Nations seeking to break China’s monopoloy on rare earths used in advanced manufacturing

Nations wary of dependence on China’s rare earths

TOKYO – China’s recent halt of exotic metal shipments to Japan amid a diplomatic spat has reverberated throughout the world’s high-tech manufacturing hubs – now on heightened alert to the risks of relying on one country for materials that do everything from helping hybrid engines run to creating …. Source  : Nations seeking to break China’s monopoloy on rare earths used in advanced manufacturing.

No laps for hot laptops; medical reports link them to “toasted skin syndrome,” possible harm

No laps for warm laptops; skin damage is possible

CHICAGO – Have you ever worked on your laptop computer with it sitting on your lap, heating up your legs? If so, you might want to rethink that habit.
Doing it a lot can lead to “toasted skin syndrome,” an unusual-looking mottled skin condition caused by long-term heat …. Read the original article  : No laps for hot laptops; medical reports link them to “toasted skin syndrome,” possible harm.

South Korea dominates World Cyber Games with 4 gold medals; US wins 3

South Korea dominates World Cyber Games
LOS ANGELES – South Korea retained the title of grand champion for the third straight year at the Olympics of the video game world.

Four gold medals were awarded to South Korean gamers Sunday at the 10th annual World Cyber Games Grand Final, a four-day contest at the Los Angeles Convention …. Original source  : South Korea dominates World Cyber Games with 4 gold medals; US wins 3.

Target stocks Apple’s iPad in stores, hopes popular device will drive holiday shopping

Target begins selling Apple’s iPad in stores

Target has begun selling Apple’s popular iPad tablet computer, a move the retailer hopes will drive traffic to its stores this holiday season.
The six models available include 16-, 32- and 64-gigabyte versions of both the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models. They are available in-store only and start at … Read : Target stocks Apple’s iPad in stores, hopes popular device will drive holiday shopping.

Apple could overtake Exxon Mobil as most the valuable stock in the market

Apple may surpass Exxon as most valuable company

NEW YORK – Here’s something to think about the next time you pick up a call on your iPhone: the device you’re holding may soon be the signature product of the most valuable company in the world.
Thanks to its line of gadgets that combine the ability to make …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Apple could overtake Exxon Mobil as most the valuable stock in the market.

Candidates using gimmicks, giveaways to build cell phone number lists for text messages

Candidates get creative to build text-message list

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A sign near the toilet said: “Text FLUSH to Robin.” Above the restroom sink was another suggestion: “Text WASH to Robin.”
Was this some sort of potty-room prank? Or high-tech graffiti?
Neither, actually. The bathroom bulletins were part of a calculated campaign strategy by Democratic U.S. Senate … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Candidates using gimmicks, giveaways to build cell phone number lists for text messages.

US SEC may file civil fraud charges against Satyam

WASHINGTON – The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly close to filing civil fraud charges against Indian software maker Satyam Computer Services in connection with a billion dollar accounting scheme.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Satyam disclosed in a regulatory filing that it had received a “Wells notice”, an indication from the SEC …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Facebook helps Houston father reunite with daughter after 25 years!

WASHINGTON – A Houston father, who searched for 25 years for his daughter he had never met, was reunited with her for the first time after using Facebook.

James Boyd met Stephanie Brumlow on Friday at Lone Star College-CyFair in suburban Houston, where Brumlow’s a student.

“She sent me a friend request Monday…and as soon as I … Read more »».

Iran spokesman claims computer worm was covert Western plot to derail country’s nuke program

Iran insists computer worm was Western plot

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman is claiming that a computer worm found on the laptops of several employees at the country’s nuclear power plant is part of a covert Western plot to derail the Iranian atomic program.
Ramin Mehmanparast says it won’t make Iran “give up or stop” …. Source article  : Iran spokesman claims computer worm was covert Western plot to derail country’s nuke program.

Hulu Is On a High After Deals With Roku,Tivo and Ford

LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com) — Hulu Plus is soon going to lay its door open for the set top box users of Roku Inc. The $10-per-month online TV subscription service would be made available to the purchasers of its newest Premiere digital video recorders. Hulu has a repertoire of 45 shows from ABC, NBC and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Hulu Is On a High After Deals With Roku,Tivo and Ford.

