* Paul Ceglia sued Facebook, claiming ownership stake
* Contract cited by Ceglia didn't involve Facebook -filing
SAN FRANCISCO, August 15 (Reuters) - A contract at the heart of a lawsuit seeking half ownership of Facebook does not mention the social networking giant and has nothing to do with it, Facebook said in a court filing.
Paul Ceglia sued Facebook in July 2010, alleging that a contract he struck with Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg in 2003 entitled him to half the company.
Facebook, the world's No. 1 Internet social network with more than 500 million users, has previously said the contract Ceglia attached to his lawsuit was a fabrication and has characterized him as an "inveterate scam artist."
In a court filing on Monday, attorneys for Facebook said an authentic contract was found embedded in electronic data on Ceglia's computer but that document mentions only another company, StreetFax.
If the case is still allowed to continue despite the discovery, attorneys for Facebook said they will formally ask a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit.
An attorney for Ceglia did not immediately return a call for comment.
According to Ceglia's lawsuit, Zuckerberg told him if he hired Zuckerberg to work on Ceglia's StreetFax.com project and helped fund the development of another project that became Facebook, Zuckerberg would give Ceglia a one-half interest in the project that became Facebook. The case is Ceglia v. Zuckerberg et al, U.S. District Court, Western District of New York, No. 10-00569.
(Reporting by Dan Levine; Editing by Gary Hill)
Monday, 15 August 2011
Starbucks’ Schultz boycott donating to U.S. political
Starbucks’ Schultz Urges Fellow CEOs to Boycott Campaign
Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) Chief Executive Officer Howard Schultz urged other CEOs to boycott donating to U.S. political campaigns to encourage leaders to solve the nation’s growing budget deficit.
“I am asking that all of us forego political contributions until the Congress and the President return to Washington and deliver a fiscally disciplined long-term debt and deficit plan to the American people,” Schultz wrote in an e-mail sent to business leaders that was obtained by Bloomberg News.
Schultz, 58, joined Starbucks about three decades ago and later served as CEO until in 2000. He took the reins again in 2008 amid slumping sales growth after the company expanded too rapidly. The Starbucks leader has spoken on issues such as the high price of coffee, which he says is driven by market speculation.
Among the recipients of Schultz’s e-mail were NYSE Euronext CEO Duncan Niederauer and Bob Greifeld, CEO of Nasdaq OMX Group Inc., who in turn e-mailed letters to companies listed on their respective exchanges.
Schultz encouraged fellow business leaders in the e-mail to “voice your perspective publicly” and said that “businesses need to do all they can to accelerate job creation.”
Corey duBrowa, a spokesman for Seattle-based Starbucks, said the e-mail was sent last night and dated Aug. 15.
Schultz donated to Senator Maria Cantwell, a Washington state Democrat, in March, according to OpenSecrets.org.
Starbucks is the world’s largest coffee-shop operator with about 10,900 U.S. stores.
Autism sibling risk
Autism sibling risk 'higher than previously thought'
 |
| Researchers do not know how to estimate an individual family's actual risk of autism |
Writing in Pediatrics, researchers from the University of California Davis studied 664 infants up to the age of three.
Use your real name on Google
By Suzanne Choney
OK, Google's done foolin' around with you folks who don't want to use your real name on Google+. From here on out, if Google learns the name you're using is not your real name, you've got four days to make amends. After that — you're kicked off of Google+. That's how the hottest new social networking site rolls.
ASEAN Community 2015 ‘on track
The Indonesian Trade Ministry’s data shows that 73.4 percent of measures required to set up the community have been fulfilled. Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, who chairs the annual ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting this year in Manado, North Sulawesi, spoke to The Jakarta Post’s Rangga D. Fadillah and Yohanna Ririhena about the progress of the grouping. The following are excerpts:
Q: How far has ASEAN fulfilled its goal to establish an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015?
A: We have reviewed the implementation progress. Most of the plans in the AEC Blueprint have been implemented on track. However, our attention is on issues that are not yet entirely on track, including the health and logistic sectors.
Q: How far has ASEAN fulfilled its goal to establish an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015?
