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One of the Most Popular Blogging Service FC2 is Now Launched in Chinese Version!

Wed 23 Jul 2008 04:16 am filed by XPRN - General

LAS VEGAS, July 23 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- FC2 Blog has recently released the Chinese version of their blog due to its popularity amongst Chinese users. FC2, Inc ( http://blog.fc2.com/ ) is a large scale web services company who primarily provides services in Japan. FC2 Blog began in Japan on October 2004, and as of March 2008 there are over 400,000 active users with over 4.3 billion page views.

(Logo: http://www.xprn.com/xprn/sa/200807180954.png )

The original Japanese version of FC2 Blog has many features including: Mobile blogging, 1GB of space, over 5,000 templates, use for business support, video uploads, drawing tools, custom templates, and tons of other features. All of the features are easy to use, and the best part is that it��s all free!

The Chinese version of FC2 Blog provides many of the same features as the Japanese version, and already has a full Chinese user management page. FC2 is open to any suggestions from users, to provide a faster and easier service on the same level as the Japanese version. FC2 is planning on releasing more unique features for the Chinese version as well.

On May 27, 2008, FC2 released the English version of the blog, and after about a month of service there are over 22,000 active users. FC2 is making more versions of the blog in many different languages, to become an international web service company.

FC2 will continue to work on providing multi-lingual blogs. Hold on to your hats, because its coming soon!

FC2, Inc. Background
FC2, Inc. is a web services company that primarily provides services in Japan. Headquarters are located in Nevada, USA. Established since 1999 and has a non-stop work ethic to provide and improve services to users. It is a widely used blog service and is very popular in Japan.

Contact:  Ting Zhang
Tel:   +1-310-320-1708
Email: zhang@fc2.com

Keisuke Motoki
Email: motoki@f2.com

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Research Confirms ADT��s Sensormatic Acousto-Magnetic Anti-Theft Technology Offers Industry-Leading Detection Rates

Tue 22 Jul 2008 03:27 am filed by XPRN - Technology

Research Shows Acousto-Magnetic EAS Technology Provides More Alarm Detection Than Radio Frequency EAS Technology

    BOCA RATON, Fla., July 22 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Research has shown Sensormatic acousto-magnetic (AM) technology from ADT offers retailers exceptional anti-theft alarm detection rates compared to radio frequency (RF) technology.

    The U.S based Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) conducted a retailer-sanctioned study of theft deterrence across 320 stores. In tests conducted to measure EAS technology effectiveness, this real-world research found, on average, AM technology detection rates were more than 1.5 times those of RF technology.

    The study��s chief investigator Dr. Read Hayes noted, "To be a credible deterrent to shoplifting, electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems must alarm. In addition, offenders must know the systems exist."

    The high quality of Sensormatic AM technology is further supported by lab studies conducted for ADT by the Institut fur Distributions und Handelslogistik des VVL e.V., associated with the University of Dortmund in Dortmund, Germany. In a controlled environment, researchers took Sensormatic AM anti-theft labels through 15 reference points and 12 different positions, each three times. The AM technology showed average detection rates of 98.5% in both horizontal and vertical orientations.

    In a third study, the University of Arkansas used Sensormatic AM technology in its investigation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as a possible anti-theft technology. AM technologies performed very well across a series of seven shoplifting scenarios, achieving a 100% detection rate in five of those scenarios.

    The recent release of preliminary results from The National Retail Security Survey (NRSS) of shoplifting and retail loss showed the lowest rate of loss in the survey��s 17-year history. According to University of Florida criminologist Richard Hollinger, Ph.D., who directed the survey, this continues a six-year downward trend, thanks in part to the long-term investment by retailers in anti-shoplifting and anti-theft technologies and training.

    "The study shows there is good evidence that anti-theft technologies, properly implemented, are having a positive effect on reducing crime in the retail environment," Hollinger said.

    "Given Dr. Hollinger��s conclusion as well as the retail market leadership of Sensormatic AM technology as an anti-theft deterrent, we believe our anti-theft solutions have been a major factor in helping retailers reduce their losses and thereby boost their profits," said Stanley Kong, Vice President, ADT Retail Sales and Services for Asia.

    "What��s more," he added, "with data from top research sources confirming Sensormatic��s AM technology��s outstanding performance for retail theft prevention, our EAS solutions continue to prove a valuable tool to combat theft."

