Fed: Stimulus package to stave off recession, says Rudd=3

AAP General News (Australia)
02-03-2009
Fed: Stimulus package to stave off recession, says Rudd=3

"This plan is part of our strategy to see Australia through this economic crisis, a
crisis not of Australia's making," Mr Rudd said.

It was a strategy in which the nation could have confidence, and would provide a basis
to see Australia through the economic crisis, he said.

"And as I have said before, it is a strategy to which we will add in the future, as is necessary.

"The government remains determined to take whatever measures are necessary …

For Arab world, president didn't go far enough. 'Obama says it will be US policy to support reform, but reform is not democracy,' says one researcher. 'No surprises or anything new on Palestine,' sa

OREN KESSLER ; Reuters contributed to this report
Jerusalem Post
05-20-2011
For Arab world, president didn't go far enough. 'Obama says it will be US policy to support reform, but reform is not democracy,' says one researcher. 'No surprises or anything new on Palestine,' says another
Byline: OREN KESSLER ; Reuters contributed to this report
Edition: Daily
Section: News
Type: News

US President Barack Obama on Thursday invoked the killing of Osama bin Laden as a chance to recast relations with the Arab world and said the top US priority was to promote democratic change across the Middle East. But reactions in the region were muted.

Shadi Hamid, director of research Brookings Center Doha, said Obama's words were not ambitious enough.
"My prediction on Obama's speech: Arab leaders won't like it much. Arab reformers won't like it much," he wrote on his Twitter feed. Later he posted, "Obama says it will be US policy 'to support reform across the region.' Reform, of course, is not same thing as democracy."

Thursday's speech was the American president's first major attempt to put the anti-government protests that have swept the Middle East in the context of US national interests. He hailed the popular unrest as a "historic opportunity" and said the US future was bound to that of the region now caught up in unprecedented upheaval. He also ratcheted up pressure on Syrian leader Bashar Assad, saying for the first time that he must stop a crackdown on protests and lead a democratic transition "or get out of the way."

On social networking sites, the dominant sentiment among Arab users was that Obama said too little about his plans for achieving an independent Palestine.

"Absolutely no surprises or anything new on Palestine in Obama's speech," tweeted Yousef Munayyer, director of the Palestine Research Center in Washington.

"Do people in Arab world want to hear more of this hectoring or do they want to hear the US is ending its interference in their region?" wrote Ali Abunimah, co-founder of the website Electronic Intifada.

But one Middle East scholar said Obama went farther than any of his predecessors in outlining a vision for a Palestinian state.

"It is very significant," Robert Danin of the Council on Foreign Relations told Reuters. "For the first time, the United States has articulated what the territorial basis for a settlement between Israel and the Palestinians should be and explicitly identified the pre-Six Day War line as the basis for the borders. This has never been done before... This is a significant development and this is, in effect, an embrace of the Palestinian position on borders."

In his speech, Obama also referred to the death of Osama bin Laden at the beginning of the month.

"We have dealt al-Qaida a huge blow by killing its leader," he said. "Bin Laden was not a martyr, he was a mass murderer... Bin Laden and his murderous vision won some adherents, but even before his death al-Qaida was losing its struggle for relevance."

However, he reserved some of his harshest words for Syria.

"The Syrian regime has chosen the path of murder and the mass arrest of citizens," he said. "The Syrian people have proven their courage in choosing a transition to democracy."

Internet access has been severely restricted during the two- month-long Syrian uprising, and social media reactions from the country were few. Still, one Twitter user in Damascus under the name "flying-wing" wrote that with his speech, "Obama gave Assad a new chance to kill the Syrian people."

Other users in Syria wrote that surprisingly, the country's official television network was carrying the speech. CNN's Hala Gorani, however, tweeted that Damascus's ambassador to Washington had not been present in the room during the address.

Islamist groups also voiced their disappointment.

"A disappointing speech. Nothing new. American strategy remains as is," Essam al-Erian, a senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood, told Reuters.

"American cover for dictatorial presidents, in Syria, Yemen, Bahrain remains as is. Perhaps the sharpest tone was towards Libya," Erian said. "American promises are just promises. There is no decisive decision to immediately withdraw from Iraq or Afghanistan. Threatening Iran remains the same."

(c) Copyright Jerusalem Post. All rights reserved.

Illustrations/Photos:
Caption: US PRESIDENT Barack Obama greets well-wishers after
yesterday's speech at the State Department.

(Copyright 2011 The Jerusalem Post)

SA:Women have right to choose home births

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2011
SA:Women have right to choose home births

An inquest into the deaths of two babies in South Australia has been told a woman's
right to choose a home birth is supreme, even in cases where the added risk of a breach
birth is possible.

Deputy South Australian coroner ANTHONY SCHAPEL is inquiring into the deaths of babies
TATE SPENCER-KOCH and JAHLI JEAN HOBBS during home births in 2007 and 2009, both involving
the same private midwife, LISA BARRETT.

Associate Professor HANNAH DAHLEN, from the Australian College of Midwives and who
also works as a private midwife, says she wouldn't do a breach birth at home, saying they'd
be considered in the category where a hospital delivery was advised.

But Professor DAHLEN says the final decision ultimately rests with the mother whose
autonomy is supreme.



JAHLI was known to be in the breach position prior to delivery and was unresponsive
when she was born, while TATE presented head first, but her shoulders became stuck and
was also unresponsive by the time she was fully delivered.

The inquest is continuing.

AAP RTV tjd/psm/

KEYWORD: GIRLS (ADELAIDE)

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

--Italian TXT e-solutions returns to the black in 2010

Internet Business News
03-02-2011
--Italian TXT e-solutions returns to the black in 2010

INTERNET BUSINESS NEWS-(C)1995-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

2 March 2011 - Italian IT company TXT e-solutions SpA (BIT:TXT) booked a net profit of EUR200,000 (USD277,000) for 2010, compared with a net loss of EUR6.2m for 2009, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.
Revenues rose to EUR54.4m from EUR50.1m.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) stood at EUR4.7m compared with a loss of EUR400,000 for 2009.

Operating profit came in at EUR700,000 versus a loss of EUR5.2m.

The company had a net financial position of EUR700,000 at 31 December 2010 against a debt of EUR7.2m at end-December 2009.

((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com))

(Copyright M2 Communications, 2011)

VIC:Spate of hit-runs alarms Victoria Police

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2010
VIC:Spate of hit-runs alarms Victoria Police

By Greg Roberts

MELBOURNE, Dec 5 AAP - Police are worried about an unusual "spate" of hit-and-runs
in Victoria over the last five months.

Until late July, there had been one hit-and-run this year. But since July 23, there
have been nine and the Major Collision Investigation Unit is worried some motorists regard
not stopping at the scene to help as "an option".

All but one of the hit-runs was fatal.

Criminal charges have been laid in four of the 10, while investigations in the other
six are "stretching their resources", Inspector Steve Smith said.

Insp Smith on Sunday appealed for help to solve a November 13 incident in Melbourne's
north in which a 35-year-old man jumped from the Sydney Road bridge and landed on the
Western Ring Road's east-bound lanes at Fawkner about 3.40pm (AEDT).

The man later died.

A dark VT or VX model Holden Commodore sedan hit the man as he lay on the road, stopped
briefly, then left.

"The driver of the sedan has driven on from the collision scene for a short distance
... Witnesses have told us that he's checked his rear vision mirror and appeared to be
looking back but, unfortunately, he failed to return to the scene," Insp Smith told reporters.

"There were three or four other vehicles that have driven around him and managed to
avoid him ... They've all stopped and assisted.

"You do have a specific and clear obligation to stop and render assistance. There were
a number of other drivers that stopped. This driver was the only one that chose not to."

