Qld: Oppn motion to end election speculation watered down

AAP General News (Australia)
02-27-2008
Qld: Oppn motion to end election speculation watered down

By Gabrielle Dunlevy

BRISBANE, Feb 27 AAP - Queensland Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg has been forced
to water down a motion to ensure the government runs its full term.

In state parliament today, Mr Springborg moved a motion calling on Governor Quentin
Bryce to block any election being held before July 18, 2009 unless there was a resolution
from the parliament stating otherwise.

Mr Springborg said the move would boost business confidence and end "silly political games".

"Governments should serve a full term," he …

Rave Motion Pictures to Hold Job Fair at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza

Wireless News
05-10-2011
Rave Motion Pictures to Hold Job Fair at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
Type: News

Rave Motion Pictures, the new operator of the theaters undergoing a $11 million transformation at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza (BHCP), announced that it will host a job fair on the ground floor of the mall next week in preparation of the multiplex's grand opening in July.

In a release, the company noted event details:
Rave plans on filling more than 80 floor staff and management positions for the new theaters.

Beginning Thursday, job-seekers are invited to visit Rave's temporary hiring office located on the first floor of BHCP, adjacent to the food court. The offices will be open on Thursday, May 12th from 3pm-8pm; Friday, May 13th from 3pm-8pm; and on Saturday, May 14th from 10am-4pm.

Individual interviews will be held throughout the three-day event, and candidates are encouraged to fill out the initial application online before the job fair. The online application can be accessed at work4rave.com Those without access to the internet will also have the opportunity to fill in the application at the job fair.

"This job fair is great news for the community," said Sharron King, General Manager of BHCP. "Rave Motion Pictures is delivering a first-class movie theater experience and new jobs for local residents. We encourage anyone interested in these opportunities to stop by the job fair next week."

The movie theaters at BHCP are currently under construction, and are on track to open in July. The mall's owner, Capri Urban Investors, LLC, a commingled fund of institutional investors, is working alongside Rave Motion Pictures to transform the current theaters into a modern multiplex featuring stadium seating, new amenities, digital technology, 3-D screens and new decor throughout.

More Information:

capricapital.com

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

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

VIC:Cyclist critical after crash with truck

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2011
VIC:Cyclist critical after crash with truck

MELBOURNE, Aug 29 AAP - A cyclist has lost a leg after being hit by a truck in inner
Melbourne on Monday morning.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesman said the man, aged about 60, was taken to The Alfred hospital.

He also suffered a collapsed lung and head injuries.

The accident happened in Swan Street, Richmond, about 9am (AEST), police said.

A hospital spokesman said the cyclist was in a critical but stable condition.

The truck driver is assisting police with their inquiries.

AAP mi/gfr/it

KEYWORD: CYCLIST

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

FED:Evans probes foreign work exploitation

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2011
FED:Evans probes foreign work exploitation

Workplace Relations Minister CHRIS EVANS has sought an urgent briefing from Fair Work
Australia and Australia's building watchdog .. to make sure employers who exploit foreign
workers are being investigated.

Senator EVANS says he's becoming increasingly concerned by reports of companies attempting
to exploit foreign workers .. and undermine the wages and conditions of Australian workers.

The minister says he'll meet with Fair Work Ombudsman NICK WILSON and Australian Building
Construction Commissioner LEIGH JOHNS to ensure reported incidents are being properly
investigated.

AAP RTV ah/jr

KEYWORD: WORKERS (CANBERRA)

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

QLD:Uranium: unfinished business for Labor

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-2010
QLD:Uranium: unfinished business for Labor

A mining organisation says the world will increase its use of uranium for power generation
.. and the Queensland government and Labor should take advantage of the inevitable.

The Queensland Resources Council says the state has known uranium resources of around
61 million kilos .. worth around 10 billion dollars.

QRC head MICHAEL ROCHE says Queensland's failure to open uranium mines is unfinished
business from the 2007 ALP national conference .. which backed the mining of uranium ..

but left it up to the states to decide whether to do so.

Mr ROCHE says Australia's abundance of coal and gas .. and renewable resources probably
means the nation won't build nuclear power stations for the foreseeable future .. but
could provide uranium for peaceful purposes to other nations.

AAP RTV stg/crh/tm

KEYWORD: URANIUM QLD (BRISBANE)

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

Fed: Return of resources boom to ease pressure on budget

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2010
Fed: Return of resources boom to ease pressure on budget

The re-emergence of a resources boom is expected to improve the budget bottom line
.. taking pressure off the Rudd government .. with debt to peak well short of previous
predictions.

But borrowers are expected to bear the brunt of the recovery .. with Access Economics
warning interest rates will rise to above normal levels as the economy picks up pace.

In its latest Business Outlook report .. Access says the return to rapid industrialisation
in China .. and other resource-hungry countries .. has led to a boost in key commodity
prices .. reinvigorating Australia's economic landscape.

It says by late this year and next year .. Australia may find itself back where it
was in mid-2008 .. both a beneficiary and a victim of a fully fledged resources boom.

AAP RTV kms/sb/klw/psm/

KEYWORD: ECONOMY ACCESS (CANBERRA)

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

Fed: PM should reduce Copenhagen bandwagon: Hunt

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2009
Fed: PM should reduce Copenhagen bandwagon: Hunt

The federal opposition's new climate change spokesman says KEVIN RUDD should reduce
the size of his Copenhagen bandwagon if he's serious about reducing emissions.

GREG HUNT says the prime minister could do without a hairdresser .. dessert chef and
four photographers at the United Nations climate summit.

He's challenged Mr RUDD to chop his 114-strong entourage by 25 per cent .. amid reports
it'll cost 50 dollars for a bowl of soup at their hotel.

Mr HUNT's told Sky News the PM should also debate new Opposition leader TONY ABBOTT
before he goes.

AAP RTV bzs/jmt

KEYWORD: CLIMATE HUNT (SYDNEY)

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

NSW: Father thought daughter was dying after eating KFC: court

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2009
NSW: Father thought daughter was dying after eating KFC: court

SYDNEY, Aug 4 AAP - A father has told a judge he believed his seven-year-old daughter
was going to die two days after eating a KFC chicken twister.

Giving evidence in the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday, Amanwial Samaan said he, his wife
and son also had a bite of the twister and also fell ill, with vomiting and diarrhoea.

His daughter Monika, now 11, is suing KFC through her father, claiming the source of
her salmonella poisoning was the twister bought on October 24, 2005, at its Villawood
outlet, in Sydney's west.

The fast food outlet has denied responsibility for Monika's illness, which has left
her effectively a quadriplegic and severely brain damaged.

Speaking through an Arabic interpreter, Mr Samaan said the four family members became
sick on October 25, but his mother, who did not eat any of the twister, remained healthy.

He said his wife took the children to a doctor that day and they were given medicine,
but their health continued to deteriorate.

On October 26, Monika collapsed on the sofa and he called for an ambulance.

Mr Samaan said he felt like "any father who sees his daughter is dying in front of him".

Both Monika and her brother were admitted to The Children's Hospital at Westmead, where
Mr Samaan spent the night.

He said Monika was rushed into the intensive care unit, where she was unconscious and
attached to tubes.

She looked "totally dead" to him.

The hearing continues before Justice Stephen Rothman.

AAP mss/evt/it/cdh

KEYWORD: SAMAAN

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

National Newslist for Tuesday, February 10, 2009

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2009
National Newslist for Tuesday, February 10, 2009
AAP's National Newslist for today (not for publication). This is a guide only and stories
are subject to change. AAP's news editors Joanne Williamson and Nalita Ferraz can be contacted
on 02 93228611/8610.

NATIONAL
BUSHFIRES VIC
- Toll hits 173.

- AAP reporters and photographers will be at Gippsland and Beechworth fires, Whittlesea
staging ground, Kinglake, Healesville and, if possible, Marysville.

- Healesville set to come under direct ember attack from bushfires; expected southerly
winds will make firefighting difficult.

