Thursday 16 February 2012

Extending your WiFi network of Range

The key is to get extension in range of the router and the laptop within the range of the extender. The portable does not have to be within the range of the router. Remember that because of the short radio, line-of-sight is always the best. Use the interior window frames to receive signals between the buildings.


If you followed the advice in my article "How to Improve your video streaming clarity," and can not use a Cat 5e or higher specification cable-based solution for your network, you can easily be implemented in environmental requirements. The microwave oven is not just getting from point A to point B and back again.

WiFi at 2.4 GHz and 5 consists of short wave radio, in contrast to the radio, for example. Place a solid object such as a wall, in front of a Wi-Fi radio waves, and, unlike many other forms or radio, you will get problems - the blunt, low-powered wave is blocked.

The advantage of a low power, short-wave to its own home network is that the wave will not be long. This means that many users can share the same spectrum. But it is also the technology disadvantage of persons after long distances through structures. Follow these simple tips to extend the reach of your network resources dead spots.

Removal of obstacles
Remove any obstructions between the antenna on the router and networking equipment, such as a laptop.

Place the wireless router in the middle of the space covered by the signal - from walls and metal, such as filing cabinets.

Repeat Signal
If the WiFi router can not be moved to the center of the area to be covered, or if you still have problems, repeat the signal through the purchase of a Wireless Range Extender. They are a more practical, professional, aesthetically pleasing solution than hassle with homemade aluminum foil dishes, boxes and such that the signal in one direction focus.

I use the EnGenius' U.S. $ 50.00 ERB9250 300 Mbps Wireless N Range Extender also crucial that there are still common older WiFi standards 802.11b and 802.11g handle.

Wireless standards
Many range extender only works with the latest 802.11n standard, which is good as your default router.

But many router / modem combo provided by ISPs, such as your telephone company, you can use the older 802.11g standard, and will not work with an extender designed specifically and only for 802.11n. Check the extender package.

Extender Speeds
For 300 Mbps or faster designated on the packaging Extender is for. This 802.11n capability theoretical speed is at the top of the available wireless internet speed.

It gives you the highest capacity available to purchase tools that allows for future upgrade and that it would be beneficial in offsetting losses over speed range between now and accumulate network devices.

Setup Time
Check the internet and the router works by monitoring Internet activity of the router with a laptop moved away from it. Then set the Extender.

Follow the installation instructions that Extender manufacturer. Turn the wireless radio on the laptop and connect the Extender to the laptop RJ45 Ethernet port, with the likely supplied Ethernet cable.

Enter the extender's default IP address of the documentation in a web browser on the laptop and follow the instructions or the Wizard to search for available wireless networks to perform. Then connect to the network with the wizard and enter the desired password. Close any additional instructions, remove the cable and start the wireless radio on the laptop.

Measure the existing signal
Enter an investigation by identifying the area where the signal is poor, and where you want a better service. Smartphone applications are available on the relevant market and the store you can download to your phone to do this.

I use free Wi-Fi Analyzer farproc Android smartphones, which graphically displays the WiFi signals around you.

You can see the wireless network, called "SSID" with graphic displays signal strength levels. Low levels indicative of dead spots.

Search Extender
Identify the best location for the extender. You must use an adjacent outlet. Look for a WiFi signal on your analyzer app that is larger than the signal at the dead spot position you have achieved in the previous step.

An optimal location Extender line of sight between the router and dead place. You can use a straight line or a horizontal elbow-like position where the router and the laptop is on the shoulder and hand, and the extender thoughts elbow.

The extension will then repeat the signal from the router and the laptop in the dead center will pick up multiple signals, not the original signal.

The key is to get extension in range of the router and the laptop within the range of the extender. The portable does not have to be within the range of the router. Remember that because of the short radio, line-of-sight is always the best. Use the interior window frames to receive signals between the buildings.

Final Configuration
Put the laptop away from the extender and open the wireless configuration setting on the laptop. You should see two wireless networks with the same name.

We show a stronger signal than the other. Choose to connect to this network. Move the laptop to the previously dead center, and any performance problems will be corrected.
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Is there a piece of technology that you want to know how to work properly? Is there a gadget that you ashamed? Send your technical questions to me and I will try to get as much as possible to answer in this column.

Source: Houston seen drinking a lot of two mornings last week


Pop superstar Whitney Houston was seen ordering and consume large amounts of alcohol at the Beverly Hilton two mornings last week, said a source briefed on its behavior and activity in the days before her death on Saturday.

The source told CNN Don Lemon that Houston ordered drinks for 10 hours last Wednesday and Thursday of the bars in the lobby and pool.

People on both days Houston heard loudly complaining about her drinks, bartenders accused of "watering down" or "too much ice" in them, the source said Wednesday.

Houston's funeral will be broadcast Saturday

The source said that the other guests expressed concern about Houston's unpredictable behavior. Her disheveled appearance, including non-appropriate clothing, she suggested that she was drunk, the source said. The source said that Houston was seen jumping into and out of the pool and doing somersaults in the pool.

The source added that Houston was the only part of the time, but was also seen by the pool drinking with her entourage and a male companion on both days.

Saturday, the day she died, Houston was seen drinking at the pool in the morning, but the source said witnesses stated that her erratic behavior is not displayed.

