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Skyscraper of steel toy parts sparkles in New York

A million pieces of stainless steel toy parts Toy Museum assembled into a nearly seven-story model skyscraper glimmered under the hot sun in New York on Tuesday, in American artist Chris Burden's latest project. The 16,000-pound (7,250-kg) "poetic interpretation" of the 30 Rock Building at Rockefeller Center was made of replicated Erector set pieces from the toy created by A.C. Gilbert in 1912, Burden said."He was inspired by the buildings to build this toy system and I used this toy system to build a building," Burden said."It's a poetic interpretation of 30 Rock, it's not a model of it. It references all the tall buildings in Manhattan," Burden said, standing near his 65-foot (20-metre) tower.The project, assembled by 20 to 30 people using screwdrivers, began in late 2006 and was put together in Los Angeles County and trucked across the country in two parts."It's very reflective, sort of like a faceted jewel, really picks up the light," Burden said.The exhibit, titled "What my dad gave me," will be on display through July 19 at Rockefeller Center.Burden, who lives in Los Angeles, was born in Boston in 1946. He received attention as a performance artist in 1971 when he was shot in the arm for the sake of art in a performance called "Shoot."

Toy museum in Erie begins selling off collection

Motorola announced two new Bluetooth-enabled headsets

A few accessories to get more out of your music phone

Most new cellphones feature integrated Bluetooth technology. If your phone offers stereo Bluetooth (also referred to as A2DP for Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), you can listen to your music wirelessly with a pair of compatible Bluetooth headphones, For example, the comfortable Cardo S-2 ($99.99) behind-the-neck wireless headphones can play your favorite songs while your phone is tucked in your pocket, purse, briefcase or backpack. When a call comes in, the music is automatically muted so you can chat using the S-2's built-in microphone. Buttons on the right earpiece also let you pause, change tracks or adjust volume. Battery life is about 7.5 hours for music and talk and up to 150 hours for standby time. A similar product, the iLuv i222 Bluetooth phone headset ($149.99), has an optional adapter (for $89.99) that snaps into any portable media player, such as an iPod, so you can also use these wireless headphones with it.

Cheap Canon Camera

New Samsung handsets made from corn

Samsung today announced two environment-friendly mobile handsets, W510 and F268 at World IT Show in Seoul. W510 is Samsung's first mobile phone with 'bio-plastic' made from natural material extracted from corns. Moreover, when producing W510, Samsung did not use any heavy metals, such as Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium, and applied water-soluble coating. Samsung F268 with all the accessories including charger and headset does not contain BFRs(Brominated Flame Retardant) or PVC. Samsung F268 has an alarm function to encourage users to unplug their charger when the devices are fully charged.Samsung has been making an effort to develop more renewable and eco-friendly material compared with common plastic produced from petroleum. Both Samsung W510 for the Korean market and F268 for the Chinese market will be launched in June.

