New blog post : BMW adds extra sportiness to its i-series lineup, unveils i8 Concept Spyder http://bit.ly/H3YMMZ
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Mobile Miscellany: week of March 26th, 2012
Amazon Appstore updated to two.3
If you favor skirting the Play Store with Amazon's alternative, you can be glad to grasp that the Appstore's latest version now allows users to download applications as much as 50MB in size over their mobile data connection -- a big increase from the former 20MB limitation. [Thanks, Drew] [Android Police]
Signs of life: the Droid Bionic 2
Though by all accounts, the Droid Bionic 2 doesn't exist, if seems that Asurion's very happy to sell you insurance for the handset. Could they know something we do not- [Droid Life]
PSA: Sprint to shutter Picture Mail online service on April 30th
Sprint Picture Mail, an internet service once ordinary to retrieve and archive MMS messages, could be not more as of April 30th. Users must backup their data before this date, which is able to rather be obliterated like such a lot of ones and zeroes before it. [Android Central]
Nokia Reader involves Series 40 handsets
Nokia is creating a big bet on its Series 40 feature phones being a success in emerging markets, and in effort to reinforce the platform's usefulness, it's now announcing the provision of Nokia Reader for users of the C2-02, X3-02, C3-01, Asha 300 and Asha 303. The app is currently in beta form, which offers notification integration and instant access to locally relevant content. Additionally, users can add their very own news sources from a web directory. [Nokia Beta Labs]
LTE goes live for AT&T users in St. Louis
AT&T had previously tested its LTE network within the Gateway to the West last month, but now it's officially fired up its 4G service for all St. Louisan's to enjoy. [Way to everyone who sent this in]
T-Mobile increasing Classic Unlimited 5GB and 10GB data pricing on April 4th
April 4th will bring a $5 increase to T-Mobile's promotional 5GB and 10GB data bundles. The cost bump will bring the entire respective cost to $35 and $65 for the subsidized plans. Users that'd signed up in advance of this date isn't affected. [TmoNews]
T-Mobile UK increasing current contract pricing by 3.7 percent
A clause within the contracts of T-Mobile's UK customers currently allows the carrier to elevate the costs of existing contracts according to the British Retail Price Index. Now, T-Mobile UK has announced that it's going to put this loophole into effect on May 9th for all customers that'd signed aboard ahead of February 1st. Nearly all subscribers will see a three.7 percent increase to their monthly phone bill, although Full Monty and also you Fix customers won't be tormented by the value increase. [The Verge]
From WhatNewsToday.net
Ask Engadget: Best HD Camcorder for concert events-
We all know you have got questions, and in case you are brave enough to invite the sector for answers, here's the hole to take action. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from is from Keith, who needs our help to become a better internet comedy sensation. In case you are trying to send in an inquiry of your individual, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
"Hey Engadget! I'm a fledgling stand-up, functioning at my local open mic, but I'm considering branching out. I'd desire to record a number of my performances on something better than my QuickCam Pro 9000. Anyone know the perfect HD video camera for live performances- I'm searching for something affordable and audio quality is paramount. Thanks to your help!"
The comedy clubs we've been in are rarely well lit, so we'll add that this camera has to have fantastic low light performance, that is going to extend the fee by a hefty amount. Still, in case you can imagine a HD camcorder which can do the job -- and let's be honest, carving things out of stone will be better than a QuickCam Pro 9000 -- and is throughout the budget of a struggling artist then lob your suggestions into the river of comments below.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Weibo services \'punished\' for Beijing coup rumors, comments temporarily disabled
But obviously, nothing actually happened. In truth, the guards at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City were pretty relaxed after I visited on that very day. As for the rumormongers, the Chinese government announced through Xinhua that 16 websites had been shut down and 6 people was detained, while local microblogging platforms Sina Weibo and Tencent Weibo were "criticized and punished accordingly," though it didn't elaborate at the details. All we all know is that comments under each weibo post are actually disabled until local time 8pm on April 3rd, within which these two companies can, of their own words, freshen up the mess. Well, at the very least we now know where to attract the road for China's April Fools'.
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : Weibo services 'punished' for Beijing coup rumors, comments temporarily disabled http://bit.ly/H3YLZe
Kenyan Coast Explosions Kill 1
Two almost simultaneous grenade attacks within the Kenyan port city of Mombasa and a close-by small town late Saturday killed one person and wounded at the least 24 others.
Officials say unidentified attackers threw a grenade at a Christian religious gathering in Mtwapa, a town north of Mombasa, killing a girl and wounding greater than 20 people.
In Mombasa, a second grenade attack was done against a cafe near the city's main stadium. There have been reports of 2 people wounded in that attack.
Kenya has seen several hit-and-run grenade attacks within the capital, Nairobi, since Kenyan troops entered neighboring Somalia last October to fight the unconventional Islamist group al-Shabab. But this was the primary incident in Mombasa, a preferred holiday destination.
This is the most recent in a string of grenade attacks at the capital since Kenya sent troops into Somalia in October to fight al Qaida-aligned al-Shabab militants.
In early March, a grenade attack in Nairobi killed in any case four people and injured about 40 others. Â
Kenya's government blames the al-Qaida-linked group of attacking and kidnapping foreign tourists on its territory. But Al-Shabab has denied involvement in recent grenade attacks in Kenya.
From WhatNewsToday.net
3 Win World\'s Largest Lottery
The rush to purchase tickets for what U.S. officials say is the world's largest lottery jackpot is set to repay. Mega Millions lottery officials say there have been three winning tickets for the record $640 million jackpot sold in three states.
In the hours leading as much as the Mega Millions drawing, there has been a hurry on tickets like lottery officials have never seen.
"Last night, between the hours of, oh, 5 to ten o'clock, across the country, we were selling Mega Millions tickets on the rate of about $1 million a minute. Never before have we seen that sort of frenzy," noted Mega Millions lead director Gary Grief.
And then the fateful moment arrived. Lottery officials say three tickets - each worth about $213 million before taxes - have the winning numbers. Some of the winning tickets was sold at a shop in Baltimore County, Maryland, 60 kilometers north of Washington.
Most of these buying tickets to the Mega Millions lottery Friday knew their probabilities of winning were slim.
"It is the idea of a dream," said Lottery ticket buyer Andy Morenstern. "i believe it's just in a different way of living the yank dream. To have a lottery available here like here is pretty amazing. And everyone thinks that, 'One day if I win the lottery, what's going to I do with all of it-'"
For some lucky Americans, the time to respond to that query for real is here.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Friday, March 30, 2012
Newcastle 22-19 Sale
Jimmy Gopperth kicked 17 points as Newcastle circled a seven-point half-time deficit to overcome Sale.
From WhatNewsToday.net
The visitors scored first-half tries through Johnny Leota, James Gaskell and Rob Miller, with Gopperth kicking four penalties on the other end.
Sales 19-12 half-time lead was reduced to 2 points when Tim Swinson scored Newcastles first try.
Gopperth kicked the extras to level the scores and won the sport with four minutes to compliment a penalty kick.
With Dean Richards, who takes over from Gary Gold as Falcons director of rugby next season, watching from the stand, the Falcons stretched their unbeaten home run to 5 games.
The Newcastle fly-half had given the hosts the lead with a primary-minute penalty, but Sale hit back with two tries in eight minutes.
Srum-half Dwayne Peel had a hand in them both, with Johnny Leota and James Gaskell going over to offer the visitors a 12-3 lead.
Gopperth then successfully kicked two penalties, hit the post with another, and put one wide as Sale conceded four penalties in eight minutes.
After Newcastle had a try ruled out by the fourth offcial, Rob Miller ran in Sales third and Gopperths penalty closed the distance to seven at half-time.
Swinson drove over for Newcastles only try within the 53rd minute and Gopperth levelled the scores at 19-19 with the conversion.
The brand new Zealander then missed a 68th-minute penalty, had a drop goal attempt charged, down before calming slotting over the posts with four minutes left, as Newcastle cut the space on Wasps on the bottom of the table to simply four points.
FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Newcastle director of rugby Gary Gold:
"We were poor within the first half. We gave them possession in soft situations and we dropped the ball plenty and they're a very good side from broken field ball. But, given the placement we're in at this stage of the season, we said we needed to follow our guns and hold directly to the ball and back ourselves.
"The most important thing was the nature shown tonight. At 19-12 down we were staring down the barrel and it will were easy for the blokes to surrender but they didnt.
"I just congratulate each one among them. They showed great courage. Its been difficult for them. They've been during this position since November and they're uninterested in it. Im ecstatic for them. Theyve done an excellent job and the coaching staff have done a great job. Its not getting any easier however might have been much more difficult had we capitulated.
"Im now waiting for Gloucester and we need to make certain we need to hold directly to the ball better after which get the balance right."
LINE-UPS
Newcastle: Manning; Uys, Helleur, Fitzpatrick, Bedford; Gopperth (capt), Stringer; Golding, Vickers, Murray, Swinson, Goode, Tuifua, Welch, Hogg.
Replacements: Goosen for Bedford (45), Balding for Goode (53), Hudson for Tuifua (53), Thompson for Vickers (74).
Not Used: Shiells, Hall, Wilson, Chudley.
Sale: Miller; Brady, Leota, Tuitupou (capt), Cueto; Macleod, Peel; Sheridan, Jones, Buckley, Myall, Gaskell, Vernon, Seymour, Powell.
Replacements: Ward for Jones (60), Addison for MacLeod (61), Easter for Vernon (74).
Not Used: Dickinson, Cobilas, Holmes, Willis, Burrell.
Attendance: 5,200
Referee: David Rose (RFU).
From WhatNewsToday.net
Salford 20-40 Wigan
Wigan cruised back to form as they enjoyed an eight-try romp on the Salford City Stadium.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Darrell Goulding and Sam Tomkins ran in two tries each, while Josh Charnley, George Carmont, Liam Farrell and Matt Russell also made the scoresheet.
Charnley, on kicking duty inside the absence of Pat Richards, landed four goals for a person 12-point haul.
Salford briefly led 8-6 early on after tries from Dan Holdsworth and Danny Williams.
