whll0928.blogr.com - Blog (RSS 2.0)

Michelle Obama eases harsh image with of...

whll0928 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:24:39 +0200

Girls Sleeveless Dress Michelle Obama aced daytime TV's First Lady test Wednesday with fist-bumpingflair and an off-the-rack dress - charming the leading ladies ofABC's "The View" and their audience. As a special guest co-host for the popular gabfest, Obama managedto defend her patriotism, chronicle her hardscrabble beginnings andsalute Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush - all while chatting cheerfully about the horrors of pantyhose andher love of bacon. Even her sleeveless black-and-white dress drew rave reviews. The Manhattan outpost of the brand, White House Black Market , reported an immediate spike in requests for the $148 leaf-printfrock at its Fifth Ave. store the moment the show went off the air.(It's also on the designer's Web site, DonnaRicco.com , for $99.) The tour de force appearance, balancing serious political issueswith the show's more frothy fare, helped soften the Chicago native's reputation, marking the first step in the Obamacampaign's new effort to reshape her national image. Adele Hammerman , 70, a retired teacher from Baltimore who attended the taping, said Obama impressed her. "I've heard people say they didn't like her, that she seemedhaughty," she said. "After seeing her, I didn't think that's thecase at all. She's poised." After greeting her co-hosts with her signature fist-bump from Barack Obama 's nomination-clinching celebration - "that's the new high-five,"she explained - she addressed ongoing chatter that she'sunpatriotic. "Just let me tell you: Of course, I'm proud of my country," Obamadeclared. "I am proud of my country without a doubt." Last winter, Obama sparked controversy when she told voters, "Forthe first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of mycountry." She explained Wednesday: "What I was talking about was having apride in the political process. People are just engaged in thiselection in a way that we haven't seen in a long time." Obama said she was touched by Laura Bush's recent commentsdefending her remarks. She praised the First Lady's "calm,rational" approach to issues, saying, "I'm taking some cues." GOP candidate John McCain 's wife, Cindy, was less forgiving. "Everyone has their ownexperience. I don't know why she said what she said. All I know isthat I have always been proud of my country," she said on a " Good Morning America " segment that airs Thursday. Obama conceded that unlike her husband, whose temperament is steadyand cool, she wears her heart on her sleeve and oozes a "level ofpassion" that could be a political risk. The more the public getsto know her, "it will become clear who I am and what I care about,"she said. When asked if she thought there was sexism in media coverage ofHillary Clinton's campaign, Obama replied, "Yes." "People aren't used to strong women," said Obama, who months agobristled at the idea she would automatically support Clinton if shewon the nomination. Obama echoed the concession speech in which the New York senator said she had created 18 million cracks in the world'shighest glass ceiling. "We need to keep pushing it and pushing it," she said, referring tothat ceiling, "because it's only until women like her step out,take the risk, take those hits - and it's painful and it's hurtful- but she's taken them so that my girls, when they come along, theywon't have to feel it as badly." On the lighter notes, Obama shined. "I stopped wearing pantyhose a long time ago because it waspainful," she noted. "And they always ripped." She admitted her husband no longer takes the garbage out, andthey're both apparently fond of bacon. About her dress, Obama confessed, "It's fun to look pretty." "I got this dress at this store that's, it's all black-and-whitestuff," she said. "You just put a little pin on it, and you've gotsomething going on." Bill Geddie, the show's executive producer, offered high praise,saying if her husband doesn't win the White House , someone should give her a talk show.

