Author: Serkadis

Infinity Ward has released a new patch for the PC version of Modern Warfare 2. This one includes fixes for collision detection and some hacks, among other things. Some of the fixes will also be

Dr. H talked with each of the “Biggest Loser” couples to let them know just how serious their health problems were. After his talk with each of them, he gave each a medical task he wanted them to fulfill. Maria and Mike had to “watch a normal weight man simulate their weight.” They didn’t understand the task Dr. H gave them, so they went to find Dr. H to have him explain it to them.

Feeling the burden

As they approached the doctor, they noticed him, Bob and another gentleman standing around a table with weights on it. Dr. H explained that he would place weights on a normal-weight man, so that man would get an idea of what it feels like to carry around Mike’s 303 pounds of hydrated fat. The guinea pig, of course, was Bob.

As Dr. H began putting the weights from the table onto Bob, Bob was shocked at how horrible the added weight felt. Bob asked Mike how he lives like that, and Mike told him he didn’t know any different.

Once all 303 pounds was on Bob, Mike and Dr. H helped Bob stand.

“Ah, my hips are hurting now,” he said. “Ah . . . my God . . . Michael, I don’t know how you’re doing it. I don’t know how you’re carrying all this weight every single day. We’ve gotta get your life back, cause this is not a life to live. This is just a burden.”

Although Mike was embarrassed, he told Bob he was going to get the weight off.

Patti and Stephanie’s task involved watching a video of Dr. H talking with Patti’s daughter and husband (Stephanie’s sister and father). Both Patti and Stephanie held hands and cried as they listed to the doctor tell their loved ones how bad their health really was. Dr. H revealed that Patti’s diabetes was really bad, and he said if Stephanie doesn’t do something now, she’ll have the disease before the age of 36.

Next up was Lance and Melissa. The couple headed outside where Dr. H was waiting to show them the cost of being overweight. Once outside, an armored truck pulled up. Dr. H opened the back door of the truck to reveals tons of cash. Dr. H told Lance and Melissa they were looking at more than $3 million, and he went on to tell Lance and Melissa they were throwing all that money away because of their obesity, which was keeping Lance from being the professional diver he used to be. Like the other “Biggest Loser” couples, Lance and Melissa were ready for a change.

Finally, Cheryl and Daris watched how their old unhealthy diet affected a healthy person, and that healthy person was Jillian. Jillian consumed over 3,000 calories in one setting, which was a meal that Cheryl and Daris use to eat in one day! Jillian didn’t even get halfway through the meal before she threw up and refused to eat any more.

A fine balance

After the “Biggest Loser” couples carried out Dr. H’s medical tasks, they met Alison by the pool. For their challenge, the couples had to keep their balance as they crossed a balance beam that was 3 1/2 inches wide and 40 feet long. Each team would carry 10 beach balls across the beams one by one, and if they fell off the beam into the pool, they had to start back from the beginning.

The first team to get all 10 balls across their beam would win immunity, and the team that finished last would receive a 2-pound penalty at the weigh-in.

The couples began crossing their beams, and Melissa won immunity for her team. Battling it out in the end were John, James, Maria and Mike. Maria knew her team couldn’t get the penalty, so she faced her fear of the water and began to cross the beam.

However, after only a few steps, Maria lost her balance, fell and smacked her face on the concrete! Maria bled as the medical team rushed over and worked quickly to gain control of her nosebleed. Once the ambulance arrived, Mike expressed how he cared more about his mom than the consequence for not finishing the challenge. When Mike insisted on riding to the hospital with his mom, Alison let the other teams know Mike and Maria received the 2-pound penalty for not completing the challenge.

A little while later Maria returned to the “Biggest Loser” ranch with a black eye and fractured finger. She felt really bad that her fear of water caused her and Mike to get the 2-pound penalty. Bob, on the other hand, felt Mike was the reason for them getting the penalty, so he scolded Mike for being there for his mom instead of finishing the challenge. Bob understood why Mike wanted to be there for Maria, but he told Mike they have professionals there for that; he felt Mike should have stuck around to finish the challenge and earn self-esteem for himself.

