NSW:Man charged over fatal crash

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-2011
NSW:Man charged over fatal crash

SYDNEY, Aug 6 AAP - A man has been charged after a mother was killed when her car collided
with another vehicle that failed to stop near Newcastle.

Police say the woman's white Toyota Echo and another car collided on Wakefield Road,
Wakefield, about 8pm (AEST) on Friday.

Police believe the Toyota left the road and slammed into a power pole.

The driver, a 30-year-old woman travelling home to her young family, died at the scene.?

Police allege the other vehicle, described as blue or turquoise in colour, and possibly
an early model Commodore, did not stop.

On Saturday, a 25-year-old man was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death,
negligent driving occasioning death, negligent driving and failing to stop and assist
after vehicle impact causing death.

He was granted conditional bail to face Toronto Local Court on August 31.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Anyone who can assist should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

AAP lxs/adb?

KEYWORD: TOLL NSW 2ND UPDATE

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

Airy, Sir George Biddell

Airy, Sir George Biddell (1801–1892) British astronomer Airy, the son of a tax collector, was born in Alnwick in the north-east of England. He attended school in Colchester before going to Cambridge University in 1819. He met with early success, producing a mathematical textbook in 1826 and numerous papers on optics. He became Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge in 1826 and two years later was made Plumian Professor of Astronomy and director of the Cambridge Observatory. In 1835 he was appointed Astronomer Royal, a post he held for 46 years.

Airy was a very energetic, innovative, and successful Astronomer Royal. He re-equipped the observatory, installing an altazimuth for lunar observation in 1847, a new transit circle and zenith tube in 1851, and a 13-inch (33-cm) equatorial telescope in 1859. He created a magnetic and meteorological department in 1838, began spectroscopic investigations in 1868, and started keeping a daily record of sunspots with the Kew Observatory heliograph in 1873. In optics he investigated the use of cylindrical lenses to correct astigmatism (Airy was astigmatic) and examined the disklike image in the diffraction pattern of a point source of light (in an optical device with a central aperture) now called the Airy disk. Also named for him is his hypothesis of isostasy: the theory that mountain ranges must have root structures of lower density, proportional to their height, in order to maintain isostatic equilibrium.

Despite his many successes he is now mainly, and unfairly, remembered for his lapses. When John Adams came to him in September, 1845, with news of the position of a new planet, Airy unwisely ignored him, leaving it to others to win fame as the discoverers of Neptune. He also dismissed Michael Faraday's new field theory.

NSW:Frigate scuttling no harm: NSW minister

AAP General News (Australia)
04-11-2011
NSW:Frigate scuttling no harm: NSW minister

SYDNEY, April 11 AAP - NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson is totally
confident the controversial scuttling of the decommissioned HMAS Adelaide will have no
negative impacts on the environment.

The frigate was towed out of Sydney Harbour early Monday morning and is due to be sunk
off the Central Coast on Wednesday, to attract marine life and become a diving site.

"I am 100 per cent confident there has not been a stone left unturned in relation to
making sure the stringent environmental testing has been undertaken," Ms Hodgkinson told
reporters on Sydney Harbour on Monday.

"It has undergone more stringent testing than I think any other project in history
in this state."

The sinking of the ship would be an historic event that was expected to draw large
crowds, she said.

"It's not every day that a warship is scuttled and it's a first for NSW."

Once sunk, it would become a big tourist attraction for divers, she said.

"It is going to put NSW and the Central Coast firmly on the world stage when it comes to diving."

Ms Hodgkinson said she was pleased that the scuttling is finally going to go ahead
after 10 years of planning.

"I am so pleased that there is not going to be any more interruptions or disruptions
that we have been able to foresee," she said.

The last hopes of the campaign group No Ship Action Group were themselves scuttled
on Monday when the NSW Ombudsman announced that he would "not be making any decision that
will affect the timetable for the scuttling of the Adelaide".

AAP wjf/apm/pc

KEYWORD: ADELAIDE SECOND UPDATE

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

FED:Renewables on the rise: report

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-2010
FED:Renewables on the rise: report

New data shows Australians have installed more than 100 thousand rooftop solar panels
this year .. more than in the entire previous decade.

The clean energy sector says it shows Australians are keen to do their bit in the battle
against climate change.

A report by Clean Energy Australia shows there were over 105 thousand solar power systems
installed in Australia in the 10 months from January to October this year .. compared
to the 81 thousand installed from 2001 to 2009.

The council's chief executive MATTHEW WARREN says it's a sign Australians are bracing
themselves against hikes in electricity prices.

AAP RTV cj/rl/af

KEYWORD: CLIMATE CLEAN (CANBERRA)

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

NSW:Three charged for gem store robbery

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-2010
VIC:Two killed in pokies bar shooting

By Melissa Jenkins and Edwina Scott

MELBOURNE, Aug 13 AAP - Two men have been killed and a third is believed to have fled
from a gunman who shot up a pokies bar in inner Melbourne.

After killing one man with several shots at Players on Lygon on a busy Friday afternoon
in Carlton, the man then gave chase after another man, according to a witness.

The witness says the gunman chased the man across Lygon Street and through a park before
giving up and returning to the bar to kill the second man.

Police believe the victims are in their 60s or 70s.

One man, believed to be in his 50s, was arrested in the gaming venue and was compliantly
taken into custody by police.

Both men were shot outside Players, police say, but one fell through the bar's doorway
where his body remained slumped several hours after being killed.

The other victim lay in a pool of blood on the footpath, under the roadside umbrellas
in Melbourne's vibrant cafe and eating street.

"He shot someone in Players then he chased a second guy across this park," said witness
Travis Eldridge, who works as an accountant on the level above the bar.

"The guy got away, so then the shooter went back to Players and shot the other guy."

Mr Eldridge, 24, said the gunman, who was balding and dressed in black, fired two or
three shots each time.

He said the shooting unfolded in five to 10 minutes about 4.45pm (AEST).

The double murder came six hours after crime family patriarch Macchour Chaouk was gunned
down at his home at Brooklyn in Melbourne's west.

But Detective Sergeant Wayne Woltsche said it doesn't appear the Carlton double murder
is connected with the Chaouk shooting.

"At this stage we have no link to that shooting," he told reporters in Lygon Street.

A man was arrested over the Chaouk killing shortly after the shootings in Carlton.

Det Sgt Woltsche refused to speculate on any underworld links to the shooting.

"We haven't got to the reasonings behind this shooting tonight and I'm certainly not
going to be drawn on any underworld shooting or anything like that," he said.

Det Sgt Woltsche said it was still unclear what had happened and police had no indication
of a motive.

"What took place is still in dispute," he said.

He would not confirm whether the shooting was a professional hit.

"It's a fairly callous crime - whether it's an execution I can't say."

Early indications suggest the shootings have been captured on CCTV by the gaming venue,
Det Sgt Woltsche said.

He said there were more than 30 people in the bar at the time and police will be speaking
to witnesses throughout the night.

But he refused to confirm whether the incident was a targeted attack.

"The only assurance I can give at this stage is that we have a person in custody as
a suspect for this shooting," he said.

"Obviously it's outrageous it takes place on Lygon Street, Melbourne."

Players on Lygon, between Pelham Street and Argyle Place, is in the heart of Lygon
Street, which was also the seat of many of the major players in Melbourne's vicious gangland
war of the 1990s and 2000s, which claimed at least 27 lives.

AAP ees/pmu/apm

KEYWORD: SHOOTING VIC WRAP (PIX AVAILABLE)

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

FED: National road toll at 10

AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-2010
FED: National road toll at 10

The death of a man in South Australia has lifted the national Easter road toll over
the holiday long weekend to 10.

The 20-year-old Peterborough man was a passenger in a car which crashed yesterday at
Yongala .. in the state's mid-north .. the second Easter fatality in the state.

Police say the car was carrying five young adults .. none of whom was wearing seatbelts
.. and they've charged the 23-year-old male driver with dangerous driving.

Police across the country have condemned the actions of drivers who've put themselves
and others at risk over the long weekend.

Meanwhile .. in NSW .. police are continuing to hunt two teenage boys who allegedly
stole and crashed a car in Sydney's west before abandoning it .. leaving three injured
passengers behind.

And in Victoria .. police have announced the establishment of a taskforce to focus
on catching and locking up drivers who cause road crashes.



The Easter holiday road toll has seen three killed in Victoria .. two in NSW and SA
.. and one each in Queensland, WA and the ACT.

(EDS: AAP's Easter road toll figures are for the period 0001 April 1 to 2359 April
5. Some states and territories might have different periods.)

AAP RTV ih/ajw/psm/

KEYWORD: TOLL NATIONAL (SYDNEY)

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

Fed: Rudd praises Afghans, troops over election success

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2009
Fed: Rudd praises Afghans, troops over election success

By Adam Bennett and Vincent Morello

SYDNEY, Aug 21 AAP - Australian politicians have praised the bravery of Afghans who
ignored threats of insurgent violence to vote in Thursday's election.

The Taliban tried to scare voters away from polling booths in the lead-up to the elections,
launching a series of high-profile attacks.

