Friday, June 20, 2008
Beijing Unveils Traffic Plan
With less than 50 days to the Olympics, Chinese authorities on Friday announced widely-expected plans to almost halve its car population in the capital for a two month period.
Starting July 20th, drivers of even and odd-numbers license plates will only be able to drive on alternate days until September 20th, almost a month after the close of the Olympics and three days after the closing ceremony of the Paralympics.
Authorities expressed confidence these measures will produce clean air in time for the Games.
"We have the confidence and capability to guarantee the good air quality. We can promise the air quality can be improved to meet the previous target we set," said Du Shaozhong, spokesman from the city's Environmental Protection Bureau.
"We have the confidence and capability to guarantee the good air quality. We can promise the air quality can be improved to meet the previous target we set," said Du Shaozhong, spokesman from the city's Environmental Protection Bureau.
The measures are expected to take about 45% of Beijing's 3.29 million cars off the roads, including 300,000 government vehicles. It will also increase public transportation users by four million, said authorities.
Though the plan was widely anticipated, its duration could encourage Beijing's more affluent drivers to attempt to evade it by switching license plates or using alternate cars. That could lessen the impact of this attempt to reduce the city's car population.
Several multi-nationals have already purchased or made arrangements to purchase alternate license plates for their fleet to enable ease of movement, according to people familiar with the matter.
Beijing is struggling to clear the skies in time for the Olympics, despite a wide-ranging sweep of rules already in effect. These include tougher car emission standards and the closure of polluting factories across six Chinese provinces collectively larger in area than France, Germany and Italy combined.
Concerns over Beijing's still-poor air quality is causing some Olympians to consider only showing up for their events, skipping a lot of the festivities accompanying the Games. This week, for example, members of Australia's track and field contingent said they would stay in their Hong Kong training camp and skip the Games opening ceremony, partly because of "concerns of air quality," said spokesman Mike Tancred.
On Friday, Beijing's downtown noon skies were a dull grey and smelled faintly of smoke. Chinese readings rated air quality Level 3, or "slightly polluted," which is still on the higher end of readings usually recorded. Three weeks earlier on May 28 Beijing notched an unprecedented Level IV, or "Poor" pollution reading.
Nonetheless, Chinese authorities announced Thursday Beijing had 12 more blue sky days this year, compared to the same period the year before, and drops in major pollution indices such as concentrations of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.
A similar discrepancy in public perception and official readings occurred last August, when authorities did a test-run of these traffic controls for a four-day period. Authorities said the measures caused significant improvements in air quality and cut emissions discharged by 5,815 tons, but many residents felt only traffic flow improved markedly
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Fuelling turbulence
A. Ranganathan
In the 1970s, when oil prices shot up ten-fold, it was considered ‘black gold’. The fortunes of several countries with large reserves of oil soared. However, this black gold is turning the bottom-line of the aviation industry a deep red.
In the 1970s, when oil prices shot up ten-fold, it was considered ‘black gold’. The fortunes of several countries with large reserves of oil soared. However, this black gold is turning the bottom-line of the aviation industry a deep red.
Some airlines have resorted to flying at slower speeds to get more miles per kilolitre while others have opted to keep some of their aircraft on the ground. Fuel is a major component in the direct operating cost of an airline. The more it costs, the deeper the hole it burns in an airline’s balance-sheet.
Modern jets use the concept of ‘cost index’ in their flight management computer system to work out the optimum performance of an aircraft. When getting the maximum mileage is the priority a low cost index is used.
A high cost index is used when fuel cost is cheap and other criteria outweigh the cost of the fuel. Airlines that own their aircraft would prefer to use the lowest cost index to maximise the distance covered with minimum fuel while airlines with leased aircraft would opt to go in for higher speeds.
Why is the operating cost high in India? The following are some of the reasons that contribute to increased fuel consumption:
Outdated and inefficient air traffic control system
Unlimited congestion at terminal area
High ground time with engines running
Inadequate maintenance schedules
Improper flight procedures
Overloading
Starting with the last factor, overloading is a bane of all airlines. The fuel burn calculations are based on weight and the prevailing atmospheric conditions. The greater the weight, the lower the altitude an aircraft flies at. The overzealousness to sell tickets at ridiculously low rates is adding to this problem.