A singer in an impromptu duet with Houston participated in a celebration Thursday night said Houston was not erratic behavior, but had champagne.

"I was not someone who was high to see," Kelly Price told CNN's "Start" on Monday. During the celebration. Houston unexpectedly on stage and sang a raucous version of "Jesus Loves Me" with the price

Authorities seek source of prescription drugs found in Houston's hotel room, where she died to be determined, officials said Wednesday.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's office has subpoena his medical records and prescriptions Houston, Ed Winter, assistant chief coroner, said Wednesday. Researchers are also pharmacies, where prescriptions were filled contact, he said.

Houston, 48, was found dead in the bathtub in her suite at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, hours before she was a pre-Grammy Bash in Beverly Hills, California hotel to attend.

Houston's death certificate, filed Wednesday listed her death as "deferred," meaning that it was postponed pending further information. Speculation has grown, while the authorities await results of toxicology tests could take weeks.

Greek rhetoric turns into battle of wills


The power struggle between Athens and the euro area lenders have intensified, with the Greek finance minister, accused the "forces in Europe" to push his country from the euro, while his German colleague suggested to postpone the Greek selection and installation of a new government without political parties.

The reprimand by Evangelos Venizelos, is expected in april election as leader of the center-left PASOK party, his government struggled to increasing demands of international lenders must be met if Athens is to prevent a measurable full-standard scales.

Greece took a step closer to these requirements by Antonis Samaras, head of the center-right New Democracy party and the likely next prime minister, a two-page letter to European leaders Wednesday swear austerity measures to be implemented in the € 130 billion bail - in the program.

The letter that came along with a similar missive from George Papandreou, the former prime minister, still leader of PASOK, was demanded by EU leaders as a precondition for the deal. But the letter was a chilly reception in Brussels, especially Mr Samaras reiterated its position that "changes may be necessary" for the program.

There were signs of a group of triple-a rated governments, including Germany, Finland and Holland, were hardening their attitude towards Athens. During a conference call between the euro area finance ministers, said the three countries, they may include additional letters from other smaller parties like the Greek and openly discussed the possibility of postponing the Greek elections.

Prior to the interview, said Wolfgang Schäuble, the German finance minister, in a radio interview Greece could be the polls to be delayed, and install a technocratic government that ignores politicians like Mr. Venizelos and Mr. Samaras, corresponding to the model, is currently in Italy.

Karolos Papoulias, the Greek president, fired back during a visit to the military leaders in the Defense Ministry: "We are all obliged to work hard to move through this crisis, but we can not accept insults Mr. Schäuble Who is Mr. Schäuble insult Greece.?

"Who are the Dutch, Finns, who are these? We always have the freedom not only our own country, but defending freedom in Europe," said Papoulias added.

Meanwhile, a study published on Thursday showed support for New Democracy Party, Mr. Samaras's slide, although it will still win the most votes if an election were held now. The study of VPRC for Epikaira magazine put New Democracy of 27.5 percent, PASOK 11 percent, representing a decline of 3-4 percent of the portion of ND on the mood of the earlier surveys, while PASOK's share rose the same amount.

The two parties can form a coalition for reform after the elections in april, according to analysts.

The three left wing parties, the second Greece € 130 billion bail-out counter, a large majority of voting rights, as a result of public anger with the cuts, but their troublesome leaders to work together as in the government, analysts said.

A further increase of pressure on Athens, the eurozone leaders are ready to go on a debt restructuring for the private holders of Greek bonds immediately without the approval of the full € 130 billion bail-out. The move will keep the Greek government funds starve, even if private creditors in Greece agree on a separate agreement.

According to a schedule obtained by the Financial Times Eurozone parliaments would be asked to € 93.5bn to approve aid for debt relief within a few days, but thoughtful remaining funds to the Greek government begins in early March.

"We continue to work under the assumptions in the October program with the clear intention to ensure financial and economic sustainability in Greece to help," said a senior Dutch official. "But time is short, and we insist that the Greek political leaders to help us help them."

A Greek Finance Ministry official said Athens had agreed to other requirements that lenders prior to a meeting of eurozone finance ministers will on Monday, including € 325 for further savings, which was conducted primarily in the defense and local government budgets.

North Korea has large procession on the anniversary of the birth dead leader


North Korea held a large military parade in Pyongyang on Thursday, using the 70-anniversary of the birth of the late leader Kim Jong Il as an opportunity to try to create a deeper reverence for his son and chosen successor, Kim Jong Un.

State television pictures of the younger Kim and senior officials of the secret system to a platform overlooking a room filled with thousands of people. The platform was covered with Kimjongilias, the brilliant pink flower named after the late leader.

With a huge portrait of a smiling Kim Jong Il, who died in december, looking down on it, soldiers performed a tribute to him and his father, Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea.

The soldiers "great respect" given to the two deceased Kim and pledged allegiance to Kim Jong Un, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

In South Korea, met two dozen North Korean defectors in a park on balloons that criticism of Kim Jong Il over the heavily militarized border that separates the two countries to release, a move which Pyongyang has irritated in the past.

Thursday is the first of two large apartments in the first months of 2012 for the nuclear-armed North Korean regime to former dictators rose and strengthen the position of the young new leader.

