NSW: Man stabbed in fight, fears for another

AAP General News (Australia)
02-05-2009
NSW: Man stabbed in fight, fears for another

SYDNEY, Feb 5 AAP - A man has suffered serious stab wounds in a brawl in Sydney's southwest,
with fears another man may have been injured in the same confrontation.

Police were called to Reeves Crescent at Bonnyrigg at about 8.30pm (AEDT) on Wednesday
after reports of a fight involving a number of men.

Officers arrived to find a man, believed to be aged in his 20s, suffering serious stab
wounds to his abdomen and back.

He was taken by …

PayPal Leverages Digital River World Payments to Enter Brazil

Wireless News
06-05-2011
PayPal Leverages Digital River World Payments to Enter Brazil
Type: News

Digital River, Inc., a provider of global e-commerce solutions, announced that PayPal, an eBay company, is leveraging its Digital River World Payments solution to support local online payment processing in Brazil and Mexico.

According to a release, this geographic expansion adds to the companies' existing relationship, which now includes payment services across multiple continents.
"Digital River World Payments is a very important part of our payments program and will definitely offer a key structure support for the expansion of the company in Brazil," said Mario Mello, PayPal's general manager for Brazil.

"PayPal has one of the most recognized brands on the Internet. We are pleased to expand our relationship, which spans nine years. By leveraging the Digital River World Payments infrastructure, PayPal has been able to rapidly and efficiently localize its services in new geographies," said Paul Bridgewater, vice president of World Payments for Digital River. "With proven technologies and worldwide banking relationships in place, our payment solutions are designed to help companies enter online markets quickly and cost effectively."

In addition to offering relevant payment options in more than 190 countries and over 170 transaction and display currencies, the Digital River World Payments solution features a range of customizable services for managing the complete payment lifecycle. These services, which work through a single payments connection, include checkout page optimization, real-time fraud detection, solutions to manage PCI exposure and currency risk.

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

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

NSW:Former AFP employee charged

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-2011
NSW:Former AFP employee charged

SYD

NEY, Dec 2 AAP - A man who has allegedly been found with more than 35,000 child-pornography
photographs used to work for the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Police say they swooped on the Rosemeadow man's home in Sydney's southwest on Thursday,
seizing a computer, hard drives, AFP uniforms, batons, the photographs and about 800 videos
containing child abuse.

According to a police statement on Friday, the man had been in a position of authority
that gave him access to "emotionally and physically vulnerable children".

A spokeswoman from the AFP confirmed the man had worked for the law enforcement agency
between 1986 and 1990.

The pornographic images allegedly found at the man's home have concerned the investigation
team, Campbelltown Local Area Commander Superintendent Greg Rolph said.

"Many of the images depicted have left the investigation team, some with more than
20 years' investigations experience, extremely concerned about the obscene nature of what
they discovered," he said in a statement.

The 49-year-old man was arrested at the Rosemeadow home and taken to Campbelltown police
station, where he was charged with disseminating child pornography, three counts of possessing
child pornography, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing ammunition without a
licence.

He is due to appear in Campbelltown Local Court on Friday, where further charges are
expected to be laid.

AAP lcf/tab/

KEYWORD: PORNOGRAPHY UPDATE

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

--Rumbo turnover rises 10% Y/Y in 2010

Internet Business News
03-17-2011
--Rumbo turnover rises 10% Y/Y in 2010

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

17 March 2011 - Spanish online travel agency Red Universal de Marketing y Bookings Online SA (Rumbo) said yesterday that it booked a turnover of EUR485m (USD680m) in 2010, up 10% year-on-year.
The strong performance was backed by the company's diversification in different business areas, such as air travel, hotels, cruises and vacation packages, and the good results of its division offering travelling services to companies.

In 2010, Rumbo serviced some three million customers, up 12% on the year.

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

(Copyright M2 Communications, 2011)

FED:Calls for national asbestos compensation

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2010
FED:Calls for national asbestos compensation

SYDNEY, Dec 7 AAP - The states and territories are under pressure to "come to the party"

after the the federal and NSW governments announced a bail-out package for asbestos victims
to cover a compensation shortfall.

The commonwealth announced on Tuesday it will lend the NSW government up to $160 million
to ensure asbestos victims and their families continue to be compensated.

The state government will contribute an equal amount in funding to the Asbestos Injuries
Compensation Fund (AICF) each time it draws down from the federal loan.

Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia (ADFA) president Barry Robson welcomed the
joint agreement, saying there would be victims of asbestos-related diseases for years
to come.

"We're not talking five, six or even seven years, we're talking up to 60 years from
now there'll still be victims," he told AAP.

"There's people not even born yet that are going to come down with asbestos-related diseases."

Following the Global Financial Crisis and its impact on James Hardie, it was projected
the AICF would be exhausted within 12 months.

Asbestos compensation claims would have been rationed and paid in instalments, with
some victims facing the prospect of not living long enough to receive their full compensation.

"Their compensation is now guaranteed by this repayable loan - I've got to emphasise
that, it's a repayable loan - it doesn't let Hardies off the hook one little bit," Mr
Robson said.

But Mr Robson said there was disappointment that other state governments around Australia
hadn't "come to the party".

"They've just left it up to the NSW government and the federal government, but this
decision is for all Hardie victims, not just NSW victims," he said.

A spokesman for federal parliamentary secretary to the treasurer David Bradbury said
the commonwealth would use the Council Of Australian Governments (COAG) to look at whether
the other jurisdictions were prepared to contribute to a "national strategy" to assist
the fund.

"Moving forward we will consult with the other states and territories to work though
COAG to see whether the other jurisdictions are prepared to be involved in a national
strategy," the spokesman told AAP.

Announcing the agreement in Canberra, Prime Minister Julia Gillard said it did not
absolve James Hardie from liability.

"This in no way overrides the moral or legal obligation of James Hardie to continue
to make contributions into the fund," she told reporters.

NSW Attorney-General John Hatzistergos said the agreement was about helping James Hardie
meet its "moral and legal" obligations to asbestos victims.

In a statement, James Hardie agreed it wasn't off the hook.

"James Hardie notes that the provision of the proposed standby loan facility to the
Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) does not reduce the company's obligations,"

it said.

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally said the money would ensure up to three years of compensation
payments at current claim rates.

"Our action will ensure sufferers of asbestos-related diseases continue to receive
compensation on time and in full," she said.

Karen Banton, the wife of asbestos victim and campaigner Bernie Banton, who died in
2007, said families were relieved by the news.

"Obviously everyone would much rather they had their health, it doesn't bring you back
your health, but it does give an incredible peace of mind to the sufferer in particular
to know that their families won't be struggling financially after they're gone," she told
AAP.

Since the AICF was established in 2007, James Hardie has paid $375 million into the fund.

Unions NSW secretary Mark Lennon said that without the agreement asbestos compensation
claims would have had to be rationed.

"The agreement signed today will finally provide NSW asbestos victims and their families
some certainty on their long-term financial security," he said in a statement.

"Asbestos victims have been through enough without experiencing ongoing financial uncertainty.

"Today's agreement will hopefully end at least one aspect of the injustice they have suffered."

AAP dmg/tr/jsh

KEYWORD: ASBESTOS WRAP

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

Events Diary Saturday, May 1, 2010

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2010
Events Diary Saturday, May 1, 2010
EVENTS LISTED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER AND LOCAL TIME UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED:

ADELAIDE:
No items listed.

BRISBANE:
No items listed.

CANBERRA:
No items listed.

MELBOURNE:
- Melbourne International Jazz Festival. May 1-8, 2010. Various venues. Contact: Prue
Bassett Publicity, 9531 7120, 0419 559 040. Website: www.melbournejazz.com
1000-1800 - Going Green Expo continues. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Contact:
9676 2133.

1200-1600 - The Marysville and Triangle Community Recovery Committee Information Expo.

Gallipoli Park, off Falls Road, Marysville.

