Fed: Fitzgibbon willing to talk on global missile scheme =2

AAP General News (Australia)
02-26-2008
Fed: Fitzgibbon willing to talk on global missile scheme =2

He rejected suggestions such a scheme, known as Son of Star Wars after a similar Ronald
Reagan era plan, would hurt relations with China and Russia.

"I acknowledge that the bodies that upset global balance are the nation states that
don't conform with international norms.

"And that's why the Labor Party is looking to restore the authority of international
institutions like the United Nations, to re-engage them in these things, to ensure that
collectively as nation states we maintain the global balance and global peace."

Mr …

Ziff Davis Enterprise Reports on Traffic

Wireless News
05-01-2011
Ziff Davis Enterprise Reports on Traffic
Type: News

Ziff Davis Enterprise, a provider of enterprise IT media and engagement solutions, announced that its enterprise IT news and reviews site, eWEEK.com, has been experiencing exponential "organic" traffic growth due to its enhanced and integrated editorial focus, new technologies and SEO initiatives.

According to a release, in direct response to the rapid changes surrounding enterprise IT, eWEEK has strategically changed its editorial focus and incorporated new features to deliver the most relevant and current information surrounding the three technologies reshaping today's IT landscape, specifically, cloud computing, mobility, and business applications. The exclusive eWEEK Labs, and the quality reviews its audience demands, has added a full array of editorial news and opinion coverage about these key technologies.
"The business technology segment is undergoing the greatest change since the advent of the World Wide Web. Cloud computing, the mobile Internet and rapid business application development are reshaping the technology marketplace. We are bringing our readers critical, actionable and authoritative information to guide their decision process and our efforts are reinforcing our position with existing readers and bringing in new readers," said Eric Lundquist, Senior Vice-President of Editorial.

In June 2010, Ziff Davis Enterprise partnered with Morpheus Media to optimize the site for Google News and maximum organic search returns, the Company said. In response to these aggressive and strategic changes, monthly traffic from non-paid search on eWEEK.com has doubled, and is up nearly 350 percent year-over-year.

"Thanks to our expert editorial and development teams and our partnership with Morpheus Media, we have been able to increase market share and user engagement. When content has become a thing with little to no barriers to entry, our strategy has proven the strength of premium content and the eWEEK.com brand in the industry," said Vice President of Digital Media Cheryl Stump. "We have also used the powerful growth results to inform site and product initiatives across our network, including social media, mobile and emerging platform planning," she continued.

More information:

www.ziffdavisenterprise.com

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

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

QLD:Bligh not worried about fall in popularity

AAP General News (Australia)
08-27-2011
QLD:Bligh not worried about fall in popularity

Queensland Premier ANNA BLIGH isn't concerned about the latest poll showing her popularity
is continuing to plummet while her opponent's appeal climbs.

Ms BLIGH says she's prepared for a tight contest against the Liberal National Party's
CAMPBELL NEWMAN.

The former Brisbane lord mayor has the backing of 55 per cent of voters as preferred
premier compared to 38 per cent support for Premier ANNA BLIGH in the Galaxy Poll published
in The Courier-Mail today.

Ms BLIGH says she expects the contest to get closer and closer as the time for the
election, due in March, approaches.

The LNP's 63 per cent to 37 per cent lead on a two-party preferred basis would leave
Labor with just 10 seats.

AAP RTV peb/jjs/crh

KEYWORD: POLL QLD (BRISBANE)

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

NSW:No devil dealing with the Greens:O'Farrell

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2011
NSW:No devil dealing with the Greens:O'Farrell

SYDNEY, Feb 15 AAP - A Liberal NSW government has no intention of dealing with the
devil but both party leaders acknowledge where faith and politics do and do not mix.

State opposition leader Barry O'Farrell has taken another shot at the NSW Greens, vowing
never to do political deals with them if they gain the balance of power in the upper house.

"We have no intention of doing deals with the devil ...," Mr O'Farrell said on Tuesday
evening in Sydney before a group of Christian church leaders.

The coalition is expected to win government at the March 26 election with incumbent
Labor at a record low approval rating with voters.

"I have no intentions of either playing for a draw which happened in the federal campaign
and then being prepared to junk promises in order to hang on to office.

"Nor ... would I trade away our core beliefs - the promises we make, the commitments
we give - before the election no matter what the situation is in the upper house after
the election."

Mr O'Farrell and Premier Kristina Keneally on Tuesday appeared before a forum of religious
leaders organised by the Australian Cristian Lobby at Parliament House.

A feminist and devout Catholic, Ms Keneally took the stage first and delivered a speech
and then answered questions.

"There is my faith and then there is my job," she said.

"They are not separate nor are they combined. There are numerous points of intersection
between the two."

Mr O'Farrell later addressed the forum, dividing his faith more sharply from his politician
decisions.

"Getting people to become and act like Christians is a matter for individual Christians
and the churches," Mr O'Farrell said.

"It's not and should never be within the job description of the premier of New South Wales."

Both leaders answered questions about policies for the poor, curbing alcohol-related
violence at licensed premises and a potential review of ethics classes in schools legislation.

Tighter controls over poker machine gambling, the de-criminalisation of abortion and
narrowing the legislation on adoption by same-sex couples were also put to the leaders.

Ms Keneally and Mr O'Farrell kept with their current positions on the issues when providing
answers.

AAP vpm/msk

KEYWORD: POLLNSW RELIGION

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

NSW:Child abuse sites fuelled by Australians

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2010
NSW:Child abuse sites fuelled by Australians

Authorities say Australians participated in child abuse which fuelled an international
network of websites .. selling pay-per-view video and still images of sickening child
pornography.

Detectives from seven countries and Interpol have smashed the 230 websites .. first
set up in the US and then run from eastern Europe.

Having already caught many of those alleged to have run the sites .. they now expect
to begin arresting customers .. having secured their credit card and other personal details.

Federal Police say a few photos have been found that originated in Australia .. identified
by items featured in the backgrounds.

They say no Australian arrests have yet been made.

AAP RTV mdg/wjf/tm

KEYWORD: WEBSITES (SYDNEY)

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

Fed: iPhone gambling applications for kids should be banned

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2010
Fed: iPhone gambling applications for kids should be banned

By Darren Cartwright

BRISBANE, April 25 AAP - iPhone applications which allow young children to play simulated
poker machine games were irresponsible and should be outlawed, Senator Nick Xenophon says.

Numerous `slot' machines applications, some backed by gaming giants like Harrah's Casino
Hotels, can be downloaded for free and are identical in payouts and features to machines
in clubs, pubs and casinos.

Senator Xenophon said he did not know the games existed until alerted to their availability
by AAP.

"It's irresponsible to allow these applications in the hands of children," Senator
Xenophon told AAP.

"We already have a big enough gambling problem in this country and there is no doubt
this will fuel gambling addiction.

"Kids can become poker machines experts years before they are legally allowed to set
eyes on a real machine."

Some of the applications are recommended for 12-year-olds and upwards, while others
offer no minimum age suggestions.

One game allows the user to change the interface and use photographs on their iPhone
as the jackpot symbols.

Users can also switch between five and six reels, and alter the success of the payouts
from low, medium or `dream'.

"The use of money, albeit fantasy, drills home a false impression that poker machines
can be a source of money or income," Senator Xenophon said.

"Having a recommended age description of 12 is totally inadequate.

"This is a training application for kids to lose real money when they turn 18."

He said he would raise the matter in Canberra and called on the federal government
to have an inquiry into gambling and outlaw gambling games for children.

"There needs to be a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling laws because otherwise
we will see a new wave of problem gamblers as soon as these kids turn 18," Senator Xenophon
said.

"This is a conditioning application and the poker machine industry will be cracking
open champagne bottles with this application.

"It's not only promoting poker machines its conditioning people to use them.

"There's enough evidence out there for to protect kids from these applications."

