IndoPost.com Breaking News, Opinion, Indonesia and USA

America’s Federal Aviation Administration approves Terrafugia Transition flying car

America’s air authority (FAA) has given approval for Terrafugia company (MIT students’ project) to produce multi-uses flying car, aka Transition, as a vehicle and as a light aircraft.  The Transition is a two-seater car with MPG of 30 miles. Its wings can be folded while being used as a car.  It has rear-facing propeller if user needs to take off and fly at speed of 115mph. 

According to FAA regulation, as reported by telegraph.co.uk, a user only requires about 20 hours' flying time before obtaining a flying license. Total flying and driving range is at about 460 miles.  This futuristic car can carry 450lb (2 adults).  It will cost about $194,000 per unit with $10,000 down payment for pre-order.

(Photo: terrafugia.com)

Indonesia is the number one country for Opera Mini usage in May 2010

Norway-based top tech company that provides web browsing software, a.k.a. Opera Mini, announced that they had over 61.4 million worldwide users in May 2010.

Using data from the top 10 countries web traffic, Opera’s State of the Mobile Web Report found that mobile users browsing websites between 8 p.m. to 12 midnight. 

The top 10 countries in the list were so wide spread in term of culture and economy, as each country has different type of people, mix economic situation, and differ in infrastructure of Internet access via broadband.

Top 10 countries for Opera Mini usage in May 2010 are the following:

1. Indonesia
2. Russia
3. India
4. China
5. Nigeria
6. Ukraine
7. South Africa
8. United States
9. Vietnam
10. United Kingdom

Global Apple sales hit over 1.7 million units of iPhone 4 in just three days after launch

As of Saturday, June 26, the giant mobile gadget company has sold more than 1.7 million units of iPhone 4 since the launch date on June 24.  According to Apple press release citing its boss Steve Jobs said “This is the most successful product launch in Apple’s history.” 

In America, iPhone 4 is only available thru exclusive mobile phone subscription deals with AT&T.  The cheapest units cost about $199 for a 16GB model, while a high-end model cost about $299 for a 32GB model. 

As of the launch date, iPhone 4 is available in America, Britain, France, Germany, and Japan.  According to Apple, another 18 countries will be added for the release by the end of July, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, and Spain.

Say Hello to Dapagliflozin, a new drug for advanced Type 2 diabetes treatment

A joint research by two top drug-makers in the world, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co and AstraZeneca PLC, has developed a new type of treatment for advanced Type 2 diabetes, reported reuters.com.  In the lab the new drug is also known as dapagliflozin.

At a scientific meeting in Orlando this weekend for the American Diabetes Association, researchers from the two top drug-makers show the new drug could control weight loss and reduce insulin dose to diabetes patients.  The main mode of action from the new drug is that it could block sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors.

More American women ages 40-44 were childless in 2008: 20% white, 17% black and Hispanic, 16% Asian

More American women do not have children as they hit 40-44 years-old.  According to Pew Research Center which used data from Census Bureau's Current Population Survey, as reported by reuters.com, close to 20% of women in age group 40-44 were childless, compared to only 10% during the 1970s era.

Of all American women do not have children in 2008, as per the report, 20% were white, 17% were black, 17% were Hispanic, and 16% were Asian.  The childlessness rates for other races have increased significantly since late 1990s.  One of the reasons cited by the report was that education as a main factor in a woman's decision to be childless.  High educated women tend to have fewer children.

For sale or lease: 6,000 islands in Greece. World rich and famous are ready!

The recent economy turmoil in Greece has created many opportunities for world rich and famous people to buy or lease some of 6,000 islands in Greece, reported guardian.co.uk.  Although only about 227 Greek islands are currently inhabited, there are still over 5,500 islands could go on sale soon. 

Billionaires around the world, such as Britain’s Sir Richard Branson, Russia’s Roman Abramovich, are ready to invest their cash on any one of Greece islands. 

