As crime rate continues to drop in Netherlands, the country justice department decided to close eight prisons and layoff 1,200 jobs. Many prisons are currently empty and government is planning to import its neighbor country’s prisoners to fill the prisons, including Belgian prisoners. This is also to create jobs for the Dutch prison system.
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May 2009
Scottish singer Susan Boyle finishes second on the Britain’s Got Talent series 3, lose to dance troupe Diversity
Susan Boyle’s dream almost came true when she sang the same song “I Dreamed a Dream” from "Les Miserables" in the final, but a dance troupe “Diversity” won Britain’s Got Talent title series 3. Diversity received £ 100,000 ($ 159,000) and will be given the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of Royal Family members. After Susan knew that she lost to Diversity she said "The best people won," and she wished them "all the best."
Susan Boyle was born in April 1, 1961 in Scotland, and always loves to sing. Not many people knew Susan before she sang “I Dreamed a Dream” on the Britain’s Got Talent” show, and even though she finished 2nd place, she became a celebrity. Thanks to YouTube, Facebook and Twitter who make her famous around the world. In semifinal performance she sang “Memory” from “Cats”.
Britain’s Got Talent winner Diversity final Susan Boyle final
A giant from China, Sun Ming Ming is the world’s tallest basketball player
Sun Ming Ming, 25 year-old, is the world’s tallest pro basket ball player with 7-foot-9, about 3 inches taller than Yao Ming. He underwent a successful surgery in September 2005 to remove a tumor in the brain that had caused him became a giant. Sun just finished helping Hamamatsu Phoenix to be in the first place for the Eastern Conference of Japan’s professional basketball league. He can just easily dunk without necessary to jump and also good in shooting, but too slow for playing in the NBA league. If he ever had a chance to join the NBA, he would be the tallest basketball player in the NBA history overtaking 7-foot-7 of Manute Bol from Sudan and Gheorghe Muresan from Romania.
Robert Pierce, former Cleveland Cavaliers commented: “He’s so big that he could have a chance in the NBA but I think his size would be lessened because of the athletic ability and speed of NBA players.”
Bing.com search engine launch . . . Just Bing It!
Microsoft’s boss, Mr. Ballmer, publicly unveiled his company's new search engine as Bing.com at AllThingsD conference near San Diego, California, on Thursday morning.
Most of Bing.com’s features are resembled to current Live.com search. However, the added value is Powerset which provides better previews and small screen of text. Microsoft acquired Powerset about one year ago.
A full function of Bing.com search engine will be available starting June 3.
Cell phone text messaging harms American teenagers’ health and grades
American health experts beginning to worry that cell phone texting are leading to high anxiety, distracting classmates during school hours, getting bad grades, repetitive stress on hands, fingers/thumbs injury, and causing insomnia.
Most American teens do texting until late night while their parents have already gone to bed. Many teens doing texting at classrooms, and also while crossing busy streets in big cities.
“…American teenagers sent and received an average of 2,272 text messages per month in the fourth quarter of 2008, according to the Nielsen Company — almost 80 messages a day, more than double the average of a year earlier…”
“…Based on our experiences with computer users, we know intensive repetitive use of the upper extremities can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, so we have some reason to be concerned that too much texting could lead to temporary or permanent damage to the thumbs…”
“…her grades fell precipitously, her parents confiscated the phone…”
America's Congressman Nathan Deal proposed to change Birthright Citizenship
The policy to grant citizenship to babies born on America's soil has been challenged by U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, a Republican candidate for governor of Georgia. The issue is about the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution which has been adopted on July 9, 1868. He proposed to make some changes on the constitution that any babies born on America's soil must have at least one parent who has an American citizenship, or a lawful permanent resident alien (greencard) whose residence is in America or an alien performing active service in America's military.
Supporters of the proposed bill claimed that “the 14th Amendment wording was never meant to automatically give citizenship to babies born to illegal immigrants.” While Azadeh Shahshahani, director of the Immigrants Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Georgia said “is not cognizant with the American spirit.”
Bing.com, the new search engine logo sneak peak
According to several online news websites, Microsoft may be giving away a sneak peak of its Bing.com logo before its CEO, Mr. Ballmer, to hit the countdown launch button at AllThingsD conference. The conference starts on Monday (5/26) in Carlsbad, CA.
As Microsoft has chosen Bing.com as their new moniker, this continues the trend of major technology companies using 4-letter domains to brand their websites. Such as, hulu.com (a joint venture of online video), syfy.com (SciFi channel), vevo.com (Universal music video), etc.
Preventing graffiti and vandalism
Big cities around the world have been trying many strategies to prevent graffiti and vandalism. In Tokyo, Japan, local authorities starting to use a device which playing high frequency tone at night to deter young people to vandalize public toilets and other facilities. The device is currently tested at a Tokyo park from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM each night until March 2010.
