среда, 29 февраля 2012 г.

SA:Concerns for missing Adelaide teen


AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-2011
SA:Concerns for missing Adelaide teen

Concerns are held for an Adelaide teenage girl, who has been missing since she had
an argument with her family three weeks ago.

Police say 14-year-old CHLOE GARGULA was last seen at her Elizabeth Grove home on the
afternoon of July 19.

She left after an argument with her family and is believed to be in the company of a man.

It is thought that they have been moving around Adelaide.





CHLOE is caucasian, 160cm tall, with black shoulder-length hair and a slim build.

She has hazel-coloured eyes and a scar in the shape of the letter 'e' on her right hand.

AAP RTV bm/wz

KEYWORD: GARGULA (ADELAIDE)

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

Cherenkov (or Cerenkov), Pavel Alekseyevich

Cherenkov (or Cerenkov), Pavel Alekseyevich (1904–1990) Soviet physicist Cherenkov came from a peasant family in Voronezh, Russia, and was educated at the university there, graduating in 1928. From 1930 he was a member of the Lebedev Institute of Physics in Moscow, serving there from 1953 as professor of experimental physics.

In 1934 Cherenkov was investigating the absorption of radioactive radiation by water when he noticed that the water was emitting an unusual blue light. At first he thought it was due simply to fluorescence but was forced to reject this idea when it became apparent that the blue radiation was independent of the composition of the liquid and depended only on the presence of fast-moving electrons passing through the medium.

It was later shown in 1937 by the Russian physicists Ilya Frank (1908–1990) and Igor Tamm (1895–1971) that the radiation was caused by electrons traveling through the water with a speed greater than that of light in water (though not of course greater than that of light in a vacuum). This Cherenkov radiation can be produced by other charged particles and can be used as a method of detecting elementary particles. Cherenkov, Frank, and Tamm shared the Nobel Prize for physics in 1958.

QLD:Claims officer mocked flood victim


AAP General News (Australia)
04-11-2011
QLD:Claims officer mocked flood victim

BRISBANE, April 11 AAP - RACQ Insurance has apologised to a Lockyer Valley flood victim
after a claims officer mocked him in an email, and accidentally sent it to him.

Helidon flood victim William Jolly emailed the officer last week to thank her for her
help in processing his insurance claim.

The female officer then drafted a mocking email about Mr Jolly but sent it to the flood
victim by mistake. It's not clear who the email was actually intended for.

"Haha, look at that and Mr Jolly and jolly still," the officer wrote, according to
the Brisbane Times.

"Whew got him off our back for a little while."

RACQ said Mr Jolly had accepted its apologies after he contacted the insurer about the email.

"The email comment by the temporary contractor involved, who had been brought in by
RACQ two months ago to help with the heavy load from the floods and Cyclone Yasi, was
unacceptable," general manager external relations Paul Turner said in a statement.

He said the contractor involved no longer worked for RACQ Insurance.

"We are obviously deeply concerned about the contents and tone of this email and it
does not reflect the views, attitudes or fundamental customer service ethos of RACQ Insurance,"

Mr Turner said.

"We have apologised to the customer involved and he has accepted our apology and is
happy with our response to the issue."

Mr Turner said the payment of the customer's claim was unrelated.

Mr Jolly's claim was accepted in February, he said.

Comment was being sought from Mr Jolly.

AAP tnf/pc

KEYWORD: RECOVERY RACQ

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

FED:Henry to step down from Treasury


AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-2010
FED:Henry to step down from Treasury

Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD has described departing Treasury boss KEN HENRY .. as
one of the greatest of all Treasury secretaries.

Dr HENRY is stepping down in March next year.

He'll be succeeded by MARTIN PARKINSON .. the head of the federal Department of Climate
Change and previously deputy secretary in Treasury.

Ms GILLARD's praised Dr HENRY's contribution to the development of tax policy .. including
his review of the tax system .. and to the nation's prosperity .. during his more than
25 years at Treasury .. 10 as secretary.

AAP RTV cb/rl/jmt

KEYWORD: HENRY (CANBERRA)

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

Sandakan survivor silent to the end


AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2010
VIC:Scottish man denied bail

A Scottish man accused of sexually assaulting a Victorian teenager has been denied bail.

53-year-old JAMES O'BRIEN MCCULLOCH .. a former printing press operator .. is alleged
to have assaulted a 17-year-old schoolgirl near her Sunbury home in 2005.

He was extradited to Australia and arrived in Melbourne last night before appearing
in an out-of-sessions court hearing.

MCCULLOCH now faces charges of indecent assault with intent to rape .. two charges
of indecent assault and one charge of common assault.

He's been remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Broadmeadows Magistrates
Court on August 16.

AAP RTV ees/crh

KEYWORD: MCCULLOCH (MELBOURNE)

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

NSW: Restaurants welcome new rating system


AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-2010
NSW: Restaurants welcome new rating system

Restaurants and customers have reacted positively to a new food safety and hygiene
rating system .. to be introduced across New South Wales.

The so-called score on the door plan will see restaurants and cafes ranked either A
.. B or C .. or P for pending .. according to food preparation and handling .. kitchen
hygiene .. correct refrigeration and good equipment.

Primary Industries Minister STEVE WHAN says the name and shame system will be trialled
from July 1 in 12 Sydney council areas .. before a statewide rollout 12 months later.

AAP RTV lpm/apm/ajw/psm/

KEYWORD: RESTAURANTS (SYDNEY)

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

Qld: Man's body found in burning car


AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2009
Qld: Man's body found in burning car

BRISBANE, Aug 21 AAP - A man's body, believed to be that of missing man Brian Bathgate,
has been found in the rear of a burning ute south of Brisbane on Friday afternoon.

The 55-year-old disappeared from his Mount Warren Park workplace in suspicious circumstances
on Thursday morning.

Police found blood and a knife at the landscaping supply centre where Mr Bathgate lived
and worked after family and employees at the centre raised the alarm around 8am (AEST)
on Thursday.

Detective Superintendent David Hutchinson said a Toyota Hilux believed to belong to
Mr Bathgate was found on fire in a nearby sugar cane farm at Eagleby on Friday.

"We have located a vehicle identical to the vehicle we were looking for and it contains
remains of a male person," Det Supt Hutchinson said.

He said police found the car and body after receiving reports of a fire around 2pm
(AEST) on Friday.

"Police will need to wait until the result of a post mortem before the body can be
positively identified," Det Supt Hutchinson said.

Police are now looking for a man they believe may be linked to the incident.

"We are appealing to anyone who saw a man walking along Beenleigh-Redland Bay Road
between Riedel Road and Loganholme between the hours of 6.30am (AEST) and 9.30am (AEST)
on Thursday morning."

He said the man was believed to be in his 30s and was wearing a black t-shirt and long
black pants and was soaking wet.

AAP peb/ash

KEYWORD: BATHGATE

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

Vic: Police concerned for missing camper


AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2009
Vic: Police concerned for missing camper

MELBOURNE, April 13 AAP - Victoria Police are concerned for a camper missing in the
Gippsland region.

The 27 year-old man, who had been staying with friends in the Jacobs Creek camping
area at Rawson, was last seen about 11.30pm (AEST) on Sunday night.

