WA: Teachers to make decision on IRC no strike order

AAP General News (Australia)
02-26-2008
WA: Teachers to make decision on IRC no strike order

By Andrea Hayward

PERTH, Feb 26 AAP - The West Australian teachers union was meeting today to decide
whether to comply with or defy an order from the WA Industrial Relations Commission not
to take planned industrial action.

The State School Teachers Union of WA (SSTUWA) called on its members last week to hold
a stop work meeting this Thursday morning in a bid to get a 20 per cent pay rise.

Emergency negotiations with the WA government this week have failed to appease the
SSTUWA, which has rejected the offer of a 13 per cent pay …

VIC:Teen dies in car crash

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2011
VIC:Teen dies in car crash

A 17-year-old girl has been killed in a single car crash in Victoria's north.

Another 17-year-old girl .. also in the car .. was injured when the vehicle rolled
and crashed along the Birchip-Wycheproof Road at Wycheproof.

A spokesman from the Rural Ambulance service says the injured girl was taken by air
to the Bendigo Hospital in a stable condition.

No further details are available at this stage.

AAP RTV mok/sw

KEYWORD: TOLL VIC (MELBOURNE)

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

NSW:Lockyer a humble man who changed lives

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2011
NSW:Lockyer a humble man who changed lives

By Isabel Hayes

SYDNEY, Aug 26 AAP - Veteran ABC journalist Paul Lockyer has been remembered as an
exceptional man, humble and modest, whose work changed the lives of rural Australians.

Hundreds of people joined Lockyer's wife and sons at St Ignatius College Chapel at
Riverview on Friday to farewell the 61-year-old, who was killed with cameraman John Bean
and pilot Gary Ticehurst when their helicopter crashed in South Australia's outback last
week.

They had been filming a documentary on Lake Eyre filling with water when their helicopter
crashed in the Cooper Creek area on August 18.

Lockyer's sons, Jamie and Nick, gave moving and at times humorous eulogies, in which
they remembered him as "the best father" and "tragic spoon player".

Both men spoke reminiscently of happy childhood years spent playing backyard cricket,
tennis and catch with their dad.

"He loved the little things in life, and I think that's what made him the world's greatest
dad," his son Nick said.

"I couldn't have asked for a better role model ... rest assured, you've left Mum in good hands."

"All up, I will miss Dad's love and compassion, Australia will miss his stories and
the world will miss a man's greatness," his son Jamie said.

Born in Corrigin, 250km east of Perth, Lockyer started at the ABC's Perth office in
1969 before moving to Sydney and then to Canberra in 1976, where he covered the fallout
from the dismissal of the Whitlam government.

In a career spanning more than 40 years, he worked as a correspondent in Washington
and throughout Asia and won a Logie Award for best TV reporter.

NSW farmer Michael O'Brien, who featured in many of Lockyer's news reports, said Lockyer's
work brought the problems of rural Australia to urban Australia.

This led to federal and state government funding to help save farmers from drought, he said.

"Paul Lockyer was an exceptional man," Mr O'Brien said.

"He gave rural Australia a new outlook, he gave them hope. There was a spring in their
step because someone else was helping to fight the battle against nature."

Several high-profile journalists were among the mourners, including Kerry O'Brien,
George Negus, Geraldine Doogue, Chris Masters and former Channel Nine music director,
Geoff Harvey.

"If you dropped a bomb on this church today, you'd lose a lot of the best journalists
in Australia," close friend and journalist Ray Martin told reporters.

"That's a tribute to Paul."

In a eulogy, Martin described "Lockers" as a "humble bloke" who had "characteristic
flair and a gentle storyteller's touch".

Among the "amazing tributes" that had flowed in for his father in the past week, Nick
recalled an interview with ABC veteran Masters.

Masters had said Lockyer's death was made worse by the fact that he was about to become
a grandfather.

"I can assure you, that was not the case," Nick said amid laughter from the congregation.

Speaking outside the service, Masters, a recent grandfather himself, laughingly apologised
for "prematurely imposing parenthood on young Nick".

"I will miss his company," Masters told reporters, speaking of his colleague.

Kerry O'Brien described Lockyer as a "special human being".

"We rush to superlatives at times like this... but you can't overuse a superlative
for Paul Lockyer," O'Brien said.

AAP ih/vpm/jl/de

KEYWORD: LOCKYER WRAP (PIX AVAILABLE)

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

FED:Govt to report on film and TV struggles

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2011
FED:Govt to report on film and TV struggles

Eds: Clarifies paragraphs 9 and 10



By Susanna Dunkerley

CANBERRA, Feb 15 AAP - Australian television and film producers are concerned the sector
could go under without an increase in tax incentives aimed at encouraging investment.

The federal government is preparing to release the findings of its review of the screen
sector, which has been hit by the global financial crisis and a rising Australian dollar.

The review, set up by former arts minister Peter Garrett, is looking at the effectiveness
of funding and policies, including three tax offsets introduced in 2007.

There is a tax rebate of up to 40 per cent for producers who make Australian feature
films, television and other projects, and a 15 per cent location and post-production tax
rebate for foreign films made in Australia.

Industry stakeholders say they are no longer internationally competitive, mainly due
to the rising Australian dollar which has been on parity with the greenback for months.

There are concerns that because the incentives are linked to the tax system they are
not sufficiently timely, and lead to interest costs on financing.

The location rebate, while similar to the levels offered in New Zealand and United
Kingdom, also falls well below rates in Canada, the United States and eastern Europe.

Ausfilm, representing the private and government screen sector groups, says the location
rebate needs to be increased to 30 per cent.

It also want a requirement that foreign productions spend 70 per cent of their budgets
in Australia to qualify, to be removed.

While this has been promised, it hasn't been legislated yet.

Ausfilm, in its submission to the screen review, noted that foreign features dropped
to less than one per cent of film production expenditure in 2008/09.

Narnia was the only big-budget US film shot in Australia during the past few years.

"Australia is now facing a sustained period without international film production activity,"

the submission warned.

It cited a PricewaterhouseCoopers analysis that showed a boost to location incentives
would pump more than $1.8 billion into the economy over 10 years.

The group representing screen producers in Victoria voiced similar concerns, saying
foreign investment had historically helped to offset "compromised domestic budgets".

"When this market becomes insignificant, the industry becomes unsustainable," Screen
Services Association of Victoria wrote in its submission to government.

Arts Minister Simon Crean refused to pre-empt the review but acknowledged the concerns.

"There is an ongoing commitment because we want to develop and showcase our internationally
renowned creative talent," a spokesperson for the minister told AAP.

Mr Crean is expected to release the review's findings later this week.

AAP sld/rl/de

KEYWORD: SCREEN UPDATE

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

FED:Most won't want nuke power near home-Brown

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2010
FED:Most won't want nuke power near home-Brown

Greens leader BOB BROWN says while a majority of Australians might support nuclear
power .. most wouldn't want to see a plant near their homes.

A number of Labor MPs and senators .. including Senator STEVEN HUTCHINS .. have suggested
the ALP should reconsider its ban on nuclear power in Australia.

Senator BROWN's suggested Senator HUTCHINS nominate a site for a nuclear plant in his
home state of New South Wales .. and see if local support the idea.

He also says nuclear power is too expensive and would be damaging to the environment.

AAP RTV vpm/klm/tm

KEYWORD: NUCLEAR BROWN (SYDNEY)

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

Fed: Swan says tax system needs to become less complex

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2010
Fed: Swan says tax system needs to become less complex

Federal Treasurer WAYNE SWAN says more than 70 per cent of Australians use a tax agent
to prepare their tax returns .. a sure sign the system's too complex.

He says the long-awaited Henry tax review to be released next Sunday will aim to make
the tax system fairer and simpler .. for a modern economy.

