New non-lethal weapon test:
http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/video-news-reporter-gets-zapped-with-ray-gun
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The End for Home Telephone Landlines?
T Mobile's testing a service to that hooks up your home phone system to their cellphone network. I know it would save us $500 a year at our home...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120415596595997989.html?mod=hps_us_inside_today
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120415596595997989.html?mod=hps_us_inside_today
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sirius/XM Deal Dead?
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Sirius Satellite Radio CEO Mel Karmazin has more than just a stalled merger with XM Satellite on his mind. He's also wondering what it's going to cost to keep his star talker, Howard Stern, on board.
"Great content costs money," Karmazin reminded analysts Tuesday during a conference call to discuss quarterly earnings.
"If Howard is on the call and listening, if he would like to extend his deal at less money, we would be interested in that," Karmazin told the analysts. "But from my history with him, I don't think that is apt to happen."
Stern costs Sirius $500 million for five years, and he's in his third year already. Add to that the billions Sirius spent on rights to the NFL, NBA, NASCAR and other content, not to mention the building and launching of expensive satellites, and its easy to see why Sirius wants so desperately to merge with XM, though regulators have yet to approve that plan.
In fact, the termination date for the merger deal is Saturday, though Karmazin said Tuesday that he expects the boards of both companies to meet before then to extend the deadline. XM will no doubt update analysts Thursday when it reports financial results.
Karmazin was once optimistic that the merger would be complete at the end of 2007, even while referring to it on occasion as "an uphill battle."
Not only has Karmazin's timetable been thrashed, but the one-year anniversary of the deal struck on February 19, 2007, also has passed, a significant milestone given that more than 200 mergers have been completed since then, each taking an average 110 days to complete.
Still, the bureaucrats aren't in any hurry. In fact, 10 months into the process, Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, asked the Justice Department not to "rush through" an approval, if there is to be one.
"We wait by our telephone," Karmazin said Tuesday. "But we really have not heard anything from them. It has been more radio silence than anything else."
Even if the DOJ approves, the Federal Communications Commission must also bless the merger.
Karmazin also said that confusion about the merger among consumers is having a negative impact on retail sales, though Sirius posted better-than-expected quarterly results Tuesday.
The company added 654,000 new subscribers to 8.3 million on its way to losing $166.2 million, compared with a loss of $245.6 million in the year-ago quarter. Revenue rose 29% to $249.8 million.
Sirius posted a full-year net loss of $565.3 million; the year earlier it lost $1.1 billion. Sirius and XM together have burned through billions in the past decade, and merging the companies, by some estimates, would save them an equal amount over the next several years.
Many observers seem to think there's not much of a reason to reject the planned merger, though that hasn't stopped Wall Street from hammering the stock prices as if deal approval were a long shot.
Since February 20, 2007, Sirius shares have fallen 22% to $3.05, while XM shares have sunk 15% to $13.13.
Regulators presumably have been considering for more than a year now the question of whether a merger of the only two satellite radio firms in the nation would constitute a monopoly that would harm consumers.
But most observers seem to have come to the conclusion long ago that the answer is no, considering that sat radio is used mostly in vehicles where competing devices like free radio, iPod docks and CD players are also options, as are DVD players. Soon, the Internet and satellite television will become mainstream attractions in cars, as well.
Anyone blocking the deal on the grounds that merging the two companies would stifle competition "may as well lay on the ground and become fossil fuel for that kind of dinosaur thinking," Motley Fool senior analyst Rick Munarriz said.
Munarriz, like others, worries that two competing satellite radio services can't survive. If they don't merge, Munarriz predicts, "one or the other will fail, and that will give the victor the monopoly it wanted."
Munarriz suggests that investors buy shares of XM and Sirius because the stocks will pop when the merger is approved. "Obviously it's a gamble to get in at this point, but the uncertainty is also discounting the shares," he said.
Steve Birenberg of Northlake Capital also advises buying the stocks, but he says to sell them once the deal is approved and buyers rush in.
"I don't think that satellite radio will ever be the pervasive technology for in-car entertainment based on the current subscription model," he said.
One particularly bearish analyst, Mark Wienkes, said recently that it is "increasingly unlikely" that regulators will block the deal, though he wouldn't buy either stock, merger or no merger.
"Our outlook for satellite radio is cautious given our view of unrealistic cash flow expectations," he said.
Karmazin touted several positive outcomes if the merger were approved, including a la carte programming and cheaper prices for consumers. Plus, the company and its shareholders will benefit from increased advertising revenue.
Sirius only sells about $35 million a year in ads, an anemic amount considering it features dozens of channels with advertising, including two with Howard Stern.
"We ought to be doing a better job in selling Howard," Karmazin said Tuesday.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
"Great content costs money," Karmazin reminded analysts Tuesday during a conference call to discuss quarterly earnings.
"If Howard is on the call and listening, if he would like to extend his deal at less money, we would be interested in that," Karmazin told the analysts. "But from my history with him, I don't think that is apt to happen."
Stern costs Sirius $500 million for five years, and he's in his third year already. Add to that the billions Sirius spent on rights to the NFL, NBA, NASCAR and other content, not to mention the building and launching of expensive satellites, and its easy to see why Sirius wants so desperately to merge with XM, though regulators have yet to approve that plan.
In fact, the termination date for the merger deal is Saturday, though Karmazin said Tuesday that he expects the boards of both companies to meet before then to extend the deadline. XM will no doubt update analysts Thursday when it reports financial results.
Karmazin was once optimistic that the merger would be complete at the end of 2007, even while referring to it on occasion as "an uphill battle."
Not only has Karmazin's timetable been thrashed, but the one-year anniversary of the deal struck on February 19, 2007, also has passed, a significant milestone given that more than 200 mergers have been completed since then, each taking an average 110 days to complete.
Still, the bureaucrats aren't in any hurry. In fact, 10 months into the process, Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, asked the Justice Department not to "rush through" an approval, if there is to be one.
"We wait by our telephone," Karmazin said Tuesday. "But we really have not heard anything from them. It has been more radio silence than anything else."
Even if the DOJ approves, the Federal Communications Commission must also bless the merger.