- Police set up taskforce to investigate fires; Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon says
police will pursue anyone who has deliberately lit fires; updates to come.

- Premier John Brumby says communications systems didn't work as well as they should have
during the fires; will sign condolence book before visiting Beechworth.

- Presser at Melbourne's The Alfred hospital burns unit with couple who escaped fire.

- Climate change experts warn severe weather events are likely to occur more often in
Australia as global warming continues; CSIRO experts say royal commission should address
fuel reduction policies.

- Federal Liberal MP Fran Bailey says rebuilding communities will be a mammoth task but
community spirit will see the job through.

- Senior US fire personnel expected to land in Victoria within 48 hours after an SOS call
from the Australian government.

BUSHFIRES NSW
- Cooler southerly change will assist firefighters battling more than 50 fires around
the state; updates to come.

- RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says a well-prepared home is the best place to shelter
from a bushfire front.

FLOODS
- Extent of damage is set to emerge as floodwaters recede in far north Qld town of Ingham;
updates to come.

- Small Business Minister Craig Emerson heads to flood zone to oversee fed govt's response
to the disaster.

- Seeking update on missing boy feared taken by crocodile.

STIMULUS/PARLY
- Senate committee inquiry into federal government economic stimulus package to quiz church,
welfare and housing groups; Senate sits from 1230 AEDT with debate on package.

- Greens say they might reach agreement with govt today on details of package.

- House of Reps sits from 1400 AEDT; debate resumes on legislation.

- Labor caucus meeting.

- Joint coalition parties meeting.

OTHERS
- RBA Governor Glenn Stevens to address conference in Kuala Lumpur (1945 AEDT).

- Aust and East Timor foreign ministers meeting in Canberra.

ENTERTAINMENT
- TV ratings story for premiere of Underbelly 2.

- Interview with the stars of He's Just Not That Into You, Ginnifer Goodwin and Justin
Long. With pix.

COURTS
BRISBANE - Jayant Patel trial continues.

SYDNEY - Accountant, her husband and 10 of her clients to face court charged with 153
offences as part of the ATO's tax evasion and money laundering investigation, Project
Wickenby. Downing Centre Local Court.

SYDNEY - Daniela Beltrame murder trial continues. Father's girlfriend to continue evidence.

Darlinghurst Court 5.

SYDNEY - Angela Liati expected to give evidence at her trial for false statement in relation
to Marcus Einfeld. District Court, John Maddison Tower, Court 18A.

CANBERRA - High Court judgment for man who claims he was tried twice for the same murder.

MELBOURNE - Teenager charged with murder of man in a fight at a football ground at Diggers
Rest. Melbourne Magistrates Court.

MELBOURNE - Jury empanelled later today in trial of female teacher accused of having sex
with a 15yo student.

MELBOURNE - Trial expected to begin later today for 23yo man charged over fatal hit-run
smash in Lygon St.

PERTH - Three men accused of people smuggling offences to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court.

SYDNEY
- Seven people charged over $3.5 million cannabis haul in northern NSW.

- ATM raiders strike again, blowing up a cash machine in Sydney's south.

BRISBANE
- QUT business leaders forum breakfast with Telstra CEO Sol Trujillo.

- ABARE conference in Cairns.

- State Parliament sits.

- Decision expected today on possible 24-hour train strike next week, following crisis
talks between unions and Queensland Rail.

ADELAIDE
- Operation to keep a watch on known and potential arsonists credited with reducing bushfire
risk in SA.

- Libs signal the Murray River will be a key battleground in the 2010 state election;
MPs in three-day visit to SA riverland.

- SA's top school students to get merit awards today.

FINANCE
ECONOMICS NEWS:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens addresses Bank
Negara Malaysia High-Level Conference 2009 on Financial System Complexity and Implications
for the Conduct of Monetary Policy
Sydney - Manpower-Melbourne Institute Employment Report for February
Sydney - National Australia Bank monthly business survey for January
Sydney - Housing Industrial Association affordability report for December quarter

EQUITIES NEWS:
Melbourne - Retailer JB Hi-Fi Ltd says it expects to have another strong year despite
an uncertain retail environment, after posting a 40.8 per cent rise first half profit.

Melbourne - Feedstock maker and salt producer Ridley Corporation Ltd has reported a $50
million first half loss, which it says will lead to a loss in annual profit.

Sydney - Telecommunications company Optus has posted flat third quarter net profit of $143 million.

Sydney - Accounting software company Reckon Ltd has reported a 14 per cent increase annual
profit and forecast 50 per cent increase in revenue in the coming year.

Sydney - Cochlear Ltd half year results.

Sydney - Australian Wealth Management Ltd half year results.

Melbourne - IOOF Holdings Ltd first half results.

Melbourne - AWB Ltd annual general meeting.

Brisbane - Australian Agricultural Company Ltd full year results.

Perth - Environmental Management in Mining conference (day 1 of 3).

Perth - Victoria Petroleum NL general meeting.

- Stocks, Dollar, Credit

SPORT
CRICKET
ADELAIDE - Fourth ODI: Australia v New Zealand, Adelaide Oval, 1415.

MELBOURNE - Preview interstate one-dayer: Vic v Qld, MCG.

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan senators on Monday demanded that President Asif Ali Zardari sack
the cricket board, branding its officials incapable and accusing them of making a mess
of the national game. (Cricket Pakistan Update)
LONDON - England batting great Geoffrey Boycott has slammed the current side for "spinelessly"

collapsing during their innings-and-23-run first Test defeat against the West Indies in
Jamaica. (Cricket England)

SOCCER
YOKOHAMA, Japan - Preview Australia's key World Cup qualifier against Japan on Wednesday,
sidebars and factbox.

SYDNEY/BRISBANE - A-League news, more on possible FFA action against Qld Roar hardman Danny Tiatto.

LONDON - Chelsea have sacked manager Luiz Felipe Scolari after falling behind in the English
Premier League title race, the club announced here on Monday. (Soccer English Chelsea
Update)
LONDON - Luiz Felipe Scolari, sacked as Chelsea manager here on Monday, paid the price
for failing to live up to the London club's high expectations of success. (Soccer English
Chelsea Backgrounder. See also Soccer English Chelsea Reax)
PARIS - Loaned to AC Milan to resuscitate his football career, David Beckham is perhaps
too busy to write a "Dear John" letter to his American fans, to explain that he wants
out of the Los Angeles Galaxy and that they may have lost him to Italy for good. If Beckham
could put pen to paper, here's what he might say. (Soccer Beckham MLB Sportsfeature)
BERLIN - The German Football League (DFL) have shown a red card to a request by Karlsruhe
defender Dino Drpic and his pin-up wife who want the footballer to wear the suggestive
number 69 on his playing shirt. (Soccer Number)

LEAGUE
SYDNEY - NRL news.

SYDNEY - Sydney Roosters interviews at 0800 training ahead of trial match v St George
Illawarra on Saturday.

AFL
MELBOURNE - Collingwood almost certain to appeal three-match suspension handed to new
skipper Nick Maxwell.

SYDNEY - Sydney'S nine-man leadership group available for interview 1310, new members
are Jude Bolton, Jarrad McVeigh, Nick Malceski and Jarred Moore.

RUGBY
SYDNEY - Australian Super 14 team news ahead of season start on Friday.

LONDON - Former Australia coach Eddie Jones will stand down as director of rugby at Saracens
at the end of the season after just one year of a planned three-season stay, the English
Premiership club said on Monday. (Rugby jones Update)

GOLF
MELBOURNE - Interviews and news ahead of Australian Women's Open at Metropolitan starting Thursday.

MELBOURNE - British Open qualifying tournament at Kingston Heath (36-holes, one day).