Speaking from Washington .. Mr SWAN's told Sky News we need to have a mature discussion about it.

He says much of what's been written about a proposed federal resources rent tax on
mining industry is inaccurate .. and he's urged everyone to wait for the full report.

AAP RTV mb/jmt

KEYWORD: HENRY SWAN (CANBERRA)

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

FED: Rates won't stay at low levels: Gillard

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2009
FED: Rates won't stay at low levels: Gillard

JULIA GILLARD's refused to speculate on another interest rate rise in February after
yesterday's positive jobs figures.

But the Employment minister's once again reminded Australians rates won't stay at what's
been called emergency levels forever.

The improvement in the jobless rate has increased the odds of the Reserve Bank implementing
a fourth consecutive rate rise when it meets in February.

Ms GILLARD's also told ABC TV she'd be delighted if the government's forecast of 6.75
per cent unemployment by the middle of next year proved to be wrong .. but for now they're
sticking with that prediction.

AAP RTV cj/rl/crh

KEYWORD: RATES GILLARD (CANBERRA)

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

SA: SA teachers lowest paid in nation: AEU

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2009
SA: SA teachers lowest paid in nation: AEU

ADELAIDE, Aug 3 AAP - South Australia's public school teachers say they're the lowest
paid in the nation as their union starts an arbitration hearing over a pay claim.

Teachers and the state government have been at loggerheads over a new enterprise agreement
for more than a year.

After a series of offers and compromises, negotiations broke down late last year, leaving
the matter to be determined by arbitration, which started on Monday in the Industrial
Relations Commission.

The arbitration follows the commission awarding teachers an interim 3.75 per cent rise
in February.

In their full claim, teachers have asked for a 21 per cent pay rise over three years,
against the government's best offer of 14.2 per cent over the same period.

The Australian Education Union's South Australian president, Correna Haythorpe, said
the state's teachers were "by far the lowest paid in Australia".

"By the time this issue is resolved, other states will be moving ahead, having recognised
the need for attractive salaries and conditions in order to keep quality staff," she said
outside the arbitration hearing.

"Lengthy delays by the government in resolving this dispute are very regrettable."

The arbitration hearing was expected to continue at least two days.

AAP sl/cdh

KEYWORD: TEACHERS SA

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

Events Diary for Friday, January 2, 2009

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2008
Events Diary for Friday, January 2, 2009
EVENTS LISTED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER AND LOCAL TIME UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED:

ADELAIDE
No items listed.

BRISBANE
No items listed.

CANBERRA
No items listed.

MELBOURNE
No items listed.

PERTH
No items listed.

SYDNEY
No items listed.

SPORT
RACING - to January 19 -
Magic Millions Carnival, Gold Coast
CRICKET - Twenty/20 matches - to January 24
VIC v SA, MCG
SOCCER - A-League 08/09 season - to January 25
Round 18 - to January 4
2000 - Melbourne Victory FC v Qld Roar FC, Telstra Dome
BASKETBALL (Men's) - NBL 2008/09 season - to February 14
Round 16 - to January 4
1930 - Wollongong Hawks v NZ Breakers, Wollongong Entertainment Cnt
GALLOPS -
Taree
Geelong
Sunshine Coast
Albury
New Zealand
TROTS -
Menangle
Ararat
Gold Coast
Port Pirie
Charlton
Young
Gloucester Park
New Zealand
GREYHOUNDS -
Richmond
Geelong
Ipswich
Traralgon
The Gardens
Mandurah
Nowra
Warrnambool

AAP pbc/evt

KEYWORD: DIARY EVENTS FRIDAY JANUARY 2, 2009

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

Fed: Swan expects all banks to pass on possible rates cut

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2008
Fed: Swan expects all banks to pass on possible rates cut

BRISBANE, Aug 21 AAP - Treasurer Wayne Swan says he expects all banks to pass on any
interest rate cut made by the Reserve Bank.

National Australia Bank today promised to pass on in full a potential 25 basis point
cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) next month.

Australia's largest home lender, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, today lowered its
fixed rate mortgages for the second time this month but said it could not guarantee matching
a likely rate cut next month by the central bank.

Mr Swan told reporters in Brisbane he was pleased with NAB's decision and hoped other
banks would follow suit.

MORE ews/pjo/ht/bwl

KEYWORD: RATES SWAN LEAD

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

Vic: Libs select local health manager as Gippsland candidate=2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2008
Vic: Libs select local health manager as Gippsland candidate=2

Mr Fitzgerald, a married father of four boys, will be running against Nationals candidate,
former journalist and political staffer Darren Chester, in the by-election, expected to
be held in late May or early June.

While he said he was not an experienced politician, Mr Fitzgerald said his work in
the health sector and family responsibilities gave him an understanding of what the region
needed.

"I have nominated as the Liberal Party's candidate for Gippsland because I believe
I can make a real difference, as an energetic and passionate advocate for our community,"

Mr Fitzgerald said in a statement.

"There is no doubt that our region faces a number of critical challenges in health,
employment, transport, infrastructure, water and education.

"As a health professional, I'm keenly aware of the difficulties local families have
in accessing basic GP services."

Earlier this month, Liberal senator Bill Heffernan suggested standing a joint Liberal-National
candidate in the Victorian seat, with the Liberal federal council to consider a merger
proposal later this year.

But the Nationals pre-selected Mr Chester last week.

The Country/National party has held the Victorian seat since 1922, with only four members
in that time.

Mr McGauran has held the seat since 1984 but his once safe margin was shaved to 5.9
per cent last November.

Labor's 2007 candidate, Jane Rowe, has nominated for preselection but no ALP candidate
has been chosen.

AAP jrd/ldj/cdh

KEYWORD: GIPPSLAND 2 MELBOURNE

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

Qld: South-east votes against council amalgamations

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2007
Qld: South-east votes against council amalgamations

South-east Queenslanders .. subject to council mergers .. have voted overwhelmingly
against the reforms in voluntary ballots.

Votes have been held in Caboolture .. Caloundra .. Pine Rivers .. Gold Coast .. Noosa
and Redcliffe .. with ballots in rural Queensland to close on Friday.

Results for four council areas have been announced.

In Noosa .. where a highly-organised anti-amalgamation campaign was run .. more than
22 thousand people voted.

96 per cent wer against the impending merge with Caloundra and Maroochy councils to
form a Sunshine Coast super council.

In Redcliffe more than 21 thousand people voted .. with 87 per cent against amalgamation
with Pine Rivers and Caboolture.

Their neighbours felt the same way .. with 74 per cent in Pine Rivers and 68 per cent
in Caboolture against the move.

But the polls won't affect the state government's decision to go ahead with the amalgamations
and Premier ANNA BLIGH has urged communities to accept the changes.







She says the legislation has been passed .. and there'll be an election in March on
the new boundaries.

Local Government Association of Queensland executive director GREG HALLAM says the
votes might not be binding .. but will come back to haunt the government at the next election.

AAP RTV gd/pjo/bart

KEYWORD: COUNCILS (BRISBANE)

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

FED:Dads get year off to look after baby under Labor IR policy=2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2007
FED:Dads get year off to look after baby under Labor IR policy=2

"Labor recognises that many families want to have a parent provide all or most of the
care for a child during the first two years of the child's life," the policy says.

Labor would also guarantee workers eight national public holidays, as well as prescribed
state or local public holidays such as Labour Day and Melbourne Cup Day.

The minimum conditions will include mandated redundancy pay for workers in a job for
more than a year and minimum periods of notice if they are sacked.

The second phase of the safety net relates to further conditions that can be guaranteed
in workers' awards.

