my young businesses live - Small Business

Wikipedia, Other Sites Shut Down to Protest 'Censorship' Legislation

ABC News(NEW YORK) -- The English-language version of Wikipedia went dark Wednesday, along with hundreds of other sites including Reddit and Boing Boing, to protest the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) proposed by congressional lawmakers and supported by Hollywood to block the sale of counterfeit goods by websites outside the U.S.

Wikipedia, as well as search engine site Google and social networking site Facebook, argue that the legislation encourages censorship and will alter the structure of the Internet. Google was operating, though its iconic logo was shown as blacked out Wednesday, as if it had been redacted.

The co-founder of the online encyclopedia giant, Jimmy Wales, defended the decision to close down Wikipedia for 24 hours, charging that SOPA and PIPA, "endanger free speech both in the United States and abroad, and set a frightening precedent of Internet censorship for the world."

The White House is also opposed to the anti-piracy measures before Congress.

Texas Republican Congressman Lamar Smith, who sponsored SOPA in the House, chastised Wikipedia for what he says amounts to a publicity stunt, adding, "it is ironic that a website dedicated to providing information is spreading misinformation about the Stop Online Piracy Act."

According to Smith, Wikipedia, social networking sites and domestic blogs won't be affected by his legislation.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Four US Airport Terminals Among Frommers' 10 Worst in the World

iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- Weary travelers stuck at New York's JFK airport or Chicago's Midway airport may be all too familiar with the drab surroundings and sketchy service during a delayed layover.

In what may be affirmation for some frequent fliers, Frommers.com has included four U.S. hubs in its list of the 10 worst airport terminals.

The list included the 10 best and worst terminals, basing the ranking on cleanliness, services, on-time departures, navigation and ease of travel to and from a city's center.

New York JFK's terminal 3, now used for Delta flights, was ranked as the worst in the world. However, Delta said a renovation project to be completed by 2013 will transform the terminal into a modern facility.

"Terminal 3 is known for endless immigration lines in a dank basement, an utter lack of food and shopping options, three crowded and confusing entry points, and hallways that could have been designed by M.C Escher for vomiting international travelers out onto an underground sidewalk with no cabs available," Frommers.com said. "There's also a sense that the cleaning crew gave up in despair a while ago."

While four of the 10 worst terminals are in the U.S., only one American terminal made it to the top 10 list of the best terminals: Jetblue Airway's Terminal 5 in New York's JFK Airport, which was number five.

The best airport terminal is Hajj Terminal at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is only open during the six-week Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims traditionally must travel to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Here is Frommers.com's list of the 10 worst airport terminals in the world:

1. New York JFK Airport Terminal 3
2. Manila, Philippines Airport Terminal 1
3. Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Terminal B/C
4. Nairobi, Kenya Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
5. Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport, Terminal 3
6. Amman, Jordan Queen Alia Airport
7. New York LaGuardia Airport Terminal 5
8. Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport
9. Paris' Beauvais Airport
10. Chicago Midway Airport?

Italian Cruise Ship Wreck Costs Could Surpass $130 Million

STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images(GIGLIO, Italy) -- The near-sinking of the Costa Concordia cruise ship will send a tidal wave of bills at the owners that could reach $130 million -- if the ship can be salvaged.

If it is determined that the $650 million luxury liner is too badly damaged, the owners -- Costa Cruises and its parent company Carnival Cruises -- will have to absorb the loss of the ship.

"They just lose," said Jaime Katz, an equity analyst for Morningstar Inc., an independent investment research firm. "The ship is gone. They will have to start over or have one less ship in that market."

That determination has yet to be made, but even a bill that big would not sink the company, experts said.

Carnival Cruises is the largest company in the cruise industry with more than 100 ships in service and 11 global brands. Nevertheless, the company is bracing for an iceberg of bills heading its way.

Already, the disaster has affected Carnival's stock. On Tuesday shares of Carnival were down nearly 14 percent to $29.53. Bloomberg said it was the biggest drop for the company since April 2009.

Morningstar has estimated that the company will face $85 million to $95 million loss in revenue while the ship is out of service.

Carnival, which is based in Miami, has a $30 million insurance deductible for damage to the ship.

Lawsuits will also sink the company's bottom line. The company reportedly has a $10 million deductible on third-party personal injury liabilities, and Italian laws regarding civil suits may protect Carnival and Costa from mega suits that are common in the U.S.

And, according to Bloomberg, Carnival said it, "further anticipates other costs to the business that are not possible to determine at this time."

But despite the public relations nightmare, Katz said that passengers would continue to sail the high seas after a bit of assurance from the industry, especially Carnival and Costa.

