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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

McDonald's Apologizes For Condoms In Happy Meals

AP -


5,000 Happy Meals were distributed with colored condoms instead of a plastic toy from the movie The Last Airbender.

According to elespectador.com , condoms were intended for the Provincetown, Mass. school system, which recently established a policy making them available for students of all ages; they were delivered to McDonald's distribution center in Barnstable, Mass. in error.

"The packages were so bright and colorful that they were misled by small toys for Happy Meals, but unfortunately most of the workers who do not read English package, and thought 'Ribbed Latex' was a character in the movie," said Robin Anderson, vice president of public relations for the chain, as published by El Universal of Mexico.

The McDonald's incident also caused problems in Provincetown, where the schools accidentally received the restaurant's shipments of Last Airbender toys, and several were released to students who went into their school's nurse's office seeking condoms.

Do you think this could have really happened?


Consumer Reports will not recommend Apple iPhone 4

Consumer Reports will not recommend Apple iPhone 4
Consumer Reports said it cannot recommend Apple's iPhone 4 to buyers after tests confirmed the device's well-publicized reception glitches.

It added that that AT&T Inc, the exclusive mobile phone carrier for the iPhone 4, was not necessarily the main culprit.

The influential nonprofit organization, which publishes guides on everything from cars to TVs, said in a report released on Monday that it also tested other phones -- including the iPhone 3GS and Palm Pre -- and found none had the signal-loss problems of Apple's latest iPhone.

The report was the latest blow to the iPhone 4, which sold 1.7 million units in its first three days on the market but has been plagued by complaints of poor reception. Many of the complaints involve a wraparound antenna whose signal strength is said to be affected if touched in a certain way.

Kaufman Bros analyst Shaw Wu said he was surprised by the stance that Consumer Reports took on the new iPhone. Wu noted that the group's recommendations are used as a guide by many consumers.

"Consumer reports is a respected publication. This could have an impact on iPhone sales," Wu said.

Apple shares were down 1 percent at $257.06 on Monday afternoon on the Nasdaq.

The company has been sued by iPhone customers in at least three complaints related to antenna problems.

"When your finger or hand touches a spot on the phone's lower left side -- an easy thing, especially for lefties -- the signal can significantly degrade enough to cause you to lose your connection altogether if you're in an area with a weak signal," contributor Mike Gikas said in a report on the Consumer Reports website.

"Our findings call into question the recent claim by Apple that the iPhone 4's signal-strength issues were largely an optical illusion caused by faulty software that 'mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength,'" Gikas said.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

Gikas recommended covering the gap in the wraparound antenna with duct tape or some other non-conductive material.

Apple has said almost any cellphone will suffer a loss of signal if held in certain ways. It said later it had discovered a software glitch that overstates signal strength, though it did not directly address concerns about the antenna with that admission.

On the flip side, Consumer Reports said the iPhone scored high on other testing grounds such as battery life, sharp display and high-quality video camera.

However, Gikas said the signal problem was the reason the iPhone 4 would not be classified as a "recommended" device in its smartphone ratings.

"Apple needs to come out with a permanent -- and free -- fix to the antenna problem before we can recommend the iPhone4," said Gikas in his blog post on ConsumerReports.org.

(Reporting by Carolina Madrid and Gabriel Madway; Editing by Edwin Chan, Matthew Lewis and Steve Orlofsky)


SOURCE :- http://in.news.yahoo.com/137/2010071...nd.html:angle:

FBI warns Seattle cartoonist about threats from radical cleric


Pakistani Muslims burn an effigy of cartoonist Molly Norris during a protest in May in Karachi, Pakistan.
Pakistani Muslims burn an effigy of cartoonist Molly Norris during a protest in May in Karachi, Pakistan.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Cartoonist Molly Norris began a controversy with an online cartoon in April
  • She proposed "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day"
  • Many Muslims find depictions of the Prophet Mohammed to be deeply offensive
  • The FBI says Norris has been warned about death threats


"She should be taken as a prime target of assassination," terror suspect Anwar al-Awlaki purportedly wrote about cartoonist Molly Norris in an English-language magazine called Inspire that claimed to be a publication of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
Seattle, Washington (CNN)
-- A Seattle cartoonist who drew a cartoon about the Prophet Mohammed has been warned by the FBI about death threats made against her by a radical cleric with ties to al Qaeda, an FBI agent said Tuesday.

