secure.
Gold price returns to fresh high
The price of gold has hit a fresh all-time high of $1,048.40 an ounce after a continued decline in the dollar kept it attractive to investors.
It came a day after having pushed past the previous record of $1,033.9, which was set in March last year.
Analysts said that there was still potential for prices to rise further if the dollar remained weak.
However, there was caution that it may represent a price bubble rather than a sustainably higher gold price.
It came a day after having pushed past the previous record of $1,033.9, which was set in March last year.
Analysts said that there was still potential for prices to rise further if the dollar remained weak.
However, there was caution that it may represent a price bubble rather than a sustainably higher gold price.
HSBC boss says banks owe apology
The entire banking industry "owes the real world an apology", the chairman of HSBC has said.
Stephen Green told BBC World Business Report that a change in culture was needed to improve the public's perception of bankers.
He also said that London was secure as a major financial centre, but would lose market share as Asia developed.
Last month, HSBC announced that its chief executive Michael Geoghan would move to Hong Kong from London.
But Mr Green said the bank's decision did not mean it was turning its back on London.
"Two-thirds of our business is in Asia. It's where we think the centre of gravity of the world's economy is shifting," he said.
Stephen Green told BBC World Business Report that a change in culture was needed to improve the public's perception of bankers.
He also said that London was secure as a major financial centre, but would lose market share as Asia developed.
Last month, HSBC announced that its chief executive Michael Geoghan would move to Hong Kong from London.
But Mr Green said the bank's decision did not mean it was turning its back on London.
"Two-thirds of our business is in Asia. It's where we think the centre of gravity of the world's economy is shifting," he said.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Stocks fall on weak economic data
US stocks have fallen after weaker-than-expected manufacturing output data increased fears that the economic recovery will be both slow and uneven.
The figures came from the Institute for Supply Management's closely watched purchasing managers index, which fell slightly to 52.6 in September.
While any figure above 50 indicates growth, analysts had expected a reading of 54 after August's 52.9.
The Dow Jones index ended down 2%, its biggest day fall since 2 July.
It closed 203 points lower at 9,509.
The Nasdaq index also declined, falling 3% or 65 points to 2,057.
The figures came from the Institute for Supply Management's closely watched purchasing managers index, which fell slightly to 52.6 in September.
While any figure above 50 indicates growth, analysts had expected a reading of 54 after August's 52.9.
The Dow Jones index ended down 2%, its biggest day fall since 2 July.
It closed 203 points lower at 9,509.
The Nasdaq index also declined, falling 3% or 65 points to 2,057.
Oil drops by 2% on US jobs data
Oil prices have fallen more than 2% after US economic data raised doubts about the speed of global recovery.
The Labor Department said the US economy lost 263,000 jobs in September, which was more than had been expected.
That caused crude oil futures to drop 2.6%, or $1.81, to $69.01 a barrel. Brent crude, traded in London, also shed $1.82 to $67.37.
US stocks and the dollar also fell, as investors had cause to reconsider hopes for a quick economic recovery.
The Labor Department said the US economy lost 263,000 jobs in September, which was more than had been expected.
That caused crude oil futures to drop 2.6%, or $1.81, to $69.01 a barrel. Brent crude, traded in London, also shed $1.82 to $67.37.
US stocks and the dollar also fell, as investors had cause to reconsider hopes for a quick economic recovery.
Robot fish could prevent crashes
Robots that mimic the behaviour of fish have been developed by Japanese car firm Nissan, who believe the technique can be used in crash avoidance systems.
The tiny robots, called Eporo, can move in a fleet without bumping into their travelling companions.
It is the second time the firm has looked to the animal kingdom for inspiration for its designs.
Last year, the manufacturer unveiled its BR23C robot, which was modelled on the behaviour of bumblebees.
The bee also displays anti-collision behaviour but tends to fly solo.
The new three-wheeled robot, which will be shown off at Japanese design fair Ceatec on 6 October, is designed to travel in a group of up to seven vehicles.
Each uses a laser range-finder to measure the distance between obstacle.
The data is constantly shared between peers via radio, allowing the group to travel as a "shoal" without bumping into each other.
The technique allows the cars to travel side-by-side or quickly switch direction as a group.
The tiny robots, called Eporo, can move in a fleet without bumping into their travelling companions.
It is the second time the firm has looked to the animal kingdom for inspiration for its designs.
Last year, the manufacturer unveiled its BR23C robot, which was modelled on the behaviour of bumblebees.