1900 - The Australian National Academy of Music presents British violinist Anthony Marwood's
Schumann. South Melbourne Town Hall, 210 Bank Street, South Melbourne. Contact: Magda
Petkoff 0409 436 473.

PERTH:
No items listed.

SYDNEY:
1000 - Baby Boomers and Retirees Expo. Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre. Website:
http://www.babyboomerslifestyleexpo.com.au.

1000 - Australian Fitness and Health Expo. Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling
Harbour. Contact: Emma Hartley 0450 533 431 1100 - CFMEU march from Hyde Park North to
First Fleet Park, Circular Quay. Protest: Repeal All Anti-Worker Laws. Contact: Dave Noonan
8524 5800.

1300 - Spanish Cultural Diversity Day Celebration. Instituto Cervantes, 22-24 City Road,
Chippendale. Contact: 9274 9200.

1400 - Protest changes to the skilled migration program. Sydney Town Hall Square. Contact:
Iggy Kim 0421 322 175.

SPORT:
AFL -
Rnd 6 - to May 2
1410 - North Melbourne v Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
1510 (AEST) - Adelaide v Port Adelaide, AAMI Stadium
1910 - Essendon v Hawthorn, MCG
1910 - Sydney v Brisbane, SCG
RUGBY LEAGUE - NRL -
Rnd 8 - to May 2
1500 (AEST) - NZ Warriors v Canberra, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
1730 - Gold Coast v Penrith, Skilled Park
1930 - Nth Qld v Melbourne, Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville
1930 - St George Illawarra v Cronulla, WIN Stadium, Wollongong
NETBALL - ANZ C'ships - to July 11
Round 7 - to May 3
1220 (AEST) - Canterbury Tactix v Southern Steel, Westpac Arena, Christchurch
MOTORSPORT - V8 Supercars -
Ipswich 300, Queensland Raceway - to May 2
RUGBY - Super 14 - to May 29
Week 12 - to May 2
0310 (AEST) - Stormers v Crusaders, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
1735 (AEST) - Hurricanes v Chiefs, Westpac Std, Wellington
1940 - Brumbies v Reds, Canberra Stadium
2300 (AEST) - Cheetahs v Blues, Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
CRICKET - ICC World Twenty20 - to May 16
[Group A: Pakistan (A1), Bangladesh (A2), Australia
Group B: Sri Lanka (B1), New Zealand (B2), Zimbabwe
Group C: Sth Africa (C1), India (C2), Qualifier one (Q1)
Group D: West Indies (D1), England (D2), Qualifier two (Q2)]
Group stage fixtures: Day 2
0700 (AEST) - West Indies v Ireland, Providence Stadium, Guyana
2330 (AEST) - India v Afghanistan, Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia
TENNIS - ATP Masters - to May 2
Internationali BNL d'Italia, Rome
GYMNASTICS-ARTISTIC (Women's) - European C'ships - to May 2
Birmingham, UK
GOLF - European Tour - to May 2
Open de Espana, Seville, Spain
GOLF - USPGA Tour -
Quail Hollow C'ship, Charlotte, Nth Carolina - to May 2
CYCLING (Road) - Tour de Romandie - to May 2
Switzerland
MOTORSPORT - Moto GP - to May 2
World C'ships, Jerez de al Frontera, Spain

GALLOPS -
Hawkesbury
Caulfield
Eagle Farm
Mt Gambier
Newcastle
Tatura
Belmont
Lismore
Mackay
Toowoomba
Gold Coast
New Zealand
Hong Kong
Sth Africa
TROTS -
Newcastle
Melton
Albion Park
Globe Derby
Dubbo
Gloucester Park
New Zealand
GREYHOUNDS -
Wentworth Park
The Meadows
The Gardens
Cannington
Bathurst

AAP np/evt/jhp

KEYWORD: DIARY EVENTS SATURDAY MAY 1, 2010

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

Vic: Double killer should get life with no parole - crown

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2009
Vic: Double killer should get life with no parole - crown

MELBOURNE, Dec 17 AAP - Prosecutors have asked that double killer Leigh Robinson be
given life without parole for gunning down a mother-of-two on her Melbourne neighbour's
doorstep last year.

Robinson, 62, was convicted by a jury in September for the shooting murder of his ex-girlfriend
Tracey Greenbury, who was huddled in fear at her neighbour's doorstep in suburban Frankston
last year.

He had already beat the hangman's noose 40 years ago for the murder of another ex-girlfriend.

During his pre-sentence hearing, prosecutor Peter Rose, SC, said Robinson had an appalling
record and should be given life in jail without parole.

"This is such a serious offence it should be a case of life without parole," he told
the Victorian Supreme Court.

Mr Rose also questioned the truthfulness of an account Robinson gave to a forensic
psychologist after his recent conviction, where he detailed a history of childhood abuse.

Defence lawyer John Desmond argued his client should receive a parole term because
his was not the most serious example of murder and he would be an old man by the time
he got out of jail.

Mr Desmond said the killing was not premeditated and did not involve gratuitous torture
or brutality.

"As serious as it is, it's not at the high end of the scale," he said.

"Ms Greenbury was not being held against her will or falsely imprisoned.

"The offence itself was of short duration with only one shot discharged."

Robinson was remanded in custody to be sentenced in the Victorian Supreme Court in January.

AAP mi/gfr/dep/de

KEYWORD: ROBINSON

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

FED: IMF commends govt's timely response to global downturn

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2009
FED: IMF commends govt's timely response to global downturn

By Sandra O'Malley

CANBERRA, Aug 8 AAP - The International Monetary Fund has backed the federal government's
response to the global economic crisis - even giving an apparent green light to go further
into debt.

It is also warning central banks to be sure the global downturn is over before thinking
about raising official interest rates.

In its annual Article IV consultation with Australia, the IMF said the government's
stimulus measures were boosting activity and there was still further room to move if the
apparent pick-up went backward.

"The authorities' timely and significant macro-policy response cushioned the domestic
impact of the global financial crisis," the IMF said.

"Staff commended the quick implementation of fiscal stimulus and noted that the shift
into deficit was justified in current circumstances."

A drop in company tax receipts, particularly from the mining sector, as well as the
government's economic stimulus measures are expected to push the budget into $58 billion
deficit this financial year.

The IMF sees room for further stimulus, if needed.

"Staff and authorities agreed that, given the low level of public debt, there is scope
for further fiscal stimulus, if the outlook for growth weakens," it said.

But the IMF regarded monetary policy as the "first line of defence" for stimulating the economy.

Recent signals from the Reserve Bank are that the next movement in official interest
rates will be up rather than down.

In its quarterly statement, released on Friday, the RBA revised upwards its growth
forecasts, suggesting stronger-than-expected data and improved sentiment meant another
rate cut was unlikely to be necessary.

The official cash rate is at a 49-year low of three per cent, down from 7.25 per cent
last September.

The IMF, which completed its report on Australia in June, said the easing of monetary
policy had been appropriate, as was the current holding pattern.

"The substantial stimulus in train, and signs of recovery in consumer and business
confidence, should help support domestic demand," it said.

"However, staff and the authorities agreed that if the outlook for growth and inflation
weakens, there is scope to cut the policy rate further."

THE IMF warned against increasing rates too soon.

"The authorities agreed with staff on the need to be more cautious than normal in tightening
in view of the fragile state of the global economy.

"The return of the cash rate to neutral should wait until there are clear signs that
a sustainable recovery is under way."

The IMF also supported the government's plan to get the budget back into surplus over
the medium term.

But there was a proviso.

"The authorities agreed that if trend growth or the terms of trade are not as high
as assumed in the budget, further restraint on spending would be needed to return to surpluses
over a horizon consistent with the authorities objective."

Treasurer Wayne Swan was quick to note the IMF's positive assessment.

"The International Monetary Fund has today again commended Australia's response to
the global recession," he said in a statement.

"In the face of the worst global recession in 75 years, the IMF Article IV report shows
that Australia has the best performing economy of any developed country."