As Greece currently owes over $100 Billion bailout money from the EU and the IMF, therefore, any sale or lease of its islands could be used to repay the country huge debts.

The side effect of Botox: may reduce some of the facial and emotional experience

A psychology study conducted at Barnard College in New York City by Joshua Ian Davis, PhD, found that people who received Botox injections could reduce their facial emotional response. 

The study results were collected as researchers used emotional video clips to test several participants who received Botox injections.  Researchers believe Botox injections could have paralyzed some facial muscles.

As reported by WebMD.com citing Dr. Davis said “For at least some emotions, if you take away some part of the facial expression, you take away some of the emotional experience.”

Bahasa Indonesia is now the top five most popular languages in Facebook

Today’s Facebook is still dominated by English speaker users including American and British, with a total population of about 225 Million users, reported insidenetwork.com and published by insidesocialgames.com.  At number two is Spanish with about 63 Million users.  It followed by French at number three with a total of 25 Million users.

Two other strong growth countries on the top five most popular languages in Facebook are Turkish and Bahasa Indonesia.  Users used Turkish as their main language has about 22 Million users, while Bahasa Indonesia attracted about 21 Million users. 

As Indonesia is now the top four most populous countries in the world, Bahasa Indonesia will soon go up to number three or at least number four as the most popular languages in Facebook.

The upcoming 10th season of 'American Idol' will allow talented singers as young as 15-year-olds but not older than 28-year-olds

Popular TV show 'American Idol' will let 15-year-olds singers to compete in the upcoming 10th season.  In a statement on Monday, Fox who owns the popular franchise announced that they have lowered the age eligibility to audition from 16 to 15 years old, reported AP News.  To be eligible, singers cannot older than 28-year-olds. 

'American Idol' organizer also announced the 10th season auditions will begin on July 17 in Nashville, Tennessee.  This popular reality TV series will also make stops in cities such as Milwaukee, New Orleans, San Francisco, East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Austin, Texas.

Cartoon characters are the best marketing tricks for four, five, and six-year-olds kids

A study on food industry’s marketing conducted by Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University found that kids at four, five, and six-year-olds liked foods packaged with cartoon characters.  Kids found foods and beverages tasted much better if manufacturers packaged them with popular cartoon characters, such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Princess, Shrek, Dora the Explorer, etc.  

According to Federal Trade Commission (FTC), America’s manufacturers spent about one billion dollar every year to market cookies, snacks, beverages, and other foods to young kids, reported webmd.com.

Cycling and mechanical doping: International Cycling Union will scan all bikes at Tour de France

During a meeting last week at Birmingham, England, International Cycling Union (UCI) has made it clear that all bikes at the Tour de France will be scanned and hoping they do not have wheels with motors.  Recent rumors and suspicious have been spreading out in the cycling sports as some athletes may have used illegal motors for competitions.

As 2010 Tour de France will start on July 3 and will end in Paris on July 25, officials will enforce the new rules for the tournament.  As reported by AFP, citing UCI statement, "This instrument, recently tested with a successful outcome, will allow an official to detect any illegal devices that may be concealed, for example, in the bicycle frame."  As per AFP, later UCI added on the statement, “From now on race service will be subject to stricter regulation in order to ensure that only equipment that has been checked at the start or finish can be used during competitions.”

Texting while driving in America: 47% adults versus only 34% teens

According to a study conducted by The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project, 47% of adults texting while driving, compared to teens (16- and 17-year-olds) comprise of only 34%.  In other Pew's stats, the study also found on the average about 27% of all adults have texting while driving compared to about 26% of all teens.

As per the lead author Mary Madden, a senior research specialist at Pew, the research findings show that adults need to educate themselves about the danger of texting while driving.  Citing Madden, AP News wrote “"I think all of us can identify with that temptation to stay connected during those idle moments in the car. ... The reality is, even if the car isn't moving, a delayed response to a green light or at a stop sign can still result in an accident.”

