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A 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked Honduras on Thursday, killing at least four, and causing homes to fall in neighboring Guatemala. Read more on the Honduras earthquake 2009 below.

Local officials fear the death toll will be rising as reports come in from the moutainous areas near the coast.

The quake ruined buildings across the north of Honduras, a poor country of about 7 million people.

Four children between the ages of 3 and 15 died when their homes collapsed after the earthquake struck at 2:24 a.m. local time offshore near the Honduran Caribbean resort island of Roatan.

“They were all asleep. Most of them died crushed,” said Randolfo Funes, a top official at Honduras’ civil protection agency. “There will be many more dead.”

Security guard Pedro Ramirez, 52, was in his truck outside an office building in Tegucigalpa when the tremor hit.

“I felt the car rock and I started to hear little bits of debris from the building next door hitting the roof,” he said. “It was frightening because it was shaking a lot. I’ve never felt anything like it.”

The earthquake hit 39 miles northeast of Roatan, the biggest of the country’s three Bay Islands where many tourists go to snorkel to see dolphins and a big coral reef. It had a shallow depth of 6.2 miles.

On Roatan,officials said the quake had knocked out power and caused minor damage to buildings.

A tsunami watch was issued for Honduras, Guatemala and Belize, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said, but it was lifted about an hour later.

Susan Boyle has certainly become a media sensation ever since her first appearance on Britain’s Got Talent. It all began with her amazing voice that left you in awe, then she received a make over that was the talk of the town, and now she flipped out at a hotel lobby and had a complete and utter meltdown.

The frumpy looking singer went on a cursing tantrum in the middle of the Wembley Plaza Hotel lobby in North London, cursing up a storm for hundreds of hotel guests to witness. Police arrived on the scene and approached the boiled Susan Boyle, at around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, after two strangers set out to “wind her up”, according to Fox News.

When one of the cops asked Susan if there was a problem, she snapped back “Of course there’s a f***ing problem.” Personally, I feel kind of bad for the Susan Boyle, she became an over night sensation never really learning how to handle being in the spotlight properly; which appears to be a key factor behind this outburst. One can’t help to wonder though, was she cursing in key, while in the midst of her meltdown.

Recently we were approached by a source who is closely connected to Apple’s hardware development team. The source was willing to provide detailed information on the specs and release date of the next generation iPhone.

We have checked the source’s credentials to the best of our ability and at this point deem the source as reputable. Of course we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the source’s claims since Apple will neither confirm nor deny any future product releases, including if a new phone will even be released! Many of the specifics proposed by our source have been discussed in recent weeks, but many intriguing details revealed by the source have yet to be reported. Here are the specifics:
32GB and 16GB to replace current capacities
$199 and $299 price-points to be maintained
3.2 Megapixel camera
Video recording & editing capabilities
Ability to send a picture & video via MMS
Discontinuation of the metal band surrounding the edge of the device
OLED screen
1.5X The battery life
Double the RAM and processing power
Built-in FM transmitter
Apple logo on the back to light up
Rubber-tread backing
Sleeker design
Built-in compass
Revolutionary combination of the camera, GPS, compass, and Google maps to identify photo and inform about photo locations.
Turn by turn directions
July 17th, 2009 release date

Let’s examine the feasibility of these features in the next iPhone.

-32GB and 16GB to replace current capacities

This upgrade in storage is very plausible and is almost expected. Last year, the iPhone 3G was introduced with capacities that were double that of its predecessor. It stands to reason this would occur again with the natural progression of the technology. This increase in storage has also been reported by several news outlets.

-Current subsidized price-points to be maintained

There has been a lot of speculation that Apple may attempt to reduce the price of the iPhone in an attempt to gain market share or battle the upcoming Palm Pre. With these new features, including an OLED screen, it seems unlikely they can lower the price points. At the same time when the iPhone 3G was introduced at the subsidized price, it sold in record numbers. To increase the price now would not likely be in Apple’s best interest from a sales-volume perspective. All things considered it seems likely that the prices won’t come up or down. Given Apple’s track record of upgrading products without raising prices, it is safe to assume that prices of the iPhone will more than likely remain the same.

