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International Computer Games Association Events 2010
by waudo siganga 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

----- Original message ----- From: "J.W. Hellemons" <J.W.Hellemons(a)uvt.nl> To: "'J.W. Hellemons'" <J.W.Hellemons(a)uvt.nl> Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 13:50:22 +0200 Subject: Announcement ICGA Events 2010 18th World Computer Chess Championship World Chess Software Championship World Computer Chess Blitz Championship JAIST Computer Olympiad International Conference on Computers and Games 2010 Kanazawa, Japan : September 24th to October 2nd 2010 The ICGA is delighted to announce that our events for 2010 will be held in Kanazawa, Japan, hosted by the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST). The contract for hosting this event was signed on October 5th in Kanazawa by ICGA President David Levy and JAIST President Takuya Katayama. The provisional dates are September 24th to October 2nd 2010. 2010 is the 20th anniversary of the founding of JAIST and our events will form an important role in their anniversary celebrations. Kanazawa is a city with a strong cultural identity. One of the most important sights in the city is Kenroku-en Garden, which is one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. JAIST have generously made available funding to enable us to provide financial support of 1,000 Euro for 10 of the participating teams in the World Computer Chess Championship, in order to defray their travel and accommodation costs. Full details will be made available in due course. This announcement serves also as a call for papers for the International Conference on Computer Games (2010). Full details of the conference will be available in due course.

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Fwd: ICANN Announces Important Milestones in Making the Internet More Accessible to All
by waudo siganga 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Apologies for any cross-posting IDNs DAG3 IRT http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-04oct09-en.htm العربية 中文 English Français Español Русский 日本語 Deutsch Português 한국어 Italiano ICANN Announces Important Milestones in Making the Internet More Accessible to All 4 October 2009 In the past several days, ICANN has announced recent milestones regarding changes in how the Internet community will use the Internet in the near future. These important developments include the plan for deployment of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) in the next few months and significant progress in developing the model for delegating new generic top-level domains (gTLDs). Proposed Final Implementation Plan: IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process http://www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/fast-track/idn-cctld-implement ation-plan-30sep09-en.pdf ICANN is pleased to announce the public posting of the Proposed Final Implementation Plan for the IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process. The IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process is an important step at making the Internet equally accessible for everyone. It will enable the introduction of a limited number of internationalized country-code top level domain names (IDN ccTLDs). As noted by ICANN CEO Rod Beckstrom, once implemented, this will be the first time that users can obtain a domain name with the entire string in characters other than ASCII (or Latin) characters, "this is one of the most exciting developments for the users of the Internet globally in years. IDNs will enable the people the world over to use domain name addresses in their own language." The process will be available to all countries and territories where the official language is based on scripts other than the Latin (extended) script. IDNs, like the Affirmation of Commitments announced last week (www.icann.org ) are another step towards making the Internet more truly global to achieve our goal of "one world, one Internet, everyone connected." The proposed final plan is scheduled for ICANN Board consideration at the ICANN meeting in Seoul, Korea, 26-30 October 2009. The proposed launch date for the IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process is 16 November 2009. ICANN is looking forward to feedback on the final plan in the public comment forum designated for that purpose. The proposed final plan has been developed based on responses to community comments and discussions. See the latest status update at: http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-09sep09-en.h tm. Responding to Public Comment: Version 3 of New gTLD Applicant Guidebook A Work In Progress http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-3-en.htm The latest draft of the Applicant Guidebook that describes the process of applying for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) was released today. New gTLDs are expected to bring innovative services and greater choice to Internet users through increased competition and engender broad participation through the introduction of IDNs and community-based TLDs into the Domain Name System. In the last three months, the community has joined in extensive collaborative efforts on technical, intellectual property, potential for malicious conduct, and other matters, with global consultations in New York, Sydney, London, Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. The Guidebook has been changed significantly. As indicated by ICANN Chief Operating Officer, Doug Brent, "this third version of draft guidebook represents months of outstanding effort by many in the ICANN community - working to resolve the few, challenging remaining issues. This version is being released with materials that describe how public comment has influenced the changes presented in it." In all, there are over 50 areas of change, clearly indicated in the "redline" version of the Guidebook. In addition to specific trademark protections (described below) the new Guidebook includes: •Measures to prevent or mitigate potential for malicious conduct including a proposal to create high-security zones; •Enhanced stability / security measures, requiring DNSSEC deployment and prohibiting use of wildcards; •Protecting registrants by taking step to ensure registry viability: defining a financial instrument that will ensure ongoing registry operations in the event of failure, and specifying certain pre-delegation registry tests; and •Enhanced contractual tools through the development of post-delegation dispute procedures including one to ensure that community-based TLDs adhere to their self-described purpose. Like all previous versions, this draft is posted for public comment. It has been released prior to the ICANN meeting to be held in Seoul from October 25-30. During the Seoul meeting ICANN will conduct several sessions to facilitate discussion of this version of the Applicant Guidebook and finding solutions to the outstanding issues. Information about additional events will be available on the Seoul Meeting schedule at: http://sel.icann.org/full-sched. Trademark Protection Measures – Where to next? http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/gnso-consultations-repor ts-en.htm Specific trademark protection mechanisms are still to be decided upon by the Board. After receiving trademark protection recommendations from the Implementation Recommendation Team and others, taking extensive comment and conducting consultation with the broad community, ICANN has drafted a set of implementation recommendations related to intellectual property protections for the new gTLD program. Additional rights protection included in the Guidebook are the: •requirement to maintain a "thick" Whois database, and •specification of a post-delegation dispute procedure so that trademark holders can lodge complaints of abusive behavior against registries when merited. For other proposed rights protection mechanisms, the Board is providing the Generic Names Supporting Organization (the policy organization that developed the new gTLDs policy) with the opportunity to offer focused input on this specific area of the proposed implementation plan that is being published now. Those proposed rights protection mechanisms are: •The creation of an IP Clearinghouse, which is a database of validated trademarks to be utilized by new gTLD registry operators in implementing either an IP Claims service or Sunrise process during TLD launch; and •The creation of a Uniform Rapid Suspension process for use in clear-cut, blatant cases of trademark infringement. The community at-large may also comment on these specific issues, and of course, any other new gTLD issues through comment fora found on the new gTLD pages. The public comment period on these trademark protection solutions will be open until 22 November 2009. Please continue checking the New gTLD program webpage for updates. Prior to implementation, ICANN will work with the community to address remaining issues including: competition, consumer protection, security, stability and resiliency, malicious abuse issues, sovereignty concerns, and rights protection. Related links New gTLD program webpage: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm Seoul meeting: http://sel.icann.org/ Media Contact: Michele Jourdan Corporate Affairs ICANN Ph: +1-310-301-5831 E: michele.jourdan(a)icann.org