Summary Box: Skype names Cisco executive as new CEO, could mean specific IPO plans coming

Summary Box: Skype getting new CEO from Cisco

THE CHANGE: Internet calling service Skype said Monday that Tony Bates, formerly a senior vice president and general manager of Cisco’s enterprise, commercial and small business division, is replacing its current CEO, Josh Silverman.
THE EXPERIENCE: At Cisco, a massive, publicly traded company, Bates managed more than 12,500 employees … Read more »»».

Google TV Website Airing Free Tour

Google has been reigning the web for a long time now and they are venturing new lands to spread their roots and stronger their grip on the world.
Post the much anticipated unveilment of Google’s TV platform in May this year no further news on the same had been available. Well, the latest buzz is …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Google TV Website Airing Free Tour.

Bio Box: Twitter co-founder hands off CEO job to chief operating officer, veteran entrepreneur

Bio Box: Twitter’s outgoing, incoming CEOs

NAME: Evan Williams
AGE: 38
TWITTER JOB: After spending the past two years as CEO, Williams will simply be known as “co-founder” and focus on product development.
TWITTER IDENTITY: (at)ev
BUSINESS BACKGROUND: Before helping to launch Twitter in 2006, Williams was best known as the founder of Blogger. He sold that blogging service to …. Original article  : Bio Box: Twitter co-founder hands off CEO job to chief operating officer, veteran entrepreneur.

‘Social Network’ connects with movie fans $22.4M debut for Facebook drama

‘Social Network’ connects with fans in $22M debut

LOS ANGELES – “The Social Network,” David Fincher’s drama chronicling the contentious origins of Facebook, won the most friends at the weekend box office with a $22.4 million debut.
The top 20 movies at U.S. and Canadian theaters Friday through Sunday, followed by distribution studio, gross, number of theater … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Social Network’ connects with movie fans $22.4M debut for Facebook drama.

Ford, AmEx, Sara Lee, Microsoft among companies making big moves in the stock market

Ford, AmEx, Sara Lee among big market movers

NEW YORK – Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Monday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market:
NYSE
Ford Motor Co., up 58 cents at $12.84
A Morgan Stanley analyst took an upbeat view of the automaker’s stock because of strong revenue prospects as U.S. auto sales …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Russia’s VimpelCom and Egypt’s Weather investments agree to major telecom merger

Egypt and Russia telecom companies agree to merger

CAIRO – Russia’s VimpelCom Ltd and Weather Investments, the investment company headed by Egyptian telecom mogul Naguib Sawiris, said they are merging to form what would become the world’s fifth largest mobile telecommunication service provider in a deal valued at over $6.5 billion.
Under the agreement announced Monday, VimpelCom, … Read more >>>.

Skype names a Cisco executive as new CEO, could indicate specific IPO plans on the horizon

Skype getting new chief executive from Cisco

SAN FRANCISCO – Skype is replacing its CEO with a Cisco Systems executive, a change that may indicate the Internet calling service is closer to announcing specific plans for an initial public offering.
Skype S.A. said Monday that Tony Bates, formerly a Cisco Systems Inc. senior vice president and general …. Original source  : Skype names a Cisco executive as new CEO, could indicate specific IPO plans on the horizon.

Packers rookie S Burnett out for season with torn ACL

Packers S Burnett out for season with torn ACL

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay rookie safety Morgan Burnett will miss the rest of the season after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament in the victory over Detroit, leaving the Packers scrambling for a backup.
The third-round pick out of Georgia Tech started the Packers’ first four games …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Packers rookie S Burnett out for season with torn ACL.

Skype names Cisco exec as new CEO, could indicate specific IPO plans on horizon

Skype getting new CEO from Cisco
SAN FRANCISCO – Skype is replacing its CEO with a Cisco Systems executive. The change may indicate the Internet calling service is closer to announcing specific plans for an initial public offering.

Skype S.A. says Tony Bates, formerly a Cisco Systems Inc. senior vice president, will take over for Josh Silverman.
Silverman … Read more : Skype names Cisco exec as new CEO, could indicate specific IPO plans on horizon.

LightSquared closes on $850 million of debt, to use money to build 4G network

LightSquared closes on $850 million of debt

RESTON, Va. – Wireless broadband and satellite network LightSquared has closed on $850 million of debt, money it will use to build its 4G network.
With the money, the company now has more than $2 billion in equity and debt proceeds and in commitments.
The company is owned by private-equity firm … Read more >>>.

