QLD:UN concerned about LNG impact on reef

AAP General News (Australia)
08-05-2011
QLD:UN concerned about LNG impact on reef

Premier ANNA BLIGH says she would welcome any visit by a team from the United Nation's
environmental arm to observe conservation efforts on Queensland's Curtis Island.

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has expressed extreme concern at the Bligh government's
backing of planned multi-billion dollar LNG processing plants on the the island, which
is at the doorstep of the great barrier reef.

It's also criticised the federal government's failure to alert it, as per world heritage
guidelines, that the projects will go ahead.

Ms BLIGH says up to 80 per cent of Curtis Island, near Gladstone, has been set aside
for conservation and they are being very rigorous on their requirements of the new gas
companies.

AAP RTV ews/crh/psm/sw

KEYWORD: LNG UNESCO (CAIRNS)

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

trustee

trustee A person who holds the legal title to property but who is not its beneficial owner. Usually there are two or more trustees of a trust and for some trusts of land this is necessary. The trustee may not profit from the position but must act for the benefit of the beneficiary, who may be regarded as the real owner of the property. Either an individual or a company may act as trustee. It is usual to provide for the remuneration of trustees in the trust deed, otherwise there is no right to payment. Trustees may be personally liable to beneficiaries for loss of trust property.

HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:30

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2011
HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:30

SYDNEY - NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson is a "boofhead" who needs to stop playing
politics and focus on the real issues, Premier Barry O'Farrell says. (OFarrell)

OFarrell Wrap to come



SYDNEY - Police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the suspicious death
of a woman on the NSW Central Coast. (Woman Update)



SYDNEY - Streets in the Sydney CBD and major arterial roads are continuing to experience
gridlocked traffic conditions following the closure of the Harbour Bridge. (Traffic)



SYDNEY - There's been another incident in which a laser light was directed at a passenger
aircraft in Sydney, and police have called on the public to help find who's responsible.

(Laser)



SYDNEY - A teenager has been arrested after a pizza delivery man was robbed at knife
and gunpoint in northern NSW. (Pizza)



SYDNEY - Two alleged members of the Hells Angels bike club have been charged with drug
offences in Sydney's inner west, police say. (Bikies)



MELBOURNE - The man who threw his four-year-old daughter off Melbourne's West Gate
Bridge will learn on Monday whether he will spend the rest of his life in prison. (Freeman)



MELBOURNE - Unions are outraged over claims of bullying in what they call a Dickensian
call-centre at WorkSafe Victoria, the group responsible for protecting employees from
workplace harassment. (Worksafe)



MELBOURNE - Two men with intellectual disabilities are taking on the federal government
in court, hoping to win a pay rise for 20,000 disabled workers across Australia. (Disabled
to come)



MELBOURNE - One in three cars on Victoria's roads is unsafe, according to research
by the state's peak mechanics' group. (Unsafe)



MELBOURNE - Three men have been stabbed in a brawl between two groups of men in Melbourne's
southeast. (Party)



MELBOURNE - A teenager has died after the car he was travelling in rolled over on a
Victorian country road. (Toll Vic)



BRISBANE - Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman is wrapping up a charm offensive
to woo voters in northern Queensland, promising to shift some government departments from
Brisbane. (LNP)



BRISBANE - An iconic Port Douglas resort, favoured by celebrities and built by disgraced
tycoon Christopher Skase, has sold for $35 million and is set for a $170 million makeover.

(Port Douglas with pix to come)



BRISBANE - A 39-year-old man has been shot in the leg during a home invasion on Queensland's
Sunshine Coast. (Gun)



BRISBANE - An accused date rapist who allegedly assaulted three female international
students in Brisbane has been charged with a further rape offence. (Assaults)



BRISBANE - Queensland police are on the hunt for arsonists after three cars were set
on fire in Brisbane's north. (Fires)



ADELAIDE - South Australian police have arrested a man wanted in connection with a
body found in a dry creek bed earlier in the week. (Body)



ADELAIDE - Two teams of adventurers prepare for a 3000km journey from Adelaide to Darwin
aboard a hand-powered rail car known as a kalamazoo. (Kalamazoo to come)

AAP apm

KEYWORD: HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL 2 SYDNEY

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

FED:Asylum seeker boat intercepted

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2010
FED:Asylum seeker boat intercepted

Customs says it's intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel south east of Ashmore Island.

Home Affairs Minister BRENDAN O'CONNOR says it's believed there are 56 passengers and
four crew on board.

The group will be transferred to Christmas Island where they'll undergo security ..

identity and health checks.

AAP RTV mb/sb/tm

KEYWORD: BOAT ARRIVE (CANBERRA)

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

FED:Aust jobless rate was 5.3 pct in July

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2010
FED:Aust jobless rate was 5.3 pct in July

Eds: Reissuing to correct figures in second and third pars.



SYDNEY, Aug 12 AAP - Australia's unemployment rate has been seasonally adjusted to
5.3 per cent in July, compared with an unrevised 5.1 per cent in June, the Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS) says.

Total employment rose by 23,500 to 11.236 million in July, seasonally adjusted.

Full-time employment fell by 4,200 to 7.866 million in the month and part-time employment
was up by 27,700 to 3.369 million.

The participation rate in July was 65.5 per cent, up from an upwardly revised 65.3
per cent in June.

The forecast was for total employment to have risen by 20,000 in July, an unemployment
rate of 5.1 per cent and a participation rate of 65.2 per cent, the median of 11 economists
surveyed by AAP showed.

AAP eb/dlm/bwl

KEYWORD: JOBS (REISSUING)

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

AAP National News Wire Round-Up for Evening, April 3

AAP General News (Australia)
04-03-2010
AAP National News Wire Round-Up for Evening, April 3
EVENING ROUND-UP: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AAP RTV FILE AT 1630


MCMAHON (CANBERRA)

Australia's leader have praised the life and work of Lady SONIA MCMAHON .. who died
in Sydney last night.

The wife of former prime minister Sir WILLIAM MCMAHON and mother of actor JULIAN MCMAHON
.. died at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital with her family by her side aged 77.

The Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD has offered his condolences to the family of Lady SONIA
MCMAHON .. describing her as a distinguished representative of Australia.

