Fed: Rudd package forgets 100,000 who will lose jobs: Fielding

AAP General News (Australia)
02-06-2009
Fed: Rudd package forgets 100,000 who will lose jobs: Fielding

CANBERRA, Feb 6 AAP - The federal government's $42 billion stimulus package will do
nothing for the 100,000 Australians who are expected to lose their jobs, Family First
senator Steve Fielding says.

Senator Fielding, who will carry a key vote when the package is debated in the Senate
next week, said the plan is focused on keeping people in employment.

"I do not want the government to forget the 100,000 innocent casualties who are expected
to lose their jobs as a result of this …

H&B Communications, JBN Telephone Company and Home Communications Select Calix for Regional Projects

Wireless News
06-16-2011
H&B Communications, JBN Telephone Company and Home Communications Select Calix for Regional Projects
Type: News

Calix announced that a trio of Kansas Broadband Stimulus award winners -- H&B Communications, JBN Telephone Company and Home Communications -- have each selected Ethernet eXtensible Architecture Powered Calix access platforms and the 700GE/GX family of optical network terminals.

According to a release, these networks will use either the Calix C7 Multiservice Access Platform or the E7 Ethernet Service Access Platform to deliver gigabit passive optical network technology for their Fiber Forward initiatives, enabling broadband delivery speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second to residential and business customers, as well as community anchor institutions.
These awards amount to more than $13.5 million in overall funds and consist of $8.3 million in grants, $3.6 million in loans, and $1.6 million in matching funds, which include plant engineering, materials, labor, and other costs, including access equipment.

The selection of Calix as access supplier to these three awardees brings the total number of Broadband Stimulus projects in the state of Kansas whose access business has been awarded to Calix to seven projects, totaling approximately $129 million in overall funds.

H&B will use its $8.2 million award, which consists of a $4.6 million grant, a $2 million loan, and $1.6 million of private investment of which only a portion is access equipment, to provide internet protocol television, very high-speed data, and voice services to underserved rural subscribers in the areas surrounding Claflin and Ellinwood. New E7-2 ESAPs with 10GE transport services will interconnect with a 10GE ring provided by existing C7 MSAPs to provide high-capacity connectivity across the entire H&B network.

"Advanced broadband services are the lifeline to the world for the rural communities that we serve," said Rob Koch, general manager at H&B. "With an advanced fiber access infrastructure, our subscribers can rely on our networks to not only meet their expanding local communications and entertainment needs, but to conduct business and interact with other parts of the world as well without any penalty for living in a rural area. We are excited for the opportunity that this Stimulus award provides, and confident that our long-time partner Calix is the right choice in bringing these crucial services to the citizens of Claflin and Ellinwood."

JBN will use its $3.3 million award, which consists of a $2.3 million grant and a $1 million loan, of which only a portion is access equipment, to build GPON infrastructure to six rural communities. C7 MSAPs deployed at each exchange will be connected via a 10 gigabit Ethernet ring for high capacity broadband transport, and each premises will leverage the industry's broadest range of ONTs. JBN will also employ Compass Flow Analyzer to monitor in real-time network traffic flow data and assist in proactive troubleshooting across its Calix network, legacy access equipment, as well as the network at sister-company Haviland Telephone Company.

"We understand that advanced broadband services are critical to the quality of life and economic development of the rural communities that we serve," said Mark Wade, president and general manager of JBN.

"Our Stimulus award will allow us to bring one of the most advanced broadband infrastructures in the country to the residences and businesses of our seven western-most exchanges and our Barnes exchange. We look forward to working with Calix on this transformational initiative, and to bringing our rural subscribers an advanced broadband service experience that will be superior to that in most major cities."

HCI will use its $2 million award, which consists of a $1.4 million grant and a $601,464 loan, of which only a portion is access equipment, to provide radio frequency video overlay, ultra high- speed Internet access, and voice services to rural subscribers throughout its Canton exchange. 10GE transport services will also be delivered by the C7 to provide high-capacity connectivity to the rest of the HCI network, and 721GE ONTs will provide a rich fiber access interface into each home.

"For years we have recognized the need for advanced broadband services in Canton, but we just could not make the business case work to justify the expense," said Carla Shearer, president and general manager at HCI. "The Broadband Stimulus Award has given us the opportunity to dramatically alter the fortunes of this rural community, bringing a world-class fiber access infrastructure to the region and new opportunities to its citizens. As a Calix customer for over five years, we know that we are working with the right partner to make this vision a reality."

"JBN, H&B, HCI, and a host of other service providers in Kansas were among the most aggressive in the country in pursuing Broadband Stimulus awards when they were first announced, and it has clearly paid off," said John Colvin, Calix vice president of field operations. "Calix is honored to be playing a key role in making Kansas one of the most Fiber Forward regions in the world through its involvement in numerous Stimulus projects across the state. The real winners, however, are the citizens of Kansas, who will be the beneficiaries of a state-wide broadband infrastructure that can deliver a world-class broadband experience."

Calix provides Unified Access portfolio of broadband communications access systems and software.

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

Copyright 2011 Close-Up Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
n/a

VIC:More than 180 arrested in Vic police blitz

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2011
VIC:More than 180 arrested in Vic police blitz

MELBOURNE, Dec 4 AAP - More than 180 people were arrested in Victoria over the weekend
as part of an Australia- and New Zealand-wide police blitz on drunken violence.

Hundreds of police saturated Melbourne streets and regional centres, including Geelong
and Shepparton, for Operation Unite. Police patrolled in and around licensed venues, entertainment
precincts and public transport hubs.

As part of the blitz, police visited more than 800 pubs, clubs and bars throughout
Victoria and detected 44 licensing breaches.

According to preliminary figures for Operation Unite, across Victoria there were 158
drunk arrests and 26 arrests for assault.

Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said on Sunday that the operation had been a success overall.

AAP gfr/tab

KEYWORD: UNITE VIC

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Pitney Bowes Launches pbSmartPostage Cloud-Based Mailing and Shipping Solution

Wireless News
03-28-2011
Pitney Bowes Launches pbSmartPostage Cloud-Based Mailing and Shipping Solution
Type: News

Pitney Bowes has launched pbSmartPostage, a mailing and shipping service that uses cloud technology to enable businesses to apply postage to letters and shipping labels and packages directly from any PC with an Internet connection.

Businesses with smaller volume shipping needs and remote locations will benefit from this mailing and shipping solution. The introduction of pbSmartPostage is the first in a series of solutions in the pbSmart family of on demand products the company is developing to enable businesses to more effectively communicate with their customers in an increasing mobile world.
"In today's increasingly agile and mobile world, customers need to be able to communicate with their customers through a variety of channels using solutions that are available anywhere, anytime and on demand." said Patrick Brand, President, Pitney Bowes North America Mailing. "pbSmartPostage is one of several new cloud-based customer communications management (CCM) solutions that we are excited to bring to market in the coming months."

pbSmartPostage enables businesses of all sizes to print postage and shipping labels from any PC, without the inconvenience of software downloads. This delivers a level of flexibility for agile office workers, branch offices and occasional mailers and shippers not available before along with significant cost savings from the ability to access shipping discounts of up to 10 percent. And with Pitney Bowes Total Postage Management (TPM) analytics and reporting capabilities, customers can better track and control their entire postage spend.

As the trend in package shipping grows and the Internet Postage market expands to nearly 600,000 customers, the new Pitney Bowes cloud-based postage offering helps customers simplify shipping with the capability of printing a stamp, address label and tracking number in one step from any location using any PC with an Internet connection. Additionally, the need for IT involvement is eliminated as there is no downloading of software unlike online postage services offered by other companies.

Pitney Bowes provides software, hardware and services that integrate physical and digital communications channels. Long known for making its customers more productive, Pitney Bowes is increasingly helping other companies grow their business through advanced customer communications management.

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

Copyright 2011 Close-Up Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
n/a

FED:News Diary for Thursday, Dec 9

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-2010
FED:News Diary for Thursday, Dec 9
Eds: Reissuing to remove Sydney event re: Architect Frank Gehry at UTS. Adding two other events.