But despite the threats, polling day itself saw only sporadic Taliban violence.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd congratulated the millions of Afghans who defied the insurgents
and voted in the election, echoing similar statements by US President Barack Obama and
the United Nations.

"Let's congratulate the people of Afghanistan, and what I'm advised has been a strong
turnout for these democratic elections in Afghanistan, conducted in the most hostile of
environments," Mr Rudd told reporters in Sydney on Friday.

"I've been to Afghanistan a number of times. I've been to Kabul, I've been to Oruzgan.

This is a very difficult, bloody and dangerous part of the world.

"The fact that you've got the good people of Afghanistan presenting themselves to vote,
despite all of those constraints, is a credit to them and the achievements so far of the
Afghan government."

Mr Rudd also thanked the Australian troops who helped secure Oruzgan province in the
lead-up to the election.

He said that of the 70 reported attacks by Taliban and terrorist insurgents, 16 were
in the Oruzgan Province, where Australian troops are deployed.

One of the attacks, in which Australian troops were engaged, included rocket fire,
mortars and rocket propelled grenades, he said.

"I'll say to all of our men and women in uniform in Afghanistan: Well done on doing
what you have done in what is a very violent environment, to make it possible for as many
people in Afghanistan to get out there and vote as possible," he told reporters.

"The outcome of the election is uncertain in terms of who wins.

"But can I say the fact that we've been able to conduct an election in Afghanistan,
in this extraordinarily difficult environment, is a testament to all those involved."

Defence Minister John Faulkner said the success of the elections was "a tribute to
the resolve of the Afghan people and the efforts of our troops".

"In Oruzgan, where Australian forces supported the Afghan National Security Force in
its lead role providing security for the elections, voters proved their resilience and
determination by turning up and casting their votes," Senator Faulkner said in a statement.

"To quote Lieutenant Colonel Peter Connolly, Commanding Officer of the Mentoring and
Reconstruction Task Force, the people of the province were courageous and gutsy by participating
in the election."

Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Julie Bishop said the elections were "an important
step for the fledgling democracy".

AAP ab/hn/jfm/cdh

KEYWORD: AFGHAN AUST WRAP

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

Fed: Sri Lankan govt should talk and Tamils lay down guns: Smith

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2009
Fed: Sri Lankan govt should talk and Tamils lay down guns: Smith

By Andrea Hayward

PERTH, April 13 AAP - Australia is again urging the Sri Lankan government to enter
into political dialogue and the Tamil Tigers to "lay down their guns" to resolve their
deadly conflict.

Sri Lanka's government says it is in the final stages of defeating the separatist Liberation
Tigers of Tamil Eelam, who launched a campaign in 1972 to create a separate Tamil homeland
on the Indian Ocean island.

But the government is under pressure to agree to a ceasefire, amid claims 3,500 civilians
have been killed in the first three months of 2009 alone.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said he welcomed a so-called holiday truce
between the government and the separatists.

"We again urge all concerned to respect the civil and humanitarian rights of civilians
caught up in the conflict, to enable humanitarian assistance to be rendered and urge the
Sri Lankan government to not just embark on a military campaign but to understand that
this dispute can only be resolved by political dialogue," Mr Smith told reporters in Perth
on Monday.

"The Australian government has consistently said that we want to see a cessation of
hostilities in Sri Lanka, we want humanitarian law to be respected," he said.

"We've previously called on the Tamil Tigers to lay down their arms and called upon
the Sri Lankan government resolve these matters not just by military means but political
dialogue."

Three Tamil men have begun a hunger strike in a western Sydney shopping mall as part
of a global campaign for a ceasefire between the Sri Lankan army and the Tamil Tigers.

With support from hundreds of local Tamil people, the three men began the hunger strike
in Parramatta's Church Street Mall at 5pm (AEST) on Saturday.

About 1,500 Tamil protesters have also gathered outside Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's
Sydney residence, Kirribilli.

Mr Smith said the demonstrations in Australia had been very peaceful.

"All the advice I have is that the demonstration outside Kirribilli over the weekend
was very peaceful," he said.

"I've had demonstrations outside my own electorate office and they are very peaceful
and civilised and we urge that to continue.

"And of course we want people, if they are making a point, to make their point peacefully
and in a civilised manner.

"And I'd certainly urge anyone contemplating a hunger strike not to go on a hunger
strike on this or any other matter."

AAP ah/apm

KEYWORD: SRILANKA AUST SMITH

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

Vic: Pensioners may keep some of bonus for next year - seniors

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-2008
Vic: Pensioners may keep some of bonus for next year - seniors

A seniors group says Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD shouldn't count on pensioners using
their one-off Christmas windfall to splash out in the stores.

National Seniors Australia chairman EVERALD COMPTON says some pensioners will use the
money to buy Christmas presents .. but others will remain very conservative.

Mr CROMPTON says they're worried about what's going to happen to them in 2009 and they'll
be very careful with the way they spend the bonus.

The federal government started sending out cheques to seniors today with single age
pensioners receiving 14-hundred and couples 21-hundred under the Commonwealth's 10.4 billion
dollar Economic Security Strategy.

AAP RTV jxt/gfr/fdf

KEYWORD: STIMULUS PENSIONERS (MELBOURNE)

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

Vic: Licence fees at party hotspots set to double

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2008
Vic: Licence fees at party hotspots set to double

Victorian pubs and clubs which fuel boozy street violence will have their licence fees
doubled .. under tough new measures to clean up night spots.

New draft fees are set to be released at the end of this month .. before a review of
the controversial two am lock-out trial in Melbourne's CBD.

Fees will rise according to the venue's level of risk and will help pay for extra police
on the streets.

Consumer Affairs Minister TONY ROBINSON says licensees should expect significant increases.

It comes as the Victorian government announces five new targets in the war against
alcohol fuelled violence.

Police will have powers to ban troublemakers for up to 24 hours in Fitzroy and St Kilda
.. and the regional centres of Ballarat .. Geelong and Warrnambool.

AAP RTV cmb/pmu/tm/crh

KEYWORD: BINGE VIC (MELBOURNE)

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

Fed: Brown to push govt for indigenous compensation

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2008
Fed: Brown to push govt for indigenous compensation

Greens leader BOB BROWN says the federal government's apology to the indigenous stolen
generations must be accompanied by financial compensation.

On Wednesday Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD will formally say sorry to Aboriginal people
for the removal of indigenous children from their families.

Mr RUDD has ruled out paying compensation .. but has foreshadowed a major spending
package to improve Aboriginal health and education outcomes.

Senator BROWN says reparations should follow the apology .. because it's the right thing to do.

AAP RTV dcr/rl/sw/jmt

KEYWORD: SORRY SENATORS (CANBERRA)

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

WA: Labor plan not clear, AMA

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2007
WA: Labor plan not clear, AMA

The AMA says KEVIN RUDD hasn't clearly explained how the funds will be spent .. in
his proposed two billion dollar health plan.

If elected .. Mr RUDD will establish a National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission
by early next year .. with two billion dollars to invest in the health system.

And the plan could see control of public hospitals taken away from the states .. if
they don't sign up and achieve targets .. including cutting hospital waiting lists.

AMA President ROSANNA CAPOLINGUA has asked if the funds will go to administration and
bureaucracy .. or into Emergency Departments.







Dr CAPOLINGUA says the way to shorten hospital waiting lists is to have more beds.

And she believes the states can react to their own health needs better than the Commonwealth.

AAP RTV ah/tm/bart

KEYWORD: HEALTH LABOR AMA (PERTH)

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

FED: National Easter road toll at 22 as drivers head home

AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-2007
FED: National Easter road toll at 22 as drivers head home

With thousands of drivers heading home this evening at the end of the Easter break
.. the national road toll for the holiday weekend stands at 22.

Four people have died today.

The latest was a teenage boy who died in hospital early this afternoon .. the day after
his motorcycle collided with a parked van on the Gold Coast.

In the early hours of this morning three defence personnel involved in counter-terrorism
training died .. after their car ran off a bridge into the sea south-west of Melbourne.

Police say the rental car veered off the causeway halfway between Queenscliff and Swan
Island .. a high-security military exercise area.

The Defence Department says the men weren't involved in a specific training activity
at the time of the crash.

Victoria leads the toll count with nine deaths .. there have been six in New South
Wales .. four in Queensland .. two in Western Australia .. and one in the ACT.





(EDS: AAP's Easter road toll figures are for the period 0001 April 5 to 2359 April
9. Some states and territories may have different periods.)

AAP RTV /bart

KEYWORD: TOLL NATIONAL (SYDNEY)

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

SA: Truck driver crushed to death by steel load at scrap factory

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2006
SA: Truck driver crushed to death by steel load at scrap factory

Police say a truck driver who was crushed to death by a load of steel at an Adelaide
scrap metal factory .. was unloading his semi trailer when the accident happened.

The 33 year old man died at about 9 o'clock this morning at the Normetals factory ..

at Ottoway in the city's north-west.

SafeWork SA inspectors and police are investigating.

AAP RTV sl/els/bart

KEYWORD: STEEL (ADELAIDE)

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

Fed: Howard says interest rates still historically low

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2006
Fed: Howard says interest rates still historically low

CANBERRA, Aug 1 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard says interest rates will still be
historically low, even if the Reserve Bank lifts rates as expected today.