The bee also displays anti-collision behaviour but tends to fly solo.
The new three-wheeled robot, which will be shown off at Japanese design fair Ceatec on 6 October, is designed to travel in a group of up to seven vehicles.
Each uses a laser range-finder to measure the distance between obstacle.
The data is constantly shared between peers via radio, allowing the group to travel as a "shoal" without bumping into each other.
The technique allows the cars to travel side-by-side or quickly switch direction as a group.
Sony shows off 3D TV technology
Sony has shown off a new single-lens camera able to capture 3D images.
The majority of existing 3D set-ups use two-camera systems to record images tailored specifically for the left and right eye of the viewer.
The new camera takes a single image that is split by mirrors and recorded on two sensors, resulting in a "smoother" picture, according to Sony.
The prototype camera will be unveiled at next week's Ceatec electronics show in Tokyo, Japan.
Viewers will be able to watch the 3D images using special polarised glasses. Without them, they will just see normal 2D television, according to the firm.
The majority of existing 3D set-ups use two-camera systems to record images tailored specifically for the left and right eye of the viewer.
The new camera takes a single image that is split by mirrors and recorded on two sensors, resulting in a "smoother" picture, according to Sony.
The prototype camera will be unveiled at next week's Ceatec electronics show in Tokyo, Japan.
Viewers will be able to watch the 3D images using special polarised glasses. Without them, they will just see normal 2D television, according to the firm.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Broadband 'not fit' for future
A study of the global state of broadband has put the UK 25th out of 66 countries in terms of the quality and reach of its networks.
The research for Cisco found that countries such as Latvia and Bulgaria were better prepared than the UK for next-generation net applications.
The UK was listed among countries whose broadband is "meeting needs for today".
South Korea and Japan continue to dominate the league table, largely due to their commitment to fast networks.
In South Korea, for example, the government has promised universal speeds of up to 1Gbps (gigabit per second) by 2012.
The research for Cisco found that countries such as Latvia and Bulgaria were better prepared than the UK for next-generation net applications.
The UK was listed among countries whose broadband is "meeting needs for today".
South Korea and Japan continue to dominate the league table, largely due to their commitment to fast networks.
In South Korea, for example, the government has promised universal speeds of up to 1Gbps (gigabit per second) by 2012.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Microsoft launches free security
Microsoft has released its free computer security package to the public.
From 1700 BST on 29 September, Windows users will be able to download the software from Microsoft's Security Essentials website.
The free software gives basic protection against viruses, trojans, rootkits, and spyware.
The Essentials software is Microsoft's second try at making an own-brand security package.
Prior to release, a beta version of Microsoft's Security Essentials (MSE) software, codenamed Morro, has been available to users in the US, China, Brazil, and Israel.
From 1700 BST on 29 September, Windows users will be able to download the software from Microsoft's Security Essentials website.
The free software gives basic protection against viruses, trojans, rootkits, and spyware.
The Essentials software is Microsoft's second try at making an own-brand security package.
Prior to release, a beta version of Microsoft's Security Essentials (MSE) software, codenamed Morro, has been available to users in the US, China, Brazil, and Israel.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Judge delays Google books hearing
A New York judge has put Google's vision of creating the world's biggest digital library on hold.
Judge Denny Chin postponed a fairness hearing set for next month that was meant to address a settlement between Google and authors and publishers.
The $125m agreement, worked out last year, has effectively been sent back to the drawing board by the judge.
The class action case would let Google distribute and sell digital versions of out of print, copyrighted books.
It has been criticised because some say it would give Google too much power to set book prices.
Judge Denny Chin postponed a fairness hearing set for next month that was meant to address a settlement between Google and authors and publishers.
The $125m agreement, worked out last year, has effectively been sent back to the drawing board by the judge.
The class action case would let Google distribute and sell digital versions of out of print, copyrighted books.
It has been criticised because some say it would give Google too much power to set book prices.
Twitter confirms major cash boost
Social networking website Twitter has confirmed that it has closed a "significant round of funding".
Co-founder Evan Williams said in a blog post that the site had secured money from five investment firms.
However, he did not confirm earlier reports that suggested the firm had managed to secure $100 million (£62m), which would value the firm at $1bn.
The site, which allows users to write and share 140-character messages, has more than 45 million users worldwide.
Co-founder Evan Williams said in a blog post that the site had secured money from five investment firms.
However, he did not confirm earlier reports that suggested the firm had managed to secure $100 million (£62m), which would value the firm at $1bn.
