Fed: Rhys Wakefield's career balloons with first feature film

AAP General News (Australia)
02-27-2008
Fed: Rhys Wakefield's career balloons with first feature film

By Alyssa Braithwaite, National Entertainment Writer

SYDNEY, Feb 27 AAP - Rhys Wakefield is still pinching himself.

At 19 the Home and Away star has just finished his first feature film, The Black Balloon,
in which he stars alongside Academy Award-nominated actress Toni Collette and kisses supermodel
Gemma Ward.

And the actor, who has spent the past two years on Australian television screens as
Summer Bay's Lucas Holden, is having a hard time getting used to seeing himself on the
big screen.

"It's confronting, …

AAP National News Wire Round-Up for Breakfast, May 9

AAP General News (Australia)
05-09-2011
AAP National News Wire Round-Up for Breakfast, May 9
Breakfast Round-Up: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AAP RTV FILE AT 0430


Detention Malaysia (JAKARTA)

Malaysian Prime Minister NAJIB TUN RAZAK says an asylum-seeker transfer deal with Australia
will send a strong signal to people smugglers.

Under the deal .. 800 asylum seekers who make their way to Australia by boat could
be immediately taken to Malaysia to have their claims processed.

In return .. Australia will take four thousand people already living in Malaysia as
genuine refugees.

The timing of the exchange is yet to be finalised .. but the announcement comes as
the Association of South-East Asian Nations also agreed to boost co-operation in dealing
with transnational crime.



Budget11 Workplace (CANBERRA)

Migration reform will be a key focus of tomorrow's federal budget .. as Labor works
to stop the mining boom being stymied by a chronic skills shortage.

An all-in-one migration initiative to address skills shortages for multi-billion-dollar
projects will be a feature of the budget.

Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD says skilled migration 457 visa reforms will end rorting
.. and get skilled labour to employers who need it and allow continued economic growth.

But Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union WA state secretary KEVIN REYNOLDS
has urged the government to boost family migration .. rather than use temporary migrants
.. and provide removal and housing assistance so east coast residents can take jobs in
the west.



Budget11 Fin GDP (SYDNEY)

All economists in a survey conducted ahead of the federal budget say they think the
government will return the budget to surplus .. in line with its forecast.

This comes despite a fall in economic growth .. the rising Australian dollar .. and
natural disasters .. which have all hit the federal budget bottom line.

The median forecast of 13 economists surveyed by AAP is an underlying cash deficit
of 16 billion dollars for the 2011/12 financial year .. or about one per cent GDP.

That's up from the deficit forecast in last year's budget .. and the Mid Year Economic
and Fiscal Outlook in November.



Police Vic (MELBOURNE)

The Victorian Police Association will hold a meeting today to decide on a no-confidence
motion on the state police chief SIMON OVERLAND .. over his handling of the resignation
of deputy Sir KEN JONES.

It comes as Mr OVERLAND denies he's lost control of the force .. after ordering his
deputy Sir KEN JONES to leave his post.

Sir KEN announced his resignation last Monday .. and planned to finish up in August
.. but during a meeting with Mr OVERLAND on Friday he was told to pack up immediately.

Police Association secretary GREG DAVIES says Sir KEN'S marching orders were as good
as a dismissal.



Syria (DAMASCUS)

A 12-year-old boy is among several people killed .. as Syrian troops hunted down opponents
of President BASHAR AL-ASSAD in two restive cities .. despite world anger over the bloody
crackdown.

Activists say tanks rumbled into several districts of the central industrial city of
Homs yesterday .. and deployed in the northwestern coastal city of Banias .. two flashpoint
protest hubs.

Meanwhile .. justice authorities have charged prominent dissident and former MP RIAD
SEIF .. a 64-year-old who suffers from cancer .. with violating a ban on protests .. his
lawyer says.



Ecstasy (SYDNEY)

A new report shows ecstasy use in Australia is falling .. but the popularity of several
new designer drugs may be on the rise.

The survey of about 700 ecstasy users by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
in Sydney found that ecstasy use in Australia has slumped considerably in the past five
years.

A drop in purity may be behind this .. but the report's identified a new range of designer
drugs entering the Australian market .. including mephedrone .. known as "miaow" or "bubbles"

.. which for a time could be purchased legally online.

Research centre director .. Professor MICHAEL FARRELL .. is calling for greater internet
monitoring .. so dangerous substances can be brought under control once detected.



Trail (SYDNEY)

A 14-year-old boy has died while trail bike riding in NSW's central west.

The teenager set off from a campsite with two mates along a dirt track in Sunny Corner
State Forest, east of Bathurst .. about nine o'clock yesterday morning (AEST) but he became
separated from the others.

His friends returned to the campsite about 40 minutes later .. and the boy's father
found him about 45 minutes after that.

An ambulance was called but the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.



Obesity (CANBERRA)

A coalition of health groups is calling on governments to introduce tough new laws
to crack down on junk food advertising .. targeted at children.

The Obesity Policy Coalition wants to restrict television, internet and print advertising
.. and company sponsorship of sporting events.

Coalition policy adviser JANE MARTIN says implementation would play a huge role in
decreasing children's exposure to junk food marketing .. and reducing Australia's burden
of obesity.

The Coalition's blueprint is backed by the Australian Medical Association .. the Australian
Dental Association and Cancer Council Australia.

The federal government last year rejected calls from its own preventative health taskforce
to ban junk food advertising on TV at certain times.



BRIEFLY IN OTHER NEWS:


Libya (MISRATA)

Libyan regime forces laying siege to Misrata have intensified their assault on the
lifeline port .. as smoke billowed from a fuel depot bombing .. attacks a rights group
say may amount to an atrocity.



Rose (SYDNEY)

Australia's boxing community is in mourning .. following the death of legendary fighter
LIONEL ROSE .. aged 62.



IN FINANCE:


Markets Preview (SYDNEY)

The Australian share market is set for a positive start to the week .. in which attention
will be focused squarely on the future of the economy.

The week will be dominated by tomorrow's Federal budget and its economic forecasts
.. but it's not expected to directly impact shares.

Surprisingly strong jobs data out of the United States on Friday saw overseas shares
rise at the end of an otherwise a poor week for equity markets.

Commonwealth Securities senior analyst CRAIG JAMES says local shares stand to make
modest gains when trade opens today .. with the lift in US jobs taking away some of the
negativity from its market.

He says the Aussie dollar at lower levels will also be encouraging for our market.



AND IN SPORT:


AFL WRAP (BRISBANE)

St Kilda will try to ignite their flagging AFL season when they take on Carlton tonight.

Grand finalists in the past two seasons, the Saints are currently in the bottom four,
with just one win and one draw from five matches.

Yesterday, Adelaide suffered their biggest loss since 2004 ... going down to Melbourne
22.17 (149) to 8.5 (53).

Essendon beat West Coast by 16 points.



RL WRAP (BRISBANE)

Manly will be out to sneak back into the NRL top four when they host Canberra to close
out round nine tonight.

North Queensland's 22-8 loss to leaders St George Illawarra yesterday opened the door
for the Sea Eagles to snare fourth spot.

The Warriors moved up to eighth when they beat Gold Coast 34-14.



MOT F1 (ISTANBUL)

Defending world champion SEBASTIAN VETTEL has won the Turkish Grand Prix, beating Red
Bull teammate MARK WEBBER by more than eight seconds.

Ferrari's FERNANDO ALONSO was third.



SOC ENGLISH (LONDON)

Arsenal have slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Stoke .. extinguishing the Gunners' faint
English Premier League title hopes.

Leaders Manchester United beat second-placed Chelsea 2-1, putting United on the brink
of a 19th title.

In the early game, Wolves edged closer to survival with a 3-1 victory over West Brom.



ENDS BREAKFAST ROUND-UP

Broadcast Desk inquiries 24 hours: 02 9322 8714

AAP RTV psm/

KEYWORD: BREAKFAST ROUND-UP

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FED:Tiger Airways seeks new CEO

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2011
FED:Tiger Airways seeks new CEO

MELBOURNE, Aug 29 AAP - Tiger Airways Australia is losing another CEO, with Tony Davis
leaving the airline and its Singapore-based parent company.