A: We have reviewed the implementation progress. Most of the plans in the AEC Blueprint have been implemented on track. However, our attention is on issues that are not yet entirely on track, including the health and logistic sectors.
Heart disease greater for women smokers
Huge US study published in the Lancet finds risk of heart disease linked to smoking is 25% higher for women
Smoking is more likely to give women heart disease than men, a study has found.
Toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke may have a more potent effect on women due to biological differences, scientists believe.
US researchers analysed pooled data on around 4 million individuals from 86 studies. After adjusting for other risk factors, they found the increased risk of heart disease linked to smoking was 25% higher for women.
The longer a woman smoked, the greater her heart disease risk was compared with that of a man who had smoked for the same length of time. A woman's extra risk increased by 2% for every additional year she had been smoking.
Smoking is more likely to give women heart disease than men, a study has found.
Toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke may have a more potent effect on women due to biological differences, scientists believe.
US researchers analysed pooled data on around 4 million individuals from 86 studies. After adjusting for other risk factors, they found the increased risk of heart disease linked to smoking was 25% higher for women.
The longer a woman smoked, the greater her heart disease risk was compared with that of a man who had smoked for the same length of time. A woman's extra risk increased by 2% for every additional year she had been smoking.
 |
| Toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke may have a more potent effect on women due to biological differences, scientists believe |
BlackBerry Bold 9930 now in market
(aka the Bold Touch) is now finally available for you to order from Verizon for $250 with a new 2 year contract and data plan.Specs wise the Verizon Bold 9930 comes with pretty much everything we expected: a 1.2 GHZ processor with 768 MB of RAM (so everything from BBMing to browsing the web is much faster), 5 megapixel back camera with the ability to take 720p HD video (there is no front camera for video chat), the latest and greatest BlackBerry 7 OS, and that awesome BlackBerry keyboard underneath that 2.8 inch multi-touch screen. Unfortunately, like Sprint’s Bold 9930 this Verizon Bold 9930 is also 3G-only which means you can’t use it on Verizon’s superfast 4G LTE network (something we were hoping Verizon woul
d sneak in particularly since it’s a pretty expensive $250 on 2 year contract).
Hilary Duff and first child?
Hilary Duff and husband Mike Comrie are expecting their first child, the singer-actress announced on her official website.
The couple who were also celebrating their first wedding anniversary at the weekend were delighted to share the good news with the world.
"Hello everyone! This weekend, Mike and I are celebrating our 1 year anniversary!", she wrote.
"In memory of the special day, we decided to post some of our favourite pictures from our wedding!"
"We also want to share the exciting news that. BABY MAKES THREE," she added. "We are extremely happy and ready to start this new chapter of our lives."
The 23-year-old actress had said earlier this month that she and Mike, 30, were excited to have children but were planning to wait a bit longer as she wanted to make a new album.
Hilary and the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins star married in a romantic ceremony in Santa Barbara last August.
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Vampire bat bite death in U.S
First vampire bat bite death in U.S. reported
A 19-year-old migrant worker in Louisiana was infected with rabies after being bitten on the heel
The United States has now recorded its first death from a vampire bat bite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On July 29, 2010, a young Mexican migrant showed up to work at a Louisiana sugar cane plantation. He worked one day and then complained of fatigue, shoulder pain and numbness. By August 3 he’d been sent to a New Orleans hospital.
When he developed a fever and an elevated white blood cell count, doctors thought he might have encephalitis, or maybe meningitis. He didn’t. Doctors tested for HIV, syphilis, herpes, arboviruses, Lyme disease, autoimmune neuropathies and all came back negative.
A 19-year-old migrant worker in Louisiana was infected with rabies after being bitten on the heel
The United States has now recorded its first death from a vampire bat bite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On July 29, 2010, a young Mexican migrant showed up to work at a Louisiana sugar cane plantation. He worked one day and then complained of fatigue, shoulder pain and numbness. By August 3 he’d been sent to a New Orleans hospital.