In an attempt to help Maria overcome her fear of water, Jillian took her to the pool. Despite Maria’s fear and the pouring rain, Maria stepped into the pool with Jillian and allowed Jillian to assist her.

Hard work and results

After Dr. H met with each of the “Biggest Loser” couples to reveal their many health problems, the couples headed to their last chance workout with the mindset to improve their weight. As usual, because Bob and Jillian feared the week two cure — and considering all the couples’ big amounts of weight losses last week one — the trainers put the couples through a brutal last chance workout.

Then the exhausted “Biggest Loser” couples headed to the scales for dreaded week two weigh-in.

• Migdalia lost 4 pounds, and Miggy lost 8 pounds. The green team lost a combined total of 12 pounds (2.52 percent).
• Koli lost 8 pounds, and Sam lost 9 pounds. The gray team lost a combined total of 17 pounds (2.34 percent).
• Cheryl lost 3 pounds, and Daris lost 7 pounds. The orange team lost a combined total of 10 pounds (1.89 percent).
• Andrea lost 5 pounds, and Darrell lost 10 pounds. The black team lost a combined total of 15 pounds (2.25 percent).
• John lost 10 pounds (2.17 percent).
• Lance lost 8 pounds, and Melissa gained 1 pound. With Melissa’s 1-pound gain, the red team’s total percentage of weight loss was 1.25 percent, but because they had immunity, they were safe from elimination.
• Patti lost 4 pounds, and Stephanie lost 3 pounds. The purple team lost a combined total of 7 pounds (1.5 percent).
• Ashley lost 8 pounds, and Sherri lost 5 pounds. The pink team lost a combined total of 13 pounds (2.35 percent).
• Mike lost 11 pounds, and Maria lost 10 pounds. The white team lost a combined total of 21 pounds (2.5 percent).

After the weigh-in, Patti told her fellow competitors that she would be able to continue her journey at home, but she said Stephanie wouldn’t. Therefore, she asked everyone to allow Stephanie to stay on The “Biggest Loser” ranch.

During elimination, the “Biggest Loser” couples honored Patti’s wishes and kept Stephanie. Patti continued her journey at home, as she said she could, and she’s reported a total weight loss of 43 pounds. In addition, a follow-up from Dr. H revealed that Patti’s health has improved a lot.

(By Misti Sandefur for CalorieLab Calorie Counter News)

From the RSS feed of CalorieLab News (REF3076322B7)

Biggest Loser Couples season 9, episode 2: Shedding blood

(This post originally appeared at Yahoo Tech-Ticker)

A big week of bank earnings accelerates midweek with results expected from Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, US Bancorp and Wells Fargo on Wednesday, followed by Goldman Sachs, American Express and Capital One Financial on Thursday.

So what should investors expect? More revenue disappointments, such as those already posted by JP Morgan and Citigroup, according to Chris Whalen of Institutional Risk Analytics.

“Right now the total egg – credit — is shrinking,” Whalen says. “The bank side is not a source of growth. Can you pull it out on the capital market side? Maybe, but I’m not sure where that comes from” given many of the big banks have loaded up on low-risk securities in the aftermath of 2008’s bloodbath.

Speaking of “bloodbaths”, I asked Whalen if he’s sticking by the gruesome forecast he made here back in October. The answer is “yes”, albeit with some caveats.

“Loss rates for the industry will be very high,” Whalen says, forecasting record charge-off rates, higher loan loss reserves and a lot of “minus signs” for banks’ bottom lines.

Still, the Fed’s program of buying toxic securities means “everyone gets a pass on market-to-market,” with the biggest banks getting a disproportionate benefit, he says.

Editor’s note: Click here for Whalen’s analysis of Citigroup’s results and check the accompanying video to get Whalen’s take on:

• Why US Bancorp is his favorite big bank. (Whalen doesn’t own or short individual bank stocks; IRA doesn’t do investment banking.)
• Whether Morgan is a better trade right now vs. Goldman Sachs, as many have proposed.
• The outlook for new CEOs at Morgan Stanley (James Gorman) and Bank of America (Brian Moynihan).

