ShopYourWay - Personal Shopper

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ShopYourWay Program for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love to shop and now I have a new way to shop online with ShopYourWay.com, a social networking platform designed to help you discover new products and share your favorites with your friends and relatives! Imagine a social networking site, where you can chat online with friends, but also be their personal shopper. In addition to that, you get access to exclusive members’ only deals, ShopYourWay rewards, and opportunities to engage with brands and give them feedback.

 

Interested? Of course you are!  Here's how to sign-up as a ShopYourWay Personal Shopper:

• Request an Invite to ShopYourWay
• You'll receive an email from ShopYourWay. Click on the "start earning" link to begin.
• Accept the Invitation and complete your profile information.
• Invite your friends and family to join {they will become your clients and help you earn that moola!}
• Now it's time to start shopping and filling your profile with items you like, want and desire to share with your clients! That’s basically it.

As a ShopYourWay Personal Shopper, you can earn cash when your friends and family make qualifying purchases with Sears, Kmart, Lands’ End, Sears Outlet, Sears Auto, Sears Home Services and mygofer. You can earn a check as often as once per month, provided you've earned at least $20. Every time you shop just use your ShopYourWay rewards number either online or at the store.  For every point you will earn 1 cent and you can redeem it anytime you want! Invite everyone you know and have a killer shopping party! Sounds fun, right?!

So if you’re like me and love to window shop, then ShopYourWay.com is the site for you. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the next big thing in social networking.

 

Check it out now and then be sure to share it with your friends and family members too!

Ex-AT&T Employee Admits To Leaking Apple Secrets To Traders

A former AT&T employee admitted on Monday to sharing company secrets such as sales numbers for Apple Inc's iPhone to traders who illegally bought shares on the information.

Alnoor Ebrahim, 57, a U.S. citizen born in Tanzania, is the latest person to plead guilty in the U.S. government's crackdown on insider trading, which claimed its biggest target to date on Friday - former Goldman Sachs Group Inc board member Rajat Gupta.

Ebrahim was part of a so-called expert-network ring where some employees of specialized firms such as Primary Global Research (PGR) helped funnel corporate secrets from consultants at companies to hedge funds.

"I provided insider information concerning AT&T's sales of Apple's iPhone and RIM's (Research In Motion Ltd ) Blackberry products, as well as other handset set devices sold through AT&T distribution channels," Ebrahim told U.S. District Judge Paul Oetken in Manhattan.

Ebrahim pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and securities fraud. Manhattan federal prosecutors, in a plea agreement with the defense, recommended that Ebrahim be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

"We took this matter very seriously and cooperated fully with the authorities," said AT&T spokesman Marty Richtman. "The conduct alleged was clearly against our code of business conduct, and Mr. Ebrahim is no longer an AT&T employee."

An attorney for former Silicon Valley sales manager James Fleishman, who is imprisoned on conspiracy charges, identified Ebrahim as a PGR consultant in court documents last year.

The case is U.S. v. Alnoor Ebrahim, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, case number unknown.

(Reporting By Basil Katz)

View the original article here

And The World's Fastest Supercomputer Is...

For the first time in a couple years, the United States is home to the most powerful supercomputer in the world, according to the the biannual TOP500 list , released by the International Supercomputing Conference.

A supercomputer located in China held the number-one spot in November of 2010, while a system in Japan won first place in both November and June of 2011. The last time a U.S.-based system placed first on the TOP500 was June of 2010.

The winning IBM Sequoia is housed at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, where it is used by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). One of the computer's main functions is to "provide a more complete understanding of weapons performance," according to a Lawrence Livermore press release.

This means the winning supercomputer is able to simulate nuclear explosions, as well as bring some understanding to researchers about what happens with the United States's nuclear stockpile as it ages, according to Wired.

Wired also reports that the computer weights as much as about 30 elephants and can complete 16.3 quadrillion calculations per second. To put that into perspective, what it takes the Sequoia to calculate in an hour would take "6.7 billion people 320 years to complete" if they were working continuously on calculators, according to MSN.

Sequoia's computing power is 1.55 times faster that Japan's "K Computer," made by Fujitsu, which has been the number-one system for the last two editions of the TOP500 list. IBM's supercomputer is also more efficient, using less power than the "K."