Opposition Leader TONY ABBOTT says Lady SONIA MCMAHAN added grace and colour to Australian
life .. was a great contributor to the arts and charity .. and will be missed by all.

Lady SONIA made a splash in 1971 during an official a visit to the White House .. when
she wore a revealing white dress split up to the armpits on both sides and held together
by rhinestones.

Funeral details have not yet been announced by the MCMAHON family.



POPULATION (CANBERRA)

The federal government is to draw up a national population strategy .. after growing
concerns the number of Australians will rise to unsustainable levels.

Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD says TONY BURKE will be Australia's first population minister.

Mr RUDD says many Australians have legitimate concerns about the sustainability of
the population levels in different parts of the country.

He says an early priority in developing the strategy will be identifying how regional
areas could be developed .. the social and economic infrastructure Australia will need
in the future .. and examine the challenges for the environment .. water and urban congestion.



TOLL VIC (MELBOURNE)

The death of a 22-year-old motorcyclist in Victoria this morning has taken the Easter
National Road toll to six.

The man .. who's the third motorcyclist to die in Victoria this long weekend was killed
when his motorcycle hit a tree and a parked car at Wantirna in Melbourne's East.

On Good Friday .. two bike riders died when their machines collided head-on near Shepparton
in central Victoria.

The latest fatality takes Victoria's holiday road toll to three.

In addition to the three deaths in Victoria .. there's been one death each in New South
Wales .. South Australia and the ACT.



US ABUSE (WASHINGTON)

It's been revealed the future Pope BENEDICT XVI took over the abuse case of an Arizona
priest .. then let it languish at the Vatican for years despite repeated pleas from a
bishop for the man to be removed from the priesthood.

Documents from 1990 .. show members of a church tribunal in Arizona found that the
Reverend MICHAEL TETA had molested children as far back as the late 1970's.

Meanwhile .. a CBS News poll says Americans are losing faith in the Pope amid a flood
of sexual abuse cases linked to priests in Europe and the United States.



BOAT (CANBERRA)

The Prime Minister says Australia's immigration facility on Christmas Island still
has room for more asylum seekers.

KEVIN RUDD says his advice from the Department of Immigration is that there was still
room on the island .. despite reports it has exceeded its official capacity of 2040 people.

He says migration levels are about the same under his government as they were under
the previous Howard government .. but asylum seeker numbers vary depending on global circumstances.

Mr RUDD says when he was elected Prime Minister Australia's migration flow was about
180-thousand people a year and it's been kept that level.



NKOREA CHINA (SEOUL)

One of the special trains used to transport North Korea's leader KIM JONG-IL has crossed
the border into China .. an indication the reclusive leader's expected visit to his main
ally may have started.

A South Korean government source says the train crossed the border into China but it
remains unclear if the train carries Chairman KIM or an advance party.

North Korea has not commented on the sighting or the speculation and China has not confirmed
reports that Chairman KIM is about to make a visit.



US APPLE (NEW YORK)

Gadget-seekers determined to be among the first to get their hands on an iPad have
started queuing outside Apple's flagship shop in New York a day ahead of the tablet computer's
debut.

About 15 aspiring iPad owners heartened by sunshine and spring temperatures had taken
up positions outside the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue early this morning to wait for sales
to start tomorrow .. they had not pre-ordered iPads.

The Apple iPad launches in the US tomorrow (Australian time) with an apparent deluge
of early online orders indicating that the touchscreen slate-style computers will be another
big hit for the company.

Apple says both the Wi-Fi and 3G models will be available in Australia in late April.



FISHERMEN (DARWIN)

Norther Territory police and rescue teams have found four fishermen .. missing since
Wednesday .. in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Senior Sergeant STEPHEN MARTIN says local professional fishermen in the area offered
their assistance along with the Police Air Wing .. local Police .. and the Rescue Coordination
Centre in Canberra.

The fishermen were found about 15 kilometers from their boats where were spotted about
one-thousand kilometers from Darwin.



US OCTOPUS (TARPON SPRINGS)

Whatever you want to call it .. the nine-legged octopus probably had a leg up on all
the other creatures in the Gulf of Mexico .. until it found its way to greek bakery and
restaurant in Florida.

Head Chef EMMANUEL PSOMAS says he was steaming the octopus in the lead up to Easter
when he discovered that one of his catch was leggier than normal.

He says he counted the legs three times in disbelief then decided to keep his odd catch
on ice for a bit.

But he says there's no long term future for the nine-legged cephalopod .. it will be
eaten dressed in vinegar .. lemon juice .. olive oil and herbs.



BRIEFLY IN OTHER NEWS . . .



REMAINS (HOBART)

Police in Tasmania are investigating if human remains found on state's east coast could
belong to a New Zealand fisherman missing in the area since January.



US DOG (RIVERSIDE)

Animal rights activists yelled .. puppy killer .. and obscenities at a retired Los
Angeles County assistant fire chief after he was sentenced to 90 days in jail for beating
a dog so severely with a rock it had to be euthanised.



PERU MUDSLIDE (LIMA)

Landslides caused by heavy rains have hit two towns in northeastern Peru .. killing
at least 28 people and leaving 25 others missing.



IN SPORT ..



LEAGUE RAIDERS (SYDNEY)

Wests Tigers coach TIM SHEENS will be looking for another mature game from five-eighth
BENJI MARSHALL as the Kiwi superstar prepares for tomorrow's NRL battle with Canberra
linchpin TERRY CAMPESE.

MARSHALL exercised as much control as brilliance behind a dominant pack in engineering
last week's win over Parramatta and SHEENS is after more of the same at Canberra Stadium.



GOLF LPGA (RANCHO MIRAGE)

Veteran KARRIE WEBB is just two shots off the lead after the second round of Kraft
Nabisco Championship.

The Australian, a two time winner of this major, is tied for fifth with STACY LEWIS
after shooting a second round two-under 70.



TENNIS US MEN (MIAMI)

Czech TOMAS BERDYCH will meet ANDY RODDICK in the final of the Miami Open after defeating
Sweden's ROBIN SODERLING 6-2 6-2 in today's semi-final.

RODDICK earlier booked his place with an upset win over Spain's RAFAEL NADAL in three
sets in the first men's semi-final.