"People are not going to be booking as quickly," she said. "[Carnival] is going to have to assure people this is a safe way to travel."?

Wall Street Headed Up Ahead of More Earnings Reports

Mario Tama/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- Wall Street appears poised on Wednesday to add to the gains it made after coming off the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday; stock futures are up ahead of the opening bell.

On Tuesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 60 points on its first day back from break, while the Nasdaq climbed 17 and the S&P 500 jumped five.

Whether or not the stock market can close in the green again on Wednesday will likely depend on a slew of earnings reports coming out before the trading session begins. Goldman Sachs is scheduled to unveil its fourth quarter earnings, as is Charles Schwab Corp. and PNC Financial Services Group Inc., among others.

So far, the earnings season has generated mixed results. Among the disappointments were Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase, who both reported drops in profits.

Overseas, European stocks are trading slightly higher as investors await the latest talks over the debt crisis in Greece. In Asia, stocks closed the day mixed. Japan's Nikkei index rose 0.99 percent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.30 percent, Taiwan’s Taiex gained 0.17 percent, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 tacked on 0.05 percent.

China’s Shanghai Composite, on the other hand, fell 1.39 percent, while South Korea's Kospi slipped 0.02 percent.?

Poll: Most Americans Still Say Economy Is on the Wrong Track

Comstock Images/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- The nation’s economic ice jam is showing tentative signs of a thaw, warming some political sentiment along with it. But is the change enough to boost President Obama -- and incumbents generally -- in the election year ahead?

According to the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll, 68 percent of Americans still say the country’s headed seriously off on the wrong track. But that’s down from 77 percent in September, and “right direction” ratings -- at 30 percent -- while weak, are their best since June.

This shift in economic sentiment can be seen in the political mood. Forty-five percent of Americans now say an economic recovery is under way -- still fewer than half, but up by 9 points from two months ago. The president’s approval rating on handling job creation has advanced by 6 points to its best in nearly two years. And the number of Americans who say they’ve gotten worse off financially under this president has eased by 5 points since September, to 30 percent.

Yet, there’s still a deep chill. This poll, produced for ABC by Langer Research Associates, finds that even with his gain on jobs, 51 percent disapprove of how Obama’s handling them. Despite the change in “worse-off” ratings, twice as many have lost ground financially under Obama compared to those that say they’ve moved ahead. And while more say a recovery’s begun, three-quarters of them also say it’s a weak one.

There’s also one particular risk ahead: The federal Energy Information Administration reported this week that the price of gasoline has risen by 16 cents in the past month to an average $3.39 a gallon -- its highest in any January in records since 1990. If gas keeps rising, the recent, tentative advances in economic and political sentiment would be imperiled.?

Yahoo! Co-Founder Jerry Yang Resigns

Ethan Miller/Getty Images(SUNNYVALE, Calif.) -- Jerry Yang is stepping down from his positions at Yahoo! Inc., the startup-turned-Internet search giant he helped found, the company said Tuesday.

"My time at Yahoo!, from its founding to the present, has encompassed some of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my life,” Yang wrote in a letter to Yahoo! board chairman Roy Bostock. “However, the time has come for me to pursue other interests outside of Yahoo!”

Yang’s resignation from the company’s board of directors and “all other positions with the company” – including his roles on the boards of Yahoo Japan and Alibaba Group Holding Limited – are effective immediately.

“As I leave the company I co-founded nearly 17 years ago, I am enthusiastic about the appointment of Scott Thompson as Chief Executive Officer and his ability, along with the entire Yahoo! leadership team, to guide Yahoo! into an exciting and successful future," Yang wrote.

The move has industry analysts speculating what Yang’s departure could mean for the company. The Yahoo! co-founder played a key role in blocking the Microsoft takeover in 2008, “which of course would have been a boon for the company,” Tim Stevens, editor-in-chief of the tech blog Engadget, told ABC News Radio.

“I think his leaving the company will be perceived as a good thing and should certainly make the investors happy,” Stevens said.

And early indicators seemed to show as much. In late trading Tuesday, shares of Yahoo! were up nearly 4 percent.

Yang co-founded Yahoo! in 1995 with David Filo. During his time with the company, Yang served on its board of directors and, for a brief time, as its chief executive officer.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Average Years Americans Keep Cars Reach Record High

iStockphoto/Thinkstock(DETROIT) -- The clunker in the driveway's reached a record-old age. The average age of a car or truck in the U.S. is now almost 11 years, according to an analysis released by automotive research firm Polk. Job security and other economic worries kept many people from making big-ticket purchases such as a new vehicle.