Good Morning News Editors and Chiefs of Staff

Here is AAP's preliminary newslist for Thursday (not for publication).

This is a guide only and stories, local times and locations are subject to change. In
some cases times and locations may not be available. Story coverage is subject to staffing.

TOP STORIES
WIKILEAKS ARBIB
- WikiLeaks cable reveals Senator Mark Arbib as a valued source for US.

- Arbib also told US diplomats Rudd wanted "to ensure that there are viable alternatives
to Gillard within the Labor Party to forestall a challenge".

- Rudd's brother Greg, also told embassy officers a similar story.

ASSANGE
- Lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange consider the accusations of rape and molestation
made against him by Swedish prosecutors to be "politically motivated".

WIKILEAKS
- WikiLeaks supporters launch hack attacks against Mastercard, Swedish prosecutors, a
Swedish defence lawyer and a Swiss group that froze Julian Assange's bank account. Say
more to come.

FLOODS
- Flooding and severe weather continues across eastern Australia.

SMOKING
- Anti-smoking aids to be subsidised by federal government in bid to help addicts kick the habit.

US WATSON
- Honeymoon killer Gabe Watson will make a bid for freedom next Tuesday when a judge rules
whether to release him on bail.

COURTS
ADELAIDE
- The parents of a toddler left a paraplegic after he was unrestrained in the family car
when it crashed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court charged with criminal neglect.

- The full court of the SA Supreme Court to rule in the case of convicted killer James
David Watson who is fighting government moves to continually block his release on parole.

- Coroner to begin an inquest into the death of two teenagers who crashed their car in
the aftermath of a police chase.

BRISBANE
- The man accused of a siege on a boat at a Brisbane city ferry wharf will be making a
bail application in the magistrates court.

MELBOURNE
1000 - Committal hearing for Matthew Charles Johnson, charged with the bashing murder
of Carl Williams in Barwon Prison
1030 - Pre-sentence hearing for Michael Farrugia who has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter
of Des "Tuppence" Moran
1030 - Appeal judgment for CBD gunman Christopher Hudson
1030 - Bail ruling for Shane Bond, accused of murdering Elisabeth Membrey
SYDNEY
0930 - Jury continue deliberations at Keli Lane murder trial, King Street 3.

0930 - continuation of commital of Suresh Nair, neurosurgeon accused of murder and manslaughter,
Downing Centre Local Court, 4.7.

- 62yo man in Bankstown Local Court charged over child sex attacks in Sydney dating back 20 years.

ADELAIDE
- Watching for more on flooding north of Adelaide.

BRISBANE
0900 - Treasurer Wayne Swan to hand over funds raised from the 2010 Brisbane Airport Corporate
Surf Challenge to the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Brisbane Airport. (on merit)
0930 - Affordable housing developer Brisbane Housing Company unveils 1000th home and calls
for urgent response from all levels of government and private sector to Australia's affordable
housing crisis.

1030 - Funeral for Sergeant Dan Stiller, 33, the first police officer killed on duty in
Queensland for more than three years. At St Peter Chanel Catholic Church, The Gap.

1030 - Welcome home for 1915 Willys Overland Adventure Team raising prostate cancer awareness.

- Watching for more on flooding

CANBERRA
0830 - Senate select committee on scrutiny of new taxes, Parliament House.

1800 - Launch of the First Australian Earth Systems Outlook Conference and Plan, Australian
Academy of Science, ANU.

HOBART
- No items listed.

MELBOURNE
1200 - The formal declaration of the seat of Bentleigh in the Victorian state election
- Watching for more on flooding.

- Melbourne doll shop has reportedly been asked by Oprah Winfrey's production company
to remove golliwog dolls from its shelves to avoid offending the talk show queen.

PERTH
- Michael Bradley Pix facing a Perth court on a murder charge

SYDNEY
1000 - Kristina Keneally and John Robertson at St Marys station for opening of commuter carpark.

1030 - Film and television industry announcement. Sydney Theatre Company.

FINANCE
ECONOMIC NEWS:
Sydney - Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force data for November

EQUITIES:
Sydney - Ten Network Holdings Ltd annual general meeting
Brisbane - Bank Of Queensland Ltd annual general meeting

SPORT
CRICKET
ADELAIDE - Wrap of Australian team news ahead of selection for third Ashes Test
MELBOURNE - Pressers and preview tour match England v Victoria starting Friday
SYDNEY - Sheffield Shield: NSW v SA, SCG, day 3
BRISBANE - Preview Sheffield Shield match Qld v SA

SOCCER
SYDNEY - FFA board meeting to discuss A-League issues
MELBOURNE - A-League preview panel
MELBOURNE - Media conference with Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick and captain Kevin
Muscat ahead of Saturday's derby with the Heart, 1200 Gosch's Paddock.

ADELAIDE - Preview Adelaide United v North Queensland match on Friday
MELBOURNE - Follow up from Melbourne Heart v Newcastle Jets

GOLF
COOLUM, Qld - Australian PGA Championship, Hyatt Regency Coolum, first round

BOXING
SYDNEY - Anthony Mundine's plans to head to the US are in disarray after 'The Man' suffered
a shock fifth round knockout at the hands of Garth Wood in their middleweight bout at
Sydney's Acer Arena on Wednesday night.

ATHLETICS
MELBOURNE - Zatopek track classic, Olympic Park

RACING
SYDNEY - Coverage for Rosehill races on Saturday, featuring Listed Christmas Cup
MELBOURNE - Previewing Saturday's Flemington meeting.

BRISBANE - Previewing Saturday's Eagle Farm meeting with five stakes races to be decided.

AAP bwl

KEYWORD: DIARY NEWS THURSDAY AM UPDATE (REISSUING)

� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

FED:Aust should give more overseas aid

JONAH MANDEL JONAH MANDEL
Jerusalem Post
08-02-2010
Beer and Bible a potent cocktail for promoting Israel's cultural future
Byline: JONAH MANDEL JONAH MANDEL
Edition: Daily
Section: News

There is nothing quite like a chilly pint of bitter in a welcoming and air-conditioned bar after a ridiculously hot day. But the fine brew served on Sunday evening in Herzliya's Theodor bar was primarily an alluring setting for the real delicacy put forth before nearly 40 secular men and women, the "living water" of the Bible.

As the axiom goes, there is no such thing as a free beer, happy hours notwithstanding. In this case, it was the initiative of the non-profit group Israeli Education, which for the third time against such a backdrop set out to expose the attendees to what the group does in instilling the Bible in public schools. It does this with the underlying aspiration to draw some of the young academics sipping drinks to become Bible teachers themselves, in a Kibbutz Seminar program currently in the works.
Using Bilam's famous curse to Israel that metamorphosed into the blessing of "a people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations" as a thought-provoking starting point, Israel Education head Oren Yehi-Shalom launched into a lively two- hour lesson and discussion about the significance of the monotheistic revolution, values and tradition, round the focal point of biblical texts.

The NGO, which seeks to protect and promote the quality of the secular humanist education taught in the national school system, has made it its goal to prove that there is a future to Israeli culture, which can be drawn upon from the ancient texts our forefathers created, Yehi- Shalom said.

"In the past decades, there is a growing feeling that the secular majority in Israel is in a deep identity crisis," Yehi- Shalom explained. "Many seek alternative avenues to connect them to the state, which is not an easy place to live in. In seeking an identity, we forgot that the state was established on the values of secular Judaism.

"Our NGO has taken upon itself to act to return the Bible to secular [Israelis], and as such, initiated the unique program for Bible teachers, and holds such evenings for teaching Jewish culture," he said.

Yehi-Shalom was not concerned that the informal setting might compromise the level of the learning, and live up to the stigma of secular people who have nothing to offer but a culture of bars.

"A bar is like a computer or television," he said. "It can be dangerous, or a wonderful opportunity. In my secular world, with the man in its center, there is trust that people will promote a useful and correct use of a bar.

