Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Qld: Low dumping heavy rain over North Qld


AAP General News (Australia)
02-02-2009
Qld: Low dumping heavy rain over North Qld

Ex-tropical cyclone Ellie is expected to remain over north Queensland for a few more
days and people in the region can expect more heavy rain.

Ellie's dumped nearly 400mm of rain on the region already.

Fisher Creek near Innisfail has recorded the heaviest downpour of 377mm in the 24 hours
to nine this morning (AEST) .. with 282mm falling at Ingham and 226mm at Innisfail.

DAVID GRANT .. from the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre .. says it could be another
two days before they know whether Ellie is likely to re-form as a cyclone or not.

AAP RTV vb/bart/pjo/crh

KEYWORD: ELLIE (BRISBANE)

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

Exinda Unveils Edge Cache at Interop Las Vegas


Wireless News
05-16-2011
Exinda Unveils Edge Cache at Interop Las Vegas
Type: News

Exinda, a global provider of WAN Optimization solutions that offer Unified Performance Management (UPM), introduced the Exinda Edge Cache, a central feature of Exinda's ExOS 6.1 software.

According to a release, the Exinda Edge Cache enables single- sided caching of Internet-based content, including web objects, videos and software updates with a single Exinda WAN Optimization appliance at the branch office or data center, reducing WAN utilization costs.
"The use of video in the enterprise is changing the way the companies do business. Video training, video conferencing, and corporate videos are vying with recreational video traffic and other business applications for network bandwidth," said Lucinda Borovick, research VP at IDC. "WAN links present a challenge because of their often limited bandwidth and high operating expenses. The ability to offload much of this video traffic from the WAN can have a significant positive impact on application and network performance."

With the Exinda Edge Cache, web objects are cached at the network edge when they are downloaded from the Internet. These objects can then be delivered to the users on the corporate local area network much faster, providing a better user experience. In addition, IT departments can pre-populate content such as software updates in the Edge Cache, enabling users to access the files more quickly compared with accessing them over the WAN improving the user experience by five to 40 times. By caching these web objects in the local office, organizations can drive down the network traffic consumed by each office, which directly reduces network costs.

"By eliminating the repetitive download of content over the WAN, the Exinda Edge Cache dramatically improves the speed and performance of internet applications," said Kevin Suitor, Exinda's VP of marketing. "Our customers have seen as much as 80 percent reduction in http traffic over the WAN, and more than 35 percent reduction in video and other content. By reducing the consumption of valuable WAN resources, organizations can maximize their existing network spend and use the savings to fund innovative projects that further reduce cost."

The Exinda Edge Cache enables caching of web objects, video, software update and other content on the WAN. It also offers cache statistics, which provide insight into the amount of repetitive data being offloaded from the WAN link, how cacheable the network data is, how frequently the cache is being accessed, and by how many hosts, helping organizations to understand the nature of their network traffic over time.

The Exinda Edge Cache can also be aligned with an organization's optimization policies, allowing the administrator to only cache specific content for specific users or groups of users, and to maintain very precise controls over how much WAN bandwidth should be made available for each type of cacheable content. ExOS 6.1 offers the ability to run Edge Cache alongside current TCP Acceleration and WAN Memory Byte caching simultaneously. This ensures that all traffic directed over the corporate WAN is accelerated with TCP optimization and application acceleration, as well as accelerating internet based traffic and applications using the Edge Cache.

Exinda's WAN Optimization solutions enable network managers to leverage Exinda's unified performance management (UPM) solution, which offers network visibility, bandwidth control and application acceleration technologies within a single appliance.

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

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

Main stories in Tuesday's 1200 ABC news


AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2011
Main stories in Tuesday's 1200 ABC news

SYDNEY, Aug 30 AAP - Main stories in Tuesday's 1200 ABC news:

- Prime Minister Julia Gillard says she believes union officials misunderstood her
position on whether an inquiry was needed into the manufacturing sector.

- Head of the Manufacturing Workers Union (MWU) Dave Oliver says he left the meeting
with the belief that the door was still open on an inquiry.

- Australia's asylum seeker laws are being challenged on behalf of accused people smugglers.