SAN DIEGO, California - On the day Tiger Woods usually hoists a trophy at Torrey Pines,
the world's No. 1 golfer was busy with the birth of his first son. (Golf Woods)

CYCLING
BRUSSELS - Australian cycling star Cadel Evans has announced he won't contest the Tour
of Italy as he puts all his focus on winning the Tour de France. (Cycling Evans. Wrap
to come)

BOXING
SYDNEY - Undisputed world champion Vic Darchinyan arrives home from his successful title
defence in California.

SYDNEY - Preview Anthony Mundine fight v Shannon Taylor in Wollongong on Wednesday.

PERTH - Danny Green expected to announce comeback, 1100 AEDT.

BASEBALL
NEW YORK - Alex Rodriguez admitted on Monday that he used performance-enhancing drugs
from 2001-03, saying he did so because of the pressures of being baseball's highest-paid
player. (Baseball Rodriguez Update)

TENNIS
ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands - World No.4 Andy Murray continued to criticise the ATP drug
testing system on Monday after he underwent his third test in just over two weeks. (Tennis
ATP)

SYDNEY - Preview racing at Warwick Farm.

MELBOURNE - Preview Wednesday's Sandown races.

BRISBANE - Preview racing at Eagle Farm on Wednesday.

AAP nf

KEYWORD: NATIONAL NEWSLIST

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

Aths: Hooker vaults into Olympic history

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2008
Aths: Hooker vaults into Olympic history

By Steve Larkin

BEIJING, Aug 23 AAP - Pole vaulter Steve Hooker tonight won the first Olympic track
and field gold medal by an Australian male in 40 years.

The 26-year-old showed nerves of steel to claim a stunning victory in the men's pole
vault at the Beijing Games.

Hooker cleared 5.90 metres at the National Stadium to secure the first Australian male
gold medal since Ralph Doubell's 800m triumph at the 1968 Games.

Hooker's clearance of 5.90m came on his third and final attempt, after Russian Evgeny
Lukyanenko failed his three tries at that height.

The Russian claimed the silver and Ukrainian Denys Yurchenko the bronze.

It capped a wonderful day for Australian athletics as Jared Tallent had earlier won
silver in the 20km walk to become the first male to win two track and field medals at
one Games since 1900.

After a seemingly nerveless gold medal clearance, Hooker jumped into the arms of his
coach Alex Parnov and gleefully received an Australian flag from the crowd.

The Melbourne born vaulter then returned to set the bar at 5.96m - one centimetre higher
than American Tim Mack's Olympic record set four years ago.

The Australian failed at his initial attempt for the record before clearing it with his second.

Hooker three times cleared heights on his third and final attempt - also at 5.80m and
5.85m - when a failure would have relegated him to the silver medal.

Those feats came after his heart-stopping qualification on Wednesday, when he needed
three tries to clear 5.65m and advance to the final.

AAP sl/tb

KEYWORD: OLY08 ATH AUST NIGHTLEAD

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

Main stories in today's AM program

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2008
Main stories in today's AM program

SYDNEY, April 17 AAP - Main stories in today's AM program:

* The prime minister has trumped other participants of the 2020 Summit by planning
a universal childcare system.

* There is to be a parliamentary inquiry into ex-RAAF technicians who worked on F1-11 aircraft.

* The United States has set a target for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 2025.

* The Olympic flame has landed in the Indian capital New Dehli under a cloud of confusion.

* In East Timor, thousands of people are expected to turn out to welcome President
Jose Ramos Horta home.

* According to an academic, who has just completed studies into the life expectancy
gap between black and white Australians, bridging the difference could be difficult.

* New statistics suggest that more than 1.5 million computers are thrown out every
year, and there are limited avenues to recycle.

* The advertising regulation body has placed bans on the sexualisation of children.

* The British Imperial War Museum has set up a new exhibition dedicated to Ian Fleming,
the creator of James Bond.

AAP pbc/rl

KEYWORD: MONITOR ABC AM

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

VIC: Main stories in today's Melbourne newspapers=2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2007
VIC: Main stories in today's Melbourne newspapers=2

THE AGE:

Page 1: Kevin Rudd has sent a pointed message to the United States that it must pull
its weight in the international effort to combat climate change; The Rudd government is
under pressure to expand the Northern Territory intervention into Queensland in the wake
of revelations about the gang rape of a 10-year-old girl in a Cape York indigenous community.

Page 2: The girl at the centre of the rape case in far north Queensland has been through
more trauma in her short life than most in a lifetime.

Page 3: One of Australia's most revered and influential architects has called for a
rethink of St Kilda's controversial triangle development, arguing that a much bigger,
more community-friendly development was possible at minimal cost.

World: A huge bomb in a Christian town east of Beirut has killed a senior military
officer who was a leading contender to take over as army chief after the incumbent commander
becomes president.

Finance: James Packer's newly minted Crown gaming business has splashed out $2 billion
on its first casino purchase in the US, less than two weeks after the company was split
from the Packer media arm.

Sport: It's said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so Aaron Baddeley should
be chuffed that Stuart Appleby, 10 years his senior, is attempting to copy his famous
nine-second putting routine coming into the $1.75 million Australian Open championship.

AAP jrd/cp

KEYWORD: MONITOR FRONTERS VIC 2 MELBOURNE

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

Vic: International Crime Stoppers programs used to hunt Mokbel

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2007
Vic: International Crime Stoppers programs used to hunt Mokbel

Victoria Police have called in Crime Stoppers International .. to track down fugitive
drug trafficker TONY MOKBEL.

More than 12 hundred Crime Stoppers operations are joining forces for the first time
.. to find MOKBEL .. who disappeared after skipping bail in March 2006 during his Supreme
court trial for drug trafficking.

He was found guilty in his absence .. and sentenced to nine years' jail.

A warrant's also out for his arrest over the murder of an underworld rival.

Purana Taskforce Detective Inspector JIM O'BRIEN says MOKBEL's still the number one
target on their wanted list .. and they're confident they'll get him with the help of
CSI.

AAP RTV sam/sjm/jmt

KEYWORD: MOKBEL (MELBOURNE)

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

Fed: The Xmas-New Year road toll climbs to 37

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2006
Fed: The Xmas-New Year road toll climbs to 37

Two men have been killed on the nation's roads today .. taking the national holiday
road toll to 37.

In the latest incident .. a man's died after the car he was driving hit a power pole
in Sydney's west .. about 1.15 this afternoon.

Police say the driver failed to stop for officers in Canley Heights .. who then followed
the car but stopped for safety reasons.

The car was found on the corner of Humphries and King Roads in Canley Heights a short time later.

Earlier today a 71-year-old man died after his car veered into a tree in Melbourne's outer north.

The accident happened in Woodstock .. west of Whittlesea .. just after eight this morning.

The Ford Falcon sedan had been travelling south on Merriang Road when it hit a tree
just south of Donnybrook Road.

Fourteen people have been killed on New South Wales roads this Christmas-New Year period.

Nine have died in Victoria .. eight in Queensland .. while two people have been killed
in Western Australia .. Tasmania and South Australia.





(Eds: National road toll figures are for the period 0001 December 22 to 2359 January
5. Some states and territories have different periods.)



AAP RTV mi/lma/els/crh

KEYWORD: TOLL NATIONAL (SYDNEY)

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

Main stories in today's AM program

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2006
Main stories in today's AM program

SYDNEY, Aug 22 AAP - Main stories in today's AM program:

* Eleven people in Britain will face court today, after being charged with a range
of offences in relation to the foiled plot to blow up passenger jets between the UK and
the United States.

* US president George W Bush acknowledges the possibility of an Iraqi civil war for
the first time but remains unmoved to talk of withdrawing his troops.

* The number of federal police ready to assist in trouble spots overseas is set to
be doubled but doubts are raised as to where these new numbers will come from.

* Australia's car industry can breathe a sigh of relief with an in principle agreement
being struck to rescue Ajax fasteners and thousands of workers at risk of being stood
down.

* The Ajax crisis has prompted speculation of offshore diversion and massive redundancies,
but Ajax workers were banding together.