World basketball champion Los Angeles Lakers will pay about $2 Million for its victory celebration along Figueroa Street on Monday

Lakers organizer has planned 2-mile-long parade along Figueroa Street, from Staples Center to the University of Southern California campus, reported AP news. 

A downsized celebration is expected to draw between 500,000 to 2 million people and will cost about $2 million. 

The parade will be packed with players on top of double-decker buses which will be filled with players' family, coaches, staffs, owners, and Lakers hot cheerleaders.

Acura and Honda are two of the best Japanese cars, as Toyota dropped significantly in quality report

Using data from consumer complaints during the first 90 days after owning a new car, J.D. Power & Associates publishes its annual automobile-quality survey for 2010.  As per data from J.D. Power & Associates market-research and published by businessweek.com, the latest report shows that the automobile industry averaged at 109 problems per 100 new cars.

American brands suffered only 108 problems per 100 new vehicles, compared to last year’s score of 112 defects per 100 new vehicles.  Imported brands (incl. Japan and Europe) scored 109 problems per 100 new vehicles, compared last year’s score of 106 problems per 100 new vehicles, reported latimes.com.

List of automakers quality report:

• Porsche: 83 problems per 100 new vehicles
• Acura: 86 problems per 100 new vehicles
• Mercedes-Benz: 87 defects per 100 new vehicles
• Lexus: 88 complaints per 100 vehicles
• Ford: 93 defects per 100 new vehicles
• Honda: 95 problems per 100 new vehicles
• Chevrolet: 111 problems per 100 new vehicles
• Toyota: 117 problems per 100 new vehicles
• Chrysler: 122 complaints per 100 vehicles
• Jaguar: 130 defects per 100 vehicles
• Mini: 133 problems per 100 new vehicles
• Land Rover: 170 problems per 100 new vehicles

South Korea government prohibits restaurants to sell snake meat or soup during this summer

Snake smugglers will find hard time to do business this summer in South Korea.  Starting June 16 to July 15, South Korean government will prohibit restaurant to serve snake meat or soup.  According to AFP news, snake smugglers will be punished and they could go to a jail for up to one year while also pay fine for at least five million won (about $4,000 USD).

Many Koreans believe snake meat or soup could boost energy for the summer.  Citing a South Korean official, AFP wrote "Occasionally, some celebrities and sports players were reported bragging about their consumption of virility-boosting food like snakes, but they should know it's all illegal."

The side effect of rice: brown rice versus white rice

Under the lead of Qi Sun, MD, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that in order to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, consumers are urged to eat more brown rice than white rice.   Using three group of large samples of 39,765 men and 157,463 women, researchers found that eating at least two servings of brown rice per week could reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, reported webmd.com. 

According to the study, over 18 million people in America have type 2 diabetes.  This is also related to Americans changing diet as the consumption of white rice has jumped significantly in the last several decades.  As type 2 diabetes continues to increase in America, consumers are urged to replace white rice with other type of grains such as brown rice, barley and wheat. 

Say hello to Kinect, aka Project Natal, a controller-free gaming tool for Xbox 360

Popular game console Xbox introduced a new controller-free tool for video gaming dubbed as Kinect which was previously known as “Project Natal.”   During a big event at annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, the giant software company Microsoft unveiled Kinect as many tech experts believe Xbox is opening a new chapter in the gaming history.

Many gamers will learn how to say Kinect before Xmas this year, gadget watchers and bloggers rumored Kinect will cost about $149 with an Xbox console bundle.  The new tool will be available for this year's holiday shoppers in around early November.

(Photo: Xbox Kinect)

America’s Federal Trade Commission will soon investigate Apple’s business practices

America’s Federal Trade Commission could soon start investigating the business practices of the world’s largest mobile devices maker Apple, as reported by wsj.com.  Apple is very famous for its iPod, iPhone, and iPad products. 

About two weeks ago Apple’s market value has surpassed Microsoft in Wall Street.  And now, Apple is the number one most valuable technology company in the planet.