- The company who runs Australia's detention centres, Serco, has told a parliamentary
inquiry it wants clarification about the powers of its security personnel in the case
of rioting.

- The state's Ombudsman has attacked the new child protection system, saying it's inconceivable
that it will be strong and integrated in the near future.

- Manly and Melbourne have accepted $50,000 fines for their part in the ugly brawl
in Friday night's match.

AAP ra/tr

KEYWORD: MONITOR 1200 ABC SYDNEY

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

MapQuest Unveils Pedestrian and Rail Transit Routing


Wireless News
02-17-2011
MapQuest Unveils Pedestrian and Rail Transit Routing
Type: News

MapQuest, Inc., a subsidiary of AOL Inc., has launched a pedestrian routing mode on MapQuest.com, making walking directions more direct than ever.

Additionally, the Company said that a new rail transit option links the pedestrian mode with public rail transportation routing in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Boston, reaching roughly 90 percent of the nation's rail ridership.
According to a release, with more U.S. individuals now residing in urban settings rather than suburban or rural, there is an even greater need to provide relevant information and routing to MapQuest's city contingency: The new nationwide pedestrian mode allows walking travelers to be routed down one-way streets, pedestrian malls, through parks and along designated paths; while the new transit routing option provides departure and arrival information, helpful hints to alert train passengers, and station search information in designated cities.

"MapQuest is in the business of getting people where they need to go," said Christian Dwyer, senior vice president and general manager, MapQuest. "We are excited to launch both the nationwide pedestrian mode and the new transit routing option on MapQuest.com to reach urban commuters who rely on alternative modes of transportation."

On average, some 14.7 million people use metro public rail options in the six launch cities:

-New York

-Washington D.C.

-Chicago

-Boston

-San Francisco Bay

-Philadelphia

"The new MapQuest routing options for walking directions and transit can work separately or together to meet customers' preferences," said Ann Koerner, director of consumer products, MapQuest. "MapQuest has always listened to our customer needs. The pedestrian mode and rail transit option are a direct response to one of the top requested features from our customers, and help us continue to be the trusted source for all types of maps and directions."

On average, MapQuest noted that it receives more than 1 million inquiries for directions each day. The new pedestrian routing and rail transit option add layers of environmentally conscious features to MapQuest's suite of routing solutions.

MapQuest worked with San Francisco-based, geospatial data and mapping company, Urban Mapping, to develop its transit option, and has plans for additional city content is 2011.

MapQuest provides Internet, mobile, and business solutions delivering on the promise of helping people research and discover: where is it, how I get there and what's nearby.

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

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

QLD:Queensland sentencing council set up


AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-2010
QLD:Queensland sentencing council set up

BRISBANE, Dec 3 AAP - The Queensland government has announced a panel of victim advocates
and legal minds who'll now be asked to direct judges on minimum sentences for serious
crimes like murder and rape.

Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the council had been set up to give the community
a stronger voice under the government's plan to strengthen the state's sentencing regime.

The group's first job will be to provide recommendations about standard minimum sentences
for a range of serious crimes, Mr Dick said.

The government announced in October it would introduce legislation to direct judges
to impose a standard minimum non-parole period when sentencing, unless there are exceptional
circumstances.

Crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape and sexual assaults against children would
come under the laws, which would require the head sentence to be up to a third more than
the non-parole period.

The non-parole period gives a date when an offender can apply for parole, although
they are not certain to be accepted.

The ultimate decision on the standard non-parole periods will be made by cabinet.

"We have assembled a very capable group with expertise in and experience with criminal
law, indigenous and juvenile justice, domestic violence, law enforcement and victims of
crime to provide advice to the government on important sentencing issues," Mr Dick said
in a statement.

He said the panel of 12 was chosen after expressions of interest were sought from the community.

Opposition attorney-general spokesman Jarrod Bleijie welcomed the council's establishment,
but said it had taken to long.

Among the panel is police commissioner Bob Atkinson, director of public prosecutions
Tony Moynihan, indigenous justice advocate Bob Colless, the Queensland Homicide Victims
Support Group's Jonty Bush and Beryl Crosby, who is the president of the Bundaberg Hospital
Patient Support Group.

The council's first meeting will be held before the year's end.

