Fujitsu boosts optical networks with ADSL tech | bit-tech.net

Future optical networks could run ten times faster than today, thanks to Fujitsu's application of consumer-grade ADSL modem technology to high-end 10Gb/s Ethernet transceivers.

Japanses electronics giant Fujtisu has announced the development of a technology which can increase data flow in data centres tenfold, enabling 100Gb/s transmission using components originally designed for 10Gb/s.

Anywhere vast computers gather, high-speed networking can be found. In data centres, it's how each server can quickly offload data and jobs to each other; in supercomputing, it's how each individual node can communicate with other nodes at a speed that makes the system seem like a single, giant computer. Increasing these speeds is also one of the biggest challenges in computing, with companies like Intel spending billions on developing next-generation interconnection technologies to boost performance.

Fujtisu's system, however, is somewhat different. Based around a discrete multi-tone (DMT) modulation/demodulation format - the same format used for consumer-grade ADSL connectivity, whereby data is divided among multiple sub-carrier waves each running at a different level of modulation - running on a high-speed digital signal processor (DSP) the system allows components designed to transmit and receive data at 10Gb/s to operate instead at 100Gb/s - a ten-fold increase in bandwidth for very little cost.

High-end Ethernet transceivers, as used in enterprise-grade products, typically have four optical channels running at 10Gb/s each for a 40Gb/s overall throughput. Using the new system, Fujitsu claims, one of these transceivers could support 400Gb/s with just minor hardware changes - providing the extra capacity needed as the world increasingly turns to cloud systems for its data processing needs.

The system has already been proven in the lab: using off-the-shelf direct-modulation laser components specified for 10Gb/s transmission, a team at the Fujitsu R&D Centre was able to successfully transmit data to a remote system at 100Gb/s - the first time such a thing has been achieved, and the first time the DMT modem format has been applied to high-performance optical Ethernet transceivers rather than consumer-grade ADSL hardware.

The team claims that almost any 10Gb/s rated components can be used to transmit and receive at 100Gb/s, with lesser-quality components that fail to maintain linearity being detected at the point of modification and the resulting device tweaked to ensure sustained data throughput at top speeds. For enterprise customers, it opens the door to the promise of a cheap, drop-in replacement for 10Gb/s technology in the near future - and, indeed, Fujitsu has reported that it is working on the creation of an integrated DMT modem for optical Ethernet transceivers, although has not yet provided a timescale for its release.

For home users, the system promises a potential boost for the growing number of fibre broadband services: current fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) systems could enjoy a tenfold boost to the cabinet to eliminate congestion, while those lucky enough to enjoy a fibre to the home (FTTH) connection could see their own speed jump by a similar factor.

Fujitsu's research team is to present its findings at the Optical Fibre Communication Conference and National Fibre Optic Engineers Conference in the US next week.

Source: http://www.bit-tech.net/news/hardware/2013/03/14/fujitsu-optical/1

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Chavez Tattoos, Memorabilia In High Demand In Venezuela Since Death

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Business has never been better for Eudis Carrillo. Sure, he's heartbroken over the death of his hero Hugo Chavez, but there's precious little time for sentiment: Hats and T-shirts of the late Venezuelan president are flying off the shelves at his street-side stand faster than he can keep them in stock.

Ditto demand for Chavez tattoos, Chavez earrings, Chavez mugs and talking Chavez action figurines. One can even buy Chavez boxer shorts and panties, part of a cult of personality that began while the former paratrooper was still alive but has exploded in the week since he succumbed to cancer.

"It's really a shame the president died, but the souvenir business is booming," said the 42-year-old Carrillo, who says he is selling five times as much merchandise as when Chavez was alive. "It isn't good to make money off the death of someone like the president, but what can we do? People are asking us for it."

Analysts say we are witnessing the supersizing of a myth ? and an industry.

"Chavez died in perfect condition to be mythologized and marketed," said Luis Vicente Leon, president of the respected Datanalisis polling firm, who predicted the Chavez industry would only grow. "He was young, he died in power and he was recently re-elected. It's like James Dean or Marilyn Monroe."

Leon said that even when he was alive Chavez embraced his brand, unlike historical figures such as Argentine revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara, who became a marketing phenomenon after his death ? and contrary to his anti-capitalist ideals.

"President Chavez was a stimulator of his own cult of personality," said Leon. "He'd be all for it."

Yet others doubted Chavez would ever go global because his death from cancer wasn't seen as heroic and didn't coincide with an international movement

"I don't think you're going to see kids in China wearing Chavez T-shirts. I don't think you're going to see Chavez painted on the walls of Chiapas in the way that Che is," said Trisha Ziff, a filmmaker and curator who has produced a documentary, and exhibition on Che iconography. "Will the next generation aspire to Chavez as they did to Che? I don't think so."