Guys are neat, not dirty

whll0928 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:24:17 +0200

Shirt For Men But while you may have decided to forgo that extra helping of hairgel, you'll still want to avoid falling into the frumpy category. Okay . . . panic. I am not talking about Queer Eye for the Straight Guy-inspiredmakeovers here but, rather, simple, straight-forward ways to boostyour style and sex appeal. "You don't want to change your style to the point where it doesn'tlook like you," advises Fahlgren. "It should look effortless." According to a national survey by BBC Canada, 71% of women preferan average looking man with a great fashion over a handsome onewith terrible style. Topping the best-dressed list among Canadian men is GeorgeStroumboulopoulos of The Hour at 33%, with Seamus O'Regan (CanadaAM) next at 29%. If you're wandering around wearing the socks with sandals, you maywant to kick this combo to the curb as 38% of women described thisas the ultimate fashion faux pas, according to the BBC survey. "You could see Brad Pitt, a really good-looking guy, but if he'swearing sandals and socks, the good looks kind of diminish,"explains Solange Bernard, marketing director for BBC CANADA. "Menmay think that if they put too much thought into fashion, that theymight not be manly." Not so, she stresses. "It's the notion of knowing your body," explains Solange. Oh, "and try it on!" TOO BIG, GUYS One of the most common mistakes guys make is choosing clothingthat's too big. If you're drowning in an oversized T-shirt orconstantly having to haul up your pants, these are pretty solidindicators that your wears are weighing you down and you need to gosmaller. Fahlgren suggests men invest in well-cut sports jackets and dressshoes in both black and brown. "They will carry you through all parts of your day," he says. "Jeans and a dress shirt is another thing I think is spectacular." Another easy tip for boosting sex appeal? Mind your manners. Sure, a well-styled man may turn heads, but a well-mannered onegets the girl, according to the Canadian Club Manners Survey,released this year. A simple please and thank-you travels far. The survey found that86% of women said men with good manners are far more physicallyattractive than those without. While some ladies love facial hair, if you're looking like CatStevens circa 1970 (when he was actually still called Cat Stevens),it's time to tend to the hedges. "Just cleaning up around the edges makes a difference," saysFahlgren. "Longer hair, stubble ... you don't need to change that because Ithink that appeals to a lot of women, but trim up a bit. I am notsaying to necessarily shave off your whole beard, but clean upunder the neck." To give you an idea, think Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones orfashion risk-taker, Johnny Depp. Preppier types may want to look toRyan Gosling for inspiration. "He can be pretty shaggy sometimes," says Fahlgren of Gosling. "Buthe can also be wearing a contradictory three-piece suit. That canbe really appealing." Also too much hair in the wrong places can be a huge turn-off. "You're at the beach, it's summer, you take your shirt off . . .you don't want to scare everybody away!" Fahlgren warns. In his book The Style Life Challenge, author Neil Strauss advisesmen to "shave or tweeze any stray places where you sprout hair --your ears, nostrils, the back of your neck." Sound advice, I say. --- Makeup for men? No, I am not kidding. In fact French designer Jean Paul Gaultierattempts to give his beauty line for men a more masculine vibe withcrisp black and white packaging. Called The Monsieur collection -- which debuted at Holt Renfrew inMay -- it boasts everything from brow-grooming gel and eyeliner tobronzer, concealer and lip balm. My advice? Unless your name is Robert Smith, Scott Weiland or DavidBowie, steer clear of the guyliner fellas. Have all the news delivered to your door 7 days a week.

Superstars rock runway at Fashionweek fi...

whll0928 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:23:40 +0200

Mens Shirts Dress A model sports a Catalin Botezatu design at Pulse's CaribbeanFashionweek finale, held at the National Indoor Sports Centre,Independence Park, last Sunday. - Winston Sill/FreelancePhotographer It was a five-hour-long finale for Pulse's Caribbean Fashionweek(CFW), held at the Indoor Sports Arena last Sunday night. Patrons were in for a star-studded evening as four femalesuperstars - rapper, actress and designer Eve, actress VanessaWilliams, singer Mashonda and actress Nia Long - rocked the runway. Starting after 8 p.m., Canada's Lubica opened the show with hersignature crochet dresses and swimwear. Lubica walked out accompanied by local singer Tami Chynn, whomodelled a skimpy blue Lubica dress. 'Rebel Clothing' by Mujaji Tokunbo, a first-timer to CFW from theUnited States, followed. With an Afrocentric look, Rebel Clothingfeatured a lot of reds, greens and golds with images of MarcusGarvey, among other popular figures, on T-shirts and skirts. Funky styles Another first-timer, Romero Bryan from the United Kingdom, had avery futuristic feel with long sheer short and long dresses.Bryan's clothes had a very shiny appearance in very funky styles.Mutamba was in usual form with bright orange colours, zebra printsand long, free-flowing materials. Barry Moncrieffe's men's and women's collection had a number ofmatching items in red and white. A classic Moncrieffe black andwhite chequered women's skirt suit was a hit with the audience. Claudia Pegus from Trinidad and Tobago was a show-stopper, makingthe first big impression for the night. Pegus had very funkywomen's clothes with leather, sheer material. Pegus' clothes had a moulin rouge-like theme, utilising a lot ofblack with red. The audience got on their feet when Pulse modelNadine Willis came out pushing a baby pram with her new daughter,Zein, in it. This was Willis' first appearance on a runway sincegiving birth recently. In a butterfly-patterned short dress, Willislooked to be in good shape. Mashonda, Vanessa Williams and Nia Long made their firstappearances on the runway in Pegus dresses with Mashonda in pink,Williams in a red-feathered short dress and Long in short orangedress with puffy sleeves. Caribbean flair Heather Jones brought a real Caribbean flair with bright colours,Gavin Douglas from the United Kingdom impressed, as usual, withpleated dresses in royal blue. He combined modern styles withold-fashioned chic. Gary Codner and Bill Edwards followed as the patrons anxiouslywaited to see 'Fetish' from rapper Eve. Fetish had very casual yetsexy clothes with Eve's signature lion paws on the hoody dresses.Eve was awarded the Smirnoff Originator Award for 2008 for her workin fashion. Romanian Catalin Botezatu was also memorable with bright colours,feathers and unusual designs. Vanessa Willams looked angelic in asheer, embroidered white dress from Botezatu. Dancehall superstar designer Biggy had a more elegant feel to hiscollection this year, with jeans with patterns, skimpy skirts andnice tops. Biggy also had a number of long, beautiful dresses. Francis Hendy's men's collection had a fun western feel withponchos, leather pants and cowboy hats. Nkwo from the UK and DeolaSagoe from Nigeria closed the show after 1 a.m.

