Vic: Arsonists could face murder charge: police

AAP General News (Australia)
02-08-2009
Vic: Arsonists could face murder charge: police

MELBOURNE, Feb 8 AAP - Arsonists charged over Victoria's bushfires could face murder
charges, police say.

Thirty-five people are already confirmed to have died in the fires which struck communities
across Victoria over the weekend.

Police have warned to expect more fatalities.

Victoria Police Deputy Chief Commissioner Kieran Walshe has said some of the fires
are believed to have been deliberately lit, but would not say which ones.

A police spokeswoman said anyone found …

Level 3 Signs Agreement with Extreme Reach

Wireless News
06-28-2011
Level 3 Signs Agreement with Extreme Reach
Type: News

Level 3 Communications announced that it has signed an agreement with Extreme Reach, a provider of video advertising solutions, to support its production and distribution of digital video advertising.

"Our company is expanding rapidly, and we need a network partner that will not only grow with us, but also provide the level of service that enables us to expand our capabilities," said Tim Conley, COO of Extreme Reach, in release.
"Level 3's network services offer us a compelling solution for efficiently connecting our new Burbank production facility. Working with them will enable us to further optimize our business processes and improve our competitive position in the marketplace."

Under the terms of the agreement, Level 3 is providing the company with high-speed dedicated Internet access.

Extreme Reach will leverage Level 3's Internet services in a new facility located in Burbank, Calif., that will facilitate the company's in-house production services and capabilities.

Extreme Reach will use Level 3's services to optimize its digital delivery of advertising content in support of the company's initiatives.

"Our agreement with Extreme Reach illustrates the increasing influence of high-quality digital content as a communication tool in advertising and beyond, and this content explosion necessitates network solutions that support the intense bandwidth requirements." said Andrew Crouch, president of Sales for Level 3. "We are delighted that our network services are able to support Extreme Reach's customers' needs for a robust digital video advertising management and distribution solution."

Extreme Reach is a provider of video advertising management and distribution solutions.

Level 3 Communications is a provider of fiber-based communications services.

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

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

NSW:Man dies after being hit by bus

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2011
NSW:Man dies after being hit by bus

SYDNEY, Dec 6 AAP - A 60-year-old man has died after being hit by a bus in Sydney's east.

Police found the man's body in the northbound lanes of Anzac Parade in Maroubra just
after midnight (AEDT).

The bus driver was taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests.

AAP mdg/jmt

KEYWORD: TOLL NSW

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

NSW:Disqualified driver caught out:police

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2011
NSW:Disqualified driver caught out:police

A disqualified driver has been caught behind the wheel of an unregistered car with
stolen number plates in far northern New South Wales.

The car was spotted driving along Minjungbal Drive at Tweed Heads South .. at about
four yesterday afternoon.

Police later found the car in a nearby car park where they spoke to the driver .. discovering
his licence has been disqualified until May 2016 and that the Queensland number plates
had been stolen from an automotive shop last month.

The 30 year-old has since been charged with numerous driving offences and ordered to
face Tweed Heads local court on April 18.

AAP RTV bc/kl/sm/sw/

KEYWORD: UNREGISTERED (SYDNEY)

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

QLD:Men charged over shooting club robbery

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2010
QLD:Men charged over shooting club robbery

Four people have been charged over the theft of handguns from a Brisbane shooting club
.. but police don't believe the guns are linked to weekend shootings on the Gold Coast.

Police allege two men .. one armed with a rifle .. stole 24 handguns .. ammunition
and cash from the Sporting Shooters Association's Belmont club a week ago.

The men were charged after police netted 14 of the handguns and ammunition during a
search of a Cornubia property.

Another two men have also been charged with weapons and drug offences.

Anyone with information about the remaining handguns is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

AAP RTV gd/jen/

KEYWORD: GUNS (BRISBANE)

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

QLD:Police officer accidentally shot

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2010
QLD:Police officer accidentally shot

A Queensland police officer is being treated in hospital after a service pistol accidentally
discharged into his face.

The 41-year-old senior constable from Metro North was at the gun safe at Albany Creek
police station .. in Brisbane's north .. when the pistol discharged .. causing shrapnel
wounds to his face.

He's been taken to St Andrew's Hospital for treatment on superficial facial injuries.

AAP RTV pjo/af

KEYWORD: PISTOL (BRISBANE)

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

WA: Main stories in today's The West Australian

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-2009
WA: Main stories in today's The West Australian

PERTH, Dec 21 AAP - Main stories in Monday's The West Australian newspaper:

Page 1: Power-guzzling households may be forced to pay higher electricity prices next
year under an overhaul being considered by the state government.

Page 3: The distraught family of a Perth musician who died of a suspected drug overdose
is believed to have flown to Hong Kong to collect his body.

Page 4/5: The WA chapter of the Sisters of St Joseph are jubilant the woman who founded
their religious institute will become Australia's first saint; Church bells have resounded
across the country with the news of Mary MacKillop's upcoming sainthood.

World: One of the worst storms in decades blanketed much of the eastern US, with more
than 30 centimetres of snow on Saturday (Washington).

Business: Less than a year after choosing Perth as its headquarters, US mining company
Cliffs Natural Resources is expanding in Australia with plans to move beyond its traditional
iron ore and coal focus.

Sport: West Indian captain Chris Gayle's hot streak with the bat is set to deliver
WACA officials a bumper Twenty20 crowd next week.

AAP ap/cjb

KEYWORD: MONITOR FRONTERS WA

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

Main stories in today's 0745 ABC news

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2009
Main stories in today's 0745 ABC news

SYDNEY, Aug 12 AAP - Main stories in today's 0745 ABC news:

- The search resumes for a plane carrying nine Australians that disappeared on the
way to the Kokoda track in Papua New Guinea.

- A pilot with 25 years experience in Papua New Guinea says he is mystified as to what
went wrong.

- Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has told Channel 7 that government officials have contacted
families of the Australians on board.

- The federal government has condemned the decision to sentence Burma's pro-democracy
campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi to further house arrest.

- The UN Security Council is holding closed door meetings to discuss the further house
arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi.

- The NSW ALP has carried out polling to test the suitability of alternative leaders.

- Western Sydney councils are looking for major transport and infrastructure commitments
from the Premier Nathan Rees when he delivers a speech on Wednesday.

- The NSW government is accused of ignoring the pollution and health concerns of Sydney
residents by approving a new gas-fired power station.

- The senate debate over the federal government's proposed emissions trading scheme
has become heated and personal.

- Six men have been charged with murder over the fatal bikie brawl at Sydney airport
earlier this year.

- St George forward Justin Poore risks a three-week ban when he heads to the NRL judiciary
on Wednesday night, for a dangerous throw charge.

AAP bm/

KEYWORD: MONITOR 0745 ABC SYDNEY

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

FED: Babies of smoking mums find it harder to wake up: Study

AAP General News (Australia)
04-02-2009
FED: Babies of smoking mums find it harder to wake up: Study

A Melbourne study's found babies born to smoking mums find it harder to wake up.

The Australian researchers are investigating the link between cigarettes and Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome.

The study's found babies in homes where the mother smoked up to 20 cigarettes daily
.. during and after the pregancy .. perform poorer on arousal tests.

Associate Professor ROSEMARY HORNE says the research sheds new light on why smoking
is emerging as a leading cause of SIDS .. after most mums have responded to the message
to not put their baby to sleep stomach down.

Professor HORNE says even though the babies of mums who smoke appear perfectly well
.. healthy and normal .. they don't wake up as well.

