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Two top American billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffett urged super-rich Chinese to give away some of their money (hong bao/red envelope) for charity

During a dinner gala in Beijing, two top American billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have asked about 50 Chinese tycoons to give away some of their wealth for charity in red envelope (hong bao).  As two of the world's richest people, both Gates and Buffett have donated billion of dollar of their fortunes for charity works.  Citing Gates, reuters.com reported that Chinese super-rich saw their efforts were at an early stage and have asked American billionaire for advices.

Global top 50 rankings of business and engineering companies: giant search Google at number one for both categories

Using data compile from 130,000 students at world’s famous universities and institutions, a global branding company Universum has published a list of top 50 rankings of business and engineering companies.   According to Universum, samples were chosen from Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain, Great Britain and America.

On top of business category is Google the giant search engine company.   While the remaining of top 5 are occupied by four global audit, tax and advisory services companies, including KPMG, Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Deloitte.

The number one for engineering category is Google.   Then, it follows by giant software Microsoft.  The old-timer computer company IBM was at number three.

Click here for a complete list of global top 50 (.pdf format)

 
(Screenshot: Universum)

America’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) disagreed with POM Wonderful’s pomegranate products health benefits

Two very powerful agencies in America, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have disagreed with POM Wonderful regarding the health benefits of pomegranate products. 

According to healthland.time.com, the two top America's agencies warned POM Wonderful that the company may has misled consumers.  The agencies believe that POM Wonderful need more researches and evidences to support their products if they could prevent heart disease, prostate cancer, helping erectile dysfunction customers.

POM Wonderful was introduced in 2002 and has gained a large number of consumers worldwide.  The products have reached outside America in over 55 countries, reported healthland.time.com.

Nano-size hotels are invading New York City and welcoming semi-luxury and budget visitors to the largest city in America

Semi-luxury and budget visitors who only want to spend about $90 to $150 per night for a room are now flocking into small-size rooms in New York City.  While sleeping at five-star hotels in the Big Apple could charge over $250 per night.

One of the famous of all small-size rooms is Pod Hotel which started to operate in 2007.  The nano-size hotel offers 345 rooms, with room sizes range from 85 to 130 sq feet and costing only about $90 to $150 a night.

According to AFP, those tiny-size hotels have an average occupancy rate of 93%.  At this rate, developers are planning to build more nano-size hotels around New York City.

(Photo: The Jane by AFP via Yahoo)

Windows Phone 7 launch events is set to go on October 21 in European countries (the launch date for America is rumored on November 8)

A popular tech blogger, neowin.net, confirmed that the launch date for Windows Phone 7 is on October 21.  The initial launch will occur in European countries, including UK, France, Germany Italy and Spain. 

While no confirmation about the launch date for America.  However, another tech blogger, windowsphonesecrets.com, has rumored it will come to America on November 8.

National security warning over Stuxnet computer virus which could cause serious damage in industrial targets worldwide

Computer security experts in America and Europe have warned that a new type of malicious computer virus, aka Stuxnet, could cause serious damage in a large number of power grids, gas pipelines and manufacturers around the world.  The new cyber attacks on world’s computer networks could slow down communication and shut down machines.  

According to ft.com, Stuxnet virus has intruded many unknown computer stations worldwide.  The virus entered computers via sophisticated programming into operating system which mostly made by Microsoft.   Another potential target includes software made by European communication company Siemens.

No budget, no money, no toilet paper in California state parks, as one of the largest states in America run out of cash

California state budget crisis has hit a new record high at 85 days.  Many states services can not functioned properly due to limited funding, including paying for toilet paper for state parks. As nbcbayarea.com reported that the state Finance Department has delayed payments for vendors since July.  Many state programs, including health clinics, kids programs, and financial aids have waited for their paychecks for months. 

Boobs gas masks: in case of emergency, you hope you’re wearing the Emergency Bra which cost only $29.95 each

A new type of emergency bra is now on sales online via ebbra.com.  Online price is just $29.95.  The idea won an Ignoble Award for scientific research invention last year, reported foxnews.com. 

The new model of bra was invented by Dr. Elena Bodnar who was born in Ukraine and now lives in Chicago.  The bra could help two persons life (with 2 cups) during emergency respiratory, such as nuclear plant disaster, terrorist attacks, etc. Each cup of the bra is easily put it over a user head as gas masks.