"This campaign is not a practice of freedom of speech, but is a nationwide mass movement of Americans" who are "going out of their way to offend Muslims worldwide," the article signed by al-Awlaki continued. Al-Awlaki is himself being sought in Yemen for his alleged role as a planner of the failed bombing of a Detroit-bound passenger plane on Christmas Day last year.

Norris has been advised to take precautions to ensure her safety, said FBI Special Agent Marty Prewett.

"The FBI is always reviewing and assessing information it receives," Prewett said. "Whenever the FBI comes into possession of information of a threatening nature to an individual, we let that person know so they can take appropriate security measures. That is the case here."

Prewitt declined to comment on where Norris is and whether she is receiving protection from law enforcement. Al-Awlaki also threatened eight other cartoonists, journalists and writers from Britain, Sweden and Holland.

Norris kicked off a controversy in April with a cartoon published online about an imaginary group called "Citizens Against Citizens Against Humor" that proposed an "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day" on May 20.

Norris said in media interviews at the time that she was inspired by the furor created from an episode of the show "South Park" that depicted the Propeht Mohammed dressed in a bear suit.

Comedy Central, which airs "South Park," aired an edited version of the episode after the show's creators received threats.

Norris' cartoon inspired a campaign to create pictures of the Islamic prophet across the internet with over 100,000 people signing up on a Facebook page. A Pakistani court ordered access to Facebook there cut off for two weeks. Competing sites blasted the campaign also drew tens of thousands of followers.

Many Muslims find drawings and other depitcions of the Prophet Mohammed to be deeply offensive.

Norris said the consequences of the drawing were unintended. "I wasn't savvy," the cartoonist said in an interview last month with City Arts Magazine, where many of her cartoons were published. "I didn't mean for my satirical poster to be taken seriously. It became kind of an excuse for people to hate or be mean-spirited. I'm not-mean spirited," Norris said.

An editor at City Arts said neither the magazine nor Norris had any comment on the death threats against her.

Adam Raisman, a senior analyst for the Site Intelligence Group, which monitors Islamic terror groups online communications, said al-Awlaki's threats constituted a continued effort to reach a wider audience and should not be taken lightly.

"The prophet is the pinnacle of Jihad [for al-Awlaki and his followers]," he said. "It is better to support the prophet by attacking those who slander him than it is to travel to land of Jihad like Iraq or Afghanistan."

In February an ax-wielding man broke into the home of Danish cartoonist Kurt Westergaard who has been targeted by extremists for his drawing of Mohammed. He and his grandaughter hid in a fortified "panic room" during the attack.

Pakistan or Pornistan?

isclaimer: This article might not be suitable for all audiences. Readers discretion is advised.

Today Fox News published a report on Pakistan and refereed to it as Pornistan claiming that it is “No. 1 Nation in Sexy Web Searches”. Whatever keywords Fox News has mentioned are factual and not made-up. I don’t deny the fact that Pakistan ranks 1st on these keywords. I also don’t deny the fact that porn is popular in Pakistan. I deny the fact that Pakistan is “No. 1 Nation in Sexy Web Searches” as claimed by Fox News.

Pakistan is top dog in searches per-person for “horse sex” since 2004, “donkey sex” since 2007, “rape pictures” between 2004 and 2009, “rape sex” since 2004, “child sex” between 2004 and 2007 and since 2009, “animal sex” since 2004 and “dog sex” since 2005, according to Google Trends and Google Insights, features of Google that generate data based on popular search terms.

