SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Internet social network powerhouse Facebook has hired the former chief financial officer of Genentech as its CFO, filing a spot that has been empty for about three months.
Facebook said on Monday that David Ebersman will join the company in September. Ebersman served as CFO of Genentech from 2006 until April this year, when the biotech company was acquired by Roche Holding.
"His success in scaling the finance organization of a fast-growing company will be important to Facebook," Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg said in a statement. He noted that Ebersman oversaw Genentech's financial operations during a time when the company's revenue tripled.
In March, Facebook announced that CFO Gideon Yu was leaving the company and that it was seeking a replacement with "public company experience."
Facebook's comments at the time sparked speculation that the company was preparing for an initial public offering. But Zuckerberg said in May that any IPO was still "a few years out."
Facebook is the world's No.1 Internet social networking site with more than 200 million active users. Last month, Facebook received $200 million in funding from Russian Internet investment firm Digital Sky Technologies.
In hiring a CFO from Genentech, Facebook is branching out from the pool of Internet executives, as it copes with rapid growth and an uncertain economy.
Earlier this month, Yahoo Inc appointed Tim Morse, a longtime executive from General Electric Co, to be its new CFO.
The moves reflect the demand among some Internet companies for CFOs with strong financial engineering skills rather than operational experience in the Internet business, said Broadpoint.Amtech analyst Ben Schachter.
"You certainly can have a lot of lessons from someone in a high-growth company" like Genentech, said Schachter.
Facebook said on Monday that Ebersman will become part of the company's executive management team, reporting to Zuckerberg and overseeing the company's finances, accounting, investor relations and real estate functions.
Jackson's death unleashes barrage of online scams
SAN JOSE, Calif. -
Minutes after any big celebrity dies, Internet swindlers get to work. They pump out specially created spam e-mails and throw up malicious Web sites to infect victims' computers, hoping to capitalize on the sudden high demand for information.
Michael Jackson's death was no different, and security experts say the fraud artists are just getting started.
The scams started cropping up almost instantaneously as Jackson's death was still hitting the news. As days have gone by, they've gotten more sophisticated — and dangerous.
Jackson's death "took a lot of people by surprise — the spammers, too," said Dermot Harnett, principal analyst for anti-spam engineering at Symantec Corp., a security software maker. "It might take them some time to really pounce on this issue. They are catching up pretty quickly, though."
Any major world event, such as the recent protests in Iran, triggers a barrage of Internet attacks. Security experts say the malicious traffic associated with Jackson's death will likely match and perhaps exceed those of other big spamming campaigns, such as those connected with the swine flu outbreak and Saddam Hussein's execution.
Spam is the most common way for fraudsters to find victims after these types of events. They can use a shotgun approach with a boilerplate message about Jackson, taking advantage of people's interests in the topic to improve their batting average over their usual spam campaigns.
By enticing users with such messages and tricking them into clicking on e-mail attachments, scammers can easily infect victims' computers and take command of them for more nefarious activities.
The spam about Jackson's death gets more convincing every day.
One message promises a YouTube video showing the exclusive "last work of Michael Jackson." Instead, victims get a malicious program that steals their passwords. Another promises to show the "latest unpublished photos" of Jackson if you click on a link — one that also tries to install a password-stealing program on your machine.
Others purport to be from legitimate news outlets and may contain accurate enough information to convince viewers they're real enough to click on. Others promise access to secret songs.
The effects of specific spam campaigns, like the one surrounding Jackson's death, are hard to quantify, though. Spam levels are already so high that there might not be a noticeable increase in overall spam levels, Harnett said. By some estimates spam accounts for more than 90 percent of all e-mail sent around the world, though the bulk of the messages get filtered out before ever reaching the user.
Celebrity deaths are a gold mine for criminals because lots of people go online looking for news. Google Inc. says the spike in searches for news stories about Jackson's death was so sharp the company initially mistook it for an automated attack.
Many of the information-seekers can be tricked, via e-mail, into visiting malicious Web sites. That opens the door to all kinds of nastiness, like spying on what someone's typing or using the hijacked machine to send spam.
There are also so many more Web sites about celebrities after their deaths that it's hard to figure out which ones are legitimate fan sites, and which ones were created by criminals.
Registrations of domain names related to Jackson have spiked since the pop icon died Thursday afternoon. A leading registration company, GoDaddy.com, said it registered about 7,500 such names since then. Actress Farrah Fawcett, who died the same day, got about 100 domains in the same period. GoDaddy said, however, that it had yet to get any complaints that any of those addresses were used for scams.
Within minutes of Jackson's death hitting the news, scammers started sending out spam e-mails with links purportedly to provocative news stories or videos about Jackson. The news stories, of course, never appear. Instead, people who click on those links are often directed to sites that try to install viruses.
Another thing to remember: It's not wise even to just "check out" a link you're interested in if you suspect the site might be bogus. Sometimes just visiting a malicious Web site is enough to get you infected, and you don't need to actively download anything at all.
Many scams do ask people to download a video player or other piece of software — supposedly so they can see the video or hear the audio — that winds up being a piece of malicious software.
The lesson for users is, as always, avoid unsolicited links from senders you don't know, and don't install any programs that an unknown site is telling you need.
Minutes after any big celebrity dies, Internet swindlers get to work. They pump out specially created spam e-mails and throw up malicious Web sites to infect victims' computers, hoping to capitalize on the sudden high demand for information.
Michael Jackson's death was no different, and security experts say the fraud artists are just getting started.
The scams started cropping up almost instantaneously as Jackson's death was still hitting the news. As days have gone by, they've gotten more sophisticated — and dangerous.
Jackson's death "took a lot of people by surprise — the spammers, too," said Dermot Harnett, principal analyst for anti-spam engineering at Symantec Corp., a security software maker. "It might take them some time to really pounce on this issue. They are catching up pretty quickly, though."
Any major world event, such as the recent protests in Iran, triggers a barrage of Internet attacks. Security experts say the malicious traffic associated with Jackson's death will likely match and perhaps exceed those of other big spamming campaigns, such as those connected with the swine flu outbreak and Saddam Hussein's execution.
Spam is the most common way for fraudsters to find victims after these types of events. They can use a shotgun approach with a boilerplate message about Jackson, taking advantage of people's interests in the topic to improve their batting average over their usual spam campaigns.
By enticing users with such messages and tricking them into clicking on e-mail attachments, scammers can easily infect victims' computers and take command of them for more nefarious activities.
The spam about Jackson's death gets more convincing every day.
One message promises a YouTube video showing the exclusive "last work of Michael Jackson." Instead, victims get a malicious program that steals their passwords. Another promises to show the "latest unpublished photos" of Jackson if you click on a link — one that also tries to install a password-stealing program on your machine.
Others purport to be from legitimate news outlets and may contain accurate enough information to convince viewers they're real enough to click on. Others promise access to secret songs.
The effects of specific spam campaigns, like the one surrounding Jackson's death, are hard to quantify, though. Spam levels are already so high that there might not be a noticeable increase in overall spam levels, Harnett said. By some estimates spam accounts for more than 90 percent of all e-mail sent around the world, though the bulk of the messages get filtered out before ever reaching the user.
Celebrity deaths are a gold mine for criminals because lots of people go online looking for news. Google Inc. says the spike in searches for news stories about Jackson's death was so sharp the company initially mistook it for an automated attack.
Many of the information-seekers can be tricked, via e-mail, into visiting malicious Web sites. That opens the door to all kinds of nastiness, like spying on what someone's typing or using the hijacked machine to send spam.
There are also so many more Web sites about celebrities after their deaths that it's hard to figure out which ones are legitimate fan sites, and which ones were created by criminals.
Registrations of domain names related to Jackson have spiked since the pop icon died Thursday afternoon. A leading registration company, GoDaddy.com, said it registered about 7,500 such names since then. Actress Farrah Fawcett, who died the same day, got about 100 domains in the same period. GoDaddy said, however, that it had yet to get any complaints that any of those addresses were used for scams.
Within minutes of Jackson's death hitting the news, scammers started sending out spam e-mails with links purportedly to provocative news stories or videos about Jackson. The news stories, of course, never appear. Instead, people who click on those links are often directed to sites that try to install viruses.
Another thing to remember: It's not wise even to just "check out" a link you're interested in if you suspect the site might be bogus. Sometimes just visiting a malicious Web site is enough to get you infected, and you don't need to actively download anything at all.
Many scams do ask people to download a video player or other piece of software — supposedly so they can see the video or hear the audio — that winds up being a piece of malicious software.
The lesson for users is, as always, avoid unsolicited links from senders you don't know, and don't install any programs that an unknown site is telling you need.
Digital TV now in 90% of UK homes
Almost 90% of British homes are using digital TV, reveal figures from Ofcom.
The latest statistics on take-up of digital TV in the UK suggest that 18 million households, 89.2%, have a DTV receiver.
Digital video recorders, that can store, pause, or rewind live TV, are also proving popular.
Ofcom reports that about one million were sold in the first three months of 2009, taking the total in UK homes to 8.9 million.
Switch over
The figures, gathered by Ofcom, suggest that five million of those recorders are Sky+ boxes, a further 2.6 million are Freeview recorders, and the remaining 1.2 million is split between Virgin Media's V+, BT Vision and Top Up TV.
The Ofcom report noted a drop of 28% in the sales of Freeview set-top boxes, as TVs with a digital tuner built-in start to take over from the stand-alone devices. Sales of TVs with an integrated tuner have now hit 20 million.
The figures also give insights into how Britain is switching to digital TV in advance of the analogue switch-off, due to be completed by 2012.
Analogue signals have already been turned off in a few areas in the UK including the West Country, Scottish borders, and the Isle of Man.
With almost 90% of TVs converted to digital, many homes were starting to update older sets.
Ofcom estimates that by the end of March 2009, 61% of secondary TV sets were capable of showing digital TV. They also think that about 27% of the TV sets in use in the UK are still only capable of receiving analogue signals.
The latest statistics on take-up of digital TV in the UK suggest that 18 million households, 89.2%, have a DTV receiver.
Digital video recorders, that can store, pause, or rewind live TV, are also proving popular.
Ofcom reports that about one million were sold in the first three months of 2009, taking the total in UK homes to 8.9 million.
Switch over
The figures, gathered by Ofcom, suggest that five million of those recorders are Sky+ boxes, a further 2.6 million are Freeview recorders, and the remaining 1.2 million is split between Virgin Media's V+, BT Vision and Top Up TV.
The Ofcom report noted a drop of 28% in the sales of Freeview set-top boxes, as TVs with a digital tuner built-in start to take over from the stand-alone devices. Sales of TVs with an integrated tuner have now hit 20 million.
The figures also give insights into how Britain is switching to digital TV in advance of the analogue switch-off, due to be completed by 2012.
Analogue signals have already been turned off in a few areas in the UK including the West Country, Scottish borders, and the Isle of Man.
With almost 90% of TVs converted to digital, many homes were starting to update older sets.
Ofcom estimates that by the end of March 2009, 61% of secondary TV sets were capable of showing digital TV. They also think that about 27% of the TV sets in use in the UK are still only capable of receiving analogue signals.
Facebook, Twitter and peers for sale _ privately
NEW YORK (AP) -- Scott Painter makes his living betting on startup companies, having played a role in launching 29 of them over the years. But with the bad economy choking initial public offerings and acquisitions, Painter is now backing an idea that makes it easier for insiders like him to sell shares in their companies even before they go public.
SharesPost, which was founded by Painter's business partner, Greg Brogger, launched publicly in June. Through SharesPost's Web site, Painter is trying to sell shares in several companies he helped found, including car pricing startup TrueCar.com. He also wants to buy shares in companies that are far from an IPO, like short-messaging site Twitter and business-networking site LinkedIn.
SharesPost is one of a few private stock exchanges that are emerging to fight what venture capitalists call a liquidity crisis. These exchanges give stakeholders an alternative way to trade their shares in hot startups like Facebook for cold, hard cash - without having to wait years for an IPO.
Employees at startup employees often put in long hours but get salaries that can be 20 percent less than their peers at public companies. In return, they get stock or options that they hope will be a path to sports cars and summer homes after their company goes public or is bought out.
Given this, services like SharesPost could help startup workers get some cash while awaiting a distant IPO that might never even get off the ground. Most people won't be in on the action, though, since these exchanges are only open to a small pool of buyers.
And it's not clear how much - or how little - stock has changed hands through them. In its short life, Santa Monica, Calif.-based SharesPost said it has executed one $25,000 transaction, while another service, New York-based SecondMarket, said it has completed about 40 transactions in the past year worth about $150 million.
Still, if they manage to thrive, these exchanges could help the economy. By selling shares on a private exchange, an investor can free up funds to put into other startups. And institutional investors could use these services to broaden their holdings to include fast-growing companies that have yet to go public.
The methods of these private exchanges vary. SharesPost uses an online bulletin board to introduce buyers and sellers. SecondMarket links the parties and lets companies set up their own mini-markets that they control, while Redwood City, Calif.-based XChange is rolling out an online system that will allow buyers and sellers to connect and directly trade shares for cash.
All are open just to institutional investors - organizations like venture capital firms or pension funds that manage at least $100 million in assets - and individual accredited investors. That category includes people with a net worth of at least $1 million, or salary of at least $200,000 for the last two years.
The concept is not entirely new. Nyppex, formed in 1998, facilitates private-company stock trades, and a few companies with similar offerings emerged during the last economic downturn but failed to gather much steam. Among the problems: Determining a fair price for a private company's stock is tough without much public information.
This time, however, employees and investors are more aggressively looking for a way to get a return on their dedication and funding. More than a dozen companies have priced IPOs in the U.S. this year, down from 35 in the first half of 2008, according to research firm Renaissance Capital. In the same period of dot-com-crazy 2000, there were 219 IPOs in the U.S.
Besides the economy, startup investors say the high costs and regulatory requirements associated with going public have also stymied many smaller, younger companies. According to the National Venture Capital Association, the median span from a company's founding to its IPO was 9.6 years in 2008. In 1998 it was 4.5 years.
One factor is compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley anti-fraud law, which was enacted in 2002 after accounting scandals at companies like Enron Corp. and WorldCom Inc. A key part of this law requires public companies to file reports on the strength of internal financial controls and fix any problems - steps that can be costly for a startup.
Issues like this have "just made it more and more difficult for companies to make it to that next step," said Thomas Foley, chief executive of XChange, which he developed with venture capitalist Tim Draper.
SharesPost founder Greg Brogger believes his site has one solution to the slowdown in IPOs: Bulletin boards for more than 100 startups that allow buyers and sellers to post the price and number of shares they want to purchase or unload, and the ability to e-mail one another directly.
Parties wishing to make a deal can find the relevant contracts on the site to sign, and an escrow company completes the transaction, charging both sides $2,500. So far, a $25,000 deal - the site's minimum transaction size - has been completed for 2,500 shares of electric car startup Tesla Motors at $10 apiece.
That reflects a great deal of optimism for a company that has only sold roughly 500 cars and had to get additional funding from the U.S. Energy Department. A report from one of SharesPost's research providers, NeXt Up Research, valued Tesla at $1 billion, or $9 per share. The car company had no comment.