(Photo: ebbra.com)

Let’s say hello to `American Idol' new judges: Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler (the new combo will get paychecks for a total of $30 million per season from Fox TV)

One of the most-watched television shows in America during the spring (usually run during the month of January to May), `American Idol' announced a new team of judges including Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler and actress Jennifer Lopez.  In January 2011, `American Idol' will start singing competitions for people reside in America for the 10th season.  Veteran judge Randy Jackson will also join the new team of judges.  In this past summer, two of the top judges including Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres decided to leave for a different project.  Later on, another judge Kara DioGuardi has left this Fox TV program. 

Numerous gossip news outlets reported that Jennifer Lopez will receive a paycheck for a total amount of $12 million.   Steven Tyler will be making about $18 million per season as a new judge for `American Idol' in 2011.

(Screenshot: americanidol.com)

AT&T starts selling satellite powered smartphones for business and government subscribers which has a market value of $799 per unit

One of the largest cellphones provider in America, AT&T starts selling satellite powered smartphones this week.  The smartphone is manufactured by TerreStar™ GENUS™ and can be used for voice, data, and messaging. The smartphone runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 OS. 

The smartphone has a market value of $799 without a two-year contract.  AT&T requires subscriber to sign voice and data service plans.  It works as hybrid with the regular AT&T network where signals are available. To run via satellite, users must pay additional costs of $25 per month and calling cost of 65 cents per minute.

Users on a remote location or outdoor areas will be benefited with the latest offer from AT&T, including world travelers, boaters, fishermen, forest rangers, and others.

Oslo, Norway, is the number one of top 10 most expensive cities in the world

The latest study of world's most expensive cities was conducted by ubs.com.  Criteria to determine the most expensive cities include wages and cost of living.  Oslo, Norway, ranks as the number one.  Then, it followed by two cities in Swiss, Zurich and Geneva.  Tokyo, Japan, was at number fourth most expensive cities.  New York City is the only one American city on the top 10 list. 

Here are the top 10 most expensive cities:

1. Oslo
2. Zurich
3. Geneva
4. Tokyo
5. Copenhagen
6. New York
7. Stockholm
8. Toronto
9. Montreal
10. London

Click here to read a complete list of the most expensive cities by ubs.com

Let’s say hello to a new term for “global warming” as "global climate disruption"

Top level advisers for President Obama administration have introduced a new terminology to replace the old term "global warming" with a new term as "global climate disruption," as reported by foxnews.com. 

America government is trying to soften the previously thought of dangerous of global warming.  The new term sounds softer for climate issues.  Many scientists believe that the term “global warming” as inaccurate and controversial for dealing with climate issues around the world.

Californians are worried with the latest "whooping cough" epidemic as many residents are rushing to clinics and pharmacies to get immunized

Medical people and pharmacist have warned Californians to stay away from the latest disease known as “whooping cough” and have also warned residents to get themselves inoculated against the epidemic.  According to AFP, nine infants had died due to the latest outbreak in the largest state in America and it hit hard especially on children. 

This outbreak contains high degree of bacterial infection which mostly affecting lungs.  Children are the most vulnerable which potentially fatal.

Some foreign countries have warned their citizens if they must travel to America and to stay way from the outbreak.

Top 100 best global brands: #3 Microsoft, #4 Google, and #17 Apple

Using data on company’s annual revenue, among technology company, Microsoft is number three, Google is number four, and Apple is number 17 of best global brand for 2010.  The latest list is published by the consulting firm Interbrand.

While among automotive industry, Toyota is #11, Mercedes is #12, and Honda is #20.

Selective top 100 best global brands:

(1) Coca Cola
(2) IBM
(3) Microsoft
(4) Google
(6) McDonald
(7) Intel
(9) Disney
(11) Toyota
(12) Mercedes
(17) Apple
(20) Honda
(25) Nike
(28) Ikea
(34) Sony
(43) eBay
(54) BlackBerry

Click here to view the full list.

Google Android is eating Apple iPhone’s lunch and continues to gain smartphone platform market share in America

The latest data from comScore show that over 53.4 million people in America used smartphones for their handsets as of the end of July 2010.  RIM BlackBerry remained the most popular smartphone platform with 39.3% share. 

Apple iPhone was the second most popular smartphone platform with 23.8% share, compared to three months ago was at 25.1% share (a drop of 1.3%).

Google Android gained about 5% share and captured 17.0% share of smartphone platform in America as of the end of July this year. 

Microsoft Windows Mobile smartphone platforms dropped to 11.8% share, compared to three months ago was at 14.0% share (a drop of 2.2%).

