Author: Serkadis

Please! Friend! Enjoy a new Hourtime episode before the madness that is the tablet launch.

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Today only, Amazon has lopped $100 off the price of the Klipsch Image X5 noise isolating earbuds, bringing the sale price to $150 with free shipping.

The headphones use “armature” technology, which is apparently also used in high-end hearing aids, and Klipsch promises that the oval-shaped earbuds “provide unequalled comfort” – you get five tip sizes, too.

Also included is a “compact magnetic case, airline adapter and cleaning tool.” Again, the deal’s good today only.

Klipsch Image X5 Noise Isolating Earphones [Amazon.com]

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Sanyo just released it’s latest camcorder in the the long-running XACTI line. This model keeps with the familiar design but features 1080p video recording and 14.4MP stills that can both record to a SDHC/SDXC card or the internal 16GB memory. That’s a lot of camera.

The rest of the camera’s specs are par for the course: 5x optical zoom, digital image stabilization, face detection, stereo speaker, and flash. No word if this model will reach stateside, but Japanese buyers will be able to buy either a black or red one sometime this coming April. [Sanyo via SlashGear]

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Reader Michael Cucek, on his blog Shisaku, offers some commentary on the translation of Japanese Foreign Minister Okada’s letter to SECSTATE Clinton regarding the nuclear umbrella. One key passage involved whether Japanese diplomats did, or did not, tell the Strategic Posture Commission that the Japanese government opposed retirement of the archaic nuclear-armed Tomahawk missile aka TLAM-N.

Okada made clear this was not the position of the government, but seemed to deny the government had ever lobbied for TLAM-N. I wondered in my post if this was a non-denial denial and wished that I could parse the Japanese.

Cucek did just that, noting two very interesting word choices in Japanese that bear on the question of what, precisely, Okada was denying.

Cucek suggests an alternative translation of the passage in question that makes clear Okada is not denying that Mr. Akiba expressed his support for the TLAM or other systems, but that those views were not necessarily those of the government. Here is Cucek’s revised translation of the key paragraph:

Hence, although the discussions were held under the previous Cabinet, it is my understanding that, in the course of exchanges between our countries, including the deliberations of the above mentioned Commission, it was never the case that views were expressed as being those of our government concerning whether or not your government should possess particular [weapons] systems such as TLAM/N and RNEP. If, in some tentative way such a view was expressed, it would clearly be at variance with my views, which are in favor of nuclear disarmament.

I happen to understand, from multiple conversations, that Mr. Akiba most certainly did express the view that this was the official position of the Japanese government. (Indeed, this was the entire reason for the second meeting with Japanese officials.) That, in turn, raises the question of whether Mr. Akiba exceeded his mandate, and should be sacked, or whether he simply moved carelessly between his own personal views and those of his government, which might require a lesser disciplinary action. (I continue to believe, however, that he was just doing his job.) Chances are, the current DPJ government simply wants to put all this to bed and move forward with the current policy.

The real shame here, I should add, is all the time we are wasting on irrelevant and useless nuclear weapons like the TLAM-Ns, which are warehoused for good reason — not least the clobbering problem.

One view that Mr. Akiba did express during the meeting, in his personal capacity, was for high-level consultations between the U.S. and Japan analogous to those conducted within the NATO Nuclear Planning Group, and subordinate High Level Group. I happen to think that is a very good idea and, on balance, considerably more important than haggling over troop levels or particular systems, which inevitably must change over time. The preference for consultation over specific systems as a method of reassurance was an argument that I tried to make at the Carnegie Endowment a while back — only to learn that Sir Michael Howard made the same argument both more eloquently and when I was in grade-school.

Oh well.

I have to be in Tokyo twice in the next three months. I clearly owe someone an Asahi Super Dry for excellence in translation.

Filed under: Software, iPhone

If you’re a RunKeeper iPhone user, you’ll be pleased to learn that the makers of the app and its supporting website have introduced a new service called RunKeeper FitnessReports. Like the normal RunKeeper web service, it uses the iPhone data you collect during your runs that are posted to the site. An optional subscription service, FitnessReports emphasizes what Founder and CEO Jason Jacobs calls “actionable intel.” He told TUAW, “FitnessReports enables you to see how your key metrics are trending over time, spot areas for improvement, and see how your performance compares to others on your RunKeeper Street Team.” In English, that means that you can more intensely analyze exactly how your runs are going.

The new service, which will cost $4.99 a month (or $19.99 for the first year, if you sign up during their introductory special), provides tools that, according to Jacobs, “drive ongoing improvements to your fitness performance,” i.e. help you run and walk better. With its enhanced charting capabilities, you can track how your pace and distance improve over time, compare your calories consumed during workouts, and create analytic reports that estimate how different factors like pace and elevation affect your distance during runs.