* Investment experts believe Macquarie Bank's high level of debt from its booming infrastructure
portfolio, including tolls roads and airports, isn't sustainable.

* Israeli reservist soldiers criticise their government on the war in Lebanon, saying
it has been guilty of arrogance.

* Condemnation of Australian umpire Darrell Hair is rife in Pakistan, after he alleged
the team tampered with the ball in the test against England.

* Cricketing great Imran Khan joins in the criticism, calling Hair a mini Hitler who
should not officiate at Pakistan matches in future.

* International Cricket Council head Malcolm Speed says a hearing will be held on Friday
to investigate the matter but says Hair has the full support of the ICC.

AAP cj/mb

KEYWORD: MONITOR ABC AM

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

VIC: Main stories in today's Melbourne newspapers=2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2006
VIC: Main stories in today's Melbourne newspapers=2

THE AGE

Page 1: How the National Gallery of Victoria's dream of hanging Melbourne's most treasured
twins - two paintings by John Brack - slipped into the hands of private ownership. Sixty-three
residents of Victorian nursing homes died from unnatural causes in 2004, an Age investigation
has found. One of Australia's most bitter corporate power plays, which pitted two transport
titans in a battle for billions, has been won by Melbourne tycoon Paul Little.

Page 2: Australia may accept asylum seekers who are found to be genuine refugees when
a third country cannot be found to take them, the federal government said yesterday.

Page 3: Australia's richest citizens are indulging themselves, spending huge amounts
on expensive property, cars, art, boats and anything else they desire.

World: China's President Hu Jintao will fly into a tide of protectionist sentiment
on his first visit to the White House.

Finance: Toll's absorption of Patrick will create an Australian transport Goliath that
will further extend its transport logistics footprint in Asia.

Sport: Meet AFL player Kent Kingsley.

AAP kl/lb

KEYWORD: MONITOR FRONTERS VIC 2 MELBOURNE

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

Qld: Police not caught short says Commissioner

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-2005
Qld: Police not caught short says Commissioner

By Rachael Langford

BRISBANE, Aug 13 AAP - The fact a policeman shot dead by an armed criminal did not
have a hand held radio didn't mean the police service was short of resources, Queensland
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said today.

An inquest into the death of Senior Sergeant Perry Irwin, 42, who was shot in bushland
by drug-affected Damien Lawrence Coates, 21, on August 22, 2003, began last week. The
inquest is examining the police response to the incident.

Constable Bryce Hertslet told the inquest that once Snr Sgt Irwin was shot, he had
to call the station on his mobile phone, and battle poor reception and hang-ups by staff,
because they had no hand-held radios.

The inquiry has also seen a number of reports written by Snr Sgt Irwin in the months
before the shooting that request more hand-held radios.

"I don't think people should prejudge that issue about a lack of resources, it may
be that the coroner has a particular finding in respect to that and if so, we will take
that on board," Mr Atkinson said.

"We've put a lot of resources into Caboolture in recent times and will continue to do that."

Mr Atkinson said the police was doing all it could to keep pace with Queensland's growing
population.

"The nature of policing is a dangerous job.

"If police are called to a job where a person is armed and dangerous, they can't say
`we don't feel like doing this', they have to go."

AAP rl/arb/de

KEYWORD: IRWIN

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

WA: Driver of truck that crushed man may be charged, police say

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2005
WA: Driver of truck that crushed man may be charged, police say

Police say a West Australian Water Corporation contractor whose truck ran into a government
building, crushing a man to death, may be charged.

The Toyota Hilux tray-top vehicle ran off Shoal Road, mounted the kerb and collided
with the Department of Community Development in the Pilbara town of Roebourne, 1,500 kilometres
north of Perth, about 10am (WST) today.

Police say two men, in their 40s or 50s, who were sitting on the front verandah of
the building, were pinned by the truck.

One man was dragged underneath the vehicle and was crushed to death in the impact.

The other victim was been rushed to Roebourne's Nickol Bay hospital in a serious condition.

The truck driver escaped from the freak accident shocked but unhurt.

Police have not ruled out charging the driver.

AAP RTV hq/low/jv

KEYWORD: TRUCK (PERTH)

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

asset value

asset value (per share) The total value of the assets of a company less its liabilities, divided by the number of ordinary shares in issue. This represents in theory, although probably not in practice, the amount attributable to each share if the company was wound up. The asset value may not necessarily be the total of the values shown by a company's balance sheet, since it is not the function of balance sheets to value assets. It may, therefore, be necessary to substitute the best estimate that can be made of the market values of the assets (including goodwill) for the values shown in the balance sheet. If there is more than one class of share, it may be necessary to deduct amounts due to shareholders with a priority on winding up before arriving at the amounts attributable to shareholders with a lower priority. If a company goes into liquidation or receivership, the break-up value of the assets may well be below their book value, especially if the assets include specialized or obsolete machinery saleable only for its scrap value.

Santader says Banxico will increase corto on Friday.

MEXICO CITY, Jan 7, 2003 (Cronica/Corporate Mexico by Internet Securities, Inc. via COMTEX) -- The Bank of Mexico (Banxico) is expected to raise the corto (the daily withdrawal of circulating capital from the money market) once again this week, due to the volatility in the exchange rate and in the hope of controlling inflation during 2003, reported Santander Mexicano.A report presented by the bank predicted 1.2% growth for the Mexican economy and inflation of 5.7% for 2002. "We expect the corto to be raised as an answer to the volatility registered in the exchange market and as an attempt to moderate the inflation expectations for 2003, which would be at 4.2%, slightly above the official target released by the Bank of Mexico," read the report.Santander said inflation for the second half of December would reach 0.16%, totaling 5.7% for 2002, which is 1.2% above the official goal for the year. Underlying inflation is expected to close the year at 3.8%.

URL:              www.securities.com 

Copyright 2003 Internet Securities, Inc., all rights reserved. A Euromoney Institutional Investor Company.

News Provided by COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)

TRA launches NGN Industry Forum framework.

WAM Abu Dhabi, July 5th, 2011 (WAM) -- The TRA has launched the Next Generation Network (NGN) Industry Forum in order to accelerate the transition of the telecommunications sector in the UAE . Commenting on the importance of the transition to NGN and the launch of the Industry Forum, Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA Director General said: "Technical evolution in the last few years has brought drastic changes to the telecommunications industry throughout the world, which in turn has led predominantly towards IP-based NGNs. The convergences of telephony, data, and internet technologies have provided the licensees with the ability to offer their customers many new services. As a result of the transition to NGN, certain countries, regulators have established expert groups to discuss and analyze issues relating to NGN implementation; hence we in the UAE are launching our NGN Industry Forum." He continued: "As the TRA's intention is to play a vital role in promoting the migration to NGN and IMS infrastructure, the TRA established the industry forum to discuss and analyze issues pertaining to NGN interconnection, interoperability and other issues related to NGN Transition with the purpose of creating an improved framework for the industry and ensuring that it is in accordance with the Telecom Law Article 13." The TRA's main objectives from such a transition are to encourage, promote, and develop the telecommunications and information technology industries in the UAE, promote and enhance the telecommunications systems in the UAE as indicated by the development and the establishment of industry-related training institutions, through the availability of the latest equipment, and by facilities provided by telecommunications technology, and develop NGN framework with the involvement of the industry. The TRA will take the lead in establishing the industry forum, and the membership of the forum will consist of representatives from the following organizations: the TRA, who shall act as the chairperson of the industry forum, Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat), Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Company PJSC (Du), and any other entities which may become licensees by the TRA while this forum exists, and additionally some telecom equipment vendors may get invited to the forum for specific issues if deemed necessary. Referring to the objectives the TRA is seeking to achieve through establishing the NGN Industry Forum, Director General said: "We are establishing this forum in order to provide the licensees an opportunity to contribute and share their views on NGN regulations framework, enhance the ICT sector in the country, achieve clear and transparent NGN regulations, promote broadband and advanced services for users, promote innovations, and ensure customer security and protection, offering the licensees the chance to exchange experience and knowledge, express their views and challenges to migrate to NGN, and develop the technical framework and standards required for NGN." Stressing the results sought by this Forum, Al Ghanim said: "The Forum shall propose to the TRA several recommendations, findings and decisions for NGN regulations framework, provide proof of concept trial for IP interconnections and generate other recommendations on challenges and issues raised by the TRA or licensees that are related to NGN." The Forum meetings shall be held as, when, and where scheduled by the chairperson, and the chairperson shall circulate a meeting agenda to all members no later than one week prior to each forum meeting. Members shall attend all meetings; however, any member that fails to attend any of the meetings may lose opportunity to express his views or recommendations on the item discussed during his absence. The chairperson will update TRA management about the proceeding of the forum.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)

GOVERNOR BUSH, GOVERNOR WISE KICK OFF FIRST TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE MEETING.