She says studies have shown up to 70 per cent of children who die from SIDS have exposure
to maternal smoking.

The study's been published in the journal SLEEP.

AAP RTV dr/crh/tm

KEYWORD: SMOKE (SYDNEY)

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

Fed: Report details death of Aust soldier in Afghanistan

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2008
Fed: Report details death of Aust soldier in Afghanistan

By Max Blenkin

CANBERRA, Aug 29 AAP - An Australian commando killed in Afghanistan died instantly
from a single gunshot to the head in the opening moments of an enemy ambush, a defence
inquiry has found.

Lance Corporal Jason Marks, 27, a member of the 4RAR Commando Battalion, was the fifth
Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002. A sixth has since died.

Defence said another four soldiers received gunshot wounds in the exchange of fire on April 27.

One soldier suffered three gunshot wounds to his lower back and left leg as went to Marks' aid.

A number of the enemy also were killed and wounded in the attack.

The ambush came as members of the Australian special operations task group conducted
an operation south-east of their base at Tarin Kowt in Oruzgan Province.

The Australian soldiers left their vehicle and patrolled on foot along a valley track
to clear away any improvised explosive devices.

An enemy group then opened fire from concealed positions within trees and buildings
using automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades.

Marks was fatally wounded within the first 60-90 seconds of the exchange. At the time
of his death, he was wearing body armour but no helmet.

The fatal bullet struck his head at a place which, in any case, would not have been
protected by a helmet, defence said.

The wound also was such that no medical intervention could have saved his life.

"Lance Corporal Marks was killed conducting a combat operation in an extremely demanding
environment," vice-chief of the Australian Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley,
said.

"A thorough inquiry was undertaken into his death.

"The inquiry officer looked at equipment, training, the operational situation and available
support on the day of the incident to ascertain if there was anything that could have
been done to prevent Lance Corporal Marks' death."

The report said intelligence had indicated there was only a small number of enemy in
the valley and had dismissed significant enemy ground action.

That the enemy managed to evade coalition reconnaissance was testimony to their skill
rather than any weakness in planning for this operation, the report said.

AAP mb/rl/cjh/nf

KEYWORD: MARKS

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

Fed: Olympic flame starts relay = 15

AAP General News (Australia)
04-24-2008
Fed: Olympic flame starts relay = 15

Pro-Tibet protester Marion Vecourcay said she felt frightened and threatened by the
Chinese demonstrators.

"They mobbed the sign, they were really aggressive, insulting and swearing," she said.

"They said we have no right to be here but I live up the street.

"It was just a mob mentality."

Pro-China demonstrator Jeff Li yelled at the pro-Tibetan supporters: "The Dalai Lama
is a hypocrite, a liar, an ugly man."

Mr Li said the pro Tibet protesters were ill-informed.

"These people are idiots, they know nothing about China's history," Mr Li said.

MORE ca/sb/imc/bwl

KEYWORD: OLY08 FLAME LIT 15 CANBERRA

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

Vic: Three die in freeway crash

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2007
Vic: Three die in freeway crash

Victoria Police say the Hume Freeway in the state's north is partly closed .. following
an accident that's killed three people.

They say northbound lanes have been closed near Glenrowan since the crash at about
11.45 (AEDT) this morning.

The deaths have taken Victoria's road toll to 320 .. three fewer than for the same
time last year.

A semi-trailer carrying gas cylinders collided with three cars just outside a McDonald's
restaurant at Glenrowan.

Senior Constable MIA PATERSON says a southbound car crossed the median strip into the
path of the truck.

She says the two people in the car were killed .. and the truck driver was thrown from
the truck and also died.

Two other vehicles travelling north were also hit .. but the occupants escaped with
minor injuries.

AAP RTV jat/gfr/tm/bart

KEYWORD: TOLL VIC (MELBOURNE)

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

Fed: Demand for housing loans rises for 7th straight month =2

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2007
Fed: Demand for housing loans rises for 7th straight month =2

Despite this surge of interest to get a home loan, there is little sign of housing
affordability getting any easier, particularly after today's rate rise.

The ABS's house price index for the June quarter shows house prices in capitals across
the nation on average grew 3.2 per cent, the fastest pace of growth in a year. Annually,
prices rose 9.2 per cent.

Notably, house prices in Sydney grew at their fastest pace since the tail end of the
housing boom in late 2003, rising 2.3 per cent in the three months to June.

Elsewhere, house prices in Melbourne rose 5.0 per cent in the June quarter, in Brisbane
they rose 6.5 per cent and in Adelaide they rose 5.7 per cent.

In Hobart they rose 2.3 per cent and in Canberra 2.9 per cent.

However, in the resources boom capital of Perth they fell 0.9 per cent, and in Darwin
they declined 1.4 per cent.

AAP cb/sb/apm

KEYWORD: ECONOMY LOANS 2 CANBERRA

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

NSW: Meakin to face court in April on drink driving charge

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2007
NSW: Meakin to face court in April on drink driving charge

SYDNEY, Feb 15 AAP - A hearing date has been set for a case involving a television
news executive charged over a drink driving offence in October last year.

The Seven Network's head of news and current affairs Peter Meakin will face Manly Local
Court on April 16 after a hearing date was set in the same court today.

Mr Meakin has been charged with three offences after returning a blood alcohol reading
of 0.10, twice the legal limit, on Sydney's northern beaches on October 4.

Last month he pleaded guilty to a charge of mid-range drink driving, but not guilty
to the other charges of driving recklessly or dangerously and disobeying a signal to stop
for a breath test.

It is the second time Meakin, who did not appear in court today, has been charged with
drink driving.

The 64-year-old has a previous conviction, having driven with a blood alcohol level
of 0.145 in November 2004, nearly three times the legal limit.

AAP ab/kaj/klw/it/cdh

KEYWORD: MEAKIN

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

Fed: Missing soldiers - a hope of coming home

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2006
Fed: Missing soldiers - a hope of coming home

By Max Blenkin, Defence Correspondent

CANBERRA, Aug 29 AAP - The bodies of two Australian soldiers killed in Vietnam more
than 40 years ago could finally be coming home.

Jim Bourke, the man charged with leading a recovery mission to find the men, is tipping
a better then even chance their bodies will be found.

Mr Bourke, a Vietnam veteran and president of the group Operation Aussies Home, said
next year's mission would use ground penetrating radar to search a site where it was believed
Lance Corporal Richard "Tiny" Parker, 24, and Private Peter Gillson, 20, were buried in
1965.

They are two of six Australians missing in action from the Vietnam war. All were almost
certainly killed and their bodies remain unrecovered to this day.

Lance Corp Parker and Pte Gillson were shot dead by Viet Cong forces on November 8, 1965.

Intense enemy fire halted repeated attempts to retrieve their bodies and their mates
reluctantly withdrew when ordered.

Mr Bourke said crucial information gained from a former enemy soldier earlier this
year was that the pair had been buried the following morning a short distance from where
they died.

A key concern was that the bodies might have been moved some distance, then buried,
or even relocated after the war.

Mr Bourke said nobody knew of them having been moved.

However, there is still a 1km discrepancy between Australian and VC accounts of where
the action took place in jungle about 60km north-east of Saigon, renamed Ho Chi Minh City
after the war.

Mr Bourke believes the Australian accounts are more likely and has narrowed the search
to an 80 by 300 metre area.

The former enemy soldier recounted that the two diggers were buried head to toe in a trench.