One application is produced by Big Fish games, which is based in Seattle, Washington,
and also sells and promotes a downloadable version of the game online which carries no
gambling warnings.

Big Fish games have been contacted for comment.

AAP dac/cdh

KEYWORD: APPLICATIONS (PIX AVAILABLE)

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

Vic: Overland to bare police deals on protester info

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2009
Vic: Overland to bare police deals on protester info

By Steve Lillebuen

MELBOURNE, Dec 11 AAP - Victoria's top cop says he will fast-track the release of details
about agreements police have with building companies to pass on sensitive information
about protesters.

Victoria Police has signed memorandums of understanding with the managers of several
projects, including the AquaSure private consortium that is building the state's $3.5
billion desalination plant.

The AquaSure agreement allows police to pass on information about protesters to help
the consortium's staff "manage" security threats and keep the project on schedule.

It also includes a "law data security" clause which blocks the public from knowing
the full extent of the information being passed on by police, state opposition police
spokesman Peter Ryan said on Friday.

"The government is involved in a cover-up here and Victorians quite rightly will be
very worried about it," Mr Ryan told reporters.

But police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland said he's been told he can't legally release
details and a full list of all the companies with similar police deals unless there is
a freedom of information (FOI) request.

Mr Overland stressed he would personally get involved, however, to expedite the release
of the information through FOI.

"I will. Absolutely," he told reporters in Melbourne on Friday.

"I will do everything I can to make sure any FOI request is dealt with promptly and
that the information is made available."

But he would not commit to a date because third parties would have to be consulted.

"I'm not trying to fudge it but I don't want to be tied down to a date and we need
to make sure we do this in accordance with the law," he said.

While the force is being questioned by Victoria's privacy watchdog and the Office of
Police Integrity over the memorandum agreements, Mr Overland said the public can be assured
no private information has been released under the deal.

Those critical of the agreements have "misread" what the deals actually mean, he said.

"It's a beat-up. We have not been inappropriately providing private information. We
will not inappropriately provide private information."

But the chief commissioner said such agreements could mean police would tip off a company
that a protest was imminent.

If a prosecution was forthcoming, police could also pass on information to the Department
of Sustainability and the Environment if it was within their jurisdiction.

Police memorandums also cover hospitals and some government-backed projects, he said.

In a statement, Mr Overland said police had a "strong relationship" with protest groups
opposing the desal plant near Wonthaggi, but "community safety and the protection of property
at the site has been and will remain our number one priority".

AAP sbl/pmu/mmr/mn

KEYWORD: FILES

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

WA: Security heightened for bus drivers after attacks

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2009
WA: Security heightened for bus drivers after attacks

By Andrea Hayward

PERTH, Aug 3 AAP - Security measures will be introduced to protect Perth bus drivers
against increasingly prevalent brutal attacks, the Public Transport Authority (PTA) says.

Drivers threatened to boycott dangerous routes and have foreshadowed industrial action
after two particularly violent attacks last week.

Perth bus driver Gerrard Sin, 59, risks losing the sight in his left eye after being
smashed twice in the head with a lump of concrete on Friday evening.

Earlier the same day, a female bus driver was bashed on board a bus in the Perth CBD.

The Transport Workers Union, which had said it would call a mass stopwork meeting for
later this week, met with transport industry representatives on Monday and will meet with
the PTA again on Wednesday.

PTA spokesman David Hynes said Monday's meeting with the union, police and bus and
security contractors had been "highly productive".

Police have said they will begin a blitz at problem bus stations and all buses used
after 7pm (WST) will immediately have security grills fitted to protect drivers, Mr Hynes
said.

He said security grills had recently been fitted to buses used after 8pm.

"We are immediately having to bring that forward to 7pm at night with a view to looking
at logistics to bring it in at sunset or earlier," Mr Hynes said.

"There has been no need identified to have them during the day."

A redesign of the security grills would also be considered because some drivers did
not like the grills, Mr Hynes said.

The level of security at bus terminals and mobile security teams would be increased
immediately in response to the recent attacks, he said.

Mr Hynes said Wednesday's meeting with the union and other representatives would look
at the logistics of introducing the increased security.

AAP ah/was/jfm

KEYWORD: BUSES

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

Fed: Low-income earners expected to benefit from tax cuts

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2009
Fed: Low-income earners expected to benefit from tax cuts

Low-income earners will reportedly benefit from tax cuts .. expected to be announced
by the federal government as part of a stimulus package to boost the deteriorating economy.

News Limited papers report senior government sources say tax cuts for low-income earners
are being considered as part of a widely anticipated stimulus package to be announced
as early as this week.

It'll be part of a mixed package of big infrastructure and "nation-building" spending.

Tax cut options available to the government include raising the low-income tax offset
to 15-hundred dollars .. and lifting the threshold at which the 30 per cent rate kicks
in to 37-thousand dollars.

The paper says it's believed the tax cuts .. costing 2.75 billion dollars .. will have
more of an effect on the economy than across the board tax relief .. because low-income
earners are more likely to spend them immediately.

AAP RTV krc/tm/fdf

KEYWORD: TAX (SYDNEY)

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

EQN: Aussies miss out on showjumping medals

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2008
EQN: Aussies miss out on showjumping medals

HONG KONG, Aug 21 AAP - Australia had a disappointing end to its Olympic equestrian
campaign in Hong Kong tonight when its three showjumpers were unable to win the nation's
first ever medal in the discipline.

Edwina Alexander, 34, was considered a strong medal chance going into the individal
showjumping finale at the Sha Tin Arena.

But she finished on eight penalty points after knocking down two rails.

Her teammate Matt Williams hit five rails, also putting himself out of medal contention.

Laurie Lever, who at 60 is at Australia's oldest competitor at the Beijing Games, earlier
failed to qualify for the final round of 22 riders.

Australia's sole medal in the equestrian competition in Hong Kong was the silver it
won in team eventing.

AAP nh

KEYWORD: OLY08 EQN AUST LEAD

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

SA: Irrigators to get little water in SA

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2008
SA: Irrigators to get little water in SA

ADELAIDE, April 16 AAP - Irrigators along the Murray River in South Australia may only
get four per cent of their normal water allocations from July 1, because of the ongoing
drought.

River Murray Minister Karlene Maywald said worsening conditions in the Murray-Darling
Basin would impact on allocations at the beginning of the new water year.

"The opening allocation will depend on rainfall in the catchment between now and the
end of the water year," Ms Maywald said.

Inflows to the Murray during March were just 62 gigalitres, compared with the average
of about 200 gigalitres.

Ms Maywald said since the end of February there had been no improvement in the amount
of water available to South Australia.

"This is due to the very hot and dry conditions experienced during March, which resulted
in very low inflows and high water loss, increased drawdown and evaporation," she said.

The minister said allocations for irrigators to the end of June would remain set at 32 per cent.

AAP tjd/jm/bwl

KEYWORD: MURRAY SA

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

Vic Four in custody over Shepparton murder

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2007
Vic Four in custody over Shepparton murder

Homicide detectives have arrested four people over the murder of a man missing from
the northern Victorian city of Shepparton for more than a week.

The 26 year old victim was reported missing yesterday and hadn't been seen since December 3.

Shepparton detectives following up the disappearance executed a search warrant on a
house in Ford Road Shepparton yesterday.

Evidence found at the property led the detectives to notify the homicide squad.

Police found the body of the dead man beside the Lemnos-Cosgrove Road at Cosgrove ..

east of Shepparton .. about six o'clock last night (AEDT).

Four Shepparton residents .. three men aged 26 .. 29 and 58 and a woman aged 24 ..

are assisting homicide detectives with inquiries.

Police expect all four to be charged in relation to the murder.

AAP RTV jrd/crh

KEYWORD: SHEPPARTON (MELBOURNE)

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

Qld: Police to continue search for clues in 10-yr old cold case

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2007
Qld: Police to continue search for clues in 10-yr old cold case

Police will continue their search over the next few days for fresh clues in the hope
of solving the 10-year-old mystery behind the disappearance of two women from the Sunshine
Coast.