100-anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, North Korea, who ruled for almost half a decade, will take place on 15 april. The date of his birth, known as the "Day of the Sun" is the biggest national holiday in North Korea. Kim Jong Il's birthday was recently named the "Day of Shining Star."

The big anniversaries coming shortly after Kim Jong Un, which is considered to be in his late 20s, was elevated to the position of "supreme leader" of the island state.

North Korean newspapers Thursday carried special reports on Kim Jong Il. Before the parade began airing, Korean Central Television (KCTV), the state-run news channel, showed choral groups sing lyrics in his honor, but also pictures from his life.

And the state-controlled media has already documented a series of events and initiatives that took place prior to the anniversary of his birth.

Kim Jong Un, and other senior officials participated in a "national meeting" Wednesday celebrate the occasion, according to KCNA.

Kim Yong Nam, president of the North Korean parliament, a speech at the event praised Kim Jong Il "immortal exploits" and insisting that "all party members, service and people need to Kim Jong Un to protect politically and ideologically with their lives and get united around him. "

Other recent measures related to Kim Jong Il's birthday, reported state media is an ice sculpture festival in the hands of government security forces and delivering gifts to children throughout the country, in some cases by helicopter.

Pyongyang has warned South Korea and other countries not to expect a change in its policy of Kim Jong Un. It has kept its criticism of the current South Korean government under President Lee Myung-bak.

USA said Monday that a U.S. envoy will meet with North Korean officials next week to Pyongyang's position on its nuclear testing program. Special Representative for North Korea policy Glyn Davies will meet with his counterpart, the North Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Kim KYE Gwan in Beijing

The North Korean regime is willing to talk with Washington, but Seoul is not criticized in South Korea.

"Two months after a leadership change in Pyongyang, North Korea returns to the dialogue table," The Korea Times, an English-language daily, said in an editorial Thursday. "This is good news. Not so good news is that it seems to be only interested in his conversation partner across the Pacific, not the inter-Korean border."

The North Korean defectors in the park in Paju Thursday sent balloons carrying leaflets that urged the North Korean people to stand up and fight. The large helium balloons with writing on them saying things like: "Kim Jong Il starved to death 3 million people", "Free North Korean people" and "North Korea's Kim Jong Il killer."

They sent 200,000 leaflets, 500 DVDs and $ 1,000 in one dollar bills.
Saturday 4 February 2012

Iran leader: War would harm the U.S.

The supreme leader of Iran gave a blunt warning Friday that war would harm the U.S. - and that Iran is ready to help anyone who confronts "cancer" to help Israel.

"You see now and then in this way, they say that all options on the table. That means even the possibility of war," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said during Friday prayers in Tehran. "This is how they make threats against us.

"Well, these threats are harmful to the United States," he said. "War itself is 10 times more harmful to the U.S."

Khamenei rhetoric is not new. But the timing of his remarks may prove crucial for the nuclear talks around the corner.

Tensions between Iran and major powers will be contacted in the wake of an alarming nuclear watchdog Aruanded in november that said Tehran was likely to develop nuclear weapons.

The deadlock was more serious this week with renewed fears of an Israeli preemptive attack on Iran to take the suspected nuclear weapons program.

Khamenei said Iran would any nation or group that protects against supporting Israel.

"The Zionist regime is the real cancer of this region and it should be removed and will be removed," Khamenei told a cheering crowd.

He said that Iran does not interfere in other countries, but has helped the militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah clashes with Israel in Gaza and Lebanon.

His comments came after harsh comments Friday in the Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

"Today, unlike before, there is a broad global understanding, it is crucial to stop Iran nuclearized, and that no opportunity should be taken from the table," he said.

Barak said allowing Iran to continue on its path will be much more complex and dangerous in the blood and money than to cut it out now.

"Those who say in English," later "can be found later it is too late," he said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said he feared for Israel to attack Iran sometime this spring in an attempt to destroy suspected nuclear weapons program, said a senior official.

The official refused because of the sensitive nature of information identified.

U.S. and its allies have warned that Iran is trying to make a nuclear weapon. Iran insists that its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes.

A new report from the nonpartisan Policy Center, said the U.S. needs more teeth in its threat to use military force against Iran.

The Washington think tank's report recommended that Washington should be visible, credible military preparations undertake to go along with more intense sanctions and diplomatic efforts.

The military activities of naval deployments, military exercises and positioning of supplies in the region.

To the nuclear clock to stop Iran, the report says that the United States "have to make it clear that Iran has a choice:. It may be nuclear program or to look through a negotiated settlement or destroyed military program, the U.S."

The report also said the U.S. should give credence to the Israeli military threat against Iran by selling Israel two to three KC-135 aerial refueling tankers and 200 GRU-31 bunker-buster munitions.

Former Senator Chuck Robb, who co-led task force that wrote the report, said the group is in favor of either war or a military attack at the moment but think that the U.S. will only be effective if it takes credible steps on Iran to let them know that it is serious.

Pentagon spokesman Captain John Kirby said Panetta "has made it clear that he is comfortable with the military capabilities we have and operate in the region."

But Kirby said, "the U.S. military must and will be ready for the presidential election would be desirable to offer these opportunities."

Western powers Khamenei, Iran's debt problems, starting with the brutal eight-year war with Saddam Hussein's Iraq fought Iran in the 1980s and continued with the last round of international criminal penalties.