The U.S. has 252 computers ranked on the TOP500 list . Within the top 10 positions, the country took first with the Sequoia, third with the Mira, and sixth with the Jaguar. In addition, systems built by American corporation IBM took five out of the top ten positons.

The next list is scheduled to be released in November of 2012.

Take a look at the current top 5 supercomputers in the world:

The Sequoia is the top-ranked supercomputer on the biannual TOP500 list for June 2012. It's located in the United States, and the manufacturer is IBM. It also runs on a Linux operating system.

All statistics found from TOP500 list.

Country of origin: Japan

Manufacturer: Fujitsu

Operating system: Linux

All statistics found from TOP500 list.

Located in: United States

Manufacturer: IBM

Operating system: Linux

All statistics found from TOP500 list.

Located in: Germany

Manufacturer: IBM

Operating system: Linux



All statistics found from TOP500 list.

Located in: China

Manufacturer: IBM

Operating system: Linux



All statistics found from TOP500 list.

View the original article here

The World's Most Powerful Computer Comes From WHERE?

A supercomputer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory was named the world's most powerful in a study released on Monday by the National Nuclear Security Administration.

The cluster of computers, called Sequoia and built by IBM, can run 16.32 quadrillion operations per second (that's a one followed by 15 zeroes). Sequioa consists of 96 racks, 98,304 individual nodes, 1.6 million cores and 1.6 petabytes of memory (roughly equal to 1638 terabytes, if that helps).

Japan's K computer nabbed the second spot on the list with 10.51 petaflops per second.

"Computing platforms like Sequoia help the United States keep its nuclear stockpile safe, secure, and effective without the need for underground testing," said NNSA Administrator Thomas D’Agostino in a statement. "While Sequoia may be the fastest, the underlying computing capabilities it provides give us increased confidence in the nation’s nuclear deterrent as the weapons stockpile changes under treaty agreements, a critical part of President Obama’s nuclear security agenda."

Sequoia allows scientists to accomplish tasks such as accurately looking at what happens inside of a nuclear bomb blast without actually having to blow anything up. It's an important tool, considering the U.S. put a halt to its nuclear testing program in 1992.

In addition to national security applications, Sequoia will also be put to use study climate change, astronomy and the human genome.

The U.S. lost the top spot in computing power to the Chinese supercomputer Tianhe-1A in 2010. Before Sequoia, the most powerful domestic supercomputer was Jaguar in Tennessee's Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In last year's rankings, Jaguar came in third and Tianhe ranked fifth.

Talking Points Memo reports:

The Sequoia system is also notable for its advances in energy efficiency. It’s 91 percent liquid-cooled, according to Lawrence Livermore, compared to the more common historical method of cooling supercomputers, using extensive arrays of fans. This allows the Sequoia system to achieve more performance while simultaneously consuming less electricity, 7.9 megawatts compared to the Japanese K supercomputer’s 12.7 megawatts, as the blog Gizmag noted.

Still Seqouia is not the most energy-efficient machine on the list: That honor belongs to another IBM supercomputer that placed not far behind, at number 4, Germany’s recently-installed SuperMUC supercomputer located in Leibniz.

"It is a culmination of a lot of smart people working for a very long time, creating a lot of innovations to get you to this point," IBM vice president of high performance computing systems told USA Today of the three years in the making Sequoia project. "There aren't too many players in the world that can build a system like Sequoia."

Of the top 500 most powerful computer systems in the world, IBM was responsible for the construction of nearly half.

Recognition of the world's most powerful computer wasn't the only honor bestowed upon Livermore of late. Last week, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry officially added two new elements to the periodic table, and one of them was named after the East Bay town. Livermorium (symbol Lv) will now occupy the 116 spot on the table.

The Los Angeles Times explains that Livermorium was produced by shooting calcium ions into curium ions. Since heavy, man-made elements like Livermorium are highly unstable, atoms of the element only existed for 125 milliseconds.

Scientists at Livermore Labs were involved in the discovery of Livermorium as well as five other elements since the facility opened in the early 1950s.

View the original article here

Microsoft Makes Huge Reveal

Microsoft took the wraps off its brand new tablet, called Surface, during what the company promised would be a "major" media event on Monday evening at Milk Studios in Hollywood, California.