Mr Davis had been group president of Tiger Airways Holdings but took over as CEO of
the Australian airline in early July, a few days after it was grounded by Australia's
air safety regulator.

With the airline flying again, Tiger on Monday said Mr Davis would leave the group in November.

Tiger's acting boss Chin Yau Seng has been appointed CEO of the Singapore-based company,
effective November 1.

Mr Chin became acting CEO on July 6, with Mr Davis taking over the Australian operation
and leading the negotiations with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to have Tiger
flying again.

Tiger's former Australian CEO Crawford Rix left in July, after 13 months in the role,
when CASA extended the initial week-long grounding.

Mr Davis, who joined Tiger in January 2005, will finish as Australian CEO and as a
director of the parent company on November 1.

Mr Chin said the company had maintained that Mr Davis would stay on as Australian CEO
until the airline was able to resume services and was in a position to implement its recovery
plan.

"The recovery plan has now begun and reinforces the airline's commitment to safety
and operational excellence, which includes ensuring that its flights are reliable and
punctual," Mr Chin said in a statement.

A search is now underway for a new boss for the Australian operation.

The Tiger statement said Mr Davis was taking up a new position outside the company,
but did not say where he was heading.

"His decision to leave the company at this time supports his long-term plan to return
and reside in Europe," it said.

Tiger Airways Australia resumed flights on August 12, six weeks after being grounded
by CASA over safety concerns.

It has so far resumed services on three routes, between its home base of Melbourne
and Sydney, Brisbane and, from Wednesday, the Gold Coast.

Mr Chin is a former executive with Tiger's major shareholder Singapore Airlines, including
serving as CEO of its regional wing SilkAir.

Tiger last week announced plans to raise about $S158.6 million ($A123.7 million) to
fund its expansion.

Singapore Airlines has agreed to take up the rights issue, which would lift its stake
in Tiger from 32.8 per cent to 49.1 per cent.

AAP mn/ees/mp

KEYWORD: TIGER WRAP

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

'This may be the first spark of revolution in Iran. 'If the people don't go home, the regime will have a problem, says Menashe Amir

DAVID HOROVITZ
Jerusalem Post
02-15-2011
'This may be the first spark of revolution in Iran. 'If the people don't go home, the regime will have a problem, says Menashe Amir
Byline: DAVID HOROVITZ
Edition: Daily
Section: News
Type: News

The protesters in Egypt, who brought down Hosni Mubarak over the weekend after 18 days of sustained demonstrations, have given the Iranian public a clear lesson, according to Menashe Amir, a veteran Israeli expert on Iranian affairs: When you take to the streets, don't go home again.

Amid news of clashes at many locales across Iran on Monday - with Iranian forces said to have used clubs and tear gas against demonstrators, leaked footage showing mass protests at Tehran University, hundreds of arrests and reports of at least one fatality - the question of the hour is whether Iranians have learned from the Egyptian precedent and are willing to try and replicate it.
Monday's demonstrations were initiated by Iranian opposition figures in ostensible solidarity with the popular protests in Egypt and elsewhere, but were plainly intended, after months of relative quiet, to revive the post-election protests of 2009.

According to Amir, that goal, at least, was achieved.

"After a year of silence, everyone thought the opposition was dead," he said. "They had sought permits to demonstrate and, when refused, simply withdrew. This time, they went ahead despite the refusal."

By publicly endorsing the Egyptian people's rights to hold protests and to achieve their freedom, analyst Amir noted, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his regime exacerbated the problems they now face from their restless people.

"How, after all, it will be wondered, can Ahmadinejad say 'yes' to the rights of the Arab peoples, but deny those same rights to his own people?"

Further complicating matters for the Iranian regime on Monday was the fact that Turkey's President Abdullah Gul just happened to be visiting Tehran, and used a joint press conference with Ahmadinejad to declare that "the desires of people must be taken into account. In this respect, fundamental reforms must be carried out, whether economic or political."

Iranian-born Amir, Israel Radio's long-time Persian language broadcaster, said he had heard reports, furthermore, that the Gul- Ahmadinejad press conference was cut short after the Turkish visitor indicated that he intended to accept an invitation from the organizers of the Iranian solidarity rallies.

Plainly concerned ahead of time about the potential for escalating protests, the Iranian regime placed two key opposition leaders, defeated presidential candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi, under house arrest days ago. On his website on Monday, Mousavi said the street around his home had been blocked off, and his and his family's phone lines cut.

The commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Hossein Hamadani, reportedly warned that "any incitement will be dealt with severely," and that "the conspirators are nothing but corpses."

Amir said the regime had slowed the Internet and interfered in text-messaging networks. All foreign journalists were also barred, and information was leaking out mainly via social networking sites, YouTube and other new media channels.

Critically, Amir said, the regime gave the large contingents of security personnel it sent into the streets orders not to fire on protesters. But those orders for restraint, if maintained, said Amir, could create a climate for steadily growing public participation in demonstrations.

"As long as they are not firing on people, more people will come out," he said.

Amir said there were some reports of intervention by Basiji paramilitary forces and the Revolutionary Guard, which put down the major protests that followed Iran's fraudulent presidential elections in June 2009, killing hundreds of people. Some official Iranian sources, it was reported on Monday night, were blaming "Tel Aviv" for fomenting unrest - perhaps as part of an effort by the regime to justify the use of force against the protesters.

In contrast to 2009, when the Obama administration chose not to energetically encourage the protests against the ayatollahs' regime, the State Department has opened what Amir described as a "symbolically significant" Twitter account in Farsi.

"We want to join in your conversation," it tweeted initially. Later posts, according to The Associated Press, "noted the inconsistencies of Iran's government supporting Egypt's popular uprising but stifling opposition at home."

Amir, who pointed out that President Barack Obama "completely supported" the anti-Mubarak Egyptian protests, recalled that in June 2009, the president was waiting to hear back from the Tehran regime on its nuclear program, and also that overt US support for the protests then could have proved counter-productive, in that it could easily have been spun by the regime in Tehran as ostensible proof that the "Great Satan" was trying to orchestrate ferment in Iran.

In the wake of the patently genuine uprisings across the Arab world in recent weeks, any such claim by the Tehran regime today would presumably be less credible.

"This may be the first spark of revolution in Iran," said Amir. "But for it to work, people will have to not be scared. In 2009, they demonstrated and went home. The Egyptians taught them a lesson - don't go home. If the Iranian forces do what the Egyptian army did, and don't fire on them, they'll keep coming, and the regime will have a problem."

Tellingly, he added, "the Iranian people's demand is no longer limited to fixing the election result and returning to the 'glorious past' of [Ayatollah] Khomeini." In his assessment, "most Iranians want real regime change, as demanded in Egypt and Tunisia."

Amir said it was significant that the protesters on Monday gathered in several cities across Iran - as many as 30, according to some reports, including Shiraz, Isfahan and Mashhad - and at several squares in Tehran, rather than the single intended focus of the rallies, in the capital's Azadi (freedom) Square.

"The protests were splintered, which meant they were weakened," Amir said, "but if all the demonstrators had gathered in one place, it would have been easier for the regime to suppress them. One key test will be whether they stay out into the night. Another will be whether they come to feel strong enough to concentrate in one square and refuse to leave."(c) Copyright Jerusalem Post. All rights reserved.

Illustrations/Photos:
Caption: MENASHE AMIR. The Iranian people's demands have changed
since 2009.

(Copyright 2011 The Jerusalem Post)

NSW:New porn allegations rock NSW parliament

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-2010
NSW:New porn allegations rock NSW parliament

By Adam Bennett

SYDNEY, Dec 2 AAP - In the latest porn scandal to rock Macquarie Street, an investigation
has found NSW MPs or staff used parliamentary computers to access websites containing
explicit images of young people.

The IT audit by Ernst & Young, made public on Thursday, suggested children may have
been depicted on the nine adult websites accessed from November last year to September
2010.

The investigation was commissioned in the wake of the internet porn revelations which
led to the resignation of ports minister Paul McLeay in September.

Mr McLeay stood down after admitting accessing adult and gambling material on his computer.

On Thursday, Speaker Richard Torbay tabled the Ernst & Young report in the state's
lower house, saying that of the 72 most popular sites accessed on parliamentary computers
over the 10 months, 35 "appear to be adult-related sites".