How Trouser Suit Became a Hit Office Wea...

whll0928 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:13:40 +0200

Womens Casual Wear The late Laurent is credited with bringing "equality of thesexes" on the fashion scene and introducing to the mass marketwomen's trouser suits that were tailored to fit and reveal thefeminine curves in the 1960s. Initially, society rejected this ground-breaking style. Stories ofwomen wearing his trouser suits being turned away from hotels andrestaurants were common. But over the years, the trouser suit became a must-have outfit inthe wardrobe for most, if not all, professional women. And like in the 1960s, the trouser suit is under attack again. The call to defend the much-loved outfit started last year whenHillary Clinton, then vying for the Democratic Party's presidentialticket, came under fire for her dress of choice - the trouser suitsor pantsuits. The American edition of Vogue, the global fashion magazine, editordescribed her look as "mannish" and claimed that MrsClinton had worn it for "her fear of looking toofeminine". This sparked a debate on how important the trouser suit is to awoman, apart from hiding her scarred, fat or thin legs. Njambi Kiritu, the managing director of Impact by Design, says sheoften finds herself under or on top of tables fixing and stickingdecorations and wearing a trouser suit makes more sense. Such professions have seen some women totally abandon the skirtsuit. "Personally, my preference for business attire is trousersuits," says Susan Maina, director and image and etiquetteconsultant at Image. In Kenya, the wearing of the trouser suit by the womenfolk did notcome on a silver platter. Ms Kiritu says that when she was in college in the 1970s, wearing atrouser suit was unheard of. All the women were expected to wear skirt suits and nothing elseeven when they left learning institutions to join the work force. The tourism industry back then was dominated by men and Ms Kirituwas one of the five women in a class of 30. "The feeling was that the trouser suit was too formal and afat woman will not look good in it or it will be too casual,"she says. But as more women climbed the corporate ladder the trouser suitsbecame more acceptable in the workplace. When Ms Kiritu was hospitalised with a spinal injury and thetractions left her legs scarred, she opted to wearing trousers tohide the scars. Ms Kiritu says her confidence in trouser suits got a big boost whenshe presented her departmental budget wearing her favourite suitand it was passed in record time. "I was dressed like them and I even had cropped hair,"she says. "I felt I was at par with them." She got rid of all her skirt suits, adopted the dark - black mostly- suits, wore very little jewellery and kept her hair short todate. A good suit Ms Susan Maina However, not every profession has embraced the women's trousersuit. It is only in the mid-1990s that women lawyers were allowedto wear them to court. To date, skirt suits are still preferred in law firms and thetrouser outfit has certain conditions attached to it.