The car's driver is described as being in his 40s, of Caucasian appearance, with dark
hair and was wearing prescription glasses.

Insp Smith said police were confident they would identify him.

Police also are investigating a hit-run just a couple of kilometres away on the same
freeway less than 24 hours later.

A woman, aged in her 30s, jumped from a bridge and died after being hit by four cars.

Three cars stopped but a fourth, a taxi, did not.

It has since been identified and charges could be laid against the driver, Insp Smith said.

Meanwhile, on November 4, a 24-year-old Maidstone man, originally from Zimbabwe, was
run over by two motorists and left to die in Braybrook, in Melbourne's west.

"I suspect drivers consider that there may be an option for them to leave the scene
of a collision and take their chances and may not necessarily be identified," Insp Smith
said.

"There also may be an element of copycat attached to this, as well, with these hit-runs
occurring and drivers see that as an option to leave.

"These investigations aren't closed at any point ... Some are solved fairly quickly,
with assistance from the public, via the media, from eyewitnesses or debris and paint
flakes and pieces of vehicles and so forth that are left at the scene."

Leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries or death carries a maximum penalty
of 10 years jail, Insp Smith said.



Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline
on 13 11 14 or SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263) or visit www.beyondblue.org.au.

AAP gr/gfr/cdh/goc/

KEYWORD: HIT

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

FED: 'We need more cops on the road': poll

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2010
FED: 'We need more cops on the road': poll

EDs: Embargoed until 0001 (AEST) Thursday, April 29.



By Peter Veness

CANBERRA, April 29 AAP - Australians want their roads and credit cards watched more
but don't like the idea of the government watching when they're surfing the net.

That's the findings of a fresh Unisys Newspoll looking at personal security measures
across the country.

Almost 90 per cent of those surveyed want more police on the roads to nab drink drivers,
speeders and others.

And 72 per cent of the 1200 respondents called for their banks to watch their accounts more.

But it seems additional security isn't wanted everywhere.

"The support of Australians towards increased surveillance varies significantly depending
on the context: who is conducting surveillance of what activity and, we suspect, the
perceived personal benefit of the activity," Unisys David Chadwick said in a statement.

Just 40 per cent of Australians want the government to increase its surveillance of
their personal web browsing.

"This issue is particularly topical with the federal government's internet filtering
project currently under debate," Mr Chadwick said.

But that statistic turns the other way when people are queried about their bosses watching
their `net usage at work.

"It appears that that while people may not be wild about the idea, they tolerate and
understand the right of an employer to know how their equipment is being used," Mr Chadwick
said.

The survey found Australians are more willing to embrace higher levels of surveillance
if they feel there is something to gain.

"It's important to understand how Australians feel about surveillance in different
situations," Mr Chadwick said.

"Australians appear to be wary of surveillance when they do not see a clear personal benefit."

AAP pv/sb/stu/evt/cdh

KEYWORD: SECURITY (EMBARGOED)

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

Fed: 2GB finishes year on top

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2009
Fed: 2GB finishes year on top

Talk station 2GB has finished 2009 with a significant lead over its competitors.

In the final Sydney radio ratings survey of the year .. 2GB has recorded an impressive
14.9 per cent share .. up 1.2 percentage points from the last survey.

It's way ahead of its nearest AM competitor ABC702 .. which scored a 10.7 per cent share.

Rival 2UE is next with a 6.7 per cent share.

2GB's gains come largely thanks to breakfast king ALAN JONES .. who now holds a staggering
18.6 per cent share of the market .. after growing two percentage points.

AAP RTV kaf/af

KEYWORD: RATINGS NSW (SYDNEY)

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

AAP Backgrounders and Analyses for the weekend of August 8/9

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-2009
AAP Backgrounders and Analyses for the weekend of August 8/9
AAP BACKGROUNDERS AND ANALYSES FOR THE WEEKEND OF AUGUST 8/9
For further information please contact Newseds on (02) 93228610/11.

SYDNEY - Mary MacKillop was the daughter of migrants, came from a broken home, struggled
financially and fought hard to achieve her ambitions. (MacKillop Newsfeature, By Stephanie
Gardner, 700 words, on file with timeline and factbox. File pix are available via AAP
Image.

CANBERRA - Malcolm Turnbull's week of misery is about to extended indefinitely courtesy
of Kevin Rudd and his senior ministers. (Federal Newscope, AAP Analysis, by Kate Hannon,
National Political Editor, about 800 words, to come Friday).

CANBERRA - The recovery story may be overdone with retail sales and business conditions
still on struggle street, prompting calls for the Reserve Bank to delay any rate rise.

(Economy, AAP Backgrounder, by Stephen Johnson, about 800 words, to come Friday).

MELBOURNE - Have disaffected African Muslims in Melbourne's north become the latest target
for terror cell recruiters? (Terror Somalis, AAP Newsfeature, by Edwina Scott, about 900
words. To come Friday)

MELBOURNE - A look at the issues and events surrounding the counter terrorism raids in
Melbourne. (Terror, AAP newsfeature, by Paul Mulvey, about 1,000 words. To come Friday)

SYDNEY - The latest foiled terrorist plot underlines how fortunate Australians have been
on home soil and how vigilant they must remain. (Terror Analysis, by Doug Conway, about
650 words, on file)

CANBERRA - Malcolm Turnbull's admission that he and his colleagues were duped by Treasury
official Godwin Grech may not be enough to get him off the hook in the OzCar fake email
affair. (Dealers, AAP News Analysis, By Kate Hannon, National Political Editor, about
520 words, on file)

DARWIN - Labor days in the Northern territory are numbered.(Anderson, AAP analysis, by
Tara Ravens, about 600 words, to come Friday)

ENTERTAINMENT
SYDNEY - Many Australians are in the dark when it comes to digital radio, but stations
are stepping up promotion of the technology, hoping to covert more than 100,000 listeners
by Christmas. (Digital, AAP radio feature, by Katherine Field, about 710 words, on file)

INTERNATIONAL
BRENTWOOD, California, AAP - Robert Southey, the 19th century English poet who famously
declared little girls are made of "sugar and spice, and everything nice", never met Esther
the nine-year-old psychotic killer.( US Orphan, AAP feature, by Peter Mitchell, about
1,000 words, on file)

SPORT
Eds: For further information on sport reads please contact Neil Harvey on (02) 93228756

LEEDS, London - Ashes series feature. (Cricket Aust, AAP Sportsfeature by Tom Wald to
come Friday am.)

BRISBANE - Rejects, misfits ... call them what you like. But the Australian men's four
crew have started to bring the "awe" back into the most famous rowing boat the country
has seen. (Rowing Aust, AAP Sportsfeature, 990 words, By Jim Morton, pix available, on
file)

LONDON - After coming so close to his first piece of club silverware, Everton star Tim
Cahill is determined to make the new English Premier League season one to treasure. (Soccer
English Aust AAP Sportsfeature, 900 words, by Valkerie Baynes, on file)

SYDNEY - Sydney's World Masters Games will feature more than 200 Olympians, and at least
one from each of the past 17 Olympics dating back to Berlin in 1936. (Masters Olympians,
sportsfeature, by Doug Conway, 600 words, file pix, to come Thursday

SYDNEY - So that's why they call it the world game. Australia's A-League launched its
fifth season this week looking like the UN general assembly. (Soccer AL World, sportsfeature,
by Doug Conway, about 550 words, on file)

MELBOURNE - Difficult as it is to believe, the only headlines now being made by Ben Cousins
concern his on-field exploits. (AFL Cousins, Sportsfeature, by Sam Lienert, about 700
words to come Thursday).