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Whalen: Person Of The Year, My Foot! Bernanke Has Made A "Pig’s Breakfast" Of This Whole Thing
• Christopher Whalen: Citi Still Queen Of The Zombie Dance Party
• Whalen: Nationalization Of Citi and BOFA "Inevitable"

The wait might’ve been too long for those who’ve kept eyes and ears out for the Western release of Yakuza 3, but yes, it’s on its way and it’s joining the fray of big titles coming out

Now that FoMoCo has finally decided to beef up the Mustang GT, we’re wondering if you would buy the new pony from Ford over the Camaro SS given that you’re in the market (or fantasy market) for a new muscle car.

Just as a quick comparison, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS is powered by a 6.2L V8 making 426-hp with a peak torque of 420 lb-ft and comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. Prices start at $30,945.

The 2011 Ford Mustang GT is powered by a new 5.0L V8 making 412-hp with a maximum torque of 390 lb-ft. It is mated to a 6-speed manual as standard. According to leaked pricing from yesterday, the 2011 Mustang GT will start at $29,645.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

– By: Omar Rana

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Technology, Toyota

Toyota cars are being equipped with brake override systems, that’s a fact. The reason behind it isn’t the recent and as-yet-unsolved runaway car issues that have plagued the automaker. At least that’s what Toyota says; the company maintains that the change was already under development. While other companies have seemingly figured out brake override, Toyota has been busy perfecting its own setup. All of this is according to what Toyota’s quality general manager, Hiroyuki Yokoyama, tells Automotive News.

In the interview, Yokoyama admits that part of Toyota’s recent quality problems stem in part from from the automaker’s rapid growth as it overtook General Motors as the world’s biggest-selling automaker. More to the point, Toyota’s increase in production numbers and proliferation of model lines made quality harder to bake-in to every product. The competition has also improved in quality, closing the gap between Toyota and its rivals. Yokoyama also challenges the accusation that there are underlying problems with Toyota’s electronic throttle systems, citing the number of sensors and failsafes already designed into the system. Nevertheless, Toyota is looking at its pushbutton start/stop, admits Yokoyama. To shut the engine down, the button must be depressed for three seconds, a safety feature to prevent accidental shut-offs, but perhaps that’s longer than might be intuitive in an emergency.

Regardless of the reason for Toyota’s plan to equip all new models with a brake override system – be it due diligence, face saving or thinly-veiled panic – the immediate priority is to avert any further reputation hits and fix whatever they find.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req. | Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]

Report: Toyota claims it’s not fitting throttle overrides because of sudden acceleration scandal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Published Jan. 16, 2010
By John Trumbo, Tri-City Herald staff writer

KENNEWICK — Nearly 400 people came to the Three Rivers Convention Center on Friday to celebrate the successes in promoting equality and diversity in commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

But they left with a different feeling: knowing that the struggle must continue.

“Civil rights means nothing without civil engagement and responsibility. It is the hard work we have to do in society to ensure there is equality,” said Kimberly Camp, chief executive officer for the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center.

Camp was one of six panelists who shared their views about Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is being observed Monday.

“To me, it’s a day to stand up for others,” said Paul Strand, an associate professor of psychology at Washington State University Tri-Cities, who was moderator.

“It’s about love, truth and equality and the right for everyone to have equality under the law,” said Martin Valadez, Columbia Basin College vice president for diversity and outreach.

The third annual community conversation was sponsored by WSU Tri-Cities Multicultural Club with support from the African American Community Cultural and Education Society, the Engineering Club, Business Club, Northwest Collegiate Ministries and Associated Students of WSU Tri-Cities.

As a panelist, Kennewick Police Chief Ken Hohenberg said he appreciates the progress the nation and the community have made in fostering equality and diversity, but there is “a long ways to go.”