Jacobs emphasizes the utility of tracking performance details over time. “It’s the Hawthorne Effect,” he explained over the phone. “You’ve got to measure yourself in order to improve. Plus, RunKeeper adds a sports element to the process making it fun to compete against yourself and the entire application is very social. You can share your profiles and automatically post your runs to Facebook. Last month, we got more inbound traffic from visitors looking at their friends’ shared RunKeeper runs on Facebook than traffic from Google search.”

The new FitnessKeeper service builds on this very human desire to analyze and share performance details by adding new ways to view and use fitness data. RunKeeper [iTunes link], already has a strong, loyal following. TUAW reviewed it positively last November. Although pricey, this new web feature may be exactly the thing the fanatical runner inside you has been looking for to complement the existing iPhone app.

TUAWFitnessKeeper introduces enhanced RunKeeper website originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From NYT:

These days quite a few people are frustrated with President Obama’s failure to challenge conservative ideology. The spending freeze — about which the best thing you can say in its favor is that it’s a transparently cynical PR stunt — has, for many, been the final straw: rhetorically, it’s a complete concession to Reaganism.

But why should we be surprised? Here’s one from the vault. Two years ago, I was deeply frustrated with Obama’s apparent endorsement of the Reagan myth.

Read more at NYT:

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See Also:

• The Spending Freeze: Appalling On Every Level
• Why Obama Is Making A Mistake Of Herbert Hoover Proportions And Will Be A One-Term President
• Barack "Hoover" Obama

Filed under: Etc.

There was only one 1912 Blackiston, and no one knows what became of it. That is perhaps a good thing, since the car is most famous for being a one-of-a-kind, having an engine cover so large you couldn’t see what was in front of it, and murder. The product of George P. Blackiston, more tinkerer than visionary, his leviathan was a tribute to, well, no one knows, really. But it existed, and to the true tinkerer not much else matters. We won’t spoil the it for you – if you enjoy a bit of intrigue with your internal combustion, then click on through to Hemmings for a good story well told.

[Source: Hemmings]

The Curious Case of the 1912 Blackiston originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Japan, Technology, Toyota

We have an announcement to make: the Robot Apocalypse is not on its way. The Robot Apocalypse has officially begun. Toyota is working on a plethora of robots that will assist in caring for the elderly. Home health care is massively expensive and time consuming, and if the task were pawned off on taken over by robots, the “savings,” as they’re being called, would be huge.

Two of the robots in development can do things like play instruments and fetch things. One of the robots is a machine straight out of Aliens: a seat mounted on robotic legs and controlled by a joystick. It would allow the aged to go anywhere that robots can go… which is, really, anywhere. And once Toyota adds arms and battle axes, plus that dung-beetle-derived full-color night vision system, any elderly person able to move a joystick will immediately be the most powerful human alive. So we really might want to think about this…

The robots also have manufacturing uses, aided by Toyota’s research into a wire-operation system to replace hydraulics and “adding limberness and speed to the motion.” Toyota plans to have them working on the moon by 2020. Yes, the moon (from where they will launch their first attack in 2021). First the elderly. Then babies. Then… you. Human.

[Source Toyota via TG Daily]

Cyberdyne Systems Toyota reportedly working on robots to look after the elderly originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

With the unification of Fiat and Chrysler, we’re been expecting major changes in the corporate structure of the two automakers and their various brands. Most recently, Lancia chief executive Olivier Francois was named head of the Chrysler division, leading to reports that the two brands – similarly positioned in the sub-luxury premium segment – will be integrated into one unit. Now similar reports place the Abarth, Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands under common leadership.

Let’s get ready to play musical chairs for a moment… This news comes with the appointment of Harald Wester as CEO of Alfa Romeo. In his new role, Wester replaces Sergio Cravero, who himself was recently promoted from the brand’s communications directorate to serve as a replacement for the departing Luca de Meo who will change to a new role as head of product planning for the entire Fiat Group.

Wester, meanwhile, retains not only his roles as group chief technical officer, but also as CEO of both the Abarth and Maserati brands. As a result, we can expect to see a deeper level of collaboration between these performance-oriented brands within the expanding Fiat empire. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat unites Maserati, Abarth, Alfa Romeo under one CEO

Fiat unites Maserati, Abarth, Alfa Romeo under one CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari initially confirmed the launch date for their 2010 single-seater for January 28, but owed the media and its fans the exact location of that event. Later on, it emerged that none of the accredited F1 photographers were sent an invitation for the launch event, leading many to believe that Ferrari have decided to do a low-profile presentation of their new car.

