However, opposite 2001, this trade downturn is much more broad-based and not limited for the most part to the technology sector. Tomorrow.

STAMFORD, CT - Worldwide semiconductor proceeds was $261.9 billion in 2008, down 4.4% year-over-year, according to prelude results from Gartner Inc. "In the final district of 2008, retail conditions deteriorated significantly, and as the fourth locale has progressed, many vendors have issued updated advisement for the quarter, reflecting weakening demand conditions," said Andrew Norwood, experiment with defect president at Gartner.

"Unfortunately for vendors, 2009 is usual to be considerably worse. Some have compared the perpendicular fail in semiconductor requisition to that of the 2001 'dot-com' bubble. However, ill-matched 2001, this profitable downturn is much more broad-based and not restricted primarily to the technology sector.

"Given this increased uncertainty, all semiconductor companies should be focused on readies retention and inventory management," Norwood said. "This is also an first-class opening for the larger companies with stronger stability sheets to require strategic acquisitions." For the 17th consecutive year, Intel held the pinnacle spot, increasing its market-place interest to 13.1% this year.

When looking at continuing operations, Intel's takings increased 6.5%, 11 part points above the hawk average. Qualcomm had the strongest tumour rate surrounded by the top 10, growing revenues 15% in 2008. Although the basic three quarters were strong, the and and private limited company felt the thrust of the economic downturn in the fourth quarter. Hynix Semiconductor's yield knock 29.7%, the most of any of the lop 10 semiconductor vendors.

This degenerate is attributed to the price leave of DRAM and NAND. Infineon Technologies struggled this year as well. "Infineon had a stalwart year, as its recollection subsidiary, Qimonda, which it is looking to divest, is fashionable marginalized within the DRAM industry," Norwood said.

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Myrtle. Programs are included in the admittance — $13 for adults, $6 for children ages 6 to 11. Supper.

Many musuems on their extra gala programming into the redone year. For example, George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate in Virginia has decorations, a Mount Vernon gingerbread house, a Christmas camel and chocolate-making demonstrations until Jan. 6. Programs are included in the reception — $13 for adults, $6 for children ages 6 to 11. Find museums at. — The library.

Besides books, movies and magazines, many libraries have red-letter programs for children of all ages. For example, the Naperville Public Library in Illinois has workshops to edify teens moolah managing on Dec. 29 and Jan. 2. And for younger children, the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne, Wyo. has a moving picture age on Dec. 30 and a certain leave confabulation hour on New Year's night before morning. Find libraries at. — The zoo.

There's still lots to do at the Bronx Zoo at its Wild Winterland event, which runs until Jan. 4. Activities take in Clydesdale horse-drawn wagon rides, creature and furlough ice sculptures, costumed character, a stilt-walking "fairy godmother," storytelling, and of course, visits to the wonderful wildlife. Admission is $15 for adults and $11 for children ages 3 to 12.

Check out all the activities and more on. Find zoos at. — The movies. It's still one of the cheapest forms of out-of-home entertainment, says Harry Medved, spokesman for Fandango. Take the kids to a matinee to realize Walt Disney's Bolt; The Tale of Despereaux, which opens Dec. 19; or Bedtime Stories, which opens on Christmas. — The aquarium.

Many aquariums have gala time off programs. For example, Newport Aquarium in Kentucky, which is sincere Christmas and New Year's day, has a Santa's Water Wonderland program with scads horses, "Scuba Santa" go under shows, crafts and games. Admission is $18.95 for adults and $11.95 for children ages 2 through 12. Find your municipal aquarium at. — Ice skating.

Many ice skating rinks have extended hours during the winter holidays. Oakland Ice Center in California is honest every era omit Christmas and New Year's. The rink opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. with the blockage of Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Cost is $6.50 for children 12 and under, $3 for skate rental. General disclosure is $7.50. The Pond at Bryant Park in New York City is unclinched from 8 a.m. to midnight from Dec. 19 to Dec. 30. Admission is free. Skate rentals are $12. Check to bump into a rink. — Camp.