"Labor believes that awards are an important safety net and an effective floor for
collective bargaining. Collective agreements will be able to override award entitlements
provided the agreement means employees are genuinely better off," the policy says.

"Under Labor, awards may build on and also provide industry detail on Labor's legislated
minimum standards.

"Labor's new awards may only contain a further 10 minimum employment standards."

These can include standards on minimum wages, overtime and penalty rates, allowances
and superannuation.

AAP so/lh

KEYWORD: LABOR WORKPLACE STANDARDS 2 SYDNEY

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

NSW: Oldest male Asian elephant dies at Western Plains Zoo

AAP General News (Australia)
12-28-2006
NSW: Oldest male Asian elephant dies at Western Plains Zoo

Staff at the Western Plains Zoo in New South Wales are mourning the death of their
only male elephant .. the oldest Asian bull in Australasia.

The elephant .. known as Heman .. was found dead by his keepers at the zoo in Dubbo this morning.

Heman is believed to be just over 50 .. but his precise date of birth isn't known because
of poor record keeping in the 50s and 60s.

A post-mortem examination is being conducted to work out the cause of Heman's death.

AAP RTV ab/hn/crh/rt

KEYWORD: ELEPHANT (SYDNEY)

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

Vic: Talks continue at Ajax to avert 10,000 stand-downs

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2006
Vic: Talks continue at Ajax to avert 10,000 stand-downs

MELBOURNE, Aug 20 AAP - Talks are continuing to try to save troubled Victorian auto
component maker Ajax and prevent the shutdown of much of the Australian car industry forcing
up to 10,000 stand-downs.

Negotiations over a six-month rescue package resumed at midday (AEST) today and were
expected to continue into late tonight.

A key union says Ajax's administrator plus representatives of Holden and Ford may also
need to meet again tomorrow, but a positive outcome was still expected.

"I'm not sure wether it will come tonight or tomorrow but I'm confident we'll get a
solution," Australian Workers Union (AWU) branch secretary Cesar Melham said tonight.

"There is no argument about whether the rescue package should be put in place because
if they don't ... come Tuesday there won't be any cars manufactured in Australia for a
while."

He said up to 10,000 workers with Ford in Victoria and Holden in South Australia faced
being stood down if a solution is not found before Tuesday.

"That's how serious it is, Holden will be moving to a shut down mode on Tuesday morning
with Ford to follow," he said.

Mr Melham said he understood there was in principle support for major elements of the
rescue package, and talks were now centred on the wording.

A rescue package would ensure Ajax could continue operating until a buyer was found.

The company's 189 workers were stood down by the administrator early on Friday, and
Mr Melham said they could return to work as early as Tuesday if the rescue package is
accepted.

The union will meet with the workers again at 7am (AEST) tomorrow.

Ajax Engineered Fasteners, based in Melbourne's south-east, is a division of Global
Engineered Fasteners (GEF) and it makes the specialised nuts and bolts that are used in
more than 200 automotive parts required by the car makers.

Ajax supplies the essential components on the so-called just-in-time system, which
means they are provided when required, but no stockpile of parts is kept.

If the manufacturers run out of components, they must halt production.

The workers could be sacked without getting their owed entitlements if Ajax goes into
liquidation.

AAP dr/jt/nf

KEYWORD: AJAX NIGHTLEAD

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

Fed:Laws allow others to tolerate human rights abuse:Democrats

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2006
Fed:Laws allow others to tolerate human rights abuse:Democrats

The Australian Democrats say new laws forcing asylum seekers who land on the Australian
mainland to be processed offshore .. would encourage other nations to tolerate human rights
abuses.

Democrats Senator .. ANDREW BARTLETT .. says the new laws encourage other countries
.. such as Indonesia .. in the region to tolerate human rights abuses.

Media reports say Cabinet's national security committee has decided to move asylum
seekers offshore before their claims are processed.

But Senator BARTLETT says the government's learnt nothing from recent investigations
into its immigration policies .. and has decided to appease Indonesia instead of protecting
human rights.

AAP RTV klw/mfh/smt/rt

KEYWORD: PAPUA DEMOCRATS (CANBERRA)

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

Qld: Beattie sees stronger ties between Indonesia, Austrralia

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2005
Qld: Beattie sees stronger ties between Indonesia, Austrralia

Queensland Premier PETER BEATTIE says Indonesia and Australia are on the brink of a
new era of positive relations.

Last night, Mr BEATTIE joined 150 people for a reception at the Australian ambassador's
house in Jakarta.

Speaking at the reception, the premier said after a period of somewhat strained relations,
there's now genuine warmth between the two countries.

Mr BEATTIE says the improved ties were reflected in Indonesian President SUSILO BAMBANG
YUDHOYONO'S visit to Australia.

He adds that Indonesia, with a market of 230 million people, presents significant potential
for Queensland businesses.

Mr BEATTIE is on an 11-day trade mission to Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan.

AAP RTV jln/sc/low/jo

KEYWORD: INDON BEATTIE (BRISBANE)

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

bearer bond

bearer bond A security where the person or organization holding the certificate of title is entitled to receive any interest and redemption payments. Such securities have no central register of holders; the owners are thus at considerable risk of loss by theft or accident. Bearer bonds are attractive to anybody seeking to remain anonymous in order to avoid taxation, controls on capital movements, or legal checks on the laundering of money derived from criminal activities. They are therefore illegal in some countries, including the UK.

Business Diary.(Briefs)(acquisition, contract, expansion, joint venture, merger, new products/services, employment and other business news for Detroit area)

acquisitions

Craft Line Inc., Hazel Park, has announced that RLE International GmbH of Koln, Germany, has acquired controlling interest in Craft Line. Present Craft Line management and all operations are being retained under the Craft Line name. RLE is a product design and manufacturing engineering firm. Craft Line specializes in tool and die design, control design, dimensional engineering, and documentation and training.

NSF International, Ann Arbor, has acquired FreshCheck, a St. Paul, Minn.-based laboratory specializing in microbiological testing and sanitation audits for the retail food industry.

contracts

Delmia Corp., Troy, has had its software selected by the Manufacturing Process Model Project Team of the Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Technology Center at the University of New Orleans. The project team will research ways to streamline shipbuilding for the U.S. Navy's DD(X) program by studying a common manufacturing process for ships and shipyards.

The Berline Group Inc., Bloomfield Hills, has been named agency of record for Table For Eight L.L.C., a Royal Oak-based dining and social club for single professionals.

Project Advantage, a Dearborn project-management company, has been awarded a contract to assist St. Vincent Medical Center, New York City, with transitional planning. Project Advantage also has been retained to assist the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, with relocation management.

French Associates Architects, Rochester, has been selected by Northville Township to design the new 36,000-square-foot Northville Township Hall and an adjacent 24,000-square-foot fire headquarters. In addition, the current Township Hall and police station will be remodeled and expanded to 18,000 square feet for use by the Police Department. French Associates also has been selected by the Gibraltar Schools to provide architectural services for renovations and additions recently approved by voters. The Allen Park Public Schools has appointed French Associates help the district develop a facility-improvement program and prepare for a bond proposal.

NAI Farbman, Southfield, has assumed property-management and brokerage responsibilities for Randall Park Mall, a 1.5-million-square-foot regional shopping center near Cleveland.

Gerald J. Yurk Associates Inc., Rochester, has been retained by the city of Troy to coordinate the restoration and relocation of two of the city's historical buildings. The 165-year-old Troy Methodist Church and 131-year-old parsonage are to be moved from Square Lake and Livernois roads to the Troy Historic Village at Wattles Road and Livernois.

Freudenberg-NOK, Plymouth, is supplying a total sealing package for the next Northstar engine to General Motors Corp., Detroit, for the 2004 Cadillac XLR roadster and SRX luxury utility vehicle.