Greater weight
Every ten passengers on board means an additional tonne in total weight. This, in turn, increases the fuel burn. Passengers are also the guilty party in the overload factor. Hand baggage, which is supposed to weigh a maximum of 10 kg, often weighs more than 20 kg. Ground staff often turn a blind eye to this violation, except with some airlines.
A disciplined flight crew can contribute immensely to fuel conservation. Unfortunately, discipline and professionalism is in short supply in India. When flights are conducted with managed speeds, as calculated by the flight management computer, one can expect minimum fuel burn.
However, there is a tendency among some of the flight crew to distrust the computer Air traffic control procedures in India leave a lot of room for improvement. The air distance from one city to another, particularly in the metro routes, is often increased by a large factor because of the ATC. When congestion is anticipated, aircraft should be advised well in advance.
Instead of sequencing the aircraft in a holding pattern, where each aircraft knows the position of the others and also its number in the landing sequence, the radar controlling resorts to what is called ‘tactical radar vectoring’. This results in a large increase in air miles.
More air-miles
Often, while approaching the Delhi airport, aircraft are sent on a northerly heading for a good 35-50 kilometres before turning east or west (depending on the runway in use) for another 75-90 km, before turning back towards the airport.
This additional distance of over 150 miles is a common occurrence in Delhi or Mumbai. The aircraft fuel consumption increases due to this and this is an excess that can be avoided by using proper procedures.
In a holding pattern, an aircraft will fly at what is called the ‘best clean speed’, giving the minimum fuel burn and drag. In the tactical radar vectoring scenario, aircrafts are often asked to reduce to low speed which require the use of flaps, increasing the drag and fuel burn in turn.
The sooner India switches over to the RNAV/RNP (Area Navigation/Required Navigation performance) procedures, the better for lowering fuel consumption. These procedures are satellite based and are independent of all ground based aids.
Airlines should consider rescheduling their flights. It is better to fly a higher load factor at the optimum cruise altitude than to fly at lower cruise altitudes.
At present, with so many airlines departing around the same time and in the same direction, many of them get slotted into altitudes that are well below the optimum. This results in higher fuel burn. Cheap tickets may make for a high load factor but they give very low yield. This goes against all norms of economics at the present level of fuel cost.
The time spent on ground with engines running is an area that ATC should optimise.
The authorities have to work out a procedure whereby an aircraft should be able to depart within a maximum of 10 minutes of taxiing.
With the onset of the monsoons and fuel on board becoming critical, it is in everyone’s interest that slot times are staggered and not bunched. Somebody has to act; if not, they will go under.
(The author is an airline pilot with 35 years experience.)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The iPhone 3G
The iPhone 3G
(Credit: James Martin/CNET Networks)
Q: What's so great about the iPhone 3G?A: The iPhone 3G adds important features that were absent on the original iPhone. Those include support for AT&T's 3G networks, true GPS, and support for Microsoft Exchange server. It also will support third-party applications available through the upcoming iPhone apps store. Its design is different as well, but not by much.
Q: What's not great about it?A: We were hoping to see a few more features including multimedia messaging, voice dialing, video recording, and a landscape keyboard.
Q: So should I get it?A: If you want an iPhone but haven't bought one yet, this is the iPhone for you. If you already own an iPhone, the choice isn't as clear. But if you can afford to upgrade, you should. The added features will be worth it. We only stress that you should verify that AT&T has adequate 3G coverage in your area.
Q: Where can I buy the iPhone 3G?
A: It will be available only in Apple and AT&T stores. You'll also be available to get it at AT&T kiosks in shopping malls. It will not be available online.
Q: Wait, so I can't get it on the Apple or AT&T Web sites?
A: No, you'll have to get yourself to a store, which is more than inconvenient if you don't live near one.
Q: Can I still activate my phone using iTunes?
A: Unfortunately, you'll have to do that in an Apple or an AT&T store as well. You will not be able to take it home and do it there. Major bummer.
Q: Why are AT&T and Apple doing that?
A: We suspect that it's a way to crack down on iPhones that were purchased but were never activated on AT&T's network. By forcing you to activate the phone in a store, you'll be forced to sign up for AT&T service.
