Track Santa All day - Norad Tracking Santa

The military personnel charged with being the eyes in the sky are certainly acting like he does — and they've been joined on the Internet by millions of believers.

Even doubters have reason to pause when they hear the North American Aerospace Defense Command — or NORAD, which monitors air and space threats against the U.S. and Canada — is in charge of the annual Christmas mission to keep children informed of Santa's worldwide journey to their homes.

"They challenge it, but only to a point," said Senior Master Sgt. Sharon Ryder-Platts, 49, who for five years has been a Santa tracker, taking calls from those wanting to know the location of jolly old St. Nick.

According to NORAD, Santa began his latest flight early Wednesday at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. Historically, Santa visits the South Pacific first, then New Zealand and Australia. NORAD points out that only Santa knows his route.

Last year, NORAD's Santa tracking center answered 94,000 calls and responded to 10,000 e-mails. About 10.6 million visitors went to the Web site, which can be viewed in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese and Chinese.

NORAD's holiday tradition can by traced to 1955, when a Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears, Roebuck & Co. ad telling children of a phone number to talk to Santa. The number was one digit off, and the first child to get through reached the Continental Air Defense Command, NORAD's predecessor.

Col. Harry W. Shoup answered.

Shoup's daughter, Terri Van Keuren, said her dad, now 91, was surprised to hear that the little voice on the other end thought he was Santa.

"Dad thought, `What the heck? This must be some kind of code,'" said Van Keuren, 59.

Shoup, described by his daughter as "just a nut about Christmas," didn't want to break the boy's heart, so he sounded a booming "Ho, ho, ho!" and pretended to be Santa Claus.

Enough calls followed that Shoup assigned an officer to answer them while the problem was fixed. But Shoup and the staff he was directing to "locate" Santa on radar ended up embracing the idea. NORAD picked up the tradition when it was formed 50 years ago.

"If we didn't do it, truly I don't know who else would track Santa," Maj. Stacia Reddish said.

The task that began with no computers and only a 60-by-80-foot glass map of North America now includes two big screens on a wall showing the world and information on each country Santa Claus visits. It took off with the Web site's 1997 launch, Reddish said.

Now, curious youngsters can follow Santa's path online with a Google two-dimensional map or in 3D using Google Earth, where he can be seen flying through different landscapes in his sleigh.

NORAD officials are hesitant to list all the potential sites Santa will visit with certainty.

"Historically, Santa has loved the Great Wall of China. He loves the (Space) Needle in Seattle. He of course loves the Eiffel Tower," Reddish said. "But his path is completely unpredictable, so we won't know."

Ryder-Platts, 49, who has a 17-year-old son, said taking calls from children helps her keep her Christmas spirit.

"For someone like myself, my son is older, you know it just keeps you in touch with the spirit of Santa Claus," she said. "I miss out on that at home so this keeps me close to Santa. I believe! It keeps me in touch with other believers."

On the Net:

• http://www.noradsanta.org

Lenovo IdeaPad S9 Available in the U.S.

I think that it might be alittle to late though to make any serious cash off this product. Sure it is a great product, but no one is really buying anything right now. They are probably going to have to come down in price before they see any real revenue from the IdeaPad.

It was in August that Lenovo first announced it was entering the netbook PC market with its new IdeaPad S10 and S9 netbooks, although at the time the IdeaPad S9 was not scheduled to come Stateside. It took a few months, but the IdeaPad S9 eventually did make it, as online retailers in the United States are now listing it for purchase.

The Lenovo IdeaPad S9 comes equipped with an Intel Atom N270 processor (1.6 GHz single-core), Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics, 512 MB of DDR2 memory and a 4 GB SLC-based SSD. The LED back-lit display is 8.9-inches in size, has a resolution of 1024 by 600 and includes a 0.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the bevel around the display. The system also comes with a useful OneKey Rescue System button, stereo speakers, 802.11g WiFi, Bluetooth, 10/100 Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports, an ExpressCard slot, media card reader and VGA output.