BOISE, ID -- The following information was released by the Idaho Republican Party:

Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida from 1999-2007, and Bob Wise, Governor of West Virginia from 2001-2005, helped kick off the first meeting of Idaho's Students Come First Technology Task Force.

"The Students Come First Technology Task Force has hit the ground running. Over the past two days, this broad-based group has worked hard, learning from state experts in educational technology and national leaders in education reform," Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. "I am excited for our work going forward as we create the 21st Century Classroom for every Idaho student."

The Students Come First Technology Task Force is a 39-member task force working to successfully implement the technology components of Idaho's education reform laws. Specifically, the task force is studying and developing plans for the one-to-one ratio of mobile computing devices in high schools. Once the State Board of Education determines the number of online courses for a graduation requirement, the task force also will develop implementation plans for this requirement, in addition to the necessary professional development for teachers.

Governor Bush and Governor Wise, who traveled to Idaho at their own expense, applauded the State of Idaho for its reform efforts. They jointly lead the bipartisan Digital Learning Now! This initiative advances policies to integrate current and future technological innovations into education to provide all students with a customized, quality education experience.

"Imagine if every student in the state of Idaho gained the knowledge to pursue their dreams. Idaho would lead the nation and the world in education as well as business, innovation and entrepreneurship," said Jeb Bush. "The Students Come First plan is an excellent example of taking real, tangible steps toward improving education. Idaho has the opportunity to pursue the most innovative methods to give every student the opportunity to achieve their God-given learning potential."

"It is time we stop asking students to power down when they go to school and instead to power up and use their interest in technology and social networking as a new way to learn," said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia. "Digital learning can provide all students, rural or urban, with access to a number of high-quality subjects that may not be available in their individual schools, including foreign languages and advanced math and science courses. Effective teachers are an invaluable component of digital learning. Imagine delivering high-quality content over the internet to large numbers of students where classroom teachers could then personalize that content to meet individual students' learning needs. Now that's what I call a force multiplier."

During the two-day meeting, the task force also heard presentations from Jeff Coe and Jeremy Davidson of Schoolnet, Dr. Lisa Dawley and Chris Haskell of Boise State University, and Dan Thomander from Cassia Alternative High School.

Each presentation focused on how Idaho teachers can use technology in the classroom to engage students and enhance the learning experience for every child.

All presentations along with PowerPoints and meeting minutes will be posted on the Students Come First website at http://www.studentscomefirst.org/technologytaskforce.htm.

Fast cars, fast rise for Miami dealer; At 19, wunderkind had to give dad's store a go.

Byline: David Barkholz

The top-selling Audi dealer in the United States is 23 years old -- and he has been running the business since he was 19.

His name is Brett David, a wunderkind who took over Prestige Imports of Miami in 2007 after a tragedy.

David inherited the business when his father and automotive mentor, Irv David, died unexpectedly of a fourth heart attack at age 56.

He almost didn't get the chance. Some people around him thought he was too young for the responsibility.

And in a letter penned just six months before his death, Irv David instructed Brett to sell the dealership because of the strain it would cause. The letter was delivered to Brett after his father's death.

"My father said it was the stress of the business that had killed him," said Brett, who will be 24 next month. "He wanted me to sell the dealership."

That was one wish Brett said he couldn't honor. Given his concern for employees, his vision for the store and a streak of rebelliousness that manifested itself early in life, Brett David had to give it a go.

In 2010, Prestige Audi sold 1,610 new cars and was recognized as the national leader in sales volume.

"One part of it is that I would be conquering something that took my father's life," said David, who also operates Lamborghini Miami on the site.

In his first full year in charge of Prestige Imports, Audi sales jumped from 500 new cars in 2006 to 2,000 new cars in 2007, David said. It was at that point that the store became Audi's top-selling new-car dealership in the United States.

The key to growth was an emphasis on service, creative marketing -- including the hand-painting of a Lamborghini with a Sharpie pen -- and new bonus incentives stressing customer satisfaction, David said.

He said his father was old school, focusing on immediate sale and profit. "I believe service is what sells the second car. We set up a structure to reflect that."

David said he pegged bonuses to dealership scores on customer satisfaction and service satisfaction instead of on sales growth and gross. He knew from working at the dealership that customers would sometimes complain about cars with blemishes or other issues.

That was going to change. In one of his first acts as CEO, David called an all-employee meeting and told them he wanted them all to stay, but they had to buy into his vision. Vendors to the dealer received a similar message a few days later.

David's youthful exuberance led to a marketing coup. He shocked some Lamborghini and exotic-car enthusiasts by commissioning a South Florida graffiti artist to paint a pearl white $255,000 Lamborghini Gallardo with a Sharpie pen.

The Sharpie Lamborghini went viral on the Internet and made famous David's personal ride around Miami.

Don Stephenson, director of Audi of America Inc.'s Southern region, said David surrounded himself with skilled people in his father's organization.

"I give Brett credit. He knew he had a good team and good processes in place, and he let them move ahead," said Stephenson, who worked with Irv David as well.

Growth has come from a combination of a hot South Florida market for luxury vehicles, Prestige Imports' strong organization and attractive Audi vehicles. "That adds up to successful dealer," he said.

David also has been moving Prestige Imports away from traditional media to a greater emphasis on Internet sales, social media and events marketing.

The dealership likes to display cars outside hotels and art galleries to show how they fit with the South Florida lifestyle. "I want to get our logo out there," David said.

Among other changes he instituted was a call program that quoted a final vehicle price to customers for 24 hours. And he expanded his Audi loaner fleet from 10 vehicles to 30 so any service customer would have a loaner, he said.

One thing David is not is shy. Just days after Irv David relented and allowed 17-year-old Brett to begin selling cars at the dealership after school, Brett found himself at a local gas station, where music star Missy Elliot was trying to start a stalled Lamborghini.

He invited her to come to the store to look for a new ride. A few days later, she bought the first Lamborghini he ever sold. He said she remains a good customer.

David said he learned much from his father, but they frequently failed to see eye-to-eye, especially over Brett's desire to start working at a young age.

At age 15, Brett started selling custom rims and wheels to Prestige customers behind the old man's back because Irv David refused to accessorize the already beautiful exotics.

Brett operated a tidy little business for a couple of years called 305 Imports until Irv caught him one day. A delivery man who couldn't get parts into the back of the store where Brett was processing them came around to the front of the store and left them there.

Irv was not amused, especially since two dealership employees were moonlighting to provide service to the son's customers.

But after cooling off, Irv David said Brett could start selling cars after school if he sold the accessory business. Brett David said he sold the operation, complete with a Web site, for $40,000.

As Brett David will admit, not everything he has touched has turned to gold.

In the teeth of the recession, he went ahead with construction of a Lamborghini store in Palm Beach that his father had planned. The building alone cost $5 million.

But he was subsequently worn out by the sales slump and the strain of constantly driving the 90 minutes to the store from Miami to oversee operations.

He said the pressure landed him a short stay in the hospital for exhaustion, during which he decided to cut bait. He sold the dealership a year ago.