The Annemarie Cronin Agency, a Birmingham advertising agency specializing in private-practice health care, has been awarded accounts for The Beitman Laser Eye Institute in West Bloomfield and Brighton and oncologist Dr. V. Elayne Arterbery in Rochester. The agency will handle creative development and media placement for the Beitman Institute. It will handle Web content and design for Arterbery.

Nicayla Enterprises Inc., a Farmington Hills Web-development company, has been selected by the Northville Chamber of Commerce to create its new Web site. The site can be viewed at www.northville.org. Nicayla also was contracted to build www.svsfcenter.org, The St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center online portal, and www.modernmoving.com, Modern Moving Cos.' new Internet site. The St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center is in Farmington Hills and Modern Moving in Farmington.

Pro Golf of America, Farmington Hills, has been selected as an Official Golf Retailer by The First Tee, a nonprofit organization which introduces young people to golf. Pro Golf of America will promote fund-raising efforts for The First Tee in Pro Golf Discount stores throughout the United States. The stores also will support local First Tee activities.

The Berline Group Inc., Bloomfield Hills, has been named the agency of record for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Detroit.

Octane Design, Detroit, has been selected to provide creative services for a new Web application for the Grants Information Network, an initiative of City Connect Detroit. Octane is collaborating with Detroit Web developer Rootlevel to create the application, which is scheduled to launch in late 2002.

Compliant Recycling Systems L.L.C., Walled Lake, has been chosen by Oakland University, Rochester, to dispose of the university's retired electronic equipment.

Milestone Realty Services Inc., Royal Oak, in a joint venture with Carey Realty Investments as Carey Milestone Advisors L.L.C., has been named real estate adviser to Fifth Third Bank, the qualified professional asset manager for the Carpenters' Pension Trust Fund-Detroit & Vicinity.

JC Beal Construction Inc., a contracting and construction-management firm in Ann Arbor, has been awarded a contract by the General Services Administration to renovate much of the first floor of the Levin Federal Courthouse Building in Detroit to house expanded U.S. Marshals Service offices and detention facilities.

Manufacturing Data Systems Inc., Ann Arbor, announced a distribution and support partnership with Copalp S.A. of Sassenage, France. Copalp will act as a reseller and integrator of Manufacturing Data Systems' software.

Zenacomp Inc., Livonia, has partnered with Starphire Technologies of Clearwater, Fla., to exclusively offer the SiteSage Web content-management tool to area businesses. Site Sage allows nontechnical staff to manage and edit Web content without using HTML.

Airfoil Public Relations Inc., Detroit, acquired seven new agency-of-record accounts. They are: Computer Builders Warehouse, Warren; Microsoft Corp. Central Region; PD Interactive, Troy; QS Solutions, Detroit; Distributed Computing Consultants, Whitmore Lake; The Epitec Group, Southfield; and The Markle Foundation, New York City.

Decra-Scape Inc., Sterling Heights, will install 5,000 square feet of decorative brick paver at Wayne State University's new bookstore and Welcome Center. The company also completed work at Constitution Hall in Lansing and Hart Plaza in Detroit.

expansions

RBC Bearings, a manufacturer of ball screws, cam followers, rod end bearings, spherical plain bearings and other bearing types, has opened a ball-screw repair and service center in Sterling Heights. Address: 35430 Mound Road, Sterling Heights. Telephone: (586) 795-0000.

Sam's Club opened warehouse-shopping clubs in Auburn Hills and in Canton Township on Oct. 10. The Auburn Hills Sam's Club is at 4350 Joslyn Road. The Canton Sam's Club at 39800 Ford Road replaced a Westland Sam's Club. Both new Sam's Clubs are a division of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. of Bentonville, Ark.

HNTB Michigan, an architecture, engineering and planning firm, has opened an office in Clarkston. Address: 6160 Dixie Highway, Suite 240, Clarkston. Telephone: (248) 623-8861.

JP Print & Copy, a Sylvania, Ohio-based print and copy shop, has expanded into the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area. Address: 2246 Touchdown Court,Suite 8, Ypsilanti. Telephone: (734) 657-6058. Web site: www.jpprintandcopy.com.

HandyPro, Plymouth, a professional handyman service, has opened a franchise location in St. Clair Shores. The franchise is owned by David LeQuia. Telephone: (586) 774-0355. Web site: www.handypro.net.

Jana Pharmacy, a family-owned drugstore in Lincoln Park, celebrated its grand opening Oct. 22. The Jana Corp. also owns a pharmacy in Southfield. Address: 1684 Fort St., Lincoln Park.

NSK Americas, Ann Arbor, opened its American headquarters and technology center in September in Ann Arbor Township. The 115,000-square-foot headquarters is in the Ann Arbor Technology Park.

Mr. Pita, a Shelby Township-based restaurant company, opened its fifth Detroit location Oct. 10. Address: 3301 W. Grand Blvd. on the second floor of the New Center Building. Telephone: (313) 972-4444.

Lover's Lane, a Westland-based chain of lingerie and gift stores, opened a store Oct. 15 in Sterling Heights. Address: 43735 Van Dyke. Telephone: (586) 997-3952.

MNP Corp., Utica, recently opened its dedicated Engineering Technology Center in Madison Heights. The center was opened in a joint effort with its affiliates Genfast Manufacturing Co. and General Fasteners Co.

Eberspaecher North America Inc., a Novi automotive supplier, recently opened its $26 million North American headquarters and Design & Development Technical Center in Novi. The new division and building is devoted to engineering design, simulation, prototype and exhaust-systems testing. Address: 29101 Haggerty Road.

Wayne State University opened its new bookstore Oct. 18. The two-story, $6 million store, at Warren and Cass avenues in Detroit, is operated by Barnes & Noble College Bookstores. The bookstore is near the university's new Welcome Center and is open to the public. The bookstore had been in the Undergraduate Library building.

joint ventures

LMS Technologies, a joint venture between TBL Professional Services of Bingham Farms and The Mannik & Smith Group Inc. of Maumee, Ohio, opened its offices Oct. 1 in Detroit. LMS Technologies will provide civil engineering, construction management and inspection, and testing of soils, concrete and bituminous materials. LMS is a minority- and woman-owned business enterprise. Address: 220 Bagley, Suite 829, Detroit.

mergers

GTA Ltd., a Southgate-based engineering services and technical training firm, and The Opdyke Group, an Allen Park management consulting firm, have reached an agreement to merge Opdyke into the operations of GTA.

moves

John Tagle & Associates Inc. moved Oct. 7 to 5455 Corporate Drive, Suite 308, Troy. Telephone remains (248) 641-0400. Web site: www.jtai.net.

MacKenzie Communication Services L.L.C. to 1100 Owendale Drive, Suite J, Troy. Telephone: (248) 989-0320.

Fort Street Capital to 211 W. Fort St., Suite 517, Detroit. Web site: www.fortstreetcapital.com.

TBL Professional Services to 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 118, Bingham Farms. Telephone: (248) 647-1151. Web site: www.tblservices.com.

AAA Michigan, Dearborn, has moved its downtown Detroit office from 1501 Washington to the Dime Building. Address: 719 Griswold, Suite 170, Detroit. Telephone remains (313) 237-5500.

Quick & Reilly Inc. has moved its Birmingham/Detroit Michigan Investor Center to 555 S. Old Woodward, Suite 21 U, Birmingham. Telephone remains (248) 258-9440.

new products

Nematron Corp. (Amex: NMN), Ann Arbor, has introduced a new family of analog flat-panel monitors. The industrial monitors are come in 12.1-, 15- and 17-inch sizes. All feature TFT displays and optional touch screens. High-brightness models are available for direct sunlight applications.

new services

Mt. Clemens General Hospital, Mt. Clemens, has received approval from the Michigan Department of Community Health to provide radiation oncology services. The hospital will purchase a megavoltage radiation-therapy unit, a CT simulator and a high-dose-rate brachytherapy unit. The radiation oncology service will be in the Medical Office Building next to the hospital. Construction is to be completed in the second quarter of 2003. Physicians are to start treating patients in July.