Back in 1995, Americans kept cars for an average of 8.5 years, according to the analysis that looked at vehicle registration data.

Polk global aftermarket practice leader Mark Seng said the increase in vehicle age could bring positive outcomes for vehicle maintenance services and parts dealers.

"Dealer service departments and independent repair facilities, as well as aftermarket parts suppliers, will see increased business opportunity with customers in need of vehicle service," Seng said.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Positive Gains for US Stocks

iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- Stocks closed higher on some positive signs about Europe's debt. Auctions by Spain, Greece and Europe's bailout fund drew solid interest from investors Tuesday.

The Dow added 60 points, while the Nasdaq and S&P posted positive gains of 17 and 5 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, gas prices could accelerate to all-time highs this summer. Analysts at GasBuddy.com say global demand and conflicts around the world could push prices at the pump up to $5 a gallon.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Burger King Tests Out Delivery

Scott Olson/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Fast food restaurants like Burger King and McDonald’s have always been known for their convenience, but now Burger King is taking the term “fast food” to another level. Starting this week, the chain is offering delivery from 10 locations in the Washington, D.C., area.

For an additional $2, you can get your burger, fries or anything else you want without leaving your desk. Delivery is available between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., which means the breakfast menu isn’t an option. They also aim to get you your food within 30 minutes, but you also have to be within a 10-minute drive of the restaurant.

And don’t worry that your food won’t be of the same caliber if you opt for delivery over drive-thru. The burgers are delivered in strategic packaging, with the top part of the bun covered to prevent it from becoming soggy during travel. John Fitzpatrick, chief brand and operations officer for Burger King, told USA Today they used “proprietary thermal packaging technology” to guarantee “that the Whopper is delivered hot and fresh, and the French fries are delivered hot and crispy.”

Six more locations in Virginia plan to start delivery the week of Jan. 23, and if all goes well, Burger King hopes to expand the service to other areas over time.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Business News - ABC News Radio Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:11:29 +0000

Psychotherapist Biggin Hill - Psychotherapist Biggin Hill
... of anxiety. It`s when these feelings start to take over your life that help might be required. Traumatic life events can induce feelings of depression or anxiety and a sense of low self-esteem can develop. Yet professional therapy can assist and resolve many issues that a person might be struggling with. Confidential sessions can be undertaken with a trained Psychotherapist Biggin Hillfor people living near the Kent/Surrey border. Short term sessions can booked for people that have a specific problem that needs addressing or longer psychotherapy sessions can be taken to help a person gain a deeper self-knowledge thus helping them to make positive changes in the future. A person might be feeling like they are under-achieving at work or perhaps they have relationship problems. The time spent with the Psychotherapist Biggin Hill...
Visit Psychotherapist Biggin Hill...

Jewellery Display - Jewellery Display
...ry store window the other day at the selection of Rolex watches they had for sale. There`s something about these high quality watches that makes me go all weak at the knees. The crafty jewellers have worked hard on their jewellery display and it certainly grabs your attention as you walk by. I`ve actually been in this store a few times in the past year to buy items for my forthcoming wedding. The last time I went in was to buy my wedding ring and I saw the perfect item staring back at me from the jewellery display they had inside the store. Luckily the jewellers had the ring in my size and it was promptly purchased there and then. I like it when a store makes an effort with their jewellery display and from their point of view it must do the business no amount of good. If the display attracts people there`ll be more chance that they want to buy th...
Visit Jewellery Display...

Hot Tubs In Scotland - Hot Tubs In Scotland
...arm water washes over your skin and bubbles send your senses into overdrive. It`s the first time that you have tried out your new hot tub and you are feeling fantastic right at this present moment. For months you deliberated about buying a hot tub but a trip to your local supplier in Scotland convinced you that it was the right thing to do. You are glad that you made this special trip because your garden is now blessed by one of the finest Hot tubs in scotland. How many of your friends can say they have one of the Hot tubs in scotland that they can use anytime that they like. On a warm sunny day you can set the water to a cooler setting and laze about in your tub for as long as you like. During the colder times of the year you can turn up the heat in your tub and relax in wonderfully warm water. Once you are in the tub you won`t notice what the weather is like outside because...
Visit Hot Tubs In Scotland...

