I tell my alarm clock to shut up constantly, but—unlike the Moshi alarm clock radio—it never listens and I have to fondle it in order to get a few moments of blissful silence. Well, no more of that. More »
Alarm clock – Shopping – Home and Garden – Clocks – Accessories
Inside BlackBerry, The Official BlackBerry Blog, announced the release of the updated version of Twitter for BlackBerry. Currently it is available in the BlackBerry App World in the test center as well. I had to download it and show some pictures as well as share some in depth explanation of the features and share some short cuts. Check it out…
I have to admit, I’m already loving the speed of the Twitter for BlackBerry app, I haven’t experienced the slight freezing, and the new features are really nice!
The quote tweet option is nice as you can actually place “quotes” in too now. The username auto-complete has been asked for by many tweeters. I also like the fact you can set it to warn you about personal information about to be posted. YFrog and TweetPhoto are also supported now.
I do like the ability to use your BlackBerry smartphone’s system fonts or the fonts you can choose from within Twitter for BlackBerry. It makes it more customizable. You also now have the ability to see a geotagged tweet with BlackBerry Maps. I did notice that when you tweeting, if you use more than the characters allowed for a tweet, you can’t click on the send button.
But for the new features, it’s worth checking out. If you tried it and didn’t like it before, you really should give it another shot. If you have Twitter for BlackBerry, you should be able to check for updates through the app itself.
For a closer definition of the new features, head on over to the Inside BlackBerry here
Here are a few shortcuts from the Official BlackBerry Blog that you can use for your benefit with Twitter for BlackBerry:
If you tried it or have it, let us know what you think of the newly updated version.
[via: Inside BlackBerry]
You’re reading a story which originated at BlackBerrySync.com, Where you find BlackBerry News You Can Sync With…
This story is sponsored by the new BlackBerry Sync Mobile App Store. Grab your free copy today at www.GetAppStore.com from your BlackBerry.
Twitter For BlackBerry v1.0.0.40, A Closer View
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If you eat strawberries, chances are they are grown in either California or Florida. California is considering the use of methyl iodide on strawberry fields. Credo explains:
California is on the verge of approving a potent carcinogenic gas for use on strawberry fields and other food crops. The chemical — methyl iodide — is so toxic that scientists in labs use only small amounts with special protective equipment, yet agricultural applications mean it could be released directly into the air and water…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved methyl iodide for agricultural use in 2007, amid criticism from more than 50 prominent scientists that the process was hidden from public view and the research focus was too limited. California followed with its own review. Even though a report from an independent panel of scientists in the California study declared that “methyl iodide is a highly toxic chemical and we expect that any anticipated scenario for the agricultural or structural fumigation use of this agent would result in exposures to a large number of the public and thus would have a significant adverse impact on public health,” the Department of Pesticide Regulation nonetheless proposed that the chemical be approved.
One more reason to support organic farmers or grow your own!
The captivating Cadillac enthusiasts have been waiting for, the 2011 CTS coupe, will start at $38,990 when it goes on sale in August. The coupe will be joined by a high-performance V-series version, which starts at $62,990. Prices include destination charges.
Pricing was announced on Thursday afternoon, and it is one of the final mile markers as the athletic two-door downshifts toward production.
The car was first shown as a concept at the 2008 Detroit auto show, where AutoWeek gave it our Best Concept Editors’ Choice Award.
The coupe draws power from General Motors’ 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 making 304 hp, and it can be paired with six-speed automatic or manual transmissions. It comes in two suspension levels: Performance wears 18-inch wheels and all-season tires; summer performance is shod in 19-inchers and, as the name implies, summer tires.
The fire-breathing V-series pumps out 556 hp from a 6.2-liter supercharged V8. It also gets magnetic ride control, Brembo brakes and 19-inch wheels with performance tires.
Cadillac
The 2011 Cadillac CTS coupe will start at $38,990.
Cadillac execs have long pointed to the CTS-V coupe as one of the halos–if not the halo–for the brand–and its arrival means the brand’s revival is close to complete. The coupe is the latest evolution of the CTS, which has been a bit of a subbrand for Cadillac since it launched. The edgier styling marked a departure from traditional designs at the time, and it helped spur new momentum for Cadillac. A CTS SportWagon has also joined the line.
Clay Dean, head of GM’s design studio, told AW that the design is a separating factor in modern luxury, and he pointed to the CTS line as evidence.
“It’s important–it’s almost the price of entry,” he said.
More pricing details:
– All-wheel drive bumps the price to $40,890.
– The performance collection is $43,430 for RWD and $45,330 for AWD. This trim level adds xenon headlamps, adaptive forward lighting, 10-way power leather seats, Bose 5.1 surround sound, USB integration and a 40-gig hard drive.