    ADT Security Services

    ADT Security Services, a unit of Tyco International, is the largest provider of electronic security services to more than seven million commercial, government and residential customers worldwide. ADT��s total security solutions include intrusion, fire protection, closed circuit television, access control, critical condition monitoring, electronic article surveillance, radio frequency identification (RFID) and integrated systems. Please visit: http://www.adt.com/global .

    Contact:

     Tyco Fire & Security Asia
     Shee Liang Mey
     Manager, Communications
     Tel: +65-6389-8241
     lmshee@tycoint.com

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Korea��s Leading Investment & Securities Becomes First to Offer Algorithmic Trading Through Progress(R) Apama(R)

Wed 16 Jul 2008 03:43 am filed by XPRN - Business

   SINGAPORE, July 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS), a provider of application infrastructure software to develop, deploy, integrate and manage business applications, today announced that Korea��s Leading Investment & Securities (Leading) has become the country��s first Korean-based securities firm to provide algorithmic trading capability to its international clients through its adoption of Progress(R) Apama(R).

    Progress(R) Apama(R), the leading platform for algorithmic trading and other event-driven applications in capital markets, puts control in the hands of traders who can create, deploy, and monitor differentiated trading strategies that offer real advantage in today��s financial markets.

    "We are delighted that Leading has selected Apama as a platform to offer algorithmic trading to its international clients. This demonstrates that sell-side securities firms are serious about meeting their customers�� complicated and diverse needs in a rapidly changing financial market," said Eric Lim, managing director, Asia, of Progress Software.

    Leading��s sell-side brokers will now leverage Apama��s flexibility to empower proprietary desks to deploy new trading scenarios, ensure that its algorithms offer competitive advantage over others in the market, and meet the fluctuating needs of it��s clients.

    "In line with the evolution of trading execution globally, the responsibility of manual trade execution previously performed by our traders will wane and be replaced by continuous monitoring of our clients�� orders, maintenance and updating of the algorithmic trading platform to meet their demands," said Daniel D Kim, head of foreign institutional sales at Leading.

    "We always strive to provide the best execution solutions for our clients by looking at things from their perspectives and anticipating their needs. With the rapid growth of algorithmic trading, we simply wouldn��t be able to best serve our clients without keeping abreast of IT developments and ensuring buy-side needs," added Kim. "We feel that best price execution with minimal market impact, anonymity, low latency, low maintenance, and low commission are in line with our clients�� priorities and our investment in Progress Apama will help ensure we meet those expectations," continued Kim.

    Leading purchased the Apama Algorithmic Trading Platform with Reuters and QFIX Adapters through Koscom, a professional financial IT solutions firm, which since its establishment in 1977, has led the development of the Korea securities and futures market through providing IT infrastructure.

    With Koscom providing all the necessary connectivity for the Korean market, and Progress Apama providing the technology platform, Leading will now develop proprietary algorithmic trading and offer it to its institutional clients to trade in the Korean market.

    "We compared eight different platforms over a three month period but finally selected Progress Apama because it surpassed all the others in many aspects," said Kim. "For example, it offers the ability to customize basic algorithms like VWAP, TWAP, and Iceberg. Also, our clients have the flexibility to write their proprietary algorithms in either GUI or standard code-both these factors were crucial to our decision," explained Kim.

    Another advantage, according to Kim, is that the other platforms considered are "black box" solutions, whereas Apama is a "white box" solution, allowing the client almost full control of his strategy from creation, testing, to implementation.

    "We are also able to provide complete anonymity of algorithm strategy and segregation between clients. This is a must, considering ever increasing market efficiency is compelling clients to demand greater secrecy to maintain their competitive edge," concluded Kim.

    Established by the Ministry of Finance and the Korea Stock Exchange in 1977 to computerize the securities markets and related industries systems, Koscom has led the development of the Korea securities and futures market through providing IT infrastructure. Its selection of the Progress(R) Apama(R) Algorithmic Trading Platform has enabled algorithmic trading on the Korea Exchange (KRX). In addition, Progress and Koscom have entered into a strategic partnership where Koscom will develop a localized version of the Apama platform for distribution in Asia. This partnership makes the Apama platform the first commercial algorithmic trading system available in Korea.

    About Progress Software

    Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS) provides application infrastructure software for the development, deployment, integration and management of business applications. Our goal is to maximize the benefits of information technology while minimizing its complexity and total cost of ownership. More than 1,000 customers and partners in Asia depend on Progress Software for their technology and the provision of top-quality business solutions. Progress can be reached at http://www.progress.com/asia .