It is believed he got involved in an argument with his mates while drinking and wandered
away from the camp site wearing only a pair of white shorts and no shoes.

Local police and SES volunteers are searching the area.

The missing man is described as Caucasian, 184cm tall, solidly built with brown hair,
blue eyes and a fair complexion.

Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

AAP mi/it

KEYWORD: CAMPER

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

NSW:Hogan tax probe will flounder if investigators dropped:court


AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-2008
NSW:Hogan tax probe will flounder if investigators dropped:court

By Katelyn John

SYDNEY, Dec 8 AAP - A probe into Paul Hogan's tax affairs may be dropped if his lawyers
are successful in an application to oust the team investigating him, a Federal Court has
been told.

The Australian Crime Commission (ACC) is planning to continue its five-year probe into
claims the Crocodile Dundee star channelled millions of dollars into offshore tax havens.

But Hogan's lawyers have applied for anyone who has viewed any of 35 seized documents
to be excluded from taking part in further investigations.

Justice Arthur Emmett has been told the documents were seized from accountants Ernst
& Young in late 2005 and returned by the ACC two months ago.

The ACC determined in March 2006 that the documents were not relevant to its investigation,
but held onto them until recently, Hogan's lawyers have said.

In Sydney on Monday, the ACC's Ian Andrew, who heads the Hogan investigation, said
without the expertise of his team the investigation might not be able to continue.

"It would be difficult to replace us ... and without a very lengthy briefing, it would
be impossible to transmit our collective knowledge to the new investigative team, if one
could be put together," Mr Andrew told the court.

"There could well be people ... who could be seconded, who have similar qualifications,
experience and inclination, but not the collective knowledge.

"In my view I think the ACC would have to consider the merits of continuing the investigation
(given the time and money it would take) bringing new investigators' standards of knowledge
up to what exists today."

Bringing a new team up to speed would take about a year, he said.

The ACC's lawyer Tim Game, SC, has argued the contents of the documents are not of
a pertinent nature to the investigation and should not be grounds for disbanding the team.

But Hogan's barrister Francois Kunc, SC, said the seriousness of what was contained
in the documents was immaterial, and the court must grant the application to "preserve
the integrity" of the investigation.

"(Should it be a matter of) how big a breach is bad enough?" Mr Kunc told the court.

"That is not a path the court should go down.

"It has to be a one strike and you're out policy."

The hearing has been put over for mention on December 19.

AAP kaj/evt/jm/de

KEYWORD: HOGAN WRAP

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

NSW: Police excavate home in search of baby Tegan


AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2008
NSW: Police excavate home in search of baby Tegan

Cold case detectives investigating the disappearance of baby TEGAN LANE have begun
excavations on a Sydney house that was once the home of her mother's boyfriend.

They say they're hoping to find the missing infant's remains .. after new information
emerged two years after a NSW coroner found there wasn't enough evidence to prosecute
KELI LANE for any involvement in her daughter's disappearance.

Police from the unsolved homicide squad have begun digging under the weatherboard cottage
in Gladesville.

Mystery surrounds TEGAN's disappearance on September 14 .. 1996 .. after Ms LANE gave
birth to her at Auburn Hospital in Sydney's west.

Police say Ms LANE frequented the house prior to TEGAN's birth .. and it's believed
she visited there shortly after leaving Auburn Hospital.

They say the new search could take up to five days .. and will involve 20 people ..

including a forensic archeologist armed with excavation equipment .. and cadaver dogs.

AAP RTV ab/evt/tm/crh

KEYWORD: LANE (SYDNEY)

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

SA: Union reps to meet on Mitsubishi today


AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2008
SA: Union reps to meet on Mitsubishi today

Union representatives will meet at Mitsubishi's Adelaide assembly plant today to discuss
details of a redundancy package for almost one thousand workers.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union wants the package finalised within a fortnight
.. with the Tonsley Park plant due to close by the end of March.

Union state secretary JOHN CAMILLO has told ABC radio the workers need to know exactly
how much money they'll walk away with.

Mitsubishi has already indicated workers will get all their leave and other entitlements
.. and has promised a redundancy package in line with that offered to workers at its Lonsdale
engine plant .. which closed three years ago.

The redundancy package at Lonsdale included five weeks' pay .. and an additional 4.5
weeks pay for every year of service.

AAP RTV tjd/sw/jmt

KEYWORD: MITSUBISHI (ADELAIDE)

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

Qld: Beattie welcomes Rudd health takeover=2


AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2007
Qld: Beattie welcomes Rudd health takeover=2

Mr Beattie said he had repeatedly argued for a health plan to eradicate duplication
in the sector, which costs Australians "billions".

"At last we have a plan to get rid of duplication in this country, and I know ... the
state's will reach that by agreement," Mr Beattie said.

"There is a carrot and stick in it, there is some tough measures for the states, where
they will have shape up here or ship out.

"I think that's a good thing because what we need is reform of the health system."

AAP rm/pjo/jt/de

KEYWORD: HEALTH LABOR QLD 2 BRISBANE (REOPENS)

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

Qld: Man dead after being trapped in mine machinery


AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-2007
Qld: Man dead after being trapped in mine machinery

BRISBANE, April 9 AAP - A man has died after becoming trapped between machinery at
a north Queensland mine, police say.

The man died at the North Goonyella Mine at Moranbah, southwest of Mackay, just after
10.30am (AEST) today, a police spokeswoman said.

"Initial investigations indicate the man became trapped between machinery," she said.

"He was extricated, however died as a result of his injuries."

Police and mine inspectors are investigating the incident.

AAP jvb/ks/de

KEYWORD: MINE

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

Fed: Howard to prioritise early intervention programs


AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2006
Fed: Howard to prioritise early intervention programs

The PM's promised to prioritise funding for early intervention programs .. after a
study found big economic gains could be made .. by heading off problem behaviour in children
early on.

The Pathways to Prevention Project .. which involved almost 400 Queensland families
.. found the earlier bad behaviour is identified in children .. the less problems they're
likely to be burdened with when they're older.

Mission Australia and Griffith University .. which conducted joint research on the
project .. released their findings from the first five years of their study in Canberra
today.

JOHN HOWARD .. who attended the launch .. says he's a great believer in early intervention
programs .. because they return enormous economic and human dividends.

AAP RTV rm/sb/wf/bart

KEYWORD: PATHWAYS (CANBERRA)

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

Fed: DNA tests clear Kovco's roomates


AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2006
Fed: DNA tests clear Kovco's roomates

SYDNEY, Aug 1 AAP - DNA tests on the two soldiers who were with Private Jake Kovco
when he was fatally shot in Iraq have cleared them of having handled his gun.

NSW Police tested the two soldiers, codenamed 17 and 19, on Saturday after they were
flown back to Australia from Iraq.

NSW Police had asked the two soldiers undergo the voluntary tests after unidentified
DNA was found covering Pte Kovco's pistol.

The inquiry into Pte Kovco's death was today told the DNA on the weapon did not match
that samples from soldiers 17 and 19.

"They are not the contributors to the DNA," Detective Inspector Wayne Hayes told the inquiry.