It’s funny how the mentioned keywords are few of the least popular keywords when it comes to pornography. Below is the image of comparison of these keywords along with other major keywords related to pornography like “sex”, “porn”, “big tits”

If you have a look at the image, the search volume for keyword “sex” is FAAAR more than other keywords. Keyword “Porn” has the 2nd highest search volume. Followed by “big tits” and then there is this little search volume for “rape sex” and “horse sex” which you might spot with a magnifying glass.

Since we have an understanding that other keywords consume much largely to porn searches, let’s now have a look at their traffic distribution.

Regional traffic for “Sex”:

Regional traffic for “Porn”:

Regional traffic for “Big tits”:

I don’t see Pakistan occurring even in the top 10 regions here. It’s a shame how Fox news has refereed to a country as Pornistan just to sell their papers off. We all exactly know the status of Fox news in international media. The stunt they played is exactly like referring to Pakistan as “Number 1 nation in music searches” since it ranks number 1 on keyword “Sufi Music”!


*** FACTS about KiSSiNg ***

*** FACTS about KiSSiNg ***
1. Kisses to develop light : if we usually do about 20 breaths per minute, during a kiss, this number could triple.

2. Passionate kisses increase heartbeat - these wires to improve blood circulationand metabolism. In addition, these pleasant activities train the heart muscle.

3. Often, kissing people less likely to suffer from caries. The fact that kissingstimulates increased formation of saliva, which in turn cleans the teeth are not worse than sugar-free Orbit.

4. During this kiss are a lot of facial muscles - it's a great exercise for the prevention of wrinkles.

5. For one kiss length per minute you can spend 12 kcal. Scientists estimate that if the daily kiss to 3 minutes per year can lose three pounds - without dieting and grueling workouts.

6. Since during a kiss improves blood circulation and metabolism, brain cells become saturated with oxygen, and this is a positive effect on mental work, memory and concentration ability.

7. During the kiss is the adrenaline rush of blood - the body charged with energy and comes in a tone.

8. Liberated by kissing enzymes prevent the development of the stress hormone - glucocorticoids. That's why a kiss - an excellent remedy for stress and depression.

9. During the kiss, is released into the blood of the hormone endorphin, which is also called hormone of happiness. Embraced - and life drowned in bright colors!

The Godfathers of 2010, captured


Italian Police on July 13, 2010 said they had made more than 300 arrests and confiscated tens of millions of euros of assets in their largest operation in 15 years against Italy's most powerful mafia. About 3,000 police officers made arrests in the southern region of Calabriaand across northern Italy, nabbing Domenico Oppedisano, 80, who is believed to be the top boss of the ?Ndrangheta mafia?. Charges include murder, extortion, arms and drug trafficking and criminal association. Investigators described the operation as one of biggest blows ever to an organization that today is considered more powerful than the Sicilian Mafia.




An unidentified man doffs his hat, as he rides in a Carabinieri (Paramilitary police) car after being arrested in Reggio Calabria, southern Italy, Tuesday, July 13, 2010, following one of the biggest operations ever against the powerful 'ndrangheta crime organization, in which 300 people were arrested including top bosses, and million of dollars (euros) in property seized.





An unidentified man peers out a Carabinieri (Paramilitary police) car after being arrested.




This video grab released by Italian State Police shows a meeting between Ndrangheta mafia boss Domenico Oppedisano (C) and other unknown people in Siderno southern Italy on February 3, 2010.



Italy's top anti-mafia prosecutor, Piero Grasso (L), and Italian prosecutor Ilda Boccasini smile during a press conference in Milan on July 13, 2010.




Mario Parente, Heads of Carabinieri ROS (Raggruppamento Operativo Speciale - Special operation department ) gives a press conference in Milan on July 13, 2010.




A view of a press conference at the Milan's court, Italy, Tuesday, July 13, 2010, following the biggest operations ever against the powerful 'ndrangheta crime organization.
__________________

Failed Times Square bomber recorded video


Failed Times Square bomber recorded video DUBAI: Faisal Shahzad, Pakistan-born American who has admitted to trying to set off a car bomb in Times Square said in a video taped before the failed attack it was to avenge the U.S. war in Afghanistan, Al Arabiya television said on Wednesday.