Q: Won't that create a mob scene on stores on July 11?
A: I expect that it will be pretty crazy that day. Though stores were mobbed last year, buyers had only to pay for their phone and get out. This year, however, they'll have to go through the entire process for credit approval, contract signing, and activation before they can leave. If you figure that each person will take at least 15 minutes to complete their transaction, then we should see some long, and slowly moving, lines.
Out with the old
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)Q: Will AT&T employees be working in Apple stores?A: Probably not. Apple has not released exact details, but we expect that the process will be similar to how stores like Best Buy handle cell phone activation now. It's likely that you'll be dealing with an Apple employee who will have access to AT&T's computer system.
Q: How much will the iPhone 3G cost?
A: This is one area of good news. While last year buyers paid up to $600 for their iPhones, the iPhone 3G will be significantly cheaper. The 8GB model will cost $199 and the 16GB model will cost $299, both with a two-year contract.
Q: Can I use an iPhone 3G with AT&T's Go Phone prepaid service?
A: Not at the moment. But this may happen in the future.
Q: But what's this I hear about the plans being more expensive?A: It's true that Apple and AT&T are changing the structure and pricing for the iPhone 3G plans. Unlike with the previous handset, you will have to select separate voice and data plans (they won't be combined). Voice plans, which are the same for all AT&T handsets, range from $39.99 to $79.99 per month, depending on the available minutes. Unlimited data plans will be $30 for consumers and $45 business users.
As a result, the cheapest monthly cost for an iPhone user will be $69.99 for unlimited data, plus 450 anytime minutes and 5,000 nights and weekends. That's $10 more than what current iPhone users pay for comparable services.
Q: The original data plan came with 200 free text messages. How much text messaging do the new data plans include?A: The details aren't known yet.
Q: Will the new $30 and $45 a month data plans offered for the 3G iPhone be the same as the standard data plans for other AT&T smartphones?
A: Not necessarily. AT&T says it is still working out the details and will have more information closer to July 11 when the phones go on sale.
Q: I heard that people who already have a first-generation iPhone have to turn it in to an Apple or AT&T store if they want the 3G phone. Is that true?A: No, but AT&T is giving people who bought their first-generation iPhone on or after May 27 the opportunity to exchange it before August 1. AT&T and Apple will refund the difference in price but 3G iPhone users will have to sign a two-year new contract and choose a new plan. If you go this route, don't forget to erase your personal data.
Q: If I keep my current iPhone, will I miss out on all the new features?
A: Through the iPhone 2.0 software update you'll get a lot of new goodies including the third-party applications and the Exchange server support. Yet, you will miss out on the 3G and GPS.
In with the new
(Credit: Apple)
Q: I already have a comparable smartphone from AT&T and a two-year service contract. Can I buy the 3G iPhone for the $199 price and simply restart my contract?
A: It depends on when you started your initial AT&T contract. In order to get the $199 price tag, you have to meet AT&T's upgrade eligibility criteria. We'll know more on that later.
Q: Let's say I bought my iPhone last year and I want the 3G iPhone. Can I give my old iPhone to my sister or sell it on eBay?A: No, once an existing iPhone user activates service for an iPhone 3G, their first-generation handset will be unusable as a phone. You won't be able to replace it with another AT&T SIM card and use it to make calls. This also means that you can't buy an old iPhone on eBay and expect to activate it on AT&T's network. You can, however, use it as a media player and a Wi-Fi device for browsing the Web.
Q: Will people living in areas without native AT&T coverage be able to buy a iPhone 3G?
A: No, anyone buying a iPhone 3G must live in an area where AT&T provides coverage. Since the phones will be activated right in the store, people won't be able to leave the store without activating the phone for service in area where AT&T is offered.
Q: Will the SIM come preinstalled this time?
A: Yes the SIM is already installed and is not meant to be removed or replaced with other AT&T SIM cards (though it is physically possible to do so). On the other hand, Apple will include a SIM removal tool in the box.
Q: Do I have to be in the store to get software updates or to sync it with iTunes?
A: No, updates and syncing with iTunes can be done right from your home computer. You can also buy applications from the Apps Store from your computer.