The Reserve Bank board is meeting today to discuss a possible rise, following last
week's inflation blowout.

The decision will be announced at 9.30am (AEST) tomorrow.

Mr Howard said he hoped rates would not rise.

"I never like to see interest rates go up. That's human nature," Mr Howard told Southern
Cross Broadcasting.

He said the average mortgage rate on a house over the 10 years of his government was
about 7.15 per cent - five per cent lower than under the Keating Labor government.

He accepted that the burden was higher now as houses were more expensive and people
were more heavily in debt.

"Everything's relative and I do accept that," Mr Howard said.

"This is an interest rate sensitive country but we have to nonetheless make the very
legitimate point that our interest rates are still by recent historical standards low.

"As to what happens today and will be indicated tomorrow either way, well that's a
matter for the Reserve Bank. I don't know what its decision will be.

"There's nothing really to be gained by my speculating this close to the decision."

AAP mfh/maur/nf

KEYWORD: RATES HOWARD

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

NSW: Abberton to face court over brawl in April

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2006
NSW: Abberton to face court over brawl in April

Professional surfer KOBY ABBERTON will face court in April for allegedly inciting a
group of his friends to assault police.

The 26-year-old was scheduled front a two-day hearing in Sydney's Downing Centre Local
Court today.

But Magistrate MICHAEL PRICE was forced to adjourn the hearing .. after both ABBERTON
and the prosecution had difficulty producing witnesses.

ABBERTON allegedly refused to leave the Maroubra Hotel on the night of March 18 last
year .. then told a group of about 20 mates go crazy and start a riot.

ABBERTON'S bail has been continued and he'll appear in the same court on April 21.

AAP RTV ajc/was/jjs/bart

KEYWORD: ABBERTON (SYDNEY)

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

NSW: NSW govt ready to help federal govt help tsunami victims

AAP General News (Australia)
12-28-2004
NSW: NSW govt ready to help federal govt help tsunami victims

The New South Wales government says it's ready to help the federal government provide
aid to victims of Sunday's deadly undersea earthquake.

Police Minister JOHN WATKINS says they're waiting for a request from Canberra and they
stand ready to coordinate their response.

Mr WATKINS says the NSW government has forensic equipment that could be used to help
identify victims.

AAP RTV bk/smb/jmt

KEYWORD: QUAKE AUST NSW (SYDNEY)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

anion

anion A negatively charged ion, i.e. an ion that is attracted to the anode in electrolysis. Compare cation.

bolero.net select IXEurope's flagship Heathrow datacentre for premier colocation facilities.

M2 PRESSWIRE-27 February 2002-IXEUROPE: bolero.net select IXEurope's flagship Heathrow datacentre for premier colocation facilities (C)1994-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:27022002

IXEurope, the pan-European provider of mission critical infrastructure and colocation facilities, today announces that bolero.net, the emerging standard for online international trade, is to colocate in its flagship Heathrow IXDataCentreTM. From its Heathrow Superhub, which consists of 73,000 sq ft of Class 1 hosting space, IXEurope will provide bolero.net with colocation and bandwidth services.

bolero.net's client base includes several of the world's top banks and major trading houses. Deciding factors for bolero.net's choice of IXEurope as its colocation provider included its multi-carrier connectivity, competitive pricing, quality assurance and competence in service delivery. Outsourcing the running of mission critical infrastructure through colocation with IXEurope will allow bolero.net to focus on its core competencies whilst guaranteeing 365/24/7 service delivery to its global client base. Within the colocation sector, IXEurope is the sole neutral colocation provider to have ISO9002 accreditation and its SLA agreement is an industry leader.

In addition to this by colocating with IXEurope, bolero.net can also benefit from the opportunities provided by the IXExchange programme - a regular networking forum through which clients can network and pursue business opportunities from within the IXDatacentres(tm). Clients of IXEurope now include Hewlett Packard, Rackspace, NCMX, France Telecom, Nikon and Cable & Wireless.

Commenting on bolero.net's decision to colocate with IXEurope, Russell Poole, UK General Manager, said "We are delighted to be working with bolero.net and providing it with the quality assured services that it needs as it continues to grow. The colocation proposition offered by IXEurope provides a new departure in outsourcing whereby the customer retains control but obtains a new degree of flexibility that brings many competitive advantages in the current economic climate."

Peter Scott, commercial director of bolero.net, added "Colocating with IXEurope provides us with a flexible outsourcing option which also allows us to focus on our core competencies and obtain a significant cost advantage."

About IXEurope

IXEurope provides Internet infrastructure, neutral colocation and facilities management services to corporate, Internet and telecoms organisations, allowing them speedier access to market and the freedom to focus on their core business. IXDatacentres are present across Europe in all major business centres, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Nice, Dusseldorf, Milan and Barcelona. IXEurope is an ISO9002 Quality Certified Company and a founding member of the Colocation and Hosting Association.

IXEurope's funders include Bank of America, JPMorgan and European Acquisition Capital. For more information please visit the website at www.ixeurope.com .

About bolero.net

Launched in September 1999 by the world's logistics community represented by the TT (through transport) club and the world's financial community represented by the international banking cooperative SWIFT, bolero.net allows the parties in an international trade transaction to exchange contractual, settlement and fulfillment data online in a secure environment which is underpinned by a unique legal infrastructure.

Most of the world's major banks (including ABN Amro, HSBC, JP Morgan Chase, SocGen and BNP) and container shipping lines (including Cosco, Evergreen and K Line) as well as many major multinationals such as Samsung, Hitachi, Otto Versand and Mitsui have signed up to the system. In December 2000, bolero.net raised $50 million in first round venture capital funding.

((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)).

RF Micro Devices To Hold Fiscal 2001 Third Quarter Conference Call On January 16, 2001.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

GREENSBORO, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2001

RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: RFMD), a leading provider of proprietary radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for wireless communications applications, today announced that it will release fiscal 2001 third-quarter financial results for the period ended December 31, 2000 on January 16, 2001 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Management will hold a conference call at 5:00 p.m. EST that day to review the Company's results. The call can be accessed via the Internet live at http://www.streetevents.com and http://www.rfmd.com (under Investor Relations). For those who are unavailable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available at http://www.streetevents.com for 90 days.

RF Micro Devices, Inc., an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer, designs, develops, manufactures and markets proprietary RFICs for wireless communications applications such as cellular and PCS phones, cordless phones, wireless LANs, wireless local loop handsets, industrial radios, wireless security systems and remote meter readers. The company offers a broad array of products - including amplifiers, mixers, modulators/demodulators, and single-chip receivers, transmitters and transceivers - representing a substantial majority of the RFICs required in wireless subscriber equipment. The company's strategy is to focus on wireless markets by offering a broad range of standard and custom-designed RFICs in order to position itself as a "one-stop" solution for its customers' RFIC needs. In the September 4, 2000 issue of FORTUNE magazine, RF Micro Devices was ranked second among FORTUNE's "100 Fastest Growing Companies." RF Micro Devices, Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol RFMD.

RF MICRO DEVICES(R) and RFMD(R) are trademarks of RF Micro Devices, Inc.

For further information about RFMD, please visit our web site at http://www.rfmd.com

Fletcher and Faraday announces investment opinion on International Brands.

Business Editors

NOTE TO EDITORS: The following is an investment opinion issued

by Fletcher and Faraday

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2000

The following is being issued by Fletcher and Faraday, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, CRD number 29769: Fletcher and Faraday (Broker Dealer - Member NASD). WorldBestBuy.com , owned and operated by International Brands, Inc. (OTC BB: INBR). We are continuing coverage with a BUY rating. We believe International Brands appointing Dennis C. Hayes as the new CEO will greatly benefit from this relationship.

Mr. Hayes, inventor of the PC Modem and Internet Industry pioneer, whose intelligent dial modems revolutionized the Internet landscape, has for the past six years been serving as Chairman of the U.S. Internet Industry Association. He has also served as Chairman of Virtual Resources LLC, a management consulting firm specializing in financing and management assistance for "dot com" and high-tech startup companies. As Chairman of Hayes Corporation, Mr. Hayes grew a $5000 investment into a 200 million dollar company that became the leader in the modem industry.

We believe Mr. Hayes' taking over as the new CEO of International Brands is one of the most exciting events in the history of the Company. We think he is the perfect man for the job to take the Company to a whole new level and increase shareholder value.

Fletcher and Faraday is a Broker Dealer and member of the NASD and SIPC.

Fletcher & Faraday herein prepared material upon information supplied by the company or other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained herein should not be considered to be all-inclusive. INBR have approved the statements made in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A company's actual results could differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements or announcements discussed within. This material is for information purpose only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities. Please consult your broker before purchasing or selling any securities mentioned in this report. Fletcher &Faraday has been compensated for its investment banking services provided by the agreement with International Brands Inc. (25,000 INBR Investment Common Shares). Fletcher & Faraday, its clients, officers, directors, employees may buy, sell or have a position in the securities described in this report and may profit in the event the shares rise in value.

