5.3 Earthquake shakes Ryukyu Islands - USGS

USGS

A magnitude of 5.3 earthquake rocks northwest region of Ryukyu Islands, Japan today at 1:04 a.am. (Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 16:04:07 UTC). 


The epicenter of the quake is at 195 miles, SWof Kagoshima, Kyushu; 235 miles N of Naha, Okinawa; 240 miles, SSW of Nagasaki, Kyushu; 790miles, WSW of Tokyo, Japan and with a depth of 148 miles.


No tsunami alerts have been issued at this time.


http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010zrbp.php

6.6 Earthquake shook Papua New Guinea, but no tsunami alert

A magnitude of 6.6 earthquake shook Papua New Guinea Thursday morning. There was no damages or injuries reported caused by the quake and there was alert for potential tsunami, Indonesian officials said.


"So far, the shakes of the quakes is not very strong. There is no building damaged or any injuries so far," Disaster management Agency official said.


The United States Geological Survey reported that the quake was measured by Richter scale at 7.0 magnitude.


The quake occurred at 5:00 a.m., Jakarta time Thursday (22:00 GMT Wednesday). The epicenter of the quake was at 549 km northeast Port Moresby of Papua New Guinea and had 74 km depth under sea bed.

Oil Spill in Louisiana

Another oil spill was recorded in United States. The new oil spill occurs after a boat, which was pushing a barge, impinged into an oil well on Tuesday. However, a thin layer of oil has seen on the surface.

Admiral Thad Allen, the US Coast Guard chief, said the oil platform was surrounded by a sheen and a vapour that was probably a combination of oil and gas spewing from the well.

The well is located in Barataria Bay, Louisiana (Southern U.S.), 105 km south of New Orleans - installed two meter below the water. People saw the oil leak at 6ft. tall from the base of the well.

Pakistan plane crashed, 152 died

Shot from REUTERS

ISLAMABAD - Officially, 152 people died on a Pakistan plane crash and no one survived as it was reported earlier. The plane crashed into hills as it tried to land during a rainstorm on Wednesday.


Earlier reports said that five survivors had been pulled from the wreckage after the plane tumbled into hillside. But the head of Pakistan's civil defense body said that no one had survived.


Rescuers said they need to dig with their bare hands, with thick smoke hampering their work. The rescue workers had a limited access because there was no roads near to the crash site.


There was no clear explanation of the possible cause of crash, said Pervez George, a civil aviation official. He said the Airbus 321 was flying from Karachi to Islamabad.

6.9 earthquake, strong aftershocks shook Moro Gulf, Mindanao Philippines

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook Philippines' Moro Gulf and followed by at least four consecutive strong aftershocks that shook the same area on Saturday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

In May 2010, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake also shook the Moro Gulf that had a 21 miles depth, but today, it was 376 miles below the surface.

The first quake occurred at 6.08 a.m. (local time) at magnitude 6.9, followed by the first aftershock at 6:51 a.m with a magnitude of 6.7. The epicenter of the quakes were around 62 miles (100 km) southwest of Cotabato and 590 miles (950 km) southeast of Manila.

The second aftershock was recorded at 7:15 a.m with a magnitude of 7.1.

Possible cause of powerful quakes might be the deformation of the subducted slab of the Molucca Sea Plate, according to Phivolcs.

Rona Faeldin, of the Philippine Coast Guard, said that there were no reports of damage or injuries.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) records the aftershocks.

USGS measured the second aftershock at magnitude 7.4; the third was recorded at 9:44 a.m., with a magnitude of 5.3; and the fourth was recorded at 1:35 p.m., with a magnitude of 6.2.

IPhone 4 Case Program is Now Available

Apple launched their iPhone 4 Case Program today.


As a temporary solution to iPhone 4's antenna flaw, Apple announced in their press conference last week that they will be giving a free Bumper to iPhone 4 customers. Yes, you read it right, those Bumpers were only temporary solution, as Apple indicated that it was not a long-term solution, and it has guaranteed the offer only through September 30th.


Customers, who purchase iPhone 4 before September 30, 2010, are eligible to receive iPhone 4 Bumper or case at no charge.


To claim your free case, visit the page on apple.com. Click here.

Steps for applying for a Bumper or case are posted in their page.
First, you will need to download an app from App Store. Next, launch the app on you iPhone 4 and sign in using your iTune Store account or Apple ID. And last, select you Bumper or case.
Customers who already purchase a Bumper will get a full refund, including any taxes and shipping fees.


And for those who are not completely satisfied with the iPhone 4 will also get a full refund, as Steve Jobs promised. Unsatisfied customers can return their phone to Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store withing 30 days of purchase. If the phone was purchased from AT&T, you can also turn it to an AT&T store.

Apple may outrun Microsoft in revenue this quarter

After 30-years of ranking second, Apple Inc. will likely to outrun Microsoft in revenue. 


