Live in Belfast and play

Google Finance launched

2006-03-21T21:40:00.000Z

The search advertising company launched its financial news site last night, with an interesting take on meshing stock charts and news related to a company.

The new Google Finance presents a very uncluttered look to the first-time visitor. A Market Summary of four major North American indexes shows their prices and price changes with a Flash-based chart, and a list of finance-related news items appears below the summary.

That very simple look quickly yields its more sophisticated features. Mousing over each of the indexes in the market summary changes the chart to match the index being selected. Entering a stock symbol into the search box brings up information one expects to see for a publicly-traded company: stock price, market cap, trading volume, and the usual ratios.

News about the company appears on the right, with each news item tagged with a letter. Those letters appear on the stock chart below the stock price. Here, Google has neatly crafted its chart with click and drag functionality familiar to users of Google Maps.

Users can drag the chart back and forth to see the peaks and valleys of a stock's performance in the market. On top of that, a resizable window over a five-year chart of the stock price can be widened or narrowed. That changes the part of the stock chart displayed.

Those letter tags for news items appear on the chart, where users can see how the stock performed on the day of that news event. Clicking the letter next to a news item highlights it in blue on the chart. By clicking a letter on the chart, the related news item on the right will have its corresponding letter highlight. The news will scroll to display the item if it is not currently in view.

The news draws its content from Google News, and visitors can get probably most of the information they want about a company without ever scrolling down the page past the news and chart. But there is a lot more information to find below the chart and news.

Company facts, a summary, financials, and the management team appear in sections. Mousing over a member of the management team displays a picture and more information about the individual. Further down the page, company related posts found in Google Blog Search appear. A section on related companies show how the competition has performed.

Users can also choose from links within a section of more resources, like analyst estimates or SEC filings. Finally, Google offers discussion groups for each company, and dedicated a section of the Finance FAQ to discussing how those work.

Google has people watching these discussion groups, to ensure posts comply with guidelines they have set forth. While primarily they have been focused on providing a civil discussion environment, Google does not want pump-and-dump touts working the groups either.

Google's noted engineer and blogger Matt Cutts posted about one aspect of the search on Google Finance he particularly likes:

If you do a search for Lexmark, the search will show you an info page for Lexmark (stock symbol: LXK). If you didn't want a company profile page, over in the top right is a "Find more results for lexmark" link so you can search for Lexmark Canada or whatever. At most finance pages, if you typed "Lexmark" into the search box, you'll get a message like "That's not a stock symbol! Click over here to search for a stock symbol." You end up clicking 3-4 times, when the logical behavior is to give you the best matching stock profile, then give you the option to do a deeper search.

Cheap International Phone Calls From UK

2006-03-19T15:19:00.000Z

How to make cheap international telephone calls from UK - many of us searching how to do a long distance telephone calls for a penny or two. Main telecom companies like BT and NTL are ready to take your pants down with their charges for your international calls. Alternative would be to use a phone cards or a small telecom companies who specializes in international calls.

Some people have heard or even use alternative telecom companies to make cheap international phone calls from UK, like Telediscount, Ratebuster, Dialwise, Pennyphone etc. They are known as dial through companies and all you need to do to take advantage of these savings is to dial the dial through access number. Different phone companies specializes in a different types of international phone call deals, which means that the cheap long distance call plan that works for one country won't necessarily work for another. Most telecom companies charge different telephone call prices at different times of day for local and national calls while others offer really cheap international phone calls from as little as 1p or 2p per minute. For example you can call USA, most of western Europe (France, Germany, Spain etc) for as little as 1p per minute – a big savings on your bill!

How to make cheap international calls from your landline using call through companies:
1. Dial low cost access number for your destination
2. At the prompt dial the international phone number starting with "00" and destination
3. Your international call's low rate will then be conveniently charged to your current phone bill.
For example to make a call to Ireland: dial chosen company's telephone number, wait for connection, dial you destination telephone number 00353 123 456789

With more than 15 companies available it is not an easy task to find out which company offers best rate for your destination and prices often change on a daily basis. Cheap International Phone Call website and others has been created to provide you with a complete, comprehensive and most of all easy to use guides to the cheapest international call prices offered by telecom service providers to all countries around the world from the UK. With more than 16 companies available to chose from, long distance calls becoming easy and cheap everyday activity.

