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Steve Jobs led the way in pop culture

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:25:13 PDT

(CNN) -- During a 1996 interview with television talk show host Charlie Rose, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs took exception to Rose's characterization of him as "a guy who founds high-tech companies and tries to make another billion."

"Yeah, well, I don't think of myself that way," Jobs said. "The things that I have done in my life, I think the things we do now at Pixar [the animation company he bought in 1986], these are team sports. They are not something one person does."

If pop culture were a team sport, Jobs would have certainly played quarterback.

From the invention of iTunes, which completely changed the business of music, to offering the world its first completely full-length computer-generated animated film with Pixar's "Toy Story" in 1995, Jobs left his indelible fingerprints on the entertainment industry.

We knew Steve Jobs best as the face of Apple -- the man who introduced the company's biggest products in front of cheering audiences filled with fans and journalists. He was in his element onstage in a black turtleneck and jeans, playing with the new iPod, iPhone or iPad. But Jobs also had a life offstage, one filled with celebrities, foreign leaders and, perhaps most importantly, his fans.

Steve Jobs's life offstage

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The other "toys" he helped create like the iPod, iPhone and iPad not only changed the way the world consumed media, but also inserted both Jobs and Apple firmly into the entertainment zeitgeist. Even the commercials, from the 1984, George Orwell-inspired Super Bowl Macintosh ad to the more recent "Are you a Mac or a PC," were uber-cool.

While Jobs has been more well known and hailed for his innovation with high-tech, he also made some power moves which forever changed Hollywood. And in what sounds like a fantasy dreamed up by the geek gods, it all began with George Lucas.

As Jobs explained to the news program "60 Minutes" in 2003, when Lucas was creating "Star Wars" he reasoned that digital copy of his film would be clearer and cleaner than analog. The computer graphics division of his Lucasfilm company, which honed the technology behind the process, would go on to become Pixar Animation Studios after Jobs bought it for $10 million in 1986.

As chairman and chief executive officer of Pixar, Jobs led the way in marrying the endless possibilities of technology with the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.

The world hadn't even heard of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in 1991 when Pixar struck a deal with Walt Disney Studios to develop and distribute three full-length animated films. The first of these, "Toy Story," captured audience's hearts with its tale of the adventures of a group of children's toys.

"Toy Story" went on to become the top-earning film of that year, grossing $192 million in domestic box office receipts and $362 million worldwide. It spurred two sequels, theme park attractions and an extensive line of merchandise.

It was followed by films like "A Bug's Life," "Monster's Inc.," "Finding Nemo," and "The Incredibles," the last two of which won Academy Awards for best animated feature. Jobs sold Pixar to Disney in 2006.
By then he was firmly back in the driver's seat as the chief executive officer of Apple, which was setting the world afire with its inventions.

One of his biggest launches was in 2003 with the iTunes Music Store, which revolutionized the world of music downloads.

"Other companies sold digital music before Apple," said Bill Werde, editorial director of Billboard, said in a statement. "Other companies made digital music available on computers and digital phones and used it in commercials. Apple's brilliance -- and I don't think anyone doubts that this was Steve Jobs' brilliance -- was that Apple made it exciting and simple and effortless and fun."

Jobs was a major influence on portable media, which paved the way for gamers to be able to engage in their favorite past time via handheld devices and film fans to be able to stream movies almost anywhere.

The introduction of the 99-cent single meant music lovers no longer had to purchase an entire album to selectively enjoy their favorite tunes. The ability of the iPod, and later the iPhone and iPad, to hold thousands of songs also meant that fans never had to be far from their tunes.

"Thanks for allowing me to put my whole CD collection in my pocket," Sebastian Bach, ex-frontman of the heavy metal band Skid Row tweeted after news of Jobs' death was made public. "You have made air travel a lot more fun among other things."

Innovation was not without some growing pains, however.

Some industry insiders worried that digital downloads were negatively affecting sales of music and the issue of piracy became a hot one. On Tuesday, Miramax chief executive officer Mike Lang in his keynote address at MIPCOM, a TV and entertainment event held in Cannes, France, pointed to digital monopolies like the one Apple has as potentially damaging to the industry.

"Apple is the strongest company in the music industry because there was not enough competition, and still to this day there is not enough competition," Lang said. "As an industry it can't then influence packaging, merchandising -- all the things that are vital."

Billboard's Werde also noted that "Today, the music business has a complex relationship with Apple, which has become yet another entity that built an enormous business atop the rights of music companies, much like radio and MTV before it."

"But I think you'd be hard-pressed to find one music executive worth his or her salt who wouldn't agree that Jobs' vision and tenacity blazed a trail for digital music as we know it today," Werde said. "Without a doubt, when you think of the Mount Rushmore of the music business -- pioneers like Ahmet Ertegun and Jerry Wexler, Clive Davis and Jimmy Iovine - Steve Jobs has earned his prominent place."

World tributes pour in for Steve Jobs

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:25:13 PDT

Steve Jobs' cancer fight

(CNN) -- International leaders in politics and business are paying tribute Thursday to Apple visionary Steve Jobs, whose death at age 56 has saddened many around the world.
"Steve Jobs transformed the way we work and play; a creative genius who will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family," British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy wrote on his Facebook page that Jobs was a great entrepreneur, innovator and major player in the world's technological revolution.

"As inspired as he was inspiring, Steve Jobs will remain one of the great figures of our time," Sarkozy said, as he paid tribute to the American's courage in both his work and personal life.

Ireland's Prime Minister, or Taoiseach, Enda Kenny also gave his condolences in a statement paying tribute to the man who brought the world the iPod portable music player, the iPhone and the iPad tablet.

Jobs: 'You've got to find what you love'

Steve Jobs remembered in London

Steve Jobs' business legacy

"Steve Jobs was a creative genius who broke down walls in business and opened doors in people's minds," Kenny said.

"His innovative prowess in the area of technology has brought about a level of access to information for millions that few would have ever foreseen. His legacy will be not just his products and business achievements, but also the way in which he altered mindsets in the business world and in everyday life."
Apple has a large factory in Cork, in the Irish Republic, which opened in 1980 to manufacture the Mac computer. It employs about 1,400 people and has expanded into various aspects of the company's business.
In Russia, President Dmitry Medvedev wrote in his Twitter microblog: "People like Steve Jobs change our world. My sincere condolences to his relatives and all those who appreciated his intelligence and talent."
Medvedev met Jobs during a visit to California's Silicon Valley in June 2010, during which the Apple co-founder told Medvedev about his company and some of its future plans. At the end of their meeting, Jobs presented Medvedev with an iPhone4.

Medvedev's chief economic aide, Arkady Dvorkovich, tweeted: "Applause to Steve Jobs for everything that he did in his not so long life."

German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Jobs had "changed our life and work with his ideas and sense for business like few others."

In Egypt, Wael Ghonim -- a former Google executive who used social media to jump-start social change in Egypt -- also honored Jobs via Twitter, saying: "He was truly inspiring. His company helped change the world. Good bye Steve Jobs."

