Apple Share of Ultrabooks to Shrink, Time Machine Glitch When Restoring to New Drive, and More, The 'Book Review

General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review. iPad, iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV news is covered in The iNews Review. All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

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News & Opinion

Apple's Share of Ultrabook Market Will Decline

Computerworld's Gregg Keizer reports that although Apple will sell an increasing number of MacBook Airs over the next two years, its share of the light-and-thin notebook market will fall as computer makers crank out Windows-powered competitors, according to analyst Brian Marshall of International Strategy & Investment Group (ISI) in a Dec. 13 note to clients.

Marshall estimates that Apple will sell 6.3 million MacBook Air notebooks in 2011, 8.4 million in 2012 and 10.4 million in 2013, and that MacBook Air sales accounted for 49% of all Apple's notebook sales in the quarter that ended Sept. 30, 2011.

However, he predicts, even as Apple sells more MacBook Airs, its share of the total "ultrabook" market will decline.

Marshall thinks Apple's 2102 ultrabook (notebooks that weigh less than three pounds, use SSD storage, have a full-sized keyboard and at least an 11" screen) share will diminish to approximately 46% in 2012, and to 32% in 2013, with more Windows PC makers jumping on the ultrabook bandwagon.

Marshall projects that no Windows PC maker will beat Apple, but Hewlett-Packard and Lenovo will come closest, with Microsoft's release of Windows 8 next year to help boost non-Apple ultrabooks sales, noting in his research note that "Success hinges on reaching mainstream notebook PC prices close to $700, or 30% below the base 11.6" MacBook Air model at $999."

Marshall anticipates some 30 to 50 ultrabook announcements at the Jan. 10-13 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Publisher's note: This is like predicting that Windows' share of the operating system market, Internet Explorer's share of the browser market, or the iPad's share of the tablet market will decline. When you so completely dominate a market, there's really nowhere for your share to go but down, and since Apple pretty much invented the ultrabook category (the MacBook Air came out before the term ultrabook had even been coined), the conclusion is obvious. It is interesting to see the trajectory being predicted - and remember how none of the 10" Android tablets have yet made a dent in iPad sales. dk

Link: Apple's Share of 'Ultrabook' Market Set to Plummet, Analyst Predicts

Glitch in Backing Up after Data Restore from Time Machine

MacGroup blogger Chita Hunter notes that there was one item from a laptop drive failure a few weeks ago that didn't end at all as expected, despite having a a full clone backup, an emergency Lion USB thumb drive, and a Time Machine backup.

Once home, the laptop was booted up from the thumb drive, restored from the Time Machine drive, and seemed fine, but running SuperDuper at the end of the day, it was noted that the backup seemed to be taking longer than normal, although it completed, but an attempted Time Machine backup the next day found Time Machine overwriting existing data.

It is deduced that with a new drive ID, even though the info on the new drive was from a Time Machine restore, the drive is still a new different entity to Time Machine, with data on the new drive considered new data.

Something to consider if you're restoring your date to a new drive from Time Machine.

Editor's note: Your editor does Time Machine backups periodically, but depends mainly on Carbon Copy Cloner (donationware). cm

Publisher's note: Your publisher doesn't use Time Machine, but depends on SuperDuper ($28) to create bootable hard drive clones. dk

Link: Hiccup in MacBook Pro Replacement Data Restore from Time Machine

Products & Services

Aegis NetDock - Mac Edition 3-in-1 Notebook Docking Station

PR: Apricorn has announced a new Mac Edition of their Aegis NetDock ($229 for 1?TB model), an ultra-compact 3-in-1 USB Docking Station, combining a 4-port USB hub, dual layer DVD burner, and hard drive in a footprint smaller than a stapler. An ideal accessory for Apple's MacBook Air especially, the Aegis NetDock instantly adds desktop functionality and optical drive support via a single USB connection.

Compact Design

With its attractive candy-red enclosure and space-saving vertical stand facilitating a tiny footprint small enough to fit on the most cluttered desk, the Aegis NetDock is a perfect solution for mobile professionals, students, and those looking for a simple way to connect all of their mobile devices.

4-Port USB Hub

Ideal for connecting and charging Apple "i" devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod, the NetDock's 4-port USB Hub with two "Always On" USB ports enables you to connect up to four USB devices using a single USB port on your MacBook or MacBook Air.

Dual Layer DVD Burner

The Aegis NetDock's optical drive is perfect for installing the latest software, playing games, or watching a DVD. Need to burn your latest iMovie or iLife project to a DVD? With its Dual Layer recording engine you can record up to 8.5 GB of data per DVD, virtually doubling data storage capacity on a DVD recordable disc from the single layer recording capacity of 4.7 GB.

High Capacity Hard Drive

Fully compatible with Time Machine, the Aegis NetDock's built-in 500 GB or 1?TB hard drive also gives you plenty of space to store your media collection, photos, and videos in one local and always-accessible location.

The Aegis NetDock is also available without a hard drive. The easy open enclosure enables you to add, swap, or change out the hard drive in a snap. The enclosure fits any 2.5" 9.5mm SATA hard drive.

Green Energy Efficient Design

In addition, the Aegis NetDock's energy efficient design incorporates an auto "ON" and "OFF" feature, automatically turning on when connected to your MacBook and powering down when not in use.

