Futures jump on optimism over Greek deal

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures jumped on Thursday after a Greek official reported a strong uptake by investors for a debt swap that faces a deadline later in the day.

The official told Reuters the percentage of holders accepting a deal was very high, adding that the government was optimistic ahead of a 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) deadline. A debt restructuring is a key element in an international rescue package.

European and Asian shares rallied on the prospect that one of the biggest overhangs for markets will be removed, at least for now. The FTSE Eurofirst 300 <.fetu3> rose 1.3 percent as banks surged. Japan's Nikkei index <.nk225> closed up 2 percent.

"It puts the issue at rest at least in the short term but it is unlikely to be the panacea or the end of drama," said Oliver Pursche, president at Gary Goldberg Financial Services in Suffern, New York.

Weekly jobless claims data will be closely watched ahead of Friday's key payrolls report and a day after a private survey showed the private sector added more jobs than expected last month. A slowly improving jobs market has been a key driver of the recent stocks rally.

Economists in a Reuters survey forecast a total of 351,000 new claims for unemployment insurance, a repeat of the previous week's number. The data will be released at 8:30 a.m. EDT (1330 GMT).

S&P 500 futures gained 11.4 points and were above fair value, a formula that evaluates pricing by taking into account interest rates, dividends and time to expiration on the contract. Dow Jones industrial average futures were up 104 points, and Nasdaq 100 futures added 20.5 points.

Central banks were expected to maintain the easy money policies that have been a tailwind for the stock market.

The European Central Bank is expected to keep interest rates on hold. The Bank of England looks set to stick to its ultra-loose monetary policy to support a weak economy.

Pursche said despite the strong uptrend in the stock market, he was increasingly concerned about the outlook for first-quarter corporate earnings. Margin contraction and earnings misses could hit the market hard later this year, he said.

" We see the margin compression, we see the profit misses in ... fourth-quarter reports and we are trying to discern whether or not that continues," he said.

" Right now the market is still in a pronounced uptrend so we are not taking any chips off the table yet, but we are identifying positions that we think are most vulnerable."

Chipmaker Altera Corp is due to release first-quarter earnings after forecasting weak revenue on soft demand, underscoring a shaky rebound in the semiconductor industry.

Apple Inc launched the newest version of its popular iPad tablet computer, which it hopes will keep rivals at bay.

General Motors Co's chief executive said it may be two years before its European division is making a profit as it sheds overcapacity.

A strong geomagnetic storm is racing from the sun toward Earth, and its expected arrival on Thursday could affect power grids, airplane routes and space-based satellite navigation systems, space weather experts said.

(Reporting by Edward Krudy; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/u-stock-index-futures-point-higher-open-105205400.html

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HTC One X rooted before release with Modaco Superboot

The HTC One X has been rooted before it's official release thanks to Android hacker Paul O'Brien. With his Superboot method, any One X that has S-Off, or has been unlocked via the official HTCDev bootloader tool will be subject to this method, which uses the fastboot protocol to boot an insecure image that automatically loads the files needed for a system-wide root. It's easy, it works well, and should make for a simple way to root your phone once we get the One X in our hands, as long as HTC supports the device at launch with their bootloader tools.

Which is where things get a tad more complicated. Paul developed this method using a phone that was factory S-Off, which we shouldn't count on seeing in the wild. Traditionally, HTC has waited a while before providing access to their bootloader unlocking tool for new models, and without it we won't be able to boot with the Superboot image. Couple this with the different version we'll see here in the states for AT&T and things get a little more complicated. 

As usual, we all appreciate the work Paul does with new phones, and are looking forward to having a fully rooted and unlocked HTC One X in our hot little hands. Let's just hope that HTC supports unlocking the bootloaders in a timely fashion, and that Paul's work helps developers for the AT&T model as well. 

Source: Modaco; via Android Central forums

 

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/lmJwzOv4g-w/story01.htm

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Fujitsu Lifebook UH572 with Ivy Bridge hands-on (video)

We've seen plenty of laptops here at CeBIT, but not so many with an Ivy Bridge processor inside. Yep, that Fujitsu you see coyly sunning itself in the Intel business center above is a fully paid-up member of that most exclusive of Intel gangs. Predictably, as we're a few months out from any official unveiling, the normal pre-production caveats apply, but we can't deny it's nice to finally see some Ivy Bridge action. We only had a limited time with the 1.5GHz notebook, and neither Intel or Fujitsu were able to share any more about what might actually make it out to market, but part number spotters (you know who you are) might want to jot down Intel IVY 2c 4MB 17W GT2 in your journals, as this is what we found on the underside.