Skyscraper of steel toy parts sparkles i...

whll0928 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:44:12 +0200

A million pieces of stainless steel toy parts assembled into a nearly seven-story model skyscraper glimmered under the hot sun in New York on Tuesday, in American artist Chris Burden's latest project. The 16,000-pound (7,250-kg) "poetic interpretation" of the 30 Rock Building at Rockefeller Center was made of replicated Erector set pieces from the toy created by A.C. Gilbert in 1912, Burden said."He was inspired by the buildings to build this toy system and I used this toy system to build a building," Burden said."It's a poetic interpretation of 30 Rock, it's not a model of it. It references all the tall buildings in Manhattan," Burden said, standing near his 65-foot (20-metre) tower.The project, assembled by 20 to 30 people using screwdrivers, began in late 2006 and was put together in Los Angeles County and trucked across the country in two parts."It's very reflective, sort of like a faceted jewel, really picks up the light," Burden said.The exhibit, titled "What my dad gave me," will be on display through July 19 at Rockefeller Center.Burden, who lives in Los Angeles, was born in Boston in 1946. He received attention as a performance artist in 1971 when he was shot in the arm for the sake of art in a performance called "Shoot."

Toy museum in Erie begins selling off co...

whll0928 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:43:37 +0200

For toy enthusiasts, it was almost like Christmas in June. The Marx Toy Museum in Erie began selling off much of its collection this weekend after permanently closing its doors two months ago.About 75 people had lined up by 10 a.m. Saturday for their chance to purchase toys like Penny the Poodle, the Great Garloo and the Green Machine—some of the hundreds of toys produced in Erie's Marx manufacturing plants from the early 1930s until 1975. "This is all a part of Erie's history," said museum co-founder Betty Portenier as shoppers swirled around her. The 8-year-old museum closed because of a lack of funding, volunteers and public support. About 1,000 people came through the museum each year. Despite offers of cash from philanthropists—and offers to display the collection from the Erie Manufacturers' Association and Erie County—the museum's board of directors decided to sell much of its inventory. Portenier said the proceeds will be used to pay the museum's bills, though she would not discuss how much is owed. Portenier and board member Judy Emling said the museum might someday reopen if enough funding can be acquired. Some collections remain in storage. "We need $50,000 at least," Emling said. "No museum can function well without a full-time director, and we need a paid director to keep going." Mark Starocci, 53, of Erie, had both nostalgia and investment in mind as he shopped for toys. His top prize included the Great Garloo, a green monster marked at $295. It sold for $17.98 in 1961. "I want to recapture things I once had," Starocci said. "I used to play with these toys. But I'll also keep it as a financial investment for the future."

Motorola announced two new Bluetooth-ena...

whll0928 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:43:20 +0200

Motorola announced two new Bluetooth-enabled headsets, the H620 and H560. Both headsets feature noise reduction and echo cancellation technology as well as automatic volume reduction that adjust to the level of noise surrounding the users. In addition these headsets employ TrueComfort design which also helps in reducing background noise when calling. And most importantly the H620 and H560 headsets use the EasyPair technology which enables easy connection/pairing with more than 200 Bluetooth-enabled handsets. Both handsets also feature a three-color battery indicator light which tells users of the headset’s remaining battery life. We expect to see both H620 and H560 hitting the market sometime in Q3 2008. If you’re planning to get one of these Bluetooth headsets, you can either get the H620 which is geared more for in-car use and comes with dashboard headset holder and rapid in-car charger or the H560 which you can take along with you anywhere.

A few accessories to get more out of you...

whll0928 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:42:49 +0200

Most new cellphones feature integrated Bluetooth technology. If your phone offers stereo Bluetooth (also referred to as A2DP for Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), you can listen to your music wirelessly with a pair of compatible Bluetooth headphones. For example, the comfortable Cardo S-2 ($99.99) behind-the-neck wireless headphones can play your favorite songs while your phone is tucked in your pocket, purse, briefcase or backpack. When a call comes in, the music is automatically muted so you can chat using the S-2's built-in microphone. Buttons on the right earpiece also let you pause, change tracks or adjust volume. Battery life is about 7.5 hours for music and talk and up to 150 hours for standby time. A similar product, the iLuv i222 Bluetooth phone headset ($149.99), has an optional adapter (for $89.99) that snaps into any portable media player, such as an iPod, so you can also use these wireless headphones with it.

Cheap Canon Camera

whll0928 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:42:20 +0200

The Flip Mino, the third version of the popular Flip video camera, launched today to a torrent of well orchestrated press coverage. We’ve been a little harsh on the Flip in the past, so I was pleased when they reached out to us under embargo to write about the new launch. The only problem was, they wouldn’t send a test unit until after the embargo was over. We declined. But I noted that nearly all of the press coverage today dutifully followed the suggestive comments given in the press information. The WSJ writer frankly sounded like she wanted to quit and go work for the company.So I haven’t actually tried out the new Flip Mino. But I’ve spoken with people who have, and I used the Flip Ultra, which launched late last year, for a while before abandoning it. And I just can’t figure out why people like this thing.None of the reviews compared the Flip to it’s core competition: normal digital cameras. Instead everyone focuses on the fact that Flip has sold nearly a million units, saying that’s 15-20% of the camcorder market.