MELBOURNE - It's a novel and very welcome experience for rising Australian star Dani Samuels
- competing in a country where discus throwing is a mainstream event. (Aths World Samuels,
Sportsfeature, by John Salvado, about 600 words, to come Thursday)

ROUTINERS TO BE SENT FRIDAY
* The Week (includes * Milestones * Quotes * Oddities)
* Checkup medical column

* Postcards from London, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Auckland, Moresby and state based expected
Sunday, 1200.



AAP bwl

KEYWORD: WEEKEND READS

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

NSW: Driver bashed in mouth with hammer in road rage attack

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2009
NSW: Driver bashed in mouth with hammer in road rage attack

SYDNEY, Feb 12 AAP - A driver has been bashed in the mouth with a hammer in a road
rage attack in Sydney's west.

A 38-year-old man was punched and kicked through the window of his ute before being
hit in the mouth with a hammer, police said.

A Toyota Prado veered in front of a white Ford Falcon ute, cutting it off on Roper
Road, Colyton just before midday on Tuesday, police said.

The drivers of both cars argued as they drove along Roper Rd shortly before the Toyota,
with two men inside, forced the ute from the road.

"The two men then allegedly punched and kicked the 38-year-old driver of the ute through
the vehicle's open window, before hitting him in the mouth with a hammer," a NSW police
statement said.

The 38-year-old man suffered a laceration to his lower lip and gum and had his lower
teeth pushed into his mouth.

He was taken to Mt Druitt Hospital where he received dental treatment and stitches
for his injuries.

Two men, aged 30 and 26, have been charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm in company.

They have been refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court on Thursday.

AAP krc/ldj

KEYWORD: RAGE

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

Oly: Giant London street party marks Beijing handover

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2008
Oly: Giant London street party marks Beijing handover

By Guy Jackson

LONDON, Aug 24 AFP - About 40,000 people including record-breaking swimmer Michael
Phelps gathered today to celebrate 2012 host London taking over from Beijing as the Olympic
city.

The spectators watched the Olympics closing ceremony in Beijing on giant TV screens
set up on the Mall near Buckingham Palace, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II,
before enjoying a pop concert.

The crowd roared their approval when the big screens showed Mayor of London Boris Johnson
taking possession of the Olympic flag during the ceremony in Beijing.

The cheers grew even louder in London when, in the Chinese capital, English soccer
star David Beckham kicked a ball from the roof of a red London double-decker bus.

The "Party Like It's 2012" event in London, which took place in bright sunshine after
the morning rain cleared away, also featured a fly past by the Red Arrows, the British
Royal Air Force's aerobatics team.

Their jets had swooped over the British capital on the day in July 2005 when London
was awarded the 2012 Games.

The star attraction at the party was American Phelps, who won eight gold medals in
the pool, the highest number ever by one competitor at an Olympics.

He promised that he would be back in Britain in 2012 in search of more gold.

"I still have things that I want to do in the sport, I've never competed over here
in London and I'm looking forward to really experience more of the city and be able to
prepare myself to hopefully swim some fast times," he said.

Olympic handover parties take place in other British cities, including the central
English city of Birmingham, which will host some of the Olympic soccer matches.

The British team's success at the Beijing Olympics, where it won 19 gold medals and
finished fourth in the overall table, has taken many by surprise.

Even the queen has been caught up by Olympic fever - she said she had been following
Team GB's successes "with great interest and admiration".

"As a nation, we now look forward to holding the Olympic games in London in 2012,"

the monarch said in a statement.

"The golden triumphs of the present British team can only serve as further inspiration
to those who will be working hard over the next four years to make the London games a
shining example of Olympic success."

Organisers say the London Olympics will not try and emulate the scale of the Beijing
extravaganza but aim to be a "sustainable" Games which leave a lasting legacy for the
deprived area of east London where they will be based.

AFP vm

KEYWORD: OLY08 HANDOVER NIGHTLEAD

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

Fed: Delegates arrive for Australia 2020 Summit = 3

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2008
Fed: Delegates arrive for Australia 2020 Summit = 3

Australian actor HUGH JACKMAN says he'll focus on promoting the arts in education ..

in an effort to bring out creativity in all Australians in all areas.

JACKMAN is among 100 representatives from the creative and cultural community who will
discuss ideas towards a more creative Australia.

MORE RTV pv/mfh/af

KEYWORD: SUMMIT ARRIVE 3 CANBERRA (REOPENS)

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

VIC: Rapist on the run after escaping prison van

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2007
VIC: Rapist on the run after escaping prison van

MELBOURNE, Dec 14 AAP - Police say one of the prisoners still at large after breaking
out of a prison van in Melbourne's west this morning has a prior conviction for rape.

They said Troy Lowe, 26, from Melbourne's western suburbs had a history of serious
violent crime, including a rape conviction in 1999.

Police named the other escapee as Gregory Caulfield, 30, of Bendigo.

The pair and another prisoner escaped after kicking open the back door of the prison
van at North Altona this morning.

They were being transferred from the Melbourne Assessment Prison, where they were being
held on minor theft and burglary charges, to Port Phillip Prison.

One of the men still at large was on remand and the other had been jailed for theft.

A passing motorist alerted the prison van's driver that the back door was open as the
van was travelling along the Western Ring Road at Altona North, shortly before 11am (AEDT)
today.

The third escapee was arrested about five kilometres away at Footscray cemetery within
an hour and a half of the escape.

AAP sjm/pmu/jl/de

KEYWORD: PRISONERS NAMES

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

Fed: Chili restaurant to be prosecuted through workplace laws

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2007
Fed: Chili restaurant to be prosecuted through workplace laws

CANBERRA, Aug 3 AAP - A Wollongong restaurant that allegedly made rostered staff wait
for up to an hour before deciding it was busy enough for them to start work, will be prosecuted,
the Workplace Ombudsman says.

Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson today announced the prosecution of Brinker Australia Ltd
which was trading as Chili's Texas Grill.

Mr Wilson said he would allege the restaurant breached the workplace rights of a 19-year-old
employee Kirrily Piper through the terms of her Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA)

The Ombudsman alleges Chili Texas Grill did not provide Ms Piper, who has since left
the restaurant, with the required information regarding her rights when making her AWA.

He alleges the restaurant failed to ensure that the worker had ready access to the
AWA in writing before the agreement was approved, that it failed to lodge the AWA within
14 days and that it failed to advise Ms Piper of her core hours of employment and did
not provide her with a minimum of 20 hours' paid employment each fortnight.

Ms Piper had earlier alleged she was sometimes made to hang around for up to an hour
after she was due to start her rostered shift before management deemed the restaurant
busy enough for her shift to begin.

Mr Wilson said his agency was still investigating claims that young workers were made
to supply their own money floats each day so that cash could be deducted when a customer
absconded without paying the bill.

"Employers should be warned, making an AWA is not a licence to trample on the rights
of workers, especially young workers," Mr Wilson said.

"The Workplace Ombudsman will simply not tolerate it."

ACTU president Sharan Burrow said a whole new set of workplace laws were required to
prevent workplace exploitation such as in this alleged instance.

"What is happening here is you've got laws that are allowing young people, incredibly
vulnerable, to be ripped off," she told AAP.

"What is really appalling is that the newly-named ombudsman only goes to investigate
these environments when they're raised in the media.

"What we want is a set of laws that protect people from the get-go."

AAP dep/it/bwl

KEYWORD: CHILI

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

Fed: Rann confident of compromise on Murray-Darling

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2007
Fed: Rann confident of compromise on Murray-Darling

South Australian Premier MIKE RANN says he's confident he can reach a compromise with
the prime minister on the future management of the Murray-Darling basin.

JOHN HOWARD's gone to the mouth of the Murray River at Coorong .. south of Adelaide
.. as part of his plan to persuade state premiers to accept a federal takeover of the
Murray-Darling.

The New South Wales .. Victorian and ACT governments have welcomed Mr HOWARD'S plan
.. which includes a 10 billion dollar injection in federal funding.

