SA:Ex-AFL player found guilty of assault

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2011
SA:Ex-AFL player found guilty of assault

An emotional FABIAN FRANCIS has been found guilty of assaulting his former wife and
is to be sentenced on November 10.

A District Court jury cleared the 37-year-old former AFL footballer of some charges,
but found him guilty of eight of 20 charges against his former wife DEBRA BUCKSKIN between
1998 and 2008.

The jury heard during the trial Ms BUCKSKIN endured years of abuse at the hands of
her jealous, controlling and cruel husband.

But defence witnesses said Ms BUCKSKIN had abused and hit FRANCIS, allegedly punching
his teeth out, and abusing him with a golf club after she suspected him of affairs.

AAP RTV sbm/mp/de/nap/wz

KEYWORD: FRANCIS (ADELAIDE)

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

NSW: Time running out for voters to enrol in state elections

AAP General News (Australia)
02-23-2007
NSW: Time running out for voters to enrol in state elections

Time is running out for New South Wales voters to enrol .. or change their enrolment
details .. before the state election.

The electoral roll closes on March 5 .. which means all forms should be completed and
mailed by the end …

Pernec champions innovation, creativity

Kamarul Yunus
New Straits Times
04-23-2011
Pernec champions innovation, creativity
Byline: Kamarul Yunus
Edition: Main/Lifestyle
Section: Business Times
Type: News

KUALA LUMPUR: Pernec Corp Bhd, the technology arm of Permodalan Nasional Bhd, is using the upcoming Minggu Saham Amanah Malaysia 2011 (MSAM 2011) to showcase its products and partners.

Managing director Abdul Karim Abdul Sallam said Pernec aims to become a champion of innovation and creativity, and it believes it is well positioned to support the national innovation agenda.
"Now is the time to push the innovation agenda to the next level, which would create a culture of products and solutions creations. We would like to invite local entrepreneurs to work with us on co- creation.

"The cooperation includes working with the small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) to develop local contents and applications. We have no intention to create the contents and applications alone. That is why we are bringing in all the three main elements, namely the one who develops, the one who sells and the one who uses at MSAM," he said in an interview here recently.

Pernec will showcase a number of products and solutions at MSAM 2011, which include cloud computing solutions, cloud-based netbooks, content and applications, e-commerce platforms and energy-efficient solutions.

"Innovation, which is the main theme for MSAM 2011, augurs well with Pernec as it is part of our new strategic initiative to re- invent our current business portfolios.

"Malaysia is a heavy consumer of information, communication and technology, and the challenges for local technology players are to become producers of innovation. It is imperative that we create sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship," he said.

In cloud computing, the company will be looking at infrastructure, besides producing software solutions as well as contents and applications.

"We will collaborate with telecommunication companies in terms of providing broadband network. We will also work with the SMEs to develop whatever applications that can ride on top of the cloud computing infrastructure, including contents and applications, plus the Internet of things," he said.

Other solutions to be shown include the latest vehicle tracking system known as Pernec fleet management system utilising the Geo Location Platform, one of the most advanced vehicle tracking systems available in the market today.

Pernec is also developing a tracking and traceability system for the halal aspect of a product from "farm to fork". It also foresees the development of more local contents and applications for mobile banking, payment gateways, education, e-health and lifestyle.

On green technology, Abdul Karim said he believes that Pernec's debut into this green technology would provide a 10 per cent growth to the company's overall turnover.

Pernec has also introduced a small-scale wind turbine for coastal areas and is normally presented as hybrid solution with solar panels.

"We also have energy-efficient boxes that can be deployed as a fast-fix to enjoy immediate savings up to 15 per cent and will give a return on investment of between 24 and 26 months," he said.

MSAM 2011 is being held now in Ipoh, Perak, and runs until April 26.

(Copyright 2011)

Facebook Chief Security Officer Joins National Cyber Security Alliance Board

Wireless News
02-02-2011
Facebook Chief Security Officer Joins National Cyber Security Alliance Board
Type: News

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a nonprofit public- private partnership focused on cybersecurity awareness and education for all digital citizens, announced that Joe Sullivan, Facebook's chief security officer, has joined its board of directors."The Facebook team is constantly innovating to cultivate a safe online environment and address new and emerging security threats. At a time when the Internet faces many complex security challenges, Facebook has shown an unwavering commitment to make the Internet safer and more secure for all," said Michael Kaiser, executive director of NCSA. "What's more, Joe brings incredible experience and a passion for engaging educators, parents, students and the greater online community on safer Internet practices. NCSA stands to greatly benefit from his wisdom and experience."As chief security officer, Sullivan oversees security for Facebook's more than 500 million active users and works to develop and promote high standards for product security. As a former federal prosecutor and founding member of the Justice Department's Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Units, Sullivan and his Facebook team partner closely with law enforcement to foster a safe online environment."Protecting our trusted environment and helping people stay safe and secure online is a top priority for Facebook," Sullivan said. "We do this by developing robust tools and technologies and by actively engaging with the community through organizations like NCSA. We look forward to working with the rest of the industry to educate and raise awareness around online safety and security."NCSA and Facebook began collaborating in 2009 on STOP. THINK. CONNECT., the first unified online safety message and public awareness campaign adopted across industry, government and nonprofits. For National Cyber Security Awareness Month last October, Facebook donated 35 million global ad impressions to spread the word about STOP. THINK. CONNECT. In addition, Facebook users can test their knowledge of online security by taking the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Quiz developed by the Facebook security team. The quiz leverages the social connections on Facebook by allowing those who take it to post a story to their profile as well as to their friends' News Feeds, further spreading the message. To date, the quiz has been taken more than 650,000 times.The National Cyber Security Alliance is a non-profit organization. NCSA works to create a culture of cyber security and safety through education and awareness activities.((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

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

VIC:Hunt for man over sex attack

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2010
VIC:Hunt for man over sex attack

MELBOURNE, Aug 25 AAP - Detectives are looking for a man who allegedly sexually assaulted
a teenage boy on a bike track in Melbourne's northeast.

Police say the 13-year-old was walking along a bike track in the Yarra Flats Park in
Eaglemont when he was approached by the man about 5.45pm (AEST) on August 19.

The man allegedly led the teen to a secluded area off the track, where he was sexually assaulted.

He is described as aged between 50 and 60 years, with a fair complexion and a wrinkly
face, with short grey curly hair and a bald patch, bushy eyebrows and of medium height
and build.

The offender is believed to have been wearing a blue jacket, brown pants and an old
brown belt with a gold buckle.

AAP ees/gfr/jsh

KEYWORD: ASSAULT (PIC AVAILABLE)

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

Fed: PM to offer an extra $5bn to NSW to secure health deal

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2010
Fed: PM to offer an extra $5bn to NSW to secure health deal

Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD has offered New South Wales an extra five billion dollars
in funding .. in a final offer to premier KRISTINA KENEALLY to sign up to national health
reforms.

The Daily Telegraph reports NSW will receive the biggest part of an unprecedented national
funding package .. worth an extra 15.6 billion .. which Mr RUDD will take to the COAG
meeting in Canberra today.

It means NSW will be handed 4.9 billion more between 2014-15 and 2020 than it would
have expected under normal GST arrangements.

The concession was signed off by Mr Rudd late yesterday as a final .. non-negotiable
attempt to secure agreements from the states.

Mr RUDD told the Daily Telegraph he'll make the commitment as a measure of confidence
in their reforms .. and to demonstrate good faith.