Fletcher and Faraday have written commentary on a variety of stocks such as Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT), Yahoo! (NASDAQ:YHOO), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO), MCI Worldcom (NASDAQ;WCOM), Home Depot (NYSE:HD).

Eastern Considering Strategic Alternatives.

WESTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 16, 1999--

Eastern Enterprises (NYSE:EFU) announced today that it is beginning the process of evaluating a number of strategic and financial alternatives to enhance shareholder value. The process will include an assessment of its current strategy of consolidating New England gas distribution utilities, as well as consideration of share repurchases and/or other strategic transactions, including joint ventures or sale of all or a portion of the Company.

J. Atwood Ives, Eastern's chairman and chief executive officer, comments, "We have made substantial progress in achieving our strategic objective of consolidating New England gas distribution companies for the benefit of both our customers and shareholders. Upon completion of the pending mergers with Colonial Gas, expected to close at the end of August, and EnergyNorth, expected to close mid-2000, Eastern will own and operate, in the aggregate, the largest natural gas distribution company in New England serving over 800,000 customers throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It also owns and operates the nation's second largest inland marine transportation company and several non-regulated businesses that complement its LDC operations. As a result of the dramatic changes taking place within the utility industry, Eastern's Board of Trustees and management believe now is a prudent time to undertake a review of all of Eastern's options."

The Company has retained Salomon Smith Barney to assist Eastern's Board of Trustees and management in its review of strategic alternatives.

Eastern Enterprises owns and operates Boston Gas Company, Essex Gas Company, Midland Enterprises Inc. and ServicEdge Partners, Inc. Upon completion of the pending mergers with Colonial Gas and EnergyNorth, Eastern will serve over 800,000 natural gas customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Midland, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the leading carrier of coal and a major carrier of other dry bulk cargoes on the nation's inland waterways. ServicEdge is the largest unregulated provider of residential HVAC equipment installation and service to customers in Massachusetts.

This release and other company reports and statements issued or made from time to time contain certain "forward-looking statements" concerning projected future financial performance, expected plans or future operations. Eastern cautions that actual results and developments may differ materially from such projections or expectations.

Investors should be aware of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking projections or expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to:

-- the effect of pending mergers on earnings and cash flow and of adopting any new strategic initiatives,

-- Eastern's ability successfully to integrate its new gas distribution operations,

-- temperatures above or below normal in eastern Massachusetts,

-- changes in market conditions for barge transportation,

-- adverse weather and operating conditions on the inland waterways,

-- uncertainties regarding the ultimate profitability of ServicEdge,

-- the timetable and cost for completion of Eastern's year 2000 plans,

-- the impact of third parties' year 2000 issues,

-- changes in economic conditions, including interest rates and the value of the dollar versus other currencies,

-- regulatory and court decisions, and

-- developments with respect to Eastern's previously-disclosed environmental liabilities.

Most of these factors are difficult to accurately predict and many are beyond the control of the Company.

Eastern Enterprises' press releases are available via fax by calling, toll-free, 1-800-311-4607 or on the Internet at http://www.efu.com.

ORACLE: Oracle changes support paradigm with release of of 100 percent Internet-based support for customers.

M2 PRESSWIRE-14 September 1999-ORACLE: Oracle changes support paradigm with release of 100 percent Internet-based support for customers (C)1994-99 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:130999

* OracleMetaLink(SM) 2.0, Oracle's Flagship Internet Support Tool, Embraces Customers as Part of the Organization

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. -- Oracle Corp., the number one choice for e-business, today announced the immediate availability of OracleMetaLink(SM) 2.0, a major upgrade to Oracle's customizable, Internet-based technical support service. Providing end-users with personalized, flexible self-service options that reduce IS workloads, OracleMetaLink 2.0 offers new features that allow end-users of Oracle(R) products to log and update technical assistance requests (TARs) online, receive product updates and information tailored to their individual needs, and download solutions.

"MetaLink 2.0 highlights Oracle's continuing use of the Internet to deliver quality, personalized and timely customer service and support," said Christopher Hoffman, Worldwide Director, International Data Corporation's Software Support and Integration Services. "New features, like My Headlines and iTAR, provide users with more flexibility and control over the information they receive and the requests they log. Further, these robust, Internet-based, personalized support solutions demonstrate Oracle's commitment to creating,and building world-class customer satisfaction and loyalty."

"MetaLink 2.0 caters to the customer and presents web delivery that will exceed customer expectations, since it is the customer who drives the process to best fit their needs," said Rich Niemiec, executive vice president of the IOUG-A, an international Oracle user group association. "This latest version of MetaLink surpasses anything that I've seen in the world of customer support." "We're committed to ensuring our customers' business success by leveraging the speed and accessibility of the Internet for the delivery of technical support," said Randy Baker, executive vice president, Oracle Support Services. "The new features in MetaLink 2.0 provide 'total self-service' by empowering customers to prevent, analyze and solve problems with the same information sources used inside Oracle."

OracleMetaLink 2.0 includes several new features from its previous version (MetaLink 1.7):

My Headlines allows customers to customize/personalize their MetaLink account to receive only the information they want and receive proactive emails of their personal homepage. Information may include news articles, patches, bugs, TARs, product lifecycle and more.

iTAR, or Internet Technical Assistance Request, allows end-users to create, update and close TARs online. This provides a more flexible and up-to-date support system for end-users, and IS staff benefits from a more streamlined, automated TAR system over the Internet. For example, iTAR submissions enable Oracle to match the right level of technical skills from its support organization with the customer's skills and problem area. User Administration allows companies to manage access of MetaLink 2.0 users at the support identifier level. User Administrators can limit access to certain features of the web service to specific users at their company. Product Lifecycle provides product availability, certification, technical alerts and product support termination information. User Profile provides customers with access to update contact information, add/remove support identifiers, see other users registered with the same support identifier, customize a customer's MetaLink account, change a password and view license information.

OracleMetaLink is offered at no additional charge to Oracle customers with active support contracts (OracleBRONZE, OracleSILVER and OracleGOLD). More than 180,000 Oracle customers use OracleMetaLink, accessing the site from more than 70 countries. OracleMetaLink leverages support solutions globally to assist customers, partners and Oracle personnel. The site is managed by more than 200 Oracle engineers that provide timely posting and updating of technical data.

Customers can receive the latest benefits of MetaLink 2.0 by registering at (URL) http://metalink.oracle.com/. MetaLink 2.0, including iTAR, is available to all U.S. customers today. Oracle users in other countries can check availability in their country at http://www.oracle.com/support/elec_sup/ml_login.html. Oracle Corporation is the world's leading supplier of software for information management, and the world's second largest software company. With annual revenues of more than $8.8 billion, the company offers its database, application server, tools and application products, along with related consulting, education and support services, in more than 145 countries around the world. For more information about Oracle, please call 650/506-7000. Oracle's World Wide Web address is (URL) http://www.oracle.com/.

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

Hatch, Inc. to Launch Powerful New Content Management System for Interactive Whiteboards.

Teachers can easily harness the full power of interactive whiteboard technology with the new TeachSmart[R] 2.0 Learning System by Hatch[R]. The only interactive whiteboard solution proven by research to improve math and literacy outcomes in early education has been enhanced with powerful content management features that help teachers use educational technology more effectively. TeachSmart 2.0 will be available in August 2011.

"TeachSmart provides teachers with the tools they need to make the best use of educational technology," said Hatch President Ginny Norton. "The system includes more than 1,100 research-based activities, multiple professional development resources and a new way for teachers to easily create, categorize and manage interactive whiteboard content."

"We listened to teachers' requests for additional methods to meet the changing needs of their children," said Susan Gunnewig, product development director. "Multiple 'Teacher Features' complete this comprehensive content solution for interactive whiteboards." Search and Navigation - With the advanced keyword search tool, teachers and children easily navigate activities by theme and subject or identify the national core standards fulfilled by each activity. Content is clearly organized to enable more efficient use of the technology. Lesson Planning - Teachers can individualize instruction by scheduling activities in advance for groups or individuals. Individual Student Portfolios - Each child's actual work samples including recorded stories, drawings and activities are stored in digital portfolios. Teachers and parents can follow each child's progress through increasing skill levels, aiding in assessment. Make It Your Own - Teachers can customize the system by integrating activities they have created or downloaded from the Internet. All content can be categorized to meet their needs. Professional Development - The upgraded solution provides teachers with access to research studies, national standards, training videos and an extensive help section. About Hatch[R] Hatch (http://www.hatchearlychildhood.com) is an expert in developing innovative classroom technology solutions for the early education classroom. Our products use advanced technology to present children with opportunities to develop essential skills aligned to standards and foundational research, with progress monitoring solutions to help educators create long-term success in the classroom and in the lives of children.

Visit us on Facebook or Twitter!

Keywords: Educational Technology, Hatch Inc., Information Technology, Information and Data Aggregation, Pediatrics.

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

K'NEX CMO Barbara Rentschler Speaks at IAB'S Innovation Days as Part of Internet Week in NYC.

Hatfield, PA (PRWEB) June 13, 2011

Barbara Rentschler, Chief Marketing Officer of K'NEX Brands, the only US construction toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love[TM], participated in a panel discussion as part of the Interactive Advertising Bureau's (IAB) Innovation Days during Internet Week (June 6 -- 13th) in New York City.

