Monday, July 14, 2008

One Million iPhones 3G Acquired in the 1st Week of Sales.




According to officials from Apple, the company sold 270,000 iPhones in first 2 days of sales, leading to an increase of the stock's price by 2 percent.




The original iPhone, introduced in late June 2007 in the United States only, has a great succes. Already, the new device is sold in 21 countries.

Apple executives were pleased with the early results.

"IPhone 3G had a stunning opening weekend," Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs said in a statement. "It took 74 days to sell the first 1 million original iPhones, so the new iPhone 3G is clearly off to a great start around the world."


Source: Reuters

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Pre-quake changes seen in rocks


A team of US researchers has detected stress-induced changes in rocks that occurred hours before two small tremors in California's San Andreas Fault.

The observations used sensors lowered down holes drilled into the quake zone. The team says we are a long way from routine tremor forecasts but the latest findings hold out hope that such services might be possible one day.

"If you had 10 hours' warning, from a practical point of view, you could evacuate populations, you could certainly get people out of buildings, you could get the fire department ready," said co-author Paul Silver of the Carnegie Institution for Science, Washington.
Source:www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

The Kellogg Twenty is Coming Home

For the first time in about three decades the Kellogg Twenty will come back to Baltimore. The 154-year-old $20 gold coin was a unique California Gold Rush specimen, which, for a certain period of time, was owned by John Work Garrett, who was a Baltimore resident, as well as a diplomat. The Kellogg Twenty is considered by a lot of coin collectors to be one of the finest gold coins in the United States from the middle of the 19th century.

It is worth mentioning that the grandfather of John W. Garrett (1872 – 1942) was the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad executive John Work Garrett (1820 – 1884), who was also the company's president. In his turn John Work Garrett was the eldest son of T. Harrison Garrett (1849 – 1888), who started collecting coins during his life as a student at Princeton. The collecting of rare coins marked lots of new rarities when the two sons of T. Harrison, John and Robert (1875 – 1961), became passionate with numismatics.

Source: Dig4coins.Com

500,000 Square Miles of Rocky Mountains to be Acquired for $500M

A company with headquarters in Seattle agreed to sell 300,000 acres from the Rocky Mountains for conservation. It is worth mentioning that in such a way the company looks forward to protect some of the most prized territories in the region from development. The current land deal is considered to be the largest of its kind in the history of the United States.

Over 300,000 acres of land featuring threatened and endangered animals such as grizzly bears and lynx will be transferred to public ownership after the government made a deal with the Seattle-based company, Plum Creek Timber. The deal is valued at $500,000 and for signing the agreement a ceremony took place in Montana on June 30.


Source:
Bizaims.com

U.S., NATO Casualties in Afghanistan Exceed Those in Iraq

For a second month in a row there were more casualties of NATO and U.S. troops in Afghanistan than in Iraq. It is worth mentioning that the fundamentalist militia was able to stag a complicated jailbreak, the result of which was the escape of 886 prisoners. Afterwards militia promptly penetrated a strategic valley outside Kandahar.

According to the information provided by the Pentagon last week, the Taliban are going to maintain or even increase the pace of its assaults, which already increased by 40 percent this year in comparison with 2007. A number of observers consider that the rebellion has achieved its peak.

Source:
CoinsDig.Com

Prices for New Investment Coins


Recently the Bank of Russia presented three new investment coins: St. George the Victorious, Sable and One Chervonets. The peculiarities regarding the three specimens are presented below.


Investment Coin

St. George the Victorious

This coins was issued on February 1, 2006. Below there are several characteristics of the St. George the Victorious investment coin.

Source: Dig4coins.Com

Tech Companies Create Group to Buy Patents


The number one search engine, Google, is a member of a group that consists of big technological companies that fight against the threat coming from the lawsuits on patent violation. This information was provided by the official website of Wall Street Journal. According to the newspaper's website the group of tech giants is called Allied Security Trust and it looks forward to acquire key intellectual property before it comes into the possession of other parties, which in their turn might use it against the tech giants.

Source: CoinsDig.Com

EBay Ordered to Pay 40M Euros for Selling Fake Louis Vuitton Goods

On June 30, a Paris court ordered one of the biggest Internet auctioneers, eBay, to pay 40 million euros (which is about 63 million USD) in damages to the French-based luxury fashion and leather goods brand and company, Louis Vuitton, due to the fact that the auctioneer was selling counterfeit luxury goods of the brand online. In addition the commercial court banned the Internet auctioneer from selling such perfume brands as: Christian Dior, Kenzo, Givenchy and Guerlain, having the goal of providing a message about copyright protection.

Source: Bizaims.Com

Monday, May 26, 2008

English Rose Commemorative Coins

Rose growers have often commemorated landmarks in the Queen’s history by breeding a new variety of her favorite flower. Innovations created in the Queen’s name have also changed the history of rose horticulture. The three roses included in this elegant design are the Queen Elizabeth, the Silver Jubilee and the Gracious Queen.

