China, which had already warned that any meeting could hurt already-strained relations between the two countries, quickly reiterated its call for the meeting not to go ahead. In a statement on Thursday White House spokesman Robert Gibbs confirmed that Barack Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on February 18. "The Dalai Lama is an internationally respected religious leader. He's a spokesman for Tibetan rights," Robert Gibbs, a White House spokesman, said on Thursday. "The president looks forward to an engaging and constructive meeting." In a possible nod to Chinese sensitivities the meeting is scheduled to take place in the White House Map Room, and not the symbolic surroundings of the Oval Office, where Obama normally meets foreign dignitaries. 'High sensitivity' It is unclear as yet if Obama and the Dalai Lama, branded a separatist by the Chinese government, would meet in the open or behind closed doors.
"We urge the US side to fully understand the high sensitivity of Tibet-related issues, and honour its commitment to recognise Tibet as part of China and to oppose 'Tibet independence'," he said. He added that the meeting was a "wrong decision" and said it should be called off "to avoid any more damage to Sino-US relations". The 74-year-old monk fled his Tibet homeland to exile in India in 1959, after a failed uprising against Beijing rule some nine years after Chinese troops were sent to take control of the region. Strained ties Obama avoided meeting the Dalai Lama when he visited Washington last year. However in November the US president had warned Chinese leaders on a visit to Beijing of his intention to meet the exiled Tibetan leader. Next week's meeting comes at a time when China-US ties have become strained over several issues, including a $6.4bn arms sale to Taiwan, the self-governing island Beijing claims as its own. Relations have also been strained over internet censorship, with search giant Google Inc threatening to shut down its China business following what it said were cyber-attacks against the email accounts of rights activists. |
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Obama fixes date for Dalai Lama
Friday, February 12, 2010
10 Reasons Why a Google Fiber Network Could Reshape the ISP Landscape
News Analysis: Google announced recently that it plans to deliver a fiber network capable of delivering 1Gbps Web speeds. That's no small feat. The impact it could have on both the Internet and the tech industry as a whole cannot be understated. It could force changes in the entire U.S. ISP market, depending on whether Google eventually commits to widely deploying this 1Gbps network.
Google announced on Wednesday that it plans to deliver up to 1Gbps Web speeds to 50,000 people across the United States as part of an experiment to gauge the quality of next-generation apps, the viability of "new deployment techniques," and interest in "openness." Google might even ramp up availability to over 500,000 people in the U.S.
Google's announcement has sent shockwaves through the tech community. Just how much does Google plan to invest in its new fiber-optic deployment? How will major ISPs respond to the news? And perhaps most importantly, how will it impact the telecommunications industry? At this point, Google's exact intentions are unknown. But it could have a profound effect on the tech industry.
1. Speeds are abysmal
Around the U.S., Web speeds are abysmal. In many cases, the average American is lucky to get 10Mbps download speeds and 1Mbps upload speeds. It's a real issue. Other countries around the world are enjoying much faster speeds. And considering the Web is becoming increasingly crowded with large files, it's taking some folks much longer than they'd like to download those files. If Google can deliver 1Gbps download speeds, it would dramatically improve the average U.S. Web user's experience on the Internet.
2. ISPs don't seem to care
Unfortunately, most ISPs just don't seem to care that download speeds are not where customers would like them to be. Major ISPs, including Comcast and Time Warner Cable, have basically maintained status quo over the past couple years. And in some cases, those ISPs are limiting speeds on those that upload too many files each month. ISPs don't seem worried by this. Hopefully Google can make them realize that things need to change.
3. The market wants it
The market desires another company to come in and change things up. Current ISPs have been at it for too long without much competition. If Google can break into the market and offer dramatically improved speeds, companies like Time Warner Cable and Comcast will have no choice but to react. Having just a few companies dominating Internet access is a major issue for most Web users. Google is the only company that can address that.
4. Google has the cash to do it
Deploying a fiber-optic network to the home is an extremely costly endeavor. The immense cost has given ISPs a sense of comfort, knowing that the barriers to entry are so high, most companies will opt against deploying a network. But Google is different. It has the cash on hand—over $10 billion at last count—to invest in a full-scale fiber network without worry of losing everything. ISPs know that. And they are undoubtedly concerned. That's probably a good thing for Web users.5. It sets a precedent
By offering 1Gbps Web speeds, Google can set a precedent in the market. For once, ISPs will be required to play catch up. Once some users start talking about the incredible speeds Google is offering them, others will be jealous. They will speak out against their own ISPs. And it might cause Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and the others to finally get going on investing in infrastructure to deliver faster speeds. It might not be instant, but improvements will likely follow after Google unleashes its network.