Luke Patten added a 3rd midway during the second half, Jordan James grabbing the overall score of the night within the last minute, Holdsworth adding his second conversion.
Salford were without winger Jodie Broughton for the fifth game in a row while Williams replaced Ashley Gibson at the other flank, with centre Chris Nero and prop Shannan McPherson also missing.
Shaun Wane Wigan coach"Jeff Lima and Harrison Hansen were outstanding.â€
Wigan captain Sean OLoughlin was out with a knee injury, while points machine Richards thigh injury, aggravated in last weekends narrow home defeat by Warrington, allowed 18-year-old Russell only his second start for the club.
And prop Lee Mossop returned after a two-week absence as opposed to the suspended Epalahame Lauaki.
Centre Goulding, who scored five tries for town Reds while on loan in 2009, led the style with a primary-half double as Wigan earned a 12th successive win against the Reds.
Although Wigan led 30-8 at half-time, Salford scored a number of decent tries in their own through Aussie stand-off Holdsworth and winger Williams and looked dangerous whenever they got within the Wigan half. However the trouble was they were rarely allowed around the half-way line.
Salford actually had the higher of the second one half as all sides scored two tries apiece.
Tomkins and teenager Russell went over for Wigan, while Aussie full-back Patten and Welsh prop James crossed for Salford, Holdsworth converting both.
But Charnley, standing in with the boot for Richards, only kicked four goals from eight attempts all night - and the soldiers could need their main kicker back fit and well for the once a year Good Friday clash with St Helens - and their first-ever visit to Langtree Park.
FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Salford coach Phil Veivers:
"There have been quite a lot of penalties and that i felt it was a piece inconsistent.
"We will play a chunk after we have the ball but we were the manufacturers of our own downfall and got somewhat sloppy.
"We've got lots of exertions to do ahead next weeks game at Huddersfield."
Wigan coach Shaun Wane:
"Sean OLoughlin was 50-50 for this game so we decided to not risk him, but both him and Pat Richards has to be okay for the St Helens game next Friday. But Jeff Lima and Harrison Hansen were outstanding.
"It was a tight performance because weve had a hard week with a few minor injuries. And Im pleased with two points. We scored some great tries and, within the last 20 minutes of the primary half we completed 100% of our sets.
"Salford are a great team and feature scored numerous points during the last few weeks. But we dropped our intensity inside the last 20 minutes which was disappointing and eventually we were just anticipating the overall whistle."
FRIDAY NIGHT'S LINE-UPS
Salford: Patten; Veivers, Moon, Gleeson, Williams; Holdsworth, Smith; Boyle, Howarth, Jewitt, Ashurst, Anderson, Wild.
Replacements: Owen, Adamson, James, Paleaaesina.
Wigan: S Tomkins; Charnley, Goulding, Carmont, Russell; Finch, Leuluai; Mossop, McIlorum, Prescott, Hock, Hansen, Farrell.
Replacements: Mellor, Flower, Lima, Tuson.
Attendance: 6,774.
Referee: James Child (England).
From WhatNewsToday.net
Fanning claims all-weather title
A double at Lingfield helped Joe Fanning win the all-weather jockeys championship, defeating Luke Morris 89-86 at the final day of the campaign.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Fanning was only one ahead in the beginning of the day but sealed the honours with a double on the Surrey track.
He struck on Roger Teals Ostentation before a snug victory on Danube River for trainer Mark Johnston.
However, within the process Fanning picked up a two-day ban (13 and 14 April) for careless riding.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Leeds 12-22 Huddersfield
Huddersfield Giants returned to winning ways and the head of the Super League table with victory against champions Leeds Rhinos at Headingley.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Zak Hardaker gave Leeds the lead after an unremarkable first 25 minutes but tries from Eorl Crabtree and Jason Chan handed Giants the half-time advantage.
The visitors took full control after the breakthrough with quick tries from Greg Eden and Jermaine McGillvary.
Kylie Leuluai scored to offer Leeds hope but Giants held firm to seal victory.
Rhinos, who were left as red-faced as they were red-headed following last weeks thumping defeat at St Helens, were forced to shuffle their pack when Rob Burrow and Brent Webb were ruled out before kick-off.
Meanwhile, the Giants saw a four-match unbeaten run ended at home to Hull KR last weekend but welcomed back the experience of Luke Robinson and Lee Gilmour to the starting line up.
The primary quarter of the match was largely forgettable, with loose passing and handling errors aplenty, although opposing stand-offs Kevin Sinfeld and Danny Brough both tried to force the difficulty with the boot.
Leeds eventually made the breakthrough through former Featherstone three-quarter Hardaker on 25 minutes, who beat Brough to a Sinfield chip-kick for his seventh try of the season and the games opening score.
However, the lead lasted just five minutes, as Crabtrees power and size took him over the road after defence by Hardaker held up Chan just short.
Giants then grabbed the sport by the scruff of the neck following the equalising try, and took the lead when Chan made up for his missed chance, coverting a strong break by Scott Grix minutes before half-time.
Sinfields restart went out at the full at hand Giants the advantage at the start of the second one period, and with the visitors within the ascendancy Leeds looked to have conceded a 3rd try when Larne Patrick went over, but Kallum Watkins did well to force the knock-on in-goal.
Brian McDermotts Leeds didn't heed the warning, and were punished twice in quick succession soon after.
Firstly, Leeds full-back Ben Jones-Bishop did not gather a bouncing kick, and whole-back Eden skipped in to attain, after which moments later Jermaine McGillvary finished off a flowing break involving Eden and Brough for Giants fourth try with greater than 20 minutes to head.
Leeds introduced Liam Hood at hooker and it was he and fellow academy product Stevie Ward who lifted the hosts fightback.
Ward gained field position when he beat McGillvary at the outside and after Giants held out through desperate defence, Leuluai powered over from close in to minimize the deficit to ten points.
With time running out Leeds stepped up the pressure but Nathan Browns side were untroubled and secured an imposing victory at their rivals home.
POST-MATCH REACTION
Huddersfield Giants head coach Nathan Brown said of full-back Greg Eden:
"Hes got the prospective to be certainly one of greatest players on this competition, theres little doubt about that in any respect.
"Hes the British version of Billy Slater. Thats how Billy Slater was when he was young. He can do things most other players on this competition or the NRL cant do.
"The skys the limit for that child. Hes brilliant. Hes young and with youth comes slightly pain in certain cases."
Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott said:
"a few quick-fire tries by Huddersfield early inside the second half was probably the variation.
"Overall our performance was much better than last week. Its disappointing that three tries came from soft missed tackles. Thats easily fixed but i'd rather Huddersfield had needed to work far harder for some tries.
"Nonetheless, i assumed they defended rather well and came up with a little enterprise for a few tries. Ive no complaints, i presumed they deserved to win the sport."
FRIDAY NIGHT'S LINE-UPS
Leeds: Jones-Bishop; Smith, Watkins, Hardaker, Hall; Sinfield, Ward; Leuluai, McShane, Peacock, Clarkson, Delaney, Ablett
Replacements: Griffin, Hood, Moore, Kirke
Huddersfield: Eden; McGillvary, Cudjoe, Wardle, George; Brough, Grix; Crabtree, Robinson, Faalogo, Gilmour, Chan, Lee
Replacements: Lawrence, Faiumu, Patrick, ODonnell.
Attendance: 15,408
Referee: Richard Silverwood (Dewsbury).
From WhatNewsToday.net
Warrington 16-28 St Helens
St Helens maintained their fine start under caretaker management team Mike Rush and Keiron Cunningham to knock Warrington off the tip of Super League.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Three tries in quarter-hour set Saints on their way, Ade Gardner getting the 1st before Paul Wellens scored twice.
Francis Meli added another before Wire tries from Brett Hodgson and Joel Monaghan each side of half-time.
But fit-again Sia Soliola wrapped up victory before Ryan Atkins last-minute consolation for the house side.
Rush, together with club legend Cunningham, has now started his managerial career with successive wins against champions Leeds and league leaders Warrington. But, despite enjoying being on the helm, the St Helens-born development manager still says he's not all for making it a whole-time fixture.
Warrington had returned to the pinnacle last weekend with last Friday nights narrow 22-20 win at Wigan, 48 hours before Saints, of their first game following the sacking of Royce Simmons, stunned the Leeds redheads 46-6 at Langtree Park.
Mike Rush Saints caretaker coach"It is a dream for a native lad to be doing what I'm doingâ€
But, in front of a fifteen,000 sell-out, the largest-ever crowd on the Halliwell Jones, it was Saints form that worked out the higher as they blitzed Warrington with a beautiful three-try burst contained in the opening quarter hour.
Lomax and Wellens created the gap for Gardner to attain within the right corner for the third straight game - in barely the third minute.
Then Wellens dived over himself on 11 minutes before stepping into again just four minutes later, Lomax kicking all three conversions.
Saints were even turning down chances to kick simple penalties in pursuit of more tries and, on 23 minutes, they got a fourth when Francis Meli galloped in on the left corner.
But, just once they had the possibility to take the sport out of Wires sight, Lomax missed that kick, and Sia Soliola had a try chalked off when he gave the impression to lose control grounding the ball over the road.
And Warrington finally found a response earlier than the break.
Hodgson dummied his far more than, kicking the goal to claw it back to 22-6. But, even then, Saints may have restored their 22-point advantage, just for Jon Wilkin to have a try disallowed by the video referee for a knock-on.
And Saints had their lead further lopped to 22-10 six minutes into the second one half when Joel Monaghan got in on the right corner.
But, after coming under sustained Warrington pressure, Soliola, back after missing two matches after being assualted on an evening out, bulldozed his excess of.
His try wrapped up victory 11 minutes from time before Atkins crossed late directly to make the margin of defeat look slightly kinder at the home side.
FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Warrington coach Tony Smith:
"Our performances was basically the identical each week that's the frustration and a few of that came home to roost tonight.
"The manner we've been playing is giving freely penalties and giving for free the ball cheaply within the wrong parts of the sector and Saints are in a mood at present where they're happy to receive that and hurt you love Saints can, which they did.