Climax Research Services, a Wixom metallurgical-engineering consulting and laboratory-testing company, is now offering emergency metallurgical services.

The Wellspring Center, Clinton Township, offers mineral baths in the tradition of Mt. Clemens' turn-of-the-20th-century mineral bathhouses. The center, operated by St. Joseph's Mercy of Macomb, also offers massages and holistic health classes. Address: 42855 Garfield Road, Suite 111, in the Vena Professional Center, south of 19 Mile Road. Telephone: (586) 263-2837.

Continuity Programs Inc., a marketing company in Walled Lake, has developed Connections, a customer follow-up system for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration dealers.

New software

Interlink Networks, an Ann Arbor developer of network security and access-control software, released version 6.0 of its RAD-Series RADIUS authentication, authorization and accounting server for Internet service providers.

Ilium Software, Ann Arbor, announced its ListPro list manager is now optimized for Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition software.

Qualitech-Dynamic Business Solutions, a Bingham Farms software reseller and computer consultant, has added Ellipsis Software, a lease-abstracting application, to its product line. Qualitech-Dynamic also announced the release of Skyline II version 2002, a comprehensive property-management system.

Integral Solutions Inc., Royal Oak, introduced MPACT software version 5.4.

startups

Sassy's Lingerie celebrated its grand opening Oct. 19 in Southfield. Owner Callie Taylor also offers wedding and bridal-shower planning. Address: 29706 Southfield Road, Southfield Plaza.

Merging Individuals with Job Opportunities in Businesses has been established in Clinton Township. MIJOB provides job-development services for people with disabilities. Founder and CEO is Greg McDougall. Telephone: (586) 412-8451. Web: www.mi-job.com.

Nykole Lynn Talent L.L.C., Farmington Hills, is a talent agency created by Stacy Lynn Aronoff and Barri Nykole Singer. The agency represents and manages talent nationwide and contracts with celebrities for promotional and advertising purposes. Telephone number: (248) 661-0902. Web site: www.nykolelynn.com.

DC Pools L.L.C., Birmingham, was launched in October by Karson Claussen and Don Dubuque. DC Pools installs custom pools and water features for residential and small commercial markets. Design-build and consulting services are available. Telephone: (248) 379-3187 or (248) 939-3904. Web site: www.dcpools.com.

Show Me Michigan, Southfield, is a destination-management company formed by the founders of Star Trax Events and Show Me Arizona. Show Me Michigan provides consulting services, creative events, transportation and logistics-management services. Address: 24463 W. 10 Mile Road, Southfield. Telephone: (248) 827-4370.

Quroum Solutions, Troy, has been formed in partnership with third-party employee-benefits administrator ASR Corp. of Grand Rapids. Quorum Solutions will market ASR's employee-benefit-plan administration services.

Cucina Leone, an Italian carryout restaurant, has opened in the Birmingham Plaza, at the northeast corner of Maple Road and Woodward Avenue in Birmingham. The restaurant is the first tenant in the 12,500-square-foot shopping center. First Commercial Realty & Development, Southfield, was the developer of the center and also is handling leasing and management for the property.

other

Continental Automotive Systems, Auburn Hills, has become a sustaining member of the Michigan Quality Council, Rochester.

Byrwa & Sobczak P.L.L.C., a Bloomfield Hills law firm, was named to membership in the Manufacturers' Agents National Association of Laguna Hills, Calif.

DaimlerChrysler to Announce Q2 Earnings July 20.

DaimlerChrysler will announce its 2001 second quarter earnings results on Friday, July 20, with a press release issued at approximately 7 a.m. (EDT).

A media conference call, featuring Chairman Juergen E. Schrempp and Chief Financial Officer Manfred Gentz, will follow at 8 a.m. and last approximately one hour.

In order to participate in the conference call, members of the U.S. media may dial:

877-329-7569

Hold for the operator

Give the password: DaimlerChrysler Media Call

Give your name and media outlet name

The conference call also will be broadcast live on the Internet at:

http://media.daimlerchrysler.com

CONTACT: Jack Ferry, +1-248-512-2729, or Ed Saenz, +1-248-512-0365, both of DaimlerChrysler.

SYMBIAN ANNOUNCES WORLDWIDE TRAINING INITIATIVE.

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

LONDON, Aug 22 PRNewswire-AsiaNet - Symbian today announced a new initiative to provide certified training for software developers together with dates for its second European Developer Exposition.

The training will be provided by a global network of partners, which include EMCC Software in the UK, TietoEnator in Sweden, Tieturi in Finland and Kanrikogaku Kenkyusho in Japan. The Symbian Training Partner program is designed to support the current 31,000 registered developers, Symbian's licensees, Competence Centres, Technical partners and other clients with expert, customised training courses and materials.

"Our new training partners will help drive the realisation of the Wireless Community by supporting developers and promoting the interoperability of applications and content throughout the Wireless value chain," said David Wood, Executive Vice President of Technical Consulting at Symbian. "We're currently looking to further enhance this program in the USA and are in discussion with a number of potential partners."

Symbian is holding its second European Developer Exposition, which will take place 6th -7th November 2000, in central London. The Symbian Developer Expo will be focused on workshops and training sessions enabling attendees to learn about developing applications for mobile users, and building business around the rapidly increasing wireless content and service industry. Attendees will be able to get exclusive insights into the next version of the Symbian platform, which includes technologies like WAP, Java and Bluetooth. Symbian's latest software development kits for Smartphones and Communicators will also be released to attendees. Symbian is currently offering a discount for early registrants to the Symbian DevExpo, who can register online at http://www.symbian.com/devexpo

Symbian Training Partner Quotes

Leigh Edwards, EMCC Software's Chief Executive remarked: "Our organisation is highly committed to the Symbian platform and we expect the Symbian platform to quickly dominate in the Wireless Information Device industry. During close collaboration with Symbian and companies such as Ericsson Mobile Ltd., EMCC has acquired a highly sophisticated competence in the Symbian platform. As one of the first members of the Symbian Training Partner program, we are uniquely qualified to provide top quality training and consultancy services to other organisations working with the Symbian platform."

"Kanrikogaku Kenkyusho has been cooperating with both Symbian and its licensees from 1995, through, for example, developing Internationalisation for and Japanization of the Symbian platform. K3 is also a Symbian Competence Center," said Tetsutaro Yoshimura, President of Kanrikogaku Kenkyusho Ltd., Japan. "Soon, users will be able to roam wireless networks all over the world, bringing their Wireless Information Devices anywhere. Kanrikogaku Kenkyusho will be among the first in bringing knowledge of the Symbian platform and its localization to the Asian market, and will work in close partnership with Symbian in promoting the development of this whole new breed of software which will have high functionality but also well designed services and User Interfaces."

"Since we are developing products for Ericsson, based on the Symbian platform, it was a natural step to participate in the Symbian Training Partner initiative," says Mats Ingemarsson, Marketing Manager at TietoEnator Technical Consultants. "We see our nomination as Training Partner as a recognition of our demonstrated ability to provide programmer training for the Symbian platform. This will also further strengthen our position as leading supplier of consultancy services for the Symbian platform in the Nordic countries."