From the photos, the IdeaPad S9 look like a mini Thinkpad notebook, weighing just 2.43-pounds and measuring no more than 1.1-inches thick. The operating system that is included is Linpus Linux Lite, which should be fine if you plan on using the netbook for just general tasks. There is no mention of which battery is included, so expect only a couple hours of battery life. As for price, the IdeaPad S9 is listed for $344.99 at Geeks.com and for $359.46 at Buy.com.

If you are not too picky about screen size, Lenovo.com is selling the larger IdeaPad S10 for just $349. It features the same Intel Atom N270 processor, 512 MB of DDR2 memory, an 80 GB 5400 RPM HDD, integrated webcam and Windows XP Home. Although the display on the IdeaPad S10 is about an inch larger, it comes with the same screen resolution of 1024 by 600.

Microsoft, Mozilla Release Browser Fixes: Download Patches Here

It's been a week of browser security holes and patches. Here are links to the official patches to fix your Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers.

JR Raphael, PC World

PC World
Wednesday, December 17, 2008; 5:19 PM

Microsoft's Internet Explorer security patch is now available, as is a security update for Mozilla's Firefox browser. Here's a breakdown of what you need and where you can get it.

Microsoft's IE patch, coded KB960714 and part of Security Bulletin MS08-078, is considered a critical update for all Internet Explorer users. It fixes the much-publicized Internet Explorer flaw found last week that can let remote attackers gain access to your passwords and personal information. The fix is recommended for users of IE5, IE6, IE7, and IE8 beta 2.

? Read the official Microsoft Security Bulletin

? Read the detailed description for IT professionals

? Download the IE patch now

Mozilla's security updates come in the form of new Firefox versions: Firefox 3.0.5 for 3x users, and Firefox 2.0.0.19 for 2x users.

The 3.0.5 update fixes a handful of security issues found in the 3.0.4 browser and repairs several stability problems as well. It also adds extra language support, improves the installation process, fixes some accessibility problems, and strengthens the Firefox crash reporter tool.

The 2.0.0.19 update handles only the basic security issues. It is the last planned update for the 2x series of Firefox, and Mozilla is recommending any remaining 2x users upgrade to the 3.0.5 version soon.

? Read the official 2.0.0.19 release notes

? Download the Firefox 2.0.0.19 update now

? Read the official 3.0.5 release notes

? Download the Firefox 3.0.5 update now

Microsoft faces new Xbox 360 reliability accusations

I knew Xbox had a problem when everytime you would touch the console it would scratch your games. I have been lucky enough not to have lost any games. My friend has lost a butt load of them though. He has to always buy the insurance now on them so he is not 50 bucks a pop.

Fix would have cost 50c per machine, suit claims

By Mike Smith

Remember last week's story about Jason Johnson, the Illinois man who sued Microsoft over his Xbox 360's alleged habit of scratching his game DVDs?

Documents unsealed in his court case revealed Microsoft discovered its Xbox 360 could scratch discs before it went on sale in 2005, and even got as far as considering three possible solutions to the problem, the Seattle Tech Report revealed today.

The characteristic circular scratches can occur whenever the orientation of the console -- which is designed to be used in either a horizontal or vertical position -- is changed while the drive is spinning. Johnson filed his suit after his console scratched three store-bought game discs, and is seeking $50,000 in punitive damages.

Testimony obtained from a Microsoft program manager indicates that Microsoft became aware of the problem months before the 360's launch when retail demonstration consoles malfunctioned. The company examined three solutions: strengthening the magnets that hold the discs in place, slowing the rotational speed of the discs, and installing rubber bumpers to cushion the discs, but rejected them all. Installing the bumpers could have cost as little as $0.50 per console, the suit claims.

It's not the first time Microsoft has come under fire for alleged foreknowledge of Xbox 360 hardware issues, either. Back in September, an expose penned by VentureBeat writer Dean Takahashi claimed systemic failures in Microsoft's design and quality assurance processes lead to the Xbox 360's now-infamous overheating "Red Ring of Death" failures.

Burger King Cologne Body Spray: Want To Smell Like A Juicy Burger?