AAP so/jhp

KEYWORD: ECONOMY IMF

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

Vic: Justice Bernard Teague to head bushfires Royal Commission

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2009
Vic: Justice Bernard Teague to head bushfires Royal Commission

MELBOURNE, Feb 13 AAP - Former Supreme Court Justice Bernard Teague will chair a Royal
Commission into Victoria's bushfires, Premier John Brumby said.

The commission will provide an interim report this year to allow recommendations to
be implemented in time for the 2009-2010 bushfires season.

The full report is expected to be handed down next year.

Mr Brumby said cabinet will decide on Monday the final terms and conditions of the
Royal Commission.

Two commissioners will be appointed on Monday to assist with the task.

AAP md/pmu/mn

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC COMMISSION

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

SA: Man satisfactory with miningococcal disease

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2008
SA: Man satisfactory with miningococcal disease

ADELAIDE, Aug 26 AAP - A 25-year-old Adelaide man has been admitted to hospital in
a satisfactory condition with meningococcal disease.

Health officials said 21 contacts of the man had been identified and six of those people
were receiving precautionary antibiotic treatment.

The man's case was the ninth in SA so far this year compared to eight at the same time last year.

There were 16 confirmed meningococcal cases in SA in 2007.

AAP tjd/ldj

KEYWORD: MENINGOCOCCAL SA

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

Vic: Smoke haze expected from fuel reduction burns

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2008
Vic: Smoke haze expected from fuel reduction burns

MELBOURNE, April 21 AAP - Melbourne residents can expect to continue to see and smell
smoke around the city this week due to fuel reduction burns.

The smoke is settling into local valleys from burns in the Upper Yarra catchment region
east of Melbourne and other areas of the state.

Regional fire manager Bernard Barbetti said stable autumn days were allowing the Department
of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to tackle fuel reduction burns whilst weather
and fuel moisture conditions remain suitable.

"We still have a lot of work to do protecting local communities and not much time to
do it," Mr Barbetti said.

"We appreciate their tolerance and patience at this time.

"Fuel reduction burning is necessary to prevent the impact of major bushfires on our
communities and water supplies."

In areas surrounding Melbourne's east, the bulk of burning is occurring near towns
including Reefton, Hoddles Creek, Gembrook, Cockatoo, Upper Pakenham and Beaconsfield.

Smaller burns are planned for French Island, the Dandenongs and the Peninsula later this week.

For more information ring the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall
1800 240 667 or go to www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires or www.cfa.vic.gov.au

AAP gr/cdh

KEYWORD: SMOKE

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

WA: Rebels fined at Danny Green bout

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2007
WA: Rebels fined at Danny Green bout

Police have fined 11 members of the Rebels bikie gang .. for failing to leave boxer
DANNY GREEN's world title fight in Perth.

The Rebels were fined 200 dollars each for being in breach of liquor licensing conditions
.. by wearing clothes to the bout identifying them as part of an outlaw motorcycle gang.

Police say the venue licensee asked all 11 Rebels to leave .. and when they refused
police issued the fines.

Last night GREEN became the new WBA light heavyweight world champion .. after beating
Croatian STIPE DREWS in a unanimous points decision.

AAP RTV np/tm/bart

KEYWORD: REBELS (PERTH)

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

Fed: Howard rejects criticism of hospital intervention

AAP General News (Australia)
08-05-2007
Fed: Howard rejects criticism of hospital intervention

By Peter Williams, Evan Schwarten and Greg Rule

CANBERRA, Aug 5 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard has defended federal intervention
in state government affairs against criticism that further bailouts of hospitals would
create a Third World health system.

Health Minister Tony Abbott will travel to Tasmania this week to talk to the Devonport
community about federal funding of the Mersey Hospital which has been dismissed by opponents
as election pork-barrelling.

The hospital is in the key marginal Liberal seat of Braddon.

Victorian Premier John Brumby today said extrapolating the $45 million-per-year bailout
in Tasmania across the nation's hundreds of public hospitals would be disastrous.

"If you want to fund every one of them and bail every one of them out as they've done
in Tasmania, you'll soon send the system back to Third World status," Mr Brumby told the
Nine Network.

"We can't afford to have a hospital on every street corner," he said.

"In Victoria, we've got some of the best hospitals in Australia but you won't find
one on every street corner.

"It's because we fund them properly, we fund them in a way which is most efficient.

"We spread services across the state in an appropriate way, not in a way which just
pork-barrels the marginal seats."

Mr Howard said he couldn't understand the criticisms from state governments of the
Mersey takeover.

"For 11 years I've heard state premiers saying that we should put some more money into
health. We're putting more money into health and they are attacking us," Mr Howard said.

He said the federal government had a duty to intervene when state governments weren't
meeting their responsibilities.

"Where the states and the territories have not done their job, it's our job to come
in and do a better job.

"If the Australian people think the federal government will do a better job, they want
the federal government to intervene.

"Where the job is being done by the states, that's fine, we have no interest in intervening."

Federal Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd challenged Mr Howard to do something for the rest
of the nation's hospitals.

"Mr Howard in the last few days has said he has a deal for one of Australia's 700 public
hospitals, the one in Devonport," Mr Rudd said.

"Here in Queensland we've got 284 hospitals, public and private. What is his plan for
the totality of the hospital system for Australia for the future?"

Federal Finance Minister Nick Minchin said that despite the cost, he totally supported
the government's decision.

"It would be better if we didn't have to do this (but) this is a significant community
that is being deprived of some essential services in its hospital and so in response to
the concerns expressed to us we have decided to step in to assist," Senator Minchin told
Network Ten.

But he said that while the government was not ruling out similar interventions elsewhere,
public hospitals remain a state responsibility.

AAP pw/sjk/cdh

KEYWORD: STATES HOSPITAL NIGHTLEAD

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

ACT: ACT police cells under scrutiny after assault charge

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2007
ACT: ACT police cells under scrutiny after assault charge

CANBERRA, Feb 12 AAP - Watch-house operations in the ACT will be examined in the wake
of a federal police officer being charged with assault.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Commonwealth Ombudsman said they would
jointly review police cell procedures following a number of complaints in recent years.

AFP officer David Arthur Fearnside was stood down after a woman accused him of assaulting
her with capsicum spray last October while she was being detained in a Canberra police
cell.

Fearnside, who resigned from the force, has pleaded not guilty in the ACT Magistrates
Court to assault charges.

Without mentioning the case, Acting Commonwealth Ombudsman Vivienne Thom said serious
complaints over several years about watch-house procedures prompted the audit.

"While the Commonwealth Ombudsman receives a relatively small number of complaints
each year about watch-house custodial procedures, some of those complaints are sufficiently
serious to warrant us undertaking this review," Dr Thom said.

The ombudsman and the AFP said the move was timely following the upgrading last July
of a closed circuit television camera system at the City Watch-house.

Practices under scrutiny include the use of force and physical restraints, handling
people with special needs and the training and supervision of AFP members in the watch-house.

The team carrying out the study also will consider individual complaints and comments
by courts and oversight bodies.

"ACT policing is strongly committed to best practice in the treatment of detained persons
and I welcome this review to help us ensure those high standards are being met in our
watch-house operations," ACT Chief Police Officer Audrey Fagan said.

The review is due to be completed at the end of April.

AAP pw/sb/it/cdh

KEYWORD: WATCHHOUSE

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

Qld: Abbott gives blessing to troubled state Liberal leader

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2006
Qld: Abbott gives blessing to troubled state Liberal leader

By Paul Osborne, Daniel Pace and Evan Schwarten

BRISBANE, Aug 25 AAP - Federal Liberals have come to the rescue of the party's embattled
Queensland leader Bruce Flegg, saying voters preferred an ordinary bloke over "plastic
politicians".

The intervention came as Dr Flegg, arguably the richest MP in the Queensland parliament,
was quizzed over whether his large shareholdings would be too much of a conflict of interest
if he won government.