 
(Table: comScore)

Say hello to discount airlines “SkyRider” standing seats for semi-economy class

A new type of standing seat designed by an Italian company, Aviointeriors, will help budget airlines to carry more passengers on a short-distance flight. The new seat is also known as SkyRider and will be shown to public during the Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas conference in Long Beach, California. 

Most of discount airlines employ space between rows in economy seating at about 28 inches, while the SkyRider seats will allow only 23 inches for space, as reported by telegraph.co.uk.  Discount passengers will have a smaller space and they must sit a little higher than regular aircraft seats.

 
(Screenshot: telegraph.co.uk)

The side effect of high level of chemicals in swimming pools and risk of cancer

Using a sample of 49 healthy swimmers who swim 40 minutes in a chlorinated indoor pool, a group of researchers from Spain’s Centre of Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) found that high level of chemicals in swimming pools can cause high risk of cancer.  Chlorinated indoor pool is believed to be very toxic for human.  The high level of chemicals in indoor pools could cause “permanent mutation of the DNA” as reported by AFP.  To reduce the use of chemicals, researchers urged swimmers to take a shower before swim, wear protective swimming gears, and do not urinate in the pool.

YouTube starts to offer free live streaming videos with a couple of days of testing (first trial starts on Tuesday at 8:00 am PT, Sep 14)

Google’s popular video website YouTube will soon offer free live streaming videos.  This week YouTube begins a couple of days of testing of the new platform starting at 8:00 am Pacific Time on Tuesday morning.  After the initial testing week, YouTube is planning to spread its live streaming video platform into global reach.

YouTube is made popular by webcasting live streaming videos from U2 band, Indian Premier League, and America’s president speeches from the White House, as reported by YouTube team blog.

Say hello to J Lo, the new judge for American Idol with $12 million paycheck per year

One of the top reality TV show in Hollywood for Fox channel, American Idol, has decided on a new judge.  J Lo, Jennifer Lopez, will be paid as much as $12 million per year to judge American Idol, as reported by deadline.com. 

The new season usually starts in January and will end in May each year at Kodak Theater Hollywood. Several previous popular judges including Simon Cowell has called quit since this past summer. 

Green jobs lost its lackluster in America as most green projects went to foreign manufacturers

The current government economic-stimulus packages to create green jobs have lost most of its lackluster in America.  The main reason is that most green programs went to foreign manufacturers (incl. China, South Korea and Spain), reported washingtontimes.com. 

During the first few months of Obama administration in 2009, America was all hyped about its future of creating jobs through green energy.  Many government officials hope to recover from the economy recession soon.  However, as washingtontimes.com wrote “After months of hype about the potential for green energy to stimulate job growth and lead the economy out of a recession, the results turned out to be disappointing, if not dismal.”

Americans eat less fruits and vegetables in the past ten years with Washington, D.C. as the top fruit eaters and Tennessee as the top veggies eaters

America’s health agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that Americans did not like eating fruits and vegetables in the past ten years compared to the 1990s.  The latest CDC study found that only 32.5% of Americans consumed fruit over two times per day in 2009, while only 26.3% consumed vegetables three or more times daily in 2009.

Based on CDC report, webmd.com reported that Washington, D.C. is the top fruit eaters where 40.2% people live in this capital city consumed fruit over two times per day.  Among states in America, Oklahoma has the lowest percentage of people consumed fruit over two times per day at only 18.1%. 

In term of Americans eating vegetables, as reported by webmd.com, Tennessee is on top with 33% people consumed veggies over two times per day. South Dakota was at the bottom among all states in America with only 19.6% people consumed veggies over two times per day.

Scientists urge elderly people to take tablets of B vitamins to stop brain shrinkage, memory problems, and could delay development of Alzheimer

Medical scientists at Oxford University, United Kingdom, found that elderly people who take daily tablets of large doses of B vitamins could reduce the potential of brain shrinkage and memory problems, reported reuters.com. 

 

Scientists believe that this inexpensive and simple treatment could delay development of Alzheimer in later life.  According to reuters.com, the latest medical data showing about 16% of people aged over 70 have suffered from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); while globally there are about 26 million people have Alzheimer's disease today.

San Francisco jailhouse safe-sex program: county jail installs condom machines to educate sex among inmates

San Francisco county authorities have placed 16 condom dispensers to educate sex among 750 prisoners in San Bruno jail, reported sfgate.com.  With funding from UCSF and a nonprofit organization in Southern California, authorities hope the condom dispensers could educate inmates in term of safe-sex and maintain good health.  The condom program could also help inmates during their counseling session before returned to public.

