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America’s health regulators approved a new generation of pneumococcal vaccine which is commercially known as Prevnar pneumonia vaccine for adults and marketed worldwide by Pfizer

Top drugs maker Pfizer Inc. will be very happy to enter the New Year of 2012 as America’s health regulators approved a new generation of pneumococcal vaccine called Prevnar.  The new vaccine is catered for adults aged 50 and older to fight pneumonia, meningitis and other sickness. The vaccine is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., and marketed worldwide by Pfizer Inc.

With growing number of retiring baby boomers generation aged 50+ in America, the new vaccine could help Pfizer Inc. to generate more revenues in years to come.  According to reuters.com, the annual sales of Prevnar could reach at a minimum of $1.5 billion per year.

While America’s health regulator just approved the new vaccine before the New Year eve of 2012, lawmakers in several countries have approved the vaccine for use in adults aged 50 and older.   As per reuters.com, countries that have approved the vaccine including the European Union, Australia, some South America countries (incl. Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador), and some South East Asian countries (incl. Thailand and the Philippines).

(Images: Pfizer Inc. Prevnar)

American men’s health: the potential benefit of cholesterol-lowering drugs (i.e., statins) including lower risk of dying from prostate cancer

Using two sample sizes of 380 healthy men and 380 men who had died of prostate cancer, a team of researchers led by Dr. Stephen Marcella at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in New Brunswick found that 50% of men who had died of prostate cancer did not taking statin drugs during their life time.  While for men who taking cholesterol-lowering drugs (i.e., statins), researchers found the drugs might help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.  Researchers noted that the sample sizes include only middle-aged men in New Jersey and most of them were white.

Popular brands for cholesterol-lowering drugs in America include Lipitor, Simvador, Simvastatin, Zocor, etc.

Citing data from American Cancer Society, reuters.com reported that the ratio of men diagnosed with prostate cancer is one over six men in America.  As per the stat, the ratio of dying from prostate cancer is one in every 36 men in America.

America’s smartphone market share in November 2011: Google Android with 47% share, Apple iOS with 29% share, RIM BlackBerry with 17% share, and Microsoft Windows Phone with 5% share

As of the end of November 2011, there were 91.4 million people in America utilized smartphones to make calls, send texts, and access web sites, as per a report by comScore.  Google Android mobile operating system remained the number one smartphone platform in America in November 2011 with 46.9% market share, compared to 43.8% share in the end of August 2011.  Android’s share has increased about 3.1% during the three-month period.

Apple iOS maintained a steady level with 28.7% market share in November 2011, compared to August which was at 27.3% share, or an increase of 1.4% share.

RIM BlackBerry took the third spot by the end of November with 16.6% share, compared to August which was at 19.7% share, or a drop of 3.1% share.

As the world's largest software company celebrating one year anniversary of the new mobile OS, Microsoft Windows Phone captured only 5.2% share by the end of November 2011, compared to the end of August which was at 5.7% share, or a drop of 0.5% share.

(Table: comScore)

Online shopping booming in America: November to December 2011 e-commerce spending jumped 15% versus 2010, while Cyber Monday (November 28) hit a new record high of $1.25 billion in spending for one-day alone

Ecommerce websites in America experienced booming business since the start of November 2011.  Sales for 2011 Black Friday, Cyber Monday and all Mondays after Thanks Giving Day increased significantly over one year ago.  Retailers received orders 24-hours, 7-days, and non-stop during the first eight weeks of November to December 2011. 

As per data from comScore, the world’s leading online data cruncher, overall ecommerce spending in America for 2011 increased about 15% from one year ago.  During the first 56-days since November 1, 2011, deals hunters and shoppers had charged their debit cards, credit cards, or PayPal accounts for about $35.3 billion, compared to $30.6 billion in 2010.

A new record setting occurred on 2011 Cyber Monday (November 28) as shoppers in America spent $1.25 billion online within one-day alone, compared to 2010 which was totaled $1.03 billion.  This was an increase of 22%.  The 2011 Cyber Monday is now written in the world’s record book as the biggest online shopping day in history.

The largest percentage increase for one-day spending occurred on 2011 Black Friday, as the day after Thanks Giving Day recorded an increase of 26% in spending versus 2010.  Bargain hunters and regular shoppers spent $816 million online this year on Black Friday, compared to one year ago which was totaled $648 million.

