Cicero Lounge

Microsoft has officially dropped the façade on Windows 7 in 2010 and conceded that its essentially completed operating system will ship this year.

Windows 7 will be released to manufacturing in about three months, pending feedback on the current release candidate, senior vice president of the Windows and Windows Live engineering group Steven Sinofsky said Monday.

Google said in its quest to create the perfect search engine, it cannot afford to rest on its laurels.

The company's comments came at an event billed as a "state of the union" on search as it unveiled new products that aim to push search in a new direction.

Google has over 63% of the US market compared to rival Yahoo with 20%.

Google said users are becoming more sophisticated at search

"The race in search is far from over and innovation and continued improvement is absolutely pivotal," said Google's Marissa Mayer.

"I've said this many times but search is still in its infancy. Our engineers are worried about what is the next big thing in search and how are they going to find it," said Ms Mayer who is the vice president of search products and user experience.

She said last year Google released over 365 products and in the first quarter of this year it was 120. Ms Mayer added that this was proof that "Google gets better all the time."

Source: By Maggie Shiels BBC News

After Harvey Milk became the first openly gay man elected to any substantial political office in the history of the planet, thousands of astounded people wrote to him. "I thank God, I have lived long enough to see my kind emerge from the shadows and join the human race" one woman wrote of him.

(Home Office) Home Secretary announces HMIC Chief    

Following approval by Her Majesty the Queen, Chief Inspector Denis O'Connor has been appointed Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced today.

Financial Services Secretary Paul Myners today published a report setting out the Government's initial thinking on reforms to strengthen the UK's ability to deal with the failure of an investment bank.

Like other financial centres, London was affected by the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008 and the events that followed. The Government is committed to implementing reforms that will enable an easier resolution of a failing investment bank should any such event happen again.

The report outlines the Government's thinking on the changes to market practice, regulation, and insolvency law that might be needed to deal with any future failue of a major investment bank.

The report considers the treatment of investment banking clients after default, the future of their assets, and the treatment of their open or unreconciled trading positions. It also examines what can be done to make the process of insolvency more effective, and to limit the damage that may be done by a failing investment bank.

This Bill draws together a number of disparate policy issues on policing and crime.

Key areas
Introduces new provisions to improve police accountability and effectiveness (although the Government’s plans for directly elected police authorities, which provoked some controversy, have not been included in the Bill)

• Creates a new offence of paying for sex with someone who is controlled for gain and introduces new powers to close brothels
• Modifies the law on soliciting
• Tightens up the regulation of lap-dancing clubs by reclassifying them as ‘sex establishments’ rather than ‘entertainment’ venues
• Amends police powers to deal with young people drinking in public
• Introduces a new mandatory code of practice for alcohol sales
  Amends the criminal asset recovery scheme established under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
• Changes the arrangements for airport security and policing

Commons stage copy of bill available in the Public reading file area

ECGD, the UK's official export credit agency, today (8 May) launched a public consultation on a proposal to offer a scheme to confirm letters of credit for British exports.

The consultation on this scheme was announced by Lord Mandelson in New Industry, New Jobs on 20 April. The Chancellor referred to it in the Budget.

ECGD's Minister Ian Pearson said:

"Britain was built on trade, and trade will be vital to our future prosperity. I want to ensure that the support offered by ECGD plays a significant role supporting UK exporters when demand picks up. Under the current difficult circumstances it's right that the Government should do all it can to help British exports and the jobs they support. And exporters and banks have told ECGD that this scheme will be of real help.

The area around the former Mayfield Station is set to become Manchester's Whitehall, the BBC reports. The announcement coincides nicely with the themes addressed at our regeneration panel debate last night.

Source: Greater Manchester Fabians

PetitionOnline.com's present petition is for the Muslim cleric Ayatollah Boroujerdi

http://www.petitiononline.com/Maat2/petition.html

Hunkie, is a Labrador mix, currently in isolation and awaiting death at the Putnam County Humane Society for a bite attack on a Humane Society employee.

A Care2 campaign is appealing for the Society to give Hunkie a chance at life by being deciding instead to have her rehabilitated or retrained.

If you want 'help save Hunkie' then please do visit and lend your support to save Hunkie from death.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/4/please-give-hunkie-a-chance-at-life

Cicero.

A drug treatment referral scheme to get drug users off benefits and back into work starts operating across England today, announced Employment and Welfare Reform Minister Tony McNulty.

Heroin or crack cocaine users claiming benefits in England will be able to access advice and referral from their Jobcentre to a drug treatment service so that they can get better and take steps to return to work.

The Welfare Reform Bill, currently before Parliament, includes provisions to pilot a new mandatory employment-support program for problem drug users. They will be required to attend discussions about treatment and agree a rehabilitation plan. The plan will set out the steps they will take to address both their drug problem and any other barriers to work that they face. Failing to comply with the plan could result in benefit sanctions.