About 50 police and State Emergency Services volunteers today used machetes and shovels
to cut their way through thick bushland at Brooloo Forest .. between Imbil and Kenilworth.

They were searching for fresh evidence after homicide detectives reopened the cold
case files of British backpacker CELENA BRIDGE and local woman SABRINA ANN GLASSOP.

28-year-old Ms BRIDGE .. who was bushwalking in the area .. was last seen on July 16
1998 .. on the Booloumba Creek Road .. Conondale.

46-year-old Ms GLASSOP was last seen on of May 29, 1999 at her Kenilworth home.

Detective Senior Sergeant MARC BAILEY said despite the use of sniffer dogs they are
not looking for a body .. and the search will be the first in a series to be conducted
on the Sunshine Coast in coming days.

AAP RTV nt/imc/

KEYWORD: GLASSOP (BRISBANE)

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

Qld: Dog attacks police officer

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-2006
Qld: Dog attacks police officer

BRISBANE, Dec 29 AAP - A police officer has been attacked by a dog as he attempted
to arrest its owner near Ipswich, west of Brisbane.

Police today said the owner of the cattle dog allegedly set the animal on the officer
at a property in Dinmore, Ipswich, last night.

The officer was bitten on the calf and the knee and required hospital treatment for
minor injuries, a police spokesman said.

The attack occurred while the male owner of the dog was being arrested after allegedly
becoming violent towards police attending a domestic dispute.

The man has been charged with numerous offences including assault occasioning bodily
harm and seriously assaulting police.

He is in custody and due to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court today.

AAP jvb/jm/de

KEYWORD: BITE

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

Fed: Abbott using hysteria in stem cell debate: Washer

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2006
Fed: Abbott using hysteria in stem cell debate: Washer

CANBERRA, Aug 21 AAP - A Liberal backbencher has accused the federal health minister
of spreading hysteria and misinformation in the debate over expanding stem cell research.

Health Minister Tony Abbott, a strong opponent of so-called therapeutic cloning, lashed
out at scientists yesterday, accusing them of peddling false hope to sufferers of chronic
diseases without offering convincing evidence.

They were some of Mr Abbott's strongest comments on the issue as MPs head towards a
conscience vote on overturning the four-year-old ban on therapeutic cloning - the creation
of embryos to produce stem cells.

West Australian Liberal MP Mal Washer, a former GP, today rejected Mr Abbott's outburst,
saying the minister had done himself a disservice.

"There's a lot of inaccuracies, misinformation and the usual hysteria you get generated
against something that's pretty simple," Dr Washer told ABC radio.

"I think if you don't have a reasonable argument, you tend to run to the irrational
and hysteria and the scare tactics."

Dr Washer also dismissed Mr Abbott's assertion that therapeutic cloning was creating
human life only to destroy it.

"We're not creating human life," he said.

"You can't have human life without implantation into a uterus and there's no intention
of doing that and it's illegal.

"If some screwball was to do that, that wouldn't work - it'd abort anyway so, I mean,
that's not human life.

"I don't know what he means by human life. I think that's frankly confused."

Mr Abbott also also described Mr Abbott's warning of the creation of possible human-animal
hybrids as "sensationalist".

"Remembering people walk around with pig valves in their heart and we grow most of
our vaccines, live vaccines, on egg protein," he said.

"So that's not new, that's not unusual and that's very reasonable."

Two senators are preparing private members' bills that aim to end the ban on therapeutic
cloning - Democrat Natasha Stott Despoja and Liberal Kay Patterson, a former health minister.

Dr Washer believes Senator Patterson's bill would have the greatest chance of success
and would receive even more support than the bill which stripped Mr Abbott of his ability
to ban the abortion drug RU486.

"I think we'll have more people vote for this bill than we had for RU486," he said.

"I think most people are very concerned with the chronic diseases we're now confronted
with about trying to lift barriers to try to achieve good science progress to either treat
these more appropriately or cure them."

He urged Senator Patterson and Senator Stott Despoja to work together on a single bill.

"At the end of the day, what is the most important thing is to win this."

Cabinet rejected an expert committee's recommendation to end the ban in June, but Prime
Minister John Howard bowed to backbench pressure a week ago and promised his MPs a conscience
vote should any legislation come to parliament.

AAP rp/it/sd

KEYWORD: STEMCELL WASHER

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

Fed: Australian amongst the world's happiest people

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2006
Fed: Australian amongst the world's happiest people

A truckload of cash .. the right to vote and some fine weather .. this is what researchers
say makes Australians some of the happiest people in the world.

A new study .. led by Dr ANDREW LEIGH of the Australian National University .. has
analysed a mass of happiness data obtained over the past six decades.

The paper's been prepared as a rebuttal of a 2005 claim by British researchers .. that
Australia represents a happiness paradox.

The argument ran that although Australia ranked highly on the United Nations Human
Development Index .. its citizens were generally unhappy with their lot.

AAP RTV ms/mfh/jv/tm

KEYWORD: HAPPINESS (CANBERRA)

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

Fed: 7,000 Iraqis in Aust vote in homeland election so far

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2005
Fed: 7,000 Iraqis in Aust vote in homeland election so far

So far .. more than seven thousand Iraqis living in Australia have cast their ballots
in the war-torn nation's general election.

About 100 thousand Iraqis are living in Australia .. and the federal government expects
11 thousand eligible voters to take part in the election.

They're voting in the election for the 275-member national assembly .. at polling booths
that have already been open two days and will remain open until 9 pm (AEDT) tonight.







Five Australian capitals are hosting out-of-country polling booths .. Sydney .. Melbourne
.. Adelaide .. Perth .. and Brisbane.

Another's been set up in the Victorian regional centre of Shepparton .. which has a
big Iraqi population.

AAP RTV so/mfh/tm/rt

KEYWORD: IRAQ VOTE AUST (CANBERRA)

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

bubble

bubble A cumulative movement in the price of an asset whose price is high mainly because speculators believe it will rise still further. Such speculative behaviour can force prices to rise for some period on a path that is eventually realized to be unsustainable; at some point a bubble will burst, but it is hard to predict when this will happen.

More Than 95 Speakers Set for California Technology Forum 2001, July 29 Through Aug. 3 in Santa Barbara.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 19, 2001

Event To Feature Top Keynotes, Panels and a First-of-its-Kind

Session Pitting .NET Against Java

The California Technology Forum 2001, an executive conference focusing on the convergence of technology, innovation and commerce, has set the speaking lineup for their six conferences that run from July 29 through Aug. 3 at the Fess Parker DoubleTree Resort in Santa Barbara.

Conferences under the California Technology Forum 2001 "umbrella" include The Wireless Technology Conference, The Voice, Video and Data Convergence Conference, The Internet and Network Security Conference, The .NET and Windows Technology Conference, The Business and Technology Conference, and The Object and Components Technology Conference.

The six conferences allow attendees to attend sessions in their primary interest area, and then add complementary conferences if their schedules permit. The overlapping schedule of the Forum promises to provide attendees more interaction, networking, plenary sessions, social events and encounters with local and world technology experts than would be possible with traditional single-track sessions.

Keynote speakers for the California Technology Forum 2001 include:

 -- Timothy Chou, president, Oracle.com  -- Alan Kay, Disney fellow and vice president of research and development, Walt Disney Imagineering  -- Don Box, co-founder, DevelopMentor, a component software think tank  -- Stuart McClure, lead author of the best-selling security book, "Hacking Exposed: Network Security Secrets and Solutions"  -- Lisa Farr, founder, president and CEO, Occam Networks  -- Michael Stal, Director of Distributed Object and Component Computing, Siemen's AG  -- Eric Schultz, chairman and CEO, Wireless Knowledge; and  -- Bertrand Meyer, a pioneer of modern software engineering now intimately involved with Microsoft's new .NET initiatives. 

