Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo argues that F1 has three possible future directions - to continue with current majority owners CVC Capital Partners, jump ship to News Corp/Exor...or for the teams to take control themselves
Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo claims F1 has 'three alternatives' regarding the direction that it takes beyond the end of next year – as he insists that the sport must move with the times and 'invest for the future'.
There is much talk right now about what will happen in F1 once the current commercial rights-governing Concorde Agreement expires at the end of 2012, with the recent confirmed News Corp/Exor interest having stirred up a veritable hornet's nest.
Teams have thus far conducted their negotiations solely with the sport's current majority owners CVC Capital Partners and Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management (FOM) organisation, but ostensibly, there may now be another party in the equation, should News Corp/Exor be serious about a potential buy-out – although Ecclestone is adamant that they are not [see separate story – click here].
With teams unhappy at the share of the F1 revenue that they presently receive in relation to how much goes into the coffers of CVC, and having espoused the benefits of launching a separate 'breakaway' series on several occasions in the past, it is perhaps unsurprising that di Montezemolo is now again suggesting that it would be wise to consider all the relevant options – only this time, given Italian investment firm Exor's very tangible link to Ferrari, his threat should perhaps be afforded greater credence.
“I think we have to be very pragmatic,” the 63-year-old told CNN. “At the end of 2012, the contracts of every single team with CVC will expire – so we have three alternatives. We renew with CVC, or theoretically – as the basketball teams did in the US with great success – we create our own company like the NBA to run the races, the TV rights and so on, or third, we find a different partner.
“Bernie Ecclestone has done a very good job, but he has already sold out three times, so he doesn't own the business anymore. It is CVC that will sell. It will be the teams' decision. At the end of 2012, the contract will expire, so theoretically, CVC doesn't own anything. I think it is important to have alternatives. We will see. We have time to do it.”
Of chief concern to di Montezemolo is what he describes as the 'artificial' and confusing flavour of the racing engineered by the raft of regulation changes implemented in F1 2011 – with overtaking having been significantly facilitated by Pirelli's deliberately fast-degrading tyres, the introduction of DRS and the return of the power-boost KERS technology. He also spoke about his distaste for the in-season ban on testing, and the necessity for the sport to embrace new media by providing maximum exposure for the sponsors who invest so much into it.
“We have gone too far with artificial elements,” the Italian underlined. “It's like if I push footballers to wear tennis shoes in the rain. I want to see competition, I want to see cars on the track; I don't want to see competition in the pits. In the last race there were [more than] 80 pit-stops. Come on, it's too much, and people don't understand anymore because when you come out of the pits you don't know what position you're in.
“I think we have gone too far with the machines, too many buttons – the driver is focussing on the buttons to give him authorisation to overtake. Ferrari will push a lot with the authority (the FIA), with the respect we have for the Federation and the other teams, to avoid going too far with F1 because I think it can create problems for the television people and on the racetrack. We are not able to do testing [either] – F1 is the only professional sport in the world where you can't train or test.
“We have to improve new technologies in F1 for the people watching on television, for iPad, for the internet. We have to invest in the US. F1, thanks also to Bernie Ecclestone, has become a worldwide sport; now we have to find the best solution. It is important to invest for the future and the other teams. I think we are in front of a very important moment.”
Every inch the politician that many believe he will one day become, di Montezemolo – who it is understood met with Daimler chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz and McLaren shareholder Mansour Ojjeh in Stuttgart yesterday (Saturday) to discuss the situation – urged that Ferrari's close ties to Exor do not put the team in a more advantageous position than any of its rivals, and he concluded the interview by talking drivers, warmly praising Fernando Alonso and seeming to suggest that the under-fire Felipe Massa will be going nowhere next season.
“Yes, yes,” he answered, when asked whether Massa's seat was safe for 2012 in the wake of speculation variously linking Mark Webber, Robert Kubica, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button to replacing the Brazilian at the Scuderia. “He has a contract with us for this year [and] for next year, so absolutely yes, no question about it.
“Alonso is very, very strong. He is one of the best drivers I have seen in my career, very strong in the mind, pushing the team, but in a constructive way and also very close to the team. I want to keep Alonso a long time.”
Minggu, 15 Mei 2011
iPhone 5 Infographic Puts All the Rumors Together
The iPhone 5 could launch in June this year, although there has been a bit of talk of it not showing up till September of this year. Either way, the iPhone 5 (or 4GS) will eventually arrive and with it, a few tweaks here and there.