The session, called "Checkmate! Winning Strategies For Display Results in a Social & Audience Buying World," used case studies to focus on the intersection of interests, context, and social marketing that create brand opportunities.

Joining Rentschler in the panel discussion were Michael Rubenstein, President of AppNexus and Hal Muchnick, President of Kontera. K'NEX, working with Kontera, successfully used contextual advertising in the fourth quarter of 2010 to reach consumers and build brand awareness.

At the session Rentschler spoke about the experience K'NEX had using contextual advertising and offered her suggestions on social media, SEO, and online advertising for other companies. K'NEX focuses on online and grassroots marketing efforts to reach potential customers for its building toys.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is comprised of more than 500 leading media and technology companies who are responsible for selling 86% of online advertising in the United States. The IAB educates marketers, agencies, media companies and the wider business community about the value of interactive advertising.

About K'NEX Brands

Founded in 1992, K'NEX Brands, the world's most innovative construction toy company, was established to make and sell what has become one of the world's leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 200 international awards and recognitions, K'NEX is America's building toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love, and encourages youngsters to "imagine, build and play." Since 1992, The Rodon Group, a subsidiary of K'NEX Brands, L.P., has manufactured over 30 billion parts for the K'NEX building toy system. For more information, please visit http://www.knex.com or http://www.rodongroup.com.

###

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/knexcmospeaksat/internetweek/prweb8568546.htm

Polk Launches Web-Based Loyalty Analytics Solution for Automotive Industry.

Polk, the leader in automotive loyalty metrics and insight, has launched a new web-based Loyalty Analytics Tool. The intuitive solution provides automotive OEMs, agencies, and automotive-focused media immediate access to Polk's robust suite of U.S. automotive loyalty information, available 24/7 through a secure online portal.

The new online Loyalty Analytics Tool provides subscribers access to Polk's comprehensive loyalty database containing all light vehicle transactions for all U.S. households for the past 10 years. It also allows clients to retrieve information quickly, so they may query information on loyalty, conquest and defection information from any location with internet access. The Loyalty Analytics Tool contains current year statistics within 60 days of transactions, as well as five years of history of return-to-market transactions in the U.S. market.

"We developed this comprehensive solution in direct response to customer requests for current and easily accessible automotive loyalty data," said Brad Smith, director of Polk's Loyalty Management practice. "This new solution provides a robust level of access to our loyalty information and allows customers to create flexible and detailed analysis on their schedules."

The Loyalty Analytics Tool can help customers with their business strategies to retain current owners, mitigate the risk of defection and conquest new customers. Key features of the solution include information on a variety of vehicle characteristics, including manufacturer, make, model and segment information; demographic information, such as age, gender, income or ethnicity; standard geography, including national, state, DMA and ZIP code, along with OEM custom geography; a choice of methodology, either Polk household methodology or disposal methodology; and time period research, by calendar year, industry model year, selected quarters or months.

Customers have access to immediate answers to loyalty questions that drive conquest and owner retention strategies. Detailed transaction-based reports can be quickly generated by the user and the online tool is easy to navigate.

Polk offers training for customers new to the solution, and can help users understand the full capability and the unique information the Loyalty Analytics Tool provides to help customers understand and analyze owner loyalty at the deepest levels to help grow their business. To learn more about Polk's Loyalty Analytics Tool, please click here.

Keywords: Automobiles, Polk, Transportation.

This article was prepared by Journal of Transportation editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Journal of Transportation via VerticalNews.com.

Dozens of MKO Members Escape Training Camp in Iraq.

Summary: TEHRAN (FNA)- Tens of the members of the terrorist Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) escaped from the group's main training camp, the Camp of New Iraq, in Northern Iraq, local media reported on Wednesday.

The Arabic-language Nahrainnet website said Iraq's defense ministry has confirmed that scores of defectors have escaped the camp and sought Baghdad's refuge.

The report pointed out that the move by the MKO fugitives would help further unveil the shocking secrets of the camp (formerly known as Camp Ashraf).

The website also stressed that the move by the MKO's members also proves the Iranian officials' righteous stance who had said earlier that a large number of MKO members wanted to exit the camp and return to Iran but they were incarcerated in the camp by the MKO ringleaders.

The MKO has been in Iraq's Diyala province since the 1980s.

Iraqi security forces took control of the training base of the MKO at Camp Ashraf - about 60km (37 miles) north of Baghdad - in 2009 and detained dozens of the members of the terrorist group.

The Iraqi authority also changed the name of the military center from Camp Ashraf to the Camp of New Iraq.

Many of the MKO members abandoned the terrorist organization while most of those still remaining in the camp are said to be willing to quit but are under pressure and torture not to do so.

A May 2005 Human Rights Watch report accused the MKO of running prison camps in Iraq and committing human rights violations.

According to the Human Rights Watch report, the outlawed group puts defectors under torture and jail terms.

Numerous articles and letters posted on the Internet by family members of MKO recruits confirm reports of the horrific abuse that the group inflicts on its own members and the alluring recruitment methods it uses.

The most shocking of such stories includes accounts given by former British MKO member Ann Singleton and Mustafa Mohammadi -- the father of an Iranian-Canadian girl who was drawn into the group during an MKO recruitment campaign in Canada.

Mohammadi recounts his desperate efforts to contact his daughter, who disappeared several years ago - a result of what the MKO called a 'two-month tour' of Camp Ashraf for teenagers.

He also explains how the group forces the families of its recruits to take part in pro-MKO demonstrations in Western countries by threatening to kill their loved ones.

Lacking a foothold in Iran, the terrorist group recruits ill-informed teens from Iranian immigrant communities in Western states and blocks their departure afterwards.

The MKO, whose main stronghold is in Iraq, is blacklisted by much of the international community, including the United States.

Before an overture by the EU, the MKO was on the European Union's list of terrorist organizations subject to an EU-wide assets freeze. Yet, the MKO puppet leader, Maryam Rajavi, who has residency in France, regularly visited Brussels and despite the ban enjoyed full freedom in Europe.

The MKO is behind a slew of assassinations and bombings inside Iran, a number of EU parliamentarians said in a recent letter in which they slammed a British court decision to remove the MKO from the British terror list. The EU officials also added that the group has no public support within Iran because of their role in helping Saddam Hussein in the Iraqi imposed war on Iran (1980-1988).

Iraq had announced earlier this month that members of the terrorist group must leave by the end of 2011.

Earlier this week, the Baghdad government assured Iranian officials and people that it is determined to expel the terrorist organization from Iraq by the end of 2011.

"Expulsion of the MKO from Iraq's soil and termination of its presence which has lasted for several years is a definite decision," Iraqi Government Spokesman Ali Al-Dabbaq told FNA, adding, "The MKO will be expelled from Iraq by the end of the current year."

"The only option for the members of the MKO is leaving Iraq and they have no other choice," he reiterated.

Reminding to the black record of the terrorist group and its crimes against the Iraqi people, Dabbaq said "collaboration with the former Iraqi dictator and massacre of thousands of our people is just part of their crimes".

2011 Fars News Agency. All rights reserved

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

SONUS Pharmaceuticals Announces Dismissal of MBI and Mallinckrodt Lawsuit To Invalidate SONUS Patents

         SONUS Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against MBI in Seattle 

BOTHELL, Wash., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- SONUS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNUS) today announced the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Molecular Biosystems, Inc. (MBI) and Mallinckrodt, Inc. in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, seeking declarations that certain SONUS ultrasound contrast agent patents are invalid and unenforceable and that SONUS had made false public statements and engaged in other actions intended to damage MBI and Optison(TM).

SONUS also announced today that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Seattle against MBI and Mallinckrodt, alleging MBI's Optison(TM) ultrasound contrast agent infringes one or more of SONUS' patents. SONUS has eight U.S. patents that include 170 claims directed to compositions of matter and methods of use of various fluorocarbon-based ultrasound contrast agents.

"We are pleased that the Court has dismissed this lawsuit in the District of Columbia and that we can now proceed forward with enforcement of our U.S. patent rights against Mallinckrodt and MBI in Seattle," said Steven C. Quay, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of SONUS. "Although we fully expect MBI will again argue that they do not infringe a valid SONUS patent claim, we continue to be confident of our strong patent position, especially with the progress we are making in the patent office with the patent re-examination process. In addition, we continue to work closely with the FDA towards the approval of EchoGen(R)."

SONUS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Bothell, Wash., is engaged in the research and development of ultrasound contrast agents and drug delivery systems based on its proprietary PhaseShift(TM) and fluorocarbon technology. The Company's products are being investigated to improve the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, cancer and other debilitating conditions.

Certain of the statements made in this news release are forward looking. As discussed in SONUS' annual report on Form 10-K filed March 19, 1997, there can be no assurance that the claims in SONUS' patents will survive re-examination by the PTO or in any legal proceedings or will be ultimately enforceable. In addition, EchoGen(R) will require regulatory approval, which approval is subject to certain regulatory requirements and can be lengthy. Market Acceptance of EchoGen(R) will depend on a number of factors, including safety, efficacy, ease of administration and the presence of competitive imaging products or technologies. There can be no assurance that the FDA will approve EchoGen(R).

