Experts turn to Twitter for 'real' quake reports

US seismologists have found a new way to 'follow' earthquakes around the world in real-time: Twitter the popular micro-blogging service that allows users to send messages in less than 140 characters.

Scientists at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have recently noticed that Twitter users in seismically active areas of the world were quick to note and report any temblors and movements of the earth that they felt. The experts say tapping into their 'tweets' on the website helps them pinpoint where and how brutally earthquakes hit, the science news website 'LiveScience' reported.

"Not only were 'Twitterers' quick to note quakes, there were reports that they were beating the USGS at getting out alerts of earthquake activity," USGS scientist Paul Earle was quoted as saying.

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“'Philadelphia Inquirer' To Launch Electronic Edition In January”

The Philadelphia Inquirer will launch an electronic edition of the paper in January, according to Pressmart Media Ltd., which has signed on to develop and deliver the eEdition.

"Pressmart will co-develop, host and electronically deliver the print-replica eEdition of The Philadelphia Inquirer on its New Media Delivery Platform," the company said in a statement. "Offering Web 2.0 features that include Blogs, Podcast, RSS, and Social Media integration, the electronic edition will be delivered on multiple distribution channels to individuals, enterprises and academic institutions."

The eEdition "will be an actual replica of the print edition and will be available at a regular subscription rate for current and potential Inquirer subscribers," Pressmart added. It is set to go live on Jan. 7, 2008.

Inquirer Publisher Brian Tierney said in a statement: “This new media digital distribution channel includes eEditions, Mobile Editions, and Audio Editions for Podcasts. We can now offer our current print subscribers as well as new subscribers a convenient same-day, same-as-print eEdition delivered to their laptops or PC’s.”