New Samsung handsets made from corn

whll0928 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:41:12 +0200

Samsung today announced two environment-friendly mobile handsets, W510 and F268 at World IT Show in Seoul. W510 is Samsung's first mobile phone with 'bio-plastic' made from natural material extracted from corns. Moreover, when producing W510, Samsung did not use any heavy metals, such as Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium, and applied water-soluble coating. Samsung F268 with all the accessories including charger and headset does not contain BFRs(Brominated Flame Retardant) or PVC. Samsung F268 has an alarm function to encourage users to unplug their charger when the devices are fully charged.Samsung has been making an effort to develop more renewable and eco-friendly material compared with common plastic produced from petroleum. Both Samsung W510 for the Korean market and F268 for the Chinese market will be launched in June.

Avocent introduces new wireless distribu...

whll0928 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:29:14 +0200

Component To Video Avocent Corporation (NASDAQ: AVCT) today introduced a new model of theEmerge? MPX extender, the MPX1500T high-definition (HD)multipoint extender transmitter, which wirelessly distributes HDcontent from a source to multiple destinations. Avocent's wirelessHD video distribution system is changing the way digital signagesystems are being deployed. In the rapidly growing digital signagemarket, speed of network deployment has been a key advantage formany strategic partners. Avocent's MPX system improves the valueproposition for both the end-user and the integrator. For theend-user, wireless digital signage minimizes business disruption bynot requiring new wiring and minimizing installation time. For theintegrator, wireless video distribution allows a turn-key system tobe developed, pre-staged, and then dropped into place at thecustomer's site. "Basically, the Avocent wireless system works like a long rangevideo splitter without wires. It just works. The audio videoquality and system reliability has far exceeded our expectations,"said Mike Reese of Ultimate AV. "In addition, Avocent's web basedmanagement has saved us thousands of dollars by allowing us totroubleshoot issues over the Internet without needing to physicallygo to the customer's site." Emerge MPX extenders can be deployed for a variety of professionalvideo applications, such as digital signage -- providing panelswith live content, entertainment and advertising in retail outlets,theaters, restaurants, airports, gas stations, and other venues.The MPX1500T transmitter has added new functionality for centrallymanaging the MPX extender and attached devices over the Internet,such as turning displays on or off. The AV infrastructure createdby the MPX extenders can be centrally accessed and controlledthrough a Web management interface. This latest version of the MPXextender expands the status information available, enabling notonly general troubleshooting of connections, but more specificdetails to ensure uptime and reliability. AV and IT managers cannow connect to each individual transmitter and receiver to reboot,update, adjust the luminance and chrominance, change the frequencythe radio transmits, and various other tuning parameters. For awidely dispersed digital signage network, this minimizes the needto send technical staff onsite for troubleshooting and maintenance. "Being able to drop in a complete system in a matter of minutes hasbeen a key to the build out of our digital signage network. WithoutAvocent's wireless system, installation normally could take hoursor even days to deploy a single site," said Ethen Cheramie ofPetroTV. "The Avocent MPX has been extremely reliable even in ourcustomers' harsh outdoor environments." The MPX1500T transmitter has a universal media port based upon adigital video interface (DVI) connector. Supporting both digitaland analog video signals allows the MPX to use DVI, HDMI, or VGAsignals. The product can even perform a VGA to DVI conversion ifyour source is a computer and your display needs to be digital. TheMPX system works like a video splitter and a video extender bywirelessly delivering audio and video to multiple displays up to1000 feet away. The new MPX extender is dramatically smaller thanthe previous version allowing for more flexible and convenientmounting options. "When it comes to wireless HD video distribution, Avocent leads theindustry," said Mitch Friend, senior vice president and generalmanager of Avocent. "With the introduction of the new MPX1500T,we've added a number of features to make it easier for integratorsto use and centrally manage highly distributed systems withoutleaving their desk." Demonstrations of Avocent's new MPX1500T transmitter will takeplace at the InfoComm 2008 tradeshow, Avocent Booth #N6925 in LasVegas, Nevada June 18 - 20, 2008. Additional details about theMPX1500T and the entire Emerge MPX family can be found at www.avocent.com/proav . The MPX1500T is now available and priced at a MSRP of $995 USD. About Avocent Professional A/V Products The Avocent connectivity and control business unit offers managedAV infrastructure solutions for professional audio/video andbroadcast markets. Our Emerge product family allows industryprofessionals to deliver innovative wired and wireless solutionsfor AV and KVM extension, switching, distribution, and signalprocessing needs. For additional information visit: www.connectivity.avocent.com About Avocent Corporation Avocent delivers IT infrastructure management solutions that reduceoperating costs, simplify management and increase the availabilityof critical, "always on" IT environments via integrated,centralized in-band and out-of-band hardware and software.Additional information is available at: www.avocent.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that are forward-lookingstatements as defined within the U.S. Private Securities LitigationReform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding marketopportunity, product development, engineering and designactivities, and product availability and operability. Theseforward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertaintiesthat could cause actual results to differ materially from thestatements made, including the risks associated with generaleconomic conditions, risks attributable to future product demand,sales, and expenses, risks associated with product design effortsand the introduction of new products and technologies, risksassociated with reliance on a limited number of component suppliersand single source components, and risk associated with obtainingand protecting intellectual property rights. Other factors thatcould cause operating and financial results to differ are describedin Avocent's reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q filed with the U.S.Securities and Exchange Commission. Avocent, the Avocent logo and Emerge are registered trademarks ofAvocent Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and othercountries. All other marks are the property of their respectiveowners. ? 2008 Avocent Corporation.

