Fed: Gumley aims for five per cent saving on defence fleet

AAP General News (Australia)
02-26-2008
Fed: Gumley aims for five per cent saving on defence fleet

By Max Blenkin, Defence Correspondent

CANBERRA, Feb 26 AAP - Defence managers have been ordered to cut five per cent from
the cost of operating all defence equipment, potentially generating millions of dollars
in savings.

The order applies to all defence fleets and includes ships, vehicles, aircraft and
weapons systems.

Dr Stephen Gumley, chief executive of the defence procurement arm, the Defence Materiel
Organisation (DMO), said the organisation had undergone a protracted period of reform
with efforts in 2008 to be directed …

HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:30, April 302011

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2011
HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:30, April 302011

LONDON - The British royal family has underlined Australia's importance to the Commonwealth
with the Queen summoning Prime Minister Julia Gillard for a private chat during the royal
wedding day. (Gillard Queen Wrap)

LONDON - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are set to spend their first night together
as husband and wife at Buckingham Palace after partying with friends and family. (Wedding
AM Update)

LONDON - Prince Charles has praised his son's new wife, reportedly telling Friday's
lunchtime reception after the wedding that the royal family was lucky to have her. (Wedding
Charles). Wedding Wrap to come (see separate Highlights Wedding, sent at 1350 AEST).

ADELAIDE - Adelaide police have seized items from the two houses at the centre of Friday's
triple shooting deaths (Siege, to come)

SYDNEY - Former NSW Liberal premier Nick Greiner is to be appointed to fix Sydney's
road and rail network. (Greiner)

SYDNEY - Expatriate Australian Clive James is continuing his literary career as he
battles leukemia. (James)

SYDNEY - A man has died in a micro-light plane crash in southwest NSW. (Plane)

SYDNEY - A man has been charged after allegedly uploading 200 child pornography images
to a social networking site. (Pornography)

MELBOURNE - A Melbourne father who accidentally left $6,000 for his children's school
fees on his car roof before driving off was confronted by an amazing scene when he tried
to retrieve the money. (Cash)

MELBOURNE - Banned AFL player manager Ricky Nixon has admitted he did tell a teenage
girl that he would kill her and himself if their controversial relationship became public.

(Nixon)

MELBOURNE - Two store attendants were tied up during an early morning armed robbery
at a Melbourne hotel. (Knife)

BRISBANE - Marine surveyors will examine a huge bulk coal ship on Saturday after it
ran aground while leaving the Port of Gladstone in Central Queensland. (Carrier)

BRISBANE - Five armed robberies in Brisbane and nearby Ipswich early on Saturday morning
may have been carried out by the same gang of men. (Robberies)

HOBART - Four anti-logging protesters have been arrested by police at Hobart's wharf
after boarding a Malaysian logging ship. (Logging )

SPORT

SYDNEY - Brisbane young gun Jharal Yow Yeh's likely Test call-up seems certain to exclude
NSW duo Jarryd Hayne and Mark Gasnier from the Australian team to face New Zealand next
Friday. (RL Aust Wrap)

ENTERTAINMENT

MELBOURNE - Offspring's Asher Keddie says she sees her Gold Logie nomination as an
endorsement of the show and courageous television programming. (Logies, with factbox)

AAP nb

KEYWORD: HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL

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

NSW:Diary Events, Monday August 29, 2011

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2011
NSW:Diary Events, Monday August 29, 2011
EVENTS LISTED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER AND LOCAL TIME UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED:

ADELAIDE
1430 - Stars of Scooby-Doo Live to meet children at Margaret Ives Children's Centre. 19
Edward St, Norwood. Info: Fred Porter 0406422344.

BRISBANE
- Alternative Fuels Summit (Aug 29-31, 201)
0700 - Industrial action - Airport cleaners/security guards. Possible disruption to airport traffic.

1300 - Memoral service for ABC cameraman John Bean, who was killed in a South Australian
helicopter crash. Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank.

- Cairns Festival (Aug 19-Sept 4, 2011).

CANBERRA
No items listed.

DARWIN
No items listed.

HOBART
0800 - Forestry Tasmania briefing on the future of the state's industry and on the company's
2010-11 results.

MELBOURNE
0800 - RACV Green Zone test drive of low- or zero-emissions vehicles through Melbourne.

August 29-September 2, 2011. Green Zone Drive HQ, Rialto Plaza, 525 Collins Street. Contact:
John Kananghinis 03 9941 3158, 0419 345 420. Website: www.greenwheels.com.au
1100, 1230, 1430 - Open day at the Enterprize, to celebrate Melbourne Day. VHO6 / NAB
Wharf, Docklands. Contact: Siobhan Browne 0419 625 760. Website: www.melbourneday.com.au
1300 - Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott to address Committee for Economic Development
of Australia (CEDA) luncheon on the economic challenges facing Australia. Hilton on the
Park, 192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne. Contact: Jun Lee Sia 03 9652 8414. Website:
www.ceda.com.au
1300-1600 - Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee public hearing into violence and security
arrangements in Victorian hospitals. Meeting Room G3, 55 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne.

Contact: Simon Ramsay 0400 609735.

1300-1400 - Launch of Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Charter Impact Project Report. Lecture
Theatre, LIV, 470 Bourke Street. Contact: Kerry O'Shea 03 9607 9373, 0401 107 103. Website:
www.liv.asn.au
1600 - AFL captain Nick Maxwell and Make-A-Wish to help grant Father's Day wish for Sabrina
(who has life-threatening medical conditions) for a cubby house come true. The Boardroom,
Westpac Centre, cnr Olympic Boulevard and Batman Avenue, Olympic Park. Contact: Jodi Crocket
9426 0732, 0403 026 600. Website: www.makeawish.org.au
- Melbourne Writers' Festival schools program. August 29-September 1, 2011. Federation
Square. Contact: Prue Bassett Publicity 0419 559 040. Website; www.mwf.com.au
- Melbourne Writers Festival. Various venues. Website: www.mwf.com.au
- Clinical Training & Workforce Planning Summit. August 29-30. Rendezvous Melbourne. Website:
www.training-conferences.com.au
- Fashion Exposed. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Website: http://www.fashionexposed.com/debut.html
- Melbourne Winter Festival. Royal Exhibition Building. Website: http://www.winterfestival.com.au

PERTH
No items listed.

SYDNEY
0845 - Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler to address Research Australia conference.

Australian National Maritime Museum. Contact: Elizabeth Foley 03 9650 3131.

0900 - "Sydney: City of Opportunity" seminar hosted by the Sydney Business Chamber. PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Level 10, 201, Sussex St. Contact: Chris Taylor 0419 692 236.

0900 - NSW Positive Living in Aged Care awards announced. Ted Hopkins Room, Luna Park.

Contact: Chris Hornsey 0419 513 432.

0930- Parramasala 2011 Festival launch. Rafferty's Theatre, Riverside Theatres, cnr Church
and Market streets, Parramatta. Contact: Rebecca George 02 9368 7277, 0421 988 035.

Day 1 - Philanthropy Conference Sydney. Australian National Maritime Museum. Contact:
Julie Sheather 0409 514 643.

- NSW Infrastructure Summit 2011. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Sydney. Website: www.training-conferences.com.au.

- Green Buildings Conference. August 29-30. Doltone House, Pyrmont. Website: www.training-conferences.com.au.