While he skipped college to work at his dad's store, the Palm Beach struggle perhaps gave him a more meaningful education.

He said: "It cost me a helluva lot more than college would have."

Copyright 2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved.

RITCHIE BROS. POSTS RECORD Q1 REVENUE; TIGHT SUPPLY OF LATE MODEL USED MACHINERY.

OAK BROOK, IL -- The following information was released by Associated Equipment Distributors (AED):

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated announced net earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2011, of $16.6 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, and adjusted net earnings of $13.6 million, or $0.13 per diluted share. This compares to net earnings and adjusted net earnings of $12.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2010, representing a year-over-year increase of 7 percent in adjusted net earnings. Adjusted net earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined below. The company's auction revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011, were $88.5 million, compared to $83.5 million for the same period in 2010. The company conducted 37 industrial auctions in 11 countries throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, Central America and Australia during the first quarter of 2011. All dollar amounts in this release are presented in U.S. dollars. Quarter ly dividend

The company also announces the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.105 per common share payable on June 10, 2011 to shareholders of record on May 20, 2011.

Gross auction proceeds an d auction revenues

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, gross auction proceeds were $851 million, 10 percent higher than in the same period in 2010. Excluding gross auction proceeds of $47 million from the sale of the megayacht Apoise in the first quarter of 2010, the increase would have been 17 percent. Gross auction proceeds is a non-GAAP financial measure and is described below. The company's auction revenue rate (auction revenues as a percentage of gross auction proceeds) was 10.39 percent during the first three months of 2011, compared to 10.76 percent in the first three months of 2010.

Online bidd ing statistics

Ritchie Bros. sold over $223 million of equipment, trucks and other assets to online bidders during the first quarter of 2011, representing a 19 percent increase compared to the same period in 2010 (2010 -$187 million). Internet bidders comprised approximately 46 percent of the total bidder registrations at Ritchie Bros. industrial auctions in the first quarter of 2011. Since launching its real-time online bidding service in 2002, the company has now sold almost $4.4 billion worth of trucks, equipment, and other assets to online bidders confirming Ritchie Bros.' position as the world's largest seller of used equipment and trucks to online buyers.

Websi te statistics

Ritchie Bros. has just celebrated the first anniversary of its new multi-language rbauction.com website. The company experienced a 29 percent increase in visits to its website from non-English speakers and they made up 20 percent of the visits during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

There was a 29 percent increase in the number of unique visitors to rbauction.com for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. Roughly 1.0 million unique visitors made 10.7 million equipment searches during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 compared to 0.8 million unique visitors and 7.9 million searches, respectively, in the same period in 2010.

Strategic initiatives

The company has made meaningful progress on the implementation of its strategic initiatives announced previously, which are designed to deliver better value to its customers and extend the appeal of the company's auctions, enhancing its ability to attract new customers. In particular, Ritchie Bros. is on track to introduce more detailed equipment information starting July 1, 2011, and expects to introduce ancillary services such as customer finance, insurance and warranty programs around the same time. Ritchie Bros.' revised administrative fee structure will take effect on July 1, 2011, and the company continues to anticipate a positive impact on its net earnings as a result of these initiatives.

Summa ry comments

Peter Blake, the company's CEO remarked: "We are pleased to have achieved the largest first quarter gross auction proceeds and auction revenues in our history. Our strong performance reflected increasing optimism among equipment owners and early signs of momentum returning to the equipment industry. During the first quarter of 2011, we continued to see tight supply of late model used equipment and strong competition in the marketplace, and we were successful achieving strong prices across most categories of equipment. Our auction revenue rate returned to a more sustainable level during the quarter because the performance of our at risk business was lower than the above trend performance in 2010. The proportion of our business that was at risk during the quarter increased in response to customer demand as we helped them achieve their sale objectives."

Mr. Blake continued: "We remain optimistic about our prospects for the balance of 2011 as the used equipment market around the world continues to return to a more balanced state. Construction activity in a number of our markets around the world remains uncertain, and sustained improvement will be important for maintaining strength in the used equipment market over the longer term. However, our strategic initiatives are progressing well and we are looking forward to the implementation of a number of exciting new services on July 1, including our detailed equipment information and customer finance programs."

Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

From January 1, 2011, the company is required to report their financial results in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The qualitative impact of the transition on net earnings for the comparative three month period ended March 31, 2010, is a $0.1 million reduction. This is due to a change in the recognition of expense for stock options that vest over more than one year. Other changes in accounting and financial reporting on transition are detailed in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2011, available on SEDAR.

Definitions of no n-GAAP measures

The company defines adjusted net earnings as financial statement net earnings excluding the after-tax effects of excess property sales and significant foreign exchange gains or losses resulting from financing activities that are not expected to recur, and has provided a reconciliation below. Adjusted net earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure that does not have a standardized meaning, and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The company believes that comparing adjusted net earnings for different financial periods provides more useful information about the growth or decline of its net earnings for the relevant financial period and identifies the impact of items which the company does not consider to be part of its normal operating results.

Gross auction proceeds represent the total proceeds from all items sold at Ritchie Bros. auctions. The company's definition of gross auction proceeds may differ from those used by other participants in its industry. Gross auction proceeds is an important measure the company uses in comparing and assessing its operating performance. It is not a measure of the company's financial performance, liquidity or revenue and is not presented in its consolidated financial statements. The company believes that auction revenues, which is the most directly comparable measure in its Consolidated Income Statements, and certain other line items, are best understood by considering their relationship to gross auction proceeds. Auction revenues represent the revenues earned by Ritchie Bros. in the course of conducting its auctions, and consist primarily of commissions earned on consigned equipment and net profit on the sale of equipment purchased by the company and sold in the same manner as consigned equipment.

About R itchie Bros.

Established in 1958, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (NYSE and TSX: RBA) is the world's largest industrial auctioneer, selling more equipment to on-site and online bidders than any other company in the world. Ritchie Bros. offers services that enable the world's builders to easily and confidently exchange equipment. The company conducts hundreds of unreserved public auctions each year, selling a broad range of used and unused industrial assets, including equipment, trucks and other assets utilized in the construction, transportation, agricultural, material handling, mining, forestry, petroleum and marine industries. Ritchie Bros. has over 110 locations in more than 25 countries, including 43 auction sites worldwide. The company maintains a website at www.rbauction.com and sponsors an equipment wiki at www.RitchieWiki.com.

Article Date: 05-09-2011

Source: Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers

American Campus Announces Start of Construction for Cardinal Court Apartment Community at Illinois State University.

AUSTIN, Texas -- American Campus Communities, Inc. (NYSE:ACC), one of the largest owners, managers and developers of high-quality student housing properties in the U.S., announced today the start of construction on a third-party development project on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. The 896-bed apartment-style community was awarded through a competitive procurement process and is anticipated to open for occupancy in August 2012.

Located at the northwest edge of campus, the Cardinal Court project is the result of an innovative approach for ISU to begin replacing its aging housing stock. The University's first-ever public private housing initiative was approved by the ISU Board of Trustees last June and cleared the way for the University to provide students apartment-style accommodations with modern living amenities on campus.

"We are excited about the nature of this project - the first-of-its-kind at Illinois State - and look forward to providing the University excellent service as they bring online high-quality housing with the modern amenities that today's students look for in a residential community," said Bill Bayless, American Campus president and CEO.

In replacing outdated housing built in the 1950s, the Cardinal Court project consists of five, four-story residential buildings that are configured around a 16,400-square-foot community center and creates a large, central lawn that ties the community together. The project consists of 228 apartment-style units with accommodations ranging from private-bedroom/private-bathroom apartments with washers and dryers to shared-bedroom/shared-bathroom apartments with floor laundry rooms. The apartments include two-, three-, and four-bedroom units with options within each for private or shared accommodations and bathrooms. All units will be fully furnished with living areas and kitchen facilities and will include connections for highspeed Internet access, telephone, and cable television.