NSW Police now plan to return to Baghdad to test other soldiers from Pte Kovco's unit.

The inquiry has previously heard that unidentified DNA was found covering the slide,
trigger and grip of Pte Kovco's pistol.

The Victorian soldier died on April 21 after being shot in the head with his own gun
in the tiny Baghdad barracks room he shared with soldiers 17 and 19.

Both have told the inquiry they did not see how Pte Kovco was shot.

Soldier 19 is expected to be questioned by the inquiry today.

AAP bt/klw/tnf/br

KEYWORD: KOVCO DNA

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

Fed: Abbott says rosaries/overies shirt just tacky


AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2006
Fed: Abbott says rosaries/overies shirt just tacky

Health Minister TONY ABBOTT has joined the fray over the rosaries/ovaries t-shirt ..

describing it as tacky and demonstrating an ill-tolerance of religion.

Mr ABBOTT says the "Keep your rosaries off my ovaries" t-shirt .. worn by Australian
Greens Senator KERRY NETTLE as the upper house started its debate on the abortion drug
RU486 .. was in bad taste.

He says the fact he's a Catholic .. doesn't mean he's unable to make a balanced decision
.. and this is a real smear against religion.

AAP RTV nr/was/rj/bart

KEYWORD: ABORTION TSHIRT (SYDNEY)

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

понедельник, 27 февраля 2012 г.

Teacher is surprised to learn of former student’s attraction

D ear Abby: I am a teacher with a dilemma. I have taught for 10 years and connected with thousands of former students. With the Internet and social networking, I am able to keep in touch with many of them. I enjoy knowing what they're doing in their college careers and beyond.

One student I've kept in touch with recently admitted his romantic love for me. "Kyle" is now in his 20s and on his own. As his teacher 10 years ago, I'd never have dreamed of this happening. What's difficult is I think I reciprocate those feelings. I never expected the man I connect with most to be a former student, but Kyle is an adult and I know him as such.

I'm not sure what to do. I'm aware of my professional boundaries as a teacher and would never cross those lines with a student or minor. What do you do when your former student is an adult, you live in a small town and you're drawn to each other? This could be the love I've been waiting for my entire life. Would it be totally inappropriate if I followed my heart?

Wondering in Wyoming

Dear Wondering: No. Because Kyle is an adult, and when he was your student there was no flirting (I presume), I see nothing unethical about pursuing the relationship. However, if your romance becomes fodder for gossip — and it very well might — you should be prepared to relocate.

Dear Abby: I went to the zoo with my daughter's class as a chaperone. While we were there, I saw several children begin climbing the walls of some of the exhibits. They were not part of the group from our school. I promptly asked the children "nicely" not to climb on the exhibits for fear they would hurt themselves or fall in.

A parent who heard me ask her son to get down began yelling and cursing at me in front of my daughter and the other children. I said, "I'm sorry," and walked on.

I don't feel I did anything wrong. I was trying to warn the boy that what he was doing was dangerous. Did I do the wrong thing? Or should I have talked to a member of the zoo staff about what happened? Please advise what you would do if someone's child did what I witnessed.

Vigilant Parent in Oklahoma City

Dear Vigilant Parent: Candidly, I probably would have reflexively done exactly what you did — get the child out of harm's way. However, the prudent way to handle a situation like the one you encountered would have been to alert the zoo staff or security personnel so they could handle it.

Dear Abby: In our golfing circle there's a single, 47-year-old professional woman with two children. We thought we knew her. Come to find out, she has been involved for the last five years with a married man who has a child.

We're uncomfortable having her around us now. None of us is perfect, but a woman who would take another's man and wreck a home is one thing most women can't stand. What, if anything, should we do?

Tee'd Off in Alabama

Dear Tee'd Off: Before deciding what to do, talk privately with the woman, tell her what you have learned and hear what she has to say about it. After that, you'll know what (or what not) to do.

WinCom Systems Selects Elcom's eProcurement Solution to Automate its Purchasing of IT Products; Internet Infrastructure Firm to Use PECOS Internet Procurement Manager.

NORWOOD, Mass. -- Elcom International, Inc. , a leading international provider of remotely-hosted eProcurement and Private eMarketplace solutions and leveraged eProcurement services for IT products, today announced that WinCom Systems, Inc., an Internet infrastructure company providing hardware-based networking solutions for Internet data centers, has selected PECOS Internet Procurement Manager ("PECOS.ipm") to automate the purchasing of their IT products. WinCom Systems will use PECOS.ipm to help centralize its purchasing function for its office locations using Elcom as its primary supplier for IT products.

Douglas Henderson, Director of Marketing for WinCom Systems, Inc., said, "We understand the value that automation oriented technology brings to companies to enhance corporate effectiveness; one of the reasons why we chose to use Elcom's eProcurement system to purchase our IT products. Elcom offered us a unique blend of eProcurement technology combined with their many years of experience in the IT products marketplace."

John Halnen, Elcom International, Inc.'s President and COO, added, "WinCom Systems is another example of how Elcom is cost effectively providing large and small companies with the ability to automate their IT products purchasing process. As a procurement service provider for WinCom, Elcom can provide their IT products as well as flexible procurement functionality that can be integrated to their back-end system and enhanced by adding strategic suppliers. We welcome WinCom Systems to our growing list of customers."

Company Product Offerings

For detailed information on our PECOS(TM) technology and optional Dynamic Trading functionality, please visit our website at http://www.elcominternational.com/products.htm

About WinCom Systems, Inc.

WinCom Systems, Inc. is an Internet infrastructure company with key operations in San Jose, CA and Research Triangle Park, NC. WinCom Systems designs, manufactures, and deploys Internet networking systems which will revolutionize existing Internet infrastructures for emerging Rich-Content and Rich-Transaction (wireless) Internet applications. WinCom Systems has secured venture financing from Crosspoint Venture Partners and TPG Ventures. For more information about WinCom products and services e-mail info@WinComSystems.com or call (408) 362-2160 or visit www.wincomsystems.com

About Elcom International, Inc.

Elcom International, Inc. , operates two wholly-owned subsidiaries: elcom, inc., a leading international provider of remotely-hosted eProcurement and Private eMarketplace solutions and Elcom Services Group, Inc., which provides leveraged procurement services for IT products. elcom, inc.'s innovative remotely-hosted technology establishes the next standard of value and enables enterprises of all sizes to realize the many benefits of eProcurement without the burden of significant infrastructure investment and ongoing content and system management. PECOS Internet Procurement Manager, elcom, inc.'s remotely-hosted eProcurement and eMarketplace enabling platform was the first "live" remotely-hosted eProcurement system in the world. Additional information can be found at www.elcominternational.com.

Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act This press release announcement includes statements that may constitute forward-looking statements or forecasts. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, those with respect to the Company's objectives, plans and strategies set forth herein and those preceded by or that include the words "believes," "intends," "expects," "will," "plans," "anticipates," or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include: the overall markets' and individual customers' acceptance and usage of the Company's electronic commerce software systems, the receptiveness of the capital markets to technology-related companies, corporate demand for (and price decreases of) PC products and other office products, changes in manufacturer policies reducing price protection and availability of manufacturer development funds, and tightening of product returns and other policies, the risks of doing business in foreign countries, and the impact of competitive technology products, competitive pricing pressures; the risks of not consummating the previously announced divestiture of the Company's U.K. reseller business; the ability of Tech Data to fulfill its obligations under the outsourcing arrangement with the Company and the Company's reliance on Tech Data, and specifically the availability and terms of appropriate working capital and/or other financing for the Company, including for elcom, inc., the Company's eBusiness subsidiary; the potential dilutive effect of any equity issuance, as well as factors and other risks detailed in the Company's 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Registration Statement on Form S-3 and from time to time in the Company's other reports filed with the SEC. The Company assumes no obligation to update any of the information referenced in this announcement.

    Company Contact:    Investor Relations    e-mail: invrel@elcom.com    Voicemail: (781) 501-4094                   MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT -  Click Here              http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X12448072 

Contact: Investor Relations of Elcom International, Inc., +1-781-501- 4094, invrel@elcom.com

Website: http://www.elcom.com/

CISCO SYSTEMS: Cisco Systems to acquire UK-based Ca Calista Inc.

M2 PRESSWIRE-16 August 1999-CISCO SYSTEMS: Cisco Systems to acquire UK-based Calista Inc. (C)1994-99 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:160899

* Technology Allows Different Business Phone Systems to Work With Internet Phone Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Calista Inc. in Bucks, England and San Jose, CA for $55 million in stock. Calista is a leading developer of Internet technology that allows different business phones to work together for the first time over an open Internet-based infrastructure.

This acquisition is significant because it offers investment protection for business customers while allowing enterprises to seamlessly transition from circuit-based PBX phone systems to Internet-based PBXs. This acquisition also supports Cisco's strategy to enable new IP-based data, voice and video services, such as unified messaging, over an open, Internet-based infrastructure.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco common stock will be exchanged for all outstanding shares and options of Calista Inc. The acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of Cisco's fiscal year 2000 and will result in a one-time charge of approximately $.01 per share on an after-tax basis for purchased in-process research and development.

Cisco is acquiring Calista Inc. to equip large businesses with Internet technology that allows legacy phone systems from different vendors to work together with Internet-based PBXs for the first time. This technology works at the network layer by emulating the closed PBX architecture of different digital phone manufacturers for large businesses. Using Internet Protocol (IP) as the 'lingua franca' between different legacy phone systems, this technology allows Cisco to mix and match Internet-based phones with legacy digital phones inside large companies.

This acquisition builds upon Cisco's Internet-based voice architecture for large businesses. It delivers more choice, lower communication costs and investment protection for Cisco business customers. For example, the new Internet technology delivers the benefits of integrated data and voice networks without compelling customers to immediately throw away their legacy phone equipment.

Calista Inc. was founded in 1995. Calista President & CEO Mark Richer will continue to lead his team, with sales and support in San Jose and research and development in United Kingdom. Mark will report to Prem Jain, vice president and general manager in the enterprise line of business.

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet.

CONTACT: Helen O'Hanlon, PR Manager UK, Cisco Systems Inc. Tel: +44 (0)181 756 8450 e-mail: hohanlon@cisco.com WWW: http://www.cisco.com/uk/

*M2 COMMUNICATIONS DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED WITHIN M2 PRESSWIRE. DATA SUPPLIED BY NAMED PARTY/PARTIES.*

воскресенье, 26 февраля 2012 г.

FRAUD: Fake payslips still available online.

Websites offering fake payslips are still thriving, despite a reported fall in the number of borrowers using fake documentation to commit mortgage fraud, Mortgage Strategy has found.

Figures from CIFAS - the UK's fraud prevention service - show mortgage fraud increased 18% in 2010, with 69% of fraudulent business introduced by brokers.

There were 3,542 mortgage frauds recorded in 2010, up from 3,004 in 2009.

But CIFAS claims mortgage frauds using false or altered documents stating false income, or providing false employment details have decreased from over two-thirds of mortgage application frauds in 2009 to less than half in 2010.

But a quick search on the internet brings up dozens of websites offering fake documents and Mortgage Strategy was easily able to buy three months' fake payslips for #40.

They were emailed to us within two hours and we received the originals within two days. All we were asked to supply was our name, company, National Insurance number and earnings.

John Malone, executive chairman of PMS and brokers' representative on the National Fraud Authority's mortgage fraud forum, says lenders are spending more time checking documentation because they are doing less lending, but he says it is still a major problem.

Malone says: "At the fraud meetings I go to we are aware that there are organisations that are still creating these documents.

"We are trying to alert brokers to how easy it can be to commit fraud using these types of documents."

Malone looked at our payslips and said that although they may have been accepted by lenders a couple of years ago there were a few inaccuracies which should ring alarm bells.

He says things such as a change in font size and no tax reference number on the slips should raise questions with lenders.

He recommends brokers only carry out business face-to-face with clients.

Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

Verity Announces Record First Quarter Results.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 1999--

Verity, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRTY), a leading provider of knowledge retrieval solutions for the enterprise and Internet, today reported financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended August 31, 1999. For the sixth consecutive quarter, Verity revenues and net income were at record levels.

In a fiscal quarter that has historically been the Company's weakest quarter, revenues for the first fiscal quarter were $19.8 million, representing a 50% increase over $13.2 million in revenues for the same period last year. Software product revenues, which represented 73% of total revenues for the first quarter, were $14.5 million, which is a 46% increase over the same period last year. Compared to the previous quarter ended May 31, 1999, first quarter revenues increased by 3% and software product revenues remained unchanged.

During the quarter, Verity saw significant sales activity in key markets, including Intranet information access solutions for major retail, telecommunications, banking and financial services, pharmaceutical, business services, consulting and high technology companies. The Company had significant sales to e-commerce sites, online publishers and government agencies, and developed new strategic OEM agreements with major technology vendors.

Net income grew by 315% between the first quarter of fiscal 1999 and the first quarter of fiscal 2000. Net income for the first quarter was $5.1 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared with net income of $1.2 million, or $0.10 per diluted share for the same period last year. In the prior quarter ended May 31, 1999, Verity reported net income of $5.0 million, or $0.34 per diluted share.

"The first quarter of fiscal 2000 was our sixth straight quarter of record revenues and net income," said Gary J. Sbona, President and CEO of Verity. "I am especially pleased at our record performance, because our first quarter has historically been our weakest, due to sometimes slower activity in our corporate markets during the summer months. In spite of these market conditions, for the second consecutive year, our first quarter financial performance has exceeded record fourth quarter results. We continue to see strong interest in Verity's products and services across our core Internet, intranet and OEM lines of business."

About Verity

Verity is a leading provider of knowledge retrieval solutions. Verity's product suite powers corporate portals, e-commerce sites, online publishing and media sites, customer care applications, and products from market-leading OEMs and ISVs. Verity solutions simplify the management and use of information by indexing, classifying, organizing, searching and retrieving data, as well as providing personalized information delivery and hybrid online and CD publishing.