- Advertising & Marketing Summit. August 29-31. Luna Park Conference Centre. Website:
http://acevents.com.au/advertisingandmarketing2011

SPORT

RUGBY LEAGUE - NRL -
Rnd 25 - to August 29
1900 - Wests Tigers v Gold Coast, Campbelltown Sports Std

TENNIS - ATP Masters - to September 11
US Open, New York

ATHLETICS - IAAF World C'ships - to September 4
Daegu, South Korea

BASEBALL - MLB - to September 28
USA

SHOOTING - Shotgun World C'ships - to September 5
Belgrade, Serbia

ROWING - World C'ships & Olympic qualifier - to September 4
Bled, Slovenia

SURFING (Men's) - ASP World Tour -
Billabong Pro Teahupoo, Taiarapu, French Polynesia - to August 31

CYCLING (Road) - UCI World Tour - to September 11
Vuelta a Espana, Spain

GALLOPS -
Queanbeyan
Swan Hill
Muswellbrook
Sth Africa

TROTS -
Menangle
Maryborough
Globe Derby
Gloucester Park
Canberra

GREYHOUNDS -
Bulli
Shepparton
Albion Park
Angle Park
Ballarat
Northam
Cranbourne
Bathurst
Launceston
New Zealand

AAP ra/

KEYWORD: DIARY EVENTS MONDAY AUGUST 29, 2011

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

FED:Katter a 'show pony': Qld MP

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2011
FED:Katter a 'show pony': Qld MP

By Jessica Marszalek

BRISBANE, Feb 15 AAP - A Queensland minister has labelled federal independent MP Bob
Katter a "show pony" over his behaviour during the state's natural disasters.

Rockhampton Labor MP and Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten spoke of his flood-hit
central Queensland community during a special condolence motion in state parliament on
Tuesday that also recognised Cyclone Yasi's victims.

He also used the occasion to label Mr Katter's behaviour as "appalling", after the
high-profile Kennedy MP said the people of north Queensland had been treated shabbily
in the state's emergency response.

Mr Katter had slammed authorities for leaving communities isolated.

Mr Schwarten said Mr Katter was not interested in his constituents, engaging only in
"self-promotion".

He was "best described as a show pony, just jumping into town, creating the most noise
they can and believing that they're assisting", he said.

"To hear Katter say no one's caring about people, no one's doing anything for people
is just unfortunate to say the very least," Mr Schwarten told MPs.

Mr Katter said he was pleased Premier Anna Bligh had set up a north Queensland office
for the reconstruction effort and wouldn't comment on Mr Schwarten's attack.

"I think Mr Schwarten has called me an idiot, a gorilla, a troglodyte, a numbskull,"

he told reporters on the Gold Coast.

"Really he's exercised his very wide vocabulary on me and I'm highly flattered that
I should get the attention from such a person.

"During Cyclone Larry he venomously attacked me and I did not reply and I'm very proud
of the fact that, you know, I would argue I have not made a single negative comment or
anything that could even be construed as negative."

AAP jmm/crh/dep

KEYWORD: PARLY QLD SCHWARTEN UPDATE

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

NSW:Men nabbed over multi-mill projector haul

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2010
NSW:Men nabbed over multi-mill projector haul

SYDNEY, Dec 1 AAP - Four men have been arrested in Sydney over the theft of projectors
worth millions of dollars from a Queensland warehouse.

Five hundred Infocus home theatre and audio/visual projectors, valued at $2.5 million,
were stolen from a Brisbane company in June 2010.

Detectives formed Strike Force Kogo in September 2010 after inquiries revealed the
projectors had been located in Sydney.

Shortly after 8am (AEDT) on Wednesday, police arrested a 34-year-old man at his fortified
Bellevue Hill home.

About two hours later, a 44-year-old Condell Park man was arrested at Bankstown Police
Station and a 33-year-old man turned himself in to Newtown Police.

Shortly after midday, the alleged principal of the group, a 39-year-old man from Rhodes,
was arrested by detectives at a house in Burwood.

All four men remain in police custody and are expected to be charged later in the day
with receiving stolen property and participating in a criminal group.

Police expect more arrests over the theft.

Surry Hills RES Commander, Detective Inspector Gavin Wood, said more than 160 stolen
projectors had been recovered from a number of locations across Sydney, including a storage
facility in Marrickville and a second one in Auburn.

"We are still making inquiries into the location of those stolen goods still outstanding,"

he said in a statement on Wednesday.

"These are very expensive projectors valued at around $5000 each and we suspect a number
may already have been sold off."

Anyone with any knowledge or information regarding this alleged theft is urged to contact police.

AAP tr/bwl

KEYWORD: PROJECTORS (PIX AND VIDEO AVAILABLE)

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

NSW: Rain does not deter Sydney crowds from Anzac march

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2010
NSW: Rain does not deter Sydney crowds from Anzac march

SYDNEY, April 25 AAP -



For 29-year-old Richard Browne, Anzac Day is a



Young veterans were highly visible throughout the Anazac Day March in Sydn

The skies brightened and the rain stopped just long enough for Sydney to honour its
war veterans in their annual Anzac Day march.

Cheered on by tens of thousands of flag-waving spectators, up to 18,000 NSW veterans
and serving forces made their way from the Cenotaph in Martin Place along George Street
to Hyde Park.

Despite a rainy start to the day, spectators turned out in their thousands to pay their
respects to past and present members of Australia's defence forces.

Trooper Mark Donaldson, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for services in Afghanistan,
said it was vital young people take part in Anzac Day.

"You have to keep it alive because if you don't pass it down and make sure they understand
what it's about then it's going to be forgotten about," Trooper Donaldson told reporters
in Sydney following the march.

NSW RSL president Don Rowe said the high number of spectators was a sign of NSW's commitment
to Anzac Day.

"They've turned up in their thousands upon thousands this morning, so even rain does
not deter people from attending the Anzac Day march in Sydney."

AAP ih/jm/mn

KEYWORD: ANZAC NSW PARADE 2ND UPDATE

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

Qld: Wallabies star faces burglary charge

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2009
Qld: Wallabies star faces burglary charge

Wallabies star QUADE COOPER will face a committal hearing on a burglary charge next July.

The 21-year-old Test and Queensland centre briefly appeared in Southport Magistrates
Court today charged with one count of burglary of a residence in Surfers Paradise on December
6.

New Zealand-born COOPER made his Test debut against Italy in 2008 and has so far played
11 Tests for Australia.

The case was adjourned for a committal hearing on July 2.

AAP RTV bart/pjo/ar

KEYWORD: COOPER (GOLD COAST)

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

NSW: Swine flu contained at Dunedoo, pigs' health improving

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2009
NSW: Swine flu contained at Dunedoo, pigs' health improving

SYDNEY, Aug 3 AAP - The health of pigs diagnosed with swine flu in NSW is improving
and none are likely to die, the NSW Department of Primary Industries says.

The disease has not spread outside the 2,000 animal piggery in Dunedoo, in central
NSW, following the outbreak last week.

It was quarantined on Friday after laboratory tests confirmed several pigs had caught the virus.

State, territory and federal representatives from Australia's health and agriculture
sectors will discuss the outbreak via teleconference on Monday afternoon.

It is expected they will endorse a plan to further manage and contain the disease.

A NSW Department of Primary Industries spokesman would not disclose what the plan entailed,
but said there were no radically new measures proposed.

"Our on-site disease experts are reporting that animals - the first to be infected
- are now recovering. This is good news," NSW acting chief veterinary officer Dr Ian Roth
said in a statement.

"We expect all the pigs to make a full recovery.

"There is no evidence to suggest the disease has spread into other pig herds. The property
is in an isolated area."

Dr Roth said the infected pigs, which remain under close observation, had dry coughs
but were "strong" and not off their food.

He praised the owners of the property for quickly alerting authorities to signs of
ill health among the pigs.