(Chart: comScore)

Google+ (plus) to reach 400 million users by December 2012, or about half the size of the world’s largest social network Facebook

The world’s largest search engine is adding 625,000 new signees per day to the newly launch Google+ social networking service.  During the beta testing in summer 2011, only few good men and women can get an account, but then the services started to open for public in September.  New referrers are helping Google to get more users via family and friends.

According to Paul Allen of FamilyLink.com, Google+ (plus) can hit 400 million users by December 2012.  This will be about half the size of the world’s largest social network Facebook.

Using some historical data, Allen showed Google+ had 10 million users by July 13, 2011.  Then, citing Google’s CEO Larry Page, the total reached 40 million users on October 13, 2011.  As of today December 27, 2011, Google+ has a total of 62 million users. 

(Screenshot:  Paul Allen)

California and several states in America renew their support of the Food and Drug Administration's tobacco warning label

California’s attorney general and AG from the other 23 states in America including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, the Virgin Islands, Washington and West Virginia, have filed paperwork to support of the Food and Drug Administration's proposed graphic cigarette warning labels.

States have lent their support of the warning labels and considering tobacco as the deadly and addictive product which will be very harmful to young generation in America.

According to businessweek.com, a District Court judge in America had recently allowed a request by top cigarette makers including R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and Lorillard Tobacco Co., to block the use of warning labels on packaging starting next year.   Top cigarette makers argued that the FDA’s proposed graphic labels may have violated free speech rights in America.

America’s mobile commerce in December 2011: over 92 percent of sales for non-desktop were conducted on Apple devices including iPhone and iPad and they are also big spenders

Apple devices including iPhone and iPad continue to win America’s shoppers heart.  The popular smartphone and tablet are being used to purchase stuff via mobile website. According richrelevance.com, over 92% of sales for non-desktop were conducted on Apple devices including iPhone and iPad in December 2011.

Buyers who own Apple mobile devices are also big spenders than buyers who use devices running on other operating systems. Buyers who use mobile device running on Google Android or Windows Phone spent less during this year's holiday seasons. 

richrelevance.com reported that Apple users had an average order value of $123, compared to Google Android’s users who spent $101 on the average.  Shoppers from desktop running on Windows had an average order value of $87.

The University of California at Berkeley loves Google email and calendar services while Microsoft Office 365 cannot find a good match at the largest university system in California

Google has won the hearts of all Golden Bears, as the largest high education system in California picked its email and calendar services.  Microsoft Office 365 cannot find a good match at the University of California at Berkeley.

Office 365 is a cloud-based system and hosted by Microsoft.  Users pay a monthly fee to access the system.  Many corporates have utilized this cloud hosted suite worldwide.

Google offers its email services for free while the system is hooked up with advertising from the world's largest search engine company. 

The side effects of brain shrinkage and potential developing memory loss which is also known as early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

Using sample of 159 normal people and have no problems with memory loss, researchers at two institutes, Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania, found the thickness of outer layer of human brain can determine a long term developing memory loss.  Citing the study, webmd.com reported that the side effects of brain shrinkage include potential developing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers have not figure out why human’s brain will gradually shrink.  Researchers believe brain shrinks will also be affecting loses nerve cells or neurons.

Slow motions in America’s population as the superpower country hit a brake in 2011 and gained only 0.92% and added 2.8 million people

The population of the superpower country is growing in slow motions in recent years.  According to America’s Census Bureau, from April 2010 to July 2011, the population increased 0.92% and added 2.8 million people to a total of 311.6 million people.  Citing the Bureau, reuters.com reported that the latest trend was the slowest rate since the end of World War II in mid-1940s, a generation which was known as the baby boomers generation.

Demographers believe the drop of America’s population was due to slowing down of foreigners coming to the superpower country as economy turmoil started in the late 2007.   More layoffs and drop in wages also discouraged immigrants coming to the dream land. 

While population in many states in America experienced a significant drop, several states and district also saw their population increased slightly.  Using data from the Census Bureau, the top 10 fastest growing in term of population in America from the period of April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011 are the following (with percentage of growth):

1. District of Columbia (2.70%)
2. Texas (2.10%)
3. Utah (1.93%)
4. Alaska (1.76%)
5. Colorado (1.74%)
6. North Dakota (1.69%)
7. Washington (1.57%)
8. Arizona (1.42%)
9. Florida (1.36%)
10. Georgia (1.32%)

Google Android mobile operating system is taking over the world, as the search engine giant claimed over 700,000 devices are being activated every 24 hours or 5 million units per week

On Tuesday night, just few days before Christmas, Andy Rubin, Google’s top executive who manages the Android operating system division claimed the world’s largest search engine company is selling the mobile OS in a very fast mode.