He said there are effective ways to help young minorities not end up in the criminal justice system, but it requires community service and citizen volunteers who will intervene to make a difference in the youths’ lives.

Mark Nathan Lee, a panelist who is director of the Vista Youth Center in Kennewick which works with youth on lesbian, gay and bisexual topics, said more needs to be done to achieve acceptance on sexual diversity too.

“I meet youth who feel unsafe in their schools. We need a safe space at our schools with an advocate who they can talk to, independent of the school system,” Lee said.

Panelist Norma Rodriguez, an attorney in Kennewick, said her family struggled but worked hard to attain the dream.

“Martin Luther King Jr. provided opportunities to help us fulfill our potentials and reach goals. My parents were migrants. They had dreams they couldn’t fulfill, but their children did,” she said. “We all have to do our own part.”

The event included a buffet dinner and live music afterward.

There also were awards recognizing individuals for their efforts in promoting diversity and equality in the past year at WSU Tri-Cities. They included university teachers Dee Posey, Robert Bauman, Stephanie Bauman, Susan Pramschufer, and Rachael Tengbom, who founded Voices of Hope to help Maasai women in Kenya.

Also honored were Harvey Gover, adviser to the university’s Multicultural Club, and representatives of the African American Community Cultural and Education Society.

Additional news stories can be accessed online at the Tri-City Herald.

Published Jan. 18, 2010
By the Tri-City Herald Editorial Board

From interracial friendships and integrated schools and neighborhoods to the present occupants of the White House, this country is far, far better off today than it was April 4, 1968.

That was the day, of course, when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on the balcony of Room 306 at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn.

Dr. King is widely regarded as the best orator of his time, perhaps in American history.

But his oratory was in second place to his heart. He was an earnest believer in his faith, in volunteerism and in the rights of man.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a national holiday in 1986.

Today at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, there will be the annual bell ringing at the King statue on campus, plus the awarding of the Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award, as has become a tradition.

Unlike Presidents Day and some other holidays, most people need no reminding what this day is about. It’s not just another day off from work but a day to remember a great leader for America and, incidentally, the youngest person, at 35, ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

King had traveled to Memphis and arrived late to give one of the addresses for which he was in constant demand.

His plane was delayed by a bomb threat.

When he arrived, he gave what was to be his last speech.

It was, of course, the speech that became even more famous as his “Mountaintop” speech.

We reprint part of it here that addressed the spirit that had brought about the bomb threat:

“And then I got to Memphis,” he concluded after mentioning the delay.

“And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead.

“But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will.

“And he’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

Accolades continued to be showered on King after his death.

His principles of peaceful protest continued to be challenged for awhile by white supremacists here and there.

But we have now reached a point that is a long way short of perfection, but it is so much better than the day he was taken from us.

He made as big a difference in this country as any man since Abraham Lincoln.

And remember that King, unlike Lincoln, did not have an army at his back.

Additional news stories can be accessed online at the Tri-City Herald.

Published Jan. 17, 2010
By Drew Foster, Tri-City Herald staff writer

Upon receiving the news he’d been named 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award winner, Herald Publisher Rufus Friday said he realized how President Obama must have felt when told he won the Nobel Peace Prize.

“Are you sure?” Friday said he told the caller on the other end of the line. “There’s so much more to be done.”

Friday will receive the 21st installment of the award during a noon bell-ringing ceremony Monday at Columbia Basin College in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

CBC President Rich Cummins said Friday’s community involvement and ability to foster discussion through the Herald’s editorial board led to his selection.

“I think he has vision, I think he’s a courageous man,” Cummins said of Friday.

Friday, 48, credited his parents for his success. His mother and father, who each had a middle school-level education and raised him in a 12-person house — two parents, nine children and a blind uncle — considered education to be the great equalizer.

“It comes back to what my parents taught me,” Friday said, “and that is wherever you go, make a positive difference in someone’s life.”

Friday, who became the Herald’s publisher in 2005, sits on numerous boards, including United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties, the Washington State University Tri-Cities Advisory Council and the Tri-City Development Council executive committee.