"I am as sure as anyone can be that we actually have the right piece of ground where
the loss incident took place," Mr Bourke said.

"If they are there, the probability of us finding them is pretty good.

"If they were buried in a trench, the trench would have run across the hill along
a contour line."

Using a search pattern up and down the slope, the radar should be able to detect filled-in
trenches from variations in earth density.

"If we have got the right area marked out, the probability of us finding them with
the ground penetrating radar is pretty good," Mr Bourke said.

"I'd say there is an 80 per cent chance."

Mr Bourke said the two week expedition would be mounted during the Vietnamese dry season
in January or February.

He said the ground penetrating radar would be operated by an expert from the Australian
National University in Canberra.

"We are furiously trying to raise money," he said. "A private backer in Queensland
kicked in $40,000 and the government then decided they should really do something so
they kicked in $37,500.

"We did one expedition in November 2005 and that cost us about $15,000 out of our own
pockets. The last trip in May cost us around $21,000.

"I am hoping to get out of the next trip under $20,000. It's not all that expensive
and I don't know why someone hasn't done it before."

AAP mb/so/cjh/bwl

KEYWORD: MISSING

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

Fed: Inattention or faulty gun may have caused death: ADA

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2006
Fed: Inattention or faulty gun may have caused death: ADA

SYDNEY, April 22 AAP - A moment's inattention or a faulty weapon are two possible explanations
for the death of an Australian soldier in Iraq, a defence lobby group says.

The Australian Defence Association's executive director Neil James was speaking after
the death of an Australian soldier who accidentally discharged his rifle while maintaining
it while on duty in Iraq.

Mr James said the tragedy, overnight Australian time, highlighted the dangers military
personnel faced, even when not in direct combat.

He said it was not uncommon for soldiers to have to maintain their weapons while the
firearms were loaded.

Soldiers in a combat situation, especially if outside the Green Zone in Baghdad, would
not necessarily unload their weapons to clean them, he said.

There were two likely explanations for the soldier's weapon discharging.

"Most likely it's possibly a moment's inattention," he said.

"The other possibility is that it may have been a faulty weapon, but a board of inquiry
will be established to determine exactly what happened."

Mr James said the army was "very keen to make sure people know that this was a tragic accident".

"He would have been cleaning (his rifle) and to do that you've got to disassemble the
weapon, and to do that you have to carry out some safety precautions.

"Obviously something's gone wrong in this instance.

"The battlefield is an interesting workplace - it's inherently dangerous.

"You can try to make it as safe as you can but you can never guarantee 100 per cent
perfect levels of occupational health and safety."

The Defence Association extended sympathies to the soldier's family, Mr James said.

AAP dcr/arb/sd

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST JAMES

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

Qld: Man dies after being struck by car

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2005
Qld: Man dies after being struck by car

BRISBANE, Aug 20 AAP - A 21-year-old pedestrian died after he was struck by a car in
Brisbane's south early today.

Police said the man was in the northbound lane of Loganlea Road, Meadowbrook when the
sedan ran him over at 3.15am (AEST).

The man was taken by ambulance to the Logan Hospital with multiple injuries.

He was later transferred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he died a short time later.

It was not clear what the man was doing on the road at the time of the incident.

AAP am/apm

KEYWORD: TOLL QLD

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

tenure

tenure n. Under the feudal system, the relationship between lord and tenant, which determined the conditions under which the land was held. Today the term is used to indicate the nature of a legal estate in land, i.e. freehold or leasehold. The only tenurial relationship of practical significance in modern law is that of landlord and tenant (or leasehold). See also security of tenure.

RECORD RUN CONTINUES

The Dow Jones industrial average cracked 10,000 six times Thursday but pulled back each time, finishing less than three points below the mark.The blue-chip index ended at 9,997.62, up 118.21 points on the day.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 18.73 to 1,316.55. The dollar was mostly lower.

Gold fell and bonds rose.

Big Tobacco Wins: A federal jury handed the tobacco industry a big victory Thursday, rejecting a $2 billion attempt by union health funds to recover the costs of treating workers' smoking-related illnesses.

The jury in Akron, Ohio, ruled for the industry on all counts in the first of at least 14 such lawsuits nationally to go to trial.

Inflation All But Erased: Inflation all but disappeared -- again -- in February.

The Consumer Price Index edged 0.1 percent higher last month, for the third consecutive month, despite a few scattered trouble spots such as meat, oranges, school books and airline fares, the Labor Department said Thursday.

Priceline.com Plans IPO: Priceline.com, the Internet travel company that allows consumers to name their price for airline tickets, disclosed plans Thursday to sell 10 million shares in an initial public offering.

Put light switch in the ideal spot.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Ever notice that light switches are never where you need them?

Heath/Zenith has come up with a relatively inexpensive way to solve the problem _ a wireless home-lighting system that retails between $12 and $15.

The technology is similar to that used in a remote garage-door opener in a car.

The Heath/Zenith system has easy-to-install switches, screw-in sockets, and plug-in receptacles and battery-operated remote controls.

With a weatherproof outdoor plug and handheld remote control, you can turn holiday lights on and off without leaving the house.

The system also offers a measure of security. For example, if you've forgotten to leave a light on in the house and return when it is dark, you can turn on the light from the car.

The system and its components require minimal installation.

Information: 800-858-8501.

___

My friend Bob has long been a source of useful woodworking information, and over the years, he's given me a tool or two to help me do new projects.

But recently he came up with a solution to a problem created by our recent move: missing bolts and connectors for beds that require assembly.

The movers lost the hardware for my sons' beds. It's not readily available at home centers or hardware stores.

I was able to cannibalize the bolts and connectors from my older son's bed to reassemble my younger son's bed.

Then Bob put me onto Woodworkers Supply, which had the bolts and the barrel-shaped connectors in stock. In addition, the mover had lost shelf holders for some Ikea bookcases, and I was able to buy them at the same time.

Woodworkers Supply: 800- 645-9292.

___

It's rare that information comes free, but if you have questions about waterbeds and don't necessarily want to spend money to get it, talk to Dave at

http://www.bedroomdiscounters.com/

which is based in Virginia.

I had to store a waterbed mattress for a few months but wanted to make sure that the inside of the mattress wouldn't go funny in the meantime.

Since the place we bought the mattress three years ago had gone out of business, I headed to the Internet.

In less than a day, Dave was back to me, recommending that an 8-ounce bottle of fiber conditioner mixed with a quart of water "will keep everything nice inside the mattress."

Guess who got the order for the fiber conditioner?

___

More than 40,000 residential fires and $2 billion in personal-property damage are directly attributed to problems with electrical wiring systems each year.

HouseMaster, the national franchiser of home-inspection services, offers the following warning signs and safety tips to help prevent fires related to inadequate electrical systems:

Pay attention to flickering lights or if wall switches/outlets feel warm to the touch.

Avoid extended use of extension cords. These are for temporary use only.

Electrical outlets that are two-pronged will not accept certain three-pronged appliance plugs because they are not grounded (do not have the third hole). Consider hiring an electrician to upgrade your outlets to three-pronged grounding receptacles to alleviate electrical problems and inconvenience.

Install ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in outlets near water sources, such as in the bathroom or kitchen, or any exterior outlet. GFCIs will cut power off directly at the outlet, protecting from electrical shock.

Have your home inspected to see whether it contains aluminum wiring, first used in the mid-1960s, since it can lead to overheating and/or arcing _ electrical current actually jumping between wire ends _ that can create a serious fire hazard.