I don't think that I am going to buy Burger King cologne. It reminds me of the Family Guy where Peter got Body spray for sick cats. Why would you want to smell liked cooked dead meat? If you wanted to smell like that then go work in a butchers shop with Paulie. I think it is kind of weird and some people will buy it for the shock value. All though I can see the advantage if you are a chubby chaser. It will be like shooting fish in a barrell now with the burger king cologne.

by Jack Ryan

Have you always wanted to smell like a hot juicy burger from Burger King? Burger King is making that dream come true without you have to rub those burgers on yourself. Burger King is attacking the fashion world with it's new men's body spray

called "Flame".

Now forgive me for thinking this is a bit weird, but I want to meet the people of Burger King who came up with this idea. I suppose it's not too bad considering how many times we smell others and they smell like crap. Maybe they will smell like burgers now, personally if a woman wore this she probably wouldn't be able to get rid of me.

Now if you've ever been jealous of the delicious smelling burgers, now all you need is some ketchup and two buns and your set. Cheese Optional for extra greatness. For just 4 dollars from New York you can start off your day with the smell of delicious burgers.

Pocket a Flip Ultra pocket camcorder for $59.99

This thing is very cool. And more importantly the price is right. It is not much for a camcorder of any type. I bet a lot of private investigators will add this to their arsenal of little devices they use to find cheating wives. I wouldn't be surprised to see something like this in a James Bond Movie soon either. Not the pink one though.

Posted by Rick Broida

Get the fun, friendly Flip Ultra in your choice of colors.

(Credit: Woot.com)

I don't like to go to the Woot well too often, but today's deal is an outright winner (and it let me indulge my love of alliteration). Today only, you can get a recertified Pure Digital Flip Video Ultra F230 pocket camcorder for $59.99, plus $5 for two-day shipping (which just squeaks you in under the Chanukah wire). You even get to pick the color.

In case you're unfamiliar with it, the Flip Video Ultra records VGA-quality video to internal memory, then plugs into your PC via a stowaway USB plug for easy uploading to friends, relatives, YouTube, etc. (Admirably simple built-in software makes this possible.)

The F230 model holds only 30 minutes of video, which is actually fine for the kinds of short-burst clips you're likely to shoot with this thing anyway.

And let's be honest: It's a toy. You wouldn't use this to record, say, a wedding, but it's fantastic for goofing around with friends, sharing cute clips of the kids with faraway relatives, and the like.

Because this is a refurb, it carries a 90-day warranty--but, really, what's to break? The Flip Ultra makes for an awesome stocking stuffer, IMHO, and at $59.99 it's quite a bit cheaper than you'll find it elsewhere. These will sell out before the day is done, I expect. Maybe before lunchtime.

Sirius XM's Lifetime Subscription Discount

May be time for me to buy me sirius. I I have a bunch of their stock, but hopefully they make it through the economic downturn. Then I will be rich rich rich. Not really.

Having trouble with your bottom line? Well, that's true of many companies, and that includes Sirius XM. Hoping to boost their sales during this holiday season, Sirius XM is offering a discount on Sirius Lifetime Subscriptions, for a limited time.

There are two choices in the Sirius XM lifetime subscription promotion:

$100 off the Lifetime Subscription, or $150 off the Lifetime Subscripton + The Best of XM Package, bundled.

It's unclear how long the Sirius XM Lifetime Subscription discount promotion will last. Also, as far as we know, it's only "redeemable" via phone, at (866) 519-7474.

Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio completed their merger in late July. The two had been in limbo for 16 months prior to the narrow FCC approval, of 3-2.

deal hack - Dealhack.com for last minute shopping needs

I am actually very lucky to have got my Christmas shopping done back in November. But for everyone who still needs to do some shopping like my dad then go to DealHack.com.

With Christmas only 10 days away, the deadlines to get gifts and letters into the mail so that they'll arrive in time for the holiday are upon us. The Postal Service anticipates that Dec. 15, will be the busiest mailing day of the year.

Vera Gibbons has reminders about holiday shipping deadlines for the major carriers and the right way to pack your gifts to make sure they arrive in one piece.

Gibbons said for those of us mailing gifts, it's better to mail early to in order to save money. Procrastinating will cost the shipper. If you wait until next week it is prohibitively expensive.

