Saturday, September 25, 2010

All of India will be mobile by 2014

2:45 PM Unknown

According to analyst outlet iSuppli, wireless and mobile phone subscription in India has grown enormously. Wireless subscriptions are predicted to hit over 97 percent of the country’s 1.26 billion population by 2014. But what does this mean for poor old, state run BSNL?

Around 19 million new wireless subscribers were added each month during the first four months of 2010. Isuppli said by the end of this year, total wireless subscriptions are projected to reach 766.0 million. This is 45.9 percent higher than the 525.1 million subscribers counted at the end of 2009.

Driving the overall growth of wireless subscribers is the expansion of the rural Indian market where entry-level handsets are most popular.

The pace of growth for the future shows little signs of slacking. Subscriber numbers will continue to increase during the next four years, topping the one billion mark by 2012.

By 2014, mobile teledensity - a measure of cell phone availability - is likely to reach 97.4 percent per 100 persons, Isuppli said.

Going hand in hand with the surge in the wireless subscriber numbers is an equal burst of activity in the country’s wireless infrastructure equipment market.

With telecom operators upgrading and expanding existing networks, spending on India’s wireless infrastructure equipment market in 2010 will reach $10.8 billion, up 29.7 percent from $8.3 billion last year.

The launch of 3G technology in the fourth quarter of 2010 is expected to significantly boost sales in the country. More 3G phones, more interest in 3G.

In the 3G market, the cut-throat infrastructure offers are being made by European vendors and carriers while the Chinese are highlighting their professional services offerings.

Earlier this month we reported that cut throat market conditions plus a weary bunch of mobile operators were forcing network equipment vendors in India to slash their prices after 3G operators tightened their belts. It's a bid to save money after forking out thousands for a piece of India's 3G spectrum.

According to reports in the Business Standard, the Indian government’s plan to list state-run telecom major Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will be delayed due to the company’s mounting losses and high payout for 3G spectrum.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is looking towards a healthy financial situation before going ahead with BSNL’s planned initial public offering (IPO), a senior ministry official told the paper.

BSNL slipped under the financial net due to an unexpectedly high bid price of 3G spectrum.

In August the company posted financial figures showing its first annual loss for 10 years. The state run telecoms company posted a loss of US $178.177 million (Rs 1,823 crore) in 2009-10, compared to the profit of $124.486 million (Rs 575 crore) it showed in 2008-09. It put this down to a decline in revenue from landline services and also moaned it had to pay employees more due to the Sixth Pay Commission for government employees.

Because BSNL’s 3G mobile services have not done well and the company has managed to garner only a small subscriber base, its profits have not yet risen to what India's government is happy with.

Unless the financial performance of BSNL improves, the department is unlikely to go ahead with the listing plans for the telecom PSU.

Backed by the state, it must do as it's told. How BSNL is going to compete with the movers and shakers is anybody's guess.

Green Drivers Gear Up For Electric Cars

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Handicapping the race between the first real competitors in the electric car market isn't easy. As J.D. Power automotive analyst Kevin Riddell says, it's not about vehicle quality, but about feeding a buyer's desire to be green.

"Whatever you buy, it's pretty expensive for what you're getting," Riddell said. "So it has to be worth it to a buyer to make a statement: 'I'm using my money for what I believe this car stands for.'"

Poised at the starting block are the Volt and the Leaf.

The Volt is General Motors' extended-range electric sedan that seats four. Its battery stores enough charge to go 40 miles on electric power before the gas engine kicks in, extending the range another 300 miles on that tank of gas. The Volt will start at $41,000 before incentives and will be available in some states later this year.

Bob Kruse, former point man for the Volt at GM, says the electric-gas power combination reduces the amount of first-generation technology used. He says that the auto industry knows how to reliably build a small internal-combustion engine with a generator like the Volt's and that the engine's presence is a valuable piece of insurance.

The Leaf, Nissan's midsize hatchback, seats five adults and has an all-electric range of more than 100 miles. Available in some states in December, its base price before government incentives is $32,780 and there's an $820 destination charge.

There's no power backup; when the battery is spent, the driver needs to be someplace where the car can be plugged in. Owners accept the potential for significant inconvenience in order to go very green.

Green activist Tom Weis, president of consulting firm Climate Crisis Solutions, says people who see things the way he does are the most likely early buyers of electric vehicles. For them, he says, compromise is the wrong approach.