But Mr RANN .. who's in Sydney for talks with federal Labor leader KEVIN RUDD .. and
New South Wales Premier MORRIS IEMMA .. wants the river system to be managed by a commission
of independent experts.

He says he's willing to compromise .. provided the new management model safeguards
the interests of his state.

AAP RTV pj/was/wz/bart

KEYWORD: WATER RANN (SYDNEY)

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

NSW: Alleged peeping Tom arrested in Newcastle

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2006
NSW: Alleged peeping Tom arrested in Newcastle

An alleged peeping Tom has been arrested in Newcastle .. and charged with the offence
of peep and pry.

Police arrested the 45-year-old Merewether yesterday.

The man is accused of peeping on a 33-year-old female neighbour at about 3 o'clock
in the morning (AEST) last Friday.

The woman told police she saw a man standing on the veranda of her home .. he ran away
when she confronted him.

The man will appear in Newcastle Local Court on September 19 .. charged with peep and pry.

AAP RTV pc/es/

KEYWORD: VERANDA (SYDNEY)

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

Qld: State's road toll rises to four

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2006
Qld: State's road toll rises to four

BRISBANE, April 17 AAP - Queensland's Easter road toll has risen to four with the death
of an elderly woman struck by a car in Townsville.

The 78-year-old was walking along Landsborough Street, North Ward, with a 16-year-old
girl when a station wagon veered out of control and crashed into the pair about 6pm (AEST)
today, police said.

The woman was taken to hospital but died a short time later. The girl was also injured
but her condition was not believed to be life-threatening, police said.

The 31-year-old male driver of the station wagon was being treated for shock.

The woman's death, which takes Queensland's Easter road toll to four, follows a similar
tragedy yesterday in which a 79-year-old male pedestrian was killed.

The man was hit by a station wagon in Howard Street, Burrum Heads, near Hervey Bay,
about 6.35am (AEST), police said. He died in Royal Brisbane Hospital today.

(EDS: PICK UP EARLIER AS REQUIRED)



(EDS: AAP's Easter road toll figures are for the period 0001 April 13 to 2359 April
17. Some states and territories may have different periods.)



AAP rm/dcr/it/sd

KEYWORD: TOLL QLD SECOND NIGHTLEAD

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

Fed: Joyce wants amendment to student unionism bill

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2005
Fed: Joyce wants amendment to student unionism bill

CANBERRA, April 10 AAP - Nationals senator-elect Barnaby Joyce says he plans to introduce
an amendment to the government's proposal to scrap compulsory student unionism, to force
students to pay a fee to support sport.

He says university students, not taxpayers, should foot the bill for maintaining university
sporting clubs and facilities.

A substantial portion of student fees are given to university sports clubs to reduce
costs to student sportsmen and sportswomen.

It has been predicted that the government's bill will deprive university sports programs
around Australia of $100 million putting many clubs at risk of collapse.

Mr Joyce said he was adamantly opposed to compulsory student unionism at universities.

But he said when it was scrapped it would have an effect on uni sporting facilities.

"We will be suggesting amendment in such form that sporting facilities are covered
by a fee or some form of structure," he told ABC TV.

"The essence of this legislation, and this primarily very good legislation, is to get
rid of compulsory student unionism and the militant aspects that it represents, and no
one's got an argument with that.

"But the job of the Senate is look at legislation and say when this legislation hits
the ground it's going to have an effect ... on the sporting facilities, especially regional
universities."

But Mr Joyce said he would not vote against the government's current bill.

"But what I would make (is) this commitment that, if in regional universities, we find
that all the sporting infrastructure starts to fall to pieces, then that must be picked
up by the public purse," he said.

"And instead of having sporting infrastructure supported by the students it's going
to be supported by every taxpayer, and I think that's highly unfair."

AAP sm/cat/sd

KEYWORD: STUDENTS

2005 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Strong year forecast for oil and gas exports

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2004
Fed: Strong year forecast for oil and gas exports

CANBERRA, Dec 13 AAP - Australia's oil producers should enjoy a bumper financial year,
with export earnings forecast to increase 34 per cent on the back of high world prices,
a new report shows.

The nation's chief commodities forecaster, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and
Resource Economics (ABARE), predicted oil and condensate exports in the current financial
year would rake in $6.8 billion in export earnings.

ABARE's December quarter forecasts, released today, show gas will be a strong earner
in 2004-05, with the value of exports expected to increase by 47 per cent on the previous
year to $3.2 billion.

The rise would be driven by the completion of the fourth liquefied natural gas production
train at the giant North West Shelf project in Western Australia's Pilbara region, the
report said.

Export earnings for coal are forecast to increase by 48 per cent to $16.1 billion.

The bureau also forecast a gradual fall in the price of oil.

"Increased global production capacity and the continued rebuilding of OECD stocks should
place downward pressure on prices, allowing gradual easing of world oil prices in 2005,"

the report said.

ABARE provides several scenarios in its oil price forecasts, with the price depending
on factors including the security situation in the Middle East and reduced economic activity
in China.

The price of oil could be anywhere between $US35 and $US44 per barrel in 2005, ABARE said.

Oil prices peaked at more than $US56 per barrel in September this year.

AAP rp/sb/it/jlw

KEYWORD: ABARE ENERGY

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Database Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management, 5th Edition.(Book Review)

Peter Rob and Carlos Coronel

This fifth edition provides a solid and practical foundation for the design, implementation, and management of database systems that will be useful for teaching, self-learning, and reference. This edition has been updated to reflect the Internet's impact on database design and use, including the use of databases in electronic commerce and Web database development. The book also explores data warehousing and includes coverage on client/server and object-oriented database systems. It is complemented with exercises and problems at the end of each chapter to encourage hands-on learning and an extended case study that takes the reader through the implementation of an actual database to provide a context for learning marketable skills.

 ISBN:O-619-06269-X (Thomson Learning) Soft cover, English, 838 pages, 2002 Catalog No. B4820 $78 ARMA member or non-member 

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Linux celebrates a milestone.(LiTe byte)

In an industry with a wealth of quirks, eccentricities, and oddities, Linux is right at home. This computer operating system is celebrating its 20th anniversary in August.

Linux was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, a software engineer and hacker from Finland, a country perhaps best known in high-tech circles for its cell phone expertise (along with Nokia, which is also headquartered there).

Today, Linux's still-tiny worldwide market share belies its influence and allure, especially among geeks and other information technology experts. For desktop PCs, laptops, and other computerized devices, the various versions of Microsoft Windows control about 82% of the market, Apple Mac OS X controls about 7%, and Apple iOS and Linux each control about 2%, according to StatCounter (http://stat counter.com).

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

One of the idiosyncrasies of Linux is that it's not controlled by a single company. More than 600 different Linux "distributions," based on the same Linux kernel, are available for machines ranging from game consoles to the fastest supercomputers in the world.

Linux distributions, or distros, typically bundle application software with the operating system, including mainstream business programs such as word processors, spreadsheets, and database programs as well as games, graphics programs, and utilities.

Much more so than on desktop PCs for individual users, Linux has a presence on servers, which include the computers that make websites available over the internet. Among these are the most popular sites on the entire web, including Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Linux is also an increasingly popular server operating system for private local and wide area networks of various types of organizations.

The Linux Advantage

For individual desktop or laptop users, one of the main attractions to Linux is the price, particularly compared to what's available from Microsoft and Apple. While some Linux distros are free, others are fee--based, but they are typically low cost. The most popular free Linux distros include Ubuntu (www.ubuntu.com), openSUSE (www.opensuse.org/en), and Fedora (http://fedoraproject.org).

Other benefits to Linux include security and stability. Mostly because of the ubiquity of Windows, the bad guys who develop and distribute malware primarily target Windows PCs. Linux users also report greater reliability and less downtime.