Sony Ericsson launches two new dual func...

whll0928 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:28:38 +0200

USB Band Singapore, 17th June 2008 - For people on the move keeping in touchvia the internet with colleagues, clients, friends and family is anecessity. Now Sony Ericsson gives users the speed they need in astylish way with its two new modems complete with HSPA technology.Users can receive 7.2Mb/s in download and up to 2.0Mb/s in uploadspeeds. This means that sending attachments via email such asimages or video content can be sent up to five times faster thanbefore. "The MD400 and MD400g are high performance and stylish devices thatenable you to have all your essentials at hand even when you areout of reach from broadband at home or in the office. The USBs aresimple, quick to install and the multiple technologies guaranteeinternet access every time," said Johan Tysklind, marketingdirector mobile computing at Sony Ericsson. "The combined M2 MemoryStick Micro(TM) and the microSD(TM) slot really makes theseproducts stand out from the crowd and the MD400g even includes aGPS receiver." Sony Ericsson MD400/MD400g - the world on the move * HSPA technology - up to 7.2Mb/s download and 2.0Mb/s upload *First USB modem with combined M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) andmicroSD(TM) slot * In-built antenna complemented with an additionalswivel 'Diversity' antenna maximizes reception performance andboosts data transmission * Innovative mechanical design allows theswivel antenna to also protect the retractable USB connector whenthe modem is not in use * USB modem - can be used in any PC, laptopor desktop * In-built GPS receiver and GPS utility (MD400g) whichcan link directly in to Google Maps(TM) and mark current location *PlayNow shortcut link - just a click away from entertainment *Auto-install * Auto configuration So whether you are a professional that needs internet accessanytime of the day, a student away from the library or even someonetaking advantage of nice weather in the park the MD400/MD400g rangecan give you the broadband access you need from any mobilelocation. - ENDS - At a glance MD400 Mobile Broadband USB Modem Product Name MD400g MobileBroadband GPS USB Modem Form USB Modem Size Compact size, 70 x 28 x15 mm (open) Weight 28g Dual antenna solution featuring Receiver Diversityoptimisation which ensures highest possible data Antenna rates. theUSB connector retracts when the swivel antenna is folded.Completely closed it covers the port Memory Slot Combo M2 MemoryStick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slot GPS (MD400g) Integrated GPSreceiver (NMEA 2.0 interface) HSPA Up to 7.2 Mb/s, downlink Up to2.0 Mb/s, uplink HSPA/UMTS Triple band 850/1900/2100 MHz EDGE/GPRSQuad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz Operating Systems MS Windows(R)2000, XP, Vista, MAC-OS X supported Sony Ericsson Wireless ManagerAuto-installation and auto-configuration Multi color LEDillumination indicating communication status (and GPS status - MD400g) Features/Enablers 25 supported languages Sony Ericsson updateservices Combo M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slotIn-built GPS receiver inc. GPS utility (MD400g) PlayNow(TM) icon -a click away from entertainment Colours Exquisite Ebony LustrousWhite Availability Globally available Q4 2008 Legal 1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant. 2)Talk, standby and video call times are affected by networkpreferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and variousactivities e.g. games. Kit contents and color options may differfrom market to market. The full range of accessories may not beavailable in every market. (C) Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2008. The Liquid Identity logo, BestPic, PlayNow and TrackID aretrademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Ericsson MobileCommunications AB. Sony, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Micro and M2are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.Ericsson is the trademark or registered trademark ofTelefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson. Bluetooth is a trademark orregistered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc. Java and all Java-basedtrademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sunicrosystems, Inc. Google and Google Maps are trademark orregistered trademarks of Google Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be thetrademarks of their respective owners. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. Subject tochange without prior notice. Having sold over 100 million phones in 2007, Sony Ericsson iscurrently one of the five largest mobile phone manufacturers in theworld. An important industry player operating in over 80 countries,our phones, accessories and PC cards are synonymous with innovationand style. With R&D sites in Europe, Japan, China, India andNorth America, diversity is one of the core strengths of thecompany. Sony Ericsson was established as a 50:50 joint venture bySony and Ericsson in October 2001, with global corporate functionslocated in London. For more information about Sony Ericsson pleasevisit www.sonyericsson.com FOR MEDIA INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Sony Ericsson GlobalCommunications & PR Mattias Holm: +44 208 762 6065 GeneralPress: +44 208 762 5858 E-mail: press.global@SonyEricsson.comProduct images: www.sonyericsson.com/press