"Until now we have to overcome these challenges and none of them succeeded (Iran) on the knees," Khamenei said. "

Thousands stranded by floods in eastern Australia

Heavy rain has stranded thousands in eastern Australia on Saturday, authorities warned of more flooding and urged communities to flee to higher ground.

Some 16,500 people are isolated due to flooding in New South Wales, with evacuation orders in place for different communities, New South Wales Emergency Services said.

In the neighboring state of Queensland, the authorities issued flood warnings for three cities, Surat, Roma and Mitchell, and warned residents downstream from rivers to move to higher ground.

Residents in the southwest Queensland town of Charleville hope that the protective dikes will be a brake on the rising water.

Emergency officials ordered evacuations early Saturday when they warned that the river was expected that the dike's largest banks within 12 hours.

Food and medical supplies were airlifted to isolated communities elsewhere in Queensland.

In New South Wales issued officials natural disaster declarations for several areas.

Flood waters have begun in North Moree retiring after five days after a major flood, New South Wales Emergency Services says, but many of the city's streets remain closed.

Aerial assessments show 300 homes and businesses were flooded - makes it the worst flooding in nearly 60 years,

The State Emergency Service 18 flood rescues conducted from Friday to Saturday, Seven Network reported, including half a dozen people trapped in a shed near Moree with snakes swim underneath.

The airline Qantas on a special flight to Moree on Saturday with supplies of fresh food and milk, the network added.

Major flooding also affects communities along the Namoi River, which leads to rescue of at least one person trapped in a vehicle on a flooded bridge.

Town of Wee Waa cut, with all roads made impassable by flooding, and the local airport without force, New South Wales Emergency Services said. Major flooding is expected to remain there until the middle of next week.

Other communities affected by Boggoabri Namoi River, Narrabri and Bugilbone Goangra with floods closing roads and flooding some rural properties ..

Emergency officials urged people not to walk, ride or drive through floods, because this is the main cause of death and injury during floods.

Obama urges Congress to "restore to continue ''

U.S. President Barack Obama challenged Congress to the economic recovery to continue as new data showed the unemployment rate to its lowest rate in three years.
Unemployment fell to 8.3%, beating analyst forecasts, and decreased from 8.5% in december.

Speaking at a fire station in Virginia, the president warned Congress: "Do not delay recovery that we are."

A Department of Labor report showed 243,000 new jobs were created in January, the highest in nine months.

The figures are a political boost for Mr. Obama, whose reelection prospects hinge to a sustainable economic recovery.
 
Genuine recovery '?"Now, those numbers go up and down in the coming months, and there are still too many Americans who need a job or want a job that pays better than they have now," said Obama.

"But the economy is growing stronger. It speeds recovery. And we must do everything in our power to keep it going."

"Now is the time to self-inflicted wound to our economy. I want a clear message to send to Congress. Not delay the recovery that we are not a mess."

Obama urged Congressional Republicans to legislation extending a tax cut for 160 million Americans to the end of the year pass.

Leading Republicans acknowledged improvements in the labor market, while adding that more can be done to the state of the U.S. economy.

"These figures are encouraging, especially for the millions of Americans out of work, but we should aim even higher. We must not settle, we can do more," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the House John Boehner said: "Our economy is still creating jobs, as it should be, and why we need a new approach."

On the campaign front-running presidential candidate Mitt Romney said: "Unfortunately, these numbers are not that President Obama's policies are a real economic recovery to prevent collapse."
 
Election prospects
Friday the Labor Department data showed employment growth had been widespread, with large gains in business services, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing.

The report was also supported by data revisions of november and december, that 60,000 more jobs in two months than previously reported seen.

The figures add some data suggest a gradual U.S. economic recovery.

Last week it was announced that the U.S. economy expanded at a 2.8% annual pace in October-December quarter, a full percentage point higher than in the previous quarter.

Earlier this week a study from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported that the U.S. manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in seven months in January.

But a report Wednesday from the U.S. Congressional Budget Office, a federal agency, predicted that unemployment will rise to almost 9% in the last three months of this year and the maximum of 9.2% early next year.

Unemployment and economic recovery has been a dominant issue in the campaign for the November U.S. presidential election.

While the downward trend in unemployment is a good sign for Barack Obama's chances for a second term, he's still probably more work than voters without post-war president to cope.

When Ronald Reagan won reelection in a landslide victory in 1984, unemployment in the U.S. was 7.5%.

In 1932, in the middle of the Great Depression Herbert Hoover was voted out in a year when unemployment was 23.6%.

His successor, Franklin Roosevelt, unemployment of 16.9% to 14.6% in 1936, when he was reelected four years later, according to data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Real Deal Boosts Intel's Entertainment Cred

Intel has tried to establish himself as an actor in the entertainment world, particularly by hiring Black Eyed Peas frontman wil.i.am as director of creative innovation, noted technical analyst Nathan Brookwood. "By entering RealNetworks patent portfolio, Intel can continue this transition, which is more in the ever popular audio and video streaming market."

Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is to buy about 190 patents, 170 patent applications and next generation video codec software from RealNetworks (Nasdaq: RNWK).

The conditions for the sale to RealNetworks retains certain rights to continue using the patents in the current and future products.