"Backup gas engines represent incrementalism, when what we need are quantum leaps," Weis said. "If the BP oil spill disaster demonstrated anything, it's that we need to get off of oil ASAP. Fully electric cars powered by a green electricity grid are what we need."

Sophie Ann Terrisse, CEO of STC Associates, an automotive branding firm, agrees with Weis and gives the sales advantage to the Leaf.

"In terms of branding and creating awareness, the Nissan Leaf has an edge," Terrisse said. "They have a well-targeted advertising campaign that positions the Leaf as the car to drive if you really care about the environment."

by By JENNIE L. PHIPPS

BMW launches largest dealership facility in Gurgaon

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The ultra modern 4S facility has a classy showroom integrated with an advanced after-sales service facility featuring Sales, Service, Spare parts and Business Systems to ensure that customers receive best-in-class pre and post sales ownership experience

BMW India announced the opening of the second sales and service facility of Bird Automotive, its dealer partner in Gurgaon.Spread over 110,000 sq ft, the ultra modern 4S facility has a classy showroom integrated with an advanced after-sales service facility featuring Sales, Service, Spare parts and Business Systems to ensure that customers receive best-in-class pre and post sales ownership experience.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said, “This new 4S facility of Bird Automotive is our biggest dealership facility in India and we are certain that this will add further momentum to our ambitions in North India. Our partnership with Bird Automotive has been very successful in offering exclusive and premium services to our expanding customer base.”

Bird Automotive has brought to Gurgaon the BMW standards of sales and service and the same premium experience as other BMW dealerships worldwide since 2007. The new showroom is located at Industrial Development Colony, Gurgaon and is headed by Mr. Gaurav Bhatia, Director, Bird Automotive.

“Since the last 3 years, our association with BMW India has been very successful and tremendously exciting. This facility is not merely an extension of our operations here in Gurgaon but it is a firm commitment to serve our growing clientele with more enthusiasm and passion than in the past.” said Mr. Gaurav Bhatia, Director, Bird Automotive.

The design of the showroom is based upon Reception at the Car (RATC) and Urban Street Display concept which is a Signature BMW layout with a Consultation Lounge and Sales Desk close to the display area. The showroom will display up to 9 cars in an urban street display style. The workshop has 14 service bays and 3 diagnostic bays that can service up to 60 cars per day. Bird Automotive has employed over 100 people in Gurgaon.As with every other BMW dealership, Bird Automotive has provided its staff intense training at BMW’s training centers in Singapore, Malaysia and Germany.

Infiniti to Feature M35h Hybrid at Paris Show

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Infiniti is using the biennial Paris Motor Show to showcasethe M35h hybrid performance sedan, due to begin sales in Europe next spring. The M35h uses an original parallel one motor/two clutch hybrid system and features a decoupling 225 kW (302 hp) 3.5-liter V6 engine; a 50 kW, 270 N·m (199 lb-ft) electric motor integrated into the 7-speed automatic transmission (7AT); and a high-output, fast charge/discharge 1.3 kWh Li-ion battery pack.
Infiniti is calling the M35h “the driver’s hybrid” for its high power output, Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid technology and strong rear-wheel drive. With acceleration from 0-100 km/h in less than 5.9 seconds, and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), the M35h has combined fuel consumption of 7.3 L/100km (32.2 mpg US) and CO₂emissions of less than 170 g/km (all figures subject to final homologation).

The architecture of Nissan/Infiniti’s new parallel one motor/two clutch system. Source: Nissan. Click to enlarge.