Anyone can sign up for free to see startups listed on SharesPost. Only qualified investors can buy shares, and SharesPost makes money by charging buyers and sellers $34 a month.
XChange, meanwhile, enables buyers and sellers to share confidential information necessary for making informed purchases, and it has a platform for users to trade shares. When it is fully launched later this year, XChange will be an automated online exchange, much like E-Trade, where users can instantly trade shares for cash.
But while these services may be able to speed up dealmaking, users must still grapple with another key issue: how to determine a fair price for stock in a company that isn't required to regularly disclose its financial information and doesn't have that many potential buyers or sellers.
At SharesPost, Brogger wants to solve the problem by offering as much information as possible about companies it lists, from analysts at Next Up Research and VC Experts. SecondMarket CEO and founder Barry Silbert said companies can decide to share some details with investors and potential bidders on his site.
SharesPost doesn't believe the research on its site will cause any problems should the company file for an IPO with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as these types of analyses are published by investment banks during the IPO process.
Still, the lack of public disclosure and limited number of traders on these services makes Kathy Smith bristle. A market with limited transparency, participation and disclosures "is not a solution to the markets we have now," said Smith, a principal at Greenwich, Conn.-based Renaissance Capital.
And trading is not always as simple as posting a sales opportunity and an asking price. Startups often restrict what their employees can do with their shares and stock options - commonly imposing the "right of first refusal." That generally means employees who find buyers for their shares have to let the company decide if it wants to buy the stock back instead, for the same price. Companies can use this stipulation to keep competitors from snagging a stake.
Even if these services help startup employees and investors, they're not likely to eliminate the need to someday go public.
For one thing, this kind of market can only get so big. Private companies with more than $10 million in assets are required to file annual reports with the SEC if they have more than 500 shareholders of record. This rule prodded Google Inc. into filing for its IPO in 2004, and it could happen to others as these exchanges distribute shares among more shareholders.
Several of the private exchanges say it's up to companies to keep track of their total shareholder count. Foley said XChange helps companies keep tabs by revealing who their shareholders are at any given time.
Another reason IPOs won't vanish: Companies usually go public first to raise cash for their operations, and then to set a price that will eventually let insiders turn their holdings into cash. While some of the private exchanges do let startups themselves - and not just their employees and investors - sell stock, it's not likely to be lucrative without a large base of potential buyers.
Still, some buyers, sellers and startups may see trading through these services as the way to go until the IPO market improves.
"At the very least, it's going to be spring training for companies before they go public," SecondMarket's Silbert said.
SharesPost, which was founded by Painter's business partner, Greg Brogger, launched publicly in June. Through SharesPost's Web site, Painter is trying to sell shares in several companies he helped found, including car pricing startup TrueCar.com. He also wants to buy shares in companies that are far from an IPO, like short-messaging site Twitter and business-networking site LinkedIn.
SharesPost is one of a few private stock exchanges that are emerging to fight what venture capitalists call a liquidity crisis. These exchanges give stakeholders an alternative way to trade their shares in hot startups like Facebook for cold, hard cash - without having to wait years for an IPO.
Employees at startup employees often put in long hours but get salaries that can be 20 percent less than their peers at public companies. In return, they get stock or options that they hope will be a path to sports cars and summer homes after their company goes public or is bought out.
Given this, services like SharesPost could help startup workers get some cash while awaiting a distant IPO that might never even get off the ground. Most people won't be in on the action, though, since these exchanges are only open to a small pool of buyers.
And it's not clear how much - or how little - stock has changed hands through them. In its short life, Santa Monica, Calif.-based SharesPost said it has executed one $25,000 transaction, while another service, New York-based SecondMarket, said it has completed about 40 transactions in the past year worth about $150 million.
Still, if they manage to thrive, these exchanges could help the economy. By selling shares on a private exchange, an investor can free up funds to put into other startups. And institutional investors could use these services to broaden their holdings to include fast-growing companies that have yet to go public.
The methods of these private exchanges vary. SharesPost uses an online bulletin board to introduce buyers and sellers. SecondMarket links the parties and lets companies set up their own mini-markets that they control, while Redwood City, Calif.-based XChange is rolling out an online system that will allow buyers and sellers to connect and directly trade shares for cash.
All are open just to institutional investors - organizations like venture capital firms or pension funds that manage at least $100 million in assets - and individual accredited investors. That category includes people with a net worth of at least $1 million, or salary of at least $200,000 for the last two years.
The concept is not entirely new. Nyppex, formed in 1998, facilitates private-company stock trades, and a few companies with similar offerings emerged during the last economic downturn but failed to gather much steam. Among the problems: Determining a fair price for a private company's stock is tough without much public information.
This time, however, employees and investors are more aggressively looking for a way to get a return on their dedication and funding. More than a dozen companies have priced IPOs in the U.S. this year, down from 35 in the first half of 2008, according to research firm Renaissance Capital. In the same period of dot-com-crazy 2000, there were 219 IPOs in the U.S.
Besides the economy, startup investors say the high costs and regulatory requirements associated with going public have also stymied many smaller, younger companies. According to the National Venture Capital Association, the median span from a company's founding to its IPO was 9.6 years in 2008. In 1998 it was 4.5 years.
One factor is compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley anti-fraud law, which was enacted in 2002 after accounting scandals at companies like Enron Corp. and WorldCom Inc. A key part of this law requires public companies to file reports on the strength of internal financial controls and fix any problems - steps that can be costly for a startup.
Issues like this have "just made it more and more difficult for companies to make it to that next step," said Thomas Foley, chief executive of XChange, which he developed with venture capitalist Tim Draper.
SharesPost founder Greg Brogger believes his site has one solution to the slowdown in IPOs: Bulletin boards for more than 100 startups that allow buyers and sellers to post the price and number of shares they want to purchase or unload, and the ability to e-mail one another directly.
Parties wishing to make a deal can find the relevant contracts on the site to sign, and an escrow company completes the transaction, charging both sides $2,500. So far, a $25,000 deal - the site's minimum transaction size - has been completed for 2,500 shares of electric car startup Tesla Motors at $10 apiece.
That reflects a great deal of optimism for a company that has only sold roughly 500 cars and had to get additional funding from the U.S. Energy Department. A report from one of SharesPost's research providers, NeXt Up Research, valued Tesla at $1 billion, or $9 per share. The car company had no comment.
Anyone can sign up for free to see startups listed on SharesPost. Only qualified investors can buy shares, and SharesPost makes money by charging buyers and sellers $34 a month.
XChange, meanwhile, enables buyers and sellers to share confidential information necessary for making informed purchases, and it has a platform for users to trade shares. When it is fully launched later this year, XChange will be an automated online exchange, much like E-Trade, where users can instantly trade shares for cash.
But while these services may be able to speed up dealmaking, users must still grapple with another key issue: how to determine a fair price for stock in a company that isn't required to regularly disclose its financial information and doesn't have that many potential buyers or sellers.
At SharesPost, Brogger wants to solve the problem by offering as much information as possible about companies it lists, from analysts at Next Up Research and VC Experts. SecondMarket CEO and founder Barry Silbert said companies can decide to share some details with investors and potential bidders on his site.
SharesPost doesn't believe the research on its site will cause any problems should the company file for an IPO with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as these types of analyses are published by investment banks during the IPO process.
Still, the lack of public disclosure and limited number of traders on these services makes Kathy Smith bristle. A market with limited transparency, participation and disclosures "is not a solution to the markets we have now," said Smith, a principal at Greenwich, Conn.-based Renaissance Capital.
And trading is not always as simple as posting a sales opportunity and an asking price. Startups often restrict what their employees can do with their shares and stock options - commonly imposing the "right of first refusal." That generally means employees who find buyers for their shares have to let the company decide if it wants to buy the stock back instead, for the same price. Companies can use this stipulation to keep competitors from snagging a stake.
Even if these services help startup employees and investors, they're not likely to eliminate the need to someday go public.
For one thing, this kind of market can only get so big. Private companies with more than $10 million in assets are required to file annual reports with the SEC if they have more than 500 shareholders of record. This rule prodded Google Inc. into filing for its IPO in 2004, and it could happen to others as these exchanges distribute shares among more shareholders.
Several of the private exchanges say it's up to companies to keep track of their total shareholder count. Foley said XChange helps companies keep tabs by revealing who their shareholders are at any given time.
Another reason IPOs won't vanish: Companies usually go public first to raise cash for their operations, and then to set a price that will eventually let insiders turn their holdings into cash. While some of the private exchanges do let startups themselves - and not just their employees and investors - sell stock, it's not likely to be lucrative without a large base of potential buyers.
Still, some buyers, sellers and startups may see trading through these services as the way to go until the IPO market improves.
"At the very least, it's going to be spring training for companies before they go public," SecondMarket's Silbert said.
Pirate Bay retrial call rejected
A Swedish court has thrown out a request for a retrial by the four men behind The Pirate Bay website.
The four were found guilty of promoting copyright infringement in April and face jail sentences and hefty claims for damages.
The Pirate Bay's lawyers called for a retrial when it emerged that one of the judges in the case belonged to several copyright protection groups.
The Swedish court said the judge's affiliations did not bias the case.
The Svea Court of Appeal said Judge Tomas Norstrom should have declared that he was a member of the Swedish Association for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Swedish Copyright Association before the case went to trial.
"The fact that he failed to shed light on this does not however mean that there was any wrongdoing during the proceedings that would require a retrial," said the court in a statement.
"This was not a case of bias," concluded the court.
No appeal is allowed against the judgement.
The Pirate Bay is well-known for hosting lists of links that give people access to pirated copies of movies, music, software and TV shows.
The Pirate Bay defended itself saying that it did not infringe copyright because none of the pirated material is stored on its servers.
The court found them guilty because, it said, they continued to operate the service even when they knew users were being pointed to pirated material.
The four men behind The Pirate Bay, Frederik Neij, Gottfrid Svartholm Warg, Carl Lundstrom and Peter Sunde, were sentenced to one year in jail and told to pay damages of 30m Swedish kronor (£2.3m, 2.7m euros) to entertainment companies such as Warner Bros and Sony Music Entertainment.
In response to the ruling Peter Sunde said The Pirate Bay would now file charges against Sweden for violating the human rights of the defendants.
The four were found guilty of promoting copyright infringement in April and face jail sentences and hefty claims for damages.
The Pirate Bay's lawyers called for a retrial when it emerged that one of the judges in the case belonged to several copyright protection groups.
The Swedish court said the judge's affiliations did not bias the case.
The Svea Court of Appeal said Judge Tomas Norstrom should have declared that he was a member of the Swedish Association for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Swedish Copyright Association before the case went to trial.
"The fact that he failed to shed light on this does not however mean that there was any wrongdoing during the proceedings that would require a retrial," said the court in a statement.
"This was not a case of bias," concluded the court.
No appeal is allowed against the judgement.
The Pirate Bay is well-known for hosting lists of links that give people access to pirated copies of movies, music, software and TV shows.
The Pirate Bay defended itself saying that it did not infringe copyright because none of the pirated material is stored on its servers.
The court found them guilty because, it said, they continued to operate the service even when they knew users were being pointed to pirated material.
The four men behind The Pirate Bay, Frederik Neij, Gottfrid Svartholm Warg, Carl Lundstrom and Peter Sunde, were sentenced to one year in jail and told to pay damages of 30m Swedish kronor (£2.3m, 2.7m euros) to entertainment companies such as Warner Bros and Sony Music Entertainment.
In response to the ruling Peter Sunde said The Pirate Bay would now file charges against Sweden for violating the human rights of the defendants.
Full ticket refunds: Jackson's London promoters
LONDON (AFP) – The organisers of Michael Jackson's comeback tour dates in London have announced they would offer full ticket refunds following his death last week.
"AEG Live (UK) Ltd, concert promoters, announced that full refunds will be available to fans who purchased tickets through authorised agents for any of the 50 Michael Jackson 'This Is It' concerts which were to take place at The O2 Arena in London," AEG Live announced in a statement.
Jackson's fans from around the world had rushed to snap up tickets for the performances, which were due to start on July 13.
British media reports said about 50 million pounds (59 million euros, 83 million dollars) has been spent on 750,000 tickets.
Fans had also queued for hours to watch the reclusive star's final public appearance when he unveiled the gigs here in March, promising to play his classic tunes.
"The world lost a kind soul who just happened to be the greatest entertainer the world has ever known," said Randy Phillips, president of AEG Live.
"Since he loved his fans in life, it is incumbent upon us to treat them with the same reverence and respect after his death."
AEG Live said the refunds would include all ticket service charges and said all details would be available at www.michaeljacksonlive.com from July 1.
Fans who would prefer to keep the ticket as a piece of memorabilia will have the option to be sent the actual piece of paper, which AEG said had been "inspired and designed by Michael Jackson".
Trading website eBay, where tickets had fetched prices of up to 1,300 pounds, has already said that fans who had bought seats for the shows through its website would receive a refund.
"AEG Live (UK) Ltd, concert promoters, announced that full refunds will be available to fans who purchased tickets through authorised agents for any of the 50 Michael Jackson 'This Is It' concerts which were to take place at The O2 Arena in London," AEG Live announced in a statement.
Jackson's fans from around the world had rushed to snap up tickets for the performances, which were due to start on July 13.
British media reports said about 50 million pounds (59 million euros, 83 million dollars) has been spent on 750,000 tickets.
Fans had also queued for hours to watch the reclusive star's final public appearance when he unveiled the gigs here in March, promising to play his classic tunes.
"The world lost a kind soul who just happened to be the greatest entertainer the world has ever known," said Randy Phillips, president of AEG Live.
"Since he loved his fans in life, it is incumbent upon us to treat them with the same reverence and respect after his death."
AEG Live said the refunds would include all ticket service charges and said all details would be available at www.michaeljacksonlive.com from July 1.
Fans who would prefer to keep the ticket as a piece of memorabilia will have the option to be sent the actual piece of paper, which AEG said had been "inspired and designed by Michael Jackson".
Trading website eBay, where tickets had fetched prices of up to 1,300 pounds, has already said that fans who had bought seats for the shows through its website would receive a refund.
Swine flu confirmed in Kenya
The first case of H1N1 (swine) flu in Kenya has been confirmed!!!
Kenya’s minister for Public Health and Sanitation Mrs Beth Mugo held a press conference Monday morning in Nairobi to confirm the case. The new case is different from a false suspect which had been reported last week in Nairobi.
The confirmed case involves a man, a British national, who had jetted into the country from the UK over the weekend.
A strain of the lethal virus was detected in samples taken from the UK student, who is part of a group that is in Kisumu in Western Kenya for a medical camp. The student had travelled from Nairobi to the lakeside city in a bus with fellow students
Nyanza Provincial Director of Public Health Dr Jackson Kioko confirmed that the samples had tested positive for the virus.
Confirmatory tests had been carried out at three different laboratories at the institution as per World Health Organisation guidelines.
The three labs include that operated by Kemri itself, a second one run by the US Centres for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a third one operated by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research also of the US. All the three are hosted at the Kemri headquarters in Nairobi.
Dr Kioko, however, added that only mild strains of the virus had been found out.
“It is not a serious case and there is no cause for panic,” he said.
He added that the student had presented symptoms of the disease on Saturday night.