As a swag of federal political heavyweights swept through the state, Coalition leader
Lawrence Springborg outlined his plans for education in his own south-western seat of
Southern Downs and Premier Peter Beattie announced extra funding for police stations in
Brisbane.

Health Minister Tony Abbott today used a visit to the Gold Coast to back Dr Flegg,
who has been dogged by questions about the coalition leadership, thrown out of a shopping
centre and embarrassed by claims that he has sought the advice of a stylist.

"Bruce is a good bloke and he's a real human being," Mr Abbott told reporters after
opening the campaign office of Liberal candidate for Mudgeeraba Ros Bates.

"You don't get plastic politicians from the Coalition.

"You get real human beings who haven't been through a lifelong political finishing school."

However, Treasurer Peter Costello, visiting the Darling Downs town of Millmerran, declined
to offer Dr Flegg any advice.

"I don't give political advice - I'm too busy giving myself advice and making sure
things are going well at a federal level," Mr Costello said.

But he said the Coalition was doing a good job to highlight the government's failings
in the areas of health and water.

Mr Beattie said he had no problem with federal ministers playing a role in the campaign.

"Clearly the federal coalition is playing an increasing role in the state campaign
here for the Liberal Party and good luck to them," Mr Beattie said.

"But at the end of it this is a state election and that's why we need a balance between
a federal Liberal government and a state Labor government."

Dr Flegg was today forced to defend his financial interests, as Mr Beattie said MPs
should not hold shares in individual companies because many of them did business with
the government and raised potential conflicts of interest.

Dr Flegg's interests, which are publicly registered, include a large shareholding in
gambling giant Tattersall's and the south-west Queensland cotton farm Cubbie Station.

Gambling revenue and water are key issues for the government.

"In government there is a likelihood I would have to divest all or most of those holdings,"

Dr Flegg said.

Mr Springborg used a visit to his own seat of Southern Downs in the state's south-west
to outline a plan for simpler report cards, teacher aides for Prep year students and a
boost to non-state school funding.

Meanwhile, Mr Beattie visited Carseldine, in Brisbane's northern outskirts, to launch
a $260 million plan to provide more police stations across the state.

AAP pjo/sc/cjh/bwl

KEYWORD: POLL QLD NIGHTLEAD

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

Qld: Shark safety program to remain unchanged

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2006
Qld: Shark safety program to remain unchanged

By Nikki Todd, State Political Correspondent

BRISBANE, April 19 AAP - Shark nets and baited drum lines will remain on Queensland's
beaches after a review of the state's shark safety program found there was no better alternative.

But no nets will be hung in seaside canal estates, despite the deaths of two men from
shark attacks on the Gold Coast in recent years.

The review was sparked following the death of Sarah Whiley, 21, who was killed in a
savage shark attack at Amity Point, North Stradbroke Island, in January this year.

Ms Whiley's death was the first fatal attack on a beach with shark safety measures
in the 44-year history of the program.

A total of 84 beaches in Queensland are currently protected by shark nets or drum lines,
or a combination of the two.

Premier Peter Beattie said today the review underlined the effectiveness of the existing
program, despite the undesirable side effects of killing other marine animals, like whales
and turtles.

"The reality is the nets and the current program is the safest option available at
the moment," Mr Beattie told reporters.

"I know that there will be some in the conservation movement who are not going to be
happy about what happens to whales and to other marine animals like turtles, but the government
has to make a choice.

"It is an ugly choice between people and marine animals and we have chosen people."

However, he said no new nets or drum lines would be introduced without adequate environmental
and threat assessments.

The review also recommended against introducing nets or drum lines into seaside canal
estates, like those on the Gold Coast where two men were killed in separate attacks by
bull sharks in 2002 and 2003.

It found the safety system would offer false assurances to bathers in canals and interfere
with boating and other leisure activities, concluding existing swimming enclosures in
canals were the best option.

Mr Beattie said cabinet had agreed improve shark education programs, shark signage
at beaches and continue the funding of research on alternative technologies.

Drum line baits would also be evaluated to ensure baits attracted sharks and not turtles
and dolphins.

AAP nt/sc/jt/de

KEYWORD: SHARKS

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

NSW: Iemma must take responsiblity for Darcy-Searle: Brogden

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2005
NSW: Iemma must take responsiblity for Darcy-Searle: Brogden

The New South Wales opposition says Premier MORRIS IEMMA should take responsibility
for a West Australian paedophile being allowed to serve parole in NSW.

Two NSW corrective service officers have been suspended ahead of an investigation into
how OTTO DARCY-SEARLE was transferred from WA to serve parole on the NSW north coast.

The officers are accused of failing to pass on documents related to DARCY-SEARLE to
senior corrective services officers.

The 63-year-old paedophile plans to return to WA.

NSW Opposition Leader JOHN BROGDEN says Mr IEMMA should take responsibility for DARCY-SEARLE's
transfer, rather than pushing the blame onto the corrective services officers.

Mr BROGDEN says it's standard Labor practice to blame it on someone else when something
goes wrong.

AAP RTV pj/was/bk/rt

KEYWORD: DARCY BROGDEN (SYDNEY)

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

WoodFuel.com Links With BioLea$e(TM) - A Specialty Equipment Finance Co.

HOUSTON, Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ --

WoodFuel.com announced today that it has agreed to establish a link within its web-site for BioLea$e Group, L.P. (BioLea$e). BioLea$e with offices in Portsmouth, NH and Houston, TX. is a specialty finance company that provides innovative financing solutions and consulting services to Wood Recycling Operators seeking to acquire new or used Continental Biomass Industries (CBI) grinders, prescreeners, shears and other related equipment. CBI provides high quality, fully warrantied grinding systems for the Wood Processing, Wood Recycling and Renewable Energy Industries.

John Contas, Managing Partner of BioLea$e, stated, "This is a significant step for BioLea$e to establish an internet presence through WoodFuel.com. Our customers, in many cases, are the same as WoodFuel.com's woodfuel suppliers. The synergy of our two organizations is strong, and with CBI being part of the group, WoodFuel.com quickly becomes a full service provider to the companies operating within the Wood Processing, Wood Recycling and Renewable Energy Industries."

The BioLea$e team of professionals, with its extensive industry knowledge and experience, differentiates itself from traditional Finance companies by having the ability to offer operators a turnkey solution package which includes: 1) loan and lease options; 2) operations consulting; 3) product marketing development; 4) used equipment sourcing and resale; and 5) transportation logistics.

Scott Mactier, WoodFuel.com Partner, commented, "Adding BioLea$e as a financing feature to the web-site creates significant value to our supplier network. The BioLea$e customized approach helps reduce the learning curve of Wood Recycling Operators ensuring that they make the right decisions regarding many facets of their business."

About WoodFuel.com:

WoodFuel.com is an innovative, business to business, e-commerce company that links buyers and suppliers of raw wood material online. WoodFuel.com also forms alliances with financial, equipment and transportation companies to provide a virtual pipeline of woodfuel products.

For more information visit www.WoodFuel.com.

For more information on BioLea$e contact:

John Contas

Tel: 603.431.7412

Email: jccontas@nh.ultranet.com

Web-site: www.biolease.com

For more information on WoodFuel.com contact:

Scott Mactier

Tel: 281.484.0052

Email: smactier@WoodFuel.com

Web-site: www.WoodFuel.com

Calvert County Department of Economic Development Launches New Web Site.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Calvert County Department of Economic Development announced the availability of their new Web site and E-mail address. The World Wide Web address is www.co.cal.md.us/cced; the e-mail address is cced@co.cal.md.us.

Visitors to the new site can expect a variety of new options including easier navigation and more customer-specific information. One of the site's most useful features is the new searchable database of over 2,000 Calvert County based businesses. This is a unique feature in the Greater Washington Region and is designed solely to help promote existing County business and to generate an awareness of Calvert's varied business base. Those businesses listed in the database with an Internet address are "hot linked" free of charge. Additionally, the new site offers a section specifically designed for site

location consultants. All information specifically related to site location decisions is available for download via a zip file.