However, during a media statement issued by the Ferrari official site, it was unveiled that the Scuderia would show its 2010 chal… (read more)

It would appear it’s not all warm and fuzzy in Opel’s kingdom, not even after the German carmaker got a new management and a new survival plan. After earlier today workers at the Opel plant in Antwerp confirmed they will file a lawsuit against the German brand for breaching a contract with workers, Opel unions in Belgium and Germany announced they may go on strike on the same Antwerp issue.

"A strike is the last resort, but management has to realise that we will undertake all manner of i… (read more)

On Wednesday, a Florida judge ruled that sharp-talking talk show host Nancy Grace can be videotaped while answering questions in a wrongful death lawsuit, but lawyers representing Melinda Duckett’s family can’t share the recording with “any third party or disclose any portion of the testimony without the federal magistrate’s permission.”

Nancy Grace and CNN are being sued by the parents of a woman who committed suicide after being badgered during an appearance on the pundit’s program in 2006. Grace had petitioned the court with a motion to bar cameras from taping her scheduled deposition. The Ducketts blame Grace for inflicting emotional distress on the 21-year-old Florida mother after her 2-year-old son Trenton went missing. Grace spoke sharply to Duckett and accused the woman of having a role in her child’s disappearance.

Duckett shot and killed herself the day after the taped interview broadcast and the case went on to inspire a “Ripped From The Headlines” episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

“We’re alleging that Grace caused [Melinda Duckett’s] death and caused emotional distress for her family,” Duckett family attorney Kara Skarupo told ABCNews.com Tuesday. “It’s a hard thing to prove but we think it’s important. They lost a daughter unnecessarily.”

Florida police had already questioned Melinda in her son’s disappearance. Trenton Duckett has never been found.

Yesterday’s CBO announcement of a $1.35 trillion deficit and growing is all the more frustrating in light of health care’s demise.

A fun interactive chart from the Center for Economic and Policy Research lets you compare their estimated budget effect of health care reform — or, hypothetically, a health care system as efficient as others around the world.

With a low cost health care system (blue) the deficit doesn’t look too bad.

If we had as efficient a system as Canada (red), even with 2.5 years extra life expectancy, we would run a budget surplus.

As is, the budget is on track to skyrocket (gold).

(via Simone Baribeau)

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Stop Crying About Massachusetts And Pass Health Care The Hard Way
• If Health Care Reform Dies, Blame The Democrats
• Lower Health Care Costs Discovered In Small Town Oklahoma

West Hollywood officials are taking public comment on a new plan to renovate popular Plummer Park, including building the city’s second dog park, creating more parking spaces and adding a large grass concourse.

After the public comment period ends March 21, the proposal will return to the planning commission and City Council for final approval, according to the WeHo News.

"Additionally, the Plummer Park plan includes developing a subterranean parking structure entering from Santa Monica Boulevard that would provide 69 additional parking spaces on site and provide an additional 33,000 [square feet] of open space within the park.

Everything above ground will get spruced up or replaced, as well, including walking paths, a promenade area, interactive water feature, landscaped garden areas, benches, tables, new playground and new basketball court.

Of intense interest in this dog crazy city, planners have added 5,000 to 6,000 [square feet] of enclosed dog park.

The off-leash dog area would be fitted out with wrought iron fencing, gates, and trash receptacles."

Obama’s first State of the Union is in a few short hours and I was just sitting her wondering if there was anything he could say tonight to make his adversaries happy…or even a little less scared for the future of their country?

He did indeed said one thing recently that made me smile:

“I’d rather be a really good one-term president than a mediocre two-term president,” he told Diane Sawyer of ABC News. (source)

Yeah, I’d rather that too.

Obama was billed as the “Great Uniter” -juxtaposed to Bush being the “Great Divider”…but now just one short year after Obama’s inaugural speech we see him polling with the BIGGEST DIVIDE of any President thus far:

“Gallup: The 65 percentage-point gap between Democrats’ (88%) and Republicans’ (23%) average job approval ratings for Barack Obama is easily the largest for any president in his first year in office, greatly exceeding the prior high of 52 points for Bill Clinton.” (source)

Let’s take a trip back to 8/15/2007 when Obama said: “…in an interview that he has the capacity [Hillary] may lack to unify the country and move it out of what he called “ideological gridlock.” (source)

I’m sure they never imagined that Hope & Change would bring a larger divide than the evil Dubya! I’m sure they’d just say we’re all racist and it has nothing to do with his policies though.