As for the rest of the notebook, well there's a pair of USB 3.0 ports, ready to serve, as well as HDMI and other essentials (power, headphone and USB 2.0). The 320GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM are as likely to change as the weather, but that's what was in the machine before us. Needless to say the form factor is small, light and the build was typical of the Fujitsu laptops that we've seen before (considering this is a prototype). Will we see this exact model make it to production? Our magic 8 ball says "only time will tell." Be sure to check the video after the break for our hands-on.

Gallery: Fujitsu Lifebook UH572 hands-on

Continue reading Fujitsu Lifebook UH572 with Ivy Bridge hands-on (video)

Fujitsu Lifebook UH572 with Ivy Bridge hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/fujitsu-lifebook-uh572-ivy-bridge-hands-on/

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The new iPad is official, with Retina display, LTE and A5X CPU. Available March 16th

So, what'd you have in the office pool? iPad 3, iPad 2S, iPad HD? Doesn't matter, really. All that matters is that it's here! This is the next generation of Apple's iOS slate and, as usual, she's a beaut -- and yes, she's still rockin' a physical button. As was rumored this thing is packing a Retina display, potentially making this the most pixel-packed slate on the market. The 9.7-inch screen plays host to 3.1 million pixels in a 2048 x 1536 arrangement -- that's 264ppi. It's not just a higher resolution though, the screen also boasts improved color saturation. Of course, what would a new iPad be without some updated guts. The new model has an A5X processor and quad-core graphics chip. Apple even claims its newest sliver of silicon can deliver four times the performance of a Tegra 3 -- we'd say dems fightin' words.

There's also a new iSight camera on board that's quite similar to the version inside the iPhone 4S. It's only five-megapixels, but it does have a backside illuminated sensor with a five element lens. It's also capable of capturing 1080p video, which should come as no surprise. We're also excited to see the keyboard sporting a brand new dictation key that lets you speak instead of type -- yes, just like on Android. The new software inside will also let you use the slate as a portable WiFi hotspot... so long as the carriers are game. It even has the ability to recognize at least some bezel gestures, as revealed during its iPhoto demo.

Perhaps most exciting though, is the new connectivity options -- you guessed, LTE! The new iPad is sporting 21Mbps HSPA+, but it's also rocking an LTE radio capable of pulling down 73Mbps on both Verizon and AT&T here in the US. Outside of the states Rogers, Bell and Telus will also be scoring 4G flavors of the iOS tablet. Amazingly enough, even with an LTE antenna on board, Apple is still claiming to get 10 hours of battery life. That's probably partially do to the slightly increased weight of 1.4lbs, though the 9.4mm thickness is nothing to sniff at.

The new iPad will be available March 16th, starting at $499 for the 16GB WiFi model and scaling up to $829 for the 64GB version with 4G. So, on the price front, nothing has changed. Pre-orders start today in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia, with much of the rest of the globe to follow on March 23rd. For more details hit up the PR after the break.

Gallery: The new iPad is official

Gallery: Meet the new iPad

For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!

Continue reading The new iPad is official, with Retina display, LTE and A5X CPU. Available March 16th

The new iPad is official, with Retina display, LTE and A5X CPU. Available March 16th originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/the-new-ipad-is-official/

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Message from the President of the XIBF | Xian International ...

With the Chinese New Year celebrations behind us and looking forward to spring, it is good to look back on what the Xi?an International Business Forum has achieved during 2011 and what we are planning to do in this new year. The Annual General Meeting, which was held on Friday 17 February in Sheraton Hotel Xi?an, is the best occasion for this. We were pleased to welcome around 25 members that took the opportunity to have a voice in how we can best serve you as members of the international community in Xi?an and which members will represent them in the 2012 Committee.

During the Annual General Meeting, 5 Committee Members stepped down for different personal, work-related or relocation reasons and elections were held to?fill the empty seats. Seven new Committee members were elected and assumed their new roles in the Committee.