"Not all secular people go to bars to immerse in lewdness, despite what some might think," Yehi-Shalom continued. "Important issues can be debated in a quality manner. Besides," he added, "the participants here are responsible adults with clear awareness of boundaries."

One such individual was Meir Arnon, the Israel chairman of Masonite - a company manufacturing doors and door components - and Volta - a car battery company - who supports Israel Education's objectives. "This is a fascinating topic. In the same manner that the political Left is seeking to retrieve the Israeli flag, we are seeking to return the Torah to secular people, and balance the prevalent extremities," he said.

A young woman attending explained that she was here simply because she was becoming more drawn to "our Jewish sources."

At the end of the Torah study, the lights dimmed and the music of the Doors materialized from the hitherto dormant loudspeakers. Small groups formed, passionately discussing what they had just learned, and how they might continue to promote the Bible, arguably the Jewish people's greatest heritage and, as some say, creation.

"This is a barefoot reading of the Bible," Yehi-Shalom said. "We are continuing the pathfinding tradition of making the Bible a huge cultural asset. It is my feeling that secular people perceive Judaism as a culture, and not just a framework of commandments, like other Jewish literature that was written by certain sects, such as the Talmud.

"We perceive the Bible not as a book of directives, rather an inspiration that can teach us about ourselves, our culture, in light of our forefathers' debates and choices," he said.

Illustrations/Photos:
Photo;
Caption: YOUNG ACADEMICS enjoy the best brews while eagerly
discussing biblical texts at Herzliya's Theodor bar yesterday. The
social setting was organized by 'Israeli Education' to encourage
participants to become Bible teachers. ..CR:Marc Israel Sellem/
The Jerusalem Post

(Copyright 2010 The Jerusalem Post)

NSW: Man who stabbed footballer jailed for at least eight years

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2009
NSW: Man who stabbed footballer jailed for at least eight years

SYDNEY, Dec 18 AAP - A man who stabbed a talented footballer through the heart after
finding him in bed with his estranged girlfriend has been jailed for at least eight years.

Ronnie Phillip Lovett, 22, was accused of murdering George Asprogiannis, also known
as George Trindall, 27, who died after being stabbed in a Bathurst house on August 10,
2008.

But a NSW Supreme Court jury, sitting in Bathurst last month, found Lovett guilty of
the lesser offence of manslaughter.

Acting Justice Graham Barr found Lovett did not go to the house because of a loss of
self-control but had gone there to "tackle" Mr Asprogiannis, arming himself with a knife
in case he needed it.

"He went there after due consideration, intending to exact some kind of retribution
on the deceased," Acting Justice Barr said.

"The reality of what suddenly confronted the offender when he entered the house, on
the other hand, must have been surprising, notwithstanding his suspicions, and in my opinion
that was when he lost self-control."

The court found Lovett, who was staying at his mother's home after separating from
his girlfriend Patricia Bloomfield-Gibbs, went to the house late at night after hearing
about her new relationship earlier in the day.

Upon finding the couple having sex, he stabbed and killed Mr Asprogiannis with a knife
and then attacked him with a garden stake.

Lovett then dragged Mr Asprogiannis out onto the lawn, and kicked him in the jaw.

Acting Justice Barr said Lovett immediately told people who had gathered that Mr Asprogiannis
had attacked him and he had acted in self-defence.

"I disbelieve the offender's evidence that the deceased attacked him with the knife,"

Acting Justice Barr said.

"I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the offender attacked the deceased with the knife."

The judge said victim impact statements from Mr Asprogiannis' parents showed how hard
his death had been and extended the court's sympathy.

Lovett was sentenced to a maximum of 10 years and eight months in jail, with a non-parole
period of eight years.

With time already served, Lovett will be eligible for parole on August 9, 2016.

AAP sg/mn

KEYWORD: LOVETT

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

SA: Boy dead, mother and brother in hospital

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2009
SA: Boy dead, mother and brother in hospital

ADELAIDE, Aug 10 AAP - Police will wait for toxicology results and an autopsy report
before revealing what caused the death of a four-year-old boy in his Adelaide home.

The boy was found dead in a bedroom of a house in Kensington Gardens, in Adelaide's
eastern suburbs, at 7.40am (CST) on Monday, police said.

Local media have labelled the incident a double murder suicide attempt, after the boy's
47-year-old mother and nine-year-old brother were taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital
in a critical condition.

Detective Chief Inspector John Gerlach said the pair had suffered no obvious physical
injuries and were in a serious but stable condition.

"When they were taken to hospital they were passing in and out of consciousness," he
told reporters.

Police spent several hours on Monday searching the house trying to find what the trio
may have ingested.

"We believe that medication may be involved," Chief Inspector Gerlach said.

Chief Inspector Gerlach said police were still waiting on toxicology reports, but that
they believed no gases or dangerous chemicals were involved.

An autopsy will be carried out on Tuesday to determine how the boy died.

"Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident here to try and determine
what happened, but what I can say is that there is no signs of violence in the house,"

Chief Inspector Gerlach said.

"The circumstances of the death are pretty much contained to the house and the people
who live inside."

It is understood the father, who works in the pharmaceutical industry, discovered his
wife and two sons in one of the bedrooms and immediately dialled triple zero.

The father, who at this stage is not a suspect, attended a nearby police station on
Monday morning to assist police with their inquiries.

"Obviously it is a very difficult situation for him," Chief Inspector Gerlach said.

"It is too early to determine what happened.

"They are always tragic circumstances, we don't like investigating these sorts of incidents,
but it's something we have to do."

It is understood the family had only recently moved to the neighbourhood.

AAP lcs/srp/mn

KEYWORD: BOY WRAP

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: "Uninformed greens" to blame for fires: forestry industry

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2009
Fed: "Uninformed greens" to blame for fires: forestry industry

The war of words over whether green policies are to blame for Victoria's bushfires has escalated.

The forestry industry says uninformed conservationists who insist on locking up forests
have been proven fatally wrong by the fires .. but the Greens have asked the industry
to keep the confrontation for another time.

There's been debate about whether the fires were exacerbated by a lack of pre-emptive
burn-offs around homes and in forest reserves.

National Association of Forest Industries chief executive ALLAN HANSARD says the current
process of locking forests up in conservation reserves and national parks with no ongoing
fire management regime has proven to be fatally wrong.

He says bushfire management policy must be based on the best scientific knowledge ..

not the whims of uninformed green ideologists.

Greens leader BOB BROWN says it's unacceptable to seek a political debate while the
fire tragedy's still unfolding.

AAP RTV ca/kms/af

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC FORESTS (CANBERRA)

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Use existing law to withhold school funds: Nelson=3

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2008
Fed: Use existing law to withhold school funds: Nelson=3

Former coalition education minister Julie Bishop is wishing the government all the
best in dealing with the states and unions.

"The announcements that the government made yesterday were, in fact, a carbon copy
of the budget announcements I made in 2007," Ms Bishop told reporters.

Taking the policy to the states had not been "a picnic".

"So while the Rudd government has taken our policies, I wish him all the best in taking
on the education unions and the state Labor governments."

MORE sld/rl/jfm/mn

KEYWORD: SCHOOLS MPS 3 CANBERRA

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

NSW: Catchpole released from Silverwater jail on bail

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2008
NSW: Catchpole released from Silverwater jail on bail

MARK CATCHPOLE has been released from Sydney's Silverwater jail on bail.

The 40-year-old former club rugby player appeared before Sydney's Central Local Court
via audio-visual link yesterday on a string of drug and firearms charges.

CATCHPOLE did not speak to the waiting media and covered his face with a blue hooded
jacket as he passed the prison gates last night.

He was was met by his father .. Wallabies legend KEN CATCHPOLE .. before being driven away.

Magistrate ALLAN MOORE granted Catchpole conditional bail on a 100 thousand dollar
surety .. after the prosecution conceded he's unlikely to commit further offences while
at liberty.