"We made a fist for your time within the second half and, upon getting back to twelve points, if we had got another try maybe it might have put pressure on them, but if the clock starts to expire on you it forces you into more errors.
"some of our offloads were silly tonight in circumstances where we were just looking to force something that's letting us down. "We are going to have ups and downs in the course of the season and hopefully we can now get on an outstanding run and play some good footy."
St Helens caretaker coach Mike Rush
"It's a dream for an area lad to be doing what Im doing and that i would never say I dont enjoy doing it, however the club has an extended-term plan and my role is in development and to ensure that we always have a conveyer belt of latest players.
"i might like to tell everyone Im a genius but its not the case. We've some excellent senior players and extremely experienced players with hundreds of caps between them and so they realise they must roll up their sleeves and perform a little exertions throughout the week and get the rewards on the weekend.
"We're not doing anything differently. We have now a culture at St Helens like Barcelona and Ajax play football and we as a town and a club ought to play how we play and the senior players have really took to that.
"The likes of Josh Perry and James Roby really laid a platform for us and Sia Soliola also made a gigantic difference. We also gave Josh Jones a debut and that i give credit to the senior players like Paul Wellens and Jon Wilkin who offer guidance and togetherness so that they aren't left to fend for themselves."
FRIDAY NIGHT'S LINE-UPS
Warrington: Hodgson; Riley, Blythe, Atkins, J Monaghan; Briers, Myler; Morley, M Monaghan, Wood, Waterhouse, Grix, Cooper.
Replacements: Higham, Carvell, Bridge, Hill.
St Helens: Wellens; Gardner, Shenton, Jones, Meli; Hohaia, Lomax; Perry, Roby, Laffranchi, Soliola, Flannery, Wilkin.
Replacements: McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Clough, Flanagan, Magennis.
Attendance: 15,000.
Referee: Ben Thaler (Wakefield).
From WhatNewsToday.net
Leicester 43-13 Worcester
Andy Goode was sent off as Worcester Warriors crashed 43-13 at Leicester, who scored seven tries to head second inside the Premiership.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Scott Hamilton, George Chuter and Tom Croft all went over because the hosts had a 17-3 half-time lead.
Martin Castrogiovanni secured an advantage point and Thomas Waldrom also scored.
Tom Youngs and George Ford added the gloss for a seventh successive win in all competitions, before Ceri Jones scored a late consolation try.
The Tigers, who've scored more tries than another club in Europe this season, were up against a try-shy Warriors, who've crossed the road only 16 times in Premiership action in 2011-12.
Worcester put the primary points at the board when former Leicester player Andy Goode kicked a monster penalty from near halfway. Play was them held up while medics treated Warriors lock Chris Jones.
Tigers looked scrappy within the opening stages, but a great cross-kick from Toby Flood saw Hamilton go over inside the right-hand corner, although Flood missed the extras.
Moments after having a try disallowed, the Tigers scored their second try when Chuter grabbed a loose ball from the ground, but Flood again missed the conversion.
Goode, who was earlier shown a yellow card for killing the ball on his own try line, was then shown a straight red for a flying shoulder charge on England flanker Croft.
Moments later, Croft finished off a neat Tigers move to attain inside the right corner, with Flood kicking his first points for a 14-point half-time lead.
Like the first half, Worcester scored the 1st points of the second one period with a successful penalty from replacement Danny Gray.
Leicester picked up the bonus point as Italian prop forward Castrogiovanni drove over at the left and Flood kicked the extras.
Ed Slater was shown a yellow card for killing the ball to minimize the sport to fourteen players each for 10 minutes, and Tigers scored again with each side a person short.
Waldrom went over for his sixth Premiership try of the season with Flood kicking the extras for a 3rd time in a row, while Alesana Tuilagi was sin-binned for punching Ed Shervington.
Youngs and Ford, who had both come on as second-half replacements, also went over, while Jones scored Worcesters first and only try within the last minute.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill:
"It was disjointed and tough to play against an aspect that didn't come to play.
"We were inaccurate for massive parts of the sport which was frustrating but job done. Its five points.
"We dont are looking to expend our greatest performances in games like these, we wish to save them for the large ones."
Worcester Warriors head coach Richard Hill:
"I dont think most of the people would have had us all the way down to win at Welford Road. We just desired to give a great account of ourselves.
"Although we aren't mathematically secure yet but we've got two home games and we're unbeaten at Sixways.
"We'll regroup and ensure we're at full throttle against Exeter."
LINE-UPS
Leicester: Murphy (capt); Hamilton, M Tuilagi, Allen, A Tuilagi; Flood, Grindal; Ayerza, Chuter, Castrogiovanni, Slater, Kitchener; Croft, Newby, Waldrom.
Replacements: T Youngs for Chuter (48), Harrison for Grindal (54), Mulipola for Ayerza (55), Cole for Castrogiovanni (65), Smith for Murphy (65), Mafi for Waldrom (65).
Not Used: Salvi, Ford.
Sin Bin: Slater (51), A. Tuilagi (70).
Worcester: Pennell; Garvey, Grove, Rasmussen, Benjamin; Goode, Perry (capt); Mullan, Lutui, Taumoepeau, Percival, Chris Jones, Betty, Kvesic, Cowan.
Replacements: Gillies for C Jones (36), Gray for Cowan (40), Fatiaki for Rasmussen (51), Douglas for Taumoepeau (52), Arr for Perry (54), Shervington for Lutui (54)
Not Used: C Jones, Horstmann.
Sin Bin: Goode (15).
Sent Off: Goode (34).
Attendance : 21,344
Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU).
From WhatNewsToday.net
Maguire beats O\'Sullivan in China
Stephen Maguire secured a dramatic victory over Ronnie OSullivan within the China Open quarter-finals.
From WhatNewsToday.net
The Scot sealed his 5-4 triumph with a treble into the center pocket after the black needed to be re-spotted. He'll tackle Stephen Lee who beat defending champion Judd Trump 5-3.
Within the evening session home favourite Ding Junhui comfortably beat world number 14 Ali Carter 5-2 to advance.
Peter Ebdon overcame Neil Robertson 5-3 to book his own place within the last four.
Maguire, who won the tournament in 2008, made serene progress during the first two frames with breaks of 76 and 57. OSullivan pulled level, before pegging Maguire back again to a few-3 and four-4 with breaks of 102 and 48.
The 3-time world champion was squeezed out in a captivating decider, despite a break of 41 that gave the impression to have put him on top of things.
CHINA OPEN SEMI-FINALS
- Stephen Maguire v Stephen Lee
- Ding Junhui v Peter Ebdon
Maguire held his nerve to drew level on points, before taking the re-spotted black with a huge slice of luck because it rebounded off the cushions thrice and into the pocket.
OSullivan said: "Hes a top player and youve got to present credit to Stephen because he hung in well there and he made a clearance on the end to get us to the re-spot besides."
an attractive break of 113 inside the fourth was the highlight of Lees victory as he recovered from the lack of the hole two frames to brush to victory.
Trump was left ruing a missed pink that can have checked the Englishmans momentum within the sixth frame but insisted he could shrug off the defeat.
"I wont really take an excessive amount of notice of it," he said. "Its rather a lot harder to play out here with the time difference. Im just eager for the area Championship."
From WhatNewsToday.net
Mancini doesn\'t trust Balotelli
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted he doesn't trust striker Mario Balotelli, but will continue to play the enigmatic Italian. 
From WhatNewsToday.net
Balotelli made a surprise visit to his ex-club Inter Milan this week appearing at a press conference, and was pictured rowing with Mancini on Wednesday.
"No, I dont trust Mario. No-one trusts Mario," Mancini told BBC Sport.
Mancini also hit back at Manchester United boss Sir Alex Fergusons claim Carlos Tevezs return is "desperate".
On Wednesday, pictures were circulated of an apparent bust-up between Mancini and Balotelli at Citys Carrington training complex.
Marios antics
- March 2010: Balotelli angers Inter Milan fans by posing in an AC Milan shirt
- March 2011: The Italian throws a dart at a Manchester City youth team player
- May 2011: The striker takes a bullied truant back to college and offers the antagonists a ticking off
- July 2011: Substituted in a friendly after backheeling wide when through on goal
- October 2011: Escapes unhurt when a firework is launched inside his home
- March 2012: Fined one weeks wages by City for breaking curfew
- March 2012: Gatecrashes new Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccionis first press conference during a surprise visit to the club
Mancini played down the row, but admitted he didn't know what to anticipate off the unpredictable 21-year-old.
"He's a top player," said Mancini
"He can do everything. He can score two goals against Arsenal next week. But he may also take a red card.
"In the past he did well and within the last eight games he can be important for us. But trust him- Never."
City are three points behind leaders United with the Manchester clubs battling it out to wwithin the Premier League title. Balotelli chose to spend two days off in the week to fly to Italy and gatecrashed new Inter Milan boss Andrea Stramaccionis first press conference.
Mancini clarified his strikers presence on the press conference, but admitted Balotelli had to grow up, with the incident the most recent in a string of surprising antics.
"On the press conference he was there like a journalist. It's better you ask him why but he had two days off," said Mancini.
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Balotelli gatecrashes Inter press conference
"I cant put him in his house for 2 days.
"Probably the instant will arrive when he'll know what he should do when he has two days off.
"i am hoping he's going to grow out of it because he must know that is his job. He should work and rest. But he's young."
Meanwhile, Mancini disputed Fergusons suggestion that bringing back Tevez was an act of desperation.
"It isn't important for me what Sir Alex says," said Mancini.
"i've big respect for him. Im sure what I say seriously isn't important to him. i believe they simply thing that may be important for him and for me is to win the championship.
"Carlos Tevez is a Manchester City player. He desired to leave the club in January, but this was inconceivable.
"Now he's again a significant player for us. Desperation for what- We were without Tevez for seven months and dominated this championship. I dont think so. He's a City player and perhaps he may help us within the last six or seven games."
From WhatNewsToday.net
Jerry Lee Lewis and Judith Brown: Married!
Music legend Jerry Lee Lewis is a married man. The 76-year-old tied the knot with 62-year-old Judith Brown on March 9 in Natchez, Miss., CNN reports.