    About Leading Investment & Securities

    Leading Investment & Securities (Leading) is a pioneer in Korean Securities. Leading, a sell-side brokerage firm, was established in March 2000 to meet the evolution of capital market globalization. Since May 2002, Leading has been providing brokerage services for equities of the China, HK, US, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and London markets in Korea, and is continuously expanding to other markets.

    Leading focuses on online solutions in place of high cost branch offices to deliver exceptional value to its customers. Through Leading��s Global Trading System, Home Trading System and Online Fund Mall, customers will find overseas equities, Korean equities and derivatives very accessible anytime, anywhere. For more information, please visit: http://www.leading.co.kr .

    Progress and Apama are trademarks or registered trademarks of Progress Software Corporation or one of its affiliates or subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries. Any other trademarks or service marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

    CONTACT:

     Jezmynn Koh
     Progress Software
     Tel:   +65-6303-5013
     Email: jkoh@progress.com

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Production of Copper Bonding Wires to be Increased Substantially, and Sales Vigorously Promoted in Singapore and Taiwan

Wed 16 Jul 2008 03:40 am filed by XPRN - Technology

New TCA 1 of Copper Bonding Wire Developed and Launched
TOKYO, July 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Tanaka Denshi Kogyo K.K. (Tokyo), the top manufacturer of bonding wires, will substantially expand the production of copper bonding wires with excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical properties at bonding, all at a much lower price, to meet increasing demand as a substitute for gold bonding wire, prices of which have been rising with the prices of gold bullion. It will also more vigorously promote sales for Taiwan and Singapore.

    In order to achieve it, the company establishes new production lines in Singapore and in Saga in Japan, increasing 5 times as much the amount of monthly productions as what it is..

    Tanaka Denshi Kogyo has also developed its new copper bonding wire, TCA 1, with equivalent performance to the gold bonding wire, and proactively tries to expand its share in the copper bonding wire market. Replacement with TCA 1 copper bonding wire allows material costs to be cut by two-thirds.

    The new TCA 1 is copper bonding wire of 99.99% purity, available in diameters ranging from Phi 20 micrometer -- Phi 70 micrometer. Using the company��s own processing technology, the characteristics of predecessors copper bonding wires were improved, yielding excellent mechanical properties (stable first bonding), electrical conductivity and surface characteristics.

    The company has developed and produced multiple types of bonding wires, including gold, aluminum and copper, for various uses. Market shares in the world for gold and aluminum bonding wires are the highest, and copper bonding wire ranks second.

    Contact:

     Hiroshi Sato
     Tanaka Kikinzoku International K.K.
     Tel: +81-3-5222-1315

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The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited Signs Heads of Agreement for A Proposed Hotel Development in Paris, France

Wed 16 Jul 2008 03:36 am filed by XPRN - Business

    HONG KONG, July 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) today announced that it has entered into a heads of agreement (HOA) with Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company (QD) for a proposed hotel development in Paris, France.

    (Logo: http://www.xprn.com/xprn/sa/200804301910.jpg )

    The building is located on Avenue Kleber, one of the most prestigious arteries off the Arc de Triomphe, in the heart of Paris�� tourist and business districts. Built in the early 20th Century, the building was, until 1936, home to the Majestic Hotel which at the time was one of the top grand hotels in Paris. Subsequently, it was owned by the French State, occupied by UNESCO and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs which has recently been using it as the Centre International de Conferences. The building is currently owned by Qatari Diar.

    Under the HOA, the Company has agreed to purchase a 20% minority interest in the asset from QD and to subsequently jointly re-develop the building into a Peninsula hotel. The financial commitment of the Company in respect of the purchase of the minority interest in the asset, together with its share of the re-development costs, is expected to be in the region of approximately Euros 140 million. The expected date of opening is mid 2012.

    HSH��s shareholders and potential investors should note that the HOA is a non-legally binding agreement and the proposed hotel development will be subject to binding agreements being entered into.

    About The Partners

    HSH

    Incorporated in 1866 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (0045), HSH is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in the ownership and management of prestigious hotel, commercial and residential properties in key destinations in Asia and the USA. The hotel portfolio of the Group comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula Bangkok, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula Manila, The Peninsula Shanghai (opening 2009), and Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club in Carmel, California. The property portfolio of the Group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and The Peak Tramways, St. John��s Building, The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Thai Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand.

    QD

    Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company is fully owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, which is the investment company of the Qatari government. It was founded to support Qatar��s rapidly expanding economy and to provide structure and quality control for the country��s real estate development priorities. Besides France, it invests in countries including Qatar, United Kingdom, Italy, Oman, Morocco, Egypt, Syria, Sudan and Seychelles.