AAP jmm/jl/was

KEYWORD: SENTENCES

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

FED: Flu vaccine maker rules out 'bad batch'


AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2010
FED: Flu vaccine maker rules out 'bad batch'

By Danny Rose, Medical Writer

SYDNEY, April 27 AAP - The maker of the flu vaccine now implicated in a rash of child
sickness across Australia - and possibly one toddler's death - has ruled out a "bad batch"

is involved.

A spokesperson for Melbourne-based pharmaceutical company CSL says a check of available
batch numbers listed on adverse reaction reports had indicated no single batch could be
responsible.

West Australian health authorities have now received more than 250 reports of child
sickness linked to the vaccine.

GPs nationwide have been told to temporarily stop administering the vaccine to children
aged under five.

"CSL is continuing to work with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and WA Health
to urgently investigate the adverse event reports," the CSL spokesperson told AAP on Tuesday.

"What we have been able to analyse so far indicates that it is not batch related ...

our evidence shows it was not a bad batch."

The spokesperson said CSL was now working to finalise numbers on how many doses of
its FLUVAX vaccine were sent to WA.

WA was the only state to offer a specific program offering the injections for free
to healthy children under five, which may account for its higher rate of adverse reactions
compared to other states.

The lack of a problematic batch indicates that other factors - such as practises at
immunisation clinics - are likely to be drawn into the TGA's investigation.

WA started its pediatric vaccination program on March 19, and related adverse reactions
among children have included vomiting and high fever leading to fits or convulsions.

A one-year-old girl remains in a serious but stable condition in Perth's Princess Margaret
Hospital after receiving the vaccine.

Queensland's coroner is also investigating the tragic case of toddler Ashley Jade Epapara,
a two-year-old who was found dead in her cot on April 9 just 12 hours after receiving
the seasonal flu vaccine.

All state and territories have been asked to provide data on other possible cases of
adverse reactions in children, though a TGA spokesperson said the problem appeared to
be centred on WA.

"To date, the pattern and rate of adverse reactions reported by WA have not been seen
in other states," the spokesperson told AAP.

"The TGA has contacted the vaccine suppliers to confirm which batches of vaccine were
used in WA, and is obtaining samples of the vaccine to test in its laboratories to determine
if there are any abnormalities."

The spokesperson said the investigation would take in the content of the vaccine as
well as "factors related to the program delivery in WA".

Seasonal flu vaccines are made available ahead of every Australian winter, and their
make-up is dictated by the World Health Organisation.

These vaccines are trivalent in that they offer protection against three influenza
virus strains expected to be in circulation.

This year's seasonal flu vaccine offers protection against the A(H1N1) swine flu, along
with an Influenza B strain and an A(H3N2) virus.

CSL is the major distributor and the only Australian-based maker of the vaccine though
versions can also be imported into Australia by rival pharmaceutical companies.

AAP dr/ht/apm

KEYWORD: FLU WRAP (WITH TIMELINE)

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

Qld: Primary student tests positive to TB


AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2009
Qld: Primary student tests positive to TB

A Townsville primary school student's tested positive for tuberculosis.

The 11-year-old child .. from Currajong State School .. is currently being treated
at the Townsville Hospital.

Queensland Health is contacting the child's fellow students to arrange tests .. but
parents are being urged not to panic.

Dr ANDREW JOHNSON .. executive director of medical services .. says tuberculosis is
very treatable.

AAP RTV djb/pjo/af

KEYWORD: TUBERCULOSIS (BRISBANE)

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

CAM: Mexico swine flu cases jump, LatAm deaths soar


AAP General News (Australia)
08-05-2009
CAM: Mexico swine flu cases jump, LatAm deaths soar

MEXICO CITY, Aug 4 AFP - Mexican swine flu cases have jumped as the Netherlands and
Vietnam joined the growing list of countries with fatalities and deaths from the virus
in Latin America soared.

Three new deaths each, not yet confirmed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), were
registered on Tuesday in Costa Rica, Peru and in San Salvador, two more in Saudi Arabia
and others in Bolivia and Spain.

While no new deaths were reported in Mexico, the health ministry said almost 1,000
fresh cases had been confirmed in just five days, taking the total soaring above 17,000.