Nine websites contained sexually explicit images of young people "whose precise age
is reportedly difficult to determine", he said.

Mr Torbay said legal advice was being sought into the report's damaging findings.

"No further comment will be made in respect of this matter so as to not jeopardise
any investigations that may ensue," Mr Torbay told parliament.

No MPs or staff were named in the report which foreshadowed the possibility of criminal
charges being laid.

"If the persons depicted in the images are found to be under the age of 18, it is possible
that contraventions of the Criminal Code Act 1995 may have occurred," the report said.

"If the persons depicted in the images are found to be under the age of 16, it is possible
that contraventions of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) may have occurred.

"Accordingly, you may wish to seek independent legal advice in relation to these issues
and next steps, if any."

The Ernst & Young investigation was sparked by an unauthorised audit of computer usage
in NSW parliament, which revealed gambling and adult sites had been accessed in some MPs'
offices.

Mr McLeay stood down before the details of the initial audit were made public.

It was also revealed the office of Christian Democratic MP Fred Nile had recorded 200,000
suspect hits, which the anti-pornography campaigner defended as being "for research purposes".

Lower house speaker Richard Torbay and Upper house president Amanda Fazio at the time
described the unofficial audit as unreliable, and commissioned the Ernst & Young report.

The report tabled on Thursday also found 210,000 hits were made on sites categorised
'Swimsuit/Lingerie/Model'.

AAP ab/klm/msk/cdh

KEYWORD: PORN NSW WRAP

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

Qld: Police appeal for information in teen's murder

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2010
Qld: Police appeal for information in teen's murder

BRISBANE, April 26 AAP - Police are appealing for public help as they continue investigating
the murder of teenager Rhian Elsmore in central Queensland.

Police on Monday found a body on a private property at Canoona, north of Rockhampton,
and a post-mortem examination will be carried out on Monday.

The body was found in bushland behind a residence on the property, and police say it
had been there for more than two weeks.

DNA tests will be required for a formal identification.

Levi Michael Hayes, 28, faced a Rockhampton court on Monday, charged with the 17-year-old's
murder on or around April 8.

Regional crime co-ordinator Inspector Jon Wacker said Ms Elsmore was formally reported
missing by her father on Friday, but she'd been missing for some time before that.

He said a large team of detectives was continuing to work on the case.

"We have plenty (of officers) from the local CIB and we've also received valuable assistance
from the state homicide investigation group," he told the ABC.

"A number of people have come forward and supplied us with information, but we're still
piecing together the deceased person's last movements.

"We do ask if anyone does have knowledge of this matter, and police haven't spoken
to them, if they could please contact Crime Stoppers or their local police."

Hayes has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in court on May 7. He has
not entered a plea.

AAP djb/tnf/tr

KEYWORD: HAYES

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

HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:30, Dec 13

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2009
HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:30, Dec 13

SYDNEY - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a surprise visit on Sunday morning to the memorial
chapel dedicated to Mother Mary MacKillop, whose sainthood could be imminent. (MacKillop
to come)

SYDNEY - The NSW government hopes more than 600 arrests in a weekend police crackdown
on alcohol-related crime will ram home one simple message ... "don't get smashed and behave
like a moron". (Blitz NSW Update)

MELBOURNE - More than 200 people were arrested for drunkenness in Victoria under the
Operation Unite crackdown on alcohol-related violence. (Blitz Vic)(See also AFL Pendlebury)
Blitz Vic Wrap to come.

DARWIN - The second night of Operation Unite in Darwin turned "ugly", with police condemning
a mix of Christmas parties and "vertical drinking" as a recipe for disaster. (Blitz NT)

CANBERRA - A blitz on drunken behaviour in Canberra has resulted in 45 people being
arrested over the weekend. (Blitz ACT)

ADELAIDE - Police media conference to release the latest operation unite statistics.

(Blitz SA to come)

To come Blitz WA, Blitz Qld, Blitz Tas.

Blitz Wrap to come.

COPENHAGEN - Australia has formally warned the Copenhagen climate summit that negotiations
to save the planet are not on track. (Summit Aust)

COPENHAGEN - Denmark's Prince Frederik has thrown himself into the Copenhagen climate
conference, hobnobbing with UN chiefs and business leaders. (Summit Frederik)

COPENHAGEN - A police crackdown on climate protesters in Copenhagen in which hundreds
were arrested was preplanned and apparently without justification, according to an Australian
eyewitness. (Summit Protests Aust);See also,

SYDNEY - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd should downsize his Copenhagen bandwagon if he's
serious about cutting emissions, says the federal opposition says. (Climate Hunt)

CANBERRA - Treasurer Wayne Swan says Australia continues to outperform other nations
even as the impact of the global financial crisis continues to wash through the economy.

(Economy Wrap to come.)

CANBERRA - Kevin Rudd is expected to receive the report from his landmark international
commission on nuclear disarmament during his visit to Japan on Tuesday. (Nuclear Aust
to come)

SYDNEY - New figures showing more than 80 per cent of NSW in drought paint a really
bleak picture for farmers, says NSW Premier Kristina Keneally. (Drought)

BRISBANE - Darwin is mopping up, with the nation's first cyclone for the season dumping
a month's worth of rain on the city. (Laurence)

BRISBANE - One person has died and seven others have been airlifted to hospital after
a four-wheel-drive rolled over on Fraser Island in southeast Queensland. (Rollover Update)

HOBART - Paddy Pearl, the widow of celebrated writer and journalist Cyril Pearl, has
sold one of Tasmania's oldest homes and donated the sale proceeds to charity. (Campania)

SYDNEY - The Australian stock market is expected to open higher on Monday despite a
mixed set of leads from overseas markets during weekend offshore trading. (Market Preview)

SYDNEY - Bank of Queensland chief executive David Liddy says the Australian banking
sector is heading towards a "retail style oligopoly". (BankQld to come)

SYDNEY - Mick Fanning clinched his second world championship tour surfing title when
fellow Queenslander Joel Parkinson was eliminated from the third round of the Pipeline
Masters in Hawaii on Sunday morning, (AEDT) (Surfing World Update)

Surfing World Wrap to come.

MORE bwl

KEYWORD: HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL

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

Vic: Man in court charged over terror plot

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2009
Vic: Man in court charged over terror plot

MELBOURNE, Aug 4 AAP - A man charged with planning a suicide terrorist attack on a
NSW army base has appeared in court amid tight security.

Nayef El Sayed, 25, of Glenroy, is the first man charged over the conspiracy which
has so far led to five arrests following raids on properties in Melbourne and Victoria's
southwest on Tuesday morning.

El Sayed appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court charged with conspiring with four
men and other unknown people to do acts in preparation for an armed attack on the Australian
army base at Holsworthy, in western Sydney.

MORE mi/pmu/cdh

KEYWORD: TERROR VIC ELSAYED

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

Fed: Parly hostilities on hold for another day

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2009
Fed: Parly hostilities on hold for another day

Parliamentary hostilities in Canberra will remain on hold for another day .. with question
time suspended for a second day in both the lower house and the Senate.

Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD will make a statement on the bushfire tragedy in Victoria
to the House of Representatives at 2pm (AEDT).

He's been touring fire-ravaged areas and spending time with emergency crews and victims
since Sunday.

Meanwhile Victorian federal MP FRAN BAILEY has evacuated her Healesville electorate
office as a precaution following reports of possible fire activity in the area.

AAP RTV keh/rl/jmt

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC PARLY (CANBERRA)

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

Vic: Man missing in bush near Melbourne

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2008
Vic: Man missing in bush near Melbourne

Police and SES volunteers will resume this morning for a missing bush walker in Healesville
.. north east of Melbourne.

The 40 year-old bush walker from parked his car at the junction carpark at Don and
Ben Cairn roads around 2pm yesterday to take his dog for a walk.

His partner reported him missing at 8.10pm last night.

Police say the man was not dressed for staying out in the bush at night.

The search was called off last night and will resume again at first light today.

AAP RTV jxt/fdf

KEYWORD: BUSHWALKER (MELBOURNE)

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

Fed: Republic, charter of rights hot topics for summit

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2008
Fed: Republic, charter of rights hot topics for summit

By Maria Hawthorne, Chief Political Correspondent

CANBERRA, April 17 AAP - Should we change the way we change the constitution?