ENDS EVENING ROUND-UP


BROADCAST DESK INQUIRIES 24 HOURS: 02 9322 8714


AAP RTV wz

KEYWORD: EVENING ROUND-UP

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

SA: Holden urged by SA premier to build electric Cruze

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2009
SA: Holden urged by SA premier to build electric Cruze

ADELAIDE, Aug 21 AAP - Holden has been urged to build an electric version of its four-cylinder
Cruze in South Australia by Premier Mike Rann.

Mr Rann held meetings in the United States with General Motors head Fritz Henderson
overnight Australian time.

GM Holden last year announced a second production line to build the Cruze model at
the company's plant in Elizabeth in Adelaide's north from late next year.

"That decision secured the future of the car manufacturer and the 9,000 jobs that rely
on the car industry in South Australia," Mr Rann said in a statement on Friday.

"And while the Cruze will be a fuel-efficient car, I would like to see the Elizabeth
plant manufacturing the same model but with an even greater fuel efficiency in the future
as the technology develops.

"Developing and adapting this new Holden four cylinder to even lower carbon emission
standards will further entrench our car manufacturing industry."

AAP sl/ldj

KEYWORD: MOTOR HOLDEN

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

AAP National News Wire Round-Up for Breakfast, April 12

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2009
AAP National News Wire Round-Up for Breakfast, April 12
Breakfast Round-Up: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AAP RTV FILE AT 0430


ASEAN Wrap (PATTAYA)

Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD has been forced to abandon a visit to Thailand where violent
protests forced the cancellation of a major summit of Asian leaders.

Mr RUDD's special purpose air force plane was a few hours from the conference venue
.. in Pattaya .. when the Thai resort town of sank into chaos as protesters forced their
way into the conference centre yesterday afternoon.

His plane was diverted to an undisclosed location for refuelling .. with officials
saying he's to head back to Canberra.

Mr RUDD had expected to be at Pattaya for the East Asia Summit today to talk with 15
leaders in the region about the global financial crisis and North Korea's recent rocket
launch.

But thousands of Thai anti-government protesters smashed their way into the hotel and
convention centre .. calling for Prime Minister ABHISIT VEJJAJIVA to resign.

UN chief BAN KI-MOON has expressed his regret at the cancellation.

Officials have not said if or when the summit would resume.



Fiji Aust (CANBERRA)

The Australian government is considering imposing sanctions on Fiji as the military
regime suspends democracy and censors the media.

Military commander Commodore FRANK BAINIMARAMA was reappointed as the island's interim
prime minister yesterday .. two days after his two-year old coup regime was declared illegal.

Fiji President RATU JOSEFA ILOILO has thrown out the constitution .. sacked the judiciary
and appointed himself head of state .. and a military censor has been positioned in the
newsroom of Fiji's largest daily newspaper.

Trade Minister and Acting Foreign Minister SIMON CREAN says the latest developments
are disturbing .. and Fiji faces expulsion from the Pacific Islands Forum and possible
sanctions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is urging travellers to avoid the Fiji capital .. Suva.



Toll National (SYDNEY)

Three more people died on the nation's roads yesterday .. lifting the Easter weekend
toll to nine.

The latest fatality was in Queensland .. where a motorcycle and a car collided at in
Brisbane's south last night.

Meanwhile .. in Victoria a woman died and another was seriously injured when a car
smashed into a tree on the Great Ocean Road .. the state's first fatality of the holiday
period.

Four people have died in New South Wales this Easter .. two in Queensland .. and one
each in Victoria .. Western Australia and the ACT.



Quake Italy Toll (L'AQUILA)

The search for more survivors from Monday's devastating earthquake in central Italy
is due to wrap up later today.

Sky TG24 TV reports the death toll from the quake climbed to 293 overnight after rescue
workers unearthed the bodies of a 70-year-old woman .. another in her 40s and a 17-year-old
boy from a collapsed building in L'Aquila.

About 10 thousand buildings were destroyed in the quake .. leaving nearly 40 thousand
people homeless.



Lending (SYDNEY)

Federal Cabinet has signed off on two new pieces of legislation to stop predatory lending
practices by banks .. card providers and finance brokers.

Under the proposed laws .. credit card providers that push unwanted cards and increased
limits onto customers who can't afford them will lose their lending licences.

All credit providers will have to be licensed under the new laws and borrowers will
be able to take the lender or bank to an independent disputes resolution body.

Loan sharks who charge punitive interest rates .. will also be targeted under the laws.



Bikies Prison (SYDNEY)

Five guards have been injured in a brawl between jailed bikies in Sydney's Parklea prison.

News Limited reports members of Notorious bikie gang attacked jailed Bandido ABDUL
BAGDADI during a morning muster on Friday.

One prison guard suffered a broken finger while others suffered cuts and bruises and
required hospital treatment.

Meanwhile .. in Sydney's west police swooped on a licensed premises in Prospect yesterday
afternoon to disrupt what they say was a well-organised meeting of high-ranking bikie
members from the Rebels .. Bandidos .. Finks .. Outcasts .. Gypsy Jokers .. Life & Death
.. and Loan Wolf gangs.

Approximately 70 members and their vehicles were searched .. and three men will appear
in court over weapons charges.



Somalia Pirates (MOGADISHU)

Pirate commanders say US Captain RICHARD PHILLIPS will be moved from the lifeboat on
which he is being held hostage to another ship off the Somali coast.

Captain PHILLIPS was taken hostage by pirates on Wednesday while captaining the US
cargo ship the Maersk-Alabama.

Pirate commander ABDI GARAD says PHILLIPS will be moved from the lifeboat where he
is being held captive by four pirates.

Navy forces have been pouring into the region amid the standoff .. and a transfer to
a larger ship would make rescue efforts more difficult.

Meanwhile .. 16 crew aboard an Italian tug boat are being held captive in the Gulf of Aden.

Owners of the tug .. Micoperi Marine Contractors .. says it was hijacked about eight pm (AEST).

The crew includes 10 Italians .. five Romanians and one Croat .. they are believed
to be unharmed.



Briefly in other news ..



Iraq Unrest (HILLA)

At least nine people have been killed and another 23 wounded in a suicide bomb attack
at the headquarters of a US-allied Sunni militia south of Baghdad.



