I've no idea how much money we make from advertising alongside porn says Google chief - Daily Mail
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Power: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is in a position to filter out adult content for all searches
A google executive claimed yesterday to have ‘no idea’ how much money the search giant makes from advertising alongside online pornography which can be viewed by children.
Sarah Hunter, head of UK public policy for the company, pleaded ignorance during a debate hosted by Google on whether to block porn on the internet to protect youngsters.
A spokesman for the firm later said: ‘We do not break out our revenues for any area.’
But it is clear that Google makes thousands of pounds per day from paid-for advertising alongside search results after a user keys in a word such as ‘porn’ on the British site.
Google’s own AdWords programme, designed to help advertisers work out how much it will cost to buy the top advert next to a key word such as porn, indicates it will cost as much as 8,000 a day.
Adverts further down the list cost less, but Google’s British profits would clearly run to thousands from ads placed next to every word associated with pornography. Worldwide profits would be far more.
Mrs Hunter told the Google Big Tent media event yesterday in Hertfordshire that the responsibility for protecting children from pornography on the internet lies solely with parents.
Her comments fly in the face of a Daily Mail campaign to protect children by blocking internet porn from computers unless an adult user specifically opts in and elects to see the content.
Google has nearly total domination of the search engine market and is in a position to filter out adult content for all searches, but it refuses to do so as it insists it is a parental responsibility.
Campaigners suggested one reason for Google’s insistence that children’s internet use is the responsibility of their parents is the amount of money the search giant makes from porn advertising.
Daily Mail columnist Amanda Platell argued that the internet was ‘full of the most debasing sado-masochistic pornography that no child should ever see’ and said an opt-in policy was the best option.
But Mrs Hunter, a former adviser to Tony Blair on media issues, warned that legislation to filter pornography on the internet was a ‘mistake, absolutely’.
Fortune-maker: The boards at the Nasdaq change one by one as Facebook begins trading at the Nasdaq in Times Square in New York City
BIG BROTHER THREAT
CONCERNS over Google’s creeping intrusion into private life were heightened yesterday when its executive chairman said it would like to know even more about its customers.
Eric Schmidt told the Big Tent event that knowing who users’ friends were and what they cared about would improve its services.
‘Don’t you think that Google search – with your permission, I need to say very precisely – will do a better job if we have more information that singles you out – who you are, what you care about – in terms of search results?’ he asked.
His words will strike a sinister note for civil liberties campaigners who already believe that Google harvests too much information about its users. Nick Pickles, director of Big Brother Watch, said: ‘Sadly it is impossible for the average person to figure out what data Google is collecting and how it is being used, a problem exacerbated by the company’s pursuit of combining data from across its services.
‘As far as companies like Google are concerned, you and I are not their customers, we are their product.’
Asked about the amount of money pornography brings in for Google, which makes almost all of its profits through advertising, Mrs Hunter said: ‘I have no idea. We don’t go out of our way to make money from pornography.
‘Like all search engines, we do allow advertisers to place adverts alongside searches that show adult content.
‘But it’s legal. Let’s just be clear. I don’t see the problem with that as long as we put in place sufficient safeguards, as much as we can, for children.’
The event, at the five-star Grove Hotel, was hosted by Channel 4 figures and free copies of the Guardian were handed out.
The Google spokesman added: ‘Like other search engines, our policies allow ads to appear next to search results that contain links to legal pornography.
'We also place ads on other people’s web pages but not on pornographic sites.
‘We understand that some people don’t want to see this material, or have their kids stumble upon it.
‘Google’s Safe Search screens for adult websites and advertising and removes them from search results.’
FOREX-Euro sinks to 21-mth low as Greek exit fears rise - Reuters
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Money matters: Kranjcar admits being tempted by a big money move to Russia - Daily Mirror
Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar admits he could be tempted by a big-money move to Russia or Ukraine.
A series of injuries and the excellent form of Gareth Bale meant Kranjcar started just nine Barclays Premier League games last season.
The Croatian, who joined Spurs in 2009, has been linked with a move to Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev and he concedes that could be an attractive option, providing he receives a handsome wage.
"In Russia and Ukraine playing football you can earn huge money," Kranjcar told Croatian website Index.
"Whether we admit it or not, money is important."
Russia has become a popular destination for players looking for a big payday recently, with teams like Anzhi Makhachkala willing to offer eye-watering wages, reportedly up to £15million a year.
Clubs like Zenit St Petersburg, Rubin Kazan and CSKA Moscow have shown Russian teams are no pushovers in European competition in recent years and Kranjcar is a big fan of how eastern European teams have developed.
"Football in the east has progressed," the 27-year-old said.
"The teams are always high up in the Champions League or are in the Europa League final. It's not like it was 10 years ago."
Tottenham's activity in the transfer market is likely to have a big impact on their success next season.
Luka Modric and Gareth Bale have been linked with moves away from White Hart Lane, but Daniel Levy insists they will stay.
The Spurs chairman is also keen to tie up a permanent deal for Emmanuel Adebayor and add at least two more signings, with Marseille forward Loic Remy and Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen thought to be high on the club's list of targets.
The north London club are also set for a clear-out of fringe players, chief among them Mexican misfit Giovani Dos Santos.
Spurs had big hopes for Dos Santos when he arrived from Barcelona, but the forward has not started a league game since August 2008 and now faces yet more uncertainty over his future after a proposed move to Spanish side Villarreal fell through following their relegation from the Primera Division.