That's one of the questions the 100 delegates taking part in the governance stream
of this weekend's Australia 2020 summit in Canberra will discuss.

An eclectic group of academics, students, media types, politicians, public servants,
students and a former governor-general will debate four main topics over a day-and-a-half
of discussion.

Public administration, public accountability, civic rights and responsibilities and
parliamentary reform are the broad discussion areas.

A charter of rights and a republic are certain to be the two hottest topics.

And session co-chair Maxine McKew doesn't expect anyone to come to an agreement, particularly
on the charter of rights.

The country's peak human rights body has called for a charter; federal Attorney-General
Robert McClelland has already ruled out the idea.

Ms McKew, the parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, said all ideas
would be on the table.

"I'm certainly going to be saying to the group when we open up on Saturday morning
that I want a robust debate but I want it conducted in a civil fashion. I'm sure it will
be," she said.

"But I would not expect that there would be agreement on that issue."

Another issue of contention will be whether to hold another constitutional convention
- or even a series of regular conventions.

The most recent constitutional convention was the 1998 talkfest on the republic; before
that, one was held in 1985, another in 1983, and three were held in the 1970s.

Ms McKew expects there to be agreement on holding the convention, but not on what it
should discuss.

"One view would be that a convention should simply be called to argue whether we should
change the way we change the constitution," she said.

"There's a lot of paralysis in our system about changing. We are not a country that
embraces change when it comes to the constitution, it's happened very rarely, and that's
because we require this majority of a majority.

"It may be that a fundamental question is do we have a convention to argue whether
we should change that process."

The summit delegates do not formally meet until the weekend, but they have been actively
reading and discussing each other's submissions to the summit in the meantime.

"Believe me, there has been a flurry of caucusing," Ms McKew said.

"We're debating the country's most important document.

"That arouses significant passions. I'm not surprised that the people who spend their
lives and have developed great scholarship around this issue have been furiously ringing
around saying, okay, what ideas are we going to put on the table?

"And some of them might even be - shock horror - trying to orchestrate an outcome."

One of the main problems facing delegates is the lack of time available for individual views.

While the summit spans two days, the actual time for debate within each stream is essentially
seven hours - about 4min20sec for each of the 100 passionate, informed and articulate
speakers to make their cases.

Ms McKew says she and summit chair John Hartigan, the News Ltd chief, will run a tight ship.

"We're going to be flat out, quite frankly," she said.

"There are a lot of people in our sessions who are going to have a lot to say so the
trick will be saying, three minutes, okay, and really keep it moving."

AAP mfh/rl/apm/mn

KEYWORD: SUMMIT GOVERNANCE (AAP BACKGROUNDER)

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

Qld: Family warned against taking gang raped girl out of care

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2007
Qld: Family warned against taking gang raped girl out of care

SYDNEY, Dec 13 AAP - The family of a 10-year-old girl who was gang raped in the far
north Queensland Aboriginal community of Aurukun had warned authorities she would be in
danger if removed from foster care in Cairns.

The girl was gang raped by nine men in Aurukun in April 2006, but her attackers escaped
jail time, sparking furore nationwide.

Her family have expressed outrage at the sentence the nine males received, and claim
some of the offenders had first raped the girl when she was seven.

"She should never have been allowed to come back from foster care while those boys
were still here," the girl's mother told The Australian newspaper today.

"We told that to welfare. (Some of) those boys had raped her in the past."

District Court judge Sarah Bradley decided not to record convictions against six teenage
attackers and gave three others, aged 17, 18 and 26, suspended sentences over the rape
in October.

The sentences will be appealed and dozens of other sex abuse cases from the Cape reviewed
after the lenient sentences in the gang-rape case were revealed.

The prosecutor in the case, Steve Carter - who described the rape as "a form of childish
experimentation" of which the victim was a willing participant - has also been stood down
pending an internal investigation.

The girl's family speak to her once a week by satellite link because she is housed
in a secret location in north Queensland.

"She sleeps with the light on. She gets jumpy when they get new case workers," her
uncle told The Australian.

The uncle said no authority had contacted the family since the story was reported.

He first heard about it on the radio, and he welcomed the opportunity to speak to the
media.

AAP jlw/cp

KEYWORD: GANG FAMILY

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

WA: Abolishing AWAS could hurt WA: Carpenter

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2007
WA: Abolishing AWAS could hurt WA: Carpenter

West Australian Premier ALAN CARPENTER says KEVIN RUDD'S plan to abolish AWA's .. could
hurt WA's booming resources industry.

Mr CARPENTER says AWA's are almost the norm in the state's mining sector .. and he's
told the federal opposition leader to remember this .. when he draws up Labor's IR policy
ahead of this year's election.

He's told the West Australian newspaper there needs to be a model which respects WA's
situation .. but allows for pay and conditions of ordinary working people to be underpinned
by fair standards.

AAP RTV np/wf/bart

KEYWORD: WORKPLACE CARPENTER (PERTH)

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

Fed: Saddam had proper trial, says Howard

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2006
Fed: Saddam had proper trial, says Howard

By Kate Corbett

CANBERRA, Dec 30 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard says a fair and proper trial was
given to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, but Labor says he should not have been
executed.

Saddam was hanged in Baghdad today, four days after an Iraqi court upheld the death
sentence handed down subsequent to his conviction for the killing of 148 people in the
Shi'ite village of Dujail in 1982 after an attempt to assassinate him.

"The real significance is that this man has been given a proper trial, due process
was followed," Mr Howard said.

"There was an appeal that was dismissed and he has been dealt with in accordance with
the law of Iraq."

Mr Howard said the successful process showed Iraqis wanted to move on and resolve the
deadly sectarian unrest.

"I believe there is something quite heroic about a country that is going through the
pain and the suffering that Iraq is going through, yet still extends due process to somebody
who was a tyrant and brutal suppressor and murderer of his people.

"That is the mark of a country that is trying against fearful odds to embrace democracy
and it is a country that deserves sympathy and support and not to be abandoned," he said.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Australia would keep supporting the people of Iraq.

"The Australian government, together with our coalition allies, will continue to support
the struggle of the vast majority of Iraq's people to preserve and build upon the progress
which has been achieved," he said in a statement.

Mr Downer agreed that Saddam was given a fair trial and said the Iraqi government was
aware of Australia's opposition to capital punishment.

"No matter what one might think about the death penalty ... we must also respect the
right of sovereign states to pass judgment relating to crimes committed against their
people, within their jurisdictions," he said.

However, Labor leader Kevin Rudd said even though the former dictator had committed
mass murder, he did not deserve to be sentenced to death.

"Labor has a universal position of opposition to the death penalty both at home and
abroad," Mr Rudd said in a statement.

"It is not possible in our view to be selective in the application of this policy."

The Labor leader doubts Saddam's death will have any impact on the continuing unrest in Iraq.

"Labor questions whether the execution of Saddam Hussein will in any way reduce sectarian
and political violence in Iraq, which has already brought that country to the brink of
civil war."

Labor's foreign affairs spokesman Robert McClelland agreed.

"We are doubtful that his execution will contribute to the resolution of sectarian
violence plaguing Iraq," he told AAP.

AAP kc/apm/de

KEYWORD: IRAQ SADDAM AUST NIGHTLEAD

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

Main stories in today's 0900 ABC News

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2006
Main stories in today's 0900 ABC News

PERTH, August 22 AAP - The main stories in the 0900 ABC news:

- A 41-year-old man has been charged by West Australian police over a series of abusive
and racist calls to Jewish community groups in Perth.

- British police have charged 11 people over the alleged terrorist plot to blow up
passenger flights.

- Workers at Melbourne car parts manufacturer Ajax Fasteners are waiting to see if
they can return to their jobs tomorrow.

- The steel producer OneSteel has posted a net profit of $188 million on sales revenue
of more than $4 billion.

- New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has waded into the row surrounding Saturday's
bruising Tri-Nations Test, accusing the Wallabies of acts of assault.

- In AFL, Melbourne's Nathan Jones is the rising star nominee for round 20.

AAP

KEYWORD: MONITOR ABC 0900

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

NSW: More immigration protests expected today

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2006
NSW: More immigration protests expected today

More protests are expected outside Sydney's Holsworthy army barracks today .. against
the government's new hardline immigration policies.