In addition, a first of its kind special session called "The Great Web Technologies Debate" pundits will "duke it out," facing off to pit Microsoft's .NET against Sun Microsystems' Java-based J2EE.

Confirmed speakers and moderators for the California Technology Forum include:

-- Dave Alberga, Active.com

-- Ali Arsanjani, Consulting I/T Architect for IBM

-- Sharmie Atwood, Fiderus

-- Raphael Auphan, ViaFone

-- Michael Barrett, Experian

-- Bart Bartolozzi, Net2Phone

-- Jean Bezivin, University of Nantes

-- Darius Blasbland

-- Luc Abom, Consultant

-- Steve Branigan, Lumeta

-- Steve Bridge, -- Frontier Technologies, Inc.

-- Michael W. Broderick, Entigo

-- Ben Brosgol

-- Kevin Butler, Compaq

-- Mark Carges, BEA Systems

-- Sandra Carter, IBM E-Commerce Software Solutions

-- Jonathan Chauvin-Blitt -- ITT Industries, Network Systems &

Services

-- Michael Christian, WebSideStory, Inc.

-- Martine Devos, EDS

-- Elfriede Dustin, BNA Software

-- Edouard Duvillier, Fresher, Inc.

-- Mark Edmead, KPMG

-- Warren Egnal, Porter Novelli Convergence Group

-- Heidi Ellis

-- Grant Evans, Identix

-- Angelo Fasulo, Research in Motion

-- Bill Ferguson, Imperito Networks

-- Jay Freeman, Eschaton

-- Jay Fudemberg, Pure Markets

-- Iain Gillott, iGillott Research

-- Frank Gocinsky, Microsoft

-- John Gough, Queensland University of Technology

-- Per Grape, Adcore

-- Roger Hart, Deloitte Consulting

-- Brian Henderson-Sellers

-- Erik Hilsdale, Xerox

-- David Holmes, Enterprise Systems Technology

-- Mark Hornbeek, Vpacket Communications, Inc.

-- Paul Hsiao, Mazu Networks

-- Doug Hutcheson, Leap Wireless

-- Michael Hyrbyk, Deloitte Consulting

-- Nayeem Islam, BEA

-- Terry Julius, Televend

-- Basim Kadhim, Fujitsu Software America

-- Diana Kelley, Safewww

-- Pim Kennis, Vigilinx

-- Alan Kirby -- Okena

-- Debra Kuhns, VCommerce

-- Troy Larson, Fiderus

-- Erik Laykin, OnlineSecurity

-- Doug Lea, U. Of New York at Oswego

-- Bernie Schroeder, Stellcom

-- Jeff Ross, Wireless Knowledge

-- Prakash Iyer, Everypath

-- Alan Gunshor, Oracle

-- Pete McBreen, Consultant

-- James McKim, Hartford Graduate Center

-- Daniel Mendez, Visto Corp.

-- Brad Merrill, Microsoft

-- Granville Miller, TogetherSoft

-- Richard Mitchell, InferData Corporation

-- Dana Moore, Roku Technologies

-- Phil Moreton, Cisco Systems

-- Jonathan R. Oakes, Thin Air Apps

-- Jeff Paine, Snydeo Corp.

-- Mark Picarello, Kewill E-Commerce

-- Paul Perry, Unisys

-- Gilda Pour, Consultant

-- Robert Powell, Baltimore Technologies

-- Dr. Parag Pruthi, NIKSUN Inc.

-- Mahmoud Qusay, Author, Distributed Programming with Java

-- Keith Raffel, Upshot

-- Dick Schulte, Voyant Technologies

-- Mary Kate Scott, McKinsey & Company

-- Magdy Serour

-- Jon Shapiro, Alliance Systems

-- Kevin Thornton, Altawave

-- Raphael Simon, ISE

-- Lex Sisney, Commission Junction

-- Roger Smith, Consultant

-- Michael Stal, Siemens

-- Emmanuel Stapf, ISE

-- Carol Thompson, Hewlett-Packard

-- Patrick Thompson, RogueWave

-- Will Tracz, Consultant

-- Mike Turner, Waveset Technologies, Inc

-- Mathew Verghese, EC Outlook

-- James White, Catapult Technologies

-- John Williams, Castek Business Group

-- Bob Worner, OpenNetwork Technologies Inc.

-- Thomas Wu, Naval Postgraduate School

The California Technology Forum 2001 is sponsored by Interactive Software Engineering and Silicon 2.0, a technology business publication, with conference sponsorships from Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Compaq, Research in Motion, VARBusiness, CRN, Borders, PCAI, Fiderus, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, Lanspeed, CompuVision, BEA, Halcyon Software and Occam Networks. In addition to conference sessions, the California Technology Forum 2001 will also feature an exhibit area showcasing the latest technology from local, national and global firms.

About the California Technology Forum

The California Technology Forum 2001, an executive conference focusing on the convergence of technology, innovation and commerce, will be held July 29 through August 3, 2001, at the Fess Parker DoubleTree Resort in Santa Barbara. More information and conference pricing packages can be found on the California Technology Forum 2001 web site at www.ctf2001.com. Registration is available through e-mail at ctf-registrations@ctf2001.com, by calling 805-685-1006, or through the California Technology Forum 2001 web site. Last minute exhibition and sponsorship information is also available at www.ctf2001.com.

Rosenblatt Hosts Auction for Rosenblatt Stadium.

Proxibid, a real auction marketplace, announced it experienced more than 260,000 online auction catalog views in conjunction with the Rosenblatt Stadium auction to benefit the Omaha Zoo Foundation's Infield at the Zoo Legacy Project.

More than 160 on-site bidders attended the June 23 live auction at Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium, with an additional 941 accepted online bidders, the Company said. Omaha-based Auction Solutions served as auctioneers for the live auction.

"We are thrilled with the bidding activity in this auction," said Calvin Sisson, Executive Director of the Omaha Zoo Foundation. "It was fun to watch fans from across the country take ownership of memorabilia from this iconic stadium, while supporting a noteworthy cause. The money raised in this auction puts us one more step closer to reaching our fundraising goal for the Infield at the Zoo Legacy Project."

Everything from wooden stadium seats to signage, home plate and even the last flag to fly over the stadium sold at auction. Fans from across the country bid in person and online to own a piece of baseball history. In all, the auction experienced 60 percent online sell-through, with more than 65 percent of all bids coming in from the Internet, and more than 51 percent of all items in the auction sold to online bidders.

"I chose to bid online via Proxibid in the Rosenblatt auction because I am in the midst of the busiest two weeks of the year selling College World Series tickets, and being out of the office today was simply not an option," said Chad Carr, President of Ticket Express. "As an Omaha business, we want to be a good steward in our community. When we learned that the money raised in this auction would benefit the Omaha Zoo Foundation's Infield at the Zoo Project, we became very interested. We take great pride in our city, the CWS and the Zoo, and are thrilled to be able to give back to our community by purchasing items in this auction. We plan to place the monument sign outside our building located at 90th and Arbor, and plan to place the lettering from the sign above the Rosenblatt press box on the roof of our building with the hopes that fans who drive by will be able to enjoy this memorabilia for years to come."

The Company noted the Omaha Zoo Foundation may present another auction later this year to liquidate stadium fixtures and commercial items.

The Omaha Zoo Foundation supports the mission, research and programs benefiting Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. It is a non-profit organization that owes its early success to the hard work and perseverance of Sue Scott and Gene Mahoney, whose leadership and legacy helped generate significant resources for Zoo projects.

Proxibid:

proxibid.com

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

Facebook is a timing game.(ONLINE & INTERNET TV: REPORTER)

According to social media firm Visibli, 50% of all Facebook Likes happen within 80 minutes of an item being posted to the social network. This jumps up to 80% when looking at the first seven hours and 95% within the first 22 hours. Visibli said content posted by musicians receive an average of 92 Likes, nearly double that of media organizations and brands. While social media is a great place for a new message or offer, it looks like a Web site is still the best bet for getting the full scope of what something is.