Masayoshi Son, a Japanese technology entrepreneur and CEO of Softbank, the main Japanese iPhone carrier, said he was saddened by the news of Jobs' death.

"Steve was truly a genius of our time, a man with a rare ability to fuse art and technology," he said in a statement. "In centuries from now, he will be remembered alongside Leonardo da Vinci. His achievements will continue to shine forever."

Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company in South Korea, offered his thoughts and prayers for Jobs' family.

Friends, colleagues remember Steve Jobs

How did Apple start?

2009: Jobs unveils new iPod

Jack Welch: Steve Jobs defined cool

"Steven Jobs was, and still is, an inspiration to many individuals and companies all over the world," he said.
"His passing is a loss to innovators and visionaries everywhere, even here in Korea, and the culture he fostered will be a benchmark for decades to come."
Taiwanese self-made billionaire Terry Gou, founder and chairman of Foxconn Technology Group, which makes many Apple products, said the world had lost a "true hero" and he had lost a friend whose dedication to his craft had been shown by his determination to continue working despite being seriously ill.
"True business leaders grow their companies by committing their innovation, creativity, and passion and, while Steve exemplified all of these qualities, he also committed his heart to building a company and products that enriched people's lives," Gou said in a statement.

"Steve's spirit will live on forever with those who, like me, had the honor to know and work with him. However, everyone has been touched by his genius and, because of this, he has left the world a better place. He will be missed, but never forgotten."

Foxconn said in a statement that it had lost "an industry visionary, a true partner to our company, and a great friend."

Jobs "had an immeasurable and positive impact on the lives of people around the world and the global electronics industry is all the better for the many contributions he made to ensuring that technology is understandable, beautiful, and, most importantly, accessible to people from all walks of life," the company said.
Working conditions at Foxconn came under scrutiny last year after a rash of suicides at a Foxconn factory in China that makes iPhones.

China mourns Jobs' death

Wozniak: Jobs 'a great visionary, leader'

Jobs 'one of the biggest icons'

News of Jobs' death prompted immediate tributes from business leaders in China, and Apple fans staged a vigil outside the Apple store in Hong Kong.

Yang Yuanqing, the CEO of China's computer powerhouse Lenovo, said: "As a competitor, he helped ensure all of us pushed even harder. I am confident his legacy will continue to energize the industry for many years to come."

"Jobs said, 'Remember that you will be dead soon'," said Lee Kaifu, venture capitalist and founding president of Google China, referring to Jobs' famous 2005 Stanford University commencement speech.

"It helped me through making the most important choices in my life. Because all the glory and pride, embarrassment and fear will all vanish when confronting death."

South Korean electronics maker Samsung also paid tribute to Jobs as a "great entrepreneur" in a statement sending condolences to the Jobs family and his colleagues at Apple.

"His innovative spirit and remarkable accomplishments will forever be remembered by people around the world," it said.

Israel cabinet votes to ease Gaza Strip blockade

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:00:04 PDT

Page last updated at 19:34 GMT, Thursday, 17 June 2010 20:34 UK

Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev on the easing of the blockade in Gaza

Israel has announced it will ease its blockade of the Gaza Strip and allow more civilian goods to enter the Palestinian territory.

The move comes amid international pressure on Israel, following its raid on aid ships bound for Gaza last month.

Both the Palestinian Authority and the Islamist group Hamas dismissed Israel's announcement, calling for a full lifting of restrictions.

Israel and Egypt tightened the blockade when Hamas took over Gaza in 2007.

The Israeli decision was agreed by Israel's security cabinet after a two-day meeting.

The move will see an expansion in the number of products Israel will allow into Gaza via border crossing points, although the naval blockade will remain in place.

The new Israeli-approved product list reportedly includes all food items, toys, stationery, kitchen utensils, mattresses and towels.
An Israeli government statement did not specify any items other than construction materials for civilian projects, which it said would be allowed in under international supervision.
Israel has until now blocked materials like cement and steel, arguing that Hamas could use them to build weapons and fortifications.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that Israel would: "liberalise the system by which civilian goods enter Gaza"; "expand the inflow of materials for civilian projects that are under international supervision"; and "continue existing security procedures to prevent the inflow of weapons and war material".
It added: "The cabinet will decide in the coming days on additional steps to implement this policy."
It also said that Israel expected the international community to work toward the immediate release of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas fighters on the Israel-Gaza border in 2006.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said some of the goods that would now be allowed in were "trivial and secondary", adding: "What is needed is a complete lifting of the blockade.

"Goods and people must be free to enter and leave. Gaza especially needs construction material, which must be allowed to come in without restrictions."

In the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority government of Mahmoud Abbas also said the blockade should be lifted in its entirety.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs called the easing of sanctions a "step in the right direction".
International Middle East envoy Tony Blair, who helped work out the deal with Israel, said it was a "good start".

"We need to make sure that people's lives in Gaza do improve," Mr Blair said. "That's the purpose of the change of policy that people like myself have argued for for the past two years."

He also called for the unconditional release of Sergeant Shalit, saying: "That would allow us to make even further progress.

"But I am absolutely determined to secure significant change over this coming period so that people in Gaza, ordinary people in Gaza, many of whom do not support Hamas, many of whom are young children, get the access to the basic necessities of life that they require and daily life and can start to return to normal."

Saeb Erekat, Palestinian negotiator: ''This siege must be totally lifted.''

The Israeli announcement came after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Israel's raid on the aid flotilla had increased the chances of war in the region.

He told the BBC's Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen that although Syria was working to prevent a war, there was no chance of a peace deal with the current Israeli administration, which he called a "pyromaniac government".

Israel says the blockade - which aims to put pressure on Hamas and secure the release of Sgt Shalit - prevents war material entering Gaza while allowing the entry of humanitarian aid.

It has been widely criticised as "collective punishment" of the 1.4 million residents of Gaza.

Nine Turkish activists died in the Israeli commando raid on the Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters on 31 May.

It was the ninth attempt since 2008 to break the blockade by sea, but the first that resulted in bloodshed.
KEY ENTRY POINTS INTO GAZA

• Rafah - under Egyptian control. Since flotilla deaths, opened indefinitely for people only. Has been closed for the vast majority of the time over the last three years. Makeshift tunnels in this area used to smuggle in goods, including weapons • Erez - under Israeli control. Crossing for pedestrians and cargo. Access restricted to Palestinians under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority and to Egyptians or international aid officials • Karni - main crossing point for commercial goods • Sufa - official crossing point for construction materials • Kerem Shalom - for commercial and humanitarian goods. These last three crossings have been frequently closed by Israeli army since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 • Opening of seaport and bus routes to West Bank had been agreed in 2005 but plans since shelved • Airport - bombed by Israel in early years of the 2000 Intifada • 'Buffer zone' inside Gaza where it borders Israel. Gazan farmers forbidden to enter the zone

Canada's Air India probe highlights 'series of errors'

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:00:04 PDT

John Major said relations between security agencies were "poor"

A "cascading series of errors" led to the bombing of an Air India airliner in June 1985, an inquiry in Canada has concluded.