The department which is responsible for economic development and tourism designed the site to be responsive to all of its customers. To ensure expedient navigation, the new site is divided into two main sections -- Business and Tourism. The About CCED section provides an overview of the department's advisory boards, contact information, including email addresses for staff, and access to their quarterly newsletter -- Calvert ED News. The division allows visitors to easily obtain information without traveling through tiers of unrelated pages. Each section also features buttons for location and climate, maps and directions, and relocation.

The business section offers five main categories: the basics, press announcements, meeting facilities, commercial real estate, and agriculture.

1. The Basics provides information specifically related to economic development i.e., incentives, quality of life, labor, utilities, and transportation.

2. Commercial Real Estate lists all available commercial properties in Calvert County, realtor contact information, and a commercial listing form for monthly updates.

3. Meeting Facilities provides a listing of available Calvert County meeting facilities including contact information, size of rooms and room capacity.

4. Press Announcements lists all press releases distributed by the department.

5. Agriculture provides an online farm product directory and information about Calvert County's Agriculture industry.

The Tourism section is broken into three main categories: Visitors Guide, Calendar of Events and Special Events.

1. The Visitors Guide provides an online directory of the county's visitor attractions, accommodations, outdoor activities, marine activities, parks and recreation, restaurants by location and cuisine. The Visitors Guide is one of the most popular features of the department's Internet site. Attractive photographs showcase the county's attractions and special events. Contact information, hours of operation and directions are included. A new feature included as part of the dining section includes a listing of restaurants that are accessible by water.

2. Calendar of Events provides an online directory of Calvert's annual events. Contact information, time and location are also included.

3. Special events provide an online directory of the county's special events. Contact information, time and location are also included.

The Relocation section, which is accessible from the business and tourism sections, is also a new feature of the department's Web site. Based on customer feedback, the department incorporated an overview of standard relocation information including: county government, auto and voter registration, education, housing, libraries, hospitals, trash disposal and recycling, and public transportation. A brief overview of services and contact information is provided.

In an effort to provide the most current information, the Economic Development staff continuously monitors and updates its Web site to keep the business community informed of current activities, events and news, and to determine what information is most useful to customers.

The Construction Crew, based in Lusby, Maryland, designed the site. The co-owners of the company, Ms. Sally Celmer and Ms. Vivian Horner, are pioneers in interactive media. The two women are residents of Calvert County and are a true example of a small technology company who utilizes electronic commerce, incorporating specialists from around the world to reduce production costs and to select the most appropriate talent to support their efforts. The Construction Crew has a variety of clients and is now working with a company in California developing a network of Web sites for children.

For further information, call the Calvert County Department of Economic Development at 800-331-9771, 410-535-4583, www.co.cal.md.us/cced or e-mail cced@co.cal.md.us.

NDS Set-Top Box Software Powers BSkyB's Sky+HD STB & Anytime+ VOD Service.

* NDS' advanced set-top box software enables innovative services for Sky subscribers across the UK and Ireland

* Includes Sky Anytime+ service, delivered over IP using NDS progressive download technology in both the headend and the STB

* Enables Sky to address changing customer demands with the ability to introduce additional functionality and services

LONDON -- NDS, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, today announced that BSkyB has deployed a customised implementation of NDS' advanced set-top box software for its Sky+HD boxes.

As well as enabling the launch of Sky's Anytime+ VOD service, the component based architecture of the set-top box software enables Sky to evolve the complete end-user experience to meet changing customer needs faster than ever.

Alun Webber, Managing Director of Product Design & Development at Sky, said: "With over 10 million subscribers in the UK and Ireland we are constantly working to ensure that our platform offers the best possible customer experience. Our collaboration with NDS to develop this set-top box software puts us in a great position to continually innovate, giving customers even more choice and control over how and when they consume the content that they love".

Sky Anytime+ complements the existing Sky Anytime push VOD service with a comprehensive catalogue of on-demand content available to Sky Broadband customers. Using NDS set-top box software and end-to-end progressive download technology to power its on demand service, Sky is able to deliver VOD content over Sky's own broadband network direct to the customer's set-top box.

Once enough content is delivered to the DVR, playback can commence - allowing for the remainder of the content to be delivered in the background, thus ensuring a consistent and reliable customer experience.

David Nabozny, Senior Vice President Major Accounts at NDS, added: "The Sky platform provides one of the most innovative pay-TV experiences in the world. Sky's deployment of NDS advanced set-top box software and progressive download technology is a perfect example of how a service provider can optimise its existing infrastructure to introduce value added services to enrich the subscriber offering."

Sky currently employs a number of technologies from NDS including VideoGuard[TM] Conditional Access (CA) and NDS XTV[TM], the DVR technology underpinning Sky+, which allows customers to pause and record live TV.

The new Sky Anytime+ service is available to Sky customers with a Sky+HD set-top box and Sky Broadband Everyday Lite or Sky Broadband Unlimited. Sky has been the UK's fastest growing Internet Service Provider (ISP) over the last four years.

About Sky

Sky entertains and excites more than 10.1 million homes through the most comprehensive multichannel, multi-platform television service in the UK and Ireland. Sky continues to break new ground with its own portfolio of channels: Sky 1 combines its commitment to UK production with the best of the US; Sky Living pushes ahead with fresh and innovative entertainment formats; Sky Arts is the UK's only dedicated arts channel brand; Sky Atlantic is the home to HBO and other iconic drama and comedy, Sky Sports is still raising the bar in sports broadcasting; Sky News remains a pioneer in television news; and Sky Movies is leading the way in High Definition and on-demand.

Sky also works with dozens of other broadcasters on the satellite platform, online and on mobile. Sky is now leading the UK into the age of high definition television with Sky+ HD and has launched Europe's first 3DTV channel, Sky 3D, as well as Sky Anytime+, its internet delivered video on demand service. The company is also the UK's fastest-growing broadband and home phone provider.

About NDS

NDS Group Ltd. creates the technologies and applications that enable pay-TV operators to securely deliver digital content to TV STBs (set-top boxes), DVRs (digital video recorders), PCs, mobiles and other multimedia devices. Over 80 of the world's leading pay-TV platforms rely on NDS solutions to protect and enhance their businesses. VideoGuard([R]) is the world's market-leading conditional access (CA) and digital rights management (DRM) technology, currently deployed on 150 million active devices, and safeguarding pay-TV service revenues exceeding $50 billion. NDS middleware, including MediaHighway([R])which enables a host of advanced services for subscribers, has been deployed on 180 million devices. NDS DVR technology, centred around XTV([TM]), leads the global industry with 38 million units deployed. (Deployment figures as of 31st March 2010).

Headquartered in the UK, NDS remains committed to investing in R&D with over 75% of its employees dedicated to pioneering work at development centres in China, France, India, Israel, Korea, UK and US. NDS has also implemented a host of initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and helping digital TV subscribers reduce energy consumption.

NDS Group Ltd. is a private company owned by the Permira Funds and News Corporation. See www.nds.com for more information.

Read about the latest developments at NDS and in the pay-TV industry in World Vision.

Click here for the NDS RSS feed or follow us on Twitter.

Mozambique - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts - 2011.

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/475a9e/mozambique_telec) has announced the addition of the "Mozambique - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts" report to their offering.

Convergence (voice/data, fixed/wireless/mobile).Almost two decades of peace and radical reforms have transformed Mozambique into one of the fastest and most consistently growing economies in the world. It escaped the global economic crisis with barely a dent in its GDP growth which is expected to stay above 7% from 2011 onwards.

The country was one of the first in the region to reform its telecommunications landscape, immediately after a long civil war ended in 1992. The mobile sub-sector has experienced excellent growth rates following the introduction of competition in 2003 between Vodacom Mozambique and mCel, the incumbent mobile subsidiary of the national telco, TDM.

However, market penetration is still well below the African average. The expected launch of Mobitel as the third mobile network in late 2011 is expected to deliver a boost to subscriber growth in the sector but also drive the average revenue per user (ARPU) lower again which had already stabilised following the introduction of mobile broadband services and higher tariffs.