Linux has a reputation for being strictly for techies, and this accounts, in part, for its small user-base compared to Windows and Mac OS. But for years, the ease of use differential has been shrinking. You can download the major Linux distros over the internet. But it's easier to buy a PC desktop or laptop computer preinstalled with Linux, which can save you the money that Microsoft charges PC makers to include Windows on its machines.

Dell is the major PC maker that has been most active with Linux-based products. HP recently made a major commitment to Linux, announcing in March that it would be preinstalling its own Linux-based operating system, webOS, as an option along with Windows on its desktop and laptop PCs by 2012.

However, Linux's main claim to fame these days is with Android-based mobile devices such as smart-phones, tablet computers, and e-readers. Android is Google's mobile operating system based on the Linux kernel. It's a direct competitor to Apple's iOS mobile operating system, which runs on Apple's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

All Linux distros share a lineage back to Torvalds. Born in Helsinki in 1969, Torvalds has attained geek status on par with Tim Berners-Lee, creator of the World Wide Web, and Vint Cerf, one of the inventors the internet.

Reid Goldsborough is a syndicated columnist and author of the book Straight Talk About the Information Superhighway. Send your comments about this column to itletters@infotoday.com.

MBA Focus and InterviewStream Partnership Makes Virtual Recruiting at Nation's Top Business Schools a Click Away.

Columbus, OH and Bethlehem, PA (PRWEB) June 17, 2011

MBA Focus, the leader in MBA recruiting management systems and InterviewStream, the premier provider of video interviewing solutions, announced their technology partnership today. MBA Focus will add InterviewStream's real-time video interviewing technology to its recruiting management system. InterviewStream looks at the partnership as a way to expand its reach into the MBA talent network.

InterviewStream and MBA Focus have each transformed and streamlined MBA recruiting processes through interactive recruiting platforms that connect top MBA school candidates to leading corporations. The partnership gives both companies' corporate clients 100% web-based video interviewing solutions through a seamless integrated platform.

"Internet-based video communication tools are a critical new way for MBA Focus' corporate recruiting clients to reach and recruit top MBA school candidates at our 60+ partner schools worldwide. It's another way for MBA Focus to help the world's top employers connect with top MBA students and alumni and recruit more efficiently. Our partnership with InterviewStream provides our customers with even more tools to solve their recruiting challenges." said Jack Gainer, Chief Executive Officer at MBA Focus.

According to a recent report published by the Aberdeen Group, A Harte-Hanks Company, 73% of organizations using video-enabled talent acquisition solutions experienced a decrease in travel-related costs since first using the technology. (Source: Aberdeen Group, Video Enabled Talent Acquisition Takes Center Stage, December, 2010)

The use of virtual interviewing is expected to rise along with the use of B2B video collaboration, which some sources say is used in about 35% of todays' best-in-class hiring companies.

Randy Bitting, CEO of InterviewStream, adds, "this partnership is a great way to connect even more corporations and students using InterviewStream's powerful video interviewing solutions. We've had tremendous response to our pre-recorded and live video management systems and see nothing but long-term growth potential with MBA Focus' corporate clients and prospects."

MBA Focus and InterviewStream will launch their new services globally in late July. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About InterviewStream: InterviewStream, Inc., http://www.InterviewStream.com, is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and is the original provider of pre-recorded and live video interviewing solutions. The Company's product suite of proprietary online technology provides video interview solutions to hundreds of employers, executive search firms, staffing firms, and the world's leading global career transition firm. InterviewStream offers a range of 100% web-based tools that can help your organization be more efficient in saving time and resources while quickly realizing a return on investment. Their clients use pre-recorded and live video interview management systems for pre-screening candidates and interviewing remote talent.

About MBA Focus: Based in Columbus, Ohio, MBA Focus, http://www.mbafocus.com , is the leading provider of advanced recruitment technology. The company connects leading employers with the world's top-ranked graduate business schools. Currently, over 2,500 corporate recruiters from more than 50 countries use the MBA Focus recruiting system, Global Focus, to source MBA student and alumni talent in order to build their leadership pipelines. MBA Focus currently partners with career management offices at 24 of the world's 25 top-ranked graduate business schools. For over two decades, and in partnership with these schools, MBA Focus has created a single network for employers to access top MBA talent.

Media Contacts:

InterviewStream

Lenore Mohr

lmohr at interviewstream.com

484.895.1680

MBA Focus

Janice Rapp

jrapp at mbafocus.com

614.339.2086

This press release was distributed through PR Web by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: http://www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.

###

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/6/prweb8580610.htm

Beltelecom goes Universal with triple-play offer.(INTERNET)

Belarusian fixed-line incumbent operator Beltelecom is launching its inaugural triple-play--voice telephony, broadband, and TV--package from May 5. In a press release, the PTO said that the new package, branded "Universal," will include 1,500 minutes of voice calls (1,000 local minutes, 300 regional call minutes, and 200 national minutes), unlimited broadband with a maximum 1Mbps/512kbps connection, and IPTV for BYR90,000 (US$30.1) per month. State-owned Beltelecom had 750,000 ADSL broadband subscribers as of the end of December 2010, a market share of around 80 percent.

ResponseLogix[R] Provides Emergency Relief to Japanese-Affiliated U.S. Auto Dealerships.

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- ResponseLogix[R], Inc., the leading provider of automotive digital response management software for internet leads, today announced a plan to help its Japanese-affiliated US auto dealerships cope with the substantial reductions in inventory they have begun to experience due to the Japan earthquake and tsunami that struck on March 11.

As Japanese auto manufacturers struggle to regain manufacturing capacity their US dealerships are expected to see reductions of 50 percent or more in vehicle inventory this summer. This substantial drop in vehicle production is already impacting certain brands. To help the dealers in its network that are most affected by this crisis, ResponseLogix has decided to reduce pricing by 40% in June, July and August for stores of the following brands: Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Subaru and Nissan.

"It comes as no surprise to us that ResponseLogix would be proactive in an effort to continually be ahead of the curve in a continuous relationship build with their customers. This undertaking is exactly the sort of energy and thinking we look for in a business partner," said Tim Porter, Manager at Zimbrick Inc.

"Without a doubt, the Japan earthquake disaster will impact U.S. automotive business for some time. We will soon realize the reach that Japan manufacturing has in the worldwide market. All dealership inventory levels will be affected, some more than others. As we embark into these troubled waters, we're glad to receive a helping hand from ResponseLogix," said Richard Fisler, Associate V.P. of Marketing and E-Commerce at Conant Auto Retail Group.

Standing in Solidarity with Dealers

A recently published ALG Japan Crisis Report indicated that Japanese car manufacturers may experience up to a 100-day delay in the manufacturing of new vehicles. To confirm the dimensions of the problem, however, ResponseLogix wanted to talk with its own customers. The company surveyed over 100 of its dealers, of both Japanese and non-Japanese brands. The company determined that the effect of the earthquake on Japanese branded dealers is destined to be dramatic. Non-Japanese branded dealers, on the other hand, have experienced relatively modest and temporary impacts. Indeed, many non-Japanese branded dealers see market share opportunity. This dealer feedback was key to determining the company's plan specifics. "Our company started in a dealership. We understand the role vehicle inventory plays in a dealership's success. Now is the moment to stand in support of our Japanese-affiliated dealers," said Tom Mohr, President and CEO of ResponseLogix.

About ResponseLogix, Inc.

ResponseLogix started in a car dealership. By observing the internet car buying sales process from both the dealer and the customer side, ResponseLogix determined that effective Digital Response Management is key to driving internet sales. With this in mind, the company created its powerful patent-pending solution suite, tailored to the needs of the fast-paced, multi-tasking dealer internet selling environment.