In a tweet dated on December 20, 2011, exactly at 7:24 pm, Rubin wrote “There are now over 700,000 Android devices activated every day.”  This is equal to about 5 million units per week worldwide.

(Image: Twitter.com)

Santa Skype gives free airport WiFi to everyone during the holidays at 50 airports in America, not available at LAX Los Angeles International Airport the most social airport in the world

Skype is trying to be a good Santa and with his kindness by giving all travelers a holiday gift.  For one week, beginning on December 21 to 27, travelers will be able to get one hour free login into Internet while they are waiting on your flight at 50 airports in America. 

Those 50 airports include San Francisco International Airport, JFK and LaGuardia New York, and Miami International Airport.

The free service is not available at LAX Los Angeles International Airport which recently picked as the most social airport in the world.  In the greater Los Angeles area, only Bob Hope Airport Burbank will get the free access. 

The free access service will not available at Skype’s hometown Seattle, Washington. 

(Screenshot: Skype)

Christian population in the world: comparing the last 100 years of growth, size, and distribution of global Christianity, for four continents, Europe, America, Asia, and Africa

The unit count of total Christians in the world has changed rapidly from 1910 to 2010.  There were only about 600 million people considered as Christian in 1910.  It has reached over 2 billion people in 2010. 

The recent number count was based on a study published by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life with a title subject Global Christianity: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World's Christian Population.

The proportion of Christians over world’s population remained stable at around 32% in 2010, compared to 100 years ago, the proportion was 35%.

Two continents experienced high growth of Christians during the past 100 years including sub-Sahara Africa regions (South of Libya and Egypt) and the Asia-Pacific continent.

Christianity has grown significantly in Asia-Pacific continent including South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South East Asian countries (Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.)

The distribution of Christian population in Africa who are Christian has increased from 1.4% in 1910 to 23.6% in 2010.  While for Asia-Pacific continent, the distribution of Christians in Asia has jumped from 4.5% in 1910 to 13.1% in 2010.  

The largest portions of the world’s Christians reside in the North and South America which represents 36.8% of total.  The second large spot for Christian people live in European nations, or representing 25.9% of the world's Christian population.

(Charts: Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life)

Made In Texas, America: the brain in the Apple’s popular products iPhone 4S and iPad 2 is now produced in Austin by Korean-based Company Samsung Electronics

The world’s largest mobile devices company Apple has started to utilizing home grown microprocessors in its popular products iPhone 4S and iPad 2. While the Silicon Valley-based company is still using low-cost production and assembling lines in China and other part of Asia regions, and South America, Apple started getting the newest chips from a factory which is located in Austin, Texas. The factory owner is Apple’s closest competitor in term of mobile devices, Korean-based Company Samsung Electronics.

According to reuters.com, the main brain for Apple’s products called A5 processor is manufactured in Austin using a newly constructed facility which cost Samsung about $3.6 billion to build. The size of the facility is equal to nine American football fields. reuters.com also reported that Samsung has been producing A5 processors for quite some time, but the Korean-based Company reached full production in just few weeks ago.

America’s National Transportation Safety Board urged all 50 states to ban the use of mobile devices and cellphones while driving cars as distracted driving contributed to over 3,000 deaths in highway crashes in 2010

America’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported over 3,000 deaths in highway crashes in 2010 due to distracted driving.  Distracted driving includes the use of mobile devices and cellphones while driving cars. 

In a Board meeting with topic related to the 2010 multi-vehicle highway accident in Gray Summit, Missouri, America’s National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urged all states in America to no call, no text, and no social networking update while driving cars.

As an independent agency, NTSB also asked lawmakers to pass tougher law to ban the use mobile devices and cellphones while driving cars.  The agency also asked law enforcement and police officers to tightening control on drivers who texting and talking while driving.

The Golden State added more jobs in November 2011 as the monthly unemployment rate dropped to 11.3% (versus 12.5% one year ago) , while large counties in Southern California also created more jobs

While people in the Golden State have suffered significant loss of jobs since economy turmoil hit America in late 2007, California-based companies added thousands of new jobs in November 2011.  Citing data from the Department of Labor, latimes.com reported that California’s monthly unemployment rate dropped to 11.3% in recent month.  The state’s highest unemployment level was recorded one year ago at 12.5%.

