Bloomberg.com: Japan

July 30 (Bloomberg) -- Sony Corp., the world's second- largest consumer-electronics maker, fell to the lowest in more than three months in Tokyo trading after the company said profit will decline more than previously forecast.

Sony lost 3.1 percent to 4,080 yen as of 9:27 a.m. on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the lowest since April 15. The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 0.9 percent.

Concern about the impact on demand as economic growth slows in the U.S. prompted HSBC Holdings Plc to reduce its rating on Tokyo-based Sony to ``underweight.'' Sony yesterday cut its full- year net income forecast by 17 percent on smaller-than-projected earnings from its handset unit and lower electronics prices.

``We remain concerned about the ability of the electronics division to remain immune to a worsening macroeconomic environment in the U.S.,'' Carlos Dimas, a Tokyo-based analyst at HSBC who previously rated Sony ``neutral,'' wrote in a report yesterday.

The company said net income dropped 47 percent to 35 billion yen ($324 million) in the first quarter ended June 30. Profit was 41 percent lower than the median estimate of five analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

Sony said it was ``cautious'' on demand for its Cyber-shot cameras and Bravia flat-panel televisions as the U.S. and European economies slow. It also said China was a ``concern'' as demand has been less than the company expected.

To contact the reporter on this story: Hiroshi Suzuki in Tokyo at Hsuzuki5@bloomberg.net.

Kotaku, the Gamer’s Guide

Electronics Arts pulled in a cool $90 million in its first quarter, strictly from the digital distribution business. While the company saw a net loss of $95 million, as previously reported, bypassing retail channels to the tune of close to a hundred million must warm the cockles of John Riccitiello's heart, while sending waves of nausea through the guts of brick and mortar game shop types.

EA execs didn't break down the details on which distribution methods did how much, but with the company shilling via its online EA Store, as well as the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace, is has ample opportunities.

What we'd really like to know is exactly how much of that is downloadable Rock Band content versus paid-for unlockables in games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf and Need For Speed: Pro Street. Excel documents with that information forwarded to tips@ will be treated with the utmost discretion.

Kotaku, the Gamer’s Guide

Madd Savage - Felt this one sick, while mobbin'

LOS ANGELES, July 29 (Reuters) - A moderate earthquake struck east of Los Angeles on Tuesday, shaking tall buildings in the city but there were no immediate reports of injuries, major damage or power outages.

The earthquake, which struck at 11:42 a.m. local time (1842 GMT), was measured at magnitude 5.8. It was centered about 30 miles (48 km) east of Los Angeles near the community of Chino Hills, where it was felt strongly.

But witnesses reported feeling the shaking strongly in neighboring Orange County, as far south as San Diego and as far east as Las Vegas. There were no reports of power outages.

Several small aftershocks were reported in the minutes after the quake.

A spokesman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office said there were no reports of injuries in the Chino Hills area.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said there were also no injuries reported in the city, although tall buildings swayed from side to side for a few seconds and workers poured into the streets.

Operations were not interrupted at Ontario International Airport, the closest major airport to the epicenter of the quake.

Magnitude 5 quakes are considerate moderate but are still capable of causing considerable damage.

Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and the second-most populous urban area in the United States. According to 2000 Census Bureau figures, about 3.6 million people live in Los Angeles. (Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Frances Kerry)

UFO Fail « FAIL Blog: Pictures and Videos of Owned, Pwnd and Fail Moments

UFO Fail « FAIL Blog: Pictures and Videos of Owned, Pwnd and Fail Moments

Facebook | Mob Wars - 5 Minutes Later

43 seconds ago:
You died, losing 67 experience points. [delete]

43 seconds ago:
You were attacked by NICK MCGRAW.
You lost the fight, taking 34 damage and losing $100000. [delete]

44 seconds ago:
You were attacked by NICK MCGRAW.
You lost the fight, taking 35 damage and losing $100000. [delete]

1 minute ago:
Ze Pesky has added you to the hit list for $157,108,420. [delete]

Facebook | Mob Wars

18 seconds ago:
You died, losing 67 experience points. [delete]

18 seconds ago:
You were attacked by El Slimo
You won the fight, taking 24 damage and dealing 29 damage to your enemy. [delete]

18 seconds ago:
You were attacked by Jae Slim
You won the fight, taking 15 damage and dealing 29 damage to your enemy. [delete]

19 seconds ago:
You were attacked by ducanyonmon
You won the fight, taking 2 damage and dealing 63 damage to your enemy. [delete]

19 seconds ago:
You were attacked by Jae Slim
You won the fight, taking 16 damage and dealing 28 damage to your enemy. [delete]

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You won the fight, taking 13 damage and dealing 31 damage to your enemy. [delete]

21 seconds ago:
You were attacked by corbosha.
You lost the fight, taking 44 damage and losing $100000. [delete]

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You won the fight, taking 1 damage and dealing 52 damage to your enemy. [delete]

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You won the fight, taking 3 damage and dealing 62 damage to your enemy. [delete]

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28 seconds ago:
McLoven has added you to the hit list for $157,108,420. [delete]

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