The M35h will be available in base and luxury GT forms, with the top GT Premium model fully equipped as standard.
The M35h can cruise on electric power alone at a constant 80 km/h (50 mph) on a level highway. Electric mode only can be utilized at speeds as high as 140 km/h (87 mph) on a trailing throttle. In slow-moving traffic, the M35h has an all-electric range of up to 2 km (1.24 miles). Infiniti says that testing has shown that, in mixed diving, the M35h is able to drive in electric-only mode for as much as 50% of the time.
The 3.5-liter gasoline V6 delivers 350 N·m (258 lb-ft) of torque at 5000 rpm. The 50 kW electric motor delivers its peak 270 N·m at just 1000 rpm, ensuring dynamic performance from standstill. Both gasoline V6 and electric motor deliver their power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. An electronically controlled clutch rather than a torque converter enhances responsiveness and reduces fuel consumption over the M37 by up to 10%.
A new electric/hydraulic power steering system saves another 2%. The single electric motor and lithium ion battery pack boost efficiency further by helping keep the weight gain over the M37 down to about 120 kg. The batteries are under the trunk floor.
Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system. Two new technologies are fundamental to the M35h’s broad-ranging abilities. One is the lithium-ion battery pack – quick to alternate between charging/discharging and, size for size, twice as powerful as conventional batteries. The second is the direct manner in which the gasoline or electric power is delivered to the rear wheels. This directness is central to the M35h’s overall efficiency as well as the reason behind the consistent driving feel under all conditions.
The first (dry) clutch is installed between the naturally-aspirated V6 and the electric motor and facilitates full decoupling of the V6 when the car is in electric drive and power regeneration modes. Decoupling the V6 reduces mechanical losses and boosts efficiency of the electric motor.
The second (wet) clutch is sited on the other side of the electric motor. It is packaged within the automatic transmission where its function replaces that of a conventional torque converter, in effect turning the 7-speed gearbox into an automated manual, with a cut in fuel consumption of up to 10% over an equivalent model with conventional torque converter automatic.
The electronically-controlled transmission also enhances responsiveness for a sportier-feeling drive; acceleration is seamless thanks to motor-assisted gear-shifting.
The 50 kW electric motor acts as both propulsion unit, either alone or in tandem with the V6 when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a power generator. As well as charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.
The 225 kW gasoline engine was chosen for torque characteristics that complement the electric motor’s output, negating the need to install the 3.7-liter VVEL V6. The electric motor’s high torque from zero rpm provides strong step-off performance and contributes to the sporting feel at low speeds.
As well as its fast charge/discharge response and 1.3 kWh capacity, the lithium ion battery pack is laminated to enhance the cooling performance. Temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive electrodes.
The additional weight due to the hybrid drive is kept in check in the M35h by the lightweight batteries and features such as the single electric motor, replaced torque converter and innovative steering and braking systems, in addition to a strict weight-saving regime already integral to the M Line.
Steering and Braking. The M35h is equipped with new steering and braking technologies which have been designed to deliver both environmental benefits and enhanced driving feel, reinforcing strengths already central to the car.
The steering is an electro-hydraulic system with on-demand assistance. The motor cuts in only when the wheel is turned, further boosting efficiency. The system is more compact and lighter than traditional power steering set-ups, due to the integration of multiple parts.
The brakes are similarly designed primarily to suit sports sedan buyers’ needs while at the same time contributing to the M35h’s lower carbon footprint. The engineers looked to the hybrid system itself for the solution. What they came up with – a way to use the electric drive motor to operate the brake cylinders – represents another world-first innovation for the Japanese brand.
The braking system, newly developed by Infiniti engineers, is called Electric Driven Intelligent Brake and uses the electric drive motor to operate the brake cylinders. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the necessary braking force is maintained while the hydraulic pressure of the friction brake is controlled to help maximize the energy regeneration of the hybrid motor. Because of its simple structure, in which the motor directly operates the brake cylinders, the Electric Driven Intelligent Brake system has the potential to be a key part of all future Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid vehicles, the company said.
Prices and full specifications of the M35h will be confirmed in the new year.

'Green Marines' bring solar power to the battlefield

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Systems will supplement gasoline power in combat

The Marine Corps now has the power of the sun.

Later this year, a company of Marines will deploy to Afghanistan equipped with solar power systems to supplement its gasoline-powered generators. The move is an effort by the service to begin fielding some green technologies to shorten a long and expensive logistics trail.

Company I of the 3^rd Battalion, 5^th Marine Regiment, based at Camp Pendleton, Calif., will deploy with seven Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy Systems (GREENS). Produced by the Naval Surface Warfare Center's Carderock Division in Maryland, each GREENS can provide up to 300 watts of power, making it an alternative to a small conventional generator. The device features four hybrid rechargeable photovoltaic batteries, a power converter and a controller.

The company tested the GREENS during training drills in August at Twentynine Palms, Calif. National Defense reported that during the exercise, the Marine unit never had to turn on a generator to power its combat operations center. Marine sources said the solar equipment provided 196 hour of continuous power during the exercise.