Large counties in Southern California also added more jobs in November.  According to the Department of Labor data, the monthly unemployment rate for Los Angeles county dropped to 11.9%, compared to one year ago which was at 13%.  The unemployment rate for Riverside and San Bernardino counties also dropped to 12.5% versus one year ago at 14.5%.  One of the richest counties in America, Orange County, also experienced a drop to 8.1% compared to 9.4% one year ago.  Another populated county, Ventura County, also saw its unemployment rate dropped to 9.5% compared to 10.9% one year ago.

Facebook Timeline is now available worldwide with a 7-day warning period, as the new feature will replace the social networking users’ profile

Facebook warned its users before upgrading to a new feature called Timeline.  After they upgraded, users will be given seven days to review the new product that will replace users’ profile.  If no changes are required, the system will go live automatically after the initial seven days testing period.  While the classic looking profile will be gone after seven days, Facebook noted that users’ stories and photos will remain untouched.

The new Facebook Timeline gives users a better way to reorganize their online identity, shared stuff and gather all related personal and friends’ activities.  Users can continue to add stuff into Timeline with new things including shopping lists for the Holiday Season, sharing music, and write their latest updates.

The world’s largest social networking also offers customized features for Timeline.  This will allow users to choose from several possible appearances to a single user or to the general public.

(Image: Facebook Timeline)

Silicon Valley Best Places to Work in 2012: Facebook captures the top spot, then Google, and Apple next

Using a survey questionnaire of about 20 questions, Glassdoor.com, a job searching, salary review and career website published their annual best places to work in 2012. On the survey, Glassdoor.com asked questions regarding employees’ attitudes about company including topics related to career, communication, salary, benefits, awards, leadership, diversity, and fairness.

Facebook’s overall score was 4.3 and captured the number 3 spot of Top 50 winners.  CEO Mark Zuckerberg received an 89% approval rating from their employees.

Google’s CEO Larry Page received a 92% approval rating from Googlers.  The world’s largest search engine captured the number 5 spot of Top 50 winners and had an overall score of 4.0. 

The world’s largest mobile devices company was ranked number 10 of top 50.  Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook received a 96% approval rating from their employees.  On a scale of max 5.0, Apple’s overall score was a 3.9. 

Glassdoor.com fine print text read “Employee Ratings Scale: 4.01–5.0 = “Very Satisfied”   3.51–4.0 = “Satisfied”

Image: Glassdoor.com

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the world’s number one most social airport as Hollywood celebrity and paparazzi might have helped win the top spot

Our hometown Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the number one most social airport in the world.  Of the top-25 list, top six spots go to airports in America.  The number two is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.  The number three is Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and then continued by the number four to six as the following San Francisco International Airport, Dallas/Forth Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport.

There are two foreign countries to make the top-10 Facebook's list.  The number seven is Australia's Sydney International Airport.  The number ten is Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport.  Only five overseas airports to make the top-25 Facebook's list. 

Facebook believes more people share their locations and update their statuses at LAX than any other airport in the world.   Other factors that have helped LAX winning the number one spot include Hollywood celebrity and paparazzi sharing their updates.

The world’s top-25 most social airports are the following:

1. Los Angeles International Airport
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
3. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
4. San Francisco International Airport
5. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
6. Denver International Airport
7. Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport
8. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
9. McCarran International Airport
10. Suvarnabhumi International Airport
11. Philadelphia International Airport
12. Miami International Airport
13. Boston Logan International Airport
14. Charlotte Douglas International Airport
15. John F. Kennedy International Airport
16. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
17. San Diego International Airport
18. Newark Liberty International Airport
19. Washington Dulles International Airport
20. Heathrow Airport
21. Toronto Pearson International Airport
22. Baltimore Washington International Airport
23. Portland International Airport
24. Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport
25. Salt Lake City International Airport

The highest prices ever paid for an America's gold coin and was minted in 1787, sells for $7.4 million to a very rich Wall Street investment company

A super rich Wall Street investment firm had purchased a rare gold coin minted in 1787 for $7.4 million.  Citing data from a New Orleans-based company Blanchard & Co., AP reported that the most expensive coin was minted by Ephraim Brasher, a classic goldsmith and friend of America’s first president George Washington. 

According to AP, the rare coin contains 26.66 grams of gold or about one ounce.  The original price tag was $15, but with today’s gold price, the rare coin will be valued at about $1,500.  Brasher is considered as the pioneer of gold coin maker in America which used dollars as standard value.