"With so many mobile professionals and students using the MacBook Air as their primary computer, the ability to conveniently add desktop features when needed makes the Aegis NetDock an ideal companion for the MacBook Air," says Mike McCandless, VP of Sales & Marketing at Apricorn. "Its tiny size, affordable price, and comprehensive feature set make the Aegis NetDock an appealing addition."

Warranty - 1 year

• With 500 GB Hard Drive - $199 ($124 after mail-in rebate)
• With 1 TB Hard Drive - $229
• Without Hard Drive - $69

Web Exclusive Offer - $75 Mail-in rebate and get free Shipping on Aegis NetDock 500 GB (Free Shipping Available in Continental US only)

Apricorn's Aegis NetDock is available from online retailers and Apricorn's website.

Publisher's note: Bear in mind that, unlike Apple's $79 external SuperDrive for the MacBook Air, this is not a bus-powered device. I comes with an AC adapter, which also allows the two "always on" ports. The included hard drives are 5400 rpm with an 8?MB buffer - performance lovers may want to buy the bare NetDock and add a faster hard drive. dk

Link: Aegis NetDock - Mac Edition

Sonnet Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter

PR: Thunderbolt technology offers amazing speed (up to 10 Gb/s) and versatility, supporting high-resolution displays plus high-performance data devices through a single, compact port. It's next generation I/O technology available today. But what about connecting existing FireWire and eSATA peripherals as well as high speed memory cards?

Sonnet's Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter expands Thunderbolt connectivity to support more than just storage systems and monitors, adding an ExpressCard/34 slot to any computer to which it's connected, enabling you to use a wide variety of ExpressCard/34 cards to add a range of interfaces and capabilities to your system.

For example, this adapter lets you add more FireWire ports or an eSATA interface through a single Thunderbolt adapter, allowing you to choose your connections and add more to your setup. Because this adapter supports hot-swapping, you can select and change the ExpressCard to use as needed. It supports most Sonnet ExpressCard/34 cards (with a PCI Express interface), such as their models with FireWire interfaces, CompactFlash and SDXC card readers, and select eSATA controllers. It also will support most specialty bus-interface products like the interface adapter for AJA io Express.

Setup for this Sonnet adapter is simple - just connect it directly to your computer or at the end of a Thunderbolt device chain with a Thunderbolt cable (not included, sold at the Apple Store). That's it. There is no software to install and no power supply to plug in. Plug the ExpressCard/34 card into the Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter as you would into a notebook computer's ExpressCard slot, install software for the adapter if necessary, and you're ready to work.

Key Features

• Expands Your Computer's Connectivity and Capabilities - Enables you to use ExpressCard/34 adapters with Thunderbolt technology-equipped computers
• Fast Interface - High-performance 10 Gb/s Thunderbolt technology, 2.5 Gb/s ExpressCard/34 interface
• Supports Common ExpressCard/34 Adapters - Supports Sonnet CompactFlash and SDXC readers; FireWire, and select eSATA adapters
• Supports Specialty ExpressCard/34 Adapters - Supports ExpressCard adapters for specialty devices such as AJA io Express
• SxS Memory Card Compatibility - Based on testing in our lab, we expect the Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter to be fully compatible with SxS media cards and transfer data at the full card speed once Sony makes available an updated driver that is Thunderbolt technology aware.

Versatile Connectivity via Thunderbolt

Sonnet's Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter opens a world of connectivity options to any Thunderbolt technology-enabled computer. ExpressCard/34 adapters, originally intended for use with notebook computers, offer users additional connectivity and functionality beyond what's available through their computers stock configuration. With Sonnet's EchoExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter, you can have an eSATA Thunderbolt adapter, a FireWire 800 Thunderbolt adapter, or an SDXC or CF Thunderbolt adapter. Sonnet says additional options will be available soon.

Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter Specifications

• Warranty - 1-year
• Bus Interface - PCI Express x1
• External Connectors:
  • 1 Thunderbolt
  • 1 ExpressCard/34
• Data Transfer Speeds - Up to 2.5 Gb/s
• Supported ExpressCard/34 Adapter Types - PCIe-based with driver support for Thunderbolt Technology
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 2.7" x 4.0" x 1.3" (6.7 x 10.0 x 3.4 cm)
• Mac Compatibility - Mac with Thunderbolt Technology
  • Mac OS 10.6.8+
  • Mac OS X Lion compatible

Requires Thunderbolt cable, available at the Apple Store.

Link: Sonnet Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter

Ergonomic Solutions from RTA Products

PR: RTA Products LLC has announced announce two new ergonomic solutions lines, 2COOL and The Sharper Image, which feature innovative ergonomic laptop stands and tablet accessories.

Most people spend hours at the computer each day, which often leads to neck strain and overall fatigue. The Sharper Image and 2COOL ergonomic laptop stand collections feature sleek, modern silhouettes, that raise your laptop's monitor to an eye level position, while a built in keyboard and touch pad increases productivity. Built in fans and additional USB ports are just icing on the cake!