Besides the solar power systems, the Marines of Company I will also be using LED lights, which are more durable and longer lasting than fluorescent tubes. The company will also deploy solar-powered light trailers designed to illuminate areas such as checkpoints after dark. The timer-operated trailers can run continuously for 12 hours when fully charged by the sun.

The Marine Corps is also looking into other technologies to save power. National Defense notes that the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory is investigating ways to integrate the various types of generators used at Marine facilities into basewide microgrids that would automatically monitor the electric load and switch generators on or off based on consumption.

Alternative power sources are attractive to the Defense Department for environmental and logistical reasons. Environmentally, the Pentagon has a goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent in three years, although progress on this front has lagged, Wired reported.

The other concern is cutting the military’s logistical needs for forces scattered across Afghanistan’s often inhospitable terrain. Wired notes that according to operational estimates released in 2009, a single soldier in Afghanistan uses 22 gallons of fuel a day, and delivering each gallon to the war zone costs between $300 and $400.

by henry kenyon

Australia to have largest solar power station

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Victoria is set to have the largest solar power station in Australia with the Victorian Government committing $100 million to a new large-scale solar development in the State’s north-west.

In Mildura, Mr Brumby announced that the Victorian Government would back a bid by energy company TRUenergy to develop a major new solar plant south of Mildura with $100 million for renewable energy generated.

Mr Brumby said TRUenergy’s proposal to build the Mallee Solar Park would create 200 new jobs in construction and 20 ongoing jobs, deliver 345 gigawatt hours of clean electricity each year and generate enough power to run 60,000 homes each year.

“Together with Victorians, we are rising to the challenge of climate change by driving new initiatives to cut emissions and create a cleaner, greener future for Victorian families,” Mr Brumby said.

“Our Government’s disciplined economic management means Victoria is in a position to tackle climate change by backing new investments in renewable energy to lock-in a sustainable future.

“This investment is about capitalising on Victoria’s potential to generate renewable energy and forms a key part of our commitment to increase Victoria’s electricity supply from large-scale solar power to five per cent by 2020.

“The TRUenergy proposal will utilise world’s best-practice to create jobs in regional Victoria, cement the northern part of our State as a key solar energy region in Australia and will make a valuable and lasting contribution to our clean, green energy supply.”

The Government set aside $100 million in funding to support a large-scale solar development last year and it forms a part of its Climate Change White Paper Action Plan, released in July.

Under the TRUenergy’s proposal a photovoltaic plant will be built on a 600 hectare site about 10 kilometres south of Mildura with construction to be undertaken by Bovis Lend Lease in four stages between 2012 and 2015.

“TRUenergy’s project is a great example of the significant jobs and investment expected across regional Victoria as a result of our White Paper which will drive new investment of between $6 and $10 billion,” Mr Brumby said.

“Through our Climate Change White Paper Action Plan we have committed to making Victoria Australia’s solar state and aim to support the development of five to 10 large scale solar plants in regional Victoria by 2020.

“Under the Action Plan our Government has also committed to cut emissions by at least 20 per cent by 2020 and increase the state’s power generated by solar to five per cent.”

Minister for Energy and Resources Peter Batchelor said TRUenergy’s proposal was selected through an independent tender from a strong field of five applicants after it submitted an outstanding proposal under the Victorian Large Scale Solar Project.

“This project will use the latest in solar photovoltaic technology, utilising flat-plate, thin film photovoltaic panels which will be made by First Solar, a US based company,” Mr Batchelor said.

“It will build on Silex’s large-scale demonstration photovoltaic solar project planned for near Mildura which is being supported by a $50 million Brumby Labor Government grant.”

Mr Batchelor said with $100 million from the Victorian Government, the project proponents would become a stand-out applicant for Solar Flagships funding from the Gillard Government.

“We have backed this proposal because it has all the right characteristics to deliver major benefits to for communities, for the environment and for a cleaner, greener economy,” he said.

“We believe it is now a stand-out for funding from the Commonwealth’s Solar Flagship Program.”

Saudi Arabia strategy to become global leader in power, water and renewable energy, exclusive study unveils recommendations

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A new study is set to reveal recommendations on how Saudi Arabia can become a leader in knowledge and innovation in power, water and renewable energy. The study is being carried out by Al Aghar Group in partnership with the Saudi Water and Power Forum (SWPF).

Details of the study and the recommendations outlined by the report will be unveiled at the event taking place on 3-6 October in Jeddah Hilton.