AAP RTV bzs/psm/

KEYWORD: HOSPITALS NSW (SYDNEY)

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

Events Diary Friday, December 4, 2009

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2009
Events Diary Friday, December 4, 2009
EVENTS LISTED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER AND LOCAL TIME UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED:

ADELAIDE
0830 - Swim coach Laurie Lawrence to launch water safety DVD. Unley Swimming Centre, Ethel
St, Forrestville. Contact: Christine Davis 0417 819 532.

BRISBANE
0930 - Dymocks Brisbane official opening, by Lady Mayoress Lisa Newman. Matt Moran signing
copies of book, When I get Home, from 1300. Contact: Ginny Ryan 02 9818 0962.

1000 - Media launch of 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art by Queensland Premier
Anna Bligh. Gallery of Modern Art. Contact: 3224 4500.

1200 - AEIOU Foundation charity lunch with Treasurer Wayne Swan. Brisbane Convention and
Exhibition Centre.

CANBERRA
No items listed.

MELBOURNE
0900 - Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) conference
continues. Rydges on Swanston, 701 Swanston Street, Carlton. Contact: Rebecca Nicholson
0409 216 053 or Luisa Saccotelli 0400 149 901. website: www.aifs.gov.au/growingup/comf2009.

0910-1700 - Attorney-General Robert McClelland opening address to Australian Centre for
International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) Conference: Australia set to become global
arbitration centre. RACV City Club, 501 Bourke Street. Contact: Gianna Totaro 0438 337
328. website: www.acica.org.au
1200-1400 - Ford Australia President & CEO, Marin Burela, to address American Chamber
of Commerce in Australia (AmCham) on `What Ford Australia's Product Strategy Means for
You'. Ballroom, The Langham Hotel, 1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank. Contact: 03 9614 7744.

website: www.amcham.com.au
1230 - Stop the ETS Rally. Steps of Victorian State Parliament, Spring Street. Contact:
Chris Dawson 0409 805 425 or Stephen Murphy 0466 330 274.

PERTH
No items listed.

SYDNEY
0800 - Day one of the Sydney Telstra 500, V8 Supercars. Sydney Olympic Park. Contact:
Dominic O'Grady 8898 6532.

0900 - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to deliver opening address at Asia Pacific community
conference. Harbourview Ballroom, Level 1, Taronga Centre, next to Taronga Park Zoo. Contact:
Kate Sieper 0488 484 689.

1000 - Waverley Mayor Sally Betts will launch the safety campaign, My Bondi Summer. Bondi
Pavilion Forecourt. Contact: Danielle Lee-Ryder 0416 075 532.

1030 - Former Defence Force chief general Peter Cosgrove to present NSW Ambulance bravery
awards to paramedics involved in last year's Sydney Harbour crash on May 1 which killed
six people. Wesley Convention Centre, Pitt Street, Sydney. Contact Kristie Sky: 9320 7796.

1200 - Ambassador of the US Jeffrey Bleich will give his first major address in Sydney.

Clayton Utz, level 34, 1 O'Connell Street, Sydney. Contact: Ellie Hutchings 0410 624 176.

1400 - Dr Bill Williams, president of the Medical Association for Prevention of War will
speak at a meeting about hope for the eradication of all nuclear weapons. Waratah Room,
Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney. Contact: Lynne Saville 0438 341 436.

1830 - The McGrath Foundation Gala Dinner. Attending: Glenn McGrath, Layne Beachley, Kirk
Pengilly, Matthew and Kellie Hayden and more. Hordern Pavilion, Entertainment Quarter.

Contact: Eleanor Garth 0411 273 976.

SPORT
CRICKET - Test series - to December 20
2nd test - to December 8
Australia v West Indies, Adelaide Oval
SOCCER - A-League 2009/10 season -
Round 17 - to December 6
1730 (AEDT) - Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory, Westpac Std
2000 (AEDT) - Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets, Hindmarsh Std
BASKETBALL - NBL - to February 14
Rnd 11 - to December 5
2030 (AEDT) - Gold Coast Blaze v Cairns Taipans, Gold Coast Convention Cnt
BASKETBALL (Women's) - WNBL - to March 7
Rnd 10 - to December 6
2030 (AEDT) - Townsville v Adelaide, Australia Std, Townsville, Qld
HOCKEY (Men's) - Champions Trophy - to December 6
Rest day
State Netball & Hockey Cnt, Parkville, Vic
GOLF (Men's) - PGA Australasian C'ship - to December 6
Australian Open, NSW Golf Club
MOTORSPORT - V8 Supercar C'ship -
Sydney 500 - to December 6
Homebush, NSW
TENNIS - Davis Cup World Group Final - to December 6
2343 (AEDT) - Spain v Czech Republic, Palau Sant Jordi Sports Palace, Madrid
RUGBY - IRB Sevens - to December 5
Dubai
FIGURE-SKATING - Grand Prix Final - to December 6
Tokyo, Japan
SPEED SKATING - World Cup - to December 6
Calgary, Canada
BOBSLEIGH - World Cup - to December 6
Cesana Pariol, Italy
SKELETON - World Cup - to December 6
Cesana Pariol, Italy
ALPING SKIING - World Cup - to December 6
Mens: Beaver Creek, Colorado
Women's: Lake Louise, Canada
SURFING (Women's) - ASP World Tour - to December 6
World Cup of Surfing, Sunset Beach, Oahu-Hawaii
GALLOPS -
Mudgee
Moonee Valley
Ipswich
Mount Gambier
Pakenham
Coffs Harbour
Hamilton
New Zealand
USA
UK
TROTS -
Harold Park
Melton
Gold Coast
Globe Derby
Yarra Valley
Young
Bunbury
Gloucester Park
New Zealand
GREYHOUNDS -
Richmond
Geelong
Ipswich
Traralgon
The Gardens
Mandurah
Casino
Shepparton

AAP RTV bm/evt/psm/

KEYWORD: DIARY EVENTS FRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 2009

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

Qld: Two Queenslanders in hospital with flu after Mexico trip

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2009
Qld: Two Queenslanders in hospital with flu after Mexico trip

Two people are in a Queensland hospital with flu symptoms .. after returning from Mexico
where swine flu has killed more than 80 people.

Premier ANNA BLIGH says the two checked into hospital overnight and tests are still
being carried out to confirm whether it's the deadly strain that's spreading worldwide.

She says there's no need for panic.

Chief health officer Dr JEANNETTE YOUNG is holding a media conference at 10am (AEST).

AAP RTV stg/ahe/jmt

KEYWORD: MED FLU QLD (BRISBANE)

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

NSW: Ex-crime commission investigator fails in bid for bail

AAP General News (Australia)
12-22-2008
NSW: Ex-crime commission investigator fails in bid for bail

SYDNEY, Dec 22 AAP - A bid by disgraced crime fighter Mark Standen to get out of jail
before Christmas has failed, with a Sydney magistrate refusing his latest bail application.

Lawyers for Standen made the application in Sydney's Central Local Court on Monday,
arguing that the case against him was flawed, and that he would suffer psychological harm
if kept in custody.

The former NSW Crime Commission assistant director of investigations was arrested in
June, along with alleged co-conspirator Bakhos Jalalaty, after a two-year federal drug
investigation spanning three continents.

Standen faces charges of conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of a border controlled
precursor, conspiracy to supply a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, and
conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

His lawyer, Greg Farmer, argued that the police brief of evidence against his client
was incomplete, and that there were inconsistencies in the police statement of facts relating
to the type of substance involved and its quantity.