AAP RTV krc/wz/af

KEYWORD: CATCHPOLE RELEASE (SYDNEY)

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

NSW: Countdown over for 2007 crop of HSC students

AAP General News (Australia)
12-19-2007
NSW: Countdown over for 2007 crop of HSC students

SYDNEY, Dec 18 AAP - The nervous wait is over for 67,000 NSW Higher School Certificate
students who find out their results today.

After two years of hard work and 13 years at school, the state's 67,189 HSC students
began receiving their results online, or via text or phone, from 6am (AEDT).

Office of the Board of Studies general manager John Bennett said about 26,000 students
had received their results by 7am (AEDT).

About 12,640 had pre-registered for the text message, and 12,500 had logged online,
Dr Bennett said.

While many students will be happy with their results, Dr Bennett acknowledged some
may be disappointed.

But a bad result was not the end of the world, he said.

"What students need to realise is that the Higher School Certificate today is very
important but it's not the end of the world if you don't do as well as you might have
expected," he told ABC Radio.

"There are many ways forward for them today, and students need to seek advice and think
about their options.

"There are many ways of coming back on track later on if they want."

Dr Bennett said students with inquiries about their results can contact the HSC Examination
Inquiry Centre on 13 11 12 or at www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au.

Careers Advisory Services also are being offered on 1300 300 687.

NSW Business Chamber senior manager Kathy Rankin offered hope for students who may
not have done as well as they expected, saying everybody has a unique set of skills and
capabilities which aren't always measured by examinations like the HSC.

"Rather than just measuring your success against what mark you got, then look at those
skills and capabilities, find out and recognise what you enjoy doing and then find the
best way to progress into that employment," Ms Rankin said.

"Record lows of unemployment mean that the onus is on the employer to make their industry
appealing to school leavers."

AAP ab/was/jt/jlw

KEYWORD: HSC DAYLEAD

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

NSW: Burrell had ample motive to kill widow, court told

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2007
NSW: Burrell had ample motive to kill widow, court told

SYDNEY, Aug 7 AAP - Sydney man Bruce Burrell had ample motive to kill a wealthy widow
whose body has never been found, a NSW Supreme Court jury has been told.

Continuing his opening address today, Crown Prosecutor Mark Tedeschi, QC, said Burrell
also had the opportunity to dispose of the woman's body in the NSW Southern Highlands
where he co-owned a remote property.

On the day Dorothy Davis disappeared in Sydney, Burrell had unexpectedly left the capital
and gone to the Southern Highlands area for some hours, Mr Tedeschi said.

Police later carried out an exhaustive search of the property, which was dotted with
mine-ventilation shafts, but no trace was found of Mrs Davis.

Burrell, 54, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mrs Davis, a 74-year-old grandmother,
on or about May 30, 1995, at an unknown place in NSW.

At the time, Burrell and his wife lived very close to Mrs Davis at Lurline Bay in Sydney's
eastern suburbs.

Mr Tedeschi has told the jury Mrs Davis had been pressuring Burrell to repay a $100,000
loan when she disappeared.

"He had ample motive to kill her," he said.

The trial is continuing.

AAP mss/sg/wjf/maur/de

KEYWORD: BURRELL

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

VIC: Main stories in today's Melbourne newspapers=2

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2007
VIC: Main stories in today's Melbourne newspapers=2

THE AGE

Page 1: North Korea has agreed to shut down key nuclear facilities as part of a preliminary
disarmament agreement aimed at ending the regime's controversial weapons program; A jury's
verdict that former Aboriginal leader Geoff Clark took part in two gang rapes was perverse
and influenced by pre-trial publicity, his lawyers said yesterday as they launched an
appeal against the finding.

Page 2: The fate of Australasian humpback whales has shifted into the spotlight after
a peace brokered with Sea Shepherd activists following their violent confrontation with
Japanese whalers.

Page 3: Melbourne is among several Australian cities being considered by low-cost Singaporean
carrier Tiger Airways as the base for its planned domestic airline; Melbourne's cannoli
and biscotti fans may lose one of the city's best cake shops, Brunetti of Carlton, if
a bitter rental dispute is not settled this week.

World: Three people have been killed and about 20 wounded in two bomb blasts near the
Christian mountain town of Bikfaya, north of Beirut.

Finance: The Howard Government has bowed to pressure from its back bench and industry
on tax breaks for agricultural managed investment schemes, and is expected to introduce
a 12-month transitional period to ease the burden on thousands of contractors dependent
on the schemes.

Sport: Desperate fans without tickets to Sunday's A-League grand final are being tempted
by internet scalpers offering choice seats for up to $699 a pair.

AAP jrd/ks

KEYWORD: MONITOR FRONTERS VIC 2 MELBOURNE

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Vic: Court rejects Gunns' third statement of claim = 4

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2006
Vic: Court rejects Gunns' third statement of claim = 4

The statement of claim alleged that 20 individuals were involved in a coordinated campaign
against Gunns Mills at Triabunna, Lucaston and Hampshire, and also at the Styx Forest
Coup, all in Tasmania.

It further alleged interference with the company's business partners in Japan.

Justice Bongiorno said there were a "large number of separate conspiracies alleged
including a large over-arching conspiracy".

MORE dr/szp/gfr/evt/bwl

KEYWORD: GUNNS 4 MELBOURNE

) 2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Computer courses, citizenship training offered for immigrants

Melnyk, Lida
Ukrainian Weekly, The
03-12-2006
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia-based United Ukrainian American Relief
Committee, in partnership with Manor College, is now offering computer
training courses for new immigrants from Ukraine, which are being held at
the Manor College Computer Lab in Jenkintown, Pa., just outside of
Philadelphia.

The first 16-week course took place in the fall of 2005. An English
competency exam was a prerequisite of the course, but the course was taught
by a bilingual instructor, Danylo Nysch, to assure full understanding. The
course, "Bilingual Introduction to MS Office 2003," covered Microsoft Word,
Excel, Power Point and Access, as well as facility in Internet access,
resume writing and resume posting.

The UUARC had intended to offer only one 15-student course for that
semester, but the overwhelming response filled two sections, and 30
students were registered. The students earned a certificate of course
completion as well as 4.8 Continuing Education Units, and were all very
satisfied with the experience.

The students expressed gratitude to the UUARC with comments such as,
"finally," "this was a very useful thing" and "they understood our needs."

The current computer course being offered through this program is
"Bi-lingual MS Office 2003 - Advanced." It is geared for those students who
desired to achieve a deeper knowledge of the programs. This course also is
offered in cooperation with Manor College. The instructor is Borys Krotiak.
Another introductory level course is planned for the fall.

The UUARC also continues to offer Citizenship Preparation Classes at the
UUARC Headquarters, which are taught by Metodij Boretsky, head of the
UUARC's Information Bureau. This is the eighth time the courses have been
held at the UUARC, with excellent results. Immigrants are completely
prepared to take the citizenship exam.

The requirements for applying for citizenship are a "green card" and four
years' residence (two years if married to a U.S. citizen), but the courses
can be taken slightly in advance. This course consists of 10 classes, from
February 3 through April 7.

The UUARC is exploring the possibility of expanding both of these programs
to areas throughout the United States where new immigrants have settled.

Article copyright The Ukrainian Weekly.
V.LXX

Roxio and Philips to Deliver Solutions for Easy, Custom CD Burning.

Philips to Bundle Roxio's Easy CD Creator 5 Basic With New Line Of

CD Recorders

MILPITAS, Calif., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ --

Roxio, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROXI), the Digital Media Company, today announced that Philips (NYSE: PHG) has chosen to include Roxio's Easy CD Creator 5 Basic CD recording software with its' new CD-RW/DVD2010 recorder. Recognizing Easy CD Creator's distinctive offering, easy to use interface and powerful CD burning capabilities, led Philips to choose Roxio as the preferred bundle.

"The combination of Easy CD Creator 5 Basic and Philips' new CD-RW/DVD 2010 CD recorder offers consumers fast, easy and powerful CD recording functionality," said Tom Shea, chief operating officer for Roxio. "Roxio and Philips continue to strive to provide easy to use and innovative solutions for CD recording."

