The Best Previews to Facebook IPO DayJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, technology Before we watch Facebook be its public self at 11:00 a.m this morning, when its starts trading on the stock market, it's time to get caught up on what this all means. Last night the company priced its stock at $38 per share for a valuation of $104 billion -- the biggest pre-IPO valuation ever, of all time. But what do all those numbers mean for the rest of America? For the Internet? For the economy? For companies? For Facebook? For Facebook employees? For you? So many questions. Luckily, the Internet has been typing about this for days. ... Apple must fight fragmentation if it goes with a larger screen for the iPhone 5JAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, technology Despite a few comments to the contrary, most of the unnamed sources and their unattributed quotes flying around the Apple-centric world are suggesting that the next iPhone is getting a bump in screen size up to 4 inches. FACEBOOK IPO LIVE: The social network goes publicJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, technology It's Facebook's big day. What Will Facebook's Closing Price Be? [POLL]JAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, technology It's finally here. Facebook's stock will trade Friday morning on Nasdaq and this afternoon, the longest-awaited tech IPO since Google will be one for the history books. UK surveillance could yield window into livesJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, technology British officials have given their word: "We won't read your emails." Rocket Launch Saturday Is One Giant Leap for Commercial SpaceflightJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, science With the launch of the first privately built spacecraft to the International Space Station just days away, the commercial spaceflight industry is on the verge of a defining moment. Private Rocket Poised to Make History With Saturday LaunchJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, science CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A private spacecraft stands ready to launch on a historic first visit to the International Space Station tomorrow (May 19). Why Peace Is So Tricky for HumansJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, science Like our close living relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos, humans are hardwired come into conflict with one another, often violently. Even so, like our ancestors, we also have the capacity to resolve fights; something that one anthropologist says has evolved along with our societies over the millennia. Teen Books Feature RJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, science A significant portion of books geared toward teens contain curse words strong enough to earn a movie an R rating, new research finds. Mitt Romney's 'Day One' Plans Start Airing TodayJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics WEST PALM BEACH – The Mitt Romney campaign released today its first ad of the General Election, a 30-second spot that focuses on what the candidate would do on the first day in the White House. The ad, which according to reports is set to... West African mediator opens talks with Mali rebelsJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) - West African bloc ECOWAS has opened talks with Mali's rebel groups, including fighters linked to al Qaeda, as part of its effort to restore constitutional rule in the country in the wake of its March 22 coup, Burkina Faso's foreign minister said. The talks are the first publicly acknowledged negotiations with the armed groups by the regional bloc since a mix of separatist rebels and Islamist gunmen took control of northern Mali following the coup in the capital. "We have to ensure that all factions feel involved in the peace process ... ... OLRTXT DBT GVD PLCY GR BE EZC EZ NEWS GFIN EU POLJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics EU, ECB working on Greece exit contingency: trade commissioner BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission and the European Central Bank are working on scenarios in case Greece has to leave the euro zone, EU trade commissioner Karel De Gucht has said. Speculation about such planning has been rife, but the comments in a newspaper interview, confirmed by a person close to De Gucht, appear to be the first time an EU official has acknowledged the existence of contingency plans being drawn up in case Greece has to drop out of the currency bloc. ... Pentagon sees Chinese military expanding its reachJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics The Pentagon is telling Congress that China's increasingly sophisticated military is pursuing "new historic missions" that go beyond its traditional role of defending the homeland. "Homeland" heroine turns Mideast sleuth in season 2JAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Though booted from the CIA as psychologically unfit, the heroine of the hit TV thriller "Homeland" will return for the second season pursuing leads in the Middle East, the show's producer said on Friday. During a Tel Aviv visit to shoot new scenes and pay homage to the Israeli hostage drama on which Homeland is based, Howard Gordon drew links with "24", another U.S. television series of his about a renegade counter-terrorist. "You'll remember Jack Bauer was usually out for one reason or another. ... Italy to keep debt profile outside riskier areaJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics MILAN (Reuters) - The average lifespan of Italian debt, which has fallen during the euro zone crisis as investors favor safer short-term issues, should still be close to the current level of 6.8 years at the end of 2012, a top Italian debt official said. As the average maturity of a country's debts falls, the amount of bonds it has to sell each year rises. This makes it more exposed to a worsening in market sentiment that could push borrowing costs higher, even to unaffordable levels. ... Putin gives top job to tank factory workerJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics President Vladimir Putin on Friday gave a senior government post to a tank factory worker who had offered to come to Moscow with fellow laborers to disperse opposition protests. Defining Moment (The Note)JAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics By MICHAEL FALCONE (@michaelpfalcone) and AMY WALTER (@amyewalter) NOTABLES: DEFINE OR BE DEFINED: With Democrats trashing Mitt Romney’s business record at Bain Capital, the presumptive Republican nominee is attempting to wage the presidential campaign on his terms. He released his first general election television ad... Baghdad market bombs kill at least fourJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Three