If the home has an overhead electrical line, rather than underground, that supplies the main power from the utility company lines, make sure trees are pruned away from it to reduce damage. Exercise caution when pruning, keeping metal ladders and pruning shears away from the live wire.

Look in your electrical panel to see what amp service you have. If it is not apparent, count the number of breakers (or switches). A 100-amp panel has 20 breakers, 150 amp has 30 breakers, and 200 amp has 40 breakers. If you have 20 or fewer breakers, you may want to consider a service upgrade.

Properly label each circuit in your electrical panel and make sure it contains one main disconnect so that the home's electrical system can be shut down at once, in case of emergency.

When doing electrical work, hire only a licensed electrician. Most deaths and injuries that result from electricity are attributed to work done by unlicensed amateurs.

___

(Write to to Alan J. Heavens, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Box 8263, Philadelphia, PA 19101, or send e-mail to aheavens(AT)phillynews.com )

___

Visit Philadelphia Online, the Inquirer's World Wide Web site, at http://www.philly.com/

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

_____

PHOTO (from KRT Photo Service, 202-383-6099): HOME-HOMESTUFF

(c) 2001, The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Visit Philadelphia Online, the Inquirer's World Wide Web site, at http://www.philly.com/

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

_____

PHOTO (from KRT Photo Service, 202-383-6099): HOME-HOMESTUFF

Web Spat Stalls McLeodUSA in Iowa.

McLeodUSA's bid for a cable franchise in Coralville, Iowa, has stalled over its objections to having the city include Internet services in its gross-revenue calculations.

As a result, a 10-year franchise passed by Coralville voters in November lapsed Jan. 4. A new deal will have to be struck and put before the electorate in a special election, according to city officials.

Assistant city attorney Christine Diehl said McLeodUSA's original deal defined Internet access as a cable service, making it subject to the same 5 percent franchise fee imposed on video.

However, a change in the company's negotiating team resulted in a shift in McLeodUSA's position after an election date on the franchise had been set by the county election commissioner, Diehl added.

"We were working under McLeodUSA's assurances right up to the deadline," Diehl said. 'After it went to the election commission, it became apparent that this was a critical concern for them. Unfortunately, it was something that we were not willing to accept."

On Nov. 4, voters approved the franchise by a margin of more than 80 percent, putting the Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based telephone company on a collision course with Tele-Communications Inc., the city's incumbent operator.

Under the terms of the franchise, McLeodUSA had 60 days, or until Jan. 4, to accept the agreement. When the company failed to do so, the arrangement was considered void, Diehl said. The two sides must negotiate a new deal and begin the election process over again.

McLeodUSA officials were unavailable for comment last week.

Although the two sides had not spoken since the Jan. 4 deadline, Diehl said the city hoped to keep "the lines of communication open" in hopes of working out a compromise.

Meanwhile, TCI -- which has already agreed to pay a 5 percent franchise fee on an Internet service that it has yet to launch in Coralville -- will move ahead with an upgrade of its local network sometime in the first quarter.

TCI will have until October to complete the upgrade in the community of 15,000 residents near Iowa City - a location where McLeodUSA has already obtained a franchise.

"It'll be two-way-capable, which will allow us to launch @Home [Network] and digital cable," said Deb Blume, regional communications director for TCI of Iowa.

McLeodUSA has already obtained franchises in Cedar Rapids, Marion and Hiawatha, Iowa, and it has been negotiating a similar deal in Des Moines, the state's largest market.

Jitters return as world stocks slide.

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

Asian stocks tumbled yesterday followed by losses across European markets on concern over company earnings and increasing gloom about prospects for the global economy, analysts said. "Another nervous week [lies] ahead as the US earnings season unfolds and key financial names such as Citigroup and Merrill Lynch are expected to announce important restructuring measures," said Commerzbank analyst Luis Costa.

He added that a busy earnings calendar in a week full of economic indicators was "a good scenario for more volatility" on equity markets. Wall Street ended lower on Friday after a weak earnings report from US giant General Electric, heightening fears of contagion from economic and credit market turmoil.

Many Asian investors, nervous about the news from the US, offloaded their stocks yesterday. Shanghai was particularly badly hit, plunging 5.62 per cent ahead of upcoming growth and inflation figures. Investors were also spooked by rumours of possible government controls on speculative property investment, dealers said.

Tokyo slid 3.05 per cent, while Seoul closed 1.9 per cent lower and Sydney gave up 1.8 per cent. Hong Kong closed down 3.5 per cent as Singapore lost 2.3 per cent. Dealers took their cue from New York where the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 250 points on Friday after General Electric said its profits were hit by the credit market turmoil and downgraded its outlook.

"Concerns about US corporate earnings are increasing as companies may lower their profit forecasts," said Maki Shimizu, an analyst at UBS Securities. GE's surprise announcement refocused attention on the financial sector ahead of the release this week of earnings from a raft of big players, including JP Morgan Chase and Washington Mutual.

"Earnings forecasts for GE are usually spot-on so this was a big shock," said Ric Klusman, head of institutional trading at Aequs Securities in Sydney. In early European trade yesterday, London's FTSE 100 index of leading shares lost 0.41 per cent in value to 5,871.30 points. Frankfurt's DAX 30 shed 0.57 per cent to 6,566.03 points and in Paris, the CAC 40 declined by 0.41 per cent to 5,871.30.

Ministers from the Group of Seven rich countries ended a weekend summit with a communique that expressed concern about the global economic slowdown and credit crunch but outlined few concrete measures to tackle it. Instead the finance chiefs from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US backed proposals to improve banking transparency and accounting to try to prevent a repeat of the worst financial crisis in decades.

"The G7 worked out measures that may contribute to the medium-term stability of the credit markets, but failed to offer anything that would have short-term effects," said Shinko Securities market analyst Yutaka Miura. Stocks were also hit by a weaker-than-expected reading showing US consumer confidence at a 26-year low.

"The extremely poor consumer confidence reading may add to worries about stagflation," said Yoshikiyo Shimamine, chief economist at Dai-Ichi Life Research Institute. Stagflation sets in when prices increase in the absence of economic growth.

[c] 2007 Al Sidra Media LLC

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

D-Link Home Networking Solutions Now Offer Leading Parental Controls Straight from the Router with OpenDNS Technology.

D-Link Integrates OpenDNS on Select Routers to Offer Cloud-Based Parental Controls on Network-Connected Devices

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- D-Link today announced the integration of OpenDNS technology into select D-Link routers, enabling households to block unsafe and inappropriate Web content such as adult and phishing websites - all right at the source of the home network - the router. With OpenDNS technology, D-Link routers offer consumers Web content filtering and security services, ensuring that all connected devices in the household, from laptops to gaming consoles, are guarded from unsuitable online content via the built-in and fully customizable OpenDNS parental control solution.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110719/LA37389LOGO)

"As more children gain access to the Internet through computers, mobile devices and gaming consoles, parents are in need of an easy security solution to protect against unwanted Internet content and threats," says Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America. "D-Link routers featuring OpenDNS offer easy-to-use parental controls for all your network-connected devices right at the router - delivering comprehensive, family-safe network security and performance without the need for setting controls on each device."

Featuring D-Link's superior connectivity performance, the company's routers with OpenDNS technology offer an easy way to filter unsafe or inappropriate materials with faster and more reliable access to the Internet, making Web pages load faster and ridding households of annoying intermittent Internet outages. OpenDNS parental controls divide websites neatly into more than 50 categories, allowing parents to choose their desired filtering level from "high" to "minimal." Households can further customize Web filtering to include certain categories of websites like "social networking" or "gambling" and even block specific sites that they view as a threat to online safety. In addition, OpenDNS parental controls are constantly updated to keep up with the growing amount of new websites, ensuring continued protection against offensive Internet content 24 hours a day.