The community center will primarily provide for student recreation, limited food service and residence life programming, but will also function as the property's visitor and administrative center. Student amenities provided within the community center include a large fitness center with indoor halfcourt basketball court, theater, meeting/study rooms, cafe, mail center, and social lounge with gaming area. Outdoor amenities include a sand volleyball court, basketball court, highquality tables with seating and approximately 64 bicycle racks. The development also includes 677 surface parking spaces.

"The new Cardinal Court Apartments will serve our current and next generation of students with new standards of design, construction, amenities and services," said Illinois State University President Al Bowman. "These high standards are reflective of the vision, mission and goals found in the Campus Master Plan and our University's strategic plan, Educating Illinois. The project also places Illinois State at the national forefront of universities that create innovative projects to serve it constituents without saddling the institution or the state with additional debt." Financing for Cardinal Court was provided through a fixed-rate bond issuance by Collegiate Housing Foundation, an Alabama-based non-profit organization that owns the project through a 40-year ground lease from ISU. ACC developed the project and successfully coordinated closing of the $59.6 million finance package. ACC also serves as construction manager.

About American Campus Communities

American Campus Communities, Inc. is one of the largest developers, owners and managers of high-quality student housing communities in the United States. The company is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered equity real estate investment trust (REIT) with expertise in the design, finance, development, construction management, and operational management of student housing properties. American Campus Communities owns 103 student housing properties containing approximately 64,600 beds. Including its owned, joint venture and third-party managed properties, ACC's total managed portfolio consists of 138 properties with approximately 89,400 beds. Visit www.americancampus.com.

Digi-Data Announces Pioneering Software Platform.

BROOMFIELD, Colo., July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- As a leader in the software-as-a-service industry, Digi-Data Corporation is excited to announce its next-generation Internet storage platform. Digi-Data offers an integrated suite of software applications - creating a comprehensive solution for data protection, media content management and remote access to data.

"Our integrated platform enables partners to expand their portfolio of services, create new revenue streams and increase customer loyalty as they strive to meet the digital demands of customers," states Frank Trevino, vice president of global marketing. "The platform offers peace of mind that digital files are always protected and easily accessible."

Digi-Data's next-generation platform highlights

Internet storage - Digi-Data's integrated architecture for cloud storage features custom applications for both Apple and Windows platforms in addition to seamless interaction with mobile devices. A growing number of service providers worldwide implement Digi-Data's Internet storage solutions as a differentiation and customer retention strategy.

Leveraging the capabilities of the platform, Digi-Data's soon-to-be-released, appliance-based Internet storage solution is a blend of local and remote storage that provides a fast, reliable and secure way for small businesses to store critical data.

Mobile applications - Digi-Data mobile applications allow BlackBerry and iPhone devices to connect to our storage platform, creating a simple and "bottomless" mobile experience. The first of phase of this new technology will be released through service provider partners.

Web Services API - Digi-Data's SOAP API provides partners and third-party developers the tools to rapidly develop and deploy services in multiple spheres, ranging from Network Attached Storage (NAS) to wireless solutions.

For more information on Digi-Data's Internet storage technologies, including the launch of mobile applications and small and medium business solutions, please contact marketing-dept@digidata.com.

About Digi-Data

Digi-Data specializes in the long-term retention and protection of high-value digital assets -- store, share, backup and remotely access digital assets with Digi-Data Internet storage solutions. Founded in 1962, the company supports a growing list of partners who leverage Digi-Data's cloud storage solutions in order to deploy branded, differentiated services. As the only Internet storage solutions provider that caters to both small/medium business and OEM partners, Digi-Data is addressing the shift from enterprise to consumer-created content. Digi-Data is a privately held corporation. For more information, visit http://www.digidata.com/.

CONTACT: Kyle McDaniel of Digi-Data, +1-303-604-9020, ext. 105, kylemcdaniel@digidata.com

Web Site: http://www.digidata.com/

Health Management Associates, Inc. to Present at the Bear Stearns 20th Annual Healthcare Conference.(Conference news)

NAPLES, Fla. -- Health Management Associates, Inc. (NYSE:HMA) announced today that its senior management will give a presentation at the Bear Stearns 20th Annual Healthcare Conference to be held September 10-11, 2007, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

HMA's senior management will give its presentation on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. ET. The presentation will be webcast live over the Internet via HMA's website (http://www.hma-corp.com). Listeners are encouraged to go to the Investor Relations section of HMA's website approximately five minutes prior to the event to register and download any necessary media player software.

HMA owns and operates general acute care hospitals in non-urban communities located throughout the United States. HMA operates 59 hospitals in 15 states with approximately 8,400 licensed beds.

All references to "HMA" or the "Company" used in this release refer to Health Management Associates, Inc. or its affiliates.

Certain statements contained in this release, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "expects," and words of similar import, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may include projections of revenue, income or loss, capital expenditures, capital structure, or other financial items, statements regarding the plans and objectives of management for future operations, statements of future economic performance, statements of the assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing statements, and other statements which are other than statements of historical fact.

Statements made throughout this release are based on current estimates of future events, and HMA has no obligation to update or correct these estimates. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially as a result of these various factors.

Perspective: Trademark Disputes A Go-Go.

Reprinted with permission from CNet.com

Last week I told you about how domain registrants have been trying to fight off trademark holders when they can show legitimate uses for their domain names and lack of bad faith. New data now indicates there has been a proliferation of domain name disputes.

In a report issued last week, the National Arbitration Forum (NAF) said that its domain name resolutions climbed by a whopping 21 percent in 2006 from the prior year. Indeed, the NAF handled 1,658 Internet trademark disputes in 2006, the largest filing year in the history of the NAF domain name dispute program.

Since the inception of the program, the NAF has presided over more than 7,600 Internet domain name disputes. A number of famous trademarks have been at stake in the proceedings, such as trademarks relating to the New York Yankees, George Foreman, Vin Diesel and Louis Vuitton.

What's the upshot? Trademark holders are more than willing to go after and seek the transfer of domain names that incorporate their marks. Meanwhile, domain name registrants at times are digging in their heels and are trying to keep the domain names they have registered. There seems to be no let-up in this fertile dispute area. In fact, there appears to be a real uptick in such cases.

One such case surrounded the use of "Mr. Charbucks" in the sale of a rival coffee brand to Starbucks.

Starbucks filed suit in federal court in New York against Wolfe's Borough Coffee. Starbucks claimed that Wolfe's sale of coffee under the name of "Mister Charbucks" or "Mr. Charbucks" infringed and diluted the "Starbucks" famous trademark for coffee.

The trial judge concluded that Starbucks had failed to meet its burden of proving trademark infringement and trademark dilution under the Federal Trademark Dilution Act (FTDA). Not surprisingly, Starbucks appealed.

The U.S. Supreme Court previously had construed the FTDA to require a showing of actual dilution rather than a likelihood of dilution. In response to that construction, Congress amended the FTDA, effective as of October 6, 2006, to entitle the owner of a famous mark to an injunction against a user of that mark that is "likely to cause dilution" of the famous mark.

Because the trial had required Starbucks to prove actual dilution, and given the amendment to the FTDA, the federal appellate court vacated the trial judgment and remanded the case back to the trial court so that the trial judge would decide the case based on the amended FTDA.

Thus, the trial court now is called upon to decide whether Starbucks can prove a likelihood of dilution of its famous mark, rather than actual dilution.

One might think that if Starbucks could not prove actual dilution, it might not be able to prove a likelihood of dilution. On the other hand, "Mr. Charbucks" really does have a similar sounding ring to the famous "Starbucks" mark. The question becomes whether consumers truly would associate "Mr. Charbucks" with Starbucks, and if so, whether such association would dilute the Starbucks mark.

This is clear: Trademark disputes are alive and well in America in 2007.