-3.2 Megapixel camera

According to our source, the new iPhone will take much better and clearer pictures. This will likely be achieved by offering the ability to focus the lens as a new feature. This has also been reported by multiple sources, and therefor seems very credible.

-Video recording & editing capabilities

The iPhone finally having the ability to record video seems possible given the strong demand. But the ability to edit the videos you record on the iPhone itself? This feature has been in multiple rumor reports, however it seems highly questionable. If the ability to edit pictures was already present it would lend credence to this rumor. All of this considered, our source says video editing on the device will be implemented.

-Ability to send a picture & video via MMS

Sending MMS messages is one of the most anticipated features expected in the upcoming revision. This ability was officially announced alongside the iPhone OS 3.0 roadmap. With the capability of sending pictures via MMS it would make sense that you could also send video. It was already announced that voice memos will be able to be sent, so video is a natural extension. The size limitations of videos in MMS was not available to our source.

-Discontinuation of the metal band surrounding the edge of the device

This detail is of little concern, but it may suggest significant design changes.

-OLED screen

An OLED display would be a welcome change from the LCD screen the current iPhone utilizes. The main benefit of using an OLED screen used on the iPhone is a possible increase in battery life. Its difficult to judge the accuracy of this rumor; it would certainly be an excellent choice for the display, however OLED screens are relatively expensive at this time and my prove difficult to transition to while lowering or even maintaining the iPhone’s current price point. The source did not detail if the new OLED screen would come with a 640 x 960 resolution. (note: this resolution is what would be expected to maintain backwards compatibility with applications currently deployed)

-1.5X The battery life

Improved battery, possibly as a result of the OLED display; this may also be due to improved battery technologies. We always hope for battery improvements in a new model and with the new features it is likely to expect better battery performance.

-Double the RAM and processing power

According to our source, the next generation iPhone will have “roughly double the RAM and processing power.” He elaborated by explaining that the increase in processing power would be partially achieved through over-clocking.

-Built-in FM transmitter

It’s unclear why Apple would ultimately introduce this into the iPhone. Currently, none of Apple’s products include an activated FM transmitter. This feature has been rumored by other news outlets. We just don’t understand why - we didn’t buy a Zune for a reason.

-Apple logo on the back to light up

Our source described this feature as being similar to the illuminated Apple logo on the back of the notebook line. The light will be white and always on while the phone is powered on. There have been no reports of this to date, and it seems to be an odd cosmetic choice. Frankly, if iPhone users had a choice between an Apple logo light and increased battery performance, it’s an easy guess as to what users would choose. Due to the battery considerations this seems hard to believe.

-Rubber-tread backing

Another significant design change, our source described this as being “similar to the back of a blackberry.” It would be similar to a blackberry in that instead of smooth plastic back, the new iPhone would have a treaded rubber-type back. This would certainly provide a better grip, as well as may devastate the third party iPhone case market.

-Sleeker design

Our source was not able to be more specific. He mentioned this in passing while describing the cosmetic changes regarding the metal band and rubber back.

-Built-in compass

A digital compass is a new feature to be added as well. Naturally, the purpose of a compass is to show you what direction you are facing. This certainly seems like a reasonable add-on and has been reported previously.

-Revolutionary combination of the camera, GPS, compass, orientation sensor, and Google maps

The camera will work with the GPS, compass, orientation sensor and Google maps to identify what building or location you have taken a picture of. We at first had difficulties believing this ability. However, such a “feature” is technically possible. If the next generation iPhone was to contain a compass then all of the components necessary to determine the actually plane in space for an image taken. The GPS would be used to determine the physical location of the device. The compass would be used to determine the direction the camera was facing. And the orientation sensor would be used to determine the orientation of the camera relative to the gravity. Additionally the focal length and focus of the camera could even assist is determining the distance of any focused objects in the picture. In other words, not only would the device know where you are, but it could determine how you are tilting it and hence it would know EXACTLY where in space your picture was composed. According to our source, Apple will use this information to introduce several groundbreaking features. For example, if you were to take a picture of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, you will be provided with a prompt directing you to information about the building, address, and/or area. This information will include sources such as wikipedia. This seems like quite an amazing service; and a little hard to believe, however while the complexity of such a service may be unrealistic, such is actually feasible with the sensors onboard the next generation iPhone.