Obama’s ex-chief of staff Rahm Emanuel hits Chicago streets to make his case for mayor

Emanuel hits Chicago streets, makes case for mayor

CHICAGO – Last week, Afghanistan. This week, parents protesting the proposed demolition of a park field house.
Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel hit the campaign trail on Monday and got a sudden taste of the vastly different agenda he’d face as Chicago’s mayor – and the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama’s ex-chief of staff Rahm Emanuel hits Chicago streets to make his case for mayor.

Egypt exchange halts trading in Orascom Telecom on reports about possible deal with VimpelCom

Egypt exchange halts trading in Orascom Telecom

CAIRO – Trading in mobile phone service provider Orascom Telecom’s shares was halted on the Egyptian stock exchange Monday as the bourse sought clarification about reports of a possible deal with Russia’s VimpelCom Ltd.
Media reports indicated that VimpelCom could announce as early as Monday progress on a deal in …. Source  : Egypt exchange halts trading in Orascom Telecom on reports about possible deal with VimpelCom.

Rebirth of 3-D finds success in film and TV, now music takes a stab at 3-D market

Following film and TV, music takes stab at 3-D

NEW YORK – At the beginning of the re-emergence of 3-D, the focus was on film, with movies like “Avatar” paving the way for the technology to become an integral part of the cinema experience.
Soon TV followed, with sporting events like the World Cup featured in 3-D, …. Read the original article  : Rebirth of 3-D finds success in film and TV, now music takes a stab at 3-D market.

Industry group says global semiconductor sales grew 33 percent in August

Worldwide chip sales jump in August
NEW YORK – Global sales of semiconductors grew nearly 33 percent in August to $25.7 billion compared with a year ago, the Semiconductor Industry Association said Monday.

Compared with July, chip sales climbed nearly 2 percent. Sales for the first eight months of 2010 were $194.6 billion, up 44 percent from …. Original article  : Industry group says global semiconductor sales grew 33 percent in August.

Chip maker Microsemi to buy Actel for about $430 million to expand its product offerings

Microsemi to purchase Actel for about $430 million

IRVINE, Calif. – Microsemi Corp. is buying Actel Corp. for about $430 million in order to expand its product offerings.
The chip maker, which will start a cash tender offer, said Monday that it will pay $20.88 per share, which is a 30 percent premium to Actel’s Friday closing …. Read the original article  : Chip maker Microsemi to buy Actel for about $430 million to expand its product offerings.

Toshiba does away with glasses in new 3-D TVs; Japan sales start in December

Toshiba unveils glasses-free 3-D TV
TOKYO – Toshiba Corp. believes it has a solution for television viewers who like 3-D but hate the glasses.

The Tokyo-based company on Monday unveiled the world’s first high definition liquid crystal display 3-D television that does not require special glasses – one of the biggest consumer complaints about the technology.
Toshiba describes …. Read the original article  : Toshiba does away with glasses in new 3-D TVs; Japan sales start in December.

‘I Like It On Facebook’: What It Means

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- The latest phenomenon on Facebook is women posting SMs that start with ‘I like it on’. While many, unaware of the breast cancer awareness campaign, found the SMs rather provocative, the viral marketing has been a successful one for the campaign. The campaign has asked the women to reveal where they …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘I Like It On Facebook’: What It Means.

Bangalore BPO employee rape case: Cab driver Shiva Kumar convicted

BANGALORE – A fast track court here on Wednesday held cab driver, Shiva Kumar, guilty for the rape and murder of Pratibha Murthy, an employee of the Hewlett-Packard run business process outsourcing arm.

Shiva Kumar had first confessed to the crime, but later backtracked and denied all charges against him.

He later went on to say that …. Original source  : Bangalore BPO employee rape case: Cab driver Shiva Kumar convicted.

Facebook says site issues cause online hangout to be slow or unavailable to some users

Site issues cause outage for some Facebook users

SAN FRANCISCO – Facebook says unspecified site issues caused the social-networking site to be slow or unavailable for some of its 500 million users.
Facebook spokeswoman Kathleen Loughlin said in an e-mail to The Associated Press just before 10 p.m. PDT Tuesday that the company was working on the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Facebook says site issues cause online hangout to be slow or unavailable to some users.

Yahoo adds a Dapper touch to online ads with acquisition of startup’s targeting technology

Yahoo spruces up its online ads with Dapper deal

SAN FRANCISCO – Yahoo is trying to spruce up its online advertising service by buying a startup called Dapper.
Dapper, started four years ago, offers tools that help advertisers create Internet campaigns that connect with the people most likely to be interested in their products or services.
Like many …. Original source  : Yahoo adds a Dapper touch to online ads with acquisition of startup’s targeting technology.