Indon Vote (JAKARTA)

Indonesia's general elections have been marred by hundreds of complaints about irregularities
.. independent polling agencies are putting President SUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONO'S Democratic
Party ahead in the votes .. but the official results are not expected until May 9.



Freeman (MELBOURNE)

Olympian CATHY FREEMAN has married her long-time partner JAMES MURCH in front of 120
guests at the Spray Farm winery at Portarlington on Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula.



in Sport ..



League (SYDNEY)

Canberra .. Melbourne and the Gold Coast have all secured wins in yesterday's NRL action.

The Raiders backed up their victory over the Cowboys on Monday with a 24-14 win at
Cronulla .. Melbourne edged a narrow contest against Penrith 16-14 at Olympic Park while
the Titans made it two losses within a week for North Queensland with a 14-10 win in Townsville.

This afternoon Newcastle host the New Zealand Warriors, while win-less Manly welcome
the Wests Tigers to Brookvale Oval.



AFL Wrap (Melbourne)

Essendon have upset Carlton by four points in a pulsating AFL match last night at the MCG.

It's the closest game so far in round three .. with Brisbane beating Sydney by 33 points
and St Kilda thumping West Coast by 97 points.

Today .. Port Adelaide host Melbourne .. North Melbourne will try to put their chicken
video scandal behind them when they play Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium and Fremantle host
Adelaide.



Super Wrap (CANBERRA)

The Brumbies have a recorded an emotional Super 14 victory over Stormers 17-10 at Canberra
Stadium just days after the death of teammate SHAWN MACKAY.

The victory means the Brumbies stay in touch with the top four.

The NSW Waratahs slumped to a 20-6 defeat at the hands of the Bulls at the Sydney Football
Stadium .. dropping to fourth on the ladder .. while Queensland went down 24-19 to the
Highlanders in New Zealand.

And the last-placed Cheetahs stunned ladder leaders the Sharks 31-6.



Sail Gladstone (BRISBANE)

The last yacht over the line in the 61st Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race is not expected
until lunch time today .. although a number of crew already finished yesterday.

Quantum Racing finished second at 1.23pm (AEST) yesterday .. with Wot Yot .. Wot Now
.. Shogun not far behind.

PETER HARBURG'S pocket rocket Black Jack romped to an impressive line honours win in
the 308 nautical mile race yesterday morning just after 9am (AEST).



ENDS BREAKFAST ROUND-UP

Broadcast Desk inquiries 24 hours: 02 9322 8714

AAP RTV ka

KEYWORD: BREAKFAST ROUND-UP

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

Qld: School fire prompts massive response

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2008
Qld: School fire prompts massive response

BRISBANE, Dec 7 AAP - Sixteen fire crews have brought under control a huge blaze at
a central Queensland boarding school.

Seven urban brigades were joined by nine rural crews to battle the fire at St Brendan's
College, a Catholic boys' boarding and day school near Rockhampton.

Incident controller Colin May said the Yeppoon Fire Brigade was called to the school's
Harris Building at around 11am (AEST) on Sunday.

They found the fire was in the rear of the chapel, which adjoins the Harris Building,
and was spreading into the roof area.

"Additional resources were called from Emu Park and Rockhampton," Mr May told AAP.

"We ended up with eight urban fire appliances on scene, we had assistance from the
Rockhampton airport with one of their large tenders, and we had six or seven rural appliances
attend for extra manpower.

"We needed heaps of hands."

Mr May said the roof of the Harris Building - one of the original buildings at the
school, which opened in 1940 - and the second floor were destroyed or badly damaged.

"We saved the chapel," Mr May said.

"We actually used the rural blokes to move a lot of the furnishings back away from the fire."

Only a small number of people were at the school at the time of the fire and all have
been accounted for.

The school year ended at St Brendan's on November 27.

AAP stg/wf

KEYWORD: CHAPEL WRAP

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

Qld: Brisbane to limit crowded houses

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2008
Qld: Brisbane to limit crowded houses

BRISBANE, Aug 4 AAP - Crammed student housing will prompt Brisbane City Council to
reduce the number of people allowed to live in a single dwelling.

Civic Cabinet is today expected to approve the change to prevent situations where up
to 15 students have shared a single house.

Deputy Mayor Graham Quirk said one house had a portable rental toilet in the yard,
while others were occupied by a dozen people.

Councillors are expected to reduce the number of unrelated people permitted to share
one dwelling from six to five.

Mr Quirk said the measure was aimed at improving the experience of students in Brisbane
and maintain amenity for local residents.

"Students bring $1.3 billion to the annual economy and yet they can be the victims
of poor housing, health and sanitation, fire risk," Mr Quirk said.

"This situation can then spill over into the local community and impact on local residents."

Mr Quirk said Council had received community complaints in suburbs close to education
providers, related to fire safety standards, health and safety, and presentation.

AAP stg/maur

KEYWORD: HOUSING

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

NSW: Thumb severed during Sydney assault

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2008
NSW: Thumb severed during Sydney assault

A 61-year-old man has lost the tip of his thumb .. after being attacked by three youths
in Sydney's south.

Police say the trio turned on the man .. after he confronted them while they were damaging
a park bench at Harold Fraser Oval in Carss Park yesterday afternoon.

The youths hit the man with broken timber palings from the park bench.

Doctors at the Sydney Hand Hospital were unable to reattach the top of the man's thumb.

AAP RTV ad/jmt

KEYWORD: THUMB (SYDNEY)

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

NSW: 147,916 persons appeared in NSW Courts in 2006

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2007
NSW: 147,916 persons appeared in NSW Courts in 2006

Almost 148 thousand people appeared in New South Wales courts last year .. charged
with one or more criminal offences.

The 2006 New South Wales Criminal Courts Statistics report says most either pleaded
guilty .. or were found guilty .. of at least one of the offences.

Overall conviction rates were 70.8 per cent in the Children's Court .. 87.1 per cent
in the Local Court .. and 83.7 per cent in the District and Supreme Courts.

The most common offence heard in the Children's Court was non-aggravated assault ..

the same as in the Local Courts .. along with driving offences.

The most common offences dealt with in the District and Supreme Courts were sex ..

break and enter .. and robbery matters.