The Queen Elizabeth Rose was introduced by Dr W. E. Lammerts at the beginning of her reign and was presented in 1954 one year after the Coronation. It is a stately rose that lives up to its name. Growing tall it is especially suited to the backs of borders and hedges and is china pink in colour with a light fragrance. The Royal National Rose Society presented a bed of the rose to the Queen, which was planted in the gardens at Buckingham Palace.

Source: Dig4coins.Com

Treasures of Australia Sapphires 1oz Gold Proof Locket Coin

Treasures of Australia is a beautiful series of locket coins celebrating Australia’s abundance of natural riches. This first release contains stunning blue sapphires, which are found in major accumulations in Queensland and New South Wales.

Proof Quality 99.99% Pure Gold

The 2007-dated coin is struck from 1oz of 99.99% pure gold in proof quality.

Striking Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse design portrays an abstract interpretation of Australia’s stark and beautiful landscape.

Source: Dig4coins.Com

Microsoft to Implement Use of ODF

Microsoft Office 2007Microsoft's officials mentioned that the company is going to apply the Open Document Format (ODF), "sometime next year".

"It's a step in the right direction but we are skeptical about how open Microsoft will be," commented the representatives of the Free Software Foundation Europe.

Source: CoinsDig.Com

The Principal of the Helsinki University have issued the Finnish coin

This year, the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters turns 100 years and the Helsinki University of Technology celebrates 100 years as a university. In honour of this event a bimetallic collector coin has been minted. The Principal of Helsinki University of Technology Matti Pursula and the Secretary General of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters Matti Saarnisto issued the coin at the House of Estates 20th May, 2008. Mint of Finland Ltd was represented at the event by CEO Maarit Aarnio-Sirviö.

Source: Dig4coins.Com

US Dollars to Be Revamped

The US federal court asked the government of the United States to remake the size or texture of American banknotes. This is because blind people find it hard to tell the denomination of the notes.

According to the United States federal appeals court, it is unacceptable that the US banknotes have the same size and texture. At the ruling upheld by the court, judges voted 2 to 1 for revamping all dollar banknotes. They rejected the claim of the US government, according to which changing the size and textures of the US banknotes is a very expensive procedure.

Source: CoinsDig.Com

2008 $1 Uncirculated Coin Koala

Our newest full colour pad printed coins are ready to shine. We are again delighted with the finished product and of the creativity this technique allows. Following on from our very popular Ocean Series, we bring life to the Land Series.

The Land Series will showcase unique Australian bush animals. First one of the most internationally recognised and adored Australian animals, the Koala and the equally famous Wombat. A further four coins will be released in the next 12 months featuring our unique and unusual fauna.

Source: Dig4coins.Com

Thursday, May 22, 2008

New 1,000-yen Commemorative Coin

Japan 1000-yen Commemorative CoinThe Finance Minister of Japan, Fukushiro Bukaga, at a press conference announced that a new 1000-yen Hokkaido commemorative coin is going to be issued on July of 2008. The issue will take place before the G8 summit, which this time will be held at Lake Toya in Hokkaido. It is worth mentioning that this is the first coin is an eight-year series that consists of 94 commemorative coins marking the "60th anniversary of the Local Autonomy Law".


Source: Dig4coins.Com

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

First Orchid Series Currency Notes ez-link Cards

14 May 2007 Wednesday… The Singapore Mint is pleased to announce the launch of the first ever limited edition Orchid Series Currency Notes ez-link Cards! The splendour of the nine different orchid hybrids in the first series currency notes is beautifully captured in this set of specially created ez-link cards.

Source: Dig4coins.Com

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Comparison of Current and 2007 Costs for Producing Pennies and Nickels

With the continuous fluctuation of metals in 2008, the final figures this year will undoubtedly suffer changes. Still the costs of producing coins last year registered much worse results after copper, zinc and nickel reached their peak value.

The following fiscal costs in striking penny and nickel were presented to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology by the United States Mint Director Ed Moy on March 11, 2008:

* Penny costs 1.67 cents
* Nickel costs 9.53 cents

Source: Dig4coins.Com

Monday, May 19, 2008

Commemorative Coins and Coin Sets

The Central Bank of Ireland are pleased to announce the issue of the 2008 Annual Mint Set. This is the sixth and final mint set in the 'Heritage of Ireland' series. This set features the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange. Built over 5000 years ago, the burial chamber is entered through a long stone passage with the whole area being covered by a huge mound. The tomb is bordered by 97 kerb stones bearing decorative patterns in the Megalithic art style.

Source: Dig4Coins.Com

Saving Costs for Producing Nickel and Penny Coins

Let's start with the definition of the Coin Modernization and Taxpayer Savings Act of 2008, which is a document aimed towards changing the metals used in producing pennies and nickels into steel.

The Act was developed to save the production costs of coins in the United States. According to the calculations the US Treasury will be able to save a huge sum of money: $30.34 millions for pennies and $21.92 for nickel. It is worth mentioning that today metals applied in the production of coins (i.e. copper, zinc and nickel) show instability on the market.

The US Mint spends 1.26 cents for producing one penny and 7.7 cents for producing a nickel. Among other costs there are: 4 cents for a dime, 10 cents for a quarter and 16 cents for one dollar coin.