Avocent introduces new wireless distribution product

Component To Video Avocent Corporation (NASDAQ: AVCT) today introduced a new model of theEmerge? MPX extender, the MPX1500T high-definition (HD)multipoint extender transmitter, which wirelessly distributes HDcontent from a source to multiple destinations. Avocent's wirelessHD video distribution system is changing the way digital signagesystems are being deployed. In the rapidly growing digital signagemarket, speed of network deployment has been a key advantage formany strategic partners. Avocent's MPX system improves the valueproposition for both the end-user and the integrator. For theend-user, wireless digital signage minimizes business disruption bynot requiring new wiring and minimizing installation time. For theintegrator, wireless video distribution allows a turn-key system tobe developed, pre-staged, and then dropped into place at thecustomer's site. "Basically, the Avocent wireless system works like a long rangevideo splitter without wires. It just works. The audio videoquality and system reliability has far exceeded our expectations,"said Mike Reese of Ultimate AV. "In addition, Avocent's web basedmanagement has saved us thousands of dollars by allowing us totroubleshoot issues over the Internet without needing to physicallygo to the customer's site." Emerge MPX extenders can be deployed for a variety of professionalvideo applications, such as digital signage -- providing panelswith live content, entertainment and advertising in retail outlets,theaters, restaurants, airports, gas stations, and other venues.The MPX1500T transmitter has added new functionality for centrallymanaging the MPX extender and attached devices over the Internet,such as turning displays on or off. The AV infrastructure createdby the MPX extenders can be centrally accessed and controlledthrough a Web management interface. This latest version of the MPXextender expands the status information available, enabling notonly general troubleshooting of connections, but more specificdetails to ensure uptime and reliability. AV and IT managers cannow connect to each individual transmitter and receiver to reboot,update, adjust the luminance and chrominance, change the frequencythe radio transmits, and various other tuning parameters. For awidely dispersed digital signage network, this minimizes the needto send technical staff onsite for troubleshooting and maintenance. "Being able to drop in a complete system in a matter of minutes hasbeen a key to the build out of our digital signage network. WithoutAvocent's wireless system, installation normally could take hoursor even days to deploy a single site," said Ethen Cheramie ofPetroTV. "The Avocent MPX has been extremely reliable even in ourcustomers' harsh outdoor environments." The MPX1500T transmitter has a universal media port based upon adigital video interface (DVI) connector. Supporting both digitaland analog video signals allows the MPX to use DVI, HDMI, or VGAsignals. The product can even perform a VGA to DVI conversion ifyour source is a computer and your display needs to be digital. TheMPX system works like a video splitter and a video extender bywirelessly delivering audio and video to multiple displays up to1000 feet away. The new MPX extender is dramatically smaller thanthe previous version allowing for more flexible and convenientmounting options. "When it comes to wireless HD video distribution, Avocent leads theindustry," said Mitch Friend, senior vice president and generalmanager of Avocent. "With the introduction of the new MPX1500T,we've added a number of features to make it easier for integratorsto use and centrally manage highly distributed systems withoutleaving their desk." Demonstrations of Avocent's new MPX1500T transmitter will takeplace at the InfoComm 2008 tradeshow, Avocent Booth #N6925 in LasVegas, Nevada June 18 - 20, 2008. Additional details about theMPX1500T and the entire Emerge MPX family can be found at www.avocent.com/proav . The MPX1500T is now available and priced at a MSRP of $995 USD. About Avocent Professional A/V Products The Avocent connectivity and control business unit offers managedAV infrastructure solutions for professional audio/video andbroadcast markets. Our Emerge product family allows industryprofessionals to deliver innovative wired and wireless solutionsfor AV and KVM extension, switching, distribution, and signalprocessing needs. For additional information visit: www.connectivity.avocent.com About Avocent Corporation Avocent delivers IT infrastructure management solutions that reduceoperating costs, simplify management and increase the availabilityof critical, "always on" IT environments via integrated,centralized in-band and out-of-band hardware and software.Additional information is available at: www.avocent.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that are forward-lookingstatements as defined within the U.S. Private Securities LitigationReform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding marketopportunity, product development, engineering and designactivities, and product availability and operability. Theseforward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertaintiesthat could cause actual results to differ materially from thestatements made, including the risks associated with generaleconomic conditions, risks attributable to future product demand,sales, and expenses, risks associated with product design effortsand the introduction of new products and technologies, risksassociated with reliance on a limited number of component suppliersand single source components, and risk associated with obtainingand protecting intellectual property rights. Other factors thatcould cause operating and financial results to differ are describedin Avocent's reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q filed with the U.S.Securities and Exchange Commission. Avocent, the Avocent logo and Emerge are registered trademarks ofAvocent Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and othercountries. All other marks are the property of their respectiveowners. ? 2008 Avocent Corporation.