AAP RTV mss/was/wz/tm/af

KEYWORD: CRIME (SYDNEY)

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

Vic: Cabbie fleeced as he pulls man from burning wreck

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2007
Vic: Cabbie fleeced as he pulls man from burning wreck

By Catherine Best

MELBOURNE, April 8 AAP - A courageous cabbie who risked his life to save a Victorian
man from a burning car wreck seconds before it exploded has been heralded a hero.

But the good deed cost Adrian Davies his night's takings when a thief seized the moment
to ransack his taxi.

Mr Davies described as "gut wrenching" discovering he had been fleeced of about $300
after pulling the bloodied driver from an upturned car less than a minute before it exploded.

The taxi driver of seven years was on the job when he came across the burning car in
Marine Parade, Hastings, south-east of Melbourne, shortly after 10pm (AEST) yesterday.

The car had ricocheted off a sign post, ploughed into a tree and flipped, leaving the
driver suspended upside down and unconscious in the burning wreckage.

The fearless cabbie described how he leapt to action, braving the flames with two others
to pull the driver free.

"The seatbelt was entangled around him, I asked for a knife and we got a knife and
cut the seatbelt and dragged him away from the car and by that time the car exploded,"

Mr Davies told AAP.

"It made the old heart pump a little bit."

Mr Davies said he didn't have time to think that his life was on the line.

"I suppose we didn't really think about that, we were more thinking about getting him out.

"If we didn't get a knife as quick as we did, it could have been a different story,
it could have been a fatality."

Mr Davies had activated an emergency button in the cab to alert paramedics.

It wasn't until the drama was over that he realised his cash was gone.

"Pretty gut-wrenching, I just thought ... you can't trust anybody these days."

Sergeant Andy Brockway, of Hastings police, was disgusted by the theft.

"That's just a despicable act when you've got a person trying to save somebody else's
life and something like that occurs, it's shocking," he told AAP.

Surveillance footage taken inside the taxi failed to capture the theft on camera.

Sgt Brockway said the injured driver, aged 35, would have perished if not for the selfless
bravery of Mr Davies and his two companions, whom police have yet to identify.

"It's very heroic ... they've gone above and beyond what a person would normally do,
to enter a vehicle - which is engulfed in flames already - to save another human being
is just exceptional."

The Hastings driver was taken to Frankston Hospital in a stable condition and later
transferred to The Alfred with suspected spinal injuries.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Sgt Brockway has formally nominated Mr Davies for a bravery medal, but the modest taxi
driver says he is no hero.

"No, no, my parents brought me up that way - to help out each other," he said.

AAP cmb/gfr/jm

KEYWORD: EXPLODED NIGHTLEAD

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

NSW: Mardi Gras still alive and well, say organisers

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2006
NSW: Mardi Gras still alive and well, say organisers

Despite claims Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is old and tired .. organisers insist
they can provide the energy and love that will keep the lustre on the annual festival.

They say they have the international performances and a range of events to attract
tens of thousands of visitors to Sydney.

Mardi Gras chairman MARCUS BOURGET is promising a Mardi Gras that's bigger .. better
and more spectacular than ever.

Organisers estimate the festival .. which depends on almost two thousand volunteers
.. is worth about 46-million dollars to the local economy each year.





For more information go to mardigras.org.au

AAP RTV stu/was/ibw/bart

KEYWORD: MARDI GRAS (SYDNEY)

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

AP Top News at 6:05 p.m. EDT

AP Online
06-08-2006

Most-Wanted Iraq Terrorist Al-Zarqawi Dead

A U.S. soldier at a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, takes down an older image, to display the latest image purporting to show the body of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the al-Qaida-linked militant who led a bloody campaign of suicide bombings, kidnappings and hostage beheadings in Iraq, who was killed Wednesday in a U.S. airstrike, Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced Thursday, June 8, 2006. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) _ Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, whose bloody campaign of beheadings and suicide bombings made him the most-wanted terrorist in Iraq, was killed when U.S. warplanes dropped 500-pound bombs on his isolated safe house, officials said Thursday. His death was a long-sought victory in the war in Iraq. The targeted airstrike Wednesday evening was the culmination of a two-week-long hunt for al-Zarqawi, the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq. Tips from senior militants led U.S. forces to follow al-Zarqawi's spiritual adviser to the safe house, 30 miles outside Baghdad, for a meeting with the terror leader. The adviser, Sheik Abdul Rahman, was among those killed.

Poll: U.S. Disapproves of War in Iraq

President Bush walks from the Oval Office to speak about the death of al-Qaida in Iraq's leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, Thursday, June 8, 2006, in the Rose Garden at the White House. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The death of al-Qaida leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Iraq came as more Americans than ever thought the war in Iraq was a mistake, according to AP-Ipsos polling. The poll, taken Monday through Wednesday before news broke that U.S. forces had killed al-Zarqawi, found that 59 percent of adults say the United States made a mistake in going to war in Iraq _ the highest level yet in AP-Ipsos polling.

Ahmadinejad: Iran to Talk, U.S. Gave In

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad points during a public gathering during his visit to the city of Qazvin, 90 miles (150 kilometers) west of the capital Tehran, Iran, Thursday, June 8, 2006. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday that Iran was ready to discuss "mutual concerns" over its controversial nuclear program but claimed that the West gave in to Iran. Ahmadinejad did not say whether Iran accepts a Western package of incentives aimed at enticing Iran to suspend uranium enrichment to open the way for negotiations with the United States and Europe. (AP Photo)

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) _ Iran's president said Thursday his regime is ready for talks over its nuclear capabilities, but he sent mixed signals on how much is open for negotiation and suggested Tehran has the upper hand in its showdown with the West. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad repeated Iran's position that uranium enrichment is an untouchable national right, a clear jab at the West two days after Iran received a package of economic and technological incentives to suspend the program.

Rumsfeld Cautions on Al-Zarqawi Impact

U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld gestures as he addresses the media after a meeting of NATO defense ministers at the alliance headquarters in Brussels, Thursday June 8, 2006. Rumsfeld said Thursday that the killing of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was "enormously important" for the fight against terror in Iraq and around the world, but would not halt violence in the country. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) _ Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Thursday that while the death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is a significant victory in the war on terror, it won't end terrorism. "Given the nature of the terrorist networks, really a network of networks, the death of Zarqawi, while enormously important, will not mean the end of all violence in that country," Rumsfeld told reporters.