Camp Live Oak, which has locations in Fort Lauderdale and North Miami, has a winter program from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2 for children ages 5 to 13. Children in the environmental daylight encamp go canoeing and fishing, catch on to expedition a unicycle, tamper with bowling pins esplanade on stilts. The flounce runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — before and after feel interest is available.

The tariff is $210 per week; day after day rates are available. For athletes, UCLA has Sports Camps for five sports, including baseball, softball and tennis. The camps are for ages 7-18 and give one to three days. Cost ranges from $100 to $375. Find camps at. — Bowling.

It's a great point to do during the holidays especially in areas where alfresco suffer pushes more living souls inside, says Mark Miller, spokesman for the United States Bowling Congress. "It also is a very reasonably-priced, value alert labour that doesn't view up a great supply of time," he says. At Western Bowl in Arvada, Colo., a issue of four can trundle two games, hire shoes and breakfast for about $50, according to supervisor Victoria Behrer.

Some bowling alleys are even open-handed on Christmas and New Year's. Check for bowling centers near you. IF YOU NEED A BREAK FROM THE KIDS, SEND THEM TO… — The zoo. Many zoos have period camps that kind during the winter break break.

For example, Oklahoma City Zoo has Island Hoppers on Dec. 29, where children see the light about Galapagos tortoises, birds and reptiles. And children in the zoo's Great Gorillas Camp on Dec. 30 will outing the zoo's ape exhibit, which has orangutans and chimpanzees.

Both camps are for children ages 4-7. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Find zoos at. — The museum. If you want something educational, test your county children's museum.

DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville, Ill. is introducing children ages 7-12 to engineering in a mini pitch camp on Dec. 29 and 30. Cost is $90 per fellow and $100 per non-member. And parents can drop-off children at Habitot Children's Discovery Museum in Berkeley, Calif. for activities, such as making snow, baking cookies and erection igloos. The faction runs Dec. 22 and 23 and each weekday after Christmas (closed New Year's) from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is $30 per day. Find museums at. — The aquarium.

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta has CampH20 Winter Day Camp from Dec. 29 to Jan. 2 for kids in K-5 grades, with behind-the-scenes tours, games and deceit projects. The exaggerated runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including New Year's Day.

Rates are $350 for the week or $70 per day. Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, S.C. has an overnight Marine Science Camp on Dec. 22 and 23 for kids ages 6 to 14.

Campers swim with fleece rays, twig scuba diving and nod off with sharks in a reef tunnel. The get is $159.99 together with tax. Find aquariums at. — The YMCA.

Many of them have programs and camps that discharge through the winter holidays. For example, YMCA of Greater Williamson County in the Greater Austin, Texas, size has Holiday Camp at several locations, with arts and crafts, games and manipulate trips for children in grades K through 9. The expense is $30 per son for members and $35 for non-members. The YMCA also continues its bona fide programs, such as hop classes, swimming and arts and crafts over the break. Check to manage your regional YMCA. — A community theater.

The Des Moines Playhouse has five winter interrupt workshops for children in grades 1 to 6. Each workshop centers on a theme, such as Egypt, King Arthur's England and Marco Polo. Activities comprehend ingenious drama, singing and storytelling. Cost is $45 for subscribers; $50 for non subscribers.

Many community theaters also present oneself feast shows, such as the Evergreen Players in Evergreen Colorado, which has a staged reading from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" on Dec. 19 and 20. Find community theaters at. IF YOU WANT TO GIVE BACK, TRY… — Volunteering.

Habitat for Humanity has opportunities for children as callow as 5, according to Desiree Adaway, Senior Director, Volunteer Mobilization Habitat for Humanity International. While children under 15 are not allowed to base homes, younger children can put together freely permitted baskets for uncharted homeowners or labourer with the non-profit's newsletter. Some leading circle and college students participate in the Collegiate Challenge, spending a week construction a ancestry with a Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Adaway recommends checking to take if your resident affiliate is edifice during the winter break. Find it at.

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