However, magistrate Allan Moore refused the bail application, saying the crown's case
against Standen was "substantial".

A psychiatric report showing Standen faced mental harm if he remained in custody also
failed to persuade the magistrate, who said tough custody conditions faced by Standen
were "a fact of life".

Standen will next appear at Central Local Court on February 11, when a two-day committal
hearing is due to begin.

AAP ab/wjf/maur/jlw

KEYWORD: STANDEN

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

Fed: Clean coal gets the green light

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-2008
Fed: Clean coal gets the green light

A federal parliamentary committee has given the green light to burying carbon pollution
under the ground .. and suggests taxpayers pay any clean-up bills.

The world's first laws to allow companies to capture carbon dioxide emissions from
power stations and bury them under the seabed are under consideration in Canberra.

Called Carbon Capture and Storage .. or clean coal .. the technology is held by some
to be central to Australia's efforts to tackle climate change.

A House of Representatives Committee has endorsed the draft laws .. with one key change
.. it wants the government to assume legal liability if something goes wrong in the long-term.

The proposal appears to be a win for oil .. coal and power companies .. who want to
use the technology.

But the Greens have called foul .. saying taxpayers should not clean up after coal companies.

AAP RTV ca/wz/fdf

KEYWORD: CLIMATE COAL (CANBERRA)

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

SA: Governments overwhelmed by child sex scourge - Mullighan

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2008
SA: Governments overwhelmed by child sex scourge - Mullighan

By Liza Kappelle

ADELAIDE, April 7 AAP - Australian governments are being overwhelmed by the scourge
of child sex abuse, but Australians tend to see petrol prices as a bigger concern, a conference
has been told.

Ted Mullighan, a former judge who has exposed systematic child sexual abuse in South
Australia, told the National Family Law conference in Adelaide today that at least one
in every five children would be sexually abused before they turned 16.

"Government, I can tell you, is overwhelmed by this problem - in every state in Australia
and in every place overseas where it is taken seriously," Mr Mullighan said.

But surveys showed people misunderstood child sexual abuse and thought children exaggerated,
he said.

"And when asked to place in order the matters in society that concerned them most,
rising petrol prices came first and child sexual abuse came 14th out of 15.

"When it was explained, in the follow-up, child sexual abuse rose dramatically as a
matter of importance."

Mr Mullighan, who released his report on the Children in State Care Commission of Inquiry
last week, said child sexual abuse was not just a government problem.

"It is society's problem.

"In SA, there is a child abuse line, a phone-in, and there are 30,000 calls a year.

They are not all about sex abuse ... but you can see how almost impossible it is (to respond
to)."

Education at all levels was needed to make the nation safe for children, he said.

Mr Mullighan, who today described the plight of Aboriginal people as the nation's greatest
social issue, will complete his report on sexual abuse in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
(APY) Lands in SA's far north by the end of April.

The law conference is hearing from a range of people including UK barrister Nicholas
Mostyn QC, who led Sir Paul McCartney's legal team in his recent high-profile divorce
proceedings.

AAP lk/jl/nf

KEYWORD: MULLIGHAN

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

NSW: Mudflap may hold clue to cyclist's death

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2007
NSW: Mudflap may hold clue to cyclist's death

Police believe a piece of a mudflap may hold the clue to the death of a cyclist in
a hit and run in Sydney's south-west.

MENA AYAD died after a truck struck him at an intersection in Punchbowl .. just before
8am (AEDT) on Saturday.

Senior Sergeant JOHN KELLY says the focus of the inquiry has turned to a portion of
mudflap found at the scene.

He says police are hoping to hear from anyone who knows of a truck with a damaged or
newly-replaced mudflap.

Snr Sgt KELLY says they've established that the flap's at least 20-years-old .. and
it's possible the truck involved is the same age.

AAP RTV kd/af

KEYWORD: CYCLIST (SYDNEY)

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

NSW: Man charged after scuffle with police

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2007
NSW: Man charged after scuffle with police

SYDNEY, April 22 AAP - A man allegedly assaulted police after they stopped him doing
a burn-out in his car at an eastern Sydney intersection.

Three police officers stopped the vehicle at 3.15am (AEST) today at the intersection
of Arden Street and Coogee Bay Road at Coogee.

The male driver initially refused to get out of the car when asked, but when he did,
allegedly scuffled with police.

A male sergeant received cuts and scratches to his hands, while the two other officers
were not hurt.

The man was arrested and taken to Maroubra Police Station where he was charged with
assaulting police, resisting arrest, high range prescribed alcohol concentration and other
traffic infringements.

He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Waverley Local Court on May 16.

AAP cj/cp

KEYWORD: BURNOUT

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

Fed: Govt should boost productivity to help economic growth:Swan

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2006
Fed: Govt should boost productivity to help economic growth:Swan

SYDNEY, Dec 20 AAP - The federal government should focus on boosting productivity amid
signs the economy might not be growing as fast as expected, Labor says.

Treasurer Peter Costello today slashed the government's economic growth forecast for
the 2006/07 financial year due to the impact of the ongoing drought.

The government's Mid Year Economic Review and Fiscal Outlook cut the economic growth
forecast to 2.5 per cent from 3.25 per cent and tipped the drought to cut farm growth
by 20 per cent.

But opposition treasury spokesman Wayne Swan said the review also sliced growth forecasts
for the non-farm sector to 3.0 per cent from 3.25 per cent, suggesting productivity was
falling.

Mr Swan accused Mr Costello of having "his head completely in the sand" and failing
to address the growing need to boost productivity to drive economic growth.

"If we want to lock in future prosperity we've got to do something about declining
productivity and declining competitiveness," he told reporters.

"That means facing up to the skills crisis, the underfunding in education, the infrastructure
bottlenecks.

"It's not good enough for Peter Costello today to put his head in the sand and sell
the country short.

"We need Peter Costello to roll up his sleeves, accept the challenges that we need
to meet if we're going to continue to have strong growth and strong prosperity."

While the government has revised down its economic growth forecast, Mr Costello said
the budget surplus for 2006/07 was expected to rise to $11.8 billion from $10.8 billion
thanks to strong jobs growth and hefty company tax receipts.

Mr Swan welcomed the higher budget surplus forecast, but said that only highlighted
the need for the government to maintain strong fiscal discipline.

He said the government needed to rearrange its spending priorities on ways which would
improve productivity, such as investments in improving infrastructure bottlenecks, education
and skills.

"We've seen a lot of vote buying from this government over the years but not enough
investment in the productive side of the economy that will put downward pressure on inflation
and downward pressure on interest rates," he said.

AAP bt/hn/evt/de

KEYWORD: BUDGET LABOR

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

Fed: Relying on mining boom is foolhardy, says Beazley

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2006
Fed: Relying on mining boom is foolhardy, says Beazley

KIM BEAZLEY says the government's foolhardy belief that Australia can ride the mining
boom indefinitely .. risks creating a permanently sluggish economy.

The opposition leader says the government is dangerously out of touch .. in relying
on the resources boom.

He's told an industry forum at Parliament House .. relying on Australia's resources
bonanza to underpin economic growth and national prosperity .. exposes a complacent government
with no plan for the future.