With the advent of our innovative ergonomic laptop stands and mobile accessories lines, our goal is to revolutionize how consumers experience their laptops and other portable devices such as iPad and ebook readers, said Gabe Dickstein, managing director of RTA Products. Each RTA Products stand and tablet case was developed to be ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing, to ensure that users can enjoy their devices for hours without compromising on comfort or style.

2COOL and The Sharper Image Ergonomic Solutions

RTA Products new ergonomic solutions provide tech-savvy professionals with accessories that meet their technological needs and enhance the look of their devices. Both lines offer laptop stands in silver, black or white and tablet cases in Techniflex synthetic leather. All laptop stands are Apple & PC compatible.

Featured 2COOL and The Sharper Image products include:

2COOL

Sleek Chill Laptop Stand with Keyboard (2C-SK31H2): An ergonomic laptop stand featuring three silent cooling fans, a two-port USB hub and full-size keyboard with built in touch pad.

Trendy Laptop Stand with Keyboard (2C-SK11H2): This trendy laptop stand offers an ergonomic solution with a durable full-size keyboard including numeric keypad, light display and touchpad.

Pro-Cooling Stand with Keyboard (2C-SK02H2): An ergonomic designed cooling solution, the pro-cooling stand includes a durable full-size keyboard, one silent, oversized fan and a USB port to connect to other devices.

iPad Portfolio with Bluetooth Keyboard (2C-TCK02C): A stylish, ergonomic solution, this portable iPad tablet case provides a Bluetooth connection to a spill- and dust-proof keyboard. (For iPad and iPad 2.)

The Sharper Image

Notebook Stand with Keyboard (RTA-SISK31): This ergonomic laptop stand offers three silent cooling fans to keep a laptop from overheating, as well as a 2-Port USB hub to connect to other devices, and a touchpad and full-size keyboard made of durable ABS plastic.

White Laptop Stand with Built-In Keyboard (RTA-SISK11): With an ergonomic design laptop stand features a built-in full size keyboard and fully functional touchpad with left and right buttons which allows you to work on your laptop with ease. Also includes an open back design that allows heat to escape keeping laptop cool.

iPad Portfolio with Bluetooth Keyboard (RTA-SITCK02): Featuring a Bluetooth notebook-style keyboard and lightweight Techniflex synthetic leather case, this ergonomic solution is designed to make working in small spaces simple.

Ergonomic Laptop Stand Collections and Workspace Solutions

RTA Products easy-to-use website features each and every product in the 2COOL, TechniMobili, and The Sharper Image lines, and allows users to easily find the ergonomic solution that suits their needs simply by searching the product line, product number, category, and/or material they desire.

In addition, the site provides engaging instruction manuals, assembly tips and assembly videos as well as a blog where consumers can find the latest and greatest news about RTA Products and exciting information about related industry topics.

2COOL solutions and The Sharper Image products can also be found online at Amazon.com, Wayfair.com (formerly CSN.com) and ATGStores.com, as well as in store at Fry's Electronics.

For more information on where to buy RTA's ergonomic, stylish alternatives to traditional workspace solutions, email hello@rtaproducts.com for a complete list of e-retailers.

Link: 2COOL
Link: Sharper Image

Software

iBrightness Overrides OS X Auto Brightness, Puts You in Control

PR: XCool Apps has announced iBrightness, their latest app designed for Apple's MacBook line of portable computers. iBrightness is now available on the Mac App Store and is targeted at filling the gap for one of the most basic features that should have been built-in to each MacBook that Apple sells.

Whenever we turn the power adapter on or off, our MacBooks will automatically adjust the screen brightness. However, it switches the brightness according to what it thinks is right, sometimes depending on what it feels like, even when we switched off the automatic brightness setting.

"We work on our Macs the whole day," say the developers, "and we grew tired of our MacBooks constantly forgetting the brightness level that we have set whenever we change power sources, so we came out with the idea for iBrightness."

Besides allowing you to freely adjust your brightness level straight from the menu bar, iBrightness sits in the menu bar, waiting for your Mac's power source to change and then re-adjusts the screen brightness according to what you have previously set. No more guessing if the screen will be too dim when you move away from the power socket, or if it will be too bright because you turned to the power adapter. iBrightness is here to keep the guessing game away.

iBrightness Features

• Automatically adjust your portable Mac's screen brightness when switching power source
• Separate brightness levels for each power source: battery or power adapter
• Adjust screen brightness levels easily from the comfort of your menu bar
• Option to run app on system startup (recommended)

iBrightness is designed for portable Macs like the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro running Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard or above. You may run this app on non-portable Macs, but with reduced functionalities.

System Requirements

• Apple Macintosh computer
• Designed for MacBook, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro
• Requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later
• 0.5 MB

iBrightness 1.0 is available at 99? (or its equivalent amount in other currencies) and is available worldwide exclusively through Apple's Mac App Store in the Utilities category.

Link: iBrightness

Bargain 'Books

For more deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4, iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.

We also track iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/lowendmac/hGTC/~3/ViyfSfxWl0g/1223.html

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Time running out to register to vote in Florida primary

ORLANDO --?

The Florida primary is on January 31, but if you want to vote in it, you must be sure you're registered by January 3.

This is especially important if you want to vote in the Republican presidential primary.