All the companies reviewed on comparison sites requires no sign up or account, you don't need a credit card, you do not need to change your phone provider, purchase any special devices or even buy a phone card. Using dial through low-cost access numbers to make your international and long distance calls you can save huge amounts on your phone bill.

Happy Talking!

consultant to the international phone call comparison website http://www.internationalcheapcalls.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gintaras_Kuginis

Suzuki To Enter world rally championship with SX4 WRC

2006-03-02T11:35:00.000Z

Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced on Tuesday, 28 February, 2006, at the Geneva International Motor Show that it will enter the World Rally Championship (WRC) from August, 2007 onwards.

Suzuki will use its all new Sports X-over vehicle SX4 as the basis for its WRC challenge. SX4, also launched today at the Geneva Show, is another all new and revolutionary concept from Suzuki. The Suzuki WRC should be based on the model presented at the Geneva Motor Show, a car that Suzuki developed in partnership with Fiat.

Suzuki’s decision to participate in the WRC – which, alongside F1, is one of the world’s most popular motor sport championships – follows on from its very successful involvement with its teams in the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC).

Outline of the Suzuki SX4 WRC

The JWRC version will now be the focus of further detailed development and testing to increase its competitive potential to the maximum in order that it can prove to be a worthy WRC challenger from August, 2007 onwards.

Full technical details of new Suzuki SX4 WRC will be announced progressively prior to its first competitive appearances. Currently development of its power unit and power train is well advanced and the prototype car is equipped with a new 2.0 litre turbo charged J20 engine. This engine already provides torque of 65kg.m at 3,000rpm and 320bhp at 4,000-5,000 rpm.

The new all-wheel drive system developed for the WRC car by Suzuki includes mechanical differentials front and rear and an electronic differential located in the centre. Power is transmitted via a 5-speed sequential gearbox.

Free International calls

2006-02-19T22:11:00.000Z

to make free international calls from your mobile click here http://www.cheapestinternationalcalls.com/free-calls-mobile.htm

Use your inclusive cross network minutes for international calls, should work from O2 and Orange. Calls made by mobile phone contract users will utilise inclusive cross network minutes. When all inclusive minutes have been used, calls will be charged at regular cross network call rates (subject to individual mobile phone provider - providers 3 and Vodaphone will charge for these calls).

First was cheap international calls, now its free international calls from UK! Nice1!

MSN ContentAds: Microsoft Contextual Ad Program

2006-02-16T14:05:00.000Z

Long time expected Microsoft Contextual Ad Program, named MSN ContentAds, would be their contextual advertising program name and a launch date will be sometime in 2006 – Jen has spotted, while browsing through the speakers of Mix06 where she will be speaking at next month.

In the description, Microsoft disclose not only the name of their new contextual ad program, but also a much narrower timeline for the launch timeline.

Speaker(s): David Jakubowski, Jed Nahum Session Type(s): Breakout adCenter is the next generation of online advertising that will allow you to conveniently plan, execute, and adjust your online advertising programs. Get the insider view of our current search advertising pilot in the U.S., our plans for ContentAds in 2006 and a preview of the innovations we’re testing at the Microsoft adLabs.

Jen observes that, the fact that MSN is planning their program to launch relatively soon in the contextual advertising timeline is very good news to webpublishers. With YPN taking over two years to launch after the introduction of Google AdSense, it wouldn’t have been surprising to see MSN not offer their own contextual program until 2007 or 2008 - extremely likely ContentAds will only be in beta for a launch in 2006, but still much earlier than expected by many.

Adsense For Blogs Tips

2006-02-08T00:31:00.000Z

The official adsense blog carries some new tips on maximising your blog’s revenue potential through applying some basic techniques:

- Choose the right ad formats
- Place ads where your readers will notice
- Improve targeting
- Customize your ad colors
- Use channels to track your ads’ success (or failure)

Most of this is probably “old news” to those who have already invested loads of time and effort in optimising your blogs, but it is still nice to see a brief summary from Adsense.