Interestingly, Brown was previously married to the legendary rocker's cousin, Rusty.
Whose sister Myra Gale Brown married Lewis when she was just 13 back in 1957.
So, yeah, it is a little unusual. It is usually Jerry's seventh marriage overall.
Lewis, called The Killer, have been a rock-and-roll icon for many years because of such classic hits as "Great Balls of fireplace" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On."
Lewis and his sixth wife, who were married for twenty years, divorced in 2004. Here's hoping Jerry finds happiness this time around. Goodness gracious, indeed!
From WhatNewsToday.net
Christopher Meloni is Kony Hunter 2012
First there has been Kony 2012.
Now there's Kony Meloni.
Law & Order: SVU badass Christopher Meloni has had enough of the Ugandan warlord made famous by Jason Russell's film ... before Russell went crazy. He's so irate, he will take him down personally. Dressed as Dog the Bounty Hunter.
After being encouraged to lift awareness for the humanitarian cause by releasing a funny but informative video that highlights the issues on earth and shows people ways to help, the actor says ... f*%k that, I'm goin' to Africa.
Joseph Kony, you're on notice.
Kony Hunter with Christopher Meloni
From WhatNewsToday.net
Confirmed: Cocaine Discovered in Whitney Houston\'s Hotel Room
We have an update at the passing of Whitney Houston.
A week after the official coroner's report listed this singer's explanation for death as being a heart attack, likely concerning cocaine use, it's now been confirmed thon the drug was, indeed, discovered in Whitney's hotel room at the time her body was found.
Initial reports were sketchy in this fact, with rumors circulating that cocaine could have been found in Houston's system - but no traces of the substances were anywhere near the tub during which she drowned.
Allegations of somebody tampering with the evidence even ran wild.
But now sources connected to the investigation tell TMZ that "white, powdery remnants" were taken into custody and later identified as cocaine.
Does this put the tragedy to rest- Sadly, not really. Accusations of who supplied Whitney together with her drugs of choice will continue for the foreseeable future. Ray J has already been forced to return out and defend himself in contrast charge.
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : Confirmed: Cocaine Discovered in Whitney Houston's Hotel Room http://bit.ly/HrgMeB
Keith Olbermann: Fired By Current TV!
Keith Olbermann has just been fired by the cable network that took him in after the much higher-profile cable network he was previously on cut him loose.
Current TV, which was co-founded by Al Gore, released an announcement saying it was parting ways with the pundit, surprisingly citing a difference in values.
The decision comes not up to a year after Keith Olbermann was fired by MSNBC, then hired by Current to assist energize the network’s primetime ratings.
Current said in an announcement this afternoon:
"We created Current to present voice to these Americans who refuse to depend upon corporate-controlled media and are trying to find an authentic progressive outlet."
"We're more committed to these goals today than ever before."
"Current was founded at the values of respect, openness, collegiality, and loyalty to our viewers. Unfortunately these values aren't any longer reflected in our relationship with Keith Olbermann and we've ended it."
Current also announced today that it's going to be giving former Ny Governor and CNN personality Eliot Spitzer a show inside the network’s 8 p.m. hour.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Lenovo IdeaPad U310 and U410 undress for the FCC\'s czars
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : Lenovo IdeaPad U310 and U410 undress for the FCC's czars http://bit.ly/HuQFHP
New blog post : OS X malware used to spy on pro-Tibetan charities, reminds us all to maintain updated http://bit.ly/HuQFrj
Sony\'s Xperia Ice Cream Sandwich rollout pushed to mid-April (and beyond)
To be fair, things have... changed somewhat since we heard back in November that the Xperia handset line can be getting Ice Cream Sandwich by March of 2012. Specifically, Sony Ericsson isn't any more, and it's as much as Sony Mobile alone to continue the torch carrying. At any rate, the outfit has made clear today that it's going to be mid-April on the earliest before any of the Xperia smartphones see an Android 4.0 update, with the Xperia Arc S, Xperia Neo V and Xperia Ray amongst the 1st on deck. We're told that the updates will start hitting that trio in the course of next month, with every last owner to be gifted within the four to 6 weeks following. Beyond that, the Xperia Play, Xperia Neo, Xperia Mini, Xperia Mini Pro, Xperia Pro and Xperia Active will start seeing ICS "from the top of May / early June." You already know, pretty well right when Android 5.0 may be unveiled.From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : Sony's Xperia Ice Cream Sandwich rollout pushed to mid-April (and beyond) http://bit.ly/HuQEUn
New blog post : Verizon's Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX to get Android 4.0 on April 4th, Rezound to follow at the 6th (updated) http://bit.ly/HuQBIb
Specialized Turbo e-bike is simply too fast and furious for the western world (video)
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : Specialized Turbo e-bike is simply too fast and furious for the western world (video) http://bit.ly/HuQBru
New blog post : Seas0npass tethered jailbreak now available for Apple TV 2s running iOS 5.1 http://bit.ly/HuQBaU
New blog post : UFO Waterproof Remote found floating inside the company of the wealthy and famous http://bit.ly/HuQDjh
New blog post : Spotify takes Facebook's Timeline feature to insane extremes http://bit.ly/HuQD2M
The big apple Mayor Takes on Global Smoking
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently donated $220 million of his own money through his charitable foundation to scale back smoking everywhere. The hassle will focus principally on countries where tobacco use is most prevalent.
New York is increasingly a health conscious city. There is no smoking in restaurants, in bars or perhaps in public parks. That's the entire results of the mayor's aggressive anti-tobacco health policies during the last decade.
The city also runs advertising campaigns alerting residents to the risks of smoking.
Aiming to elevate cigarette taxes
Bloomberg says his donation might be aimed partially at convincing governments overseas to elevate cigarette taxes. He says such taxes are the only major factor to deter smoking. Bloomberg notes that a pack of cigarettes in Manhattan costs about $12. Â
"Only 7 percent of our children report they smoke, and only 14 percent of adults. Those are amazing numbers - way down from where it was 10 years ago, and that’s why life expectancy in Ny city is three years more than America as an entire.â€
Bloomberg said five countries account for half the smoking on the planet: China, India, Indonesia, Russia and Bangladesh. Â
Last year in India, singer Shaan released a music video in Bollywood, Mumbai’s entertainment capital, titled Don’t Play together with your Life.
"It's a a part of our campaign to switch the deliberating the youth and to cause them to understand of their language and of their ways in which there isn't any heroism or machismo in chewing tobacco, or smoking cigarettes, or [that] it'll make you cool, otherwise you shall be a hero. It's nothing like that,†said Shaan.
Pushback likely from tobacco groups
Bloomberg’s effort seriously is not more likely to go unopposed. For instance, Ukraine recently filed an international Trade Organization suit against Australia for a law that requires plain paper cigarette packaging. Ukraine argues the law hurts Ukrainian tobacco growers who're in search of export markets. And the tobacco industry itself is fighting back. Cigarette producer Philip Morris fears that generic packaging will strip the corporation of value related to brands. Spokeswoman Anne Edwards spoke on Australian radio.
"You could have no sympathy for us whatsoever, but i believe the primary is an identical; you can’t just take people’s property without compensation,†said the Philip Morris spokeswoman.
Bloomberg is undaunted. He says his donation will also be used to aid stop some varieties of tobacco advertising and to make smoking unglamorous.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Special Rapporteur Seeks Change in Iran\'s Human Rights Conditions
The United Nations Special Rapporteur charged with examining human rights conditions in Iran has told VOA that he has found "no positive change of significance" since he took at the mandate in June 2011.
Ahmed Shaheed said within the interview Friday, he remains interested by the "continuing deterioration" of human rights in Iran. He named the increasing choice of executions, and the targeting of human rights defenders and journalists as his top three areas of focus.
Shaheed said in his report back to the U.N. that there has been an "alarming increase†in executions happening in Iran, from fewer than 100 in 2003, to 670 in 2011, many occurring after very little due process.
He said numerous human rights lawyers had been jailed, that there are no less than 45 journalists currently imprisoned in Iran, and that many others have fled the rustic.
Although the Iranian government has refused to work with the Special Rapporteur or allow him to go to the rustic, Shaheed said he has interviewed 163 witnesses, "people who claim they've got had their very own rights violated or their family members' rights violated." He also has met with members of the diplomatic corps, NGOs [non-governmental organizations] and the Iranian diaspora.
He said of the witnesses, 25 percent live in Iran and included some who're on death row. He didn't detail how he was in a position to speak to people inside Iran, except to assert by "electronic technique of communication." He said this manner, he was ready to speak to a couple who might otherwise have feared chatting with him during an official visit.
Shaheed, whose mandate was extended for one more year by the U.N., remains hopeful that the Tehran government will allow him access into the rustic. He said Iran has "not the closed the door."
The Rapporteur plans to "widen the areas of engagement" during his second year at the job. He also hopes to check "some subjects that the govt of Iran is extremely interested in."
He urged Tehran to honor its own constitution and laws, in addition to abide by international laws and obligations. He often known as for "a moratorium on death penalty," the "release of human rights defenders" and an examination of laws that adversely affect journalists.
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : Special Rapporteur Seeks Change in Iran's Human Rights Conditions http://bit.ly/HuQwUR
US Official Says Missile Defense Won\'t Impact Russia
Political controversy has erupted within the Usa after an open microphone at a nuclear security conference in South Korea caught U.S. President Barack Obama telling Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that he's going to have more "flexibility" after the U.S. election in November. On Friday, the highest American arms control negotiator visited Moscow and gave the yank outlook for arms control and missile defense.
Rose Gottemoeller, Washington’s lead negotiator on arms control, told Russian students and reporters that the political controversy simply underlined President Obama’s point. The yank election season is a time for technical meetings, not political initiatives on arms control.
"I see the likelihood for homework, as I call it, not just in missile defense cooperation, but in preparing the groundwork for brand spanking new nuclear reduction negotiations besides. i'm also here in Moscow to work on new conventional arms control initiatives," said Gottemoeller.
Gottemoeller recalled that Americans and Russians have 40 years of expertise in negotiating arms control pacts. She said she is confident that the 2 countries, the world’s largest nuclear powers, will find common ground on missile defense.