Florida is a "closed primary" state. That means you can only vote in your own party's primary. In this case, only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary.

If you're registered as a Democrat,?a third party or with no affiliation, you can change your party to Republican to vote in the primary, and then change it back afterward.

Yes, it's legal. All you have to do is fill out and submit?a new voter registration application to your local Supervisor of Elections office:

If you're changing your party, just check the "Party Change" box on Line 1 of the application.

Remember: Your local Supervisor of Elections Office must receive your new application?no later than Tuesday, January 3.

To find out how and where to submit your application, visit your county's Elections Office?website:

• Your Local Supervisors of Elections

You can also update your voter information at any local public library, driver's license office or government office that handles social services.

Florida Decides - Latest Headlines

Source: http://cfnews13.com/article/news/2011/december/363930/Time-running-out-to-register-to-vote-in-Florida-primary?cid=rss

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Oil vs. Natural Gas for Home Heating: Which Costs More?

Only eight percent of U.S. homes use oil heat today. Natural gas is both cheaper and has lower carbon emissions than oil, though it is still a fossil fuel and its green-friendliness is overstated. Most eco-advocates would rather see a shift to truly renewable heating sources like geothermal or solar. Image: iStock/Thinkstock

Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that gas furnaces cost less to run and burn cleaner than their oil counterparts? If I make the switch, how long should I expect it to take for me to pay back my initial investment? And are there any greener options I should consider??
-- Veronica Austin, Boston, MA

It is true that natural gas has been a more affordable heat source than oil for Americans in recent years. The federal Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that the average American homeowner will pay only about $732 to heat their home with gas this winter season (October 1 through March 31) versus a whopping $2,535 for oil heat. While the price of natural gas has remained relatively stable in the last few years, oil prices have been high and rising thanks in large part to continued unrest in Middle Eastern oil producing countries. Just two years ago the average winter home oil heating bill was $1,752.

While oil prices are likely to remain high and volatile in the foreseeable future, most energy analysts agree that pricing for natural gas, much of which is still derived domestically, is not expected to rise or fluctuate substantially in the U.S. any time soon. According to EIA economist and forecaster Neil Gamson, the U.S. already has a glut of natural gas and expects even more domestic production to come online soon as drillers are set to open up the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and New York to more gas development.

Only about eight percent of U.S. homes are on oil heat today. Most are in the Northeastern U.S. and were built back in the day when oil was the cheapest way to keep toasty through the long winters. Many utilities have since put gas lines into neighborhoods that didn?t have them in the past, opening the door for homeowners to switch out old inefficient oil furnaces for more efficient gas units.

The federal government?s 30 percent tax credit (capped at $500) for upgrading to a high efficiency furnace expires at the end of 2011 but will likely be extended in one form or another into 2012. In the meantime, some states, municipalities and utilities offer their own incentives and low-interest loans on upgraded, high-efficiency furnaces. Check what?s available in your area via a zip code or map-based search online at the website of the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE). Regardless of incentives, gas furnaces tend to cost less than their oil counterparts anyway, but installing one from scratch will incur an extra thousand dollars or two to run a gas line to it from the street. If natural gas continues to be substantially cheaper than oil, the fuel cost savings alone would pay back the up-front equipment and infrastructure investment within five years in most cases.

Environmentally speaking, gas has lower carbon emissions than oil, but hydraulic fracturing (?fracking?)?the highly controversial gas extraction method increasingly employed today (drillers inject water, sand and chemicals at high pressure underground to break through rock and access the natural gas)?takes a heavy toll on surrounding ecosystems and regional water quality. Most environmental advocates would rather see people transition to truly renewable heating sources like geothermal or solar. If you?re going to the cost and trouble of switching out an oil furnace for something new, a geothermal heat pump may cost more ($7,500 and up) than a new gas heating system but will save big bucks and emissions in the long run. For those in reliably sunny areas, a solar heating system will cost even more up front but can deliver similar long term economic and environmental benefits.

CONTACTS: EIA, www.eia.gov; DSIRE, www.dsireusa.org.

EarthTalk? is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe:www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=cc95c70154ed8ad12772e0cc0833ec1e

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Iowa voters hold sway over how president is chosen (The Arizona Republic)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories News, RSS Feeds and Widgets via Feedzilla.

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Natural gas price plunge puts heat on producers (Reuters)

(Reuters) ? A steep drop in natural gas prices is squeezing the profits of producers such as Southwestern Gas Corp (SWX.N), EXCO Resources (EXC.N) and Quicksilver Resources (KWK.N), which may need to shut wells, raise cash, cut staff or seek merger partners in the coming year.

Spot natural gas futures dipped below $3.00 per million British Thermal units on Friday, the lowest level in more than two years, as a glut of gas from shale fields across the United States pushed inventory levels to historic highs.

Market forecasters expect prices to remain weak in 2012, after falling nearly 40 percent since June -- a boon to major users of the fuel, such as chemicals and industrial companies.

Large gas producers including Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) and Chevron Corp (CVX.N) have the deep pockets to ride through the low prices, but many of their smaller competitors are likely to suffer as they are heavily reliant on dry gas.

Shares of Exco and Quicksilver have lost about half their value in the last six months, far worse than the 5.4 percent drop in the NYSE index of natural gas companies (.XNG).