"Knowledgepool Tieturi is the largest Internet training provider in Finland," said Managing Director Veikko Kanerva. Knowledgepool Tieturi has been part of the KnowledgePool consortium since the beginning of this year. "Knowledgepool Tieturi has long seen that mobility is one key success factor in future IT development. One step in that development is the huge increase in the number of, and use of, handheld devices such as Communicators and Smartphones. It has been estimated that that the number of mobile phones will exceed the number of PCs in the year 2002," Mr. Kanerva continued. "Because the Symbian platform is widely accepted as the de facto standard for the next generation of handheld devices, Tieturi sees that there are large training markets for the Symbian platform. In Scandinavia, the Symbian platform is important also because of the wide use of mobile phones, and because the world's largest mobile phone manufactures, Nokia and Ericsson, have their product development units here."

Press and Analysts may apply for free passes to the Symbian DevExpo at http://www.symbian.com/devexpo

About Symbian

Symbian owns, licenses, develops and supports leading software, user interfaces, application frameworks and development tools for Wireless Information Devices such as Communicators and Smartphones. Symbian aims to promote standards for the interoperability of Wireless Information Devices with wireless networks, content services, and messaging and enterprise wide solutions.

With headquarters in London, Symbian has offices in Tokyo and Kanazawa, Japan; Ronneby, Sweden; Cambridge, UK and San Francisco Bay Area, USA. Symbian is owned by Ericsson, Matsushita, Motorola, Nokia and Psion. Symbian's web site can be found at http://www.symbian.com

About EMCC Software Ltd.

EMCC Software Ltd. specializes in development, training and consulting services for the Symbian platform and related mobile technologies. EMCC is at the forefront of the development and application of the Symbian platform. The company is closely involved in the latest developments in the world of wireless and mobile computing, working with companies such as Ericsson Mobile Ltd., Symbian and Psion Computers plc. Direct involvement in the development of the Ericsson R380s Smartphone, with Symbian Ltd. on the development of the operating system components, keeps EMCC Software at the leading edge of the technology. EMCC Software also specifies, designs and develops applications and software solutions for Symbian based Smartphones, Communicators and handheld computers. Further information about EMCC Software Ltd. can be found at http://www.emccsoft.com

About Kanrikogaku Kenkyusho, Ltd. (K3)

K3 develops, markets and licenses proprietary software and technologies. Designers of the first Japanese word processor for Intel-based PCs, the company now licenses a range of products, including the Kana-Kanji conversion software Matsutake for Windows. K3 has been developing Internationalization for the Symbian platform from 1995. In June 1998, K3 and Symbian additionally signed a technical partnership agreement for Japanization of the Symbian platform. K3 is also a Symbian Competence Center. Further information about K3: http://www.kthree.co.jp

About TietoEnator

TietoEnator Technical Consultants is leading in technical system development and is part of the TietoEnator-concern, which has more than 11 000 employees, as well as a turn-around of 1.2 billion Euro. You can find more information about us and our services at http://www.tietoenator.com.

TietoEnator is a leading supplier of value-added IT services in Europe. They are a major supplier of expertise and technical consultants within the area of design and development of real-time embedded systems and wireless solutions. Further information about TietoEnator Technical Consultants: http://www.tekniktorget.nu

About Tieturi

Tieturi Oy is a leading supplier of professional IT training in Finland and one of the biggest in Scandinavia. The company has over 400 different courses for both IT professionals and users. Key development targets for Tieturi are eLearning, Internet and wireless data communication training. Tieturi is a subsidiary of ICL and a member of Knowledgepool -- the world's largest non-proprietary IT training group. Further information about Tieturi Oy can be found at http://www.tieturi.fi

Symbian and Symbian related marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symbian Ltd. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners

SOURCE: Symbian

CONTACT: Hanna Sigge of Symbian, +44-207-563-2291, or hanna.siggesymbian.com; or Garry Partington, Head of Development of EMCC Software, +44-161-777-9700, or Garry.Partingtonemccsoft.com; or Veikko Kanerva, Managing Director of Tieturi, +358-943155210, or Veikko.Kanervatieturi.fi; or Chokichi Katagiri, Business development manager of Kanrikogaku Kenkyusho (K3), +81-76-251-0144, or katagirikthree.co.jp/ Web site: http://www.tekniktorget.nu

http://www.tieturi.fi

http://www.tietoenator.com

http://www.kthree.co.jp

http://www.emccsoft.com

http://www.symbian.com /

COMMENTARY: Critical MAS.(Column)

Like other advisers, I am paying, without option, towards this years #43.7m money advisory service funding. Legislation actually provides for a variety of possible funding sources, including public funds, consumer credit licences and a levy on financial services firms regulated by the FSA.

Thus far, however, regulated firms have been the only source of funding and it appears this sole source of revenue will continue. As the FSA's 2011/12 business plan stated: "Last year, we were funded entirely through the levy and we anticipate that all the activities covered by this business plan will also be funded from that source."

As with other forms of taxation, I am denied any control over the use of my funds, so an examination of the money advisory service's aims, ambitions and layout of the website is the least I can undertake. Like the FSA, it is burdened with statutory objectives, although in this instance just the two - to enhance the understanding and knowledge of members of the public of financial matters (including the UK financial system), and to enhance the ability of members of the public to manage their own affairs.

The service has the brave ambition of changing consumer behaviour, a task that has proved far beyond the capabilities of successive Governments and regulators. Subtle adjustments, such as internet searching - egged on by the deluge of adverts for aggregator sites - have been achieved but wholesale changes to attitudes have not been successful.

Now, advice for consumers is always welcome, although in this instance the website merely supplies information, thereby making, as many have noted, a mockery of the appellation. The site provides extremely precise descriptions of the various products and this aspect cannot be faulted, but this is not the case when it comes to accessing the comparative tables. Those tainted PPI plans have been included but there is no place for the superior income protection product or for critical-illness cover.

The weakness of MAS is it is totally reliant on the willing-ness of the consumer to participate. In this regard, it is no different to the typical advisory model where the majority of advisers react to a consumer's approach. Consumers willing to make the effort to access the MAS are likely to also make the effort to speak to a financial adviser. It is the slothful majority that neither is currently reaching.

Hark back some 20 years and we find the industrial branch salesforces proving adept at finding these financial virgins and turning them on to financial matters and to the concept of advice.

There is a ladder of knowledge when the consumer meets and trusts a sales representative. Having accepted the mantle of personal responsibility, the consumer is sufficiently open-minded to react to a sensible conversation and move on to the next level of accessing independent advice. Since the demise of industrial branch salesforces, with the removal of savings plans and pensions that included worthwhile commission, the initial introduction to these virgin consumers has been lost. The irresponsible, the unknowledgeable and the lazy now have no initial conduit available and the MAS will not be changing that.

We need to accept the Government/Treasury/FSA do not believe independent financial advice can or should be made available to the wider population. Any organisation that is serious about financial awareness and education for consumers should be pointing out independent financial advice offers the most trustworthy and balanced opportunity for a good outcome.

Alan Lakey is partner at Highclere Financial Services

Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

Unique FBL-Facebook-like Social Networking Site Provides Safe Chat Room for Pre-Teens with Free Internet WebFilter to Limit Access to Unapproved Sites.

BizRocket.com, Inc. (Pink Sheets: BZRT) announces parental acceptance of its' KidzRocket Social Networking website bringing a new dimension of Internet safety for pre-teens. KidzRocket.com requires parental approval for each friend the child asks to join the KidzRocket.com pre-teen social network. Kids safely enjoy Internet-based socializing as parents reach a new comfort level knowing their children are having fun on the safest pre-teen social networking website.