Level 3 Offers Customers Wireless Backup for Business Continuity.

Protects Enterprises and Government Agencies from Service Disruption with a Simple, Reliable and Economical Solution for Redundant Network Services

BROOMFIELD, Colo. -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) today announced a new wireless backup solution that provides customers protection against any disruption to their network services. The wireless solution provides a reliable alternative to traditional IP network backup, simplifies business-continuity options, and offers an economical solution for organizations hoping to avoid the costs of purchasing diverse network paths.

With the increasing reliance on digital systems in today's international business environment, a disruption of telecommunications services or loss of critical information can be crippling to an organization. Enterprises require redundant solutions to ensure their business systems operate without interruption to protect the company's viability and its ability to effectively serve its customers. Government agencies also require redundant solutions to ensure they can provide citizens with critical public services during a crisis.

"Our increasingly information-based economy requires the rapid adoption of interconnected network systems for global commerce and, at the same time, governments are increasingly dependent on network systems to provide critical federal services," said Courtney Munroe, vice president of Worldwide Telecommunications at IDC. "However, using such systems requires organizations to ensure vital services and information continue to be accessible in the event of an emergency. The ability for telecommunications providers to offer multiple backup solutions is critical to meeting this need."

Enhancing its managed router capabilities, Level 3's wireless backup access is now available across the U.S. for the company's dedicated Internet access (DIA), virtual private network (VPN) and converged business network services. The new wireless backup solution complements an already robust IP network with multiple diverse paths, offering Level 3 customers a comprehensive approach to service continuity and data recovery in the event of an emergency.

"Level 3 has long been dedicated to providing business continuity solutions that enable organizations to confidently work toward their critical objectives knowing their service access is protected," said Paul Savill, senior vice president of Data, Transport and Infrastructure Services for Level 3. "This assurance plays a vital role in growing the digital economy, and we are delighted that the inclusion of wireless backup into our business continuity portfolio enhances the redundancy options for our customers."

For more information on Level 3's Business Continuity solutions, visit http://www.level3.com/Solutions/business-need/business-continuity-disaster-recovery.aspx

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) is a leading international provider of fiber-based communications services. Enterprise, content, wholesale and government customers rely on Level 3 to deliver services with an industry-leading combination of scalability and value over an end-to-end fiber network. Level 3 offers a portfolio of metro and long-haul services, including transport, data, Internet, content delivery and voice. For more information, visit www.Level3.com.

[c] Level 3 Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Level 3, Level 3 Communications and the Level 3 Communications Logo are either registered service marks or service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or one of its Affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Any other service names, product names, company names or logos included herein are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statement

Some of the statements made in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3's control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to: the current uncertainty in the global financial markets and the global economy; a discontinuation of the development and expansion of the Internet as a communications medium and marketplace for the distribution and consumption of data and video; and disruptions in the financial markets that could affect Level 3's ability to obtain additional financing. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to: increase and maintain the volume of traffic on its network; develop effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; adapt to rapid technological changes that lead to further competition; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; successfully integrate acquisitions; and meet all of the terms and conditions of debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

PacketVideo Launches TwonkyManager 2.0 and TwonkyServer 6.0.

Award Winning Connected Home Solution Adds New Features Including Industry Firsts; Finding and Sharing Media on Connected Devices Has Never Been Easier or More Fun

SAN DIEGO -- PacketVideo (PV) today introduced TwonkyManager[TM] 2.0 and TwonkyServer[TM] 6.0, both downloadable versions of the company's award-winning family of Twonky connected home solutions. Twonky solutions have shipped and bundled on more than three million consumer electronics devices to date - more than any other connected home offering on the market.

Available at www.Twonky.com, TwonkyManager and TwonkyServer work with PCs to make finding media and playing it back on connected home and mobile devices as simple as drag and drop. The solutions are compatible with more devices and file formats than any other connected home solution in the industry, making sharing photos, video and music a seamless experience for beginners and experts alike.

TwonkyManager 2.0 incorporates new functionality that enhances the way users can find, beam and enjoy their media on connected devices throughout their home network, including the new TwonkyServer 6.0 that scans files faster than ever, along with a number of new features that mark firsts for the industry.

New Content Aggregation Feature Makes Viewing Media Seamless

TwonkyServer 6.0 includes a new feature that enables users to aggregate media located on multiple PCs or other media servers throughout the home into one cohesive view. Unlike iTunes or Windows Media Player, users no longer need to manually switch between servers or worry about where media is stored; it simply appears all in one place on the computer or supported devices on the network. Users can choose to automatically aggregate all newly discovered media servers, or manually select which servers on the network are included. If a media file is stored on multiple devices in the home, the solution acts intuitively and can hide duplicate files from the library, helping users make sense of their media collections and manage their libraries more efficiently.

Auto Copy Makes Media Viewable Whenever New Devices Enter the Home

When enabled, the new Auto Copy feature ensures digital media files are copied to the master media library whenever a new mobile device enters the home, and it archives the media stored on a mobile phone automatically. Users can choose to copy media from all newly discovered media servers, or manually select specific servers from which media should be auto copied. Auto Copy also works from devices running other Twonky products including mobile devices running TwonkyServer[TM] Mobile, as well as with PCs running Windows Media Player 11.

The Auto Copy feature can be used to free memory space on the phone, enabling users to take more photos and videos to share with friends and family. In no time at all, users can beam and share their photos and videos on their TV screen, or enjoy their favorite music on their connected home stereo system.

"TwonkyManager 2.0 and TwonkyServer 6.0 bring a number of exciting firsts to the connected home sector, building upon the innovative features we added to the product earlier this year including chat, guest playlist and ratings functionality," said Rick Schwartz, senior product manager, PV. "The new content aggregation and auto copy features stand alone in making media sharing as easy as possible for our users with mobile devices or media on more than one PC. We feel ease of use is the single most important factor in continuing to bring media sharing to mainstream consumers, and we've been able to achieve this without sacrificing more advanced options for hardcore early adopters."

Additional New Features Make the Best Connected Home Experience, Even Better

Other new features include the ability to use TwonkyManager 2.0 with a NAS device or Windows Home Server, eliminating the need for a local server on the PC. In this configuration, TwonkyManager acts as a controller which beams media to connected devices throughout the home.

The addition of video thumbnails enable users to search through video libraries at lightning speed regardless of the file format, while enhanced media file management and improved file scanning performance bolster the TwonkyManager user experience. The solution also works more seamlessly than ever before with networked TVs, including name brands such as Samsung, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony and more.

TwonkyManager 2.0 includes two new eye-catching skins that visually enhance the look of the software, and also incorporates the option to install TwonkyBeam[TM] for Internet Explorer and Firefox. TwonkyBeam is a first-of-its-kind software solution that enables users to beam media from popular Web sites to devices on the home network.

Pricing and Availability

TwonkyManager 2.0 with TwonkyServer 6.0 is available today for only $19.95 at www.twonky.com. TwonkyServer 6.0 can also be purchased separately for $19.95. A 30-day free trial is available to new users.

Twonky products work seamlessly with hundreds of DLNA and UPnP-compliant devices - including gaming consoles, media adapters, connected TVs, A/V systems, PCs and mobile devices. To view a list of DLNA-certified products that work great with TwonkyManager, visit www.dlna.org.

About PacketVideo

Founded in 1998, PacketVideo is the software pioneer powering the world's leading multimedia services on millions of home and mobile devices. PacketVideo is a subsidiary of NextWave Wireless Inc. (NASDAQ: WAVE).

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will be achieved, and actual events or results could differ materially from the events or results predicted or from any other forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, PV, and should not be considered as an indication of future events or results. Important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially are described in filings of our parent company, NextWave Wireless Inc. (NASDAQ: WAVE) with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such documents are available through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. PV makes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect changes in events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made, except as may be required pursuant to applicable law.