Apple also denied the use of Adobe popular multi-media software Flash on its new iPad tablet computers.  Both companies had exchanged arguments in blog post and newspaper ads regarding Flash.  The two companies have back-and-forth public bickering on Flash during the past two months.

World Cup is smashing Internet bandwidth with over 12 million visitor requests per minute during opening ceremony

As World Cup just opened few hours on Friday morning June 11, two continents, North America and Europe, demanded high bandwidth on Akamai, the world's largest provider of content delivery network of computers (CDN). 

Global traffic to Akamai network hit a peak at 12:00 noon EST on Friday morning during opening ceremony with over 12 million visitor requests per minute, as per a live data from Akamai. 

Over 6.5 million Americans visitor requests per minute, while over 5.0 million visitor requests per minute from European nations. This was an increase of over 250 percent from a standard day. 

As per beet.tv, the world's largest content delivery network (CDN) previously experienced a record high during the inauguration of American President Obama in January 2009.

 

2010 FIFA World Cup started with a fantastic opening ceremony in South Africa

South African president Jacob Zuma officially opened the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a fantastic opening ceremony.  Over 84,000 fans filled up a new stadium that was build for the world’s largest event, reported FIFA. 

After the opening ceremony, local fans cheered up their home team which tied 1-1 with Mexico at full time.

 
32 soccer teams from around the world will compete for the gold trophy, including USA, Britain, Germany, and Italy.  Soccer analysts predict Brazil, Argentine, Spain, as this year’s favorite.

Made in China: total exports increased 48.5 percent in May versus 12 months ago

China's total exports to the world increased 48.5% in May compared to one year ago.  The panda nation has a trade surplus of $19.5 billion for the month, reported reuters.com.  The current data shows that world economy remains at stable level as investors continue to worry about global economy, especially with the recent debt problems in European Union.  Consumers will continue to see 'Made in China' in every markets in the world.

While world top economists are so worry with the current economy turmoil in Europe, however, China's total exports to Europe were unchanged from the previous months.  As per reuters.com, total exports to European countries increased 49.7 percent in May compared to 12 months ago.

The side effect of short men and women: higher risk of heart attacks and earlier death

A medical study lead by Tuula Paajanen, MD, a researcher at the University of Tampere, Finland, found that short people may have higher chance of health problems and earlier death compared to the tallest people. 

The study defined short men were as less than 5 feet 5 inches tall (160 cm) and short women were as less than 5 feet tall (150 cm).  The study also defined tall men were as above 5 feet 9 and 1/2 inches (175 cm), and tall women were above 5 feet 5 and 1/2 inches (165 cm).

The study found that short people had about 52% higher risk of having a heart attack.  As reported by webmd.com, citing Dr. Paajanen said “''The shorter you are, the higher risk you have of developing cardiovascular disease."

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donates $1.5 billion to help women and children

The world’s richest person and chairman of giant software company Microsoft, Bill Gates and his wife Melinda, who are also well known with their super-duper charity The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, agreed to donate $1.5 billion to the United Nations to improve the health and care of women and children in the planet.  The super-rich foundation has previously donated billion of dollars to improve and distribute vaccines, diarrhea, and malaria around the world.  As reuters.com wrote, the latest gift will be used to “help women deliver babies safely and plan healthy families with access to contraception, while incorporating current vaccination and nutrition programs.”

Apple new iPhone 4 will be available for mobile phone subscribers in America on June 24

Apple new iPhone 4 adds a feature called as FaceTime.  This new feature allows user to talk on the phone and seeing live video.  The new iPhone 4 will also has extra battery power which let users to talk for about 40 percent more than the current model. 

iPhone 4 will be available for Americans smartphone subscribers on June 24.  Simultaneously on the same date, Apple will launch the new hardware in Britain, France, Germany, and Japan. 

In America, iPhone 4 will only available thru exclusive deal with AT&T with a starting price at $199 for the hardware, with two year phone contract.

