WA: Bushfire threatens homes on Perth's outskirts

AAP General News (Australia)
02-26-2008
WA: Bushfire threatens homes on Perth's outskirts

PERTH, Feb 26 AAP - Authorities have warned residents on the outskirts of Perth to
prepare for a bushfire which fire crews are battling to control.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) said residents in Forrestdale, on
Perth's south-eastern outskirts, should close windows and doors and turn off evaporative
air-conditioners because of the threat of ember attacks.

"As the fire is not contained, residents who have not made the necessary …

CSI Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2011 Results

Wireless News
05-02-2011
CSI Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2011 Results
Type: News

Computer Services (CSI) announced it has reported record revenues and net income for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 28.

In an April 26 release, CSI reported that revenues for fiscal 2011 were a record $163.8 million and rose 6.4 percent compared with $154.0 million for fiscal 2010. Net income for fiscal 2011 was a record $24.0 million, an 11.0 percent increase compared with fiscal 2010 income of $21.6 million. Net income per fully diluted share increased 12.6 percent to $1.61 compared with $1.43 last year.
Fourth quarter revenues rose 0.4 percent to a record $42.0 million in fiscal 2011 compared with $41.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Net income was a record $6.8 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 compared with $6.6 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

Consolidated revenues rose 6.4 percent to $163.8 million for fiscal 2011 compared with $154.0 million for fiscal 2010. The internal revenue growth rate was 2.1 percent in fiscal 2011 with the remaining 4.3 percent of growth the result of the MSI acquisition. Processing revenues rose 6.1 percent to $116.7 million compared with $110.1 million for fiscal 2010, and other revenues increased 7.1 percent to $47.1 million compared with $43.9 million for fiscal 2010.

Operating income rose 11.6 percent to $39.9 million for fiscal 2011 compared with $35.7 million for last year. Operating margin for fiscal 2011 rose to 24.3 percent compared with 23.2 percent for fiscal 2010. The increase in operating income and margin benefited from a higher sales base, improved product mix and tougher expense management.

Net income for fiscal 2011 rose 11.0 percent to $24.0 million compared with $21.6 million for fiscal 2010. Net income per diluted share increased 12.6 percent to $1.61 for fiscal 2011 on 14.9 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding compared with $1.43 for fiscal 2010 on 15.1 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding. Weighted average fully diluted shares outstanding were down 1.3 percent to 14.9 million for the fiscal year primarily due to CSI shares repurchased under the company's stock repurchase program. CSI repurchased 282,262 shares in fiscal 2011.

CSI's cash flow from operations rose to $38.5 million in fiscal 2011 compared with $35.6 million in fiscal 2010, and cash and cash equivalents increased to $3.5 million at February 28, compared with $3.3 million at February 28, 2010.

Fourth quarter consolidated revenues rose to $42.0 million compared with $41.8 million for the fourth quarter ended February 28, 2010. Processing revenues increased 1.6 percent to $29.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to $29.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Other revenues were $12.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 compared with $12.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

Computer Services delivers core banking, payments processing, Internet, card services, risk assessment, fraud prevention, network management, regulatory compliance and document delivery solutions to financial institutions and corporate entities across the nation.

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

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

FED:Australian Nurofen Plus not tampered with

AAP General News (Australia)
08-27-2011
FED:Australian Nurofen Plus not tampered with

SYDNEY, Aug 27 AAP - Nurofen Plus packets in Australia have not been affected by tampering
that sparked a massive recall in the UK, the company says.

Thousands of packets of Nurofen Plus have been recalled in the UK after anti-psychotic
drugs were discovered in some batches.

The company has not ruled out sabotage after individual blister packs of another drug,
Seroquel XL 50mg, were found in some Nurofen Plus boxes.

Nurofen Plus is a pain relief drug which contains codeine, while Seroquel XL is a prescription-only
anti-psychotic drug used to treat several disorders including schizophrenia, mania and
bipolar depression.

On Saturday, the makers of Nurofen Plus confirmed that the incident is limited to the
UK only and there is no reason to believe Nurofen Plus in Australia has been affected.

"Australia does not share any Nurofen Plus packs with the UK. No other Nurofen products
have been affected," Dr Phil Barry, Global Medical Director for Nurofen Plus, said in
a statement.

"All Nurofen adult pain medication cartons sold in Australia, including Nurofen Plus,
have a tamper-proof safety seal."

"As with the purchase of all medical products, it is recommended that consumers routinely
check the safety seal is intact."

The company is taking the matter extremely seriously and is working to investigate
the incident fully, he added.

Nurofen Plus in Australia has contacted the relevant regulatory bodies, Medsafe and
Therapeutic Goods Association, with an update of the situation in the UK.

AAP ih/it

KEYWORD: UK NUROFEN AUST

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

NSW:Three arrests by heavily armed officers

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2011
NSW:Three arrests by heavily armed officers

SYDNEY, Feb 15 AAP - Three people have been arrested after heavily armed officers swooped
on a home in western Sydney, although police can't say the incident is linked to a recent
drive-by shooting.

Police descended on the home at Hoxton Park shortly after 4pm (AEDT) on Tuesday.

"They went to do a high-risk search warrant to do with firearm offences," police media told AAP.

When officers went inside they discovered there was no one there, although three people
were stopped in a car on a nearby street a short time later. They are currently in police
custody.

The police spokesman was unable to confirm reports the arrests were in connection with
the shooting in the stomach of a 39-year-old man at Leppington on Tuesday, when a van
in which he was sitting was sprayed with bullets.

The victim, from Rosemeadow, was sitting in the back of a van with two other men about
1.15am (AEDT) when a white Subaru car pulled in front of them and stopped.

The van was then hit by a hail of bullets and the man was shot in the abdomen.

The other men in the van, who were unhurt, have been helping police to establish why
they were targeted in the attack.

It's the second shooting in western Sydney in as many days after three men were shot
at Old Guildford on Sunday night.

A nephew of nightclub owner John Ibrahim is believed to have been among those wounded
when several shots were fired in a clash between two groups of men on Sunday.

Three men aged 23, 19 and 18 were wounded and taken to hospital.

AAP tr/dep

KEYWORD: SHOOTING ARREST

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

FED:Visy strike no threat to Xmas beer, Foster's

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2010
FED:Visy strike no threat to Xmas beer, Foster's

Foster's says there's no threat to Christmas beer supplies because of a planned strike
by workers at Visy plants .. which provide packaging for the amber fluid.

About 400 workers at Visy sites in Victoria and NSW have voted to strike indefinitely
from Friday over an enterprise bargaining dispute.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union says the strike has the potential to disrupt
beer supplies for Christmas.

However .. Foster's spokeswoman LIZ MCLACHLAN says less than five per cent of its product
relies on packaging from the plants where the strikes have been called.

AAP RTV jxt/mn/af

KEYWORD: BEER (MELBOURNE)

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

Fed: Soldiers reliving Anzac as one force

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2010
Fed: Soldiers reliving Anzac as one force

CANBERRA, April 25 AAP - Commemorating Anzac Day during overseas deployments provided
serving defence personnel with a deeper sense of pride, a service in East Timor has heard.

Australian, New Zealand and East Timorese soldiers joined dignitaries from the three
nations in the capital Dili on Sunday.

East Timor is the only global area of operation where the Australian and NZ defence
forces combine under a single force, just as they did at Gallipoli 95 years ago.

"You feel like you're carrying on the tradition of Anzacs from the past," said NZ Captain
Jeong Park.

"There is certainly a lump in the throat as you hear the national anthems played and
look around at the faces of the young men and women that are serving their countries here
today."

They were not too dissimilar to those in the photographs of 1915 when the first Anzacs
landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Captain Park said.

The Turkish, NZ and Australian national anthems were played at the end of the service.

AAP rl/jm

KEYWORD: ANZAC TIMOR (PIX AVAILABLE)

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

Fed: Firepower boss complains of harassment

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2009
Fed: Firepower boss complains of harassment

By Warwick Stanley

PERTH, Dec 11 AAP - Firepower boss Tim Johnston says he has been assaulted and his
daughter has been intimidated since he began giving evidence to a Perth court hearing
into the collapse of his fuel pill company.