– The premium collection is $47,835 for RWD and $49,735 for AWD. This version has interior ambient lighting, a rearview camera, heated/vented front seats, a heated steering wheel, wood trim, Bose 5.1 surround sound with navigation and a sunroof.
For more
One of the world’s largest social-networking services, Facebook Inc. was banned in the country of Pakistan because of its plan in inviting users to post images of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad. This raged the muslims leading to Pakistan’s government ordering every internet service providers to block Facebook.
Some countries had already banned Facebook last year like China due to political and economic issue and now, Pakistan is prohibiting its access in the country because of religion. We all know that some countries are sensitive when it comes to their religion and Facebook should understand this.
How did this started? The “Draw Mohammed Day” was set up by a Facebook user on the site, inviting other members to join and draw caricatures of the Muslim prophet. Many Pakistani saw this and were annoyed, thus they protested about this issue. About 2,000 female students rallied in the southern city of Karachi with several dozen of male students. The males were holding signs urging Islamic holy war against those who swear words against the prophet. The people in Pakistan had protested against many issues regarding Muhammad, like in the TV series “South Park” that depicted Muhammad in the bear suit during an episode earlier this year. Another issue was the Danish news paper in 2005 that published a series of cartoons of the prophet. This angered the Muslims around the world and even death threats were sent to the cartoonists. An alleged al-Qaida militant, Abdullah Azam Saleh al-Qahtani, who is in custody of Iraq said that he talked to his friends about attacking Danish and Dutch teams in the World Cup in south Africa next month.
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Sarah listens, you should too!
That’s right! Tomorrow night at 7PM Pacific/10PM Eastern we will be recapping all of the Android news from Google IO 2010! You will definitely want to tune in live to the podcast as we’ll have some new voices on the panel and we’ll be taking your live calls!
Tomorrows panel will consist of AndroidGuys Ray Walters and Chuck Falzone, as well as Canadian blogger and Android Developer, Puleen Patel!
Critical Info:
Call in number: (347) 637-2112
Chatroom/Listen URL: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/androidguys/2010/05/21/android-guys-thursday-nights
Taking a page from its SEMA playbook, Ford is rolling out a top-of-the-line, semi-blinged-out people hauler for 2011, the Flex Titanium.
It’s dressed up for a night on the town, or a trip to soccer practice, and was devised by Ford product gurus who noticed most Flex customers tend to take high levels of content in their vehicles.
The Flex Titanium has a unique black chrome-finish grille with Flex badging on the edge of the hood–a cue straight from SEMA models in 2008 and 2009. There is a tuxedo-black two-tone roof, blacked-out treatments for the headlamps and tail lamps, and four choices of exterior colors.
The Titanium also has beltline moldings, fog-lamp bezels and a liftgate that’s black chrome. It rides on 20-inch, 10-spoke polished aluminum wheels. Inside is charcoal-black leather and gray suede Alcantara inserts. HD radio and one-touch, power-folding third-row seats are among the electronic goodies.
The Titanium is based off the Limited model, which accounts for 40 percent of Flex sales. Customers also tend to add on even more extras, such as the vista roof and refrigerator options.
“With the Flex Titanium, we are responding to our customers with a vehicle that reflects the unique positioning of Flex in the marketplace,” Flex marketing manager Kate Pearce said in a statement.
For more
In two to three years, Great Wall Motor Co. will be expanding into other west European markets, according to a senior executive who asked not to be identified.
Great Wall, a Chinese automaker, has already started sales of its Hover SUVs in Italy. Very recently, Australia safety authority ANCAP gave its Hover X240 SUV a four-star rating out of five in a crash test it conducted — the highest ever global recognition for a China-made model. In an interview with Reuters, the executive said that the company is in discussions with likely partners such as Germany, France, Britain and Spain. The source added that Great Wall aims to have separate dealers for the countries but that there will be one dealer each for northern, central and eastern Europe. Great Wall entered the Australian market in June 2009 and for this year, intends to more than double its sales to 7,000 to 8,000 units. Meanwhile, sales in Italy are seen to rise to about 6,000 units from 2,700 units a year earlier. Like many Chinese automakers, Great Wall wants to follow in the worldwide success of companies such as Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., and Hyundai Motor Co.
[via autonews – sub. required]
Source: Car news, Car reviews, Spy shots
State Governors aren’t usually the source of breaking automobile news, but California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger just let a major cat out of the bag. In a speech made earlier on Thursday, Schwarzenegger announced that Toyota is partnering with California’s Tesla Motors to produce the company’s Model S sedan – to be assembled at the former Toyota-General Motors NUMMI joint venture assembly plant.
Tesla has apparently canned plans to build its Model S in Downey, California, which has irked local officials.