"As of yesterday (Monday) evening the number of confirmed cases of A(H1N1) in the country
was 17,416, of which 146 have died," a ministry statement said.

It was unclear where all the new cases had occurred, but the impoverished southeastern
state of Chiapas has been struggling to contain a sharp rise in recorded cases in recent
weeks.

Since the virus first emerged in Mexico in April, it has spread globally, reaching
pandemic level and affecting nearly every country in the world, according to the WHO.

The United States has recorded the most deaths from the virus, 353 so far, followed
by Argentina with 165 deaths.

According to the latest WHO figures, which only cover cases recorded up to July 31,
there are 162,380 cases of infection worldwide, and 1,154 confirmed deaths from the virus.

The two new deaths in Saudi Arabia included a Sri Lankan man who was found dead in
his hotel room on Monday.

Authorities in war-torn Iraq, meanwhile, quarantined a hotel in the holy Shiite city
of Karbala after a Saudi pilgrim staying there tested positive for swine flu.

The decision to isolate the hotel comes just days before commemoration ceremonies in
the city, 110km south of Baghdad, for the birth of Imam Mahdi, an 8th century Islamic
leader who vanished and is revered by Shiites as the coming Messiah.

"We discovered the first swine flu case, a Saudi national who arrived in Karbala two
days ago," governor Amal al-Din al-Har told a media conference.

"We quarantined all of the residents of the hotel he was staying at because of fears
some of them were infected."

The Netherlands on Tuesday joined the rank of countries where people have died from
the virus when a 17-year-old boy died overnight, health officials said. Vietnam also reported
its first fatality, a 29-year-old woman.

India and South Africa had both reported their first fatalities from the A(H1N1) virus
late on Monday.

The new deaths came as health officials raised the alarm about a strain of swine flu
that is resistant to the Tamiflu treatment.

Maria Teresa Cerqueira, head of the Pan-American Health Organisation office in La Jolla,
California, said a Tamiflu-resistant mutation of the virus had been found around the US-Mexico
border in El Paso and close to McAllen, Texas.

Experts had gathered in La Jolla, California, on Monday to discuss responses to the
outbreak, and warned that resistant strains were likely emerging because of overuse of
antivirals like Tamiflu.

"In the United States Tamiflu is sold with a prescription, but in Mexico and Canada
it is sold freely and taken at the first sneeze. Then, when it is really needed, it doesn't
work," said Cerqueira.

Cases of swine flu that were resistant to the anti-viral medicine have now been found
in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong and Japan.

A Taiwanese biotech company on Tuesday started mass production of a swine flu vaccine
before even completing clinical trials, in a bid to get a jump before the start of the
winter flu season.

Adimmune Corp, the island's only human vaccine manufacturer, said it was starting production
at its plant in central Taichung.

The company is due to deliver five million doses of the vaccine before the end of October,
according to the purchase contract it has signed with the government, said deputy CEO
and president Ignatius Wei.

A sign of the burgeoning demand for such a drug, Brazil said on Tuesday it had ordered
18 million doses of swine flu vaccine this year and was considering buying another 15
million next year.

AFP maur

KEYWORD: FLU WORLD UPDATE

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

WA: Burrup rock art not affected by industry, says committee


AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2009
WA: Burrup rock art not affected by industry, says committee

A new report shows heritage-listed Aboriginal rock art on Western Australia's Burrup
Peninsula isn't being affected by emissions from the area's mining industry.

A committee of scientists and academics established by the previous WA Labor government
says they've been satisfied with the results of four-year studies on the petroglyphs ..

along with testing of rock types bearing the ancient art.

The Burrup Rock Art Management Committee .. set up to monitor air pollution in the
area .. has found no evidence of colour or mineralological change in rock art surfaces.

AAP RTV was/tm/fdf

KEYWORD: BURRUP (PERTH)

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

Cno: China wins canoe men's C2 500m gold


AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2008
Cno: China wins canoe men's C2 500m gold

BEIJING, Aug 23 AFP - China has won the canoe men's C2 500m gold medal at the Olympic Games.

The silver medal went to Russia and the bronze to Germany.