I would like to express my?sincere thanks to all the members who stepped down: Mark Franklin (Vice President ? since 2011), Tom Stader (Treasurer ? since 2010), Depesh Seth (Committee Member ? since 2011), Gaya Manukyan (Committee Member ? since 2011) and Scott Dunford (Committee Member ? since 2011).?With their enthusiasm,?experience, knowledge and hard work, they have all contributed in their own unique way to further develop the basis of what?the Forum is today: a strong platform to bring the Xi?an international community together and to reach out to?the Xi?an and Shaanxi community in a broad sense.

I?m furthermore pleased to introduce you to the following new elected Committee Members:

• Ogu Ahaneku?(Director ? Apri Ponte Consulting)
• Daniyar Akhmetov?(Student ?Xi?an Foreign Language University)
• Sung-Hoon Huh?(Consul ? Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Xi?an)
• Bart Janowski?(Owner ? Belgian Bar and Jano?s Backpackers)
• Christopher Moore?(General Manager ? Sheraton Xi?an North City Hotel)
• Bernhard Wimmer (General Manager ? Shangri-La Hotel Xi?an)
• Joseph Zhang?(Owner -Tobest International English School)

The sitting members Barbara Jiao (Secretary),Martin Stroka(Marketing Coordinator), Ed Sander (Online Communication Coordinator) and Charlie Wang will continue in their roles. Their contributions during 2011 were innovative and inspiring and they are all ready to make 2012 even better than the past year.? During the first meeting of the new Committee the new elected members Chris Moore, Daniyar Akhmetov and Bart Janowski have agreed to take up the respective roles of Vice President, Treasurer and Event Coordinator.

With this new team we want to continue to increase our member basis (our membership has more than doubled in the past year), to enhance our social and networking events, strengthen relationships with local government, partners and sponsors and consequently use our contacts to serve the members of the international community in the best possible way. We also plan to roll out a range of services/products to help support our business community. I?m looking forward to be part of this new and enthusiastic team!

All?Committee Members are excited to see you during upcoming events: St. Patrick?s Day Dinner & Party at Green Molly (March 17 as from 19:00 hrs.). Both members and non-members are welcome. We will be happy to sign you up for a membership but our most?important goal?is to engage all of you in the Xi?an international society. For details, contact and membership?information, membership benefits, more upcoming events and much more, please visit our website: http://www.xibf.org.

Thank you for your support and I?look forward to seeing you all soon!

Best regards,

Jan van Laar
President
Xian International Business Forum

---

The new committee consists of:

Sitting from left to right:
Daniyar Akhmetov ? Treasurer
Barbara Jiao ? Secretary
Jan van Laar ? President
Laura Wang ? Chief Representative
Huh Sung Hoon ? Committee Member

Standing from left to right:
Martin Stroka ? Marketing Coordinator
Bernhard Wimmer ? Committee Member
Christopher Moore ? Vice President
Ed Sander ? Online Communication Coordinator
Ogu Ahaneku ? Committee Member
Bart Janowski ? Events Coordinator
Charlie Wang ? Events Committee

Not in picture:
Joseph Zhang ? Committee Member

Source: http://www.xibf.org/message-from-the-president-of-the-xibf/

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Shanken News Daily: Exclusive news and research on the wine ...

March 5, 2012

?Diageo is introducing a new extension to its Bushmills Irish whiskey brand, Bushmills Irish Honey, available now nationwide. A blend of Bushmills Original Irish whiskey and real Irish honey, the variant will be sold first exclusively in the U.S. with distribution later expanding to global markets. At 35%-abv, Bushmills Irish Honey is priced at $24.99 a 750-ml. The Bushmills portfolio includes Bushmills Original, Black Bush, Bushmills 10-Year-Old Single Malt, Bushmills 16-Year-Old Single Malt and Bushmills 21-Year-Old Single Malt. The launch of Bushmills Irish Honey follows the success of Wild Turkey American Honey and Jack Daniel?s Tennessee Honey. While those brands are liqueurs, the positioning is similar. Both sold more than 200,000 cases in 2011.

?Beam Inc. has named Stephen Teeling global marketing director, Irish whiskey, responsible for marketing the Irish whiskey business Beam acquired in its purchase of Cooley Distillery, for $95 million, this past December. Teeling is the son of John Teeling, Cooley?s co-founder and former chairman. Beam CEO Matt Shattock said Teeling would manage brand and market strategies for Cooley?s Irish whiskey labels, especially Kilbeggan, which will become a priority brand for Beam, with the U.S., U.K., France and Germany (which along with domestic Ireland and South Africa are among the category?s top six markets), seeing the greatest attention.