Karmazin also said that confusion about the merger among consumers is having a negative impact on retail sales, though Sirius posted better-than-expected quarterly results Tuesday.
The company added 654,000 new subscribers to 8.3 million on its way to losing $166.2 million, compared with a loss of $245.6 million in the year-ago quarter. Revenue rose 29% to $249.8 million.
Sirius posted a full-year net loss of $565.3 million; the year earlier it lost $1.1 billion. Sirius and XM together have burned through billions in the past decade, and merging the companies, by some estimates, would save them an equal amount over the next several years.
Many observers seem to think there's not much of a reason to reject the planned merger, though that hasn't stopped Wall Street from hammering the stock prices as if deal approval were a long shot.
Since February 20, 2007, Sirius shares have fallen 22% to $3.05, while XM shares have sunk 15% to $13.13.
Regulators presumably have been considering for more than a year now the question of whether a merger of the only two satellite radio firms in the nation would constitute a monopoly that would harm consumers.
But most observers seem to have come to the conclusion long ago that the answer is no, considering that sat radio is used mostly in vehicles where competing devices like free radio, iPod docks and CD players are also options, as are DVD players. Soon, the Internet and satellite television will become mainstream attractions in cars, as well.
Anyone blocking the deal on the grounds that merging the two companies would stifle competition "may as well lay on the ground and become fossil fuel for that kind of dinosaur thinking," Motley Fool senior analyst Rick Munarriz said.
Munarriz, like others, worries that two competing satellite radio services can't survive. If they don't merge, Munarriz predicts, "one or the other will fail, and that will give the victor the monopoly it wanted."
Munarriz suggests that investors buy shares of XM and Sirius because the stocks will pop when the merger is approved. "Obviously it's a gamble to get in at this point, but the uncertainty is also discounting the shares," he said.
Steve Birenberg of Northlake Capital also advises buying the stocks, but he says to sell them once the deal is approved and buyers rush in.
"I don't think that satellite radio will ever be the pervasive technology for in-car entertainment based on the current subscription model," he said.
One particularly bearish analyst, Mark Wienkes, said recently that it is "increasingly unlikely" that regulators will block the deal, though he wouldn't buy either stock, merger or no merger.
"Our outlook for satellite radio is cautious given our view of unrealistic cash flow expectations," he said.
Karmazin touted several positive outcomes if the merger were approved, including a la carte programming and cheaper prices for consumers. Plus, the company and its shareholders will benefit from increased advertising revenue.
Sirius only sells about $35 million a year in ads, an anemic amount considering it features dozens of channels with advertising, including two with Howard Stern.
"We ought to be doing a better job in selling Howard," Karmazin said Tuesday.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
Powered Solely by Magnetism
One of our regular readers thought this might be of interest... and it is!
Fascinating Map
Some say Minard's statistical graphing technique is the best ever drawn. This example is of Napoleon's troop level during the 1812 Russian campaign, highlighting the loss of troops in both directions. This type of graph might be useful in your other endeavors....
More detail and other examples are available at: http://www.edwardtufte.com/tufte/posters
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Crown Attacks Low End of Market with New Mixer/Amps
Crown Launches 135MA, 160MA Mixer-Amplifiers
Elkhart, IN (February 26, 2008)--Crown has launched its 135MA and 160MA mixer-amplifiers. Capable of providing both 8-ohm and constant-voltage outputs (70V and 100V), the 135MA and 160MA are configurable for a variety of uses, including paging, background music, music-on-hold, security use and safety/evacuation announcements.
Elkhart, IN (February 26, 2008)--Crown has launched its 135MA and 160MA mixer-amplifiers. Capable of providing both 8-ohm and constant-voltage outputs (70V and 100V), the 135MA and 160MA are configurable for a variety of uses, including paging, background music, music-on-hold, security use and safety/evacuation announcements.
Each housed in a half-rack-space chassis, the 135MA is equipped with three inputs and a 35W amplifier output, while the 160MA provides four inputs and a 60W amplifier output.
Both models provide priority muting, which can be voice-activated or triggered via an external switch, and are compatible with microphones requiring phantom power."Not even the best business plan can outlast the rock-solid reliability of our most compact commercial amplifier ever," says Phil McPhee, Crown vertical market manager, Commercial Sound. "Delivering the legendary Crown sound and quality at a very attractive price, the 135MA and 160MA offer music-on-hold, voice-activated paging and preamp outputs, making them ideal solutions for nearly any commercial or industrial environment.
Throw in our 3-year, no-fault warranty, and it's easy to understand why Crown makes good business sense."The front panel of each model comprises a rotary input volume knob and green signal/clip LED for every channel, rotary output volume knob with green (signal) and red (clip) LEDs, recessed pots for bass and treble adjustment, and a power switch with accompanying blue LED.
The back panel includes a balanced Phoenix-type mic/line input with threshold control, several line-level RCA input jack pairs (two for 135MA, three for 160MA), a telephone/MOH output with level control, a preamp output, screw-terminal speaker outputs, and a detachable IEC power cord. A DIP switch panel is also provided for fast, easy configuration.Convection-cooled, the new mixer-amplifiers feature protection mechanisms, including current limiting, over-temperature thermal cutout, and DC-fault load protection. The units are also protected against turn-on/turn-off "thumps.
"The units are targeted for schools, hospitals, fitness facilities, houses of worship, restaurants, retail stores, factories, offices and many other similar environments.
Both models provide priority muting, which can be voice-activated or triggered via an external switch, and are compatible with microphones requiring phantom power."Not even the best business plan can outlast the rock-solid reliability of our most compact commercial amplifier ever," says Phil McPhee, Crown vertical market manager, Commercial Sound. "Delivering the legendary Crown sound and quality at a very attractive price, the 135MA and 160MA offer music-on-hold, voice-activated paging and preamp outputs, making them ideal solutions for nearly any commercial or industrial environment.
Throw in our 3-year, no-fault warranty, and it's easy to understand why Crown makes good business sense."The front panel of each model comprises a rotary input volume knob and green signal/clip LED for every channel, rotary output volume knob with green (signal) and red (clip) LEDs, recessed pots for bass and treble adjustment, and a power switch with accompanying blue LED.