With OpenDNS, D-Link now delivers the same favorite and trusted security solution used by one in three schools nationwide, and in millions of households. The integration of OpenDNS on D-Link routers makes it easier than ever before for D-Link customers to use OpenDNS and keep their families safe online.

"Integrating OpenDNS on D-Link consumer routers is a win for households everywhere as it makes securing your home Internet from any content you deem unsafe extremely fast and easy. Just enable OpenDNS when you install your router and every Internet-connected device in your household is instantly protected," said OpenDNS CEO David Ulevitch. "D-Link is a world-class brand and we're proud to partner and help bring OpenDNS technology to millions more people."

More information about OpenDNS-ready D-Link devices is available online at www.dlink.com.

Availability

D-Link routers featuring OpenDNS parental controls are available throughout D-Link's vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in North America and at the company's online store, http://www.dlinkshop.com. Additional products will be available in the coming months. Detailed availability and MSRP pricing is as follows:

* HD Media Router 1000 (DIR-657) - available now for $149.99

* Whole Home Router 1000 (DIR-645) - available in August for $119.99

About D-Link

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011, D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environment, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP surveillance, and cloud-based network management. For more information visit www.dlink.com or connect with D-Link on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dlink) and Twitter (www.Twitter.com/dlink).

D-Link and the D-Link logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of D-Link Corporation or its subsidiaries. All other third-party marks mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2011. D-Link. All Rights Reserved.

SOURCE D-Link

ANTITRUST: COMMISSION FINES TELEKOMUNIKACJA POLSKA S.A 127 MILLION FOR ABUSE OF DOMINANT POSITION.

BRUSSELS -- The following information was released by the European Union:

The European Commission has imposed a fine of 127 554 194 on telecoms operator Telekomunikacja Polska S.A. (TP) for abusing its dominant position in the Polish market in breach of EU antitrust rules (Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU). As a dominant company TP is under an obligation to allow remunerated access to its network and wholesale broadband services in order to allow the effective entry of alternative operators on downstream broadband markets. But it consistently refused to do so or made it difficult for more than four years.

Commission Vice-President JoaquA-n Almunia said: "the Commission cannot allow the development of the Internet and of the digital economy to be put at risk by anticompetitive practices. This case shows our determination to ensure that dominant telecom operators do not systematically hinder competitors who can make a real difference in the market to the benefit of consumers and businesses".

In order to provide broadband Internet access to end-users, new market entrants (alternative operators) can either build an alternative access network, which is usually not economically viable, or use the network of the incumbent operator, in the present case Telekomunikacja Polska (TP). To use the incumbent's network, operators need to acquire wholesale broadband access products, namely wholesale broadband access and local loop unbundling. In Poland, these are exclusively provided by TP, on which alternative operators are dependent to compete on the retail market.

Extensive evidence gathered by the Commission shows that Telekomunikacja Polska deliberately sought to limit competition on the broadband markets in Poland by placing obstacles in the way of alternative operators.

From August 2005 until at least October 2009 TP engaged in practices which prevented or at least delayed the entry of competitors onto Polish broadband markets. Alternative operators encountered numerous difficulties to obtain access to TP's broadband wholesale products. For instance, TP proposed unreasonable conditions, delayed the negotiation processes, rejected orders in an unjustifiable manner and refused to provide reliable and accurate information to alternative operators.

Together, the above practices prevented alternative operators from competing effectively in the market and constituted an abuse of TP's dominant position on the Polish broadband market.

The Commission's antitrust decision requires TP to put an end to such conduct, in so far as it has not already done so, and not to engage in the same or equivalent practices in the future.

Telekomunikacja Polska's total turnover in 2010 was 3.9 billion (PLN 15.7 billion). The fine takes account of the duration and gravity of the infringement and has been calculated on the basis of the average value of TP's broadband sales between 2005 and 2009 in Poland.

For background information on antitrust rules and procedures see MEMO/11/444.

Background

Poland has one of the lowest broadband penetration rates in Europe - in January 2010 it reached only 13%, significantly below the EU average of 24%.Consumers have also suffered from lower connection speeds: 66% of Internet access lines in Poland do not exceed the speed of 2Mbit/s compared to an EU average of just 15%. Finally, monthly prices per advertised Mbit/s were much higher than the prices in other Member States and the second highest in the OECD area.

The Commission's investigation was opened on its own initiative in April 2009 (see MEMO/09/203). The Commission's decision follows a Statement of Objections sent in February 2010 (see IP/10/213).

Wholesale broadband access provides data transmission, on the basis of incumbents' networks to which alternative operators connect via interconnection points, so-called Service Access Nodes. This does not require much infrastructure investment on their side. With local loop unbundling, which requires more investments, the connection takes place closer to the end-user. Although local loop unbundling is more costly for alternative operators, it allows for broader control of the service with the ability to adjust it to the specific end-users' needs.

Action for damages

Any person or firm affected by anti-competitive behaviour as described in this case may bring the matter before the courts of the Member States and seek damages. The case law of the Court and Council Regulation 1/2003 both confirm that in cases before national courts, a Commission antitrust decision is binding proof that the behaviour took place and was illegal. Even though the Commission has fined the company concerned, damages may be awarded without these being reduced on account of the Commission fine.

The Commission considers that meritorious claims for damages should be aimed at compensating, in a fair way, the victims of an infringement for the harm done. More information on antitrust damages actions, including the public consultation and a citizens' summary, is available at:

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/antitrust/actionsdamages/documents.html

Contacts :

Amelia Torres (+32 2 295 46 29)

Marisa Gonzalez Iglesias (+32 2 295 19 25)

Chiefs' DIY albums are riotous idea; MUSIC.(News)

Byline: SIMON BOYLE

THE Kaiser Chiefs are letting fans create their own "albums" and share the profit if anyone downloads it.

It costs pounds 7.50 to select 10 out of 20 tracks on their latest release, The Future is Medieval, and design a cover for the alternative compilation.

But for every follow-up sale over the internet, pounds 1 will go to the fan who created it.

The I Predict a Riot band, led by singer Ricky Wilson, said they hoped it would "revitalise and subvert" the album market.

They added: "This will offer new music immediately to fans, allowing them to hear the record at the same time as media and critics, as well as letting them be the Kaiser Chiefs' A&R people."

The Future is Medieval, which went on sale yesterday, is the fourth album for the Leeds-based group and their first since 2008 They kick off a promotional tour next week to include Glastonbury on June 26 and the V Festival in August.

CAPTION(S):

STAR Singer Ricky Wilson

KBW, Inc. to Present at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2011 Smid Cap Conference on May 10th.(Conference news)

KBW, Inc. (NYSE: KBW) announced that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John G. Duffy and Robert S. Giambrone, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, will give a presentation to investors at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Smid Cap Conference on Tuesday, May 10th at 1:40pm EDT.

A live webcast of the presentation will be broadcast over the Internet and will be accessible via the "Investor Relations" section of the KBW website: http://www.kbw.com/about/inv_relations.html.

The archived replay will be available within three hours after the conclusion of the live event and will remain available for replay through Wednesday, May 24, 2011. About KBW KBW, Inc. through its subsidiaries Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Limited, Keefe Bruyette & Woods Asia Limited and KBW Asset Management, is a full service investment bank specializing in the financial services industry.