The government is intent on introducing competition to the fixed-line sector as well, but it is hesitating to privatise TDM. All other services are open to competition, subject to licensing by the industry regulator, INCM.

Internet usage in the country has been hampered by the inadequate fixed-line infrastructure and the high cost of international bandwidth, but this market sector is now accelerating following the introduction of various kinds of broadband services including ADSL, cable modems, WiMAX and 3G mobile, and the landing of two international submarine fibre optic cables in the country (Seacom and EASSy). The lower cost of bandwidth has already led to drastic reductions in broadband retail prices. Further improvements can be expected from the ongoing rollout of a national fibre backbone network and plans for an alternative fibre infrastructure. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive summary

2. Key statistics

3. Telecommunications market

4. Regulatory environment

5. National fixed-network operator

6. International infrastructure

7. Internet market

8. Broadband market

9. Mobile communications

10. Forecasts

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/475a9e/mozambique_telec

Keywords: Backbone Network, Economics, Economies, Electronics, Mobile Broadband, Mobile Network, Networks, Research and Markets, Telecommunications.

This article was prepared by Telecommunications Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Telecommunications Weekly via VerticalNews.com.

US Soccer Coach Working to Promote Palestinian Women Athletics.

By Yara Yaish

RAMALLAH, May 31, 2011 (WAFA) -- Former US soccer player and current coach Sari Rose Tuesday said the media can play an important and essential role in promoting women sports.

She said during a meeting with Palestinian journalists in Ramallah that the media can encourage women sports by properly introducing it to the society at large.

She said newspapers and sports magazines can play a significant role in explaining the hidden reality of women sports through the focus on female players and clubs' achievements.

The American sports media, said Rose, was absent until the US had hosted the World Cup in 1994, stressing that it was one of the main reasons for the emergence of women clubs.

She said that a few years ago sports coverage used to concentrate on male sport activities, especially American football and baseball, saying that the media and the internet development contributed to defining female sports.

The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem, which hosted Rose's trip to the PalestinianTerritory, said in a statement that Rose's visit is part of an educational and cultural exchange program that focuses on women's health and sports.

During her visit, Rose will work with the Palestinian Soccer Federation, where she will conduct training sessions for coaches, as well as training sessions with 35 girls at the Frere school in Jerusalem. She will also attend matches between girls' soccer teams, and conduct a workshop with summer camp leaders.

Sari Rose is a premier athlete who played on a highly-ranked WakeForestUniversity team from 1994-1998, before moving on to play professional soccer for the Philadelphia Frenzy. She coached several university-level soccer teams in the U.S.

Currently she is the Director of Coaching for the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association, and responsible for coaching education and Olympic development.

Y.Y./M.A.

2011 Palestine News & Information Agency (WAFA). All rights reserved.

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

BGT Partners Marks 15th Anniversary with Key Accolades & Major Client Wins.

BGT Partners, a leading global independent interactive marketing agency, celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2011 with key accolades and major national client wins. BGT was recently named an Ad Age Best Place to Work, a Top Agency by Forrester and BtoB and the #1 Best Place to Work by the South Florida Business Journal. BGT also won over 100 awards for superior Web design in the last year and has averaged over 30% annual revenue growth during the last five years.

"2010 was an incredible year, and 2011 is also looking to be outstanding," said David Clarke, BGT's Co-Founder and Managing Partner. "Our success is made possible by the dedication of the BGT team, and I'm constantly impressed by their talent and passion."

As marketers continue to shift more of their efforts to digital, BGT's continued focus on delivering results-oriented interactive marketing programs is finding new avenues of success. Strong ongoing relationships with clients such as ADT, Carnival, Sony, Kaplan University, Smucker's, Darden Restaurants and Agilent are a testament to BGT's creative, data-driven interactive initiatives.

To accommodate ensuing staff growth, BGT will move its global headquarters to a 27,000-square-foot space in The Village at Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, Florida. The custom-designed facility will constitute one of the largest interactive agency headquarters in the Southeast, housing over 200 staff members. BGT will also be making continued investments in Chicago, where the team is expanding its space to meet the needs of over 50 professionals.

A main driver for BGT's growth has been tremendous recognition for its Web design and development. In 2010 alone BGT received over 100 awards from the world's top competitions, including: the Stevies, WebAwards, Daveys, Communicator Awards, Internet Advertising Competition, Addys and Sitecore Site of the Year Awards.

Keywords: Advertising, BGT Partners, Marketing.

This article was prepared by Marketing Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Marketing Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.

HireVue Chief Operating Officer Co-Authors Article for IHRIM Journal.

Video interviewing pioneer HireVue reaffirms its leadership in HR technology innovation with an article in the most recent IHRIM Journal (Volume VIII, Number 6) which focuses on technology innovation in talent management. Authored by HireVue Chief Operating Officer and Penn State faculty member Chip Luman and PathPoint Consulting Practice Leader Dr. Van M. Latham, the article titled "Video Interviewing: Spearheading a Fundamental Shift in Talent Acquisition" was selected for publication by the IHRIM Journal after careful consideration of its research and relevance to the journal's audience.

"Talent Acquisition is undergoing a major shift right now," says Dr. Latham. "The interview process in particular has changed little in the past 25 years. It took a recession to get employers thinking about new ways to innovate in the interview process and video interviewing from providers like HireVue seems to be having the greatest impact."

HireVue's solutions include both one-way virtual and four-way live video interviews that are securely recorded to the HireVue system and used to screen candidates in the hiring process. HireVue's proprietary candidate evaluation tools to easily compare, contrast, and assess talent using the captured video interviews.

"When people are first exposed to video interviewing, they recognize the potential savings on interview travel-related costs immediately," says Chip Luman. "Of course that's important, but consider the cost of one mis-hire. It can run as much as 28 times base salary. This article shows how video interviewing helps to keep this from happening by improving quality of hire and the overall talent acquisition process. We're honored the IHRIM Journal selection committee recognized the importance of this message and included it in the journal."

Mr. Luman and Dr. Latham will present the article and show off the HireVue solution in a webinar titled "Video Changes Everything" today at 11 AM Pacific, 2 PM Eastern. To register for the webinar, go to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/118063290. About HireVue HireVue is the world's leading online video interviewing and decision management solution. The HireVue platform allows employers to conduct and capture video interviews over the Internet to better recognize and hire top talent. Employers like Wal-Mart and PNC Bank use HireVue to capture video interviews from all over the world, eliminate interview scheduling, reduce costs, and improve the candidate and hiring manager experience. Used in over 110 countries, HireVue combines superior service with superior solutions to power any video used in the hiring process anywhere in the world. HireVue is the recipient of the prestigious HR Product of the Year for 2009 awarded by Human Resources Executive[R] Magazine. For more information, please visit http://www.hirevue.com or call (800) 655-4106.

For up-to-the-minute news and information, follow HireVue on Twitter http://twitter.com/hirevueinc or Facebook http://bit.ly/9ucX6B. About IHRIM Since 1980, the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM), the world's leading HRIM clearinghouse, has been uniting a dynamic group of practitioners, vendors, consultants, students and faculty to share best practices and the latest technological trends. The IHRIM Journal is one of many vehicles for this exchange. Through membership, educational programming, listservs, CORE, certification, networking forums and IHRIM's annual conference, HRIM professionals can receive valuable knowledge that will enhance both their own careers and their companies' success.

For more information about IHRIM (International Association for Human Resource Information Management) and its products and services, please visit www.ihrim.org.

Keywords: Data Management, HireVue, Information Management, Information Technology.

This article was prepared by Information Technology Newsweekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, Information Technology Newsweekly via VerticalNews.com.

3Di Closes $5 Million Funding Round.

3Di, Inc., developer and provider of 3D Internet solutions, reported it has successfully closed a funding round worth approximately $5 million (or 500 million yen) with NTT Investment Partners and ngi group.

NTT Investment Partners is 3Di's capital alliance partner and ngi group is 3Di's parent company.