Besides selling, signed RealNetworks and Intel a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of video codec software and related products.

RealNetworks will be able to liquidate those assets, generate additional capital for investment in new businesses and markets, said CEO Thomas Nielsen.

Many of RealNetworks' products have declined in popularity over the years, said Timothy C. Bradley, an intellectual property law with coats and Bennett.

"They are now one of the few streaming providers that require downloading a streaming client, a user registration, etc.," he told the E-Commerce Times. "The sale of intellectual property law, RealNetworks take advantage of their patents - which have a limited life and will not last forever maintain a good -. Order to get capital for new businesses"

Intel's plans
Intel has no specific plans for the patents that the software is announced, a spokesperson for Sumner Lemon told the E-Commerce Times.

"I would say there are two parts of this agreement," Lemon said. "The acquisition of these patents to our already varied portfolio of patents and intellectual property also expand., General, we recognize that there is a growing need for a high-user computing experience to deliver a wide range of equipment."
Not just any Chip Maker

There are a number of advantages, in fact, said Intel, Nathan Brookwood, research fellow with Insight 64, the E-Commerce Times.

"Intel has a huge investment in software at this time," he said, "something that many people do not realize that there are thousands of Intel engineers to work every day to write code A part of this code supports the chips. .; other code-writing efforts on operating systems. "

In addition, the video be a complex array of tools and applications require, and IP portfolio of RealNetworks' will be valuable in this regard, Brookwood added.

Intel has tried to establish himself as an actor in the entertainment world, particularly by hiring Black Eyed Peas frontman wil.i.am as director of creative innovation, Bradley noted. "By entering RealNetworks patent portfolio, Intel can continue this transition, which is more in the ever popular audio and video streaming market."

Intel is clearly its approach to expanding the market, said Charles King, principal with Pund-IT, the E-Commerce Times, referring to another through the company announced this week that the standard from QLogic InfiniBand for U.S. $ 125 million .

"It is important to remember that if they launch development or make acquisitions, it is still looking forward to putting this technology in feature sets and tools that they believe that OEM customers will need in the future."

RealNetworks is a classic example of this, King said. "At CES over Ultra Book launch, leaders spoke about lifestyle features in laptops or mobile devices and how high-end media and images pushing down into smaller and smaller computers."
 
IP Insurance
Patent protection is probably another aspect to the acquisition, Brookwood speculation.

"I'm sure that if they look at what RealNetworks does with regard to the videos they have a chance to make their own products to improve to see. But they also have a chance to make their own statement of IP to improve their and their clients to protect against one to see potential conflicts that can be stimulated on the road. "
Thursday 2 February 2012

Facebook seeks more open world: Mark Zuckerberg


Washington: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg told his investors that his company has created a social mission, to make the world more open and connected in order to reach 5 billion dollars for the largest IPO.

"Facebook was not originally made for a company that was built for a social mission to perform .. - To make the world more open and connected, we consider it important that everyone who invests in Facebook understands what this mission means for us, how we make decisions and why we are the things we do, "the Los Angles Times quoted Zuckerberg, as mentioned in a letter included in the company's S-1 filing with the SEC.

He said that Facebook was not created just to want to make money, but rather as a company that wants to earn money to continue to improve themselves.

"Most great people is primarily about building and some of the big things, but they also want to make money through the process of building a team, -. And build a community of developers, the advertising market and investors - I have developed a deep understanding of how to build a strong company with a strong economic engine and a strong growth in the best way to tune in to many important problems to solve.

"In short: We are not building services to make money, we earn money to build a better service," he added.

Definition of the purpose of an IPO, he said it aimed to fulfill the promise to the employees in the last eight years instead of money in profits to keep.

Facebook Zuckerberg described culture as "Hacker Way" and added that a crucial role in maintaining the success of social networking game.

Facebook Hacker uses the road as an approach to building continuous improvement and iteration goes, "he said.

China raises rice purchase


Beijing, Feb 2 (IANS) China Thursday announced plans to increase the minimum purchase prices for rice increase in 2012 to encourage farmers to grow more grain.

It is the fifth consecutive annual increase through the top of the country's economic planning agency focused on promoting grain production and farmers' income.

National Development and Reform Commission raised the cost of middle and late indica rice to 125 yuan ($ 19.8) per 50 kg, an increase of 18 yuan in 2011 price.

Moreover, the price of japonica rice increased to 140 yuan ($ 22.18) per 50 kg, an increase of 12 yuan from 2011 Price, Global Times reported.

Rice and wheat are the two major grain crops in China. Domestic cereal production increased to 571.21 million tons last year, marking the eighth consecutive annual growth.

The country will also be more support for major grain producing areas, farmers and agricultural cooperatives to offer, the agency said.

Philippine army 'kills three militants wanted'

The Philippine military says that the three senior militants from al-Qaeda-linked group killed in a raid in the southern part of the country.

The air attack took place Thursday in an area known as a militant stronghold.

Officials said that two Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) leaders and a leader of Abu Sayyaf, were among a total of 15 people killed.

Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir or Marwan, who on Most Wanted list of the FBI with a $ 5m (£ 3.2m) bounty for his capture, was reported killed.

The army was killed militants in the town of Parang in Jolo island, Sulu province in Mindanao region.