AAP RTV rp/sb/maur/jmt

KEYWORD: ECONOMY BEAZLEY (CANBERRA)

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

Main stories in today's 0745 ABC News

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2006
Main stories in today's 0745 ABC News

SYDNEY, April 7 AAP - Main stories in today's 0745 ABC News:

- Residents of Katherine in the Northern Territory expected to start cleaning up today
after flood waters peaked around 19 metres late yesterday.

- Residents in Western Australia's north are bracing themselves for another cyclone.

- A windy weather forecast for the NSW mid north coast could hamper efforts to control
a large bushfire at Bungwahl south of Foster.

- A former senior Bush administration official says the US president himself authorised
the leaking of secret information.

- Lawyers appearing before the AWB inquiry given until lunchtime to apply to question
two senior government ministers.

- A French inquiry into Iraq's oil-for-food program places the country's former interior
minister under investigation.

- The NSW Police Association says it won't support the use of water cannons at union
picket lines and protests.

- There'll be more talks today between the NSW government, smash repairers and NRMA
Insurance aimed at resolving the conflict over the company's internet based repair system.

- NSW Premier Morris Iemma leaves for Rome today to represent Sydney as the next host
of the Catholic World Youth Day.

- NSW government has announced 50 students in public housing will receive $2,000 scholarships.

- In golf, Fiji's Vijay Singh holds a one-shot lead after his opening round in the
US Masters at Augusta.

AAP kaj/smb

KEYWORD: MONITOR ABC 0745 SYDNEY

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

KOREA THRUNET ANNOUNCES Q2 RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE.

(Full text of this release can be found at http://www.asianet.com.au)

SEOUL, South Korea and NEW YORK, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire Asia-FirstCall/

Korea Thrunet Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: KOREA) ("Korea Thrunet"), a major provider of broadband Internet-access services and enterprise network services in Korea, today announced the results of its operations for the second quarter ending June 30, 2002. All 2Q02 figures are unaudited and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Korea.

2Q02 Financial Results:

Quarter-over-Quarter and Year-over-Year Comparison

Highlights

* Total revenues decreased 1.6% QoQ and increased 24.9% YoY to

KRW 143.2 billion.

* Revenues from Broadband Internet Access Services decreased 2.0% QoQ due to the discontinuation of services for delinquent subscribers, but increased 25.6% YoY to KRW 110.9 billion.

* Revenues from Enterprise Network Services was at the same level of 1Q02, and increased 29.9% YoY to KRW 32.2 billion.

* EBITDA margin improved to a positive 33.6% from a positive EBITDA margin of 33.0% in 1Q02, and from a positive 6.5% EBITDA margin in 2Q01.

* The Company has continued to record a positive operating income of

KRW 5.0 billion in 2Q02 for the most recent two consecutive quarters.

Main Topics Discussed in This Release

* Business Outlook

* Operating Highlights

* 2Q02 Financial Results: Quarter-over-Quarter and Year-over-Year

Comparison

The statements included in this news release that are not historical in nature are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Korea Thrunet cautions readers that forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Information as to those factors that could cause actual results to vary can be found in Korea Thrunet's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Business Outlook

Corporate Restructuring Plans Being on Track as Scheduled

Since the second half of 2001, Korea Thrunet has been successfully implementing a series of corporate restructuring plans. In 2001, in aiming to focus on its broadband Internet access and enterprise network business, the Company sold such assets as equity stakes in a number of system operators and real estate holdings.

Starting in 2Q 2002, the Company entered a new phase of restructuring plans to focus on the broadband Internet access business in order to enhance Thrunet's operating efficiency and improve the Company's financial structure. As a part of the newly staged restructuring plans, the Company entered into an asset transfer agreement with SK Global, Co., Ltd. ("SKG") on July 5, 2002 to transfer to SKG a portion of its assets relating to its domestic leased line business, including its local fiber optic network and related equipment. Through this asset transfer, the Company plans to raise KRW 355.6 billion. The contract is expected to close within the third quarter of 2002.

The Company completed the sale of a portion of its own HFC network, including related equipment used with the HFC Network, to Powercomm Corporation ("Powercomm") on August 6, 2002. The total sale price for the assets transferred to Powercomm was KRW 45 billion. Additionally, the Company sold its headquarter building in Seoul to Carlyle Asia Real Estate LLC at KRW 38 billion on August 16, 2002. In total, the Company plans to raise approximately KRW 438.6 billion, of which it has already raised KRW 83.0 billion to date through the sale of its HFC network and headquarter building.

Rationale for Restructuring Plan

The leased line and broadband Internet access markets in Korea are highly competitive. In the leased line market, KT Corporation ("KT") and Powercomm are the dominant players, with over 75% of the market share. Other players, including Korea Thrunet, each maintain less than 10% of the market share. With KT and Powercomm monopolizing the leased line market and, hence leaving insufficient growth potential for other players, the Company has decided to focus more greatly on its broadband Internet access business that has higher growth potential. Given this competitive market environment, the Company therefore has needed to optimize the utilization of its assets and improve its operating efficiency.

The restructuring plan should also enable Thrunet to restore stability to its financial structure, especially in terms of the balance sheet, by lowering its debt level and enhancing its cash liquidity. Facilities-based telecommunications services companies typically require large investments in the initial stage of the business. Over the past couple of years, the Company had to rely heavily on debt financing for investment due to unfavorable conditions of the stock market. This has negatively impacted the balance sheet of the Company, even though the Company has been showing improvements in profitability by recording positive EBITDA in 4Q 2000 and positive operating income in 1Q 2002.

Following Completion of Restructuring Plans

Korea Thrunet plans to achieve the following two objectives with the successful completion of its assets sales. The first objective of the Company's restructuring plans is to improve its financial structure by lowering its debt level, which would lead to a decrease in the total liabilities-to-total equity ratio. The Company expects to meet its debt services and debt repayment obligations due this year with a majority of proceeds from assets sales. In addition, Thrunet is also talking to its major creditors who are owed an aggregate amount of at least KRW 10 billion to convert their debt into equity. Thrunet is additionally seeking to raise foreign capital in the form of a private placement by the first half of 2003.

Secondly, Korea Thrunet's restructuring plan is designed to maximize its return on investment by focusing on its broadband Internet access business, which maintains a higher growth potential. In this regard, the Company plans to spend some portion of its proceeds from assets sales to further growth of its broadband Internet access business by strengthening sales and marketing and promotional efforts.

Participation in Dacom-Led Consortium to Bid for Powercomm Stakes

Korea Thrunet signed a Memorandum Of Understanding ("MOU") on August 27, 2002 with Dacom Corporation ("Dacom"), a major Korean fixed line telecommunications carrier, to participate in a Dacom-led consortium that is bidding for shares of Powercomm. Korea Electric Power Corporation ("KEPCO") is selling an initial 30% stake in Powercomm and the successful buyer will have an option to buy additional stakes, up to a total of 54%.

Thrunet plans to invest up to KRW10 billion through the Dacom-led consortium. The consortium anticipates that the stake for which it is bidding would give it a significant presence in the management of Powercomm. Thrunet believes that the consortium led by Dacom, a major provider of long-distance and leased line telecommunications services, and supported by Thrunet, a major provider of broadband Internet services, is in a strong position to win the bid for Powercomm shares. SOURCE Korea Thrunet Co., Ltd.

/CONTACT: In Korea - Yong S. Lee, Korea Thrunet Co., Ltd.