Keywords: Asia, China, Finance, Financial Companies, Industry, Investing, Investment Bank, Investment Brokerage Companies, KBW, KBW Inc.

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

IAC Posts Financial Results for First Quarter of 2011.(Financial report)

IAC announced it has reported financial results for the first quarter of 2011.

In an April 26 release, IAC reported that financial highlights for the first quarter included:

- First quarter revenue increased 22 percent reflecting double digit growth across each segment. Operating Income Before Amortization grew 78 percent driven by strong profit growth at Search, Match and ServiceMagic.

- First quarter net income and Adjusted Net Income grew $36.8 million and $33.0 million, respectively, reflecting strong operating performance. The prior year period included an impairment charge related to an investment, partially offset by a gain associated with the sale of certain securities which collectively impacted net loss and Adjusted Net Income by $15.8 million and GAAP EPS and Adjusted EPS by $0.14 and $0.13, respectively.

- First quarter Free Cash Flow and cash flows from operating activities attributable to continuing operations were $45.6 million and $53.9 million, respectively.

Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates in the first quarter of 2011 reflects losses related to the company's investment in The Newsweek Daily Beast Company partially offset by income related to the company's investment in Meetic.

Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates in the first quarter of 2010 includes a write-down of $18.3 million related to the company's investment in The HealthCentral Network. Other income in the first quarter of 2010 includes a $4.0 million pre-tax gain related to the sale of certain securities.

The effective tax rates for continuing operations and Adjusted Net Income in the first quarter of 2011 were 44 percent and 39 percent, respectively. The effective tax rate for continuing operations was higher than the statutory rate of 35 percent due principally to interest for tax contingencies and state taxes, partially offset by foreign income taxed at lower rates. The effective tax rate for Adjusted Net Income was higher than the statutory rate of 35 percent due principally to state taxes and interest for tax contingencies. The tax provision for continuing operations was $6.1 million in the first quarter of 2010 on a pre-tax loss of $8.5 million. The effective tax rate for Adjusted Net Income was 86 percent in the first quarter of 2010. The continuing operations tax provision, despite a pre-tax loss, and the Adjusted Net Income effective tax rate, which was higher than the statutory rate of 35 percent, were due principally to a valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset created by the impairment charge for the company's investment in The HealthCentral Network, interest on tax contingencies and state taxes.

As of March 31, IAC had 89.9 million common and class B common shares outstanding. IAC may purchase shares over an indefinite period of time, depending on those factors IAC management deems relevant at any particular time, including, without limitation, market conditions, share price and future outlook.

As of March 31, IAC had approximately $1.3 billion in cash and marketable securities, and $95.8 million in long-term debt.

For the three months ended March 31, consolidated Free Cash Flow increased by $0.5 million due to higher income and lower capital expenditures, partially offset by the timing of payments related to accounts payable. The prior year period benefited from certain tax refunds versus cash taxes paid in 2011.

For Adjusted EPS purposes, the impact of RSUs on shares outstanding is based on the weighted average number of RSUs outstanding as compared with shares outstanding for GAAP purposes, which includes RSUs on a treasury method basis. The weighted average number of RSUs outstanding for Adjusted EPS purposes includes the weighted average number of performance-based RSUs that the company believes are probable of vesting. There are no performance-based RSUs included for GAAP purposes.

IAC operates over 50 diversified Internet businesses across 30 countries.

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

STATE TO RESUME FULL OPERATIONS ON THURSDAY, FEB 3 SEVERE WINTER WEATHER RESPONSE CONTINUES.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The following information was released by the office of the governor of Illinois:

February 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that after implementation of the State's Continuity of Operations / Continuity of Government Plan, regular state operations will resume tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 3. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois State Police (ISP), the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) continue the response to winter weather across the state.

State employees who were directed to avoid traveling to work on Wednesday, Feb. 2, should report to work on Thursday, Feb. 3. The safety of employees is of the utmost importance to the state, and all employees are urged to continue to use caution when traveling. Employees are also advised to allow for extra travel time while commuting.

"Thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated public health and safety staff from multiple state agencies and the Illinois National Guard, we were able to maintain continuity of critical government services and response efforts - despite the severity of this storm," said Governor Quinn. "The security of Illinois citizens remains our top priority. As the storm subsides, we will continue providing assistance to keep residents and motorists safe."

Information on continued essential state services and service locations for the public, as well as situation updates for state employees, will be available online at www.Ready.Illinois.gov. Employees without Internet access may call 866-848-2125 (Springfield) and 866-848-2135 (Chicago) for this information. Motorists are still advised to travel with caution and can acquire up-to-date roadway conditions information at www.gettingaroundillinois.com or at www.travelmidwest.com.

On Monday, Governor Quinn activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield to coordinate the state's response to the storm. Governor Quinn also issued a disaster declaration for the entire state in advance of the heavy snow, ice and blizzard conditions, and activated Illinois National Guard troops to assist Illinois State Police in responding to stranded motorists.

QuickStart Technologies Helps Mondex USA Define Scope of ReadiMondex Retail Software

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- QuickStart Technologies, a major contributor to the development of Microsoft(R) ActiveStore(TM) and the No. 1 resource for ActiveStore solutions and services, has helped Mondex USA define the scope of ReadiMondex. ReadiMondex, Mondex USA's turnkey software making Mondex deployment quick and inexpensive, is the first electronic cash/smart card application to run within the ActiveStore environment.

QuickStart provided ActiveStore training and project consultation during Mondex USA's development of the ReadiMondex Software Development Kit (SDK), which will give retailers the ability to easily and inexpensively integrate core functions into their businesses. Mondex USA, which is commercially developing Mondex electronic cash for the U.S. marketplace, leveraged QuickStart's ActiveStore expertise to build ReadiMondex for the ActiveStore retail environment.

"We are very excited to be on the leading edge with new ActiveStore developments," said Costa Hasapopoulos, QuickStart's vice president of consulting services. "The growing popularity of smart cards and the flexibility of ActiveStore will allow retailers to bring a new and effective method of customer interaction into their business process."

The ActiveStore framework, developed by Microsoft with technical resources from QuickStart Technologies, allows developers to combine multiple third-party components into a single solution, creating a best-of-breed, task-centric retail interface for the Windows NT(R) operating system. With the Mondex SDK, companies using ActiveStore will now be able to deploy Mondex in their businesses, bringing a new level of functionality and greater versatility to their retail applications.

"Mondex USA built ReadiMondex to help retailers and others deploy Mondex quickly and easily," said Jim Rudd, chief technology officer of Mondex USA. "Now, in harmony with the movement of retailers toward a Windows NT and ActiveStore solution, we have worked with QuickStart to define a Mondex solution for retailers using this emerging retail technology framework."

Mondex is electronic cash on a reloadable and highly secure microprocessor chip embedded in a plastic card the size of a credit or ATM card. Mondex can be used for small-dollar purchases on the Internet or in the physical world. In the future, the operating system that Mondex uses will allow multiple applications, such as loyalty programs and digital certificates, to reside alongside electronic cash on the same chip. To learn more, visit the company's Web site at www.mondex.com.

Along with its solutions development and consulting services, QuickStart offers training courses, which will introduce participants to the ActiveStore platform and teach them how to integrate different independent software vendor (ISV) components within the framework. Currently, QuickStart has contributed a team of 20 developers to the largest ActiveStore effort in the United States. The project, which will replace three legacy systems for international retailers, will be rolled out in the upcoming months.