-Turn by turn directions

Although a hot topic since iPhone 2.0, this has yet to be officially introduced to Apple’s Maps app. Previous reports have specified that Google maps could not be utilized due to licensing issues, however our source claims that these issues have recently been overcome and will be available in the OS 3.0 software. While this would be an exciting leap for the iPhone, its very questionable that this would be completely true.

-July 17th release date

Our source says the new version of the iPhone is expected to be available for purchase July 17th of this year. This is believable considering the previous iPhone releases have been on Fridays as well.

It is important to remember that, while this source appears credible, this information could prove incorrect. Apple may have produced several prototypes to either test various functions or simply minimize the dissemination of product knowledge before the official announcement. However if this information proves to be accurate, the new iPhone will certainly be second to none.

I just sat in the media room at the Spelling Bee as a pair of Korean journalists interviewed an American freelancer about this cultural phenomenon. One of the questions was, what makes this a sport, more or less.

The answer? Well, ESPN, chiefly. Plus Erin Andrews, with whom I had lunch today. (More on that tomorrow.) The kids themselves have a sort of strange relationship toward the ESPN-ness of this whole event: they talk about wanting to advance to the finals on ABC tomorrow night, but they don’t say much about ESPN. They do, however, wear their complimentary t-shirts, which describe tomorrow as the “Best Day of the Year to Watch SportsCenter.”

Some of them say they have siblings who like sports. And I’m sure some of them like sports themselves, though not the ones I’ve met thus far.

The Romans and the soccer fan are looking forward to greet the winner of UEFA Champions League Final 2009, which will be known in few hours. The schedule is 8:45 local time. Stadio Olimpico is about to host the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final contestants Manchester United and FC Barcelona.

Rome has seen many major events throughout the ages, but the 2009 Champions League UEFA Final between Barcelona and Manchester United is one of the biggest events the city has seen next to John Paul’s farewell. Being the winner of 2009 UEFA Champions League Final is very meaningful for the both teams, and even one of the coaches.

Manchester United will strive to retain the Champions League crown at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico tonight making them to be the first team to hold the title two years in a row back to back. Barcelona’s winning will mean for them to become three time Champions League Final holders. It has a special meaning for the Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola. If Barceloan won the UEFA Champion’s League Final of 2009 Guardiola will be the first person who has become a Champions League player/winner and a winner as a coach. This is Guardiola’s first season with Barcelona.

Manchester United and Barcelona were semifinal opponents last season. United won the game. This year both of the teams had to get rid of two British soccer clubs to make it to the UEFA Champions league Final 2009. Barcelona became the winner in the semifinal game with Chelsea, while Manchester united won the game against Arsenal.

It is estimated that approximately one billion worldwide audience will watch the UEFA 2009 Champions League Final on TV. Keep in mind that these are the two most popular soccer teams in Europe. They have millions of fans throughout the world. Today’s dream matchup will decide the true Champions of Europe: Manchester United vs. FC Barcelona.

For the English speaking fans you can follow the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final online. You can enjoy live match commentary from Rome for free with MUTV Online. Audio coverage of the UEFA Champions League final between United and Barcelona will begin at 19:00 BST - 45 minutes before kick-off - on Wednesday 27 May 2009. Join Hugh Ferris and Mickey Thomas as they talk you through the build-up and then describe the action live as it happens at Stadio Olimpico.

Stadio Olimpico, which is hosting the UEFA Champions League Final in 2009, is the major stadium of Rome in Italy. It is located on the Foro Italico. It is the home of both A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio. It was built in 1936 and has a capacity of 82,307. It was the site of the 1960 Summer Olympics, but has also served as the location of the 1987 World Athletics Championships and the 1990 FIFA World Cup. All eyes are on the game to crown the winner.

Mike Tyson’s four-year-old daughter died May 26 of injuries sustained in a freak home accident. The champion boxer immediately flew to Arizona.