The back panel includes a balanced Phoenix-type mic/line input with threshold control, several line-level RCA input jack pairs (two for 135MA, three for 160MA), a telephone/MOH output with level control, a preamp output, screw-terminal speaker outputs, and a detachable IEC power cord. A DIP switch panel is also provided for fast, easy configuration.Convection-cooled, the new mixer-amplifiers feature protection mechanisms, including current limiting, over-temperature thermal cutout, and DC-fault load protection. The units are also protected against turn-on/turn-off "thumps.
"The units are targeted for schools, hospitals, fitness facilities, houses of worship, restaurants, retail stores, factories, offices and many other similar environments.
SADiE is No More
Sad news for this digital audio workstation company based in the U.K....
Stretham, UK (February 26, 2008)--Digital audio products developer SADiE, Studio Audio & Video Limited, has shuttered its doors and laid off staffers in the UK, following a severe downsizing of its North American presence. A statement on the company's website reads:
"Administrators were appointed to SADiE, Studio Audio & Video Limited, on 15 February. The company, based in Stretham, near Cambridge in the UK, is a developer and manufacturer of PC-based digital audio workstation products and had been established in 1991."
Steven Law from accountancy firm Ensors was appointed Administrator to try to seek a rescue of the business. He said 'Although we had to lay off the workforce upon my appointment, with the help of some former staff, we are carrying on the business on a limited basis in order to fulfill customer orders. In the meantime, I am interested in talking to potential purchasers with a view to them acquiring the whole or parts of the business and I would urge any interested party to contact me urgently.'"
Joe Bull, SADiE's Managing Director said 'We are all deeply saddened by the situation and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our customers, colleagues and friends in the industry who have contacted us to express their concerns. Our hope is that we can salvage some of the business for the benefit of our loyal customers. This has been a particularly difficult time for everyone.'
"Interested parties should contact Steven Law, or his Manager, Rachael Davison, at Ensors on +44 1473 220022 to express their interest."In recent months, SADiE was marketing its PCM-H64 multitrack digital recorder featuring SADiE 5.5 software.
In September 2007, Klark Teknik showed its DN9696 high-resolution hard-disk recorder at the PLASA show in London, targeted to live performance and featuring a customized version of SADiE's MTR software and DSP core.
Stretham, UK (February 26, 2008)--Digital audio products developer SADiE, Studio Audio & Video Limited, has shuttered its doors and laid off staffers in the UK, following a severe downsizing of its North American presence. A statement on the company's website reads:
"Administrators were appointed to SADiE, Studio Audio & Video Limited, on 15 February. The company, based in Stretham, near Cambridge in the UK, is a developer and manufacturer of PC-based digital audio workstation products and had been established in 1991."
Steven Law from accountancy firm Ensors was appointed Administrator to try to seek a rescue of the business. He said 'Although we had to lay off the workforce upon my appointment, with the help of some former staff, we are carrying on the business on a limited basis in order to fulfill customer orders. In the meantime, I am interested in talking to potential purchasers with a view to them acquiring the whole or parts of the business and I would urge any interested party to contact me urgently.'"
Joe Bull, SADiE's Managing Director said 'We are all deeply saddened by the situation and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our customers, colleagues and friends in the industry who have contacted us to express their concerns. Our hope is that we can salvage some of the business for the benefit of our loyal customers. This has been a particularly difficult time for everyone.'
"Interested parties should contact Steven Law, or his Manager, Rachael Davison, at Ensors on +44 1473 220022 to express their interest."In recent months, SADiE was marketing its PCM-H64 multitrack digital recorder featuring SADiE 5.5 software.
In September 2007, Klark Teknik showed its DN9696 high-resolution hard-disk recorder at the PLASA show in London, targeted to live performance and featuring a customized version of SADiE's MTR software and DSP core.
Lockheed Martin P-791 Video
Only two years old, and just making the Internet, is a video of Lockheed Martin's P-791 project made at Edwards.
January 31, 2006 marked the maiden flight of the P-791 experimental hybrid airship. Developed by Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs aka Skunk Works, the P-791 hybrid airship was flight tested at Lockheed Martin’s flight test facility on the Palmdale Air Force Plant 42.
The United States Department of Defense is interested in the development of an airship capable of transporting heavy loads, 500-1000 tons of cargo, up to 12,000 nautical miles. Such designs have been announced by DARPA ( Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ). The Walrus HULA ( Hybrid Ultra Large Aircraft ) is an example of such an aircraft. A small scale version of the Walrus is scheduled to fly this year with a 40,000 pounds payload.
Skunk Works managed to test fly the P-791 two years earlier. Although just a testbed for future development, P-791 successors can be used in the future for a number of applications such as delivery of fighting units in a theater of operations or as a weapons/sensor/communications platform capable of operating for long periods of time. The test flight was just a short traffic circuit around the Palmdale Air Force Plant 42 airport and Lockheed did not want to comment the flight.
America's Best Wired Airports
Interesting article on WiFi coverage...
http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/25/wired-airports-travel-tech-wireless-cx_ew_0226wiredair.html?partner=alerts
http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/25/wired-airports-travel-tech-wireless-cx_ew_0226wiredair.html?partner=alerts
Monday, February 25, 2008
FCC Takes on Comcast over Internet
CAMBRIDGE, Mass (Reuters) - The head of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission said on Monday he is "ready, willing and able" to stop broadband providers that unreasonably interfere with subscribers' access to Internet content.
The comment by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin came at the start of a day-long FCC hearing centering on allegations that some broadband providers such as telecommunications and cable companies have been improperly blocking or hindering some content.
"I think it's important to understand that the commission is ready, willing and able to step in if necessary to correct any (unreasonable) practices that are ongoing today," Martin said.
The dispute over so-called "network neutrality" pits open-Internet advocates against some service providers such as Comcast Corp, who say they need to take reasonable steps to manage traffic on their networks.
Martin acknowledged that broadband network operators have a legitimate need to manage the data flowing over their networks. But he said that "does not mean that they can arbitrarily block access to particular applications or services."
The hearing, which included testimony from officials with Comcast and Verizon, is aimed at determining what network management techniques are reasonable.