Roxio's Easy CD Creator 5 basic version to be bundled with Philips CD recorder offers consumers a variety of CD recording options, including the ability to burn MP3s to CD and Direct CD, the application that allows users to drag and drop files onto CD just like a floppy drive. Consumers who desire additional CD burning functionality, such as turning LPs into CDs or creating Video CDs, can easily upgrade within the software to Roxio's full-featured version of the software-Easy CD Creator 5 Platinum. Complete information on upgrades can be found on Roxio's site at www.roxio.com.

"The intuitive interface and powerful CD recording capabilities that Roxio's CD recording software offers, made it an easy decision to bundle Easy CD Creator 5 Basic with our CD/DVD recorders," states Pierre van Lamsweerde, marketing and sales manager in Europe with Philips. "Easy CD Creator 5 Basic offers users a variety of functions they need for easy and reliable CD burning."

About Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics Netherlands is one of the largest electronics companies worldwide, with a turnover of 37.9 bill. over the past year. The company is a world market leader in the field of color televisions, lighting, electric shavers, color picture tubes for television sets and monitors and one-chip TV products. Its 219,400 employees in over 60 countries are active in the fields of lighting, consumer-electronics, household appliances, components, semiconductors and medical systems. Philips is listed on the NYSE, in London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. You will find further information on Philips at www.news.philips.com or www.pcstuff.philips.com.

About Roxio

Roxio, Inc. makes the best selling CD burning software in the world enabling people to create, manage and move digital media. Roxio's suite of digital media products features Easy CD Creator (for Windows) and Toast (for Macintosh). Roxio also makes GoBack, the #1 selling system recovery software that enables PC users to "go back" in time to instantly recover from system crashes, virus attacks, failed software installations and data loss. Roxio distributes its products globally through strategic partnerships with major PC and drive manufacturers, national retail chains and Internet partnerships. Roxio's products are also available at its website, http://www.roxio.com . Headquartered in Milpitas, California, Roxio also maintains offices in Colorado, Minnesota, Germany, and Japan. Roxio currently employs more than 250 people worldwide. Roxio is a member of the S&P SmallCap 600 and the Russell 2000 Index.

NOTE: Roxio, the Roxio logotype, and the Roxio tagline are trademarks of Roxio, Inc., which may be registered in some jurisdictions. Easy CD Creator, GoBack, and Toast are registered trademarks of Roxio, Inc. in the United States and may be registered in other jurisdictions. All other trademarks used are owned by their respective owners.

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http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X30555676

Antenna Products, Inc. Subsidiary Awarded Contract.

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 17, 2000

The Upholstery Shop in Roanoke, Texas, has signed a contract valued in excess of $1,000,000 with a local Dallas company to completely reconfigure the interior of a G-IIB Gulfstream 1159 model corporate jet aircraft.

New cabinetry will be required and will include fingertip cabin management controls and an extensive entertainment system using the latest technologies. This is the second million dollar plus contract signed by The Upholstery Shop this year. The first contract was with an Austin-based company for the refurbishment of the interior of a G-III Gulfstream 1159A model corporate jet aircraft. The Upholstery Shop is a division of Antenna Products, Inc., a NASDAQ Small Cap Market (symbol:ANTP) whose operations are primarily in the Fort Worth area.

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 29A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performances and underlying assumption and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results, or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The Company's expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including without limitations, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company's records and other data available from third parties, but there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs or projections will result, or be achieved, or accomplished.

Information on the Company's new products is available on the Internet web page at: www.antennaproducts.com and at: www.phazar.com.

Connections to the Future: Net Access Gets Faster, While Networking Goes Wireless.(Technology Information)

When it comes to the wires and connections that link users and networks, things are changing slowly, but they are changing nonetheless. The evolution of 56Kbps modems and ISDN, cable, and satellite links promises a new age of lower-priced, broader-bandwidth pipelines to the Internet and between peers. The future holds paths with the potential for near-instantaneous downloads, true multimedia applications distributed across networks, and push technology that won't drive you to push back.

Meanwhile, new wireless technologies are allowing remote users to link up to anything, from anywhere, anytime--and conventional wired LANs are reaching speeds that make classic 10Mbps Ethernet seem snaillike.

However, these options are not all created equal. To plan for the future, you'll need to understand the costs and trade-offs involved in picking one technology over another; that is, know the state of the art today and what it'll be later in 1998.

Cisco 12000 Series GSR router

Tivoli's TME 10 Enterprise Console's Control Panel

Tivoli's TME 10 Enterprise Console's Event Message List

Casino City's Latest Online Gaming Business Directory Just Released with Comprehensive Industry Coverage.(Directory)

NEWTON, Mass. -- Casino City Press today announced the release of the 2011-2012 edition of Casino City's iGaming Business Directory , a one-of-a-kind reference work providing the world's most comprehensive coverage of virtually every aspect of the online gaming industry.

In 800+ pages, the Directory profiles nearly 700 iGaming site owners, including their executive contacts and the lists of iGaming sites they own. In addition, nearly 2,500 iGaming sites are described in detail, along with more than 5,700 iGaming affiliate sites, with popularity and owner cross-reference lists for the top iGaming sites including online casinos, online poker, online bingo and backgammon, online betting sites, skill games, lotteries, and forex sites. There are also directories of nearly 280 iGaming software providers, over 580 other industry suppliers and their products and services, 102 regulatory jurisdictions, and 128 payment processors. In addition, the 2011-2012 Directory covers affiliate programs, payment methods, and iGaming associations.

Michael Corfman, President and CEO of Casino City Press and Executive Director of the Gambling Portal Webmasters Association, stated that every section of the 2011-2012 iGaming Business Directory has been thoroughly reviewed and extensively updated compared to the previous edition. "This new edition reflects a wide variety of changes in this dynamic industry. As just one example, forty percent of the iGaming sites listed in this edition (over 900) are new iGaming sites not listed in the last edition. Significant changes are taking place as the industry matures and operators increasingly target specific geographic areas with their iGaming sites in response to rapidly evolving regulatory and legal requirements," he said.

Casino City's iGaming Business Directory is indispensable for getting a handle on the online gaming industry, identifying one's competitors, discovering portal sites or affiliate programs for potential affiliate relationships, reaching the appropriate industry contacts to market and sell one's products, and locating a particular iGaming product or service vendor.

To find out more about Casino City's iGaming Business Directory, visit www.CasinoCityPress.com or call 1-800-490-1715 ext 610.

Casino City Press is a leading publisher and distributor of reference books and directories for the gaming industry. Other titles include Casino City's Internet Gambling Report , Internet Gaming Law , Casino City's North American Gaming Almanac, and Casino City's Indian Gaming Industry Report.

SPEECH BY FOREIGN MINISTER WESTERWELLE AT THE OPENING OF THE CEBIT AUSTRALIA IN SYDNEY.

BERLIN -- The following information was released by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany:

Together with his Austalian counterpart Kevin Rudd Foreign Minister Westerwelle opened the CeBIT Australia in Sydney on 31 May 2011 and held the following speech.

-- Translation of advanced text --

Dear Kevin, Premier of the State of New South Wales, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning Australia,

It is an honour for me to participate in today's opening of CeBIT Australia here in Sydney. Sydney is a popular destination among German students and tourists. The magnificent opera house and the spectacular harbour are only the starting points of all there is to see. Sydney is a harbour for business, too. No wonder CeBIT Australia has found its roots here.

CeBIT Australia is a remarkable success story, and it shows. 600 exhibitors and more than 30.000 visitors are expected this year. This is an excellent track record. I am glad to congratulate CeBIT to its tenth anniversary. And we are grateful and delighted that Germany is the first partner country of CeBIT Australia.

There is a growing number of German companies here at CeBIT. Many of them are closely co-operating with Australian partners. The most prominent example is CeBIT itself and its German mother company, Deutsche Messe AG.

In terms of geography, Australia and Germany are far apart. But when it comes to our values, Australia and Germany are very close. Our common values are a solid basis for our cooperation. Our shared values include democracy, diversity, the rule of law and the commitment to international cooperation. We share a similar understanding of the value of individual freedom. All of these values bind us together. This is why I attach so much importance to this visit to Australia.