“…The Mosquito is a device that emits a high-frequency tone that is unbearable to those who can hear it…”
“…The device produces a high-pitch tone of around 17 kilohertz, which teens can hear but older people cannot…”
Celebrities and surrogacy: womb for rent in Hollywood
The Sex and the City’s star Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband, Matthew Broderick, recently announced they were having twin girls by a surrogate mom sometime this summer 2009.
Hollywood surrogacy has been a very popular procedure since early 2001. Many stars have used surrogates to extend their next generation of stars.
According to MSN, here is a list of celebrities that have rented womb for their family planning:
Laurie Metcalf has a girl born in 2005.
Dennis Quaid and wife Kimberly has twin daughters born in 2008.
Kelsey Grammer and wife Camille has a girl born in 2001, and a boy born in 2004.
Marissa Jaret Winokur has a son born in 2008.
Katey Sagal has a girl born in 2007.
Bing.com . . . just Bing it! the software giant’s new search engine to start the cherry picking season
As many American farmers start opening their farms for cherry picking season within days, Microsoft, the software giant has been quietly selecting a new name for its new search engine.
It was known as “Live Search” since 2005 launch, then, it changed to Kumo.com during beta version within the past 12-months, and now the final product will be called Bing.com (cherry)
According to AdAge.com, Microsoft is set to launch an $80 million to $100 million campaign for Bing.com within days.
Microsoft controls about 9% in search engine market share compare to Google at about 64%.
Real-time Web (Now Web, Live Web, or Instant Web), the hot buzz word in Internet today
Real-time web is the new hot buzz word in Internet and search engines today. Real-time content is a new evolution in the web, allowing users to see information instantly and providing content those users finds worthy to follow.
Examples:
(Non-Real Time) someone spent a lot of time in the library to find and digging information. Library is like an archive place, more organized and oriented around research building. Example of a non-real-time company: Google and Yahoo.
(Real Time) someone spent time in a coffee shop as a social hub. Social hub is more dynamic, instantaneous, conversational setting, and ideas were usually exchanged from one person to the other. Example of real-time companies: Twitter and Facebook.
New DVD technology can store data of 200,000 DVDs on a single disc
Scientists from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia have invented on how to store as much as data on a single DVD disc. The invention which utilizes nanotechnology can store as much as 20,000 times larger than a Blu-ray Disc currently can store. Professor Min Gu and his team has successfully increased the use of storage capacity in a single disc from 4 layers to 52 layers.
Dr. James Chon explained that “…using what is now standard technology takes up less than a micron – one thousandth of a millimeter – of the CD’s thickness. So in other words you have only used 0.1 per cent of the volume and 99.9 per cent is wasted.”
Even though there are still many issues to be solved, they have signed an agreement with Samsung for commercial used within 10 years.
Information technology revolution will save America from economy recession and financial markets crash
According to Microsoft Corp Chairman Bill Gates, information technology revolution (IT) can pull America out of economy recession and rescue America financial markets from all the troubles.
The opportunities for Americans to strike back are great due to strong IT sector. While many top tech companies may have let go thousands under performance workers, executives confirmed that they have not cut their Research and Development budget due to this economy recession.
“…The software, IT revolution -- we're just at the start of that…”
“…The opportunities for innovation are stronger today than ever…”
“…I don't know anybody in our industry actually who's cutting their R&D budget…”
Americans future are depend on the Information Technology revolution
Terminator Salvation vs. Night at the Museum on Memorial Day Weekend movies
Christian Bale and Moon Bloodgood played together in action movie “Terminator Salvation” this Memorial Day weekend. Christian Bale, a Welsh-born English actor who played "Batman Begins" in 2005, played as John Connor, and Moon Bloodgood, who is #20 in Maxim magazine's 2009 hot list played as Blair Williams. The movie was about John Connor who led the human in the future war against Skynet and its army of Terminators.
Comedic actor Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and Robin Williams played in adventure comedy movie “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian”. Ben Stiller in this movie played as Larry Daley who returned for a visit to the Museum of Natural History. He made war with Egyptian pharaoh Kahmunrah who threatening the newcomers.
Annual Top 10 Technology Trends by the Churchill Club
1. The millennial generation is invading the workforce and taking control
The millennial generation is kids who were born in early 1980s to late 2000. Most of them have graduated from colleges and have entered workforces and soon will take control of the enterprises.
This imillennial.com generation cannot leave home without their iweb, iphone, ipod, igoogle, etc. Also, the imillennial generation already has the full experience of using web and will help to extend innovation in the area.