He’s also co-chairman of a group raising money for the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center.

“I look back at what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream was, and it was all about making positive social change in your community and country,” Friday said.

He believes much of King’s dream — social change, equality, respect — has been realized. Still, he said there’s work to be done.

“We can’t forget where we came from, but we have to celebrate the accomplishments we’ve made,” he said.

Friday both remembers where he came from — Gastonia, N.C. — and relishes his accomplishments, which he said pale in comparison to previous award winners.

Still, he said the recognition is the result of his upbringing and praised his parents’ sacrifices, work ethic, optimism and constant support.

Friday said he looks forward to continuing his work in the community and at the newspaper.

Additional news stories can be accessed online at the Tri-City Herald.

Stan Shih, founder of Acer, has made a bold prediction with a cowardly timeline: that US computer brands aren’t competitive enough to stick it out another 20 years. That’d work out just great for, let’s see… oh, right, Stan Shih!

Shih’s claim is that US manufacturers are incapable of putting lower priced products on the market, and so will die off like so much chaff. BUT: while companies like Lenovo and Acer have made strides recently, in the PC market there’s still high demand for top-tier products, and Dell and HP are still huge—and hugely popular—companies.

The bigger problem, of course, is that in twenty years anything can happen. Maybe we won’t be using laptops at all by then. Maybe we’ll do all our computing from the Google chips implanted in our brains. So before Stan Shih gets too excited about 2030, maybe he should focus first on making laptops that don’t melt in 2010. [PhysOrg]

The newest addition to the Sony α family of DSLR cameras teams flawless imaging with generous creative options. Powerful yet brilliantly easy to use, the DSLR-A450 (available early next month) is a perfect all-rounder when you’re ready to take your passion for great pictures to a more advanced level. Ideal for active shooters moving up to their next DSLR, it’s at home in any shooting situation, from relaxed portraits to fast-moving sports action. However, but looks to be an European only release and will not come to the USA as confirmed by a Sony rep at CES 2010.

Inside the α450 is a high-resolution 14.2 (approx.) effective megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor. It’s teamed with the powerful BIONZ processor to deliver highly detailed, ultra-low noise images. Sensitivity extends right up to ISO 12800, allowing you to capture beautifully natural handheld images in low light without flash. With a generous 95% field of view, the bright optical viewfinder makes framing and composition a pleasure. As an extra refinement, Manual Focus Check Live View previews clear, bright full-resolution images on the 6.7cm (2.7”) Clear Photo LCD screen. With selectable 7x/14x on-screen image enlargement it’s ideal for confirming pin-sharp focus with portraits, still life, macro and architectural scenes.

The powerful BIONZ image processor enables high-speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps (maximum – approx. figure). In Speed Priority mode (with AF and AE set at start of burst) this increases to an amazing 7 fps (maximum – actual speed depends on shooting conditions and media card). It’s more than enough to catch sports and fast-moving action with ease.

Creative options are enhanced with Auto HDR mode that accommodates bright highlights and dark shadow details in a single frame. Two successive frames shot handheld at different exposure values are merged automatically by the camera. The result is a detail-packed High Dynamic Range image – with no need for a PC image editor and specialists skills. In addition to fully automatic operation, the exposure difference between frames can be manually set up to 3EV, in 0.5EV increments.

Featured right across the DSLR line-up by Sony, SteadyShot INSIDE offers up to 4 steps of anti-shake correction with the full range of 30 α lenses and two teleconvertors, as well as compatible A-mount optics by Konica-Minolta.

The α450 also offers the most impressive shooting stamina of any DSLR camera by Sony to date. The high-capacity battery allows up to 1,050 shots between charges* – plenty for a busy weekend’s sightseeing.

Slots for Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC memory cards (sold separately) are offered to suit users’ personal shooting preferences.