?Walmart has announced plans for 13 smaller-format Neighborhood Market stores in California, with further expansion possible. Some of the new units, which cover about 42,000 square feet each (about one-fifth the size of a Walmart Supercenter and around the size of many Whole Foods markets), will open this year, with the remainder slated for 2013 openings. Nationwide, Walmart currently operates 167 Neighborhood Markets and is hoping to push that number to 300 by next year. The California expansion comes as non-unionized retailers like Walmart, Whole Foods, Bristol Farms and Fresh & Easy continue to take share from union chains Safeway, Raley?s and Albertsons in the state. With Fresh & Easy set to open five stores across Sacramento next week, Raley?s says it will close two of its locations in the area. Raley?s CEO Michael Teel has said its responsibilities to the United Food and Commercial Workers union, with which it?s currently deadlocked in contract negotiations, have hampered the chain?s progress.

?New York-based Lot18, a flash sale website for wine and gourmet food, has named Barbara Anderson vice president and general counsel. Anderson comes to Lot18 from Diageo North America, where she was director and senior counsel, focused on corporate commercial and regulatory compliance. Prior to that, Anderson was assistant general counsel at Terlato Wine Group. While at Diageo, Anderson developed the company?s response and strategy to the landmark direct-shipping case Granholm v. Heald, and worked on the integration of Chalone Wine Group after Diageo acquired it in 2004.

?Chef Gordon Ramsay will partner with his Gordon Ramsay Holdings corporate executive chef Andi Van Willigan on a restaurant venture called The Fat Cow. The restaurant, which will be located in Los Angeles?s retail destination The Grove and seat more than 200 people, is slated to open this summer. The European-inspired menu will feature dishes created using locally grown ingredients. Ramsay already has one restaurant in California?Gordon Ramsay at the London in West Hollywood?as well as plans to open his first Las Vegas restaurant at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino this spring. He also has three restaurants in New York.

?Newport Beach, California-based Fleming?s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has debuted a new cocktail menu at all of its 64 national units. The 10-item menu is divided into three drink categories: Retro Chic, which features classic mixed drinks with contemporary twists; Modern Martinis, which showcases Martinis with exotic flavors; and Couture Cocktails, which are chef-driven concoctions that have fresh ingredients such as cucumber and cilantro. Fleming?s also has more than 100 wines available by the bottle, glass and flight, various craft beer options and a selection of low-calorie ?Skinnier Cocktails.?

?California wine exporter Thirvin International has launched a proprietary red wine, Stateside 2009 Reserve Blend. The wine is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Dolcetto and Cabernet Franc from Sonoma County. Stateside will initially be available in Thirvin?s local San Francisco market. Specializing in exports to Asia through its Shanghai office, Thirvin represents California brands like Blackbird Vineyards, Gemstone Vineyards, Hendry, Curveball, Banshee, Atmosphere, 401K, Brigitte and Courtesan Wines.

?Vinexpo has announced the dates of the 2013 Vinexpo in Bordeaux. The exhibition will run from June 16 to June 20, 2013.

Tagged : Beam Inc, Diageo, restaurant, whiskey, wine

Source: http://www.shankennewsdaily.com/index.php/2012/03/05/2579/news-briefs-for-march-5-2012/

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HBT: Mets owners owe $83M to Madoff trustee

The trial hasn?t even started yet, but Mets owner Fred Wilpon is already going to have to shell out as much as $83.3 million to the trustee recovering funds from the losers in Bernard Madoff?s Ponzi scheme.

That was the ruling from?U.S. District Court Judge Jed S. Rakoff on Monday. The two sides will go to trial on March 19 over the additional $303 million that trustee Irving Picard is seeking. For Picard to extract that much from Wilpon?s wallet, he?ll need to prove to a jury that the defendants were ?willfully blind? to the fraud.

Rakoff had previously ruled that Picard couldn?t sue the Wilpons for the full $1 billion he wanted, lowering that amount instead to the $386 million they were said to profit in the two years?preceding?Madoff?s arrest. Today?s $83.3 million comes out of that.

It?s unclear if the Wilpons have $83.3 million to give away at this time. They have been trying to sell minority shares of the Mets, with mixed reports of their success in the?endeavor. If the trial goes poorly later this month, it figures to be difficult for them to keep the team.

Source: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/05/mets-owners-out-83-million-pre-madoff-trial/related/

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