Holiday Shipping Deadlines

U.S. Postal Service
Ground: Dec. 16
Priority mail: Dec. 20
Express mail: Dec. 23

FedEx
Ground: Dec. 17
Two Day: Dec. 22
Overnight: Dec. 23

UPS
Ground: Dec. 15
Three day: Dec. 19
Express: Dec. 22
Next Day air: Dec. 23

Most standard online shipping offers expire on or before Dec. 19. Although quite a few sooner than that. Go to dealhack.com/deadlines for a quick-reference guide to the delivery deadlines of over 150 major online retailers.

Holiday shipping tips

1. Wrap each item separately with two inches of cushioning -- bubble wrap, air pillows, packing peanuts. One biggest mistakes people make: underestimating the amount of packing needed. If you need supplies, a good site to go to is uline.com

2. Avoid old boxes. If a box has been shipped around a lot, it loses its strength/integrity. You want to use a new corrugated box that's designed for shipping and label it inside and out.

3 Use the right tape. No duct tape, no masking tape, no cellophane tape, no string (conveyor belt can snag it). Use professional-grade packing tape, two inches wide. The adhesive on other tapes can break down...

4. All food should be sealed in an airtight container or plastic bag before putting them in gift box and shipping box. Meats, cheeses, fruits, should ship on a Mon, Tues. or Wed., ideally via next day air. Mark them "perishable."

5. It's OK to go to the professionals with odd-shaped boxes. You can try to double box and make sure to blunt corners, wrap edges with foam or cardboard, or you can leave it to the pros -- UPS stores, Fed Ex, Kinkos, DHL authorized shipping centers -- packing experts are there to make sure gifts are properly packed and will arrive on time and in one piece.

SLS Audio QS1000 Home Theater System Developed by Quincy Jones

SLS Audio QS1000 Home Theater System Developed by Quincy Jones

The SLS Audio QS1000 Home Theater System will blow your mind, well the 1200 Peak Watts of power will anyway. The system has been developed by music legend Quincy Jones and SLS, and uses the same proprietary ribbon technology that the professionals do.

The soundstage is razor sharp and dramatically enhances what you play on the system; these include DVD’s and CD’s. The SLS Audio QS1000 Home Theater System features Dolby Pro Logic II and Dolby Pro Logic, DTS and Dolby Digital.

The power output is 1200 watts peak, 875 watts RMS. The front speakers are 125W + 125W, the Center speaker is 125W, the rear speakers are 125W + 125W and the Subwoofer is 100W. The SLS Audio QS1000 Home Theater System is currently the deal of the day over at Woot, and costs just $249.99

Sony finally releases Home

After looking at it for a bit, it does remind me of second life in some ways. It is about time though that Sony catches up with other gaming systems in their quest to be top console. I personally like the Wii better because Overall gameplay with friends and such.

After years of development and promotion, Sony is launching its PlayStation Home service today. Home, as we've described in a previous post, is the much-touted virtual world that will be open to those who have connected their PlayStation 3s to the Internet.

After logging in to Home, players create custom avatars and explore a virtual 3D environment that looks like a pixel-perfect cross between the Metreon shopping center in San Francisco and the boat docks in Sausalito. There are also virtual shopping malls, clubs with themes based on Sony games and theaters to watch game trailers or other video.

Home is Sony's answer to Xbox Live, the online marketplace and player matching service operated by Microsoft for its Xbox 360 game console.

Sony isn't divulging its business plans for Home just yet, saying it wants to see how its PlayStation 3 customers use the service before fleshing out the offerings. What are the possibilities? The Japanese electronics giant has built in the technical ability to sell virtual items, digital music, games and video. For now, the company is starting out small by giving players a virtual place to hang out, go play online games or watch a few game trailers.

Watch this space for updates on how Sony will remodel PlayStation Home.

-- Alex Pham

LG KF900 Prada II SIM Free Release - Prada 2 Phone UK

Posted by susan hargreaves

---

The second edition of the LG prada phone is commonly known simply as the Prada 2 but also by its model name as the KF900, this new device adds new technology and features to the original KE850 model plus a new text input method hidden in its frame.