“We’re shocked, appalled and disgusted,” said Downey Councilman Mario Guerra in an interview with the San Jose Mercury News. “We have been dealing in good faith with Tesla and feel stabbed in the back.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk told Downey officials of the plan just hours before Schwarzenegger made his announcement this evening in Fremont.
Plant gets new life
Tesla purchased the NUMMI facility for an undisclosed amount and the company says it will look to hire about 1,000 workers to assemble the Model S. Curiously, NUMMI will continue to control the parking lot and an adjacent parcel, although it won’t have any say in the plant.
Previously, the NUMMI plant was operated as a joint venture between Toyota and GM until the Detroit automaker abruptly pulled out its stake last year. The last Toyota to be built at the plant rolled off the line last month.
Musk, Toyoda work out deal
Musk and Toyota chief Akio Toyoda said that they worked together on the deal, which will see a $50 million investment in Tesla from the Japanese automaker, according to Schwarzenegger.
“We look forward to learning and benefiting from Toyota’s legendary engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise,” Musk told the Los Angeles Times.
It’s unclear exactly what Toyota will get out of the deal – although a Toyota-badged version of the Model S seems possible.
References
1. ‘Toyota, Tesla…’ view
2. ‘Tesla to build…’ view
3. ‘Tesla to build…’ view
Source: Leftlane
We’re now hearing more word about the supposed movie adaptation of the game thriller, Heavy Rain. Back in February, it was buzzed that New Line had optioned rights for the movie version. Now, it appears that the
While General Motors’ four remaining North American brands have shown significant signs of improvement over the last several months, the Detroit automaker’s German Opel division continues to struggle. GM has been attempting to secure government financing to keep Opel alive, but a top German official has spoken out against aid to the automaker.
The debate about government aid to help Opel with its restructuring efforts has been raging in Germany for months, with Michael Fuchs, the head of Germany’s Christian Democrat party, speaking out against the measure earlier this week.
“The discussion … about financial aid for Opel must be ended once and for all,” Fuchs said. Fuchs argues that GM’s first quarter profit of $900 million is proof that the company doesn’t need government aid to save its ailing Opel division.
This isn’t the first time Fuchs has spoken out against federal aid to Opel. Fuchs previously opposed German aid to Opel as he believed at least part of the funds would be used to support GM’s North American operations.
GM is seeking about $3 billion in aid for Opel.
Source: Leftlane
Posted by Ray Long at 12:01 a.m.
SPRINGFIELD — Chicago-area transit agencies that oversee bus and train service paid nearly $1 million to lobbyists to try to influence state government decisions over the course of a year — a significant share of the $6.4 million local taxpayers shelled out to make their interests known at the Capitol.
The findings came in an annual survey by the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, a non-partisan group that is calling for greater transparency to better track the public dollars spent on lobbying.
The four Chicago area transit agencies increased lobbyist spending by 4 percent to $953,484, doing business with 14 different lobbying firms between July 2, 2008, and June 30, 2009, the group’s survey showed.
The Chicago Transit Authority racked up the highest tab at $385,345 among transit agencies and all 119 government bodies surveyed for lobbyist expenses. Metra spent $264,504, the Regional Transportation Authority, $171,635; and suburban bus service PACE, $132,000.
RTA Chairman Jim Reilly said his agency is spending less than in prior years but is still working on far-reaching legislative issues, including seeking state money for public works projects and securing overdue state payments.
Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet said the contract lobbyists are the agency’s “eyes and ears” in Springfield, working with lawmakers, testifying on legislation and monitoring proposals that might have a financial impact.
CTA spokeswoman Noelle Gaffney said that unlike other government bodies, the transit agency does not have taxing authority and relies primarily on fares and public funding. The CTA “needs to be in the mix” in Springfield and needs skilled representation to work on the agency’s behalf, particularly in the tight financial times, Gaffney said.
Major transit issues during the survey period ranged from seeking more public works money from the state to scaling back the senior citizen free ride plan put in place by ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich before he was impeached, ousted and indicted. Blagojevich made free rides for seniors his price for supporting a sales tax increase for mass transit. This spring, lawmakers advanced legislation to allow for means testing to determine which seniors should qualify for free local bus and train rides.
The survey also found 15 public community colleges and universities spent more than $1 million on contract lobbyists. Of those, the City Colleges of Chicago ranked the highest in the survey, with $190,986 in expenses.
To collect the information, the reform group had to file Freedom of Information Act requests because the state, unlike the city of Chicago, Cook County and the federal government, does not require lobbyists to disclose how much they are paid.
There were discrepancies in the organization’s findings.
For example, Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, was included in the report because the Chicago Housing Authority provided the group information about Brown’s $1,500-a-month contract when the reform group requested lobbyist information, said David Morrison, the group’s deputy director.