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Public Comments are open now on Version 3 of New gTLD Applicant Guidebook
by alice＠apc.org 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Please note: Public Comments are open now on Version 3 of New gTLD Applicant Guidebook http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/#agbv3 Open: 4 October 09 Closed: 22 November 09 Explanation/Background: Explanation: The Draft Applicant Guidebook, V3 is now available for review and comment at http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-3-en.htm. The Guidebook has been changed significantly. In all, there are over 50 areas of change, clearly indicated in the "redline" version of the Guidebook. All materials are in draft form for public comment and review. Your comments will help with the production of the next version of the Applicant Guidebook. Further details about the New gTLD Program can be found at: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm. The Draft Applicant Guidebook, V3, and accompanying papers, will be made available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Korean and Spanish in the near future. Staff member responsible: Carole Cornell | More information please Announcement | Comments http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-3-en.htm | Add a comment | http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-3-en.htm Summary/analysis of comments Glen de Saint Géry GNSO Secretariat gnso.secretariat(a)gnso.icann.org http://gnso.icann.org

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NCUC Annual Election results
by wesley kirinya 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Got this one, thought it's worth sharing. "The 2009 NCUC Annual Election results are now in. The complete results can be viewed directly online at: http://registro.br/ncuc/result/ Thank you to Carlos Afonso and the gentle folk at NIC.br for holding the election and managing its process. Thank you to all the candidates who stood in our most robust NCUC election EVER! Congrats to the new representatives! Best, Robin Final Results: Executive Committee Africa: Alex Gakuru Executive Committee Asia: David Cake Executive Committee Europe: Konstantinos Komaitis Executive Committee North America: Brenden Kuerbis Executive Committee South America: Carlos Affonso de Souza GNSO Council: Wendy Seltzer NCUC Chair: Robin Gross Charter revisions approved ---- What is NCUC: The NCUC is the home for civil society organizations and individuals in the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO). With real voting power in ICANN policy-making and Board selection, it develops and supports positions that favor non-commercial communication and activity on the Internet. The NCUC is open to non-commercial organizations and individuals involved in education, community networking, public policy advocacy, development, promotion of the arts, children's welfare, religion, consumer protection, scientific research, human rights and many other areas. http://ncdnhc.org"

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Visit my Netlog profile
by Thomas Senaji 04 Oct '09

04 Oct '09

Hey, I have created a Netlog profile with my pictures, videos, blogs and events and I want to add you as a friend so you can see it. You first need to register on Netlog! When you log in, you can create your own profile. Take a look: http://en.netlog.com/go/mailurl/type=invite_1&mailid=518182117&id=1&url=-L2… Cheers, Thomas ---------------------------------------------------------------- Don't want to receive invitations from your friends anymore? http://en.netlog.com/go/mailurl/type=invite_1&mailid=518182117&id=2&url=-L2…

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TEAMS and Open ended circuit
by robert yawe 02 Oct '09