(Image: Blanchard and Company Inc.)

The top selling game console in America in November 2011: Xbox 360 recorded the biggest one month sales in history as Microsoft sold 1.7 million units of the game console

The world’s largest software company announced skyrocketing sales of its game console Xbox 360.  Citing data from the NPD Group, Microsoft reported that the company sold 1.7 million units of the game console during the month of November 2011 in America.  In term of unit count, this was an increase of 23% from the same period a year ago.

Using data provided by the NPD Group, Microsoft also reported that the revenue gained from the Xbox 360 platform including hardware, software, and gaming accessories reached $1.4 billion for the month period.

Microsoft has overcame many Wall Street analysts, as they predicted the Redmond-based company would only selling less than 1.5 million of the game console for November. 

With so many bargain hunters searching for deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday week, those two special weeks had helped Microsoft to gain more gamers than last year.  This year’s Black Friday week also recorded as the all-time high sales in Xbox history as Xbox 360 selling close to 1 million consoles in America.

Obama administration announced $2 billion funding from government and private sector to help startups to grow and hire more people and will be benefiting 100,000 early-stage small businesses in America for the next three years

With President Obama administration’s executive order this week, the White House announced new programs to help 100,000 early-stage small businesses in America for the next three years by giving them access to $2 billion in funding.  The funds are combo of government and private sector.  The program is also known as "Startup America" is intended to harness innovation and entrepreneurship in America. 

Aside of cash from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small businesses to grow and create more jobs, the partnership with private sector will offer many type of services including free software, free consulting, and free legal advices. 

One of the top leaders for the government and private partnership is former CEO of AOL and co-founder/pioneer of the online access during the 1990s, Steve Case.

In the White House’s press release, President Barack Obama urged lawmakers from the Democrat and Republican Party to work together to helping startups companies.  The Obama administration also asked over 100 community colleges in America to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in their campuses.

Google’s cash cow: the biggest pay-per-click advertisers in America including IAC/InterActiveCorp, Amazon.com, AT&T, Expedia, Experian Group, and Microsoft

The world’s largest search engine relies mainly on one product, search engine.  While Google is trying to gain market share in display and brand advertising, pay-per-click ads is the dominant cash cow for the company. 

Using data compiled by Kantar Media data, adage.com provided a list of Google's biggest search advertisers in America for 2011.  The data was collected from January to September 2011.  In the report, Kantar Media recorded several top spots for search spenders in America during the first nine months of 2011, including IAC/InterActiveCorp, Amazon.com, AT&T, Expedia, Experian Group, and Microsoft.

IAC/InterActiveCorp (incl. websites citysearch.com, ask.com, etc.) is the number one search ads spender which totaled about $175 million. 

Microsoft also has its own search engine Bing to compete with Google, but the Redmond-based company considered as the number six biggest spender for 2011.  The software giant company had spent totaled $71 million by the end of September. 

Images: (left) collegecashcow.webs.com (right) adage.com

Touch and swipe: the world’s largest search engine introduces Google Currents, a new mobile application for Google Android devices and Apple iPads and iPhones (only available for America’s users)

The world’s largest search engine announced Google Currents, a mobile application that allows users to read online magazines, articles, and other content with touch and swipe the screen.  Aside for reading purpose, the Currents app also lets users to watch videos, movies, and listen to music. 

The new app can be downloaded for running on Google Android devices, Apple iPads and iPhones.  During the introduction period, Google Currents is only available for America’s users.

To spice up its offering, Google also partners with several publisher including Forbes, Techcrunch, Popular Science, and others.   All contents are free of charge.

(Image: Google Currents logo)

Let’s say hello to BlackBerry 10 (formerly known as BBX) the next generation operating system from Research In Motion as Roman numerical symbol for 10 is “X”

One of the world’s most popular smartphone companies, Research In Motion (RIM), has decided to change its next generation operating system to BlackBerry 10.  The naming change was due to a legal battle with a software company Basis International Ltd. that has been using BBX for its business. 

Someone in the RIM’s developer-relations group sent out a tweet on December 6 and proclaimed the new naming convention.  There is no official press release yet from the Canadian-based company.

BBX was original picked as the new name for the next OS because the BlackBerry tablet PlayBook runs on OS called QNX.  The new naming convention is BlackBerry 10 which is also very close resemblance to BlackBerry “X” (roman numerical symbol for ten is “X”).