Investor Relations, +822-3488-8058

welcomecorp.thrunet.com;

or in U.S. - Jennifer Angell,

Thomson Financial Corporation, +1-212-807-5137,

jennifer.angelltfn.com/

ASIA PULSE 02-09 1820

Innodata to Create XML Archives for ProQuest Historical Newspapers Project.(Brief Article)

Innodata Corp. has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Bell & Howell Information and Learning to provide XML digital-content services for its ProQuest Historical Newspapers project (http://www.bellhowell.infolearning.com). The ongoing project, which was announced in January, is creating an XML-based digital historical archive of full runs of national, regional, and local newspapers, beginning with U.S. papers and eventually including ones published in other countries.

The agreement allows Innodata to supply the XML-conversion and digital-content services required for ProQuest Historical Newspapers. Three prominent national newspapers have already joined the project: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Christian Science Monitor. (For more information, see the March 5, 2001 Weekly News Digest at http://www.infotoday.com/newsbreaks/wnd010305.htm and the January 15, 2001 NewsBreak at http://www.infotoday.com/newsbreaks/nb010115-1.htm.) At the request of Bell & Howell, the financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Innodata will provide the services through its XML Content Factory, creating an XML-based repository of newspaper content that the companies say will support a level of functionality not present in current online newspaper products. In addition, Innodata expects to offer a host of additional services to the individual newspapers.

Jack S. Abuhoff, Innodata's president and CEO, said: "This is why we built the XML Content Factory--to be the key enabling agent for large-scale XML initiatives such as this. We have already begun an aggressive production schedule at the XML Content Factory, where we have integrated a combination of best-of-breed and proprietary tools specifically designed to meet the unique challenges that newspapers present."

Joe Reynolds, president and CEO of Bell & Howell Information and Learning, said: "We chose Innodata on the basis of its ability to deliver large-scale, complex XML content projects. We look forward to working with the Innodata team as we roll out the ProQuest Historical Newspapers project."

Abuhoff said: "As XML becomes the de facto standard for Internet content publishing, the demand for our XML digital-content services should continue to increase. We have the technology, processes, people, and track record to continually win large-scale XML-conversion contracts. Furthermore, we are intensely focused on improving our service offering and increasing our leadership position in this growing market."

ProQuest Historical Newspapers, part of the company's Digital Vault project, will encompass newspapers with deep historical value for researchers in various fields, including newspapers that may have ceased publication. A demonstration of ProQuest Historical Newspapers is currently available at http://www.bellhowell.infolearning.com.

DREAMWORKS 'CHICKEN RUN' TO FLY ON WEB.

(Full text of a statement. Contact details below.)

LOS ANGELES, July 10 PRNewswire-AsiaNet - Building upon the success of its first two weeks in theatrical release, DreamWorks Pictures will post the opening sequence of the clay-animated film "Chicken Run" on the worldwide web. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990714/LAW056)

The opening sequence of "Chicken Run" can be viewed and downloaded at www.countingdown.com for five days only, beginning Monday, July 10, and ending at 6:00pm PST on Friday, July 14. Along with the footage from the film, the site will include links to "Chicken Run" products at Amazon.com and to an exclusive auction of limited edition inflatable "Chicken Run" chairs on E-Bay.

"We think showing web audiences even the first few minutes of 'Chicken Run' will show people the magic that has captured the hearts and imaginations of moviegoers across the country. While it has become commonplace to release short clips and promotional trailers on the internet, never has the entire opening sequence of a movie, much less a movie currently in theatres, been released to the web," said DreamWorks distribution head Jim Tharp.

"Chicken Run" has already grossed over $50 million in its first two weeks of US release. In its first five days of release in the United Kingdom, the movie grossed $7.5 million, the biggest ever UK opening of any DreamWorks production, including "Gladiator" and "Saving Private Ryan."

APathe presentation in association with DreamWorks Pictures, "Chicken Run" is an Aardman Production, directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park from a screenplay by Karey Kirkpatrick based on a story by Lord and Parks. The producers are Peter Lord, Nick Park and David Sproxton, with Jake Eberts, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Michael Rose serving as executive producers.

Countingdown.com, founded and operated over the Internet by three people in three different countries, brings fans together from around the world and counts down the days to the release of the most anticipated films of the year. Specialized "countdowns" offer news, bulletin boards, chat, production information and links.

DreamWorks SKG was formed in October 1994 by its three principal partners -- Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen -- to produce live- action motion pictures; animated feature film and television programs; network, syndicated and cable television programming; home video entertainment; records; books; toys; consumer products and interactive entertainment.

SOURCE: DreamWorks Pictures

CONTACT: Susanne Lally of DreamWorks Pictures, 818-733-7067

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990714/LAW056

AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org

PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467

Web site: http://www.countingdown.com -end-

Discussion with Drew, LaserMedia, Infectech, U.S. Energy, Meridian, Botex, Visionyze and NeoTherapeutics; wallstreetinterview.com Now Available for Replay Over the Internet.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 1999--

Replay of this week's Wall Street Interviews discussion with Drew Industries CEO Leigh Abrams, LaserMedia CEO Richard Hue, Infectech CEO Dr. Mitchell Felder, U.S. Energy Systems CEO Richard Nelson, Meridian Holdings CEO Alan Posner, Botex Industries Director Minaz Devji, Visionyze founder Bob Hoover and NeoTherapeutics CEO Alvin Glasky Ph.D is now available, Wall Street Interviews Corporation announced.

The discussion addressed the history, market space opportunity and strategic initiatives of Drew Industries (AMEX:DW), LaserMedia Inc. (OTC BB:LZMCF), Infectech Inc. (NQB:IFEC), U.S. Energy Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:USEY), Meridian Holdings Inc. (OTC BB:MDHG), Botex Industries Corp. (VSE:BTX.V), Speedware Corporation's Visionyze division (TSE:SPW.TO) and NeoTherapeutics (NASDAQ:NEOT). Wall Street Interviews' analyst Jordan Ness conducted the interviews.

To listen to the interview replay, investors should go to Wall Street Interviews' web site located at http://www.wallstreetinterview.com and click on the Company Profile.

Wall Street Interviews is home to some of the best information available on emerging investment opportunities. Wall Street Interviews "matches" a company's direct messages (CEO comments, corporate fact sheet, etc.) with the investment community who wants to hear that message. Wall Street Interviews has built a database of investors who get weekly e-mails on what's new at the site. Company profiles are built within one week, and updates are made within 24 hours. Wall Street Interviews allows investors to participate in a number of interactive features at the site, including e-mail alerts, message boards, and a 'Contact the CEO' link.

Studies Conducted at J. Lee et al on Internet Research Recently Published.(Report)

According to the authors of recent research from Seoul, South Korea, "With the increasing influence of online consumer reviews (OCRs) on a consumer's decision making, online sellers have begun to embed the OCRs in their advertisements (OEAs). This study has the following two research objectives: first, to investigate the effects of two types of (OCRs vs OEAs) on consumers' purchase intention from an informational influence perspective; second, to investigate the effects of OCRs from a credibility perspective."

"Design/methodology/approach - The data for this study are obtained from a two-way factorial experimental research design. The factors included are the type of OCRs and the trust level of online shopping malls. In addition, PLS test is used to understand the underlying effects of trust in online shopping malls, credibility of OCRs/OEAs, and consumers' purchase intentions. The results show that OCRs are more influenced by trust in online shopping malls than OEAs. The greater the perceived credibility of OCRs among potential consumers, the higher is the purchase intention. When the trust in online shopping malls is high, consumers' purchase intentions influenced by OCRs are more favorable than those influenced by OEAs. Originality/value - This study is an initial consumer endorsement research that uses OCRs to extend the trust transfer theory and extends the interpersonal online trust perspective. For practitioners, this study is useful in determining which type of OCRs is useful for marketing, depending on the trust in online shopping malls," wrote J. Lee and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "Moreover, the results of this study could aid in the development of an e-commerce strategy using OCRs."