None of the Dunedoo animals have entered the food chain.

The A H1 strain of flu diagnosed at the piggery, which was quarantined by the NSW Department
of Industry, is slightly different to the H1N1 variation diagnosed in humans.

It is believed workers at the piggery may have transmitted the disease to the animals.

Dr Roth said it was safe for people to eat pork and only healthy animals entered the
food chain in Australia.

AAP mg/evt/jfm/mn

KEYWORD: FLU PIGGERY DPI

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

Speak no more of mavericks and green

JEFF KAROUB, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Record (Bergen County, NJ)
12-31-2008

Speak no more of mavericks and green -- Words and phrases we wore out in '08
By JEFF KAROUB, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Date: 12-31-2008, Wednesday
Section: NEWS
Edtion: All Editions

DETROIT A movie about a "maverick," his journey "from Wall Street to Main Street," his "desperate search" for a "monkey" and a "game-changing" revelation about his "carbon footprint" probably would make the nation's word-watchers physically ill.

Especially if it were the "winner of five nominations."

All those words and phrases are on Lake Superior State University's annual List of Words to Be Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness. The 34th version of the list was released Tuesday, which means, "It's that time of year again."

The school in Michigan's Upper Peninsula selected 15 entries from about 5,000 nominations.

Despite the year's economic meltdown (which itself wasn't banished but don't rule it out for next year), the most entries came from the environmental category for "green" or "going green."

"If I see one more corporation declare itself 'green,' I'm going to start burning tires in my backyard," wrote Ed Hardiman of Bristow, Va., in his submission.

Nominators also had their fill of "carbon footprint" the amount of greenhouse gases an individual's lifestyle produces.

The list wasn't overrun with politics despite the national election no "change," for instance but one simply couldn't escape the critics' wrath.

"I'm a maverick, he's a maverick, wouldn't you like to be a maverick, too?" offered Michael Burke of Silver Spring, Md., in his entry for the label embraced by unsuccessful Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

Also knocked was "first dude," a term adopted by Todd Palin, husband of McCain's running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Words related to the economy led to a few meltdowns.

"I am so tired of hearing about everything affecting 'Main Street.' I know that with the 'Wall Street' collapse, the comparison is convenient, but really, let's find another way to talk about everyman or the middle class, or even, heaven forbid, 'Joe the Plumber.' " wrote Stacey from Knoxville, Tenn. She provided only a first name in her bid to eradicate or at least separate "Wall Street" and "Main Street."

Although this year's sluggish economy and record rise in gas prices may have kept people closer to home, the word coined for it, "staycation," is "idiotic and rootless," says Michele Mooney of Los Angeles.

An emoticon made the list for the first time. The strings of characters used in e-mails and text-messaging commonly represent a face like ;-) or :-0 but the school singled out an emoticon heart, formed with a "less than" symbol and the number 3.

"Monkey" was on the list because of what some see as its rampant use as a suffix.

"Especially on the Internet, many people seem to think they can make any boring name sound more attractive just by adding the word 'monkey' to it," wrote Rogier Landman of Sommerville, Mass.

The school's annual quest to throw lexicon logs on the fire always gets some end-of-the-year attention for the school in Sault Ste. Marie, the last stop before Michigan's northern border crossing with Canada. But the list is more about letting off steam and offering laughs than performing any verbal vanishing act.

"We get several nominations for the same word or phrase, and we still get nominations for words and phrases that have been on previous years' lists," said university spokesman Tom Pink.

" 'At this point in time' was on the first list in 1976, and it continues to be nominated every year. People still hate it."

Think these gendarmes of jargon should "get a life"? Watch it, kiddo. That phrase was banished in 1997.

Keywords: LANGUAGE

Copyright 2008 Bergen Record Corp. All rights reserved.

Fed: Nationals speak out in support of guest workers

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2008
Fed: Nationals speak out in support of guest workers

By Sandra O'Malley

CANBERRA, Aug 21 AAP - Victorian backbencher John Forrest has joined a growing list
of National MPs lining up to support the Rudd government's Pacific guest worker scheme.

His NSW colleague Kay Hull has been a vocal advocate of the scheme, under which 2,500
workers from Tonga, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea will be given temporary work
visas to perform seasonal agricultural work.

Griffith in NSW and Swan Hill in Victoria have been suggested as regions where the
three-year pilot scheme may operate.

Mr Forrest, the federal member for Mallee, said he'd been an advocate of such a program
for more than a decade.

"I've been working on the need for this program for more than a decade," Mr Forrest said.

"I'm enthusiastically supporting it, representing my patch.

"I'm representing my electorate, we badly want a program like this, we've argued for
it for years and subject to the detail, I'm supporting it."

The Nationals MPs are at odds with Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson, who has concerns
about the program.

Queensland National Ron Boswell has also given in principle support to the use of guest
workers in horticultural industries.

Fellow Queensland Barnaby Joyce says there must be a way to get workers to where they are needed.

"Quite obviously in certain areas in regional Australia there is a strong requirement
for labour that you can't get from other areas," he told ABC radio.

"There are certain jobs that you just can't get employees to do and if that leaves
fruit rotting or abattoirs not working then that's not a good outcome."

Mrs Hull believes the concerns Dr Nelson has raised can be addressed.

"Look I honestly can't understand just where the direction is coming from at the moment,"

Mrs Hull said.

"I am not sure where the advice is coming on this and I'm, you know, I am aware that
if there were concerns about health issues and criminal checks and etc, that there are
significant guidelines and criteria to be put in place to cover all of those aspects."

AAP so/mfh/it/bwl

KEYWORD: VISAS FORREST

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

NSW: NSW Libs hail PM for FuelWatch scheme

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2008
NSW: NSW Libs hail PM for FuelWatch scheme

The New South Wales Liberals have praised KEVIN RUDD for instituting a national FuelWatch
program.

They say it's something state Labor should have done long ago.

The prime minister says the scheme will be up and running by December 15.

Petrol retailers will have to daily notify the ACCC of proposed petrol prices for the
following 24 hours .. and adhere to that price.

The ACCC will make that information available by email .. a toll-free telephone number
.. or on the internet.

The scheme will be similar to one already operating in Western Australia.

AAP RTV vpm/hn/ibw/wz

KEYWORD: PETROL NSW OPPOSITION (SYDNEY)

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

Vic: Clark loses appeal =2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2007
Vic: Clark loses appeal =2

In their judgement .. Justices ALEX CHERNOV and MURRAY KELLAM said the judge wasn't
required to tell the jury the delay possibly prevented Mr CLARK from calling witnesses.

They say the passage of time didn't allow the evidence to be adequately tested.

Outside court .. Ms STINGEL said she's extremely relieved at the decision.

AAP RTV jxt/pmu/tm/bart

KEYWORD: CLARK 2 MELBOURNE

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

Fed: Howard's nuclear plans political suicide say opposers

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2007
Fed: Howard's nuclear plans political suicide say opposers

By Nikki Todd

BRISBANE, April 28 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard has committed political suicide
by moving to introduce nuclear power to Australia, anti-nuclear campaigners said today.

Mr Howard today promised to remove all excessive restrictions on mining, processing
and exporting of Australian uranium as a possible step to embarking on domestic nuclear
power generation.

The move has met with horror from peace activists and members of the Queensland Nuclear
Free Alliance (QNFA), citing environmental and political reasons for their opposition
to the plan.

"I think Mr Howard has just committed political suicide, given the statistics showing
the public opposition to not only uranium mining, but to the development of nuclear power
in this country," Just Peace spokeswoman Annette Brownlie told AAP.