The regional military commander Maj. Gen. Noel Coballes told news agency Agence France Presse that the troops on the ground had been confirmed dead.

Marwan, a top JI leader, is said to be behind a series of bombings in southern Philippines since 2006.

The military of the two other senior militants identified as Jemaah Islamiyah leader Abdullah Ali, or Ali Mauwiya Muhamda aliases, and a leader of Abu Sayyaf, Abu Gumbahali Jumdail aka Doc.

According to the FBI, is Marwan "an engineer trained in the U.S." and conducted bomb-making activities of militant groups, including Abu Sayyaf.

Muawiya, a top JI leader, is said to be one of Singaporean national who came to the Philippines after the Bali bombings in 2002. A reward of $ 50,000 was offered for his capture.

JI has ties to al-Qaeda and has a long track record of attacks in Indonesia. It is believed to be behind the Bali bombings in 2002.

Doc Abu, a Filipino, is said to be a regional leader Abu Sayyaf wanted for several kidnappings. Abu Sayyaf is one of the most radical of the Islamic separatist groups in the southern Philippines.
Map

A military spokesman told the BBC that the operation ordered after reports that a group of militants had arrived in the area on 30 December.

Islands in the southwestern Philippines is known for hosting various militant groups - some as kidnappings for ransom gangs operate, says the BBC's Kate McGeown.

Only this week, the Abu Sayyaf is believed to have kidnapped two European tourists in the area.

Sweden’s winter Sámi festival

Despite the cool temperatures, flock more than 30,000 people in Swedish Lapland in February each year to enjoy the story of one of the world's oldest nomadic cultures.

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Jokkmokk Market (Jokkmokksmarknad), the largest indigenous Saami festival in the world, celebrates the life and traditions of the Sami people, originally from the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. Archaeological artifacts from the area, known collectively as Sápmi region, dating back 10,000 years, and for centuries the Sami lifestyle focused on reindeer, fishing and hunting. The village of Jokkmokk is an important trading post for many Sami reindeer herd groups between Sweden and Norway in winter in summer.

Festival activities
The festival officially starts on the first Thursday of every February, but visitors should arrive a few days earlier for "historic market", a look back to medieval times with handmade balsam, medical creams, dried mushrooms, jams, fur clothing, and wood carvings for sale. Feast on traditional reindeer and moose meat, fish, roots, herbs, berries and other local dishes prepared over an open fire.

There are a number of activities to enjoy while the festival is in full swing, such as folk dances, traditional jojking (similar to yodeling), dog or reindeer racing. Try searching for northern lights, a trip to the Ice Hotel or spend the night in a snow igloo handmade.

Do not miss the reindeer caravan afternoon each day. The procession is led by the local Sami Elder, Per Kuhmunen whose works reindeer pull his grandchildren on a wooden sled through the narrow alleys of the market.

Swing from Ájtte Museum, the official Sami museum with permanent exhibitions as "The Passage of Time" as 9000 years and 270 generations of native life histories, and "Costume and Silver", the traditional clothing and crafts displays.

Slow Food
Caribou are an integral part of the Sami culture, like most parts of the animal can be used - and fat to cook meat, fur and skins for clothing, and horn for tools and crafts.

Head to Restaurang Sami, seasonal, local cuisine created by Sami older Greta Huuva as Renspån sample - torkat renkött and varmrökt rentunga (dried reindeer meat and smoked reindeer tongue), Ham (lumps of curdled reindeer blood) and Torrköttsoppa (dried reindeer meat soup). Or search for Wild Hasse position in the market - easy to recognize when they will be roaring out to passersby - and taste of dried meats and jerky made from local games such as caribou, moose and bears.

Press the runway


A visit to Sami will often wear "Gákti" designs from Sweden, Finland and Norway - traditional dress with embroidered belts, gloves and boots made of reindeer skin and coat. Sami artist and designer Elise Tullnär puts on a fashion show every day during the festival locally deisgned winter clothes made of fox fur, reindeer skins and wool spotlights. Handmade jewelry and original artwork are also for sale.
 





Ofcom reports lopsided wins in the UK broadband speeds

Average download speed of the British housing is increasing, but it can be even faster than many users upgraded at minimal cost, according to Ofcom.

The average broadband speed in November was 7.6 megabits per second, up from 6.8Mbps in May, says regulator.

Upgrades are offered by Virgin Media and BT helped increase the number.

Ofcom says that many of the 42% of homes that subscribe to speeds of 10 Mbps or less would benefit from switching provider on Deal or little or no cost.

22% of headline speed bump is a remarkable improvement, according to price comparison broadbandchoices.co.uk.

"In fact it saves the average increase of 1.4Mbits about 6 minutes to download a 2 hour movie," says Michael Phillips, product director of the company.

"It does not sound like much, but faster connections to improve your overall web browsing experience and is definitely worth investing, for example, if more than one person shares in the fabric of a household."

Ofcom noted that the price difference between many of the super-fast service and the current generation compounds were "relatively small".

Plusnet customers say could double their promised speeds "to" 40 Mbps by replacing a service with the company, which costs £ 5 more per month.

TalkTalk said customers could win a comparable advantage of paying their ISP an extra € 10 per month, while the GT offers gave a similar speed bump at no extra cost.