Mr Johnston told a liquidator's examination of Firepower that he had been "hit over
the back of the head" on the first day he gave evidence, while "cars have been driving
around my daughter's house".

He named his attacker as Shane Drew and said he wanted the name added to those of two
other men who had threatened him whose identities have so far been suppressed by the court.

Mr Johnston said Mr Drew was known to "associate" with the two other men, who had allegedly
been with Warren Anderson when the Perth-based property developer made implied threats
against him in 2006 and 2007.

The man behind Firepower, whose collapse in 2008 cost investors an estimated $100 million,
was giving evidence on the fourth day of the Federal Court hearing.

Mr Johnston has claimed that he gave $11 million to Mr Anderson's company Owston Nominees
during the time he was under threat.

Mr Anderson has said the money given to Owston Nominees was for share transactions
and the claims of threats were "ridiculous".

Mr Johnston has told the court he received a series of threats from Mr Anderson since
April 2006 "until recently".

He said that following the initial threats, he had ordered $4 million be paid into
Owston Nominees' account after phone calls between him and Mr Anderson.

He has claimed in the hearing that Mr Anderson used two different men to intimidate
him, saying the developer referred to one of the men during a phone conversation on the
first occasion and had another accompany him to a lunch between Mr Anderson and Mr Johnston
in Perth in 2007.

Lawyers for the liquidator agreed to Mr Johnston writing the names down to avoid them
becoming public.

Mr Johnston said on Friday he would not object to the names being made public.

His barrister Ken Carmody said he would make no submissions on the matter, while Richard
Douglas, for the liquidator, said he would take instructions.

The hearing continues.

AAP was/jl/mn

KEYWORD: FIREPOWER

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

Fed: Climate change, Fiji high on agenda for forum

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2009
Fed: Climate change, Fiji high on agenda for forum

Climate change .. economic development and Fiji are expected to be top of the agenda
when regional leaders meet in North Queensland this week for the Pacific Islands Forum.

Fifteen heads of government .. including Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD .. as well as more
than 450 delegates will take part in the three-day meeting in Cairns .. starting tomorrow.

It's the first time in 15 years since the forum's been held on Australian shores.

Fiji has not been invited to the meeting .. after member nations voted to suspend the
country after military commander FRANK BAINIMARAMA abandoned plans to hold democratic
elections.

AAP RTV ews/pjo/ka

KEYWORD: FORUM (CAIRNS)

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

MARKET WISE

GREER FAY CASHMAN
Jerusalem Post
01-29-2009
Headline: MARKET WISE
Byline: GREER FAY CASHMAN
Edition; Daily
Section: Economics
Page: 17

Thursday, January 29, 2009 -- TIRED OF taking a hand off the keyboard to click your mouse? Well, it may surprise you - but you don't have to. You can use a treadle mouse instead.

Dagesh Computers and Technologies, which specializes in finding solutions for people with physical problems, or simply for people who need to have both hands free for other operations, is selling a foot-mouse that is particularly useful to DJs and musicians, but no less useful to someone who needs to have both hands free or to someone has the use of only one hand.

ENERGY DRINK XL is launching a NIS 2.5 million marketing campaign featuring dance queen Rona Lee Simon under the word-play slogan "XL Yourself." The 25-second commercial will be shown on local television channels and will remain in force for one month. The campaign will also be featured on billboards and the Internet. Simon's fee for promoting the effervescent beverage will be $40,000.

NOTWITHSTANDING COMPETITION from television or the Internet, Israelis are still the People of the Book, and they like to read - especially when booksellers make books more affordable. Tsomet Books has been reducing prices for quite a while, and by popular demand reintroduced it "four books for NIS 100" campaign. The upshot was that 2008 was a record year for Tsomet, which outpaced the industry by many percentage points and improved its own record over the previous year by 20 percent, with sales of NIS 300m. Sales also increased by nearly the same ratio in southern centers, where despite the tensions and loss of income, people found escapism in books.

Despite general gloom-and-doom predictions for 2009, Tsomet is going ahead with its expansion plans and will introduce coffee shops in 12 of its 90-plus stores. In the past year Tsomet opened 14 new stores and plans to open 20 more during 2009. The coffee shops will be managed by two leading chains. If the coffee-shop experiment proves successful (and it should judging by the success of a similar experiment on a smaller scale by Steimatzky), Tsomet will open additional coffee shops in other branches.

The concept is a win-win strategy. Almost every bookstore has its serial browsers who don't come to buy but to read newspapers, magazines and even books. Aware of this, Tsomet installed tables and chairs in its larger stores. The browsers often hang around for so long that they are sorely in need of refreshments; so even if they don't buy their reading material, they will at least pay for the coffee and cake or a sandwich.

Conversely, people sitting in one of the coffee shops within the framework of the bookstore, especially when waiting for a relative or friend to show up, would like to have something to read while passing the time away. Very often, what they pick up interests them so much that they want to finish reading it; so they buy it because their table partner has shown up in the interim.

ISRACARD THIS week launched its first campaign for 2009: the MORE Credit Card, which takes new strategies into account, provides more credit than the banks and enables card holders to also pay by check if they so desire. The campaign is being presented by Dorit Bar-Or and Rami Vered.

MURPHY'S LAW says that if you arrive nice and early at the airport, chances are that your flight will be delayed and you could be cooling your heels for hours. On the other hand, if you're running late, especially if there are long lines for the security inspections and at the check-in counters, your plane will either leave exactly on time or even a few minutes early. If you manage to get on the plane regardless, it means missing out on duty-free purchases, which for the Israeli traveler is almost a reason to be in mourning.

In this shop-until-you-drop nation, access to duty- free shops is of far greater significance than the flight abroad. El Al passengers no longer have to worry. Aside from being able to make their usual in-flight purchases, they can make them ahead of time on the Internet and the goods will be delivered to them on board the plane. Better still, anyone who orders duty-free via the Internet gets a 10% discount. El Al aims to increase its market share by improving services, and this is but one example of what it intends to do.

THE BEST way to promote Israel's prestigious Agritech Fair is by showing some of Israel's agricultural miracles to ambassadors, commercial attaches and consuls so that they can report back to their countries and evoke interest and curiosity. With this in mind, the Israel Export Institute has organized a special tour for members of the diplomatic corps to show them some of the country's miracles and enable them to taste some of the fruits of Israel's innovative approach to agriculture.

More than 40 diplomats have signed up for the tour, which will be led by the IEI's Yitzhak Kiryati, who heads the department for agriculture and water. The tour will take place Thursday and will primarily include examples of Israel's ability to cope with scarcity of water through drip irrigation and desalination projects. The diplomats will also visit flower and plant nurseries to see some of the beautiful blooms produced by local flower growers and to get some understanding of the scope of the flower industry. Agritech will be held from May 5-7 at the Israel Trade Fairs and Convention Center in Tel Aviv.

NO LESS than the election campaign broadcasts, repetitive commercials can become very boring and even annoying. That may explain why Wissotzky Tea hired comedian Eli Yatzpan to be its presenter. Yatzpan's acting talents will come to the fore to create not quite as many characters as the number of blends that Wissotzky markets, but the commercials are aimed at boosting tea consumption, and sales will at least be different and even funny.

Keywords:

Copyright 2009 Jerusalem Post. All Rights Reserved

Hock: Kookas slump to 3-2 semi-final loss to Spain = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2008
Hock: Kookas slump to 3-2 semi-final loss to Spain = 2

"That's the disappointing thing, we were up 2-0 and threw it away," Kookaburras superstar
Jamie Dwyer said.

"I don't think we played particularly well tonight.

"I don't know what to put it down to, to tell you the truth. Our basics were poor tonight,
we didn't get many corners, our awareness wasn't very good - I don't know what happened."

Dwyer said the challenge was to lift for the bronze medal match against the side they
downed in extra-time in Athens to break their Olympic gold medal duck - Holland.

"We have to pick ourselves up pretty quickly. This is disappointing but we have to
move forward," Dwyer said.

Australia appeared to have the wood on Spain leading into the semi-final match.

They had thrashed the Spaniards 4-1 in the recent Champions Trophy final.