Russia is anxious about Washington’s plan to construct a missile defense system to offer protection to Europe from missiles launched from Iran. More from Gottemoeller, who's acting under secretary of state for arms control and international security:
"The technical capabilities of the system are simply not people who would undermine Russian strategic offensive forces," Gottemoeller added.
Washington’s blueprint for missile defense requires several land- and sea-based batteries that could knock down one or two missiles launched on a westward path from Iran. Compared, Russia has about 3,000 rockets which are designed to hit america by flying north, over the North Pole.
"I consider it an awfully serious matter that my president has confirmed for your president - and should be willing to continue to take action - that this technique is not any threat to the Russian Federation or any of your military capabilities," Gottemoeller explained.
In the audience at Moscow State Institute of Diplomacy was Victor Mizin. Before joining the institute as deputy director, he worked on arms control as a Russian diplomat. He said that diplomats in both countries still must work against the powerful legacy of the Cold War.
"There are still huge backlogs, i'm afraid, of mutual suspicion, which still haven't been overcome," said Mizin.
On May 7, Vladimir Putin will return to the Kremlin as president of Russia. A former KGB agent who once served in East Germany, Putin is typically seen as a hardliner on relations with Washington.
But Mizin would not predict a tremendous change in policy. He noted that Putin served for the last four years as Russia’s prime minister, closely coordinating policies with President Medvedev. Under the present plan, both men are to modify jobs, with Medvedev becoming prime minister in May.
"Probably it will likely be just a little tougher, with just a little more accent on Russian sovereignty, self-assertiveness," said Mizin on Putin’s return to the Kremlin.
Fyodor Lukyanov, editor of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, believes that NATO will build a missile defense for Western Europe whether Moscow likes it or not.
"Any discussion about joint missile defense, which started 2010, officially still is a target. I don’t believe it's any sort of real talk, it's only cover for, empty shell for, nothing," said Lukyanov.
He agrees that it'll be impossible for both countries to barter common ground in the course of the heat of an American presidential campaign.
"This year, nothing will happen in missile defense area," Lukyanov added.
So everyone interviewed in Moscow said that for any movement in negotiations on missile defense and arms control, check back 365 days from now.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Wife: Bin Laden Fathered 4 Children While on Run
Osama Bin Laden's youngest wife has revealed that the al-Qaida leader spent much of his time at the run living in Pakistani cities, moving between safe houses and fathering four children.
The details of bin Laden's life after the Sep 11, 2001, attacks at the Usa are contained in an interrogation report of Amal Ahmed Abdulfattah, his 30-year-old Yemeni widow.
Abdulfattah told investigators that the family "scattered" within the months following the attacks. She said she reunited with bin Laden in 2002 in Peshawar after which moved to the Swat Valley. Â
They later moved to Haripur, near the Pakistani capital Islamabad. In this time, she said she gave birth to 2 children at government hospitals, staying only "two or three hours" within the clinics on both occasions.
Finally, the family settled in Abbottabad in 2005, where she gave birth to 2 more children. Bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad during a raid by U.S. commandos last May. Abdulfattah was wounded within the leg within the attack.
Abdulfattah is currently in Pakistani custody, at the side of bin Laden's two other wives and a number of other children. Their lawyer says he expects them to be charged on Monday with living in Pakistan illegally, which carries a likely five-year jail sentence.
During the manhunt for bin Laden, most U.S. and Pakistani officials said that bin Laden was likely living somewhere along the remote Afghanistan-Pakistan border, possibly in a cave.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Obama Slaps New Sanctions on Buyers of Iran Oil
President Barack Obama is pushing forward with new sanctions designed to cripple Iran’s oil exports. The president said Friday there's enough oil on world markets to permit him to take the step without harming U.S. allies
President Obama’s move authorizes U.S. sanctions on foreign banks that continue to buy oil from Iran.
It is aimed toward further isolating from world markets Iran’s central bank, which handles many of the proceeds from the country’s oil sales.
Friday’s announcement from the White Home is a part of a campaign by the us and its allies to extend pressure on Iran to desert its nuclear program.
The Western allies believe Iran is operating toward building a nuclear bomb. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Senior White House officials say Japan and the ecu Union have already taken steps to attenuate their oil purchases from Iran, and feature been exempted from the sanctions. The officials believe other nations will follow, including South Korea and Turkey.
The penalties are to take effect in late June, shortly before the ecu oil embargo is enacted.
At the State Department, spokesman Mark Toner said a lot of America’s allies has been cooperating.
"And definitely the announcement a pair weeks ago of these countries that we believe have made substantial progress on this indicate that we’re confident that we are able to do that in an extremely coherent, deliberative fashion that’s unlikely to disrupt the market,†he said.
A defense bill Mr. Obama signed in December gave him until Friday to work out whether there has been enough oil at the world markets to permit the cuts in imports from Iran.
In a written statement, the president said while the worldwide oil market remains tight, there's enough supply to permit countries to chop their oil imports from Iran.
Mr. Obama said he would continue to observe the placement closely.
Seven months before the U.S. presidential election, rising gasoline prices are causing concern among voters.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Thursday, March 29, 2012
American Idol Results: Who Got Booted-
They all chose singles by their personal idols this week, but for one member of the yankee Idol top 9, that role model proved to be unlucky tonight.
Whose name was called on the conclusion of the most recent results show- Did the judges use the facility in their save to maintain this individual around- You're seconds far from the reply...
Following performances by Nicki Minaj and Scotty McCreery, Hollie Cavanagh, Sklyar Laine and Heejan Han stood within the bottom three. Hollie was the primary to be informed she was safe, resulting in the announcement moments later that Han will be going home.
He once more belted out "A Song For You" in an try to be rescued by the panel, but - despite tears from Jennifer Lopez - it was not meant to be. Only eight finalists remain.
Did Han should go home this week-
| Yes, it was about time! | |
| No, it would had been Hollie! | |
| No, it'll were some other person! | |
From WhatNewsToday.net
Sharapova advances to Miami final
World number two Maria Sharapova advanced to her fourth Miami Masters final with a 4-6 6-2 6-4 win over an infuriated Caroline Wozniacki.
From WhatNewsToday.net
The Dane refused to shake the hand of umpire Kader Nouni following a disputed serve at 40-30 within the final game.
The official, correctly, overturned a linesmans call that Sharapovas second serve was out, but Wozniacki had no challenges left to study the choice.
The Russian will now face either Agnieszka Radwanska or Marion Bartoli.
Umpire Kader Nouni came to the fore after Sharapovas second serve was called out, a call which might have forced deuce in a hard and fast where Wozniacki had fought back into contention from 5-2 down.
SHARAPOVAS 2012 RECORD
- Australian Open: lost within the final to Victoria Azarenka
- Federations Cup: beat Chanelle Scheepers and lost to Angelique Kerber
- Indian Wells: lost within the final to Victoria Azarenka
Sharapova had looked poised to challenge the linesman before the Frenchman interrupted.
As Wozniacki had already used the 3 challenges available to her within the set, she was unable to force the difficulty and the decision couldn't be reviewed.
"i believe when the ball is so close he should give her an opportunity to challenge as a minimum once I should not have any challenges," said Wozniacki. "She was going to challenge it, anyways.
"So if it shows it's good, it truly is good. If it shows it's out, it's out. The ball was so close that it'd in addition had been out."
Wozniacki followed her handshake snub with an angry exchange of words with Nouni as she stormed off the court after her seventh career loss to Sharapova.
"i began off the match so well after which my concentration dropped slightly and she or he started playing a lot better. But i'm happy I pulled it through," Sharapova said after she emerged victorious in two hours and 34 minutes.
Saturdays final is guaranteed a brand new winner as neither Sharapova, Bartoli, fresh from ending Victoria Azarenkas 26-match winning streak in Wednesdays quarter-final , or Radwanska, who has yet to drop a group on this tournament, have previously lifted the title.
Within the mens quarter-finals, Juan Monaco of Argentina progressed on his 28th birthday with a 6-1 6-3 win against the last American in either singles draw, Mardy Fish.
World #1 Novak Djokovic faces David Ferrer to choose the road-up of the opposite side of the semi-final draw after Britains Andy Murray earlier progressed to satisfy Rafael Nadal.
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : NVIDIA CEO suggests $199 Tegra 3 tablets in the summertime http://bit.ly/GX1Ab4
Interactive Game of Thrones content involves HBO Go iPad app
ENGAGE AT THE SELECT GAME OF THRONES® SEASON 2
GROUNDBREAKING INTERACTIVE VIEWING EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO GO® LAUNCHES FOR THE PRIMARY TIME AT THE iPAD®, APRIL 1
Manhattan, N.Y., March 29, 2012 – On April 1, Game of Thrones fans could have of venture to observe their favorite show like never before when the HBO GO interactive viewing experience becomes available for the primary time at the HBO GO iPad app. The sport of Thrones interactive elements on HBO GO allow viewers to have interaction with original features created exclusively for the service, by watching full-length episodes of the series alongside an "alert feed" showing never-before-seen bonus content. Previously available only online at HBOGO.com, the interactive viewing experience becomes available at the HBO GO iPad app beginning with the season 2 premiere episode of Game of Thrones on April 1 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, featuring special enhancements designed exclusively for the iPad.
Interactive viewing of Game of Thrones season 2 at the iPad provides a good more immersive and exciting experience for audiences, giving them a classy, intuitive approach to explore the area of Westeros. In landscape mode, just a few taps of the screen enables the "alert feed" which appears slightly under the episode, calling out relevant content timed to express scenes. As users engage with bonus content, the episode above is automatically paused until the user closes the feature and the episode automatically resumes play. Users may also navigate inside the feed, scrolling back or forward in time.