AFP jmt

KEYWORD: OLY08 CNOM C2500 MEDAL

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

NSW: Main stories in today's Sydney newspapers = 3


AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-2008
NSW: Main stories in today's Sydney newspapers = 3

THE AUSTRALIAN:

Page 1: Indigenous leaders will push for a new peak Aboriginal organisation at the
Australia 2020 Summit. Life-saving cancer research is being blocked by Queensland government
restrictions on scientists gaining access to a register of sufferers throughout the state.

Page 2: The union movement is demanding that the government formulate plans for the
survival of individual industries in the wake of whitegoods manufacturer Fisher &Paykel's
decision to move production from Australia to Thailand.

Page 3: Former Olympian Scott Miller and ex-rugby player Mark Catchpole charged with
serious drug offences.

World: Executions across the US are to resume after a fractious Supreme Court ruled
yesterday that the most common method of lethal injection was constitutional, ending the
longest pause in the death penalty in a quarter of century.

Finance: National Australia Bank might have to make a $600 million tax provision after
an adverse Federal Court ruling last Friday against St George Bank.

Sport: Andrew Johns has been named halfback of the in rugby league's team of the century.

MORE pc/it

KEYWORD: MONITOR FRONTERS NSW 3 SYDNEY

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

FED: Incredible Hulk calls Canberra home for summer


AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2007
FED: Incredible Hulk calls Canberra home for summer

CANBERRA, Dec 13 AAP - One of the helitankers famed for fighting bushfires around Australia
in the past five years will be based in Canberra during the bushfire season.

The Erickson S-64 Air-Crane known as The Incredible Hulk arrived in the national capital
from Sydney this week for operations in the ACT, southern NSW and beyond.

The aircraft is one of four US-sourced helitankers leased for the bushfire season by
the National Aerial Firefighting Centre, a corporation owned by the federal, state and
territory governments.

The helitankers can carry up to 9,500 litres of water and refill in less than 30 seconds
and have played a critical role in fighting bushfires in southeastern Australia.

Two medium lift helicopters are also based in Canberra. The Incredible Hulk may be
relocated to another part of the country if required.

ACT Emergency Service Minister Simon Corbell warned residents against complacency over
Canberra's recent cool, wet conditions.

"Even though the weather's a bit deceptive, we are anticipating a hot, dry season again
this year," Mr Corbell told reporters in Canberra.

"We've already seen some very serious fires in South Australia and we could very well
see serious fires here in the ACT and surrounding NSW.

"While the technology is great and it makes an enormous difference on the ground for
our firefighters, it's also very important to remind that they still need to take steps
to prepare their own homes for bushfire."

Devastating fires struck the ACT in 2003 killing four people and destroying more than 500 homes.

Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the ACT government deserves credit
for improving its bushfire response following that disaster.

"After the tragedy of a few years ago they have really driven the agenda to look at
those events and how to improve and indeed bring all states and territories together to
respond," Mr McClelland told reporters.

"Canberrans and (people in the) surrounds can feel a little more relaxed or a little
more secure in these capabilities ... but vigilance is the order of the day."

AAP pw/sb/cjh/mn

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES ACT (PIX AVAILABLE)

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

Qld: Have another VB - a weaker one this time


AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2007
Qld: Have another VB - a weaker one this time

By Evan Schwarten

BRISBANE, April 30 AAP - One of Australia's most popular beer brands is chasing the
trend for lower-strength brews.

Brewer Foster's today launched a mid-strength version of its top-selling VB in an effort
to increase its presence in the national market.

Full-strength beer sales have remained stagnant in recent times while the popularity
of mid-strength beers has grown by 12 per cent a year nationally.

Mid-strength beers account for about 50 per cent of beers consumed in Queensland where
XXXX Gold - produced by Foster's main rival Lion Nathan - is the market leader.

The new brew, launched in Brisbane today, has a gold label in the place of the traditional
green label and has an alcohol content of 3.5 per cent. Full-strength VB is 4.9 per cent.

Foster's shipped 80,000 cartons of the VB mid-strength lager from its Queensland brewery
today and liquor stores will begin selling the new beer from tomorrow.

The launch will be accompanied by a multi-million dollar advertising and marketing
campaign featuring TV celebrity builder Scott Cam.

Foster's Queensland general manager Shane Richardson said the new beer would provide
more options for mid-strength beer drinkers.

