Web Digest, September 2003
==== 2003-09-30 ====
The current model of black economic empowerment (BEE), focused on transferring
equity rather than encouraging entrepreneurship, has created a culture
of entitlement and dependency in the black middle class, says outspoken
businessman Moeletsi Mbeki.
Link..
National - Criminals protected by their communities
"The challenge we are still facing is that we still have elements within
our communities who are protecting criminals," said Soweto CPF Area Board
spokesperson Sechaba Khumalo. "Some parents are not playing their part
and glorify crime by saying that their children baya phanda [they are
eking a living].
Link..
Twisted sister state
What has happened to the tribe that gave us the imposing Voortrekker
Monument? The Taal Monument ....
Link..
==== 2003-09-25 ====
and earlier
== BBC ==
Oceans becoming more acidic
Two US scientists say the pH of the world's oceans is falling,
potentially threatening marine life if it continues unabated.
Link..
Nasa flight safety panel quits
All 11 members of Nasa's space flight security panel resign in
the wake of criticism over the loss of the space shuttle Columbia.
Link..
Lung disease affects 3 million
Millions of people in the UK are unaware they have a potentially
fatal lung disease, according to a report.
Link..
Teaching shortage to be exposed
A long-overdue official survey will reveal how many
secondary school pupils in England are taught by non-specialists.
Link..
Plan to scrap school tests
Teachers are called to support proposals on education
for 11 to 14 year olds in Northern Ireland.
Link..
== CNN Computing ==
> 'SMART SOFA' AIMED AT COUCH POTATOES
Couch potatoes may soon have sofas that order take-out, without
them ever having to lift a finger. The new wave of technology
envisions embedding tiny microprocessors into hundreds of
objects and seamlessly linking them into networks.
... http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/09/22/smart.sofa/index.html
Details:
Hello, Dave. You've got sour milk, Dave
... http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/ptech/11/05/bus2.ptech.fridge.net/index.html
Wireless, wearable, and wondrous tech
... http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/01/17/bus2.ptech.ces.roundup/index.html
==========================================================
> TESTS OF AMD'S 64-BIT PCS: FASTEST YET
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. changed course Tuesday and launched
a line of personal computer processors with features typically
found only in high-end computers and servers.
... http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/09/24/amd.athlon.ap/index.html
==========================================================
> MSN TO CLOSE CHAT ROOMS WORLDWIDE
Microsoft says it will drop chat rooms for 28 countries, in a
move it says will ward off pedophiles and spammers. Analysts
said the change would cut costs.
... http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/internet/09/24/microsoft.chat/index.html
Details:
Chatroom ban prompts fierce debate
... http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/internet/09/24/microsoft.chat.reaction/index.html
Danger prompts new code
... http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/internet/01/06/chatroom.warning/index.html
==========================================================
> MICROSOFT GOES AFTER GOOGLE
Microsoft, which is trying to drive growth by investing in
everything from small business software to video games, has
quietly set its sights on a new industry -- searching the Web.
... http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/internet/09/19/microsoft.google.reut/index.html
Details:
Watch out, Google
... http://www.cnn.com/business2/articles/mag/0,1640,51462,00.html?cnn=yes
Yahoo arms for battles
... http://www.cnn.com/business2/articles/web/0,1653,50979,00.html?cnn=yes
==========================================================
> DNA COMPUTING: THE NEXT BREED OF TECH
Unleashing the activity and properties of DNA could soon form
the basis of new devices. Now scientists are harnessing life
itself to generate new strains of computer devices.
... http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/09/19/wow.tech.life.computing/index.html
Details:
The DNA revolution
... http://www.cnn.com/time/covers/1101030217/?cnn=yes
The body electronic
... http://www.cnn.com/business2/subscribers/articles/mag/0,1640,49473,00.html?cnn=yes
== iafrica.com CoolTech ==
Time running out for coral - study
Several of the Indian Ocean's coral paradises may be wiped out by
climate change within the next couple of decades, according to a
study. Those most at risk include the Seychelles, the Maldives
and the Comoros.
Link..
Death of the used-computer salesman?
Are you planning to buy a computer soon? Thought you'd bargain on a
second-hand machine, did you? Stop right there, writes Stephen Timm,
who recently fell victim to the second-hand computer dealer, a
"vulgar saga" that resembled something out of a Monty Python movie
and which dragged on for three months.
Link..