NOTE: SONUS Pharmaceuticals' press releases are available via PR Newswire's Company News on Call service. To receive previous SONUS press releases via fax, dial 800-758-5804, ext. 108377. SONUS releases also can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.prnewswire.com/. Additional information about SONUS can be accessed at the SONUS Home Page: http://www.sonuspharma.com/.

SOURCE SONUS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

     -0-                             01/07/98 

/CONTACT: investors, Gregory Sessler, or media, Kelly Ford of SONUS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 425-487-9500/

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

(SNUS)

CO: SONUS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Molecular Biosystems, Inc.; Mallinckrodt,

Inc. ST: Washington IN: MTC SU:

CS-KP -- SFW031 -- 4927 01/07/98 14:40 EST http://www.prnewswire.com

RICKY IN ABUSIVE NET RANT.(News)

Byline: By MARK JEFFERIES

RICKY Gervais last night launched a fiery expletive-laden attack on his critics.

The award-winning comic called reviewers "f****** c****" during a raw internet rant after they slammed his spot at the Diana concert.

Pointing out his successes, he fumed: "The Office, Extras and the fastest selling stand-up tour in history ... you know what I'm going to do now? F*** ALL!

"They say, 'He's resting on his laurels'. I am resting on my laurels, you f****** c****.

"Write about that. I don't like what he's doing? You f****** c****."

Gervais, who also called his British Comedy Award "s***" and "plastic b*******", was on the net with cowriter Stephen Merchant supposedly to promote the final Extras at Christmas.

One friend insisted: "He's obviously joking. Some people just don't get his obnoxious act."

CAPTION(S):

ATTACK: Gervais

Cinequest Revolution.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Globally unique in its concept, the seventeenth edition of the Cinequest Film Festival presents an event that goes beyond the traditional concept of "film festival" and providing the world of independent and foreign filmmakers, technology innovators, students and film lovers with a revolution of discovery, empowerment and distribution. Cinequest Film Festival is not only a platform to premiere films and celebrate talent, but Cinequest Distribution is a viable option to reach a worldwide audience. During the 12 days of February 28 through March 11, 160 films from around the world will converge in San Jose for an event that is expected to draw over 70,000 attendees. This is a festival of true discovery, empowerment through knowledge and the latest in technologies, and revolutionary distribution.

Revolution of Discovery -- Viewer's Voice

Through the power of Cinequest Online (www.cinequestonline.org), Cinequest's premiere secure film downloading site, Cinequest created a unique method of choosing the final four features and final four shorts for the Cinequest line up. Cinequest empowered the fans instead of the programmers by allowing filmmakers to compete online in the Cinequest Online Viewer's Voice competition. During three different rounds held during spring, summer and fall of 2006, fans downloaded competing films on Cinequest Online and then voted for the films they felt should get a slot in Cinequest 17. For the fourth and final round of the Viewers Voice competition, 31 features and 124 shorts will vie for the last openings in the Cinequest program. Competition begins February 1, 2007 with voting ending February 20, 2007 and is open to all fans. Simply go to www.cinequestonline.org to join in the fun.

Revolution of Discovery -- Film Program

Cinequest remains one of the last big-fest bastions for the discovery of new, emerging and yet-to-be amply recognized artists. This year a record 1,850 submissions (features and shorts) competed for slots in the Cinequest 17 program. Of those films, 160 films covering a variety of genres were selected. Over 40 features and over 40 shorts are World and U.S. premieres. Over 100 first-time, emerging film artists are represented from 34 countries including: Bolivia, Brazil, Ireland, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Iceland, Serbia, Croatia, the Philippines, Bosnia and Herzogovina, Cuba, Austria, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Norway, Canada, Iran, Hungary, Mexico, China, Germany, Finland, Denmark, United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, France, Romania, Czech Republic and the United States. An interesting note is a Focus on the Balkans section including one film that was co-produced by all of the countries that comprised the former Yugoslavia.

Revolution of Discovery -- Maverick Spirit Events

Some of the most exciting moments in Cinequest history have been the trademark Maverick Spirit Events. Past guest recipients have included: Sir Ben Kingsley, William H. Macy, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gus Van Sant, Spike Lee and Kevin Spacey. These one-on-one live conversations with top film moguls and masters have entertained, inspired and intrigued. Cinequest is excited to celebrate three Mavericks in their own right with the festival's highest honor. This year Stewart Copeland, legendary musician (The Police) and film composer, receives the Maverick Spirit Award as part of the Day of Sight and Sound Forum on Saturday, March 3. A screening of Copeland's latest film Everyone Stares -- The Police Inside Out will occur before the conversation with Mr. Copeland. Also on March 3, at the California Theatre, captivating actress Minnie Driver will receive the Maverick Spirit Award for her career as one of the world's most dynamic actresses. Cinequest is also excited to present legendary independent film producer Christine Vachon. Vachon has an incredible volume of work including the films Boys Don't Cry, Happiness and Far From Heaven. For more information on the Maverick Spirit Events please go to the following program guide links:

Stewart Copeland: http://cinequest.org/programguide/event_view.php?eid= 254#StewartCopeland (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

Minnie Driver: http://cinequest.org/programguide/event_view.php?eid=340

Christine Vachon: Date to be determined.

Revolution of Empowerment -- Day of Forums

Thanks to the generosity of Cinequest presenting sponsor, Intel, Cinequest's Day of series of forums include four days of inspiration and empowerment. They include: Day of the Writer, Day of the Producer, Day of Sight and Sound, and the Day of Distribution. Each forum presents experts in their field to motivate, educate and fascinate both filmmakers and film fans. Cinequest has partnered in this venture with companies such as Azureus, Beacon Pictures, Canon, Comerica, Dolby[R] (NYSE:DLB), Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), Jaman, Kontiki, Magus, Palm[R] (NASDAQ:PALM), Panasonic, and Yahoo (NASDAQ:YHOO), to name but a few.

The Day of series combines workshops, presentations and behind-the-scenes information that will captivate anyone interested in the world of film. These are empowering days of discovery as well as exhibition. For example, one presentation with Beacon Picture's Executive Vice President of Production, Nancy Rae Stone, will walk the audience through a film from story idea to distribution at an independent production company. Stone and producer Miranda de Pencier will explain how decisions were made on story, script, casting, budget, production and distribution for this film, which was shot in Bucharest and Moscow. This is a rare opportunity for the audience to be privy to this kind of detail.

Scott Hancock, Director of Marketing and Communications for Palm Inc., will explore how PDA's, cell phones and other handheld devices have opened a new channel for the distribution and marketing of film, specifically the formally overlooked short film. With these new technologies, the buzz has been on the possibility of the short film becoming the new blockbuster. One of the most captivating presentations at Cinequest this year will be a one-on-one conversation with Gaurav Dhillon, Founder and CEO of Jaman. Jaman's global on line community, www.jaman.com/maverick, is pioneering social cinema. It is a new destination for movie goers to watch and discuss the world's best films. Having curated and assembled one of the world's largest on-line libraries of feature films and documentaries, Jaman provides filmmakers a secure way to distribute and market films worldwide.

An exciting and different kind of an event for Cinequest is the one-on-one conversation with revolutionary television producer J. J. Abrams. Abrams has been dubbed by many as a "triple threat" -- a great writer, producer and director -- and he is one of the few successful auteurs working today. He executive produced Alias, Lost, What About Brian and Six Degrees and his insight into the changing face of television will be golden. For full details on the Cinequest forums paste the following links into your browser:

Day of Distribution: http://cinequest.org/programguide/event_view.php?eid=254#distribution

Day of Sight and Sound: http://cinequest.org/programguide/event_view.php?eid=254#sight

Day of the Writer: http://cinequest.org/programguide/event_view.php?eid=254#writer

Day of Producer: http://cinequest.org/programguide/event_view.php?eid=254#producer

Revolution of Distribution

Cinequest Distribution (launched November 2006) is making its name in the world of film by offering distribution solutions that work for the Maverick gems that get lost after their festival life. Many of the world's truly deserving films do not receive traditional distribution with some estimating that less than one percent of U.S., and less than five percent of International Indies receive Hollywood distribution. Cinequest, long a harbinger of the use of new technology to empower artists, has created a distribution solution to deliver films to fans worldwide via unique Internet marketing and delivery plus comprehensive DVD.

In November, Cinequest Distribution launched the first phase of its distribution plan by making available a DVD catalogue of 35 Maverick titles. The second phase of Cinequest Distribution was the availability of the Cinequest collection on Jaman's exciting video-on-demand Internet site. Starting Wednesday, January 30, Cinequest Distribution launches the third phase of its distribution model. On that day, Cinequest Online will have 29 features and 28 shorts from the Cinequest DVD collection available for pay-per-view video on demand downloading. This collection is titled the Cinequest Exclusive Collection. An additional nine features and 101 shorts will be available on Cinequest Online for PPV downloading under the banner of the Cinequest Discovery Collection. Pricing is $4.99/feature film and $1.99/short film. Go to www.cinequestonline.org.