Former Supreme Court Judge John Major, who led a four-year investigation, also called for better co-ordination between Canada's security agencies.

Air India flight 182, flying from Canada to India, plunged into the Atlantic killing all 329 on board.

Two Canadian men were tried in the case 20 years later and found not guilty.

Canadian police said the plane was bombed by Sikh militants fighting for an independent homeland in India.
"This was the largest mass murder in Canadian history," Mr Major said, delivering the investigation's final report.

"A cascading series of errors contributed to the failure of our police and our security forces to prevent this atrocity... various institutions and organisations did not fulfil their responsibilities."

'Better co-ordination' He highlighted what he said were the poor relations between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), adding that the prime minister's national security adviser should have greater powers.

"This is a crucial and fundamental requirement to achieve better co-ordination across the many agencies that have national security responsibilities," he said.

Mr Major said "error, incompetence, and inattention" occurred before the Air India flight and in the aftermath during the investigation and legal proceedings.

He said the CSIS and the RCMP were still focused on the threat of airline hijackings, not terrorism, and engaged in "turf wars" instead of sharing information.

Continue reading the main story Unravelling the investigation

Victims' relatives have long complained that police, as well as Canada's spy agency, ignored information about the plot that could have prevented the bombing, and then destroyed evidence in a botched investigation.

The report also criticises the Canadian government for claiming it has since fixed the security lapses.
"The commission rejects that position," Mr Major said.

The jet blew up in mid-air, plunging into the sea off the Irish coast and killing all on board - most of them Canadian citizens visiting relatives in India.

At about the same time, another bomb exploded prematurely in Japan, killing two baggage handlers.
Both explosions were linked to Canadian-based Sikhs retaliating for India's deadly 1984 storming of the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine in the Sikh religion.

It was not until 2005, after a series of setbacks in the investigation, that two Canadian men, Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri, were charged with a number of offences - including first-degree murder - for the bombing.

But after a two-year trial, both were acquitted on all counts because of a lack of evidence.

Another Sikh, Inderjit Singh Reyat, was jailed in the UK for 10 years in 1991 for his involvement in the Japan bombing.

In 2003 he pleaded guilty in a Canadian court to manslaughter in connection with the Air India bombing, and was sentenced to another five years in prison.

Getty taps into Flickr snappers

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:00:02 PDT

Shots taken by amateurs could become part of Getty's stock archive

Flickr's 40 million registered users are being given the chance to make money out of their snaps.

For the last year, Getty Images has tapped into more than 100,000 photos taken by professional and semi-pro photographers who post on the site.

Now the doors are being opened to all Flickr users as Getty takes advantage of a library of four billion pictures.

"Flickr users are the eyes of the world," Douglas Alexander, Flickr's general manager, told BBC news.

"We have contributors from over 100 counties and images are coming in from every corner of the globe. This deal broadens the horizons and the global marketplace for commercial photography and gives our users the chance to make some money."

Neither Getty nor Flickr were forthcoming about actual rates saying they vary from job to job but are industry standard. It is generally thought the average rate for an image is between $150-$240 (£100-£160).

'Eclectic'
The agreement extends one that has been in place for the last year with photo library Getty.
Under that deal, Getty built up its stock or archive photography base with pictures taken by pros or semi-pros posting on Flickr. These were then sold on to the firm's commercial clients and photographers were paid the industry commission rate when their images were used.

Getty's chief operating officer Nick Evans-Lombe said Flickr had been a great resource and inspiration.
"One of the great benefits of the Flickr collection is that it is truly eclectic and has this fantastic broad reach across the globe."

Hal Bergman has managed to turn a hobby into a job

Mr Evans-Lombe said the strength and diversity of what Flickr could offer was apparent during one call for photographs portraying the concept of families.

"We got over 17,000 pictures back from around the world very quickly. That gave us a very broad and deep illustration of the concepts to do with family and will resonate in countries around the world.

"In the past, one of the criticisms of the stock photography market is that it has been a mostly North American and European aesthetically dominated industry."

Mr Evans-Lombe also said another great asset of the collection was that it was "more gritty" because the photographs are not shot for commercial services and therefore have more authenticity.

"The extension of this partnership is a testament to the talent of our Flickr community and we want to provide a platform for our members so they can get their work out there to the largest possible audience," said Mr Alexander.

'Floodgates'
Hal Bergman dreamt for years of turning his passion from a side-line into a full-time career. He started posting his photos on Flickr in 2006 and said this partnership has been a fruitful one for him.

"I have been doing this for six years on the side and a year and a half ago I gave up my day job in website development."

And while staying mum about how much he actually earns, Mr Bergman told BBC News he makes a good living from photography.

"I am working as a freelance and getting a lot of commission work and I would say this deal brings in about a third of my income which is pretty good when you consider I have 200 images on the Getty site and a further 2,500 on another site."

This week he has been shooting photos at a frat house in Los Angeles and a Hollywood party.
Mr Bergman said while he is managing to get himself established, he is concerned about how the opening up of this partnership will affect him.

"This deal helped me get my foot in the door with Getty, something I had been trying to do for years. And while I am concerned about opening up the floodgates, I am going to take it as a challenge. But I am really not worried because I like to think I am good at what I do," said Mr Bergman.

Users wanting to take part in the project will be asked to opt-in to the scheme.

Blast at Colombia coalmine kills 16 and traps dozens

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:00:05 PDT

A blast at a coalmine in Colombia has killed 16 miners and left about 70 trapped underground, officials say.

The explosion happened late on Wednesday at the San Fernando mine in Amaga, Antioquia province.

Officials say there is little likelihood of finding survivors as rescuers tried to get into the mine.

"To be honest there is not much [hope], very little, practically none," Luz Amanda Pulido, a national disaster official, told local radio.

The blast happened at 2200 local time on Wednesday when miners were changing shift, officials said.

For that reason, the exact number of people inside the mine was unclear, they said.
Rescuers were trying again to get inside the shaft on Thursday morning.

'Huge tragedy' It is not yet clear what caused the blast but officials said there may have been a build-up of gases. There are fears the death toll could rise further.

President Alvaro Uribe described the disaster as "a huge tragedy" and said "my heart goes out" to the families of the dead.

Colombia is one of the world's largest coal exporters.

COLOMBIA'S MINE DISASTERS

2009: Methane gas explosion kills eight, also in Antioquian
February 2007: Gas explosion in north east kills 32
October 2007: At least 24 gold prospectors killed in mine collapse
April 2001: 15 dead after gas explosion in northern Colombia
1997: 16 miners buried alive after blast at coal mine in same region

It has the second-largest reserves in South America, after Brazil. According to the US Energy Information Administration, it was the fourth largest coal exporter in the world in 2008.

Dozens of workers have been killed in explosions at mines, many of which are makeshift.

A methane gas explosion killed eight workers in a mine last year, also in Antioquia province.