2. Advanced battery technology
3. Corporate data crunching, storing, security
4. Faster access thru wireless broadband network
5. Green and clean technology
6. New type of energy sources
7. U-web, the power of people and social networks
8. Better healthcare software
9. Everything on the go and mobile
10. Electronic displays & touch screen
The dark horse Kris Allen wins the American Idol title session 8
Kris Allen, 23 years old from Conway, Arkansas couldn’t express his feeling when Ryan Seacrest announced that he was the winner of American Idol title session 8. Allen reacted “Are you freakin’ serious?... it feels good man,
but Adam deserves this. I don’t even know what to feel right now. This
is crazy. Thank you so much.” While Simon Cowell commented”I thought you were both brilliant, unusually,
incredibly nice people and I think both of you should be incredibly
proud of what you achieved last night.” Nearly 100 million voters voted for the American Idol final on Tuesday night. The voters fell in love with Allen when he sang “Ain’t No Sunshine”.
Allen is a student who is also a worship leader with New Life Church in North Rock, Arkansas. Earlier this week he commented “I hoped the outcome wouldn’t be decided by ‘having the Christian vote’. While Lambert who dressed as a rock singer with black nail polish added, “it’s about music. That’s really important to keep in mind”.
World's biggest sperm bank struggles to meet a strong demand from America
While the ordinary businesses are slowing down and in recession, business is booming for the world’s biggest sperm bank, Denmark’s Cryos International. In the midst of growing number of donors, Cyros International still struggles to meet a strong demand from America. Ole Schou, the founder and Chief executive of the company, almost shutdown the business two years ago, if Danish tax authority proposal proceeded with a law that required donors to declare their income from their donations. Right now, Cyros International has worldwide networks with donors from all over the world. Since the franchise system has been introduced in 2006, they have opened cyrobank in New York and India. With advance technology and research, Cyros has been known in providing a high quality of sperm.
"...A year later, in 2008, the number of donors had grown threefold, from 30 a day to 100 at its four Danish offices in Aarhus, Copenhagen, Odense and Aalborg, while the number of men applying to be donors had risen from 350 to around 1,000..."
And the winner is . . . Adam Lambert the new American Idol
Simon Cowell has predicted few weeks ago that Adam Lambert will win American Idol season 8. Inside the Nokia Theatre Los Angeles, Adam Lambert who was born in January 29, 1982, opened the night with “Mad World” in the final American Idol. All four judges praised him as an incredible singer. The other finalist, Kris Allen, sang “Aint’No Sunshine” which also got praised from the judges. However, Lambert got more praised than Allen with Simon Fuller’s choice “A Change is Gonna Come” and Winner’s song “No Boundaries”.
Adam has a powerful voice and incredible range that he can easily sing whatever songs are. In spite of his kissing photos with a man, American voters choose him as their idols because of his talent and not his personal life.
Kumo.com, the new Microsoft’s search engine
All Things Digital a subsidiary of the Wall Street Journal has confirmed that Microsoft is going to launch a new search engine which will be called Kumo.com. This is a replacement for Live Search that was launched in 2005.
According to comScore (SCOR), in April 2009, Google continued to maintain at above 64% in the search engine market share, compared to one year ago at around 62%. On the other hand, Microsoft’s market share for the month of April '09 dropped to around 8%, compared to one year ago at 9%.
“Anywhere Mouse” by Microsoft’s BlueTrack technology, available in June '09
Microsoft introduces a blue laser technology mouse which allows user to work anywhere and at any places, including on kitchen granite countertops, room carpets, rough wood table, and unfinished park bench. It’s powered by batteries which can lasts about 10 months. It will cost $40 USD.
Missing link in modern human evolution: planet of the apes
The missing link was given a name as Ida. She was unveiled by scientists at a special news conference in New York. Ida was a well preserved 47-million-year-old fossil skeleton of a female monkey.
World scientists believe monkey was human earliest ancestor. They had spent over 200 years to find a direct connection between humans and the jungle of animal kingdom.
“…Researchers say proof of this transitional species finally confirms Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, and the then radical, outlandish ideas he came up with during his time aboard the Beagle…”
“…When Darwin famously told the Bishop of Worcester's wife about his theory of evolution, she remarked: Descended from the apes! My dear, let us hope that it is not true, but if it is, let us pray that it will not become generally known…”
The capital city of America’s secret hidden bunker
American second most powerful person unintentionally revealed a secret hiding place if some kind of terrorist attacks occurred in the capital city of America. According to some experts, the secret designated location was revealed by the current sitting Vice President, Joe Biden, during a dinner gala attended by several top-level Washington politicians and selected media executives.