Texas to Install Border Web Cameras

A U.S. Border Patrol agent patrols along the U.S. border near the point of entry at San Luis, Ariz. on Tuesday, June 6, 2006. (AP Photo/Khampha Bouaphanh)

EL PASO, Texas (AP) _ The governor of Texas wants to turn all the world into a virtual posse. Rick Perry has announced a $5 million plan to install hundreds of night-vision cameras on private land along the Mexican border and put the live video on the Internet, so that anyone with a computer who spots illegal immigrants trying to slip across can report it on a toll-free hot line. "I look at this as not different from the neighborhood watches we have had in our communities for years and years," Perry said last week.

U.S. Climber Gives Up Everest for Rescue

American mountain guide Daniel Mazur, from Olympia, Washington, talks to the Associated Press in Katmandu, Nepal, Thursday, June 8, 2006. Mazur, gave up his chance to be on top Mt. Everest just two hours from the 8,850-meter (29,035 foot) summit on the morning of May 26, to rescue a British climber Lincoln Hall, 50, who had been left a day earlier by his own guides believing he was dead. (AP Photo/ Binod Joshi)

KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) _ Just days after a British climber was left to die near Mount Everest's summit, an American guide abandoned his second bid to stand on top of the world so he could rescue a mountaineer mistakenly given up for dead. Not only did Daniel Mazur not scale the world's highest peak from the northern side, he also failed to get his two paying clients to the top.

FDA Approves Cervical Cancer Vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Women for the first time have a vaccine to protect themselves against cervical cancer. The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday licensed the vaccine, Gardasil, for use in girls and women ages 9 to 26. The vaccine works by preventing infection by four of the dozens of strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV, the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease.

Pitt Says Baby's Birth 'Truly Peaceful'

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie address a press conference held for the Namibian press exclusively in a hotel in the Namibian city of Swakopmund Wednesday June 7 2006. The couple thanked the Namibian peopple for their hospitality during the birth of their daughter Shiloh. (AP Photo/Tanja Bause-The Namibian)

SWAKOPMUND, Namibia (AP) _ In Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's first broadcast interview since their daughter was born, Pitt says the event was "truly peaceful." In the interview, conducted by the Namibian Broadcasting Corp. and obtained exclusively Thursday by AP Television News, Pitt and Jolie sit side by side, reflecting on their experience in the African country where Shiloh Nouvel was born May 27.

Dow Closes Up 8, Nasdaq Finishes Down 6

Van Der Moolen specialist Vanessa Brocco, looks at her screens as she directs trading at her post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Thursday June 8, 2006. Interest rate concerns pushed stocks lower Thursday as investors continued fretting about higher lending costs choking demand and hurting the global economy. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

NEW YORK (AP) _ Wall Street recovered from an earlier plunge to finish narrowly mixed Thursday as investors attempted to rally from a week of losses fueled by concerns that higher interest rates will strain the global economy. Persistent inflation and rate worries pushed stocks substantially lower during the session, with the Dow Jones industrials dropping more than 173 points at midday. But bargain hunters entered the market late in the day and took advantage of relatively cheap stock prices.

Hall's HR in 10th Gives Brewers Victory

Milwaukee Brewers' Bill Hall reacts after hitting the game-winning home run during the 10th inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday, June 8, 2006, in Milwaukee. The Brewers won 4-3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

MILWAUKEE (AP) _ Bill Hall homered to lead off the bottom of the 10th and the Milwaukee Brewers, saved by a two-out error the previous inning, beat the San Diego Padres 4-3 Thursday. Padres closer Trevor Hoffman took a 3-2 lead into the ninth. With two outs and a runner on first, shortstop Khalil Greene misplayed a grounder by Rickie Weeks and Brady Clark followed with a tying single.

Copyright 2006, AP News All Rights Reserved

Fed: Climate change urgent for COAG meeting - Labor

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2006
Fed: Climate change urgent for COAG meeting - Labor

The federal opposition says today's Council of Australian Governments meeting is an
opportunity to take strong and united action on climate change.

Labor's environment spokesman ANTHONY ALBANESE welcomes plans to discuss smart meters
for electricity efficiency savings.

But he says there should be a national emissions trading system.

AAP RTV dep/sb/ibw/bart/wz/psm/

KEYWORD: CLIMATE LABOR (CANBERRA)

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

NSW: Man arrested for armed robberies, firearms offences

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2005
NSW: Man arrested for armed robberies, firearms offences

SYDNEY, April 23 AAP - A violent scuffle at a Sydney motel between police and a man
wanted in connection with armed robberies has left two officers injured.

The 34-year-old man will face court today following his arrest at a motel in Randwick
about 6pm (AEST) yesterday.

During his arrest, a loaded firearm fell from his pants, police allege.

One policeman suffered a dislocated shoulder, while another sustained injuries to his
right shoulder and arm during the scuffle.

Police also allege when they searched the man's car they found ammunition, balaclavas,
a police radio and scanner, revolving blue police lights, three laptop computers and clothing
items.

The man was charged with firearms offences, assault, resisting arrest, drug and property
offences.

He was refused bail and will face Parramatta Local Court today.

The police officers who were treated for their injuries at Prince of Wales Hospital
were later released.

AAP dcr/arb

KEYWORD: MOTEL

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

Amazon failure kills sites

NEW YORK — Major websites including Foursquare and Reddit crashed or suffered slowdowns Thursday after technical problems rattled Amazon.com's widely used Web servers, frustrating millions of people who couldn't access their favorite sites.

Though better known for selling books, DVDs and other consumer goods, Amazon also rents out space on huge computer servers that run many websites and other online services.

The problems began at an Amazon data center near Dulles Airport outside Washington and persisted into the afternoon. The failures were widespread, but they varied in severity.

HootSuite, which lets users monitor Twitter and other social networks more easily, was down completely, as was questions-and-answers site Quora.

The location-sharing social network Foursquare experienced glitches, while the news-sharing site Reddit was in "emergency read-only mode."