roadside bombs ripped through a Baghdad marketplace on Friday, killing at least four people and injuring at least 30 more near one of the capital's main Shi'ite neighborhoods, police and hospital sources said. The almost simultaneous blasts in Ma'amil, near the Sadr City district in eastern Baghdad, occurred in the early morning when there were few people attending the outdoor market that sells birds, witnesses said. "The three bombs exploded almost at the same time. ... ECB says won't speculate on Greek euro exitJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Central Bank said on Friday it would not participate in any speculation regarding a Greek euro exit, adding that its strong preference is for the country to remain in the common currency bloc. The ECB statement came after EU trade commissioner Karel de Gucht said the European Commission and the ECB were working on scenarios in case Greece had to leave the euro zone. "We do not engage in any speculation about any emergency plans or possible scenarios and therefore do not comment on Commissioner de Gucht's statement," an ECB spokesman said. ... Key witness in baseball's Clemens trial in last day on standJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The key witness in ex-baseball pitching ace Roger Clemens' federal perjury trial faces a last day of marathon testimony on Friday, with the defense likely to hammer anew on his shifting story. Veep Beat: Rubio's Family Life, Pawlenty HushJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics ‘MEET THE RUBIOS’ In her first extended interview, Jeanette Rubio joined her husband Marco Rubio to discuss their family life with Politico and said that she is prepared for whatever scrutiny the couple may undergo as his national profile begins to rise. “I’m prepared for... FAA to reopen fatigue rules for cargo pilotsJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics The Federal Aviation Administration says it made "errors" by exempting cargo airlines from rules to prevent pilot fatigue and will revisit the issue. House OKs indefinite definition of terror suspectsJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics The House has backed indefinite detention without trial of terrorist suspects, even for U.S. citizens seized on American soil. In India, muddled leadership leaves economy adriftJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics NEW DELHI (Reuters) - "Dear God," wrote economist Rajeev Malik as he called on the Almighty to help India's "rudderless" government in a biting critique that underscored a growing frustration at home and abroad with the stewardship of Asia's third-largest economy. Writing in the Business Standard newspaper, the well-respected Malik echoed the exasperation of Indian and foreign business groups pressing for the government to swiftly implement major economic reforms and formulate a coherent strategy to deal with its mounting problems. ... Romney releases first general election TV adJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, politics Mitt Romney's first general-election TV commercial promises he would introduce tax cuts and approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline on Day One of his presidency. 'Psychic' pig to make Euro tipsJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, odd news KIEV (Reuters) - A psychic pig is set to take over where Paul the Octopus left off at the 2010 World Cup by predicting the results of matches at the European championships in Ukraine and Poland. Kiev's city government said on Friday it would wheel out the porky tipster to give daily forecasts once the tournament kicks off next month. "A unique oracle hog, a real Ukrainian pig and a psychic which knows the mysteries of football," a statement said. "Every day at 16.00 it will predict the result of the upcoming match. ... Presidential penis portrait riles S.Africa's ANCJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, odd news JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's ruling ANC threatened to take legal action against a Johannesburg gallery for displaying art which lampoons President Jacob Zuma and accuses the party of corruption. The African National Congress wants the Goodman Gallery to remove a painting of Zuma called "The Spear", which depicts the president with his genitals exposed, and another work that has a "For Sale" sign superimposed over the party logo. The picture of Zuma is a facsimile of a famous poster of communist revolutionary Vladimir Lenin. ... Chess contest becomes Moscow's daily reality showJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, entertainment The man sits at a table with his head in his hands. He has not moved for several minutes. Opposite is an empty chair. Watching him through a glass panel are hundreds of people scrutinising his every gesture. Candlelit Cannes party celebrates women in moviesJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, entertainment Cannes is not featuring any female directors this year but it does love women in film. Pianist's art, jewels auctioned in NYJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, entertainment Art, jewelry and furnishings collected by the pianist Van Cliburn has fetched over $4.3 million at an auction in New York City. Imprisoned star of 'Reality' impresses at CannesJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, world The breakout performance of the Cannes Film Festival so far is Aniello Arena's turn as a Naples fishmonger who becomes obsessed with appearing on a "Big Brother"-style TV show in "Reality." Spanish stocks focus of investor concernJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, world The level of bad loans on the books of Spain's banks has risen to an 18-year high, the country's central banker reported Friday, increasing concern for the stability of Spain's financial sector and the country's place in the fragile eurozone economy. Divided but peaceful 2 years after Thai violenceJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, world Just two years ago, Thailand was at war with itself. Rifle shots and exploding grenades rang out in Bangkok as troops crushed through barricades to disperse a nine-week-old insurrection. A retired nurse was the last to capitulate. Top Israel court tightens enforcement of equal payJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, world Israeli feminists on Friday welcomed a Supreme Court ruling they say will help enforce equal pay laws for men and women. Banks' rising bad loans add to Spanish troublesJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, world MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish bank bad loans rose in March to their highest in 18 years, figures from the Bank of Spain showed on Friday, underscoring