Microsoft, Yahoo in 10-Year Web Search Partnership

Microsoft Corp and Yahoo Inc inked a 10-year Web search deal to challenge market leader Google Inc but stopped short of combining their display advertising businesses. The long-expected deal effectively means Microsoft's new Bing search engine will be combined with Yahoo's experience attracting advertisers to pose the first serious threat to Google, if the companies get regulatory approval and can make the partnership work. Yahoo shares fell 11 percent as some investors were disappointed by the limited scope of the deal, which did not include upfront payments for Yahoo, which could have been $1.5 billion or more, according to a Sanford Bernstein research report last week.

The deal culminates a lengthy, and at times contentious, dance between the two companies. They have been in on-and-off-again talks on a search partnership since Yahoo rebuffed Microsoft's $47.5 billion takeover bid last year. Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer clashed last year with former Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang, who was strongly opposed to an all-out acquisition. Relations between the two companies improved under new Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz, who took the reins in January and started to shake up Yahoo's top management. Ballmer and Bartz met "three or four times" over the past six months as they hammered out a deal, according to Ballmer.

Under the deal announced on Wednesday, Microsoft's Bing search engine will power search queries on Yahoo's sites. Yahoo's sales force will be responsible for selling premium advertising based on search terms for both companies. Microsoft's AdCenter technology will serve the standard sponsored links that appear alongside search results.

While Yahoo CEO Bartz had previously said that any deal would require a partner with "boatloads of money," she said on Wednesday that the agreement provided "boatloads of value", saying the revenue share agreement in the Microsoft deal was more valuable to Yahoo than a one-time payment. "Having a big up-front cash payment doesn't really help us from an operating standpoint," Bartz said in a conference call with Microsoft CEO Ballmer.

Microsoft will compensate Yahoo through a revenue-sharing agreement that pays Yahoo at an initial rate of 88 percent of search revenue generated on Yahoo sites in the first five years. Each company will maintain its own separate display advertising business and sales force, they said. Analysts said it will be tough for the two companies to make a significant dent in Google's dominance in search, but it was a step in the right direction. According to comScore, Google has a 65 percent share of the U.S. search market, compared to Yahoo's 19.6 percent and Microsoft's 8.4 percent. "Overall, it's a big positive for two companies that have been struggling to keep up with Google. This consolidates their resources and allows them to make a more concerted push as the No. 2 entity," said RBC Capital Markets analyst Ross Sandler.

Yahoo estimated the deal will boost its annual operating income by about $500 million and yield capital expenditure savings of $200 million. Yahoo also expects the deal to boost annual operating cash flow by about $275 million. Yahoo reported income from operations of $13 million in 2008, hurt by $487.5 million in goodwill impairment charge and $107 million in restructuring charges. In 2007, operating income was $695 million. Yahoo's Bartz said that the deal will result in "redundancies" in Yahoo's staff, though she declined to be specific. She stressed that any changes would not occur until after approval by antitrust authorities in the U.S. and Europe and full implementation of the partnership. Shares of Yahoo were down $1.89 at $15.33 on Nasdaq, while shares of Microsoft were flat at $23.47. Google shares were down $5.13 at $434.72.

My house is fully secured

Today morning I came to know that there was a Security breach in one of the House in our neighborhood. The same thing happened two weeks ago. Something was worrying me; I came across a house which had installed Home Alarm system. It was one of my Neighbors.

I went to his house and enquired about the security system. His answers fascinated me. It has got wireless keypad; you can activate the alarm from remote distance. You can also get twenty-four hours monitoring for your house. This can give you immediate response for anything that activates the alarm.

He also said ADT alarm is one of the best home alarm systems. I also want to make sure it should be the best in the industry, which also uses fool proof mechanism. He got it from one of the Ithaca home security companies.

I just walked out of his house and placed an order for ADT home alarm. When it comes to safety and security, I would expect it to be 100% cautious. I even teach the kids in our house about the exit plan in case of an emergency and also the emergency contact numbers.

After installing ADT Home security, I am very well satisfied with the safety of my house and Kids.

Kudos to ADT!!