About QuickStart Technologies Inc.

Honored as the international winner of Microsoft's 1996 "Excellence in Education" Award and featured as one of the nation's fastest-growing private companies by the 13th annual Inc. 500 list, QuickStart Technologies Inc. provides Microsoft- and Novell(R)-specific consulting and education to customers like Hewlett-Packard(R), IBM(R), Northrop, Applied Materials, Pacificare(R), PepsiCo, the U.S. Air Force and Navy and, of course, Microsoft. With an average growth rate of 80 percent per year, QuickStart acquired Evernet Education Services in July 1998 and offers consulting and education services at the customer sites or in one of the nine QuickStart California offices. Five offices are located in Sacramento, Santa Clara, Woodland Hills, Newport Beach and San Diego, and four offices serve San Francisco and Los Angeles.

For more information about QuickStart Technologies Inc., contact Brendan Neary, QuickStart Technologies, 1500 Quail Street, 3rd Floor, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Telephone: (949) 757-3327; Fax: (949) 476-7576. Or, visit the QuickStart Web site at: http://www.quickstart.com.

SOURCE QuickStart Technologies

     -0-                             09/14/98 

/CONTACT: Deborah Jones, media relations specialist of Strategies, A Marketing Communications Corporation, 714-957-8880, ext. 113, Fax: 714-957-1373, deborah@strategiesadpr.com/

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

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

CO: QuickStart Technologies; Mondex USA ST: California IN: CPR SU:

CC-DK -- LAM043 -- 1678 09/14/98 08:06 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com

AltiGen Announces CTOP(TM) to Leverage AltiServ(TM) Open System Platform and Launches Developer Program

AltiPartner(TM) Program Provides Infrastructure and Continuity in Movement to

                                  Open Systems 

LOS ANGELES, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- AltiGen Communications, Inc., Fremont, Calif., today unveiled its strategy for openness and inaugurated the AltiPartner(TM) program for developers of computer telephony enabled applications. Computer Telephony Open Platform (CTOP(TM)) is the architecture used by AltiGen to ensure developers and customers that AltiServ(TM) based solutions will continue to support accepted industry standard programming interfaces. The announcement was made during the Computer Telephony Conference and Exposition under way here.

"The growing popularity of AltiServ(TM) compels us to further open our platform to developers," said Leyla Aylikci, director of product marketing at AltiGen. "The CTOP(TM) architecture allows AltiGen to support accepted industry standards and provides developers with the access they need to create enhanced applications and hardware components. Developers will be able to enhance our native application modules or substitute their own as appropriate. This will result in faster time to market for developers and supports AltiGen's mission to make CTI easy and affordable. The alternatives we bring to developers and the end-user community are truly unique in the industry."

AltiGen's developer kit is used to deliver the CTOP(TM) environment. CTOP(TM) is composed of three layers so developers can gain system control at the level that best suits their needs. The innermost layer is AltiCore(TM) which communicates directly with the resources on AltiGen's Quantum board. The second layer is made up of application modules that provide functions such as PBX, voice-mail, ACD, auto-attendant and others. The outermost layer contains the application programming interfaces (APIs) that can be used by third-party software to control the system. These APIs allow enhancement or modification at the application module level and/or access to base AltiCore(TM) resources for development at a lower level.

AltiPartner(TM) is AltiGen's developer partner program. It is designed around AltiGen's resolve to support industry standard APIs and recruit qualified partners. Elements of the program include technical support during development, testing and certification of applications and assistance in moving application products through AltiGen distribution channels.

"We are now working with AltiGen on their initial developer release of client/server TAPI and extensions," said John White, vice president of Coresoft Technologies. "We are very inspired with what AltiGen is doing with CTOP(TM) because combining it with our CenterPoint(TM) product creates a complete and powerful telephony solution. Complete solutions will allow dealers moving into the computer telephony market to easily provide their customers simplicity of operation at an affordable price."

AltiPartners(TM) can begin developing to Microsoft's TAPI 2.0 and 2.1, MAPI and AltiGen's TAPI extension specifications available today. In addition, AltiGen's developer kit is available today in a limited release for select AltiPartners(TM). On May 19, 1997 the kit will be available to all AltiGen software developers with a joint beta program to follow in July. Beginning in August, 1997 AltiGen will certify software developers' AltiWare(TM) ready applications. As the kit evolves, both software and hardware developers will have access through the CTOP(TM) environment to the resources on AltiGen's Quantum board. AltiGen will always continue to support accepted industry standard APIs, allowing AltiGen to maintain an open "standards-based" development environment.

"This is an important step for us and the industry," said Aylikci. "No other company is embracing an open model like AltiGen. By providing CTOP now and evolving it in the later half of this year we will be providing a very strong foundation to allow rapid market growth."

AltiGen Communications, Inc. is the leading provider of the "All-in-One" telecommunications server. Its products represent the convergence of computers, telephone systems and the Internet into a single Microsoft Windows NT-based platform. AltiGen provides advanced PBX, auto-attendant and voice mail functionality and further integrates them with the Internet to provide CTI functions on a global basis. AltiServ(TM) allows users to improve customer service and simplify communications for all employees including mobile workers and telecommuters. Computer Telephony (CT) Magazine awarded AltiGen a Product of the Year for 1996.

AltiGen Communications, Inc. is located at 45635 Northport Loop East, Fremont, CA, 94538, Tel., 510-252-9712, Fax, 510-252-9738, E-mail GlobalCTI@altigen.com, Web Page at http://www.altigen.com/

SOURCE AltiGen Communications Inc.

     -0-                             03/05/97 

/CONTACT: Shauna Lindsay of Lindsay and Company, 415-938-3379, or smlpr@aol.com, for AltiGen; or Leyla Aylikci of AltiGen Communications, Inc., 510-252-9712, ext. 403, or leyla@altigen.com/

CO: AltiGen Communications Inc. ST: California IN: CPR TLS SU: PDT

KW-RB -- SFW002 -- 5293 03/05/97 12:30 EST http://www.prnewswire.com

The European Telecom Market in 2007 Has Continued to Benefit from Strong Investment in the Mobile and Broadband Sectors.

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c83909) has announced the addition of "Europe (Western) - Telecoms, Mobile & Broadband Overview & Analysis 2007" to their offering.

Mobile networks have been upgraded to HSDPA to provide mobile broadband services, while substantial ADSL2+ and fibre deployments have been undertaken across the EU. Broadband adoption has continued to grow sharply, and several European countries head global league tables for broadband penetration. This effort has been underlined by strong consumer adoption of high bandwidth services and an operator focus on providing triple play and quad play to customers. Regulatory developments have also facilitated access by new entrants to incumbent networks, including new Next Generation Networks.

Many of the major players particularly in the cable sector consolidated their businesses in 2007 to strengthen their position in competing against fast ADSL2+ networks. The EU's New Regulatory Framework (NRF) was supplemented by the i2010 initiative and was under a major review during 2007. Converging media, based on triple play and fast ADSL or fibre, has also matured in many markets. This report presents key statistics and analysis on the Western European telecoms market in 2007, noting the principal developments and scenarios for further growth and movement in coming years.