The infographic embedded below, shows a number of changes that might happen to the next generation iPhone and also gives a percentage of how likely the change will be made.
Some of the obvious changes include an updated camera, perhaps 8 megapixels on the back. We also hear that the Home Button might be dropped in favor of the multi-touch gestures used on iOS 4.3 (for developers). This is a little less likely due to 4/5 finger gestures being next to impossible on the small screen. We hear a slightly larger screen will be used, perhaps 4 inches. Again, Apple has always used the smaller 3.5 inch screen with the only main difference being the higher pixel density Retina Display on the iPhone 4.
A new design is also hinted at with some believing the device will take design hints from the new iPad 2 with a flat metallic back and rounded edges. It is more likely that Apple will stick to the iPhone 4 design, perhaps with something to squash the antenna rumors that caused a stir last year.
A physical keyboard is on the list although we agree that it has a probability of zero percent.
Many more rumors can be found on the infographic below (created by Nowhere Else).
The infographic embedded below, shows a number of changes that might happen to the next generation iPhone and also gives a percentage of how likely the change will be made.
Some of the obvious changes include an updated camera, perhaps 8 megapixels on the back. We also hear that the Home Button might be dropped in favor of the multi-touch gestures used on iOS 4.3 (for developers). This is a little less likely due to 4/5 finger gestures being next to impossible on the small screen. We hear a slightly larger screen will be used, perhaps 4 inches. Again, Apple has always used the smaller 3.5 inch screen with the only main difference being the higher pixel density Retina Display on the iPhone 4.
A new design is also hinted at with some believing the device will take design hints from the new iPad 2 with a flat metallic back and rounded edges. It is more likely that Apple will stick to the iPhone 4 design, perhaps with something to squash the antenna rumors that caused a stir last year.
A physical keyboard is on the list although we agree that it has a probability of zero percent.
Many more rumors can be found on the infographic below (created by Nowhere Else).
LG Optimus Pad Arrives in the UK
LG has launched the LG Optimus Pad in the UK. The device runs the Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system and has an 8.9 inch display. The processor running that tablet is an NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual-Core.
A unique feature of the Optimus Pad is that it utilises dual cameras on the back which each can capture at 5 megapixels. By combining both cameras together, 3D video is capable of being captured on the device.
The 8.9 inch screen has a resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels. For connectivity, it has WiFi that is compatible with 802.11b/g/n networks as well as 3G connectivity. A webcam is also included on the device.
For pricing, which is probably the reason you are reading this, it costs £749.99 SIM free. Alternatively, you can get the new tablet subsidised on most of the UK networks which brings the price down a luttle to £299.99 on a 24 month contract costing £25/month. Before jumping in and buying, make sure you do the maths to work out what is the best option for you!
Full pricing details at the Carphone Warehouse can be found over here.
A unique feature of the Optimus Pad is that it utilises dual cameras on the back which each can capture at 5 megapixels. By combining both cameras together, 3D video is capable of being captured on the device.
The 8.9 inch screen has a resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels. For connectivity, it has WiFi that is compatible with 802.11b/g/n networks as well as 3G connectivity. A webcam is also included on the device.
For pricing, which is probably the reason you are reading this, it costs £749.99 SIM free. Alternatively, you can get the new tablet subsidised on most of the UK networks which brings the price down a luttle to £299.99 on a 24 month contract costing £25/month. Before jumping in and buying, make sure you do the maths to work out what is the best option for you!
Full pricing details at the Carphone Warehouse can be found over here.
Apple Update the iMac
Over the past few weeks, there's been some speculation about a new 2011 line of iMac's being launched by Apple. That speculation can now come to an end as Apple has indeed launched a new range of iMacs.
Just like the previous generation, there are four different models to choose from with two of them having 21.5 inch screens and two of them having larger 27 inch screens. Each has a faster CPU which is now quad-core for every model. Each has 3x faster graphics power and includes a HD camera to be used with FaceTime. The new Thunderbolt port is also included in the 2011 refresh.
The 2011 iMac range looks very similar to the 2010 models. The screens use an LED backlight and also show the same amount of pixels. The screens are also IPS allowing for a wider viewing angle.
The quad-core processors are said to be up to 70 percent faster than the previous generation of the iMac. The lowest processor is an Intel Core I5 that is included on the basic 21.5 inch model. On the 27 inch models, buyers get a Core i7 chip.