Martin called for "transparency" in the way the companies manage their networks, and in the prices and services they provide.
The network neutrality dispute has been spotlighted by a series of incidents in which operators were accused of hindering certain online data moving over their networks, such as file-sharing or text-messaging.
The issue also has attracted the attention of lawmakers in Congress, who are weighing a net-neutrality bill introduced last week.
In the most recent example, the FCC has been looking into complaints by consumer groups that Comcast has blocked some file-sharing services which are used to distribute large digital media files such as TV shows and movies.
In comments filed with the FCC, Comcast told regulators that it uses reasonable measures to manage traffic moving over its network, as some of its customers overwhelm the network by using file-sharing applications like BitTorrent.
Comcast, which is the second-largest U.S. Internet service provider with more than 13 million subscribers, said the use of network management was essential to avoid congestion and impairment of some applications. The company denied that it blocks content, applications or discriminates among providers.
Internet service providers are looking at different ways of managing the increasing amount of traffic moving across their networks both for cost management and for quality of service reasons.
Critics have argued that imposing network neutrality regulations on the Internet would hinder development of the Internet by creating uncertainty for investors and Internet service providers.
(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss in Cambridge and Peter Kaplan in Washington; editing by Tim Dobbyn)
The comment by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin came at the start of a day-long FCC hearing centering on allegations that some broadband providers such as telecommunications and cable companies have been improperly blocking or hindering some content.
"I think it's important to understand that the commission is ready, willing and able to step in if necessary to correct any (unreasonable) practices that are ongoing today," Martin said.
The dispute over so-called "network neutrality" pits open-Internet advocates against some service providers such as Comcast Corp, who say they need to take reasonable steps to manage traffic on their networks.
Martin acknowledged that broadband network operators have a legitimate need to manage the data flowing over their networks. But he said that "does not mean that they can arbitrarily block access to particular applications or services."
The hearing, which included testimony from officials with Comcast and Verizon, is aimed at determining what network management techniques are reasonable.
Martin called for "transparency" in the way the companies manage their networks, and in the prices and services they provide.
The network neutrality dispute has been spotlighted by a series of incidents in which operators were accused of hindering certain online data moving over their networks, such as file-sharing or text-messaging.
The issue also has attracted the attention of lawmakers in Congress, who are weighing a net-neutrality bill introduced last week.
In the most recent example, the FCC has been looking into complaints by consumer groups that Comcast has blocked some file-sharing services which are used to distribute large digital media files such as TV shows and movies.
In comments filed with the FCC, Comcast told regulators that it uses reasonable measures to manage traffic moving over its network, as some of its customers overwhelm the network by using file-sharing applications like BitTorrent.
Comcast, which is the second-largest U.S. Internet service provider with more than 13 million subscribers, said the use of network management was essential to avoid congestion and impairment of some applications. The company denied that it blocks content, applications or discriminates among providers.
Internet service providers are looking at different ways of managing the increasing amount of traffic moving across their networks both for cost management and for quality of service reasons.
Critics have argued that imposing network neutrality regulations on the Internet would hinder development of the Internet by creating uncertainty for investors and Internet service providers.
(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss in Cambridge and Peter Kaplan in Washington; editing by Tim Dobbyn)
Office Politics
Just as a reminder, things may be a bit more complicated than they originally seem at times...
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Emergency Alert System
OK, it's from Wikipedia, but you should still know how it works...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Alert_System
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Alert_System
High Speed Satellite Internet Soon?
1.2 Gig/second from a recently lauched Japanese satellite... 200 times faster than our cable connection....
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/02/23/japan.satellite/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/02/23/japan.satellite/index.html
Indian Pickups and SUVs Coming to America
First Tata buys Jaguar, then American assembled pickups built in India. The world is a changing for sure. This is something you should read...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120275861279959687.html?mod=sphere_ts&mod=sphere_wd
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120275861279959687.html?mod=sphere_ts&mod=sphere_wd
Friday, February 22, 2008
Yamaha NX-B02 Offers Battery Powered Bluetooth Speaker
There's always a need for something like this, including corporate PowerPoints.
$150, 4 AA Batteries, 4 hours, wireless connect to your laptop...
Convenient Music Enjoyment from Bluetooth-compatible PCs, PDAs and Mobile Phones
Bluetooth® 2.0+EDR with A2DP Compatibility for High Quality Sound
Stereo Mini Jack for Connecting Portable Audio Players
Dual 4.5cm (1-3/4”) Speakers for Stereo Sound
Twin SR-Bass (Swing Radiator Bass™) Technology
Handy Battery Operation
5W x 2 Amplifier Built In
White, Red and Black finish also available
$150, 4 AA Batteries, 4 hours, wireless connect to your laptop...
Convenient Music Enjoyment from Bluetooth-compatible PCs, PDAs and Mobile Phones
Bluetooth® 2.0+EDR with A2DP Compatibility for High Quality Sound
Stereo Mini Jack for Connecting Portable Audio Players
Dual 4.5cm (1-3/4”) Speakers for Stereo Sound
Twin SR-Bass (Swing Radiator Bass™) Technology
Handy Battery Operation
5W x 2 Amplifier Built In
White, Red and Black finish also available
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sharper Image Files for Chapter 11
I got taken on two of their air cleaners...
By CAROL MCCLEARY
February 20, 2008 10:04 a.m.
Specialty retailer Sharper Image Corp. filed for Chapter 11 protection late Tuesday with plans to quickly shutter 90 of its underperforming stores.
The bankruptcy petition, filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del., lists total assets of $251.5 million and total debts of $199 million, as of Jan. 31.
The San Francisco-based retailer blamed its liquidity crisis on a host of factors, including increased competition and deteriorating gross margins, tightening credit from vendors and suppliers, and the negative impact of pending litigation over its air-purification products. The air purifiers were once one of Sharper Image's highest margin products.
More... http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120351932802680045.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news
By CAROL MCCLEARY
February 20, 2008 10:04 a.m.
Specialty retailer Sharper Image Corp. filed for Chapter 11 protection late Tuesday with plans to quickly shutter 90 of its underperforming stores.
The bankruptcy petition, filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del., lists total assets of $251.5 million and total debts of $199 million, as of Jan. 31.
