Semiconductor equipment supplier ASML Q2 profits soar thanks to strong demand from chip makers

ASML bounces back to Q2 profit on strong sales
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – ASML Holding NV, a key supplier to computer chip makers, said Wednesday it bounced back to profit in the second quarter from a loss in the same period last year thanks to a sharp rebound in demand.

The company, which supplies tools to Intel …. Source  : Semiconductor equipment supplier ASML Q2 profits soar thanks to strong demand from chip makers.

US announces new cyber security program called ‘Perfect Citizen’

WASHINGTON – The NSA’s new cyber-security program, Perfect Citizen, will monitor nuclear power plants, train stations, and the electric power grid to safeguard against cyber-assaults.

The new program is intended to monitor cyber-terrorist threats and “would rely on a set of sensors deployed in computer networks for critical infrastructure that would be triggered by unusual …. Original source  : US announces new cyber security program called ‘Perfect Citizen’.

Utah agencies investigate origin of list of 1,300 names of alleged undocumented immigrants

Utah agencies probe alleged illegal immigrant list

SALT LAKE CITY – State agencies are investigating whether any of their employees leaked Social Security numbers and other personal information after a list of 1,300 people who an anonymous group claims are illegal immigrants was circulated around Utah.
The anonymous group mailed the list to several media outlets, law … Original source on Gaea Times at : Utah agencies investigate origin of list of 1,300 names of alleged undocumented immigrants.

Discovery Channel Eyes New Venture

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- It is quite evident that the appeal of social networking among youngsters has affected the major TV networks as well. That explains why a channel like Discovery networks is planning to join the bandwagon by means of a game. A social game development entity named Hive media has been approached …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Discovery Channel Eyes New Venture.

2011 Corvette Offer From GM

MICHIGAN (GaeaTimes.com)- General Motors the US based auto giant make various types of cars and among them Corvette deserves a special mention. It is loved by those who want raw power and style in their cars and do not mind spending a fortune for that. For the new 2011 Corvette models the company is …. Original article  : 2011 Corvette Offer From GM.

Discovery Channel Tying Up With Sony

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- After Hollywood and major production studios the major TV networks have been affected by the 3D mania. ESPN and National Geographic have already started broadcasting content in 3D format and in near future a number of other channels are also going to join the 3D bandwagon, which means more entertainment … Original article on : Discovery Channel Tying Up With Sony.

Freer technology budgets, more sophisticated factories lead Intel to best-in-a-decade profit

Freer budgets help Intel’s best-in-a-decade profit
SAN FRANCISCO – The last time Intel Corp. pulled in profit this big, dot-com delirium was in full swing and Internet fever fueled spectacular computer sales.
Now, as the technology industry recovers from a slump caused by the financial meltdown, the world’s No. 1 semiconductor company has reported its … Original article on : Freer technology budgets, more sophisticated factories lead Intel to best-in-a-decade profit.

China signs deals to $10B invest in Argentina’s railways but no progress on soy dispute

China to invest $10B in Argentina’s railways

BEIJING – Argentina and China signed a deal for Beijing to invest $10 billion in the South American nation’s railways during a visit by the Argentine president but there was no sign of progress in a dispute over soy imports.
The agreements announced Tuesday during the visit by President Cristina … Read more >>>.

Summary Box: Apple need not respond to Consumer Reports on antenna design issue, analysts say

Summary Box: Apple silent on antenna critique
THE CRITIQUE: Consumer Reports says reception problems with Apple’s iPhone 4 are caused by the antenna design. The magazine’s tests show holding the phone a certain way interferes. Some Apple watchers think Apple should recall the phones or give out free cases.
THE DEFENSE: Apple hasn’t responded directly. …. Original article  : Summary Box: Apple need not respond to Consumer Reports on antenna design issue, analysts say.

Summary Box: Intel pulls off strongest net income in a decade on freer tech budgets

Summary Box: Intel’s 2Q net is best in a decade

BLOWOUT QUARTER: Intel books its largest quarterly net income in a decade as corporations step up spending on computers. Chipmaker earns $2.89 billion on revenue of $10.77 billion.
FREER TECH BUDGETS: An encouraging sign for the economy was that companies spent more on upgrading workers’ personal computers, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Summary Box: Intel pulls off strongest net income in a decade on freer tech budgets.