Trade RestrictionsThe figures are contained in the sixth study Ofcom's residential fixed line broadband services.

It is the first report since Internet service providers were told that they would only be able to claim a maximum speed if it was available for 10% of their customers.

The new rules come into force in April. Use as a guide Ofcom gave a breakdown of the figures says:

    6 Mbps, the average rate for services advertised as "up to" 8 Mbps
    14 Mbps, the average speed for connections advertised as "up" 20/24Mbps

The supervisor said that the speed upgrades offered by Virgin Media and BT accounts for the largest share of profit in the period.

Virgin Media "to" 50 Mbps cable agreement was questioned provides the fastest average download speeds of nearly 49Mbps. The company's 100Mbps service was not included in the study.

BT's rollout of FTTC (fiber to the cabinet) technology helped boost her stats. The move is running fiber from the exchanges to street cabinets, which are then combined with home via ordinary telephone lines.

As the units are closer to home than most trade shows, users enjoy faster speeds.

This has led to the creation of the Infinity company to offer that promises "to" 40 Mbps. The service had an average speed of 36Mbps offering.
 
 "Disappointing"The study says that other ISPs do not change significantly "over six months.

Orange "to" 20Mbps ADSL service was the worst of the maximum speed has been studied. It turned out that the average download speed of 7.2 Mbps to offer.

The company said it believed that the next report will show an improvement.

"It is disappointing that the results of this study to see if it was not unexpected, as happened last year when we move a large number of our customers to our new broadband network," a statement said.

"Since that time we have completed migration and the vast majority of our customers have experienced a significant improvement in download speeds they receive."

The news thinkbroadband.com said that research also needs to invest in out-of-town selected compounds.

"The country has an average of 3.3Mbps to 8.8Mbps versus city," the company said editor Andrew Ferguson.

Ofcom says it plans to publish the next report in July, using data from trials in May
Sunday 22 January 2012

Egypt Islamist parties won election to parliament

The final results of the first post-Mubarak Egypt's election confirmed an overwhelming victory for Islamist parties.

The Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) won the largest number of seats under complex electoral system in Egypt.

The strict Salafist party Nour came second.

The liberal New Wafd and the secular Egyptian Bloc coalition is somehow behind them.

Egyptians voted in three phases over a period of six weeks to 498 members of the Assembly to choose. Another ten members appointed by the ruling military.

Within the country, with two thirds of the seats for party list candidates, and the last third to be voted on immediately.

The overall results suggest that Islamist parties control about two-thirds of the seats in the Assembly, but the final share of seats is not yet known.

The FJP top of the polls the votes for party list seats. Having also done well in the constituency vote will end up with between one third and half of all MPs.

The ultra-conservative party Nour believed to have won almost a quarter of the seats in general.

The new assembly is due to sit for the first time on Monday.

The FJP has announced that it would appoint Saad al-Katatni as speaker of the Assembly. Mr. Katatni is a long-Brotherhood official, sat in the old parliament as an independent.

He told Reuters that the new assembly would be "conciliatory".

"The priorities are the requirements for the revolution, including the rights of the injured and the dead in the uprising meeting," he said.

Former President Hosni Mubarak was forced to resign last year after a popular uprising.

A new president will be elected in June according to the timetable that the military leaders in Egypt.

BBC Jon Leyn in Cairo says that while the Muslim Brotherhood seems finally on the brink of power is still president, who choose the public sector - winners of this election does not automatically come into operation.

The Brotherhood - which led opposition to Mr Mubarak during his 30 years in power - until this year was officially banned. In practice, it was tolerated as long as it remained on the fringes of politics.

Mac OS X's Software Update -- a Rundown

 Apple issues update for Mac OS X and some of its applications (such as iLife and Safari) using a function in the operating system called Software Update. To run Software Update, click on the Apple () menu and select Software Update. It may take a minute or two for this feature to perform longer if updates are available for download and installation. (You may need to restart your Mac, so it's a good idea to run Software Update if you do nothing else. You have the option to cancel if you are in the middle of something.)

Standard Software automatically on a weekly basis. You can change the frequency, or even eliminate, the Software Update preferences (for both Lion and Snow Leopard) can be found in System Preferences, Software Update can be found in the System section. Here is how you use the software to your liking.

Step 1: What is the frequency
When the Software Update system preference opens the Scheduled Check section of the settings. Here you can manually run an update check by clicking Check Now button.

Below is where you set the frequency for automatic Software Update. In Leo, whose settings are dimmed, click the padlock in the bottom left corner and you will see a prompt where you enter your password.

If you want Software Update automatically, click on Check for updates checkbox. In the pop-up menu, select daily, weekly or monthly. Remember, you can always run the software manually if you wish, either by  -> Software Update or by clicking the Check Now button in the Software Update system preference. If you do not want Software Update to run automatically, check this box.

Step 2: Automatic settings
When you select Check for updates in the box underneath an option available. This setting allows your Mac to automatically download updates, or updates are available.

If you decide not to activate this feature, but still works automatically check for updates, then Software Update tells you updates are available and you will be able to list the updates seen to set the date later or to go ahead and install the updates.

Step 3: The software installed

In the Software Update system preference, there's a second part, called the software installed. This gives a list of the software is updated via Software update for your reference. There are no options in this section for you to change.

When you're done, lock the padlock at the bottom left, click it and close the settings window.