Exodus Tyson was found Monday morning hanged from a cord that was connected to a treadmill in the family’s activity room in their Phoenix, Arizona home. She was discovered when her mother, who was cleaning in another room, sent the girl’s seven-year-old brother in to check on her.

Police are treating the case as an accident, saying it appears the child was playing on or near the treadmill and became tangled in the cord. The girl’s mother was administering CPR when paramedics arrived on the scene. Exodus died a day later of her injuries.

Tyson was in Las Vegas at the time of the incident but rushed to his daughter’s side upon being notified of the tragedy.

“Mike was very dedicated to that baby,” said Sig Rogish, a longtime friend of Tyson and his former agent. “I think every parent’s greatest fear is that they live beyond their children. I know Mike has had his troubles in his life, but he’s always been a good father.”

The troubles Rogish refers to are numerous. Tyson’s father left the family when Mike was two; his mother died when he was 16. By the age of 13 he had been arrested 38 times, but was saved from a life on the streets after juvenile hall when a counselor discovered his boxing talent.

His short-lived marriage to actress Robin Givens ended amidst allegations of physical and emotional abuse and mental illness. He was convicted of raping a beauty queen and spent three years in prison for the crime. He was stripped of his boxing license for a year after biting off a chunk of Evander Holyfield’s ear during a match, went to prison again on new assault charges, filed for bankruptcy in 2003 after squandering nearly $300 million — around the same time his second marriage ended due to his reported infidelities — and was arrested again in 2006 on charges of DUI and felony drug possession.

Tyson knows his life has been one big tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. In 2005 he told USA Today:

“My whole life has been a waste — I’ve been a failure. I just want to escape. I’m really embarrassed with myself and my life. I want to be a missionary. I think I could do that while keeping my dignity without letting people know they chased me out of the country. I want to get this part of my life over as soon as possible. In this country nothing good is going to come of me. People put me so high; I wanted to tear that image down.”

Champions League Final 2009. Wednesday 27th May 2009. Tonight is the Champions League final between Barcelona and Man Utd, a match not to be missed. Manchester United vs Barcelona. The stage is set and Barcelona and Manchester … Only the bitterest of football fans would debate that Manchester United and Barcelona aren’t the two best teams in Europe right now, if not the world, so tonight has all the potential to be one of the all time greatest Champions League finals.
Manchester United vs Barcelona MATCH DETAILS Date: Wednesday May 27. Time: 19:45 GMT Competition: UEFA Champions League FInal match 2009. Live/Repeat: Live Upcoming Matches and Info: Manchester United vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League

The NHL is having trouble deciding on a schedule for the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals.

ESPN.com reports that the NHL could move up the start of the Stanley Cup Finals to Saturday, May 30 if both Conference Finals end by Wednesday. This comes months after the NHL said the Finals would start either on Friday, June 5 or Friday, May 29, and days after the league sent out a press release stating that the finals could be moved up to Thursday, May 28 if both Conference Finals ended in a sweep.

When the Blackhawks destroyed the possibility of the Conference Finals ending a sweep, the Stanley Cup Finals were seemingly locked into the June 5 start date. That meant that if the Conference Finals ended on Wednesday — a real possibility — there would be a eight-day layoff between the Conference Finals and the Stanley Cup Finals.

Even with this move, the NHL could still be looking at a long layoff. If the Conference Finals do not end until Thursday (for example, if the Hurricanes win Game 4, but the Penguins close them out in 5), indications are that the Stanley Cup Finals would still begin on June 5, meaning a seven-day layoff.

Like the other proposed schedules for the Stanley Cup Finals, the May 30 version would still feature Games 1 and 2 on back-to-back nights. A potential Sunday night Game 2 could air opposite Nuggets/Lakers Game 7 on ABC. The June 5 schedule would have the Stanley Cup Finals air on the same day as the NBA Finals on two occasions — Sunday, June 14, and Tuesday, June 16.

The NHL’s indecision on its Stanley Cup Finals schedule contrasts with other sports. The NBA set its Finals date of June 4 several months ago, with a potential move-up date of June 2. Meanwhile, the World Series is one of the few major events that does not even have a potential move-up date.