On the basis of our common values we are close friends. On this basis, both of us reach out to new partners. When Australia as an Asian-Pacific power or Germany as an European player seek new partnerships then this is not only to the benefit of the respective country but it is also in our mutual interest. Shaping globalisation means nurturing existing partnerships and friendships and also forging new partnerships. Seeking new partners is not diminishing proven friendships. Foreign policy is no zero sum game. In the era of Globalisation politics must keep advocating openness. Australia and Germany are countries that know our world is changing dramatically. We draw the consequence, we answer these challenges, we take part in reshaping economic and geostrategic relations.

German foreign policy is value-based and interest-led. That is not a contradiction but two sides of the same coin. German-Australian relations reflect this perfectly. We work together in many fields, from nuclear disarmament to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Tomorrow, we will discuss how we can work together to support the peaceful democratic transition we are seeing in Northern Africa and the Arab world. And we sign a Joint Declaration on Australian-German Resources and Energy Cooperation. We will engage in a dialogue on raw materials. Australia is one of the global leaders in this field. We can both benefit from a close partnership - in commerce, in technology and innovation, and in governance questions of raw material markets.

Australia has a dynamic neighbourhood. The economic rise of these countries provides great benefits, for their people, for the fight against poverty, and for us. It also reinforces global competition for companies. More than many other countries, Australia and Germany have to stay at the forefront of research and development in order to maintain their prosperity.

International trade and exchange is not new. What is new in globalisation is the pace at which change is taking place. Information, ideas, goods and services are exchanged worldwide and more quickly than ever.

Information technology is the key technology of globalisation. In this field the most impressive innovations have been made. It is this technology that has had the strongest impact on our societies. The internet has created a new social reality. Never before have more people been connected.

Not only is an event like CeBIT Australia unthinkable without the internet. The internet is irreplaceable for our wealth and our freedom in a knowledge-based and open society.

The internet facilitates trade, innovation and education. International dialogue and the exchange of ideas benefit from it. I was impressed to see how much creative potential a networked world sets free when I recently participated in launching a global design competition for a logo for human rights.

Over 2000 design proposals from 149 countries were submitted in the first two weeks.

The internet pushes a globalisation of values. It empowers civil society. In North Africa and the Middle East the democratic awakening is above all the achievement of brave women and men. But information technology has given wings to their struggle for democracy and freedom.

The internet clearly has had an impact on our reality all the way to foreign policy. Internet policy has itself become an issue of foreign policy. Free access to information is a human right. Freedom of expression, of assembly and of association today must also be protected online.

Just last week, the G8 countries have agreed on a number of goals and principles they want to pursue in the field of internet policy. International coordination is necessary, for the sake of a global net. Not only coordination among states. Civil society, providers and the internet economy have a lot to contribute to this process as representatives of an emerging global society.

The internet never forgets, nor does it forgive. Data privacy, intellectual property rights, protection against cross-border crime and cyber crime, all these are issues where national norms need to be compatible in a global net.

No country can govern the internet alone. The great benefit of the internet is, that it is one single, global, accessible and free internet. We should keep it that way. One cannot protect the world wide web by creating many different national Cyberspaces.

what is true for the internet is true for globalisation in general. Globalisation creates a need for more global governance and more international coordination. No country can meet the challenges of our time on its own, be it financial market stability, homeland security or the protection of the environment. In a world of soon seven billion people, new topics like energy, raw materials, climate, food prices, and disease protection arise as global challenges. And new challenges require new partners, too.

Germans and Australians know it is time to act on climate change. Rising sea levels and rising food prices have become a question of security. Clean technology will help us meet this global challenge. Let me say this in the typical modest way Germany is famous for: Germany is a world leader in renewable energies. German industry has a lot to offer in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, transport and mobility and more.

There is no innovation without first-class education. Knowledge is a key resource in today's world. That's why I am happy about the excellent cooperation of our two countries in the field of research. I will only mention one number as an example: There are 250 bilateral university cooperations between Germany and Australia.

we need bilateral cooperation as well as international cooperation and effective multilateralism.

For that we need international institutions that are effective and have international legitimacy. The G20 of which Australia and Germany are members, is part of that. We are committed to having a stronger link between the work of the G20 and the United Nations. The United Nations is the heart piece of world politics based on cooperation. It has universal legitimacy, global reach, and can enact binding international law. We support the reform of the United Nations Security Council to better reflect the realities of today.

Germany believes in a rules-based globalization. Values and interests go hand in hand in that. Common norms in international law, cooperation, and multilateralism are the best basis for development, prosperity, security and peace.

Australia and Germany are strong partners in addressing these global challenges. We are strong partners in our bilateral relations, to our mutual benefit. And Australians and Germans are strong partners here in Sydney at the CeBIT Australia.

But, to be honest, there is one area where we are not strong partners. That is in sports. Here we don't even have the same values. Your Australian football, your Rugby - I am sure it is rule based, but I certainly accept Australian domination in this field. But not when it comes to beer. And about the quality of your wines we can argue. As friends.

I wish all of you here great success for this great trade fair.

Thank you very much for your attention.

ARMM LAUNCHES P1.5 BILLION TELECOMS PROJECT.

MANILA -- The following information was released by the Office of the President of the Philippines:

A May 13, 2011 press release by the Mindanao Development Authority

Remote areas within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will soon be linked globally following the launching today of the P1.5 billion telecommunications project that aims to set-up some 2,000 community e-centers around the region.

According to Atty. Ishak Mastura, chair of the ARMM Board of Investments (ARMM BOI), the project, initiated by EA Trilink Corporation, is the single biggest investment registered in the history of the ARMM BOI.

"This is a clear indication of confidence and a strong message that ARMM is very much open for business," Mastura said during the project launch at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati City.

The e-centers will serve as public facilities where people can have one-stop access to different Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services like web resources, e-mail, and voice calls. Such access to information technology in the far-flung areas of Mindanao will provide its people with the benefits of ICT like enhancing communication linkages and obtaining wealth of information resources, among others. ARMM Governor Ansaruddin Adiong has expressed confidence that with this huge investment, "the time is ripe to business in ARMM."

"We take pride in this project and in our continuing efforts to bring progress in the Autonomous Region," he added. Meanwhile, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), which has been partnering with ARMM on a number of major peace and development initiatives, has lauded the launching of the telecoms project.

"In spite of infrastructure support challenges, internet use has been growing rapidly especially among the young people of Mindanao," said MinDA chair Luwalhati Antonino in her message at the project launch. Antonino stressed that Mindanao endeavors to seize the opportunities to make use of such technology not just to bring about increased trade and economic activities, but also bridge greater understanding, facilitate interaction, foster unity and cooperation. She added that ICT programs are part of the laid out strategies in the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework, specifically the target for all Local Government Units (LGUs) in Mindanao to have computerized systems and operations, and for all the SMEs to utilize ICT for their business and marketing strategies.

"MinDA is determined to pursue the strategies identified under the Mindanao 2020. No less than President Aquino has recognized the value of this framework in moving forward the necessary actions that will bring about peace and progress in this part of the country."

Aside from the ARMM telecoms project, EA Trilink is also set to pursue ICT connectivity linking Mindanao and the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) through a submarine cable connection. The project is strategic for Mindanao's growing ICT sector, which increasingly demands for reliable high speed telecom connection. The project's Feasibility Study is expected to be completed by December this year, according to EA Trilink.

minda.gov.ph

SCCI backs MFN status for India.

Welcoming the upcoming Commerce Secretary level talks between Pakistan and India, the SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has supported the demand for most-favoured nation (MFN) status for India to widen economic cooperation in the region.

The two countries should remove trade barriers and support each other following the pattern of European Union so that both can grow fast, said Vice President SCCI and veteran trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik while speaking at a meeting of World Punjabi Forum (WPF) at New Delhi.

"We are here to promote peace, condemn terrorism and give message of love and brotherhood on behalf of Pakistani business community."