Lee and colleagues published their study in Internet Research (The different effects of online consumer reviews on consumers' purchase intentions depending on trust in online shopping malls An advertising perspective. Internet Research, 2011;21(2):187-206).

For additional information, contact J. Lee, Kyung Hee Cyber University, Dept. of E Business, Seoul, SOUTH KOREA.

Publisher contact information for the journal Internet Research is: Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley BD16 1WA, W Yorkshire, England.

Keywords: City:Seoul, Country:South Korea, Region:Asia

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

Bringing hip-hop back to its roots.(Concert review)

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

With recent trends in commercial hip-hop, you would be forgiven for thinking that the music genre is all about bling, booty and bad language.

Thankfully Dubai-based band, Diligent Thought, now bring some welcome relief for lovers of true hip-hop tired of hearing the prevailing lacklustre gangsta rap. Instead of senseless lyrics, Diligent Thought showcase the group's penchant for cerebral ramblings and pure word-play, paying homage to hip-hop's golden days, while at the same time inspiring a positive future for the genre as a whole. Using old funk and jazz samples as a canvas for their lyrics, the group's subject matter switches between the light hearted and serious, to the introvert and the extrovert. When describing their music, Jibberish, one of two Diligent Thought MCs said: "Throw our CD into your stereo and from start to finish it's like you're spending a couple of hours hanging out with some old friends. "You could sit and talk, share ideas and feelings, lounge around and have a laugh or just take a drive around. It's real music for real people - complex and colourful and at the same time very simple, very human."Aa Following their first release, the 'Lyricalligraphy' mixtape and an MTV video release planned for later in the year, the group is currently focusing on their live shows, where audiences have the opportunity to see the lyricists and beat makers at their most innovative, breathing new air into what has become an all too clichE[umlaut]d genre. You can catch Diligent Thought at work tonight, Tuesday August 12 at the Alpha Club at Meridien Airport Hotel. A selection of their tracks can be heard on www.myspace.com/diligentthought.

2007 Al Sidra Media LLC

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

Sprint Unbeaten Among Major Wireless Carriers for Customer Satisfaction.

Sprint (NYSE: S) tied for the number one spot among major wireless carriers for customer satisfaction, according to results from the 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index. Released today, the ACSI survey also shows that Sprint is the number one most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, over the last three years.

With ACSI scores that continue to trend up since 2008, Sprint is the only major carrier continuing to make improvements in overall customer satisfaction. The ACSI survey also finds Sprint, for the first time, reaching the top spot among major carriers in customer value since ACSI started measuring wireless carriers seven years ago.

"Improving the customer experience has been Sprint's number one goal for three-plus years, so it is gratifying to be recognized by the highly respected American Customer Satisfaction Index for having the most satisfied customers in the wireless industry," said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. "We will strive to provide an even better experience for customers in the future."

The ACSI survey achievements come as Sprint recently announced 13 consecutive quarters of improved customer satisfaction and first call resolution. In addition, other independent third-parties have also recognized Sprint in customer service. Sprint was recognized out of 800 companies, across 12 industries, as a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion. It was one of only 40 companies to earn the distinction. Sprint also received praise for its number one ranking in call satisfaction in an April 2011 Vocalabs survey.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index is a national economic indicator of customer evaluations of the quality of products and services available to household consumers in the United States. The overall ACSI score factors in scores from more than 225 companies in 47 industries and from government agencies over the previous four quarters. The Index was founded at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and is produced by ACSI LLC. ACSI can be found on the Web at www.theacsi.org. About Sprint Nextel Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 51 million customers at the end of 1Q 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

Keywords: Economic Indicator, Economics, Engineering, Sprint Nextel, Telecommunications.

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

US going to pay-for-usage model for wireline broadband.(BROADBAND BEAT)

Most Americans pay for electricity, gas and water by the amount they use each month. Wireline broadband can now be added to that list.

On May 2, AT&T implemented a basic monthly usage level and charges for using more than what's allocated.

More than 42 million US broadband subscribers are now subject to pre-set usage levels on the amount of bandwidth they get for a flat rate each month.

That's about 56% of the country's 75 million broadband subscribers, according to Leichtman Research's subscriber count for the fourth quarter of 2010.

Comcast, Cox and Charter warn subscribers when they exceed a limit but do not, perhaps yet, charge them for going over. Time Warner Cable, Verizon and Cablevision do not have limits.

AT&T, which has 16.5 million broadband subscribers, sets the basic level for its U-verse broadband subscribers to 250GB of downloads and uploads and 150GBs for DSL subscribers. It charges them $10 for each 50GB of monthly usage above that.

For every 50GB beyond those, customers will be charged $10 (equivalent to 20 cents per GB).

AT&T has said less than 2% of its subscribers exceed its limits. That number will soon increase as consumers watch more online videos especially now that most new TV sets and all Blu-ray players come with Internet connectivity. Objections to usage fees come from consumers and those whose vested interests revolve around getting consumers to increase their Internet usage, such as online video services.

AT&T and the other broadband service providers cannot fairly charge the same rate to subscribers that mainly use e-mail and do some occasional browsing compared to households that watch lots of OTT video and on multiple smart TVs, smart TV adapters and PCs.

Broadband service providers have spent and are spending billions to bulk up their broadband infrastructure. The money for that can only come from their customers. As those consumers increasingly use the Internet as a source of entertainment, they will have to pay according to their usage. Pay-TV companies deliver for free, in effect, and charge for the content. There's no such mechanism for OTT television, so the money has to come from broadband usage.

Even if the broadband service providers are doomed to operate a "dumb pipe," they need the money to pay for the network they have built and are constantly upgrading.

Ninetowns Announces Acquisition of Land Use Rights, Launch of New Property Development Initiative and Share Repurchase Program.

Ninetowns Internet Technology Group Company Limited (NASDAQ: NINE) ("Ninetowns" or the "Company"), one of China's leading providers of online solutions for international trade,announced that the Company had the winning bid in a land auction held on March 30, 2011 in Huainan, Anhui Province, China and received the right to acquire land use rights for a piece of undeveloped land consisting of approximately 141,000 square meters at a price of RMB1,830 per square meter, for a total consideration of approximately RMB258 million (US$39 million).

Ninetowns intends to develop a mixed-use real estate project tentatively named "Smarter Town" on such land. According to the terms and conditions of the auction, the Company is committed to (i) design, develop, construct, market and sell certain retail and residential units, (ii) design and construct an "Internet of Things" exhibition park, and (iii) design and construct a community hospital.

The land is permitted for commercial and residential use. The commercial land use rights and the residential land use rights will expire in 40 years and 70 years, respectively.

Ninetowns entered into a land use right grant contract with the Huainan Land Resource Bureau on April 7, 2011. On March 23, 2011, Ninetowns paid a deposit of RMB50,790,000 (US$7.7 million) to the Huainan Finance Bureau, which will be credited towards the land premium to be paid after the land use right grant contract is executed.