Verity's products are used by more than 1,000 corporations, e-commerce sites, government agencies, on-line service providers, Internet publishers and software developers worldwide. Verity alliances include Adobe Systems, AT&T, CDNOW, CNET, Cisco, Compaq, Dow Jones, Easy Software, EarthWeb, Ernst & Young, Financial Times, Globe and Mail, IBM, MD Consult, NewsEdge Corporation, Informix, Lotus, NEC, SAP, Siemens, Snap.com, Sybase, Tandem and Time New Media.

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to management's efforts to achieve improved operations and results and continued strong interest in Verity's products and services. If Company management is unable to manage effectively the Company's operations, identify opportunities in a timely fashion, and effectively evaluate and manage the Company's business and competitive position, or interest in the Company's products declines due to the introduction of competing products or for other reasons, the Company's results of operations and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected. Other risks relating to the Company are as set forth in the Company's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q's as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, contact Verity at info@verity.com or at World Wide Web site http://www.verity.com/ or by calling 408-541-1500.

Verity, the Verity logo and Verity are registered trademarks or trademarks of Verity, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. -0-

                              VERITY, INC.                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS                  (in thousands, except per share data)                                                     Quarter Ended                                              August 31,     August 31,                                                 1999           1998                                               -----------------------                                                     (unaudited) Revenues:    Software products                           $14,474      $ 9,889    Service and other                             5,291        3,331                                                -------      -------       Total revenues                            19,765       13,220                                                -------      ------- Costs of revenues:    Software products                               144          437    Service and other                             1,620        1,082                                                -------      -------       Total costs of revenues                    1,764        1,519                                                -------      ------- Gross profit                                    18,001       11,701                                                -------      ------- Operating expenses:   Research and development                       3,726        3,275   Marketing and sales                            8,064        5,952   General and administrative                     1,580        1,381                                                -------      -------        Total operating expenses                 13,370       10,608                                                -------      ------- Income from operations                           4,631        1,093 Other income, net                                  629          287                                                -------      ------- Net income before provision for income taxes     5,260        1,380 Provision for income taxes                         150          150                                                -------      ------- Net income                                     $ 5,110      $ 1,230                                                =======      ======= Net income per share - basic                   $  0.38      $  0.11                                                =======      ======= Net income per share - diluted                 $  0.32      $  0.10                                                =======      ======= Number of shares used in per share       calculation - basic                       13,486       11,627                                                =======      ======= Number of shares used in per share       calculation - diluted                     15,806       12,882                                                =======      =======                               VERITY, INC.                       CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS                             (in thousands)                                                 August 31,    May 31,                                                   1999        1999                                                 ------------------- ASSETS  Current Assets:  Cash and cash equivalents                   $   8,275     $   7,907  Short-term investments                         98,488        28,327  Trade accounts receivable,   less allowance for doubtful   accounts of $850 and $900                     17,545        17,174  Prepaid and other current assets                2,037         1,481                                              ---------     ---------         Total current assets                   126,345        54,889  Property and equipment                           5,554         5,693 Long-term investments                            9,023         4,132 Other assets                                       272           312                                              ---------     ---------             Total assets                     $ 141,194     $  65,026                                              =========     =========  LIABILITIES  Current Liabilities:      Accounts payable                        $   3,789     $   3,786      Accrued compensation                        6,523         6,665      Other accrued liabilities                   1,809         1,989      Deferred revenue                            8,193         9,167                                              ---------     ---------             Total current liabilities           20,314        21,607  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  Common stock                                        15            13 Additional paid-in capital                     171,886        99,425 Unrealized gain (loss) on investments                                                    (86)           27 Accumulated deficit                            (50,935)      (56,046)                                              ---------     ---------  Total stockholders' equity                    120,880        43,419                                              ---------     ---------  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                     $ 141,194     $  65,026                                              =========     ========= -0- 

Out and about.

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

Meal deals

The Noble House at Raffles

Today

Sample the modern pairing of New World wines with contemporary fine dining Chinese cuisine. Discover an explosion of flavours, brought together in a tantalising four-course menu, created by Chef de cuisine Peter Lau and combined to perfection with a fine selection of Morgenhof Estate wines from South Africa. Welcome drinks and canapes from 7.30pm on the terrace, dinner starts at 9.45pm. The cost is dhs888 per person including selected wines. Call 04 314 9888

La Veranda at Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Until June 22

La Veranda is offering a mussel promotion every evening from 7pm. With prices starting at dhs50 for 500g, Flex Your Mussels is a must for mussel lovers. Call 04 406 8999

Culture club

Introduction to Islamic Art

Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi

June 14-16

Canvas Education is holding a three-day seminar, 'Introduction to Islamic Art'. Top international experts from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the School of Oriental and African Studies, the British Museum, Sotheby's and other renowned institutions will offer an overview of Arab civilisations, arts and crafts and traditional and modern calligraphy.A For more information go to canvasonline.com

Summer Collections

XVA Gallery, Bastakiya

Until September 10

Paying tribute to the season, the 'Summer Collection Show' willA feature works by diverse artists across the region. The focus of this year's show is the dialogue between new talent and art masters. The three month exhibition will be an occasion to rediscover some of the most important highlights of XVA's portfolio. Call 04 353 5385 or see www.xvagallery.com

For the diaryA

Dr John Demartini at Virgin Mercato

June 15

Dr John Demartini who appeared in the famous book 'The Secret' will be at Virgin Mercato to meet you. From 8pm, he'll answer your questions about his famous theory, the Law of Attraction. Call 04 344 6971

Eclipse Night at Plan B

June 18

Eclipse is a combination of fashion and nightclubbing. The clothes are designed by the Indian fashion house Mumbai Se. The fashion show will start first with welcome drinks and canapes, after which the music will begin with some of the best Indian DJs including Bally Sagoo. Some Bollywood celebrities will be attending this event. The show starts at 10pm and the entrance charge is dhs120. Call 04 324 4777

7DAYS LOVES...

An old favourite

With a new restaurant opening up every week, it's good to know that Dubai has some tried and tested old standards that serve home-cooked meals to perfection. If you fancy tucking into some traditional Arabic meals head to Zyara and feast on their delicious daily lunch buffet. A la carte options are also available.A For reservations and directions call 04 343 5454

Atmospheric music

Not only is it the closest thing to an authentic Islamic souk in Dubai, the new Khan Murjan at Wafi also has a courtyard restaurant where people can come together for some shisha, food and live music. But best of all, are the three Syrian musicians who play traditional Arabic tunes each day from 2:30pm to 4pm in the afternoon and again from 8pm to midnight. Food never sounded so good! For more information visit www.wafi.com

[c] 2007 Al Sidra Media LLC

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

Use of social media on the rise.

Every year, Nordicom at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden takes a barometer reading of media use in Sweden. Media Barometer data were first collected in 1979. These are some of the findings of the 2010 survey.

Among 15- to 24-year-olds eight in ten use social media the average day, 15 per cent more than in 2009. An even sharper increase - from 32 to 49 per cent - is noted among 25- to 44-year-olds. The time people in these younger ages devote to the media overall has rested at about 6.5 hours a day over the past few years, but within these hours media habits have changed. In 2010, internet claimed 40 per cent of this time, up from 34 per cent one year earlier. In all other age groups, television viewing still dominates (children and people older than 44 years).