Amazon Sense

2006-02-08T00:02:00.000Z

Amazon apparently has started a beta test where it places contextual ads on a third-party published sites, similar to those delivered by Yahoo or Google in their ad networks. Amazon has joined this game well ahead of MSN's forthcoming breakup with Overture in favor of its adCenter service.

The news about Amazon's ad aspirations (G Adsense like) broke when "Website Publisher" founder Chris Beasley blogged about being called up by the massive online retailer to take part in their test:

"Amazon is apparently looking into the feasibility of starting their own ad network like Adsense. They’ve been contacting select members of their associates programs, asking if they'd like to be beta testers. The way they want the beta test to work is to give you a special code for Amazon’s Keywords Recommends banners (the banners that you feed a keyword to and they show related products) and have this special code then show these new ads 50% of the time. ... "

Full article from Site Point blog.

BMW rolls out monster motors

2006-02-07T22:31:00.000Z

Fleet of new petrol and diesel engines

You probably have already heard the story on the new M3’s monumental V8. But what about a 2.0-litre diesel knocking out 200bhp or a 3.0-litre packing 300bhp, not to mention a pair of turbo-charged straight-six petrol powerplants? BMW already has arguably the best range of engines in the car world, but these new lumps will probably have the opposition feeling even sicker.

If German mag Auto Bild is correct, the M-Power V8 in the new M3 will out put around 425bhp from a 4.4-litre capacity. That sounds about right – it’s just enough to trump the Audi RS4’s 414bhp bent eight.

Auto Bild also shears some info on the upcoming twin-turbo straight-six petrol unit. The German mag now claims it will come in two trims – 275bhp and 375bhp. Time will tell, but the latter unit sounds a little close to the M3’s V8 for comfort. The real world performance difference between a high revving 425bhp V8 and a 375bhp turbo six would be tighter than a gnat’s chuff – and it might even fall in favour of the more flexible turbo engine.

Whatever, perhaps the most impressive engines on Auto Bild’s crib sheet are a pair of new diesel units. The 2.0-litre four pot is expected to be upgraded to fully 200bhp, while the straight-six derv drinker gets two new power outputs: 250bhp and 300bhp. That really is piling on the pressure. It’s only relatively recently that BMW released the existing 272bhp 3.0-litre diesel six. And that’s not an engine many thought was lacking grunt.

Mitsubishi unveils new Concept X

2006-02-07T21:49:00.000Z

Mitsubishi’s stunning anb beautiful Concept-X, first time shown in Tokyo in October, makes its European debut in Geneva. With Advanced Super All Wheel Control drivetrain, powerful 2.0-litre turbo-blown engine and six-speed clutchless transmission, the Concept-X hints strongly at just what to expect from the next generation of Evolution cars.

In a notisable departure from the previous rally-inspired Evolution models the Concept-X, styled by Mitsubishi Design Europe, trades in its predecessor’s stocky and foursquare proportions for sleeker and more stilish lines.

It’s a dynamic and athletic look enhanced by its gaping air intake, louvered bonnet, hawk-eyed headlamps, chunky 20inch alloy wheels and bold rear spoiler. Beneath that sexy alloy-intensive sheetmetal lies some equally enticing hardware. Concept-X is powered by a turbo-charged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder MIVEC engine that drives all four wheels through a clutch-less six-gear gearbox.

With an exterior that carries over the full flavor of Lancer Evolution’s spartan road machine image and a high quality interior with a functional layout that encourages the driver to concentrate solely on operating his machine, MITSUBISHI Concept-X points to way a new-age Evolution design that is as handsome and purposeful as it is functional.

In the mechanical components department, MITSUBISHI Concept-X mates a turbocharged aluminum cylinder block MIVEC engine to a high-performance 6-speed auto-manual transmission. Extensive use is made of aluminum in the roof, engine hood and other body panels. Chassis performance has been substantially improved with the introduction of Mitsubishi’s latest 4WD-based Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system. The incarnation of driving pleasure, this highly advanced technical specification makes MITSUBISHI Concept-X a showcase on wheels for Mitsubishi Motors’ quintessential road performance technology.

Design

The team has crafted a form with lines that are purposeful and handsome; a form that symbolizes the New Mitsubishi Motors Design while retaining the spartan performance image that defines the Lancer Evolution series.