The original LG Prada was a success for both the design house Prada and the mobile phones manufacturer LG Electronics, many other collaborations were quick to follow their lead including partnerships between Armani with Samsung and Ted Baker with HTC.

The new Prada 2 mobile phone offers a very similar external design to the original model to the point that to an untrained eye you would be forgiven for thinking that there were no difefrences, but on closer inspection from a side view the avid admirer will notice a new line down the side of the handset.

This is because of the inclusion of a full Qwerty keyboard, one of the big bug bears of the KE850 was that the only method of text input was via its large touchscreen, the LG Prada 2 still offers this method however the hidden slide out keyboard makes it far easier and quicker to write text messages and emails.



The unique QWERTY keyboard available only with the new Prada 2 is designed for maximum ease of use. The metallic feel makes it a pleasure to touch and type, complimenting the slick design aesthetic. The silver keyboard along with the additional on-screen, call and hang-up buttons gives fresh tactility to the original minimal concept.

Certified by Schneider-Kreuznach this 5 megapixel mobile phone produces ultra-fine picture quality which includes Image stabilizer whereby users can take steady pictures even when their heart is racing.

The LG Prada II is a quad-band GSM with support for HSDPA 7.2 Mbps, has Bluetooth 2.0 and USB. The extras include microSD card slot for up to 8GB of memory, Wi-Fi, a 3-inch 240x400 touch display and is also capable of recording D1 (720 x 480 pixels) videos at 30 fps (frames per second). The Prada 2 handset by LG is not just for pleasure, this is a luxury design accessory that can also compete on every level with the most technological hand held devices.

Glowing icons on the face of the phone disappear when not in use to reveal a pure, un-adulterated black exterior. It hosts an array of additional multimedia functions, including an MP3 player and a music multitasking function for messaging. It also boasts an external memory slot, allowing the user to increase memory capacity for images, music and film clips.

PRADAs involvement extends beyond exterior aesthetics to the key elements of the user experience such as the advanced touch interface, ring tones, pre-loaded content, mobile phone accessories and an exclusive leather case, inspired by the classic Italian craftsmen tradition.

The advent of a SIM Free release of this new deisgner phone will be music to the ears of many mobile enthusiasts as it means that they will not have to sign up to a lengthy contract deal in orde to own one of these beautiful new handsets.

The LG Prada 2 SIM free phone is unlocked to all network operators which means that consumers can hold onto their existing SIM card and retain their mobile number, account details (pay as you go or pay monthly) and any SIM saved contacts.

Because there are no networks involved in the purchasing of the LG KF900 Prada 2 those wanting to buy this new phone will not have to undergo any network credit checks so even those with a bad credit history are able to own this new piece of technology.

The SIM free LG Prada 2 also opens up the prospect of purchasing for others as there is no need to register the handset at point of sale, it also means that existing phone users can replace a lost or stolen phone without having to incur any extra line rental charges, contract or network tie-ins.

Although this new phone does not offer the highest technology available such as the 8.0 megapixel camera lenses found in recent releases such as the LG Renoir and Samsung Pixon it does offer a real alternative to the mundane one brand devices with its obvious designer elements and sleek styling.

About Phones Limited: A price comparison website for the latest mobile phone deals from over 20 leading UK mobile phones retailers and networks resulting in over 200,000 deals compared daily. http://www.phoneslimited.co.uk/

Parthenogenesis - Virgin Birth

OCEANSIDE, Calif. & EXTON, Pa., Nov 24, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- International Stem Cell Corporation the first company to perfect a method of creating human "parthenogenetic" stem cells from unfertilized eggs, has formed a partnership with Absorption Systems to utilize ISCO's parthenogenetic stem cell-derived human corneal tissue to measure drug disposition, drug safety and drug-drug interactions. The collaboration between the companies is focused on using Absorption Systems' know how in creating in vitro assay systems to develop a superior method of testing drugs that will also reduce the use of laboratory animals currently necessary for such tests.