"We were very advanced in terms of agreeing for Giovani to play for Villarreal, but that has all collapsed now because they have been relegated," Dos Santos' lawyer and representative Vicente Montes was quoted as saying on the website of Mexican Radio station Grupo Formula.
"Villarreal being relegated has affected everything - the transfer, the wages. It would have been different had they stayed in the Primera Division."
Save Money Purchasing A Used Vehicle - Examiner
The most common concern in purchasing any used vehicle, of course, is the price, interest and payment plan (if applicable). Obtaining a good deal is a matter of deciding what you can afford budget wise. However, one of the most often overlooked facets to used car purchases is not the base price or monthly payments, but the condition of the vehicle, resale value, fuel economy (engine and vehicle size) and repair expenses for parts and labor. Your job stability and frequency of income also plays a major part in determining what is truly affordable for your family budget. Put all of these considerations together before signing that contract, a contract that could have you locked into steep long-term payments, with a vehicle that will soon need extra service and major repair.
Job and Budget Concerns
A permanent, full-time job is the best assurance when entering into a used car contract, or any major purchase. Good to great credit scores are also beneficial, if not a solid requirement. A decent part-time job can be okay, provided you have the added income of another household member who can shoulder some of the financial burden. If you have a job that pays on commission, you will need to know your accurate average draw per month (after taxes), and factor in seasonality income, if it applies. The ideal time to sign a used car contract is when you have just paid off another major expense, like a doctor bill, landscaping modification, room addition, or another car payment. Check your emotions¯obey your logic¯Time your used car purchase when you know, emphatically, that it will not put a strain on your overall budget and expenditures.
Dollars and (Sense)
According to financial expert's rule of thumb: your total debt payments shouldn't be any higher than roughly 36 percent of your gross yearly income. If you make $50,000 per year, your totaled debt payments should not exceed a yearly income of $18,000. This is a base average, but allows for a safe margin for just about any budget. Divide the figure by 12 and it will indicate $1,500 per month. So if your total debts for the month are $1,300, then it leaves room for only a $200 monthly car payment. Avoid contracts that stipulate 60 or 70-month long-term durations. A basic rule of thumb states that you should be able to pay the vehicle off in three years or less. Also try to keep your interest rates down, and this will depend on your credit rating. Anywhere from 5 to 9 percent will be much more digestible than 13 to 19 percent. Get an insurance quote on the vehicle before you make the purchase.
Make Model and Year
Owning a BMW or Audi might give you an ego boost and impress the neighbors, but you will end up paying extra for service, parts and labor down the road. Exotic foreign make vehicles generally have much higher repair costs than domestics, like Ford or Chevrolet. Dealership repairs are even higher, where per-hour labor costs can approach triple digits. Luxury cars equipped with extras like seat warmers, electric antennas, light-sensing headlights, GPS, and other electrical add-ons will most certainly be factored into the price. Ask yourself if you need these options and are willing to pay extra for them. Vehicles that are 3 to 5 years old (generally) are good used car bets, provided the mileage does not exceed around 150,000 miles. The lower the mileage, the better, unless the vehicle has a very poor service record or major visual damage. Consider smaller four-cylinder and V-6 options for engine size. These smaller engines have met with vast improvements in horsepower and fuel economy, even in the last few decades. Refer to the Kelly Blue Book for used value, which can help you determine the best vehicle for resale.
Visual Condition
Tires should be a first consideration when visually inspecting the outside of the vehicle, since replacements can run into the hundreds of dollars. Bald tires show neglect and raise safety issues. The horizontal bridges (or wear bars) should be visually prominent across the breadth of the tire tread. You would like to have at least half of the original tire tread showing, or between 4/32 to 6/32 of an inch remaining. All navigational lights, brake lights, directional, head and taillights should be operational, with lenses intact. The window panes, especially the front, should be free of blemishes, cracks and chips. Test the structural integrity of the car exterior by knocking on the body panels: doors, fenders, hood, trunk and roof. This simple test can determine if body putty has been used as a repair procedure after an accident.
Major Components and Engine
Have a certified mechanic check the vehicle out before purchase. It's well worth the investment and precaution. Or a potential buyer can perform their own cursory inspection. Look for evidence of major fluid leaks, like transmission fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid, gear and engine oil. Tapping or clacking sounds can point to worn or collapsed hydraulic lifters, or solid lifters in need of adjustment. White-blue smoke can indicate excessive oil consumption, while black smoke and rough idle or starting, can signify excessive fuel consumption. Any noise originating from the front end can point to worn ball joints or A-arm bushings, tie rod ends or other worn suspension parts. A vehicle should not drift or pull as it is driven down a straight, slightly crowned road. Any vehicle pull can denote a worn suspension part or a need for alignment.
Service Records
Obtain the service records of the vehicle beforehand, and find out if the vehicle has been properly serviced at regular intervals. Door jamb stickers can indicate light service intervals, like oil changes and tuneups. Go online to use a vehicle history report, such as Carfax. By listing the vehicle's license plate or VIN (vehicle identification number) in the Carfax database, you can obtain information on the vehicle's sales history, accident record, and major engine and component repair information. Such a vehicle history report will also warn against liens and vehicle theft, verifying that it has a "clean" title.
Forex: New Zealand releases annual budget; Kiwi around 0.7500 - FXStreet.com
Are you still pushing for this DM you must read the comments and it's plain to see nobody supports this.
- know your place, shut your face, 24/5/2012 03:44
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