In February 2007, a gas explosion at a mine in north-eastern Colombia killed more than 30 workers.
After the blast at the makeshift La Preciosa site, about 580km (360 miles) north of the capital, Bogota, authorities said they would step up their supervision of Colombia's mines.

EU leaders approve fresh sanctions against Iran

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:01:07 PDT

Iran says its nuclear programme is aimed solely at peaceful energy use

European Union leaders have approved a new set of sanctions against Iran that go further than the latest United Nations measures.

The fresh EU sanctions include a ban on investments, technical assistance and technology transfers to Iran's key oil and gas industry.

On Wednesday, the US announced its own fresh sanctions,
implementing the UN measures approved last week.
Western powers suspect Iran is seeking nuclear weapons - which Tehran denies.

The new EU sanctions were approved on Thursday by a summit in Brussels.

In a statement, the leaders expressed regret "that Iran has not taken the many opportunities which have been offered to it to remove the concerns of the international community over the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme".

Iran's shipping and air cargo companies will also be banned from operating in EU territory, and new visa bans and asset freezes will target Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

Russian objections

The new EU sanctions will now be passed on to experts who will work out which companies and products would be targeted.

Sergei Ryabkov Russian Deputy Foreign Minister

Correspondents say the move will put strong pressure on Iran, which is the world's fifth-largest oil exporter, but has limited refining capability.

On Thursday Russia criticised the EU's planned sanctions.

"We are extremely disappointed that neither the United States nor the European Union is heeding our calls to refrain from such steps," Russian news agencies quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying.
The US sanctions announced on Wednesday ban Americans from trading with a number of firms and individuals, including Iran's Post Bank, Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi and the air force and missile command of the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

On 10 June the Security Council endorsed a fourth round of UN sanctions on Iran, including tighter financial curbs and an expanded arms embargo.

The US has banned most trade with Iran since 1979, when Iranian student stormed the American embassy and took diplomats hostage.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed the vote as "a used handkerchief" fit for the dustbin.
Tehran has rejected calls by the Security Council to halt uranium enrichment - which could have military as well as civilian uses.

Iran insists its nuclear programme is solely designed to produce energy.

Nelson Mandela attends great-granddaughter's funeral

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:00:05 PDT

Page last updated at 13:15 GMT, Thursday, 17 June 2010 14:15 UK

Nelson Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel, joined mourners

Nelson Mandela has made a rare public appearance for the funeral of his great-granddaughter Zenani, who was killed in a car crash last week.

Zenani Mandela, 13, died after a World Cup concert in Soweto.

Following the tragedy, Mr Mandela cancelled plans to go to the opening ceremony of the football tournament.

The car's driver, a family friend, was arrested and initially charged with drink-driving, but is not due in court until after the World Cup ends.

The family held a private burial before going to the chapel service where the public were invited.
Hundreds of well wishers turned up, filling the chapel and a tent set up nearby.

Television pictures show him being taken from his limousine by a golf buggy and then, supported by his wife, Graca Machel, making his way to the front pew of the chapel at Zenani's Johannesburg school where the service is being held.

Mr Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela - Zenani's great-grandmother - is also present, along with key figures from the world of politics, entertainment and sport and some of Zenani's classmates.
The Soweto Gospel Choir performed as guests arrived, while later the classic soul song Lean on Me was played as images of Zenani were shown on a screen.

Zenani had celebrated her 13th birthday on 9 June. She was one of Mr Mandela's nine great-grandchildren.
An anguished message was read during the service from Zenani's mother, Zoleka Mandela-Seakamela, daughter of Mandela's daughter Zindzi Mandela.

Mrs Mandela-Seakamela said she wished she had indulged her daughter more, allowing her to sleep in late and wear make-up.

"I should have given you more hugs, more kisses," she said.

South Africa has one of the world's worst road safety records, and there is an average of 42 deaths each day on roads across the country.

Last Thursday's World Cup concert had drawn tens of thousands to Soweto's Orlando Stadium, and traffic in the area had been busy into the early hours of Friday.

The event featured a cast of international stars - including Colombian singer Shakira, the Black Eyed Peas and Alicia Keys, as well as African stars Amadou & Mariam and Hugh Masekela.

Pann-Starrs telescope begins operations to hunt asteroids

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:00:03 PDT

Science reporter, BBC News The telescope is relatively small, but incorporates cutting edge technology

A new telescope facility in Hawaii designed to search for asteroids and comets which could threaten Earth has been made operational.

The Pan-STARRS 1 telescope will map large portions of the sky each night to track not only close space objects, but also exploding stars (supernovae).

The telescope has been taking science data for six months but is now operating from dusk-dawn each night.
Pan-STARRS 1 (PS1) is expected to map one-sixth of the sky every month.

The facility boasts a huge digital camera: a 1,400 megapixel (1.4 gigapixel) device that can photograph an area of the sky as large as 36 full Moons in a single exposure.

Prof Carlos Frenk Durham University

"Although modest in size, this telescope is on the cutting edge of technology," said Dr Nick Kaiser, head of the Pan-STARRS project.

The giant digital camera will take over 500 exposures each night, collecting about four terabytes of data (equivalent to what 1,000 DVDs can hold).

By casting a wide net, the telescope is expected to catch many moving objects within our Solar System.
Frequent follow-up observations will allow astronomers to track those objects and calculate their orbits, identifying any potential threats to Earth.

In January this year, a report by the US National Research Council said the country must do more to tackle the asteroid threat.

Professor Carlos Frenk, from Durham University, who is the UK's member on the Pan-STARRS board, said: "PS1 will generate the largest ever multi-colour survey of the cosmos.

"Alongside supercomputer simulations of the universe, these data will help us understand the life cycles of galaxies and, if we are very lucky, the nature of the mysterious dark matter and dark energy that control the evolution of our cosmos."

The 1.8m (60-inch) diameter telescope on Haleakala will also spot many small, faint bodies in the outer Solar System that hid from previous surveys.

PS1 is the experimental prototype for a larger telescope to be built called PS4, which will have four times the power of PS1 and is planned for Mauna Kea in Hawaii.

World Cup 2010: Tim Cahill receives one-match ban

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:01:06 PDT

Cahill sees red against Germany

Australia's Tim Cahill can still play in the World Cup after receiving a one-match ban for being sent off during his team's opening defeat to Germany.

Cahill, 30, will miss the Socceroos' match against Ghana on Saturday but could return to play in their final Group D game against Serbia on 23 June.

The Everton midfielder was dismissed during the 4-0 loss for a late tackle on Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger.

But Fifa said the offence merited just the automatic one-match suspension.

The Australian Football Federation delivered a robust defence of their star midfielder to Fifa's disciplinary committee, and he was also backed by Schweinsteiger.

Cahill 'saddened' about red card

After the game the Bayern Munich midfielder told a distraught Cahill that the 56th-minute dismissal was undeserved, leading the Aussie to break down in tears.

Australia will have to avoid defeat against the Ghana, who beat Serbia 1-0 in their opening game, if they harbour any hopes of progressing.