Where to go from hereO

It's not all about discovering films and innovations: it's also about discovering people. Cinequest's parties and special events are rare celebrations that connect people from around the globe and every walk of life. At these parties, you can eat, drink, and swap ideas or viewpoints on your favorite or most provocative films and forums. For full program information and to purchase tickets, go to www.cinequestonline.org. Tickets may also be purchased by calling (408) 295-FEST. A complete list of press releases and media guides to help navigate all that is Cinequest may be found at www.cinequest.org/media/press_releases.php.

Empowering the Maverick

Cinequest is a premier motion picture institute that produces:

-- Cinequest Film Festival, a discovery festival of Maverick films and technology forums.

-- Cinequest Distribution: delivering films to fans worldwide through leading Internet technologies plus DVD.

-- Cinequest Screenwriting Competition.

-- Camp Cinequest: a groundbreaking youth education program.

Cinequest Film Festival 17 will occur February 28 - March 11, 2007 www.cinequest.org

REFORM GETS LITTLE ATTENTION IN ALBANY.(News)(Column)

Byline: BARBARA BARTOLETTI ALBANY

How quickly they forget!

Earlier this month the Legislature returned for the beginning of the 2006 session. Gov. Pataki gave his final State of the State address touting his accomplishments. Pataki talked extensively about the need for crime reduction, tax cuts, increases in educational standards, health care and open spaces - all important issues, to be sure.

Legislators rushed to the microphones with their responses. The issue that neither the governor nor any legislator mentioned is the one that last year they could not stop talking about. Reform!

Last week government reform groups issued "A Work in Progress: The 2005 Mid-Term "Report Card on Reform' for New York State Government." The overall grade for both the governor and state lawmakers was a mediocre C-, with the governor getting a D+, the Assembly a C and the Senate a D+. C- is passing, but barely.

It would appear that both the governor and the Legislature have become afflicted with a common syndrome known in the Capitol as "we did that already." But have they? One on-time budget in the past 20 years does not make for a highly functional government. Nor does closing one ethics loophole or changing a rule to make legislators sit in their seats when a vote is taken.

The 2005 legislative session did see some accomplishments. There was passage of meaningful oversight of lobbyists seeking to influence government contracts, and a change in the Freedom of Information Law to make it easier for citizens to challenge agencies that ignore FOIL requests.

A new campaign finance disclosure law will require candidates and political parties at the local level to electronically file campaign finance information with the state Board of Elections, which will now post it on the Internet. Lawmakers agreed to modest improvements in the oversight of public authorities and created a new inspector general and budget office.

That's encouraging, but much more needs to be done. The most significant and difficult reforms lie ahead. The governor and the Legislature must ensure that their rhetoric is borne out by real, measurable achievements.

Here is how the governor and the legislators can raise their grades in the coming session:

Support the establishment of an independent redistricting commission. Partisan redistricting allows legislators to choose the voters before voters have a chance to choose them. Competitive elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and an independent commission would ensure that people, not parties, are protected.

Support broadening the definition of lobbying to cover the role of lobbyists in campaign fundraising, the ability of lobbyists to give gifts to policymakers, and the business relationships between lobbyists and lawmakers.

Support the creation of a new independent ethics oversight agency for both the executive and legislative branches.

Support comprehensive campaign finance reform. Contributions must be limited, soft money must be banned and reliance on special interests for election funds must be cut.

Barbara Bartoletti is legislative director of the League of Women Voters of New York State. To contribute to "Rethinking Albany," contact state editor Paul Riede at 470-2138 or e-mail him at priede@syracuse.com.

PR Newswire Entertainment Summary, April 6, 2005.

Following is a summary of entertainment news releases transmitted today by PR Newswire. The full text of these releases is available at PR Newswire for Journalists, http://media.prnewswire.com/.