When he developed a fever and an elevated white blood cell count, doctors thought he might have encephalitis, or maybe meningitis. He didn’t. Doctors tested for HIV, syphilis, herpes, arboviruses, Lyme disease, autoimmune neuropathies and all came back negative.
Lin Dan took the title
Olympic badminton champion Lin Dan had an ideal preparation for his title defence when he won his fourth world title on Sunday in the Wembley arena to be used for the 2012 Games.
The second-seeded Chinese player saved two match points against top-seeded Malaysian Lee Chong Wei and went on to a 20-22, 21-17, 23-21 victory. It was probably the best encounter of the 24 between the two great rivals.
Lin's triumph was the highlight of a day in which China became the first country to successfully defend all five world titles.
The second-seeded Chinese player saved two match points against top-seeded Malaysian Lee Chong Wei and went on to a 20-22, 21-17, 23-21 victory. It was probably the best encounter of the 24 between the two great rivals.
Lin's triumph was the highlight of a day in which China became the first country to successfully defend all five world titles.
 |
| China's Dan Lin celebrates after beating Malaysia's Chong Wei Lee in the men's singles final at the badminton world championships on Sunday. |
Cesc Fabregas confirmed switch
Arsenal and Barcelona have confirmed they have reached an "agreement in principle" over the sale of Cesc Fabregas to the Spanish club.
It means the 24-year-old Gunners captain is set to return to the team he left as a 16-year-old in 2003.
He will now discuss personal terms and undergo a medical on Monday.
"We understand Cesc's desire to move to his home-town club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
"We have been clear that we didn't want Cesc to leave and that remains the case.
"We thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and wish him future success."
Barcelona have been chasing Fabregas since last summer. As BBC Sport revealed on Friday, Arsenal will receive a guaranteed £30m transfer fee, with a further £5m dependent on the number of games played and trophies won by the Spaniard during his time at the Nou Camp.
News of the deal was confirmed at half-time of the first leg of Barcelona's Spanish Super Cup match against Real Madrid on Sunday, which ended 2-2.
It means the 24-year-old Gunners captain is set to return to the team he left as a 16-year-old in 2003.
He will now discuss personal terms and undergo a medical on Monday.
"We understand Cesc's desire to move to his home-town club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
"We have been clear that we didn't want Cesc to leave and that remains the case.
"We thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and wish him future success."
Barcelona have been chasing Fabregas since last summer. As BBC Sport revealed on Friday, Arsenal will receive a guaranteed £30m transfer fee, with a further £5m dependent on the number of games played and trophies won by the Spaniard during his time at the Nou Camp.
News of the deal was confirmed at half-time of the first leg of Barcelona's Spanish Super Cup match against Real Madrid on Sunday, which ended 2-2.
Colts’ quarterbacks least of concern in loss to Rams
 |
| St. Louis Rams running back Keith Toston, bottom, scores on a 5-yard touchdown run during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Indianapolis Colts Saturday, in St. Louis. |
It makes no real difference whether Curtis Painter throws a pick, as he did almost immediately in the Colts’ 33-10 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Saturday night at Edward Jones Dome, or a long completion to Pierre Garcon. (Painter did that, too, setting up a field goal.) Ditto for Dan Orlovsky, who topped Painter in picks but added a touchdown pass to Taj Smith. Nate Davis didn’t get much time, either on the field or in pass protection, until very late.
The only quarterback who matters is not yet in uniform. We’re still waiting on Peyton Manning to trade his polo shirt and jeans for game-day pads. A truth: If any of those other quarterbacks are playing in the regular season, trouble will be brewing, along with a high draft pick next spring.
6 More Dead in Syrian Port City of Latakia
Activists say Syrian security forces mounted a major offensive in the port city of Latakia Sunday, with warship and tanks joining the assault.
Residents say at least six people have been killed since tanks rolled into the city on Saturday, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters rallied there. Two people were killed on Saturday and at least four more on Sunday.
A separate raid took place Saturday in the Qusair region, near the Lebanese border, where activists say at least one person was killed.
Residents say at least six people have been killed since tanks rolled into the city on Saturday, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters rallied there. Two people were killed on Saturday and at least four more on Sunday.