6. The freshness of opennessAccording to its blog post, Google plans to deliver a spirit of openness with its network that Web users just haven't seen on the Web. Google's network will be "open access," which will allow users to choose an ISP from all those that use Google's network. For once, that openness might breed a sense of competition that seems to be lacking in the industry. ISPs are currently operating with little fear of competition. Google might be able to change that.
7. Passing savings on
Google also plans to try out savings ideas to limit the the deployment costs it will be required to pay for its network. Hopefully that means that those savings will be passed on to the Web user. In most cases, having such a hope wouldn't make sense when discussing thetelecommunications
industry. But Google is different. In several cases, it has changed the industries it competes in for the better. Hopefully it will follow suit in the telecommunications industry.
8. It could revolutionize the Web
If 1Gbps download speeds come to user homes, it could have a huge impact on the Internet. More advanced Web apps requiring better speeds could be offered. Larger files could make their way to the Web, making it a more preferred backup solution for any enterprise. Perhaps most importantly, it could challenge some Web developers to deliver experiences we haven't seen to this point. The Internet could be a different place after Google's network gets going.
9. Download speeds change everything
Download speeds could have a profound impact on the way users interact with the tech in their homes. According to Google, users could download movies from the Internet in "less than five seconds." Downloading HD films from a set-top box like the Apple TV would be more amenable to users. Google's 1Gbps connection could also affect the gaming world, making it possible for games to be delivered to users' homes over the Web, rather than require physical discs. Simply put, Google's download speeds could deliver exciting new advancements that could revolutionize the industry.
10. It's Google
Let's not forget that Google is the company behind the idea to deliver 1Gbps Web speeds. If it were an ISP or an unknown company, some might be suspect. But Google has a proven track record of delivering a service that people want to use. It also has the team and technical know-how to deliver on its promises. Whether or not Google's network will be available to just a handful of people or if its plan is part of a larger scale desire to take on ISPs is currently unknown. But if any company can revolutionize the telecommunications business, it's Google. It should be exciting to see what comes of its plans.
Google announced on Wednesday that it plans to deliver up to 1Gbps Web speeds to 50,000 people across the United States as part of an experiment to gauge the quality of next-generation apps, the viability of "new deployment techniques," and interest in "openness." Google might even ramp up availability to over 500,000 people in the U.S.
Google's announcement has sent shockwaves through the tech community. Just how much does Google plan to invest in its new fiber-optic deployment? How will major ISPs respond to the news? And perhaps most importantly, how will it impact the telecommunications industry? At this point, Google's exact intentions are unknown. But it could have a profound effect on the tech industry.
1. Speeds are abysmal
Around the U.S., Web speeds are abysmal. In many cases, the average American is lucky to get 10Mbps download speeds and 1Mbps upload speeds. It's a real issue. Other countries around the world are enjoying much faster speeds. And considering the Web is becoming increasingly crowded with large files, it's taking some folks much longer than they'd like to download those files. If Google can deliver 1Gbps download speeds, it would dramatically improve the average U.S. Web user's experience on the Internet.
2. ISPs don't seem to care
Unfortunately, most ISPs just don't seem to care that download speeds are not where customers would like them to be. Major ISPs, including Comcast and Time Warner Cable, have basically maintained status quo over the past couple years. And in some cases, those ISPs are limiting speeds on those that upload too many files each month. ISPs don't seem worried by this. Hopefully Google can make them realize that things need to change.
3. The market wants it
The market desires another company to come in and change things up. Current ISPs have been at it for too long without much competition. If Google can break into the market and offer dramatically improved speeds, companies like Time Warner Cable and Comcast will have no choice but to react. Having just a few companies dominating Internet access is a major issue for most Web users. Google is the only company that can address that.