Samples were taken on Sunday morning and by evening, they had been confirmed as positive.
On Monday, the public health officials isolated the student in a hotel room as arrangements were made to transfer him to a hospital.
Kenya’s minister for Public Health and Sanitation Mrs Beth Mugo held a press conference Monday morning in Nairobi to confirm the case. The new case is different from a false suspect which had been reported last week in Nairobi.
The confirmed case involves a man, a British national, who had jetted into the country from the UK over the weekend.
A strain of the lethal virus was detected in samples taken from the UK student, who is part of a group that is in Kisumu in Western Kenya for a medical camp. The student had travelled from Nairobi to the lakeside city in a bus with fellow students
Nyanza Provincial Director of Public Health Dr Jackson Kioko confirmed that the samples had tested positive for the virus.
Confirmatory tests had been carried out at three different laboratories at the institution as per World Health Organisation guidelines.
The three labs include that operated by Kemri itself, a second one run by the US Centres for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a third one operated by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research also of the US. All the three are hosted at the Kemri headquarters in Nairobi.
Dr Kioko, however, added that only mild strains of the virus had been found out.
“It is not a serious case and there is no cause for panic,” he said.
He added that the student had presented symptoms of the disease on Saturday night.
Samples were taken on Sunday morning and by evening, they had been confirmed as positive.
On Monday, the public health officials isolated the student in a hotel room as arrangements were made to transfer him to a hospital.
The Death of Michael Jackson - Rumors of Suicide
Michael Jackson, also known as the "King of Pop", and the "the guy who bleached his skin white", was set for a highly anticipated comeback featuring an unprecedented 50 shows in London when he was found dead on Thursday. He was 50 years old.
We are hearing stories that the following was posted on Wikipedia but has been deleted until confirmed by the authorities:
A "senior source" close to the Police Authorities are suggesting that they are treating the death of Michael Jackson as "suspicious" but will not confirm anything on the record.
The cause of his death is unknown at this time, but it is believed that he suffered cardiac arrest; and some believe that he committed suicide by downing a few dozen sleeping pills.
Michael Jackson's death brought an end to a tragic, bizarre, and sometimes questionable series of events that he is famously known for. He was renown for his 1982 album "Thriller", and was the center of attention in the sexual scandals of his Neverland ranch.
Michael Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center after being found in his house at Holmby Hills. Paramedics tried feverishly to resuscitate him for 45 minutes, then rushed him to the hospital where doctors continued the fight even further - hoping to keep him alive long enough to perform the first set of shows at a London arena.
Okay, maybe this isn't the time for jokes. Rest in Peace, Mike.
We are hearing stories that the following was posted on Wikipedia but has been deleted until confirmed by the authorities:
A "senior source" close to the Police Authorities are suggesting that they are treating the death of Michael Jackson as "suspicious" but will not confirm anything on the record.
The cause of his death is unknown at this time, but it is believed that he suffered cardiac arrest; and some believe that he committed suicide by downing a few dozen sleeping pills.
Michael Jackson's death brought an end to a tragic, bizarre, and sometimes questionable series of events that he is famously known for. He was renown for his 1982 album "Thriller", and was the center of attention in the sexual scandals of his Neverland ranch.
Michael Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center after being found in his house at Holmby Hills. Paramedics tried feverishly to resuscitate him for 45 minutes, then rushed him to the hospital where doctors continued the fight even further - hoping to keep him alive long enough to perform the first set of shows at a London arena.
Okay, maybe this isn't the time for jokes. Rest in Peace, Mike.
Brazil wins 2009 Confederations Cup
Team USA empowered by a mighty victory over the 2008 European champions team Spain in semifinals has reached today's finals of the Confederations Cup with great confidence. They opened the first period strong with Fulham's FC winger Clint Dempsey scoring the first goal of the final game in the 10th minute of the match. Than, a heavy wave of bombardment from Brazil's offense ensued. However, American goalkeeper Tim Howard was superb, defending his gates to the best of his ability throughout the game. He later went on to win the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper of the tournament. In the 26th minute of the first half, a mistake by Brazilian midfield lead to a goal scored by LA Galaxy striker Landon Donovan.
All throughout the first half, Americans played a very smart game, exceptionally strong in defense and efficient in offense. Brazilians, on the other hand, looked perplexed and uncomfortable, despite having had 10 shots on goal while the US had only 4 by the end of the first half. Americans left for the change rooms with a solid 2-0 lead over Brazil, the same score that they have crushed team Spain with.
Second period
In the second period, the situation changed drastically in the first minutes of the game, when the goal of Brazil's Luis Fabiano found the gates of Tim Howard, bringing Brazil the much needed first goal in the game. It was also Fabiano's fourth goal of the tournament. Fabiano's goal has reversed the mood on the pitch, with Americans now starting to feel the pressure. Brazil pushed on and in the 60th minute, Kaka drove a powerful header into the post of Howard, who managed to grab the ball and kick it out, although the ball has already crossed the line. The Swedish referee Martin Hansson did not call the goal, provoking a lot of anguish from the Brazilian team. Perhaps, it was this anguish that caused Brazil's Fabiano to score an equalizer in the 75th minute, getting his fifth goal of the tournament that later landed him the Golden Boot award as the top scorer of the tournament. The tie-goal caused the US coach to make hasty substitutions. But, except for the occasional bouts of offensive game from the Americans, the game was slowly but surely slipping away from the US team. Team Brazil took full control in the 85th minute with the decisive third goal scored by Brazil's captain Lucio with the help from Elano's corner kick.
In the end, it was team Brazil's determination and will to win that broke the game. The US challenged well and almost made history today, but it was not their night to win. Team US heads back home proud of beating the almighty Spanish team, who many have felt played too gracefully and not powerfully enough to advance to the finals. Despite all odds, team US has made a strong statement a year ahead of the 2010 World Cup, and it will be interesting to see how strong they come out in a year's time in South Africa. Meanwhile, team Brazil is jubilant in their victory today. However, statistics has it that team Brazil has never won the World Cup after winning the Confederations Cup a year before. Perhaps, team Brazil will overturn this statistical record in 2010.
Meanwhile, there are 347 days to go before the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off in South Africa, and the whole world is waiting in anticipation of the big game.
Game Statistics:
USA Line-up
* 1 Tim HOWARD (GK)
* 3 Carlos BOCANEGRA (C) Yellow Card
* 5 Oguchi ONYEWU
* 8 Clint DEMPSEY Goal
* 9 Charlie DAVIES
* 10 Landon DONOVAN Goal
* 13 Ricardo CLARK Out (-88' )
* 15 Jay DeMERIT
* 17 Jozy ALTIDORE Out (-75' )
* 21 Jonathan SPECTOR
* 22 Benny FEILHABER Out (-75' )
Brazil Line-Up
* (GK) JULIO CESAR 1
* MAICON 2
* Goal Yellow Card (C) LUCIO 3
* Yellow Card FELIPE MELO 5
* GILBERTO SILVA 8
* Goal Goal LUIS FABIANO 9
* KAKA 10
* ROBINHO 11
* LUISAO 14
* (-66') Out Yellow Card ANDRE SANTOS 16
* (-67') Out RAMIRES 18
USA (USA) Statistics Brazil (BRA)
9 Shots 31
4 Shots on goal 13
2 Goals Scored 3
17 Fouls Committed 11
11 Fouls Suffered 15
5 Corner kicks 10
9 Free kicks Shots (scored) 21
0 / 0 Penalty Kicks (Goals/Shots) 0 / 0
1 Offsides 6
0 Own goals 0
1 Yellow cards 3
0 Second yellow card and red card 0
0 Red Cards 0
27 Actual playing time 40
41% Possession (%) 59%
All throughout the first half, Americans played a very smart game, exceptionally strong in defense and efficient in offense. Brazilians, on the other hand, looked perplexed and uncomfortable, despite having had 10 shots on goal while the US had only 4 by the end of the first half. Americans left for the change rooms with a solid 2-0 lead over Brazil, the same score that they have crushed team Spain with.
Second period
In the second period, the situation changed drastically in the first minutes of the game, when the goal of Brazil's Luis Fabiano found the gates of Tim Howard, bringing Brazil the much needed first goal in the game. It was also Fabiano's fourth goal of the tournament. Fabiano's goal has reversed the mood on the pitch, with Americans now starting to feel the pressure. Brazil pushed on and in the 60th minute, Kaka drove a powerful header into the post of Howard, who managed to grab the ball and kick it out, although the ball has already crossed the line. The Swedish referee Martin Hansson did not call the goal, provoking a lot of anguish from the Brazilian team. Perhaps, it was this anguish that caused Brazil's Fabiano to score an equalizer in the 75th minute, getting his fifth goal of the tournament that later landed him the Golden Boot award as the top scorer of the tournament. The tie-goal caused the US coach to make hasty substitutions. But, except for the occasional bouts of offensive game from the Americans, the game was slowly but surely slipping away from the US team. Team Brazil took full control in the 85th minute with the decisive third goal scored by Brazil's captain Lucio with the help from Elano's corner kick.
In the end, it was team Brazil's determination and will to win that broke the game. The US challenged well and almost made history today, but it was not their night to win. Team US heads back home proud of beating the almighty Spanish team, who many have felt played too gracefully and not powerfully enough to advance to the finals. Despite all odds, team US has made a strong statement a year ahead of the 2010 World Cup, and it will be interesting to see how strong they come out in a year's time in South Africa. Meanwhile, team Brazil is jubilant in their victory today. However, statistics has it that team Brazil has never won the World Cup after winning the Confederations Cup a year before. Perhaps, team Brazil will overturn this statistical record in 2010.
Meanwhile, there are 347 days to go before the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off in South Africa, and the whole world is waiting in anticipation of the big game.
Game Statistics:
USA Line-up
* 1 Tim HOWARD (GK)
* 3 Carlos BOCANEGRA (C) Yellow Card
* 5 Oguchi ONYEWU
* 8 Clint DEMPSEY Goal
* 9 Charlie DAVIES
* 10 Landon DONOVAN Goal
* 13 Ricardo CLARK Out (-88' )
* 15 Jay DeMERIT
* 17 Jozy ALTIDORE Out (-75' )
* 21 Jonathan SPECTOR
* 22 Benny FEILHABER Out (-75' )
Brazil Line-Up
* (GK) JULIO CESAR 1
* MAICON 2
* Goal Yellow Card (C) LUCIO 3
* Yellow Card FELIPE MELO 5
* GILBERTO SILVA 8
* Goal Goal LUIS FABIANO 9
* KAKA 10
* ROBINHO 11
* LUISAO 14
* (-66') Out Yellow Card ANDRE SANTOS 16
* (-67') Out RAMIRES 18
USA (USA) Statistics Brazil (BRA)
9 Shots 31
4 Shots on goal 13
2 Goals Scored 3
17 Fouls Committed 11
11 Fouls Suffered 15
5 Corner kicks 10
9 Free kicks Shots (scored) 21
0 / 0 Penalty Kicks (Goals/Shots) 0 / 0
1 Offsides 6
0 Own goals 0
1 Yellow cards 3
0 Second yellow card and red card 0
0 Red Cards 0
27 Actual playing time 40
41% Possession (%) 59%
Singer Michael Jackson dies at 50
Pop star Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles, aged 50.
Paramedics were called to the singer's Beverly Hills home at about midday on Thursday after he stopped breathing.
He was pronounced dead two hours later at the UCLA medical centre. Jackson's brother, Jermaine, said he was believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Jackson, who had a history of health problems, had been due to stage a series of comeback concerts in the UK on 13 July.
Speaking on behalf of the Jackson family, Jermaine said doctors had tried to resuscitate the star for more than an hour without success.
He added: "The family request that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time."
"And Allah be with you Michael always. I love you."
HAVE YOUR SAY
Can't believe it. I'm gutted. RIP Michael, thanks for everything you gave us.
Tommy, Cardiff
Send us your comments
TV footage showed the star's body flown from UCLA to the LA County Coroner's office where a post-mortem is expected to take place on Friday.
Concerns were raised last month when four of Jackson's planned comeback concerts were postponed, but organisers insisted the dates had been moved due to the complexity of staging the show.
A spokeswoman for The Outside Organisation, which was organising the publicity for the shows, said she had no comment at this time.
Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini said: "I always doubted that he would have been able to go through that schedule, those concerts. It seemed to be too much of a demand on the unhealthy body of a 50 year old.
"I'm wondering that, as we find out details of his death, if perhaps the stress of preparing for those dates was a factor in his collapse.
"It was wishful thinking that at this stage of his life he could be Michael Jackson again."
Uri Gellar, a close friend of the star, told BBC News it was "very, very sad".
Michael Jackson in 1972
Jackson's contribution to music
Speaking outside New York's historic Apollo theatre, civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton paid tribute to his friend.
"I knew him 35 years. When he had problems he would call me," he said.
"I feel like he was not treated fairly. I hope history will be more kind to him than some of the contemporary media."
Melanie Bromley, west coast bureau chief of Us Weekly magazine, told the BBC the scene in Los Angeles was one of "pandemonium".
"At the moment there is a period of disbelief. There are hundreds of people outside UCLA waiting for news.
"He was buying a home in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles and the scene outside the house is one of fans, reporters and TV cameras - it's absolute craziness.
"I feel this is the biggest celebrity story in a long time and has the potential to be the Princess Diana of popular culture."
Musical icon
MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009
Full name: Michael Joseph Jackson
Born: August 29, 1958, Gary, Indiana, US
Also known as: The King of Pop, Wacko Jacko
Biggest hits: I Want You Back, Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Billie Jean, Bad, Black or White, Earth Song
Obituary: Remarkable talent
Life in pictures
Tributes paid to Michael Jackson
Paramedics were called to the singer's house in Bel Air at 1221 (1921GMT) following an emergency phone call.
They performed CPR on Jackson and rushed him to the UCLA medical centre.
A spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department said the robbery and homicide team was investigating Jackson's death because of its "high profile", but there was no suggestion of foul play.
Jackson began his career as a child in family group The Jackson 5.
He then went on to achieve global fame as a solo artist with smash hits such as Billie Jean and Bad.
Thriller, released in 1982, is the biggest-selling album of all time, shifting 65m copies, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
He scored seven UK number ones as a solo artist and won a total of 13 Grammy awards.
"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words," said Quincy Jones, who produced Thriller, Bad and Off The Wall.
Jackson's body was flown to the LA coroner's office
Jackson's body was flown from hospital to the LA coroner's office
"He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."
The singer had been dogged by controversy and money trouble in recent years, becoming a virtual recluse.
He was arrested in 2003 on charges of molesting a 14-year-old boy, but was found not guilty following a five-month trial.
The star had three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson II.
He is survived by his mother, Katherine, father, Joseph and eight siblings - including Janet, Randy, Jermaine and La Toya Jackson.
Lucky Brazil
Brazil defeated host South Africa 1-0 in the hard-fought second semi-final of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in Johannesburg Thursday.
Substitute Daniel Alves scored the goal from a free kick just outside the box in the 88th minute.
It was a hard loss for the hosts, who had the backing of most of the 48,000 vuvu zela-blowing fans at the stadium, especially because they succeeded in containing defending champi on Brazil until the late goal.
