Current News :Earthquekes

By Ahmad Pathoni

PADANG BAKUNG, Indonesia (Reuters) - Frightened residents on Indonesia's Sumatra island huddled in tents outside their damaged homes on Friday, traumatized by the latest of more than 40 aftershocks since a huge earthquake struck two days ago.

Indonesia's meteorology agency issued on Friday the latest in a series of tsunami warnings after another strong quake in Sumatra, although it was lifted about an hour later.

There have been a series of tremors ranging in intensity from 4.9 to 7.8 since Wednesday's 8.4 quake, repeatedly setting off tsunami warnings in Indian Ocean countries.

There have, however, been no reports of the sort of widespread tsunami that caused the death and devastation of the huge waves in 2004, which followed a quake of over 9 magnitude.

Seismologist Mike Turnbull of Australia's Central Queensland University warned against complacency over the frequent tsunami warnings.

"The problem is, these were very large earthquakes. They had every capability to generate large tsunami."

At least two areas in Bengkulu province were hit by tsunamis after Wednesday's quake, residents told Reuters correspondents.

About 100 houses were damaged by a 3 meter (10 ft) wave in Serangai, 70 km north of Bengkulu city, but there were no casualties.

"Suddenly, I heard the rushing sound of water coming, it looked black. So I told everybody to run," said Johan, a 60-year-old farmer, who like many Indonesians uses one name. He said most people had already fled to higher ground after the quake.

Some houses had been shifted about 10 meters by the water and tree trunks and large logs littered the main road.

Padang Bakung, a village two hours drive south of Bengkulu, also suffered a tsunami that inundated houses with water as high as half a meter. The houses were 60 meters from the coast.

New technology : Mobile Memory Mouse 8000

Microsoft has unveiled a new rechargeable Notebook (NB) mouse with 1 GB of flash memory built right into the transceiver.

Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 is designed to prevent shortage of USB port. This three-in-one tool allows users simultaneously to work wirelessly, save important files with 1 GB of storage, and recharge the mouse without deficiency in performance - all through 1 USB port.
The magnetic charging system allows users to continue working while the mouse recharges. The charging cord magnetically connects at one end to the underside of the mouse, and the other to the tip of the transceiver.

The included AAA rechargeable battery offers more than 3 weeks of battery power on a full charge.

The wireless technology allows users to choose how they want to connect with 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth. The 2.4 GHz transceiver is capable of connecting to all NBs.

Meanwhile, users can also connect directly with the help of a switch on the bottom of the mouse, thus eliminating the need of the transceiver.

Besides, the mouse creates a seamless connection between hardware and Windows Vista with access to the Windows Flip 3D feature. With the press of a button, users can flip through open windows in a stack and quickly switch between applications.

With the black high-gloss surface and metal finish, the mouse features proprietary HD Laser Technology, a Tilt Wheel, and 2 side buttons (magnifier and back).

The Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 will be widely available in October 2007 for an estimated retail price of USD 99.95 (Rs 4,040). However, those wanting to confirm one for them can pre-order at Amazon.com.

Bussiness: asia's richest man

Asia's richest man is reported to be eyeing a potential takeover of United Utilities' electricity distribution business.

Li Ka-shing, who ranked ninth in the Forbes 2007 billionaires list with a estimated fortune of 23 billion US dollars (£11.3bn), is understood to be one of a number of suitors preparing first round offers for the operations, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

The United Utilities business, formerly Norweb, delivers electricity to some 2.2 million customers in north-west England.

Li Ka-shing's Hong-Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa, has built up a sizeable UK portfolio, worth around £15 billion, over the last 20 years - making him Asia's biggest investor in Britain.

His investments include names such as mobile phone network 3, health and beauty retailer Superdrug and three of Britain's biggest ports, Felixstowe, Harwich and Cambridge Water.

Last year, the group's listed infrastructure division, Cheung Kong Infrastructure was part of a consortium that dropped out of the race to takeover Thames Water, largely due to concerns over price.

United Utilities began looking at a sale of the electricity business earlier this year, but it is understood that the group is keen to keep hold of the business' operating contract - a move which is expected to put off other electricity networks from bidding.

The electricity business is also said to have generated interest from US utility MidAmerican and the infrastructure funds of JP Morgan, UBS and Australian financial group Macquarie.

United Utilities was not available for comment.

The sale would leave the company with North West Water and a service business that manages other utility assets, while analysts believe that once the group has disposed of its electricity operations it could be open to a potential takeover.