"A parent's worst fear of late is their child becoming exposed to inappropriate Internet material or worse. While many sites have minimum age requirements they aren't effective. Children simply enter false birthdates and ages. KidzRocket.com offers an enhanced level of Internet safety for the whole family with its' easy to use free KidzRocket WebFilter companion to the KidzRocket.com Social Networking Website. Our KidzRocket WebFilter, free with KidzRocket.com membership, allows only pre-approved sites and categories to be visited blocking all others, simultaneously protecting children by providing cutting edge real time image and context scanning. When trying to move around the Internet, each site or category the pre-teen attempts to visit is subject to parental pre-approval. The Company has invented a social network for kids that parents approve of. It is surely the safest pre-teen social networking site," notes Myriam Cohen, President.

KidzRocket.com, a wholly owned subsidiary of BizRocket.com, Inc., is the newest in social networking websites called a FBL- Facebook-like for kids, but with parents also controlling the advanced KidzRocket WebFilter. An interactive, user-approved network of friends includes kid-friendly personal profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music, and videos with safe chat rooms for children with more fun stuff under development.

Keywords: BizRocket.com Inc., Internet Safety, Pediatrics, World Wide Web.

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

Comcast Corporation to Participate in Barclays Capital Investor Conference.(Conference news)

On Tuesday, May 24, 2011, Michael J. Angelakis, Chief Financial Officer of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK), will participate in the Barclays Capital 2011 Global Communications, Media and Technology Conference in New York, NY.

A live webcast of the event will be available on the Company's Investor Relations website at www.cmcsa.com or www.cmcsk.com on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 8:45 A.M. Eastern Time. An on-demand replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the presentation.

To automatically receive Comcast financial news by e-mail, please visit www.cmcsa.com or www.cmcsk.com and subscribe to E-mail Alerts. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services. Comcast is principally involved in the operation of cable systems through Comcast Cable Communications and in the development, production and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and other content for global audiences through NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable Communications is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential and business customers. Comcast is the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertainment and news cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, local television station groups, television production operations, a major motion picture company and theme parks.

Keywords: Cable Television Companies, Finance, Financial, Industry, Investing, Investment, Service Companies, Technology.

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

Lavora sales pitch is just Google-de-gook; BULL OF WEEK.(Features)

Byline: Penman ; Sommerlad

WE recently revealed how Lavora Marketing was taken to court both for claiming it worked with internet search giant Google and falsely promising top search rankings in exchange for hefty monthly fees.

We've been passed a copy of Lavora's sales pitch which shows how the firm, based in Altrincham, Cheshire, trapped victims with a succession of lies.

LIE 1: "The great news - one allocation has just become available for a locksmith in Burnley on the first page of google.co.uk."

In reality, there's no "allocation" of Google sponsored links, they're sold to the bidder who is prepared to pay the most per click on the ad.

LIE 2: "The only reason payment is taken on a credit or debit card is because Google is a fully automated system. In terms of protection, paying on a card is the safest form of payment because of the indemnity it gives you."

We've no idea why Google being "fully automated" means Lavora needs your card details but there's little protection when you pay by debit card.

LIE 3: If the target asks to think about it, reps are told to say, "I don't mind calling you back, the problem I have is that when an allocation becomes available, it normally goes within 10 minutes because every business sees value in Google."

Pressure selling garbage, there's no allocation so no rush to sign up.

LIE 4: "In some market sectors there are waiting lists of up to five years to get front page Google!" More rubbish. There's no waiting list. You go straight to the top of sponsored links by paying the most for your ad.

Lavora and company boss Mike De Martiis have signed a court order promising not to "falsely represent that they are Google or are accredited by Google or are connected or associated with Google" and paid pounds 37,000 costs.

The company has since shut down and has been taken over by Answer IT - which is based in the same office and is owned by de Martiis.

A spokesman for Answer IT said the "purported" script had "nothing whatsoever" to do with them.

Nonprofits Turn to Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow to Launch Interactive Websites Backed by Industry-Leading Support and Strategy Services.

Jun 11, 2009 (PRWeb.com via COMTEX) -- Blackbaud, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLKB (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176673&p=irol-irhome)), announced today that an increasing number of nonprofits are selecting its new website management offering, Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow (http://www.blackbaud.com/products/internet/grow/bbncgrow.aspx)(TM). A Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow was developed to make it easier for nonprofits to quickly build interactive websites that are integrated with their constituent relationship management (CRM) solutions and backed by strategy services to help them be successful. Additionally, as a fully-hosted solution available on a subscription basis, Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow is ideal for nonprofits that need flexible payment and deployment options.

"We developed Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow as an affordable, prescriptive solution to help nonprofits that may not have the resources or expertise to build a highly-interactive website," said Steve MacLaughlin, Blackbaud's director of Internet solutions. "When nonprofits choose this solution, they are getting more than technology, they're getting award-winning support and strategy services based on best practices for nonprofits, and campaign planning to help them acquire, cultivate and retain online donors."

According to a recent study (http://www.blackbaud.com/files/resources/downloads/cam/TargetInternetGivingSummary2008.pdf) by Target Analytics, the online giving channel must be an integrated part of an entire marketing program because although offline donors do not generally migrate to online giving, online donors do migrate to offline channels in large numbers. In addition, online donors tend to downgrade when they move offline, further evidence that online donors are not cultivated to their full potential.

>> Register for a free web seminar (https://www124.livemeeting.com/lrs/1100003672/Registration.aspx?pageName=3cmsrjw4qzgswg0v) on June 17 at 2 p.m. ET to learn how to activate online marketing and engagement with Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow Genesis Women's Shelter recently went live with its new website at www.genesisshelter.org to educate the community about domestic violence and provide resources for receiving and providing assistance.

"It took us just over a month to design, build, and launch our site on Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow," said Lara Gaither, the Dallas-based Shelter's Outreach Director. "We now have a fully-interactive website where visitors can become online members, easily make donations, volunteer and learn about news and events based on their individual interests.

"The response has been phenomenal-- we have seen an increase in donations and website traffic, and have seen people connecting with Genesis in new ways. Blackbaud has been a very responsive partner and has provided insight and support to help us better communicate our mission of alleviating family violence through volunteerism, education and community awareness."

>> Read more about how Genesis Women's Shelter went live with an interactive website (http://www.blackbaud.com/customers/humanservices/genesis.aspx) with Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow

Additional nonprofits that recently selected Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow include: Connecticut Children's Medical Center, First Place for Youth, Sound Mental Health, and SPCA Tampa Bay. Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow is a complete Internet marketing solution that helps nonprofits quickly achieve their fundraising and communication goals. It includes an easy-to-update content management system, professional design, sample campaigns, strategic consulting, community sharing, and individual support. Within weeks, Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow helps nonprofits: Reach new donors online Inspire more support with a user-friendly and professional site Build and benefit from strategic multi-channel campaigns Design and launch email campaigns and newsletters and grow their list of email subscribers Use interactive features to learn more about the causes that inspire their website visitors Learn from valuable website metrics and reporting And, Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow is fully integrated with The Raiser's Edge, greatly reducing the amount of time and money staff must spend on administrative tasks while allowing supporters to have a customized, targeted online experience with their organization.

Backed by award-winning services and support teams, Blackbaud's comprehensive set of Internet solutions, featuring Blackbaud(R) NetCommunity(TM) and Blackbaud Sphere(TM), is designed to meet the evolving needs of nonprofits. With Blackbaud, nonprofits have a choice in implementation models with Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, Blackbaud OnDemand hosting services, or self-hosting options. More than 400 employees are focused on strategy, design, development, and training services in support of Blackbaud's Internet solutions and the 4000 nonprofits using them. For more information on Blackbaud Internet Solutions, including the new Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow, visit www.blackbaud.com/internetsolutions.