the problems facing the government as it attempts to clean up the sector and get its economy back on track. The Bank of Spain said bad loans rose to 8.37 percent of the banks' outstanding loans, the highest since August 1994 and up from 8.3 percent in February, which was also revised higher. The data came as Spain was set to name independent auditors to assess how much cash its banks are likely to need to rebuild their balance sheets. ... Exclusive: Drugmakers weigh emergency supply plan for GreeceJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, world LONDON (Reuters) - International drugmakers are working with European authorities on emergency plans to keep medicines flowing into Greece if the country crashes out of the euro. Discussions have intensified in recent days, according to industry sources, and manufacturers are looking closely at the experience of Argentina's collapse in 2002, when some firms agreed to continue to supply medicines without payment for a period of time. ... Analysis: In India, muddled leadership leaves economy adriftJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, world NEW DELHI (Reuters) - "Dear God," wrote economist Rajeev Malik as he called on the Almighty to help India's "rudderless" government in a biting critique that underscored a growing frustration at home and abroad with the stewardship of Asia's third-largest economy. Writing in India's Business Standard newspaper, the well-respected Malik echoed the exasperation of Indian and foreign business groups pressing for the government to swiftly implement major economic reforms and formulate a coherent strategy to deal with its mounting problems. ... Iran may seek "tactical gain" with U.N. nuclear dealJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, world VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran and the U.N. nuclear watchdog are making headway towards a framework deal on how to tackle concerns about its atomic activity, diplomats say, a potential bargaining chip for Tehran in next week's negotiations with world powers. Iran says such an agreement is needed before it can consider a request by U.N. inspectors to visit the Parchin military site where they believe explosives tests relevant for developing nuclear weapons may have been carried out. ... World stock markets sink on US, Europe worriesJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, business World stocks fell Friday after credit downgrades slapped on Spanish banks unnerved investors already worried about the stability of the 17-country euro currency union. Greece to dissolve Parliament for new electionJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, business Greece's Parliament is to be dissolved so new elections can be held June 17. Vietnam arrests 4 shipping execs in scandalJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, business State media say police have arrested four senior executives at a major state-owned shipping company for alleged mismanagement. Germany's Schaeuble: crisis may last for 2 yearsJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, business Germany's finance minister estimates that Europe's spiraling debt crisis could last up to another two years. Analysis: China's towering metal stockpiles cast economic shadowJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, business QINGDAO, China (Reuters) - When metals warehouses in top consumer China are so full that workers start stockpiling iron ore in granaries and copper in car parks, you know the global economy could be in trouble. At Qingdao Port, home to one of China's largest iron ore terminals, hundreds of mounds of iron ore, each as tall as a three-storey building, spill over into an area signposted "grains storage" and almost to the street. ... China cries foul after U.S. sets tariffs on solar importsJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, business (Reuters) - The United States imposed punitive tariffs on solar panel imports from China, the latest in a series of trade disputes between the world's two biggest economies and sparking accusations by Beijing of protectionism. The new tariffs of around 30 percent, much bigger than had been expected, were set on Thursday by the U.S. Commerce Department after it ruled in favor of local firms which said Chinese exporters were dumping cut-price panels on their market. ... Euro zone fears propel dollar, global shares in red for yearJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, business LONDON (Reuters) - The U.S. dollar climbed, world shares fell and German borrowing costs hit record lows on Friday as a deepening Spanish banking crisis, uncertainty about Greece's future in the euro zone and lackluster U.S. data provoked a rush for safe-haven assets. World stocks, as measured by the MSCI index, dropped 0.85 percent and are now below where they began the year, having relinquished all their first quarter gains which were fuelled by the European Central Bank's creation of more than a trillion euros of three-year money. ... Stock index futures point to modest reboundJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, business U.S. stock index futures pointed to a slightly higher open on Wall Street on Friday, with futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones up 0.2 percent and Nasdaq futures up 0.3 percent at 4:41 a.m. EDT. Japan's Nikkei average dived 3 percent on Friday to log a seventh straight week of losses, its longest such run since the third quarter of 2001, as investors sold stocks and other risky assets on concerns over slowing global growth and a deepening euro zone crisis. Incoming French President Francois Hollande meets with U.S. ... Pacers give Heat "buttJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, sports (Reuters) - The Indiana Pacers, showing the poise and determination Miami was supposed to have, routed the cold shooting Heat 94-75 on Thursday to take a surprising 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-final series. Lukas seeks 6th Preakness win with OptimizerJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, sports Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas was nestled on a corner bench in front of the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course, thinking back to a time when he was nothing more than a young man trying to make a living in the horse racing game. Leishman within stroke at Nelson after opening 65JAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, sports Marc Leishman is still looking for his first victory on the PGA Tour, three years after being the top rookie. Phillies over .500 for 1st time since Opening DayJAY GORY, MANAGING EDITOR, sports The Philadelphia Phillies are mighty proud of their run of five straight NL East championships. |