Media habits have changed the most among elder teens and young adults (ages 15-44). The greatest impacts that may be attributed to increased use of internet are on radio listening and reading of magazines and books among young people (15-24), but on reading of newspapers among those aged 25-44. The share of newspaper subscribers among this latter group has fallen by 16 percentage points in the past decade, compared to a decline of 7 points among the population as a whole.

Use of traditional media - newspapers, television and radio - on the web has steadily increased, but the rise last year was relatively slight: 28 per cent of the population visited the websites of traditional media the average day in 2010. Those aged 25-44 were the most frequent users. The tabloid press is the only category that may be said to have become fully established on the web in terms of the numbers of users. Roughly one in four in the age group 25-44 years uses no other media besides tabloids on the web.

Six per cent of the population as a whole report watching television on a computer, cell phone or other device; the figure is 10 per cent among youth. The great majority, over 80 per cent, still watch television on an ordinary TV set.

The biggest contrast between men's and women's media habits is the difference noted in reading of books. A similar difference is noted between boys and girls, as well.

"While young men play computer games, young women are reading books for pleasure or blogging. The pattern is in line with the patterns of media use our Barometers have found in these two groups over the years," says Professor Ulla Carlsson, Director of Nordicom.

Forty per cent of Swedish women read books for pleasure the average day, compared to 24 per cent among men. Education is a strong factor with regard to book reading. College- and university-educated individuals tend to read books more, 42 per cent the average day, compared to 22 per cent among those who have no higher education. Book reading as a pastime is about twice as frequent among individuals in senior managerial and academic positions as among people in so-called 'blue-collar" occupations.

Keywords: Public Education, Television, University of Gothenburg.

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

Tajik Regional Officials Ordered To Read More Books.

DUSHANBE, June 13, 2011 (TCA) -- Officials in southern Tajikistan have been ordered to enroll at local libraries and read more books, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports. Khatlon Province Deputy Governor for Ideology Sitora Sherova said at a book exhibition in Qurghonteppa this week that most visitors to libraries are schoolchildren and students. Local librarian Rohatoy Yusufova told RFE/RL that Sherova ordered librarians to sign up all local officials at the library -- including the regional governor, to recommend what they should read, and to take books to their offices. Zarina Aksakalova, who heads the Kamol Khudjandi Library in Qurghonteppa, told RFE/RL that local officials are not active members of her library and are mainly interested in books by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. Aksakalova added that some officials do order books which library staff then deliver to their offices. Nargis Murodalieva, the deputy head of Khatlon State Insurance Company, criticized Sherova's orders. She pointed out that today newspapers and books can be downloaded from the Internet to mobile phones, so there is no need to visit libraries. Murodalieva said Khatlon has more important ideological tasks than forcing officials to become members of local libraries. Some librarians nonetheless say there has already been an increase in the number of officials visiting libraries since Sherova's statement.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)

Con-way Chief Executive Officer to Participate in Bank of America Merrill Lynch Conference.(Conference news)

Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) announced that Douglas W. Stotlar, president and chief executive officer, will participate in a panel discussion on May 19 at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Transportation Conference in Boston. The panel discussion will begin at approximately 1:35 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Parties may listen to the presentation via Internet webcast, which will be available at www.con-way.com in the Investors' section. To listen to the calls, please go to Con-way's web site early to register and install any necessary software. An internet replay of the presentation will also be available at the Con-way website.

Keywords: Industry, Service Companies, Software, Trucking Companies.

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

IEEE 802.3TM Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc Group Launched.

IEEE Standards Association Industry Connections Program Seeks Contributions from across Industries in Appraising Ongoing Bandwidth Needs for Ethernet Wireline Applications

LAS VEGAS -- IEEE, the world's largest professional association advancing technology for humanity, today announced the formation of the IEEE 802.3TMEthernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc group. This new IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Industry Connections program is designed to assess the future bandwidth needs of Ethernet wireline applications across multiple industries, which will assist future development activities of Ethernet standards.

The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc (http://www.ieee802.org/3/ad_hoc/bwa/index.html) invites contributions from individuals across all industries as it gathers information and--with the IEEE 802.3 Working Group's approval--produces an assessment of its findings that will be referencable for future standards-development efforts. The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc seeks any data related to Ethernet bandwidth trends of past, present or future, to help ensure that the future needs for Ethernet wireline speeds are understood.

"We are driving a global, industry-wide assessment now of the needs of the people who are ultimately going to use the next generation of Ethernet wireline standards," said John D'Ambrosia, chair of the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc and chief Ethernet evangelist, CTO office, Force10 Networks. "The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc will give future development activities extremely valuable information in a useful format, streamline their early stages of work and enable them to hit the ground running instead of crawling."

The span of stakeholders in the future of Ethernet bandwidth standards is sweeping, as applications for corporate data centers, Internet exchanges, telecommunications carriers, finance, research and development and content providers inevitably push network capacities. IEEE in June 2010 ratified IEEE 802.3ba 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s Ethernet, enabling innovations in high-rate server connectivity, core switching and other points along the Ethernet value chain.

"It's to the benefit of all that we keep pushing the upper limits of Ethernet speed so that the bandwidth of backbone networks never inhibits the research and development activities of industry, government and education as they seek innovative ways to leverage advanced networks," said Paul Nikolich, chair of the IEEE 802[R] LAN/MAN Standards Committee. "The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc is a terrific opportunity for the individuals at the vanguard of Ethernet's usage to contribute to its next generation of development. Cross-industry and global scope, neutrality, credibility and proven systems of openness and due process make IEEE, through the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc, the ideal forum for building an industry understanding of the diverse bandwidth needs of various Ethernet applications."

The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc is an IEEE-SA Industry Connections activity (http://standards.ieee.org/develop/indconn/index.html). Through Industry Connections, IEEE-SA facilitates like-minded organizations and individuals coming together quickly, effectively and economically to build industry consensus at strategic points in a technology's lifecycle. Groups have the unique opportunity to leverage IEEE resources in a customized format, host workshops and conferences and produce varied content.

"The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc is a perfect example of the value that IEEE-SA Industry Connections can deliver in terms of sowing seeds of future innovation and market growth within a technology space," said James Wendorf, director, IEEE-SA Industry Connections. "Future standards efforts will be given a head start thanks to the work the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc accomplishes today in building cross-industry awareness and consensus."

The public webpage of the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad hoc may be found at http://www.ieee802.org/3/ad_hoc/bwa/index.html. To subscribe to the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad hoc reflector, visit http://www.ieee802.org/3/ad_hoc/bwa/reflector.html.

To learn more about IEEE-SA, visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ieeesa, follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ieeesa or connect with us on the Standards Insight Blog at http://www.standardsinsight.com.

Supporting quotes

Andrew Bach, senior vice president, communications and network infrastructure, NYSE Euronext: "It's critical that Ethernet standards development keeps in front of the real-world needs of the marketplace so that network architectures are able to support growth in traffic without equivalent growth in operational costs and complexity. The groundwork that the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc can do today for standards activities downstream will prove very valuable, particularly to companies in industries such as finance where early adoption of standards-based technologies can prove to be a competitive differentiator."