New HMO in Florida's Manatee County Sparks Interest.

By Shelly Sigo, The Bradenton Herald, Fla. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

BRADENTON, Fla.--Jan. 30--More than 100 people in Manatee and Sarasota counties called SunStar Healthcare Inc. after company officials announced they would expand their health maintenance organization (HMO) subsidiary, SunStar Health Plan Inc., into Manatee County last week.

Of those who called, 35 people were brokers wanting to sell the plan, 25 callers asked for literature pertaining to the plan and the remainder wanted to sign up, SunStar Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Warren D. Stowell said.

"I got four calls from people who were in Sarasota complaining that it was not fair that Manatee County could get the plan and they couldn't," Stowell said.

SunStar is based in Heathrow, near Orlando. Its plan offers an "open access" HMO, meaning patients do not have to go through a primary doctor, or gatekeeper, to see a specialist as long as the specialist is in SunStar's panel of doctors.

Through a contract with Bay Care Health Network, SunStar has agreements for services with Tampa Bay hospitals, including Manatee Memorial Hospital.

More than 100 doctors in Manatee County are on SunStar's panel, some of whom have privileges at Manatee Memorial.

The SunStar plan will be available in Sarasota by June, Stowell said.

For more information about the SunStar plan or investing in the company, call toll-free 1-888-339-4997.

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Visit Bradenton Herald Internet Plus on the World Wide Web at http://www.bhip.com

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(c) 1998, The Bradenton Herald, Fla. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

India Roundup.

Byline: Molouk Y. Ba-Isa

Mobile transaction

Bharti Airtel has signed a memorandum of understanding with XIUS-bcgi to pilot the eCogNito solution - an end-to-end mobile transaction platform. Part of XIUS-bcgi's eCogNito solution is a contact-less (CL) SIM card. The new CL SIMs will be issued by mobile network operators, such as Bharti Airtel, and will work with the millions of existing handsets. A second part of the solution uses paper-thin, printed electronics technology, which creates a self-service terminal device with through-the-glass-touch sensing. These are called active posters (APs) and they can be mounted behind any retail shop with a glass front, instantly transforming it into a 24x7 storefront.

With CL SIMs, Bharti Airtel customers will be able to perform contact-less transactions for prepaid recharge, electronic bill payment, booking movie tickets and accessing digital content, coupons/tokens on the move - all of this with just a touch of their handset to "target icons" on the APs anywhere, anytime. Indian consumers will also be able to touch their handsets to "target icons" on APs placed in cafes, music shops, multiplexes, fast-food restaurants, etc. to automatically set-up local, high-speed free data connections using multiple short-range wireless connectivity technologies (Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) and download rich media content like video clips, games and animations in minutes into their handsets.

WiMAX finds favor

The WiMAX Forum projects that more than 27.5 million Indians will be WiMAX users by 2012. Additional data from a recent WiMAX Forum study estimates that approximately 70 percent of the forecasted WiMAX subscribers will utilize mobile and portable WiMAX devices to access broadband Internet services.

"WiMAX devices and networks are available now for deployment worldwide delivering best in class broadband services at a cost to consumers significantly lower than any other technology. India is clearly making the commitment and taking the steps to ensure wireless broadband services are a reality that enables operators to meet the needs of India's diverse and growing population," said Ron Resnick, president of the WiMAX Forum.

Last week, the WiMAX Forum commended the Department of Telecommunications of India for the allocation of, and upcoming auction relating to, the 2.3 and 2.5GHz frequency bands. The auction will enable two 20MHz blocks in both the 2.3 and 2.5GHz bands. The Indian government also plans to auction blocks in the 700MHz and 3.3-3.6GHz bands as they become available. The WiMAX Forum expects to certify the first 3.5GHz WiMAX products by the end of 2008 and views 700MHz as a strong contender for Mobile Internet services, especially in India's low-density rural areas. With the demand for WiMAX in India the WiMAX Forum plans to add an Indian certification lab to its existing network by the end of 2008.

More movie downloads

In a move sure to delight world cinema aficionados across the SAARC territories, NDTV Lumiere is making its offerings available through www.jaman.com/movies/NDTV/. Titles from NDTV Lumiere's extensive acquisition list will be available on the site at a price of $2 per download - with free content offered as well.

Viewers can choose to watch films through real-time Internet streaming or they can download the movie to PC and watch it as many times as they wish for a period of seven days. This service will be offered across India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Jaman is currently in Beta. To learn more about it click to www.jaman.com/faq/.

Copyright: Arab News 2003 All rights reserved.

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

Smartcity scenario to be unveiled in Durban.(News)

DURBAN is one step closer to becoming a "smart city" with access to cheap internet services including e-mail accounts for residents.

The first SmartCity Information Communication Technology (ICT) Conference will be held at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre this week and the Smartcity concept, like affordable broadband, will be explained to business, government officials and the public.

Speakers will include internationally renowned information technology specialists as well as the Deputy Minister of Communications, Roy Padayachie.

Padayachie has been vocal in his support for cheaper access to broadband and said if South Africa wanted to be globally competitive it needed some major changes - referring to an alternative to Telkom.

There will also be an exhibition showcasing the use of broadband technologies including the "intelligent home", remote conferencing (e-learning) and and e-Government.

Jacquie Subban, Head of Geographic Information and Policy at eThekwini Municipality, said an "active" layer would be added to the city's current fibre-optic infrastructure.

"This will allow it to have carrier class status, meaning that there will be two separate networks - one for the city's use and the other for the private sector, making internet usage and local phone calls highly affordable for all the citizens of Durban." - jani.meyer@inl.co.za

GOPHERS INSIDER; Brewster's true test will come next year; This year's recruiting class is basically Glen Mason's. We'll have to wait to find out more about the new coach's ability to persuade recruits to become Gophers.(SPORTS)

Byline: Chip Scoggins; Staff Writer

As he introduced his 2007 recruiting class this past week, new Gophers football coach Tim Brewster was asked if the class should include an asterisk since most of the players were recruited by his predecessor, Glen Mason, before he was fired.

Predictably and quite understandably, Brewster disagreed with that assertion. But in reality, the class does deserve an asterisk because it is essentially Mason's class and not Brewster's, even though Brewster managed to attract five recruits - including his son - in the final three weeks before signing day. Brewster's prowess as a recruiter won't be in full view until next year, when he and his staff will have had more time to cultivate relationships with their recruits. Brewster

didn't have that luxury this recruiting season. Essentially, his competition had a 70-yard head start in a 100-yard dash. Common sense says that's too much ground to make up. Brewster's best hope was to lay groundwork for the next recruiting season.

Brewster already has offered scholarships to a handful of the state's top juniors, but make no mistake, all eyes are fixated on his recruitment of Cretin-Derham Hall wide receiver Michael Floyd, a wonderful talent who will have his pick of schools next year. Fair or not, the perception of Brewster as a recruiter will hinge on Floyd's decision, even though the new coach is coming late to that party, too.

If Brewster lands Floyd, this whole Gophers Nation thing might become a full-fledged movement. All the things that have been said and written about Brewster as a master recruiter will have a measure of validity to them. But if he doesn't get Floyd ...

That's the funny - and maddening - thing about recruiting. So much of it is based on perception. A national recruiting radio host, in an interview with Brewster on signing day, actually gushed about the coach's ability to lure a recruit away from Indiana. No joke.

If, however, Brewster begins to attract a different caliber of athlete, don't be surprised if antennas go up around the country. The New York Times ran an interesting piece this week about Illinois coach Ron Zook, who created a buzz throughout college football by securing a top-15 recruiting class despite two consecutive awful seasons on the field.

Rumors of recruiting impropriety have circulated for weeks, enough so that former Michigan State coach John L. Smith shockingly offered this quote to the Times: "If they had a winning program and all of that, it would be a different deal. If they had the greatest facilities in the world, then maybe they could sell them. But what are they selling? ... Where there's smoke, there's probably fire."