Still, at the Soul Tattoo and Body Piercing shop in Sabana Grande, requests for Chavez body art have gone through the roof since his March 5 death, said Juan Pablo Gonzalez, 27, the heavily-pierced and tattooed store manager.

"We sold a few Chavez tattoos before, but frankly it wasn't that popular. Now it is totally out of proportion," he said, fondling a thick loop inserted into his stretched-out earlobe.

Gonzalez said four of the 16 tattoos requested in the three days since reopening after Chavez's death have been copies of the president's flowing signature, in his traditional red. They cost 600 bolivars (nearly $100 at the official exchange rate, $27 at black market rates).

For four times more you can get a portrait of Chavez's face etched onto your arm or back. Gonzalez said several people had asked about the portrait in recent days, but had balked at the price.

At Caracas's congested Bolivar Plaza, a favorite hangout for the president's supporters, shoppers can find virtually anything Chavez-related the mind can dream up, from family photos to hair clips to replica presidential sashes in the yellow, red, and blue of the Venezuelan flag.

Other tchotchkes include Weeble-like inflatable dolls of Chavez in green military garb that bounce back when you punch them. They bear the phrase: "INTUMBABLE," which can mean both undefeatable and un-knock-down-able.

Another doll, made in China, features Chavez in a red beret. Pedro Frailan is selling 60 of them a day, up from the 10 he sold before Chavez died. If you push a button on the doll's back it launches into one of the long, boisterous speeches for which Chavez was known.

"I came here to do everything humanly possible to be of use to the Venezuelan people!" the doll barks over and over and over again. There is no button to turn it off.

And then there are the oil paintings of Chavez wearing his signature red beret, which Felix Rodriguez would sell you for 400 bolivars if he had any left in stock.

He insisted he was proudest of a larger painting he was finishing up that is not for sale: A depiction of Chavez being raised to heaven by the nation's poor, flanked by Che and Jesus Christ.

"I'm doing that one out of love," said Rodriguez, who plans to display it at his curbside stand.

Indeed, the eulogizing of Chavez has at times taken on overtly religious tones. On his way to attend the state funeral last week, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he had no doubt the Venezuelan leader would be resurrected like Jesus and Imam Mahdi, the most revered figure in Shi'a Islam. Acting president Maduro has repeatedly compared Chavez to Christ, and announced that his body would be embalmed and put on permanent display, just like Mao, Lenin and Ho Chi Minh.

The government has also raised banners to Chavez on virtually every street, with one proclaiming biblically: "From his hands, sprouts the rain of life."

Juan Villegas, a 27-year-old Chavez supporter who has been making a living selling glossy color photographs of Chavez for the past two years, said the religious comparisons are valid.

"He is a father to all of us," he said. "He is our light."

Others were less convinced, but happy to make a buck while they can.

"We're not political here," said Gonzalez, the tattoo parlor manager. "Lenin. Bush. Gadhafi. Chavez. We'll give you a tattoo of anything you want. If you have the money, it's yours."

___

Peter Orsi in Havana contributed to this report.

___

Paul Haven on Twitter: www.twitter.com/paulhaven

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/12/chavez-tattoos-memorabilia-in-high-demand_n_2862411.html

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US consumer prices flat in January for 2nd month

FILE - In this Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 file photo, a woman shops at a Nordstrom store in Chicago. U.S. consumer prices were flat last month, the latest sign inflation is in check. That could give the Federal Reserve room to continue its efforts to stimulate growth. The consumer price index has risen 1.6 percent in the 12 months ending in January, the Labor Department said Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. That's down from a 2.9 percent pace a year ago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

FILE - In this Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 file photo, a woman shops at a Nordstrom store in Chicago. U.S. consumer prices were flat last month, the latest sign inflation is in check. That could give the Federal Reserve room to continue its efforts to stimulate growth. The consumer price index has risen 1.6 percent in the 12 months ending in January, the Labor Department said Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. That's down from a 2.9 percent pace a year ago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? U.S. consumer prices were flat in January from December for the second month in a row, the latest sign inflation is in check. That could give the Federal Reserve leeway to continue its efforts to stimulate growth.

The consumer price index has risen 1.6 percent in the 12 months ending in January, the Labor Department said Thursday. That's down from a 2.9 percent pace a year ago.

Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose 0.3 percent in January. Core prices have risen 1.9 percent in the past year, below the Fed's inflation target. That's also down from the 2.3 percent pace in the same month a year ago.