About 80 refugee activists gathered at the barracks yesterday .. to demand access to
160 immigration detainees at the facility.

Their requests to visit the detainees .. who are among 260 temporarily relocated from
Sydney's Villawood detention centre because of asbestos fears .. were turned down.

AAP RTV lb/ra/wf

KEYWORD: VILLAWOOD (SYDNEY)

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

Inflation closed at 5.75% in 2002, say analysts.

MEXICO CITY, Jan 9, 2003 (El Economista/Corporate Mexico by Internet Securities, Inc. via COMTEX) -- For the first time in four years, the Bank of Mexico did not make its inflation target. In 2002, the decrease in electricity subsidies, salaries and the increase in agricultural product prices took annual inflation to 5.75%, revealed a poll of Mexican and foreign analysts.The official figure will be announced today. If the analysts are correct, the bank will have missed its target by 1.25%.The impact of this gap will hit the economy this year, said Alejandro Rodriguez, a specialist in monetary and price policy at the Ibero-American University; it will set a poor precedent for 2003.The 3% target for this year "looks difficult" because of the wide gap with the close of general prices in 2002. According to analysts at Santander Mexicano, the deviation from the 2002 goal can also be blamed on the erratic behavior of agriculture prices that year. They alone rose 11.5% overall, more than double the inflation rate for the year.Adding to this the performance of public and administrated prices, which rose 16.5%, it was difficult to continue the constant decline in prices registered since 1998.According to Banamex and Santander, without the increases in electricity rates, inflation would have been 3.8%, a positive result from their perspective because it anticipates a gradual approximation to the 2003 goal. JP Morgan was the most pessimistic in its estimate for 2002 inflation, putting the rate at 5.8%. The Bank of Mexico insists that it did not fail last year. Officials said that in order to have reached the 4.5% target, it was fundamental that prices of goods and services drop much more than the target rate. "The negative impact of public prices made it evident that inflation would be more than 5.6% in 2002," they said.

URL:              www.securities.com 

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

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

E-learning through digital libraries: the case of National Open University of Nigeria.(Report)

Introduction

Electronic learning, or e-learning, refers to computer-enhanced learning. It also refers to research, learning, and teaching in the digital environment. Tripathi (2007) says that it encompasses courses offered online, courses with face-to-face and online access to course materials, and courses provide access to online discussion forums, notes, and other course materials. E-learning is suited to distant learning and independent study, but can also be used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, which is referred to as "blended learning." E-learning can also refer to educational websites offering learning scenarios, worksheets, and interactive exercises for children.

The importance of e-learning is growing in higher education. Key advantages of e-learning are flexibility, convenience, and the ability to work at any place where an Internet connection is available and at one's own pace ("E-learning" 2011). E-learning is a viable option for those with commitments or conditions such as family or work, or who cannot participate easily for reasons including disability. The time and cost of commuting to and from campus are eliminated. E-learning provides students with the ability to communicate with classmates independent of distance and can be adapted to learners' needs. E-learning promotes individualized instruction or learner-centred education where students may set their own objectives and explore their own learning needs online.

Learning resources and services are very significant to research and teaching in higher education. The advent of ICTs has completely transformed libraries and information centres. They have emerged as early adopters of new technologies and act as service points for access to digital libraries. In Nigeria, the Information Gateway, the online library of the National Open University, is responding to the increasing importance of e-learning by developing their services accordingly. This paper highlights the status and importance of online resources, online services in e-libraries, online services in National Open University and the implications of National Open University experiences for e-learning in Nigeria.

Status and Importance of Online Resources

Information Technology (IT) infuses all aspects of modern life, and the growth of digital information continues at an unprecedented rate. Higher education institutions have invested heavily in campus IT infrastructure, and educational philosophy emphasizes learner-centred pedagogy, with learner-centred technology widely available in most of the campuses. Lyman and Varian in (2007) estimate that new stored information grew at a rate of approximately 30 percent annually between 1999 and 2002. Dealing with this expanding volume of information and information resources becomes an integral aspect of education policy.

The shift from teacher-centred education has increased the importance of online resources. Students can choose content based on their own learning needs. Perry (2007) says that learner-centred education acknowledges the value of active constructivist learning, including individual learning styles. The student is an active participant in the learning process. Course management systems can be learned to create this environment. Digital library technologies and web-based learning gateways are complementary developments, and include MERLOT (http://www.merlot.org/), EDNA (Education Network Australia) online (http://www.edu.au/edna/page%20l.html), National Virtual Library (http://:www.nou.edu.ng/), and the SMETE Digital Library (http://www.smete.org/smete/).

Digital resources range from archival documents to historical images to primary source materials from scientific field research. These collections may include specific learning activities or be used as resources for teachers to use. For online resources to be useful, reliable networks, universal access, and a sound IT infrastructure are also needed. Rudatebwa and Stockman (2007) observe that online resources demand electricity, PCs, Internet connectivity, and a network.

Association of Research Libraries (1995) enumerates the importance of online resources:

* The resources will never be out on loan and will be available at anytime, any place, and anywhere:

* Access is provided to more complete set of journals than, in many instances, now exist on many library shelves;

* The cost of tracking the arrival of each journal issue, claiming, and periodical binding will be eliminated;

* The need for added library space may decline.

* Cost of retrieving and reshelving materials will be reduced.

Online Services in E-libraries

Online services in e-libraries have evolved since computers were first used in education. Lang, in Ubogu (2006) identifies the following as core services in e-libraries.

* The collection: a wide variety of materials in digital forms--books, journals, manuscripts, reference works, theses and dissertations, government documents, maps video, images and pictorial materials, music scores.

* The provision of information about the library's services and collection to remote users.

* Access tools: online library catalogues, subject gateways, portals. Services: reference services, online tutorials, on demand publishing, electronic reserve-short loan and course packs, electronic course pack, lecture notes.

* Networking and imaging technologies to support and enhance all aspects of library basic operational activities--Z39.50, repository software - Dspace, e-print, etc. Open Archival Initiative (OAI).

* Networking and imaging technologies to facilitate closer co-operation with other bodies.

* Expertise within the library for the application of new technologies to library activities and bibliographical research of all kinds.

Other services in e-libraries include:

Library Information

* Mission: What the library intends to accomplish to ensure that the goals of the institutions are achieved.

* Library Policies: These are sets of rules and regulations guiding the processes and use.

* Library Hours: In considering library hours, the convenience of users should be the overriding consideration.

Facilities and Services

* Building: There should be a building to house the library resources and equipments.

* Equipments: Equipments such as computers, Internet connection, and furniture, among others.

* Workshop and Training: Exposing staff to the technical details using the technology and the pedagogy.

* Library Field Trip for Students: Orientating users to the best use of library resources.

Online Services in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

The NOUN library, i.e., the Information Gateway, is a library established to support teaching, learning and research activities of the university. The main library is located at the headquarters of the National Open University of Nigeria in Lagos. The library provides online catalogue, circulation, reference, information literacy, current awareness services, training, workshops, and user orientation. The major aim of the e-library is to facilitate access to scholarly information resources. There are polices that guide the nature of services in the e-library. Facilities are provided to enable library achieve its objectives. The library has a building, which has been renovated to provide services to users who prefer print copies of books and periodicals. The e-library laboratory is equipped with 45 computers, and Internet access.

The library's collection has more than 40,000 volumes of books and 200,000 volumes of electronic resources. It has a growing periodical and audiovisual collection. The National Virtual Library provides an online service center for accessing databases in other e-libraries all over the world. Databases include:

* AGORA (Access to Global Online Research Agriculture). Provides a collection of 918 journals in agriculture and life sciences to institutions in 107 countries.

* Bibliomania: Collection of resources in various subjects

* Bioline InternationalL Features 30 peer-reviewed journals from some countries of South America, Asia and Africa in Health sciences, Biodiversity, Environment, Conservation and International Development.

* BLDS (British Library for Development Studies at IDS-Institute of Development Studies). Europe's largest research collections on economic and social change in developing countries.

* Chemistry Central: This is collection of peer-reviewed open access research and journals in chemical sciences (http://http://www.nou.edu.ng/.)