But Australian forward Harry Kewell believes the team cope without one of their most prolific goalscorers.
"Tim is a great player and it's disappointing he won't be there against Ghana," said the former Liverpool player, who is expected to come into the side after not being used in the

"But we have got great players in our squad so we can cope with any players that we have or haven't got.

"I don't think it was a red card offence, and a lot of other Australians probably think the same thing. Probably most of the Germans don't think so as well, but it's a World Cup and these things can happen."
Australia's Dutch coach Pim Verbeek has drawn criticism in Australia for fielding a defensive team against the Germans, but although he had planned to use Kewell from the bench, he said Cahill's sending off changed his plans.

The Socceroos were 2-0 down when Cahill received his marching orders.

Massimiliano Allegri set to follow Leonardo at AC Milan

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:00:06 PDT

Allegri is regarded as one of Italy's brightest young coaches

Serie A club Cagliari have paved the way for Massimiliano Allegri to succeed Leonardo as AC Milan coach after they released him from his contract.

"Following a request by AC Milan, president Massimo Cellino decided to release him" said a Cagliari statement.

"Cagliari have not requested any compensation, given the impossibility of quantifying the value of feelings."

Allegri, 42, has been Milan's long-term choice to succeed Leonardo, who was sacked after one season in charge.

The 40-year-old Brazilian stepped up from his role as Milan's technical director to succeed Carlo Ancelotti in May 2009 when the Italian left for Chelsea.

But Leonardo struggled to improve an ageing team, with Milan finishing third, 12 points behind city rivals Inter as they failed to win a first title since 2004.

World Cup 2010: Wayne Rooney jibe fires up Algeria

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:00:03 PDT

Extended highlights - Algeria 0-1 Slovenia

Wayne Rooney's confident prediction of an England win over Algeria in Friday's Group C match has sparked an angry reaction from the north Africans.

Rooney has suggested even an under-par England can beat Algeria in Cape Town.

"Rooney can say what he wants," said Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra. "It's his problem. We will play to win this game. We want to qualify as well."

Algeria prop up the group having lost their opening game 1-0 to Slovenia, while England drew 1-1 with the USA.

Although Algeria are ranked 30th in the world - 22 places below England - they demonstrated their capability with a play-off victory over arch rivals and African Nations champions Egypt last November to book their place in South Africa.

"Algeria always react when we are under pressure. You saw that in the play-off against Egypt," added Bougherra.

Despite being a point better off than the north Africans, Algeria coach Rabah Saadane believes England will be the ones under the greater pressure, following their much-criticised display against the United States.

"England have their backs to the wall," suggested Saadane. "We have nothing to lose and have everything to win."

This was a theme echoed by the Desert Foxes' talented Sochaux midfielder Ryad Boudebouz, who said: "England are the team under pressure. They are the ones who claimed that they came here to win the World Cup."

Defender Nadir Belhadj, who plays in England for Portsmouth and was the only Algeria player Rooney claimed he was aware of, feels his side can capitalise on an England defence missing the injured Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King.

"The defence is one of England's weak points, it's easy to create chances against them," said Belhadj.
"As for strong points, I have to recognise that there are several. They have an excellent midfield and a phenomenal attack.

"But that doesn't mean we will just lie down. We will have our say in the outcome of the match."
On Wednesday, Manchester United striker Rooney expressed confidence that England would beat Algeria to move within touching distance of the last 16.

"Against Algeria we can not be at our best and win the game," said the 24-year-old.

When asked what he knew about England's opponents, Rooney replied: "Not much. Belhadj from Portsmouth, but I don't really know much more about them. I'm sure the manager will point out their strengths and weaknesses to us."

After Friday's match, both sides have one Group C game remaining, to be played on 23 June, with Algeria facing USA in Pretoria and England taking on Slovenia in Port Elizabeth.

Highlights - England 1-1 USA

Justine Henin reaches semi-finals of Unicef Open

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:00:05 PDT

Henin is targeting a first Wimbledon title in the next month

Justine Henin continued her Wimbledon preparation with a battling win over Germany's Kristina Barrois in the Unicef Open semi-finals.

The Belgian top seed came through 7-5 6-3 to reach the semi-finals on the grass of Den Bosch.

Henin will next face Romania's Alexandra Dulgheru, who beat fourth seed Yaroslava Shvedova 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Fellow Belgian Kirsten Flipkens will take on German seventh seed Andrea Petkovic in the other semi-final.

Flipkens enjoyed a 6-2 6-3 win over Dominika Cibulkova, while Petkovic beat qualifier Sandra Zahlavova 6-2 7-6 (7-5).

In the men's event, Germany's defending champion Benjamin Becker saw off compatriot Simon Greul 6-3 6-1 and will face Serb Janko Tipsarevic in the last four.

Ukraine's world number 71 Sergiy Stakhovsky and experienced Belgian Xavier Malisse made it through to the last four on the other side of the draw.

Ireland squander great chance to beat Australia

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:00:06 PDT

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting gets bat on ball with Irish wicketkeeper Gary Wilson in the background

Ireland squandered a great chance to beat Australia as the world champions clinched a 39-run victory in Dublin.

The Aussies posted only 231-9 with Tim Paine hitting 81 and Paul Stirling and Kevin O'Brien among the wicket takers.

Ireland raced to 49-0 after six overs and were 80 without loss before Ryan Harris bowled Paul Stirling (36).
William Porterfield (39) soon departed and while the hosts regrouped to 137-3, James Hope (5-14) took the game away from Ireland with a damaging spell.

Ireland collapsed to 156-9, and though John Mooney and Boyd Rankin produced some final-wicket heroics with a stand of 36, Mooney's top edge was coolly gathered by Aussie captain Ricky Ponting off Shane Watson to end the game.

The Irish, who lost the toss, had produced a suffocating bowling display before the capacity 4,500 crowd at Clontarf.

That was even though Aussie native Trent Johnston was unable to bowl for Ireland in the closing stages of the innings because of a bruised thumb.

The rusty Australians struggled to blow the cobwebs away in their first match of a two-month tour that continues with a five-match one-day series against England.

Gary Wilson celebrates after stumping Michael Clarke for a duck

Opening batsmen Paine battled to 81 from 122 balls on a slow-paced wicket.

Kevin O'Brien (3-43) and off-spinner Paul Stirling (2-34) were the stand-out home bowlers, who had been beaten by nine wickets in their only previously completed one-day international against Australia at the 2007 World Cup.

Shane Watson (13) was undone by Rankin's extra bounce as he feathered an angled guide through to wicketkeeper Gary Wilson.
Ponting quickly hit Peter Connell for a pair of fours but the introduction of Kevin O'Brien and off-spinner Stirling slowed Australia's rate after the initial powerplay.

The tourists managed just 29 runs from overs 15 to 25, and the Irish were rewarded with the crucial wickets of Ponting and Michael Clarke in successive overs.

Ponting holed out to Andrew White for 33 as he advanced down the wicket to Stirling while Clarke was stumped by Wilson off Alex Cusack for a duck although it looked a debatable decision.