Sony Ericsson launches two new dual function USB modems

USB Band Singapore, 17th June 2008 - For people on the move keeping in touchvia the internet with colleagues, clients, friends and family is anecessity. Now Sony Ericsson gives users the speed they need in astylish way with its two new modems complete with HSPA technology.Users can receive 7.2Mb/s in download and up to 2.0Mb/s in uploadspeeds. This means that sending attachments via email such asimages or video content can be sent up to five times faster thanbefore. "The MD400 and MD400g are high performance and stylish devices thatenable you to have all your essentials at hand even when you areout of reach from broadband at home or in the office. The USBs aresimple, quick to install and the multiple technologies guaranteeinternet access every time," said Johan Tysklind, marketingdirector mobile computing at Sony Ericsson. "The combined M2 MemoryStick Micro(TM) and the microSD(TM) slot really makes theseproducts stand out from the crowd and the MD400g even includes aGPS receiver." Sony Ericsson MD400/MD400g - the world on the move * HSPA technology - up to 7.2Mb/s download and 2.0Mb/s upload *First USB modem with combined M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) andmicroSD(TM) slot * In-built antenna complemented with an additionalswivel 'Diversity' antenna maximizes reception performance andboosts data transmission * Innovative mechanical design allows theswivel antenna to also protect the retractable USB connector whenthe modem is not in use * USB modem - can be used in any PC, laptopor desktop * In-built GPS receiver and GPS utility (MD400g) whichcan link directly in to Google Maps(TM) and mark current location *PlayNow shortcut link - just a click away from entertainment *Auto-install * Auto configuration So whether you are a professional that needs internet accessanytime of the day, a student away from the library or even someonetaking advantage of nice weather in the park the MD400/MD400g rangecan give you the broadband access you need from any mobilelocation. - ENDS - At a glance MD400 Mobile Broadband USB Modem Product Name MD400g MobileBroadband GPS USB Modem Form USB Modem Size Compact size, 70 x 28 x15 mm (open) Weight 28g Dual antenna solution featuring Receiver Diversityoptimisation which ensures highest possible data Antenna rates. theUSB connector retracts when the swivel antenna is folded.Completely closed it covers the port Memory Slot Combo M2 MemoryStick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slot GPS (MD400g) Integrated GPSreceiver (NMEA 2.0 interface) HSPA Up to 7.2 Mb/s, downlink Up to2.0 Mb/s, uplink HSPA/UMTS Triple band 850/1900/2100 MHz EDGE/GPRSQuad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz Operating Systems MS Windows(R)2000, XP, Vista, MAC-OS X supported Sony Ericsson Wireless ManagerAuto-installation and auto-configuration Multi color LEDillumination indicating communication status (and GPS status - MD400g) Features/Enablers 25 supported languages Sony Ericsson updateservices Combo M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slotIn-built GPS receiver inc. GPS utility (MD400g) PlayNow(TM) icon -a click away from entertainment Colours Exquisite Ebony LustrousWhite Availability Globally available Q4 2008 Legal 1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant. 2)Talk, standby and video call times are affected by networkpreferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and variousactivities e.g. games. Kit contents and color options may differfrom market to market. The full range of accessories may not beavailable in every market. (C) Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2008. The Liquid Identity logo, BestPic, PlayNow and TrackID aretrademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Ericsson MobileCommunications AB. Sony, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Micro and M2are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.Ericsson is the trademark or registered trademark ofTelefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson. Bluetooth is a trademark orregistered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc. Java and all Java-basedtrademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sunicrosystems, Inc. Google and Google Maps are trademark orregistered trademarks of Google Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be thetrademarks of their respective owners. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. Subject tochange without prior notice. Having sold over 100 million phones in 2007, Sony Ericsson iscurrently one of the five largest mobile phone manufacturers in theworld. An important industry player operating in over 80 countries,our phones, accessories and PC cards are synonymous with innovationand style. With R&D sites in Europe, Japan, China, India andNorth America, diversity is one of the core strengths of thecompany. Sony Ericsson was established as a 50:50 joint venture bySony and Ericsson in October 2001, with global corporate functionslocated in London. For more information about Sony Ericsson pleasevisit www.sonyericsson.com FOR MEDIA INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Sony Ericsson GlobalCommunications & PR Mattias Holm: +44 208 762 6065 GeneralPress: +44 208 762 5858 E-mail: press.global@SonyEricsson.comProduct images: www.sonyericsson.com/press

