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UK government unveils £50 billion emergency bank rescue
The Chancellor Allistair Darling has announced a new emergency proposal which will inject capital into banks and provide a 'safety-net' for UK banks who are running low on cash.
They held an emergency meeting with the Financial Services Authority chairman at 1700BST yesterday to discuss how to sort out financial crisis and set down a way of stabilising the country's banking system.
Prior to the meeting they announced any breakthroughs on the 'ongoing actions' would be made in a "calm and orderly way." The Chancellor Allistair Darling has announced a new emergency proposal which will inject capital into banks and provide a 'safet... more -
Gene linked to premature ejaculation. Cure can't come fast enough.
Good news minutemen! Researchers at the Journal of Sexual Medicine have discovered a version of a gene that controls the hormone serotonin which is responsible for premature ejaculation in men.
A cure is in development now and soon men all over the world will no longer have an excuse to leave their partner unsatisfied. Good news minutemen! Researchers at the Journal of Sexual Medicine have discovered a version of a gene that controls the hormone sero... more -
Study: young men give nod to net over TV
Nearly 70% of men ages 18 to 34 would rather rather give up TV than the Internet, according to new research commissioned by Web content provider Break Media. And 26% would rather surf the Web than have sex.
Of course, they could be watching "videos featuring hot girls," the third-most-popular category for online entertainment behind funny videos and full-length movies.
Among other findings from the study conducted by brand and communications research firm Hall & Partners: Nearly half of men in that age group spend 22 hours a week online, and nearly half said they bought something at retail after viewing an online ad.
"The results speak to how far the Web has come as an entertainment and communications platform in a short period of time," said Keith Richman, CEO of Break Media, which runs male-oriented video site Break.com and other online properties.
The report is the latest in a series of efforts that Break has commissioned to help establish the efficacy of online video advertising. In April it formed the Online Video Advertising ROI Council with partners including Ogilvy One, AT&T and Horizon Media to provide a research and education forum for the emerging ad category.
Richman said the new study, based on a survey of 500 men who use the Internet at least once a month, was intended to provide greater insight on the target audience for many consumer brands. "We're trying to help advertisers and ourselves create a portrait of the audience we're reaching," he said.
That young men spend a lot of time on the Internet and funny videos are their favorite form of online entertainment shouldn't come as a big surprise to anyone. But Richman said the research highlights the imbalance between time spent online and the relatively small share of ad dollars the Web garners.
Emarketer estimates that the Internet will account for 8.7% of total U.S. ad spending this year compared to roughly 60% for TV. "It's still a pretty stark difference," Richman. Encouraging marketers to shift more dollars online were findings indicating men are receptive to online advertising. They often recall online ads after viewing them, and nearly 60% like or don't mind 5-second video pre-roll ads. (Only 31% feel the same about 30-second pre-rolls.) Nearly 70% of men ages 18 to 34 would rather rather give up TV than the Internet, according to new research commissioned by Web conten... more -
Gmail launches Mail Goggles to stop you sending shameful emails
Up late? Drunk? Oh, hello computer. Hello email... (Back away from the computer! Do not click send!) But it's so easy! And for some reason, it really really makes sense to send an email professing your undying love. Fast forward 9 hours... massive headache and regret. Regret! Why did you send that email?!
The guys at Gmail feel your pain, so they've created Mail Goggles to help deter you from sending any errant late night emails... and test whether you're in the right state of mind to do so. And by default, it's only activated late at night. Up late? Drunk? Oh, hello computer. Hello email... (Back away from the computer! Do not click send!) But it's so easy! And for so... more -
Naked tourist in Japanese moat
A Spanish tourist has been arrested after swimming naked in the moat of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
The man spent an hour in the water before he tried to make his escape, hurling rocks at police and charging at them with a long stick, before jumping back into the water. He then tried to make a getaway by climbing the moat wall, only to find police waiting for him at the top. A Spanish tourist has been arrested after swimming naked in the moat of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. ... more -
WiFi through lightbulbs.... Thats a bright idea!
With the growing use of WiFi and WiFi hotspots. Engineers have been working on a new way to get WiFi out there in a more fast and secure manner.
Boston University's College of Engineering is launching a program, under a National Science Foundation grant, to develop the next gen of wireless technology which uses visible light instead of radio waves.
"Imagine if your computer, iPhone, TV, radio and thermostat could all communicate with you when you walked in a room just by flipping the wall light switch and without the usual cluster of wires," said BU Engineering Professor Thomas Little. "This could be done with an LED-based communications network that also provides light - all over existing power lines with low power consumption, high reliability and no electromagnetic interference. Ultimately, the system is expected to be applicable from existing illumination devices, like swapping light bulbs for LEDs."