Kanthaswamy gets ready for Independence Day

The most expected biggie ‘Kanthaswamy’ has been on the hold of getting releases over for the months. Although Kalaipuli S Dhanu had kept expressing the reasons of trade-related issues, the exact fact was that the film’s dubbing was recently completed in Trinity Studios. But yesterday, Kalaipuli S Dhanu made a confirmed statement that ‘Kanthaswamy’ will be released on August 15 for the occasion of Independence Day.

According to the sources, trade analysts have stated the film will be released in 900 Centres in both versions of Tamil and Telugu. Vikram has done splendid jobs on every takes of action-packed sequences as well crooned 4 songs.

Shriya’s sizzling glamour will surely steal the hearts of youngsters while Prabhu and Director Susi Ganeshan himself have donned prominent roles.

Silambarasan ready to tie the knot

Silambarasan looks fresh and energized after returning from Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya shoot from Malta islands in Europe. The unit was stationed there for some time to shoot AR Rahman’s two song sequences. The stills of VTV reveal an all new dashing Silambarasan with a fresh Trisha and the pair’s chemistry sure do sizzle. While talking about the film to a vernacular tabloid recently, Silambarasan has reiterated that he is rediscovering himself with Gautham Vasudev Menon.

On a different note, the most eligible bachelor of Kollywood stated that he is ready for marriage and has informed his folks to scout for a suitable girl. Some of the conditions he had mentioned were that the girl should be appreciative in nature. It would be nice if she knows about dance. It is not an issue if she does not know cooking. But most of all he wants his bride to be beautiful as he is keen to have beautiful children. So… all those girls out there, if you satisfy these conditions, please approach Silambarasan’s parents immediately!

My Award goes to Surya!!!

I was searching for a particular photo in my desk, while doing so I found the group photos that were taken during my college days. I remembered how we would debate about our favorite actors. Always I supported Surya. He is the son of Actor Siva kumar. The kaakha Kaakha film can never be forgotten. His acting was to the core. When we see the involvement he takes and the commitment he gives, he proves himself as a true Hero.

He has substantially raised his standards. We cannot compare anyone with him. Surya has got very good talent. His acting skills are natural when compared to others. A couple of years ago, I shifted my residence to another county. That was when my favorite movie (kaakha Kaakha) was aired. I was very worried that I would not be able to watch it. Out of my eagerness I purchased Satellite TV from DirectsatTv. I watched my favorite movie on that day. It was a thrilling experience.

Usually in my old house, the cable TV connection would not be available for minimum 2 days a month due to maintenance. But I was able to watch all my favorite star shows without missing even one episode in Satellite TV. If I were asked to give Best of the Best awards, I would definitely go with Surya. The next BOB Awards would be to Ajith. If I have not mentioned about Ajith, I would never get the best Blog Awards.

Hey Ajith fans out there!!

Please nominate me in the Best of the Best Awards

Vijay’s favorite ties the knot

Karate’ Raja who played the character of forest brigand Veerappan in a popular TV serial in Makkal TV got married on Monday.

Raja is a favorite co star of actor Vijay. You can find him in most of his projects; like Gilli and Pokkiri.

He has also acted along side Kamal Hassan in Virumandi and Vasool Raja MBBS.

Many people from the film fraternity attended the marriage

The Ultimate

My friend was very upset in office today, I asked him the reason; he told that his son has broken the prescription glass again. I asked him not to worry and told about the $ 8 Rx eyeglasses. He was not interested at first, but when I told him that my brother has been using them for the past one year, he was very surprised.

He asked me how I knew about this Optical. I replied that I watched Zenni Optical on TV!!! I also gave him the link to their website. He right away ordered the glass for his son. I also told him about the quality of glasses that are from Zenni optical. He was very satisfied. I told him that I would give them a High Five to Zenni Optical.

When ever any one asks me advice on purchase of Prescription glasses, I would point to only to Zenni optical.

Everyone's Dream

I was planning to go to a Theme park and started searching the Internet and all the results zeroed in to a single park that is none other "Disneyland". I also read many articles about the Disney. Everything was wonderful, I was very eager to know about the Disneyland and its creator. Then only I discovered many astonishing facts about the founder.