The San Francisco-based retailer blamed its liquidity crisis on a host of factors, including increased competition and deteriorating gross margins, tightening credit from vendors and suppliers, and the negative impact of pending litigation over its air-purification products. The air purifiers were once one of Sharper Image's highest margin products.
More... http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120351932802680045.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
13 Million Households Unprepared for Digital
Funny, I thought it would be more...
http://broadcastengineering.com/hdtv/thirteen_million_households_unprepared_0219/
http://broadcastengineering.com/hdtv/thirteen_million_households_unprepared_0219/
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Front Fell Off
For those of you now working on a holiday...
Okay, it's a couple of Australian clowns, but it's still funny...
Okay, it's a couple of Australian clowns, but it's still funny...
Saturday, February 16, 2008
HD DVD RIP
Toshiba apparently has made the decision...
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/02/17/ap4664215.html?partner=alerts
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/02/17/ap4664215.html?partner=alerts
Friday, February 15, 2008
Disneyland Plans New Dream Home
The Disneyland Resort announced a five-year alliance with Microsoft, HP, Lifeware and home builder Taylor Morrison to showcase integrated digital technologies for the home in the immersive, story-telling experiences for which Disney is known.
The alliance includes the design and development of the new Innoventions Dream Home attraction, a 5,000+ sq. ft. home belonging to the fictional Elias family, scheduled to open in May in Tomorrowland at the Disneyland Resort.
Keeping with Walt's vision of bringing cutting-edge and inspiring ideas to Tomorrowland, the Innoventions Dream Home will introduce Disneyland guests to newly available technology from the participating companies that will enhance their lives today, while providing them a glimpse of the emerging digital advances they may find in their homes in the future.
The attraction will provide guests with a "high-tech, high-touch" opportunity to experience technology in an entertaining, low-risk environment showing them how the power of technology can connect them to the people and things they care most about. "We're thrilled that Disney has chosen Microsoft to bring digital entertainment to life at Disneyland," said Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President, Entertainment and Devices eHome Division at Microsoft.
"Together, we're showcasing innovative technology that is both attainable and inspiring, offering park guests the opportunity to see, touch and feel digital home experiences in a simple, fun and interactive environment."
"This exciting alliance gives each of our partners a forum to inspire our guests' imaginations and motivate them to incorporate and enjoy the new technologies that are available today," said Ed Grier, president of Disneyland Resort. "Consistent with the Disney heritage of growth through innovation, the Innoventions Dream Home is just another example of how we are committed to investing in and developing exciting projects that keep our guests returning again.
"The technology companies will showcase a wide range of technologies and products in the exhibit, including the latest in mobile phones, PCs, digital music and gaming. The Innoventions Dream Home demonstrates how home technology can be simple, intuitive and fun while helping guests understand how to seamlessly interconnect their home, the surrounding community and the world, helping consumers stay closer to the people, places and entertainment that are most important to them.
The alliances also help ensure that the Innoventions Dream Home remains on the forefront of technology with the newest devices and products as part of the exhibit. Guests will actively engage in this experience as they help members of the fictional Elias family prepare for a trip to World Soccer Championships in China, where their son is competing. Elias family members rotate throughout the house, randomly interacting with guests in the various rooms. Upon exiting the house, guests can learn more about the companies that collaborated to create the Innoventions Dream House, exploring the technologies for themselves first-hand.
The notion of a Dream Home has deep roots at the Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney was fascinated with the concept of a futuristic home and he introduced concepts at World’s Fairs that led to the first "House of Tomorrow" exhibit in Disneyland (1967). Those early versions featured modern conveniences for housewives, but the story line always focused on progress that led to a better way of living.
In 1998, Disneyland opened Innoventions, an interactive pavilion featuring what was then considered breakthrough technology: voice-activated computers, high-definition TVs, smart-cars and satellite broadcasting.
The intent was not to predict the future, but to let people play with emerging technologies and imagine how those technologies might enhance everyday life. The precursors to the Dream Home enabled people of all ages to experiment with interactive devices, games and exhibits, demonstrating both the fun and the significance of modern innovations.
Now comes the Dream Home, a convergence of five companies and their fascination with technology. The combination of Disney’s strong storytelling heritage, cutting-edge technology expertise from Microsoft, HP and Lifeware, and Taylor Morrison's talent for building an environment that will bring it to life, will inspire Disneyland guests’ imaginations for years to come.
The alliance includes the design and development of the new Innoventions Dream Home attraction, a 5,000+ sq. ft. home belonging to the fictional Elias family, scheduled to open in May in Tomorrowland at the Disneyland Resort.
Keeping with Walt's vision of bringing cutting-edge and inspiring ideas to Tomorrowland, the Innoventions Dream Home will introduce Disneyland guests to newly available technology from the participating companies that will enhance their lives today, while providing them a glimpse of the emerging digital advances they may find in their homes in the future.
The attraction will provide guests with a "high-tech, high-touch" opportunity to experience technology in an entertaining, low-risk environment showing them how the power of technology can connect them to the people and things they care most about. "We're thrilled that Disney has chosen Microsoft to bring digital entertainment to life at Disneyland," said Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President, Entertainment and Devices eHome Division at Microsoft.
"Together, we're showcasing innovative technology that is both attainable and inspiring, offering park guests the opportunity to see, touch and feel digital home experiences in a simple, fun and interactive environment."
"This exciting alliance gives each of our partners a forum to inspire our guests' imaginations and motivate them to incorporate and enjoy the new technologies that are available today," said Ed Grier, president of Disneyland Resort. "Consistent with the Disney heritage of growth through innovation, the Innoventions Dream Home is just another example of how we are committed to investing in and developing exciting projects that keep our guests returning again.
"The technology companies will showcase a wide range of technologies and products in the exhibit, including the latest in mobile phones, PCs, digital music and gaming. The Innoventions Dream Home demonstrates how home technology can be simple, intuitive and fun while helping guests understand how to seamlessly interconnect their home, the surrounding community and the world, helping consumers stay closer to the people, places and entertainment that are most important to them.