"It embodies hardware and software working together," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, according to The Verge's live blog of the announcement. It is one of the few times in company history that Microsoft engineered both the hardware and the software of a device, with the Surface joining the Zune MP3 player, Kin smartphone, and Xbox 360 gaming console.

Microsoft showed off two Surface devices: one running Windows RT and built around an ARM processor, and one running Windows 8 Pro and built around an Intel processor. Windows RT is the "Metro-only" version of the upcoming Windows 8, while Windows 8 Pro features Metro as well as the more familiar desktop look of Windows, with a Start bar and homescreen icons.

Both of the models feature what is likely the hallmark aspect of the Windows Surface tablet: a built-in keyboard. The back cover can be folded under the tablet and becomes a super-thin (3mm) QWERTY keyboard. The keyboard attaches to the case magnetically and comes with an accelerometer that tells the tablet when it is activate, and when it is folded into the back of the case. The so-called Touch Cover will be available in five colors, including black, blue, and hot pink.

Both the RT and Windows 8 Pro versions of the Surface family also feature front and rear webcams, dual microphones, and an integrated kickstand that lets the user prop the devices up to watch videos, play games or listen to music. Both configurations also come with a microSD card slot and a USB port.

Weight and thickness depend on which version -- Windows RT or Windows 8 Pro -- you opt for. The Windows RT version has a 10.6-inch display and measures 9.3mm thin (exactly 0.1mm thinner than the current iPad); it weighs about 1.5 pounds. The Windows 8 Pro version has the same screen size but weighs just under 2 pounds and measures 13.5mm thin. RT devices are configurable at 32GB or 64GB; Windows 8 Pro devices are configurable at 64GB or 128GB.

Battery life was not announced, though Microsoft's official site says that the Surface "has a great battery."

A Touch Cover accessory will also be available with the devices and will double as a keyboard attachment. From Microsoft's press release:

Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. It will be available in a selection of vibrant colors. Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover.

Image courtesy of Engadget.

Prices were not announced, though Sinofsky said that prices will be priced to compete with comparable tablets, per The Verge. As for release date, the company's press release says that we'll have to wait until the general release of Windows 8 for Surface tablets running Windows RT. Windows 8 Pro devices will follow 90 days later. (As of today, there is no firm release date for Windows 8, though speculation suggests it'll drop sometime this fall.)

You can read more about the Microsoft Surfaceat the new tablet's official website. You can also check out a whole bunch of photos below.

View the original article here

The Kia Rio Scavenger Hunt

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kia Rio for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The folks at Kia Rio are having an awesomely fun adventure to promote their 2012 Kia Rio 5-door! Kia recently sent two pairs of best friends on a fun Zip & Dash geocache challenge to Los Angeles in the 2012 Kia Rio 5-door to discover landmarks of the city and find hidden clues in search of Cuban-American pop songstress/model Christina Milian. To get to her, they had to use the car's tech features.

The challenge brought them to some of the most popular landmarks in Los Angeles.

• The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round - place where Walt Disney brought his children before building Disneyland. The most challenging in my opinion as park is not tiny...
• Amoeba Records - a very popular historic music store in Los Angeles with rare records, vinyls and tapes.
• Rodeo Drive – One of the expensive shopping destinations in Beverly Hills. Place for rich guys and celebrities.
• Pink's Hot Dogs - famous hot dogs named after Hollywood celebrities.
• The Roosvelt Hotel - in the middle of Hollywood Blvd - best parties in L.A.

I really enjoyed watching them go through the challenges and utilize the car features. Both teams utilized the Kia Rio’s awesome features from the latest Bluetooth system, rear camera display, and navigation to its innovative USB input jack – and became star struck by more than just Christina herself. Other standard features of this Kia Rio (as laid out on the Rio Explorer Page) are the trip computer, heated rear glass with timer, and the steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control buttons. Plus, there's also this Kia UVO Technology which is powered by Microsoft that allows you to personalize your driving experience using the sound of your voice.

My favorite features are the UVO Technology and the USB jack that allows you to plug-in and play music from it.

Check out the video of the Kia Rio below and share your thoughts.

What are your thoughts on this scavenger hunt video? Would you take on the challenge throughout L.A. to meet your favorite superstar? Who would it be? Tell us in the comments below.

 

Crucial Memory Sweepstakes!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Crucial.com for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I personally still have a six year old desktop computer that is still going strong thanks to the fact that I’ve maxed out the RAM.