21.5 Inch iMac Specs
The smaller 21.5 inch iMacs come in two options. The first is priced at $1199 and the second at $1499. The differences that bring the price up are the processor which on the lower priced model is a 2.5GHz Core i5 with 6MB on-chip L3 cache. The higher priced model has a 2.7GHz i5 also with the same 6MB of cache.
Both 21.5 inch models come with 4GB of memory on 2x2GB running at 1333MHz (DDR3). Memory can be configured up to 16GB when ordered online.
For storage there's 500GB on the low end model and 1TB on the high end model. The bottom end model cannot be upgraded (or at least Apple doesn't list that possibility), while the upper end model can have up to 2TB of storage on hard drive, or 256GB on SSD if required.
The graphics on the 21.5 inch models are powered by AMD Radeon HD chips with the lower end having a 6750M processor with 512MB of GDDR5. The upper end model has a similar 6770M chip with the same amount of RAM.
If you want the option to upgrade more, go for the higher priced 21.5 inch model as you can change the storage as well as RAM.
27 Inch iMac Specs
The larger 27 inch models also come in two variations with the lower end costing $1699 and the upper end costing $1999 (both base models). On the lower end model you'll find a 2.7GHz Core i5 CPU with 6MB of cache. The upper model has a 3.1GHz Core i5 as standard.
Both models come with a 1TB harddrive as standard which can be upgraded on both models to 2TB or to 256GB SSD just like the upper 21.5 inch model.
The graphics chip on the lower end is the 6770M and on the upper end model, it's the 6970M along with 1GB of GDDR5 memory.
The upper end model is a little more configurable than the other 27 inch model in that you can opt for a faster 3.4GHz Intel Core i7 if desired. A faster graphics card can also be selected if needed with up to 2GB of GDDR5 memory.
Overall, a fairly decent refresh. The full layout of specs can be found over on the Apple store.
Just like the previous generation, there are four different models to choose from with two of them having 21.5 inch screens and two of them having larger 27 inch screens. Each has a faster CPU which is now quad-core for every model. Each has 3x faster graphics power and includes a HD camera to be used with FaceTime. The new Thunderbolt port is also included in the 2011 refresh.
The 2011 iMac range looks very similar to the 2010 models. The screens use an LED backlight and also show the same amount of pixels. The screens are also IPS allowing for a wider viewing angle.
The quad-core processors are said to be up to 70 percent faster than the previous generation of the iMac. The lowest processor is an Intel Core I5 that is included on the basic 21.5 inch model. On the 27 inch models, buyers get a Core i7 chip.
21.5 Inch iMac Specs
The smaller 21.5 inch iMacs come in two options. The first is priced at $1199 and the second at $1499. The differences that bring the price up are the processor which on the lower priced model is a 2.5GHz Core i5 with 6MB on-chip L3 cache. The higher priced model has a 2.7GHz i5 also with the same 6MB of cache.
Both 21.5 inch models come with 4GB of memory on 2x2GB running at 1333MHz (DDR3). Memory can be configured up to 16GB when ordered online.
For storage there's 500GB on the low end model and 1TB on the high end model. The bottom end model cannot be upgraded (or at least Apple doesn't list that possibility), while the upper end model can have up to 2TB of storage on hard drive, or 256GB on SSD if required.
The graphics on the 21.5 inch models are powered by AMD Radeon HD chips with the lower end having a 6750M processor with 512MB of GDDR5. The upper end model has a similar 6770M chip with the same amount of RAM.
If you want the option to upgrade more, go for the higher priced 21.5 inch model as you can change the storage as well as RAM.
27 Inch iMac Specs
The larger 27 inch models also come in two variations with the lower end costing $1699 and the upper end costing $1999 (both base models). On the lower end model you'll find a 2.7GHz Core i5 CPU with 6MB of cache. The upper model has a 3.1GHz Core i5 as standard.
Both models come with a 1TB harddrive as standard which can be upgraded on both models to 2TB or to 256GB SSD just like the upper 21.5 inch model.
The graphics chip on the lower end is the 6770M and on the upper end model, it's the 6970M along with 1GB of GDDR5 memory.
The upper end model is a little more configurable than the other 27 inch model in that you can opt for a faster 3.4GHz Intel Core i7 if desired. A faster graphics card can also be selected if needed with up to 2GB of GDDR5 memory.
Overall, a fairly decent refresh. The full layout of specs can be found over on the Apple store.