Contents:

1. Synopsis

1.1 Key highlights - 2007

1.1.1 Telecom market overview

1.1.2 Market forecasts

1.1.3 Consumer market

1.1.4 Regulatory environment

1.1.5 Infrastructure

1.2 Major telecom players in Europe

2. Internet

3. Broadband

3.1 ADSL

3.2 Fibre-to-the-Home

3.3 Cable broadband

3.4 Broadband Powerline (BPL)

3.5 Wireless broadband

4. Mobile communications

4.1 Fixed-mobile convergence (FMC)

4.2 Leading mobile nations

4.2.1 Third Generation (3G) networks

5. Related reports

6. 2007 Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband in Europe reports

Table 1 - European ICT market value and growth - 2004 - 2008

Table 2 - ICT market growth, select countries - 2006 - 2008

Table 3 - Internet commerce revenue - 2006; 2010

Table 4 - Voice market Europe (billion minutes) - 2000; 2005; 2010

Table 5 - European carrier services market growth - 2006 - 2008

Table 6 - European ICT expenditure (EU) - 2005 - 2006

Table 7 - European VoIP subscribers by selected country - June 2007

Table 8 - Main broadband satellite markets - 2006 - 2007

Table 9 - Top 7 European telcos by revenue - 2003 - 2005

Table 10 - Leading European telcos by revenue - 2004 - 2006

Table 11 - Internet users, growth and penetration - June 2007

Table 12 - Western European Internet commerce - 2005; 2009

Table 13 - Projected Internet penetration, select countries - 2006; 2010

Table 14 - Wholesale access lines - 2003 - 2007

Table 15 - Broadband penetration (top 10, per 100 inhabitants) - 2005 - 2007

Table 16 - Projected ADSL subscriber lines, select countries - 2007 - 2010

Table 17 - Cable modem subscribers in selected countries - 2002 - 2007

Table 18 - Top 20 European nations by subscribers and penetration - June 2007

Table 19 - Western Europe 3G subscribers - 2005 - 2007

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c83909

ZIM Corporation reports first quarter financial results.

OTTAWA, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ZIM Corporation (OTCBB: ZIMCF), a mobile content and services provider, today announced its financial results for its first quarter of fiscal year 2007, ending March 31, 2007. All figures presented are calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States and presented in US dollars.

Revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was $705,797, a decrease from $1,331,649 for the quarter ended June 30, 2005. As previously announced, ZIM's decrease in revenue is primarily attributable to the decline in revenue from our SMS aggregation services caused by the continued saturation of the aggregation market.

Net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was $567,725, or a basic and diluted loss per share of $0.008. The net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 was $196,881, or a basic and diluted loss per share of $0.003.

"As anticipated our revenues decreased substantially. We are however pleased with the integration of our acquisition of Advanced Internet Inc and the internet portals, http://www.ringingphone.com/ and http://www.monstertones.com/." said ZIM president and chief executive officer Michael Cowpland.

ZIM had cash of $772,015 as at June 30, 2006. During the quarter the Company completed a private placement for cash proceeds of $280,422. The balance of approximately $454,000 relating to the private placement was realized through the conversion of an amount due to a shareholder. At March 31, 2006 the Company had cash of $237,035, a line of credit of $29,967 and an amount due to a shareholder of $430,260.

About ZIM

ZIM is a mobile content and service provider. For more information on ZIM and its customers, partners and products, visit: http://www.zim.biz/.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements related to the success of ZIM's aggregation services and ZIM's ability to enter the mobile content market. All forward-looking statements made in this press release relating to expectations about future events or results are made as of, and are based upon information available to ZIM as of, the date hereof. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those described or implied by any forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, ZIM's limited operating history, ZIM's history of operating losses and expected future operating losses, ZIM's ability to obtain additional financing when needed, ZIM's ability to continue as a going concern, ZIM's reliance on wireless carriers to market and use its applications and services, possible fee increases by third party service providers, the potential loss of services of Dr. Michael Cowpland and other key personnel, rapid developments in technology, including developments by competitors, possible internal controls deficiencies and possible accounting adjustments resulting from our quarter-end accounting and review procedures, ZIM's ability to maintain current reporting under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and ZIM's ability to successfully integrate any acquisition. Please refer to ZIM's filings with the SEC for additional information regarding risks and uncertainties. Copies of these filings are available through the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/. ZIM assumes no obligation to revise or update publicly the forward-looking statements included in this news release, other than as required by law.

CONTACT: Jennifer North, Chief Financial Officer, ZIM Corporation, (613) 727-1397, ext. 121, jnorth@zim.biz

Gevity Announces Planned Move to a State-of-the-Art Facility.

New Home Expected to Accommodate Future Growth Plans

BRADENTON, Fla., June 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gevity today announced the company's planned move this fall to a new headquarters facility in nearby Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

According to Erik Vonk, Gevity's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, "Following a lengthy, careful search we were very pleased to find an outstanding new office facility right here in Manatee County to accommodate our anticipated growth and to better serve our clients and their employees throughout the country."

Building on its continued success, Gevity, the leading provider of a comprehensive insourced employee management solution, said it will move to a 100,000-square-foot campus in the Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park, a 600-acre business center located along the I-75 corridor and approximately 12 miles from the company's existing facility.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Mr. Vonk continued, "We have negotiated favorable terms for a 10-year lease on a Class 'A' office space that has a minimal impact on ongoing operating expenses. The facility, which was originally designed as a technology center for a national security management company, is equipped with multiple redundant systems. It provides us with a state-of-the-art technology infrastructure and the flexible space to create a more efficient work environment. Our new home features a wide-open design with abundant natural light and windows that can be viewed from throughout the building."

He added, "We see this as an opportunity to create an environment that reflects the future of our business. With plenty of adjacent room for expansion, this is a building that will serve us very well going forward." He stated further, "The timing of the move is excellent, coinciding with the commencement of the full roll-out of the New Generation of Services, which we believe significantly enhances Gevity's future growth potential."

AN AWARD-WINNING ADDRESS

The company said Lakewood Ranch is an award-winning, master-planned residential/commercial community located on the historic Schroeder Manatee Ranch in Bradenton. The office park is surrounded by wetlands and lakes in a beautiful campus-like setting. An extensive pedestrian and bike system connects commercial areas with green spaces, parks and open-air malls. To see more about the Lakewood Ranch area, visit http://www.lakewoodranch.com/ .

According to the company, Gevity's approximately 500 Bradenton area employees are expected to make the move in strategic stages during the fourth quarter of 2005, corresponding with the conclusion of Gevity's key Annual Benefits Enrollment period.

ABOUT GEVITY

Gevity helps clients increase profits, grow sales and improve customer satisfaction through our comprehensive employee management solution. We serve as the insourced human resource department to small- and medium-sized businesses nationwide. Our unique approach integrates three key drivers of business success: workforce alignment, administrative relief and business protection. We deliver our solution through our innovative people, processing and portal approach, combining the resources of our highly skilled human resource consultants and our scalable, Web-enabled technology platform.

A copy of this press release can be found on the company's Web site at http://www.gevity.com/ .

Pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"), Gevity HR, Inc. ("Gevity" or the "Company") is hereby providing cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Reform Act) made by or on behalf of the Company herein, in other filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases or other writings, including in electronic form on its Internet Web site(s), or orally, whether in presentations, in response to questions or otherwise. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will result," "are expected to," "anticipated," "plans," "intends," "will continue," "estimated," and "projection") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors are described in further detail in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company cautions that these factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors. Further, management cannot assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Anne-Marie Megela, Senior Director, Investor Relations of Gevity, +1-800-2GEVITY (+1-800-243-8489), ext. 4672, or annemarie.megela@gevity.com

Web site: http://www.gevityhr.com/ http://www.lakewoodranch.com/