The alliances also help ensure that the Innoventions Dream Home remains on the forefront of technology with the newest devices and products as part of the exhibit. Guests will actively engage in this experience as they help members of the fictional Elias family prepare for a trip to World Soccer Championships in China, where their son is competing. Elias family members rotate throughout the house, randomly interacting with guests in the various rooms. Upon exiting the house, guests can learn more about the companies that collaborated to create the Innoventions Dream House, exploring the technologies for themselves first-hand.
The notion of a Dream Home has deep roots at the Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney was fascinated with the concept of a futuristic home and he introduced concepts at World’s Fairs that led to the first "House of Tomorrow" exhibit in Disneyland (1967). Those early versions featured modern conveniences for housewives, but the story line always focused on progress that led to a better way of living.
In 1998, Disneyland opened Innoventions, an interactive pavilion featuring what was then considered breakthrough technology: voice-activated computers, high-definition TVs, smart-cars and satellite broadcasting.
The intent was not to predict the future, but to let people play with emerging technologies and imagine how those technologies might enhance everyday life. The precursors to the Dream Home enabled people of all ages to experiment with interactive devices, games and exhibits, demonstrating both the fun and the significance of modern innovations.
Now comes the Dream Home, a convergence of five companies and their fascination with technology. The combination of Disney’s strong storytelling heritage, cutting-edge technology expertise from Microsoft, HP and Lifeware, and Taylor Morrison's talent for building an environment that will bring it to life, will inspire Disneyland guests’ imaginations for years to come.
Samsung Sued over Blu-Ray Players
A class action lawsuit was filed last week by a group of consumers upset with Samsung because their Blu-ray players didn’t play every Blu-ray disc on the market. The suit alleges the players were defective and that Samsung was fully aware of the problem. The group is seeking at least $5,000,000 in damages. The only player that is reportedly able to play every Blu-ray disc on the market is Sony’s Playstation3 game console, yet even that player has run into some glitches...
http://www.avrevforum.com/showthread.php?t=1566
http://www.avrevforum.com/showthread.php?t=1566
The Battle for 3D
Clash of the 3-D Rock Stars
As More-Realistic Films Hit Theaters, U2 and Miley Cyrus Compete for Screens
In the nation's theaters, Hannah Montana has rocked U2 -- and delivered a lesson in both the promise and limitations of new 3-D film technology.
More: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120303468564470121.html?mod=hps_us_editors_picks
As More-Realistic Films Hit Theaters, U2 and Miley Cyrus Compete for Screens
In the nation's theaters, Hannah Montana has rocked U2 -- and delivered a lesson in both the promise and limitations of new 3-D film technology.
More: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120303468564470121.html?mod=hps_us_editors_picks
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Finally!
I guess the writers won??...
This is a day of relief and optimism for everyone in the entertainment industry. We can now all get back to work, with the assurance that we have concluded two groundbreaking labor agreements - with our directors and our writers -- that establish a partnership through which our business can grow and prosper in the new digital age. The strike has been extraordinarily difficult for all of us, but the hardest hit of all have been the many thousands of businesses, workers and families that are economically dependent on our industry. We hope now to focus our collective efforts on what this industry does best - writers, directors, actors, production crews, and entertainment companies working together to deliver great content to our worldwide audiences.
Peter Chernin, Chairman and CEO, the Fox Group
Brad Grey, Chairman & CEO, Paramount Pictures Corp.
Robert A. Iger, President & CEO, The Walt Disney Company
Michael Lynton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Barry M. Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros.
Leslie Moonves, President & CEO, CBS Corp.
Harry Sloan, Chairman & CEO, MGM
Jeff Zucker, President & CEO, NBC Universal
This is a day of relief and optimism for everyone in the entertainment industry. We can now all get back to work, with the assurance that we have concluded two groundbreaking labor agreements - with our directors and our writers -- that establish a partnership through which our business can grow and prosper in the new digital age. The strike has been extraordinarily difficult for all of us, but the hardest hit of all have been the many thousands of businesses, workers and families that are economically dependent on our industry. We hope now to focus our collective efforts on what this industry does best - writers, directors, actors, production crews, and entertainment companies working together to deliver great content to our worldwide audiences.
Peter Chernin, Chairman and CEO, the Fox Group
Brad Grey, Chairman & CEO, Paramount Pictures Corp.
Robert A. Iger, President & CEO, The Walt Disney Company
Michael Lynton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Barry M. Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros.
Leslie Moonves, President & CEO, CBS Corp.
Harry Sloan, Chairman & CEO, MGM
Jeff Zucker, President & CEO, NBC Universal
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Unlock Your iPhone Worldwide
Software and video tutorial to make your iPhone GSM compatible worldwide. Don't expect it'll be big hit in Cupertino....
http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20080210/all-firmware-versions-get-iphone-unlock-solution/
http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20080210/all-firmware-versions-get-iphone-unlock-solution/
Friday, February 8, 2008
Ship's Anchor Cut Internet Cable in Mideast
Associated Press
February 8, 2008 4:52 p.m.
CAIRO, Egypt -- A ship's anchor lying at the bottom of the sea was behind one of the two cuts last week in undersea Internet cables around the Middle East that caused dramatic outages across the region, the cable-owner company said Friday.
FLAG Telecom said its repair ship managed to recover one end of the cut Falcon cable in the Persian Gulf, 35 miles north of Dubai, between the Emirates and Oman.
At the site, the FLAG crew discovered an abandoned ship's anchor which the company said was behind the cut last Friday. The anchor, weighing over 5.5 tons, was pulled up to the surface. The FLAG repair ship is now trying to reconnect the cable. The repairs are expected to be done by Sunday despite rough weather conditions, FLAG said.
Meanwhile, a second ship was continuing repair work off the north coast of Egypt, where the first undersea cable was cut Jan. 30, near the Egyptian port city of Alexandria.
That cuts involved two cables -- the FLAG Europe-Asia cable, owned by FLAG, which stands for Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe, and another cable lying next to it, identified as SEA-ME-WE 4, or South East Asia-Middle East-West Europe 4 cable, owned by a consortium of 16 international telecommunication companies.