Paine's stoic presence was temporarily offset by some big hitting from Cameron White before he fell to the economical Stirling, after a mistimed drive to Porterfield at mid-wicket.

The opener finally departed after miscuing Kevin O'Brien to his brother Niall, who had opted not to keep wicket due to a broken finger.

The O'Briens then teamed up to remove Mike Hussey (eight) and Nathan Hauritz (19) as an Australian late rally failed to materialise.

After the match, Australia all-rounder James Hopes admitted his side "got out of jail."

"We hadn't played any one-day cricket for a while, since New Zealand, and we got off to a sluggish start," said the Queenslander who took five wickets for 14 runs.

"Fortunately we brought it back in the middle overs."
Ireland skipper Porterfield said his side had been left disappointed after failing to grasp their chance to beat the world champions.

"We had them right on the back foot. It was ours to lose and we let it slip," he said.
"It is pretty disappointing from the position we were in, especially after the first 10-12 overs."

Premier League fixtures: West Brom first up for Chelsea

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:00:00 PDT

Chelsea won the title last season for the first time in four years

Chelsea will begin the defence of their Premier League title with a home match against newly promoted West Bromwich Albion on Saturday 14 August.

Heavyweights Liverpool and Arsenal will meet at Anfield on the opening weekend.

Last season's runners-up Manchester United face a mouth-watering home match with top-flight new boys Newcastle.

Championship play-off winners Blackpool start at home to Wigan, while Tottenham host Manchester City, who they edged out for fourth place last term.

While Newcastle boss Chris Hughton believes his side can get a result at Old Trafford, elsewhere on the opening day of the 2010/11 season, Aston Villa face West Ham and Everton travel to Blackburn, while Steve Bruce's Sunderland are at home to his old club Birmingham, Stoke visit Wolves and Bolton welcome Europa League runners-up Fulham.

The Premier League season will end on 22 May, meaning it will finish after the FA Cup final for the first time since 2002.

The FA Cup final will be staged on 14 May as Wembley Stadium is hosting the Champions League final on 28 May.

Chelsea will come up against one of their former players in Baggies manager Roberto Di Matteo in their opener.

Next up for the champions will be a trip to Wigan, where they were beaten last season, before Stoke visit Stamford Bridge on 28 August.

Carlo Ancelotti's title holders have to wait until 2 October for their first match against one of last season's top four clubs, when they face Arsenal at home, with the return fixture on Boxing Day.

Chelsea host Manchester United on 18 December, with the two coming together at at Old Trafford on 7 May - the penultimate away fixture for the Blues.

Ian Holloway's Blackpool will know all about the rigours of the top flight by the time they travel to Old Trafford - the visit comes on the final day, giving them a tough end to the campaign on 22 May.

Before the season starts, Chelsea and Manchester United will meet in the FA Community Shield - the traditional curtain-raiser to the new season - at Wembley on Sunday, 8 August.

Times Square car bomb suspect Faisal Shahzad indicted

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:51:54 PDT

Faisal Shazhad, 30, was arrested two days after the car bomb attempt

The main suspect in the alleged attempt to set of a car bomb in New York's Times Square last month has been indicted by a federal grand jury.

Faisal Shahzad, 30, is facing terror charges, including attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.

The explosives found in a car on Times Square on 1 May failed to detonate.

Mr Shahzad, a Pakistani-born US citizen, was later arrested at New York's JFK airport. He faces life in prison if convicted.

He did not enter a plea at a court appearance on 18 May, but officials said he was co-operating.

The SUV found on Times Square was loaded with fertiliser, fireworks, gasoline, propane and alarm clocks.
Investigators traced the vehicle back to Mr Shahzad.

US expands sanctions against Iran

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:00:02 PDT

Iran says its nuclear programme is aimed solely at peaceful energy use

The United States is expanding its sanctions against Iran because of concerns about its nuclear ambitions.

Washington said the individuals and institutions targeted were helping Iran to develop its nuclear programme.

This is the first step in implementing sanctions adopted by the UN Security Council last week.

Those blacklisted include Iran's Post Bank, Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi and the air force and missile command of the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Western powers accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons - a charge Iran strongly denies.
Front companies targeted

The US sanctions prohibit any American business or individual from trading with those named on the blacklist. The sanctions also freeze any assets they may have under US jurisdiction.

"We will continue to target Iran's support for terrorist organisations, we will continue to focus on Iran's Revolutionary Guard, and we will continue to expose Iran's efforts to evade international sanctions," US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told a White House news briefing.

Also on the list is a front company for the national shipping line, which is run by the Revolutionary Guards.
The Treasury has designated 27 new ships and has updated entries for 71 others whose names had been changed.

The designation of Post Bank brings to 16 the total number of Iranian banks under sanctions. The US Treasury says Post Bank is a front for Bank Sepah, which was designated in 2007 for providing financial services to the Iranian missile industry.

EU sanctions Last week, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed the UN sanctions as "a used handkerchief" fit for the dustbin.

The European Union, which has been working closely with Washington, will decide on its own sanctions at a summit on Thursday.

The EU's proposed sanctions go further than the UN, targeting the oil and gas industry.

EU countries such as Germany and Italy have become important trading partners for Iran, but the EU is becoming increasingly concerned that Iran may be pursuing nuclear weapons.

Church bones 'belong to Caravaggio', researchers say

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:00:03 PDT

Researchers used DNA and carbon dating to make their findings

Human remains found in a church in Tuscany almost certainly belong to Renaissance artist Caravaggio, Italian researchers said.

The team said they were 85% sure that the set of bones of a man who died in about 1610, aged between 38 and 40, were that of the painter.

The remains had been kept in an ossuary in a church crypt in Porto Ercole, after reportedly being exhumed in 1956.

Caravaggio was known for his "chiaroscuro" painting technique.
The method, in which light and shadow are sharply contrasted, revolutionised painting.
Mystery

The researchers, from four Italian universities, said they believed Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio died of sunstroke while weakened by syphilis.

The findings come after a year-long investigation using DNA, carbon dating and other analysis.

The cause of his death had been a mystery, with various theories put forward, including that he was assassinated for religious reasons, and that he collapsed with malaria on a deserted beach.
Some have said he was on his way to Rome to seek a pardon when he died.

Carravagio was famed for his wild lifestyle, including often starting fights and ending up in jail. He even killed a man.

He was born in either 1571 or 1573, according to varying scholars, and spent the last few years of his life fleeing justice in southern Italy.

His works include Bacchus, The Supper at Emmaus and Sacrifice of Isaac.

The remains are believed to have laid originally in an unmarked grave among around 200 others at the church cemetery, until they were exhumed in 1956 and placed in the ossuary.

Former boss of US lender accused of $1.9bn fraud

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:00:01 PDT

It is alleged that Mr Farkas participated in a "massive" fraud

The former boss of the now bankrupt US lender Taylor, Bean & Whitaker (TBW) has been charged with 16 counts of fraud, worth more than $1.9bn (£1.3bn).

Lee Farkas, who was chief executive and then chairman of TBW, was accused of trying to misappropriate money from banks and federal institutions.