Southwestern's shares have fared better, since the company has hedged half its natural gas production by buying protection at around $5 gas. Still, the company's projections show that low natural gas prices will cut sharply into both profits and cash flow.

Typically, gas producers respond to price drops by reducing spending on new wells, shrinking the amount of gas that enters the market and helping to turn prices higher. But analysts say more drastic action may be needed in 2012, including well shut-downs, spending cuts or even employee layoffs, as well as asset sales or full mergers with stronger peers.

"They'll muck through a couple ugly months of bad spot pricing as long as they see some hope in the strip," said Dan Morrison, senior energy analyst at Global Hunter Securities, referring to NYMEX futures "strip" prices. "When the whole strip melts down, that's what really alters behavior."

Graphic: http://link.reuters.com/mup44s

Weak gas prices have sparked chatter some companies could seek mergers or sell off assets.

"On the transaction side, you've always got the opportunistic guys, saying oil is at a relatively high spot in the last couple of years, and gas is low, so I'm going to chase the gas right now," said David Knox, senior vice president for negotiated transactions at the Oil & Gas Asset Clearinghouse in Houston.

EXCO earlier this year explored a sale but found no suitable buyers. It has said it may raise funds by selling its gas processing assets.

The company may find a willing buyer in its joint venture partner BG Group Plc (BG.L), according to Michael Hall, analyst at Baird Equity Research. The companies are currently partners in the Marcellus and Haynesville shales.

That may hinge on whether BG decides to pursue a vertical integration strategy to help fulfill the long-term gas export deals it recently signed with Cheniere Energy Inc (LNG.A), Hall said in a note to clients earlier this month.

GAS WINNERS

Shale fields, such as the Marcellus in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the Haynesville in Louisiana, Fayetteville in Arkansas as well as new fields in Ohio and other states, have pushed average 2012 prices for natural gas futures on the NYMEX near $3.30 this week, well south of the $4 mark that gas producers often cite as the benchmark to deliver healthy industry returns.

Southwestern has said cash flow from operations in 2012 could fall more than 14 percent when calculated using a $3.50 gas price, compared with gas at $4.50 per Mcf. By the same measure, the company's net profit falls more than 20 percent with $3.50 gas.

Southwestern's output is 100 percent gas, EXCO's production is 98 percent gas and Quicksilver's production is 82 percent gas, according to data from Bernstein Research.

Projections that gas prices will stay low have helped many other industries that rely on gas to produce chemicals, fertilizer or electricity.

Steel maker Nucor Corp (NUE.N) has cited low natural gas prices as a key driver behind its move to build a new steel plant in Louisiana, and electricity producers have announced plans to build dozens of new gas-fired power plants to replace aging coal-fired generators.

"We have already seen companies that are in the chemicals, steel and aluminum and fertilizer industries either plan for new facilities or to restart old facilities," said Paul Cicio, the president of the Industrial Energy Consumers of America, a lobby group in Washington.

Each $1 drop in natural gas prices cuts costs for Dow Chemical (DOW.N), DuPont (DD.N) and other U.S.-based chemical makers by a total of $3.7 billion annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

For an industry that only five years ago saw little future in investing in U.S. operations, the new price paradigm is a game changer that the American Chemistry Council, an industry trade association, estimates will drive $25 billion in investments in new facilities.

Royal Dutch Shell Plc's (RDSa.L) Shell Oil Co and Dow are the two biggest names planning new chemical plants. LyondellBasell (LYB.N) plans to improve its use of natural gas in its production, and fertilizer producer CF Industries (CF.N), which uses natural gas to make nitrogen, is planning to increase production.

"We have an opportunity in several of our U.S. facilities that will allow us to take advantage of lower costs using ethane from natural gas streams and some other NGLs," said LyondellBasell spokesman David Harpole.

"U.S. ethylene plants are (now) second only to the Mideast in production costs."

(Reporting by Anna Driver in Houston and Braden Reddall in San Francisco; additional reporting by Ernest Scheyder, Jeanine Prezioso and Matt Daily in New York, writing by Matt Daily and Anna Driver, editing by Matthew Lewis)

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/energy/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20111230/bs_nm/us_natgas_companies

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Bishop Crosas leads the twitter celebrations

Posted on Thursday, 29th December 2011 by Joe McHugh

Bishop Crosas started 2011 on the bench as Celtic won 2-0 at Ibrox and ended it cheering his former team-mates on from the stand.

He tweeted: ?Yaaaaaaaas!!!!!!top of the league!!we just can?t get enough!!!what an amazing feeling being back home at PARADISE with the fans?#hailhail,? followed by ?Can you hear the R******s sing?NOOOOOO?NOOOOO.?

Former striker John Hartson was a bit more restrained this morning tweeting: ?Very good morning to all the Celtic fans around the world!! What a beautiful morning it is.?

Straight after the match he tweeted: ?Celtic thoroughly deserved their victory tonight,to win 9 games in a row is good form and shows great spirit!! ?

Earlier the Welshman had tweeted: ?@RobbieSavage8?9 mate!! Ledley can now be called a legend in the green and White half of the city!!? after tweeting: ?Get in there!! Is that another taff making a habit of scoring against them lot!!?