It wasn't yet clear what had caused the other cut, on a very narrow route linking Egypt and Palermo, on the Italian island of Sicily. Egypt's telecommunication ministry has said no ships were registered near the location when the cut occurred north of Alexandria. The repairs off Egypt are also expected to be completed by Sunday, FLAG said.
The two unusual cuts -- within two days of one another and involving three Internet cables -- led to disruptions in services, slowed down businesses and hampered personal Internet usage. FLAG said it has fully restored circuits to some customers and switched others to alternative routes.
Large-scale Internet disruptions are rare, but East Asia suffered nearly two months of outages and slow service after an earthquake damaged undersea cables near Taiwan in December 2006.
February 8, 2008 4:52 p.m.
CAIRO, Egypt -- A ship's anchor lying at the bottom of the sea was behind one of the two cuts last week in undersea Internet cables around the Middle East that caused dramatic outages across the region, the cable-owner company said Friday.
FLAG Telecom said its repair ship managed to recover one end of the cut Falcon cable in the Persian Gulf, 35 miles north of Dubai, between the Emirates and Oman.
At the site, the FLAG crew discovered an abandoned ship's anchor which the company said was behind the cut last Friday. The anchor, weighing over 5.5 tons, was pulled up to the surface. The FLAG repair ship is now trying to reconnect the cable. The repairs are expected to be done by Sunday despite rough weather conditions, FLAG said.
Meanwhile, a second ship was continuing repair work off the north coast of Egypt, where the first undersea cable was cut Jan. 30, near the Egyptian port city of Alexandria.
That cuts involved two cables -- the FLAG Europe-Asia cable, owned by FLAG, which stands for Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe, and another cable lying next to it, identified as SEA-ME-WE 4, or South East Asia-Middle East-West Europe 4 cable, owned by a consortium of 16 international telecommunication companies.
It wasn't yet clear what had caused the other cut, on a very narrow route linking Egypt and Palermo, on the Italian island of Sicily. Egypt's telecommunication ministry has said no ships were registered near the location when the cut occurred north of Alexandria. The repairs off Egypt are also expected to be completed by Sunday, FLAG said.
The two unusual cuts -- within two days of one another and involving three Internet cables -- led to disruptions in services, slowed down businesses and hampered personal Internet usage. FLAG said it has fully restored circuits to some customers and switched others to alternative routes.
Large-scale Internet disruptions are rare, but East Asia suffered nearly two months of outages and slow service after an earthquake damaged undersea cables near Taiwan in December 2006.
No HD SuperBowl Broadcast in NW Oklahoma
FCC glitch blacks out HD Super Bowl for viewers in Oklahoma
Feb 8, 2008 8:17 AM
Football fans in northwest Oklahoma got their first taste of the untested interference issues surrounding the DTV transition over Super Bowl weekend.
The FCC had allowed KOMI-TV, an independent station in Woodward, OK, to increase the power of its signal. However, KOMI’s new signal strength meant that residents from the towns of Alva to Elk City could no longer see the digital/HD signal for rival station KOKH-TV. Instead, they now see KOMI’s programming.
This wouldn’t be such a big deal if KOKH weren’t the Fox affiliate in Oklahoma City and thus the only station in the northwest Oklahoma market with the rights to broadcast the Super Bowl in HDTV.Cable and off-air antenna viewers in a large portion of northwest Oklahoma were not able to see the game in HD, though the analog signal was still available.
Feb 8, 2008 8:17 AM
Football fans in northwest Oklahoma got their first taste of the untested interference issues surrounding the DTV transition over Super Bowl weekend.
The FCC had allowed KOMI-TV, an independent station in Woodward, OK, to increase the power of its signal. However, KOMI’s new signal strength meant that residents from the towns of Alva to Elk City could no longer see the digital/HD signal for rival station KOKH-TV. Instead, they now see KOMI’s programming.
This wouldn’t be such a big deal if KOKH weren’t the Fox affiliate in Oklahoma City and thus the only station in the northwest Oklahoma market with the rights to broadcast the Super Bowl in HDTV.Cable and off-air antenna viewers in a large portion of northwest Oklahoma were not able to see the game in HD, though the analog signal was still available.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Concerned about the Climate?
Here's a group that ranks companies based on their climate awareness...
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
JBL Control 200 Series Speakers Get UL Listing
Big deal for the permanent install guys...
http://www.proavmagazine.com/industry-news.asp?articleID=652465§ionID=1617
http://www.proavmagazine.com/industry-news.asp?articleID=652465§ionID=1617
Are You a Gadget Hound?
If you absolutely have to know what's coming up next, remember that all devices sold in the USA have to be FCC registered beforehand. If you know the codes and the address to the search engine, you can see what Apple and Microsoft are working on next.
http://gizmodo.com/347821/how-to-discover-secret-gadgets-through-the-fcc
http://gizmodo.com/347821/how-to-discover-secret-gadgets-through-the-fcc
New Wi-Fi Equipment for Nasty Environments
These guys claim to be blast proof:
http://informationweek.com/mobility/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=206103922
http://informationweek.com/mobility/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=206103922
Oh, those French Taxi Drivers!
Not so sure their customers are so happy today...
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/06/europe/EU-GEN-France-Taxi-Protest.php
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/06/europe/EU-GEN-France-Taxi-Protest.php
2007 US Internet Winners
The 2007 U.S. Internet Year in Review winners list:
- Social networking giant Facebook.com reaped the benefits of opening registration to all users, jumping 81 percent versus December 2006 to 34.7 million visitors in December 2007
- - Wikipedia Sites gained 34 percent to reach nearly 52 million visitors, continuing its reign as the Web's most popular reference hub
- - Craigslist.org jumped 74 percent to 24.5 million visitors
- - AT&T grew 27 percent to 30.2 million visitors boosted by its exclusive deal with Apple as carrier for the iPhone
- - Yellow Book Network jumped 137-percent to 10.4 million visitors
Online Audio System Calculator Programs
Here's some audio and acoustic calculators from mcsquared up in Canada that can be quite useful for initial estimates....
http://mcsquared.com/java.htm
http://mcsquared.com/java.htm
3G iPhone Coming?