And they had thumped them 6-3 in Athens' semi-final on the way to clinching an historic gold.

In all, the Kookaburras had lost only five of 31 matches to them since 2000 before tonight.

Kookaburras coach Barry Dancer will retire after the bronze medal showdown after almost
eight years with the reins.

"To go away with nothing would be gut wrenching," he said.

"It's gut wrenching enough to lose tonight. We can't lose the next opportunity."

Australian captain Bevan George also confirmed he would hang up his boots after Saturday's
bronze medal decider.

The Kookaburras' lead-up to tonight's clash was disrupted by the withdrawal of in-form
striker Grant Schubert with a knee injury.

AAP lc/tb

KEYWORD: OLY08 HOCM AUST N/L 2 BEIJING (REOPENS)

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

NSW: FuelWatch will make oil companies more competitive - NRMA

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2008
NSW: FuelWatch will make oil companies more competitive - NRMA

SYDNEY, April 16 AAP - The FuelWatch scheme will make oil companies more competitive
and maintain lower average prices, NRMA chief executive Alan Evans says.

Under the scheme announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd yesterday, petrol stations
will be forced to publish prices 24 hours in advance in an effort to provide greater choice
for motorists.

"What it's done, it's actually made the oil companies more competitive because they
actually have to say what price they can sell tomorrow and will it be competitive," Mr
Evans said today.

"In Sydney or Melbourne they just follow the leader, it's usually follow the leader
up, not follow the leader down," he told the Seven Network.

The scheme, similar to one which has been operating in Perth for the past eight years,
forces petrol retailers to lock in their price by 2pm.

"You've got to make a judgment, you've got to be really competitive, you've got to
say what will be a competitive price tomorrow which will make sure I get the sales and
not someone else, whereas in the systems that operate in the eastern states, for example,
if you get it wrong you just push your price up to match the guy down the road.

"What you see in Perth is stations in the same street with different prices."

East coast motorists were still paying too much on so-called "cheap Tuesdays", Mr Evans said.

"You'll still have that (price fluctuation) cycle, but on average the NRMA's research
showed that the price in Perth came down by at least two cents."

AAP krc/wjf/jm/bwl

KEYWORD: PETROL NRMA

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

LCC International to Host Investor Conference Call Detailing 2006 Filing Status and 2007 Overview

Wireless News
12-11-2007
LCC International to Host Investor Conference Call Detailing 2006 Filing Status and 2007 Overview

WIRELESS NEWS-December 11, 2007-LCC International to Host Investor Conference Call Detailing 2006 Filing Status and 2007 Overview (C)2007 10Meters - http://www.10meters.com

LCC International, a provider of advanced wireless services and solutions, today announced that management will conduct a conference call and web cast to discuss the status of its public filings and highlight 2007 activities on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. ET.
To listen to a live broadcast and view the slide presentation for the conference call via the Internet, please visit the Investor Relations section of the Company s web site, www.lcc.com.

A replay of the call will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 and will continue until Midnight ET on Tuesday, December 18, 2007. To access the replay, please dial (888) 286-8010 or (617) 801-6888 and use the pass code 92029664.

Beginning Wednesday, December 19, 2007, LCC s conference call will be available for review on the Company s web site. To access the call, go to the Audio Archives page that can be found in the Investor Relations section of the LCC web site.

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

((Distributed via M2 Communications Ltd - http://www.m2.com))

(Copyright M2 Communications Ltd. 11, 2007)

Fed: Rudd attacks Howard's plan to go nuclear =2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2007
Fed: Rudd attacks Howard's plan to go nuclear =2

Mr Rudd said the government would have to fork out massive taxpayer funded subsidies
to businesses wanting to be part of Australia's nuclear power industry.

A better solution, he said, lay in alternative energy sources, particularly clean coal
technologies.

"Why not set for ourselves an objective, a mission, as we did in times past, to develop
a Snowy Mountains Scheme enthusiasm about the country - that we can in this country develop
a clean coal technology for the future?" Mr Rudd said.

"The yield for us in terms of the sale of that technology would be huge but the yield
for the planet would be even greater."

AAP bt/cjh/mn

KEYWORD: NUCLEAR RUDD 2 SYDNEY

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

Qld: Man and dog escape house fire

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-2006
Qld: Man and dog escape house fire

A man and his dog have escaped a blaze that destroyed a Brisbane house.

Police say the 33-year-old .. who was the sole occupant of the Marcia-Belle Place house
at Joyner in Brisbane's north .. was woken up by a fire alarm about 6.40 pm (AEST) yesterday.

He jumped from a bedroom window with his dog as the brick residence was engulfed by flames.

The cause of the fire's still under investigation.

AAP RTV jvb/cp/els/

KEYWORD: DOG (BRISBANE)

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

Qld: Armed man keeps police at bay during siege

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2006
Qld: Armed man keeps police at bay during siege

BRISBANE, Aug 21 AAP - An armed man is holding police at bay after barricading himself
in an industrial shed in far north Queensland.

Police said negotiators were talking to the 46-year-old, who has a firearm.

The siege began about midnight (AEST) in Dalrymple Road, Garbutt, near Townsville.)

It is believed there are no other people in the shed.

A cordon has been set up and several roads have been closed.

AAP jvb/it

KEYWORD: SIEGE

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

Fed: Detention policy tough but fair: Downer

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2006
Fed: Detention policy tough but fair: Downer

CANBERRA, April 13 AAP - Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has defended tough new asylum
laws, saying the government has to prevent people exploiting Australia's generosity.

Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone has announced a new hardline policy under which
asylum seekers who arrive in Australia without visas are sent offshore for processing.

Even if they are found to be refugees, they will be kept offshore until they can be
sent to another country.

Cabinet's national security committee signed off on the plan following weeks of high
tension between Australia and Indonesia over 42 successful Papuan claims for protection.

Mr Downer said Australia did not want to be seen in the same light as some European
countries that are exploited for their generosity.

"We don't want a situation which they've seen in some other parts of the world - particularly
in Europe - where people, if you like, exploit the generosity of our country and we end
up with a major problem," he told Southern Cross Radio.

"Our approach has always been - sure it's been tough - but I think it's been fair."

He said Australia would not be cruel to asylum seekers.

"In terms of how we deal with people who arrive in Australia ... without a valid visa
... is that we will deal with them consistent with our international obligations," he
said.

"And we do have international obligations under the United Nations Refugee Convention
and we'll obviously deal with them in a humanitarian way - won't be cruel to them."

He said Australia's relationship with Indonesia was important, however.

"The relationship is important to us, not just for the sake of the relationship, but
because it bears on a whole lot of issues - our capacity to fight terrorism is influenced
by our capacity to work with the Indonesians," he said.

"We've got a major illegal fishing problem on the north-west coast of Australia, with
illegal fishing coming from Indonesia.

"So, in order to address those types of issues we need to have a working relationship with them."

AAP shh/mfh/sco/nf

KEYWORD: PAPUA DOWNER

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

Vic:Free public transport for Christmas day and New Year's

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2005
Vic:Free public transport for Christmas day and New Year's

MELBOURNE, Dec 15 AAP - Victorians will have access to free public transport across
the metropolitan area and on regional V-Line services on Christmas Day and New Year's
Eve.

Transport Minister Peter Batchelor said metropolitan bus, trains and trams would be
free on December 25, and from 3pm on December 31 until first services resumed at 8am on
January 1, 2006.

"This time of the year is usually spent with family and friends celebrating Christmas
and the coming year, but all too often we hear of these celebrations turning to tragedy
on the road," Mr Batchelor said.

"That is why the state government and public transport operators have agreed to provide
free public transport on Christmas Day and New Year's Day."

V-Line passengers also would enjoy free travel on December 25, on services to Melbourne
after 3pm on December 31 and the first return services on New Year's Day.

Mr Batchelor said New Year's Eve revellers would not be caught out trying to get home
from the city, with train and tram services to operate all night.

"New Year's Eve revellers will not have to cut their celebrations short to catch the
last train or tram home as metropolitan public transport will run all night."

The government said an additional 230 train services would run to and from Flinders
Street Station between 8pm on New Year's Eve and 8am the following day.