Hagner in Perry (2007) identified five areas that affect levels of faculty engagement: training, grants and start-up resources, technical support, assessment, and communication. These are all vital to a implementing a technology-based learning environment. User orientation is crucial to the services in the library. Users need guides to access the resources of the library. The university library is pursuing the new millennium integrated library system goal, which makes libraries access providers for digital resources and expertise.

Enabling Technology for the National Virtual Library

The National Virtual Library services and digital resources are delivered over the Internet which depends on network operating systems running on web server computers. Web servers provide support for special web server extension or modules used by digital library software (Dahl, Banerjee and Spalti, 2006). Storage of electronic resources is either on a local server maintained by the library or parent institution a remote server hosted by the vendor. Limits of network bandwidth and slow transmission speeds may make effective access a problem.

Implications of National Open University Experiences to E-learning in Nigeria

NOUN is Nigeria's only specialist provider of open and distance learning at the tertiary level. NOUN is the country's largest tertiary institution in terms of student numbers. It serves about 32,400 students through a network of 28 study centres distributed in the six geo-political zone. It offers more than 50 programmes and 750 courses, from certificate to diploma and degree level, and maintains a strong commitment to internationalization. NOUN consults with industry and employers in developing courses and brings international programmes from universities around the world. This requires an effective e-learning system. E-learning changes the approach from presentation (teachers); to practice (students); to communication (group); to interaction (real world); and to collaboration (community) (Logofatu, 2005). E-learning has brought about the transformation of an old pedagogy to a new one. Table 1 shows the transition, from old to new pedagogy.

NOUN is making an excellent contribution to Nigeria's Universal Basic Education effort and Education for All Programmes. The use of multimedia and the interactivity that computers connected to the Internet afford has led to the creation of much richer learning environment (Bauer, 2005). These new technologies enhance communication between learners, and between new learners and teachers. The e-learning strategies of NOUN have made a great impact in e-learning in Nigeria.

NOUN designs programmes that provide a quality framework for lifelong learning in Nigeria. The programmes promote new learning methodologies and help standardize training methods. The Virtual Library of the National Open University of Nigeria, having formed a consortium with other Open University libraries in Africa, and provides access to varied resources to its many users. The Information Gateway has more than 30 databases and offers access to more than 1,000 journals and many other types of information. There is an opportunity for many Nigerians to join the mainstream of development and contribute to building a knowledge society. The libraries and information centres have a pivotal role to play in supporting and promoting e-learning in the country.

Recommendations

After reviewing NOUN's online services and its contributions to e-learning in Nigeria, the following recommendations are suggested to enhance e-library service delivery:

* In case of low and poor bandwidth, offline multimedia materials can be used.

* All user requirements must be taken into consideration in planning e-learning strategies.

* Collaborative efforts should be intensified.

* Should establish good contacts with the ICT department of the university.

* Should state clearly to the university management the importance of e-resources for improving studies and research in order to ensure sustainability.

* Statistics of usage should be compiled and presented to university management.

* Should create awareness among library users of the resources available by using brochures, newsletters, posters website, etc.

* Should maintain continuous upkeep of the databases and links.

* User orientation should be intensified through workshops, online tutorials, seminars, conferences to promote awareness.

* Should develop a digital resource centre for Distance Education.

* A consortium of Open Universities Libraries should be formed with more libraries all over the world.

* To provide more update resources and services to improve the facilities for accessing e-resources.

Conclusion

The demand for e-learning is growing day by day. As a result, library services have taken on another dimension. Librarians and academicians should collaborate to evaluate and provide links to authoritative web resources related to programmes and courses taught. They may develop a portal for providing a seamless integrated access to e-collections. The enabling technology infrastructures for building a virtual library must include stable electricity and upgrading or installing a high speed internet connection to support a variety of services, such as web servers, proxy servers for remote access, FTP Servers for uploading and downloading large file, with appropriate digital library software. System librarians need to be trained or employed. Finally, the library should conduct online tutorials for improving the information searching skills of the e-learners and so doing, contributing greatly in improving e-learning in Nigeria.

References

Association of Research Libraries (1995). Definition and purposes of a digital library. Retrieved on 10/06/08 from http:www.ifla.org/documents

Bauer, W., & Kurtemeyer, G. (2005). Resource sharing in an open source course management environment. Available: http://www.ict.org.italy/.

Dahl M., Banerjee K., & Spalti, M. (2006). Digital libraries: Integrating content and systems. Great Britain: Chandos Publishing Limited.

E-learning. (2011, June 12). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=E-learning&oldid=433868852

Logofatu, B. (2005). Psycho-pedagogic aspects in e-learning courses. Available: http://www.ict.org.italy/.

National Open University of Nigeria (2009). Retrieved on 02/09/09 from http://www.nou.edu.ng/.

Perry, C.A (2007). Information Technology and the Curriculum: A Status Report. Retrieved on 16/10/07 from http://www.google.com/.

Rudatebwa, T., & Stockman, A. (2007). E-journals in Real Life: Experiences from the National University of Rwanda. Book of Abstracts of 2nd e-learning Africa Conference held at Nairobi, Kenya.

Tripathi, M. (2007). E-learning through digital libraries: An Indian scenario. Book of Abstracts of 2nd e-learning Africa Conference held at Nairobi, Kenya.

Ubogu, F.N. (2006). Trends in digital library services in academic libraries in South Africa: Library portals and ETD System. Conference Proceedings of 44th Annual National Conference of NLA held in Abuja, Nigeria.

Nkiru J. Otubelu

Federal College of Education (Tech.)

Asaba, Nigeria

Table 1: Pedagogy TransitionOld Pedagogy                    New PedagogyCompulsory                      VoluntaryTeacher-centered                Learner-centeredMinimal learner control         Education as freedomTraining for life               Assimilation of learning with life                                 experiencesConvergent thinking             Divergent thinkingRote Learning                   Active learningDepends on educators learning   Depends on learners needs for learningImparting, information          Opens vista for continuous learning

The rape-claim girl who spoiled DSK's freedom celebrations.(News)

Byline: From Peter Allen in Paris

AT the weekend Dominique Strauss-Kahn was celebrating his release from house arrest with truffles and fine wine in an expensive New York restaurant.

The rape case brought against him by a hotel chambermaid was on the brink of collapse.

But if the former head of the International Monetary Fund thought he was in the clear and could now take a run at the French presidency, yesterday brought a new setback.

French journalist Tristane Banon accused 62-year-old Strauss-Kahn of attempting to rape her in 2003.

Miss Banon says she was 'sickened' to see photographs of the economist and his wife Anne Sinclair toasting the apparent collapse of the New York case. She says she was attacked by Strauss-Kahn in a Paris studio flat, with him acting like a 'rutting chimpanzee' as he tried to pull her clothes off.

Miss Banon's lawyer David Koubbi confirmed that her complaint - which will be received by prosecutors on Wednesday - was 'extremely solid and well documented'. He added: 'We won't let go.'

Attempted rape carries a sentence of up to 15 years in France - more if there are aggravating circumstances such as the use of violence.

In an interview with L'Express magazine, Miss Banon recounted the alleged attack when she went to interview Strauss-Kahn.

'When I entered that flat, I immediately felt ill at ease,' she said, adding that the flat was almost empty.

'He offered me a coffee, I got out my Dictaphone, he wanted us to go on the couch, then asked me to hold his hand, say-ing "Otherwise I won't manage".

'I wanted to leave. He stopped the Dictaphone, caught me by the arm. I asked him to let me go, and that's when the fight started.'

Miss Banon has previously given a graphic account of the alleged attack in a 2007 TV programme, still posted on the internet, in which she used the 'rutting chimpanzee' description. She said her attacker tried to unfasten her clothes.

She said that she was dissuaded from filing charges at the time by her mother, a regional councillor in Strauss-Kahn's Socialist party.

Strauss-Kahn's lawyers responded to the allegations by saying he intended to sue Miss Banon for 'slanderous denunciation', adding that the alleged events she related were 'imaginary'.

He was arrested in New York in May on charges that he tried to rape the hotel maid, but was released without bail last week.

It has now been claimed that the maid - who has been accused of working as a prostitute - was aware of Strauss-Kahn's VIP status and became angry when he refused to pay for sexual services.

A New York police source said the eventual dismissal of charges was 'a certainty', adding: 'We all know this case is not sustainable.'