The site, which allows users to write and share 140-character messages, has more than 45 million users worldwide.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Opera browser bids for America
The founder of Opera has said despite its 100m worldwide users, they have a big job ahead conquering America.
In the US, the latest figures by Net Applications showed Opera is 5th in the market with a 2% share behind Microsoft, Apple, Google and Firefox.
But Opera claimed in other parts of the globe it is the most popular browser of choice with growth last year of 67%.
In the US, the latest figures by Net Applications showed Opera is 5th in the market with a 2% share behind Microsoft, Apple, Google and Firefox.
But Opera claimed in other parts of the globe it is the most popular browser of choice with growth last year of 67%.
Merrill Lynch moves online
America's largest broker, Merrill Lynch, has finally decided to roll out a full online trading service.
The move has been forced on the 85-year-old Wall Street institution by the rapid growth in online share dealing, and is a further sign of the rapid technological revolution transforming the way shares are bought and sold.
The days when stock markets were like gentlemen's clubs, dominated by brokers placing orders for wealthy clients from leather armchairs seem long gone.
With new technology, the stock market is awash with amateur traders who buy and sell stocks at home by punching personal computer keyboards.
The move has been forced on the 85-year-old Wall Street institution by the rapid growth in online share dealing, and is a further sign of the rapid technological revolution transforming the way shares are bought and sold.
The days when stock markets were like gentlemen's clubs, dominated by brokers placing orders for wealthy clients from leather armchairs seem long gone.
With new technology, the stock market is awash with amateur traders who buy and sell stocks at home by punching personal computer keyboards.
The Economy Online trading sweeps
Japan's financial "Big Bang" has paved the way for a boom in online share trading.
Investor demand for Internet-based trading has boomed since the commissions charged for share trading were overhauled on 1 October.
Some financial institutions now say that one million people could be trading online in the New Year.
Investor demand for Internet-based trading has boomed since the commissions charged for share trading were overhauled on 1 October.
Some financial institutions now say that one million people could be trading online in the New Year.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Japan trio to merge mobile units
Japanese electronics groups Hitachi, Casio and NEC have announced plans to merge their mobile phone operations to cut costs and become more competitive.
The three companies, which are relatively small players in the mobile phone market, will share both technology and resources.
By next year, NEC will own 71% of the new business, with Casio owning 20% and Hitachi holding a 9% stake.
The merger will create Japan's second largest mobile phone maker.
Analysts say there could be further consolidation in the competitive Japanese mobile phone market.
The three companies, which are relatively small players in the mobile phone market, will share both technology and resources.
By next year, NEC will own 71% of the new business, with Casio owning 20% and Hitachi holding a 9% stake.
The merger will create Japan's second largest mobile phone maker.
Analysts say there could be further consolidation in the competitive Japanese mobile phone market.
Next generation wi-fi approved
The next-generation of wi-fi technology has finally been approved for use, despite being on sale in laptops and other equipment for several years.
The 802.11n technology, as it is known, was ratified by the IEEE, a body that oversees all wi-fi standards.
It was conceived seven years ago and offers speeds at least six times faster than current approved technology.
Electronics firms have sold PCs and routers using the standard for many years, labelled "802.11n draft".
But without the IEEE's approval, there were no guarantees that future networking equipment would be compatible with the devices.
The IEEE's rubber stamp has changed that.
The 802.11n technology, as it is known, was ratified by the IEEE, a body that oversees all wi-fi standards.
It was conceived seven years ago and offers speeds at least six times faster than current approved technology.
Electronics firms have sold PCs and routers using the standard for many years, labelled "802.11n draft".
But without the IEEE's approval, there were no guarantees that future networking equipment would be compatible with the devices.
The IEEE's rubber stamp has changed that.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Superb vistas from reborn Hubble
Astronomers are celebrating the release of remarkable new images from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST).
They prove the mission carried out by astronauts in May to service the observatory was an outstanding success.
The latest pictures include trademark Hubble visions - from colliding galaxies to dying stars.
Nasa says the orbiting telescope, regarded as one of the most important scientific tools ever built, should keep working until at least 2014.
The Atlantis shuttle mission in May was the fifth and final Hubble makeover.
They prove the mission carried out by astronauts in May to service the observatory was an outstanding success.
The latest pictures include trademark Hubble visions - from colliding galaxies to dying stars.
Nasa says the orbiting telescope, regarded as one of the most important scientific tools ever built, should keep working until at least 2014.