"This attack on the United States will also be a revenge attack for all the mujahideen," a man purported to be Faisal Shahzad said on the video aired by the television.

"Eight years have passed since the Afghanistan war and you shall see how the Muslim war has just begun and how Islam will spread across the world," the television quoted the man assaying.

The man, wearing traditional tribal clothes and sitting with an assault rifle, praised as martyrs dead Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud and Iraq-based al Qaeda leader Abu Musabal-Zarqawi, who was killed in 2006, in the video which resembled footage made by suicide bombers.

Shahzad, who was arrested before he could leave the United States, has pleaded guilty to attempting to set off a car bomb in New York's Times Square in May.

Tere Bin Laden Banned in Pakistan (full story)

Tere Bin Laden has run into trouble with the Censor Board again. High Court Pakistan has banned the release of the much awaited film ‘Tere Bin Laden’ aka ‘Tere Bin’ which stars the Price of Pop, Ali Zafar in the lead role and deals with a bold edgy subject and problems post 9/11. Previously on the order of Censor Board, the name ‘Laden’ was dropped from Tere Bin Laden in Pakistan as a precautionary measure and now considering the kind of tensions surrounding Pakistan, the release of the film in Pakistan has been banned. The Board claimed that the film has been banned to protect the people of Pakistan from any unexpected, unpleasant consequences carried out by extremist elements.

According to newspapers across the border, the makers of the film have also received an anonymous letter threatening them with dire consequences if it is released. But according to the makers, the letter was not from Al-Qaeda, because it accuses the makers of supporting Osama Bin Laden and terrorism, making one smell the Shiv Sena rat.

Ali Zafar also told the Indian Press that “it is a satire and does not hurt anyone’s ideology.” But now the the Pakistani Censor Board has banned the release of the film claiming that if even a few people find the film offensive, the cinemas might be damaged and people hurt and said that potential danger must be prevented. Of course it must, because the government can provide absolutely no law and order to its people, especially for a movie.

Apparently the film is going to the third tier of the Censor Board but no one is hopeful they’ll reverse the decision but miracles do happen.

The makers of Tere Bin Laden were also releasing the film globally, except U.S.A. because the American distributor of the film felt that Tere Bin Laden has the potential to go beyond the Indian diaspora, penetrating into the American market due to Osama Bin Laden. Hence, the makers decided to release the film everywhere, except America this Friday. Due to its ban in Pakistan, the film will now open only in places like U.K., India and Australia and other international territories in Phase I this Friday, while America will see a Phase II release, after the makers study the business in various markets in its first round.

Now one wonders what would be the box-office result of this small-budget film which has been banned in Pakistan, is not releasing in the U.S.A and is getting threats for its release in India.

See what Ali Zafar has to say about the ban:

Ali Zafar on Tere Bin Laden Ban


Karan Johar to bring Shahrukh & Aamir together?


Movies



SHAHRUKH KHAN, KARAN JOHAR and AAMIR KHAN

SHAHRUKH KHAN, KARAN JOHAR and AAMIR KHAN


The distant dream of seeing the two reigning superstars of Bollywood (for almost two decades now), Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan together on-screen may soon get accomplished. As our prolific and visionary filmmaker, Karan Johar has expressed the desire to the cast the duo in his film (in near future).

Lately at the music launch of Aamir Khan's much touted film PEEPLI [LIVE], KJo, who was there to grace the event, revealed, "Aamir Khan is a very good actor. I would love to do a film with Shahrukh Khan and him."

Aamir Khan was also positive on doing a film with Karan Johar.

"Why not? I think Karan is a very talented director. I would love to work with him. If there is a good story for me and if Karan also feels that I fit the role, I will do it," said the perfectionist.

It can be recalled that the Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan have come together on screen only once in Ashutosh Gowariker's directorial debut, PEHLA NASHA. But those were merely cameos.