   CGW009 04/06/2005 06:00 r f bc-IL-XA-Discovery   (CHICAGO) XA Chosen as the Event Production Agency of Record for   Discovery Networks 2005-2006 Upfront Presentation in New York    LAW049 04/06/2005 06:00 r e bc-CA-Pussycat-Busta   (LOS ANGELES) The Pussycat Dolls Team With Busta Rhymes for   the Hottest Single of the Spring    LAW002 04/06/2005 06:30 r e bc-CA-AWAKE-Community   (LOS ANGELES) Hollywood Travels to Capitol Hill to Highlight   Efforts to Prevent Impaired Driving    HKTH008 04/06/2005 07:03 r f bc-Shanghai-Petrochem   (HONG KONG) Emperor Entertainment Hotel Limited Completion of   Acquisition of 11.24% Shares by Majority Shareholder    LAW052 04/06/2005 07:30 r f bc-CO-ICEN-AB-Groupe   (BOULDER) AB Groupe Selects Front Porch Digital for Its   Digital Video Archive Implementation    CGW013 04/06/2005 07:31 r e bc-OH-Procter-Festival   (CINCINNATI) Who Has the Best 'Nose for News' in Atlanta?    LAW063 04/06/2005 08:04 r f bc-NV-Rainbow-Bar-Vegas   (LAS VEGAS) Music Industry Veterans Jerry and Bob Greenberg Bring the   Famed Rainbow Bar & Grill from Hollywood to Las Vegas    SFW045 04/06/2005 08:04 r n bc-FL-Sony-Big-Hook-Up   (ORLANDO) PlayStation(R) Big Hook Up Continues Its Cross Country   Search for the Next Action Sports Superstar in Orlando    SFW047 04/06/2005 08:04 r f bc-CA-Friendster-FOX   (MOUNTAIN VIEW) FOX Uses Friendster Blogs to Introduce Fans to   the Cast and Crew of 'Stacked'    LAW053 04/06/2005 08:05 r f bc-CA-Simmons-Lathan   (LOS ANGELES) 'Russell Simmons Presents Yoga Live(TM)' Video Series    LAW015 04/06/2005 08:30 r f bc-CA-IRAE-Fuhua-restaur   (MONTEREY PARK) New Seafood Restaurant Boosts Customer Spending at   Intra-Asia Entertainment Corporation's Fuhua Amusement Park    LAW058 04/06/2005 08:31 r f bc-CO-Liberty-Media-Corp    (ENGLEWOOD) Liberty Media Corporation Announces $1 Billion Debt Tender   Offer    NYW018 04/06/2005 08:31 r f bc-NY-Granite-Broad-CCA   (NEW YORK) Granite Broadcasting Corporation Schedules First   Quarter 2005 Earnings Release and Teleconference    NYW022 04/06/2005 08:56 r l bc-NY-Fat-to-skinny-show   (NEW YORK) For the First Time Ever, a Fat to Skinny Fashion Show    FLW005 04/06/2005 09:04 r f bc-NY-Penthouse-pers   (NEW YORK) Penthouse Revitalizes Editorial Staff With a Series of New   Hires    FLW006 04/06/2005 09:04 r f bc-NY-Penthouse-column   (NEW YORK) Psychologist, Lawyer and Penthouse Pet - 'Dr. Z' Brings   Diverse Experience to New Penthouse Advice Column    LAW050 04/06/2005 09:05 r f bc-CA-USAOPOLY-RedSox   (CARLSBAD) Just in Time for the Home Opener, New MONOPOLY(R): Red Sox(TM)   World Series(R) Champions Edition Celebrates the Reverse of the Curse!    LAW067 04/06/2005 09:05 r e bc-LV-TheCosmopolitan   (LAS VEGAS) One of the World's Leading Luxury Hotel Operators   Arrives on The Las Vegas Strip    SFW065 04/06/2005 09:06 r f bc-CA-NickMovies-Redford   (SANTA MONICA) Robert Redford Joins Voice Cast for E.B. White's   Classic Book Adaptation of 'Charlotte's Web'    DCW019 04/06/2005 09:07 r f bc-CA-Yamaha-iBiquity   (BUENA PARK) Yamaha's Newest 7.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver   Delivers Enhanced Features    DCW017 04/06/2005 09:08 r n bc-Mega-Millions-$102Mil   (MEGA MILLIONS) More Than 500,000 Winning Tickets in Mega Millions   Drawing; Mega-Exciting Jackpot Grows to Estimated $102 Million    CLW019 04/06/2005 09:21 r f bc-SC-Centerplate-Quest   (SPARTANBURG) Centerplate Announces Alliance for Quest   Point of Sale (POS) System    PHW017 04/06/2005 09:21 r e bc-TN-DigitalMovie.com   (MEMPHIS) DigitalMovie.com Starts eBay Auction at $1.5 Million    NYW080 04/06/2005 09:30 r f bc-CT-PanAmSat-in-Mexico   (WILTON) PanAmSat Inks Deal With Grupo Pegaso To Launch   Satellite Internet Service In Mexico    SFW063 04/06/2005 09:31 r e bc-IL-VCMT-Virgin-Tour   (CHICAGO) MLB Authentic Collection and Pontiac Step Up to the   Plate to Sponsor the Virgin College Mega Tour    SFW072 04/06/2005 09:45 r f bc-Research-Mkts-games   (DUBLIN) Research and Markets: European Interactive Games: The   2005 State of the Industry Report    PHW020 04/06/2005 09:49 r f bc-FL-Video-W/out-Boundr   (ADDISON) VWB Announces UK Subsidiary to Expand International Distribution    PHW020 04/06/2005 09:49 r f bc-FL-Video-W/out-Boundr   VWB Announces UK Subsidiary to Expand International Distribution; New   Office to Market MediaREADY Products to Europe, Middle East and Africa    NYW101 04/06/2005 09:56 r f bc-NY-Frontier-EchoStar   (ROCHESTER) Frontier Communications Announces Strategic Alliance with   EchoStar    NYW107 04/06/2005 09:58 r f bc-MD-WeatherBug-AWS   (GAITHERSBURG) WeatherBug Media Services, from AWS Convergence   Technologies, Provides Real-Time Severe Weather Alerts to TV   Meteorologists    LAW041A 04/06/2005 10:00 r e bc-NY-Mughal-E-Azam   (NEW YORK) Bollywood's Biggest Blockbuster - Mughal-E-Azam -   Restored in Full Color Debuted in U.S. Theaters April 1    MXW001 04/06/2005 10:00 r e bc-Intertops-Pope-odds   (ALTAMONTE SPRINGS) Papal Speculation at Intertops.com    MXW001 04/06/2005 10:00 r e bc-Intertops-Pope-odds   (CAMBRIDGE) Papal Speculation at Intertops.com    MXW001 04/06/2005 10:00 r e bc-Intertops-Pope-odds   Papal Speculation at Intertops.com    LNW031 04/06/2005 10:02 r f bc-China-World-publish   (TIANHE) China World Trade Corporation to Publish 'Entertainment   Guide' For Annual Guangzhou Spring Trade Fair    NYW113 04/06/2005 10:21 r a bc-NY-AWNY-Annual-Awards   (NEW YORK) AWNY Awards 8th Annual Good, Bad & Ugly Awards Event at   Caroline's Comedy Club Hosted by Aisha Tyler    LAW026 04/06/2005 10:30 r f bc-CA-HelinetAviation   (LOS ANGELES) Helinet Brings Live, Aerial Hi-Def to NAB for   Second Straight Year    LAW056 04/06/2005 10:30 r f bc-CA-Laurel-Canyon-Dog   (NASHVILLE) Dogs are Dancing in Front of Radios All Over the Country!    LAW056 04/06/2005 10:30 r f bc-CA-Laurel-Canyon-Dog   (NEW YORK) Dogs are Dancing in Front of Radios All Over the Country!    LAW056 04/06/2005 10:30 r f bc-CA-Laurel-Canyon-Dog   Dogs are Dancing in Front of Radios All Over the Country!    NYW111 04/06/2005 10:45 r a bc-NY-Auto-Explore-Bling   (DALLAS) Harris Interactive's 'Roll Out at the Ritz' Invites   Automotive Industry Experts to Explore the Future of 'Bling'    NYW111 04/06/2005 10:45 r a bc-NY-Auto-Explore-Bling   Harris Interactive's 'Roll Out at the Ritz' Invites Automotive   Industry Experts to Explore the Future of 'Bling'    LAW060 04/06/2005 11:00 r f bc-CA-Vivendi-Universal   (LOS ANGELES) Heroes Wanted! Swat Team Recruiting Begins ...   SWAT 4 Ships to Retail Outlets Nationwide    LAW078 04/06/2005 11:16 r e bc-NY-Comedy-Central   (NEW YORK) This Just In ... COMEDY CENTRAL's 'The Daily Show with Jon   Stewart: Indecision 2004' DVD to Hit Stores on Tuesday, June 28    PHW022 04/06/2005 11:19 r f bc-Gizmondo-Rayman-title   (LONDON) Gizmondo(TM) Lines Up Four Ubisoft Blockbusters    SFW078 04/06/2005 11:23 r f bc-WA-Speakeasy-Gameclod   (SEATTLE) Speakeasy's Gamecloud Launches New Broadband Gamer Bundle    NEW033 04/06/2005 11:35 r f bc-AZ-Actor-Teach-Execs   (PHOENIX) Actors Use Theater Techniques to Teach Leadership    CLW039 04/06/2005 11:48 r f bc-OH-Darice-Disney   (CLEVELAND) Foamies Announces Disney Licensing Agreement    LNW035 04/06/2005 11:58 r f bc-Gizmondo-Rayman-title   (LONDON) Gizmondo(TM) Grabs More Fathammer Delights    DCW039 04/06/2005 12:00 r e bc-TLC-RIDES-Sony-XXX   (SILVER SPRING) TLC'S Hot Rod Series RIDES Fuels Sony   Pictures' XXX: State of the Union Release    NYW128 04/06/2005 12:00 r e bc-CA-MoviePartners-new   (NORTH HOLLYWOOD) MoviePartners Inc. Presents FilmInsider.com, a   Free Professional Directory of Film Services    DAW024 04/06/2005 12:05 r f bc-TX-Belo-TV-awards   (DALLAS) Belo Television Stations Win Record 38 Regional Murrow   Awards, Leading All Other Media Companies Nationwide    NYW127 04/06/2005 12:17 r f bc-NY-MarthaStewart-VP   (NEW YORK) Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Names Sally Preston Senior   Vice President/Publisher of Martha Stewart Living Magazine    DCW042 04/06/2005 12:21 r s bc-DC-SFX-Henin-Hardenne   (WASHINGTON) Justine Henin-Hardenne Signs With SFX    LAW081 04/06/2005 12:26 r i bc-FL-Pope-Televised-ISN   (MIAMI) Independent Spanish Network to Televise Papal Burial   Live From the Vatican This Friday    SFW088 04/06/2005 12:45 r f bc-CA-Eidos-Game-LEGO   (SAN FRANCISCO) Eidos and Giant Announce LEGO(R) Star Wars(TM):   The Video Game Now Available in North America    NYW139 04/06/2005 12:51 r f bc-NY-KoolConnect-EVP   (NEW YORK) Industry Expert Joins KoolConnect's Management Team    NYW137 04/06/2005 13:01 r f bc-NY-Heineken-Music-Awd   (WHITE PLAINS) Heineken USA Teams up With V-103/WAOK to Support the   United Negro College Fund's Emergency Music Scholarship Awards    LAW090 04/06/2005 13:09 r e bc-NV-CardPlayer.com   (LAS VEGAS) CardPlayer.com Expands Its Live Poker Tournament Coverage    LAW091 04/06/2005 13:10 r e bc-CA-Anti-Records-Signs   (LOS ANGELES) Bettye LaVette - Soul Legend Signs to Anti    LNW043 04/06/2005 13:29 r f bc-R&M-Digitl-Radio-Mrkt   (DUBLIN) Research and Markets: Where is the Digital Radio Market Headed?    NYW143 04/06/2005 13:33 r e bc-NY-MTV-Launch-Broadba   (NEW YORK) MTV Launches Into Overdrive With New Interactive   Hybrid Network Delivered Via Broadband    LAW094 04/06/2005 13:39 r e bc-CA-Actors-Network   (LOS ANGELES) Richard Schiff, Kate Jackson and Many Others Golf for   Melanoma!    NYW141 04/06/2005 13:45 r e bc-NY-God-on-Film-festiv   (NEW YORK) God on Film Festival Now Accepting Entries for   Second Annual Competition    NYW150 04/06/2005 14:07 r f bc-NY-Topps-Co-Dividend   (NEW YORK) The Topps Company, Inc. Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend    SFW084 04/06/2005 14:08 r f bc-WA-AlaskaAir-Disneyld   (SEATTLE) Alaska Airlines Rolls Out 'Magic of Disneyland' 737 to   Celebrate Disneyland's 50th Anniversary    NYW144 04/06/2005 14:15 r a bc-NY-Peabody-winners   (NEW YORK) 64th Annual Peabody Awards Winners Announced Thursday, April 7   Via Satellite and Webcast from Museum of Television & Radio in New York    TO276 04/06/2005 14:52 r f bc-BC-Ski-Resort-sale   (HEMLOCK VALLEY) Hemlock Valley Ski Resort for Sale    LAW071 04/06/2005 15:00 r f bc-CA-VendareMedia   (SHERMAN OAKS) Reflecting Reach and Breadth of Its Media Networks,   The Vendare Group Changes Name to Vendare Media    CGW047 04/06/2005 15:09 r e bc-IL-MPEA-Names-GM   (CHICAGO) MPEA Names New General Manager for Navy Pier(R)    NYW163 04/06/2005 15:13 r s bc-NY-MLB.com-free-'cast   (NEW YORK) MLB.com to Offer Free Live Video Webcast of Red Sox Ace Curt   Schilling's Start for the Pawtucket Red Sox vs Indianapolis Indians    NEW044 04/06/2005 15:15 r f bc-VT-US-Open-Snowbrdng   (BURLINGTON) Watch the US Open Snowboarding Championships on NBC    CLW062 04/06/2005 15:20 r e bc-TN-CMT-Cowboys-Cheers   (NASHVILLE) CMT Exclusive Special Reveals What It Takes To Become a   Member of the World Famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders    PHW045 04/06/2005 15:56 r n bc-PA-Drug-Free-appoints   (HARRISBURG) Drug Free Pennsylvania Fills Positions of Executive   Director and Health Communications Director  

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