In the past, researchers have grown corneal cells in the laboratory, but ISCO is believed to be the only company to grow a self-assembling corneal construct suitable for toxicity testing in the laboratory and possibly suitable for corneal transplants. ISCO's corneal constructs include cell layers and structures normally found in a human cornea, as confirmed by an independent third-party laboratory. ISCO's proprietary lines of parthenogenetic stem cells remove the need for fertilized embryos and in a therapeutic setting, minimize the threat of immune rejection. This breakthrough was published in the peer-reviewed journal Cloning & Stem Cells (Volume 9, Number 3; September 2007:432-449 and, Volume 10, Number 1; March 2008:11-24).

"The combination of ISCO's skill in culturing human parthenogenetic stem cells and Absorption Systems' proficiency in performing tissue-based assays may provide a powerful and unique drug testing model for the pharmaceutical industry and the field of ophthalmology," commented Jeffrey Janus, president of ISCO. "In addition, this work complements ISCO's effort to use its parthenogenetic stem cells to create cell transplant therapies for diseases of the eye. We plan to further develop our corneal tissue technology with a goal of routinely growing living human corneas for ultimate use in human corneal transplants."

"ISCO's corneal construct, combined with Absorption Systems' expertise in assessing drug disposition, may provide pharmaceutical and ophthalmology researchers with new insight, without the need for animal models," said Patrick M. Dentinger, president and CEO of Absorption Systems. "Absorption Systems' services yield the type of definitive data expected by the FDA, so we believe that our combined products will be of great interest to researchers studying diseases of the eye."

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO's technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true "Stem Cell Bank" and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website at: www.internationalstemcell.com.

To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.

ABOUT ABSORPTION SYSTEMS:

Founded in 1996 by Patrick Dentinger and Ismael J. Hidalgo, Ph.D., Absorption Systems, LP focuses on performing assays that can predict the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) of small molecules using a variety of in vitro, in situ, and in vivo biological models. Absorption Systems supports these assays with state-of-the-art bioanalytical capabilities and preclinical formulation services. For more information, visit: www.absorption.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: International Stem Cell Corporation

It's Official: Walmart Will Sell iPhones

My wife has an Iphone and she loves it. She will probably be pissed off when she found out that she could have gotten it for 99 dollars at Walmart. Only if she had something called patience. LOL

Walmart on Monday confirmed rumors that the retail chain will sell iPhones.

Employees in the cellphone departments of five California stores said they were training to start selling the device by the end of December, according to Bloomberg.

Gadget blog The Boy Genius Report was the first to leak rumors about Walmart carrying iPhones. The publication also hinted at the possibility of Walmart selling a 4GB iPhone for $99. However, this rumor is appearing unlikely to be true: MacRumors reports it received training and advertising materials for Walmart's iPhone, and there are no indications of a $99 model.

Walmart will become the second mass-market retail chain to carry Apple's phenomenally successful iPhone. In September, electronics retailer Best Buy was the first to do the honors. Getting help selling iPhones from a pair of the largest retail companies will only elevate Apple's domination over the mobile phone industry.

Photo: Sparktography/Flickr

JVC GZ-MG435 Everio 30GB Digital Camcorder with 1.07MP CCD

This looks like a sweet little camera. I don't think I will be getting it, but I already have a camcorder. And it is a JVC too. I like their product line of camcorders myself, but to each their own. I think almost everyone has a decent product on the market now. There is a lot of crap out there too though.

The JVC GZ-MG435 Everio digital camcorder is pretty special and that is down to the price, yes only $299.99, below we will give you some details on features and specs.

The main features includes the likes of 1/6-inch 1.07 Megapixel CCD, Konica Minolta 35x optical Lens and 800x digital, 30GB Internal Hard Disk Drive for up to 37 hours of recording or 7 hours at the best recording quality, Laser Touch Operation, The scroll bar and buttons are touch-sensitive so you just glide your finger up or down the bar to choose menu items while its cool blue light follows your movements, 6 digital noise reduction systems, 2.7” 16:9 Widescreen Clear LCD Monitor, Auto LCD Backlight Control, Auto Illumi, Data Battery, Picture Titles, Quick Restart, USB2.0 High-Speed Transfer, Everio Dock and Direct DVD Button/Direct Backup button with optional SHARE STATION DVD burner or with your PC.