Other updates
If you have purchased a third-party application in Mac App Store, you use the Mac App Store to download updates. Other apps you can check for updates via the software itself or through preferences app, or through a menu selection.

Anna writes to PM again, asks how could you betray the country?

 New Delhi: In an attempt to face a non-partisan project that fired Hazar Anna and his team Sunday a series of letters to leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress Secretary Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Nitin Gadkari and try to put them on mat on the issue before the Assembly polls Lokpal in five states.

UP Chief Minister Mayawati and Mulayam Singh Samaj Wadi party chief Yadav were the other recipients of the letters signed by Mr. Shanti Bhushan Hazar and his team, Prashant Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi.

In the letter to Dr. Singh, signed by Mr Hazar alone, asked the prime minister to show the courage to "weak" Lokpal Bill to attract and foster stronger. "Is the bill really strong Lokpal Bill? How could you betray the country?" asks the 74-year-old Gandhi in his letter.

"Bring a strong Lokpal and the country will think of you," Anna adds.

Warning from the Prime Minister, to fight for a strong anti-corruption ombudsman will not end until January Lokpal Bill is not passed, Hazar said in his letter, "You're 80 years old. It has everything. Now people ask something back. Show some courage.

"You have set the government at stake for the nuclear bill that was going on. Show some courage to bring Lokpal to fight corruption. We do not know if Congress will take another opportunity as prime minister, but to do this, the country will always remember "he said. (Read Anna's letter to PM)

In favor of independence CBI, asked Mr Hazar Dr. Singh why he was afraid to loosen government control over the Agency.

"Does CBI have some files that the government afraid of? Or is it that they want to misuse CBI corrupt ministers to save or is it you want to abuse the CBI to ensure that the government is providing support to Yadav and Mayawati, "he said.

Activist Gandhi claimed that Dr. Singh government not listening to the voices of people on Lokpal, but was quick to solve the problems, Mr Gandhi addressing.

In their letter to Rahul Gandhi, asked Anna team leader or his Congress Party dare put a law similar to the "strong" Lokayukta Act in Uttarakhand.

Team Anna said that the government does not honor the involvement of Parliament, but when he demanded constitutional status of the Ombudsman, easy listening.

"It appears that the government listens to you alone. When asked, they gave it. But you do not want to give some discretion or power Lokpal," they said.

Fighting Mr. Gandhi's argument that Lokpal Bill is strong, she said, "Tell us more with your hands on your heart, you think it is strong or is it that your lies during the campaign to tell?"

Mr. Gadkari was asked why his party does not penetrate Nitish Kumar government in Bihar, one partner creates a strong Lokayukta Act passed the BJP government in Uttarakhand. He was also asked why the BJP changed track by bringing Lokayuktas Lokpal Bill.

Team Anna would have some very difficult questions to Mr Gadkari the BJP's position on Lokpal and asked him why BJP no change in the Lok Sabha movement seeking independence for the CBI as they did in the Rajya Sabha.

The BJP chief also asked the contradiction in the position of the party set up Lokayuktas in the states through Lokpal Act as the proposal in the special session in August last year, but against it in December. They said they were against the BJP position Lokayukta can not be achieved through Lokpal Bill.

Argue that the BJP-led party fails to fully support Lokayukta Uttaranchal state law, Anne Team wanted to know from him if they would other BJP-ruled states to the same kind of law to determine whether they are consistent.

Anna team also found errors in BSP chief Mayawati not to oppose the bill in standing committee and staging a strike in the Lok Sabha, who claimed that she helped the UPA government to go into the hall.

Mr. Yadav, on the other hand, "strong" against the law to the Standing Committee, but went in Lok Sabha, the team said Anna letter to him and ask him if he clearly with Congress or BJP verify the UP elections.

Separate letters to the leaders of Congress, the BJP, SP and BSP, the main candidates in the upcoming general elections in five states, seen as a step by Anna Hazar and his group to fight allegations he was anti-Congress and the project is a non-partisan viewpoint .

They were seen as unwilling to attack the BJP, SP and BSP and shrill in their opposition to the Congress, the ruling party has primary responsibility for ensuring a strong law.

Anna team had received flak for its anti-Congress stand during his campaign for a strong Lokpal Bill and earlier this month had decided to target any party during the campaign.

Had a campaign pamphlet fell last week accused the Congress of betraying the country Lokpal subject even if the activists claimed that they will not vote for or against one party to seek.

In their letter to Mayawati, Team Anna asked if one can be sure that her party will not run out during the vote on the bill Lokpal next time and stick to its demand for independence of CBI CBI.

Mulayam asked why he ran from the Lok Sabha, despite opposition to the standing committee.

"It is said that in a coalition deal with Congress after polls. Some others think that your hands with BJP. We appeal to you to clear them as you go into a coalition to tell. You are socialist line. People who vote for you vote for you because of your socialist tendencies. Do you think Congress and the BJP socialist slant, "says the letter.

He was asked if he would take the UPA government after the election. "Akhilesh Singh (his son and prominent leader) attacks Rahul Gandhi, Congress and the UPA. Is it just an excuse? Is it to fool people?" he said.

The leaders were also asked about their attitudes toward the purchase of land and why they were forced to give tickets to people with a criminal history.