Eric J. Sinrod is a partner in the San Francisco office of Duane Morris. His focus includes information technology and intellectual-property disputes. To receive his weekly columns, send an e-mail to ejsinrod@duanemorris.com with "Subscribe" in the subject line. The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those of Sinrod's law firm or its individual partners.

This article is for general information and does not include full legal analysis of the matters presented. It should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The description of the results of any specific case or transaction contained herein does not mean or suggest that similar results can or could be obtained in any other matter. Each legal matter should be considered to be unique and subject to varying results. The invitation to contact the authors or attorneys in our firm is not a solicitation to provide professional services and should not be construed as a statement as to any availability to perform legal services in any jurisdiction in which such attorney is not permitted to practice.

Duane Morris LLP, among the 100 largest law firms in the world, is a full-service firm of more than 600 lawyers. In addition to legal services, Duane Morris has independent affiliates employing approximately 100 professionals engaged in other disciplines. With offices in major markets, and as part of an international network of independent law firms, Duane Morris represents clients across the United States and around the world.

Mr Eric Sinrod

Duane Morris LLP

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The Judge: AMSTRAD? 'AM pounds 900 POORER.(Features)

FRANK REMINCH ended up with a shock pounds 900 bill when his hi-tech home phone dialled the internet every hour for six months.

Furious Frank, 57, of Salsburgh, Lanarkshire, complained to BT and manufacturers Amstrad but neither firm would take responsibility.

Frank, a part-time recruitment trainer, has been forced to take out a loan to pay the debt.

He said: "BT have cut me off. They don't want to know."

Retired sales rep Gerald McCann also received a pounds 377 bill after problems with his Amstrad emailer phone. Gerald, 75, of Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, said: "I normally pay around pounds 70. I don't know what to do."

I got on to Amstrad, in Brentwood, Essex, and commercial director Simon Sugar said the emailer is set to make one call a day and therefore someone must have changed the settings.

He said: "If you put an electric fan heater on for 24 hours a day, you'd get huge bills."

Frank and Gerald are adamant that they did NOT change the settings on their phones.

Gerald said: "I did not change anything. I will be having my emailer checked out."

Watch this space.

CAPTION(S):

Shock: Frank

Americana Publishing, Inc. Reports Holiday Season Sales Up Again In 2003; Holiday Season Buying Increases Interest In Company's Library of Audio Books.

Americana Publishing, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: APBH) today reported that, as in previous years, sales are up for the holiday season. The Company is seeing increased orders from its biggest distributors, such as Bar Jan, KSG, UAV, Baker & Taylor, Ingram and Advanced Marketing (that distribute directly to Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Costco), Audio Adventures, Audio Book Club and Recorded Books.

"This holiday season is business as usual with a sales increase throughout our library of audio books," said George Lovato, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Americana Publishing. "With this burst of sales, orders look solid for the balance of 2003 and indications are very strong for 2004."

Lovato believes the holiday sales increase is due to gift giving, the improved economy and those who treat themselves to holiday gifts.

The Company reported a profit of $52,000 before depreciation and stock expenses in the third quarter ended September 30, 2003.

The overall trend of being ahead of sales projections for the fourth quarter is the result of implementing a number of initiatives in the Company's business plan according to Lovato.

The Company launched a program to sell audio books through trucking companies, launched a special edition collector series targeting truck stops, sold excess inventory, announced it will publish a third installment by popular author Cindy Davis and announced it is in the final states of manuscript development for the long-anticipated book "Hiding Under The Table," by addiction guru Dennis Henning.

The Company also said it plans to roll out a CD audio book rental program where truckers will receive discounts for renting multiple titles. It also plans to start a DVD rental program next year.

"The holiday season sales, in conjunction with our marketing initiatives, are working and we're encouraged about 2004," said Lovato.

According to the Audio Publishers Association, annual sales of audio books total nearly $2 billion, with approximately 42 million Americans listening to audio books.

ABOUT AMERICANA PUBLISHING, INC.

Americana Publishing, Inc. is a vertically integrated multimedia publishing company whose primary business is publishing and selling audio books, print books and electronic books in a variety of genres. Sales of its products are conducted through the Internet as well as through a distribution network of more than 35,000 retail stores, libraries and truck stops.

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain of the statements contained herein, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements with respect to events, the occurrence of which involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements may be impacted, either positively or negatively, by various factors. Information concerning potential factors that could affect the Company is detailed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact: George Lovato, Jr. 505 265-6121

CONTACT: George Lovato, Jr., Americana Publishing, Inc., +1-505-265-6121

In-Stat/MDR Finds Network-Based IP VPN Equipment Helping Service Providers Grow at Reduced Cost.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Network-based IP (Virtual Private Network) VPN services (MPLS IP VPN, Virtual Router and Network-Based IPSec services) are one of the important growth areas in business networking services, according to In-Stat/MDR (http://www.instat.com). There are various types of equipment that enable service providers to offer these services. The high-tech market research firm estimates total worldwide sales revenues for network-based IP VPN equipment in 2003 to be $267 million. Edge routers accounted for 51% of total sales of network-based IP VPN equipment in 2003, and multiservice switches and IP services switches had quite similar market shares.

Network-based IP VPN services move VPN intelligence to the edge of the network, as opposed to initiating tunneling at the CPE, as with CPE-based VPN services. Most leading service providers offer at least one network-based IP VPN service for their business customers. According to Henry Goldberg, a senior analyst with In-Stat/MDR, "Network-based IP VPN services enable service providers to achieve economies of scale by serving multiple customers from equipment at an edge POP, and to substantially reduce operational costs of provisioning, management and maintenance. MPLS IP VPN and Virtual Routing over ATM services also allow service providers to earn incremental revenues by offering classes of service for different priority applications, and enable end users to reduce costs by converging all of their voice/data/video traffic onto a single service."

In-Stat/MDR finds some key new trends that are appearing in the way this equipment is being used to offer network-based VPN services:

--Service providers are selling DSL access lines to small/mid-sized businesses and branch offices as a lower-cost alternative to traditional leased lines.

--End users that are using DSL access lines to connect to network-based IP VPN services require broadband subscriber management services, and a number of vendors offer such services on the same platform as their VPN services.

--To meet the growing demand from businesses to outsource security, edge router, IP services switch and other vendors are layering on more security services into their products, in addition to supporting IP VPN services. Some equipment vendors are also offering gateway services to connect remote users with IPSec and SSL clients to corporate sites on layer 3 or layer 2 VPN services.

The report, "Network-Based IP VPN Equipment: What Service Providers Want" (#IN0401355WN), provides a unique examination and analysis of the four categories of equipment that enable service providers to offer network-based IP VPN services. These four categories are: edge routers, multiservice switches, IP services switches and other equipment.

The key new trends shaping this market are identified. Detailed profiles are given of leading vendors from each equipment category, describing their product offerings, IP VPN services enabled, other value-added services offered, product capacities, customers and competitive strengths. Market shares for each category of network-based IP VPN equipment sales revenues in 2003 are estimated. A five-year forecast of network-based VPN equipment sales revenues is also provided. To purchase this report, or for more information, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/bcatalogue.asp?id=4 or contact Erin McKeighan; emckeighan@reedbusiness.com or 480-609-4551. The report price is $2,995.

About In-Stat/MDR

In-Stat/MDR (http://www.instat.com) offers a broad range of information resources and analytical assets to technology vendors, service providers, technology professionals, and market specialists worldwide. The company stands alone in its ability to integrate both supply-side and demand-side research methodologies into a single comprehensive view of technology markets and products. This capability relies on a unique ability to cover the entire value chain from engineering-level technology, through equipment, infrastructure, services and end users.

In-Stat/MDR is part of the Reed Electronics Group, a division of Reed Elsevier (www.reedelsevier.com), a world-leading publisher and information provider. With more than 38,000 employees worldwide, Reed Elsevier operates in the science & medical, legal, education and business-to-business industry sectors, providing high value and flexible information solutions to professional end users, with increasing emphasis on the Internet.