Anyone with an iPhone knows that surfing the web with the current model can aggravatingly slow. To be truly useful faster network access is required, which isn't possible with the existing model. There are hints a new model is in the works...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120222170024044163.html?mod=technology_main_whats_news
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120222170024044163.html?mod=technology_main_whats_news
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
What's your Bandwidth?
Test your system bandwidth to multiple locations- both up and down without having to enter a bunch of information...
http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/
http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/
Interesting Tool
We're currently playing with this one to see if we can improve our websites. They look at your website. Obviously we've got some work to do- Company website got a 6/100, blog a 70/100.
http://www.websitegrader.com/
http://www.websitegrader.com/
26% of Tweens Illegally Downloading Music
After checking the Census, this means we have five million teenage criminals dowloading music through Limewire and Facebook. Since there's only space for 2.2 million in our prisons (and they're full), one has to wonder when legislation and reality will intersect on this issue. Prohibition only lasted thirteen years.
http://www.prosoundnews.com/publish/news/Many_Tweens_Still_Stealing_Music.shtml
http://www.prosoundnews.com/publish/news/Many_Tweens_Still_Stealing_Music.shtml
Vista Service Pack 1 Six to Eight Weeks Off
The wait continues while I write this on a Vista machine with a non-networkable network HP printer and a ridculous keyboard delay... Will the guys in Redmond finally get their act together this time?
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9060998
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9060998
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Writers are Winning
Seems US broadcasters have lost a quarter of their audience since the strike started...
http://broadcastengineering.com/news/us_tv_networks_lost_0204/
http://broadcastengineering.com/news/us_tv_networks_lost_0204/
The Key to Getting Paid Again for Doing the Same Thing
First, it was the writer's strike, then the actor's stike coming soon, and now the songwriters...
http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/commentary/listeningpost/2008/02/listeningpost_0204
http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/commentary/listeningpost/2008/02/listeningpost_0204
Sunday, February 3, 2008
5 Killed and No CCTV
Inexcusable and absolutely shameful.
CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- A gunman who shot and killed five women in a clothing store at a suburban Chicago strip mall Saturday remains at large, police said.
Police investigate the scene of a shooting at the Brookside shopping center in Tinley Park, Illinois.
The motive for the shooting at the Lane Bryant store was a robbery that "at some point went rather poorly," said Tinley Park police Sgt. T.J. Grady.
All of the victims -- ranging in age from 22 to 37 -- were found in a back room of the store, he said. Their identities were not released.
"This is a very serious and sensitive investigation," Tinley Park Police Chief Michael O'Connell said Saturday evening.
At least one of the victims was a Lane Bryant employee, O'Connell said. The store did not have a security camera, he added.
A 911 call reporting the shooting came in at 10:44 a.m., Grady told reporters.
The shopping center was locked down while stores were thoroughly searched. It was reopened after police determined the gunman had left the area. Watch police describe the crime scene »
Shoppers described a tense situation after the shooting.
"I was so scared I couldn't think," said Selena Kujawa, who was in a Target store across from the Lane Bryant store, according to The Associated Press.
She and other customers watched as police checked aisles with weapons drawn, the AP reported. There was a similar scene in a pet supply store nearby.
"Six police entered the store with their hands on their gun holsters," Tracy Caccavella told the AP.
The gunman was described as an African-American man, about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing between 230 and 260 pounds, Grady said. He was wearing a waist-length black winter coat, a black cap and dark jeans.
Authorities believe there was only one shooter, Grady said. Helicopters helped in the search for the gunman, who is no longer believed to be in the immediate area, he said.
Authorities were downloading surveillance video from businesses within a mile and a half of the Lane Bryant store to see if any cameras captured the gunman.
Police appealed to the public for help, urging anyone with information to contact police at 708-444-5368.
The Chicago Tribune reported the shopping center is just south of Interstate 80 and contains a Super Target, a Kohl's clothing store and several restaurants.
CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- A gunman who shot and killed five women in a clothing store at a suburban Chicago strip mall Saturday remains at large, police said.
Police investigate the scene of a shooting at the Brookside shopping center in Tinley Park, Illinois.
The motive for the shooting at the Lane Bryant store was a robbery that "at some point went rather poorly," said Tinley Park police Sgt. T.J. Grady.
All of the victims -- ranging in age from 22 to 37 -- were found in a back room of the store, he said. Their identities were not released.
"This is a very serious and sensitive investigation," Tinley Park Police Chief Michael O'Connell said Saturday evening.
At least one of the victims was a Lane Bryant employee, O'Connell said. The store did not have a security camera, he added.
A 911 call reporting the shooting came in at 10:44 a.m., Grady told reporters.
The shopping center was locked down while stores were thoroughly searched. It was reopened after police determined the gunman had left the area. Watch police describe the crime scene »
Shoppers described a tense situation after the shooting.
"I was so scared I couldn't think," said Selena Kujawa, who was in a Target store across from the Lane Bryant store, according to The Associated Press.
She and other customers watched as police checked aisles with weapons drawn, the AP reported. There was a similar scene in a pet supply store nearby.
"Six police entered the store with their hands on their gun holsters," Tracy Caccavella told the AP.
The gunman was described as an African-American man, about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing between 230 and 260 pounds, Grady said. He was wearing a waist-length black winter coat, a black cap and dark jeans.
Authorities believe there was only one shooter, Grady said. Helicopters helped in the search for the gunman, who is no longer believed to be in the immediate area, he said.
Authorities were downloading surveillance video from businesses within a mile and a half of the Lane Bryant store to see if any cameras captured the gunman.
Police appealed to the public for help, urging anyone with information to contact police at 708-444-5368.
The Chicago Tribune reported the shopping center is just south of Interstate 80 and contains a Super Target, a Kohl's clothing store and several restaurants.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Fool Me Once
A third cable connecting the MidEast to the Internet is cut....
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080202060146.6b6hf98m&show_article=1
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080202060146.6b6hf98m&show_article=1
Friday, February 1, 2008
Who is the Mystery Bidder?
Huge news. Someone has made a bid for a national wireless open network. Stay tuned.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/31/AR2008013103586.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/31/AR2008013103586.html
Microsoft/Yahoo vs. Google?
Microsoft makes $45 Billion offer for Yahoo....
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120186587368234937.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120186587368234937.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