Solving the mystery of the Moon
The mystery as to how the Moon was formed may soon be solved, with the
help of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, which is moving through the
Earth's extended outer atmosphere. According to NASA, elements common
to Earth have been found on the lunar surface.
Link..
DESIGN UTILITIES !Advanced Album Editor 4.3
!Advanced Album Editor can help you organise your digital images,
generate thumbnails and create a website quickly and easily. Thumbnails
in JPEG format can be generated automatically, and images that are not
GIF or JPEG format can be converted automatically.
Link..
==== 2003-09-22 ====
== KidsHealth.org ==
PARENTS
In the News: Elite Junior Skaters Frequently Injured
If your child participates in junior figure skating competitions, the
physical stress could be taking its toll on his or her body.
Researchers from Canada, Croatia, and The Netherland,investigated how skating
movements contributed to acute and overuse injuries in young figure
skaters.
Link..
AOL
users click here
In the News: Family-Focused Program Benefits Kids of Depressed
Parents
Although many parents dealing with depression choose to hide their
problems from their children, experts say that addressing the problem
honestly can help both parents and kids cope.
Link..
href="http://www.kidshealth.org/research/family_depression.html">AOL users click here
In the News: Taking Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin During Pregnancy
Increases the Risk of Miscarriage
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin
during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of miscarriage, say
researchers at the Kaiser Foundation Research Institute in Oakland,
California.
Link..
href="http://www.kidshealth.org/research/pain_relievers_miscarriage.html">AOL
users click here
Finding a Doctor for Your Child
What will you do once the baby is born and wakes up with a fever? Who
will you call with important health questions? Choose a health care
provider before your baby is born.
Link..
href="http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/system/doctor/find_ped.html">AOL users click here
Knocked-Out Tooth Emergency Sheet
A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency. Find out what to
do in this printer-friendly sheet.
Link..
href="http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/sheets/tooth_sheet.html">AOL
users click here
Farm Safety
Before you spend a day in the country, it's important to learn about
farm safety. Animals, heavy machinery, and pesticides are just a few
of the dangers that can befall children on farms. Learn how to
protect your child from everyday dangers by taking safety precautions.
Link..
href="http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/farm_safety.html">AOL
users click here
KIDS
My Body Scavenger Hunt
It's your body, so why not be an expert in it? You'll find the
answers to all of these questions in the My Body section. Don't look at the
answer sheet until you've found all the answers. Happy hunting!
Link..
href="http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/closet/games/scavenger_hunt_questions.html">AOL
users click here
Figuring Out Food Labels
The food label on a food package is a lot like the table of contents
in a book - it tells you exactly what the food contains. Read our
article for kids for more about food labels.
Link..
href="http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/labels.html">AOL users click here
Cerebral Palsy
Check out this article to learn what cerebral palsy is, what causes
it, what life is like for kids with this condition, and more.
Link..
href="http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/brain/cerebral_palsy.html">AOL
users click here
TEENS
Caffeine
Caffeine has probably helped you through long nights of studying or
filling out college applications. But how much do you know about
caffeine and its side effects?
Link..
href="http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/caffeine.html">AOL
users click here
Homesickness
When you're homesick, you might feel nostalgic for familiar things
like your family, friends, pets, house, or neighborhood. To learn more
about homesickness and what you can do about it, just read this
article.
Link..
href="http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/homesickness.html">AOL
users click here
How Can I Deal With My Asthma?
Maybe you've been dealing with asthma since you were a little kid, or
maybe you've just been told that you have it. Whatever the case,
asthma can complicate your life and affect you both emotionally and
physically.
Link..
==== 2003-09-19 ====
== iafrica.com CoolTech ==
... sent me a link to popsci.com which features the worst jobs in science
Link..
and it was very humbling. Read it, and next time you're having a bad day
at the office, remember that it could be a lot, lot worse...
Ozone hole back to record level
The hole in the protective ozone layer over the Antarctic, regarded as
one of the world's major environmental challenges, has expanded more
rapidly than in recent years, reaching the record level set three years
ago, according to climate experts.
Link..
== Business Day ==
Global IT players say no to black equity
Link..
Braaivleis, rugby, sunny skies and Chevrolet
Link..
==== 2003-09-18 ====
== M&G ==
Saudis consider nuclear bomb
Saudi Arabia, in response to the current upheaval in the Middle
East, has embarked on a strategic review that includes acquiring
nuclear weapons. This new threat of proliferation in one of the
most dangerous regions of the world comes on top of a crisis over
Iran's alleged nuclear programme.