Today is the first step in the process that will follow once the Welfare Reform Bill has passed through Parliament.

29/04/2009 14:51   

MIGRATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PRESS RELEASE

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) today published the first review of the shortage occupation lists for skilled workers coming to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

In the UK labour market, vacancy levels have fallen and unemployment and redundancies have risen sharply. The MAC has responded to the current economic climate by suspending quantity surveyors and managers in construction from the shortage occupation lists.

The MAC has recommended a number of other key changes:
* only social workers for children and families are kept on the list; all other social workers should be removed;
* the skill threshold is changed for care assistants and chefs;
* the following jobs are added to the list: orchestral musicians, visual effects and computer animation technicians and contemporary dancers; and
* there are additions and removals within some job titles in the healthcare profession.*

In announcing the publication of its recommendations the Chair of the Committee, Professor David Metcalf, said:

"The Points Based System, including the shortage occupation list, has to operate for the benefit of UK workers, especially given the current economic climate.

"These latest recommendations take account of the impact of the worldwide recession on the UK. We have looked critically at the evidence regarding the occupations under review and made recommendations which balance the needs of the UK workforce against those of employers.

"It is important to note that some shortages of skilled labour will still exist in a recession. This can be where there is a long-term structural shortage of skilled workers, where workers provide key public services, or in areas such as culture where the UK needs to maintain global leadership."

A fleet of nearly 200 new armoured vehicles has been ordered by the Ministry of Defence to support frontline troops on operations, it was announced today.

The £74M order for about 110, state-of-the-art, enhanced Jackal 2 vehicles and more than 70 Coyote Tactical Support Vehicles has been awarded to vehicle manufacturer Supacat, who has formed an alliance with Babcock to deliver the new beasts.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, announced the contract during a Supacat vehicle drive day at the Long Valley Test Ground in Aldershot.

21/04/2009 10:40   

Source : Ministry Of Defence (National)  

Today is Earth Day and from it's beginning in 1970s environment groups highlight the problems that affect the earth. Remember we can do our part by re-cycling and watching our energy consumption today. The UN also ring the famous peace bell on this important day.

Learn more about today's Earth Day from the WatchMojo.com video below

On April 10th, 2008, James Karl Buck and his translator were arrested by the Egyptian police while covering an anti-government protest. James, a grad student from Berkeley, was able to tweet one word while being taken away by Egyptian authorities: Arrested.

This one update sparked his friends and followers into action, eventually leading to his university hiring a lawyer on his behalf and his release a day later. This is proof that one update, even if it’s a single word, can mobilize people to action and change the course of events.http://mashable.com/2009/04/10/extraordinary-twitter-updates/
Source : Mashable.com

Campaigners have renewed calls for a £3 billion investment to end child poverty as research put Britain near the bottom of a league table of European youngsters' well-being.

High numbers of youngsters in workless families, poor local environments and the low numbers in education or training helped leave the UK trailing 24th out of 27 nations.

That was well below the performance of countries such as Germany (8th) and France (15th) and a very long way behind the continent's best-off children, the Dutch and Scandinavians.

Only Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta fared worse, according to the latest research by the University of York, which was based on data from 2006.

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) said the Government was using the right kinds of policy but had failed to back them with sufficient resources.

"The recent emphasis on the material circumstances of children, on education and health inequalities and of early intervention has been right and must continue over the long term. It is the dose which has been inadequate, not the medicine," it said.

CPAG is one of 150 organisations which have joined forces to call on Chancellor Alistair Darling to announced a £3 billion-plus boost to benefits and tax credits for low income families in Wednesday's Budget.

Chief executive Kate Green said: "The last time a child well-being league table was published, British people were shocked the UK came last.

"This time we need a frank focus on why other countries are doing so much better for their children. Public resolve and political action to put children first are more important than another round of hand wringing."

Children's Minister Beverley Hughes said the Government had made "wide-ranging improvements" since the time the data was collected. "The fact that we created a new Government department to focus solely on children, schools and families shows the increased importance being given to children in this country," she said.

Source: pa.press.net

Well I've finally succumbed to the "Twitter" craze and am loving the experience it's so nice to be able to idly chat with others - so very much like just sending text messages (which is also an option for me on this site or on twitter).

Any one who's not tried this latest Internet phenomenon - why not give it a look.

Go to:  www.twitter.com

Cicero.

President Obama freely admits that the U.S. trade embargo of Cuba "hasn't worked the way we wanted it to"  although it's been in effect for nearly 50 years.

Even so, he made it clear today it will stay in place until Cuban leaders take more overt action to free political prisoners, and permit freedom of the press and democratic elections.

"The Cuban people aren't free and that's our lodestone, our north star when it comes to our policy in Cuba," said Mr. Obama.