Q: Can I use the iPhone 3G overseas?
A: As a quad-band GSM phone with support for three 3G bands, you'll be able to use the new iPhone all over the world. Just remember that the phone will be locked to AT&T so you won't be able to use another carrier's SIM card. And if you're a frequent globe-trotter, you should ask about AT&T's international plans to avoid nasty surprises on your bill.
Q: Will the iPhone ever come to other carriers in the United States?
A: There is a chance it could come to T-Mobile, but it won't be for a long time. AT&T is said to have a five-year lock on the iPhone (now through 2012) but other reports indicate that its monopoly will be up in 2010. Unfortunately, it's highly unlikely that Apple will ever develop a CDMA version for Sprint or Verizon Wireless.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET Networks)
Q: What's so great about the iPhone 3G?A: The iPhone 3G adds important features that were absent on the original iPhone. Those include support for AT&T's 3G networks, true GPS, and support for Microsoft Exchange server. It also will support third-party applications available through the upcoming iPhone apps store. Its design is different as well, but not by much.
Q: What's not great about it?A: We were hoping to see a few more features including multimedia messaging, voice dialing, video recording, and a landscape keyboard.
Q: So should I get it?A: If you want an iPhone but haven't bought one yet, this is the iPhone for you. If you already own an iPhone, the choice isn't as clear. But if you can afford to upgrade, you should. The added features will be worth it. We only stress that you should verify that AT&T has adequate 3G coverage in your area.
Q: Where can I buy the iPhone 3G?
A: It will be available only in Apple and AT&T stores. You'll also be available to get it at AT&T kiosks in shopping malls. It will not be available online.
Q: Wait, so I can't get it on the Apple or AT&T Web sites?
A: No, you'll have to get yourself to a store, which is more than inconvenient if you don't live near one.
Q: Can I still activate my phone using iTunes?
A: Unfortunately, you'll have to do that in an Apple or an AT&T store as well. You will not be able to take it home and do it there. Major bummer.
Q: Why are AT&T and Apple doing that?
A: We suspect that it's a way to crack down on iPhones that were purchased but were never activated on AT&T's network. By forcing you to activate the phone in a store, you'll be forced to sign up for AT&T service.
Q: Won't that create a mob scene on stores on July 11?
A: I expect that it will be pretty crazy that day. Though stores were mobbed last year, buyers had only to pay for their phone and get out. This year, however, they'll have to go through the entire process for credit approval, contract signing, and activation before they can leave. If you figure that each person will take at least 15 minutes to complete their transaction, then we should see some long, and slowly moving, lines.
Out with the old
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)Q: Will AT&T employees be working in Apple stores?A: Probably not. Apple has not released exact details, but we expect that the process will be similar to how stores like Best Buy handle cell phone activation now. It's likely that you'll be dealing with an Apple employee who will have access to AT&T's computer system.
Q: How much will the iPhone 3G cost?
A: This is one area of good news. While last year buyers paid up to $600 for their iPhones, the iPhone 3G will be significantly cheaper. The 8GB model will cost $199 and the 16GB model will cost $299, both with a two-year contract.
Q: Can I use an iPhone 3G with AT&T's Go Phone prepaid service?
A: Not at the moment. But this may happen in the future.
Q: But what's this I hear about the plans being more expensive?A: It's true that Apple and AT&T are changing the structure and pricing for the iPhone 3G plans. Unlike with the previous handset, you will have to select separate voice and data plans (they won't be combined). Voice plans, which are the same for all AT&T handsets, range from $39.99 to $79.99 per month, depending on the available minutes. Unlimited data plans will be $30 for consumers and $45 business users.
As a result, the cheapest monthly cost for an iPhone user will be $69.99 for unlimited data, plus 450 anytime minutes and 5,000 nights and weekends. That's $10 more than what current iPhone users pay for comparable services.
Q: The original data plan came with 200 free text messages. How much text messaging do the new data plans include?A: The details aren't known yet.
Q: Will the new $30 and $45 a month data plans offered for the 3G iPhone be the same as the standard data plans for other AT&T smartphones?
A: Not necessarily. AT&T says it is still working out the details and will have more information closer to July 11 when the phones go on sale.