Trams would run every five minutes from the city between midnight and 1am on January
1, then every half hour until normal services resumed.

Flinders Street and Southern Cross (formerly Spencer Street) railway stations would
be open throughout the night, but city loop stations would remain closed.

The escalators at Flinders Street Station would also run one way to help move the large
crowds through the station.

The cost of providing free tram and train services would be covered by public transport
operators, while the state government would pick up the tab for metropolitan bus services.

AAP sam/ce/cdh/de

KEYWORD: XMAS TRANSPORT VIC

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

brand

brand A name used to identify the maker or distributor of a good. A brand was originally a mark burned on the hide of an animal to identify its owner, or on the person of a convicted criminal to warn the public of their character. In some cases a brand name is that of the original maker, which has been retained by a new owner after the originator ceased to be an independent firm. Brand names benefit producers and distributors, as they facilitate advertising and building up a reputation for a product or range of products. Branding may benefit consumers where it is difficult or impossible to discover the quality of a good by inspection before actual purchase. If the maker is easily identified, then a good which fails to give satisfaction in use will not be bought again. Producers and distributors know this, and have a strong incentive to maintain quality, and to make amends if they have failed; this incentive is weaker with unbranded goods where responsibility is hard to trace.

AvantGo and Handango Team Up to Offer Online Mobile Resources.

Market Leaders Introduce Comprehensive Solutions for Mobile and Wireless

Customers

SAN MATEO, Calif. and HURST, Texas, July 19 /PRNewswire/ --

AvantGo, Inc., (Nasdaq: AVGO), the leading provider of mobile infrastructure software and services, and Handango, the world's leading publisher of handheld and wireless software, today announced their partnership to provide mobile computing solutions on the Web. AvantGo and Handango have developed a co- branded Website for customers to research and purchase business-class enterprise and consumer applications.

Customers visiting the co-branded Website at www.handango.com/avantgo-channel can access and purchase several thousand hand-picked handheld applications ranging from productivity to entertainment and language to travel software. For easy navigation and download, all applications are strategically organized by category, such as business/professional, education and international. Users who search for information on a given AvantGo channel can now find corresponding handheld software. Today, AvantGo and Handango provide a resource for customers to research and to purchase solutions for enterprise data access, corporate email, Internet access and personal information management.

"AvantGo has developed a strong position in the mobile computing market as one of the best-known brands," said Laura Rippy, CEO of Handango. "Through our partnership, we are leveraging the AvantGo brand with our expertise in the handheld space to reach new customers. Handheld users recognize the advantage of having high-quality applications of their choice at their fingertips. The new co-branded site will appeal to customers interested in finding the best handheld software to meet their needs and to maximize their existing technology investments."

"Our customers are excited by the possibility of wireless computing, but some are confused about where to begin to purchase all of the pieces," said Richard Owen, CEO of AvantGo. "AvantGo and Handango are complementary, particularly in our customer profile, and we are both committed to multi- platform offerings. By bringing Handango's catalog and shopping experience to our customers, we are broadening the services we provide to today's mobile user."

AvantGo's solutions and Handango's software applications work on popular mobile devices, including the variety of Pocket PCs, Palm OS(R) devices, BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds(TM) and smartphones. AvantGo supports the Dynamic Mobility Model, delivering products that seamlessly excel in real-time wireless and offline environments.

About Handango

Handango is the world's leading publisher of handheld and wireless software, serving more than 4,000 handheld software companies through distribution channels worldwide. Handango delivers solutions through its sales force, retail and enterprise channel partners, major Internet portals and its Web site, which reaches more than a million unique visitors each month. Handango has strategic relationships with leading handheld companies such as Microsoft(TM), Palm(TM), Sony(TM), Compaq(R) and RIM(TM) as well as enterprise reseller CompuCom(TM) and retail outlets such as CompUSA. For more information, visit the Handango Web site at www.handango.com or call 817-280-0129.

About AvantGo

AvantGo, Inc. is the leading provider of infrastructure software and services that power the mobile economy. AvantGo M-Business software enables businesses to increase the value of their corporate information systems by extending existing enterprise applications and critical information to employees, customers and business partners. The company also provides the AvantGo mobile Internet service, a hosted network that enables hundreds of businesses to deliver their content and applications to more than 2.5 million mobile consumers. AvantGo is a pioneer in delivering real-world solutions for both wireless and off-line use. For more information, please visit www.avantgo.com.

AvantGo, AvantGo Enterprise and the AvantGo logo are trademarks of AvantGo, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here

http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X73088686

Enthused users will accept brand content if it offers something unique.

The chance for brands to talk to people when they're at their most engaged is massive

The changes in the experience for consumers of online content have barely begun. The chance for advertisers to talk to people when they're at their most engaged and enthused is massive, and the technology to do so is already here.

At football matches, many fans take their radios to listen to the commentators on their favourite radio stations. This enriches the match, so why isn't this sort of rich, live experience happening more often online? Brands could provide half-time interviews with managers, for example, or comments from other people taking part in an event. With a large audience of fans certain to listen or watch on whatever internet device, brands could serve ads for memorabilia or DVDs, all of which would enrich the experience.

Live sport adds immediacy and relevance to content and focuses the attention. The chance to put brands in front of people immediately and in an entertaining way is very real.

And it's not just in sport. During the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Yahoo delivered royal wedding content to readers worldwide at 50,000 requests a second. A switched-on ad agency would have been looking for ways to engage with this. People online discussed what sort of wedding dresses they like, so why not serve tailored ads based on that information?

There may be pitfalls. The line between editorial and advertorial is already blurring in the printed media, and manufacturing an online conversation just to sell something will fail. The opportunities to engage with genuine enthusiasts are great, however. During the London 2012 Olympics, there'll be a huge, motivated audience paying full attention. The same will happen with the next World Cup.

The challenge is to create something unique. The creative idea behind the ad has to be as compelling as the content. During the last World Cup, Yahoo streamed a 90-minute interview with David Beckham, with the help of Cisco. It broadcast to an audience of more than 600m Yahoo users and via major news networks, and used technology and digital media, combined with a live event, to deliver a unique experience.

Exclusive access and insight to an enthralled market is hard to argue with. It's tough, and it'll get tougher as the digital landscape changes. Global events need a global approach, so you're looking at territories in which mobile is more important than the fixed internet, for example. The question is whether agencies and advertisers can be ready in time.

Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

Reports from Alcatel Lucent Advance Knowledge in Technology.(Report)

"Optical cross-connect systems with several terabits of switching capacity are critical components of today's communication networks. Because of their central role within the telecommunication infrastructure, along with their remote management capabilities, high-capacity network nodes are potential targets of attacks," scientists writing in the Bell Labs Technical Journal report.

"Built upon proprietary hardware and software components in the past, such systems increasingly make use of standard technology today The Linux operating system has become a widely-used standard for embedded communication controllers, and similarly the Internet Protocol is widely used for both internal and external data exchange. In this paper, we establish a threat model for transmission network nodes employing these open source technologies. Based upon functional models of such systems, we then introduce security requirements for functional components and their communication with respect to that threat model, thereby forming a security architecture for transmission systems," wrote S. Hofmann and colleagues, Alcatel Lucent.

The researchers concluded: "We further propose security zones to strictly segregate sensitive internal communication from external traffic."

Hofmann and colleagues published their study in Bell Labs Technical Journal (Towards a Security Architecture for IP-Based Optical Transmission Systems. Bell Labs Technical Journal, 2011;16(1):133-153).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting S. Hofmann, Alcatel Lucent, Software Development Department, Optical Division, Nurnberg, GERMANY.

The publisher of the Bell Labs Technical Journal can be contacted at: Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Commerce Place, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148-529, USA.

Keywords: City:Nurnberg, Country:Germany, Region:Europe, Communication Network, Communications, High-capacity Network, Networks, Software, Technology, Telecommunications

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

Gerber Scientific to Hold Fiscal Year 2011 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Conference Call.

TOLLAND, Conn., June 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gerber Scientific, Inc. (NYSE: GRB), a worldwide leader in integrated automation solutions, will hold a conference call with analysts and investors on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss fiscal 2011 fourth quarter and full year financial results and provide a Company update. The Company will issue its earnings release for the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter and full year on June 21, 2011 before the market opens.