And I think we know what tonight’s strategy will be…what it’s always been: Blame Bush.

“…House Democratic leaders said a report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) showing a $1.35 trillion deficit in 2010 was the result of policies put in place by President George W. Bush and Republicans in Congress, who controlled the House and Senate until the 2006 elections.

“Today’s CBO report is a clear reminder of the Bush and Republican Congress-era policies that have resulted in the loss of millions of jobs, led to the worst recession since the Great Depression, and turned record surpluses under the Clinton Administration into record deficits,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement…” (source)

I guess Barack’s mom never told him that “blame shifting is a sign of immaturity.”

Apple CEO Steve Jobs is expected to announce the debut of the world’s first touch screen computer in a press conference set for later this morning.

Bill Miller's massive fall during the recent crisis hasn't cowed his investment forecasts one bit.

In the latest Legg Mason commentary, he makes the case that consensus GDP and employment forecasts are far, far too conservative.

Companies have been beating earnings forecasts all over the place. Yet even if current 25% corporate profit growth forecasts are correct for 2010, it would suggest a U.S. GDP growth rate of, yes, 7-10% for the U.S according to Mr. Miller.

That's about triple the 2.7% GDP growth rate expected by the market according to Miller. Stocks would obviously melt up.

Now while he refrains from specifically forecasting a single GDP growth rate for the year, admitting that it's hard to really know, clearly he thinks it should be substantially higher than what most people expect.

It's an enormous call. If Mr. Miller can get this right, he'll likely be completely atoned for past failures and regain rock star status. If he gets it wrong by a wide margin (The U.S. economy double-dips and stocks tank), then Mr. Miller's reputation will be down for the count.

Regardless, none can say this man isn't bold:

Bill Miller's January 2010 Commentary: [Emphasis Added] Clearly the consensus has embraced the “new normal” popularized by our friends at PIMCO. (The old normal given the depth and duration of this downtown would be for the real GDP rebound to be 6% or more the first year.) The Fed forecast is 3% for 2010 and 3.95% for 2011. Both of these forecasts are higher than they were in the previous survey, when the Fed was expecting growth of 2.7% while the consensus was at 1.8%.

Corporate profits growth is expected to be 25% in 2010, again a number that has been consistently revised higher, as more than two thirds of companies reporting in the second quarter beat expectations, and over 80% beat in the third quarter. The economic team at ISI reports that the incoming data are consistent with 35% profits growth in the first two quarters of 2010.

We of course don’t know what GDP or profits growth will be in 2010. History and the data, though, support a view that GDP ought to be 7% to 10%, if corporate profits are going to grow 25% to 35%.

The jobs data is likewise consistent with a rosier outlook than consensus, which has unemployment averaging 10% in 2010 (consensus) or 9.5% (Fed). The improvement in the jobs numbers through last week is more consistent with the robust employment growth we saw coming out of the 1982 recession, rather than the more tepid job growth experienced following the 1990 and 2001 recessions, which are the blueprints for the current consensus.

Most forecasts of the fourth quarter’s GDP now average 4%, but then drop back to 2.7% for the first quarter of 2010. Since inventories will still be in the process of being rebuilt (final demand never fell as much as production during the recession, leading to massive inventory liquidation), and the stimulus will still be going strong, and the economy is accelerating off the 2.2% third quarter, the sudden deceleration in the first quarter of 2010 seems more theory driven than data driven at this point.

What about the stock market? It’s clear that economically things are getting better, not worse. In addition to GDP numbers, credit spreads have returned to some semblance of “normal,” and the bond market has seen record refinancings. Yet stocks still sell below where they sold AFTER Lehman failed, when the world was falling apart. Even in the week after Lehman collapsed, the S&P 500 traded as high as 1255, over 10% higher than the market is today.

Find his full commentary here >

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See Also:

• Bill Miller: We Don't Make Investments On Simplistic Marc Faber Theories
• Manhattan Rents Fall Across The Board
• America's Wind Power Bubble -- Massive Growth Yet Bleeding Jobs

Investigators in Virginia say skeletal remains found on a rural farm in the Commonwealth are those of 20-year-old Morgan Harrington, a Virginia Tech student who vanished during a Metallica show in Charlottesville last October.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Tony Teixeira sure means business when it comes to his involvement in Formula One racing. The South African businessman confirmed during a short interview with the Reuters news agency that he is not only trying to purchase a part of Campos Grand Prix team, but wants to do it in a way that it benefits the A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport as well.

A few weeks before the start of the 2009 championship, Teixeira revealed his plans to set up a team that would feed itself from the A1 GP Series (curren… (read more)