Al Aghar Group is an independent non-profit think-tank in the Kingdom created to address how Saudi Arabia can transform to knowledge based economy. The Group is delighted to be working in partnership with the Saudi Water & Power Forum, an event dedicated to providing a gateway to Saudi Arabian Water & Power industries and serving as a catalyst for change and innovation.

Dr Adil Bushnak, founder of Bushnak Academy SWPF described this event as playing "A key role in uniting Saudi and International stakeholders to discuss the policies and strategies, which will determine the future of Power and Water in Saudi Arabia."

And remarked that "At SWPF 2010 we look forward to the next generation of development and focus on how we can adapt to the changing market and achieve sustainable prosperity through knowledge, innovation and cooperation."

SWPF is the biggest gathering for the Saudi Arabian water and power industry and unites Saudi and international stakeholders to gain the knowledge, contacts and partnerships required to develop business in one of the largest power and water markets in the world.

The event consists of a 3 day strategic Forum, International Exhibition, National Water Company Day and Technical Sessions led by the Bushnak Academy, as well as extensive opportunities of networking events including the Exhibition Opening Tour, Inauguration Ceremony, the Marafiq and GE Oil & Gas Corporate Luncheons, the new Networking Roundtable Discussions and the exclusive Gala Dinner featuring the prestigious SWPF Awards Ceremony hosted by ACWA Power International.

Also added to the program of events for forum delegates this year are two complimentary industry site visits. Delegates will have the option of visiting Shuaibah IWPP; one of the largest combined power and water plants in the world today. The site visit is being hosted by Acwa Power and will offer a presentation by the plant management and a guided tour of the plant. Alternatively delegates can visit the cutting-edge King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where they will be treated to a VIP guided tour of the desalination plant and a visit to the academic campus of this state-of-the-art research facility.

Nation's Oldest Hollow Metal Door Company Wins Environmental Award

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Mesker Door (http://www.meskerdoor.com), an innovator in the manufacture of hollow metal doors and frames, was recognized this week for continued efforts in environmental safety and air pollution control.

The City of Huntsville, Alabama, where Mesker Door is headquartered, presented the company with its Air Pollution Control Achievement Award for emission reductions. It is the fourth time the city has recognized the company with the award.

In 2009, Mesker replaced the spray booths and paint application equipment on the door surface coating line. The move improved overspray control, which reduces particulates in the air, and reduced paint usage.

Mesker also switched from solvent-based coatings to water-based coatings, reducing emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds and Hazardous Air Pollutants by more than 50 percent.

The annual Air Pollution Control Achievement Awards Program was established in 1997 to recognize voluntary efforts to reduce air pollutant emissions by industrial, institutional and commercial facilities within the city.

Mesker Door continually surpasses regulatory requirements for emission controls. The company is a regular contributor to Huntsville’s environmental health and safety initiatives and its “Operation Green Team.”

The company is the oldest hollow metal company in America.

Bing Crosby’s Wine Cellar Full of Hidden Historical Treasures, Wine

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• A reel of game seven of the 1960 World Series was found in Bing Crosby’s wine cellar. The footage is believed to be the only complete recording in existence. [The New York Times]

• A woman who was convicted of ordering the murders of her husband and stepson was executed in Virginia yesterday. The prisoner, Teresa Lewis, had an IQ of 72, two points higher than the legal cutoff for mental retardation. [The Guardian]

• Delegates from the United States, Britain, Sweden, and Australia, among other nations, walked out of a U.N. General Assembly meeting yesterday after Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad started espousing 9/11 conspiracy theories. [CNN]

• Republican politicians are not so wild about the Republican Party’s Pledge to America. [Politico]

• A previously undiscovered painting by Pieter Bruegel was identified by the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain. (Incidentally, it did not resurface in Bing Crosby’s wine cellar.) If sold to private buyers, it could sell for more than 30 million dollars, according to a Spanish newspaper. [BBC]

by Juli Weiner

Bulgaria’s wine woes

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Photo: Nadezhda Chipeva

Bulgaria’s 2010 wine year will be a memorable one for all the wrong reasons, it seems, with a harvest yielding grapes of poorer quality than last year, and domestic sales and exports down.

Mass-circulation daily 24 Chassa said that the quality of this year’s grapes was significantly poorer than those of 2009, making them more appropriate for rakiya (grape brandy) than turning into wine.