Activision to release first-person shooter ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’ in 3-D

‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’ to be released in 3-D

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – As if the gun-toting action in “Call of Duty: Black Ops” wasn’t expected to feel real enough in high definition, Activision Blizzard Inc. announced Tuesday that the latest entry in its successful first-person-shooter video game franchise would be released in 3-D, yet …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Activision to release first-person shooter ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’ in 3-D.

Agreement with 2 carriers to bring wireless access to some NYC subway stations by 2011

Agreement paves way for NYC subway wireless access

NEW YORK – Wireless access is coming to some New York City’s subway stations by late 2011.
AT&T and T-Mobile USA signed 10-year agreements with Transit Wireless on Monday.
Transit Wireless is a wireless company charged with building a wireless network in the subway system.
Under the agreement, at least six …. Read the original article  : Agreement with 2 carriers to bring wireless access to some NYC subway stations by 2011.

Twitter co-founder Williams steps down as CEO to focus on profitability

LONDON – The co-founder of the social networking site Twitter, Evan Williams, has stepped down as the CEO, with COO Dick Costolo taking over as the company’s new chief executive.

According to the BBC, Williams, who has headed the company since 2008, would now focus on “strategies” to make Twitter more profitable. Announcing the …. Original source  : Twitter co-founder Williams steps down as CEO to focus on profitability.

Punjab and Sind Bank Invites Applicants for Clerk Officer

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — Punjab and Sind Bank invites candidates belonging to Indian citizenship for recruitment in Officer Cadre and in Clerical cadre for following posts :
1. Clerks : 300 posts in various states (UR-158,OBC-70, SC-56, ST-10), Pay Scale : Rs. 6200 23900, Age : 18-28years
2. Probationary Officer : 450 posts, Pay Scale …. Original source  : Punjab and Sind Bank Invites Applicants for Clerk Officer.

Facebook Gets Patents for the Inventions of Foursquare and Gowalla – What?

NEW YORK — The war among the Location based industry may have been started quite sometime ago but the latest player seems to grab all the trophies. Facebook may have got its pass into the location war battlefield with the birth of Facebook Places launching only a few months ago, but it’s been [..] Read the original article: here.

Facebook I Like It Statuses Viral on the Internet. What it Mean?

Facebook I Like It Statutes have gone viral in the internet. I you visit the Facebook you might end up scratching your head why every of your female friends have resorted to a same Facebook statuses like “I like it on …..”. All the statuses are same in the beginning and only the …. Source article  : Facebook I Like It Statuses Viral on the Internet. What it Mean?.

Yahoo jazzes up search results in attempt to stand out from Bing, bring in more ad revenue

Yahoo revs up search results in turnaround quest

SAN FRANCISCO – Yahoo Inc. is jazzing up its Internet search results in an effort to orchestrate a revenue revival.
The additional features will begin appearing Thursday on Yahoo’s U.S. website.
The new tools are designed to get people to the information they seek more quickly, especially when searching about …. Source article  : Yahoo jazzes up search results in attempt to stand out from Bing, bring in more ad revenue.

Summary Box: Facebook introduces tools for separating friends, copying all personal info

Summary Box: Facebook’s new way to define friends

REDEFINING FRIENDSHIPS: Facebook introduced a new tool to make it easier to divide online friends into different groups so its more than 500 million users can narrow the audiences for different things that they post. For instance, one group might be composed of co-workers and others might be … Read more »»».

Verizon says fast 4G wireless coming to cities in Northeast, Calif., elsewhere by year’s end

Verizon says fast 4G wireless coming to 38 cities

NEW YORK – Verizon Wireless said Wednesday that its new wireless broadband network, which offers higher data speeds initially for laptop users, will be live before the end of the year in the cities on the Boston-to-Washington stretch as well as in California, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Verizon says fast 4G wireless coming to cities in Northeast, Calif., elsewhere by year’s end.

Review: Apple TV is improved, but doesn’t beat other ways to get movies from Internet to TV

Review: A better Apple TV doesn’t beat competition

NEW YORK – Apple is a pioneer in many fields, but in the race to connect our TV sets to the Internet, it’s been lagging badly.
Three years ago, the company put out a small box called the Apple TV that brought iTunes movies to the TV set, but [..] Read the original article: here.