To participate, please dial the following number approximately 5 - 10 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time:

719.325.2417 (Access Code: 2389891)

The conference call will also be broadcast live over the internet and can be accessed by logging on to www.gerberscientific.com approximately 5 - 10 minutes prior to the call. If you are unable to participate, a webcast replay of the call will be available for ninety days as well as a conference call transcription, which will be available three business days after the conference call, on the Company's website.

About Gerber Scientific, Inc.

Gerber Scientific, Inc. (www.gerberscientific.com) is a leading international supplier of sophisticated automated manufacturing systems for the sign making, specialty graphics, packaging, apparel and industrial industries. Headquartered in Tolland, Connecticut, the Company operates through three businesses: Gerber Technology, Gerber Scientific Products and Spandex Ltd.

Forward-looking Statements:

Any statements in this news release not relating to historical matters are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release involve risks and uncertainties regarding the Company's expected financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For information identifying other important economic, political, regulatory, legal, technological, competitive and other uncertainties, readers are referred to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, the information included in Gerber Scientific's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2010, which outlines certain important risks regarding the Company's forward-looking statements, as well as information included in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Actual future results or events may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are made as of the date of this release and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

SOURCE Gerber Scientific, Inc.

TechNet and Illinois Technology Association Establish Partnership.

TechNet, a national, bipartisan policy and political network of CEOs that promotes the growth of the innovation economy and the Illinois Technology Association (ITA), announced a new partnership to collaborate on a dual state-federal policy and political program for Illinois's technology companies.

With over 700 member companies, ITA represents organizations from innovative start-ups to large technology companies across the sector - representing software, mobile, internet, consulting, online services, electronics, telecommunications, and green technology. ITA companies cut across a variety of industries - business, consumer, financial services, travel, manufacturing, healthcare, and so on - that represent Illinois' diversity of companies that make the technology that make businesses run.

"We at TechNet are very excited to partner with the Illinois Technology Association," said Rey Ramsey, President and CEO of TechNet. "ITA and its President Fred Hoch are the preeminent leaders in Illinois in helping innovation thrive. We look forward to working with them in Illinois and around the nation, a partnership that will strengthen both of our organizations at both the federal and state level."

"ITA is thrilled to be working with TechNet to strengthen the technology industry locally and expand nationally," said Fred Hoch, President, ITA. "Illinois companies are innovating across the entire business landscape and we look forward to collaborating with TechNet and its members to drive the industry forward."

TechNet was founded by CEOs in the high-tech industry to create a network of the nation's strongest voices in the industry to unite with both federal and state leaders in helping to shape the public policies that impact the technology industries.

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

T-stat, EMS remote sensor module.(what's new)

The Remote Sensor Module (RSM) is compatible with both the company's energy management system and Smart Thermostat. The module has been designed to allow for increased automation and control. Four additional sensors per system can be added. The module enables customers to average temperatures, control humidity, and measure CO2. With it, the user can set different thresholds or actions for each sensor for easy building management, monitor discharge air temperature to ensure equipment is functioning properly, and set up the RSM to alert someone if the sensors detect something is wrong. It works seamlessly with the manufacturer's products over a personalized web portal. Through this secure online tool, users can access reports and data from anywhere there is an Internet connection, providing a flexible solution for maximizing efficiency and reducing costs.

ecobee inc., 333 Adelaide St. W., 6th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 1R5 Canada; 877-9326233; 866-592-7344 (fax); info@ecobee. com; www.ecobee.com

eProduct 187

Slovakia Gets Ready for IPv6 with Help from Cisco; New IPv6 Lab in Kosice, Donated by Cisco, Is Part of International Network of Training Facilities.

M2 PRESSWIRE-April 21, 2011-: Slovakia Gets Ready for IPv6 with Help from Cisco; New IPv6 Lab in Kosice, Donated by Cisco, Is Part of International Network of Training Facilities(C)1994-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

RDATE:21042011

KOSICE, Slovakia - - Cisco and the Technical University of Kosice announced the opening of the first laboratory for training and research in Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) in Slovakia. Cisco donated the lab's networking and communications equipment.

Located at the Technical University of Kosice, the lab is an integral part of an international network of IPv6 training and research facilities. It is connected to the IPv6 lab operated by RENATER, the French national research network in Paris, as well as 17 similar centers around the globe.

Key Facts / Highlights

The objective of the lab is to provide an open environment for validating solutions, network setups and applications built on the next-generation Internet Protocol, known as IPv6. Internet experts, including academics, government administrators and telecom specialists, can be trained both on-site and through virtual access in innovative information and communications technology solutions relating to the adoption of IPv6.

In terms of technology and equipment, the lab is an exact replica of the one in Paris. The labs are interconnected through GEANT, the pan-European data network dedicated to the research and education communities. The resources can be used redundantly: If someone needs to conduct a test and one of the labs is busy at the time, the researcher can be directed to another lab.

The laboratory will be managed by the university's Cisco(r) Networking Academy(r) team. It will also help the university's participation in the 6DEPLOY project funded by the European Union's Seventh Framework Program, which involves 18 institutions from all over the world and whose aim is disseminating knowledge about IPv6 and supporting its deployment.

As an early pioneer in IPv6 technology, Cisco has been a driving force in developing IPv6 through various standards bodies, including the Internet Engineering Task Force, and has been shipping a wide variety of end-to-end IPv6 product and solutions. In June 2011, Cisco will be participating in World IPv6 Day, a 24-hour global "test drive" of IPv6 that is organized by the Internet Society.

Backgrounder on IPv6

Due to the spectacular growth in the adoption of the Internet and Internet-based technologies worldwide, public IP address space is becoming increasingly scarce. The convergence of technologies and the increasing number of devices on the Internet also require new address space. In January 2011, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) allocated the last free IPv4 blocks to the Regional Internet Registries (RIRs).

As the world prepares for the adoption of the next-generation Internet Protocol, education on IPv6 becomes crucial. The IPv6 lab in Kosice offers the opportunity to develop a solid knowledge base on the new protocol, which will help ensure the continuity of operation of institutions and companies.

Supporting Quotes:

Anton Cizmar, rector, Technical University of Kosice

"The dynamically developing, competitive, global market economy requires graduates with highly developed technical skills at the moment they enter the job market. The Technical University of Kosice joined the Cisco Networking Academy program more than 11 years ago to fulfill students' dreams for a quality professional career in the field of information and communications technology. Now we are again ready to open up new doors for innovative teaching and learning opportunities in the area of IPv6 and to find new ways of collaboration in education both within Slovakia and internationally."

Marcel Rebros, general manager, Cisco Slovakia

"As a company that has intensely supported education in Slovakia for over 12 years now, we are very proud to have contributed to the establishment of this unique lab. The new IPv6 centre is creating an innovative environment for the research and academic sectors and is helping to enable knowledge transfer from the academic to the business world."

Tags: Technical University of Kosice, Cisco, Slovakia, IPv6

RSS Feed for Cisco: http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/rss.html

Supporting resources:

Read more about Cisco IPv6 solutions: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6553/products_ios_technology_home.html

IPv6 Myths: http://blogs.cisco.com/security/ipv6-myths/

About Cisco

Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com. Cisco equipment in Europe is provided by Cisco Systems International B.V. and Cisco International Limited, wholly owned subsidiaries of Cisco Systems, Inc.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.

Contact Information:

Press Contact(s)

Judit Sinko

Cisco Systems, Inc.

+36 1 225-4650

jsinko@cisco.com

Investor Relations Contact(s)

Matthew Hardwick

Cisco Systems, Inc.

+44 20 8824 1970

mahardwi@cisco.com

Industry Analyst Relations

Sharon Robinson

Cisco Systems, Inc.

+44 20 8824-9992

sharobin@cisco.com

((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)).

USDA ISSUES DETERMINATION OF PEST-FREE AREAS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CHILE.