Steve Cotter, department head for ESnet at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: "At the Department of Energy's national labs, scientists are tackling some of society's most pressing issues--from understanding the origins of the universe to measuring the impact of climate change on our environment. Large-scale instruments and the distributed nature of today's collaborations are creating an explosion of data that demands more bandwidth and network resources as access to this data directly impacts scientific productivity and, ultimately, our nation's competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The launch of the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc and its potential as a reference for future standards comprise very good news."

Keith Cambron, president and chief executive officer, AT&T Labs "AT&T applauds the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc for its efforts to gain an understanding of the future bandwidth needs of the industry. We continue to see exponential broadband growth across the AT&T global IP backbone network, and appreciate the need for next-generation Ethernet standards to stay ahead of consumer demand."

About the IEEE Standards Association

The IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized standards-setting body within IEEE, develops consensus standards through an open process that engages industry and brings together a broad stakeholder community. IEEE standards set specifications and best practices based on current scientific and technological knowledge. The IEEE-SA has a portfolio of over 900 active standards and more than 500 standards under development. For more information visit http://standards.ieee.org/.

About IEEE

IEEE, the world's largest technical professional association, is dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice on a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics. Learn more at http://www.ieee.org.

суббота, 25 февраля 2012 г.

i"?STEP BACK IN TIME.

M2 PRESSWIRE-April 20, 2011-: i" STEP BACK IN TIME(C)1994-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

RDATE:20042011

No chance of getting bored during the recent school holidays for 60 youngsters who were kept very busy exploring the town's past.

The enthusiastic kids enjoyed three different activity days at three superb locations -- Dean Castle, Dick Institute and Burns Monument Centre -- finding out about local history and heritage in a fun, hands-on way.

Activities included drama games, comic art, archery, medieval music and dance.

Children also worked with visual artist Deborah Campbell at The Dick, designing their own Kilmarnock postcards. Their artwork will be exhibited in the Young People's Gallery in The Dick from 20 April-20 May 2011.

Councillor Hugh Ross, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: "The children were keen to find out more about Kilmarnock's rich history and heritage. This Easter school provided opportunities to do that, in a variety of fascinating and exciting locations, whilst at the same time giving the youngsters from different schools the chance to make new friends, learn new skills and have fun".

Artist Deborah Campbell said: "As part of the Easter Heritage activities, the children designed their own postcards of Kilmarnock.

"They looked at the colourful art and architecture of Austrian artist Hundertwasser. Using him as their inspiration, the children made drawings of well-known Kilmarnock buildings, combining a mixture of collage, oil pastels and black ink, to create bold and striking designs.'

Easter Heritage School was organised by the Council's Creative Minds Team, supported by Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund, through the Kilmarnock Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme/Townscape Heritage Initiative, as part of their education outreach programme. This aims to raise awareness of regeneration work in Kilmarnock Town Centre.

For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Contact Information

Out of hours, the Council Helpline, 0845 7 24 00 00, will operate as normal.

Council Headquarters

East Ayrshire Council

Council Headquarters

London Road

KILMARNOCK

KA3 7BU

Telephone Number:

01563 576000

24 hour helpline:

0845 7 24 00 00

We also have a Minicom type phone available for deaf persons: 01563 576167

East Ayrshire Council has launched a free digital television service called EAC TV which is available via the internet

((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied 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)).

Remal IT Unveils the Beta Site for a Free Online Multi-Player Belote Card Game.

After its acclaimed regional success with its first online card game, Remal IT is launching the beta stage of its 'Balote' free-to-play online card game.

(PRWEB) -- After its acclaimed regional success with its first online card game, Remal IT is launching the beta stage of its 'Balote' free-to-play online card game. Kammelna.com is an online multi-player 'Balote' game, a popular card game played in France, featuring an in-browser flash client and an intuitive user interface. Players can choose between playing with other players or play with advance AI agents.In addition, the site also features a sophisticated ranking system. The game follows the rules of the Modern French Belote.

The beta site supports English, and French. The English client can be accessed from here:

kammelna.com/en

And the French client can be accessed from here:

kammelna.com/fr

About Belote

Belote is a 32-card trick-taking game played in France, and is currently one of the most popular card games in that country. It was invented around 1920. Closely related games are played throughout the world. The game is played mostly with four players, and each two players forms a single team. The goal of the game is to win more points than the other team, by strategically playing certain cards in order to win more tricks.

About Remal IT

Remal IT is a Saudi based Internet applications and services startup that was established in 2005. It owns and operate a wide range of social sites and Internet application. Remal IT launched Kammeln.com in Saudi Arabia in 2009 and attracted over 700,000 players. remal.com

###

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/05/prweb4047364.htm.

JUSTICE COUNCIL : MINISTERS PONDER FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES FOR EUROPEAN CONTRACT LAW.(European Union)

What could be more ordinary than signing a contract? Signing a cross-border contract can nevertheless prove to be a far more complicated matter. The EU is currently exploring options for the creation of a common frame of reference for European contract law. The aim is to agree at least on certain definitions, fundamental principles, such as contractual freedom, and the development of model rules'. The ministers adopted conclusions on all these items, on 5 June in Luxembourg.

To minimise differences between contract law from one member state to the next, the Council mentions the fundamental principles' that should appear in a common European frame of reference, eg the principles of freedom of contract (autonomy of the parties), legal certainty, binding force of the contract and fair dealing, which includes the concepts of good faith and reasonable behaviour.

Businesses and individuals alike are obliged to sign contracts in their day-to-day existence and this act increasingly takes place at European level.

The Commission will be in charge of developing this common frame of reference for European contract law.

CONSUMER LAW

On the definitions of key concepts of contract law to feature in the European framework, the Council's experts are still hesitant. These should "relate directly" to general contract law. Certain definitions relating to consumer contracts should be a priority as this area represents an "important part" of the EU acquis in contract law. The frame of reference must also be "coherent" with the October 2008 directive on consumer rights, which aims to build Europeans' confidence in cross-border purchases via internet or sales outlets. The Council conclusions nonetheless note that "it is recognised that the two proposals are separate and pursue objectives that may not always be identical".

The model rules' will be inspired by both the fundamental principles and the definitions agreed. They will be general in nature in order to be applicable to all contracts and all contractual situations. The Council does not, however, rule out the possibility of establishing more specific rules, especially on consumer contract law.

The form the frame of reference may take has not been decided. One thing is certain, however: it will not be a binding instrument. It will simply be a set of guidelines that the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission will use as a source of inspiration for the adoption of legislative proposals.

The conclusions are available at www.europolitics.info > Search = 251090a

Oracle Announces the Acquisition of Online Identity Theft and Fraud Detection Leader Bharosa.

M2 PRESSWIRE-19 July 2007-Making The Watchlist: Oracle Announces the Acquisition of Online Identity Theft and Fraud Detection Leader Bharosa(C)1994-2007 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:19072007

Market Gainer is quickly emerging as the one stop shop for international small-cap investors looking to stay a step ahead of the markets. Activity on the NASDAQ market has brought this company to the attention of our research team. Oracle (NASDAQ:ORCL), is responding to the attention of investors. Our goal is to create a community of international investors who consistently and effectively capitalize on the enormous gains the small-cap Canadian and American exchanges offer.