Now that it comes from someone like Karan Johar, you can bet that they aren't just words and the project will materialize. Let's hope that it happens soon.

5 Games That Motion Controls Could Improve

The Barrel Roll

5 Games That Motion Controls Could Improve

It’s really quite undeniable at this point: motion controls are the future of gaming. With the Nintendo nostalgia machine known as the Wii, Sony’s Wii 2.0 (a.k.a Playstation Move), and Microsoft’s suspiciously family friendly Kinect, motion control has taken a firm grip on the Game Industry. There are some promising games on the horizon, but there are many existing series that need or atleast could benefit from motion control.

In no particular order, here are five games that would do well with motion control.

God of War

The head ripping, blade throwing, impale-everything-in-sight Ghost of Sparta could do with some motion control. Imagine using the Move controller as your own personal Blades of Chaos. The level of control could allow for some amazing combos, and videos of fat guys swinging their arms and pretending to be Kratos on Youtube could be the best marketing ploy ever. The real plus would be replacing all those pesky quick time events and instead of showing what buttons to press, showing how to move the controller. Using both Move controllers could allow players to use the two blades independently, allowing them to strike at opponents on either side of Kratos at the same time. With a little creativity, Kratos could be decimating the pantheon of Greek Gods with a level of ingenuity unsurpassed by current games.

Mortal Kombat

Any who might be on the fence about the idea of a Mortal Kombat game with motion controls need only think about the endless possibilities for Fatalities. Let your viciousness out. The best idea possible would be taking motion control and putting it online. Put your best moves against other MK nerds over the internet. Perhaps a practice mode could be put in place for those who’d rather use Move or Kinect over a traditional controller. Also, each character could have motion specific special moves. Extend your arms toward the screen as Sub Zero to freeze your opponent, or rotate them as Liu Kang to perform a bicycle kick. While this would work well for other big fighting series as well, MK’s limitless brutality and its gruesome style would guarantee the most visceral action.

Left 4 Dead

Who hasn’t dreamed of the zombie apocalypse? Get chased by some overenthusiastic Romero fan, blast them in the face with a shotgun, and throw Molotov cocktails at their headless body in the safety of your home with motion control. Left 4 Dead is a great choice because of its simplicity. Even on rails, the game could prove to be a majorly successful and enjoyable title. Try to imagine the old school House of the Dead arcade games with Left 4 Dead visuals and style all on your TV. Use an assortment of guns, axes, frying pans, chainsaws, pipe bombs, and snarky comments to blast, chop, and otherwise obliterate the mindless hordes facing you.

Grand Theft Auto

Getting drunk, stealing a car, doing a drive by, picking up a hooker, killing said hooker, wrecking the car, and going to town on the wreckage with a baseball bat has never been so much fun. If you don’t think a GTA game with motion control would be fun, you’ve never really played a GTA game. The beauty of GTA being motion controlled is the sheer diversity of the controls. Melee combat such as bats and crowbars, gunplay including assault rifles, rocket launchers and the like, and great driving missions could all be available in the same package. All with the freedom we’ve come to expect from Rockstar. If done right, players could act out all their fantasies of being a hardened criminal without all the real life punishments.

Metal Gear Solid

Now, if the whole point of motion control is putting yourself in the action, the Metal Gear Solid series needs at least one game with it. I want to destroy walking battle tanks with rocket launchers, sneak up on genetically enhanced soldiers, and hide under cardboard boxes. I can do that last one without actually playing the game, but still. Now, playing an entire Metal Gear game with motion control might get a little tiresome, so I wouldn’t want Kojima to get rid of the controller completely. However, working through a mind-bending plot (and I mean actually working through it) would be decidedly awesome. You could actually use your hands to hold guards at gunpoint, and rob them of their dog tags. You could actually get down low to sneak around, or conveniently forget being sneaky, and shoot wildly into the air. Talking in a gravely voice, however, is entirely optional.