Malik, who is also president of WPF, Pakistan Chapter, said that the two countries should eliminate visa restrictions and establish visa facilitation desks at all embassies and consulates.

"Lack of product-sharing and high cost of doing bilateral business has been inflicting great losses on the people of Pakistan and India," he said.

"Indian electricity, diesel, Internet data and expertise are most welcome provided continuation in supply and concrete steps to balance the mutual trade are guaranteed by New Delhi."

Chairman of Media Committee of FPCCI Malik Sohail Hussain said that Indian automakers should support Pakistani automotive industry which is in distress over supply chain disruption from Japan.

Senior Vice President SCCI Vikranjit Singh Sahney, who is also President of Indian Chapter of WPF, also spoke.ECe

Copyright Plus Media Solutions Private Limited. All rights reserved.

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

Egypt Facebook pages vanish before vote.

Two Egyptian opposition pages on the social network Facebook have been deleted from the Internet ahead of Egypt's parliamentary election on Sunday, web activists who run the pages said on Friday.

The activists said they suspected the Egyptian government had a role in the pages' disappearance but offered no direct evidence. Egyptian interior and information ministry officials were unavailable for comment on Friday, a holiday in Egypt.

Facebook officials in the United States were also unavailable for comment during the Thanksgiving holiday.

The web is one of the few public platforms for dissident voices in a country where an emergency law in place since 1981 makes political activism a challenge by hampering efforts to establish a popular, united opposition movement.

"It is strange that the two biggest Facebook pages in Egypt and the Arab world are all of a sudden deleted," one activist, who one ran one of the pages but did not want to be named, told Reuters.

One page, called "We are all Khaled Said" and with 330,000 registered users, reappeared 15 hours later after Egyptians living abroad pressed Facebook's administrators to reinstate it, the page's creators said.

But the second, called "Mohamed ElBaradei" after the former U.N. nuclear watchdog chief, an Egyptian native who led a now-fizzled constitutional reform campaign, has not resurfaced. That page boasted 298,000 users.

Khaled Said was a web activist who human rights groups say was killed as a result of police brutality but state authorities say died by choking on drugs. It is Egypt's largest such page.

Facebook campaigns played a key role in galvanising protests in 2008 against rising prices and low wages that led to clashes with police in the city of Mahalla el-Kubra.

Sunday's parliamentary vote is widely expected to produce a routine victory of President Hosni Mubarak's National Democratic Party, following a state-run crackdown on media in recent weeks.

The government has shut 12 television stations and forced a number of government critics off the air in recent weeks, saying the channels had aired content that violated their permits.

Its founders told Reuters the Khaled Said page had called for a day of anger on Friday to commemorate the death of another Egyptian, Ahmed Shabaan, 19, whose body was found in a canal in Alexandria last week.

"Facebook decided to close the page after the arrival of a large number of complaints from sources who want to silence our voice," one of its founders said. The activist forwarded to Reuters an email he had received from Facebook that said:

"After reviewing your situation, we have reinstated the page, and you should now be able to see it online."

Copyright Financial Mirror. All right reserved.

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

Priceline.com Issued U.S. Patent No. 5,794,207 for the World's First Buyer-driven E-commerce system.

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 11, 1998--

Millions of Consumers Have Already Experienced priceline.com's

Unique Commerce Web Site on the Internet

The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (PTO) today issued Stamford, Conn.-based priceline.com U.S. patent No. 5,794,207 for the world's first buyer-driven e-commerce system.

By using priceline.com's patented system, consumers can go to the Internet to name their price for goods and services, and sellers electronically decide whether to accept the customer's price.

The patent is the first of many e-commerce patents filed since 1996 by Walker Digital, a Stamford intellectual property laboratory. The patent covers both the broad concepts and key functionality components of buyer-driven commerce. According to Walker Digital executives, tens of millions of dollars have been invested in developing, refining and implementing the patented priceline.com system.

"Following last week's decision by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upholding the patentability of software and business systems (State Street v. Signature Financial Group), this patent is a tremendously positive next step for all U.S. companies involved in creating Internet-based applications," said Jay Walker, chairman and CEO of priceline.com and founder of Walker Digital. "Traditionally, patents have been the bedrock on which inventors built long-term, thriving businesses. E-commerce is no exception. The PTO's actions support our nation's policy that cyberspace innovators should be encouraged and rewarded for advancing America's lead in Internet-based applications."

The concept of buyer-driven commerce was created over a period of three years by a dedicated team of inventors at Walker Digital, led by entrepreneur Jay Walker, noted cryptographer and security expert Bruce Schneier and Internet technologies experts Scott Case and James A. Jorasch.

"The biggest challenge for the team was the need to create a sustainable, compelling consumer benefit for new types of buyer-seller relationships in the Internet Age," said Jorasch. "When we began our work to conceptualize profitable models of Internet commerce in the mid 90s, e-commerce hadn't even reached its infancy. Even today, successful Internet commerce models are still few and far between. Our e-commerce system will benefit consumers for years to come as priceline.com continues to introduce new name-your-own-price services across a variety of product and service lines."

The invention team began with the central belief that, for many goods and services, there is significant, unfilled "open" consumer demand in the marketplace, at prices below the retail price. That demand creates a "catch-22" for sellers. One one hand, they want the increased sales revenue, particularly if the product is perishable (like airline tickets). However, if they publicly discount their retail prices, or sell their products through a liquidator, sellers risk harming their retail channels and profitability. The Walker Digital team worked for almost two years to find a real-world solution that benefits both buyers and sellers. After testing and refining their solution, the Walker Digital inventors submitted their first of over a dozen related patent applications in early 1996.

In the patented conditional purchase offer system, individual consumers go to the Web and name their price for the product, or range of products they want to buy, guaranteeing that purchase with a credit card. The system takes the offer and electronically presents it on a one-to-one basis to qualified sellers in a way that can't be seen by other retail customers. Sellers then selectively (and privately) choose which offers to accept.

Walker Digital subsequently sold its buyer-driven intellectual property to a new startup company, called priceline.com, in which it retained an equity position. In April 1998, priceline.com launched a name-your-own-price service for leisure airline tickets on the Internet. In July, the company launched a second service for new cars.

Consumer response to priceline.com and its underlying patented system has been overwhelming. Within its first six weeks, the priceline.com site, with William Shatner as celebrity spokesman, become one of the world's 10 most-visited e-commerce sites, with more than 1 million visitors coming to the site each week. In its first 120 days, the service has sold more than 40,000 airline tickets, making priceline.com one of the nation's 10 largest sellers of leisure airline tickets. On average, over $15 million of guaranteed offers are being received by priceline.com each week.

Priceline.com has announced plans to extend its e-commerce system to hotel rooms, rental cars, home mortgages, and other financial instruments in the near future.

CONTACT: For Press Information

priceline.com, Stamford

Brian Ek, 203/705-3026

brian.ek@priceline.com

or

Connors Communications, New York

Jennifer Kohn/Jennifer Carr

212/807-7500

jennifer@connors.com/jcarr@connors.com

Cade Industries, Inc. Announces $6.3 Million in Orders Increasing Backlog to $34.1 Million

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Cade Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: CADE) announced today the signing of $6.3 million in new contracts for delivery in 1997. The primary contracts are from General Electric, Singapore Airlines, and the U.S. Government. With the receipt of these orders, Cade's backlog totals $34.1 million.

The new contracts are in the company's three core areas of engine test equipment, engine components manufacturing and overhaul and repair. The company received an order for the new GE 90 engine and is now under contract to provide test nacelle equipment for the world's largest thrust engines from Pratt & Whitney, General Electric and Rolls-Royce.

"We are seeing the benefits of expanding both our customer base and our product base in the past few years. Combined with the aircraft industry's growth momentum, we are enjoying an excellent rate of new order intake," said Richard A. Lund, president.

Cade Industries designs, develops, manufactures, overhauls and repairs high technology composite components for the aerospace, air transport, and specialty industries. The company's operating subsidiaries are located in Lansing, Michigan; San Diego, California; and Grand Prairie, Texas (Dallas).