The indictment also accused Mr Farkas and other unnamed conspirators of trying to obtain money from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (Tarp).

TBW ceased operating in August 2009.

Mr Farkas is charged with conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud and securities fraud.

TBW once oversaw some $30bn-worth of residential loans but filed for bankruptcy last August.
Bank failures

According to the indictment, the scheme began in 2002 when TBW began to experience cashflow problems, and relates to the misappropriation of funds from two institutions.

"Farkas and his co-conspirators allegedly engaged in a scheme to misappropriate more than $400m from Colonial Bank's Mortgage Warehouse Lending Division in Orlando, Florida, and approximately $1.5bn from Ocala Funding, a mortgage lending facility controlled by TBW," the indictment said.

Neil Barofsky Special inspector general for Tarp

"According to the government motion seeking Farkas's detention, the fraud scheme contributed to the failures of Colonial Bank and TBW."

It was also alleged that a "series of false press releases" were put out to suggest that TBW had invested in Colonial, which caused Colonial to misrepresent that it had satisfied a requirement to qualify for money from Tarp, the US's taxpayer-funded bail-out plan for banks.

"The indictment further alleges that Farkas and his co-conspirators committed wire and securities fraud in connection with their attempt to convince the United States government to provide Colonial Bank with approximately $553m in TARP funds."

However, no Tarp funds were ever obtained.
'Truly stunning'

Mr Farkas was arrested on Tuesday night as he left a gym he owns.

It is believed that the co-conspirators are made up of "some at TBW and some at Colonial".
The charges were announced by members of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.

Assistant attorney general Lanny A. Breuer, for the criminal division at the Department of Justice, said court documents allege that Mr Farkas and others participated in a "massive" fraud, that was "truly stunning in its scale and complexity".

Neil Barofsky, the special inspector general for Tarp, added: "Today's indictment describes an unprecedented scheme by executives at two large financial institutions to steal more than $550m from the American taxpayer. Due to the efforts of SIGTARP agents, our law enforcement partners, and the SEC, this scheme was stopped dead in its tracks [and] taxpayers were protected."

Officials estimate that Mr Farkas personally gained "at least $20m" from these activities but "it's ongoing".
Members of the task force also included officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the financial watchdog the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Informants share $1.2m reward for hostage tip-off

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:00:03 PDT

The rescued captives recevied a hero's welcome

Informants who aided the rescue of four members of the Colombian security forces from rebels will share a $1.2m (£800,000) reward, the army has said.

The three police officers and a soldier had been held captive by the Farc guerrillas for almost a decade.

They were rescued on Sunday in an army raid on a rebel camp in the jungle in southern Colombia.

The army did not say how many informants were involved, but said one was a rebel deserter.
valuable assistance

The head of the army, General Oscar Gonzalez, said information from a number of sources had led the army to the exact location where the captives were being held.

"We knew exactly where we were going, how the security was set up, and how many terrorists were guarding the hostages", he said.

He added that the army would do its utmost to protect a former guerrilla who gave "valuable assistance" to the rescue effort.

Police officers Gen Luis Mendieta, Col Enrique Murillo and Lt Col William Donato, and army Sgt Arbey Delgado, were given a hero's welcome when they arrived in Bogota after almost a decade in captivity.
The rescue operation was the highest-profile mission since July 2008, when French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans were freed from rebel hands.

It came just days before the second round of Colombia's presidential election.

Former Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos, who was credited with masterminding that operation, is favourite to win the 20 June second round of the presidential election, when he will face Green Party candidate Antanas Mockus.

It is believed the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) are still holding 19 members of the security forces whom they want to swap for some 500 jailed guerrillas.
Most of the hostages have been held for more than a decade.

Seattle police to review training after girl punched

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:00:04 PDT

Page last updated at 21:30 GMT, Wednesday, 16 June 2010 22:30 UK

The incident was captured on camera

Seattle police are to review training procedures after video of an officer punching a teenage girl circulated widely on US television and online.

The officer struck the 17-year-old after she tried to intervene while he was scuffling with another teenage girl he had seen jaywalking, officials said.

The Seattle police union defended the officer, saying he was working alone amid a crowd and feared for his safety.

The girls, who were arrested, were not harmed in the incident, police said.

In the video, shot on Monday, the officer is shown struggling with a girl in black who police said had tried to leave the scene when he confronted her about jaywalking.

A girl in a pink top intervenes, apparently trying to free the other girl. The footage then shows the police officer punching her as onlookers watch.

The officer, Ian Walsh, has been transferred temporarily to the department's training unit, Seattle police said.
Police officials said the review of training procedures was not meant as a criticism of the officer's actions but would examine whether training could be improved.

Seattle police officers' guild president Richard O'Neill said officers were wary of crowds that could turn violent.

"This officer, if you see on the video, was surrounded by an ever-growing group," he said. "This could have been a tragedy."

A Seattle police spokesman said that use of force was within an individual officer's discretion.

Deadly flash floods hit southern France

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:00:03 PDT

Page last updated at 21:55 GMT, Wednesday, 16 June 2010 22:55 UK

Heavy rains have caused havoc in France

At least 19 people have been killed by flash floods in south-eastern France, officials say.

Several others have been reported missing after torrential rain hit the mountains above the Cote D'Azur region on Tuesday.

A number of towns in the department of Var were affected, with hundreds of homes flooded.
Meteo France, the national weather service, said up to 40cm (15.7in) of rain had fallen since Tuesday.
Meterologists say the floods are the worst in the region since 1827.

About 2,000 rescue workers have been drafted into affected regions around Draguignan - the worst-hit area - near the Mediterranean coast to help those trapped in their vehicles or houses.
'Devastated'

Water levels were said to be falling slightly in Draguignan on Wednesday, though the rain was continuing in nearby Roquebrune and Frejus.

Meteo France has warned of further storms on Wednesday night.
"We have never seen so much rain in the month of June," Patrick Galois of Meteo France told the AFP news agency.

At least 1,000 people had to leave their homes and spend the night in schools or other temporary shelters, and some 175,000 houses were estimated to have been left without electricity.
Some reportedly sought shelter on the roofs of their homes, while helicopters were brought in to rescue people.

Rescue teams had to moved 436 inmates from a prison in Draguignan after two floors flooded.
The force of the water swept empty cars and other vehicles down streets in Draguignan.

"This morning, we woke up to find a town centre that was devastated, extremely battered with overturned cars floating in the streets, collapsed roads and gutted houses," said Corinne Orzechowski, the official leading the emergency operation.

Condolences The floods are believed to be the worst since 1827 The BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris says that many of those who died were caught in their cars.

Rail and air services in the region were interrupted, and about 300 passengers travelling on a high-speed train between Nice and Lille had been trapped by the flood waters, the AFP news agency reported.
The railway line between Toulon and Frejus will be closed until Thursday morning.

President Nicolas Sarkozy offered condolences to the families of the victims, and pledged his support to rescue workers "mobilising non-stop to provide aid and find those still missing".
He plans to visit the area early next week.