"Problems of waste and nuclear proliferation and nuclear accidents are all on people's
minds, they haven't gone away.

"People really are very, very afraid of nuclear energy and the whole cycle."

Ms Brownlie said the move would increase political suspicion among neighbouring countries
that Australia was operating as "an outpost of the United States".

"Our neighbouring countries will have legitimate fear that Australia may become a nuclear-armed
nation," she said.

QNFA spokeswoman Robin Taubenfeld said it was "highly irresponsible" of the Howard
government to promote the expansion of the nuclear industry.

"There is no justification for developing nuclear power in this country," Ms Taubenfeld said.

"It certainly has nothing to do with a solution to climate change, it has proven to
be extremely water intensive, not cost effective and a highly polluting industry."

Ms Taubenfeld said Australia would now be hypocritical for criticising countries like
Iran for developing their nuclear industries.

"Going down the path of enriching uranium in Australia would be sending a clear message
to our neighbours in the region and worldwide that Australia is not only gearing up to
be a bigger player in the nuclear club, but Australia will be on the brink of technology
to develop its own weapons arsenal," she said.

AAP nt/lh/mn

KEYWORD: NUCLEAR QLD

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

SAIL: Wild Oats XI makes it back-to-back line honours

AAP General News (Australia)
12-28-2006
SAIL: Wild Oats XI makes it back-to-back line honours

Wild Oats XI has joined a select band of yachts to record back-to-back wins in the
Sydney to Hobart race.

The 30-metre maxi reached the finish line at 9.52 pm (AEDT) to clock an official time
of two days, eight hours, 52 minutes, 33 seconds.

Wild Oats XI became just the sixth boat to record back-to-back victories since the
race's inception in 1945 and the first since Astor achieved the feat in 1963-64.

The time was well outside Wild Oats' own race record of one day, 18 hours, 40 minutes,
10 seconds .. set last year.

AAP RTV aw/cc/dpb/crh

KEYWORD: SAIL SYDHOB (HOBART)

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

QLD: Pollies who retire or are defeated will keep allowances

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2006
QLD: Pollies who retire or are defeated will keep allowances

SYDNEY, Aug 21 AAP - Queensland politicians who retire or are defeated at the upcoming
state election will be allowed to keep electorate allowances that have been paid in advance.

Retiring speaker Tony McGrady has signed off on a deal allowing MPs who leave the political
scene on September 9 to keep a taxpayer-funded bonus they have not worked for, The Australian
newspaper reports today.

The money, which can total as much as $40,000, is paid half-yearly in advance.

It is meant to cover the 26-week period from July 1 to December 31, 2006.

AAP acb/wjf

KEYWORD: ALLOWANCES

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

ACT: Petrol prices nudge $1.35

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2006
ACT: Petrol prices nudge $1.35

CANBERRA, April 13 AAP - Petrol prices in Canberra are nudging $1.35 ahead of the Easter
long weekend.

Many service stations in the city centre are advertising unleaded fuel at 134.9 cents.

Even with the four cent discount offered by some stations, motorists are still being
asked to pay above $1.30 today.

AAP pv/mfh/jlw/jlw

KEYWORD: PETROL ACT

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

Fed: Key facts of Defence strategic update 2005

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2005
Fed: Key facts of Defence strategic update 2005

Key facts of strategic review defence Update 2005:

* increased unpredictability of uncertain world means Australian interests can be challenged
with little warning.

* Australian Defence Force requires high readiness, flexibility and sustainability.

* regional defence capabilities to continue to grow.

* status of Taiwan continues to be defining issue and course of friction between China and US.

* Middle East stability fundamental to global security and an insurgent victory in
Iraq could be huge setback.

* stability of south-west Pacific nations, particularly PNG, of special concern.

* current security threats require whole of government response, not just defence.

* alliance with US remains vital and confers major benefits on Australia.

* Australia attaches high priority to working with Indonesia and other regional nations
on security.

* Australian Defence Force needs to be able to operate in complex environments and
maintain capability edge over increasingly lethal adversaries.

AAP mb/it

KEYWORD: DEFENCE FACTBOX

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

beta stocks

beta stocks Shares in the second rank for frequency of trading on a stock exchange. On the London Stock Exchange before the system was replaced in 1991 by Normal Market Size there were about 500 beta stocks, compared with about 100 alpha stocks, the most frequently traded category, and over 3,000 gamma and delta, or less traded stocks.

Check Point Software teams with HP to feature VPN-1 SecureClient with iPAQ Pocket PC; Helps ensure secure end-to-end network connectivity for mobile workforce.

M2 PRESSWIRE-11 December 2002-CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES: Check Point Software teams with HP to feature VPN-1 SecureClient with iPAQ Pocket PC; Helps ensure secure end-to-end network connectivity for mobile workforce(C)1994-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:12102002

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq:CHKP), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, today announced that its Check Point(tm) VPN-1 SecureClient(tm) software is featured on the HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5450 Companion CD - delivering secure network connectivity for remote workers accessing corporate resources through iPAQ Pocket PC handheld devices. Check Point's continuing collaboration with HP enables customers to easily deploy an entire VPN/security infrastructure on Check Point software and HP platforms.

Check Point's VPN-1 SecureClient is the industry-leading client security solution, delivering centrally managed personal firewall protection and VPN connectivity. This unique approach to client security ensures that remote devices are always maintaining the same level of security as the corporate network. This latest collaborative effort furthers Check Point and HP's initiative announced earlier this year to deliver seamless and flexible security to every element of an enterprise network - including gateways, servers, clients and mobile devices.

"97 of the Fortune 100 companies use Check Point solutions today and many have indicated that they are eager to enable VPN connectivity from handhelds such as the iPAQ Pocket PC," said Scott McFarlane, vice president, sales operations, Check Point Software Technologies. "VPN-1 SecureClient running on the HP iPAQ Pocket PC enables enterprises to maximize productivity and efficiency by delivering secure connectivity to mobile employees accessing corporate resources from handheld devices."

"HP is committed to offering handheld solutions that deliver secure access capabilities to our enterprise customers," said Cindy Box, Director of Smart Handhelds, HP. "Check Point's VPN-1 SecureClientenables our customers to deploy an integrated security infrastructure that provides both Internet security and unparalleled client security for the HP iPAQ Pocket PC."

Highlights of VPN-1 SecureClient on the HP iPAQ Pocket PC include:

-- Centrally managed personal firewall protection and VPN connectivity Secured by Check Point certification for optimal security and interoperability

-- Centrally administered security updates and One-Click installation

The powerful combination of Check Point's VPN-1 SecureClient and the HP iPAQ Pocket PC enables Check Point's enterprise customers to easily deploy end-to-end, integrated security across their wired and wireless environments.

Availability

An evaluation copy of Check Point's VPN-1 SecureClient is available now with the purchase of the HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5450 model. In addition, Check Point's VPN-1 SecureClient is also supported on HP iPAQ Pocket PC h3800 & h3900 models. For more information on Check Point and HP's global alliance, please visit www.checkpoint.com/hp.

About Check Point Software Technologies

Check Point Software Technologies is the worldwide leader in securing the Internet. It is the confirmed market leader of both the worldwide VPN and firewall markets. The company's Secure Virtual Network (SVN) architecture provides the VPN and security infrastructure that uniquely enables secure and reliable Internet communications. SVN solutions, as delivered in the company's Next Generation product family, secure business communications and resources for corporate networks, remote employees, branch offices and partner extranets. Extending the power of SVN is Check Point's Open Platform for Security (OPSEC), the industry's framework and alliance for integration and interoperability with "best-of-breed" solutions from over 325 leading companies. Check Point solutions are sold, integrated and serviced by a network of 2,500 certified partners in 149 countries. For more information, please call us at (800) 429-4391 or (650) 628-2000 or visit us on the Web at http://www.checkpoint.com or at http://www.opsec.com.