More American consumers subscribe to smartphones, with 23% penetration rate in Q1-2010

According to the latest data published by nielsen.com, 23% of mobile users in America have a smartphone, compared to one year ago only 16% of them have a smartphone (an increase of 7%). 

There are two competing mobile OSs in America, Apple iPhone and Google Android.  Both two OSs show significant increase within the past twelve months.

Data compiled by nielsen.com shows that RIM BlackBerry has about 35% share of smartphones in America, follows by Apple iPhone at 28% share.  Microsoft Windows Mobile dropped to 19% share.  Google Android continues to grow very fast to 9% share.

McDonald’s recalls 12 million glasses due to high level of cadmium in America

Popular fast-food restaurant McDonald’s has recalled 12 million glasses while promoting a new movie “Shrek Forever After” in America.  The recall was due to high level of cadmium. Chemistry experts have found the McDonald’s glasses may have contained cadmium which many health experts believe can cause cancer and other type of sickness.  

According to McDonald’s spokesman as reported by nytimes.com, only about 7.5 million had distributed to consumers.  The fast-food chain has decided to refund the $2 purchase price to consumers. 

As per nytimes.com, Prof. Weidenhamer, a chemistry expert at Ashland University in Ohio, has conducted chemical tests on McDonald’s glasses, and found high level of cadmium.  According to the lab tests, two samples of those promo glasses have level of 670 parts per million to 956 parts per million.  In America, regulators have set the level for paint on toys can not over a maximum of 75 parts per million.

Colorado casino operator blamed a slot machine malfunction for giving away an $11 million jackpot

Cripple Creek Colorado casino operator blamed a slot machine malfunction for giving away an $11 million jackpot, while a couple of players thought they had won.  According to a Denver base news kdvr.com, the slot machine now had been turned over to the state of Colorado Gaming Division for further review.  Local official for the Gaming board believed the machine failed to "reset" after the couple won a smaller prize of $1627.82.

California could be the first state in America to ban plastic bags at all grocery stores

California as the largest state in America and the sixth largest economy in the world will soon ban all types of plastic bags at all grocery stores, including pharmacies/drugs stores, liquor and convenience stores.  California Assembly has passed a new bill to ban grocery stores from giving away plastic bags, reported AP news.  If customers requested plastic bags, they must pay for using paper bags.

While California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has fully supported the bill to ban plastic bags, however, the current bill still needs approval from California state senators.

San Francisco was the first city in this most populous state in America to ban plastic bags in 2007, reported AP news.  Large superstores in Northern California, such as Wal-Mart Stores had stopped giving plastic bags since January this year. 

According to AP news, many other nations have also banned plastic bags such as South Africa, Ireland, China, and Bangladesh.

The booming of smartphone apps in America

Using a sample survey of about 4,200 people who had downloaded mobile apps in America, nielsen.com found that 21% of respondents have a smartphone during the month of October to December 2009.  While compared to one year ago, only 14% of wireless subscribers have smartphones (an increase of 7% from one year ago).  The report from nielsen.com also found that 14% of the respondents have downloaded at least one app during the past 30 days. 

According to the report, the top two user groups of smartphones are Apple iPhone and Google Android.  iPhone users have downloaded at least 37 apps, while Android users have downloaded an average of 22 apps.

In term of categories of applications used during the past 30 days, majority of smartphones users (65% of total users) downloaded games apps for free and paid.  Facebook, iPod/iTunes and Google Maps are the top three apps that users had downloaded during the past 30 days.

Googleplex dumps Windows OS due to security concerns

With over 10,000 workforces worldwide, since January Google has started to ask its employees and new hires to switch their work stations to non-Windows operating system, reported ft.com.  As a precaution due to last December’s Chinese hacking into Google system (incl. Gmail system), many Googleplex employees have switched to Mac OS or Linux OS.

At the same time, Google is also working hard on developing its own OS for desktop which is known as Chrome OS and for mobile phone which is known as Android OS.  This means that many employees will soon switch to Google’s own products within this year.