Special content inside the alert feed includes:
· Cast/crew commentaries with David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, and more
· Backstage interviews with the solid and crew
· Descriptions of recent characters as they arrive right into a scene
· Info alerts providing back stories on specific scenes and character relationships
· Detailed set photos and concept art from the series design team
· Quotes from series that may be shared through social media
· A map with key locations pinpointed
· A guide to Game of Thrones houses
Interactive features which are exclusive to the experience at the iPad include social functionality–the flexibility to post status updates to Facebook and Twitter directly while watching. Viewers too can prefer to watch the series in portrait orientation at the iPad which enables them to browse locations and characters during episode playback. In portrait mode, a navigable map of Westeros and Essos is often visible below the "alert feed" and a "Guide to Houses" link drives users to view family trees and profiles for the entire series characters.
Click the link below for a glimpse of the sport of Thrones interactive viewing experience on HBO GO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch-v=jY9yLqwEt2M
HBO GO may be accessed at HBOGO.com, or via the HBO GO app – now available for download on Apple's iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch® and diverse smart phones using Google's Android™ operating system in addition to platforms equivalent to Xbox 360, Samsung Smart TV™ and Roku – and is freed from charge to HBO subscribers through participating television providers. For many who haven't experienced the unforgettable fictional world of Westeros, the total first season of Game of Thrones can be found on HBO GO. Follow HBO GO on Twitter at: @HBOGO.
In response to the preferred book series "A Song of Ice and Fire," by George R.R. Martin, the Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning fantasy series Games of Thrones chronicles an epic struggle for power set in an enormous and violent fantasy kingdom. One of many returning members of the ensemble cast are Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Emmy® winner Peter Dinklage, Michelle Fairley, Lena Headey and equipment Harington. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss executive produce.
Games of Thrones Season 2 premieres Sunday, April 1 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, exclusively on HBO.
GROUNDBREAKING INTERACTIVE VIEWING EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO GO® LAUNCHES FOR THE PRIMARY TIME AT THE iPAD®, APRIL 1
Manhattan, N.Y., March 29, 2012 – On April 1, Game of Thrones fans could have of venture to observe their favorite show like never before when the HBO GO interactive viewing experience becomes available for the primary time at the HBO GO iPad app. The sport of Thrones interactive elements on HBO GO allow viewers to have interaction with original features created exclusively for the service, by watching full-length episodes of the series alongside an "alert feed" showing never-before-seen bonus content. Previously available only online at HBOGO.com, the interactive viewing experience becomes available at the HBO GO iPad app beginning with the season 2 premiere episode of Game of Thrones on April 1 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, featuring special enhancements designed exclusively for the iPad.
Interactive viewing of Game of Thrones season 2 at the iPad provides a good more immersive and exciting experience for audiences, giving them a classy, intuitive approach to explore the area of Westeros. In landscape mode, just a few taps of the screen enables the "alert feed" which appears slightly under the episode, calling out relevant content timed to express scenes. As users engage with bonus content, the episode above is automatically paused until the user closes the feature and the episode automatically resumes play. Users may also navigate inside the feed, scrolling back or forward in time.
Special content inside the alert feed includes:
· Cast/crew commentaries with David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, and more
· Backstage interviews with the solid and crew
· Descriptions of recent characters as they arrive right into a scene
· Info alerts providing back stories on specific scenes and character relationships
· Detailed set photos and concept art from the series design team
· Quotes from series that may be shared through social media
· A map with key locations pinpointed
· A guide to Game of Thrones houses
Interactive features which are exclusive to the experience at the iPad include social functionality–the flexibility to post status updates to Facebook and Twitter directly while watching. Viewers too can prefer to watch the series in portrait orientation at the iPad which enables them to browse locations and characters during episode playback. In portrait mode, a navigable map of Westeros and Essos is often visible below the "alert feed" and a "Guide to Houses" link drives users to view family trees and profiles for the entire series characters.
Click the link below for a glimpse of the sport of Thrones interactive viewing experience on HBO GO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch-v=jY9yLqwEt2M
HBO GO may be accessed at HBOGO.com, or via the HBO GO app – now available for download on Apple's iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch® and diverse smart phones using Google's Android™ operating system in addition to platforms equivalent to Xbox 360, Samsung Smart TV™ and Roku – and is freed from charge to HBO subscribers through participating television providers. For many who haven't experienced the unforgettable fictional world of Westeros, the total first season of Game of Thrones can be found on HBO GO. Follow HBO GO on Twitter at: @HBOGO.
In response to the preferred book series "A Song of Ice and Fire," by George R.R. Martin, the Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning fantasy series Games of Thrones chronicles an epic struggle for power set in an enormous and violent fantasy kingdom. One of many returning members of the ensemble cast are Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Emmy® winner Peter Dinklage, Michelle Fairley, Lena Headey and equipment Harington. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss executive produce.
Games of Thrones Season 2 premieres Sunday, April 1 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, exclusively on HBO.
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : Interactive Game of Thrones content involves HBO Go iPad app http://bit.ly/GX1ArN
Milan loss saved Arsenal - Petit
Arsenals 4-0 humiliation away to AC Milan in February was the catalyst behind their recent run of excellent form, believes former Gunner Emmanuel Petit.
From WhatNewsToday.net
The north Londoners have won six out of 7 matches after the defeat and climbed to 3rd within the Premier League.
"Maybe they grew up of course the criticism and after the humiliation against Milan," Petit told BBC Sport.
"Maybe they had to be at a undeniable point to grasp what they will do at the pitch."
Arsenals defeat inside the first leg in their Chapions League last-16 tie on the San Siro is their heaviest in European competition and was described as "a disaster" by manager Arsene Wenger.
ARSENALS LAST SIX MATCHES
- Won: 6
- Goals for: 16
- Goals against: 4
- Points gained on Tottenham: 13
They were dumped out of the FA Cup after a tame performance against Sunderland three days later and located themselves two goals down after 35 minutes of the north London derby against Tottenham here weekend.
Before the match against Spurs, Petit himself had questioned Wengers approach and described his team as "mentally very weak" and "playing like they dont know what to do at the pitch".
But Arsenal staged a stirring comeback to overtake Spurs 5-2 and feature won every match since.
Petit doesn't believe that some underlying problems on the Emirates Stadium were solved however.
"While you lose against Milan after which must play the derby against Spurs, it's worthwhile to react," he added.
"In the event that they can show this big character in fact the criticism, they prove to everyone that we were wrong but firstly they proved to themselves that they were wrong in addition."
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : Google patent app details method for generating a 'ghost profile,' an international of anonymous G+ users http://bit.ly/H0GbjN
Google patent app details method for generating a \'ghost profile,\' an international of anonymous G+ users
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : PSA: TurboTax on Android is free through Sunday in the event you start your taxes before then http://bit.ly/H0GdIq
NVIDIA CEO suggests $199 Tegra 3 tablets in the summertime
Always talkative NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang is within the news another time, this time telling the New York Times that his company's Tegra 3 hardware is incorporating enough cost saving that it may be in $199 Android tablets by this summer. Beyond the tantalizing considered value-priced tablets with the horsepower of the Transformer Prime (perfect for that rumored price subsidized, ASUS-built and Google-branded slate, right-) there's also a shout out Tegra-powered Windows 8 slates and Sony's unannounced VAIO Cromebook that popped in the course of the FCC. The NYT suggests its T25 chip could stand for Tegra 2.5 with a debut planned for Google I/O in June -- we'll discover then if it truly is misguided line drawing or a really educated guess.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Bilbao hit back to overcome Schalke
Two goals from Fernando Llorente and one each from Oscar de Marcos and Iker Muniain earned Bilbao a Europa League quarter-final first-leg win at Schalke.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Raul earlier gave Schalke a 2-1 lead together with his double, before the Spanish side fought back to earn victory.
Elsewhere, AZ Alkmaar shocked Valencia with a 2-1 victory, while Sporting Lisbon saw off Metalist 2-1.
And Atletico Madrid substitute Eduardo Salvio scored within the closing stages to earn a 2-1 victory over Hannover 96.
Europa League quarter-final first-leg results
Atletico Madrid 2-1 Hannover 96
AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Valencia
Schalke 2-4 Athletic Bilbao
Sporting Lisbon 2-1 Metalist Kharkiv
Bilbaos victory in Germany gives them a crucial advantage heading into the second one leg on 5 April. Llorente had given the visitors a 20th-minute lead before former Real Madrid striker Raul equalised two minutes later.
Raul had given Schalke the lead at the hour with an incredible left-foot volley but Spain international Llorente showed why he's so highly rated across Europe with a headed equaliser within the 73rd minute.
Bilbao took control of the tie with eight minutes remaining after De Marcos converted from close range and Muniain sealed the victory with a very good finish into the roof of the web from the threshold of the realm.
Alkmaar caused the most important shock of the night with their 2-1 victory over Valencia. Aston Villa-bound striker Brett Holman gave the Dutch side a primary-half lead with a volley straight from a corner before Mehmet Topal equalised within the 51st minute.
And with 11 minutes remaining Maarten Martens made it 2-1 to the hosts, side-footing Holmans cutback from six yards out to earn Alkmaar victory.
Fernando Llorente
Age: 27
Club: Athletic Bilbao
Spain caps: 20
Position: Forward
Goals this season: 25 (six in Europe)
Sporting Lisbons win against Ukrainian side Metalist was easier although the Portuguese side were made to work flat out late on after conceding a 91st-minute penalty which Cleiton Xavier converted.
Earlier, Marat Izmailovs strike and Emiliano Insuas free-kick had given them a 2-0 lead.
Atletico Madrid needed a 89th-minute goal to seal victory over Hannover 96 with substitute Salvio curling a shot from the sting of the world into the head corner of the online to provide them a primary-leg advantage.
Before Salvios winner, Falcao headed in his seventh Europa League goal of the season before Hannover 96 equalised through former Manchester United striker Mame Diouf.
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : Verizon's CEO has a plan for wireless pay-TV, if the govt will allow it http://bit.ly/H0GaMF
Verizon\'s CEO has a plan for wireless pay-TV, if the govt will allow it
From WhatNewsToday.net
Grace Digital\'s FireDock is a speaker dock to your Kindle Fire
Ignite Your Music and Video Experience with Grace Digital Audio's FireDock Speaker Dock for Kindle Fire
A refreshingly elegant design caters specifically to Amazon's 7 – inch tablet, enhancing your media with a strong room-filling stereo sound
San Diego, Calif. - (March 29, 2012) – Grace Digital Inc, a number one brand of wireless indoor & outdoor audio solutions, announces the FireDock speaker dock for Kindle Fire. In an area cluttered by generic universal docks, Grace Digital announces an innovative charging speaker dock with full-range superb stereo sound developed exclusively to reinforce the Kindle Fire's audio and video experience. Shipping July 2012, the FireDock has a MSRP of $129.99.