But CHA spokeswoman Kellie O’Connell-Miller said the CHA’s response was a mistake. She said Brown does not lobby for CHA, but rather has a contract to give “strategic counsel” to the agency’s senior staff. Brown also said he does not lobby. He said he performs communications work and addresses strategic matters. Brown has a $98,000-a-year state contract as Madigan’s spokesman.
Purveyor of weird watches, Tokyoflash, has blended the old with the new in its latest creation, the Kisai Round Trip Pocket Watch. Designed to attach to a key chain, belt loop or even on a chain in your top pocket like a traditional pocket watch, the Round Trip continues Tokyoflash’s history of releasing timepieces that make telling the time a puzzle to be decoded. ..
Continue Reading Kisai Round Trip Pocket Watch blends the old with the new
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Ewan MacLeod’s Mobile Industry Review is amongst the trade’s better respected sources for insider mobile news and analysis.
But when founder MacLeod tried taking the ad-supported site paid last year, he was surprised to get an entirely negative response from readers in the industry.
The site was bought, in a fashion, last year by what MacLeod, speaking at an event at journalists’ Frontline club on Wednesday, called merely an “acquiring party”. The unnamed company effectively bought the rights to all its output as its own private news source, but it let MacLeod sell the same subs to readers for £1,000 a year.
“(It was) £200,000 I paid for everyone to read my site over the last couple of years,” a jovial MacLeod told the event. “I’m expecting the vast majority of the readers to understand. I know £1,000’s a lot of money for a person, but for a company it’s nothing…”
So how many takers did he get? MacLeod drew a big fat hollow circle. “Absolutely zero, not one,” he said. “There was a Facebook movement. A guy called Mike said ‘let’s campaign for a tenner a month’ – (just) 12 people joined the group.”
But the site is still going strong after four years, now with a mixed model. “The acquiring company said, ‘Okay, we don’t need your dotcom, we actually want a subscription service, so you carry on with what you’re doing (for free), it’s still there.”
The experience has made MacLeod sceptical that anyone, even trade specialists can successfully charge for their content. At Wedneday’s event, he told The Times’ digital director Gurtej Sandhu, about the paper’s paid plans: “I love the concept – I just don’t necessarily think it’s going to deliver.”
I fully endorse the mockery of religion, especially larger religions that expect people who do not share their beliefs to pay attention to their silly rules. Disallowing people to draw historical figures, like Mohammed, is an idiotic rule. If you like the rule, don’t draw him. However I will:
This is my rendition of mohammed with his ceremonial blade, just after he hacked off one of his wife’s head after giving a sermon of how peaceful Islam is.
P.S. I am fully aware that my rendition of Mohammed looks like an Amish serial killer. I never said my artistic skills weren’t outdone by a 3rd grader.
Hey Canadian’s, depressed you can’t find a great turn-by-turn app because Google Navigation isn’t available yet? Rogers has just announced Rogers Navigator(TM) for Android. Rogers also recently announced Rogers Navigator(TM) for iPhone which was a re-branded version of the Telenav app and is also the same thing for the Android. With many years of experience and well known to many Canadians this application is a no-brainer if you are looking for turn-by-turn navigation with must-have and useful features such as 2D/3D maps, real-time traffic updates, one-touch reroute, business search, day and night modes, and pre-planned trips. As a premium application this service will cost you $4.99 per month on top of your regular wireless charges. The application is said to be on the market now, but as of yet I am unable to see it myself.
SOURCE: Mobile Syrup
The good folks at AndroidRelease had the opportunity to spend some quality time with Samsung’s impending superphone, the Galaxy S, at the Google I/O conference today, and captured the moment on video.
In addition to a look at the next generation of TouchWiz (which they give a thumbs up to), they note the hardware’s uncanny resemblance to the iPhone, and got a bit of information on when we might get our hands on it: the Samsung reps mentioned a global launch this summer.
It’s easy for things to get hot and sweaty under the covers—especially in the summer months. But rather than flipping on the air conditioning, why not keep your electricity bill low by letting your bed keep you chilled? More »
Shopping – Business and Economy – Home and Garden – Air conditioning – Parts and Accessories
Hand a crayon to a three year old, ask them to draw a car and you are likely to end up with something that looks like the Rukus. This is how Toyota describes the new Scion xB derivative that’s just been launched into the Australian market. With the footprint of a Corolla hatch, the engine of a RAV4, loads of interior space and plenty of scope for customization, the Rukus is designed as an alternative to sports utility vehicles and compact wagons that will appeal to “urban trendsetters” and young families who want a combination of small footprint and space, but don’t need to go offroad. The boxy shape is sure to polarize opinions on the street, but even if you think it’s downright ugly – and apparently some of the company’s senior executives agree – there’s still a few surprises underneath the skin of this unconventional fashionomobile…
Continue Reading Rukus – Toyota’s odd-ball urban fashionomobile
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