So does this mean the end of networking as we currently know it... With the growing use of WiFi and WiFi hotspots. Engineers have been working on a new way to get WiFi out there in a more fast and secu... more -
Creationist offers prize for fossil proof of evolution
A controversial creationist has offered 10 TRILLION Turkish Lira to anyone who can provide convincing fossil evidence of evolution.
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UK police train for riot scenarios
Seems like the UK may be getting ready for civil unrest due to financial strife, just like here in the United States.
Police officers from forces across the South West are to receive training to prepare them for riots.
Police horses, dogs and a helicopter will be used to add realism during the two-day courses at Moreton-in-Marsh Fire College, Gloucestershire.
Some officers will take on the role of hostile crowds in real-life scenarios such as raves, demonstrations and disorder at football matches.
Missiles and petrol bombs will be thrown as part of the training.
Officers attending the training will come from Gloucestershire; Dorset; Wiltshire; Avon & Somerset; and Devon & Cornwall Constabularies.
Inspector Mac McGarry, of Gloucestershire Constabulary Operational Services, said: "These are very important and impactive sessions because it is essential all officers allocated to the Public Disorder Unit experience the sort of difficulties they will encounter in real-life situations.
"It also gives us the chance to test the command structure we have in place and the inter-operability with other forces." Seems like the UK may be getting ready for civil unrest due to financial strife, just like here in the United States. ... more -
Honeymoon funded by trash
A couple spent three months collecting and recycling litter to pay for their honeymoon flights.
John and Ann Till, from Petersfield, in Hampshire, took thousands of cans and bottles to a recycling center at a nearby Tesco supermarket.
For every four recycled items, they earned a reward point which was then converted into BA air miles.
They amassed 36,000 miles, which they used to fly back in business class from their US honeymoon.
The Tills came up with the idea while buying petrol at Tesco in Havant, where an automated recycling unit that gives loyalty-card points had been installed for a trial period.
They had enough money for a Queen Mary 2 cruise to New York but could not afford the flights home, so the couple started scouring the streets of their home town for rubbish, clocking up the miles for their dream honeymoon.
There was enough rubbish out there to fly us to the moon and back A couple spent three months collecting and recycling litter to pay for their honeymoon flights. ... more -
Herpes linked to brain cancer
Cancer researchers are finally taking seriously a young surgeon’s decade-long hunch that brain tumors are linked to a strain of herpes that lies dormant in 80% of Americans. The physician speculated that brain cancer patients—many of them affluent and educated—were more vulnerable to common viruses such as the herpes CMV strain because of their "hyper-hygienic" lives, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.
"I stopped to think, If I was going to cause a brain tumor, what would I be? CMV made a lot of sense,” he said. The link has now been confirmed in at least three new studies, and CMV vaccine trials have begun for chemo patients. Several of them are tumor-free after two years, rare for a cancer that returns within months of treatment in 95% of cases. Cancer researchers are finally taking seriously a young surgeon’s decade-long hunch that brain tumors are linked to a strain of herpes... more -
Taliban split with al Qaeda
Taliban leaders are holding Saudi-brokered talks with the Afghan government to end the country's bloody conflict -- and are severing their ties with al Qaeda, sources close to the historic discussions have told CNN.
King Abdullah of Saudia Arabia hosted meetings between the Afghan government and the Taliban, a source says.
King Abdullah of Saudia Arabia hosted meetings between the Afghan government and the Taliban, a source says.
The militia, which has been intensifying its attacks on the U.S.-led coalition that toppled it from power in 2001 for harboring Osama bin Laden's terrorist network, has been involved four days of talks hosted by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, says the source.
The talks -- the first of their kind aimed at resolving the lengthy conflict in Afghanistan -- mark a significant move by the Saudi leadership to take a direct role in Afghanistan, hosting delegates who have until recently been their enemies. Taliban leaders are holding Saudi-brokered talks with the Afghan government to end the country's bloody conflict -- and are sever... more -
Pupil, 15, gives hash cakes to teachers
A 15-year-old girl has been forced to change schools after she gave drugs-laced cakes to teachers.
Two teaching assistants in Leeds suffered from dizziness and headaches after eating the hash cakes which the girl took into school last month. They pair were taken to hospital for emergency check-ups where doctors said that they had probably been drugged with cannabis.