Mombasa Port Tops Agenda in Infrastructure Reform Plan

Cement Sheet This money is urgently needed to radically reform the Mombasa-basedport, operated by the Kenya Ports Authority, which has been starvedof cash for upgrading and expansion. This guarantee also points to a bolder strategy by the Governmentin financing huge infrastructure projects planned in the currentfinancial year by offering guarantees to parastatals with strongbalance sheets like KPA to borrow directly in the internationalmarkets. KPA is one of the few parastatals that regularly pays thegovernment a sizeable dividend. The Treasury is also expected to enter into the local and globaldebt markets to sell infrastructure bonds and Eurobonds. Among the projects expected to be implemented is raising money toimplement the Nairobi Metropolitan Authority plan. This financingplan is expected to be in the form of a possible central governmentguarantee to raise billions of shillings through municipal bondsand syndicated loans. Entry point The Mombasa port has particularly received attention, because itserves as an entry for goods into Kenya and five neighbouringcountries. Its poor state has been a major obstacle to the competitiveness of the local and regionaleconomies. If the port is fixed as envisaged by the five-year goalsunder the Vision 2030 development strategy, Mombasa will play asignificant role in the regional trade routes. The proposal comes as the strategic role of the Mombasa port comesunder threat from new projects-one of them a transcontinentalrailway stretching from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Dar essalaam that could substantially shift the route for consignmentsentering the Great Lake's region. The guarantee is however, likely to raise questions over how theTreasury will hedge the foreign currency and interest rate risksthat this loan is likely to pose to the balance sheet of KPA andthe exposure that taxpayers must face if things don't go accordingto plan. This is because such guarantees have in the past forced thegovernment to divert funds to rescue state-owned enterprises thatran into trouble. This is especially in the 90s when suchguarantees were abused by parastatals like the Kenya MeatCommission and Nzoia Sugar, which almost brought the lenderNational Bank of Kenya to its knees. However, KPA's guarantee is likely to have high resonance with thebusiness community, which for almost a decade have been calling forthe port to be fixed because it had made Kenya an expensivemanufacturing location due to a slow flow of goods. Delays in clearing cargo at the port and surcharges on importersfor overstayed goods all count in arriving at the retail price ofgoods either imported as finished products or made from rawmaterials passing through the port. The government has already allocated Sh430 million for starting theport expansion project, while awaiting Parliament to approve thesessional paper. The first phase of the expansion of the port willbe ready in five years while the final phase will end in 2015. "We expect the implementation of this project to significantlyreduce the dwell time in handling port cargo and bring our portoperations in line with international standards. This and other reforms will also position the port of Mombasa as aregional service hub and generate increased trade andemployment," said Finance Minister Amos Kimunya when he readthe budget speech for the financial year starting next month. The Sh16.18 billion loan will be used to redesign the port tohandle two million containers annually from the current 600,000containers and position the port as a regional service hub.

The Prairie Grove City Council voted unanimously at its meeting

Iron Pipes The Prairie Grove City Council voted unanimously at its meetingMonday to become a part of the authority, which will pursue fundingsources such as sales taxes and toll roads to try to help completeseveral transportation projects in Northwest Arkansas. The passed ordinance allows Prairie Grove a spot on the authority'sadvisory board. Five other Washington County cities - Fayetteville, Farmington,Lincoln, Springdale and West Fork - seven cities in Benton Countyand two in Madison County will have a member on the board, saidMike Malone, executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Council,which has worked to establish the authority. "As a region, we're going to have to figure out where we're going(with transportation )," Malone said. A fact sheet provided by Malone stated that the authority mightmove along projects like a Springdale northern bypass, a westernbeltway and Interstate 540 upgrades. The authority will be a new government entity but will notinterfere with state and federal transportation departments, Malonesaid. Also Monday, the City Council saw how bad its cast-iron water pipeproblem really is. City Business Manager Larry Oelrich showed the council seven toeight miles of the rusty pipes that carries water mostly throughthe central area of town. "I think it's clear to see that we're not talking about a quickfix," he told aldermen once they saw the layout of the pipes on acomputer screen. The main problem with the pipes is they leak water and whensomething, like a fire hydrant being opened, stirs the pipes somewater customers receive a reddish discharge from all the rust inthe older pipes. Oelrich told the council that few of the pipes are slated to bereplaced in the city's five-year water and sewer line improvementplan. He has said in the past that it would take about $ 3 millionto replace all the cast-iron pipes in the city's system. The council also talked Monday about redrawing the city's wards toredistribute some of the higher-populated districts. Mayor SonnyHudson expected to look at a newly drawn map by the July 21meeting. Additionally, the group passed a resolution to allow people toshoot off fireworks within the city limits from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.on July 4. Bottle and stick rockets will be prohibited.