Goal hero Ledley tweeted: ?Buzzing to have scored the winner in a old firm!! The Atmosphere was unbelievable Thanks.. Have a good night?#boomtown.?

Pre-match on loan team-mate Niall McGinn tweeted: ?Shuffle on the ipod and what comes on ? Just Can?t Get Enough. Wish was goin to paradise tonight.?

McGinn followed that with: ? Great display from bhoys tonight, defo deserved the 3points. Well done?@joe16led. U legend,? followed by: ?Will sleep a happy man tonight, goodnight everyone.?

Dominic Cervi added: ?Fantastic 3 points! Fans were great as always!?#HH!?

Unsung hero Thomas Rogne tweeted this morning: ?Really enjoyed the game last night. Supporters were massive as always, best in the world.?

Picture thanks to Rhebel Rhebel

Yesterday Rio Ferdinand had looked forward to the match by tweeting: ?Training done,the sofa is shouting me to come+get comfy! Old firm game who you having?? Coooome on Celtic..get the Maestro Paul Mcstay back!?

Followed up by: ?Didn?t realise I had so many scottish tweeters?.mentioning Paul Mcstay has woke up a good few out there!!!

During the match he added: ?Atmosphere sounds unbelievable at the old firm game! 1 ? 0 to celtic?. ?

Pre-match team-mate Wayne Rooney had tweeted: ?Come on the hoops. Win tonight and go top.?

Michael Owen added: ?Do atmospheres get any better? Unbelievable. #oldfirm.?

Coatbridge bhoy Barry Bannon of Aston Villa didn?t leave anone in any doubt about his trip north.

He tweeted: ?Excited for the Celtic game can?t wait come on the boys !!!? followed by ?I?m celtic fan for the people that dnt know !!!? and ?On way to paradise for the old firm mon the bhoys !!!

Bannon was accompanied by Villa team-mate Andreas Weimann who tweeted: ?On the way to parkhead with?@BBannan25?and?@nickylaughlin?! First old firm game ?come on the hoops ! ?

Afterwards Weimann tweeted: ?First old firm game was brilliant ! Atmosphere is unreal ?and the hoops won ha !?#happydays.?

Finally keeping his feet on the ground Neil Lennon tweeted: ?Very proud of the team tonight. Great result.?

CLICK HERE?for Neil Lennon?s perfect Christmas

CLICK HERE?for Kenny Clark slams Rangers cynical appeal

Follow Video Celts on?Twitter,?Facebook

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Source: http://videocelts.com/2011/12/blogs/bishop-crosas-leads-the-twitter-celebrations

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Police Say Christmas Gaming Drove Woman to Attack Children with ...

Allegedly enraged over her five-year-old son's playing of a video game he received as a Christmas gift, Jutrina Tillman of Phoenix, Arizona, dragged the young boy into his bedroom and began to strangle him before threatening to kill him and his 13-year-old sister with a butcher knife.

Around 10PM on Christmas night Phoenix police received a 911 call from Tillman's hysterical daughter, claiming the woman was attempting to kill her and her younger brother over a video game.

Tillman, who had reportedly been drinking throughout the day, flew into a rage over her five-year-old son's playing of a new game he received as a holiday gift earlier that day. According to the daughter, the mother grabbed her son by the arm and dragged him into his bedroom. Hearing screaming, the daughter entered the room to find her mother strangling her little brother.

Tillman stopped attacking the boy, leaving the room only to return with a six to eight inch butcher knife, pointing it at the girl's chest and brandishing it towards the boy, threatening to kill them both. When the daughter broke free and ran outside dialing 911, the mother grabbed the boy and bore him back inside the house, choking him with the crook of her arm.

Fortunately police arrived before either child was seriously hurt. Upon their arrival Tillman attempted to flee to a neighbor's house but was taken into custody. The children are safe with relatives today, while Tillman herself is police custody, facing two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

So, how was your Christmas?

Police: Video game rage ends with mom attacking kids [KHPO.com]

Source: http://kotaku.com/5871733/police-say-christmas-gaming-drove-woman-to-attack-children-with-butcher-knife

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Saturday, 07 January, 2012 - Church Women United-Madison

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Source: http://calendar.madison.com/77/index.php?com=detail&eID=126199

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[OOC] Final Fantasy Tactics: The Altar of Aisen

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This forum is for OOC discussion about existing roleplays.

Please post all "Players Wanted" threads in the Roleplayers Wanted forum!

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Forum for completely Out of Character (OOC) discussion, based around whatever is happening In Character (IC). Discuss plans, storylines, and events; Recruit for your roleplaying game, or find a GM for your playergroup.
"Final Fantasy Tactics: The Altar of Aisen"

Welcome to my RP. I hope you enjoy the stay, and I also hope it's not too generic and badly formatted...

Any questions you have, please ask them. This is my first RP run on this site and I want it to go right.

"In Latin America, they say that the spirit world is a dark place, empty but for all of the human nightmares and regrets they left behind; the journey through it is long and hard. Every time you write, or draw, or create something new, you light a beacon fire in the spirit world to guide and protect the dead on their journey to the afterlife. Think about that the next time you write, and know that no matter how little it is, you have helped them on their way."