For the world wine industry, the global financial crisis brought a severe blow in 2009 as tipplers reduced consumption, and current figures for Bulgaria are not encouraging.

Bulgaria’s domestic market accounts for only up to 20 per cent of production, while sales of bottled wine reportedly have plummeted by about 30 per cent, a problem compounded by the significant share of the market held by the shadow economy.
Exports down
Wine exports from Bulgaria decreased by 38.5 per cent in 2009. In recent years, the largest export markets for Bulgarian wine have been the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Norway, Netherlands and Japan.

Plamen Mollov, head of the National Vine and Wine Chamber, said that 200 000 tons of grapes went into the shadow economy, a small amount of which was used for home production while most went into illicit production, according to 24 Chassa.

Daily Dnevnik said that sales of wine in Bulgaria had decreased between 30 and 50 per cent for different manufacturers.

Dimitar Vichev, head of a wine association representing small producers, said that the main reasons for the decline were consumers’ reduced purchasing power and a sharp increase in home production.

Vichev said that the export picture was even worse, with exports down by about 60 to 70 per cent this year.

Rositsa Kyuchoukova, owner of Villa Vinifera, said that the poor state of the market this year would reduce demand for grapes – while in any case, the harvest was bad, she said. This, in turn, would have a knock-on effect on the industry in 2011, Kyuchoukova said.

Small wine producers were complaining of unfair competition, mainly from producers using counterfeit excise stamps, Dnevnik said.
Autumn chill
For small wine producers, a further source of complaint is a new regulation that, indeed, is directed against evasion of excise duties.

From October, wine producers must have meters installed at each point of the manufacturing process to provide information in real time to the Customs Agency.

Small-scale wine producers are complaining about the high cost of installing the meters and the accompanying software, which runs into several thousand leva.

Vichev said that small-scale producers were not against the regulation, but if the state wanted such control, it should bear the cost of the equipment.

The association of small-scale wine producers said that they would appeal against a Supreme Administrative Court decision, made earlier in September, to reject an application to suspend the ordinance.

Earlier this year, producers complained that the new regulation would in fact benefit unregistered producers, who sold wine over the internet, undetected by authorities.
Assistance
There have been moves to assist Bulgaria’s wine industry.

The European programme for development of wine production in Bulgaria, worth in excess of 5.6 million euro, saw a total of 158 winery projects receiving approval and financial assistance in 2009, amounting to 21.1 million euro. The European programme, which will be operational until 2014, has a total budget of 112.6 million euro.

Wine producers in Bulgaria may apply for the programme under three criteria: restructuring and conversion of their grape vineyards, insuring the annual produce and promotion of the product in third countries. The resource, which will be allocated in 2010, is set at 21.2 million euro, and in 2011, 22.3 million.

However, it is clear that the wine industry has been troubled for some months.

According to a report by bTV in March, production overall in Bulgaria had by that stage already declined by up to 50 per cent, while thousands of bottles were lying rotting in cellars because there was no market for them and some wineries this year had no money to buy grapes because of the downturn in exports.

Texas Hill Country may be America’s best-kept secret for wine production Read more: Texas Hill Country may be America’s best-kept secret for wine production - San Antonio Business Journal

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The Texas Hill Country is the top-rated “hidden-gem” wine region in the United States, according to travel planning site Away.com.

Away.com provides information on more than 35,000 global destinations.

The Hill Country, the region just north of San Antonio, is one of America’s fastest-growing wine destinations. The Hill Country is home to 24 wineries along the Texas Wine Trail. State tourism and agriculture officials have been working heavily in recent years to promote the Hill Country to wine aficionados. Texas is the fifth-largest wine producing state in the country, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture.

The Hill Country ranked first on the Top 10 list. Bloomington, Ind.; Cape Cod, Mass.; Botetourt County, Va.; Long Island, N.Y.; Arkansas River Valley, Ark.; Cleveland; Yakima Valley, Wash.; Traverse City, Mich.; and Brandywine Valley, Pa., rounded out the list.

The Top 10 “Hidden Gen” wine regions were selected by Away.com’s staff of editors and travel writers and are based on the research and opinions of the staff.

“Most people tend to associate vineyards with California, forgetting some equally lush, yet budget-friendly wineries right in their own backyard,” says Away.com Senior Editor Kate Chandler. “Away.com’s list of undiscovered spots in America’s wine country highlights its geographic diversity, and their proximity to metropolitan areas makes them an ideal detour.”