The main specs include: 1.07 Megapixel CCD, 32x Optical Zoom / 800x Digital Zoom, Auto LCD Backlight Control, Memory Card Slot for microSD, Gigabrid Engine, USB 2.0 High-Speed transfer, Remote Control provided, US model for use with NTSC video systems (US standard) and Laser Touch Operation. Personally we like this JVC GZ-MG435 Everio 30GB Digital Camcorder very much. Check out the one day special via woot.com.

Bill Gates presses Obama on stimulus package, foreign aid

I know this sin't about a Gadget, but since he is the founder of majority of them then I thought I would post about it. I thought it was kinda strange that Someone who has nothing to do polictics. I know why he is doing it though. It is because he wants people to have money to buy his products.

(CNN) -- Microsoft founder Bill Gates told CNN on Wednesday that he hopes President-elect Barack Obama and Congress immediately craft a wide-ranging stimulus package, to help jump-start the nation's sputtering economy, and double the United States' commitment to foreign aid.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates spoke exclusively Wednesday with CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

"Clearly we need a stimulus that doesn't undermine the incentive for businesses to be careful about their spending and making those correct investments," Gates told CNN's Wolf Blitzer in an exclusive interview airing on The Situation Room on Wednesday and Thursday.

Gates, one of the world's richest men and founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is also calling on Obama to increase investments in the nation's education system and spur technological advances to improve agriculture, prevent disease, and promote economic growth in the world's poorest nations.

"The key point I'd make is that in addition to that stimulus, you've got to fund the kind of scientific work and educational investments that could really have us be a much better country as we emerge from the recession," he said. Watch Gates discuss economy »

On his Web site, Obama has pledged to double the United States' annual investment in foreign aid to $50 billion by the end of his first term, with the goal of fully funding debt cancellation for poor nations and fighting AIDS and global poverty.

In the interview with CNN, Gates said he thinks Obama will live up to that commitment.

"Obviously it's the Congress that gets to actually vote the final decision for how the money is spent, but I do think he will get to that commitment," Gates said. "I am thrilled to be able to see that people are responding to the success stories. Aid from the United States did go up in the last eight years."

The interview came shortly before the Microsoft founder delivered a wide-ranging speech at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., during which he reiterated his call for a major new stimulus package to spur job growth.

"Spending is the only way we'll ever come out of this downturn, and with businesses, state governments and consumers pulling back, the federal government must step forward," Gates told the crowd.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has distributed more than $17 billion in grant commitments in all 50 states and 100 countries. In his interview with CNN, Gates said he had personally given more than $30 billion to the foundation.

best cyber monday deals

Hopefully everyone can find some deals that weren't there on Black friday and save some big money. I have already done my holiday shopping and I was lucky enough to find some big sales without having to deal with some major traffic issues. I have never done cyber Monday though.

Today is the first Monday following Black Friday and in the online world that means “Cyber Monday”, and today is the official start of the online shopping season before the holidays.

Now just where are the best Cyber Monday 2008 ads and deals? If this is a question you have asked yourself today we want to help you find them. Below we have listed some of the best Cyber Monday ads to help you find the best deal on what you’re shopping for.

First up is GameStop, here you will find some great deals for games systems and these include big discounts on the Nintendo Wii, Sony PS3 and Xbox 360. Portable games systems are not left out with offers for both the DS and PSP.

Circuit City have listed a really cool looking flash ad for Cyber Monday and the rest of the week while stock lasts, you will find big discounts of laptops, HDTV’s and movies.

Just a few moments ago Dell launched their Cyber Monday 2008 ad and it shows some amazing deals with up to 50% off, well worthy of the Cyber Monday label. Dell’s shop covers many products that are from other brands as well as their own, these include digital cameras, laptops, and GPS and Blu-ray players.

Best Buy and Buy.com have massive savings and just about every product imaginable, the bigger the price the larger the discount. You can get hundreds off a new flat screen TV.

Where will you be shopping this Cyber Monday? Let us know and what really cheap deals you find.