02 Oct '09

For a while I wondered why the TEAMS cable has not gone hot yet it landed over 2 weeks ago, yesterday I got the answer. The headline in the newpaper story indicated that Jamii, a partner in the TEAMS project had finally connected to Europe from Fujaira, which sounded a little strange. Where did the fibre cable terminate to when it got to Fujaira? What this statement would suggest is that the termination in Fujaira does not actually connect into the Internet backbone but is actually an "open end" from where the providers must find a carrier, read IPOP, to get them onto the Internet. Maybe I do not understand this Internet connectivity issue, but taking an analogy that if Kenya Power connect electricity to my house (before which hopefully I had already wired the inside of the house for lights, sockets and cookers) the minute then the minute I flick a switch a light will come on (subject to power rationing schedule and having bought and installed an energy saving bulb). To the best of my knowledge Kenya Power Transmission Company does not need to be notified to connect my house to the grid and by extension Kengen do not require to be notified to connect me to a generating station whether geothermal, hydro or thermal. Can someone out there familiar with fibre optic cable termination shade some light on this issue for my benefit and also many others out there. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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ICT Territory Manager
by Catherine Adeya 02 Oct '09

02 Oct '09

Any takers? Nyaki ________________________________

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Academic Vacancy in ICTs and Development: Manchester Centre for Development Informatics]
by alice 01 Oct '09

01 Oct '09

Lecturer in Information Systems and Development The University of Manchester is seeking a lecturer to teach Master's modules on information systems and development; undertake research on information systems, ICTs and development; and contribute to development of a distance learning Master's programme. The lecturer will be a staff member of the Institute for Development Policy and Management (http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm) IDPM provides globally-recognised research, postgraduate-only training, and consultancy in international development and management. It was rated first in development studies in research power terms by the recent UK Research Assessment Exercise. The lecturer will be part of the University's new Centre for Development Informatics (http://www.manchester.ac.uk/cdi) the leading academic centre working on ICTs and international development. The appointed candidate will be educated to at least Master's level with a track record of information systems teaching, research and publications, and with direct experience of information systems in developing economies. For those candidates who lack a sufficient research track record, appointment as a Teaching Fellow may be considered. Full details of the essential and desirable person specification requirements can be found in the further particulars. The appointment is for two years initially from 1 Jan 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter, with the likelihood of extension. Salary in the range £32,458-£35,469 per annum. Closing date for applications: 26 October 2009 Links to further particulars, application forms and guidance notes: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/jobs/academic/vacancy/index.htm?ref=165… Richard Heeks Director Centre for Development Informatics IDPM, SED, University of Manchester, UK richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk

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MPESA - Monopolies commission
by robert yawe 01 Oct '09

01 Oct '09

Hi, I have been monitoring the growth of MPesa and I am getting concerned that we shall soon be held ransom if its growth is not monitored and their none competitive activities stopped. We are more concerned about number portability yet this will only benefit a few foreign investors yet mpesa has become so pervasive yet the tax consuming regulators do nothing to protect the consumer. The success of safaricoms mpesa has been so meteoric that it has scollen their heads to the point that there officers have become more powerful than the dreaded mungiki. They determine who can open an outlet where and which outlet will be shutdown. On the other extreme is the terms that the agents are giving such as they cannot provide the services of a competing provider. Imagine if KCC or Elliots wher giving the power to determine who can ot cannot sell their products and also require that you do not sell a competing product where would the milk and bread industry be today. If even KBL realised that a retailer must be free to decide which products to sell and not be bullied into selling the products of a particular brewer. Competition is about a level playing field of which the money transfer business it not, why should a grandmother in Budalangi or Kangaita who has a Zaine line be denied the opportunity to receive funds from her grand children because the only shop keeper within a 5 KM radius of her home is not allowed to offer multiple money transfer products, yet he can sell Tuzo, Brookside, Fresha, Haifa or any other brand of milk. We are regressing very first and unless the regulators do what they are paid to do with our hard earned taxes then we soon shall be be cornered. This keeps looking like the mark of the demon that is quoted in the bible. Somebody stop this madness. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Fwd: Judge Orders Google to Deactivate Account
by Brian Munyao Longwe 30 Sep '09

30 Sep '09

Interesting debate on this issue..... Brian --Judge Orders Google to Deactivate Account (September 24 & 28, 2009) A US District Court Judge in California has ordered Google to deactivate the Gmail account of a user who was accidentally sent confidential bank information. An employee of Wyoming-based Rocky Mountain Bank sent the data to the account in error; the data include names, Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and loan information of more than 1,300 bank customers. Upon recognizing the mistake, the bank sent another email to the same address, requesting that the recipient destroy the previous email and contact Rocky Mountain Bank. After receiving no reply, the bank asked Google for information about the account holder. Google said that it would not surrender any information without a court order. The judge's order is controversial because it appears to violate the account holder's First Amendment rights. Additionally, deactivating an individual's Gmail account could have far-reaching effects. http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=1142… http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/09/28/google_rocky_mountain_bank_suit_rol… [Editor's Note (Northcutt): I had to read this, drink a cup of hot tea, and read it again to comprehend how significant this case is. Please take the time to read the story. There are a couple of issues here. One is that the legal system follows technology by some number of years. Looking backward five years, you can sort of see Judge Ware's point of view, "It is just an email account, the person can get another one." Looking forward two or three years, in the words of Charlene Li, "In the future, two pieces of information will identify you, your email address and your mobile phone number". Bottom line, Judge Ware made a bad call.] -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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