The Fed is purchasing $85 billion in Treasurys and mortgage bonds each month in an effort to keep interest rates low. Last month, some Fed policymakers expressed concern the purchases could eventually cause inflation or disrupt bond markets, according to minutes of the Fed's Jan. 29-30 meeting released Wednesday.

But most private economists see little sign that prices are increasing at a troubling rate.

"As long as inflation readings remain relatively constrained and inflation expectations do not get out of control, the (Fed) has plenty of runway to continue its program," Dan Greenhaus, chief global strategist at brokerage BTIG, said in a note to clients.

Food prices were flat last month after rising for 10 straight months. And energy costs, which include gasoline, dropped 1.7 percent.

The relief at the pump ended in recent weeks, with prices rising steadily this month. Higher gas prices will likely push up measures of inflation in February, though economists expect overall price increases to stay mild.

Gas prices averaged $3.78 a gallon nationwide on Thursday, according to AAA. That's up 47 cents from just a month ago.

Some economists said the increase in core prices could continue, causing a slight pickup in inflation. Core prices rose by the most in 20 months. They increased largely because of big jumps in the cost of clothing, hotel costs, and air fares. The gains in clothing and hotel costs were the most in about 18 months.

But increases at that magnitude are unlikely to be repeated, said Paul Ashworth, an economist at Capital Economics.

"At a time when the Fed is becoming more concerned about the costs of its unconventional monetary policies, it is striking that the inflation outlook remains benign," Ashworth said.

If the Fed feared that prices were rising too fast, it might have to raise interest rates. The Fed has kept the benchmark interest rate it controls at nearly zero, a record low, for more than four years.

Low inflation leaves consumers with more money to spend, which benefits the economy.

Inflation slowed dramatically last year. Consumer prices rose only 1.7 percent in 2012, down from 3 percent in 2011.

With job gains and economic growth steady but modest, many businesses are reluctant to raise prices for fear of losing customers. That's helped keep inflation mild. Workers also aren't able to demand higher wages when growth is weak. That limits their ability to spend more.

__

Follow Chris Rugaber on Twitter at https://Twitter.com/ChrisRugaber

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2013-02-21-US-Consumer-Prices/id-4517daeb160b49a4b6cf73fd951fb004

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Britain's schools to use crowdfunding to go for solar energy ...

Crowdfunding Solar Schools In Britain?http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3606, 22 Feb 13, ?Schools in the UK wanting to go solar but that are strapped for cash are able to participate in a new crowdfunding service.

??As was the case in Australia, UK schools were previously able to benefit from generous government incentives to install solar; but most of that support has now dried up and the situation is preventing many schools from accessing solar power.

SolarSchools?provides resources, training and staff support to help schools raise funds for a solar array. Each school is also provided with a web page on the Solar Schools site to showcase their project and act as a rallying point for fundraising.

Each school?s page features a representation of solar panels and each solar panel is split up into tiles. Donors sponsor a cell with a ?5 donation. When a donation is made, the cell is replaced with an image or avatar representing the donor. Once the funding target is reached, construction of the solar array can begin.

?It?s a chance for pupils, parents, local businesses, former students and everyone else to do something good for their school, their community, and the whole world,? states the Solar Schools web site.

Last month, Barnes Primary School in Richmond was the first school to reach its funding target of ?10,000.

Solar Schools is run by 10:10, a grassroots movement seeking to inspire all sections of society to cut carbon emissions.

Solar power systems are a way for schools to take practical action to reduce emissions and electricity bills, while providing educational benefits for students in learning about renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Additionally,schools with solar panels?installed act as inspiration for students to enter into clean energy careers.

While Australia?s National Solar Schools Program (NSSP) is no longer accepting applications, given the substantial reduction in solar power equipment costs and increasing electricity prices; solar still provides a viable way for schools to reduce their running costs.

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Obama, Japan's PM signal solidarity on N. Korea

President Barack Obama shakes hands with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Barack Obama shakes hands with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Barack Obama meets with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, center, arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. The Japanese prime minister is meeting President Barack Obama on Friday. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. The Japanese prime minister will meet with President Barack Obama on Friday. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. The Japanese prime minister will meet with President Barack Obama on Friday. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Signaling solidarity, President Barack Obama and Japan's new prime minister said Friday that North Korea's recent nuclear provocations would not be tolerated and pledged to seek strong action against the isolated nation.

Following an Oval Office meeting, Obama said he and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were united in their "determination to takes strong actions" in response to North Korea's nuclear test launch earlier this month.

Abe, speaking through a translator, said the two leaders have agreed to deal "resolutely" with North Korea.

"We just cannot tolerate the actions of North Korea, such as launching missiles and conducting nuclear tests," said Abe, adding that the two leaders also agreed to push for tougher U.N. Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

Other regional tensions in Asia served as the backdrop for Friday's meetings, most notably Japan's dispute with China over the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands.