July 18 - Oracle today announced that it has agreed to acquire Bharosa, Inc., a leading provider of software that helps combat online identity theft and fraud. Strong authentication and fraud detection are increasingly critical components of identity management deployments and are seeing rapid adoption. Driven by regulatory mandates such as FFIEC, PCI, and HIPAA, organizations are under pressure to reduce fraud and provide higher levels of assurance of users' identities and their usage intent. By adding some of the leading real-time fraud prevention capabilities of Bharosa's Tracker and Authenticator software to Oracle's existing web single sign-on and web-based authorization solutions, Oracle will uniquely provide the next generation of access management to customers and the market.

"Oracle Identity Management ranks among the industry's top solutions and we plan to continue rapidly expanding our security business to provide our customers with the most comprehensive, leading information protection solutions available," said Hasan Rizvi, vice president, Identity Management and Security Products, Oracle. "We expect Oracle and Bharosa, together, to provide enterprises with a comprehensive identity management solution that integrates proactive, real-time fraud prevention."

With more than 25 million users, Bharosa's real-time fraud detection and multifactor online authentication security solutions for the enterprise, combined with Oracle's established web single sign-on and web-based authorization solutions, will result in a differentiated solution that protects investments by extending internal web Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions to external users. It also creates a highly secure, low impact security solution that protects users from common, often costly, threats.

"Companies need new mechanisms that complement their existing security solutions so that they can better protect themselves from insider threats and misuse from privileged users," said Jon Fisher, CEO, Bharosa. "At Bharosa, we're thrilled to bring our market-leading solutions to the world's largest enterprise software company."

Bharosa's Tracker and Authenticator software will continue to be available on a standalone basis with integrations for Oracle and non-Oracle environments as well as integrated with Oracle Identity Management.

The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in August 2007. Financial details were not disclosed. More information is available at http://www.oracle.com/bharosa.

About Oracle Identity Management

Serving as the security backbone for Oracle Fusion Middleware, Oracle Identity Management helps customers and partners decrease security threats across diverse IT environments while helping address governance, risk and compliance needs. Oracle Identity Management was the market's fastest growing suite of Identity Management products in 2006, based on total software revenues worldwide. Oracle Identity Management's support of industry standards such as WS*, XACML, SAML and SPML helps enable customers and partners to more easily integrate applications with the framework. The family of best-in-class software, which can be used in its entirety or as individual components, includes Oracle Identity Manager, Oracle Access Manager, Oracle Enterprise Single Sign-On Suite, Oracle Identity Federation, Oracle Virtual Directory, Oracle Internet Directory, Oracle Management Pack for Identity Management and Oracle Web Services Manager. To learn more, visit http://www.oracle.com/identity.

About Oracle

Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL) is the world's largest enterprise software company. For more information about Oracle, visit our Web site at http://www.oracle.com.

Trademarks Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

This document is for informational purposes only and may not be incorporated into a contract.

During morning trading shares are up 1% to $20.66 with over 7.6 million in volume. The Market Gainer Research Team will continue to gauge the short and long term affects that this announcement will have on the company

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пятница, 24 февраля 2012 г.

Brightcove becomes Internet TV Bright spot.(finance)(Brief article)

Internet TV company Brightcove picked up $59.5 million in strategic funding, which it intends to use to accelerate its international expansion and solidify its position in the Internet TV market, as the market matures and consolidates in the coming year. Brightcove provides a platform on which others can offer online video.

"This investment in Brightcove will enable us to grow our business at a critical juncture in the adoption of Internet TV," said Brightcove founder and CEO Jeremy Allaire. "With the new funds we will be expanding internationally, deepening our service offering to give media partners better tools to distribute and monetize video online, and empowering consumers to interact with that content in exciting new ways."

Led by Alliance Bernstein, Brookside Capital and Maverick Capital, the funding round also included investments from The New York Times Company and Transcosmos, as well as all of the company's existing strategic and financial investors, Accel Partners, Allen and Company, AOL, General Catalyst Partners, The Hearst Corporation and IAC/Inter Active Corp.

Brightcove launched its latest platform in October, becoming a syndication marketplace and broadband media network. The company says that emerging media and independent producers have launched thousands of new commercial broadband channels with Brightcove.

Iraq chaos 'raising terror threat'.

Byline: DAVID WILLIAMS

IRAQ has become a breeding ground for terrorists because of the way coalition forces have run the country, a powerful group of MPs said yesterday.

In their disturbing assessment, they warn that Britain faces a greater threat of attack than before the war.

The damning report is especially critical of Britain's key ally, the U.S., stating that the excessive use of force by its troops had antagonized civilians and made rebuilding the country harder.

The verdict of the influential Commons Foreign Affairs committee will make bleak reading for Tony Blair as he tries to keep Iraq off the election agenda.

It echoes a recent warning by the U.S. that those trained in Iraq will take their 'expertise' to strike in other countries. The Commons committee, chaired by Labour MP Donald Anderson, said: 'The evidence points to the greater part of the violence stemming from Iraqi groups and individuals.

'Some are motivated by religious extremism and others have been dispossessed by policies adopted by the coalition since the war, such as de-Baathification and the disbanding of the security forces.' The report went on to warn that the slow pace of reconstruction and 'failure significantly to improve life for many Iraqis may have fuelled the insurgency by providing a pool of willing recruits'.

The MPs added: 'It is essential greater progress is made towards improving basic services and increasing employment opportunities so Iraqis see a material improvement in their lives.' They said the coalition had clearly failed to stem the violence and suggested the new Iraqi government should try to negotiate with the insurgents.

The committee also urged ministers to publicly set out plans to bring home British forces.

Four U.S. soldiers were killed and ten headless corpses were found dumped beside a road in another day of bloodshed in Iraq yesterday Two politicians, a cleric and a policeman were murdered and shocking videos of two executions were also released on the Internet.

In one, a soldier was beheaded and in the other a man was shot after admitting being an informer.

Iraqi police said seven of the decapitated corpses found 30 miles south of the capital were Iraqi soldiers and three were police officers.

Two of the American troops died in an attack on insurgents in eastern Diyala province.

Another soldier and a U.S. Marine died in explosions in Baghdad.

The murder victims included a Sunni cleric, Hilal Karim, killed in a drive-by shooting in Baghdad, and a Kurdish official killed in Mosul.

The policeman died when a roadside bomb hit his car in Basra.

The fourth victim was the father of a government translator shot dead by gunmen in Baqouba.

Soldier's murder charge dropped - Page 19

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CRITICISM of Britain's failure to say whether it acts on intelligence gained from torture is a particular embarrassment, says the report.

Britain has signed the Convention against Torture but there have been repeated suggestions that intelligence is received from allies who use those methods.

It is 'surprising and unsettling' that Ministers have twice refused to say whether they receive or act on such information. With British inmates now released from Guantanamo Bay, the Government 'need no longer keep its diplomacy quiet,' the MPs said.

'We recommend that the Government make strong public representations to the U.S.

administration about the oppressive conditions in Guantanamo Bay and other detention centres.

'U.S. personnel appear to have committed grave violations of human rights in various facilities.

'We recommend that the Government make it clear to the U.S., both in public and private, that such treatment of detainees is unacceptable.'