The GCSE pupil was suspended while the incident was investigated and she has now been moved to a different school. A 15-year-old girl has been forced to change schools after she gave drugs-laced cakes to teachers. ... more -
Dow and FTSE hit lowest levels since 2004
The U.S. stock markets fall down in early trading; The Dow Jones lost 300 points, reaching below 10,000 for first time since 2004.
Update::
2:38 PM EST
The Dow plummeted 700 points. Investors fear that this global economic crisis will intensify. The U.S. stock markets fall down in early trading; The Dow Jones lost 300 points, reaching below 10,000 for first time since 2004. ... more -
Poland have 'resolved' dispute with Fifa
UEFA, the governing body of European football, said they were likely to withdraw Poland's right to host Euro 2012 if the country didn't reinstate their football association this morning.
A Polish arbitration tribubal suspended the PZPN (the equivalent to the Football Association) and named an administrator last week after the country's Sports Minister filed a motion saying it had broken the law a number of times.
"They (Polish government) have to realise they are playing with Euro 2012. How can we trust a government to host the tournament .... if they fail to meet the deadline then it is likely we cannot go on," a UEFA spokesman said.
FIFA, whose rules forbid government interference, said Warsaw must reinstate the FA or risk being suspended from this month's two World Cup qualifying matches.
Update: According to FA bigwig Sepp Blatter the Polish Football Association has settled a dispute with its government that threatened its right to co-host Euro 2012. UEFA, the governing body of European football, said they were likely to withdraw Poland's right to host Euro 2012 if the country ... more -
Human tower collapses during traditional Spanish festival
Yesterday, hundreds of Spaniards took part in a traditional human tower building competition in Tarragona. Members of the Castellers de Sants constructed a number of towers that teetered on collapse throughout the day during the 22nd Tarragona Castells contest.
Surprise surprise, the inevitable happened. Yesterday, hundreds of Spaniards took part in a traditional human tower building competition in Tarragona. Members of the Castellers d... more -
Live brain-cell action captured for first time
A tiny microscope has managed to watch brain cell action as it goes on for the first time.
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Seas turn to acid as they soak up CO2
The Bay of Naples is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and glittering clear waters. For centuries, tourists have flocked to the region to experience its glories.
But beneath the waves, scientists have uncovered an alarming secret. They have found streams of gas bubbling up from the seabed around the island of Ischia. 'The waters are like a Jacuzzi - there is so much carbon dioxide fizzing up from the seabed,' said Dr Jason Hall-Spencer, of Plymouth University. 'Millions of litres of gas bubble up every day.'
The gas streams have turned Ischia's waters into acid, and this has had a major impact on sea life and aquatic plants. Now marine biologists fear that the world's seas could follow suit.
'Every day the oceans absorb more than 25m tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,' said Hall-Spencer. 'If it were not for the oceans, levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere would be far higher than they are today and the impact of climate change would be far worse. However, there is a downside: it is called ocean acidification.'
Scientists calculate that the seas are absorbing so much carbon dioxide that they are 30 per cent more acidic than they were at the start of the Industrial Revolution. The change is three times greater and has happened 100 times faster than at any other time during the past 20 million years.
Tomorrow hundreds of scientists will gather in Monaco for the 'Second International Symposium on the Ocean in a High CO2 World'. One focus of debate is likely to be the Plymouth study. The seas off Ischia - which are affected by carbon dioxide from volcanic activity - offer a first-class opportunity to investigate what might happen in the next few decades.
Scientists found that in Ischia's highly acidic water:
• Biodiversity of plants and fish has dropped by 30 per cent
• Algae vital for binding coral reefs have been wiped out
• Invasive 'alien' species, such as sea-grasses, are thriving
• Coral and sea urchins have been destroyed, while mussels and clams are failing to grow shells.
The conference will also tackle the dangers posed to fish larvae, which are sensitive to high levels of acid, as well as the threat to commercial fish stocks.
'Many developing countries have seafood as their prime source of food,' said Dr Carol Turley, of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory. 'If they lose that, the result could be famine.' The Bay of Naples is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and glittering clear waters. For centuries, tourists have flocked to the reg... more -
German bank clinches rescue deal
A top German bank was on the brink of collapse after a 35bn euro ($48bn; £27.2bn) rescue plan collapsed.
Germany's second-largest commercial property lender, Hypo Real Estate, said a banking consortium had withdrawn their support for the deal. Correspondents say its failure will put further strain on financial institutions in other countries. The news came after EU leaders at a Paris summit refused to commit to a US-style rescue plan for banks.
Hypo Real Estate, which has large amounts of bad debt, has suffered from the credit squeeze in international markets. The bank said a consortium of German financial institutions involved in a government-led rescue plan pulled out of the negotiations after refusing to come up with nearly 35bn euros ($50bn; £28bn) for a bail-out.