ResponseLogix delivers software as a service (SaaS) technology to auto dealers that engages the customer early in the car buying process and then propels the customer toward purchase. SmartQuote[R] delivers a relevant quote response within 10 minutes of internet lead receipt 95% of the time. SmartFollow[R] automatically follows-up and reactivates leads if the customer doesn't buy right away. SmartFacts[R] delivers powerful analytics to help optimize the performance of Internet sales departments. ResponseLogix products are available in 40 US markets for new car franchise dealers covering almost all brands of vehicle. Additional information is available at www.responselogix.com.

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. to Broadcast First Quarter Conference Call Live on the Internet.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE:MLM) today announced that it will provide an online Web simulcast of its first quarter 2011 earnings conference call on Tuesday, May 3, 2011. The Company will release results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011, that morning before the market opens.

The live broadcast of Martin Marietta Materials' conference call will begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 3, 2011. An online replay will be available approximately two hours following the conclusion of the live broadcast and will continue for one year. A link to these events is available at the Company's website: www.martinmarietta.com.

For those investors without online web access, the conference call may also be accessed by calling 970-315-0423, confirmation number 61456607.A seven-day telephonic replay will be available by dialing 706-645-9291 and entering 61456607 when prompted for the access code.

Martin Marietta Materials is the nation's second largest producer of construction aggregates and a producer of magnesia-based chemicals and dolomitic lime. For more information about Martin Marietta Materials, refer to the Corporation's website at www.martinmarietta.com.

Arfo Color Technics Selects CA's Jasmine to Create and Manage Digital Catologues On Websites.

ISLANDIA, N.Y., and NIEUWEGEIN, The Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- May 14, 1998--Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA) today announced that Arfo Color Technics B.V., a Dutch company that specializes in digital image and photo processing, has selected Jasmine, CA's pure object database and multimedia development environment, to create Internet-based electronic catalogues and manage their content.

Arfo Color Technics specializes in digital image processing and lithography. The company digitizes all kinds of information, like photographs, negatives and slides. Arfo is using Jasmine to expand its services by creating and managing customer's online catalogs.

"We chose Jasmine because it is the only object database on the market that can provide us with the rich object management capabilities and complex data type support needed to deploy sophisticated, multimedia Web applications, such as the ones we are developing for our customers," said Arend Loerts, managing director of Arfo Color Technics. The first site -- Technische Goorthandel Lasaulec (a technical wholesale company)-- will be active in weeks, with an online catalog that includes 60,000 products and will grow to 100,000 later this year. "We looked at other alternatives and no other solution comes close to Jasmine for efficiently managing and delivering our digital content," said Loerts.

Arfo Color Technics also plans to use Jasmine to develop an image database for various organizations. The images will be viewed using a Web browser or on CD ROM. If needed, the images can be downloaded or orders can be placed for items such as prints or film.

"The Jasmine database enables us to store many different information formats for the catalogues we are deploying on the Web or on CD," added Loerts. "Text and images, animations and other multimedia data types are easily stored, managed and interwoven in Jasmine applications, speeding the development time for our clients."

Jasmine, a pure object database, is a comprehensive solution to build and deploy multimedia applications over client/server and networked computing environments. Jasmine provides extensive support for all types of information beyond text and numbers, such as video, sound and images. It also delivers universal data integration over an enterprise network, from desktop to mainframe, regardless of data source.

"We are delighted that Jasmine will allow Arfo Color Technics to extend its offerings to wired enterprises," said Soren Truelsen, CA Holland Country Manager.

Arfo Color Technics was established in 1986 and has offices in various cities throughout the Netherlands. The company has its customers all over the country. Arfo Color Technics is specialized in digital image processing and at the same time a photo lab and lithographic company. Furthermore, the company digitizes all kinds of information, like photographs, negatives and slides through the Photo-CD system and high-end drum scanners. These extensive service offerings makes the company unique within the Netherlands.

Computer Associates International, Inc. (NYSE: CA), with headquarters in Islandia, N.Y., is the world leader in mission-critical business software. The company develops, licenses and supports more than 500 integrated products that include enterprise computing and information management, application development, manufacturing and financial applications. CA has over 11,000 people in 160 offices in 43 countries and had revenue of $4.5 billion in calendar year 1997. CA can be reached by visiting http://www.cai.com on the World Wide Web, emailing info@cai.com, or calling 1-516-342-5224. -0- All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Ilona Mohacsi, (516) 342-2542 or mohil01@cai.com

Sandra Wasseur, +31 30 6048345 or sandra.wasseur@cai.com

Harvard Business School Confers Alumni Achievement Awards; Outstanding Graduates Honored at Centennial Global Business Summit.(Company overview)

Byline: Harvard Business School

BOSTON, Oct. 14 (AScribe Newswire) -- As part of its Centennial celebration, Harvard Business School (HBS) yesterday conferred its highest recognition, the Alumni Achievement Award, on five distinguished graduates: John Doerr, a partner in the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; Jeffrey R. Immelt, chairman & CEO of General Electric; Anand G. Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director of the Indian multinational Mahindra & Mahindra; Meg Whitman, former president & CEO of eBay; and James D. Wolfensohn, former president of the World Bank.

Dean Jay Light presented the awards at the HBS Centennial Global Business Summit, a two-day event being held on the School's campus in Boston and the culmination of its anniversary celebration. After receiving the award, the recipients participated in a panel discussion focusing on "Leadership for the 21st Century" with journalist and TV host Charlie Rose.

"For four decades, the Alumni Achievement Awards have recognized extraordinary alumni who embody the highest standards of accomplishment and integrity," said Dean Jay Light. "The recipients represent the best in our alumni body. They are exemplary role models who have truly made a difference in the world."

Presented annually since 1968, the HBS Alumni Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have contributed immeasurably to their profession, industry and community.

John Doerr (MBA '76) is one of Silicon Valley's most successful venture capitalists. Working side by side with entrepreneurs, he has funded companies that have had a dramatic impact on life in the 21st century, from online retail giant Amazon.com to Internet behemoth Google to synthetic biology leader Amyris. He is a leading advocate of innovation and investment in green technologies.

Doerr came to HBS after earning engineering degrees from Rice University. His education continued at chipmaker Intel, where he gained experience in managing people, marketing, and sales and began a long career of transforming good ideas into successful businesses.

Since joining Kleiner Perkins in 1980, Doerr has had tremendous influence in many areas, including information technology and science-based businesses. Over the years, he has helped shape many of the building blocks of the information age, including Sun Microsystems, Intuit, and Netscape.

Recently, much of Doerr's attention has focused on clean energy and the climate crisis, which he believes is the most urgent problem facing our planet. In May, Kleiner Perkins announced its second fund in green technology, bringing its total investment in green solutions to $1.2 billion.

Doerr's influence transcends the business world. A tireless advocate of education, ten years ago he cofounded the NewSchools Venture Fund to promote innovation in education. He then helped pass a California proposition that resulted in the allocation of an additional $23 billion for the state's public schools.

Jeffrey R. Immelt (MBA'82) had already built an impressive nineteen-year career at GE when he was tapped in 2001 to head the storied company that has pioneered in the development of everything from electric fans to jet engines to x-ray machines. Today, under Immelt's leadership, GE is a $173 billion organization of more than 300,000 people that still has roots in the past, even as it rides a wave of 21st century innovation.

Immelt came to GE directly from HBS, holding various positions in the company's plastics and appliances businesses before being named CEO of GE Medical Systems in 1997.

During his tenure, GE has seen significant changes, with acquisitions in energy, aviation, water treatment, and healthcare. Over half of GE's revenues came from outside the United States last year, and Immelt has made it a priority to ensure that the ranks of upper management - and the way it trains people and develops products -- reflect this new reality. The company currently has research centers in Munich, Shanghai, and Bangalore, in addition to its U.S location in Niskayuna, New York. The breakthroughs occurring in these facilities include the identification of a group of protein biomarkers as the precursor to Alzheimer's, a discovery that could potentially improve millions of lives and save the health care system $50 to $60 billion each year.