Engineered for Kindle Fire, the Grace FireDock accommodates the original USB port, headphone jack and gear button, all located at the bottom of the tablet. Many universal 3.5mm speaker docks don't allow charging while in use and make it difficult to access the device's buttons. The Grace FireDock not just charges the Kindle Fire while on AC power, however the optional (sold separately) lithium-ion battery-pack enables maximum portability. Exclusively sized for the Kindle Fire, the rotating cradle securely holds the 7–inch tablet, while accommodating horizontal and vertical viewing angles.
"Grace Digital's design approach at the FireDock was to offer the optimal solution around clearly defined requirements of Kindle Fire users," says Greg Fadul, CEO of Grace Digital Audio. "There are hundreds of iPhone speaker docks, but there's no quality audio solution for the 14 million Americans who've purchased the 7-inch Kindle Fire tablet. Grace Digital engineered the FireDock as a no compromise approach to enhance Kindle Fire's multimedia offerings which includes Netflix, Pandora Internet Radio, and Amazon audio books."
Grace Digital's full range base ported stereo speakers and sophistication D Digital Amplifier, provide a crystal clear stereo sound unrivaled by generic Android docks. The FireDock for Kindle Fire can be available July 2012 at GraceDigital.com, in addition to numerous online and stores for $129.99. Sign in directly on Grace Digital's web page to be emailed once the dock is obtainable.
A refreshingly elegant design caters specifically to Amazon's 7 – inch tablet, enhancing your media with a strong room-filling stereo sound
San Diego, Calif. - (March 29, 2012) – Grace Digital Inc, a number one brand of wireless indoor & outdoor audio solutions, announces the FireDock speaker dock for Kindle Fire. In an area cluttered by generic universal docks, Grace Digital announces an innovative charging speaker dock with full-range superb stereo sound developed exclusively to reinforce the Kindle Fire's audio and video experience. Shipping July 2012, the FireDock has a MSRP of $129.99.
Engineered for Kindle Fire, the Grace FireDock accommodates the original USB port, headphone jack and gear button, all located at the bottom of the tablet. Many universal 3.5mm speaker docks don't allow charging while in use and make it difficult to access the device's buttons. The Grace FireDock not just charges the Kindle Fire while on AC power, however the optional (sold separately) lithium-ion battery-pack enables maximum portability. Exclusively sized for the Kindle Fire, the rotating cradle securely holds the 7–inch tablet, while accommodating horizontal and vertical viewing angles.
"Grace Digital's design approach at the FireDock was to offer the optimal solution around clearly defined requirements of Kindle Fire users," says Greg Fadul, CEO of Grace Digital Audio. "There are hundreds of iPhone speaker docks, but there's no quality audio solution for the 14 million Americans who've purchased the 7-inch Kindle Fire tablet. Grace Digital engineered the FireDock as a no compromise approach to enhance Kindle Fire's multimedia offerings which includes Netflix, Pandora Internet Radio, and Amazon audio books."
Grace Digital's full range base ported stereo speakers and sophistication D Digital Amplifier, provide a crystal clear stereo sound unrivaled by generic Android docks. The FireDock for Kindle Fire can be available July 2012 at GraceDigital.com, in addition to numerous online and stores for $129.99. Sign in directly on Grace Digital's web page to be emailed once the dock is obtainable.
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : Grace Digital's FireDock is a speaker dock to your Kindle Fire http://bit.ly/GX1zEf
David Archuleta Says (Not) Goodbye to Fans
THG's second favorite Mormon is saying goodbye.
Or not goodbye, in accordance with the title David Archuleta has given his latest video blog.
But the previous American Idol runner-up is headed off on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at an undisclosed country and will not be around for an excessively long awhile to update fans on his life or career.
"It has been an overly emotional last week," David says below. "It is a decision we all know about but it is a very personal thing and that i desired to keep it that way. So i am hoping you guys respect that, and also you guys have so I appreciate that."
David Archuleta Says Goodbye
Best of luck, Archie.
From WhatNewsToday.net
Snooki and Jionni LaValle: The Engagement Photo!
Get ready for Snooki’s official engagement photo ... Twitter style!
Earlier today, the pregnant Jersey Shore star sent out the subsequent picture, featuring her fiance Jionni LaValle - and her engagement bling, for sure.
Snooki have been showing off her growing baby bump ever since she confirmed she is expecting, and isn’t disappointing together with her maternity couture:
The Snook continues to wear wild prints, the poof in her hair and sky high heels ... almost like a Jersey-fied, less enormous version of Jessica Simpson.
She's currently filming her spin-off reality show with JWoww and practicing on baby dolls. She is slated to come for a sixth season of Jersey Shore.
Her pregnancy goes to be a big story line within the show this summer ... unless Snooki and The placement are phased out, which have been rumored.
Either way, she and Jionni LaValle look happy! Lucky/poor guy!
From WhatNewsToday.net
President Obama Sings \"Sexy and that i Understand it\" ... Kind of
Barack Obama is sexy, and he knows it.
So much in order that The President of the usa likes to sing "Sexy and that i Comprehend it" by LMFAO, it seems. Okay, "sings" is somewhat a stretch. But he does speak the lyrics in a montage of spliced-together clips set to the beat of the hit song.
The result- A hilarious foreign policy platform, to assert the least.
Girl. Examine that. Body. I-I-I-I exercise routine. Enjoy:
Barack Obama Singing "Sexy and that i Are aware of it" by LMFAO
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : President Obama Sings "Sexy and that i Understand it" ... Kind of http://bit.ly/GX1Fvt
American Idol Results: Who Got Booted-
They all chose singles by their personal idols this week, but for one member of the yankee Idol top 9, that role model proved to be unlucky tonight.
Whose name was called on the conclusion of the newest results show- Did the judges use the ability in their save to maintain this individual around- You're seconds clear of the solution...
Following performances by Nicki Minaj and Scotty McCreery, Hollie Cavanagh, Sklyar Laine and Heejan Han stood within the bottom three. Hollie was the 1st to learn she was safe, resulting in the announcement moments later that Han will be going home.
He all over again belted out "A Song For You" in an try to be rescued by the panel, but - despite tears from Jennifer Lopez - it was not meant to be. Only eight finalists remain.
Did Han need to go home this week-
| Yes, it was about time! | |
| No, it'll was Hollie! | |
| No, it can had been some other person! | |
From WhatNewsToday.net
New blog post : Apple and Foxconn conform to drastically improve working conditions following Fair Labor Association report http://bit.ly/H0wH5R
Apple and Foxconn conform to drastically improve working conditions following Fair Labor Association report
Foxconn has agreed to fulfill FLA and Chinese legal codes by July of 2013, including cutting the variety of monthly overtime hours from 80 to 36. To catch up on the lost work hours the manufacturer will boost wages and plans to rent thousands of latest workers to assist maintain current production levels. A concerted effort is additionally planned to enhance the protection and medical conditions on the plants and their accompanying dormitories. The moves can be felt here within the US as small increases within the cost of electronic goods, however the price could be easy to swallow considering the load it'll help lift off our conscience. Hit up the source link to read the whole report for yourself and try the PR after the break.
Fair Labor Association Secures Commitment to restrict Workers' Hours, Protect Pay at Apple's Largest Supplier
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Independent Investigation Uncovers Significant Issues; 35,500 Anonymous Surveys Give Voice to Worker Concerns
FLA to watch, Publish Progress Reports on Apple and Foxconn Implementation
WASHINGTON, D.C.- After an intensive, independent investigation found significant issues with working conditions at three factories in China operated by Apple's major supplier Foxconn, the Fair Labor Association secured groundbreaking commitments that would reduce working hours to legal limits while protecting pay, improve health and safety conditions, establish a real voice for employees, and can monitor on an ongoing basis to confirm compliance. The nearly month-long investigation found excessive overtime and issues of overtime compensation; several health and safety risks; and crucial communication gaps which have ended in a widespread sense of unsafe working conditions among workers.
"The Fair Labor Association gave Apple's largest supplier the equivalent of a whole-body scan through 3,000 staff hours investigating three of its factories and surveying greater than 35,000 workers. Apple and its supplier Foxconn have agreed to our prescriptions, and we shall verify progress and report publicly," said Auret van Heerden, President and CEO of the Fair Labor Association, a coalition of universities, non-profit organizations and businesses committed to improving the health, safety, fair treatment and respect of workers worldwide.
FLA's investigation found that inside the last one year, all three factories exceeded both the FLA Code standard of 60 hours every week (regular plus overtime) and the Chinese legal limits of 40 hours every week and 36 hours maximum overtime per 30 days. During peak production periods, the typical choice of hours worked a week exceeded 60 hours per worker. There have been periods wherein some employees worked greater than seven days in a row without the specified 24 hours off. Full worker survey data is accessible at www.fairlabor.org/affiliate/apple.
Foxconn has committed to bring its factories into full compliance with Chinese legal limits and FLA standards on working hours by July 2013, in accordance with its remediation plan in FLA's report. The supplier will bring working hours consistent with the legal limit of 49 hours every week, including overtime. This implies a discount in monthly overtime hours from 80 to 36, and will be a major improvement because lots of the technology sector is struggling to deal with excessive overtime.
More importantly, while employees will work fewer hours, Foxconn has agreed to develop a compensation package that protects workers from losing income by reason of reduced overtime. A good way to maintain capacity while reducing workers' hours, Foxconn committed to extend its workforce significantly because it builds additional housing and canteen capacity.