About Blackbaud Blackbaud is the leading global provider of software and services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, enabling them to improve operational efficiency, build strong relationships, and raise more money to support their missions. Approximately 22,000 organizations -- including University of Arizona Foundation, American Red Cross, Cancer Research UK, The Taft School, Lincoln Center, InTouch Ministries, Tulsa Community Foundation, Ursinus College, Earthjustice, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and the WGBH Educational Foundation -- use one or more Blackbaud products and services for fundraising, constituent relationship management, financial management, website management, direct marketing, education administration, ticketing, business intelligence, prospect research, consulting, and analytics. Since 1981, Blackbaud's sole focus and expertise has been partnering with nonprofits and providing them the solutions they need to make a difference in their local communities and worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, Blackbaud also has operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.

Media Contact: Melanie Mathos Blackbaud, Inc. 843.216.6200 x3307

Forward-looking Statements Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks related to our dividend policy and share repurchase program, including potential limitations on our ability to grow and the possibility that we might discontinue payment of dividends; risks relating to restrictions imposed by the credit facility; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

# # #

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Blackbaud_Sphere/blackbaud_netcommunity/prweb2522674.htm.

PRWeb.com

PRWEB.COM Newswire

Global support of press freedom.

... College Park, MD--A new worldwide poll finds widespread support for freedom of the press and strong opposition to government restrictions on Internet access. Although most publics surveyed believe the media in their countries should have more freedom, those polled in Russia and many Muslim countries think their leaders should be able to regulate news coverage they consider politically destabilizing. WorldPublicOpinion.org has released the new 20-country poll on the occasion of Press Freedom Day on May 3. The survey, which includes 18,122 respondents, is one of a series conducted by WPO this year to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 19 of the declaration states that everyone has the right to "receive and impart information and ideas through any media".WorldPublicOpinion.org is a collaborative project managed by the Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland that involves research centers around the world. The countries studied represent about 59 percent of the world's population and include China, the United States, Russia and India. Not all questions were asked in every country.Majorities in all but two of the countries polled say "people should have the right to read whatever is on the Internet". This includes seven out of ten in China, where the government has imposed restrictions on Internet access. Overall, 60 percent of those polled favor the right to full access. Only a third of those polled around the world (32 percent) say the government "should have the right to prevent people from having access to some things on the Internet." Jordan is the only country where a majority (63 percent) favors such restrictions, though a plurality of Iranians agree by a margin of 44 percent to 32 percent. The broader principle of press freedom gets even wider support. Majorities in all countries polled consider it important for the "media to be free to publish news and ideas without government control". An average of 82 percent say this is important, including 53 percent who consider it very important. Similarly majorities in all of the countries or an overall average of 79 percent say that people in their country should "have the right to read publications from all other countries including those that might be considered enemies". "The principle that the media should be free of government control receives robust support from all corners of the world," said Steven Kull, director of WorldPublicOpinion.org. "With few exceptions, people think that the Internet should be free of government control as well." Majorities in ten nations polled think that the media in their country should have more freedom: Mexico (75 percent), Nigeria (70 percent), China (66 percent), South Korea (65 percent), Egypt (64 percent), the Palestinian Territories (62 percent), Azerbaijan (57 percent), Jordan (56 percent), Indonesia (53 percent) and Peru (51 percent). In no country does more than one in three favor giving the media less freedom. On average across all nations polled, 50 percent say they would like their media to have more freedom, 14 percent less freedom and 31 percent the same amount. The biggest area of controversy is over whether the government should have the "right to prevent the media from publishing information that it thinks will be politically destabilizing". In the majority of countries the dominant view is that it should not and on average 55 percent have this view. However, in six-majority Muslim countries plus Russia substantial numbers think the government should have the right to restrict politically sensitive information. Majorities favor government controls in Jordan (66 percent), the Palestinian Territories (59 percent), and Indonesia (56 percent) while a plurality does in Iran (a plurality (45 to 31 percent). Views are evenly divided in Egypt, Turkey and Russia.But this does not mean that these publics favor greater government regulation. In four of these countries, majorities think the media should have more freedom: Egypt (64 percent), the Palestinian Territories (62 percent), Jordan (56 percent) and Indonesia (53 percent). In the others, most want the media to have the same amount or more freedom, with only small minorities saying it should have less: Iran (9 percent), Russia (17 percent), Turkey (30 percent) and India (32 percent).The countries included in this study are China, India, the United States, Indonesia, Nigeria, Russia, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Britain, Egypt, France, Iran, Jordan, Mexico, Peru, Poland, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, and the Palestinian Territories. Polling was conducted between January 10 and March 20, 2008.Jordan Despite a robust eight in 10 supporting media freedom in principle, among the nations asked, Jordanians are the only case in which a majority favors the government restricting access to things on the Internet. Jordanians also favor the argument that the government should have the right to prevent the media from publishing things in order to maintain stability.Nearly four in five (78 percent) Jordanians agree on the importance of the media having freedom to publish news and ideas.A majority (63 percent) says that the government should have the right to prevent people from having access to some things on the Internet (one of two nations where this is the most common view), while just 29 percent say people should be able to read whatever is on the Internet. A majority of Jordanians (66 percent) favors the argument that the government should have the right to restrict the media from publishing things that could be destabilizing, while just 26 percent feel that the media should be free to publish news and ideas without government control. 54 percent in Jordan say the media have at least "some" freedom, while 24 percent feel it has "a lot" of freedom. A majority (56 percent) also believes the media should have more freedom, while only 26 percent say it should have the same amount and 12 percent feel it should have less. nWorldPublicOpinion.orgGlobal support of press freedom

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California State and Local Government Agencies to Benefit from New Statewide Telecommunications Contract.

Contracts with AT&T and Verizon for Telecommunications Services Cut Costs and Provide Access to Emerging Technologies

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California Department of Technology Services and the California Department of General Services today announced the award of four statewide contracts for telecommunications services worth an estimated $350 million annually to AT&T Global Services and Verizon Business. The competitively bid statewide contracts, better known collectively as CALNET II, will provide telecommunications services to state and local government agencies over the next five years, with an option of two additional one-year extensions, and is expected to provide an overall 10% cost savings to CALNET customers.

"CALNET II offers our customers a greater choice in services - including traditional and emerging technologies, stronger terms and conditions, and enhanced service level agreements that guarantee a higher quality of service," said P.K. Agarwal, Director, Department of Technology Services.

CALNET II differs from the current CALNET contract in that it provides customers with four distinct service contracts (formerly referred to as service modules) to choose from to meet a range of telecommunications business needs - traditional voice and data core services, voice long-distance services, network based Internet Protocol (IP) services, and broadband fixed wireless access services. This multiple contract procurement structure allowed vendors to concentrate in their areas of core expertise.

AT&T won the bid for the traditional voice and long-distance contracts and Verizon won the bid for the IP services and the fixed wireless services contracts. Secretary Rosario Marin, State and Consumer Services Agency, said "The State looks forward to partnering with AT&T and Verizon. Both companies have extensive experience providing statewide telecommunications services and offer innovative, cost effective solutions that will reduce the overall telecommunications costs for our state and local government customers."

CALNET serves approximately 160 state and 2,000 local government agencies statewide.

"The CALNET II procurement provided all telecommunications vendors the opportunity to compete for the State's telecommunications business and continues to offer that opportunity, because CALNET II is a non-exclusive contract," said Will Bush, Interim Director, Department of General Services.

The new contracts are structured to create continuous downward pressure on pricing with non-exclusivity and Individual Price Reduction provisions - fostering a competitive environment throughout the term of each contract.

The Department of Technology Services will hold a CALNET Transition Information Forum on March 8, 2007, to provide customers with information on the new contracts and the transition process. Additional transition information can be found at http://www.dts.ca.gov/stnd/calnet-transition.asp?key=217.