Mombasa Port Tops Agenda in Infrastructu...

whll0928 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:27:40 +0200

Cement Sheet This money is urgently needed to radically reform the Mombasa-basedport, operated by the Kenya Ports Authority, which has been starvedof cash for upgrading and expansion. This guarantee also points to a bolder strategy by the Governmentin financing huge infrastructure projects planned in the currentfinancial year by offering guarantees to parastatals with strongbalance sheets like KPA to borrow directly in the internationalmarkets. KPA is one of the few parastatals that regularly pays thegovernment a sizeable dividend. The Treasury is also expected to enter into the local and globaldebt markets to sell infrastructure bonds and Eurobonds. Among the projects expected to be implemented is raising money toimplement the Nairobi Metropolitan Authority plan. This financingplan is expected to be in the form of a possible central governmentguarantee to raise billions of shillings through municipal bondsand syndicated loans. Entry point The Mombasa port has particularly received attention, because itserves as an entry for goods into Kenya and five neighbouringcountries. Its poor state has been a major obstacle to the competitiveness of the local and regionaleconomies. If the port is fixed as envisaged by the five-year goalsunder the Vision 2030 development strategy, Mombasa will play asignificant role in the regional trade routes. The proposal comes as the strategic role of the Mombasa port comesunder threat from new projects-one of them a transcontinentalrailway stretching from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Dar essalaam that could substantially shift the route for consignmentsentering the Great Lake's region. The guarantee is however, likely to raise questions over how theTreasury will hedge the foreign currency and interest rate risksthat this loan is likely to pose to the balance sheet of KPA andthe exposure that taxpayers must face if things don't go accordingto plan. This is because such guarantees have in the past forced thegovernment to divert funds to rescue state-owned enterprises thatran into trouble. This is especially in the 90s when suchguarantees were abused by parastatals like the Kenya MeatCommission and Nzoia Sugar, which almost brought the lenderNational Bank of Kenya to its knees. However, KPA's guarantee is likely to have high resonance with thebusiness community, which for almost a decade have been calling forthe port to be fixed because it had made Kenya an expensivemanufacturing location due to a slow flow of goods. Delays in clearing cargo at the port and surcharges on importersfor overstayed goods all count in arriving at the retail price ofgoods either imported as finished products or made from rawmaterials passing through the port. The government has already allocated Sh430 million for starting theport expansion project, while awaiting Parliament to approve thesessional paper. The first phase of the expansion of the port willbe ready in five years while the final phase will end in 2015. "We expect the implementation of this project to significantlyreduce the dwell time in handling port cargo and bring our portoperations in line with international standards. This and other reforms will also position the port of Mombasa as aregional service hub and generate increased trade andemployment," said Finance Minister Amos Kimunya when he readthe budget speech for the financial year starting next month. The Sh16.18 billion loan will be used to redesign the port tohandle two million containers annually from the current 600,000containers and position the port as a regional service hub.