With Apple’s fans, iPhone maker may not need to respond to Consumer Reports critique

Apple silent after Consumer Reports critique
SEATTLE – A decision by Consumer Reports against endorsing the latest iPhone because of reception problems threatens to tarnish Apple Inc.’s reputation, yet fans who have braved poor reception for years are likely to keep buying the product.
In fact, some analysts say Apple could simply ignore calls by … Original source on Gaea Times at : With Apple’s fans, iPhone maker may not need to respond to Consumer Reports critique.

Digital River names former Autodesk CFO to board, citing experience in finance and tech

Digital River names former Autodesk CFO to board
MINNEAPOLIS – Digital River Inc. said Tuesday it has appointed a former chief financial officer of Autodesk Inc. to its board.
Digital River, which builds and manages online businesses for clients, named Alfred Castino as a director.
Digital River said Castino has broad experience in overseeing the finances … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Digital River names former Autodesk CFO to board, citing experience in finance and tech.

Yahoo, Microsoft chip away at Google’s huge search lead with help from automated queries

Yahoo, Microsoft gain ground on Google in search
SAN FRANCISCO – Yahoo Inc. and Microsoft Corp. gained a little more ground on Internet search leader Google Inc. in June, largely because of techniques that automate some search requests.
Even with the extra help, both Yahoo and Microsoft still lag far behind Google in the Internet’s … Original source on Gaea Times at : Yahoo, Microsoft chip away at Google’s huge search lead with help from automated queries.

EBay shareholders tied to nurses union seek details of agreement over Whitman altercation

EBay shareholders seek details of Whitman deal

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Two eBay shareholders have asked the online auction company to release details of a confidential settlement it paid to a staffer who accused then-CEO Meg Whitman of pushing her.
The Republican gubernatorial nominee has acknowledged reaching a deal with the employee over the altercation three years ago.
The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : EBay shareholders tied to nurses union seek details of agreement over Whitman altercation.

Automakers make between-year tweaks to boost midsize car gas mileage

Automakers tweak midsize cars to boost gas mileage
DETROIT – To improve gas mileage, automakers are tweaking cars and trucks between model years, especially in the cost-conscious and popular market for midsize sedans.
Honda Motor Co. recently announced changes in its Accord sedan that boosted highway mileage by almost 10 percent from the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Automakers make between-year tweaks to boost midsize car gas mileage.

Stocks extend gains into 6th straight day after Alcoa, CSX report upbeat profit, outlook

Stocks surge after Alcoa, CSX report strong profit
NEW YORK – The stock market got a shot of confidence from the start of second-quarter earnings season.
Investors sent stocks sharply higher Tuesday after better-than-expected profits from aluminum maker Alcoa Inc. and railroad operator CSX Corp. The Dow Jones industrial average rose more than 145 points … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Stocks extend gains into 6th straight day after Alcoa, CSX report upbeat profit, outlook.

Intel 2Q net income is its biggest profit in a decade, but fresh economic worries persist

Intel posts biggest quarterly profit in a decade
SAN FRANCISCO – Intel Corp. has posted its largest quarterly net income in a decade as the company benefits from a strengthening computer market and more sophisticated factories.
An encouraging sign for the economy was that large corporations, which have been slower than consumers to …. Read the original article  : here.

Summary Box: GE, venture capital funds put up $200 million for electric grid projects

Summary Box: GE’s $200M electric grid fund

THE MONEY: GE and four venture capital firms are putting up $200 million to fund projects designed to improve the electric grid.
THE REASON: GE is heavily involved in “Smart Grid” technology, tools meant to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of energy use from the power plant … Original article on : Summary Box: GE, venture capital funds put up $200 million for electric grid projects.

Apple reputation challenged following Consumer Reports tests of iPhone 4

Apple reputation challenged after iPhone 4 tests
SEATTLE – Apple has an iPhone problem it probably can’t just fix with duct tape.
Consumer Reports said this week that it won’t endorse the iPhone 4 as “recommended” because tests show that simply holding the gadget can cause reception to fade.
Bloggers and others have been speculating since …. Original article  : Apple reputation challenged following Consumer Reports tests of iPhone 4.

ACLU, publishers sue Mass. over obscenity law that covers IMs, text messages, e-mail

Groups sue Mass. over newly expanded obscenity law

BOSTON – A coalition of booksellers and Internet content providers on Tuesday filed a federal lawsuit challenging an expansion of Massachusetts’ obscenity law to include electronic communications that may be harmful to minors.
Supporters say the new law, which went into effect Monday, closes a loophole that led the …. Read the original article  : ACLU, publishers sue Mass. over obscenity law that covers IMs, text messages, e-mail.