Anand G. Mahindra (MBA '81) has been driving Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) into the ranks of the world's global corporations since 1991, when he joined the utility vehicle and tractor maker founded by his grandfather and granduncle in 1945. As part of a philosophy of diversification and globalization Anand Mahindra implemented in 1994, M&M today is a $6.6 billion enterprise involved in many activities, including information technology, logistics, infrastructure development, and financial services, as well as automotive and farm equipment.

Mahindra knew that M&M would not only have to reorganize but look beyond India's borders when the country reopened its market in 1991and foreign multinationals prepared to renew their efforts in the country. He created a new organizational structure that established a "federation" of companies (now numbering 98) grouped in "sectors" (now eight) headed by presidents with general management responsibilities. Unlike a conglomerate, each sector has one flagship company with its own listing on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

He also formed joint ventures to transform the old-line Indian firm into a global powerhouse, beginning with a 1993 deal that enabled Ford to manufacture and market the Escort in India. In 2002, M&M launched its own sports utility vehicle, the Scorpio, now being exported to countries such as Italy, Russia and South Africa. A hybrid version will hit U.S. showrooms within a few years.

A recent limited venture with Renault to manufacture the French carmaker's low-cost sedan, the Logan, is now exploring ways to expand the alliance to include new products and markets. M&M also recently made news with its entry into the media business, primarily film production.

Meg Whitman (MBA '79) established a reputation as an innovative, can-do leader at firms that are American household names -- Disney, Stride Rite, Procter & Gamble -- and then applied her multifaceted talents to a fledgling start-up auction site. During her ten years at the helm, eBay grow from a small operation to an internationally recognized brand that has redefined commerce. Since stepping down from eBay last spring, she has focused on the public and social sectors.

When Whitman joined eBay as CEO in 1998, the two-year-old private company had thirty employees and $4.7 million in revenue. Today, eBay, which she took public that year, has over 16,000 employees, with revenues of $7.7 billion in 2007. Some 1.3 million people make some part of their living selling through eBay, which is now in 39 markets around the world.

Whitman built the brand by listening and responding to customers and through smart acquisitions, expanding into areas that work well with the eBay model.

Whitman's 25 years prior to joining eBay seemed tailored to preparing her to take the helm of a world-changing business. After earning her MBA, she picked up customer experience at P&G and later at Disney, where she ran the Consumer Products Division. As vice president of Bain & Company, she gained industry experience that she later applied as head of the Children's Group at Stride Rite and as CEO of FTD, the floral products company. She also was a general manager of the Preschool Division of toy maker Hasbro.

During his 30 years in international finance, James Wolfensohn (MBA '59) had remarkable successes that only strengthened his belief that those who prosper in business are obligated to serve the greater good. His decade-long presidency of the World Bank provided the ultimate opportunity to pursue that mission on a global scale. Wolfensohn's subsequent involvement with the Middle East peace process and recent endeavors to nurture businesses in emerging economies and promote sustainable sources of energy show his continuing determination to bridge the gap between policies and people.

Wolfensohn is deeply involved in the work of the Wolfensohn Center for Development, a new global poverty research initiative at the Brookings Institution. He is also chairman of Wolfensohn & Company, a privately held firm that invests in alternative energy initiatives and backs companies that do business in emerging economies.

His current work, which reflects his continuing belief that the growing gap between poor and wealthy nations must be a priority, is the latest chapter in a celebrated career marked by a succession of high-profile accomplishments. Beyond his leadership of the World Bank from 1995 to 2005 and then an appointment as special envoy for Gaza disengagement for the Quartet on the Middle East, his distinguished career has comprised several decades in the investment world, service on nonprofit boards and think tanks, and the management of the financial turnaround of both Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

In 1981, Wolfensohn launched his own firm in New York and rapidly became one of Wall Street's most successful investors, while simultaneously spending 25 percent of his time supporting arts and nonprofit organizations.

About Harvard Business School: Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School (http://www.hbs.edu/) is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. Its faculty of more than 200 offers full-time programs leading to the MBA and doctoral degrees, as well as more than 140 open enrollment and custom Executive Education programs. For a century, HBS faculty have drawn on their research, their experience in working with organizations worldwide, and their passion for teaching to educate leaders who have shaped the practice of business around the globe.

- - - -

CONTACT: HBS Communications, (000)-000-0000, news@hbs.edu

Nuance Communications Names Verizon Business 'Service Provider Partner of the Year'.

Award Recognizes Company's Commitment to Delivering Innovative Speech Services

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Business has been recognized for its industry-leading efforts in delivering customized speech services to market. Nuance Communications, a leading provider of speech and imaging solutions, named Verizon Business as 2007 Service Provider Partner of the Year for successfully deploying Nuance speech and caller-experience solutions to large businesses and government agencies.

"By building Nuance speech solutions into its award-winning network-based Interactive Voice Response (IVR) service offering, Verizon Business delivers innovative contact center solutions to its customers," said Lynda Kate Smith, vice president and general manager, Care business unit, Nuance. "Nuance is committed to working with partners such as Verizon Business to deliver the services needed to help companies better support, understand and communicate with their customers."

Nuance announced Verizon Business' award yesterday at the Customer Care Partner Summit of the Conversations 2007 conference at the Boca Raton Resort and Club in Boca Raton, Fla. The event, the ninth annual customer and partner conference hosted by Nuance, provides the opportunity for attendees to hear from industry experts, learn from customer success stories, and network with peers.

"Our unwavering dedication to delivering innovative speech technology helps enable our customers to grow their businesses and better serve their customers," said Mike Marcellin, vice president of global product marketing for Verizon Business. "Nuance Communications has been a strategic partner helping us to break new ground on behalf of our customers who have adopted this technology."

Verizon Business offers a comprehensive portfolio of contact center services, including Interactive Voice Response and Speech Services, Intelligent Contact Routing, Automatic Call Distribution and IP Contact Center. Verizon Business' IP Enabled Contact Center is a portfolio of interaction services that includes IP Toll Free and IP Interactive Voice Response. This network-based portfolio provides voice-over-IP conversion in the network for reliable termination to Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) devices, as well as an IP Intelligent Voice Recognition (IVR) platform that supports hybrid terminations. Verizon Business is one of the largest providers of advanced data, Internet and voice communications services worldwide.

Verizon Business is a recognized leader in delivering advanced communications and information technology (IT) services for large-business customers around the world. In addition to the latest honor from Nuance Communications, the company was recently recognized by Speech Technology Magazine with its Star Performer award for hosted speech services and by Genesys Labs as Americas Partner of the Year for contact center services.

Verizon Business also received two awards from Frost & Sullivan in 2007: the Market Leadership Award for the North American Hosted Contact Center Market and the Market Leadership Award for Hosted Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Services.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications , is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced communications, security and other professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. For more information, visit http://www.verizonbusinbess.com/.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

CONTACT: Lisa Fels of Verizon Business, +1-703-886-6042, Lisa.Fels@verizon.com

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

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

New plant safety rules cleared.(Legislation/Regulation)(Brief article)

Congress has approved new safety regulations to protect the nation's high-risk chemical plants and refineries.

Under the new rules, individual states would be allowed to set stricter security standards on petrochemical and refining facilities than required by the federal government.

However, the measure was part of a controversial $124 billion supplemental spending bill for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that President Bush has vowed to veto because it contains a timeline for bringing the troops home. The Senate passed the bill Thursday, a day after the House of Representatives voted to approve it.

Maurice McBride, associate general counsel for the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA), said the members of his association are watching to see what happens after the presidential veto.