Link..
== BBC ==
Hurricane Isabel prompts US shutdown
Government closes down and thousands flee as Hurricane Isabel nears,
threatening storm damage and heavy flooding.
Link..
Lavigne and Dion up for US awards
Avril Lavigne, Celine Dion and Eminem are among nominees for the
American Music Awards.Full story:
Link..
Monster marsupial's weight gain
The largest marsupial that ever lived weighed nearly three tonnes,
Australian scientists say.
Link..
Monkeys show sense of justice
Monkeys will protest if they see another monkey getting a better
reward for the same task, say researchers.
Link..
==== 2003-09-17 ====
== M&G ==
Rural gateway to the future
..a year later, the i-community is up and running, [It is based in
Mahwelereng, just outside Mokopane (formerly Potgietersrus).]
20 community access points in schools and libraries are active,
there several business resources centres (which train locals in
appropriate business techniques and provide access to technology),
a technology support call centre (where people are trained how to
do computer support in clinics and schools) and both the municipality
(www.mogalakwena.org.za) and i-community (www.hpicommunity.org.za)
have websites, available in three languages.
Link..
Link..
== Bluebean.com (SA) ==
Financial advisers have two to three years to get up to scratch.
The gist of the latest set of Financial Intermediary and Advisory Services Act (FAIS) ....
the new legislation must be welcomed as a major attempt aimed at bringing a higher level of professionalism to the sector.
Link..
== KidsHealth.org ==
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy May
Counteract Psychological Symptoms Caused by Exposure to Violence
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is sometimes used to treat
depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder in adults who have experienced
violence. Researchers from California examined whether CBT could also
be beneficial and effective for children.
Link..
Bipolar Disorder
Someone who has bipolar disorder goes back and forth between feeling
full of energy and ideas to feeling very low. Read more about it in
this article for kids.
Link..
Stick Out Your Tongue and Say Aah!
Your tongue: you taste with it, talk with it, and sometimes even
stick it out! Now you can read about it in an article for kids.
Link..
Are Steroids Worth the Risk?
Will using steroids transform you into the most powerful athlete your
coach has ever seen? Read this article to learn the facts on steroid
use.
Link..
Tips for Savvy Studying
You have a history test tomorrow, a math test the next day, and
weekly French pop quizzes. Don't panic - our article provides tips on how
and when to study and how best to take tests.
Link..
How Long Is Mono Contagious?
If you've ever had mono, you probably worried about how long you'd be
contagious. Check out this article to clear up the confusion and
understand how this virus works.
Link..
==== 2003-09-16 ====
== BBC ==
High-speed Channel rail link opens
The first half of the high-speed Channel Tunnel Rail Link is due to open, cutting London-Paris journey times by 20 minutes.
Link..
German neo-Nazi threat 'rising'
Neo-Nazis are more dangerous than ever says Interior Minister Otto Schily, after a suspected bomb plot is foiled.
Link..
Call to extend alien life search
Jupiter or Mars-like planets beyond our Solar System may be serious contenders for harbouring life, says a British astrophysicist.
Link..
Elderly mental health 'timebomb'
The number of elderly people with dementia is set to soar - but social services will be unable to cope, a charity has warned.
Link..
Media 'distorts risks to health'
News coverage of health issues gives a lopsided view of the risks faced
by the public, a report says.
Link..
Aggressive children often anxious *
Children rejected by their classmates for being aggressive are often
the most socially anxious, researchers say.
Link..
==== 2003-09-15 ====
== CoolTech from iafrica.com ==
Bug power: energy of the future?
Link..
Has your cellphone's battery died? Don't worry, just top it up with a
spoonful of sugar... That's not as far-fetched as it may sound, thanks
to a pair of US-based scientists who say they have invented the world's
first "bacterial battery". Their battery's source is an underground
bacterium that gobbles up sugar and converts its energy into electricity.
Sound waves detected from black hole
Link..
For the first time ever, astronomers have detected sound waves coming
from a massive black hole in space - and believe the discovery may help
resolve a major mystery. The pitch of the soundwaves is the deepest note
ever detected from an object in the universe, researchers say.
== ITWeb ==
CELL DAMAGE
New research has indicated that the radiation from mobile phones might
make it easier for poisons to penetrate the brain, leading to numerous
conditions, including early senility. Rodney Weidemann reports.