During a trip-ending news conference at the site of the Summit of the Americas (where Cuba's exclusion and the U.S. embargo were highly-contentious issues), the president said his concerns about Cuba are "not simply something to be brushed aside.".

Source:  CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller

New common sense standards for use of investigatory powers and retention of DNA profiles were set out by the Home Secretary today.

Jacqui Smith outlined ways to strengthen how the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) is used by public authorities and how and when DNA profiles are retained on the national database in a keynote speech about protecting people while protecting their rights.

Speaking to members of the technology industry at the Intellect trade association the Home Secretary announced a consultation on the use of RIPA that will examine:

* a revision of the Codes of Practice that come under RIPA;

* which public authorities can use RIPA powers; and

* how those powers are authorised, and who authorises their use.

She also announced that there will be a consultation on proposed changes to RIPA powers to bring them in line with tests of safeguards, openness, proportionality and common sense.

In a wide-ranging speech on the rights of privacy in light of changing and expanding technology, the Home Secretary said the Government has to think carefully about how long to retain DNA evidence. She said the Government will bring forward proposals for consultation on retention arrangements for DNA samples in a Forensics White Paper next year including:

* varying the timescale of detaining DNA evidence depending on the seriousness of the offence and possibly the age and risk of the individual;

* re-examining the retention arrangements for DNA samples;

* ensuring police can retrospectively take samples for a longer period after conviction and from those convicted overseas.

In addition the Home Secretary announced that the Government will take immediate steps to take the DNA of children under 10 - the age of responsibility - off the database.

More support will be rolled out to unemployed people as new Labour Market figures published today show a rise in the numbers of people claiming unemployment benefits.

With over half a million vacancies in the economy which employers are trying to fill, a package of measures is being announced today which will help people gain the right training and skills to ensure they stand the best chance possible of getting back to work.

Employment Minister, Tony McNulty said:

"This month's Labour Market figures are very disappointing and we will do all we can to give real support to people during these tough times.

"We have put in place extra help and support that will ensure everyone who becomes unemployed stands the best chance possible of getting back to work, including making available £79 million of additional European Social Fund money to support people who become unemployed."

The £79 million is part of a £158 million package jointly financed by DWP and DIUS, and will specifically target people who most need it to develop their confidence and life skills and help them back into work.

In addition to the new funding, Tony McNulty also confirmed that he has agreed with Jobcentre Plus a five point pledge to anyone who becomes unemployed. Mr McNulty said:

"Every Jobcentre across the country is taking steps to help people who lose their jobs. In the event that someone does become unemployed, I can promise them the extra help and support they need through Jobcentre Plus.

"Firstly people will get to see an expert Personal Jobcentre Plus Adviser who can support them; they will have access to a wide range of jobs and get help with CV writing and completing job applications forms. Where necessary, they will get help with skills advice and retraining. And they can also receive help with their mortgage.

"This is the real help that is on offer to all those who need our support to find a job in these tough times."

The Labour Market Statistics are published today by the UK Statistics Authority and can be found at http://www.statistics.gov.uk

For the first time, foreign nationals in Sheffield can enrol for identity cards containing their facial image and fingerprints, the Home Secretary announced during a visit to the city today.

ID cards will securely lock foreign nationals to one identity and help businesses crack down on illegal working.

Biometric enrolment for the cards - which involves individuals having their digital photograph and fingerprints recorded - will take place at the UK Border Agency's Vulcan House building. The Home Secretary opened the building today and met some of the 1,900 staff working there.

The Home Secretary also met staff working on the new Australian-style points system for migrant workers - which also operates from the new building. The points system is the UK's tough new measure for managing migration to the UK.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:

"What I have seen today demonstrates that we are successfully delivering two of our most important changes to the immigration system - ID cards for foreign nationals and the points system.

"ID cards will give employers a secure way of checking a migrant's right to work and study in the UK and help people prove they are who they say are. The points system will ensure that only those we need - and no more - can come here to work.

"Staff at Vulcan House are leading the way in implementing what is the biggest shake-up to the immigration system for a generation - ensuring Britain has one of the fairest systems in the world."

Ken Livingstone has said the police officer in charge when Jean Charles de Menezes was shot has the "potential" to be a future Met Police Commissioner.

A jury returned an open verdict at the inquest into the electrician's death.

The former Mayor of London said Cressida Dick was one of the "most talented" officers he had worked with. But Gareth Pierce, a lawyer for the de Menezes family, said 25 "serious and catastrophic" failures by Ms Dick alone had been identified.

Brazilian Mr de Menezes, 27, was shot dead on 22 July 2005 at Stockwell Tube station when he was mistaken for a suicide bomber.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Livingstone said the police officers made mistakes because of the "unbelievable" pressure they were under.

Ms Dick, who was in command of the operation and subsequently promoted, had "commissioner potential" he said.

Source: BBC News