“…Biden told his dinnermates about the existence of a secret bunker under the old U.S. Naval Observatory…”
"…said a young naval officer giving him a tour of the residence showed him the hideaway, which is behind a massive steel door secured by an elaborate lock with a narrow connecting hallway lined with shelves filled with communications equipment…"
“…where his most trusted aides were stationed…”
“…In December 2002, neighbors complained of loud construction work being done at the Naval Observatory, which has been used as a residence by vice presidents since 1974…”
5.0 Richter scale quake rocks LAX international airport
A strong earthquake with preliminary measure at 5.0 Richter scale rocks Los Angeles airport area, at 8:40 PM on Sunday night.
The quake was centered near the LAX international airport and city of Inglewood close to freeway I-105.
Not many damages were reported after the shocks. Scientists believe a stronger quake could occur sometime soon.
Modern human evolution: a well preserved 47-million-year-old young female fossil found in Germany
Scientists believe that a well preserved woman remain that was found by a team of amateur fossil hunters in 1983 may be an important link to confirm the Darwin’s theory of modern human evolution. The location where the 47-million-year-old fossil was found is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site locates in a mile-wide crater called the Messel Shale Pit, near Frankfurt, Germany.
“…[the remain] is a transitional species showing characteristics from both the non-human (prosimians and lemurs) and human (anthropoids, monkeys, apes and man) evolutionary lines…”
(James Cotier/Stone/Getty Images)
Majority Americans are “Pro-Life” generation
There are fewer Americans supporting abortion today than ten years ago. Many said that abortion should be illegal “under any circumstances.” According to the latest Gallup Poll, there are 51% Americans prefer "pro-life" on the issue of abortion in 2009, compared to 1999 at 42%.
"Pro-Life" generation is also up among Christians, including Catholics and Protestants. Many Christians continue to against Obama's policies in favor of legalizing and funding abortion.
Let’s talk about sex in China
Sex is no longer taboo subject in China. Chinese people are getting more positive attitudes towards their sex life. Chinese people are now more care about their sex life and become more open to discuss in public.
A new sex theme park in Chongqing is aiming to improve adult sex education and help them enjoy sex.
“..The park will also offer sex technique workshops and advise on anti-Aids measures and using condoms properly…”
“…research projects showed that in Beijing the percentage of people having premarital sex rose from under 16% in 1989 to over 60% in 2004…”
“… [Chinese] care more about female orgasm. I read a report saying in the west about 90% of women have experienced orgasm, but in China the number is only 28%...”
Free blue pills and cholesterol pills for Americans with no jobs
Americans who recently lost their jobs due to economy crisis and recession will continue to receive free blue pills and cholesterol pills from drugmaker, Pfizer Inc. The no job Americans will be very happy with Pfizer’s goodwill since this company has been controlling drug industry high prices for many years.
Toll-free number: 866-706-2400
“…Applicants will have to sign a statement that they are suffering financial hardship and provide a "pink slip" or similar employer notice. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 31, with medication provided for up to 12 months after approval — or until the person becomes insured again…”
Health and sleeping well
Nutrition and exercise are good for your health, but having enough sleep is also crucial for your body. Eight hours of sleep a night is necessary for the body to repair damage tissues throughout the body. Sleep deprivation could disrupt hormones in your body, and it can affect your brain function. The best way to have a good night’s sleep is with exercise regularly, avoid large meals before bedtime, and stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine at nighttime.
17 percent of online advertising pay-per-click (PPC) was fraudulent
A study by Click Forensics, a click fraud detection company in Austin, Texas, showing a substantial number of clicks on Internet advertising was fraudulent. Most of those fraudsters were resided in countries like Bulgaria, Indonesia and the Czech Republic, where many American companies do no business there.
While economy is bad in America, many companies have moved their advertising money to more track-able, better ROI, and cost-effective formats like pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, including thru Google search, Live/MSN search, and Yahoo search. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau, PPC was the only form of Internet advertising that grew in 2008. PPC accounted for over 57 percent of online advertising in 2008, compared to 2007 which was at 52 percent of online ads.
“…[fraudulent clicks] ads have come from Bulgaria, Indonesia and the Czech Republic…”
“…Click Forensics, based in Austin, Tex., concluded that in the fourth quarter of 2008, 17 percent of all online ad clicks were fraudulent…”
“…Click fraud should be at the top of the priority list with Obama…”
Average pay per worker at Uncle Sam’s corporations is close to $75,000 per year
It’s still not too late to apply for a position at Uncle Sam’s corporations. Most of the new hiring is in Census Bureau which recently hires over 100,000 workers. Homeland Security Department and Justice Department are also seeing increase in hiring during this economy crisis era in Obamaland.
“…There's little belt-tightening in evidence in Washington, D.C.: Counting benefits, the average pay per federal worker will leap from $72,800 in 2008 to $75,419 next year…”
“…Some of the Feds' hiring increases have been stunning. If you look at the four-year period from 2006 to 2010, the number of Homeland Security employees has grown by 22 percent, the Justice Department has increased by 15 percent, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission can claim 25 percent more employees…”
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