Distinguished by its eye-catching oversized grille, the front visage borrows design cues from a jet fighter to hint broadly at the huge quantities of air it draws in and at the car’s road-hugging stability. The brand-identifying 3-diamond logo on the leading edge of the engine hood is another distinguishing element of the new-age Evolution design.

The simple and functional layout of the cockpit is put together in a design that encourages the driver to concentrate fully on operating his machine. The design team has spared no effort in developing coloring and lighting that engender a keener competition look to the interior. The black keynote interior color uses silver counterpoints to impart the material look of aluminum and create a more dynamic and athletic looking interior space.

Powertrain

MITSUBISHI Concept-X is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC intercooler-turbocharged engine that delivers instant response at all engine speeds with flat torque that keeps pulling up to the red line. MITSUBISHI Concept-X uses a clutchless 6-speed auto-manual transmission that realizes slicker shifting and higher transmission efficiency than a regular manual gearbox. Paddle shifters mounted on the steering column allow the driver to concentrate on his steering better and enable drivers of all abilities to experience the satisfying pleasure of sport driving.

Body and chassis

The ring-structure frame design realizes a significant increase in body stiffness, while the use of aluminum in the engine hood, trunk lid, fenders, roof and front and rear door panels reduces weight. Reducing weight in the roof and upper parts of the body lowers the center of gravity, while weight reduction in the doors, engine hood, trunk and other peripheral elements reduces the moment of inertia for better steerability. Weight reduction, lowering the center of gravity and reducing the moment of inertia all contribute to better motive performance and better handling.

The suspension features a MacPherson strut at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Working in concert with Mitsubishi Motors’ “Roll Control Suspension” technology, this design delivers very high levels of ride and road holding.

On-board Multi-Media System

The On-Board Multi-Media System complements the interior design in the way it encourages a dialogue between driver and machine. The high-definition LCD monitor provides a real-time display of vehicle and S-AWC operating status while also displaying on-board navigation system maps and DVD audio controls. Rear seat passengers have their own LCD displays at the back of the front seats that allow them to share with the driver driving-related information and to share the fun-to-drive experience.

Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC)

MITSUBISHI Concept-X showcases Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control technology. A further step up the evolutionary ladder of Mitsubishi Motors four-wheel drive traction and handling technology well proven in the Lancer Evolution and other series, S-AWC realizes cutting-edge levels of vehicle dynamics control. Based on Mitsubishi’s full-time 4WD system, as used in Lancer Evolution, that is built around ACD3 and Super AYC4 component technologies, S-AWC adds Active Brake Control, Active Steering System and Roll Control Suspension technologies to realize a fully integrated system.

WRC cars CAN drift

2006-02-07T11:59:00.000Z

my hobby is rally, and i spend loads of time watching world rally championship, local rally competitions on TV or in real. I've came across this nice compilation at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq5dAHw-pbs of World Rally Cars drifting. Check this out!

Also I came across this video http://www.youtube.com/?v=6NOJMcnOjzA - a new World Rally Car from Citroen! Its nice to see C4 in WRC shape, I hope it would score loads of victories in coming years on WRC stages :)

Make cheap international calls from UK

2005-11-28T12:31:00.000Z

Great International calls comparison websites loiol (loyal) and cheapestinternationalcalls
If you’ve got a family or friends living abroad you’ll probably make a few international calls a month but, no matter how brief they are, they’ll bump up your BT or NTL bill considerably. Whether you’re organising a reunion, declaring your hot love, or just catching up on what’s going on in Neighbours, it’s nice to chat without worrying about the cost. For international calls, there can be a big differences in costs depending on which telephone company you use.

Which companies offer cheap international call rates?

There is no need for an account with these providers; they can be accessed instantly. To do this, dial the special access number listed. This connects you to the provider's system and you are charged the fixed rate for making the call. Once connected, you simply dial the number you want to call. The initial fixed rate access call charge (ie the 1p or 2p or 7p/min listed) is all you pay. There is no further charge. These companies make their money by receiving a proportion of the income from the access calls.

Living in Belfast

2005-11-28T12:28:00.000Z

HI,

I've spent 8 years living in Belfast, and in this blog I will be sharing my experience :)

Dudlydum aka Ginty