Zook, not surprisingly, took offense to the rumors and accusations and defended his recruiting practices at his news conference on signing day. The school reportedly even hired a law firm to check into rumors of wrongdoing and found nothing.

That is the nature of the game in recruiting these days. The recruiting process should invite a fair amount of skepticism and oversight, but Internet message boards and negative tactics have blurred things immeasurably.

Brewster has been in the game long enough to understand how it works. He certainly sounds confident in his recruiting ability and seems driven to excel at it. He said every coach should be thinking about recruiting morning, noon and night, and he also constructed his staff with recruiting in mind.

His is a diverse staff, one that includes young coaches from different backgrounds and different parts of the country who see recruiting as a competition.

Brewster said he won't settle for anything less. He nearly leaped out of his shoes when asked on signing day whether he and his staff would take a few days to catch their breath now.

"We are never going to ease up on recruiting at any time," he said pointedly.

We'll get a true measure of their work this time next year.

Internet Capital Group to Present at 13th Annual Emerald Groundhog Day Investment Forum, US Treasury Secretary John Snow to Provide Keynote Speech.

LANCASTER, Pa. -- Emerald Asset Management has announced that Internet Capital Group (NASDAQ:ICGE) will be presenting at the 13th Annual Emerald Groundhog Day Investment Forum. Emerald has also announced that U.S. Secretary of the Treasury John Snow will be the keynote speaker at the Thirteenth Annual Emerald Groundhog Day Investment Forum dinner, scheduled for Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia. Secretary Snow is scheduled to speak at the invitation-only dinner at 7:00 pm on Wednesday in the Grand Ballroom of the Radisson. Secretary Snow's speech, entitled "America Competes: Keeping America's Economy Strong in the 21st Century," will be followed by a brief question and answer session.

"We are thrilled Secretary Snow has chosen the Emerald Groundhog Day Investment Forum as an opportunity to discuss the President's economic policy with leading business and investment executives," said Emerald Founder and CEO, Joseph E. Besecker.

The Forum will showcase investment opportunities in some of the Mid-Atlantic region's fastest growing companies, as well as industry leaders from across the country. Senior management from several public and private companies are scheduled to make 30-minute formal presentations during concurrent sessions.

The Emerald Groundhog Day Investment Forum provides a unique opportunity for portfolio managers, analysts, and investment industry professionals to interact with senior executives representing a wide array of industries ranging from banking & financial services, capital goods, consumer goods, life sciences, technology, and transportation. In addition, analysts from Emerald Asset Management will be sharing their views on the most compelling growth opportunities for the coming year.

This year's Forum is being sponsored by Forward Funds, Avondale Partners, Stevens & Lee, Pepper Hamilton LLP, Griffin Financial Group LLC, Sturdivant & Company, and Trout Ebersole & Groff.

Emerald Asset Management is a diversified investment services company that operates through its wholly owned subsidiary Emerald Advisers, Inc. With over $2.5 billion in assets under management, Emerald Advisers, Inc. offers a series of research-driven investment products through institutional separate accounts and sub-advising mutual funds, including the Forward Emerald Growth Fund (HSPGX), Forward Emerald Banking & Finance Fund (HSSAX), and the Forward Emerald Opportunities Fund (HSYTX) within the Forward Funds Group. Emerald is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and operates satellite offices in King of Prussia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and San Diego, California.

Additional information on the Forum, including registration information, can be found at http://www.teamemerald.com/groundhog.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio Now Available as Factory Installed Option on All-New 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum Vehicles; New lower MSRP of $195 Includes One-Year Subscription.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio , known for delivering the very best in commercial-free music and premium broadcast entertainment to cars and homes across the country, today announced that the Chrysler Group's all-new 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, will feature SIRIUS Satellite Radio as a factory-installed option, with an included one-year subscription, for $195 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991118/NYTH125 )

"This is very exciting for SIRIUS, and marks the first of our 2005 model year factory launches with Chrysler Group," said Doug Wilsterman, Senior Vice President of OEM Automotive for SIRIUS. "We are extremely pleased to participate in Chrysler Group's 2005 model year product offensive, and we believe that customers will recognize Chrysler's $195 pricing of the SIRIUS option as an industry standard and compelling value proposition."

The Chrysler 300's striking new proportions combine classic American design and power with proven DaimlerChrysler technology. Marking the brand's return to a rear-wheel-drive, V-8 powered automobile for the first time in more than a decade, the Chrysler 300 pays homage, albeit in a very contemporary way, to the first "letter series" Chrysler 300s, which combined performance and prestige like no other vehicle at the time.

The Dodge Magnum is the new shape of American muscle, celebrating what American muscle cars were in the past, but with a design and packaging configuration that charges into the future. This category of vehicle offers the right formula of proportions, packaging, performance and appearance that set them far apart from the competition.

"The Chrysler Group is pleased to offer such a competitively priced entertainment package that will enhance our customers driving experience," said Jack Withrow, Director of Vehicle Entertainment and Communications for the Chrysler Group.

All Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum customers will be able to order SIRIUS as a factory-installed option for $195, including a one-year subscription with access to SIRIUS' over 60 commercial-free music channels and more than 50 news, sports, entertainment, traffic and weather channels. As an additional benefit offered exclusively to Chrysler customers, there is no activation fee to initiate the service after vehicle delivery.

Customers also may stream SIRIUS music programming over a high-speed internet connection at their homes or offices at no additional charge.

Consumers selecting the SIRIUS Satellite Radio option in their Chrysler 300 or Dodge Magnum will receive a small, mouse-like antenna mounted to the roof of the vehicle. Station selection with the radio is easy, using the same familiar method as selecting an AM or FM station. Consumers will be able to scan channels or select pre-set buttons for their favorite channels. Consumers will also be able to search both by music category and channel, which will be displayed on the radio screen.

About SIRIUS

SIRIUS provides listeners with over 110 channels of the best commercial- free music, sports, information and entertainment, with digital quality sound coast-to-coast, broadcast daily from New York City, Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans, Houston and Daytona. SIRIUS offers over 60, 100% commercial- free, music channels featuring multiple categories of Pop, Rock, Country, Hip- Hop, R&B, Dance, Jazz, Classical and Latin music, along with more than 50 channels of world-class sports, news, talk entertainment, traffic and weather for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95, with greater savings for upfront payments of multiple months or a year or more. SIRIUS also broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NHL, NBA and NFL, and is the official satellite radio partner of the NFL.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are manufactured by Alpine, Audiovox, Blaupunkt, Clarion, Eclipse, Jensen, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic and U.S. Electronics, and can be purchased at major retailers including Best Buy, Car Toys, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Good Guys, Sears, Tweeter and Ultimate Electronics, along with Wal-Mart, RadioShack and DISH Network outlets in mid-2004.

SIRIUS' exclusive automotive partners DaimlerChrysler, Ford and BMW represent over 40% of new cars and light trucks sold annually in the United States. Automotive brands currently offering SIRIUS radios in select new car models include BMW, MINI, Chrysler, Dodge, JeepAcents, Nissan, Infiniti, Mazda, Audi, Ford, Lincoln-Mercury, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. Automotive brands that have announced plans to offer SIRIUS radios in select models include Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover and Aston Martin. In 2004, SIRIUS radios are expected to be available in nearly 80 different car models, with over 50 of them factory programs. Also, Hertz currently offers SIRIUS in 29 vehicle models at 53 major locations around the country. In addition, Penske Companies - Penske Auto Group, United Auto Group and Penske Trucking - are offering SIRIUS radios as a factory installed option, where available, in their cars and trucks through their dealerships.

Genmar Holdings, the world's largest manufacturer of recreational boats, Formula Boats and Winnebago, the leading supplier of recreational vehicles and motor homes, also offer SIRIUS.