Logitech unveils $300 set-top box to bring Google TV service to existing televisions

Logitech unveils Revue, a $300 Google TV set-box

SEATTLE – Logitech is unveiling a $300 set-top box that will bring Google’s new TV service to people who don’t want to buy a new television set.
Logitech International SA, which makes computer mice, webcams and other peripherals, said in May it would build a Google TV set-top box.
Google … Original article on : Logitech unveils $300 set-top box to bring Google TV service to existing televisions.

Draft trade agreement drops several provisions that alarmed technology companies

Draft trade pact more palatable to tech companies

WASHINGTON – For three years, technology and telecommunications companies have watched nervously from the sidelines as the United States and nearly a dozen trading partners have negotiated a trade agreement that critics feared could undermine all sorts of online activities.
But on Wednesday, the U.S. Trade Representative released the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

FBI’s Mueller: Legal changes needed to ensure surveillance in terrorism, criminal cases

Mueller: Revise telecom law to aid terror probes

WASHINGTON – FBI Director Robert Mueller on Wednesday called for changes in federal law to help his agents with surveillance of communications in anti-terrorism and other criminal investigations.
At a conference of intelligence experts, Mueller said that in some instances communications companies are unable to provide electronic communications the … Read more »»».

Raytheon gets $112.3 million Navy contract for radar technology

Raytheon gets Navy contract for $112.3 million

TEWKSBURY, Mass. – Raytheon Co. said Wednesday it has received a $112.3 million contract from the U.S. Navy.
The contract is to design and develop an S-band radar and radar suite controller technology demonstrator for the Navy’s new Air and Missile Defense Radar, called AMDR. Raytheon said the S-band component …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Report: Apple to make iPhones for CDMA networks such as Verizon’s, could go on sale in 2011

Report: Apple to make iPhones for CDMA networks

SEATTLE – A new report says Apple Inc. is getting ready to manufacture an iPhone model that works on the cellular network operated by Verizon Wireless, though it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s coming to that carrier any time soon.
It has long been rumored that Verizon Wireless will eventually … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Report: Apple to make iPhones for CDMA networks such as Verizon’s, could go on sale in 2011.

Study says hospitals could save billions from change in rules on purchases of devices

Study: Medical device buying rules waste billions

NEW YORK – A study published Wednesday says hospitals and the federal government could save tens of billions of dollars a year if they changed the way group purchasing organizations – which buy medical supplies in bulk for member hospitals – are compensated.
The study said hospitals and health care … Read more >>>.

Facebook unveils tools for creating clusters of friends, copying personal information on site

Facebook offers new way to sort friends, copy info

PALO ALTO, Calif. – Facebook is trying to make it easier for people to share their updates selectively and draw distinctions between friends, family members and co-workers on the Web’s biggest social hub.
Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and CEO, unveiled the latest changes Wednesday at a press conference [..] Read the original article: here.

Verizon Wireless says 4G high speed coming first to Northeast Corridor, Calif., Chicago, Miami

Verizon says 4G high speed coming to Northeast

NEW YORK – Verizon Wireless says its new wireless broadband network, which offers higher data speeds initially for laptop users, will be live before the end of the year in the cities on the Boston-to-Washington stretch as well as California, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Seattle and others.
In …. Original source  : Verizon Wireless says 4G high speed coming first to Northeast Corridor, Calif., Chicago, Miami.

Cisco takes corporate videoconferencing technology to the living room with $599 ‘umi’ box

Cisco to sell videoconferencing box for the home

SAN FRANCISCO – Cisco Systems Inc., seeking to become a bigger name in consumer electronics, said Wednesday that it’s going to start selling a $599 box that turns living-room TV sets into big videophones.
It’s the first entry by Cisco, the world’s largest maker of computer-networking gear, into a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cisco takes corporate videoconferencing technology to the living room with $599 ‘umi’ box.

Qualcomm ends sales of portable TVs, puts future of mobile TV service in question.

Qualcomm ends sales of portable sets for mobile TV

NEW YORK – It looks as if U.S. consumers just aren’t that interested in getting TV on their phones and other mobile devices.
Wireless technology developer Qualcomm Inc. is pulling back on its efforts to sell mobile TV service under the FLO TV brand. It is ending sales …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pentagon says global cyber war is just beginning

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon and its NATO allies are looking at how to improve their defenses against a cyber war, but the basic question of how to define a cyber attack is complicating efforts.he Pentagon says it is rapidly preparing for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pentagon says global cyber war is just beginning.