Aid arrives by air for victims of the Kyrgyz violence

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:00:05 PDT

Planes have begun delivering foreign aid after the violence which engulfed south Kyrgyzstan's ethnic Uzbeks.

These have been the worst clashes in Kyrgyzstan since the days of the USSR

UN refugee agency planes are landing in neighbouring Uzbekistan where some 75,000 people fled to safety before the country closed its borders.

Russian government planes have been arriving in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek carrying food and blankets.

With at least 179 deaths reported, more than a quarter of a million people are said to have fled their homes.

The true number of casualties is unknown, as many of the dead were buried without relatives registering them as having been killed. A further 1,870 people are said to have been injured.

While there were no reports of heavy fighting between Kyrgyz and ethnic Uzbeks on Wednesday, ethnic Uzbeks in Osh threatened to blow up a city oil depot if they did not get guarantees of protection.

Kyrgyzstan's interim leaders have been struggling to impose their authority since coming to power after President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was overthrown in April.

The agency believes about 200,000 people are displaced within Kyrgyzstan while some 75,000 have sought safety in Uzbekistan.

"What is happening is already a tragedy and it could become a catastrophe," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres told German radio.

Two Russian government cargo planes, each carrying 42 tonnes of aid including food and blankets, landed in Bishkek.

Pascale Meige Wagner, regional head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said there were people still trapped in their homes, including people in need of medical care, and food was running out.
The World Food Programme says it has 3,000 tonnes of food, mainly wheat flour and oil, already in Kyrgyzstan.

It would be enough to feed 87,000 people for two months, but road deliveries are hazardous amid the unrest.
Stand-off

Talks have been under way in Osh between Kyrgyz officials and ethnic Uzbeks holding the oil depot, which stores most of the petrol distributed in the region.

One of the Uzbeks' representatives told the BBC they no longer trusted the government and Kyrgyz military, and were hoping for UN peacekeepers to intervene.

Officials in Jalalabad, which also saw violence, say a suspected organiser of the clashes has been detained.
They say there is strong evidence that allies of Mr Bakiyev fomented the unrest.
The UN has said it believed the initial violence was "orchestrated, targeted and well-planned".
Ms Wagner of the Red Cross said her team on the ground was unable to judge whether ethnicity was at the root of the violence.

"What is striking us is the level of brutality, I mean the willingness to harm and to kill, and this is really something that is extremely worrying for us," she told the BBC.

The government believes allies of Mr Bakiyev, who now lives in exile in Belarus, want to derail a national referendum on constitutional reform scheduled for 27 June.

A Kyrgyz government appeal for Russia to send in peacekeeping troops was rejected by Moscow.
Washington is sending its top Central Asia diplomat, Robert Blake, for meetings with officials in Bishkek on Friday and Saturday.

The clashes are the worst ethnic violence to hit southern Kyrgyzstan since the dying days of the USSR when several hundred people were killed.

Global Fund freezes Zambia aid over corruption concern

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:00:02 PDT

The suspension will be a big blow to a country that is dependent on aid

More than $300m (£200m) of health funding to Zambia's goverment is being suspended by the Global Fund to fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

It said it was concerned about alleged corruption in connection with one or more grants to the health ministry.

But some aid will be channelled through other groups, a spokesman told the BBC.

It is not the first time Zambia has lost aid amid corruption claims: Sweden and the Netherlands stopped health aid and the EU halted road-building funds.

'Slowness in action' The director of communications for the Global Fund, John Liden, told the BBC life-saving treatments would not be hit.

He said the health ministry had failed to take the necessary steps since the corruption was first detected.
"We have identified a set of individuals, we have alerted Zambian government authorities about this," he said.
"We have repeatedly asked for action, there has been slowness in action on the Zambian side.

"That's one of the reasons we feel we do not have confidence that the Ministry of Health, at this stage, can continue to channel funding of this magnitude for health in Zambia."

Correspondents say the decision will be a big blow to the government which depends on aid to treat HIV and Aids.

The Global Fund also suspended assistance to Uganda five years ago for "serious mismanagement of its funds".

The organisation was set up in 2002 under the direction of then-UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
It has distributed more than $19bn in aid targeted at tackling HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis.

BBC world affairs correspondent Adam Mynott says the fund has undoubtedly had its successes and it is estimated that it has helped save more than five million lives.

Its funding, which comes from government and private sources, is directed at the world's poorest nations.
Many of them are in sub-Saharan Africa, where corruption is widespread and there is a tacit but reluctant acceptance that some money is bound to go missing, our correspondent says.

But in the case of Zambia, warnings to the government to get its house in order have been ignored, our correspondent says.

The European Union has withdrawn some funding to Zambia for road-building because of corruption.
And last year, the Netherlands and Sweden halted $30m of direct aid for the Zambian health ministry because money was disappearing into the pockets of officials.

World Cup 2010: Buffon World Cup future uncertain

ultimasnoticiasdebolivia@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:00:02 PDT

Italy v Paraguay - Match highlights

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has missed training for the second successive day amid fears that he may not play again in the 2010 World Cup.

The 32-year-old sat out Wednesday's session and tests on his injured back show a small herniated disc as well as a sciatic problem.

Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci said the recovery would "not be brief".

Buffon was replaced by substitute Federico Marchetti at half-time in Monday's 1-1 draw against Paraguay.
Buffon initially said he hoped "to recover in two days" but the Azzurri may now have to defend their status as world champions without their experienced keeper.

Buffon's Italy and Juventus team-mate Giorgio Chiellini admitted losing the world's most expensive keeper would be a huge blow.

"A good goalkeeper is just as valuable as a striker who scores a lot of goals," stated Chiellini.
"It's obvious how much he's worth to the team."

Buffon could do little to stop Paraguay taking the lead on a rain-drenched night in Cape Town, with Antolin Alcaraz making the most of some hesitant defending from captain Fabio Cannavaro and Daniele De Rossi to head home the opener.

But De Rossi made amends after the break when some dreadful goalkeeping from Paraguay's Justo Villar allowed the midfielder to nip in and equalise from a corner.

"During the warm-up Buffon felt a pain in his back and after the first half he couldn't continue," commented Italy coach Marcelo Lippi.

"It was a big blow. We lost a substitution that we could have used.

Buffon is regarded as the one of the best goalkeepers in world football

Italy struggled to get going in what was their first World Cup match since winning the tournament in Germany in 2006.
The awful weather did not help their cause though, and Lippi, who masterminded the triumph in Berlin four years ago, insisted his team had made a satisfactory start to their title defence.

"Italy is right here. We're here tactically, physically, with our hearts, we're here full stop," Lippi added.

"I just regret that we did not get the points we deserved, but sometimes that's what happens, you get less than you deserve.

"The important thing is this was not a decisive game. What is important is that people now realise we are here and have got our act together."

"We deserved to win," De Rossi reflected. "We controlled the ball virtually the entire time, but it's not easy against these teams that dream simply of drawing with the world champions.
"And if you fall behind, it becomes even tougher."

De Rossi equalises for Italy