Connect the α450 to any HD Ready TV for a breathtaking big-screen view of your photos. PhotoTV HD optimises still image reproduction on compatible BRAVIA™ models, while BRAVIA™ Sync allows control of slideshow and other camera playback functions using your TV remote. Supplied software includes Image Data Converter SR; Image Data Lightbox SR; and PMB (Picture Motion Browser) for easy image management. The α450 is also compatible with the wide range of high-quality DSLR accessories by Sony, including flashes, carry cases, batteries and chargers, GPS and more.

The death of Senator Ted Kennedy in August may have disrupted American politics, but some are hoping to capitalise on it. One such person is Ken Takusagawa, who is running as an independent write-in candidate, with a Free Culture Platform

There are worries in the American media today that the Democratic party will lose the seat it’s had for decades in Massachusetts. The seat, held by Ted Kennedy from 1962-2009 and by his older brother John (yes, THAT John Kennedy) from 1953-1960 (when he became president) is now up for election, and the Republicans are looking to take it. There are a number of challengers though, and one of them is Ken Takusagawa who is running of the platform of the book “Free Culture”

American politics is complex, and money-based. A successful senate campaign can easily cost $10 Million. It’s out of reach of many, and even getting a state party established in the US is hard – just ask the US Pirate Party. Thus, many people will resort to cheap ‘grass-roots’ independent campaigns, using the write-in method. This method may be cheap, but also means that people have to know about you to vote for you, you’re not printed on the ballot.

Takusagawa is reticent to do interviews, stating on his website

I will not do media interviews. I am not the eloquent one. I am not politically “savvy”. This campaign is possible only because someone else has clearly written down what I believe in (and Lessig himself is, as of 2008, unwilling to run for Congress).

He also will not accept private communications, preferring public comments which can be responded to likewise, in the interests of government transparency. However, he doesn’t expect to win, but just to draw attention to the problems.

If you are in Massachusetts, and want to vote for Mr Takusagawa today, then the following should be written in the appropriate section fo the ballot.

Name: Ken Takusagawa
Address: 274 Cambridge St. #3, Boston, MA

We’ll update you on how he does.

Article from: FreakBits

El retraso con el que Windows Mobile 7 está llegando al mercado podría convertir a Microsoft en el primero en caer en la carrera hacia la concentración de plataformas móviles. Si bien había voces que apuntaban a “gran anuncio” en el Mobile World Congress, las últimas informaciones apuntaban a 2011 como fecha de lanzamiento, un retraso terrible si pensamos que hace dos años que se viene hablando del sustituto actual de Windows Mobile 6

El mayor problema de Microsoft con Windows Mobile 7 no es arreglar un sistema que a día de hoy ofrece una experiencia de usuario por debajo de los estándares del mercado (se salvan algunos últimos lanzamientos como el HTC H2), en ese aspecto es posible que las funcionalidades rumoreadas lo conviertan en una alternativa aceptable, el mayor problema es “arreglar su modelo”. Windows Mobile ve como la irrupción de Android no es sólo un desafío técnico, supone además un sistema por el que los fabricantes no tienen que pagar licencia y además ganan dinero por comisión en las búsquedas de los usuarios (abovethecrowd tiene un excelente artículo sobre esta estrategia). En el otro lado tenemos los sistemas controlados por fabricante, con RIM, Apple y – hasta cierto punto – Nokia, que en global crecen en el mercado y no optan a utilizar WinMo.

Siendo así, Microsoft no sólo lo tiene complicado para que 2010 sea un nuevo año de bajada en el mercado de Windows Mobile, tiene complicado que su modelo de cobro por licencia se mantenga directamente mucho más tiempo… y a día de hoy les veo más cerca de intentar crear su propio terminal (a lo iPhone, controlando hardware + software) que redefiniendo el negocio de Windows.

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

Yesterday, word came in that the 2011 Ford Mustang GT would be the official pace car for the 2010 Daytona 500. It’s the first time that Ford’s pony car will perform the field pacing duties for ” The Great American Race” and the first time in 40 years for a Blue Oval product.