As written, it's unclear how many facilities would be impacted by the new rules, which only apply to plants not already covered by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA).

About 60% of NPRA's membership is subject to the US Coast Guard security regulations, McBride said.

The measure amends legislation passed last fall that allowed federal law to trump state regulations. So far only New Jersey seems to have tougher requirements for chemical plants, though the state's six refineries are already under the jurisdiction of the MTSA.

The new rules do open the door for other states to tighten their own regulations, though, McBride said.

The measure also eliminates a provision in the Chemical Terrorism Vulnerability Information Act that barred the public release of security-sensitive information. McBride said refiners are concerned that under the so-called "community right to know" provision that someone will post sensitive information on the Internet.

Camden County sheriff says he'll quit by May 15.

Byline: Edward Colimore

Apr. 11--Camden County Sheriff Michael McLaughlin said yesterday that he will quit by May 15 in the hope of putting "an end to the politically motivated lawsuits and the unbalanced and misguided publicity" about his office. McLaughlin, a four-term sheriff, said in an interview that the job "has lost its luster after 12 years." "Let somebody else do it. It just seems my political enemies are sniping at everybody and hurting other people." The Sheriff's Office was rocked last month by allegations that officers shared sexually explicit e-mails during work time. McLaughlin ordered an internal probe and random checks of employees' e-mails after learning of the alleged Internet abuse from reports in the Courier-Post. "We're trying to be as objective as we can," he said yesterday, adding that an undersheriff, state police, and the Camden County Prosecutor's Office were investigating. "Hopefully, it will be wrapped up shortly." The Sheriff's Office also made headlines for losing $15,000 in a lengthy trial to a sheriff's officer who alleged retaliation after she complained about sexual discrimination and harassment. McLaughlin called that lawsuit and one filed later by another woman who had worked in the office "politically motivated."

He denied the allegations in both cases, saying they were "based on misinformation and fabrications." He also said he had tried to promote women in the department. A Sheriff's Office news release stated yesterday: "The lack of balance in many of the articles pertaining to the lawsuits can best be demonstrated by the fact that none of the many qualified women officers who perform their duties satisfactorily day in and day out have ever been asked for their opinions. "The facts are that Sheriff McLaughlin has encouraged and assigned women to duties that in previous administrations were not available. They include assignments to the Bomb Squad, Civil Process Unit, the Honor Guard, Crime Prevention, Aviation, Internal Affairs and the Fugitive Unit." McLaughlin began his career in April 1966 after graduating from the New Jersey State Police Academy. He was part of a team that planted wiretaps at the Shore in the investigation of former mob boss Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo. He announced in January that he would not seek reelection in November. Since then, he said, he has had a number of employment offers. "A number of the job offers are both interesting and challenging and have substantially diminished my previous intentions to fully retire," McLaughlin said. "I have a vacation trip planned for the latter part of May, and when I return I intend to consider one or more of the offers." In his final days in office, the investigation of the sexually explicit e-mails is going forward, he said. Most involved suggestive jokes. The Courier-Post said some had contained sexually explicit images. Former Undersheriff Arthur Nickles, who left the department for health reasons, and Lt. Harry Monroe, an officer in the Internal Affairs division, allegedly sent some e-mails, according to printouts of e-mails the Courier-Post obtained. Investigators will report their results to a board of randomly selected department members that will recommend discipline if appropriate. McLaughlin said he would make the final judgment. Punishment could involve suspension or dismissal. "It doesn't appear to be throughout the whole agency," McLaughlin said yesterday. "Apparently, some people made a mistake and transmitted stuff on work time. It doesn't appear they forwarded anything once they got it. They either deleted or didn't even remember getting it." Contact staff writer Edward Colimore at 856-779-3833 or ecolimore@phillynews.com. To comment, or to ask a question, go to http://go.philly.com/askcolimore.

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Sonic Automotive, Inc. Schedules Release of Fourth Quarter, Year End Results and Conference Call.

Sonic Automotive, Inc. today announced it will release fiscal 2002 fourth quarter and year end financial results on Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at 7:30 A.M. (Eastern). Senior management will hold a conference call at 11:00 A.M. (Eastern).

To access the live broadcast of the call over the Internet go to: http://www.vcall.com/ or http://www.sonicautomotive.com/

A live audio of the call will be accessible to the public by calling (877) 791-3416. International callers dial (706) 643-0958. Callers should dial in approximately 10 minutes before the call begins.

A conference call replay will be available one hour following the call for seven days and can be accessed by calling: 800-642-1687, Conference ID: 8430086.

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 Company, is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States operating 187 franchises and 44 collision repair centers. Sonic can be reached on the Web at: http://www.sonicautomotive.com/

   Contact:  J. Todd Atenhan, Investor Relations of Sonic Automotive, Inc.            (888) 766-4218.             Bill Steers, Media Relations of Sonic Automotive, Inc.            (888) 766-4219.  

CONTACT: J. Todd Atenhan, Investor Relations, +1-888-766-4218, or Bill Steers, Media Relations, +1-888-766-4219, both of Sonic Automotive, Inc.

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

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/gh/cnoc/comp/125546.html

Gracenote Top 10.(Brief Article)

Most-Played CDs on the Internet For the Week Ending May 9

This Last

Week Week Artist/Title

1 1 Usher/Confessions (Arista)

2 3 Evanescence/Fallen

(Wind-Up)

3 2 D12/D12 World (Shady Records)

4 4 Black Eyed Peas/Elephunk (A&M)

5 5 Britney Spears/In the Zone (Jive/Zomba)

6 6 Linkin Park/Meteora (Warner)

7 7 OutKast/The Love Below (Aquemini/Arista)

8 9 Beyonce/Dangerously in Love (Columbia)

9 8 Kanye West/College Dropout (Roc-A-Fella)

10 10 Avril Lavigne/Let Go (Arista)

Aggregated from over 30 million listeners using media players powered by the Gracenote CDDB Music Recognition Service.

Telkonet Raises $5,000,000; Hospitality, Multi-Dwelling and Government Sales & Marketing Initiatives Under Way.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ANNAPOLIS, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2003

Telkonet, Inc. (OTCBB: TLKO) the Leader in Commercial Powerline Communications announced it has successfully completed a $5,000,000 Senior Note Offering. The net proceeds from this Offering will be used to expand the Company's sales organization and marketing initiatives in the hospitality, multi-dwelling and government markets, and develop strategic partnerships to enhance channel programs and other corporate initiatives. The Senior Notes, which are due three years from issuance, bear interest at 8% with interest payable quarterly and includes certain equity rights.

The Company also announced that Howard Lubert has resigned as CEO in order to pursue other entrepreneurial endeavors. Mr. Lubert contributed to the Company's early development of channel relationships and its product branding. Telkonet is now emerging from a development stage company into the market launch of its PlugPlusInternet suite of products. Mr. Ronald Pickett, President and Mr. Pete Musser, Chairman will serve as Co-CEO's in the interim while selecting a replacement.

Howard Lubert stated, "It is not often one gets an opportunity to help a technology company with such enormous potential transition from an R&D phase to a sales and marketing organization. I am pleased to be part of that transition and look for Telkonet to emerge as a formidable solutions provider in the commercial Powerline Communications market for high-speed Internet access."

Mr. Ronald Pickett, President stated, "Telkonet is the company it is today because of the visions and dedication of all the professionals who have each contributed to it's development. Howard Lubert's effort helped Telkonet, and I am grateful for the time he devoted to our initial development."

Statements included in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties such as competitive factors, technological development, market demand and the Company's ability to obtain new contracts and accurately estimate net revenues due to variability in size, scope and duration of projects, and internal issues in the sponsoring client. Further information on potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results, can be found in the Company's Registration Statement and in its Reports on Forms 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).