Pratibha Murthy murder case: Cab driver sentenced to life

BANGALORE – A fast track court on Friday sentenced cab driver Shiva Kumar to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of Pratibha Murthy, an employee of the Hewlett-Packard run business process outsourcing arm.

The accused will serve in jail until his death.

Shiva Kumar had first confessed to the crime, but later backtracked and denied … Read more : Pratibha Murthy murder case: Cab driver sentenced to life.

Vodafone buys 2 telecom expense management firms for $9.7 million total

Vodafone buys 2 telecom expense management firms

LONDON – Vodafone is spending $9.7 million to buy two firms specializing in managing telecom expenses.
Vodafone said Friday that it is buying Australia-based Quickcomm for $6.9 million and U.S.-based based TnT Expense Management for $2.8 million.
Quickcomm has offices in the United States, Britain and Singapore, while TnT has offices … Read more : Vodafone buys 2 telecom expense management firms for $9.7 million total.

Female student’s private sex life thesis makes waves in cyber space

LONDON – A female student in the US has been left devastated after a sex list, in which she ranked the university men she had slept with, became an Internet sensation.

Karen Owen had created the “unofficial senior thesis” on her sex life with athletes at Duke University …. Read the original article  : Female student’s private sex life thesis makes waves in cyber space.

UAE state news agency says Gulf state won’t go ahead with BlackBerry service ban on Monday

UAE, BlackBerry resolve dispute, averting ban

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The United Arab Emirates backed off a threat to cut key services on BlackBerry smart phones Friday, just days before the ban was set to take effect.
The Gulf federation, home to the region’s business hub and largest airport in Dubai, was planning to shut off … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : UAE state news agency says Gulf state won’t go ahead with BlackBerry service ban on Monday.

Senate report: US hires Afghan warlords and thugs, military defends hiring locally

US spending on Afghan security contractors slammed

WASHINGTON – U.S. reliance on private security in Afghanistan that is poorly monitored and often results in the hiring of Afghan warlords is profiting the Taliban and could endanger coalition troops, according to a Senate report. Military officials warn, however, that ending the practice of hiring local guards could … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Senate report: US hires Afghan warlords and thugs, military defends hiring locally.

BPO employee rape case: Quantum of sentence to be pronounced today

BANGALORE – The sentencing of cab driver Shiva Kumar, who was declared guilty for the rape and murder of Pratibha Murthy, an employee of the Hewlett-Packard run business process outsourcing arm, will take place today.

A fast track court on Wednesday had held …. Source article  : BPO employee rape case: Quantum of sentence to be pronounced today.

Synopsys buys software and engineering firm Optical Research Associates for undisclosed amount

Synopsys buys software firm Optical Research

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Synopsys Inc. on Thursday said it has acquired Optical Research Associates, a privately held optical design software and optical engineering services company.
It is the fifth acquisition announced this year by Synopsys, which makes chip testing and development software. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal closed [..] Read the original article: here.

PayPal iPhone app lets you add checks to PayPal account by snapping photos of them

PayPal iPhone app lets you scan checks to deposit

SAN FRANCISCO – Betting you wouldn’t trek to your bank or the closest ATM if you didn’t have to, PayPal has added a feature to its free iPhone application that lets users deposit checks into their PayPal accounts by taking a picture of them.
The online payment service … Read more >>.

Adobe shares soar on report of possible Microsoft bid, Microsoft declines to comment

Adobe soars on report of possible Microsoft bid

NEW YORK – Shares of Adobe soared in heavy trading Thursday on a report that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer discussed a possible buyout of the company.
A report posted in the “Bits” blog of The New York Times said Ballmer recently met with Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen to talk … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Adobe shares soar on report of possible Microsoft bid, Microsoft declines to comment.

A look at what will be hot for holiday 2010

A glance at the expected hot holiday gifts

As Americans scrutinize every purchase, merchants are making sure to stock up on holiday gifts that are either practical or offer an affordable way to splurge. Here are some of the hot trends for Christmas 2010:
FASHION: Fur vests – real or fake – and sweaters with Nordic patterns …. Original source  : A look at what will be hot for holiday 2010.

Microsoft search engine Bing signs deal for access to France’s national library

Microsoft’s Bing gains access to France’s archives

PARIS – Microsoft Corp. says it has signed an deal that will give its Bing search engine access to the digital archives of France’s National Library.
The agreement signed Thursday will permit Bing to index and search the library’s Gallica online archive of 1.25 million books and documents, from Moliere …. Original source  : Microsoft search engine Bing signs deal for access to France’s national library.