Skip Hire Hertfordshire - Skip Hire Hertfordshire
... has cost a fortune overall, I am really pleased with the end result. The actual cost of the labour was not that much as my father is a builder and he has completed the job as a labour of love and has done everything at cost price. However, all of the things that are included can cost quite a lot. Obviously I was really keen to be as hands on as possible throughout the whole process and I offered my services to my father in whatever way I could. One of the main jobs he asked me to do was to find some skip hire Hertfordshire because, as I am sure you can imagine, a double storey extension generates quite a lot of rubbish to be cleared away. Obviously there are lots of firms that do skip hire Hertfordshire but I was determined to shop around and find the most efficient and cost effective skip hire Hertfordshire that I co...
Visit Skip Hire Hertfordshire...

Pole Window Cleaning - Pole Window Cleaning
...has really surprised me with his dedication to work. He was previously unemployed for some time and had tried, without success, to find himself a job on many occasions. At first he became very despondent about his situation but eventually he began to think about his options which is where the window cleaning came in. What impressed me was that he did not just think about ordinary window cleaning which seems to be pretty difficult to get into but he decided to focus on pole window cleaning which means that he can do larger properties. pole window cleaning is the ideal thing as, having a much further reach, if he does pole window cleaning it means that he can do businesses as well as residential properties. He has got the business acumen to realise that this will be much more beneficial for...
Visit Pole Window Cleaning...

Solent Yacht Charter - Solent Yacht Charter
...hday present next year, you are going to spend a few days taking in the delights of the Solent. Along with your wife and a few of your close friends you have arranged a solent yacht charter. Over the course of five days, from Monday to Friday, you`ll be onboard a stunning vessel. You`ll be at sea onboard a Jeanneau 361 performance cruiser and my, what a fine specimen she is to behold. Offering fabulous levels of performance your solent yacht charter will be a joy to navigate. Take the controls of this luxurious craft and you`ll find they are extremely easy to operate. Everything is geared towards making life easier for you as you take to the stunning waters of the Solent. It certainly will be one birthday that you`ll never forget in a hurry once you take part in the solent yacht charter next year. During the day you`ll hone a host of sailing skills onboard the yac...
Visit Solent Yacht Charter...

Conveyor Rollers - Conveyor Rollers
...urposes and they can cope with plenty of products being sent along them. Stainless steel conveyor rollers are also readily available and they will be ideal in environments that are damp. Precision ranges of conveyor rollers can be made for many purposes and companies that want to speed up their production processes can find conveyor rollers to be of particular use....
Visit Conveyor Rollers...

Australian General Skilled Migration - Australian General Skilled Migration
...e the start of wonderful adventure and the sunshine of Australia could be beckoning you with open arms. Apply for Australian General Skilled Migration and you could soon be seeing your dreams becoming a reality. There are certain shortages in the Australian labour force and this means that golden opportunities could be heading your way. A points system is in operation and applicants will have to reach a certain amount before a visa can be granted. The Australian General Skilled Migration visa is split into four categories. The first category is for skilled independent applicants and for this you must reach 120 points. If you can`t reach 120 points a skilled sponsored category or skilled regional sponsored visa can be applied for and for both of these 100 points is required. The later visa is allocated on a three year provisional basis and you can apply for p...
Visit Australian General Skilled Migration...

Static Caravans For Sale North Wales - Static Caravans For Sale North Wales
...van used for tourism purposes. The van carries all the living facilities like living room, kitchen, toilet etc. Static caravan tourism is becoming popular in North Wales. People can stay in the caravan which is static in the park of North Wales and can enjoy the holidays. Some of the caravan parks offer recreational services, including water sports and tennis courts. Since 1960s this form of tourism has gained popularity. Carewaysview presents Caravan Parks North Wales services which is available in North Wales countryside. Recently an advertisement has appeared which says; Static Caravans for sale North Wales. Now a days such static caravan facilities are being available in North Wales. Carewaysview is situated in the lap of green and hilly countryside backdrop of North Wales. The Static Caravans for sale North Walesavailable at Caravan Parks. It gives the op...
Visit Static Caravans For Sale North Wales...

Skip Hire Hoddesdon - Skip Hire Hoddesdon
...some skip hire hoddesdon over the last week as he has been doing a lot of work on his garden and needed somebody to collect all the refuse as there was far too much for him to deal with on his own. However, my brother is not one for researching things and he found the whole business of having to find some skip hire hoddesdon very irritating indeed. So much so that he telephone me the other day to ask if I would ring around and find some skip hire hoddesdon for him while he continued the work in his garden. I could not believe it and thought that this is absolutely typical of my brother. He likes doing all the jobs that people will comment on and tell him how clever he is but he absolutely hates doing anything mundane that nobody notices. I will say that his garden is looking absolutely amazing and will be stunning when it is finished but I told him st...
Visit Skip Hire Hoddesdon...