The reasons why the consortium pulled out are unclear but a Hypo Real Estate spokesman said the property lender was fighting for its survival. Some analysts are saying the bank will not last more than a few days without a rescue package, so action must be taken before the markets open on Monday. Another meeting of government representatives and private bankers is expected to take place on Sunday.
(continues at link) A top German bank was on the brink of collapse after a 35bn euro ($48bn; £27.2bn) rescue plan collapsed. ... more -
Dubai aims to top its own world's tallest tower
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - With its world's tallest building nearing completion, Dubai said Sunday it is embarking on an even more ambitious skyscraper: one that will soar more than 10 American football fields.
That's about two-thirds of a mile or the height of more than three of New York's Chrysler Buildings stacked end-to-end.
Babel had nothing on this place.
"This is unbelievably groundbreaking design," Chief Executive Chris O'Donnell said during a briefing at the company's sales center, not far from the proposed site. "This still takes my breath away."
The tower, which will take more than a decade to complete, will be the centerpiece of a sprawling development state-owned builder Nakheel plans to create in the rapidly growing "New Dubai" section of the city. Foundation work has already begun, O'Donnell said.
The area is located between two of the city's artificial palm-shaped islands, which Nakheel also built. The project will include a manmade inland harbor and 40 additional towers up to 90 floors high.
About 150 elevators will carry employees and workers to the Nakheel Tower's more than 200 floors, the company said. The building will be composed of four separate towers joined at various levels and centered on an open atrium.
"It does show a lot of confidence in this environment" of worldwide credit problems and a souring global economy, said Marios Maratheftis, Standard Chartered Bank's Dubai-based regional head of research.
As part of government-run conglomerate Dubai World, Nakheel has played a major role in creating modern-day Dubai, a city that has blossomed from a tiny Persian Gulf fishing and pearling village into a major business and tourism hub in a matter of decades.
Besides the growing archipelago of man-made islands for which it is best known, Nakheel is responsible for a number of the city's malls, hotels and hundreds of apartment buildings.
The company said the new project is inspired by Islamic design and draws inspiration from sites such as the Alhambra in Spain and the harbor of Alexandria in Egypt.
"This is nothing like it in Dubai," said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Nakheel's chairman.
Perhaps not quite. But Dubai is already home to the world's tallest building, even if it remains unfinished.
That skyscraper, the Burj Dubai, or Dubai Tower in Arabic, is being built by Nakheel's chief competitor, Emaar Properties.
Emaar has kept the final height of the silvery steel-and-glass tower a closely guarded secret, saying only that it stood at a "new record height" of 2,257 feet at the start of last month. It's due to be finished next September.
The final height of Nakheel's proposed tower is likewise a secret, as is the price tag. The company would only say it will be more than a kilometer (3,281 feet) tall.
O'Donnell said he was confident that Nakheel could pay for the project despite the financial troubles roiling the world's economy.
He also brushed aside concerns by some analysts that Dubai's property market is becoming overheated and due for a potentially sharp correction.
"In Dubai, demand outstrips supply," he said. "There might be a slowdown, but there definitely won't be a crash." DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - With its world's tallest building nearing completion, Dubai said Sunday it is embarking on an even ... more -
UK government will spy on every call and e-mail
Ministers are considering spending up to £12 billion on a database to monitor and store the internet browsing habits, e-mail and telephone records of everyone in Britain. GCHQ, the government’s eavesdropping centre, has already been given up to £1 billion to finance the first stage of the project.
Hundreds of clandestine probes will be installed to monitor customers live on two of the country’s biggest internet and mobile phone providers - thought to be BT and Vodafone. BT has nearly 5m internet customers.
Ministers are braced for a backlash similar to the one caused by their ID cards programme. Dominic Grieve, the shadow home secretary, said: “Any suggestion of the government using existing powers to intercept communications data without public discussion is going to sound extremely sinister.”
MI5 currently conducts limited e-mail and website intercepts which are approved under specific warrants by the home secretary.
Further details of the new plan will be unveiled next month in the Queen’s speech.
The Home Office stressed no formal decision had been taken but sources said officials had made clear that ministers had agreed “in principle” to the programme.
Officials claim live monitoring is necessary to fight terrorism and crime. However, critics question whether such a vast system can be kept secure. A total of 57 billion text messages were sent in the UK last year - 1,800 every second. Ministers are considering spending up to £12 billion on a database to monitor and store the internet browsing habits, e-mail and telep... more
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