The French Socialist Party has been torn apart by the latest revelations, with some senior figures still arguing that Strauss-Kahn should be allowed to run for president next year against Nicolas Sarkozy.

CAPTION(S):

New battle: Strauss-Kahn with his wife Anne Sinclair

Accuser: Tristane Banon yesterday

LG JOINS HANDS WITH ETISALAT TO SELL MORE SMART TVS IN MIDEAST, AFRICA.

SEOUL, June 15 Asia Pulse - LG Electronics Inc. (KSE:066570), the world's second-largest TV maker, said Wednesday that it has signed an exclusive content supply agreement with Emirates Telecommunications Corp., a leading telecom carrier in the Middle East and Africa, to advance into the region's TV market.

Under the agreement, the telecom company, also known as Etisalat, will exclusively provide news, film, sports, music, entertainment and other shows for the buyers of LG's smart TVs, which can surf the Web and expand its functions through applications that could be downloaded from LG's application store, the Korean company said in a statement.

Etisalat, which has more than 200 million subscribers, offers fixed-line phone, mobile and wireless Internet and Internet Protocol television (IP TV) services in 18 countries in the Middle East and Africa. Its market share in the United Arab Emirates stands at 75 percent, LG said.

The agreement will also allow viewers to browse Etisalat's IP TV channels on LG's smart TVs without the use of a set-top box.

The Korean TV maker, which competes with its homegrown rival Samsung Electronics Co. (KSE:005930) and Japan-based Sony Corp. (TSE:6758) to woo smart TV customers, said the deal will boost its presence in the region.

LG plans to seek additional partnerships with content providers in the 18 countries where Etisalat operates, it added.

(Yonhap) cg 15-06 1625

Remarks by AEP President at Deutsche Bank Conference to Be Webcast.(Conference news)

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) has scheduled a live audio webcast of a presentation by Nick Akins, president of AEP, at the Deutsche Bank 2011 Alternative Energy, Utilities & Power Conference May 12 in New York City.

The 30-minute presentation, to an audience of investors, will begin at 10:50 a.m. EDT and can be accessed through the Internet at http://www.aep.com/go/webcasts/. The webcast also will be available after the live event.

During the conference, which runs May 11-12, AEP will reaffirm its 2011 ongoing earnings guidance of $3.00 to $3.20 per share.

American Electric Power is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. AEP ranks among the nation's largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. AEP also owns the nation's largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765-kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined. AEP's transmission system directly or indirectly serves about 10 percent of the electricity demand in the Eastern Interconnection, the interconnected transmission system that covers 38 eastern and central U.S. states and eastern Canada, and approximately 11 percent of the electricity demand in ERCOT, the transmission system that covers much of Texas. AEP's utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP's headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.

This report made by American Electric Power and its Registrant Subsidiaries contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although AEP and each of its Registrant Subsidiaries believe that their expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are: electric load and customer growth; weather conditions, including storms; available sources and costs of, and transportation for, fuels and the creditworthiness and performance of fuel suppliers and transporters; availability of generating capacity and the performance of AEP's generating plants; AEP's ability to recover regulatory assets and stranded costs in connection with deregulation; AEP's ability to recover increases in fuel and other energy costs through regulated or competitive electric rates; AEP's ability to build or acquire generating capacity (including the ability to obtain any necessary regulatory approvals and permits) when needed at acceptable prices and terms and to recover those costs (including the costs of projects that are canceled) through applicable rate cases or competitive rates; new legislation, litigation and government regulation, including requirements for reduced emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, carbon, soot or particulate matter and other substances; timing and resolution of pending and future rate cases, negotiations and other regulatory decisions (including rate or other recovery of new investments in generation, distribution and transmission service and environmental compliance); resolution of litigation (including disputes arising from the bankruptcy of Enron Corp. and related matters); AEP's ability to constrain operation and maintenance costs; the economic climate and growth or contraction in AEP's service territory and changes in market demand and demographic patterns; inflationary and interest rate trends; volatility in the financial markets, particularly developments affecting the availability of capital on reasonable terms and developments impacting AEP's ability to refinance existing debt at attractive rates; AEP's ability to develop and execute a strategy based on a view regarding prices of electricity, natural gas and other energy-related commodities; changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparties with whom AEP has contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy trading markets; actions of rating agencies, including changes in the ratings of debt; volatility and changes in markets for electricity, natural gas, coal, nuclear fuel and other energy-related commodities; changes in utility regulation, including the implementation of the recently passed utility law in Ohio and the allocation of costs within regional transmission organizations; accounting pronouncements periodically issued by accounting standard-setting bodies; the impact of volatility in the capital markets on the value of the investments held by AEP's pension, other postretirement benefit plans and nuclear decommissioning trust and the impact on future funding requirements; prices for power that AEP generates and sells at wholesale; changes in technology, particularly with respect to new, developing or alternative sources of generation; and other risks and unforeseen events, including wars, the effects of terrorism (including increased security costs), embargoes and other catastrophic events.

SOURCE American Electric Power

SHELBY COUNTY WOMAN SENTENCED FOR FRAUD SCHEME BASED ON NON-EXISTENT LAWSUIT.

BIRMINGHAM, AL -- The following information was released by United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama:

A federal judge today sentenced a Shelby County woman to more than seven years in prison for her role in a four-year scheme that collected $425,000 for the expenses of a lawsuit that did not exist, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Reginael McDaniel and FBI Special Agent in Charge Patrick Maley.

U.S. District Judge C. Lynwood Smith Jr. sentenced KATHERINE HOPE LANE, 27, to seven years and three months in prison for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to launder money.

Telling Lane that her fraud "borders on classic evil," Judge Smith ordered her to pay $368,575 in restitution to the victims who thought they were helping her pay the expenses of a personal-injury lawsuit. He also ordered her to forfeit $406,500 to the government as proceeds of the fraud.

Lane pleaded guilty to the charges in August.

"This was an outrageous and prolonged scheme that preyed on family friends and associates in another state who were duped into believing they were helping Ms. Lane pursue a lawsuit filed as the result of her suffering a brutal assault while at work," Vance said. "Ms. Lane was never assaulted and there was never a lawsuit. Thanks to thorough investigation, Ms. Lane's deception was revealed and she is being held to account for her crimes."

"Individuals who create elaborate schemes that have no purpose except to defraud others for their own personal profit run the risk of prosecution," McDaniel said. "Schemes that target family friends and associates are especially egregious and today's sentencing should serve as a deterrent to those who might contemplate similar fraudulent actions," he said.

"Cases like this are a good reminder to all citizens to make sure that the organization or cause they are giving to is a legitimate charity, and not one that was set up for the sole purpose of bilking the public," Maley said. "Citizens can obtain more information on charitable contribution schemes and other types of online schemes by visiting www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com. If you are a victim of an online scheme, please notify the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov."

According to court records, Lane conducted the fraud with her father, Paul H. Lane Jr., of Pelham, from 2004 through at least November 2008. Paul Lane was indicted in October 2009 on mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering charges. His trial was scheduled for March, but has been postponed. No new trial date has been set.

Paul Lane is charged with soliciting money from friends and acquaintances in Michigan, where he once lived, to help pay expenses for the non-existent lawsuit.

According to court records in Katherine Lane's case, the fraud was carried out as follows:

Friends and acquaintances in Michigan sent money to Alabama by mail, wire and personal delivery over four years. When the money was wired, it was wired through a Regions Bank account and removed for Katherine Lane's benefit. Katherine Lane actively participated in the scheme by assuming various identities, some genuine and some fictitious, under which she sent myriad e-mails to victims. Through the e-mails, she either solicited more money or attempted to lull the victims into believing their money would be returned, and possibly increased upon successful completion of the lawsuit.

The IRS Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa K. Atwood is prosecuting it.

Lesson Planet Announces Site License Version of Popular PreK-12 Lesson Plan Search Solution.

ITSE 2010 Conference -- Lesson Planet, Inc., a leading online community and search solution designed specifically for PreK-12 educators, announced Lesson Planet School Edition™, a cost-effective and easy-to-administer Site License version of Lesson Planet just for schools and districts. The new product is available immediately.