Q: I heard that people who already have a first-generation iPhone have to turn it in to an Apple or AT&T store if they want the 3G phone. Is that true?A: No, but AT&T is giving people who bought their first-generation iPhone on or after May 27 the opportunity to exchange it before August 1. AT&T and Apple will refund the difference in price but 3G iPhone users will have to sign a two-year new contract and choose a new plan. If you go this route, don't forget to erase your personal data.
Q: If I keep my current iPhone, will I miss out on all the new features?
A: Through the iPhone 2.0 software update you'll get a lot of new goodies including the third-party applications and the Exchange server support. Yet, you will miss out on the 3G and GPS.
In with the new
(Credit: Apple)
Q: I already have a comparable smartphone from AT&T and a two-year service contract. Can I buy the 3G iPhone for the $199 price and simply restart my contract?
A: It depends on when you started your initial AT&T contract. In order to get the $199 price tag, you have to meet AT&T's upgrade eligibility criteria. We'll know more on that later.
Q: Let's say I bought my iPhone last year and I want the 3G iPhone. Can I give my old iPhone to my sister or sell it on eBay?A: No, once an existing iPhone user activates service for an iPhone 3G, their first-generation handset will be unusable as a phone. You won't be able to replace it with another AT&T SIM card and use it to make calls. This also means that you can't buy an old iPhone on eBay and expect to activate it on AT&T's network. You can, however, use it as a media player and a Wi-Fi device for browsing the Web.
Q: Will people living in areas without native AT&T coverage be able to buy a iPhone 3G?
A: No, anyone buying a iPhone 3G must live in an area where AT&T provides coverage. Since the phones will be activated right in the store, people won't be able to leave the store without activating the phone for service in area where AT&T is offered.
Q: Will the SIM come preinstalled this time?
A: Yes the SIM is already installed and is not meant to be removed or replaced with other AT&T SIM cards (though it is physically possible to do so). On the other hand, Apple will include a SIM removal tool in the box.
Q: Do I have to be in the store to get software updates or to sync it with iTunes?
A: No, updates and syncing with iTunes can be done right from your home computer. You can also buy applications from the Apps Store from your computer.
Q: Can I use the iPhone 3G overseas?
A: As a quad-band GSM phone with support for three 3G bands, you'll be able to use the new iPhone all over the world. Just remember that the phone will be locked to AT&T so you won't be able to use another carrier's SIM card. And if you're a frequent globe-trotter, you should ask about AT&T's international plans to avoid nasty surprises on your bill.
Q: Will the iPhone ever come to other carriers in the United States?
A: There is a chance it could come to T-Mobile, but it won't be for a long time. AT&T is said to have a five-year lock on the iPhone (now through 2012) but other reports indicate that its monopoly will be up in 2010. Unfortunately, it's highly unlikely that Apple will ever develop a CDMA version for Sprint or Verizon Wireless.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Market Capitalization - Definition
Market Capitalization
The total dollar market value of all of a company's outstanding shares. Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying a company's shares outstanding by the current market price of one share. The investment community uses this figure to determining a company's size, as opposed to sales or total asset figures.
Frequently referred to as "market cap".
If a company has 35 million shares outstanding, each with a market value of $100, the company's market capitalization is $3.5 billion (35,000,000 x $100 per share).
The stocks of large, medium and small companies are referred to as large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap, respectively. Investment professionals differ on their exact definitions, but the current approximate categories of market capitalization are:
Large Cap: $10 billion plus
Mid Cap: $2 billion to $10 billion
Small Cap: Less than $2 billion
The total dollar market value of all of a company's outstanding shares. Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying a company's shares outstanding by the current market price of one share. The investment community uses this figure to determining a company's size, as opposed to sales or total asset figures.
Frequently referred to as "market cap".
If a company has 35 million shares outstanding, each with a market value of $100, the company's market capitalization is $3.5 billion (35,000,000 x $100 per share).
The stocks of large, medium and small companies are referred to as large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap, respectively. Investment professionals differ on their exact definitions, but the current approximate categories of market capitalization are:
Large Cap: $10 billion plus
Mid Cap: $2 billion to $10 billion
Small Cap: Less than $2 billion
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