Link..
==== 2003-09-08 ====
== Computerworld ==
COMPUTERWORLD KNOWLEDGE CENTER SPECIAL REPORT: SECURITY
It's a dangerous world, and not just outside the firewall. We've
compiled the hottest tips on identity management, insider abuse,
instant messaging and more.
Link..
== MHN ==
Sleep Disorder News Feed
Link..
Patterns Of Exclusion: Sanitizing Space, Criminalizing Homelessness
Link..
Other cities in this vanguard include Denver, Asheville and Chapel Hill,
North Carolina, Santa Cruz, California, Austin, Texas, and Tucson and
Tempe, Arizona .... "in city after city, municipal decisions to use
criminal sanctions to protect public spaces have come into conflict with
efforts by civil rights advocates to prevent the criminalization of homelessness.
== BBC ==
'Brain training' link to hunger
Scientists show the brain can be trained to hunger
for foods on seeing an abstract image.
Link..
Written word helps wounds heal
Pouring your emotions out on paper could help wounds heal quicker, researchers suggest.
Link..
New School Year Quiz
The BBC's Mike Baker has an interactive quiz to see how well parents are keeping up with education developments.
Link..
== CNET ==
Retail takes stock of radio tags
A technology that uses tiny devices to track everything from car tires
to clothing is changing how retail businesses work and could generate
billions of dollars for software makers.
Link..
Oracle to take the lid off grid plan
The company is turning up the buzz on grid computing, as the
Oracle World customer conference gets under way this week in San
Francisco.
Link..
Perspectives: Can Oracle survive Larry Ellison?
With an aging CEO who indulges in high-risk behavior, CNET News.com's
Karen Southwick says the software maker's future depends on the strength
of a depleted bench of top-level talent.
Link..
Microsoft settles Be suit for $23 million
The software titan says it will pay more than $23 million to settle
an antitrust suit filed by one-time operating system rival Be.
Link..
Sky-high stakes for satellite radio
XM's stock is zooming on strong subscriber growth. The question for
investors: Can the company stay ahead of Sirius and other rivals?
BusinessWeek Online
Link..
==== 2003-09-05 ====
== CNN ==
SARS RESEARCH CONFIRMS LINK TO ANIMALS
The virus that infects humans with SARS is slightly different from one found
in wild animals sold in China for food, but close enough to suggest the
disease jumped from animals to humans and could do so again, researchers say.
Link..
STUDY: HORMONE CUTS APPETITE BY A THIRD
Giving overweight people an extra dose of a hormone that tells the brain when
to stop eating appears to curb their appetites by nearly a third, pointing to
a potential new treatment for obesity.
Link..
FTC: IDENTITY THEFT STRIKES 1 IN 8 ADULTS
In the most comprehensive look to date at a fast-growing crime, the Federal
Trade Commission said Wednesday nearly one in eight U.S. adults fell victim to
identity theft in the last five years.
Link..
IS SMALLER REALLY BETTER?
Three decades after E. F. "Fritz" Schumacher sparked a revolution with his
book "Small Is Beautiful," scientists are asking whether science has become
too small for society's own good.
Link..
===== 2003-09-04 and earlier =====
== Cooltech iafrica.com ==
Anti-virus software 'can't cope'
Link..
Software engineers are losing the war against fast-spreading viruses of
the kind that have disabled hundreds of thousands of computers this year,
according to the first study into the effectiveness of anti-virus programmes.
Moth threatens Europe's chestnut trees
Link..
The drought that ravaged Europe's harvests this summer may also have set
off an ecological time bomb by helping the reproduction cycle of a
mysterious moth which has been devastating chestnut trees across the continent.
'Killer' asteroid will pass us by
Link..
Relax; the Earth is not quite so doomed. Experts say that a giant
asteroid could crash into the planet on March 21, 2014 and plunge
it into a nuclear winter are misplaced. They say fresh calculations
this week show that the monster rock will safely pass us by...
Motivational Messages Screensaver 2.0
Link..
Sometimes, when you're having a bad day, you need a reminder that life
is good, after all. Motivational Messages Screensaver features 80
beautiful images, each accompanied by an inspiring quote. The screensaver
also comes with four full-length CD-quality musical compositions.
== ITWeb ==
Carel Alberts' controversial view is that ..
virus writers are probably not evil or ill intentioned.
He believes they operate with the purest of motives.
Link..