Many other companies that use Amazon Web Services, like Netflix Inc. and Zynga Inc., which runs Facebook games, appeared to be unscathed. Amazon has at least one other major data center that stayed up, in California.

It's not uncommon for Internet services to become inaccessible due to technical problems, sometimes for hours or even days. But Thursday's outages were notable because Amazon's servers are so commonly used, meaning many sites went down at once.

Amazon did not respond to requests for comment. It has not revealed how many companies use its Web services or how many were affected by the outage.

No one knew for sure how many people were inconvenienced, but the services affected are used by millions.

Amazon Web Services provides "cloud" or utility-style computing in which customers pay only for the computing power and storage they need, on remote computers.

Seattle-based Amazon has big plans for AWS. Although it now makes up just a few percent of the company's revenue, CEO Jeff Bezos said last year that it could eventually be as large as Amazon's retail business. Competitors include Rackspace Hosting Inc. and Microsoft Corp.'s Azure platform.

McDonald's fears cost hike

McDonald's said Thursday that it expects more price increases for beef and other key ingredients, sending the stock down even as the company reported improved earnings for the first quarter. The company spent the day emphasizing how sales have increased, beating analysts' expectations, and showcasing strong demand in Europe and Asia. But analysts were more concerned about rising food prices, a global trend rippling to customers, franchisees and investors everywhere. The company is considering raising menu prices, but that could scare off customers who dine there mainly because of the low cost.

Ban in nuclear plant area

Japan declared a 12-mile evacuated area around its radiation-spewing nuclear power plant a no-go zone Thursday. The order angered residents who fled their homes nearly empty-handed when they were told to evacuate after last month's tsunami and earthquake wrecked the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant's power and cooling systems. Officials said the order was meant to limit exposure to radiation leaking from the plant and to prevent theft in the mostly deserted area. Under a special nuclear emergency law, people who enter the zone will now be subject to fines of up to 100,000 yen ($1,200) or detention of up to 30 days.

Columbine similarities

Authorities couldn't help seeing similarities Thursday to the Columbine High School shootings after a fire forced the evacuation of a mall just two miles from the notorious campus. Just like Columbine, an unexploded pipe bomb and propane tank were discovered at Southwest Plaza Mall the day before. In addition, the blaze coincided with the 12th anniversary of the deadly shootings that left 12 students and one teacher dead. No arrests have been made, but dozens of law enforcement agents were scouring security video and following other leads to identify a man seen entering the mall through a side door not normally used by the public. No one was injured at the mall and the bomb didn't explode.

In this screen shot of the foursquare.com website, an apology for technical difficulties is displayed. Dozens of major websites including Foursquare, Reddit and others crashed or suffered severe slowdowns after technical problems wracked their hosting company, Amazon.com., on Thursday. | associated press photo~foursquare.com

Compaq and Schlumberger Join to Offer Scalable and Portable Security Solutions.

HOUSTON -- Compaq Computer Corporation and Schlumberger Network Solutions, a business unit of Schlumberger Ltd. providing information technology connectivity and security services and solutions, announced that they are jointly marketing security solutions products and services based on Compaq products running Microsoft Windows(TM) and incorporating the Schlumberger DeXa.Badge solution.

"The high-degree of compatibility between Dexa.Badge and Compaq's innovative Thin Client technologies make this solution cost-effective, easy to implement and supportable worldwide for even the largest enterprise customers," said Randy DeMont, vice president, Global Solutions Group at Compaq. "Compaq excels in partnering to deploy and support solutions globally, and our initiative with Schlumberger Network Solutions is another opportunity for us to demonstrate that."

"We are leveraging Compaq's commitment to expanding the delivery of leading solutions and applications on industry standard technology," stated Xavier Flinois, president of Schlumberger Network Solutions. "Together, Compaq and Schlumberger put strength behind the security policy of the enterprise while allowing even mobile access to the corporate network with a single card and certificate."

This integrated solution allows users to use a single Schlumberger smart card with an embedded certificate to access corporate facilities, as well as networks securely via the desktop, thin client and wireless thin client. This solution is configurable for heterogeneous operating environments and with multiple certificate authorities allowing companies to realize the benefits of a flexible and mobile Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) offering. Customers benefiting from this joint security solution will be supported by the sales and global service organizations of both companies. Schlumberger Network Solutions has a team of PKI experts dedicated to meeting the most-demanding enterprise-wide customer requirements for security, flexibility and mobility.

Exhibiting in Compaq's space at the RSA Security Show in San Jose this week, the two companies are premiering a demonstration of the Schlumberger DeXa.Badge solution optimized to run on Compaq's iPAQ Pocket PCs for thin- client authentication, integrated with an end-to-end system featuring Compaq's industry standard ProLiant servers and Evo desktop and laptop computers. Compaq's global security practice collaborated with Schlumberger Network Solutions to integrate the Schlumberger DeXa.Badge solution in the booth at RSA.

The DeXa.Badge solution includes a card-issuance and card-management system to support the entire life cycle of the smart card. Centralized repository management, combined with a user self-service module, makes for efficient corporate-wide global security policy management. DeXa.Badge makes full use of PKI for data and file encryption, digital signing and remote network access.

About Compaq

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a leading global provider of information technology products, services and solutions for enterprise customers. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets information technology equipment, software, services and solutions, including industry- leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business- critical solutions, communication products, personal desktop and notebook

computers, and personal entertainment and Internet access devices that are sold in more than 200 countries directly and through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com/ .