Brazil, which advanced to its fourth final in the Confederations Cup, will meet the US in Sunday's final at the Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Substitute Daniel Alves scored the goal from a free kick just outside the box in the 88th minute.
It was a hard loss for the hosts, who had the backing of most of the 48,000 vuvu zela-blowing fans at the stadium, especially because they succeeded in containing defending champi on Brazil until the late goal.
Brazil, which advanced to its fourth final in the Confederations Cup, will meet the US in Sunday's final at the Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Wish to be an Oprah Employee?
Four years ago, Oprah took her entire staff on an all expense paid trip to Hawaii. But that trip was not good enough. Oh no. In honor of Oprah’s 55th birthday, she is hosting a 3-day party in Barcelona, Spain followed by a 10-day Mediterranean cruise for her 1700 employees and their families! They will travel from Barcelona to Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Malta on a Norwegian Gem liner. Winfrey is paying for everything, including transportation, food, and activities. This grand trip will total to $5,400 per person. Must be nice!
Finally Plea Bargain Reached For Chris Brown Case
A plea bargain has been accepted in the assault case against Chris Brown. Brown will require to spend 180 days in a labor domestic violence program and get five years probation for felony assault. If he violates his probation in any way, he’ll get four years in prison. Hopefully he does violate his probation and gets his ass kicked in jail, where he belongs! Like a dumb-ass, Rihanna did not appear in court and did not testify.
Brazil end Italy hopes
Brazil recorded an alarmingly comfortable 3-0 win over Italy in the Confederations Cup to send the Azzurri out of the competition.
The Italians' fate was sealed after USA defeated Egypt 3-0 in the other group game, to seal their place in the semi-finals at the expense of the world champions.
Luis Fabiano helped himself to two goals before Italy defender Andrea Dossena put through his own net to round off the score.
In what was billed as the tournament's showcase game Brazil effectively ended the clash as a contest at half-time, with all their goals coming in an eight minute spell at the end of the first half.
Italy manager Marcelo Lippi kept faith in the players who had helped him win the World Cup in 2006 with six players who had started the final in Germany starting on Sunday, with in-form Giuiseppe Rossi relegated to the bench.
However, despite a positive start, it seems that if the Italians are to stand any chance of regaining their crown next summer they will have to put their faith in the next generation.
Comfortable
Brazil were relaxed and confident as they played the ball about at will and should have taken the lead through Lucio minutes before Fabiano eventually opened the scoring.
There was an element of luck about it as Maicon cut in from the right and fired a weak shot at goal. Fabiano controlled it in an instant before turning and firing low to Gianluigi Buffon's right into the bottom corner.
Brazil extended their lead six minutes later when Robinho broke forward and exchanged passes with Kaka on the edge of the area but as the Manchester City forward looked odds on to slot home, Daniele De Rossi slid in.
The Italian didn't make contact with the ball but thought he had done enough before turning agonisingly to see the loose ball fall to Fabiano, who poked home his and Brazil's second of the match.
The five-time World Cup winners added a third when Kaka played in Robinho down the left, with the 25-year-old's cross being diverted in by Dossena at the near post.
Replacements
Lippi introduced Simone Pepe and Alberto Gilardino for Riccardo Montolivio and Luca Toni shortly after the break to join the earlier departed Vincenzo Iaquinta in place of Rossi.
The Italians looked far more dangerous with the introduction of the trio, with Rossi in particular pulling the strings just behind the forwards.
Gilardino had a near post effort saved by Julio Cesar while the Inter Milan shot-stopper also palmed away a thunderous Rossi long range drive, as Italy desperately tried to get back into the game.
Even when Cesar was beaten the Azzurri couldn't find a way past the Brazilian defence as Pepe saw his goal bound effort blocked with Cesar struggling to get back on his line after failing to come and clear moments earlier.
Brazil will play hosts South Africa, while the USA face Spain in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
The Italians' fate was sealed after USA defeated Egypt 3-0 in the other group game, to seal their place in the semi-finals at the expense of the world champions.
Luis Fabiano helped himself to two goals before Italy defender Andrea Dossena put through his own net to round off the score.
In what was billed as the tournament's showcase game Brazil effectively ended the clash as a contest at half-time, with all their goals coming in an eight minute spell at the end of the first half.
Italy manager Marcelo Lippi kept faith in the players who had helped him win the World Cup in 2006 with six players who had started the final in Germany starting on Sunday, with in-form Giuiseppe Rossi relegated to the bench.
However, despite a positive start, it seems that if the Italians are to stand any chance of regaining their crown next summer they will have to put their faith in the next generation.
Comfortable
Brazil were relaxed and confident as they played the ball about at will and should have taken the lead through Lucio minutes before Fabiano eventually opened the scoring.
There was an element of luck about it as Maicon cut in from the right and fired a weak shot at goal. Fabiano controlled it in an instant before turning and firing low to Gianluigi Buffon's right into the bottom corner.
Brazil extended their lead six minutes later when Robinho broke forward and exchanged passes with Kaka on the edge of the area but as the Manchester City forward looked odds on to slot home, Daniele De Rossi slid in.
The Italian didn't make contact with the ball but thought he had done enough before turning agonisingly to see the loose ball fall to Fabiano, who poked home his and Brazil's second of the match.
The five-time World Cup winners added a third when Kaka played in Robinho down the left, with the 25-year-old's cross being diverted in by Dossena at the near post.
Replacements
Lippi introduced Simone Pepe and Alberto Gilardino for Riccardo Montolivio and Luca Toni shortly after the break to join the earlier departed Vincenzo Iaquinta in place of Rossi.
The Italians looked far more dangerous with the introduction of the trio, with Rossi in particular pulling the strings just behind the forwards.
Gilardino had a near post effort saved by Julio Cesar while the Inter Milan shot-stopper also palmed away a thunderous Rossi long range drive, as Italy desperately tried to get back into the game.
Even when Cesar was beaten the Azzurri couldn't find a way past the Brazilian defence as Pepe saw his goal bound effort blocked with Cesar struggling to get back on his line after failing to come and clear moments earlier.
Brazil will play hosts South Africa, while the USA face Spain in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
Your Health: Sweating can be big stuff
A little sweat can be a very good thing: You wouldn't want to plant a summer garden, ride your bike or a run a marathon without it.
Sweat helps keep you cool and healthy. But too much sweat at the wrong time? Not cool. "There are people who put on a clean shirt and sit down in an air-conditioned room and within half an hour have a dinner-plate-size wet spot on each side of their shirt," says David Pariser, a Norfolk, Va., dermatologist.
Pariser, who is president of the American Academy of Dermatology, says sweaty hands can be especially vexing: He has met lawyers who ruin documents with their wet hands, and one police officer whose hands were so sweaty he could not fire a gun. A simple handshake can be mortifying for such folks, he says.
"I think I was even dumped once because of it," says Therese Hernando, 26, a Lake Forest, Calif., office worker. "A boyfriend said my hands were too sweaty."
The medical name for extreme sweating is "hyperhidrosis." It can affect the underarms, hands, feet and face. Nearly 3% of Americans say they sweat too much, according to a study published in 2004 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. One-third of those with heavy underarm sweating said it was "barely tolerable" or "intolerable" and interfered with daily life.
Such sweating can be socially crippling, says study co-author Dee Anna Glaser, a St. Louis dermatologist and president of the International Hyperhidrosis Society, a non-profit group that gets money from companies that sell treatments for the disorder. "It does not kill people, but it can really impact their ability to get along in the world."
And it can have medical consequences: People with hyperhidrosis are at increased risk for skin infections, ranging from warts to athlete's foot to invasive bacteria, says Hobart Walling, a Coralville, Iowa, dermatologist. He reported his findings in May in the dermatology journal.
Doctors say they can help. Treatments include:
•Antiperspirants. Prescription and over-the-counter "clinical strength" brands help at least one-third of people with heavy underarm sweating, Walling says. Key tip: Apply it at bedtime, even if you plan to shower in the morning.
•Iontophoresis. In this unlikely-sounding treatment, patients put their hands or feet in shallow trays of water with a device that emits a mild electrical current. It's thought that the electricity and minerals in the water work together to slightly thicken the skin, blocking the flow of sweat. The downside: Each home treatment takes 20 to 40 minutes and must be repeated several times a week, Pariser says.
•Botox injections. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration approved Botox for excess underarm sweating. The toxins affect the nerves that trigger sweating and work for four to eight months at a time, Pariser says. Doctors also use Botox for hands and other areas. But costs are high — typically $700 to $1,500 for both underarms and more for hands, Pariser says — and, while insurers often pay, not all doctors accept insurance for the treatments. Hand injections also can cause temporary muscle weakness in thumbs and fingers.
Hernando recently had her hands treated with Botox. The injections hurt a bit, and she had trouble opening jars for a while.
But, she says, it was worth it: At her wedding, in May — to a man who never complained about holding her sweaty hands — she shook hands with guests without embarrassment. "It was one less thing I had to worry about," she says.
Sweat helps keep you cool and healthy. But too much sweat at the wrong time? Not cool. "There are people who put on a clean shirt and sit down in an air-conditioned room and within half an hour have a dinner-plate-size wet spot on each side of their shirt," says David Pariser, a Norfolk, Va., dermatologist.
Pariser, who is president of the American Academy of Dermatology, says sweaty hands can be especially vexing: He has met lawyers who ruin documents with their wet hands, and one police officer whose hands were so sweaty he could not fire a gun. A simple handshake can be mortifying for such folks, he says.
"I think I was even dumped once because of it," says Therese Hernando, 26, a Lake Forest, Calif., office worker. "A boyfriend said my hands were too sweaty."
The medical name for extreme sweating is "hyperhidrosis." It can affect the underarms, hands, feet and face. Nearly 3% of Americans say they sweat too much, according to a study published in 2004 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. One-third of those with heavy underarm sweating said it was "barely tolerable" or "intolerable" and interfered with daily life.
Such sweating can be socially crippling, says study co-author Dee Anna Glaser, a St. Louis dermatologist and president of the International Hyperhidrosis Society, a non-profit group that gets money from companies that sell treatments for the disorder. "It does not kill people, but it can really impact their ability to get along in the world."
And it can have medical consequences: People with hyperhidrosis are at increased risk for skin infections, ranging from warts to athlete's foot to invasive bacteria, says Hobart Walling, a Coralville, Iowa, dermatologist. He reported his findings in May in the dermatology journal.
Doctors say they can help. Treatments include:
•Antiperspirants. Prescription and over-the-counter "clinical strength" brands help at least one-third of people with heavy underarm sweating, Walling says. Key tip: Apply it at bedtime, even if you plan to shower in the morning.
•Iontophoresis. In this unlikely-sounding treatment, patients put their hands or feet in shallow trays of water with a device that emits a mild electrical current. It's thought that the electricity and minerals in the water work together to slightly thicken the skin, blocking the flow of sweat. The downside: Each home treatment takes 20 to 40 minutes and must be repeated several times a week, Pariser says.
•Botox injections. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration approved Botox for excess underarm sweating. The toxins affect the nerves that trigger sweating and work for four to eight months at a time, Pariser says. Doctors also use Botox for hands and other areas. But costs are high — typically $700 to $1,500 for both underarms and more for hands, Pariser says — and, while insurers often pay, not all doctors accept insurance for the treatments. Hand injections also can cause temporary muscle weakness in thumbs and fingers.
Hernando recently had her hands treated with Botox. The injections hurt a bit, and she had trouble opening jars for a while.
But, she says, it was worth it: At her wedding, in May — to a man who never complained about holding her sweaty hands — she shook hands with guests without embarrassment. "It was one less thing I had to worry about," she says.
Ronaldo reveals Real regret
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken the blame for the furore that has surrounded his proposed transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid.
The Portugal international has already conceded that he had his heart set on a switch to the Spanish giants at the end of the 2007/08 season.
Last summer's transfer window was dominated by rumours that Ronaldo was seeking a switch to Real, but United held firm over the winger's future.
However, Real appear set to finally secure their long-term target after they had an £80million bid accepted by United earlier this month.
The Fifa World Player of the Year has now voiced his regret for the controversy that marred the lead up to the agreement.
He told the News of the World: "Anything that has not been right with the move is my fault and nothing to do with Real Madrid or Manchester United.
Public
"I opened my mouth and that is what caused the problems between the two clubs who both acted in the correct way. Yes, I would have handled things differently and not been so public."
When asked if a move had been agreed a year ago, he replied: "No, not that I know of. Any agreements that the clubs had were private.
"I expressed a desire to join Madrid and the two clubs reached an agreement. This transfer is no different from any other."
Ronaldo also outlined his respect for Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought the 24-year-old to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
He said: "I have said many times that it is the relationship a son has with a father. He respects me and I respect him and when one of us is talking, the other one listens.
"It is not a one-sided relationship. We both hear each other out and that is why we have got on so well.
"He taught me everything about football and I have never met a man who is so passionate about the game after so many years.
"He instilled that passion into me and he made me a winner. The most important thing he taught me is that second place is not an option.
Fergie
"He also taught me lots of things in order to make me a better person and people might not understand how much time he invests in players off the pitch. But he really does and he cares about each and every one of us.
"In an ideal world. I would like him to be my life coach and for me to never leave him but that is not possible and I just have to continue my journey and hold on to what he has taught me.
"Sir Alex has shown so much confidence in me and for that I owe him everything. When I arrived - even though I did not want it - he insisted I have number seven on my shirt.
"I was very adamant that I did not want it. Then, he sat me down and told me about the history of the number seven and said ... do you understand what I am trying to say to you? I think you will be worthy of wearing this shirt.
"When I think of the greats who have worn that United shirt, I understood how much confidence he had in me. And I hope now that I am another Manchester United great who wore the most famous shirt at the club."
The Portugal international has already conceded that he had his heart set on a switch to the Spanish giants at the end of the 2007/08 season.
Last summer's transfer window was dominated by rumours that Ronaldo was seeking a switch to Real, but United held firm over the winger's future.
However, Real appear set to finally secure their long-term target after they had an £80million bid accepted by United earlier this month.
The Fifa World Player of the Year has now voiced his regret for the controversy that marred the lead up to the agreement.
He told the News of the World: "Anything that has not been right with the move is my fault and nothing to do with Real Madrid or Manchester United.
Public
"I opened my mouth and that is what caused the problems between the two clubs who both acted in the correct way. Yes, I would have handled things differently and not been so public."
When asked if a move had been agreed a year ago, he replied: "No, not that I know of. Any agreements that the clubs had were private.
"I expressed a desire to join Madrid and the two clubs reached an agreement. This transfer is no different from any other."
Ronaldo also outlined his respect for Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought the 24-year-old to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
He said: "I have said many times that it is the relationship a son has with a father. He respects me and I respect him and when one of us is talking, the other one listens.
"It is not a one-sided relationship. We both hear each other out and that is why we have got on so well.
"He taught me everything about football and I have never met a man who is so passionate about the game after so many years.
"He instilled that passion into me and he made me a winner. The most important thing he taught me is that second place is not an option.
Fergie
"He also taught me lots of things in order to make me a better person and people might not understand how much time he invests in players off the pitch. But he really does and he cares about each and every one of us.