Ninetowns' acquisition of the land use rights represents a key step in the Company's new strategic initiative to capitalize on the growth of the real estate market in China. Over the past ten years, Ninetowns has gained substantial experience in the Internet of Things ("IOT") industry in China. While the Company continues to operate its enterprise software and e-grocery businesses, it believes that there is an emergence of a niche real estate market in China that integrates IOT related technology with community life and urban operations, sometimes known as the "The Smarter City" originally coined by IBM's idea of "The Smarter Planet". The idea is to establish a city that is also a center of business, culture and life that integrates innovations such as more advanced education, healthcare, water and energy utilization, public safety, transportation and government operations. Ninetowns believes that its strategic use of technology in developing Smarter Cities may help to drive sustainable growth and prosperity, which are some of the challenges that today's city leaders face. Feasible solutions and new technologies for data management and resource coordination can help to improve allocation and usage of natural and human resources in city operations. Ninetowns' management believes that Ninetowns' track record as an innovative software company will allow Ninetowns to capitalize on the emergence of this niche real estate market in China.

Ninetowns intends to participate in additional real estate development projects that involve three product models (i) intelligent residential communities, (ii) Smarter Senior Living Communities and (iii) e-commerce bio-system industrial parks, primarily in third-tier and fourth-tier cities in China.

Mr. Shuang Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Ninetowns, commented, "Supported by powerful macro-economic trends, including rising GDP, increasing urbanization and growing disposable income and the worldwide ever-increasing usages of cloud computing and the Internet of Things, we believe that we can capitalize on these trends given our extensive IT industry experience. While continuing to operate the enterprise software and e-grocery food businesses, we will explore in this new business area to create long-term value for our shareholders."

Keywords: Asia, Business Software and Service Companies, China, Industry, Ninetowns Internet Technology Group Company, Ninetowns Internet Technology Group Company Limited, Real Estate, Technology Companies.

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

IAB Reports Full-Year Internet Ad Revenues for 2010 Increase 15% to $26 Billion, a New Record.

Q4 2010 Revenues Also Increase to New High of $7.4 Billion With 19% Increase over Q4 2009 and 15% Increase over Q3 2010

NEW YORK -- The subheadline should read: xxx Q4 2009 and 15% Increase over Q3 2010 (sted xxx Q4 2009 and 16% Increase over Q3 2010). Also, the third sentence of the first paragraph should read: Fourth quarter revenue also hit new highs at $7.45 billion, up 19% from Q4 2009 and 15% from Q3 2010 (sted: Fourth quarter revenue also hit new highs at $7.45 billion, up 16% from Q4 2009 and 19% from Q3 2010)

The corrected release reads:

IAB REPORTS FULL-YEAR INTERNET AD REVENUES FOR 2010 INCREASE 15% TO $26 BILLION, A NEW RECORD

Q4 2010 Revenues Also Increase to New High of $7.4 Billion With 19% Increase over Q4 2009 and 15% Increase over Q3 2010

The IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report for the full year 2010 and Q4 2010 both showed record results in the United States. Released today by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and prepared by PwC US, the latest report puts all 2010 Internet advertising revenues at a record $26 billion, up 15% from 2009. Fourth quarter revenue also hit new highs at $7.45 billion, up 19% from Q4 2009 and 15% from Q3 2010.

Highlights of the report include:

* There were record numbers for the yearly advertising revenue as well as record quarterly highs in the Q4 2010.

* The most popular ad format in 2010 was search which represented 46% of revenue and saw 12% growth from last year.

* Sponsorships saw the most growth with an 88% increase over last year and 142% increase in the fourth quarter alone.

* Display-related advertising -- which includes Digital Video Commercials, Ad banners/display ads, sponsorships and rich media - continued to grow this year, totaling nearly $10 billion with an increase of 24% over 2009.

* The results exhibit revenue growth for the past five consecutive quarters.

* The Annual Report marks the debut of estimated US mobile ad revenue for 2010: between $550 and $650 million.

"As the latest IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report amply demonstrates, brand advertisers and marketers have adopted the power of digital media as a central element of their campaigns," said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO, IAB. "Consumers have shifted more of their time to digital media -- watching television shows and movies online -- and advertisers now accept this multifaceted medium as a key component for reaching their targets."

"With a strong rebound from 2009, the $26 billion spent on Internet advertising points to a continued focus on digital media ad spend, with dollars catching up to the eyeballs. More time spent online, especially with increases in digital video and social media, has certainly helped to fuel the continued growth," said David Silverman, PwC Assurance partner.

"We now have had five consecutive quarters of growth since the great recession impacted interactive advertising in 2009," said Sherrill Mane, Senior Vice President, Industry Services, IAB. "The record-breaking revenue in Q4 2010 and the total year indicate that interactive advertising has weathered the storm and then some."

Here are the results from the full year in comparison with last year's numbers:

			Full Year 2009			Full Year 2010
Revenue (Ad Formats)
Search			47% (10,698)			46% (12,004)
Classifieds and Directories			10% (2,254)			10% (2,597)
Lead Generation			6% (1,451)			5% (1,339)
E-mail			1% (292)			1% (195)
Display-related
Digital Video Commercials			4% (1,017)			5% (1,420)
Ad banners / display ads			22% (5,061)			24% (6,230)
Sponsorships			2% (383)			3% (718)
Rich media			7% (1,505)			6% (1,538)
Total display-related			35% (7,965)			38% (9,906)
Revenue (Pricing Models)
Impression-based			37% (8,355)			33% (8,589)
Performance-based			59% (13,412)			62% (16,198)
Hybrid			4% (894)			5% (1,254)

The IAB sponsors the IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report, which is conducted independently by the New Media Group of PwC. The results are considered the most accurate measurement of interactive advertising revenues because the data is compiled directly from information supplied by companies selling advertisements on the Internet.

The survey includes data concerning online advertising revenues from Web sites, commercial online services, free e-mail providers and all other companies selling online advertising. The full report is issued twice yearly for full and half-year data, and top-line quarterly estimates are issued for the first and third quarters. PwC does not audit the information and provides no opinion or other form of assurance with respect to the information.

A copy of the full report is available at: http://www.iab.net/AdRevenueReport.

About the IAB:

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is comprised of more than 500 leading media and technology companies who are responsible for selling 86% of online advertising in the United States. On behalf of its members, the IAB is dedicated to the growth of the interactive advertising marketplace, of interactive's share of total marketing spend, and of its members' share of total marketing spend. The IAB educates marketers, agencies, media companies and the wider business community about the value of interactive advertising. Working with its member companies, the IAB evaluates and recommends standards and practices and fields critical research on interactive advertising. Founded in 1996, the IAB is headquartered in New York City with a Public Policy office in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit www.iab.net.

About the PwC Network:

PwC firms provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients. More than 161,000 people in 154 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. See www.pwc.com for more information.

[c] 2011 PwC. All rights reserved. "PwC" and "PwC US" refer to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

FORMER LANDLADY WARNS OF MYSTERY CALLER.

Just recently back from a holiday 'Down Under', Mrs Sheena Cargill was sitting at home on Sunday evening when the 'phone rang.

A lady said she was representing the Caledonia Media Group at which point Mrs Cargill said she was registered with the Telephone Preferences Service.

The person at the other end gave her a mouthful of foul invective and hung up. Mrs Cargill, who ran the Corner Bar with her husband, Ron, said: "I was taken aback to be spoken to like that in my own home."

However, the story was not over as, on Tuesday another representative of Caledonia Media Group, this time a man, called.