CONTACT: Briony Peters/Paula Simmons, Beattie Media (for Check Point)Tel: +44 (0)20 7930 0453e-mail: briony.peters@beattie-lon.co.uke-mail: paula.simmons@beattie-lon.co.ukCheck Point Software Technologies (UK) LtdTel: +44 (0)1223 713 679

((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data prepared by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).

'SPYWARE' TAILS WHERE YOU GO ON THE 'NET.(NEWS)

While you are surfing the Internet, is the Internet watching you?

You bet.

Privacy advocates are raising alarms about ''spyware'' programs that monitor the electronic footprints of every Internet store you visit or stock report you read, and clandestinely report back to advertising firms what you did.

The advertising industry insists the programs are harmless, arguing that the programs only compile aggregate data so ad firms can prove the effectiveness of Internet advertisements. No one is identified by name, they say.

But privacy advocates see special dangers in these new programs, noting that the spyware is dropped into millions of individual computers whose owners aren't aware they're being watched. Since the spyware programs run undetected while surfers use the Internet, individuals can be easily identified, they say.

The new generation of spyware is hidden inside programs that are downloaded from computer disks or Internet sites offering free programs to track stock quotes, speed up downloads or play games.

Once the software is installed, each move on the Internet - called clickstream data in the industry - is reported back over the same telephone line the Internet surfer is using. In some cases, the program then feeds back banner ads to the individual computer.

Montreal spyware sleuth Gilles Lalonde (http://www.infoforce.qc.ca/spyware) has compiled a list of more than 400 spyware-infected programs he has found on the Internet.

Steve Gibson, a Laguna Hills, Calif., computer programmer, calls them ''browser parasites'' and is offering free software (http://www.grc.com) that sniffs out the stealth programs.

Gibson says his success is an indication of the growing concerns about Internet privacy: He has distributed almost 1.5 million copies of his detection program since he first offered it in March.

MOBILE: Ad serving.

Since its launch, Apple's iPhone has been the premium platform for advertisers to reach mobile users. However, data from US mobile ad network Millennial Media shows how the introduction of Android handsets into the market is shifting its dynamics.

The number of ad requests from Android devices rocketed last year as manufacturers introduced the OS into their handset portfolios. IPad ad requests rose significantly as sales grew in the run-up to Christmas.

Smartphones accounted for 60% of ad requests on the Millennial Media network in the US in December. Yet feature phones continued to generate a significant proportion, while a tenth of requests were made by devices like the iPod Touch. Almost half of all smartphones on the network were powered by Android. HTC and Motorola have used Google's operating system to improve the popularity of their handsets.

Social networks were clearly the most popular destination for mobile internet users in the US in December. Portals, such as those run by mobile operators and internet brands like Yahoo, were also popular.

Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

CEA Line Shows and Digital Downtown Conference to Feature What's Hot in Consumer Electronics.

Beginning June 22, the CEA Line Shows and Digital Downtown Conference will bring together the top media, trade analysts and technology thought leaders for two days of product exhibitions, conference panels, presentations and workshops focused on what's hot in consumer electronics. The 2011 CEA Line Shows is scheduled for June 22-23 at the CE Week Headquarters, 7 West 34th Street in New York City. On-site registration will open at 8 a.m. on June 22.

Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, will open Thursday's program with a keynote address at 9 a.m. announcing a new initiative of The Innovation Movement and describing the need for more spectrum for wireless broadband.

The Digital Downtown Conference at CEA Line Shows is chaired by Natali Morris. The program is developed by the media for the media to showcase the latest technology trends and products. Conference highlights include: "CEA Mid-Year Reality Check," with Sean DuBravac, Chief Economist, Director of Research, CEA "ESPN 3D Production Q&A," with Bryan Burns, Vice President Strategic Business Planning and Development, ESPN "VC Panel: Web, Apps, Software, Cloud," moderated by Caroline McCarthy, Manager of Trends and Insights, Google "Gadgets of the Year," moderated by Clayton Morris, Host, Fox & Friends. "Reviewing the Reviews," with Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor, Consumer Reports "Tabula Rosa: Tablets and Apps," moderated by Seth Porges, Senior Editor, Maxim Magazine "NY Tech Start-Up Classic," hosted by Nate Westheimer, Executive Director, NY Tech Meet-Up "Show Me The Money: Gadgets and Hardware," moderated by Daniel Sieberg, Host, ABC News' Tech This Out! "How to Work With Mom Bloggers," moderated by Suzanne Kantra, Founder, and Editor-in-Chief, Techlicious.com "3D Entertainment Summit in Association with Variety" "What's in Store: Trends in CE and Technology Retailing," moderated by Lance Ulanoff, Editor in Chief, PCMag.com "Social Revolution: The Internet and Social Change," moderated by Zachary Sniderman, Features Editor, Mashable "NYC Internet Safety Symposium 3.0," hosted by Robin Raskin, Founder, Living in Digital Times Crestron, LG Mobile, Monster Cable, Pioneer and Vizio will make news announcements at their press conferences on June 22, 2011. Top company executives will introduce new products and discuss what's ahead for their companies.

Keywords: Broadband, Entertainment, Leisure, Software, Technology.

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

BRIEFING - ASIA TELECOMMUNICATIONS - JUNE 14, 2011.

June 14, 2011, prepared by Asia Pulse (http:/ www.asiapulse.com), the real-time, asia-based wire with exclusive news, commercial intelligence and business opportunities.

KAZAKHSTAN-ISRAEL AGRI-BUSINESS FORUM HELD IN TEL AVIV

ASTANA - Israel and Kazakhstan signed pacts to share agricultral knowledge and technology with eachother at a business forum in Israel last week.

At the forum participants agreed to launch several agricultural projects in Northern Kazakhstan. The projects will use new technologies and also utilize the participation of specialists from Israel.

BOTTLENECKS THREATEN ASIAN INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING: WEF

JAKARTA - The cost of building power plants, transportation hubs, telecom facilities, water systems and other infrastructure across Asia will exceed US$8 trillion over the next 10 years, according to discussions in the World Economic Forum on East Asia (WEF-EA) on Sunday.

"The region actually has enough money in private savings, sovereign wealth funds and central bank reserves to fund the infrastructure upgrades. The problem is that bottlenecks threaten to hold back the projects, including regulatory complexity, land use and the failure to funnel those funds into long-duration financial instruments," the WEF said in a press statement issued during the WEF-EA event .

INDIA'S COMVIVA TO EXPAND AFRICA OPS, HIRE 200 OVER 6 MONTHS

NEW DELHI - Indian mobile value-added services (VAS) firm Comviva will hire close to 200 people over the next six months in Africa as it expands its operations in the continent.

"We plan to create jobs for 200 people in the first phase, creating employment opportunities for talented individuals and providing all necessary training for people recruited directly from schools and colleges," Comviva Vice-President (HR) Sandyp Bhattacharya said.

FOREIGN INVESTORS DRAWN TO VIETNAM'S HIGH-TECH SECTOR

HANOI - The implementation of a series of projects in telecommunications production in the first months of 2011 showed that Vietnam's high-tech sector continued to draw foreign investors.

By the end of March, Wintek Vietnam Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Taiwan's Wintek Corp. was officially granted a licence to build a US$250 million plant to produce touch screens for iPhone and iPad in Quang Chau economic zone in the northern province of Bac Giang.