Coming soon to Internet users living room: Google TV with a search bar on top of a TV screen

Tech bloggers reported that Google plans to launch Google TV platform for world audiences soon.  The Google TV will hit America’s household before holiday seasons this year, while it will be available worldwide next year, as reported by wsj.com. 

During a tech demo, the giant search engine company shows the next generation of Google TV platform. Users will see a search bar on top of TV screen.  This search bar lets users to conduct search and web surfing while at the same time users can search the most current TV programs and TV channels.

The cheapest and most expensive global broadband access as proportion of monthly income

United Nations (UN) and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) releases the 2009 global broadband access cost based on users monthly income from around the world, reported bbc.co.uk.

 
Top-5 cheapest broadband access, costing about 0.5% of the average monthly income in these countries:

• Macao, China
• Israel
• Hong Kong
• United States
• Singapore

 
Top-5 most expensive broadband access, costing about 1,000 to 4,000 of the average monthly income in these countries:

• C. African Rep
• Ethiopia
• Malawi
• Guinea
• Niger

Source: International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

Scientists found a new class of drug to treat malaria as one of the biggest killers in poor countries

A world class of scientists has tested a new drug in a group of mice in labs.  They found a new categorize of drug to treat malaria, reported wsj.com.  According to a medical report published by the journal Science, future test on human will begin this year.

Malaria sickness usually causes high fevers, shaking chills, symptoms similar to flu, joint pain, and fatal death.

There were about 836,000 malaria deaths in 2009 and mostly occurred in Africa.  According to the WHO as reported by wsj.com, majority of the deaths were children under the age of five.  As the new drug could bring new hope to battle against malaria, scientists believe the new drug could reduce the number of deaths in poor countries.

Google Android OS continues to gain mobile web market share and now capturing 25% of mobile web browsing in America, while Apple iOS dropped significantly

Google Android OS continues to explode and gain significantly mobile web market share since early 2010 in America.  According to Quantcast data for August, Android OS has increased from 21% in June to 25% in August.  In the meantime Apple's iOS dropped to 56% share in August, compared to 58% in June. 

 
(Chart: Quantcast)

Say Hello to Samsung Galaxy Tab, a tablet PC running Google Android 2.2 Floyo

Asian giant gadget company Samsung shows their latest tablet PC to compete with Apple iPad.  The new tablet PC dubbed as Galaxy Tab, will be available in Europe in October, reported pcworld.com.  This tablet is most likely will be available for American users sometime before Christmas shopping season started in November.  Users can utilize the Tab for place a phone call, web surfing, read e-books, play music, watch movies, and for mapping feature include GPS.

According to pcworld.com, Samsung Galaxy Tab is equipped with 7-inch touchscreen and has a resolution of 1024 by 600 pixels.  Using Google Android 2.2 Floyo operating system, the Tab will run on a microprocessor of 1GHz Cortex A8, and has 16GB internal storage. Additional storage will use a MicroSD card slot with maximum capacity of 32GB.

(Photo: pcworld.com)

Japanese and American automakers suffered from the worst August sales for new vehicle as sales dropped to below 1 million vehicles from one year ago



 
Based on data provided by sales tracker Autodata, CNNMoney.com reported that new car sales in America dropped to below 1 million vehicles from a year ago (or, a drop of 21%).  Overall, sales for August dropped 5% from July levels.  Industry analysts believe this past August was the worst month for new car sales since 1983 where total sales was 993,100 cars.

Compared to one year ago (August 2009):

GM sales dropped 25%
Ford sales tumbled 11%
Toyota sales dropped 34%
Honda sales plunged 33%
Nissan sales decreased 27%

Compared to one month ago (July 2010):

GM sales dropped 7%
Ford sales declined 5%
Toyota sales tumbled 12%
Honda sales dropped 3%
Nissan sales dropped 7%

Chicago suburban school district starts using GPS to track kids riding buses before and after school

Palos Heights School District 128, a Chicago suburban school district spent about $16,000 to upgrade its technology with GPS tracking, reported nbcchicago.com. The GPS technology is used to track kids riding buses to and from school on a daily basis. With a limited budget, the system currently covers 10 school buses.

The system can track kids if they got on or off bus by kid’s ID number which stored in secure database.  In order to be tracked, kids must keep their ZPass cards and attach to their backpacks. 

Parents praise the benefits of the new tracking system.   Palos Heights School Superintendent hopes to ease parents' concerns about their children board and exit school busses everyday.