WASHINGTON -- The following information was released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS):

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) received a request from the government of the Republic of Chile to recognize additional areas as pest-free areas for Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) in the Republic of Chile. After reviewing the documentation submitted in support of this request, the APHIS Administrator has determined that these areas meet the criteria for recognition as pest-free areas. The determination, as well as an evaluation document, is now available for public review and comment. After reviewing the comments received, APHIS will announce its decision regarding the pest-free status of Chile.

This notice is published in today's Feb. 1 Federal Register.

Consideration will be given to comments received on or before April 2. You may submit comments by either of the following methods.

*

Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetailandd=APHIS-2009-0082 to submit or view comments.

*

Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send two copies of your comment to Docket No. APHIS-2009-0082, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS-2009-0082.

Comments are posted on the Regulations.gov Web site and also can be reviewed at USDA, Room 1141, South Building 14th St. and Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Please call (202) 690-2817 to facilitate entry into the comment reading room.

#

Note to Reporters: Public notices and other APHIS information are available on the Internet and through Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds. Go to the APHIS news release page at http://www.aphis.usda.gov and click on the "Newsroom" button to view and/or sign up to receive releases via the RSS feed link. For additional information about this topic contact Joelle Hayden at (301) 734-0595 or by e-mail at joelle.r.hayden@aphis.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720.6382 (TDD)

eBay Chooses Five Entrepreneurs to Receive Star Developer Awards.

Members of the eBay Developers Program are Recognized at the Annual eBay Developers Conference

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- eBay, Inc. (Nasdaq:EBAY) (www.ebay.com) today announced the recipients of the 2009 Star Developer Awards, recognizing a wide variety of solutions that have helped foster the growth of an evolving community of buyers and sellers on eBay. From a Customer Relationship Management program that enables sellers to increase Detailed Seller Ratings (DSR) to analytical tools for sellers that provide insight on its products' current market value, these applications were developed from an increasingly dynamic eBay ecosystem.

The Star Developer Awards are presented annually to recognize the talent and solutions of members of the eBay Developers Program. The eBay Developers Program, established in 2000, is a community of over 90,000 developers that utilize the program's standards-based, easy-to-use development platform. These third-party developers have access to the eBay marketplace, enabling them to seamlessly integrate their new ideas and e-commerce tools.

"eBay's developer community has created over 13,000 active applications used by eBay buyers and sellers, and has grown five percent in just the last quarter," said Max Mancini, senior director of Platform and Mobile at eBay. "These award winners bring solutions to users that make them more efficient, as well as features that make eBay a great place to shop and do business."

2009 Award winners include:

* DSR Rockstar: Seller Machine CRM by BengalOne

* Most Innovative: Dynamic pricing feature by Monsoon

* Early Adopter: Mercent Retail for eBay by Mercent

* Service to the Developer Community: Jake Becker (helios825) of WatchCount.com

* Rapid Evolution: Sales Manager by InkFrog

2009 Runners-up include:

* DSR Rockstar: Instant mobile alerts for sellers by ahTEXT

* Most Innovative: Vendio Research by Vendio

* Early Adopter: Detailed records of DSR scores by DSR Report

* Service to the Developer Community: David Kronenwetter (exdwh) of Experimenter's Discount Warehouse

* Rapid Evolution: ShipRush by Z-Firm

"Year over year, the Star Developer Awards honor a talented set of companies and individuals that have positively disrupted the selling and buying power of eBay," said Kumar Kandaswamy, head of eBay Developers Program. "The innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of our award winners never ceases to amaze us."

The annual eBay Developers Conference 2009 takes place on June 16 to 18 at eBay's headquarters in San Jose.

About eBay

Founded in 1995, eBay, Inc. connects hundreds of millions of people around the world every day, empowering them to explore new opportunities and innovate together. eBay Inc. does this by providing the Internet platforms of choice for global commerce, payments and communications. Since its inception, eBay Inc. has expanded to include some of the strongest brands in the world, including eBay, PayPal, Skype, StubHub, Shopping.com and others. eBay Inc. is headquartered in San Jose, California.

SATTEL NAMES SQUEGLIA DIRECTOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

CHATSWORTH, Calif., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Sattel Communications, a subsidiary of The Diana Corporation (NYSE: DNA), today announced that Anthony D. Squeglia has joined the company as Director Corporate Communications, reporting directly to Dan Latham, president and chief operating officer.

"We are pleased to have Tony join our team and look to him to play a key role in communicating Sattel's strategy and vision to our customers, employees, the financial community, and the business and trade media," said Dan Latham. "His more than 20 years experience in telecommunications and data networking will be a big asset as we position Sattel in the marketplace."

Prior to joining Sattel, Squeglia was Director Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at Summa Four. Previously, Squeglia was Assistant Vice President Corporate Communications at Ascom Timeplex, Vice President Marketing Communications at Unisys, and Manager Media Relations at AT&T.

Squeglia holds a BBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America, and a member of the National Investor Relations Institute. He and his family reside in Bedford, New Hampshire.

About Sattel Communications

Headquartered in Chatsworth, CA, Sattel Communications provides telecommunications equipment for public switched telephone networks and for private data networks to local and long distance telephone companies, Internet service providers, competitive access providers and cable television companies.

     -0-                     6/14/96 

/CONTACT: Tony Squeglia of Sattel Communications, 818-718-6000/

(DNA)

CO: Sattel Communications; The Diana Corporation ST: California IN: TLS SU: PER

TM-NT -- NYF006 -- 0806 06/14/96 08:30 EDT

Google joins Sprint's WiMAX initiative.(BROADBAND BEAT)

Google, the world's single largest distributor of ads to consumers and businesses, wants everyone, everywhere to be able to access its search engine and its other online services so they can view its ads. It's no surprise then that Google has signed up to become the primary search engine for the WiMAX network that Sprint Nextel is building.

Google will makes its Web search, interactive communications and social networking services available on devices that connect to Sprint's WiMAX network.

Sprint and Clearwire last week said they had split the country up with each building an interconnected WiMAX network that either company's subscribers could access. They said that the network will cover 100 million people, about one-third of the US population, by the end of 2008. WiMAX-equipped devices will be able to connect while stationary and on the move. Sprint, the third-largest US mobile operator, expects to complete WiMAX networks in Chicago, Baltimore and Washington by year-end.

Google will be the default search engine for Sprint and will appear on the services home page. Google's GTalk Internet telephony and its instant messenger will be integrated into the Sprint service. Its digital mapping technologies will be used to track people's locations and provide location specific ads.

"If you think of the Internet, you automatically think of Google," said Barry West, chief of the WiMAX project at Sprint. "They have such a strong position in search and some other services. We're leveraging that capability."

No announcement was made as to whether Clearwire will also offer the Google services.

When Sprint originally announced it would build the WiMAX network, it estimated the cost at about $3 billion. It's expected that the cellco will provide a new estimate of the costs now that Clearwire has agreed to build a substantial portion of the network.

There's a movement in the States that wants to make sure Sprint's WiMAX network can be built with spectrum that will be auctioned off next year and will be open and available to any and all Web services. For example, iPhone users are blocked from making Internet telephony calls over either the AT & T cellular network or when connected to the Net with iPhone's Wi-Fi capability.

Addressing the issue, West said Sprint does not intend to block any services on its network, including Web calling such as Skype that other mobile phone services, including Sprint itself, have blocked. "We intend to operate an open Internet business model," he said. However, video and voice services that use a lot of bandwidth will likely have to pay a premium to guarantee they can deliver high-quality services, West said. That means Sprint could arbitrarily price the quality guarantee so high as to make the "non-blocking" policy meaningless.

Concerning the "net neutrality" issue, West said Sprint would not make an exclusive deal with any Web service that would prohibit competitive services from using the network. "All providers will be treated equally," West said. That's a long, tall promise that West made. If Sprint keeps West's promises--no blocking, no exclusive deals with Web services, then its WiMAX network will offer consumers the kind of unfettered Internet access they have become accustomed to at home. And that, Sprint is hoping, will give it a major advantage over the now more popular AT & T and Verizon Wireless closed cellular networks.

Sprint now needs two more things to go its way: an avalanche of innovative portable devices that come with WiMAX embedded and to bring into the WiMAX initiative Sprint's Pivot venture with the cablecos who have enormous marketing muscle through their daily visual contact with their customers.