With the funding from NTT-IP and ngi, 3Di said it will actively expand its businesses in the 3D Internet field by strengthening its functions and expanding its service line-ups such as 3D advertisement systems.

Of the capital increase of approximately 500 million yen, 249.827 million yen will be added to its capital stock, making the total amount of its capital stock 444.4975 million yen.

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

Plenty of good sports run for finish line at dog dash.(City/Region)(Pooches and their owners wear all manner of costumes in the annual Monster Dash's 5K-9 run)

Byline: Laura Ruggeri The Register-Guard

Bees and sharks and Cindi Lauper, oh my!

Those were just some of the costumes worn by dogs and humans during Saturday's Monster Dash in Eugene, sponsored by The Slocum Foundation and Team Ortho, a nonprofit organization focused on orthopedic research.

This year's second annual event featured a 10-mile run in addition to a 5K fun run and walk, and the 5K-9 doggie dash.

The first person to cross the finish line with a dog was Colleen Wedin of Eugene and her black lab, Porter, who were the defending champions from 2007.

Wedin sported a painted face, black running tights with white bones painted down the legs and bone gloves. She had painted white bones onto Porter's black fur as well.

He doesn't like to wear stuff, Wedin said of Porter, adding that he prefers to run naked. "We could feel it in our bones today was going to be a good run," she said.

Wedin and Porter finished in 20 minutes, 14 seconds, their fastest time ever, she said.

Other winners included Jason Tavakolian of Eugene in the men's 10-mile, Shannon Harty of Eugene in the women's 10-mile, Todd Bosworth of Eugene in the men's 5K and Beth Armstrong of McMinnville in the women's 5K.

Inspired by one of her favorite shows, "Deadliest Catch," Amanda Gomez dressed in yellow plastic overalls and raced with her Doxie, Lita, dressed in a lobster costume.

Gomez found the lobster costume on the Internet, she said, adding that last year they ran together as cavewoman and dino dog.

As for the overalls, "the plastic holds the heat in," Gomez said.

Beckie Ard reused part of an old costume she made last year for an event in Bend called the Pole, Pedal, Paddle. It was a shark head made with spray insulation and silver glittery fabric. It was pretty light, she said, but it did jiggle while she and her golden retriever/lab, Kitty, walked the race.

The head of the shark sat on the front of the kayak in the multi-sport event last year, but Ard had it perched on her shoulders during the Monster Dash. Kitty also sported a shark costume, complete with fin, although not as elaborate as Ard's.

It was Ard's first year in the Monster Dash.

"It was really fun," she said. "I've never been to a race where they gave out candy."

It was Heidi Knight Meigs' first time at the Monster Dash as well. Knight Meigs, her 8-year-old daughter, Savannah Knight Meigs, and their lemon Beagle, Scout, all participated in the race dressed as pop star Cindi Lauper. The trio's theme was "Girls just want to have fun run," Knight Meigs said. They came up with the motto in the car on the way to the race, she said.

Scout didn't have any wardrobe malfunctions, Knight Meigs said.

"I'm so proud of her for tolerating this today and humoring us," she said.

Missy Bates and her black lab mix, Mateo, were running in the race for the second year. Bates was dressed as a beehive and Mateo as a bee, complete with pipe cleaner antenna. Bates said she and Mateo run together all the time. For the Monster Dash, she and her friend, Sarah Foster, ran together, along with Foster's dog, Brody.

Foster was dressed as a bee and Brody as a ladybug.

Brody was going to be a bee too, but his costume didn't fit, Foster said.

She made a last-minute trip to Fred Meyer and found the last small dog costume they had, which was a ladybug, she said.

Last year, Foster and Bates ran as firefighters and dressed Mateo as a Dalmation, Foster said. She is 4' months pregnant so they're already figuring out how to decorate the stroller for next year, she said.

"We get so into it, but it's so fun," Foster said.

DPD Deutscher Paket Dienst GmbH & Co.KG - Leading European Parcel Service Company Chooses BroadVision Commerce Agility Suite 8.1.

Personalized, Self-Service Experience for Customers and Employees

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- BroadVision, Inc., (OTCBB:BVSN) a global provider of e-business solutions, announced today that DPD, one of Europe's leading parcel carriers, selected BroadVision[R] CAS[TM] (Commerce Agility Suite[TM]) 8.1 as the web platform and application for global deployment of its new Internet presence www.dpd.com and the new e-commerce applications.

"We have developed DPD from a company serving domestic markets to a real international organization. We're focusing on expanding the network and offering our customers a homogeneous product portfolio with international products and fully integrated services," says Dr. Pia-Maria Zecevic, Director Communications of DPD. "BroadVision enables us to create a multi-language site with an integrated system and application architecture. Ease of web content management; reusable components; and reduced maintenance and administrative overhead made the decision easy to go with BroadVision's solution suite."

"We are pleased that DPD, a leading European parcel provider, selected our innovative BroadVision Commerce Agility Suite as its web platform," said Andrea Rubei, General Manager of EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), BroadVision, Inc. "BroadVision Commerce Agility Suite is a proven integrated platform for strategic companies that want superior flexibility, scalability and cost-effective components."

DPD also chose BroadVision Global Services to implement the project.

About BroadVision 8.1

BroadVision 8.1 incorporates the K2 (Kona * Kukini) methodology, a rapid implementation paradigm that dramatically speeds up the application development lifecycle, resulting in significant productivity improvements for customers. To help its customers harness these benefits, BroadVision developed the K2 Methodology, or K2M[TM], based on best practices accumulated from the company's 14-plus years of e-business project experience. The methodology emphasizes a "time-boxed" approach, iterated throughout all phases of a project's lifecycle. It follows the 80-20 principle, replacing much of the effort expended on hard coding with simpler configuration and assembly of reusable Kona objects and Kukini patterns. Laborious coding, which represents 80 percent of the work, is delegated to "role players" - freeing high-end resources to focus on the inevitable, but more challenging, "one-off" programming tasks representing 20 percent of the work. Field implementations of K2M have demonstrated substantial time-to-market gains and convincing cost savings across a wide spectrum of e-business initiatives.

About DPD

With the daily transport of more than 1.4 million parcels in a seamless international network, DPD GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading parcel service providers in Europe. This global franchisor based in Aschaffenburg, Germany offers a wide product portfolio both domestically and abroad through its franchisees. The offer ranges from standard and Express parcels right through to individual customer solutions. In approximately 500 depots in 38 countries, more than 22,000 employees and 15,000 vehicles are working to serve 200,000 commercial customers. Heading DPD GmbH & Co. KG are the two CEOs Hans Fluri and Arnold Schroven. The French GeoPost Group holds the majority of shares in DPD, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of French postal company La Poste, also a BroadVision Commerce customer.

About BroadVision

Driving innovation since 1993, BroadVision is a global provider of e-business solutions. Our modular applications and agile toolsets, built on a robust framework for personalization and self-service, power mission-critical web initiatives that deliver unparalleled value to diverse customers worldwide. Hundreds of organizations, serving over 50 million registered users -- including Baker Hughes, BioRad Laboratories, Citibank, Finnair, Hilti, Iberia, ING Bank, Prime Polymer, Vodafone and Xerox -- rely on BroadVision as their platform of choice for e-business.

For more information about BroadVision, Inc., call 650.331-1000, email ir1@broadvision.com or visit www.broadvision.com.

BroadVision, BroadVision CAS, BroadVision Commerce Agility Suite, K2, Kona*Kukini, K2 Methodology and K2M are trademarks or registered trademarks of BroadVision, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

Above All Software Delivers SAP Order Management for Salesforce.com's AppExchange; Salesforce.com Customers Can Now Deploy SAP Order Management for AppExchange Directly Within Their Salesforce.com Implementations.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Above All Software, a provider of award-winning business integration software, and salesforce.com (NYSE:CRM), the market and technology leader in on-demand business services, today announced the availability of SAP Order Management for AppExchange from Above All Software. SAP Order Management for AppExchange provides companies with automated integration with SAP orders to speed the sales process, create new revenue opportunities and reduce errors. Built on the AppExchange on-demand platform, SAP Order Management for AppExchange from Above All Software is immediately available for test drive at http://www.salesforce.com/appexchange/detail_overview.jsp?NavCode__c= MF37&id=a0330000001FsGHAA0 (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.). The announcement was made today at Appforce, salesforce.com's first annual AppExchange partner, user and developer conference.