About Schlumberger Network Solutions

Schlumberger Network Solutions combines specialized technologies, domain experience and global infrastructure to enable the digital enterprise through its DeXa Suite of Services. Supported by industry-certified technical consulting capabilities, Schlumberger Network Solutions provides secure global IP infrastructure, integrated information security solutions, wireless and remote network connectivity and complete network managed services. Schlumberger Limited is a global leader in technical services with 2001 revenues of $13.7 billion. Additional information is available from Realtime http://www.slb.com/ , and more information on Schlumberger Network Solutions and the DeXa Suite of Services can be found at http://www.slb.com/sns

Compaq and the Compaq logo are trademarks of Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the possibility that the Hewlett- Packard/Compaq merger does not close or that the companies may be required to modify aspects of the transaction to achieve regulatory approval or that prior to the closing of the proposed merger, the businesses of the companies suffer due to uncertainty; the market for the sale of certain products and services may not develop as expected; that development of these products and services may not proceed as planned; that Compaq and Hewlett-Packard are unable to transition customers, successfully execute their integration strategies, or achieve planned synergies; other risks that are described from time to time in Compaq and Hewlett-Packard's Securities and Exchange Commission reports (including but not limited to Compaq's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, HP's annual report on Form 10-K, as amended on January 30, 2002, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2001, and subsequently filed reports). If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, Compaq's results could differ materially from Compaq's expectations in these statements. Compaq assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

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Contact: Martin Nott of Compaq Computer Corporation, +1-281-514-6979, or Martin.Nott@Compaq.com ; or Sally Charpiot of Schlumberger Network Solutions, +1-713-499-4514, or scharpiot@slb.com

Website: http://www.rsa.com/

Website: http://www.slb.com/sns http://www.slb.com/ http://www.compaq.com/

Safety FIRST.(security software's future)(Brief Article)

IN AN EFFORT to increase profitability and expand trusted relationships, companies are spending more money than ever on Internet security software. In fact, IDC finds that worldwide revenue will increase from $4 billion in 1999 to more than $11 billion in 2004. "The ability to use security technologies to enable greater access to corporate content deepens and stabilizes relationships," says Internet security analyst Brian Burke.

The company also predicts that the biggest opportunity in the market will be security authentication, authorization, and administration software. This segment will grow faster than any other, with a compound annual growth rate of 28 percent from 1999 to 2004. By comparison, the next-nearest segments -- firewall and antivirus--will only grow 17 percent.

TELEMUNDO INTERNACIONAL Set To Debut March 6, 2000.

Revolutionary 24-Hour News and Information Channel

Extends Reach into Latin America

MIAMI, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ --

TELEMUNDO INTERNACIONAL, a 24-hour Spanish- language cable channel spanning the Americas and dedicated to bringing today's Hispanic community hard-hitting up-to-the-minute news, information and reality on today's most important and controversial topics, is set to debut March 6, 2000.

"We are proud to launch Telemundo Internacional which will provide the Latin American market with a relevant and entertaining service that is differentiated from anything available today," said Alan Sokol, Chief Operating Officer for Telemundo. "By combining our news production resources and reality and information programming, we are creating a service that no one else can duplicate."

Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, TELEMUNDO INTERNACIONAL will offer not only news coverage but also compelling and entertaining information and reality programming. Well-respected journalists, colorful and influential personalities and sharp commentary combine to furnish the Hispanic community with the most varied and entertaining informational and reality programming available.

"Telemundo Internacional will be an indispensable source of news and information for the Spanish speaking population throughout the Americas," said Joe Peyronnin, Executive Vice President of News and Information Programming. "We will provide programming with personality and purpose."

Providing news coverage from throughout the Americas, its cutting edge format will deliver live breaking events, as well as in-depth analysis, world- wide business, financial and consumer news, sports, arts and entertainment updates. "Noticiero Internacional" and "Noticiero Telemundo" provide the latest developments on major national and international news stories. Seasoned anchors Pedro Sevcec and Maria Elvira Salazar join the most experienced team of news correspondents in Spanish-language television to bring meaning and perspective to the day's news.

The centerpiece of TELEMUNDO INTERNACIONAL is "America En Vivo," a personality driven and innovative prime-time hour of lively interactive discussion. Well-known and award-winning journalists Pedro Sevcec, Maria Elvira Salazar, Guillermo Descalzi, Julio Sanchez Cristo and Norberto Longo will engage viewers by telephone and through the Internet on important issues and events facing people throughout the Americas.

TELEMUNDO INTERNACIONAL also brings to its viewers lively, controversial and inspirational talk shows that address every aspect of modern Latino lives. The popular "El y Ella" tackles contemporary issues from both the male and female perspective, exploring issues with a live studio audience relating to gender, infidelity, broken families and child rearing, among others. The refreshing voice of provocative priest Albert Cutie combines a modern, hip sensibility with compassion and common sense, as he takes on personal and family issues in a way you've never heard before on "Padre Alberto." Almost a decade after its debut as the first Spanish-language investigative newsmagazine, the Emmy Award-winning "Ocurrio Asi" continues to grip viewers with hard-hitting international and domestic coverage. "The Jaime Bayly Show" is a youthful, smart and irreverent talk show alternative, offering fresh, revealing interviews, sharp, topical monologues, and a direct line to the personalities at the heart of the Latino world. "Edicion Especial" delivers headline celebrity stories, interviews with the biggest and brightest international stars of music, film and television, and the latest front line fodder from the world of entertainment.

Compelling reality-based programming is also a strong component to TELEMUNDO INTERNACIONAL. "Placas" provides a first hand look into the real- life drama of police officers engaged in the day-to-day business of law enforcement, cameras showing real footage of officers in hot pursuit of suspects. "Operacion Rescate" features real life emergency scenes, including uncut, raw footage with no dramatizations. Whether in the mountains, sea, highways or homes, the program details emergency situations from the moment a 911 call is placed, to the mobilization of all rescue crews and the emergency assistance to the victims. Bringing viewers stories of endurance, strength, inspiration and courage, "AXN" delivers riveting action footage, and captures real-life, heart stopping moments of the extreme; amazing rescues, wild stunts, crazy daredevil acts, incredible natural disasters, raging infernos, animal attacks, and dramatic explosions.

TELEMUNDO INTERNACIONAL is committed to bring the best in Spanish-language sports to its viewers. "Titulares Telemundo," a 30-minute twice weekly program hosted by veteran sports commentators Jessi Losada and Noberto Longo, will offer complete and up-to-the-minute sports coverage on all major sports, including highlights, live shots, feature stories and via satellite interviews with the most important figures in the world of sports. "Boxeo Telemundo" promises big time boxing at its best, every second of every round as real and exhilarating as if you were sitting at ringside.

The Miami-based Telemundo broadcasts in 63 markets and is currently available to an estimated 85 percent of Hispanic viewers. Telemundo plans to add 400,000 Hispanic cable homes over the next two years, boosting Telemundo's reach to an estimated 90 percent of the U.S. Hispanic market. Telemundo Network Group LLC is owned equally by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media.