Your computer relies on RAM, or Random Access Memory, for temporary high-speed storage to operate from. RAM is much more expensive per gigabyte than hard drive space, because it is so much faster. RAM is also volatile, meaning its contents are lost after the computer is powered off. Sooner or later, your computer's performance may slow down as large programs are loaded onto the computer. Unless you're maxed out on RAM, you can increase your computer's memory by installing new RAM modules. But wait, your not a computer guru.  You can’t change your memory, can you?  Well now you can because Crucial.com has easy solutions for the average Joe.

Testing your computer's memory is important, especially for PC users. I recently used a system scanner that detects computer performance identifying the existing RAM that your computer has and provides a listing of recommendations how much memory is applicable to you. The scanner came from Crucial.com. Simply visit Crucial’s website and scan your computer.  It is easy as clicking a button and they will determine what RAM upgrades would improve the performance of your system. This is easy and affordable and you will wonder why you didn’t do it earlier.

Now you don’t need to buy a new computer since this upgrade has brought your old system back to life.

Here’s a good news! You could WIN big! By entering Crucial Memory Sweepstakes. Simply take a quick Apple computers survey and be entered to win $10,000 worth of Apple gift cards. Also, Crucial.com announced that it will match the grand prize with a $10,000 Apple gift card to TechSoup Global, a nonprofit organization that provides other nonprofits and libraries with the technology needed to fulfill their missions and serve their communities.

In addition to the Grand Prize, one 1st Prize winner will receive a Crucial® SSD upgrade & one runner-up will receive a Crucial memory upgrade.

The contest ends: “June 30^th”

So, what are you waiting for? Your entry is just a quick survey away.

Coolest Technology Today!

Within the last few few years, the personal technology trade has out of the blue exploded with a specific segment of innovative gadgets. These devices make essentially the most of current applied sciences as well as create very fascinating use cases for the kids. So here are many of those cool new things which is often happening in the Technological know-how market proper now.

Touchscreen Technology
It has been around for fairly a little while now but it absolutely was Apple who instantly arrived with the multi touch iPhone. There statement was quite daring - a smartphone with just one physical button. This sparked a revolution out there and we are ultimately reaping the benefits within the sort of multiple touchdisplay based generally portable devices. There are touchdisplay display PMP's, touchdisplay screen tablets/slates and naturally - the new generation touchscreen phones and also their respective cellular COMPUTER ITSELF.

GeoLocation
For a lot of individuals, life with out making folks know where they might their coffee would think incomplete. And with geolocation constructed proper on your telephone, it is easy to do that. The current crop regarding GPS/AGPS enabled smartphones making use of their assortment of good position based apps like FourSquare in addition to GoWalla are completely altering how our actual world actions connect to the virtual world.

Low Power Consuming, High Performance CPU's
These are mostly mobile processors such as the ones made by ARM (e. g. Cortex A9) which run the fashionable evening handheld devices. They run at excellent speeds that touch 1Ghz and still have multiple cores. These are the CPU's which may have made positive that you can easliy obtain futuristic ideas at the moment. The amount of power that individuals can now fit into your palm of our arms is amazing. This makes certain that other miniature technologies have access to sufficient processing power to try and do great things.

Solar Technology
This technology has already been around for fairly time now however solely merely lately has it developed sufficient to makes its way straight into really cool gadgets. We now have solar chargers for the cell phones. Solar powered small supporters are additionally quite widespread. But the best screen that I've seen currently is one that is foldable as being a cloth and prices your laptop in shiny sun mild.

Pico Projectors
This one is for the reason that of Texas Instruments and their groundbreaking miniature DLP serps. This engine, along with miniature LCoS engine introduced with regards to the pico projector revolution. Now projectors might be small enough geared to inside your phone, digital digital camera and more. And regardless that they don't seem to be very bright now, that's altering fast.

Thin Audio system, Actually Thin
How thin do you imagine speakers can go? Well, the thinnest so much are audio system created from cloth. Yes, Yamaha has made cloth head unit which are 1 'millimeter' slender. It's thin enough to become simply wrapped up in addition to transported. And if you afflict print on it, it's going to appear like every other piece connected with printed cloth. However it could emit sound that may be heard when standing immediately in front of it. It's nonetheless not commercially accessible but it is going to hopefully be out there quickly
.