"In an ideal world. I would like him to be my life coach and for me to never leave him but that is not possible and I just have to continue my journey and hold on to what he has taught me.
"Sir Alex has shown so much confidence in me and for that I owe him everything. When I arrived - even though I did not want it - he insisted I have number seven on my shirt.
"I was very adamant that I did not want it. Then, he sat me down and told me about the history of the number seven and said ... do you understand what I am trying to say to you? I think you will be worthy of wearing this shirt.
"When I think of the greats who have worn that United shirt, I understood how much confidence he had in me. And I hope now that I am another Manchester United great who wore the most famous shirt at the club."
Ubuntu shuts down Satan
WHILE most of us think that the Devil invented trademark law, it seems that the folks at Ubuntu have decided to shut down old Nick for breaching their infernal trademark with some teeshirts.
A couple of Ubuntu fans have been running a cafepress store which sold t-shirts and stickers with the logo Ubuntu Satanic.
They didn't make any cash on it and the stuff was as cheap as chips. According to their website they have had to shut down Ubuntu Satanic after a nasty letter from the blokes at Canonical.
According to a statement on the site, Canonical is enforcing its intellectual property rights over the Ubuntu name. The store is now closed and you will no longer be able to buy any merchandise.
"This saddens us. We are big fans of Ubuntu and have a lot of respect for Canonical. However, they need to understand that a phenomenon such as Ubuntu is only as strong as its community and alienating that community over the sale of a couple of lousy t-shirts is not the way to go," the site moans.
There are a few comments under the announcement which indicate that some users feel that Canonical, with its image of free and easy software, should enforce such trademark things in the same way that Torvald Linus looks after the Linux trademark.
Most of the comments however are from people who have rushed to defend Canonical for defending its trademark.
Satan was not available for comment as we ran out of virgin's blood before he picked up the phone.
A couple of Ubuntu fans have been running a cafepress store which sold t-shirts and stickers with the logo Ubuntu Satanic.
They didn't make any cash on it and the stuff was as cheap as chips. According to their website they have had to shut down Ubuntu Satanic after a nasty letter from the blokes at Canonical.
According to a statement on the site, Canonical is enforcing its intellectual property rights over the Ubuntu name. The store is now closed and you will no longer be able to buy any merchandise.
"This saddens us. We are big fans of Ubuntu and have a lot of respect for Canonical. However, they need to understand that a phenomenon such as Ubuntu is only as strong as its community and alienating that community over the sale of a couple of lousy t-shirts is not the way to go," the site moans.
There are a few comments under the announcement which indicate that some users feel that Canonical, with its image of free and easy software, should enforce such trademark things in the same way that Torvald Linus looks after the Linux trademark.
Most of the comments however are from people who have rushed to defend Canonical for defending its trademark.
Satan was not available for comment as we ran out of virgin's blood before he picked up the phone.
Rugby Vs Football
Kenyan sports fanatics will be spoilt for choice and many will have to toss a coin to decide what to watch this coming weekend.
On the first hand at the Moi International Sport Center Kasarani, Harambee Stars will battle it out with Mozambique for the World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
According to a directive made by the football governing body, FIFA, there will only be 36,000 tickets up for sale despite the fact that the stadium can fit 60,000 people.
Kenya must beat Mozambique to restore their hope of qualifying for the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations next year in South Africa and Angola respectively.
On the other hand, Kenya which is the host country for the Tusker Safari Sevens has three teams in the series including the feted Shujaa, the national seven-a-side team.
The tournament which kicks off this Friday, June 19 at the University of Nairobi grounds and Saturday June 20 and Sunday June 21 at the RFUEA Grounds Ngong Road is represented by Kenya (which plays as Shujaa in the IRB Series), Shujaa as the second team and Chairman’s Select as the third.
By Temesi Mukani
It’s all systems go for one of the biggest sporting and entertainment fiestas in Kenya, the Tusker Safari Sevens rugby tournament.
The three day tourney is set to kick off this Friday at its traditional home, the RFUEA grounds along Ngong Road.
Pooling was done yesterday and the hosts Kenya will be the first on the field against a select team from Western Province on Friday at 9am.
Guest teams started arriving in the country last evening with Japan being the first to jet in. Other foreign teams expected to feature in the tournament include Tanzania, Uganda, Samoa, Les Blues, Emerging Springboks, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
According to organizers, preparations for the event are complete and the tusker village which is usually the entertainment hub off the pitch is already being set up.
The event whose lead sponsor is East African Breweries flagship brand Tusker is set to attract thousands of fun loving Kenyans and visitors alike and organizers have lined up a comprehensive entertainment menu to liven up the crowds off the pitch.
Daily tickets will cost Kshs. 900 each while a season ticket goes for Kshs. 1,500.
Who Hung Up On Angelina Jolie???
How embarrassing! When designer Malcolm Harris was told Angelina Jolie was calling him, he promptly hung up on her. Twice! No, he isn't stupid, although we're sure he feels that way, but at the time he was under the impression that someone was prank calling him. It was a reasonable enough assumption.
How many people actually get phone calls from Angie??????
He was finally convinced when she reminded him that they were both participating in World Refugee Day this coming Saturday. Once they got over the awkward hurdle, Jolie generously bought three of Harris' dresses for $225 each, knowing that a percentage of the proceeds go to the UN's refugee effort.
Harris confirmed the story and said, "I was so flattered."
Yeah, you should be!
Obama's expansion of benefits for same-sex partners gets mixed response
President Obama extended some benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees Wednesday - a move gay-rights advocates said leaves them far short of equality with straight couples.
Long-term care insurance and more liberal family leave for Civil Service and foreign service employees will now cover same-sex couples. But big-ticket health insurance and pension benefits cannot be extended unless Congress goes along.
"We all have to acknowledge this is only one step," Obama said as he signed the edict in the Oval Office. "We'll work on these issues in months and years to come."
Anger has been building among gay-rights advocates about slow progress since Obama took office on issues important to the gay community. Several prominent gay fund-raisers are boycotting a June 25 Democratic National Committee event featuring Vice President Biden.
But others appreciated even small steps.
"It's certainly not everything that we would want, but it's a good start," said Stephen Gee, 46, a gay foreign service officer in a relationship for five years, who lives in the East Village. "I would love for my partner to have health insurance benefits."
Leonard Hirsch, the Queens-born president of Federal GLOBE, an organization advocating equal rights for gay federal employees, called the President's announcement a "very positive first step."
"Do I think they are going fast enough? No," he said. "But I believe they are working with a clear goal ... and trying to make certain when they move forward, they can be successful."
The announcement also drew criticism from the right.
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said Obama is violating the spirit of a federal law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/06/17/2009-06-17_govt_workers_get_samesex_benefits_boost.html#ixzz0Il6pI8Ug&D
Drogba Suspended By Uefa For Ref Outburst
Striker Didier Drogba has been suspended for four European matches for an outburst towards the referee following Chelsea's defeat in the Champions League.Uefa also suspended defender Jose Bosingwa for three matches for making offensive comments about Norwegian ref Tom Henning Ovrebo after the semi-final second leg against Barcelona.
The Blues were fined £85,000 by European football's governing body for the improper conduct of their players and missile throwing by supporters.
Uefa said that Drogba's ban is for six matches, with the last two deferred over a probationary period of two years.Bosingwa's suspension is for four matches, with one deferred.
The May 6 match ended in a 1-1 draw, sending Barcelona into the final on away goals.
"Drogba and Bosingwa were facing charges of being in breach of the principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee and by making offensive comments," read a statement on the Uefa website.
"Drogba's suspension applies to the next four Uefa club competition matches for which the player would be eligible, while Bosingwa's suspension applies to the next three Uefa club competition matches for which the player would be eligible."
The Premier League club issued a statement saying: "Chelsea Football Club is considering our response to the Uefa punishment that sees Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa suspended for European games and the club fined."
The club and the players have three days in which to appeal the decision.
The Blues were fined £85,000 by European football's governing body for the improper conduct of their players and missile throwing by supporters.
Uefa said that Drogba's ban is for six matches, with the last two deferred over a probationary period of two years.Bosingwa's suspension is for four matches, with one deferred.
The May 6 match ended in a 1-1 draw, sending Barcelona into the final on away goals.
"Drogba and Bosingwa were facing charges of being in breach of the principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee and by making offensive comments," read a statement on the Uefa website.
"Drogba's suspension applies to the next four Uefa club competition matches for which the player would be eligible, while Bosingwa's suspension applies to the next three Uefa club competition matches for which the player would be eligible."
The Premier League club issued a statement saying: "Chelsea Football Club is considering our response to the Uefa punishment that sees Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa suspended for European games and the club fined."
The club and the players have three days in which to appeal the decision.
Rihanna, Chris Brown seen at NBA game
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - R&B singer Chris Brown and former girlfriend Rihanna were among the celebrities in the crowd at the fourth game of the NBA Finals in Orlando.
They were sitting on opposite ends of the same row under the basket Thursday night at Amway Arena. Brown is accused of beating then-girlfriend Rihanna after a pre-Grammy party in February in Los Angeles. The case is still pending.
Brown's preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 22. A judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to continue the case. Rihanna could be called as a witness during that hearing.
Other celebrities at the game included Tiger Woods and former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan. In an awkward meeting, Hogan stunned Woods just before the game when he went up to greet the world's No. 1-ranked golfer, who at first didn't see the towering figure standing in front of his courtside seat.
They were sitting on opposite ends of the same row under the basket Thursday night at Amway Arena. Brown is accused of beating then-girlfriend Rihanna after a pre-Grammy party in February in Los Angeles. The case is still pending.
Brown's preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 22. A judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to continue the case. Rihanna could be called as a witness during that hearing.
Other celebrities at the game included Tiger Woods and former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan. In an awkward meeting, Hogan stunned Woods just before the game when he went up to greet the world's No. 1-ranked golfer, who at first didn't see the towering figure standing in front of his courtside seat.
Obama's half brother, George Obama, working on book
NEW YORK — Another Obama relative has a book deal.
A memoir by George Obama, the president's half brother and a resident of Huruma, Kenya, will be published by Simon & Schuster in January 2010. George Obama, 27, shares the same father with his famous, older half sibling, although George and Barack Obama— 20 years apart in age — did not grow up together and did not meet as children.
George is the youngest of the senior Obama's seven children and was born six months before his father died.
Little is known about George Obama. The book, tentatively titled Homeland and to be written with author-journalist Damien Lewis, will tell of George Obama's fall into crime and poverty as a teenager and his eventual embrace of community organizing — a passion shared by the president — and of advocacy for the poor, an identification so strong that he chooses to live among them.
"Even had George Obama not been our President's half brother, his story is moving and inspirational," David Rosenthal, Simon & Schuster publisher and executive vice president, said in a statement Sunday. "It is an object lesson in survival, selflessness and courage."
Financial terms were not disclosed, but an official with knowledge of the negotiations said the deal was worth six figures. The official, who was not authorized to discuss the contract, spoke on condition of anonymity.
Other Obama relatives are working on books, including a half sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng; and the brother of first lady Michelle Obama, Craig Robinson. Duke University Press is releasing the doctoral dissertation of the president's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, who died in 1995.
Barack Obama has written a pair of million-selling books, The Audacity of Hope and Dreams from My Father, in which he describes George Obama as "a handsome, roundheaded boy with a wary gaze."
A memoir by George Obama, the president's half brother and a resident of Huruma, Kenya, will be published by Simon & Schuster in January 2010. George Obama, 27, shares the same father with his famous, older half sibling, although George and Barack Obama— 20 years apart in age — did not grow up together and did not meet as children.
George is the youngest of the senior Obama's seven children and was born six months before his father died.
Little is known about George Obama. The book, tentatively titled Homeland and to be written with author-journalist Damien Lewis, will tell of George Obama's fall into crime and poverty as a teenager and his eventual embrace of community organizing — a passion shared by the president — and of advocacy for the poor, an identification so strong that he chooses to live among them.
"Even had George Obama not been our President's half brother, his story is moving and inspirational," David Rosenthal, Simon & Schuster publisher and executive vice president, said in a statement Sunday. "It is an object lesson in survival, selflessness and courage."
Financial terms were not disclosed, but an official with knowledge of the negotiations said the deal was worth six figures. The official, who was not authorized to discuss the contract, spoke on condition of anonymity.
Other Obama relatives are working on books, including a half sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng; and the brother of first lady Michelle Obama, Craig Robinson. Duke University Press is releasing the doctoral dissertation of the president's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, who died in 1995.
Barack Obama has written a pair of million-selling books, The Audacity of Hope and Dreams from My Father, in which he describes George Obama as "a handsome, roundheaded boy with a wary gaze."
Dolly Parton surprises Girl Scouts, presents badge
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – Country singer Dolly Parton delighted hundreds of Tennessee Girl Scouts when she made a surprise entrance at a ceremony to present them with a patch created in her honor.
Parton appeared on stage at the Pines Theatre in Pigeon Forge, where 400 Girl Scouts were receiving the new "Coat of Many Colors" patch. It is named for Parton and her 1971 song of the same name.
Parton is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts. She wore her own uniform, hugged and chatted with the girls on Saturday.
The song tells the story of how schoolmates made fun of a coat Parton's mother made from rags. The patch requires Scouts to help others, then design a collage of what makes them special
Parton told the girls, "A person can make money, but money can't make a person."
Parton appeared on stage at the Pines Theatre in Pigeon Forge, where 400 Girl Scouts were receiving the new "Coat of Many Colors" patch. It is named for Parton and her 1971 song of the same name.
Parton is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts. She wore her own uniform, hugged and chatted with the girls on Saturday.
The song tells the story of how schoolmates made fun of a coat Parton's mother made from rags. The patch requires Scouts to help others, then design a collage of what makes them special
Parton told the girls, "A person can make money, but money can't make a person."
Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken of Real Madrid’s “flattering” world-record bid for him for the first time since Manchester United accepted an £80 million offer on Thursday.
The Portuguese star was the subject of Real’s staggering approach after being strongly linked with the Spanish side since last summer.
Real failed to persuade United into selling them their prized asset this time last year, but have finally succeeded in their pursuit of the player.
It is now down to Ronaldo and Real to agree the 24-year-old’s personal terms and with the player on holiday in the US, Real are expected to fly a medical team out to examine him immediately.
“It’s flattering when two of the top teams in the world want you to play for them,” Ronaldo told Fox Sports. "The deal is historic. €93m is quite a sum of money.
“I learned about the deal here in L.A. and have heard from my people that Manchester United has accepted.
“However I have also been told that Madrid want to have a medical team look at me as expected.”
Ronaldo insisted that a hernia would not cause any problems in his proposed move, as he does not require an operation.
“I do not require surgery,” he said. “The hernia is nothing to worry about.
“I am on vacation and will remain in L.A. for a bit more”.
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo says he expects his record £80m move from Manchester United to Real Madrid to go through, despite a minor hernia injury.
The 24-year-old winger told Fox Sports in the US: "I do not require surgery. The hernia is nothing to worry about.
"I learned about the deal here in LA and have heard from my people that Manchester United have accepted.
"However, I have also been told that Madrid want to have a medical team look at me as expected."
Fox Sports reported that Real Madrid were sending doctors to Los Angeles, where Ronaldo is on holiday, to assess his injury.