Away.com is owned by online travel agency Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW) in Chicago.

Increasing Taxes On Alcoholic Beverages Reduces Disease, Injury, Crime And Death Rates

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Increasing Taxes On Alcoholic Beverages Reduces Disease, Injury, Crime And Death Rates

Increasing the costs to consumers of beer, wine, and hard liquor significantly reduces the rates of a wide range of alcohol-related deaths, diseases, injuries, and other problems, according to a new study published in today's online edition of the American Journal of Public Health and scheduled for inclusion in the November print edition. Researchers at the University of Florida (UF) report that public policies that increase the price of alcoholic beverages, such as increases in alcohol excise taxes, not only reduce drinking but also significantly reduce most of the negative and costly outcomes associated with alcohol.

According to the researchers, alcohol taxes have considerably larger effects than prevention programs on a state's burden of alcohol-related problems. The results suggest that doubling the average state tax on alcohol would be associated, on average, with a 35 percent reduction in alcohol-related mortality, an 11 percent reduction in traffic crash deaths, a 6 percent reduction in STDs, a 2 percent reduction in violence, and a 1.4 percent reduction in crime.

"Our meta-analysis cumulated information from all the published scientific research on this topic over the past half century, and results clearly show increasing the price of alcohol will result in significant reductions in many of the undesirable outcomes associated with drinking," said Alexander C. Wagenaar, PhD, professor of health outcomes and policy at UF College of Medicine and lead author of the study. "Simply adjusting decades-old tax rates to account for inflation could save thousands of lives and billions of dollars in law enforcement and health care costs."
For this meta-analysis study, the researchers identified 50 published research papers containing 340 estimates of the effects of alcohol taxes or prices on the rates of a variety of outcomes, including: all-cause morbidity and mortality, alcohol-related diseases or injuries, violence, suicide, traffic safety outcomes, STDs and risky sexual behaviors, other drug use, and crimes and misbehaviors. Through a meta-analysis of the aggregate data from all those studies, the researchers found that alcohol prices and taxes are significantly and inversely related to all outcome categories examined except suicide, for which data were too sparse to draw a firm conclusion.
"Results are surprisingly consistent," said Wagenaar. "With the sole exception of suicide rates, every category of outcome examined shows a significant effect of alcohol taxes and prices."
Today's study follows a previous meta-analysis study through which these researchers found that a 10 percent increase in alcohol price results in about a 5 percent reduction in alcohol consumption. That study examined 112 research papers containing 1,004 estimates of the effects of alcohol prices on alcohol sales and drinking behaviors.
"Taken together, these two studies establish beyond any reasonable doubt that, as the price of alcohol goes up, alcohol consumption and the rates of adverse outcomes related to consumption go down," said Wagenaar. "The strength of these findings suggests that tax increases may be the most effective way we have to prevent excessive drinking—and also have drinkers pay more of their fair share for the damages caused and costs incurred."

by ro

Top 12 PC Games Of All Time

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With a click of the mouse, gamers can transport themselves into futuristic worlds, realistic battle scenes and a virtual life of organized crime. Although there they face extensive competition from console-makers such as Nintendo and Sony, PC software games continue to flourish, as each year hundreds of titles vie for consumers' attention, loyalty and dollars. Here's a dozen of the all time best.

Myst By Cyan

One of the most successful, interactive CD-ROM games in history, brothers Rand and Robyn Miller are the forces behind the award-winning Myst series, which was first released for the Mac followed by a PC version. Upon its release in 1989, Myst quickly sold 6 million copies and is widely credited for more widespread adoption of CD drives. The adventure game held onto the top-selling spot until The Sims debuted in 2002.From realistic battle scenes and debate-inducing virtual thuggery to make-believe cities and computerized versions of familiar board games, people spend hours playing the dizzying array of PC games available for sale. Despite competition from consoles, handheld game devices and online game developers, the time people spent on PC gaming grew 6% in January 2010 when compared with a year prior, according to NPD Group. Avid PC gamers represent 11% of the gaming community vs. 8% of avid offline gamers, the research firm determined.
In 2009, revenue from the PC game software industry dropped, falling 23 percent to create $538 million in revenue last year, NPD Group found. The total console, portable and PC game software industry generated $10.5 billion, an 11% decrease from 2008 revenue of $11.7 billion, the researcher said. In 2000, the total market represented $7.98 billion in sales, according to NPD.
Last year, individuals purchased 21.3 million full-game digital downloads in the United States and bought 23.5 million physical units at retail, NPD Group said. In 2009, PC digital downloads made up about half the unit sales and accounted for 36% of dollar sales, according to the researcher. The top five frontline digital retailers, based on the percent of unit share, were Streampowered, Direct2Drive, Blizzard, EA and World of Warcraft, NPD Group said.