Mrs Cargill related what had happened the time before and he said he would check the computer to find out who had made the initial call and take action.

She commented: "What if it had been someone elderly who had been called. Can you imagine how upset they might have been? I don't even know what these callers were selling and I am led to understand that the company is not registered."

A search on the Internet found just one mention of Caledonia Media Group, from someone else trying to find out who they are.

The person states: "I have had several unsolicited 'phone calls to my home phone from Caledonia Media Group. I live in Scotland and the caller always has a Scottish accent. I'm registered on TPS and when I query who CMG are or where they are based they just hang-up.

"I've complained to TPS but as CMG are unregistered and as they withhold their 'phone number, I suspect there is little to stop them."

A spokesperson for Angus Council said: "Abusive or malicious calls should be reported to the police.

"Angus Council's Trading Standards service advises anyone who does not want unsolicited sales calls to register with the Telephone Preference Scheme, telephone 0845 070 0707 .

"If calls persist then a complaint should be made to the regulator responsible for enforcement, The Information Commissioner's Office - Scotland, telephone 0131 301 5071 or e-mail: Scotland@ico.gsi.gov.uk

"General advice on this or other consumer matters can be sought from Consumer Direct, telephone 08454 04 05 06."

The CHILDWISE Monitor Report 2008-09 Covers Interview Results From Almost 1800 Children Aged 5-16 across Great Britain.

M2 PRESSWIRE-2 March 2009-Research and Markets: The CHILDWISE Monitor Report 2008-09 Covers Interview Results From Almost 1800 Children Aged 5-16 across Great Britain(C)1994-2009 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:03032009

Dublin - Research and Markets(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/948404/the_childwise_moni) has announced the addition of the "The CHILDWISE Monitor Report 2008-09" report to their offering.

The ChildWise Monitor is a comprehensive annual report focused on children's and teenagers media consumption, brand attitudes and key behaviour, now in its fifteenth year. This year, almost 1800 children aged 5-16 across Great Britain were interviewed in depth on a range of topics.

The 2008/2009 Monitor Survey covers:

- Internet: access and usage, websites, time spent on-line, social networking, downloading, blogging

- Computers: PCs at home, own PC

- Games consoles: ownership and usage, favourite games

- TV: channels watched, ownership of TV, DVD, ways of watching TV, favourite programmes

- Music and Radio: downloading music, music self purchase, own MP3, radio stations, favourite groups and singers

- Mobile phones: ownership and usage, payment methods

- Magazines/reading: favourites, self-purchase, reading for pleasure

- Money: how is it earned, weekly income, handouts, attitudes to money

- Self purchase: of selected product fields

- Sports and activities: sports and other out of school activities, time spent playing, parental involvement, impact of the Olympics

Key Topics Covered:

- OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY

- INTRODUCTION

- CHILDREN AND THEIR MEDIA

- COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET -SUMMARY

- GAMES CONSOLES - SUMMARY

- MOBILE PHONES - SUMMARY

- TELEVISION VIEWING - SUMMARY

- MUSIC - SUMMARY

- MAGAZINES AND BOOKS - SUMMARY

- CINEMA - SUMMARY

- THE CHILD CONSUMER

- MONEY- SUMMARY

- CHILD SELF-PURCHASE - SUMMARY

- CHILDREN AND THE OUTSIDE WORLD

- SPORT & ACTIVITIES - SUMMARY

- CHILDREN'S ROOMS - SUMMARY

- LOOKING FORWARD - SUMMARY

- APPENDIX

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/948404/the_childwise_moni

CONTACT: Laura Wood, Senior Manager, Research and MarketsFax: +1 646 607 1907 (US)Fax: +353 1 481 1716 (Rest of World)e-mail: press@researchandmarkets.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)).

Webcast Alert: PolyOne Corporation Annual Shareholder Meeting.

CLEVELAND, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PolyOne Corporation announces the following webcast:

   What: PolyOne Corporation Annual Shareholder Meeting    When: May 15, 2008 @ 9 AM, ET    Where: http://www.polyone.com/en-us/investors/Pages/Calendar.aspx    How: Live over the Internet -- Simply log on to the web at the address        above.         If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the        replay of the call will be available until May 29, 2008 on the Web        site http://www.polyone.com/en-us/investors/Pages/Calendar.aspx .     About PolyOne  

PolyOne Corporation, with annual revenues of more than $2.7 billion, is a leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. Headquartered outside of Cleveland, Ohio USA, PolyOne has operations around the globe. For additional information on PolyOne, visit our new Web site at http://www.polyone.com/ .

CONTACT: W. David Wilson of PolyOne Corporation, +1-440-930-3204, Dave.Wilsonc.f.o@polyone.com

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

Penthouse Acquires Danni Ashe and Video Bliss for $3 Million.

Acquisition Includes Danni.com and all Associated Operations

BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Penthouse Media Group Inc. (PMGI) announced today that it has acquired all outstanding shares, assets and trademarks of Danni Ashe Inc. and Video Bliss Inc. -- owners and operators of http://www.danni.com/, one of the most popular adult websites since 1996. Known for featuring busty models, glamorous girl--girl videos and live webcasts, http://www.danni.com/ and all of its associated websites: dannishotbox.com and dannisharddrive.com will join PMGI effective immediately.

This acquisition makes for the second coup by Penthouse Media Group Inc. to expand its multi-media platforms following the September 2006 asset purchase from Jill Kelly Productions. Danni's premium brand name, its enormous still and video content library of the most beautiful models in the world and its production and webcast facilities will support PMGI's mobile, Internet, DVD and VOD broadcast services.

"Danni Ashe is one of the most downloaded women in the history of the internet with over one-billion downloads!" exclaims Penthouse CEO, Marc H. Bell. "Consequently, Danni.com's websites have a large group of devoted subscribers and we plan on staying true to the brand, while continuing to improve and expand the websites. We will use this purchase to the advantage of PMGI's multi-media platforms."

Founder Danni Ashe agrees, "If there is a brand name in our industry that I had hoped I would one day be associated with, it is most certainly Penthouse. I am excited that Penthouse believes in me, my partners and made us a part of their family. I expect to see great things from both Penthouse and Danni's long into the future."

For more information, or to arrange an interview with a Penthouse representative, kindly contact the PR department at: 561.912.7034, or at: kberzon@pmgi.com.

About Penthouse Media Group Inc.

Penthouse Media Group Inc. is an international, multimedia entertainment company. Founded in 1965 by Robert Guccione, Penthouse is globally recognized as one of the premier brands in adult entertainment and publishes one of the most widely circulated groups of men's lifestyles publications. The company also operates penthouse.com, a popular adult entertainment website and provides adult video entertainment and a broad array of products and services via its numerous licensees.

About Danni Ashe Inc. & Video Bliss Inc.

Danni.com is a men's entertainment media company founded in 1995 by Danni Ashe, the most downloaded woman in the history of the Internet. Danni.com includes several subscription Web sites (danni.com, mishaonline.com, ericacampbell.com and crystalklein.com), which feature streaming video, photographs, live events, and online stores and auctions. The company also produces adult films, which are sold at major retail stores, and licenses consumer products through a variety of distribution channels.

   Media Contact:   Kathleen Berzon   For Penthouse Media Group, Inc.   561.912.7034 or email: kberzon@pmgi.com  

CONTACT: Kathleen Berzon, For Penthouse Media Group, Inc., +1-561-912-7034, or kberzon@pmgi.com