The market for online curriculum support tools is expected to grow significantly, as nearly 95% of U.S. classrooms now have Internet access, versus only 14% in 1996 (Education Week, 2/16/2010). Capitalizing on this growth, Lesson Planet (www.lessonplanet.com) has become a leading online curriculum support solution in the PreK-12 marketplace, currently supporting teachers in over 23,000 schools around the world with the ability to search from over 300,000 teacher-reviewed and rated online lessons and worksheets. Every month, over 6,000 new reviews of online lessons and worksheets are added by Lesson Planet's team of credentialed teacher reviewers.

The Lesson Planet service allows educators to narrow their searches for online curriculum by grade, subject, teacher rating, resource type, teaching method, theme, calendar, technology and duration. The new Site License edition of Lesson Planet enables schools and school districts to purchase and easily administer multiple Lesson Planet subscriptions for their teachers.

"Since we first began reviewing and rating online lesson plans and worksheet nearly ten years ago, Lesson Planet has continued to evolve to meet the needs of individual teachers, by helping them to quickly find targeted, peer-reviewed and standards-correlated online lesson plans and worksheets for nearly any subject," said Jim Hurley, Lesson Planet Chief Executive Officer. "More recently, we found that our teacher members were urging their schools and districts to purchase Lesson Planet as a site license so that all the teachers at their school could benefit. Our new Lesson Planet School Edition makes it easy for schools and districts to provide Lesson Planet accounts for all their teachers at a very cost effective price."

"Our Lesson Planet School Edition site license allows us to provide over 4,000 teachers in Santa Barbara County with full membership access to Lesson Planet," said Steve Keithley. Director, Instructional Media Services, Santa Barbara County Education Office. "Lesson Planet is quite simply the quickest and easiest way for teachers to get lesson plan ideas on the web. The high quality of search results, ease of use, and suggestions for related resources make Lesson Planet an excellent value for any teacher who is interested in saving time and gaining from the expertise of other educators around the world. I highly recommend Lesson Planet as a tool for new and veteran teachers alike."

Lesson Planet School Edition is available immediately. For Elementary Schools, unlimited Site License pricing is $799 per year, $899 for Middle Schools and $1,199 for High Schools. Discount pricing is available for small schools, district and cluster purchases. Contact Lesson Planet for more information.

Keywords: Curriculum, Education, Lesson Planet Inc.

This article was prepared by Education Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, Education Letter via VerticalNews.com.

Find The Key To Investment Rentals & Retirement Living In The Florida Keys.

Jul 15, 2009 (PRWeb.com via COMTEX) -- TopTenRealEstateDeals.com is a new independent website offering exciting and unique Top 10 lists of today's best deals on real estate for sale. Their current featured market addition is the Florida Keys.

"Most of our properties are luxury waterfront vacation homes very suitable for vacation rentals. From oceanfront condos to stunning oceanfront estates, we scour the best deals in the Florida Keys." says Florida Keys Top Ten Concierge, Kelly Willey.

The Florida Keys list features the 10 best deals on a mix of waterfront homes and condos in the Florida Keys. (http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com/luxury_real_estate/condos/regional/florida_keys/)

To view the Florida Keys Top Ten Real Estate List visit: http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com/luxury_real_estate/condos/regional/florida_keys/]

This list is a welcome addition to their already extensive list of regional markets. To view a full list of their regional real estate markets visit http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com].

The site also offers a weekly Real Estate Top 10 list of national deals in the United States.

Their independent Top Ten team focuses on uncovering the best luxury real estate deals from the web, newspapers, auction lists, and pre-construction ads while including only those deals that they feel are the very best bargains! The deals are not their listings, they do not broker sales, and they are not an agency. TopTenRealEstateDeals.com is a general media showcase of great deals on real estate (http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com/) for sale.

For further information, or to request an interview with a company representative, please contact their Internet Marketing Director, Jason Wakefield at press(at)toptenrealestatedeals.com.

Contact: Jason Wakefield Internet Marketing Director TopTenRealEstateDeals.com 574-204-2295

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/07/prweb2647314.htm.

PRWeb.com

PRWEB.COM Newswire

COMMODITY FLOW SURVEY DATA FOR MICHIGAN NOW AVAILABLE

WASHINGTON, July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today announced the availability of results from the Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) for Michigan. The value and weight of commodities shipped by Michigan in 1993 are reported by type of commodity, means of transportation, state of destination, and other characteristics.

The CFS is the first comprehensive effort to determine where and how goods are shipped in the United States since 1977, and represents a major partnership between DOT and the Department of Commerce's Bureau of the Census. The data provide insight into the movement of goods from nearly 200,000 business establishments. The data are useful for transportation planners, economic developments agencies, and others interested in supporting domestic and foreign trade.

In Michigan, the CFS measured $256 billion of goods weighing 324 million tons. Michigan accounted for approximately 4 percent of the value and 3 percent of the weight of total U.S. shipments. The CFS data cover shipments by establishments in mining, manufacturing, wholesale, and selected retail and service industries. The data exclude most shipments of crude oil; therefore, the totals and percentages do not fully reflect the contribution of pipeline shipments.

The major commodities shipped by establishments in Michigan vary when ranked by value and by weight of the shipments. High-value commodities such as machinery, including computers account for a higher proportion of total value and a lower proportion of total weight of shipments. The top five commodities by value were: transportation equipment; food or kindred products; fabricated metal products; machinery, including computers; and chemicals or allied products. The top five commodities by weight were: nonmetallic minerals; petroleum or coal products; clay, concrete, glass, or stone products; food or kindred products; and primary metal products.

Local transportation of freight is important to Michigan's commerce. The distribution of commodities by domestic destination and distance of shipments reflects the importance of local transport. The CFS shows that in 1993, about 48 percent of the value and 74 percent of the weight of total shipments from Michigan were shipped to destinations within the state. About 34 percent of the value and about 58 percent of the weight of all shipments were between places less than 50 miles apart.

In comparison, about 30 percent of the value and 56 percent of the weight of total U.S. shipments were between places less than 50 miles apart. In Michigan, about 45 percent of the value of shipments and 68 percent of the weight of shipments were between places less than 100 miles apart.

More than half (52 percent) of the value and over one-quarter (26 percent) of the weight of all shipments from Michigan were to other states. The top five destinations by value of shipments were: Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, California, and Texas. The top five destinations by weight of shipments were: Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.

Most commodities (77 percent of the value and weight) were moved by trucks. Rail accounted for about 7 percent of the value and 9 percent of the weight of shipments. The CFS data confirm the rising importance of parcel, U.S. postal, and courier services that have emerged in recent years. In 1993, this mode of transport was used to ship 539 thousand tons of goods worth about $14 billion or 6 percent of the value of all shipments in Michigan. In comparison, about 9 percent of the value of total U.S. shipments were moved by this mode.

Reports for all the states are expected to be available by late July. Publication of national summaries, more detailed electronic files, and interpretive studies are expected by late fall.

Summaries of the data from each available state can be obtained from BTS through the Internet at www.bts.gov or through the Bureau's Fax-on-Demand Service at 800-671-8012. To access the data through the BTS website, select the "BTS Products" button, and then click on "Commodity Flow Survey" for CFS data and reports, announcements of future CFS products, and material related to plans for the next CFS in 1997.

Printed copies of the state reports are available by contacting the Commodity Flow Survey Branch, Services Division, Bureau of the Census, Washington DC 20233, or by calling 301-457-2788 or 2114.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics was established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 and has been in existence since 1992. Its mandate is to compile, analyze and make accessible information on the Nation's transportation systems; to collect information on intermodal transportation and other areas as needed; and to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the Department of Transportation's statistical programs through research, the development of guidelines, and the promotion of improvements in data acquisition and use. General information about the BTS is available on the Internet at www.bts.gov or by writing BTS at 400 7th Street, SW, Washington DC 20590.

An electronic version of this press release can be obtained via the World Wide Web at: http://www.dot.gov/affairs/index.htm.

     -0-                         7/23/96 

/CONTACT: Media, Carolee Bush, 202-366-6946, or Technical, Felix Ammah-Tagoe, 202-366-8926, both of the U.S. Department of Transportation/

CO: U.S. Department of Transportation ST: Michigan IN: TRN SU: EXE

JA-KL -- DCTU038 -- 3295 07/23/96 15:27 EDT