The Sims By Electronic Arts

Developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, The Sims quickly took the gaming world by storm, selling more than 6.3 million copies within its first month. In the simulation game, players interact in a community as they grow from infant, to child to adult. Sequels and related titles -- including The Sims 2, The Sims 3 and expansion packs targeting everything from animals to management -- soon followed.

Monopoly By Electronic Arts

Monopoly City for Pogo represents just one of the many board games that transitioned from cardboard boxes to software CD-ROMs and downloads. The software version, based on the popular Hasbro board game, features 3D representations of streets, residential and commercial buildings, and includes automatic banking. Unlike the traditional game, Monopoly -software players also can disrupt their competitors by building jails, sewage plants and other value-decreasing properties, and earn bragging rights for accomplishments such as ending the game with more than $50 million or passing 'Go' 10 times in one game.

Call Of Duty By Activision

Call of Duty, a first-person World War II game, hit gamers' hands in 2003 and continues to flourish. In fact, Activision plans to release Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 -- the eighth member of the Call of Duty franchise -- in 2011, according to reports. Activision soon will ship Black Ops , which drops gamers deep behind enemy lines into the world of deniable operations as a member of elite Black Ops units.

Half-Life By Valve Corp.

Valve Corp.'s first game, Half-Life received more than 50 Game of the Year awards and tops the list of many players' best ever game rankings, in part due to its combination of action battles and puzzle scenarios. After the success of the debut first-person shooter game, Valve expanded its Half-Life universe, adding titles such as Half-Life 2 and Half-Life 2 Episodes 1 and 2 to the series.

Halo By Bungie

Gamers impatiently awaited the release of Halo-Reach in September, the fourth episode of the game, developed by Bungie and distributed by Microsoft. The science fiction game revolves around Master Chief, a cybernetically-improved human super-soldier, and Cortana, his artificial intelligence companion. In addition to buying millions of games for PCs and consoles, fans -- known as the Halo Nation -- also snapped up related novels, graphic novels and other licensed products.

StarCraft II By Blizzard Entertainment

StarCraft II became the best-selling PC game of 2010, selling more than 1 million copies worldwide in one day, developer Blizzard Entertainment said. And Blizzard is expected to sell 6 million units of the real-time strategy game by year-end, according to NPD Group estimates. In its first few days of retail, StarCraft II sold 721,000 non-digital units in the U.S. alone, the researcher found.

Diablo By Blizzard Entertainment

The action role-playing games Diablo I, II and III have millions of fans around the world. Gamers can play solo or participate in multi-player games via a LAN or Battle.net. In the game, players select a character: Diablo III, which is under development, includes the Barbarian, the Witch Doctor, the Wizard, and the Monk.

Mafia II By Illusion Softworks

This third-person shooter game by Illusion Softworks and published by 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive brings players into the virtual world of organized crime. The sequel to Mafia -- which sold more than 2 million copies -- the game includes mobster-driven tale, foot action and car chases.

Reader Rabbit By The Learning Company

Beloved by parents and children alike, the Reader Rabbit series introduces young children to computers, reading, math and other subjects. Since launching in 1993, people have bought more than 3 million copies of the software, aimed at toddlers. Distributed by Broderbund, related software titles offer edutainment to older children.

World of Warcraft by Blizzard

World of Warcraft (WoW), a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, was unveiled in 1994 and continues to inspire awe in players around the globe. Players assume the roles of Warcraft heroes as they explore, adventure, and quest across a vast world, according to Blizzard, a division of Activision. Thousands of players interact within the same world, forging alliances and friendships and competing with enemies.

Sid Meier's Civilization

A turn-based strategy game, Sid Meier's Civilization players' objective is to create an empire that will withstand the tests of time. Beginning in 4000BC, players' empires evolve as they attempt to reach the modern day, competing against two to six other civilizations. Civilization V, distributed by Tale-Two Interactive, is scheduled for release this fall.

by allison diana-iw