"The whole category is dominated by such a small number of products and if you look
at any other category in beer or even other alcoholic beverages there are many consumer
choices to be had," he said.

"We are providing consumers with another opportunity and a bit more choice."

Mr Richardson said the beer retained the VB flavour, albeit with a lighter feel.

AAP ews/pjo/jnb/sp

KEYWORD: FOSTERS NIGHTLEAD (PIX AVAILABLE)

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

Qld: NYE Gold Coast bus strike averted


AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2006
Qld: NYE Gold Coast bus strike averted

A proposed New Year's Eve bus strike has been averted on the Gold Coast as police prepare
for a huge night on the Queensland tourist strip.

Up to 60 drivers threatened to take industrial action tonight after a Surfside Buslines
colleague was bashed in a road rage attack.

The 48-year-old driver was hauled from his bus and beaten unconscious on Wednesday
in front of the Surfers Paradise police station after a man in a car became angry when
he was cut off.

The car driver kicked the bus door in .. dragged out the bus driver and beat his head
on the road .. fracturing his skull and rendering him unconscious.

The drivers told Network Seven that they've met and voted against striking after Surfside
Buslines upgraded security for tonight.

Six security guards will be on the bus routes tonight and respond to any calls for
help by drivers.

Up to 50 thousand people are expected at the Gold Coast's Cavill Mall .. prompting
a massive police response.

AAP RTV lc/wz

KEYWORD: EVE QLD (BRISBANE)

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

NSW: Main stories in today's Sydney newspapers=3


AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2006
NSW: Main stories in today's Sydney newspapers=3

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD:

Page 1: Tens of thousands of Sydney residents have been banned from using groundwater
for anything, as a wave of industrial contamination spreads north from Botany Bay. Telstra
shares plunged to a record low as the federal government kept everyone guessing over the
sale of its majority stake. An NRL player is understood to be facing a charge of using
performance-enhancing drugs.

Page 2: A federal takeover of the health system and a greater role for private hospitals
would be among the "big changes" a Beazley government may make, Labor says.

Page 3: National guidelines for treating meningococcal disease previously have been
questioned following a death.

World: Iran has barred United Nations inspectors from an underground nuclear installation,
breaching its obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. (Washington)

Finance: Coles Myer directors were bunkered down through the night as the board braced
to battle its smiling assassin.

Sport: England have been dragged into the centre of the ball tampering furore after
it was revealed coach Duncan Fletcher had visited match referee Mike Procter before the
start of play.

MORE acb/cmc

KEYWORD: MONITOR FRONTERS NSW 3 SYDNEY

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

Fed: Govt setting us up for a fall on gap diclosure - AMA


AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2006
Fed: Govt setting us up for a fall on gap diclosure - AMA

Doctors say a government campaign to get greater levels of financial disclosure for
hospital patients is doomed to fail .. because it's being rushed.

The government appears to be moving closer to introducing legislation to force doctors
to disclose gap costs .. the difference between what a doctor charges and what a health
fund will pay out.

But the AMA says it's doomed to fail if doctors aren't given enough time for an education
campaign .. and to meet particular targets.

And AMA president MUKESH HAIKERWAL says the payment gaps aren't caused by doctors ..

but by the fact that the Medicare rebates aren't keeping pace with the cost of services.

And he says health insurers aren't disclosing the hidden costs of using their product.

AAP RTV rp/rt

KEYWORD: GAP AMA (CANBERRA)

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

Monday, February 27, 2012

Telcel hits the competition.

MEXICO CITY, Jan 21, 2003 (El Universal/Corporate Mexico by Internet Securities, Inc. via COMTEX) -- The decrease in the per-minute price of pre-pay phone cards used by Telcel to avoid the special products and service tax of 10% will not cause negative effects on its margins, analysts say. Nevertheless, they warn this measure could be costly for the competition, because in having to follow the leader, they will suffer an impact on their already weak financials. The analysts say that Telcel's financial strength allows it to offer these prices. Pre-pay cards used to cost 5 pesos per minute, but the cost is now down to 2.90 pesos per minute on 240-peso cards. Jorge Lagunas, telecom analyst at Interacciones, said that Telcel's reduction in rates was very aggressive, but that its finances could stand it if the company keeps its growth margin and efficiency in collecting.Telcel sacrificed 31% of its earnings with this measure to keep the consumer from paying the 10% telecommunications tax, betting on growth through volume instead of price.Lagunas said Iusacell does not have the margin to sacrifice even one peso on its rates "because that would speed up its bankruptcy if it does not receive an injection of capital."