With this new AppExchange solution, salesforce.com customers can now deploy Above All's popular integration solution to enable their sales groups to interact in real-time with SAP Order Management to create, update and view sales order information, all within the context of the salesforce.com user interface. Enterprises can rapidly deploy integrated solutions in just weeks. Key benefits include:

--Minimal learning curve for users: Because this AppExchange solution can be deployed within the salesforce.com user interface, end users do not have to know or understand the inner workings of SAP which minimizes training costs and spurs user adoption.

--360-degree interactivity: SAP Order Management for AppExchange provides query, update, insert or delete capabilities against the underlying SAP and salesforce.com system, increasing account manager productivity and giving them deep insight into customer purchasing patterns.

--Automate manual processes: SAP Order Management for AppExchange automates the sales process, eliminates duplicate data entry and minimizes potential for additional errors.

"Above All and salesforce.com have numerous mutual customers that have already realized the business benefits of integrating salesforce.com with a variety of back-office systems, including order management, finance, customer support and inventory," said Jon Temple, President and CEO of Above All Software. "Repeated customer requests to expose SAP functionality and data within salesforce.com made this an obvious AppExchange solution. We intend to expand our portfolio of AppExchange solutions with other targeted offerings."

Customers such as PGP Corporation, United Way and others have reaped the business benefits of extending their salesforce.com implementation to incorporate order management functionality through composite applications. These composite applications streamline the entire opportunity-to-order process, improve operational efficiency and create incremental revenue opportunities.

"The AppExchange on-demand platform has witnessed very rapid adoption amongst customers and partners alike," said Bobby Napiltonia, senior vice president, worldwide channels and alliances, salesforce.com. "Integration remains a critical need for our customers and Above All has delivered an intuitive and powerful AppExchange solution that eases integration between Salesforce and SAP."

SAP Order Management for AppExchange from Above All Software is one of more than 250 applications created by salesforce.com, its customers and partners that are now available on the salesforce.com AppExchange, the world's first on-demand application platform. AppExchange provides unprecedented ease of customization and integration for Salesforce deployments, as well as enabling a whole new generation of on-demand applications that go beyond CRM. AppExchange enables all of these on-demand applications to be easily shared, exchanged and installed with one click into a customer's salesforce.com account. AppExchange can be found at http://www.salesforce.com/appexchange.

About Above All Software

Above All Software provides award-winning software for rapid composite application assembly and delivery, enabling companies to leverage a service-oriented architecture to meet changing business needs. This new, flexible service-level approach simplifies and reduces the cost of business integration. Above All's customers include Bell Canada, CSA, Hilton, Medtronic, and NASDAQ. Above All has alliances with some of the leading names in software, including Good Technology, Microsoft, salesforce.com, and Siebel Systems/Oracle. Headquartered in Redwood Shores, CA, Above All is privately held. For more information about Above All, visit our Web site at www.aboveallsoftware.com or call 800-819-5530.

About salesforce.com

Salesforce.com is the market and technology leader in on-demand business services. The company's Salesforce suite of on-demand applications enables customers to manage and share all of their sales, support, marketing and partner information on-demand. AppExchange, salesforce.com's on-demand platform, allows customers and partners to build powerful new applications quickly and easily, customize and integrate the Salesforce suite to meet their unique business needs, and distribute and sell on-demand apps at www.appexchange.com. Customers can also take advantage of Successforce, salesforce.com's world-class training, support, consulting and best practices offerings.

As of April 30, 2006, salesforce.com manages customer information for approximately 22,700 customers and approximately 444,000 paying subscribers including Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), America Online (AOL), Avis/Budget Rent A Car (Cendant Rental Car Group), Dow Jones Newswires, Nokia, Polycom and SunTrust. Any unreleased services or features referenced in this or other press releases or public statements are not currently available and may not be delivered on time or at all. Customers who purchase salesforce.com applications should make their purchase decisions based upon features that are currently available. Salesforce.com has headquarters in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and Asia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CRM". For more information please visit http://www.salesforce.com, or call 1-800-NO-SOFTWARE.

Salesforce.com is a registered trademark of, and AppExchange and Successforce are trademarks of salesforce.com, Inc., San Francisco, California. Other names used may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Above All is a registered trademark of Above All Software in the United States and/or other countries.

TransCanada Third Quarter 2002 Teleconference and Web Cast Advisory.

(TSX:TRP) - TransCanada PipeLines Limited will release its third quarter 2002 financial results in the morning of Tuesday, October 29, 2002. Analysts, members of the media and other interested parties are invited to participate in a teleconference and audio web cast, October 29, 2002 at 1 p.m. (Mountain) / 3 p.m. (Eastern) to discuss the third quarter 2002 financial results, general developments and issues concerning the company.

To participate, please call 1-800-273-9672 or 416-695-5806 (Toronto area). Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. No passcode is required. A live audio web cast of the teleconference will also be available on TransCanada's web site (http://www.transcanada.com/).

The conference will begin with a short address by members of TransCanada's executive management, followed by a question and answer period for investment analysts. A question and answer period for members of the media will immediately follow.

A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until midnight, November 5, 2002. Please call 1-800-408-3053 or 416-695-5800 (Toronto area) and enter passcode 1291106. The web cast will be archived and available for replay.

TransCanada is a leading North American energy company. It is focused on natural gas transmission and power services with employees who are expert in these businesses. The company's network of approximately 38,000 kilometres of pipeline transports the majority of western Canada's natural gas production to the fastest growing markets in Canada and the United States. TransCanada owns, controls, manages or is constructing facilities for approximately 2,250 megawatts of power -- an amount of power that can meet the needs of more than two million average households. The company's common shares trade under the symbol TRP on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. Visit us on the internet at http://www.transcanada.com/ for more information.

CONTACT: Media Inquiries: Glenn Herchak/Kurt Kadatz, (403) 920-7877; Investor & Analyst Inquiries: David Moneta/Debbie Persad, (403) 920-7911

Profits Rise 24 Percent for Buffalo, N.Y.-Based Packaging Firm.

Byline: Matt Glynn

Apr. 28--Mod-Pac Corp.'s first quarter profits rose 24 percent, helped by strong sales in its commercial printing line.

The Buffalo-based printing and packaging company earned $654,000, or 17 cents per share. Its sales increased 26 percent to $11.6 million.

Daniel G. Keane, the company's president and chief executive officer, said Mod-Pac generated strong business through its relationship with Internet marketing firm VistaPrint.com, its sole commercial printing line customer. Sales in that segment increased more than $1 million to $4 million.

VistaPrint.com has shifted some of its work to a supplier in Europe. But Mod-Pac still has seven years left on its long-term supply agreement with the company and expects it will remain a steady source of revenue, said C. Anthony Rider, Mod-Pac's chief financial officer.

Sales for Mod-Pac's custom folding carton product line increased 26 percent to $3.9 million.

The company's quarterly results partly reflect the investment the company made in additional production equipment last year, Keane said. He expects Mod-Pac's overall sales to increase 15 percent to 18 percent this year.

Rider said Mod-Pac has emphasized its ability to quickly convert a custom order into a printable format and complete the job with a short turnaround time.

While large printers tend to focus on long production runs of bigger boxes, such as cereal cartons, Mod-Pac is willing to take on smaller runs of smaller-size containers, such as for spark plugs or health and beauty items, Rider said.

To see more of The Buffalo News, N.Y., or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.buffalonews.com.

(c) 2004, The Buffalo News, N.Y. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

TICKER SYMBOL(S): MPAC