FLA also discovered that 14 percent of workers won't receive fair compensation for unscheduled overtime. The assessment found that unscheduled overtime was only paid in 30-minute increments. This implies, for instance, that 29 minutes of overtime work ends up in no pay and 58 minutes leads to just one unit of overtime pay. Foxconn committed to pay workers fairly for all overtime in addition work-related meetings outside of normal working hours. Besides, FLA secured agreement from Foxconn and Apple to retroactively pay any worker due unpaid overtime. The businesses are currently conducting an audit to figure out the payments because of the workers.
Consistent with FLA's worker survey, 64 percent of employees say that compensation would not meet their basic needs. FLA will conduct a price of living study in Shenzhen and Chengdu to aid Foxconn in determining whether worker salaries meet FLA requirements for basic needs, in addition to discretionary income.
FLA observed other serious issues in areas corresponding to health and safety, worker integration and communication, treatment of interns, and China's social security enrollment, among others.
various workers feel interested by the security in their health and safety. Greater than 43 percent of the staff report that they've experienced or witnessed an accident. These accidents range from hand injuries to factory vehicle accidents. Foxconn has committed to be more together with workers in health and safety monitoring and decisions.
Before, Foxconn only recorded accidents that ended in a production stoppage. Beginning immediately, Foxconn committed to require supervisors and workers to report all accidents leading to an injury.
A lot of Foxconn's health and safety problems, including blocked exits, loss of or faulty personal protective equipment and missing permits, were immediately corrected through the process the investigation. FLA found that, 12 months after the Chengdu explosion, Foxconn had improved operating procedures, measurement, and documentation to cut back risks concerning aluminum dust where Apple products are made.
The assessment also found that the union at Foxconn is dominated by management representatives and would not provide true worker representation. According to local laws, Foxconn has agreed to make sure elections of worker representatives without management interference.
FLA also secured agreement by Foxconn to locate different ways to handle low enrollment in social security benefit programs and to evolve its internship program to make sure that interns benefit from the protections necessary for a productive, healthy and safe educational experience.
"If implemented, these commitments will significantly improve the lives of greater than 1.2 million Foxconn employees and set a brand new standard for Chinese factories," van Heerden said.
Following the FLA's methodology, independent assessors logged greater than 3,000 staff hours contained in the factories. They evaluated conditions in line with visual observation and review of policies, procedures and documentation (payroll and time records, production schedules, employee records); interviewed hundreds of Foxconn workers and bosses both on- and rancid-site; and conducted an anonymous worker perception survey of 35,500 randomly-selected Foxconn workers – providing an in-depth understanding of working conditions, particularly during peak production of Apple products.
Under FLA rules, its assessors have unfettered access to conduct thorough investigations of Apple suppliers. This investigation of 3 Foxconn factories at Guanlan, Longhua, and Chengdu, in China is the start of FLA's in-depth, thorough examination of the total operation to evaluate whether workers' rights and labor standards are being respected throughout Apple's supply chain.
"Joining the Fair Labor Association is voluntary. But once a corporate joins, FLA sets the principles of investigations and has full access to any supplier, owns the data collected and publishes its findings and proposals for remedial action," van Heerden said.
As well as follow up studies relating to this primary investigation, FLA will verify Apple's and Foxconn's implementation in their remediation plans and should report publicly on progress.
a whole copy of the report is on the market at www.fairlabor.org/transparency/complaints-investigations.
In regards to the Fair Labor Association: The FLA combines the efforts of socially responsible companies, civil society organizations and colleges and universities to offer protection to workers' rights and improve working conditions worldwide by promoting adherence to international labor standards. The FLA holds companies answerable for monitoring their very own supply chains and conducts independent assessments making sure that the FLA Code of Conduct is upheld. The FLA also acts on and resolves third party complaints and special investigations about workers' rights abuses at specific factories. Through public reporting, the FLA provides consumers with credible information to make responsible buying decision. FLA is governed by a 19-member Board of Directors that features an independent Chair and eighteen members equally representing leading universities, labor and human rights organizations, and firms. For additional info, visit www.fairlabor.org.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Independent Investigation Uncovers Significant Issues; 35,500 Anonymous Surveys Give Voice to Worker Concerns
FLA to watch, Publish Progress Reports on Apple and Foxconn Implementation
WASHINGTON, D.C.- After an intensive, independent investigation found significant issues with working conditions at three factories in China operated by Apple's major supplier Foxconn, the Fair Labor Association secured groundbreaking commitments that would reduce working hours to legal limits while protecting pay, improve health and safety conditions, establish a real voice for employees, and can monitor on an ongoing basis to confirm compliance. The nearly month-long investigation found excessive overtime and issues of overtime compensation; several health and safety risks; and crucial communication gaps which have ended in a widespread sense of unsafe working conditions among workers.
"The Fair Labor Association gave Apple's largest supplier the equivalent of a whole-body scan through 3,000 staff hours investigating three of its factories and surveying greater than 35,000 workers. Apple and its supplier Foxconn have agreed to our prescriptions, and we shall verify progress and report publicly," said Auret van Heerden, President and CEO of the Fair Labor Association, a coalition of universities, non-profit organizations and businesses committed to improving the health, safety, fair treatment and respect of workers worldwide.
FLA's investigation found that inside the last one year, all three factories exceeded both the FLA Code standard of 60 hours every week (regular plus overtime) and the Chinese legal limits of 40 hours every week and 36 hours maximum overtime per 30 days. During peak production periods, the typical choice of hours worked a week exceeded 60 hours per worker. There have been periods wherein some employees worked greater than seven days in a row without the specified 24 hours off. Full worker survey data is accessible at www.fairlabor.org/affiliate/apple.
Foxconn has committed to bring its factories into full compliance with Chinese legal limits and FLA standards on working hours by July 2013, in accordance with its remediation plan in FLA's report. The supplier will bring working hours consistent with the legal limit of 49 hours every week, including overtime. This implies a discount in monthly overtime hours from 80 to 36, and will be a major improvement because lots of the technology sector is struggling to deal with excessive overtime.
More importantly, while employees will work fewer hours, Foxconn has agreed to develop a compensation package that protects workers from losing income by reason of reduced overtime. A good way to maintain capacity while reducing workers' hours, Foxconn committed to extend its workforce significantly because it builds additional housing and canteen capacity.
FLA also discovered that 14 percent of workers won't receive fair compensation for unscheduled overtime. The assessment found that unscheduled overtime was only paid in 30-minute increments. This implies, for instance, that 29 minutes of overtime work ends up in no pay and 58 minutes leads to just one unit of overtime pay. Foxconn committed to pay workers fairly for all overtime in addition work-related meetings outside of normal working hours. Besides, FLA secured agreement from Foxconn and Apple to retroactively pay any worker due unpaid overtime. The businesses are currently conducting an audit to figure out the payments because of the workers.
Consistent with FLA's worker survey, 64 percent of employees say that compensation would not meet their basic needs. FLA will conduct a price of living study in Shenzhen and Chengdu to aid Foxconn in determining whether worker salaries meet FLA requirements for basic needs, in addition to discretionary income.
FLA observed other serious issues in areas corresponding to health and safety, worker integration and communication, treatment of interns, and China's social security enrollment, among others.
various workers feel interested by the security in their health and safety. Greater than 43 percent of the staff report that they've experienced or witnessed an accident. These accidents range from hand injuries to factory vehicle accidents. Foxconn has committed to be more together with workers in health and safety monitoring and decisions.
Before, Foxconn only recorded accidents that ended in a production stoppage. Beginning immediately, Foxconn committed to require supervisors and workers to report all accidents leading to an injury.
A lot of Foxconn's health and safety problems, including blocked exits, loss of or faulty personal protective equipment and missing permits, were immediately corrected through the process the investigation. FLA found that, 12 months after the Chengdu explosion, Foxconn had improved operating procedures, measurement, and documentation to cut back risks concerning aluminum dust where Apple products are made.
The assessment also found that the union at Foxconn is dominated by management representatives and would not provide true worker representation. According to local laws, Foxconn has agreed to make sure elections of worker representatives without management interference.
FLA also secured agreement by Foxconn to locate different ways to handle low enrollment in social security benefit programs and to evolve its internship program to make sure that interns benefit from the protections necessary for a productive, healthy and safe educational experience.
"If implemented, these commitments will significantly improve the lives of greater than 1.2 million Foxconn employees and set a brand new standard for Chinese factories," van Heerden said.
Following the FLA's methodology, independent assessors logged greater than 3,000 staff hours contained in the factories. They evaluated conditions in line with visual observation and review of policies, procedures and documentation (payroll and time records, production schedules, employee records); interviewed hundreds of Foxconn workers and bosses both on- and rancid-site; and conducted an anonymous worker perception survey of 35,500 randomly-selected Foxconn workers – providing an in-depth understanding of working conditions, particularly during peak production of Apple products.
Under FLA rules, its assessors have unfettered access to conduct thorough investigations of Apple suppliers. This investigation of 3 Foxconn factories at Guanlan, Longhua, and Chengdu, in China is the start of FLA's in-depth, thorough examination of the total operation to evaluate whether workers' rights and labor standards are being respected throughout Apple's supply chain.
"Joining the Fair Labor Association is voluntary. But once a corporate joins, FLA sets the principles of investigations and has full access to any supplier, owns the data collected and publishes its findings and proposals for remedial action," van Heerden said.
As well as follow up studies relating to this primary investigation, FLA will verify Apple's and Foxconn's implementation in their remediation plans and should report publicly on progress.
a whole copy of the report is on the market at www.fairlabor.org/transparency/complaints-investigations.
In regards to the Fair Labor Association: The FLA combines the efforts of socially responsible companies, civil society organizations and colleges and universities to offer protection to workers' rights and improve working conditions worldwide by promoting adherence to international labor standards. The FLA holds companies answerable for monitoring their very own supply chains and conducts independent assessments making sure that the FLA Code of Conduct is upheld. The FLA also acts on and resolves third party complaints and special investigations about workers' rights abuses at specific factories. Through public reporting, the FLA provides consumers with credible information to make responsible buying decision. FLA is governed by a 19-member Board of Directors that features an independent Chair and eighteen members equally representing leading universities, labor and human rights organizations, and firms. For additional info, visit www.fairlabor.org.
From WhatNewsToday.net