MERCEDES-BENZ LAUNCHES MOBILE-OPTIMISED WEBSITE IN INDIA

MUMBAI - Auto major Mercedes-Benz India has launched a mobile-optimised website, which would cater to the rapidly evolving set of tech-savvy customers.

The website (m.mercedes-benz.co.in) can be readily accessed through multiple mobile devices, including smart phones, Androids and other feature phones capable of Internet browsing, the Indian arm of the German car manufacturer said.

(C) Asia Pulse Pte Ltd.

CONTACT:

Asia Pulse Production Centre

Phone: (612) 9322 8634

Fax: (612) 9322 8639

http://www.asiapulse.com

ASIA PULSE cg 14-06 1538

SiliconDust Picks MaxLinear MxL241SF for HDHomeRun[R] PRIME™ Next-Gen Cable TV System.

MaxLinear Inc. (NYSE: MXL), a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communication applications, announced that SiliconDust has selected the company's MxL241SF cable TV tuners for its three-tuner HDHomeRun[R] PRIME™ next-generation HD cable TV system. The recently announced HDHomeRun PRIME has achieved CableLabs[R] certification for OpenCable™ devices.

MaxLinear's MxL241SF is an "MPEG tuner" that combines a TV tuner and demodulator, providing a complete and cost-effective TV tuner solution for SiliconDust's multi-tuner HDHomeRun PRIME, which enables viewers to watch and record digital and HD television from computers within their wired or wireless home network.

The innovative HDHomeRun PRIME design connects TV tuners to a home router allowing access to cable TV programming from computers. You can watch or record Live HDTV from your bedroom, kitchen, garage, or backyard over your home network.

"Today's consumers have seemingly limitless programming options and HDHomeRun[R] PRIME™ allows families to watch what they want, on computers from anywhere within the home network," said Theodore Head, President and Chief Executive Officer of SiliconDust USA, Inc. "MaxLinear's MxL241SF has been an integral player in our ability to deliver this innovative solution in a form factor and at the price that is appealing to our customers."

"The television 'set' is evolving to be any device that has a screen, but component size and power requirements can be a hurdle for the systems vendors moving into this space," said Kishore Seendripu, MaxLinear President and CEO. "MaxLinear developed the MxL241SF with these requirements in mind and we are excited at the opportunity to work with SiliconDust as it leads the way in PC television."

MaxLinear's MxL241SF single-die integrated tuner and QAM demodulator IC is packaged in a compact 6mm x 6mm 40-pin QFN and consumes only 450mW of power, and provides HD-quality tuner performance. With three-times lower power consumption and three-times smaller size than comparable tuner + QAM demodulator solutions, the MxL241SF greatly reduces the printed circuit board size and heat dissipation needs of cable customer-premises equipment.

The device tunes to 256 and 64 QAM channels up to 1GHz and provides standard MPEG transport stream output for DOCSIS and video applications while meeting the high performance, low power and small form factor requirements for developing next-generation, multi-tuner cable video gateways and advanced set-top boxes (STBs). About SiliconDust SiliconDust USA, Inc. is a San Francisco Bay area-based technology company that develops computer network attached digital TV products for consumer and commercial solutions. With detailed knowledge of network platforms and extensive hardware and software engineering, SiliconDust continues to introduce innovative products that enable TV viewing from all computers on a home or office network. SiliconDust works with OEM companies to integrate digital TV into custom solutions.

For more information about SiliconDust USA, Inc and HDHomeRun[R] products and solutions visit http://www.hdhomerun.com. About MaxLinear, Inc. MaxLinear, Inc. is a leading provider of radio-frequency and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for broadband communication applications. MaxLinear is located in Carlsbad, California, and its address on the Internet is www.maxlinear.com.

Keywords: Broadband, Circuit Board, Electronics, MaxLinear Inc., Networks, Semiconductor, Software Engineering, Technology, Television.

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

Himfr Forecasts Upcoming Mobile Internet Trends.

Himfr.com, one of China's leading B2B search platforms with more than 30 B2B industry websites to its name, forecasts upcoming mobile Internet trends.

Apple iPhone, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Google's Android, Nokia's Symbian and other similar operating systems are notable in the industry. Inspired by their success, many companies are eager to try to break into the mobile Internet industry. China Mobile is vigorously promoting independent research on its operating system (OMS) and establishing OMS industry alliances. China Unicom's UniPlus operating system is also a new product on the market. The recently successfully acquired Palm's IT company Hewlett-Packard has developed its own operating system, while Bada terminal manufacturers Samsung and Microsoft and others such as Menlo are conducting research and actively developing the market.

At the same time, the traditional Internet has also come up with new special features. Baidu has China's absolute advantage in the search field, Tencent's comprehensive strategy is based around the client, while Alibaba is foremost in e-commerce and payment experience. These companies are all also leveraging their visibility to enter the mobile Internet world.

Himfr's analysis points to the 3G network leading to higher expectations from users. In 2010, the market will see more consolidation and acquisition cases will gradually appear. Acquisitions will fill resource voids for companies in need.

According to analysis, mobile Internet marketing value and the value of sales channels have huge market potential. It is forecasted that in the next two years, mobile Internet industry revenue will grow at more than 100%. This number is expected to reach 172.2 billion yuan by 2011.

In the TMT (digital new media) field the traditional Internet industry has fewer and fewer opportunities. Current opportunities lie mainly in mobile Internet and 3G services. Last year, 3G's official business affected mobile Internet growth. Himfr is optimistic that new software, games, interactive communities, and related supporting services will see explosive growth in the next two years via China's mobile Internet industry.

Keywords: Asia, China, Internet Industries, World Wide Web, Himfr.com.

This article was prepared by China Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, China Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.

Panelists doubt web benefits to biz.(LEGIT)(Discussion)

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The members of Thursday's "Future of Filmmaking" panel hosted by Syracuse U. at Gotham's W Union Square took a surprisingly wary view of the future.

"I'm a guy who sees nothing good having come from the Internet, period," said Sony Pictures boss Michael Lynton, sitting between Anne Hathaway and Nora Ephron. "It seems to have done damage to every part of the entertainment business by creating this notion that people can get whatever they want right now, for free."

Moderator Ken Auletta dryly asked, "So, Michael, what's your next career?" Lynton replied, "Broadband! I'm going to go out there and lay cable."

Hathaway and Ephron noted the upside of digital filmmaking tools, which help ease pressure on actors and directors to nail a take in waning daylight, for example. But they echoed Lynton's skepticism, especially in regard to the blogosphere and online video.

The Web "has given everyone a bathroom wall they can write on," Hathaway said. "Thankfully, we're not in high school anymore ... I just don't look."

All three panelists grappled with why the quality of mainstream films has declined in recent years. Talent windows and gaps in a studio's release schedule are the most common culprits, Lynton said, as is moving quickly before the script is perfected.

"It's just like the war in Iraq," Ephron quipped. "There was a start date, it had a cast, but it was a bad script."

Without naming any names, Hathaway spoke of the awful realizations she's had that she was about to embark on one of those schedule-fillers. "When I feel that way, I'm usually right" she laughed.

She said cutting her fee to make "Rachel Getting Married" was the kind of move that should be made automatically by stars who believe in low-budget projects. "Why make a movie for $30 million when it should look like it was made for 10?" she said." 'Brokeback Mountain' cost $11 million, and it was absolutely gorgeous. I think I made SAG day rate for that one."

Ephron said she mistrusts studios' frequent cries of poverty, especially their claims that talent and writer-director costs have hit them hard.