Walter Elias Disney with his Brother founded "The Walt Disney Company". He is the creator of the popular character Mickey Mouse. He started his character as an Ad-maker for his School Newspaper. He developed in to a Cartoonist and created many wonders. He is a great visionary who made things happen. When I was a small child I like to watch Mickey Mouse cartoons. I was very fond of it. Imagine a small child entering the Disney land and getting a welcome from a Giant lively Mickey mouse. That would be the most Memorable moment in the child's life.

Apart from developing the Theme park and movie production company, look at the impact he made on our economy. The hit song from "The three little pigs"- "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf” became the anthem of the Great Depression. Many of them followed his path and became very successful. We would also say that Walt Disney was the seed of the Entertainment History. No one can forget his Awards. The list goes very big. He has the maximum number of awards and nominations than any other individual.

Many of them developed vacation cottages for recreational purposes by following Disney’s idea. Some of them are very beautiful; I booked my cottage from Orlando Vacation Rentals. An exotic cottage near Disney land. I am waiting for my holidays to start. As Walt Disney quoted during the opening ceremony of Disney Land “Here age relives fond memories of the past...and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future"

Tanker lorries go on strike

The city may witness a shortage in supply of fuels as the tanker lorry operators have commenced their indefinite strike today demanding an increase in the fare paid to the lorries transporting petrol and diesel.

Petrol and diesel are being supplied to Chennai and nearby places through tankers from Tondiarpet, Korukupet and Rayapuram Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) storage godowns.

A new tender was floated a few weeks back to fix up the fare for tankers carrying petroleum products. Due to increase in the price of diesel, the owners of the tanker lorries are demanding a hike in the amount paid. The IOC did not accept their demand.

Following this the Tanker Lorry Association decided to launch a strike on the issue. IOC officials later had a meeting with the association but failed to convince them.

Following this the association today commenced their indefinite strike. More than 450 tanker lorries have queued up outside the IOC. It is reported that there will be a meeting of the senior officials of IOC with the association.

The best back-up

It has happened to me. I once lost the key. That was a very horrible experience. Next morning, I told this story to my office collegues. That's when they told me about locksmith available in our locality.

The great Kansas City locksmith right away for complete security with superb service. Be if for your home or for your business they can help you with advanced locking systems at an affordable price.

Most of us change our online passwords from time to time.it’s also equally as important to change the locks of your home and business about every two years or every now and then. For these reason, the Dallas locksmith in Texas is here to help you. So, if you want to replaced or upgrade or if you’re simply concerned about taking some extra safety measures.

The best San Francisco locksmith in California offers you various kind of service which can help you improve your security at home or business. They are trained specialists who adopt the latest methods in their industry

The basic protection in any house worldwide for centuries is locks. Since technology has grown over the years, new types of lock system are being devised to improve the security. The type of lock system you select is going to protect your asset when you aren’t home. So when you select a locksmith it’s important that you find the most knowledgeable one.

Endhiran update

She had done before, she has done it now. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had tried her skills in Kollywood and had delivered mind blowing performances in ‘Iruvar', ‘Jeans’ and ‘Kandukonden Kandukonden’ and went on to earn appreciation from South audience. Now, she is back again in Shankar’s magnum opus ‘Endhiran’ and ‘Robot’ in Hindi, with leading hero and Superstar Rajinikanth.

The movie team has found that this former Miss. World has exceptional grasping powers. She impressed all, including the Superstar, with her good hold on the Tamil language that she had mastered in a very short span of time. But Ash is only amused about it and said that regional languages were not a problem for her, at the same time she was not at all familiar with Tamil. The team were prepared to have re-takes while shooting the Tamil version but “she was soon rattling off the dialogues and getting hang of the emotions with equal skill in both the Hindi and Tamil takes. So much so that Rajini Sir was taken aback,” sources said.

Initially, it was said that she had easily learnt the ropes of Karate, which was necessary for her character in the movie.

Should we say she is ‘Mistress of Talents’?