Motorola Sues against Apple for its Patent Violation

Motorola Mobility has filed patent violation complaints against Apple in the in the Northern District of Illinois and the Southern District of Florida.

Motorola has accused Apple of infringing 18 patents developed by Motorola during their early stages based on their vital technological areas.
The official statement of Motorola is as follows:
Overall, Motorola Mobility’s three complaints include … Original article on : Motorola Sues against Apple for its Patent Violation.

Christmas shoppers’ skittishness likely to have retailers rolling out the discounts

Shoppers may have the upper hand this Christmas

NEW YORK – The Christmas shopping season doesn’t kick off for another six weeks, but retailers already are signaling they’re prepared to discount aggressively to entice shoppers still skittish about spending.
Gift buyers are likely to scrutinize every purchase, from $20 toys to $1,000 designer jackets, do their homework …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kiwi-Indian students’ facebook page protesting Dixit slur bombarded with racist hate messages

WELLINGTON – The Facebook pages of two Kiwi-Indian students, which they set up to condemn the TV presenter for his ‘racist’ comments against Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, have been bombarded with hate messages by many New Zealanders asking the duo to ‘go back to their country’.

According to stuff.co.nz, two law students at Victoria University, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Facebook Chat Not Showing Up For Good

LOS ANGELES, (GaeaTimes.com)- All those who were disappointed because their Facebook chat is not showing up temporarily, should actually be excited and feel happy about it. The reason is that, the social networking site is in the process of offering the users something better.
Many other exciting tools and applications are about to be introduced, for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Facebook Chat Not Showing Up For Good.

Fortune Brands, Motorola and ScanSource are among the big market movers Friday

Fortune Brands, Motorola among big market movers

NEW YORK – Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Friday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market:
NYSE
Fortune Brands Inc., up $3.85 at $55.85
The shares rose after a report that activist investor William Ackman became the largest shareholder in the company.
JC Penney Inc., up 85 cents …. Source  : Fortune Brands, Motorola and ScanSource are among the big market movers Friday.

Neb. football players get iPads, fixed cold tank thanks to Ndamukong Suh’s $2M donation

Neb. football players get iPads thanks to Suh

LINCOLN, Neb. – Ndamukong Suh’s $2 million donation to his alma mater comes with more than few apps for his former teammates.
Nebraska football players now have Apple iPads installed in their lockers.
Athletic director Tom Osborne said Friday that Suh asked for some of the money to be used … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Neb. football players get iPads, fixed cold tank thanks to Ndamukong Suh’s $2M donation.

Facebook co-founder Sean Parker gives $100K to California ballot measure to legalize marijuana

Facebook co-founder gives $100K to pro-pot measure

SAN FRANCISCO – California’s ballot measure to legalize marijuana has a new friend: Facebook co-founder Sean Parker has given $100,000 to back the proposal.
Parker’s donation was reported in Proposition 19 campaign finance filings this week.
And he’s not the first big Proposition 19 donor with ties to the social networking …. Original article  : Facebook co-founder Sean Parker gives $100K to California ballot measure to legalize marijuana.

Loscocco says he quit as Cahill’s running mate after he began to hurt Baker and help Patrick

Loscocco: I quit after Cahill was helping Patrick

BOSTON – The running mate of an independent candidate for Massachusetts governor says he quit the race after learning the candidate was coordinating with the campaign of Democratic incumbent Deval Patrick.
In a statement on Friday, Paul Loscocco (loss-KOH’-koh) said that Timothy Cahill’s political adviser was coordinating with a …. Original source  : Loscocco says he quit as Cahill’s running mate after he began to hurt Baker and help Patrick.

AP Interview: Salman Rushdie mixes fable with video games in new children’s book for his son

AP Interview: Salman Rushdie pens new kids’ book

LONDON – Salman Rushdie, the prize-winning Indian-born writer, has in the past based novels on the politics of India and Pakistan. But his latest book is for teenagers, and the inspiration – at least some of it – came from video games.
In an interview Friday with The Associated …. Original source  : AP Interview: Salman Rushdie mixes fable with video games in new children’s book for his son.

Obama signs bill to help blind, deaf people use smart phones, other emerging technologies

Obama signs technology access bill for disabled

WASHINGTON – Blind and deaf people will be able to more easily use smart phones, the Internet and other technologies that are staples of life and work under a bill signed into law on Friday.
Such a step has been a priority of advocates for the millions of people who … Read more »».