Audino - Surprisingly Amazing!

Hydrall

Member for 0 years

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no, it's not bad

ill wait to mke a character until i see yous, but I'd like to play a viera

Rarikou

Member for 0 years

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Joining once I think of a character! ^ ^

Crest

Member for 0 years

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Pleased to see the interest! I'll get on my character so you have an example, even if it's just a Judge.

I'm working on making the signup sheet better, since the way it is now for skills is confusing. >_>

[edit] There, that's a little better. I posted the Judge, too.

Hydrall

Member for 0 years

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just so my Zodiac doesn't get taken, I'll be handling Virgo. I was going to go with my own (Gemini), but it didn't want her to come across as the harbinger of death or something like that

Rarikou

Member for 0 years

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I myself would like to reserve Gemini as I am writing up my character now.

And? Here? We? Go..!

If I kill you in a forest and there isn't a law against it... is it murder?

I got 99 Souls but a Witch ain't one.

Need more players for my newest role-play World War Five If interested please join.

TheRaven&ThePawn

Member for 1 years

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i submitted my character. hop i did every thing right

Rarikou

Member for 0 years

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Submitted my Dark Knight... great FFT PSP job... relatively bothersome to get but it's so much fun to play.

Also Hallo Hydrall long time no see eh?
and Hallo Rarikou we meet again!

TheRaven&ThePawn

Member for 1 years

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my character is a combination fencer/ redmage
and 'allo Raven! I hope we don't try to kill each other within the first two posts again!

Rarikou

Member for 0 years

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Though in declining sanity this character isn't as confrontational as Koru is... so I doubt he'll cause to much conflict when not overcome by his... voices. Though I always let things flow so I'm not sure what will happen.

TheRaven&ThePawn

Member for 1 years

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It's very interesting to see an FF:T roleplay! It almost made me crack out my SP and play Tactics advaance. Good times. Good times.

Might add a character, but if it fills up, don't hold a spot for me. It's been a while, and I'm rusty on lore.

Vio-Lance

Member for 1 years

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Return to Out of Character

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After 3-month break, Mubarak trial resumes

Nile TV via AFP - Getty Images

A still image taken from Egypt's Nile TV shows Hosni Mubarak being wheeled on a hospital stretcher into court for the resumption of his trial on Wednesday.

By Ayman Mohyeldin, NBC News
CAIRO -- The trial of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, his two sons, the former minister of interior and six senior security officials resumed in a Cairo court on Wednesday after nearly a?three-month recess.

Egyptian TV showed 83-year-old Mubarak, covered by a green blanket and lying on a hospital gurney as he was brought from a helicopter and taken to an ambulance for the short ride to the courthouse.

---

The men are all facing murder charges for ordering security forces to kill demonstrators while trying to suppress an 18-day popular uprising against the 30-year rule of Mubarak that began on Jan 25, 2011.

The trial was in recess for close to three months because a separate petition had been filed to replace the presiding judge. That petition was not granted and the same judge will continue to preside over the trial.

On Wednesday, defense attorneys asked the judge to call senior members of the intelligence services and other branches of Egypt's Armed Forces who were serving during the revolution and since then to testify.

The defense is arguing the security forces were acting within the law to contain the uprising but were never given specific orders to "kill" demonstrators.

So far, the most critical testimony of the trial has come from Field Marshall Mohammed Hussien Tantawi, the Commander of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, the ruling military council. His testimony has been sealed for security reasons. The defense has also requested the judge hear the testimony of SCAF second-in-command Field Marshall Sami Annan, Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces.

The defense believes the two men and other senior officials will testify that they were never given orders by the former president to kill protestors.

The trial has been adjourned until Monday, Jan.?2.

Journalist are allowed to attend the trial under very strict rules as to what they can publish. Egyptian State TV, which was originally allowed to broadcast the trial, has since been barred from broadcasting the trial live.

Revolutionary groups have had a long-standing demand that Mubarak and his aides stand trial for the killing of protestors. The delay in the start of trial and it's lack of transparency has led many to criticize the SCAF that it was?never serious about bringing the former president to justice.

Source: http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/28/9765436-after-3-month-recess-mubarak-trial-resumes-in-cairo

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A Song from Hugh Jackman -- In Chinese!

Hugh Jackman, the guest on Friday's "Anderson," has been spending a lot of time in New York City lately, due to his starring role in the one-man Broadway show, "Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway."
?
This is not Hugh's first experience singing. He has been on Broadway twice before, and he even sang in a foreign language for a cameo in a film. "I played a nightclub owner who likes to occasionally get up and sing songs? the director said you should actually sing in Chinese? it took me two months to learn that song!"
?
Hugh still remembers that song, and he sings it for the "Anderson" audience.

Source: http://www.andersoncooper.com/2011/11/17/a-song-from-hugh-jackman-in-chinese/

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Fla. crash kills doc getting heart for transplant (AP)

PALATKA, Fla. ? A heart surgeon from a Mayo Clinic in Florida flying across the northern corner of the state to retrieve a heart for transplant was killed Monday when his helicopter crashed, officials said.