"I look at the movie business as this giant Ponzi scheme set up to compensate a small number of people" she said. "Everything about it is puffed up, including the executives. You wouldn't believe the scale of wealth in Hollywood. They live like pashas. I know people live like that here, too, but we all live in apartments so you can't see it."

South Korean Insurance Industry Analysis (2007).

M2 PRESSWIRE-25 August 2008-www.companiesandmarkets.com: South Korean Insurance Industry Analysis (2007)(C)1994-2008 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:25082008

-www.companiesandmarkets.com adds new report: South Korean Insurance Industry Analysis (2007)

South Korean Insurance Industry Analysis (2007) provides extensive research and objective analysis of the growing insurance industry, its product quality, and services in South Korea. This report helps to analyze the leading-edge opportunities critical to the success of the insurance industry in South Korea. Detailed data and analysis helps investors, financial service providers, and global banking players to navigate through the evolving insurance market in South Korea.

Key Findings

Pension market and investment-linked products will drive the future market of South Korea.

With arrival of foreign insurers, customization of the insurance products has become the new buzzword (like Pension Schemes).

Health insurance market is showing a northward trend.

Assurance bank has emerged as the new concept in the South Korean insurance industry.

Growth of direct channel (includes Internet, telemarketing, home shopping, bank and direct contact with insurance agents is not taken under this) in South Korean insurance sector.

Key Issues and Facts Analyzed

The research report also addresses the issues and facts that are critical to business success:

What are the marketing strategies of the players in the insurance industry?

How is the growth in health insurance driving the insurance sector in South Korea?

What are the opportunities for the players in this industry and what are the challenges to sustain the growth of insurance market in South Korea?

What will be the prospective areas of investments in the insurance industry in the near future?

Which factors will lead to the growth of life and non-life insurance sector in South Korea?

Key Products Analyzed

Key products of the insurance sector, like Life and Non-life Insurance, have been analyzed prudently in the report supplemented with the facts like revenue growth and market trends.

Key Players

This section provides an overview of some of the key players operating in this industry in various sub-sectors, like in Life Insurance Sector - Samsung Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Korea Life Insurance, Kyobo Life Insurance & KB Life are the flag holders while in Non-life Insurance Sector - Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co. Ltd., Dongbu Insurance are the leaders. In Reinsurance Sector - Korean Reinsurance Company is the key name.

Research Methodology Used

Information Sources

Information has been sourced from numerous sources like Books, Newspapers, trade journals, and white papers, industry portals, government agencies, trade associations, monitoring industry news and developments, and through access to more than 3000 paid databases.

Analysis Methods

The analysis methods includes the following: Ratio Analysis, Historical Trend Analysis, Linear Regression Analysis using software tools, Judgmental Forecasting and Cause and Effect Analysis.

http://www.companiesandmarkets.com/Summary-Market-Report/South-Korean-Insurance-Industry-Analysis-(2007)-46719.asp

CONTACT: Mike King, Director, www.companiesandmarkets.comTel: +44 (0)1933 674 780Fax: +44 (0)1933 674 780e-mail: info@companiesandmarkets.com

((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data prepared by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).

TIPS TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE TAKING MEDS PROPERLY.(FRONT)

AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE

Ask detailed questions

How and when do I take this?

When do I quit?

What is it supposed to do?

How do I know if it's working?

What are its possible side effects, and what do I do if have those?

What food, drink, other medicines or activities should I avoid while using this medicine?

Bring a complete list of all medicines you take

The doctor can check if a planned new drug will interact badly with an existing one.

AT THE PHARMACY

Ask the pharmacist for help if you have problems understanding the instructions.

AT HOME

Set up pill boxes each week with morning, noon and night doses in separate compartments.

On the Internet: www.talkaboutrx.org

SOURCE: National Council on Patient Information and Education Advice for doctors

Marketing communications; a European perspective, 3d ed.(Brief Article)(Book Review)

9780273706939

Marketing communications; a European perspective, 3d ed.

Pelsmacker, Patrick de et al.

Financial Times Prentice Hall

2007

610 pages

$80.73

Paperback

HF5415

Suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of marketing communications, this textbook provides an overview of its fundamental concepts and techniques within a European context. It is assumed that the reader has already completed an introductory course in marketing. Some of the topics addressed include branding, budgets, advertising research, sales promotions, direct marketing, trade fairs, and Internet marketing. The volume is not distributed in the U.S. at this time.

([c]20072005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR)

New browsers have compelling features and fewer problems.(Odvard Egil Dyrli on Alternative Web Browsers)

When continuing assaults from viruses, spam, pop-up ads and adware made Internet use almost intolerable in my teacher-son Karl's K-12 school in Massachusetts, the staff changed Web browsers from Internet Explorer to Firefox and the problems decreased significantly. The changeover was quick and easy, thanks to a setup wizard that walked people through the process, and the new browser imported previous settings including passwords and favorite sites.

"We were able to start using Firefox immediately," he says, "and our annoying pop-up ads dropped to zero."

The near total domination of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser--which the Web metrics firm WebSideStory estimates was close to 97 percent last year--made IE a high-profile target for Interact attacks that also exploited its known security gaps. And in spite of the rapid development of online technology, IE was also criticized for not releasing a major upgrade in three years. School users therefore started turning to alternative browsers including Mozilla, Opera, Safari and the increasingly popular Firefox.

Multiple Benefits

Firefox runs on Linux computers as well as Windows and Mac machines, and was developed as an "open-source" grassroots effort involving thousands of volunteers. When version 1.0 was released in November, it was downloaded more than 12 million times in the first three months alone, and quickly grabbed nearly 5 percent of the market.

The "Spread Firefox" Web site documents how supporters are promoting the new browser, and school systems throughout the United States have adopted the program. For example, the Web site of Washington's Cusick School District states, "Download the Firefox browser for a better experience on our site," and the site of School District #104 in Illinois proclaims, "The Firefox Web browser is safer than Internet Explorer, better at blocking pop-ups, fast, and free." And teachers in Michigan's Pinconning Area School District were even asked to return their laptops to have software with Firefox installed to "prevent disrupting the district network with viruses and other malware."

But beyond trying the lower-prone browsers to decrease many of the problems that plague the Internet, the upstart programs also bring compelling features to schools that are not available on older browsers. For example, "tabbed browsing" offered by Firefox and Opera allows teachers and students to designate groups of Web pages on topics of interest that open automatically when the browsers are launched. The most useful sites are therefore available immediately, and users can shift from one to another by clicking on-screen tabs for each resource. Other valuable innovations for school research applications include dropdown customized lists of search tools, and integrated support for Real Simple Syndication, so browsers can receive Web-based alerts whenever new content is added to subscribed sites. Users can therefore follow breaking news stories without having to visit Web sites to look for new information.

Upgraded Choices

The innovations among the challenger browsers will benefit all Interact users, as browsers are upgraded and new entries become available. For example, Internet Explorer crushed Netscape in the '90s as the browser of choice, by bundling IE as part of Windows, but Netscape is now back with RSS support and "antiphishing" technology that resists identity theft. Microsoft also released multiple patches to tighten the security of IE, and will launch an upgraded browser before the next version of Windows in 2006. Similarly, Opera is adding voice-activated features, and America Online is reportedly preparing its own standalone browser.

But while the new browsers will not be accepted universally--Washington's Snohomish School District rejected Firefox for "lacking support and interoperability with other installed software"--they offer clear advantages that your staff should consider. The browser wars are a boon to us all.