Apple, recently faced with big problem about their smartphone, earns more revenue this quarter than the software giant.


For the first time in the company's recent history, it is possible that Apple will have surpassed Microsoft after reporting on Tuesday a $3.25 billion in net income on a $15.7 billion in revenue. Microsoft, on the other hand, is expected to earn $4.1 billion in net income on $15.26 billion in revenue. Almost $500 million less in what Apple reported revenue this quarter. If Microsoft leads anyway, it will only a small range compare to Apple.


According to Andy Zaky, as he estimates, put Apple ahead by $3.8 billion as he expect Apple to record $18.9 billion in revenue.


"What’s even more surprising is that Apple will likely far surpass Microsoft in revenue for the entire 2010 and 2011 fiscal year.", he added.


While Apple intensified its competition against Microsoft, it is more exciting to see the future report of revenue of two tech company. The question now is, will Microsoft maintain their position, or will Apple take the lead?

Apple announced free cases for iPhone 4 owners

Steve Jobs on iPhone 4 antenna hardware issue

Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, said that all owners will be given free cases to fix the issue.

and to those who already bought a case will get a refund.

"We're not perfect, phones aren't perfect either" Jobs said. "We want to make all our users happy."

According to Jobs, Apple made a limited number of cases to offer them free. It is a hard rubber bands that surround only the edges of the phone. Cases will be available to Apple store until September 30th.

Jobs said the iPhone 4 had received the highest customer satisfaction, and he maintained that, despite the signal issue, the phone remains "our best product ever". The iPhone 4 sets sales records after its release on June 24th.

But since Apple release the iPhone 4, reports of antenna flaw began to arise. The complaints became critical, when Consumer Reports confirmed the hardware flaw and it could not recommend the phone.

It is found that when users covers the lower-left corner, it weakened receptions, and dropped calls.

While Jobs acknowledged the reception problem, and he said only a small percentage of users have been affected.

According to ConsumerReport.org,

Consumer Reports believes Apple's offer of free cases is a good first step. However, Apple has indicated that this is not a long-term solution, it has guaranteed the offer only through September 30th, and has not extended it unequivocally to customers who bought cases from third-party vendors. We look forward to a long-term fix from Apple. As things currently stand, the iPhone 4 is still not one of our Recommended models.

3.6 Earthquake shakes Washington today

A magnitude of 3.6 earthquake shook Washington DC early this Friday morning (July 16th). It was felt all around the region, in Washington, Maryland, Virginia and also West Virginia. No reports of damage from the quake.

This quake was recorded as the strongest to hit the area in more than 36 years.

Apple may give away rubber cases instead of a product recall

Most of the analysts believe that the phone will not be recalled. Instead of having a product recall, Apple might give rubber cases or offer an in-store fix to repair the device's antenna flaw. It may also offer refunds to the dissatisfied customers.

Apple Inc. will hold a news conference today (July 16th) but refused to elaborate on what will be discussed after scheduling the said event. The company is expected to discuss the hardware flaw that iPhone 4 is experiencing and what action the company will do to address the customer's complaints.

The iPhone 4 surrounds by a stainless steel band also functions as antennas, instead
of inside the device. After three weeks since Apple released the iPhone 4, users grumbled about losing signal when they cover the lower-left corner.

Last month, Apple suggested that users either buy a case or avoid holding the lower-left corner of the phone. But users' complaints does not stop, the hardware problem circulated over the web.

The issue raised even more when Consumer Reports has declared not to recommend the iPhone 4 for now, after testing the product and confirmed the design flaw.

For the mean time, millions of iPhone 4 users are still waiting for the later announcements of Apple Inc. during the conference.

Consumer Reports would not recommend iPhone 4 at this stage

This past few weeks, rumors on recalling iPhone 4 have been circulating over the web due to the device's antenna flaws. It seems that the issue raised even more when Consumer Reports on Monday denied the iPhone 4 its recommendation rating because of said hardware problem.

Consumer Reports, is an American magazine known for publishing reviews and result from its in-house testing laboratory, determined that the device had a hardware design flaw.

Two weeks ago, Apple explained that the iPhone 4 displays signal strength incorrectly because of a software bug. But the magazine was dissatisfied with the Apple's explanation and it could not recommend the device to its readers at this stage until Apple fixed the problem.

Apple is said to hold a conference on Friday, July 16th at 10AM PT, to discuss the iPhone 4 antenna issues.

MERALCO declares a rotational brownout

After the typhoon Basyang passed in Philippines, Meralco, using Twitter, declares a rotational brownout on different areas,

Tentative Rotational Brownout Schedule for July 15, 2010 (9AM-1PM) Areas affected are several portions of Balintawak, La Loma, in Quezon City, Malabon, Malinta, Tanay, Rizal, Marikina, Dasmarinas and Silang in Cavite, Makati,Novaliches, Tutuban, Malate, Sta. Mesa and Pandacan, Ayala Alabang, BF Paranaque, HillCrest, San Pablo, Laguna and Sta. Maria, Bulacan. -Meralco tweets.