The helicopter departed the clinic in Jacksonville around 5:45 a.m. but never arrived at the Gainesville hospital, Shands at University of Florida, about 60 miles southwest, said Kathy Barbour, a spokeswoman for Mayo, which is based in Rochester, Minn.

Heart surgeon Dr. Luis Bonilla, procurement technician David Hines and the pilot were killed.

They were on their way to pick up a heart for a patient at the Jacksonville hospital, Clinic spokesman Carl Oestreich told The Associated Press. He said he didn't know whether the heart could still be used in a transplant or what would happen to the patient who had been scheduled to receive it.

The helicopter went down about 12 miles northeast of Palatka, said Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen. The town is about 40 miles east of Gainesville and about 45 miles south of Jacksonville.

Clay County Sheriff's Office dispatcher Myron White confirmed the three dead but had no more information to release about the crash in the remote, forested area away from roads. The National Transportation Safety Board also was investigating.

The National Weather Service in Jacksonville reported that there was light fog with overcast conditions in the area but no rain.

"As we mourn this tragic event, we will remember the selfless and intense dedication they brought to making a difference in the lives of our patients," John Noseworthy, Mayo Clinic president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "We recognize the commitment transplant teams make every day in helping patients at Mayo Clinic and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families."

FAA records show the Bell 206 helicopter is operated by SK Jets. An employee who declined to give her name said the St. Augustine company had no immediate information.

Gary Robb, a Kansas City aviation attorney specializing in helicopter safety, said SK Jets is known as a careful and safe operator in the industry. The small, lightweight craft has low weight and speed capabilities and is primarily used by traffic reporters or police departments, Robb said.

"It's not usually used in donor flights," he said.

"If you're on a mission where time is sensitive, why use an engine that is low performance?" Robb said, adding that the helicopter has a cramped cabin.

An NTSB investigator will scour the crash site for clues and look into the pilot's experience and any factors that might have impaired the pilot, any environmental factors such as birds or low visibility that may have contributed to the crash, and any mechanical problems with the helicopter, he said.

The Bell 206 helicopter usually has an older engine no longer installed in new helicopters, Robb said.

"We've seen a number of instances where that engine simply failed," Robb said.

The crash and others like it illustrate the delicate nature of transporting organs.

In 1990, a surgeon and an assistant flying to pick up a donor heart for a patient were killed in a plane crash in New Mexico. And in 2007, a twin-engine plane carrying a team of surgeons and technicians ? along with a set of lungs on ice being brought to a patient already prepped for surgery ? crashed into the choppy waters of Lake Michigan. Six were killed.

Doctors ultimately got another set of donor lungs that were transplanted into the patient.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/topstories/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111226/ap_on_re_us/us_helicopter_crash_florida

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karachi_news: India, Pakistan to Renew Nuclear Accidents Pact http://t.co/ed9PLJeU

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India, Pakistan to Renew Nuclear Accidents Pact tf.to/UZyP Il y a environ 1 heure via Tweet Feeder Karachi News

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Ford Celebrates 100th UK Anniversary with Haute Couture Fashions

It looks like more and more fashion designers are taking to auto parts instead of traditional fabrics for inspiration when it comes to haute couture. Only a few weeks ago we reported on the collaboration between?Lexus and Vogue. The concept of that collaboration was for select designers to use parts of the Lexus CT hybrid and create high fashion pieces. Well it looks like Ford has traveled down the same road.

In honor of Ford?s 100th?anniversary in the U.K., a Scottish designer named Judy Clark (who used to work under Alexander McQueen) has designed an Edwardian-style gown made from tweed, leather, lace, spray paint and silk chiffon ? along with assorted components from a 2012 Ford Focus.

Then there is jewelry designer Katherine Hawkins who crafted special pieces for the occasion as well. Her Ford collection includes an ornate necklace made from dials, buttons, springs and instrument panel switches. All of the parts are also derived from a 2012 Ford Focus.

Interestingly enough, both participating designers had no idea what the other was creating, yet in the end both pieces ended up complimenting each other perfectly.? Ironically though, designer Katherine Hawkins has no idea what the names are of the parts she used, since she doesn?t drive. Meanwhile, Judy Clark details her work on her blog and it is definitely worth checking out.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ChipChick/~3/9el2oijHy58/2012-ford-haute-couture.html

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Engadget Mobile Podcast 118 - 12.26.2011

If listening to Engadget Chinese editor Richard Lai talk about the bleedingest-edge phones from China isn't the perfect programming to shake off all those extra trips to the Christmas buffet to, we don't know what is. It's the Engadget Mobile Podcast, now with more globetrotting/calorie burning madness inside.

Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen
Guest: Richard Lai
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International)

00:01:07 - Xiaomi Phone review
00:10:56 - Meizu MX review
00:29:53 - Samsung Captivate Glide review
00:47:10 - Samsung Stratosphere review
00:53:55 - AT&T abandons T-Mobile merger plans (updated)
01:13:33 - Amazon reportedly considered a RIM purchase, 'commercial partnership' still on the table
01:22:05 - ITC sides with Apple, bans sale and import of some HTC phones (updated)
01:25:55 - Dell's Streak Pro 101DL to become Baidu's first Yi phone, shows up in FCC's database




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Engadget Mobile Podcast 118 - 12.26.2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/FHD64pmLTCE/

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