The dispute flared after Tokyo nationalized some of the islands in September. China also claims the tiny islands, which it calls Diaoyu. It has stepped up patrols into what Japan considers its territorial waters, heightening concern that a conflict could be sparked. The tensions highlight the rivalry between China, the world's second-largest economy, and Japan, which is the third.

Tokyo accused China last month of locking weapons-guiding radar on a Japanese destroyer and a helicopter, in what it viewed as a dangerous escalation. Beijing accused Tokyo of fabricating the reports to smear China.

The U.S. has treaty obligations to help Japan in the event of a conflict, obligations Abe said were a stabilizing factor in ensuring peace and stability in the region. He pledged that Japan would continue to deal with the China dispute in a calm manner.

Abe is the latest in a revolving door of Japanese prime ministers, underscoring the Asian nation's prolonged economic malaise. He is the fifth prime minister since Obama took office.

Friday's meeting was an opportunity for the U.S. to gauge Tokyo's intent to join negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a regionwide free trade pact being pushed by Washington. Abe held back from such a commitment, which is opposed by most of his party and Japan's small but politically powerful farming lobby, at least until after key elections in July for the upper house.

In a joint statement following the meeting, the two leaders agreed to continue their talks about Japan's "possible interest" in joining the trade pact, known as the TPP. But they agreed that concerns remained, particularly with respect to the automotive and insurance sectors.

The newly elected Japanese leader is a nationalist and a keen advocate of stronger relations with Washington, which have assumed more importance for Tokyo. It has locked horns in recent months with emerging power China over the control of unoccupied islands in the resource-rich seas between them.

Abe, who arrived Thursday afternoon and will depart early Saturday, had been anxious for the meeting since a convincing election victory in December returned him to power for his second stint as prime minister. He had resigned for health reasons in 2007 after serving for one year.

The U.S. partnership with Japan, which hosts about 50,000 American forces, is an enduring one and a cornerstone of Washington's Asia policy, but establishing a personal rapport between leaders has been difficult.

Abe's market-pleasing moves to stimulate Japan's economy ? dubbed 'Abenomics' ? have fueled hope of a recovery and were expected to be featured in a policy speech he was to deliver at a Washington think tank Friday after his meeting and working lunch with Obama at the White House.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-02-22-US-Japan/id-45e52159cb52423381fa284aaec4a4ee

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7 killed in mosque attack in Kenya's east

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) ? A Kenyan official says gunmen have opened fire at a mosque in Kenya's east, killing seven people.

Maalim Mohammed, the county commissioner of Kenya's Garissa county, said Thursday that about eight gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles shot at a mosque in the village of Malele near the Kenyan-Somali border.

Mohamed says the motive of the attack is not clear. The region has been a hotspot of attacks blamed on al-Qaida-linked militants from Somalia. Somalia's al-Shabab militants have vowed to carry out attacks on Kenyan soil in retaliation for Kenya's military push into Somalia in late 2011.

Thursday's attack comes less than two weeks before Kenya holds nationwide elections. There are fears al-Shabab-affiliated militants may try to disrupt the election with attacks.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2013-02-21-AF-Kenya-Violence/id-ae2f33ba2ae342488a804e6569c81e35

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Puppies predict big Oscar winner on 'Late Night'

NBC

Jimmy Fallon prepares the puppies for their Oscar picks.

By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

Will "Zero Dark Thirty" nab top honors on Sunday night? Does "Lincoln" have the edge? Maybe "Argo" is the clear Oscar contender. Of course with "Django Unchained," Les Miserables," "Life of Pi," and "Silver Linings Playbook" all in the mix for best picture, as well as "Amour" and indie breakout "Beasts of the Southern Wild," it's just so hard to say.

So what should you do before laying down a bet in the office Oscar pool? Turn to the prediction pros, of course -- puppies!

Hot off the heels of their winning Super Bowl pick, Jimmy Fallon's favorite team of fluffy pups returned to "Late Night" Wednesday to make the call.

With nine shiny bowls of dog food to choose from, each tagged with the name of one nominated film, the pooches stormed the stage and ? well, they ate food from the several of the closest bowls in an attempt to fill up fast. Hey, first and foremost, they're dogs.

But fear not, their Kreskin skills kicked in eventually. A couple of furballs zeroed in on one bowl in particular and made it official: "Argo" is destined to win!

Or possibly not. They're only puppies after all.

Which movie do you think will win the Oscar for best picture? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

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Source: http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2013/02/21/17045430-puppies-predict-the-big-oscar-winner-on-late-night?lite

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