606: DEBATE
As sad as I am to see Ronaldo go, we all know no player is bigger than the club
jakarth
The winger, who has yet to agree personal terms with the club, added: "It's flattering when two of the top teams in the world want you to play for them.
"The deal is historic - £80m is quite a sum of money."
On Thursday, United announced they had accepted Real's potential world record bid for their 2008 Fifa Player of the Year.
"United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player," said the Old Trafford club in a statement.
It added the decision came at Ronaldo's request after he "again expressed his desire to leave".
United said the offer was unconditional and want the matter to be concluded by 30 June, while Madrid hope to agree personal terms "in the next few days".
"Real Madrid confirm they have made an offer to Manchester United for the acquisition of the rights of the player Cristiano Ronaldo," said the Spanish club in a statement.
CRISTIANO RONALDO FACTFILE
1985: Born 5 February
2002: Makes Sporting Lisbon debut
2003: Signs for Man Utd in £12m deal
2004: Wins first trophy, the FA Cup, with United
2006: Expresses desire to join Real Madrid
2007: Wins first Premier League title
2008: Wins Champions League
2009: Voted World and European player of the year
2009: Man Utd accept £80m bid from Real
A spokesman for United's owners, the Glazer family, insisted that the decision to sell Ronaldo was taken solely by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The spokesman told the BBC: "It was purely a football decision and had nothing to do with the financial structure of the club."
It is understood that the transfer fee would be made available for Ferguson to invest in the transfer market.
United have been linked with the likes of Lyon forward Karim Benzema, Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Wigan's Antonio Valencia.
Madrid signed Brazilian Kaka for a reported £56m earlier this week, surpassing the previous world record fee in pounds sterling of £45.6m, which they paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.
That deal was sealed by the ambition of returning Real president Florentino Perez, who previously led the Spanish club from 2000 to 2006 - during the famous galacticos era.
He recently appointed Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini as Real's new coach, and had previously made it clear he would do "everything possible" to sign Ronaldo.
He joined Man Utd from Sporting Lisbon as an 18-year-old in 2003 and took a while to find his form.
FOOTBALL BLOG
United's manager could not afford to spend huge swathes of every close season persuading a player - no matter how vital - to stay at Old Trafford
BBC Sport's Phil McNulty
But he became a pivotal player as United won three straight Premier League titles starting in 2006-07 and the 2008 Champions League.
In 2007-08, he scored 42 goals, which topped the previous club record for a midfielder held by George Best, and was on the scoresheet as United defeated Chelsea in the Champions League final.
His form through 2008 saw him named Fifa World Player of the Year in January, and just a month after he won the Ballon d'Or as the European Player of the Year.
Ronaldo was the top scorer for his club last season, with 26 goals, taking his total for United to 118 in 292 appearances.
Green Day Signs Exclusive Rock Band Deal...
Green Day has now committed to an exclusive for Rock Band, according to details shared by MTV Games. The move is the first involving the band and a participatory music game. The first installment will be a three-pack of songs from the latest release, 21st Century Breakdown, specifically "21 Guns," "Know Your Enemy," and "East Jesus Nowhere". The action starts July 7th on Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
Other tracks will be announced, and the classics are probably not far behind. But Warner Bros. Records is focusing on the newer stuff, part of an effort to shift the incredibly energy from the mid-90s to now. "This unique deal with MTV creates a true partnership with Green Day, Reprise and Harmonix as we embark upon the next great era of Green Day," said Tom Whalley, chairman and chief executive at Warner Bros. Green Day is signed to the Warner-owned Reprise sublabel.
Other tracks will be announced, and the classics are probably not far behind. But Warner Bros. Records is focusing on the newer stuff, part of an effort to shift the incredibly energy from the mid-90s to now. "This unique deal with MTV creates a true partnership with Green Day, Reprise and Harmonix as we embark upon the next great era of Green Day," said Tom Whalley, chairman and chief executive at Warner Bros. Green Day is signed to the Warner-owned Reprise sublabel.
WHO declares swine flu pandemic, no change in Canada's approach
Swine flu, or H1N1 influenza, has reached the pandemic level, the World Health Organization warned Thursday — marking the first time it has called a global flu epidemic in 41 years.
"The world is moving into the early days of its first influenza pandemic in the 21st century," WHO's director-general, Margaret Chan, announced in Geneva after consulting health experts in an emergency meeting.
"The virus is now unstoppable. However, we do not expect to see a sudden and dramatic jump in the number of severe and fatal infections," she added.
WHO director-general Margaret Chan leaves a news conference at the World Health Organization in Geneva on Thursday. WHO director-general Margaret Chan leaves a news conference at the World Health Organization in Geneva on Thursday. (Anja Niedringhaus/Associated Press)
The announcement means the H1N1 swine flu virus is spreading from person to person in a sustained manner in at least two regions. The swine flu started in North America, but cases have been mounting in Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan and Chile. Further spread is "inevitable," Chan said.
The geographic spread fulfils the UN health organization's criteria for declaring a pandemic and moving its alert to Phase 6 — the highest level.
The pandemic declaration sends a signal to governments to spend more on containing the virus and to drugmakers to speed up the development of a swine flu vaccine. However, it does not mean the virus is causing more severe illnesses or deaths.
Countries like Canada told to brace for 2nd wave
In countries like Canada that already have a sustained spread in communities, Chan urged governments to brace for a second wave of cases.
In Ottawa, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said she wanted to reassure Canadians that the government and public health officials "were prepared for this decision by the WHO and this decision does not change our approach here in Canada."
"Canada is well-prepared for the situation. We have a national plan that we have been following."
The declaration acknowledges the reality of the virus's spread, said Dr. Allison McGeer, an influenza expert at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital.
"From a science perspective, anybody will tell you that this has been a pandemic for weeks," said McGeer.
"At this early stage, the pandemic can be characterized globally as being moderate in severity," WHO said in the statement, again urging nations not to close borders or restrict travel and trade. "[We] remain in close dialogue with influenza vaccine manufacturers."
Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones, said drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline has received a seed strain, or raw ingredients, for a pandemic vaccine from WHO.
The company will use the seed strain to develop a swine flu vaccine, which will be tested for safety in clinical trials. The aim is to have a commercial vaccine ready in the fall, he said.
Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters WHO "waited until they were certain that they had documentation that in multiple continents there was person-to-person sustained transmission."
The declaration marks the first pandemic call since 1968, when Hong Kong flu killed about one million people.
'It is likely in light of sustained community transmission in countries outside of North America — most notably in Australia — that Level 6 will be declared.'— Scotland's Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon
Before making the declaration, Chan held an emergency conference call with leading flu experts to discuss the outbreak of the virus. It has caused nearly 27,737 cases of swine flu, including 141 deaths.
Seasonal flu kills about 250,000 to 500,000 people each year.
The WHO had been trying to ready the world for a pandemic declaration for some time, saying the new H1N1 virus showed no signs of abating.
Moderate effects
Countries' individual pandemic plans could include investing more money in health services, imposing quarantines, closing schools, travel bans and trade restrictions.
The WHO has said it does not support travel bans or trade restrictions in the wake of swine flu.
"The disease is pretty moderate in its effects so far, so you wouldn't want to disrupt daily life too much," said WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl. "We're not in an Armageddon scenario."
Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, said it is "really important to remember that a pandemic is a global thing."
"It means that the whole world is united around this condition now."
Drug companies have told WHO that production of seasonal flu vaccination is almost complete and they are ready to start developing pandemic swine flu vaccine.
A limited number of doses could be ready in September, said WHO vaccine expert Marie Paule Kieny. Regulatory agencies need to fast-track registration after ensuring the pandemic vaccine is safe, and countries need to prioritize who has access to it, she added.
Spike in Australian infections
Donations of antiviral medications have been sent to poorer countries, Chan noted.
The spike in infections in Australia is one reason for the heightened pandemic alert level. The WHO listed Australia's confirmed cases at 1,224 by late Wednesday.
Aglukkaq announced Thursday that the federal government has sent two nurses and specialists, including a pediatrician, to help with an outbreak at St. Theresa Point in Manitoba. The community about 500 kilometres from Winnipeg is home to more than 200 people who have fallen ill.
Also on Thursday, Nunavut announced 47 new cases of swine flu in the territory. The federal government is also sending an epidemiologist to the territory to help with the outbreak investigation.
As of Wednesday, 2,978 laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus have been reported in all provinces and territories except Newfoundland and Labrador, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
There have been four deaths and 131 hospitalizations related to swine flu in the country.
Dr. Donald Low, medical director of Ontario's public health laboratories, said much of the world has already been treating the virus as though it was a pandemic for several weeks.
"I don't see what would possibly change, calling this a pandemic," Low said.
The virus is already widespread across Canada, and Low doesn't foresee any panic being triggered by a pandemic declaration.
"The world is moving into the early days of its first influenza pandemic in the 21st century," WHO's director-general, Margaret Chan, announced in Geneva after consulting health experts in an emergency meeting.
"The virus is now unstoppable. However, we do not expect to see a sudden and dramatic jump in the number of severe and fatal infections," she added.
WHO director-general Margaret Chan leaves a news conference at the World Health Organization in Geneva on Thursday. WHO director-general Margaret Chan leaves a news conference at the World Health Organization in Geneva on Thursday. (Anja Niedringhaus/Associated Press)
The announcement means the H1N1 swine flu virus is spreading from person to person in a sustained manner in at least two regions. The swine flu started in North America, but cases have been mounting in Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan and Chile. Further spread is "inevitable," Chan said.
The geographic spread fulfils the UN health organization's criteria for declaring a pandemic and moving its alert to Phase 6 — the highest level.
The pandemic declaration sends a signal to governments to spend more on containing the virus and to drugmakers to speed up the development of a swine flu vaccine. However, it does not mean the virus is causing more severe illnesses or deaths.
Countries like Canada told to brace for 2nd wave
In countries like Canada that already have a sustained spread in communities, Chan urged governments to brace for a second wave of cases.
In Ottawa, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said she wanted to reassure Canadians that the government and public health officials "were prepared for this decision by the WHO and this decision does not change our approach here in Canada."
"Canada is well-prepared for the situation. We have a national plan that we have been following."
The declaration acknowledges the reality of the virus's spread, said Dr. Allison McGeer, an influenza expert at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital.
"From a science perspective, anybody will tell you that this has been a pandemic for weeks," said McGeer.
"At this early stage, the pandemic can be characterized globally as being moderate in severity," WHO said in the statement, again urging nations not to close borders or restrict travel and trade. "[We] remain in close dialogue with influenza vaccine manufacturers."
Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones, said drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline has received a seed strain, or raw ingredients, for a pandemic vaccine from WHO.
The company will use the seed strain to develop a swine flu vaccine, which will be tested for safety in clinical trials. The aim is to have a commercial vaccine ready in the fall, he said.
Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters WHO "waited until they were certain that they had documentation that in multiple continents there was person-to-person sustained transmission."
The declaration marks the first pandemic call since 1968, when Hong Kong flu killed about one million people.
'It is likely in light of sustained community transmission in countries outside of North America — most notably in Australia — that Level 6 will be declared.'— Scotland's Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon
Before making the declaration, Chan held an emergency conference call with leading flu experts to discuss the outbreak of the virus. It has caused nearly 27,737 cases of swine flu, including 141 deaths.
Seasonal flu kills about 250,000 to 500,000 people each year.
The WHO had been trying to ready the world for a pandemic declaration for some time, saying the new H1N1 virus showed no signs of abating.
Moderate effects
Countries' individual pandemic plans could include investing more money in health services, imposing quarantines, closing schools, travel bans and trade restrictions.
The WHO has said it does not support travel bans or trade restrictions in the wake of swine flu.
"The disease is pretty moderate in its effects so far, so you wouldn't want to disrupt daily life too much," said WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl. "We're not in an Armageddon scenario."
Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, said it is "really important to remember that a pandemic is a global thing."
"It means that the whole world is united around this condition now."
Drug companies have told WHO that production of seasonal flu vaccination is almost complete and they are ready to start developing pandemic swine flu vaccine.
A limited number of doses could be ready in September, said WHO vaccine expert Marie Paule Kieny. Regulatory agencies need to fast-track registration after ensuring the pandemic vaccine is safe, and countries need to prioritize who has access to it, she added.
Spike in Australian infections
Donations of antiviral medications have been sent to poorer countries, Chan noted.
The spike in infections in Australia is one reason for the heightened pandemic alert level. The WHO listed Australia's confirmed cases at 1,224 by late Wednesday.
Aglukkaq announced Thursday that the federal government has sent two nurses and specialists, including a pediatrician, to help with an outbreak at St. Theresa Point in Manitoba. The community about 500 kilometres from Winnipeg is home to more than 200 people who have fallen ill.
Also on Thursday, Nunavut announced 47 new cases of swine flu in the territory. The federal government is also sending an epidemiologist to the territory to help with the outbreak investigation.
As of Wednesday, 2,978 laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus have been reported in all provinces and territories except Newfoundland and Labrador, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
There have been four deaths and 131 hospitalizations related to swine flu in the country.
Dr. Donald Low, medical director of Ontario's public health laboratories, said much of the world has already been treating the virus as though it was a pandemic for several weeks.
"I don't see what would possibly change, calling this a pandemic," Low said.
The virus is already widespread across Canada, and Low doesn't foresee any panic being triggered by a pandemic declaration.
Look Out! Computers Have Unseen Risks
June 10, 2009 -- Gazing at the computer screen may hurt your eyes, but it's what people don't see when they're near the machines that cause the most injuries, new research indicates.
Apparently, people don't see monitors, wires, and related gadgets, because there's been more than a sevenfold increase in injuries from actions such as tripping over computer equipment since the machines became ubiquitous, scientists report in the July 2009 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
According to data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, more than 78,000 cases of acute computer-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms from 1994 through 2006.
About 93% of the injuries occurred at home.
Over the study period, the number of acute computer-related injuries increased by 732%, which is more than double the increase in household computer ownership of 309%, researchers say in a news release.
Reported injuries were due to hitting body parts or getting caught on computer equipment, tripping, or falling over wires or other gadgets, equipment falling on top of people, and the straining of joints and muscles, according to the researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy, the Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and the Ohio State University College of Medicine.
The young and the old had the highest injury rates. The most common cause of injury was tripping or falling in children less than 5 years old and in people over 60 years old.
Lara B. McKenzie, PhD, of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Center for Injury Research and Policy in Columbus, Ohio, says scientists need to stay on top of the computer-injury topic as the machines become even more intertwined with everyday life.
"More information is needed on the types of computers and equipment used, the layout of these systems and the furniture utilized in order to develop household-safety practices in this area," she says in a news release. "Given the large increase in acute computer-related injuries over the study period, greater efforts are needed to prevent such injuries, especially among young children."
According to the study:
99.3% of patients seen at ERs for computer injuries were treated and released, though 4% of people 60 and over were admitted or transferred to another hospital.
58.9% of injuries involved moving the computer or a component. Also, 15.4% of injuries were related to fixing, installing, or plugging in a computer, and 6.7% to using one.
The most common diagnosis in all age groups was laceration -- 58.4% to the extremities and 41.3% to the head. Contusions and abrasions were the second most common injury.