Busy signal on info highway. (telecommunications problems in developing countries)

Travelers beware! If you are planning to use the global information superhighway, be prepared for potholes, barriers and detours.

When Vice President Al Gore announced the Clinton administration's plans for this project, his remarks were acclaimed at a world conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. "Telemmunications is an essential component of political, economic, social and cultural development" said Gore. "It fuels the global information society and economy which is rapidly transforming local, national and international life and, despite physical boundaries, is promoting better understanding between peoples."

But while the Western world routinely enjoys direct dialing, receives faxes and television programs from remote points of the globe and looks forward to computer hookups via Internet, the developing world yearns for a plain old telephone. When the telephone is installed, they pray daily that there will be a dial tone and that the receiver on the other end will be in service. Here are the grim facts:

* Two-thirds of the world's population have no access to telephone service.

* More than half of the world's population live in countries with less than one telephones for every 100 people.

* Three-fourths of the world's population live in countries with 10 or fewer telephones for every 100 people.

* Low-income countries have less than a 5 percent share of global telephone lines but have 55 percent of the world's population.

When the International Telecommunications Union, or ITU, reviewed this issue 10 years ago, it commented: "While telecommunications is taken for granted as a key factor ... in industrialized countries and as an engine of growth, in most developing countries the telecommunications system is not adequate even to sustain essential services. In many areas, there is no system at all." It proposed that by the year 2000, all humankind should be within easy reach of a telephone - that is, within walking distance.

Of course, the financial outlays would be enormous. The World Bank has estimated that $40 billion a year will be needed in the five-year period from 1995 to 1999 to build the networks in developing countries to meet international standards. In addition, some $10 billion to $15 billion is needed to modernize the networks in Eastern Europe. This amounts to a grand total of more than $210 billion, four times the level of spending during the 1970s and three times that during the 1980s.

Even though telecommunications operations have been profitable, with returns on capital of 10 to 20 percent, telecommunications entities have difficulty finding investment capital. Investors have been discouraged by management ineptness in developing countries, compounded by glaring problems in procurement. It cost $20,000 to add one extra telephone line in West Africa for reasons which the ITU says are "unclear."

International travelers are aware of the existing telecom barriers throughout the developing world. Telephones are usually out of order and take a long time to repair. In peak periods, because of poor maintenance and other problems, more than half of the calls fail to connect. Sophisticated users, when they succeed in getting a connection, keep it open all day, denying everyone else the opportunity to communicate.

Such technological glitches, which can be corrected, are compounded by political and social differences. As an example, for years the neighboring states of Israel and Jordan would not allow the use of existing telephone lines that connected these countries. Now that they have made their peace, their citizens now can communicate with one another. However, in many parts of the world, areas remain isolated because of political and social differences.

Advocates for the global information superhighway proclaim the wonders of satellites, fiber optics, data networks, cellular phones and interactive video, as well as the miracles of the computer age. Their enthusiasm is justified, but should be confined to a small part of the globe - the United States, Western Europe, Japan and pockets of industrial growth. Two-thirds of the world's population - the telecom "have nots" - win continue to read about these developments while they yearn for the good old telephone.

Leonard H. Marks, a former assistant U.S. attorney general and Watergate special prosecution lawyer, is an entertainment lawyer.

Webcast Alert: PolyOne Corporation Earnings Conference Call.

CLEVELAND, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PolyOne Corporation announces the following Webcast:

   What:     PolyOne Corporation 4th Quarter Earnings Conference Call    When:     Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern    Where:    http://www.polyone.com/    How:      Live over the Internet -- Simply log on to the web at the             address above.    Contact:  Dennis A. Cocco, Vice President, Investor Relations and             Communications   

PolyOne Corporation is a leading global compounding and North American distribution company with continuing operations in thermoplastic compounds, specialty polymer formulations, color and additive systems, and thermoplastic resin distribution. Headquartered in northeast Ohio, PolyOne has employees at manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and joint ventures in North America and South America. Information on PolyOne's products and services can be found at http://www.polyone.com/.

First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:

CONTACT: Dennis A. Cocco, Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications of PolyOne, +1-440-930-1538

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

American National Bankshares Inc. Announces Revised Earnings.

American National Bankshares Inc. today announced revised earnings for the fourth quarter of 2004. Earnings were revised to reflect an after-tax impairment charge of $650,000 on $4.5 million of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") and Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") perpetual preferred stock. This write-down had no impact on the Corporation's equity. The reclassification of an unrealized mark-to-market loss on these securities to an other-than-temporary charge was based upon a detailed impairment analysis and does not necessarily reflect the expected long-term value of these government sponsored investment-grade securities.

"The decision to record this non-cash impairment charge was made after a thorough analysis of all factors," stated Charles H. Majors, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Those factors include recent public disclosures about FHLMC and FNMA, the length of time the market value of the securities has been less than our cost, the results of an impairment analysis recently completed by an outside party, and accounting interpretations. Like so many of our industry peers who have recently taken similar action, we have now concluded the securities should be considered impaired as of year-end and we reflected the charge in our income statement." Gains and losses on the securities were previously recognized in the equity section of the balance sheet.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2004 was revised from $1.43 million to $.78 million and per share earnings were revised from $.26 to $.14 on both a primary and diluted basis. Net income for the full year 2004 was revised from $8.66 million to $8.01 million; basic earnings per share were revised from $1.55 to $1.43, and diluted earnings per share were revised from $1.54 to $1.42.

American National Bankshares Inc. is the holding company of American National Bank and Trust Company, a community bank with thirteen offices in Danville, Chatham, Collinsville, Gretna, Martinsville, Henry County, and South Boston, Virginia; one office in Yanceyville, North Carolina; and a loan production office in Greensboro, North Carolina. American National Bank and Trust Company provides a full array of financial products and services, including commercial, mortgage, and consumer banking; trust and investment services; and insurance. Services are also provided through eighteen ATMs, "AmeriLink" Internet banking, and our 24-hour "Access American" phone banking. Additional information is available on our website at http://www.amnb.com/. The shares of American National Bankshares Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "AMNB."

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of federal securities laws that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Statements herein are based on certain assumptions and analyses by the Corporation and are factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such statements for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: changes in interest rates; changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines; significant changes in the economic scenario: significant changes in regulatory requirements; and significant changes in securities markets. Consequently, all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and the cautionary language in the Corporation's most recent Form 10-K report and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. American National Bankshares Inc. does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