The Prairie Grove City Council voted una...

whll0928 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:27:01 +0200

Iron Pipes The Prairie Grove City Council voted unanimously at its meetingMonday to become a part of the authority, which will pursue fundingsources such as sales taxes and toll roads to try to help completeseveral transportation projects in Northwest Arkansas. The passed ordinance allows Prairie Grove a spot on the authority'sadvisory board. Five other Washington County cities - Fayetteville, Farmington,Lincoln, Springdale and West Fork - seven cities in Benton Countyand two in Madison County will have a member on the board, saidMike Malone, executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Council,which has worked to establish the authority. "As a region, we're going to have to figure out where we're going(with transportation )," Malone said. A fact sheet provided by Malone stated that the authority mightmove along projects like a Springdale northern bypass, a westernbeltway and Interstate 540 upgrades. The authority will be a new government entity but will notinterfere with state and federal transportation departments, Malonesaid. Also Monday, the City Council saw how bad its cast-iron water pipeproblem really is. City Business Manager Larry Oelrich showed the council seven toeight miles of the rusty pipes that carries water mostly throughthe central area of town. "I think it's clear to see that we're not talking about a quickfix," he told aldermen once they saw the layout of the pipes on acomputer screen. The main problem with the pipes is they leak water and whensomething, like a fire hydrant being opened, stirs the pipes somewater customers receive a reddish discharge from all the rust inthe older pipes. Oelrich told the council that few of the pipes are slated to bereplaced in the city's five-year water and sewer line improvementplan. He has said in the past that it would take about $ 3 millionto replace all the cast-iron pipes in the city's system. The council also talked Monday about redrawing the city's wards toredistribute some of the higher-populated districts. Mayor SonnyHudson expected to look at a newly drawn map by the July 21meeting. Additionally, the group passed a resolution to allow people toshoot off fireworks within the city limits from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.on July 4. Bottle and stick rockets will be prohibited.

Health clinic in Whittier Mill Village n...

whll0928 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:25:05 +0200

Steel Floor Tiles "It's one of a kind; we couldn't pass it up," said Chris Sizemore."Not only is there nothing else like it around — it sits on ahalf acre inside the city limits." Whittier Mill Village is located just inside I-285 in the northwestpart of Atlanta near Vinings. The couple were living in the nearby Riverside neighborhood whenthey found the former clinic on the market. "I had a vision forwhat I wanted to do with it," recalled Chris Sizemore, who hasadded two pergolas and a patio onto the rear and side of the house. The house stopped being a health center years ago and had been aprivate residence when the Sizemores bought it. But it needed work.They redid the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems and in thecourse of their renovations, came across the building's originalblueprints. "They were left in an old electrical closet off a back room," saidChris Sizemore. "We had them framed and put them up, because theyshow something very unique about this building: There were 'white'waiting rooms and a 'colored' waiting room marked on the plans, asthere would have been in the 1950s. It's a weird piece of historythat I would never have thought about." From the front door, guests enter the living room with a trayceiling and large windows spanning the front wall. The couple hasmodernized it with a flat-screen TV, bookcases and a sectionalsofa. Hardwood floors stretch back to the three bedrooms and ahallway that holds a built-in fire extinguisher box. The kitchen has a red-and-black block linoleum floor that inspiredthe couple to add red to their color scheme. A glass-topped tableis surrounded by gray suede chairs, black counter tops and ablack-topped island with three black, backless stools; the wallsare red with black trim around wood cabinets and a stainless steelsink. The wall behind the stove is lined with black, red and yellowtiles. Four large windows line the breakfast area. Twoindustrial-looking white lamps over the eating area are believed tobe original to the building. The adjoining laundry and powder room area lead to the game room, aspacious back room where the couple installed a marble-topped bar,bead-board moldings and a comfortable seating area around a pooltable. The hallway, lined with the framed blueprints, leads to the masterbedroom which the Sizemores faux-painted in cocoa colors. Anold-fashioned half-glass door opens to a home office. The floor ofthe guest bath is tiled with tiny black and white squares; blacktile trim lines the walls around a white pedestal sink. A secondbedroom has two large windows and a picture ledge below theceiling. The couple was not only attracted to the building's past. It's asolidly built structure that measures up to the "they don't buildthem like they used to" saying. "The walls are solid," said Jennifer Sizemore. "It's a bear to hanganything. But we've told people if they need someplace to go duringa tornado, come here." Have a cottage, condo, loft or mansion you want to brag about? Call MetroHome at 404-514-6162 or email hm_cauley@yahoo.com. ? Photos