Vitamin D lowers the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease and even Alzheimer's | List of Vitamin D rich foods

After a long study and research, Dr. Marian Evatt, assistant professor of neurology and assistant chief of neurology, movement disorders program, Wesley Woods Geriatric Hospital, Inc., published an editorial in which vitamin D helps to prevent someone to later develop Parkinson's disease.

Researchers at Finland studied more than 3000 people, ages 30-32, and took blood samples to measure their vitamin D levels. And then they found out that those people with a low level of the vitamin were three times more likely to develop Parkinson's, compared to the group with high level.

"Vitamin D may help protect the population of neurons gradually lost by people with Parkinson's disease," Evatt wrote.

Low levels of vitamin D may affect general brain development and functioning.

Vitamin D lowers the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and even Alzheimer's.

Here is the list of vitamin D rich foods:

1. Cod liver oil

2. Margarine

3. Butters (fortified)

4. Herring

5. Kippers

6. Salmon (canned)

7. Mackarel

8. Pilchards (canned)

9. Sardines

10. Tuna

11. Roe

12. Breakfast cereal

13. Eggs

14. Catfish

15. Eel

16. Milk

17. Yogurt

18. Oil spreads

19. Pastries

20. Bread

LeBron James: From 23 to jersey no. 6

After LeBron James announced of its moving to Miami Heat, now he will change his number from 23 to jersey number 6.

It was reported that James filed papers on changing his number when he was still in Cleveland Cavaliers.

James wanted to change his number as a respect to Michael Jordan who has been an great player in basketball.

James' number choice was confirmed by Ira Winderman, of South Florida Sun Sentinel.

On the other hand, Mario Chalmers of Miami Heat, whose originally wearing jersey number 6, also wanted to change his number to 15, so everything is up to James' decision anyway.

LeBron James will move to Miami Heat

LeBron James

After a long talks and speculations on where a two-time MVP player LeBron James is going, finally, he ended up the rumors on his live interview on national TV. James announced that he will move to Miami Heat.

He wanted to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, and joining in Miami made it possible.

James said, “I can’t say it was always in my plans, because I never thought it was possible but the things that the Miami Heat franchise have done, to free up cap space and be able to put themselves in a position this summer to have all three of us, it was hard to turn down."

“Those are two great players, two of the greatest players that we have in this game today.”

Wade, Bosh and James were teammate at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

5.4 Earthquake shakes Southern California Today

A magnitude of 5.4 earthquake was felt in Southern California today quiet near to Palm Springs. No immediate reports of damage or injury from the quake.

According to Captain Miguel Manzano, of Borrego Springs Fire Protection District, the quake was pretty strong and lasted about 10 to 15 seconds.

He said his department was unaware of any damage caused by the quake in their community but they would be checking the area.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the earthquake as a magnitude 5.9.

"SALT" | Who is Salt?

Salt 2010

Directed by: Philip Noyce
Written by: Kurt Wimmer
Genre: Action | Thriller

Oscar winner actress Angelina Jolie will play the role of Evelyn Salt, a CIA officer, who swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Salt's loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. She goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Her efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives. The hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continuous and the question remains: "Who is Salt?"

"SALT" will be release in movie theaters on July 23 (USA, Canada).



Salt - Movie Trailer

Lindsay Lohan sentenced to jail for three months

Lindsay Lohan -- AP

A judge sentenced Linsay Lohan yesterday (July 6) to three months in jail and another three months in rehab after she had violated the terms of her probation in a 2007 drug case. The actress burst in tears immediately after hearing the court decision.

One person offering Lohan his unconditional support is Matthew Wilder, who will direct the actress in "Inferno".

"This is a sad chapter in the ongoing tragicomic circus between the tabloid media and the 'justice' system," Wilder wrote in a statement to MTV News. "An outrageously outsized sentence garners attention for all the players involved, but brings only sadness to the poor soul who has to serve it. I am 100% behind Lindsay and can say the same for everyone involved in the production of 'Inferno: A Linda Lovelace Story.' Indeed, we are proud to have thisremarkable artist work on our film. And as for the haters relishing this moment, I can only quote Jesus in 'The Last Temptation of Christ': 'And those who are laughing now...will be crying after.' "

Lohan was not yet taken into custody and will be allow to surrender until on July 20.

Twilight Saga: Eclipse grossed $175.3M in Six Days

Twilight Saga: Eclipse

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse grossed $175.3M in the first six days.

The latest Twilight film earns $68.5M on its opening day -- and it was the second biggest opening day with a $4.2M short of the record set by the Twilight Saga: New Moon last November 2009.