Source: Dig4coins.Com

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Man Files a Lawsuit Against Treasury Secretary Asking for More Commemorative Coins

A man from Florida sued the US Treasure Secretary Henry Paulson stating that before George Washington there were 10 men who had the same powers as the president of the United States. The man wants these men to be added into the Presidential $1 coin series.

According to Stanley L. Klos of Palm Beach the ten men were: Samuel Huntington, Thomas McKean, John Hanson, Elias Boudinot, Thomas Mifflin, Richard Henry Lee, John Hancock, Nathanial Gorham, Arthur St. Clair and Cyrus Griffin.

Full story: dig4coins.com

Monday, May 12, 2008

United States Mint Spotlights Presidential $1 Coin Products in May

Beginning May 13, 2008, the United States Mint is shining the spotlight on its Presidential $1 Coin products. Here's what collectors can expect.

On Tuesday, May 13, the United States Mint will release a second option in the collection, the United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Historical Signature SetTM, in honor of John Adams, our Nation's second President. This latest product includes a proof version of the John Adams Presidential $1 Coin and an intaglio print of John Adams from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The intaglio print is visible from the cover of the textured, leather-like folder of the United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Historical Signature Set. Inside the folder is the official John Adams Presidential signature, courtesy of the White House Historical Association. A Certificate of Authenticity accompanies each set.


The first option in the collection, the United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Historical Signature Set - George Washington, is also available.

To commemorate the accomplishments of John Quincy Adams-our Nation's sixth President-the United States Mint will offer bags and rolls of Presidential $1 Coins bearing his image at noon (ET) on May 15, 2008.

The John Quincy Adams Presidential $1 Coin will be available in 250-coin bags offered at $319.95 and in 25-coin rolls offered at $35.95. The bags and rolls contain coins that were struck at the United States Mints at Denver and Philadelphia for use in everyday financial transactions. The bags and rolls of John Quincy Adams Presidential $1 Coins display the mint of origin, the monetary value of the contents ($25-rolls, $250-bags), and the genuine United States Mint logo.

Full story at: www.usmint.gov

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

First US City Powered by the Wind

Rock Port, located in Missouri, represents the first city in the United States that is being fully powered by wind. Loess Hill Wind Farm, having four 1.25 MW wind turbines is able to generate 16 gigawatt hours (16 million kilowatt hours) of electricity each year. The town houses 1,400 people. Both businesses and individuals annually consume about 13 gigawatts hours of electricity.

Missouri Public Utility Alliance is the electric company that will acquire excess electricity when available. Afterwards they will supply needed power in case there is not enough wind energy. Extra wind energy will not be stored. Instead it will be fed into Rock Port's high voltage line, thus making it an intermittent source of power.

Full story at: CleanTechnica.Com

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Useful Information on Business Cards

Business cards represent a useful instrument for promoting a brand, a business or an individual. Some business cards include only contact information, while others are very creative and have the goal of making a good first impression. The latter type of business cards is meant to express a certain philosophy and serve well for a creative businessperson. Below there are several business cards created using modern advanced technologies.


These cards include 3D letters, steel surface, stunning design and even plants growing from within. A creative businessperson should always have an impressive business card. The full article can be found at: Bizaims.Com - there are lots of tips and advices for printing a business card, choosing a color and a proper design.


Source: Bizaims.Com

Monday, April 21, 2008

784,010,000 U.S. Banknotes, Worth $13,501,800,000, Printed in March 2008

Only in one month the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) manages to print 784,010,000 U.S. banknotes, all of them being worth $13,501,800,000.

One the most impressive comparisons between banknote issued February and March deals with the physical weight of all banknotes issued. Those introduced in February had a total weight of 649,600 kilograms while notes issued in March weighted 784,010 kilograms.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Let's Talk About Strange Money

Found this story about American paper money. Did you have think about the largest denomination of money and the person pictured on it? Have you have wondered about the images found on the back of the different bills? What are they?

On the site you can click on any of the bills illustrated in the article and discover lots of interesting things regarding the U.S. money. For example you can find out how many times a person can fold a bill before it falls apart. You may also find out about the time needed for the average bill to be in circulationbefore it is destroyed and then replaced by a newer bill.








Odd-shaped Coins - Triangular Coins

triangular coin 2Money plays an important role in our daily life. Let's start today's topic with coins. There are various types of coins. Most coins used in Europe and the United States have a round shape. Collectors gather those coins that are rarely seen in circulation, coins that were taken out of circulation, those that were never really issued for circulation, various ancient coins (Roman, coins, Greek coins, Celtic, Chinese) and coins that are widely used in circulation what that differ in grading.


triangular coin 1However, there is a specific category, particular coins with a different shape, and thus considered quite rare. Although round coins are easily handled and are easy to preserve, some odd-shape numismatic items still have their niche among collectors of rarities. This story is about triangular coins.


bermuda coinThere was a news regarding "the world's first triangular coin" but it was not the first one and there is evidence that the Tutankhamun coin was not really world's first triangular-shaped. The link below will lead you to the article which contains several examples of odd-shaped coins (mainly triangular) struck before the "mummy" coin.


Read the full article about triangular coins at www.dig4coins.com