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)

Ecommerce survey shows that businesses are divided on trusting the Internet.

M2 PRESSWIRE-7 September 2000-PEOPLESOFT: Ecommerce survey shows that businesses are divided on trusting the Internet (C)1994-2000 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:07092000

When it comes to trusting the Internet for large volume transactions and payments, the European market place is divided, reports the research organisation Datamonitor after conducting a major survey for PeopleSoft, the leading provider of global eBusiness solutions.

Involving interviews with 200 business leaders from seven countries and a variety of vertical markets, the survey aimed to assess the thinking and factors that are driving the development of eCommerce in Europe. It found that while 59% of respondents would use the Internet for large volume transactions and payments, a notable number (41%) would not.

For the IT industry this result indicates that the security of the technology needs to be improved and that the marketplace needs to be educated about its efficacy. It also questions a tendency in the industry to assume that a high take-up rate of this technology will automatically develop, delivering a firm reminder to the industry that some aspects of the technology are still considered to be unproven.

In the country analysis, respondents from Sweden (75%), France (72%) and Germany (69%) led the way in trusting the Internet, while those from Italy (62%) and The Netherlands (57%) said they would not follow suit. The strongest voice of mistrust for the Internet came from Spain, with an astonishing 83% against using it for large volume transactions and payments.

In the vertical market analysis respondents from the IT, Agriculture/Mining/Construction and Services industries were divided in their views. Clear statements of confidence were made by the majorities in the Utilities/Transport/Telco industry (68%), in Retail/Wholesale (61%) and in Manufacturing (61%).

The market that leads the field, however, is Financial Services, where 69% of respondents have no qualms about using the Internet for administering their business. Coming from an industry that is heavily regulated and therefore deeply critical of security issues, this response is an encouraging trailblazer.

Commenting on the survey results, Rob Cools, Director of Product Marketing PeopleSoft for EMEA, said: "This survey gives a strong indication that there are large sectors of the market that still need to be educated about the benefits of eBusiness. PeopleSoft is committed to capturing these sectors by demonstrating to these businesses how much they stand to gain from our Internet-based solutions."

Sohrab Torabi, eCommerce Analyst at Datamonitor, said: "That only 59% of Europe`s largest companies would feel comfortable using the Internet should be of some concern for vendors selling into the B2B space. Those industries that are most at ease with large volume payments have experience in the processes of EDI. Those without this familiarity will need to be persuaded that the perceived risk of transacting between business partners online will be far outweighed by business benefit. It is critical for the long-term success of B2B eCommerce that leading companies from ALL industries bring their trading liquidity to the Internet business community."

About PeopleSoft

PeopleSoft is a leading provider of eBusiness applications that enable people- customers, employees, and suppliers -to power the Internet.

PeopleSoft`s pure Internet Customer Relationship Management, Supply Chain Management, and Enterprise Management solutions provide the industry`s most open and flexible eCommerce platform. PeopleSoft employs more than 7,000 people worldwide, including 2,400 eBusiness consultants. More than 4,500 organisations in 107 countries run on PeopleSoft eBusiness applications. For more information: www.peoplesoft.com

In EMEA, PeopleSoft has operations in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy and South Africa.

CONTACT: Rob Cools, Director of Product Strategy EMEA, PeopleSoft Tel: +31 0204625400 e-mail: Rob_cools@peoplesoft.com Will Clarke, Insight Marketing & Communications Tel: +44 (0)1625 500 800 e-mail: wclarke@insightmkt.com

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

Sunday, February 26, 2012

CodeBaby Grabbing Attention at #IRCE2011.

Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB) June 16, 2011

CodeBaby, an Internet software company making it easy to implement state-of-the-art interactive digital characters that improve conversions and user experiences on websites, is pleased to be part of IRCE in San Diego. During the conference the company's team will be introducing attendees to the many benefits of engaging website visitors with CodeBaby Characters.