                         Consolidated Balance Sheets              American National Bankshares Inc. and Subsidiary                               (In thousands)                                  Unaudited                                                         December 31   ASSETS                                          2004             2003    Cash and due from banks                       $12,371          $16,236   Interest-bearing deposits in other banks          197            1,652    Securities:      Securities available for sale              165,958          171,376      Securities held to maturity                 22,205           36,103         Total securities                        188,163          207,479    Loans held for sale                               971              560    Loans, net of unearned income                 407,269          406,245     Less allowance for loan losses               (7,982)          (5,292)         Net Loans                               399,287          400,953    Bank premises and equipment, net                7,517            7,718   Core deposit intangibles, net                     484              934   Accrued interest receivable and other    assets                                        10,075            8,770          Total assets                           $619,065         $644,302    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY    LIABILITIES:      Demand deposits - noninterest-       bearing                                   $75,256          $71,027      Demand deposits - interest-bearing          80,793           69,053      Money market deposits                       52,031           59,251      Savings deposits                            83,216           83,031      Time deposits                              193,976          219,326         Total deposits                          485,272          501,688       Repurchase agreements                       38,945           47,035      FHLB borrowings                             21,338           21,000      Accrued interest payable and other       liabilities                                 2,510            2,648         Total liabilities                       548,065          572,371    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:      Common stock, $1 par, 10,000,000       shares authorized, 5,521,164 shares       outstanding at December 31, 2004 and       5,660,419 shares outstanding at       December 31, 2003                           5,521            5,660      Capital in excess of par value               9,474            9,437      Retained earnings                           55,780           55,538      Accumulated other comprehensive       income, net                                   225            1,296         Total shareholders' equity               71,000           71,931          Total liabilities and          shareholders' equity                  $619,065         $644,302                         Consolidated Statements of Income              American National Bankshares Inc. and Subsidiary                               (In thousands)                                  Unaudited                                           Three Months    Twelve Months                                             Ended            Ended                                           December 31     December 31                                          2004    2003    2004     2003   Interest Income:      Interest and fees on loans         $5,906  $5,891  $22,791  $25,228      Interest on deposits in other       banks                                 64      41      132      110      Income on securities:        Federal agencies                    714     745    3,169    2,365        Mortgage-backed                     307     252    1,046    1,316        State and municipal                 530     505    2,088    1,961        Other                               199     263      894    1,198             Total interest income        7,720   7,697   30,120   32,178   Interest Expense:      Interest on deposits:        Demand                               83      51      269      225        Money market                        143     104      428      478        Savings                             118     126      439      713        Time                              1,134   1,490    4,843    6,500      Interest on repurchase agreements     151     123      528      496      Interest on other borrowings          238     244      972      979             Total interest expense       1,867   2,138    7,479    9,391   Net Interest Income                    5,853   5,559   22,641   22,787   Provision for Loan Losses              2,370     255    3,095      920    Net Interest Income after Provision      for Loan Losses                     3,483   5,304   19,546   21,867    Noninterest Income:      Trust and investment services         768     645    2,976    2,523      Service charges on deposit       accounts                             616     622    2,411    2,163      Other fees and commissions            219     235      888      914      Mortgage banking income               152      90      612      571      Securities gains (losses), net         38      69      157      115      Impairment of securities             (985)      -     (985)       -      Other income                           68     133      451      385             Total noninterest income       876   1,794    6,510    6,671   Noninterest Expense:      Salaries                            1,326   1,611    6,795    6,844      Pension and other employee       benefits                             438     411    1,699    1,814      Occupancy and equipment               613     608    2,457    2,513      Core deposit intangible       amortization                         113     113      450      450      Other expenses                        925     875    3,610    3,490             Total noninterest expense    3,415   3,618   15,011   15,111   Income before Taxes                      944   3,480   11,045   13,427   Income Tax Provision                     164   1,014    3,032    3,914   Net Income                              $780  $2,466   $8,013   $9,513    Net Income Per Common Share:     Basic                                $0.14   $0.44    $1.43    $1.67     Diluted                              $0.14   $0.43    $1.42    $1.65      Financial Highlights   American National Bankshares Inc. and Subsidiary      (Dollars in thousands,       except per share data)                Three Months Ended December 31                                               2004         2003     Change   EARNINGS       Interest income                        $7,720       $7,697      0.3 %       Interest expense                        1,867        2,138    (12.7)       Net interest income                     5,853        5,559      5.3       Provision for loan losses               2,370          255    829.4       Noninterest income                        876        1,794    (51.2)       Noninterest expense                     3,415        3,618     (5.6)       Income taxes                              164        1,014    (83.8)       Net income                                780        2,466    (68.4)    PER COMMON SHARE       Earnings per share - basic              $0.14        $0.44    (68.2)%       Earnings per share - diluted             0.14         0.43    (67.4)       Cash dividends paid                      0.20         0.19      5.3       Book value       Closing market price    FINANCIAL RATIOS       Return on average assets                 0.49 %       1.54 %   (105)bp       Return on average shareholders'        equity                                  4.34        13.92     (958)       Average equity to average assets        11.32        11.04       28       Net interest margin (FTE)                4.02         3.78       24       Efficiency ratio                        42.87        47.90     (503)    AVERAGE BALANCES       Securities                           $190,281     $186,474      2.0 %       Total loans                           406,073      411,376     (1.3)       Interest-earning assets               610,363      615,981     (0.9)       Assets                                634,892      641,963     (1.1)       Interest-bearing deposits             414,418      427,753     (3.1)       Deposits                              495,515      499,403     (0.8)       Repurchase agreements                  44,821       47,389     (5.4)       FHLB borrowings                        19,624       21,000     (6.6)       Shareholders' equity                   71,858       70,888      1.4    CAPITAL       Average shares outstanding - basic  5,520,041    5,662,664     (2.5)%       Average shares outstanding -        diluted                            5,570,386    5,725,481     (2.7)       Shares repurchased                      5,000       10,000       Average price of shares repurchased    $25.25       $25.61    ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES       Beginning balance                      $5,599       $6,067     (7.7)%       Provision for loan losses               2,370          255    829.4       Charge-offs                               (67)      (1,040)   (93.6)       Recoveries                                 80           10    700.0       Ending balance                         $7,982       $5,292     50.8      Financial Highlights   American National Bankshares Inc. and Subsidiary      (Dollars in thousands,       except per share data)             Twelve Months Ended December 31                                           2004         2003       Change   EARNINGS      Interest income                     $30,120      $32,178      (6.4)%      Interest expense                      7,479        9,391     (20.4)      Net interest income                  22,641       22,787      (0.6)      Provision for loan losses             3,095          920     236.4      Noninterest income                    6,510        6,671      (2.4)      Noninterest expense                  15,011       15,111      (0.7)      Income taxes                          3,032        3,914     (22.5)      Net income                            8,013        9,513     (15.8)    PER COMMON SHARE      Earnings per share - basic            $1.43        $1.67     (14.4)%      Earnings per share - diluted           1.42         1.65     (13.9)      Cash dividends paid                    0.79         0.75       5.3      Book value                            12.86        12.71       1.2      Closing market price                  24.21        26.08      (7.2)    FINANCIAL RATIOS      Return on average assets               1.26 %       1.52 %     (26)bp      Return on average shareholders'       equity                               11.15        13.52      (237)      Average equity to average assets      11.34        11.27         7      Net interest margin (FTE)              3.90         3.98        (8)      Efficiency ratio                      48.51        49.74      (123)    PERIOD END BALANCES      Securities                         $188,163     $207,479      (9.3)%      Loans held for sale                     971          560      73.4      Loans, net of unearned income       407,269      406,245       0.3      Assets                              619,065      644,302      (3.9)      Deposits                            485,272      501,688      (3.3)      Repurchase agreements                38,945       47,035     (17.2)      FHLB borrowings                      21,338       21,000       1.6      Shareholders' equity                 71,000       71,931      (1.3)    AVERAGE BALANCES      Securities                         $195,128     $168,587      15.7 %      Total loans                         403,695      418,870      (3.6)      Interest-earning assets             608,915      598,693       1.7      Assets                              633,951      624,611       1.5      Interest-bearing deposits           415,402      422,097      (1.6)      Deposits                            491,525      488,397       0.6      Repurchase agreements                46,787       40,917      14.3      FHLB borrowings                      20,931       21,578      (3.0)      Shareholders' equity                 71,862       70,367       2.1    CAPITAL      Average shares outstanding -       basic                            5,591,839    5,702,625      (1.9)%      Average shares outstanding -       diluted                          5,642,056    5,764,127      (2.1)      Shares repurchased                  159,968      125,000      Average price of shares       repurchased                         $23.67       $25.03    ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES      Beginning balance                    $5,292       $5,622      (5.9)%      Provision for loan losses             3,095          920     236.4      Charge-offs                            (655)      (1,457)    (55.0)      Recoveries                              250          207      20.8      Ending balance                       $7,982       $5,292      50.8    NONPERFORMING ASSETS      Nonperforming loans:          90 days past due                     $-          $53    (100.0)%          Nonaccrual                        8,113        3,262     148.7      OREO                                    221          303     (27.1)      Nonperforming assets                 $8,334       $3,618     130.3    ASSET QUALITY RATIOS **      Nonperforming assets to total       assets                                1.35 %       0.56 %      79 bp      Nonperforming loans to total       loans                                 1.99         0.82       117      Net chargeoffs to average loans        0.10         0.30       (20)      Allowance for loan losses to       total loans                           1.96         1.30        66      Allowance for loan losses         to nonperforming loans              0.98 X       1.60 X     (62)    Notes:    bp  -- Change is measured as difference in basis points.    **  -- Balance sheet amounts used in calculations are based on period           end balances.  

CONTACT: Neal A. Petrovich, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of American National Bankshares Inc., +1-434-773-2242

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