The researchers say the true rate of computer-related injuries may be even greater because their data captured only those people whose injuries required treatment in emergency departments.
They say more information is needed on how computers are used in everyday life, how the machines and equipment are laid out, and on the furniture used.
Apparently, people don't see monitors, wires, and related gadgets, because there's been more than a sevenfold increase in injuries from actions such as tripping over computer equipment since the machines became ubiquitous, scientists report in the July 2009 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
According to data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, more than 78,000 cases of acute computer-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms from 1994 through 2006.
About 93% of the injuries occurred at home.
Over the study period, the number of acute computer-related injuries increased by 732%, which is more than double the increase in household computer ownership of 309%, researchers say in a news release.
Reported injuries were due to hitting body parts or getting caught on computer equipment, tripping, or falling over wires or other gadgets, equipment falling on top of people, and the straining of joints and muscles, according to the researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy, the Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and the Ohio State University College of Medicine.
The young and the old had the highest injury rates. The most common cause of injury was tripping or falling in children less than 5 years old and in people over 60 years old.
Lara B. McKenzie, PhD, of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Center for Injury Research and Policy in Columbus, Ohio, says scientists need to stay on top of the computer-injury topic as the machines become even more intertwined with everyday life.
"More information is needed on the types of computers and equipment used, the layout of these systems and the furniture utilized in order to develop household-safety practices in this area," she says in a news release. "Given the large increase in acute computer-related injuries over the study period, greater efforts are needed to prevent such injuries, especially among young children."
According to the study:
99.3% of patients seen at ERs for computer injuries were treated and released, though 4% of people 60 and over were admitted or transferred to another hospital.
58.9% of injuries involved moving the computer or a component. Also, 15.4% of injuries were related to fixing, installing, or plugging in a computer, and 6.7% to using one.
The most common diagnosis in all age groups was laceration -- 58.4% to the extremities and 41.3% to the head. Contusions and abrasions were the second most common injury.
The researchers say the true rate of computer-related injuries may be even greater because their data captured only those people whose injuries required treatment in emergency departments.
They say more information is needed on how computers are used in everyday life, how the machines and equipment are laid out, and on the furniture used.
US set for TV digital switchover
More than two million households in the United States will be faced with blank television screens when stations switch off their analogue signal for good.
The nationwide transition to digital services has seen a last-minute rush to buy converter boxes and TVs.
In total the US authorities have spent $2bn to smooth the transition.
But, according to the Federal Communications Commission, there are still 2.2 million households which have made no preparations.
US television viewers have been bombarded with a series of adverts over recent weeks, warning them that the analogue signal would be switched off on Friday and urging them to buy set top converter boxes if they didn't want to lose reception.
The government has issued coupons, worth $40 each, to cover most of the cost.
Unlike the United Kingdom, where the analogue signal is being switched off region by region, the United Sates has decide to pull the plug in one go, across the nation.
This has led to accusations that some groups, especially the elderly and the low income households, have been left behind in the digital rush.
The nationwide transition to digital services has seen a last-minute rush to buy converter boxes and TVs.
In total the US authorities have spent $2bn to smooth the transition.
But, according to the Federal Communications Commission, there are still 2.2 million households which have made no preparations.
US television viewers have been bombarded with a series of adverts over recent weeks, warning them that the analogue signal would be switched off on Friday and urging them to buy set top converter boxes if they didn't want to lose reception.
The government has issued coupons, worth $40 each, to cover most of the cost.
Unlike the United Kingdom, where the analogue signal is being switched off region by region, the United Sates has decide to pull the plug in one go, across the nation.
This has led to accusations that some groups, especially the elderly and the low income households, have been left behind in the digital rush.
Milan confirm Kaka Real deal
Kaka agrees £58m Real Madrid move.AC Milan have confirmed the sale of Kaka to Real Madrid in what is expected to be a world-record transfer.
The Brazil superstar was due to reveal the move at a press conference on Tuesday after undergoing a medical in his homeland.
However, the Serie A side have moved first to confirm the departure of the 27-year-old for the Bernabeu who has signed a six-year contract.
A statement on the Milan website read: "From next season, Kaka will play at Real Madrid.
"AC Milan thanked the man and the great champion Kaka for his decisive contribution to the many victories achieved in the six years of his commitment
"The loss of technique, while serious, can be remedied.
"It will be very difficult to fill the void that will be left by Kak, a shining example of professionalism, commitment and professionalism.
"AC Milan, (according to) the wishes of the managers, players and supporters of the Rossoneri, offer him the most cordial and affectionate wishes for the continuation of his sporting career."
Madrid also confirmed the deal on their website. "Kaka is a player of Real Madrid after an agreement with AC Milan," a statement read.
"The Brazilian footballer has now successfully passed all medical tests. Kaka has signed a contract for the next six seasons with Real Madrid."
The 27-year-old is currently with the Brazilian side on international duty.
Brazil face Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday after beating Uruguay 4-0 over the weekend.
Cassie Blames GMail For Leaked Nude Pics, "A Lot Of People Take Pictures Like That" [Video]
R&B singer Cassie recently gave more details surrounding her leaked nude images which hit the Internet last month and claimed GMail was partially responsible for them getting into the wrong hands.
Speaking with radio personality JoJo, the singer said her photos were leaked via an e-mail.
"True," Cassie said confirming the photos were leaked. "Not by me. We're closer to an idea of who did it, yeah. It's being somewhat investigated, I don't even know if I'm supposed to talk about it like that. But um, yeah, I think we're closer to finding out who it was. I wasn't sure what the situation was until we asked more questions and found out more things but it was in an old e-mail from like last year that I had. Actually it was GMail and sometimes GMail is the worst. Kinda lost a lot of music too, I got music leaked as well...It was a year ago I took the pictures and sent them. I don't even have the pictures anymore, so that was the crazy part about it...[I found out after] I got a phone call about 11 o'clock at night and my stomach fell. I freaked out for a second and then, what can you do when that happens. A lot of people take pictures like that for their significant other and that's what it was for me, I had sent them to someone. Now I've learned not to use an e-mail to send a picture obviously." (JoJo Wright)
In addition to Cassie, Rihanna's nude images also leaked online last month.
The photos that are taken are missing some of Rihanna's tattoos, and it isn't certain that these are the R&B singers naked body, but her record company has took legal action to get these pictures removed of the websites. The photos consist of a naked Rihanna in front of a mirror naked with words written on the mirror with soap. Only 2 of the photos clearly show her face the other 4 you can't tell. There have been rumors that Rihanna is so embarrassed and overwhelmed with the postings that she has left the country to get away from Hollywood. She has not commented on the photos herself. (CMR News)
Maintaining a fairly unchanged average, the young singers' nude pictures reportedly had little impact in their record sales despite overwhelming exposure.
According to Nielsen SoundScan figures, the unwanted publicity served no purpose as far as Rihanna single sales figures are concerned. On the week ending May 3rd, she had 45,000 total downloads on songs by her or with her as a guest. The week ending May 10th, her numbers dropped to 44,000. For Cassie, just two days before the Rihanna pictures appeared, Cassie's own computer was hacked and topless photos of her hit the net. The next day, more explicit photos leaked, this time of Cassie fully unclothed. Still, Cassie's numbers stayed flat with 2,000 downloads both weeks. (Billboard)
Cassie previously confirmed the images authenticity to her disbelief last month.
"The recent personal pictures that have been leaked on the internet of me were hacked and stolen out of my computer," a statement read. "These photos were obviously never intended for the world to see and it's sad that people would really take time to steal and post them, it's just evil. At the end of the day breasts are breasts, mine weren't the first you've seen and they won't be the last... people need to grow up. Let's move on."
The pirates will always win, says Carphone Warehouse's Dunstone
Trying to stop people sharing copyrighted material over the internet is a game of cat and mouse in which the pirates will always win and calls for internet service providers to halt illegal file sharing are "naive", according to the boss of Carphone Warehouse.
Instead, Charles Dunstone said, the solution is education about the benefits of respecting copyright coupled with services that allow consumers "to get content easily and cheaply".
Speaking after the company announced a jump in annual profits and plans to split its TalkTalk broadband business from its retail stores by July of next year, Dunstone said people had become "obsessed" by peer-to-peer file sharing but "th
Instead, Charles Dunstone said, the solution is education about the benefits of respecting copyright coupled with services that allow consumers "to get content easily and cheaply".
Speaking after the company announced a jump in annual profits and plans to split its TalkTalk broadband business from its retail stores by July of next year, Dunstone said people had become "obsessed" by peer-to-peer file sharing but "th
Nigeria’s Super Eagles dim Kenya’s chances for maiden World Cup appearance
Two goals by second half substitute Obinna Nsofor enabled Nigeria’s Super Eagles to beat Harambee Stars 3-0 in Abuja and shatter Kenya’s chances of a maiden World Cup appearance.
The result means Stars are effectively out of contention for the World Cup campaign but still stand a chance of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations in Angola next year.
Smarting from a 1-0 win over former world champions France on Tuesday, Nigeria entered the match as hot favourites but at one moment Stars seemed to totally dominate the Eagles and threatened to break their jinx against the Nigerians.
The last time Kenya scored against Super Eagles in Nigeria was in 1981 and the match ended 3-1 in favour of the hosts.
On form Getafe striker Uche Ikechukwu broke the deadlock just two minutes into the match when George Owino’s clearance ricocheted off him and gifted the Nigerian a chance to run against Musa Otieno before unleashing a fierce shot to send the Abuja National Stadium into raptures.
Kenya was shell-shocked but picked themselves up to try and chase the match. McDonald Mariga tested Nigeria’s custodian Vincent Enyiama with a long range shot in the 10th minute and Denis Oliech hit the cross bar two minutes later with a fierce shot as Kenya pilled massive pressure on the dreaded Eagles.
Nigeria rarely threatened the packed Kenyan defence marshalled by skipper Musa Otieno, John Njoroge, George Owino and Julius Awino who was preferred over veteran Mulinge Ndeto, but Nigeria almost added the tally during first half injury time when Origi let the ball slip through his hands but recovered to thwart Ikechukwu’s effort.
In the second half, Stars started of strongly and could have scored two goals in two minutes. Oliech beat Nigeria’s defence to remain with Enyeama and unselfishly passed the ball to Patrick Oboya who embarrassingly tumbled with an empty goal at his mercy.
Two minutes later, Oliech was again in action, this time he beat Enyeama and squared the ball for Owino who just needed to tap the ball to the net, but his first touch let him down.
Though Kenya went on to control the possession for long stretches, it couldn't capitalize and paid the price in the second half.
Kenya were made to pay for their missed chances when Owino brought down Osaze Odimingwe in the box for Inter Milan striker Nsofor to score from the spot in the 70th minute.
Nsofor added the third in the 75th minute with a fierce shot from inside the box following a counter attack instigated by Nwanko Kanu.
The road to the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations seemed rough for Harambee Stars after a losing start.
However, Tunisia’s 2-0 win over Mozambique on Saturday gave Stars hope.
With the top team in each group qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa next year and the top three set to book a ticket to the Africa Nations Cup in Angola, Mozambique’s loss to Tunisia is good news for Kenya.
After the loss to Nigeria, Stars can still revive their continental dream by beating Mozambique in Nairobi in a fortnight.
Kenya, who are in Group Two with Tunisia, Nigeria and Mozambique.
The result means Stars are effectively out of contention for the World Cup campaign but still stand a chance of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations in Angola next year.
Smarting from a 1-0 win over former world champions France on Tuesday, Nigeria entered the match as hot favourites but at one moment Stars seemed to totally dominate the Eagles and threatened to break their jinx against the Nigerians.
The last time Kenya scored against Super Eagles in Nigeria was in 1981 and the match ended 3-1 in favour of the hosts.
On form Getafe striker Uche Ikechukwu broke the deadlock just two minutes into the match when George Owino’s clearance ricocheted off him and gifted the Nigerian a chance to run against Musa Otieno before unleashing a fierce shot to send the Abuja National Stadium into raptures.
Kenya was shell-shocked but picked themselves up to try and chase the match. McDonald Mariga tested Nigeria’s custodian Vincent Enyiama with a long range shot in the 10th minute and Denis Oliech hit the cross bar two minutes later with a fierce shot as Kenya pilled massive pressure on the dreaded Eagles.
Nigeria rarely threatened the packed Kenyan defence marshalled by skipper Musa Otieno, John Njoroge, George Owino and Julius Awino who was preferred over veteran Mulinge Ndeto, but Nigeria almost added the tally during first half injury time when Origi let the ball slip through his hands but recovered to thwart Ikechukwu’s effort.
In the second half, Stars started of strongly and could have scored two goals in two minutes. Oliech beat Nigeria’s defence to remain with Enyeama and unselfishly passed the ball to Patrick Oboya who embarrassingly tumbled with an empty goal at his mercy.
Two minutes later, Oliech was again in action, this time he beat Enyeama and squared the ball for Owino who just needed to tap the ball to the net, but his first touch let him down.
Though Kenya went on to control the possession for long stretches, it couldn't capitalize and paid the price in the second half.
Kenya were made to pay for their missed chances when Owino brought down Osaze Odimingwe in the box for Inter Milan striker Nsofor to score from the spot in the 70th minute.
Nsofor added the third in the 75th minute with a fierce shot from inside the box following a counter attack instigated by Nwanko Kanu.
The road to the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations seemed rough for Harambee Stars after a losing start.
However, Tunisia’s 2-0 win over Mozambique on Saturday gave Stars hope.
With the top team in each group qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa next year and the top three set to book a ticket to the Africa Nations Cup in Angola, Mozambique’s loss to Tunisia is good news for Kenya.
After the loss to Nigeria, Stars can still revive their continental dream by beating Mozambique in Nairobi in a fortnight.
Kenya, who are in Group Two with Tunisia, Nigeria and Mozambique.
Talking Pussy
We've been hearing rumors about a Pussycat Dolls split for years, yet nothing has come from it. Well, now after a not so stellar Australian tour, the end might finally be here. But it won't be so much of a breakup as it will be a revamp.
It's no surprise that many of the girls resent lead singer Nicole Scherzinger for constant limelight-hogging, as well as taking separate projects from the group, but now, one of the original dolls is speaking up.
The most outspoken of the bunch, Melody Thornton, clears up the air about the group in general, saying: "It's good news for our fans. I don't think we're breaking up any time soon. As long as this thing is moving, we're all still here…(The reviews) say a lot about the need for an evolution within the Pussycat Dolls. "
And when asked about Nicole, she does not hold back either: "Nicole's always had extra things going on as opposed to the rest of us, but we have aspirations as well. It's definitely a huge misconception that we are just chilling and happy to just be members of the group."
But what really caught our eye is the singer's admiration for the groups amazing opening act, Lady GaGa. The press has been giving her more buzz and praise then the PCD, but it hasn't seemed to phase the girls. In fact, Melody jumps right on the bandwagon: "Lady GaGa is bringing something new and fresh. I think she's amazing."
As do we. Maybe you guys should start by revamping the tour. You guys open and let Lady GaGa headline.
We'd come to see that!
No Playdate for Lindsay & Britney
Sorry Lindsay Lohan. Britney Spears won't be able to come out and play with you.