A separate raid took place Saturday in the Qusair region, near the Lebanese border, where activists say at least one person was killed.
Arsenal no hope
No Fabregas, no Nasri, no signings - no hope? Arsenal have two weeks to salvage expectations
Wenger feels the fans' agitation over a summer of transfer inactivity, and a desperate display at Newcastle does not bode well for Tuesday's Champions League tie with Udinese
There is trouble brewing at the Emirates Stadium because the fear of another trophyless season is looming large and the Gunners’ top brass should be braced for a fans’ backlash this week.
A taste of things to come on home territory when Arsenal host Udinese in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier came from high up in the stands before Gervinho’s antics suddenly woke everyone up in the drab 0-0 draw against Newcastle United.
The expletive-laden chants pouring down from the Leazes End on Tyneside urging Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to, shall we say, spend some money showed that Gooners are ready to turn on the Frenchman as well as the club hierachy.
Sergio Ramos returns to make Barcelona debut
Sergio Ramos returns for Real Madrid, Alexis Sanchez set to make Barcelona debut
The Spain defender has recovered from a back injury that interrupted his pre-season and is in Jose Mourinho's squad, whilst the Chilean attacker is in line to make his bow
Real Madrid have been handed a huge boost ahead of the Spanish Supercopa first-leg on Sunday, with Sergio Ramos having been named in the squad to face Barcelona.
The full-back has been given the green light to feature after successfully recovering from a recurrence of a back problem he picked up during their friendly with Tianjin earlier in the month.
However, no such luck is in the offing for Esteban Granero and new recruits Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop, who will all miss out.
Striker Karim Benzema has enjoyed an impressive pre-season for Real, scoring eight goals during their campaign, and he is in a jubilant mood ahead of the match.
"We have prepared well as a group and we feel we are going to challenge on every front", the former Lyon forward told Fifa.com.
The Spain defender has recovered from a back injury that interrupted his pre-season and is in Jose Mourinho's squad, whilst the Chilean attacker is in line to make his bow
Real Madrid have been handed a huge boost ahead of the Spanish Supercopa first-leg on Sunday, with Sergio Ramos having been named in the squad to face Barcelona.
The full-back has been given the green light to feature after successfully recovering from a recurrence of a back problem he picked up during their friendly with Tianjin earlier in the month.
However, no such luck is in the offing for Esteban Granero and new recruits Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop, who will all miss out.
Striker Karim Benzema has enjoyed an impressive pre-season for Real, scoring eight goals during their campaign, and he is in a jubilant mood ahead of the match.
"We have prepared well as a group and we feel we are going to challenge on every front", the former Lyon forward told Fifa.com.
UK Riot: Festival of broken glass
 |
| Saturday 6 August 2011: Fire rages through a building in Tottenham, north London, as trouble flared after members of the community took to the streets to protest over the police shooting of local man Mark Duggan |
As politicians holidayed and police were caught by surprise, rioters looted and high streets burned across the UK. Andrew Gilligan recounts how the week’s horrifying events unfolded
In the Thursday evening rush hour, a silver Toyota Estima taxi turned off the Tottenham Hale gyratory to cross the railway bridge. Its passenger was expecting to be home for dinner: just over an hour before, he’d asked his girlfriend, Semone Wilson, to cook it for him. At 6pm, he sent her his last message: “The Feds are following me.”
Fifteen minutes later, Mark Duggan was dead, shot twice in the chest and right arm by a single officer from the Metropolitan Police firearms squad. The trigger had also been pulled on four nights of anarchy which profoundly frightened Britain, and may change it for ever.
Within hours, the lies were circulating: one witness told the London Evening Standard that he’d seen the 29-year-old dragged out of the taxi and “shot on the floor”. The Independent Police Complaints Commission falsely told journalists that Duggan had fired at the police. Ten days on, the IPCC still hasn’t quite got its story straight: its latest statement says that two shots were fired, but in fact three may have been, since a police bullet also lodged itself in another officer’s radio. (An alternative explanation is that one of the bullets fired at Duggan went through him, then hit the officer – but police rounds are designed not to go through people.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)