Click on http://www.sirius.com/ to listen to SIRIUS live, or to find a SIRIUS retailer or car dealer in your area.

Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on our results of operations are: our dependence upon third parties to manufacture, distribute, market and sell SIRIUS radios and components for those radios; the unproven market for our service; our competitive position and any events which affect the useful life of our satellites.

CONTACT: Media and Investors - Jim Collins, +1-212-901-6422, jcollins@SIRIUSradio.com, or Cheryl Cramer, Investor Relations, +1-212-901-6466, ccramer@SIRIUSradio.com, or Ron Rodrigues, Media Relations, +1-212-584-5192, rrodrigues@SIRIUS.com, all of SIRIUS; Thomas Meyer, Media Relations, of PR21, +1-310-566-2285, thomas.meyer@pr21.com for SIRIUS; Michele Tinson, Media Relations, of DaimlerChrysler, +1-248-512-2658, mt19@daimlerchrylser.com

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Cavs struggle without McMinnis.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Tom Reed

CLEVELAND _ Paul Silas is not a contender for the vacant throne of Martha Stewart, who might soon trade making homes for license plates.

But the Cleveland Cavaliers coach knows the recipe for potential disaster as it applies to basketball. Remove a key ingredent like injured point guard Jeff McInnis from the mix and suddenly you cannot bring your playoff aspirations to full boil.

Or, as Silas so succiently put it following Sunday's 96-76 loss to Detroit: ``You can't make chicken salad out of you know what.''

McInnis sat out his second consecutive game with what the Cavaliers are calling a right shoulder bruise. The Cavaliers are 0-2 in his absense and lack the zip and swagger they possessed during their recent seven-game winning streak.

It's not the worst shoulder injury to darken this fair city since pitcher Wayne Garland took up residence on the IR list in the late 1970s, but it's hard to overstate what McInnis has brought to the Cavaliers.

It's difficult to imagine them making the playoffs if he remains sidelined for an extended stretch. McInnis not only makes the offense go, he brings an edginess to a team that seems to thrive on it.

It's no concidence the Cavaliers are 17-8 in games in which he has played since arriving from Portland on Jan. 21. Silas said he hopes to have McInnis back for Tuesday's game against Phoenix, but did not sound confident about it.

``McInnis has been giving us quality minutes and you look at what we have done since he's been here _ that's invaluable,'' Silas said.

``'You need somebody to steady you out there and that was our major problem. I'm not knocking our guys _ we just didn't have it.''

Even with the McInnis in the lineup the Cavaliers probably don't beat the Pistons, winners of eight consecutive games.

Nobody in the league is playing better defense. The Pistons are talented, aggressive and deep. They haven't looked this imposing since Bill Laimbeer, Isiah Thomas, Rick Mahorn and the rest of the Bad Boys treated the Cavaliers and others like chew toys in the late 80s.

``You know defense carries their team and they are going to go a long way,'' said LeBron James, who finished with 15 points on 5-of-17 shooting.

The Cavaliers were never in this game after the first quarter. They had no penetration or flow. They shot 38 percent and managed just 10 fast-break points.

The Pistons have been clamping down on every opponent in recent weeks, but Silas wasn't about to annoint them the ``greatest defensive team ever'' with his team playing short-handed.

``I don't know if we would have won or not, but we would have certainly been better (with) J-Mac,'' Silas said.

That's not an indictment of Kevin Ollie, who started the past two games at point guard. He has given the Cavaliers a good effort all season and has been solid in relief of McInnis.

Ollie is like a trusty computer that can perform similar Internet functions to the high-tech model, only without the same connection speed. Right now, the Cavaliers are back to dial-up after becoming accustomed to DSL.

``We have been used to a certain style (with McInnis),'' forward Eric Williams said. ``Sometimes, you need to readjust and that takes a little longer.''

Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, they don't have the luxury of time as they fight for a playoff spot.

Silas tried Dajuan Wagner and James at the point in hopes of sparking the offense. Nothing worked. The coach used James there despite telling the media prior to the game he would not revisit that option.

It's amazing to think what McInnis has meant to the Cavaliers, especially considering his pro pedigree. He is four years removed from the CBA. He had lost his starting job with the Trail Blazers before coming to Cleveland.

But some players blossom in the right environment. McInnis is a classic example _ one the Cavaliers hope they can use again before it's too late.

___

Visit Akron Beacon Journal Online at http://www.ohio.com/.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

(c) 2004, Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio).

Quick Eagle Networks introduces two new routers for medium-sized business and enterprise branch offices; New 5842 and 5844 Multiport Routers are ideal for enterprises seeking high performance and high port density at a lower cost.

M2 PRESSWIRE-28 April 2003-Quick Eagle Networks, Inc: Quick Eagle Networks introduces two new routers for medium-sized business and enterprise branch offices; New 5842 and 5844 Multiport Routers are ideal for enterprises seeking high performance and high port density at a lower cost(C)1994-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:04282003

SUNNYVALE, CA -- Quick Eagle Networks, Inc., a leading provider of intelligent WAN access solutions, announced today its new line of routers directed at medium-sized business and enterprise branch office markets. The 5842/44 Multiport Routers are the only access routers with integrated CSU/DSU and advanced network monitoring features available on the market today.

Both routers were developed to address the needs of the growing branch office market by giving the ability to configure static routes, and employ an array of dynamic routing protocols like RIP1, RIP2, OSPF, and optional BGP-4, which overall enables the routers to link small and large enterprise networks with advanced IP routing services, such as multipaths and path redundancy. The 5842 Multiport Router comes standard with two T1 WAN ports enabled. It can be upgraded to four T1 WAN ports through software, eliminating the wait for hardware, the engineering time needed to perform the upgrade, and prolonged system downtime. The 5844 Multiport Router comes with all four T1 WAN ports activated.

"With their virtually wire-speed performance, scalability in routing protocols, range of features, and competitive pricing, these routers are a true alternative to traditional, high cost, proprietary branch office routers," said Alan Rice, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Quick Eagle Networks. "These routers also perform better than most traditional branch office routers because of their integrated hardware and software architecture."

Since the 5842 and 5844 are multi-function devices, they enable businesses to considerably lower the cost of WAN access. The routers support private and public Frame Relay networks, Internet, or leased lines. This allows for network deployment flexibility and the ability to use integrated NAT services to reduce Internet access costs. The platforms also include load sharing and load balancing capabilities that can be used in a multihoming environment to improve network reliability.

Static NAT, dynamic NAT, and overloading (NAPT) allow businesses to access the Internet using private IP addresses. Firewall technology permits or denies access based on source and destination IP addresses. The embedded network performance monitoring features enable protocols and applications monitoring (RMON-1, RMON-2) and Frame Relay Service Level Verification. Optional Multilink PPP (RFC1990) and Multilink Frame Relay (FRF.16.1) protocols provide the 5842 and 5844 Multiport Routers with the capability to bond multiple T1s into a single high-speed virtual link, or enable load balancing applications.

The 5842 and 5844 Multiport Routers will be available in North American markets in June 2003.

About Quick Eagle Networks

Quick Eagle Networks, Inc. is a provider of intelligent WAN access solutions for frame relay and IP networks, and the world leader in multilink access devices. The company's fully software-configurable IP access products and network management solutions provide expanded functionality for reduced cost at the LAN/WAN interface. Founded in 1985 and recognized worldwide for its Digital Link and Quick Eagle brand products, the company serves many of the world's leading enterprises and carriers including Boeing, Wells Fargo, MCI/WorldCom, Sprint, British Telecom, Bell Canada, and France Telecom. Quick Eagle Networks is an ISO-9001 certified company, with headquarters in Sunnyvale, California and sales and distribution offices worldwide. More information is available at www.quickeagle.com.

CONTACT: Sara Azadi, Public Relations, e21corpTel: +1 510 226 6780 x 245e-mail: sara_azadi@e21corp.com

((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data prepared by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).