While we initially reported that just one Mustang pace car would be built, Ford announced today that they will produce a limited run of just 50 cars to be sold to the public. Each will feature a Daytona 500 paint scheme, specially painted wheels, a unique interior, and several parts from the Ford Racing catalog including the suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers. For those interested in the real thing, Ford will be auctioning off the actual pace car at Barrett-Jackson later this week. As has become custom, all proceeds of the sale above the car’s MSRP will be donated to charity. In this case, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will benefit from the generous bidders. Hit the jump for the press release or check out the new high-res photos in the gallery below.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford to produce limited run of Daytona 500 Mustang pace cars

Ford to produce limited run of Daytona 500 Mustang pace cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Volkswagen, South America

When we joined Volkswagen on its first run in the Baja 500 back in 2008, the diesel-powered Race Touareg 2 suffered two lengthy breakdowns before the first hundred miles had passed. Just a few months, later VW’s diesel runner was taking the top two spots in the Dakar Rally. Not content with having to share the podium with Robby Gordon, VW went ahead and took the top three spots in this year’s Dakar.

Two-time World Rally Championship winner Carlos Sainz can now add a Dakar trophy to his cabinet. Avoiding the kind of mistakes that took him out of the race last year on the 12th stage, Sainz held on to win by just two minutes and 12 seconds over VW driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, even though Al-Attiyah won twice as many stages. Mark Miller, last year’s winner, was in the third VW, 32 minutes behind Al-Attiyah.

You can read the presser on VW’s win-win-win after the jump, and check out the action in the gallery of high-res photos below. On a side note, VW Group diesels have now won Le Mans (Audi, Bentley), the Dakar Rally, and the World Touring Car Championship (Seat). Maybe now’s a good time to reconsider whether we really want them in NASCAR or F1…

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Carlos Sainz victorious as Volkswagen fills the podium at Dakar

Carlos Sainz victorious as Volkswagen fills the podium at Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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By Eric Savitz, Blogger and Columnist, Barron’s, Tech Trader Daily

Merriman Curhan Ford analyst Eric Wold this morning downgraded IMAX (IMAX) shares to Sell from Neutral, asserting that investors hopes for the 3D movie market may have gotten out of hand.

“Current valuation on 2010 estimates of 4.7x revenue, 12.5x EBITDA and 30.7x EPS reflect investor optimism that the box office success of Avatar will be replicated with 3D releases in 2010 and beyond,” he writes in a research note.

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Google has long claimed that the server log data it collects is a critical driver of innovation. And though it’s tweaked its treatment of that data and the length of time it stores it over the years to appease privacy advocates, it continues to collect IP addresses — though it anonymizes them after 9 months (it used to do so only after 18-24 months).

But may soon change. And not because of any initiative on Google’s (GOOG) part, but because of one of Microsoft’s (MSFT).

Responding to Article 29 Working Party guidelines for protecting users’ personal data online, Microsoft this morning said its new search engine Bing will purge all the data it collects on users after six months. Not anonymize, purge.

“Today we sent a letter to the Article 29 Working Party notifying them of our intention to make a change to Bing’s data retention policy,” Bing Privacy Manager Reese Solberg wrote in a post to the Bing blog. “Specifically, we are reducing the amount of time we store IP addresses from searchers to 6 months.  Currently we keep that information for 18 months before we delete it.  Generally, when Bing receives search data we do a few things: first, we take steps to separate your account information (such as email or phone number) from other information (what the query was, for example). Then, after 18 months we take the additional step of deleting the IP address and any other cross session IDs associated with the query. Under the new policy, we will continue to take all the steps we applied previously – but now we will remove the IP address completely at 6 months, instead of 18 months.”

Microsoft’s move leaves Google in an uncomfortable position of being far less a friend to privacy than Microsoft. And hard as the company might argue in favor of storing user data, it will likely have to match Microsoft’s position. Difficult to claim that server log data is “a crucial arm in the battle to protect the security of our services against hacks and fraud,” when a prominent rival is essentially claiming exactly the opposite.

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