Android Smartphones to Get Video Chat
Google has announced that Google Talk is being updated to include video chat. The update will begin rolling out to Nexus S owners in the coming weeks and following that, any device that supports Android 2.3 and has the correct hardware, meaning a camera, will also be getting the update.
When activated on your compatible smartphone, you'll simply be able to load up Google Talk and click the video call icon next to a username. It doesn't matter if the other person is using Google Talk on a desktop or other smartphone. If they can use video chat, you'll be able to speak with them.
Google Talk will be delivered over the air and will come with the Android 2.3.4 update that rolls out soon.
An interesting feature of Google Talk video chat is that you'll be able to carry on sending text to each other as you talk. This means that links to other web pages can be shared. When sending text, the other person sees that text on the bottom corner of the video chat window.
When activated on your compatible smartphone, you'll simply be able to load up Google Talk and click the video call icon next to a username. It doesn't matter if the other person is using Google Talk on a desktop or other smartphone. If they can use video chat, you'll be able to speak with them.
Google Talk will be delivered over the air and will come with the Android 2.3.4 update that rolls out soon.
An interesting feature of Google Talk video chat is that you'll be able to carry on sending text to each other as you talk. This means that links to other web pages can be shared. When sending text, the other person sees that text on the bottom corner of the video chat window.
Sabtu, 14 Mei 2011
Ubud – the best Holiday Vacation On Bali
ubud ngaben ritual
Ubud is a town on the Bali Island in Ubud District, located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of the Gianyar regency. One of Bali’s major arts and culture centres.
Ubud is famous for it’s regularly nightly traditional dance performances, which are part of the traditional culture and are arranged for tourists on a regular schedule. The main street is Jalan Raya Ubud (it means: main road), which runs east-west through the center of town. Two long roads, Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Hanoman, extend south from Jalan Raya Ubud. Puri Saren Agung is a large palace located at the intersection of Monkey Forest and Raya Ubud roads. The home of Tjokorda Gede Agung Sukawati (1910-1978), the last “king” of Ubud, it is now occupied by his descendants and dance performances are held in its courtyard. It was also one of Ubud’s first hotels, dating back to the 1930s.
On this year, Ubud was awarded as the best city of Asia. This award is given by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. The results of the annual election of the readers Conde Nast Traveler magazine chose Bali as the best city of Asia with a score of 82.5 of the total score with 100.
For you who want vacation to bali, ubud providing a lot of resorts with various facilities like spas and villas. I’ll show you some places that could be a reference.
- Ubud Village Resort
- Maya Ubud Resort And Hotels
- Hotel Komaneka Resort Ubud
- Ubud Sari Resort and Spa
- Kamandalu Resort and Spa
- Kori Ubud Resort
- Maya Ubud Resort
Ubud-Agricultural State
Ubud Resort-Vacation on Bali
Ubud-Traditional Building
ubud bali vacation
Derawan Island, a dream island for divers
Derawan Island-sunrise
Welcome to the lovely tropical islands in Kalimantan (or also known as Borneo) area, Derawan Island. An island with sea-colored blue and green shades are stunning, soft sand, rows of coconut palms on the coast, with a small forest in the middle of the island that’s become the habitat of various species of plants, animals and natural beauty of the enchanting underwater. No wonder if Derawan Island become top three world-class dive destinations and makes the Derawan as a dream island for divers.
Around Derawan Island, at least 28 diving spots identified. To explore all of spots you need about 10 days with one dive at each spot. To move from one spot to another, you can use the ship. You also can explore the island on foot.
Well, many activities you can do on Derawan Island, especially for marine tourist activities such as snorkeling, fishing, diving, swimming and observe the green turtle.
How to get Derawan IslandIt’s easy to reach this beautiful island. You can simply fly about 3 hours to Balikpapan by plane from Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta or Denpasar. From Balikpapan, you still have to fly to Cape Redeb baout one hour by plane KAL Star, Deraya or DAS. In addition, Cape Redeb can also be reached by sea, with boarded the ship from Samarinda or Tarakan to Tanjung Redeb or followed by a motorboat hire.
Derawan Island-twilight view
Derawan Island-sunrise view
stunning scenery at Derawan Island
Green Turtle view on Derawan Island
Green Turtle swimming in Blue sea
Dderawan island-turtle view
Derawan island-resort view
Derawan Island resort-side view
blue sea of Derawan Island
images via here
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