4. Google has the cash to do it
Deploying a fiber-optic network to the home is an extremely costly endeavor. The immense cost has given ISPs a sense of comfort, knowing that the barriers to entry are so high, most companies will opt against deploying a network. But Google is different. It has the cash on hand—over $10 billion at last count—to invest in a full-scale fiber network without worry of losing everything. ISPs know that. And they are undoubtedly concerned. That's probably a good thing for Web users.5. It sets a precedent
By offering 1Gbps Web speeds, Google can set a precedent in the market. For once, ISPs will be required to play catch up. Once some users start talking about the incredible speeds Google is offering them, others will be jealous. They will speak out against their own ISPs. And it might cause Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and the others to finally get going on investing in infrastructure to deliver faster speeds. It might not be instant, but improvements will likely follow after Google unleashes its network.
6. The freshness of opennessAccording to its blog post, Google plans to deliver a spirit of openness with its network that Web users just haven't seen on the Web. Google's network will be "open access," which will allow users to choose an ISP from all those that use Google's network. For once, that openness might breed a sense of competition that seems to be lacking in the industry. ISPs are currently operating with little fear of competition. Google might be able to change that.
7. Passing savings on
Google also plans to try out savings ideas to limit the the deployment costs it will be required to pay for its network. Hopefully that means that those savings will be passed on to the Web user. In most cases, having such a hope wouldn't make sense when discussing the
8. It could revolutionize the Web
If 1Gbps download speeds come to user homes, it could have a huge impact on the Internet. More advanced Web apps requiring better speeds could be offered. Larger files could make their way to the Web, making it a more preferred backup solution for any enterprise. Perhaps most importantly, it could challenge some Web developers to deliver experiences we haven't seen to this point. The Internet could be a different place after Google's network gets going.
9. Download speeds change everything
Download speeds could have a profound impact on the way users interact with the tech in their homes. According to Google, users could download movies from the Internet in "less than five seconds." Downloading HD films from a set-top box like the Apple TV would be more amenable to users. Google's 1Gbps connection could also affect the gaming world, making it possible for games to be delivered to users' homes over the Web, rather than require physical discs. Simply put, Google's download speeds could deliver exciting new advancements that could revolutionize the industry.
10. It's Google
Let's not forget that Google is the company behind the idea to deliver 1Gbps Web speeds. If it were an ISP or an unknown company, some might be suspect. But Google has a proven track record of delivering a service that people want to use. It also has the team and technical know-how to deliver on its promises. Whether or not Google's network will be available to just a handful of people or if its plan is part of a larger scale desire to take on ISPs is currently unknown. But if any company can revolutionize the telecommunications business, it's Google. It should be exciting to see what comes of its plans.
Zahrain still chairman of IGP
GEORGE TOWN: Bayan Baru MP Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohd Hashim, who has been critical of Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, has not been sacked as the chairman of Island Golf Properties Bhd (IGP).
Lim said Zahrain was still chairman of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) subsidiary “at the present moment.”
“PDC has informed me that no letter has been sent by either PDC or Island Golf Properties to any director of Island Golf Properties on any changes,” Lim said in a statement here yesterday.
He said Zahrain had been chairman and director of Island Golf Properties since July 9, 2008.
Zahrain claimed yesterday that he had been sacked as IGP chairman.
“Zahrain’s statement is a pack of lies,” Lim said.
Lim added that the PDC, which owns BJCC via its subsidiary Island Golf Properties Berhad, had decided to award the tender of managing BJCC to an experienced company valued at more than RM40mil.
Full details of the tender would be published after Chinese New Year in accordance with the state’s principles of Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT), Lim said.
He said certain actions and claims by Zahrain on IGP had compelled PDC to monitor it closely to ensure the company was run with the public interest at heart.
“PDC is concerned at how Zahrain is leading the IGP, when he and IGP recommended on Jan 12 last year that the operations of BJCC be outsourced and awarded to a company with a paid-up capital of RM2.
“To allow a RM2 firm to run BJCC, which involves expenditure involving millions of ringgit, makes a mockery of the open tender system. The company has no track record in running a golf club,” Lim said.
When contacted, Zahrain said: “If they have not sacked me so be it, but the issue is not about me but Lim’s arrogance and his dictatorial style in managing the state. I have reprimanded him, yet he remains stubborn.”
On the tender issue, Zahrain clarified that he only chaired board meetings.
“I don’t interfere with its daily operations. I am only paid allowances for the meetings. I have no hidden agenda, and to be accused of trying to push through a RM2 company is a fabrication. They are trying various ways to boot me out.
“I criticised Lim because I have the interests of PKR and the people at heart. Nothing more and nothing less,” Zahrain said.
Related post:
BJCC Golf and Country Club News
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