Papa Spears and the rest of the fam are putting the kabosh on that one!
While Britney is performing her Circus tour in London and Lindsay is stalking her ex-girlfriend in the same town, sources are saying that Camp Brit-Brit is keeping her away from the "loose cannon" that is Lindsanity.
The source says: "She and Lindsay used to be friends, but it was all about going out partying. Brit's family are trying to steer her away from the every night extremes that Lindsay gets up to."
Guess you are a bad influence, LiLo.
Now, someone should step in and do the same thing for little Ali Lohan!
Facebook See Profits in New Payment System
As Facebook continues to both grow and avoid profitability, can the social networking site make money by employing a site-wide e-commerce platform?
As social networking use continues to increase at a staggering rate, is Facebook on the way to decreasing its reliance on ads as it attempts to achieve profitability?
It appears that may be the case, if the social networking site can successfully employ a unified payment system for virtual goods used in games at the site, therefore putting the company in a position to get a slice of the revenue.
Facebook began early roll-out of an internal payment system allowing members to buy "credits," then use those to purchase virtual goods from third-party applications, such as games, that run on the site, according to the Financial Times Web site.
If reports are true, it could mean that the social networking site is making some progress at earning some money from its 300 million members. "Facebook hopes that by offering a site-wide currency it will encourage more commerce on the Web site. By serving as the payment provider, it will capture a percentage of every transaction," according to the Financial Times.
The way the system works now leaves Facebook out of the payment loop, as third-party developers create their own payment systems and take all the revenue. The premise is that a unified payment system for items such as virtual poker chips for card games would make it easier for Facebook members to play more games. This, in turn, would benefit everyone involved, but especially Facebook, which would be getting a cut of the transaction, and therefore presumably making money off the revenue stream for games, which is quite significant.
For now, it seems Facebook is using the payment system with just three applications, but plans to introduce it to more in coming weeks.
As Facebook, like other social networking sites, struggles to generate revenue, one of Facebook's largest app developers, social gaming firm Zynga, is reportedly pulling in revenue of approximately $100 million a year, according to the blog AllFacebook.com. The company makes games for other sites, so that may not all be coming from Facebook applications, but it does signal there's money to be made.
Zynga is one of the leading third-party developers on Facebook, with approximately 42 million monthly active Facebook members playing its games, which include the Texas Hold 'Em and Mob Wars. The payment component comes in when, for instance, players buy virtual poker chips to play the card game.
Zynga and Facebook had not returned calls seeking comment by press time.
News of Facebook's push for profitablity comes at a time when social networking continues to grow at a rapid clip. The amount of time people in the U.S. spend on social networking sites jumped 83 percent over the past year, according to a study by market researcher Nielsen Online released yesterday.
And Facebook is leading the way -- Facebook users in the U.S. collectively spent 13.9 billion minutes on Facebook in April 2009, up 700 percent from the 1.7 billion minutes they were spending in April 2008, according to the study.
Minutes spent on Twitter soared a whopping 3,712 percent to almost 300 million, versus around 7.8 million from the same month a year ago.
"We have seen some major growth in Facebook during the past year, and a subsequent decline in MySpace," Jon Gibs, Nielsen's vice president for online media and agency insights, said in a statement. "Twitter has come on the scene in an explosive way perhaps changing the outlook for the entire space."
But the report also warned that what's hot in the social networking space today, may not be tomorrow. "Remember Friendster? Remember when MySpace was an unbeatable force? Neither Facebook nor Twitter are immune," said Gibs. "Consumers have shown that they are willing to pick up their networks and move them to another platform, seemingly at a moment's notice."
For now, however, it appears Facebook may in a position to finally leverage its vast member community, though at least one analyst thinks social gaming may not ultimately be the most profitable.
"Facebook is experimenting with a lot of things in this area right now, so I see this as just one part of that, I don't think it's going to be the absolute revenue generator for the company," said Jeremiah Owyang, social media analyst with Forester, told InternetNews.com.
Rather, he said focusing on streaming content is a better strategy. "One of the biggest opportunities for them is to monetize media, stream content within the network, things that people want to view in a social context," said Owyang. "For example, if you streamed 'Wolverine,' and had people watch it live, they might pay to do that. Another example is something like the inauguration. I think that's an interesting play because members might just pay for premium content in a social context."
As social networking use continues to increase at a staggering rate, is Facebook on the way to decreasing its reliance on ads as it attempts to achieve profitability?
It appears that may be the case, if the social networking site can successfully employ a unified payment system for virtual goods used in games at the site, therefore putting the company in a position to get a slice of the revenue.
Facebook began early roll-out of an internal payment system allowing members to buy "credits," then use those to purchase virtual goods from third-party applications, such as games, that run on the site, according to the Financial Times Web site.
If reports are true, it could mean that the social networking site is making some progress at earning some money from its 300 million members. "Facebook hopes that by offering a site-wide currency it will encourage more commerce on the Web site. By serving as the payment provider, it will capture a percentage of every transaction," according to the Financial Times.
The way the system works now leaves Facebook out of the payment loop, as third-party developers create their own payment systems and take all the revenue. The premise is that a unified payment system for items such as virtual poker chips for card games would make it easier for Facebook members to play more games. This, in turn, would benefit everyone involved, but especially Facebook, which would be getting a cut of the transaction, and therefore presumably making money off the revenue stream for games, which is quite significant.
For now, it seems Facebook is using the payment system with just three applications, but plans to introduce it to more in coming weeks.
As Facebook, like other social networking sites, struggles to generate revenue, one of Facebook's largest app developers, social gaming firm Zynga, is reportedly pulling in revenue of approximately $100 million a year, according to the blog AllFacebook.com. The company makes games for other sites, so that may not all be coming from Facebook applications, but it does signal there's money to be made.
Zynga is one of the leading third-party developers on Facebook, with approximately 42 million monthly active Facebook members playing its games, which include the Texas Hold 'Em and Mob Wars. The payment component comes in when, for instance, players buy virtual poker chips to play the card game.
Zynga and Facebook had not returned calls seeking comment by press time.
News of Facebook's push for profitablity comes at a time when social networking continues to grow at a rapid clip. The amount of time people in the U.S. spend on social networking sites jumped 83 percent over the past year, according to a study by market researcher Nielsen Online released yesterday.
And Facebook is leading the way -- Facebook users in the U.S. collectively spent 13.9 billion minutes on Facebook in April 2009, up 700 percent from the 1.7 billion minutes they were spending in April 2008, according to the study.
Minutes spent on Twitter soared a whopping 3,712 percent to almost 300 million, versus around 7.8 million from the same month a year ago.
"We have seen some major growth in Facebook during the past year, and a subsequent decline in MySpace," Jon Gibs, Nielsen's vice president for online media and agency insights, said in a statement. "Twitter has come on the scene in an explosive way perhaps changing the outlook for the entire space."
But the report also warned that what's hot in the social networking space today, may not be tomorrow. "Remember Friendster? Remember when MySpace was an unbeatable force? Neither Facebook nor Twitter are immune," said Gibs. "Consumers have shown that they are willing to pick up their networks and move them to another platform, seemingly at a moment's notice."
For now, however, it appears Facebook may in a position to finally leverage its vast member community, though at least one analyst thinks social gaming may not ultimately be the most profitable.
"Facebook is experimenting with a lot of things in this area right now, so I see this as just one part of that, I don't think it's going to be the absolute revenue generator for the company," said Jeremiah Owyang, social media analyst with Forester, told InternetNews.com.
Rather, he said focusing on streaming content is a better strategy. "One of the biggest opportunities for them is to monetize media, stream content within the network, things that people want to view in a social context," said Owyang. "For example, if you streamed 'Wolverine,' and had people watch it live, they might pay to do that. Another example is something like the inauguration. I think that's an interesting play because members might just pay for premium content in a social context."
Kaka switch to Chelsea ruled out
AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has insisted playmaker Kaka will not be joining Chelsea.
It is believed Kaka is close to a £56m move to Real Madrid but reports claimed the Blues, coached by ex-Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti, made a late £73m bid.
Chelsea said reports of such a move for the Brazilian were "totally untrue".
"An agreement with Chelsea could not exist. Kaka goes to Real or he remains at Milan," Galliani told Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport.
"Negotiations with Real do exist but an agreement is not done."
A statement from Chelsea read: "We've never made an offer to AC Milan for Kaka.
"As a consequence we have not discussed a salary with the player either. Any reports to the contrary are totally untrue."
Kaka, who joined Milan from Sao Paolo in September 2003, is reportedly poised for a five-year deal with Real for a salary worth £7m a year.
But Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has still not sanctioned any move and plans to talk to Kaka on Monday before announcing a decision on the player's future.
However, Galliani insisted the deal makes financial sense for Milan.
"The reasons for the departure of Kaka are solely economic, Milan cannot go on losing 70m euros a year," he said.
Former Milan coach Ancelotti, 49, who officially takes over as Chelsea manager on 1 July, previously stated: "There is one player I would like to sign but I cannot take him with me."
Reports have also linked the Stamford Bridge outfit with two other Milan players - 19-year-old Brazilian Alexandre Pato and Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo - but Galliani was adamant no more stars would be leaving the San Siro.
"We're not falling apart. The other big players are not for sale. Now a great attacker will arrive," he added.
FOOTBALL'S MOST EXPENSIVE DEALS
£46m: Zinedine Zidane - Juventus to Real Madrid (2001)
£37m: Luis Figo - Barcelona to Real Madrid (2000)
£35.5m: Hernan Crespo - Parma to Lazio (2000)
£32.5m Robinho - Real Madrid to Man City (2008) £32.5m
£32m: Christian Vieri - Lazio to Inter Milan (1999)
"There is a negotiation for Kaka but none of our other key men are for sale. That includes Alexandre Pato, Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf."
AC Milan sold Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea for about £30m in 2006 before the Ukraine striker returned to Italy two seasons later on loan and Berlusconi believes the current situation over Kaka is very similar.
"It is always our lads who decide where they want to play. Now we will see," he stated. "I can only say that we were very attached to Sheva.
"When an offer arrived that we could not equal, because I had a great friendship with him, I did all I could to convince him but in the end I left it up to him."
It had been claimed that Kaka's father and agent Bosco Leite had already sealed the transfer in Madrid, with Berlusconi conceding the player may move because "they have offered him so much money".
The proposed £56m fee would be a world record in pounds sterling but not euros because the exchange rate is different to when Zinedine Zidane moved to Real for £45.6m in 2001.
As well as the player's father, Galliani was also in Madrid, although the Italian club insisted that was because he had been invited to a dinner for the election of Perez as Real's new president.
"AC Milan and Real reckon they have the basis for a deal," Spanish football expert Sid Lowe told BBC Radio 5 Live. "But there are things in the way, like the commission to be paid to Kaka's father and with the European elections coming up on Thursday, Berlusconi will not want to lose him just now."
Earlier this year, Kaka rejected a £100m transfer and a reported wage offer of £500,000-a-week to go to Manchester City and in an interview on Tuesday he told Gazzetta dello Sport he wanted to stay at the Serie A club.
In January, Berlusconi admitted the scale of City's offer made it difficult for Milan to keep hold of the Brazilian.
Returning Real president Perez was previously in charge of the Spanish club from 2000 to 2006 - during the famous Galacticos era that resulted in the spending of large fees to bring the likes of Ronaldo, David Beckham, Luis Figo and Zidane to the club.
Perez's comeback is on the back of a pledge to relaunch another Galacticos era, with Kaka known to be one of his chief targets.
Kaka is currently with the Brazil squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo on Saturday.
It is believed Kaka is close to a £56m move to Real Madrid but reports claimed the Blues, coached by ex-Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti, made a late £73m bid.
Chelsea said reports of such a move for the Brazilian were "totally untrue".
"An agreement with Chelsea could not exist. Kaka goes to Real or he remains at Milan," Galliani told Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport.
"Negotiations with Real do exist but an agreement is not done."
A statement from Chelsea read: "We've never made an offer to AC Milan for Kaka.
"As a consequence we have not discussed a salary with the player either. Any reports to the contrary are totally untrue."
Kaka, who joined Milan from Sao Paolo in September 2003, is reportedly poised for a five-year deal with Real for a salary worth £7m a year.
But Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has still not sanctioned any move and plans to talk to Kaka on Monday before announcing a decision on the player's future.
However, Galliani insisted the deal makes financial sense for Milan.
"The reasons for the departure of Kaka are solely economic, Milan cannot go on losing 70m euros a year," he said.
Former Milan coach Ancelotti, 49, who officially takes over as Chelsea manager on 1 July, previously stated: "There is one player I would like to sign but I cannot take him with me."
Reports have also linked the Stamford Bridge outfit with two other Milan players - 19-year-old Brazilian Alexandre Pato and Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo - but Galliani was adamant no more stars would be leaving the San Siro.
"We're not falling apart. The other big players are not for sale. Now a great attacker will arrive," he added.
FOOTBALL'S MOST EXPENSIVE DEALS
£46m: Zinedine Zidane - Juventus to Real Madrid (2001)
£37m: Luis Figo - Barcelona to Real Madrid (2000)
£35.5m: Hernan Crespo - Parma to Lazio (2000)
£32.5m Robinho - Real Madrid to Man City (2008) £32.5m
£32m: Christian Vieri - Lazio to Inter Milan (1999)
"There is a negotiation for Kaka but none of our other key men are for sale. That includes Alexandre Pato, Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf."
AC Milan sold Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea for about £30m in 2006 before the Ukraine striker returned to Italy two seasons later on loan and Berlusconi believes the current situation over Kaka is very similar.
"It is always our lads who decide where they want to play. Now we will see," he stated. "I can only say that we were very attached to Sheva.
"When an offer arrived that we could not equal, because I had a great friendship with him, I did all I could to convince him but in the end I left it up to him."
It had been claimed that Kaka's father and agent Bosco Leite had already sealed the transfer in Madrid, with Berlusconi conceding the player may move because "they have offered him so much money".
The proposed £56m fee would be a world record in pounds sterling but not euros because the exchange rate is different to when Zinedine Zidane moved to Real for £45.6m in 2001.
As well as the player's father, Galliani was also in Madrid, although the Italian club insisted that was because he had been invited to a dinner for the election of Perez as Real's new president.
"AC Milan and Real reckon they have the basis for a deal," Spanish football expert Sid Lowe told BBC Radio 5 Live. "But there are things in the way, like the commission to be paid to Kaka's father and with the European elections coming up on Thursday, Berlusconi will not want to lose him just now."
Earlier this year, Kaka rejected a £100m transfer and a reported wage offer of £500,000-a-week to go to Manchester City and in an interview on Tuesday he told Gazzetta dello Sport he wanted to stay at the Serie A club.
In January, Berlusconi admitted the scale of City's offer made it difficult for Milan to keep hold of the Brazilian.
Returning Real president Perez was previously in charge of the Spanish club from 2000 to 2006 - during the famous Galacticos era that resulted in the spending of large fees to bring the likes of Ronaldo, David Beckham, Luis Figo and Zidane to the club.
Perez's comeback is on the back of a pledge to relaunch another Galacticos era, with Kaka known to be one of his chief targets.
Kaka is currently with the Brazil squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo on Saturday.
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