Written for his teenage son, Salman Rushdie’s new book combines video games with fable

Salman Rushdie turns to video games in new book

LONDON – Salman Rushdie says he turned to the world of video games for inspiration for his new book, “Luka and the Fire of Life.”
The writer says he wrote the book for his 13-year-old son. The novel, published this week, is Rushdie’s second book for younger readers.
Rushdie …. Original article  : Written for his teenage son, Salman Rushdie’s new book combines video games with fable.

Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales given Swiss award for ‘democratizing the access to knowledge’

Swiss award for Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales

GENEVA – A Swiss organization has awarded Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales 100,000 Swiss francs ($104,000) for “democratizing the access to knowledge.”
The Im Grueene Foundation said Friday the free online encyclopedia “revolutionized the access to knowledge as man’s most important resource” because it allows users to also be contributors.
The Gottlieb … Original article on : Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales given Swiss award for ‘democratizing the access to knowledge’.

UAE says it won’t implement loooming BlackBerry service ban after agreement with phone maker

UAE, BlackBerry resolve dispute, averting ban

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The United Arab Emirates on Friday backed off a threat to cut key BlackBerry services, just days before a planned ban that could have harmed the country’s business-friendly reputation.
The last-minute decision ended more than two months of brinksmanship with the Canadian company that makes the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : UAE says it won’t implement loooming BlackBerry service ban after agreement with phone maker.

Analyst: Microsoft more likely to cooperate with Adobe rather than buy the company

Ahead of the Bell: Adobe and Microsoft
NEW YORK – Investors who drove up shares of software maker Adobe Systems Inc. following reports of a meeting with Microsoft may be too optimistic about a buyout, industry analysts said Friday.

The two companies are more likely to collaborate than do a deal, Oppenheimer & Co. analyst Brad Reback …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Analyst: Microsoft more likely to cooperate with Adobe rather than buy the company.

Adobe AIR Released for Android Platform

We heard about the Adobe AIR earlier this year. The cross-platform application was slated to release in Q4. But having done with a series of demos it has finally got released on the Android platform.

If you are still confused about the function of Adobe AIR, let me shed some light over it. Adobe AIR enables …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Adobe AIR Released for Android Platform.

$1 M Deposited in Checks by Paypal App via iPhone

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — The latest app from Paypal was introduced a few moments ago. The check depositing app for iPhone was introduced which turned out to be a big hit in the market. Within a short time around checks of 1M were already received by the company.
This big hit is surely due to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : $1 M Deposited in Checks by Paypal App via iPhone.

“Super X-Ray Vision” is the Future of the Loopt

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — When it comes to location based service industry, names like Foursquare and Gowalla play around the top positions. But, another player in the same field was much more senior than these big giants. Loopt started connecting friends via location long before names like Foursquare and Gowalla entered into the market.
Over … Original article on : “Super X-Ray Vision” is the Future of the Loopt.

Using too much Facebook and Twitter may cost you your job

LONDON – Government and council employees in the UK using social networking sites at work or posting inappropriate comments from home are likely to face serious action, which includes being sacked.

Police censured eight employees last year after they found using police computers to chat with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Using too much Facebook and Twitter may cost you your job.

LimeRa1n Landing On Oct 11

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- Those who own Apple products like 3rd generation iPhone and iPod Touch can rejoice now. Geohot – the well known Apple hacker is back in the scene after a hiatus. He has said that a new jailbreak meant for Apple devices will be released shortly which is named LimeRa1n. The hacker … Read : LimeRa1n Landing On Oct 11.

Shane Warne’s most followed Oz celeb on Twitter

MELBOURNE – Spin legend Shane Warne is Australia’s most-followed celeb on Twitter, with more than 187,580 followers.

Melbourne-based Twitter measurement outfit Tribalytic released the list.

Blogger Alister Cameron has been rated second on the list, with more than 181,000 followers.

Tim Bull, CEO of BinaryPlex, the company behind Tribalytic, said Warne’s popularity could partly be explained by his …. Original article  : Shane Warne’s most followed Oz celeb on Twitter.

Oz military networks facing huge cyber espionage threat

CANBERRA – Australia’s top electronic spy unit has warned that the country’s military networks are under siege from soaring levels of cyber strikes by foreign intelligence agencies.

According to News.com.au, the Defence Signals Directorate figures show that the military has experienced 700 attempts a month this year, up from 200 a month … Original article on : Oz military networks facing huge cyber espionage threat.