Web Resources

* Firefox www.getfirefox.com

* Mozilla www.mozilla.org

* NetCaptor www.netcaptor.com

* Opera www.opera.com

* Safari www.apple.com/safari

* Spread Firefox www.spreadfirefox.com

* WebSideStory www.websidestory.com

Odvard Egil Dyrli, dyrli@uconn.edu, is senior editor and emeritus professor of education at the University of Connecticut.

PHONE SERVICE UNIQUE IN VIETNAM.(News)

Byline: Margie Mason Associated Press

HANOI, Vietnam -- What's the best way to sue my neighbor? How big is Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum? Is surgery necessary to remove a bunion? Am I pregnant?

For answers to these questions, call 1080.

Directory assistance in communist Vietnam goes a lot further than America's 411. It's a combination of a lonely hearts column, Dr. Ruth and general information service, with a force of female operators ready to take on just about anything, 24/7.

In a country where information -- including the Internet and media -- is tightly controlled by the government, the service fills a big gap. And its popularity attests to a level of telephone penetration that reflects Vietnam's growing prosperity -- 9.3 million telephone subscribers in a nation of 82 million.

The service started in 1992 in Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, as a way for the Communist Party to explain social and economic policies. More than a decade later, exchanges in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City alone field 75,000 calls a day asking for everything from college exam scores and soccer results to advice on finding love.

"One day I got a call from a man who said that two people were quarreling on Hang Bong street," said Tran Hong Ha, 30, an operator in Hanoi for 10 years. "That old man asked me to come there immediately because they were quarreling with each other very fiercely and he hoped that with my sweet voice, I could help..."

A sweet, clear voice is a must, along with a good education. Those selected then undergo intensive training on how to answer questions quickly and cheerfully.

In Hanoi, about 40 women in matching blue smocks and headphones sit side-by-side in a crowded room filled with shelves and cabinets of reference books and files.

They chat and type furiously on computers at their desks, and each sits before a large mirror.

"If they have a bad temper, they can look at themselves in the mirror and change their attitudes," said Bui Minh Chau, director of Hanoi's 1080 service. "It's very stressful. Sometimes the operators get shouted and screamed at by the client."

The job pays about $65 a month -- par for the Vietnamese civil service -- and isn't taken lightly. The army of operators have become final arbiters of many a dispute or barroom argument. (Ho's mausoleum? 10,344 square feet).

The service has become so popular in Hanoi that more than 80 phone trees have been added to provide recorded answers about flight schedules and other tourist information.

Doctors and lawyers dole out medical and legal advice, and psychologists tackle thorny questions most Vietnamese wouldn't dare ask in public. They can be reached during business hours by calling one of the automated numbers and selecting from a list of experts.

Sex is a big issue. In a country where it's never discussed openly in schools or homes, operators provide a confidential alternative. They also advise on marriage, pregnancy and drug addiction. Those contemplating suicide also turn to them.

Callers don't have to give names and their questions remain secret. "That's why many of the clients consider us a very reliable friend," Phuoc said.

The No. 1 request is not unique. It's telephone numbers.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

RICHARD VOGEL/Associated Press

General information and telephone directory inquiry service operators sit in their work stations fielding questions from callers in Hanoi, Vietnam.

HCORP Announces Three New Upgrades of its Patient Bedside Product: The Hospital Network.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

BIOWIRE2K

PLEASANTON, Calif. & PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2003

HCORP, the U.S. market leader in the digital Bedside Clinical Interactivity Services market (BCIS), implemented its newest release of The Hospital Network in March of this year.

The Hospital Network is a suite of interactive and on-demand patient education, communication, entertainment and clinical applications delivered to the patient's bedside through the existing hospital room TV. "We significantly enhanced our user interface and introduced a new pillow speaker controller based on research and feedback from our hospital staff customers and patients. It dramatically increases their ease in accessing patient education, and provides the hospital with key information, essential communication services, including the Internet, clinical efficiencies and a broad spectrum of entertainment" said Mark O'Leary, CEO of HCORP. "We have already seen significant increases in patient uptake and duration of targeted education and clinical services on THN, the real litmus test of the effectiveness of a Bedside Clinical Interactivity Service."

"Our patients, nurses and staff love the enhanced version of The Hospital Network," states Dave Thompson, VP and CIO of Borgess Medical Center, an HCORP customer since 2001. "They are accessing more of the Borgess Hospital Network features such as hospital information, Internet, movies and patient education. The Borgess Hospital Network increasingly differentiates Borgess from our competition by providing patients and their families with information, education and entertainment at the bedside and on demand."

HCORP also introduced its newest application for The Hospital Network, Patient Service Recovery (PSR). PSR allows patients and their families to communicate complaints and room problems real time directly to appropriate hospital personnel without using the nurse as a messenger. PSR enables the hospital to identify and quickly reconcile patient communicated problems, improving patient safety and overall satisfaction with their hospital stay while relieving nurses of a time-consuming administrative burden. "The interactive nature of the system helps patients and families make better decisions about their care, and allows hospitals to capture real-time information from patients to improve quality of care and the hospital experience," said Dr. George Gellert, Chief Medical Officer and EVP of HCORP. "With easier, on-demand access to health information and entertainment, and new abilities to message hospital staff on room issues or patient complaints, we expect to further improve patient satisfaction, safety, and ultimately, clinical outcomes."

About HCORP

HCORP is the leading innovator and has the largest installed base in the digital Bedside Clinical Interactivity Services market (BCIS). Its complimentary suite of interactive services for patient education, communications, entertainment, and select clinical applications is delivered through the existing investment and familiarity of the patient's room TV and remote control. Leading U.S. hospitals using The Hospital Network have increased patient satisfaction, improved hospital productivity, and enhanced their competitive advantage. The Hospital Network is based on a scalable, server-based, all-digital, broadband platform. It provides hospitals a complete and non-invasive, turn-key approach that frees the hospital IT staff to attend to other issues. Visit the HCORP website at www.hcorp.com or call 866/259-6006.

SOUTH AFRICA : Scotiabank Jamaica upgrades ATM network.

Scotiabank Jamaica arranges a complete refurbishment of its 100-ATM network at a cost of C$3 million (J$264 million) in a six-month period. The bank assures that the replacement machines will bring a processing speed for transactions that is up to four times quicker than the existing rate. The bank will also extend the ATM network by inserting minimum nine units this year. The replacement project will be concluded in August. Scotiabank assures that the enhanced technology will not rise fees customers now pay for ATM transactions, nor will it want a switch of banking cards.

The present charges are J$33 for withdrawals at Scotia ATMs, and J$55 at other banking machines on the Multilink network, and J$27.60 if the transaction is rejected. "Scotiabank is replacing and upgrading machines to improve the overall customer experience by providing ATMs with a four-times faster processing time and a better touch and feel," said Debbie Clue, manager for corporate and public affairs at Scotia Group Jamaica.

Since February, the bank is making print and electronic advertisements since the start of the year. They recommend customers about the improvement in progress. The old machines will be firmly decommissioned and demolished, said Clue. The new machines will be delivered by Diebold, which is a United Sates-based integrated technology provider.

Clue said that, additionally to quicker processing times, the Diebold machines will have, improved security features, and thermal-printed receipts despite ink as part of the company's current drive to go green. She did not reveal the sites at which the extra machines will be located as negotiations are still continuing. She said about only eight locales for nine ATMs.

Scotiabank's other improvements to its electronic banking platform enable customers to view their credit card and line of credit history when do mobile banking. In February, the bank also inserted the online banking feature to let transfer of foreign currency to a US-dollar credit card. Foreign-currency transfers are also accessible on the mobile banking platform, alike the Internet banking facility.

2011 Al Bawaba (Albawaba.com)

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company