The Atlantis shuttle mission in May was the fifth and final Hubble makeover.
Monopoly game launches on Google
A massive multi-player version of the popular property game Monopoly has been launched online.
Monopoly City Streets, developed by toymaker Hasbro, will go live on 9 September for four months.
The free game uses Google Maps or the open source Open Street Map as the playing board.
The toymaker claims it will be "the biggest game of Monopoly of all time" and will allow players to purchase almost "any street in the world".
Monopoly City Streets, developed by toymaker Hasbro, will go live on 9 September for four months.
The free game uses Google Maps or the open source Open Street Map as the playing board.
The toymaker claims it will be "the biggest game of Monopoly of all time" and will allow players to purchase almost "any street in the world".
Smart tech reconnects Colombians
Semantic web technology" is being used to reconnect Colombians displaced in the country's civil conflict.
The international team aim to use smart technology to allow people to search currently incompatible databases of missing persons.
By the end of 2008, it was estimated that there were 4.3 million displaced people in Colombia - around 10% of the country's population
The international team aim to use smart technology to allow people to search currently incompatible databases of missing persons.
By the end of 2008, it was estimated that there were 4.3 million displaced people in Colombia - around 10% of the country's population
Websites 'breaking consumer laws'
More than half of websites selling electronic goods were breaking European laws aimed at protecting consumers, according to an EU investigation.
The analysis of 369 websites selling mobiles, DVD players and games consoles in 28 European countries found that 203 of them held misleading information.
The biggest failure surrounded the right to return a product bought on the internet within seven days.
The analysis of 369 websites selling mobiles, DVD players and games consoles in 28 European countries found that 203 of them held misleading information.
The biggest failure surrounded the right to return a product bought on the internet within seven days.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Apple denies 'exploding' iPhones
A number of iPhones that reportedly "exploded" in France were not due to the battery overheating as had been suggested, Apple has said.
The firm said that all of the handsets they had seen with broken screens were caused by an "external force".
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Sony launches Amazon challenger
Sony has launched a wireless e-reader which allows users to download electronic books on the go.
Analysts said Sony's Reader Daily Edition is a direct challenge to Amazon's best-selling Kindle device.
The $399 (£250) touch-screen device is able to store up to 1,000 novels and can download books over a high-speed mSony launches Amazon challenger obile network.
Analysts said Sony's Reader Daily Edition is a direct challenge to Amazon's best-selling Kindle device.
The $399 (£250) touch-screen device is able to store up to 1,000 novels and can download books over a high-speed mSony launches Amazon challenger obile network.
YouTube shares more video profits
A lucky video from the zoo could now net YouTube users thousands
Video-sharing website YouTube is to allow those who post popular videos to share in the profits they generate.
The site already shares ad revenue with the owners of copyright material that is frequently uploaded.
The new scheme aims to identify hugely popular videos from individuals, notifying them that they can become advertising partners.
Video-sharing website YouTube is to allow those who post popular videos to share in the profits they generate.
The site already shares ad revenue with the owners of copyright material that is frequently uploaded.
The new scheme aims to identify hugely popular videos from individuals, notifying them that they can become advertising partners.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Apple schedules OS update release
Apple has confirmed that its new operating system, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, will be released on 28 August.
Snow Leopard is Apple's biggest operating system update since the firm moved from the "Classic" OS in 2001. Apple said the new operating system (OS) is almost half the size of previous versions, freeing up to 7GB of drive space once installed.
Snow Leopard is currently the number two best seller on Amazon.com and will retail at £25 in the UK ($29 in US).
Nokia announces netbook offering
The world's largest manufacturer of mobile phones will join the PC market with its Booklet 3G netbook.
The Windows-based device is about 2cm thick and will offer 3G connectivity as well as wi-fi.
The Windows-based device is about 2cm thick and will offer 3G connectivity as well as wi-fi.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Afghanistan President ?
Whose gonna be next Afghan president and would he/she would be under influence of USA ?
Sunday, June 28, 2009
What’s your favourite Michael Jackson song?
He released 13 No.1 singles, won 13 Grammy Awards, put out Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time, and sold 750 million records worldwide. His repertoire is sheer genius, each album breaking new musical ground, innovating new musical styles and setting the tone for a generation. Is it possible, then, to have a favourite Michael Jackson song? Can you really choose ‘Thriller’ over ‘Beat It’, or ‘Billie Jean’ over ‘ABC’?
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