    For further information on this release, please contact:

     Irene Lau
     Manager, Corporate Affairs
     The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited
     Tel:      +852-2840-7788
     Fax:      +852-2840-7567
     Email:    irenelau@peninsula.com
     Websites: http://www.hshgroup.com, http://www.peninsula.com

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Marrakech Economic Over Dependency on Tourism

Thu 10 Jul 2008 03:47 pm filed by Morocco Newsline -

Built on a myth, Marrakech has for many years been the playground for the rich and famous in Morocco.

Marrakesh may have fallen victim to its own success. The tell-tale signs are all pointing towards that direction. Inflation is at an all time high, real estate prices have sky rocketed and overnight stays has been decreasing over the past several months. The city�s over-dependence on tourism is becoming a real threat to its economy.

The king�s speech at the 2001 tourism conference in Marrakech marked a turning point in policy. The government presented Vision 2010 as Morocco's national tourism strategy. The main objectives were to attract five times as many visitors in 2010 as in 2002 and create 600.000 new jobs in hospitality and tourism sector. In 2002, Marrakech benefited from a 200 millions dirham (27.4 Million USD) endowment established by the King of Morocco. The red city became the jet-set capital of Africa.

Building on its momentum, Marrakech has capitalized on its competitors unfavorable environment. The surge in terrorism activity in Egypt in 2002, the bird flue scare in Turkey and terrorist threats against tourist sites from kurd separatists have all benefited tourism in Morocco.

Over the next few years, Marrakech would opt for tourism as a strategic development path. Tourism became the red city largest industry. Thanks to its exotic culture, its landscapes and proximity, a mere three hour flight from any main European capital, Marrakesh has attracted over two million tourists in 2007.

Huge investment from the Middle East remain a very important aspect of the foreign involvement in Marrakech tourism industry. After September 11, many Middle East investors faced with rising difficulties when investing in Europe and the US turned to Morocco as a friendly Islamic country with great investment potential.
The city has attracted more then 161 Billion MAD.

Don't put your eggs in the same basket..

From an economic viewpoint the economic return of tourism in Marrakech is undeniable, but there is a flip of the coin very few in the Moroccan government want to look at. There is no economic activity without external diseconomies.

The upswing of prices has been remarkable in Marrakech. It has affected all sectors without expection according to the Haut Commissariat au Plan (HCP). Marrakech is considered today the most expensive city in Morocco. This label does not sit well with both tourists and locals.

Local officials have been trying to shed off this image. Abdellatif Kabbaj, �the myth of the expensive city is false, categorically false�. This statement contradicts the HCP number. The cost of living index during the first 5 months of 2008 are higher than the national average by 2.7 points. It has reached 184.9.

A few years ago, Marrakech was sold as a tourist destination where life was simple and affordable. Between 2003 and 2007 the price of land doubled, thanks to real estate speculators, the increase of the price of raw materials and wealthy clients looking for state of the art construction. A few weeks ago, a real estate agency was advertising in the Financial Times a 1500 square meter house for 6.8 million dollars in Marrakech. That same agency is also offering for sale a one thousand square meter villa in the outskirts of St Tropez for 4.25 Millions dollars.

This euphoria has hit all sectors of the local economy. As tourist can afford to buy items at higher prices, retailers have increased their prices of existing products and provide more expensive goods. Local residents have had to pay for more expensive goods. As retailers selling to tourist can afford to pay higher rents, these costs are passed on to the local consumer as well. Local consumers and tourists alike have been complaining about these price increases, which are sometimes a higher than prices in Europe. These inflationary tensions have spilled over into Morocco economy at large and contributed to a rise in general inflation. In some instances the locals had to scale down and the cut down on their quality of life.to accept a lower quality of life than they enjoyed without tourist.

This Marrakech euphoria has spawned a policy of �business opportunism� that will turn out to be detrimental in the long run. Some unscrupulous taxi drivers, restaurants and small shops owners, have been charging exorbitant prices.

But how can local officials prevent this excessive pricing? They adhere to the theory that in a free market economy there is little the government can do against these sort of abuses. They have implemented regulations to deter taxi drivers and restaurants from overcharging their clients. But the lack of enforcement of these regulations makes them inefficient and ineffective. It amounts to window dressing and fails to in its effort to reassure the international public opinion.

Economic over-dependency

In Marrakech there is not other major economic activities besides tourism. There is no alternative. The choice is not whether to pick �Manufacturing or Tourism� but rather �Tourism or unemployment�.