For more information or to receive a copy of this press release, please call our Company News On-Call at 1-800-758-5804 - extension 075675 or you can access the information via the Internet at http://www.prnewswire.com.

SOURCE Cade Industries, Inc.

     -0-                             01/16/97 

/CONTACT: S. A. Mull, Shareholder Relations, or E. B. Stephens, Chief Financial Officer, 517-394-1333, both of Cade Industries/

(CADE)

CO: Cade Industries, Inc. ST: Michigan IN: AIR SU: CON

AM-TW -- DETH014 -- 0126 01/16/97 09:45 EST http://www.prnewswire.com

Yahoo! and Belo Television Web Sites To Offer Local Video Online.

Belo Television Stations to Provide Local News Video to Yahoo! News

Deal Extends Relationship between Companies

DALLAS & SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Belo Corp. (NYSE:BLC) and Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq:YHOO) today announced an agreement that designates 13 of Belo's television stations as the exclusive provider of local news video to Yahoo! News in their respective markets. Yahoo! will host dozens of local news video clips each day, provided by Belo's television stations, which will run within the local news pages of Yahoo! News. Local news video will also be available to all Yahoo! users when major news breaks in local markets.

"Video usage is one of the fastest growing areas in the online space and Belo's television stations and Web sites produce some of the most compelling video in their respective markets. Given Yahoo!'s leadership in online news, this partnership is yet another way for both companies to offer users a richer online experience while jointly creating business models which recognize that value," said Dunia A. Shive, president and Chief Operating Officer of Belo Corp.

The video partnership between Yahoo! News and Belo's television Web sites adds to the previously announced agreements between Yahoo! and Belo's newspaper Web sites. The companies will share advertising revenue generated from the video clips under the new agreement, which encompasses all Belo television markets except Dallas and Boise, including:

 <                      <  -- Austin  -- Portland <                      <  -- Charlotte  -- San Antonio <                      <  -- Hampton/Norfo-  -- Seattle/Tacoma <                      <  -- Houston  -- Spokane <                      <  -- Louisville  -- St. Louis <                      <  -- New Orleans  -- Tucson <                      <  -- Phoenix 

"For many consumers visiting Yahoo! News, there's nothing more relevant than local updates. The addition of local news video from 13 new markets is a huge win for the people who have made Yahoo! News the number one news site on the Internet," said Alan Warms, vice president and general manager of Yahoo! News. "Given the surge in demand for online video on Yahoo! News, and across the Internet, this deal with Belo's television stations makes a lot of sense for our users."

The addition of Belo news video expands the local news TV coverage on Yahoo! News, to now include local news video in 18 of the top 25 markets in the country. Belo's television stations and associated Web sites are among the most viewed on-air and online in their respective markets, operating the first or second ranked television station and television Web site in 11 of the markets covered under this agreement.

The current partnership between Yahoo! and Belo began in 2005 with a job posting distribution agreement between Belo's newspapers and Yahoo! HotJobs. Over the years, the two companies have discussed other ways of working together, including distribution of Belo news video, which has culminated with today's announcement. Yahoo! and Belo also partner as part of a larger newspaper consortium that involves Yahoo! and 22 newspaper publishing companies representing about 550 daily and weekly newspapers. That partnership encompasses graphical advertising technology, cross-selling online advertising inventory, content distribution, and search.

About Belo

Belo Corp. is one of the nation's largest media companies with a diversified group of market-leading television, newspaper, cable and interactive media assets. A Fortune 1000 company with 7,000 employees and approximately $1.6 billion in annual revenues, Belo operates in some of America's most dynamic markets in Texas, the Northwest, the Southwest, the Mid-Atlantic and Rhode Island. Belo owns 20 television stations, six of which are in the 15 largest U.S. broadcast markets. The Company also owns or operates six cable news stations and manages one television station through a local marketing agreement. Belo's daily newspapers are The Dallas Morning News, The Providence Journal, The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA) and the Denton Record-Chronicle (Denton, TX). The Company also publishes specialty publications targeting young adults, and the fast-growing Hispanic market, including Quick and Al Dia in Dallas/Fort Worth, and La Prensa in Riverside. Belo operates more than 30 Web sites associated with its operating companies. Additional information is available at www.belo.com or by contacting Paul Fry, vice president/Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, at 214-977-6835.

About Yahoo!

Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global Internet brand and one of the most trafficked Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo!'s mission is to connect people to their passions, their communities, and the world's knowledge. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Yahoo! and the Yahoo! logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

O2 LookAtMe heralds common channel for users' mobile video.

O2 has become the second mobile network operator in the UK to launch a user-generated mobile video channel letting consumers get paid each time their video is watched.

The move is set to lead to the establishment of a common user-generated mobile video channel across operators for brands and media companies to interact with consumers.

O2's LookAtMe service follows the huge success of 3's SeeMe TV, also from Yospace, which generated 4m downloads in its first four months.

Last month Emap struck a deal with Yospace to launch its own user- generated mobile video channel, Zoo TV. However, the ultimate aim is for brands and media owners to be able to launch services across multiple operators on a common channel.

Yospace is currently signing up further operators and its CTO, Dave Springall, said he hopes to see the establishment of such a cross- operator offering "in the next six to nine months".

"Each operator has its own offering but there's the ability to have one category that spans all of them - a common category rather than a common service," he said. "Media brands can work on top of the platform for national services and the benefit to operators is that it attracts people to their portals."

O2's service lets subscribers with 2.5G or 3G phones submit videos to 32323, to be displayed on its portal O2 Active. Each time a clip is downloaded the originator receives 3p from the 35p its costs to download.

The initial gallery includes categories such as 'Open mic comedy' and 'So bad it's good'.

LookAtMe is being promoted on O2 Active and the O2 Web site, with above- the-line marketing to come.

Unlike SeeMe TV, O2 said it has no plans to launch adult content.

Grahame Riddell, head of content marketing at O2, hinted that the service may be expanded to the Internet in the future. "Marrying broadband's speed with the benefits of mobile charging would create lots of exciting opportunities to make LookAtMe an even more compelling service," he said.

o2.co.uk/fungames/lookatme

Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

Imation Corp Announces Third Quarter 2004 Conference Call.

Imation Corp is scheduled to webcast its teleconference following the release of third quarter 2004 financial results on Tuesday, October 26, 2004. Financial results are scheduled to be released at 6:00 AM Central Daylight Time with the teleconference scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM Central Daylight Time.

A live webcast of the teleconference will be available on the Internet at http://www.imation.com/ or http://www.streetevents.com/ . A replay of this webcast will be available at either of these websites through Monday, November 1, 2004. A taped replay of the teleconference will be available beginning at 12:00 PM Central Daylight Time, October 26, 2004 until 5:00 PM Central Time on Monday, November 1, 2004 by dialing 866-219-1444 (access #555885).

All remarks made during the teleconference will be current at the time of the call and the replay will not be updated to reflect any subsequent material developments.

About Imation Corp

Imation Corp is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of magnetic and optical removable data storage media. As the only U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced magnetic data storage media, Imation has a heritage in removable data storage media that spans more than 50 years, since the introduction of the first data storage tape in 1953. Today, Imation continues to be the leader of removable data storage media, offering the broadest product portfolio in the industry -- spanning from a few megabytes to hundreds of gigabytes of capacity in each piece of media, and serving customers in more than 100 countries, in both business and consumer markets. Revenues in 2003 were $1.16 billion. As of June 2004, Imation employed approximately 2,800 people worldwide and revenues from outside the U.S. contributed approximately 58 percent of total sales. With more than 300 technology scientists and more than 330 data storage patents in the U.S., Imation continues to pioneer today's proven magnetic, flash and optical media technologies. Additional information about Imation is available on the company's website at http://www.imation.com/ , or by calling 1-888-466-3456.

CONTACT: Brad Allen, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations of Imation Corp, +1-651-704-5818, bdallen@imation.com

Web site: http://www.imation.com/