(Image: twitter.com/BlackBerryDev)

The 2011 health report in America: Vermont is the healthiest state, Mississippi is the unhealthiest state, while the four large states ranking as the following New York #18, California #24, Florida #33, Texas #44

Each state in America has its own health problems. Many states will require improvements for a long run to tackle the number of cigarette smokers, overweight issues, diabetes, and poor living condition due to low income.

According to the latest health rankings report compiled by the United Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization, Vermont is the healthiest state in America while Mississippi is the unhealthiest state. 

Top 10 best health scores include New Hampshire, Connecticut, Hawaii, Utah, and Colorado.

The four large and populated states rank as the following New York #18, California #24, Florida #33, and Texas #44.

(Table: the United Health Foundation)

American living room entertainment center: Microsoft releases a Metro-style Xbox 360 dashboard with voice search feature from Bing decision engine which is currently available in English language

Microsoft releases a Metro-style Xbox 360 dashboard update to all Xbox users this week.  The Metro-style interface is similar to Windows Phone 7 users interface.  The Metro-style is also the design language for the next generation of Windows 8 operating system which was announced this past summer.  The latest update for the Xbox 360 gaming system will include voice search, a new feature utilizing search data from the software giant’s Bing decision engine. 

Starting December 6, 2011, Bing will add voice search on Xbox 360 dashboard.  By using a Kinect motion controller, Xbox users can use the sound of voice to conduct search via Bing.  There are several search options when Xbox users conducting search, such as for searching for movies, music, games, on-demand TV, and apps. To enhance user experiences, Microsoft also partners with several third parties content providers and producers in the entertainment and technology industry including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Comcast Xfinity on Demand, HBO Go, ESPN, YouTube, TMZ, and others. 

Bing decision engine voice search will only available in English language during the launch.  This will be benefiting users live in America and Britain.  International non-English users must have to wait for few more months to get the update for their gaming console.

(Image: xbox.com)

High diet of antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help to reduce stroke risk for women

A team of researchers directed by Susanne Rautiainen, a PhD student at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, found consuming foods with a lot of antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help to reduce stroke risk for women.  Researchers concluded that the amount of antioxidants in daily foods and beverages appeared to have positive effects on reducing stroke risk.  The study is being published in Stroke.

Researchers mixed the study’s sample with two groups of women.  The first group contained 31,035 women without heart disease.   The second group contained 5,680 women who previously had heart disease.   Researchers analyzed continuously the eating habit of the two groups of women by checking the amount of antioxidant-rich of foods and beverages they had consumed. 

Citing the study, webmd.com reported that after 11.5 years since researchers recorded their initial study, there were only 1,322 strokes (4.3%) occurred on the first group of women without heart disease. After 10 years, there were 1,007 strokes (17.7%) occurred on the second group of women who previously had heart disease.

Internet usages in America: most young adults go online for fun, diversion, and no good reason at all, especially young adults under 30 year-olds

Using a sample of 2,260 adults, age 18 and older, which were surveyed from July 25 to August 26, 2011, the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project found more Americans use of the internet for no good reason at all. 

The research study showed that on a regular day, 53% of American young adults in the age group of 18 to 29 year-olds surfing the Internet for no particular reason while most respondents cited just to have fun.  The results in this study also found many Americans use the Internet to pass the time at works, schools, or at homes. 

The study showed that the amount of time Americans surfing the Web and doing nothing depend on the age group.  A small percentage, or 12%, of Internet users in the age group of over 65 year-olds had responded for no good reason, while in the age group of 50 to 64 year-olds, the study found 27% responded for no particular reason to surfing the Internet.

Troubling BlackBerry PlayBook inventory: Research In Motion will write off close to a half-billion dollars for unsold or discounted tablets

The world’s pioneer of smartphone will write off about $485 million in the third-quarter of fiscal 2012 ending in November. Research In Motion (RIM) also announced that the company has too many BlackBerry PlayBook tablets in its warehouse.  Since its launch this summer, there were few users are buying the tablets while consumers prefer Apple iPad, Google Android operating system, and Amazon Kindle Fire tablets.

During the Black Friday 2011 week, the price of the entry level of BlackBerry PlayBook dropped to $199 compared to its original price at $499.  The Canadian-based company received strong demands for the discount products.  Due to unexpected high demand during the Black Friday 2011, BlackBerry PlayBook shipments will likely be delayed for several days.

(Image: BlackBerry PlayBook)