The numbers speak for themselves. Between 2003 and 2007, investments in Marrakech reached over 158 Billion Dirhams, with the tourism sector claiming the lion share of 72%, 27% went to real estate and less than 1% went to commerce, agriculture, artisanat and services combined. However, labor and land used for tourism have an opportunity cost local official have chosen to overlook for years. The over-dependence on tourism is a double-edged sword.

As fewer tourists hit the road this holiday season, local officials in the tourism industry are worried. The city of Marrakech has yet to start a long overdue alternative economic development plan.

Karim Zouiyen
Morocco Newsline
http://www.morocconewsline.com

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"Premature Construction of Offshore Pipeline"

Thu 10 Jul 2008 01:59 am filed by the Editor - Ireland

Shell has announced that work is to begin on the offshore section of the Corrib Gas pipeline.

Shell to Sea said: "This work should be halted this to remain consistent with the Department of Energy's stated aim that development should be 'consistent with the highest standards of safety and environmental protection'."

With Shell only recently applying for planning permission for the onshore pipeline it is extremely premature to begin work on the offshore pipeline, the protest group said.

Shell to Sea spokesperson, Maura Harrington said: "This once again illustrates the way this project has been split, with Shell beginning to work on an offshore section which will end up at a landfall area which still hasn't been approved by An Bord Pleanala."

She said that Minister for Natural Resources Eamon Ryan, who in 2007 stated that he has continuously supported the local community "in their opposition to Shell's development of the Corrib Gas Pipeline", should call for a halt to this attempt to subvert the procedures of proper planning.

Maura Harrington continued: "this dredging and pipe laying will cause significant disturbance to Broadhaven Bay which is an area of great ecological richness and has been designated as a special area of conservation".

Related Link: http://www.corribsos.com/index.php?id=1801

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Legalise Cannabis Ireland calls on new Taoiseach to grow-up, tune in and cop-on

Fri 15 Jun 2007 05:16 pm filed by the Editor - Ireland

Legalise Cannabis Ireland Campaign has held a rally outside the gates of Dail �ireann on Thursday 14th of June, on Kildare Street. The rally coincided with the election of the Taoiseach.

Legalise Cannabis Ireland Campaign Spokesperson, Tim Reilly, commented, "We have held street stalls, organised thee music events � 'Smoke Signals' in Dublin city centre and launched the first ever Anti-Prohibition demonstration on the 6th of May in support of legalising Cannabis recreational use, medical application and encouraging the industrial Hemp use. 1000 people marched in peaceful solidarity to Legalise Cannabis on May 6th and there was not a single arrest on the day."

"Legalise Cannabis Ireland Campaign is calling on the Taoiseach to include a commitment to decriminalise the use of Cannabis, legalise the sale and growth of cannabis and regulate its supply. We are tired of being treated as criminals for using Cannabis and call on the new Taoiseach to acknowledge that the current drug laws are unjust, unworkable and unfair.

"We have been getting a large amount of interest from the public since the massive success of the May 6th rally."

Mr Reilly urged anyone interested in realising the Legalisation of Cannabis to join with Legalise Cannabis Ireland Campaign in solidarity with the vast numbers of people who choose to use cannabis and are currently criminals in the eyes of the law.

Information:
* "Legalise Cannabis Ireland" Campaign was responsible for organising the first ever Cannabis Legalisation Demonstration on May 6th at which over 1000 people attended peacefully.
* Legalise Cannabis Rally to take place at 1pm, Thursday 14th of June at Dail �ireann on Kildare St.

Main story from: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/83006

Related Link: http://legalisecannabiseire.bebo.com

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April 21, 2005
Bush's War on the Press
by Eric Alterman
Journalists, George Bernard Shaw once said, "are unable, seemingly, to discriminate between a bicycle accident and the collapse of civilization." How odd, given the profession's un-equaled reputation for narcissism, that Shaw's observation holds true even when the collapsing "civilization" is their own.

Make no mistake: The Bush Administration and its ideological allies are employing every means available to undermine journalists' ability to exercise their First Amendment function to hold power accountable. In fact, the Administration recognizes no such constitutional role for the press. White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card has insisted that the media "don't represent the public any more than other people do.... I don't believe you have a check-and-balance function."
read more ...

2004 - A dark and deadly year for the media
After one of the worst years on record for the killing of journalists, the International Federation of Journalists launched its annual report on media deaths, on 18 January 2005, with a renewed call for the United States and other governments to take seriously their responsibility to investigate media killings.
more [from the Campaign for Press & Broadcasting Freedom]

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