"The truth is, unless you capture the attention of a site visitor, you don't stand a chance of getting any of the subsequent clicks and outcomes you want," noted CodeBay CEO, Matt Filios. "What's more, if you don't grab the attention of your online customers, they are almost surely headed off to another website a[bar] and it's probably one or your competitors."

CodeBaby Characters and Conversations drive site visitor behavior, as well as assist in answering questions tailored to visitors' individual needs. Each character and conversation meets a client's call to action goals, such as: add-to-cart, free trial sign-up, customer service, product up-sell and lead capture. CodeBaby's fine-tuned process typically launches client projects within 30 days from initial engagement. All aspects of launching a CodeBaby Character are managed internally by:

*     Cutting edge 3D animators capable of creating unlimited varieties of digital character likenesses

*     Veteran writers that develop targeted character personas and conversation scripts that create emotional connections with website users

*     Strategic services team that delivers unmatched customer support & council

*     A superior split test metrics system designed to prove value for each client investment

*     Technical support and world-class hosting and content delivery infrastructures

CodeBaby Characters are used throughout many industries; including higher education, healthcare, financial services, outdoor recreation, law enforcement, non-profit and web services.

Remember to visit CodeBaby at booth 2050 at #IRCE2011. If you woud like to set up a personal meeting with CodeBaby CEO, Matt Filios, please contact Paul Kellogg at pkellogg(at)vladimirjones(dot)com.

About CodeBaby:

CodeBaby is a privately held Internet software company whose leading-edge technology enables companies to quickly and easily create high-quality, realistic digital character conversations that engage online customers and eLearners to optimize results. These customized and interactive conversations are creating value for a rapidly growing number of Fortune 1000 companies as well as mid-sized clients. With extensive analytics, CodeBaby allows clients to track and tune Conversations to achieve dramatic results that include lead capture, cross-sell / upsell, customer service, online learning, and other web tasks. For more information: http://www.codebaby.com

###

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/6/prweb8577920.htm

OTT Revenues Up to $20 Billion in 2016; Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube Set to Benefit, According to ABI Research.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The number of online video viewers worldwide is expected to eclipse 1.3 billion by 2016, growing from a current 2010 base of just over 780 million. As more consumers look to their broadband connections for content, the Over the Top (OTT) video industry will likewise grow with many companies such as Netflix, Hulu and Apple's iTunes division aiming to capitalize on this market trend.

Consumers are increasingly engaging with a variety of Internet video services. This rapidly growing ecosystem depends on close cooperation between chipset manufacturers, consumer electronics and set-top box providers, content producers, and service providers worldwide. "Content discovery is just one example of the rapidly changing environment, with traditional program guides being supplemented by search and recommendations," says Jason Blackwell, practice director at ABI Research.

Netflix is the current leader in OTT revenues, as it has led consumers to embrace long form broadband video on their TVs with support in nearly every Smart TV platform. iTunes and Hulu each represent about 15% of the current Over the Top market. "Over time, more viewing of YouTube and historically Internet-based platforms will shift to the living room, opening up significant advertising revenues. This trend will be accelerated based on YouTube's recently announced increase in VOD content," notes senior analyst Sam Rosen.

ABI Research's "Over the Top (OTT) and Through the Middle (TTM) Video" and "Broadband Video to Connected CE and Mobile Devices" studies (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1003562 and http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1002938 respectively) provide insight into the rapidly changing world of video services moving to the Internet.

The OTT report outlines strategies for video operators in today's N-screen and multi-source video world; it provides OTT revenues in North America, Western Europe and Worldwide segmented by various business models.

The Broadband Video report considers the spread of online video viewers/videos and the impact of devices beyond the computer screen (connected CE and mobile). It provides the number of online video viewers, as well as the number of videos viewed by length, segmented by region, as well as penetration rates for consumer electronic (CE) connected TV platforms and mobile devices.

Both reports are included in the firm's Broadband Research Service (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Broadband_Research_Service), while the OTT report is also part of the TV and Video Research Service (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/TV_and_Video_Research_Service).

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research's worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 30+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.

DoT to give a $13 billion bailout package to BSNL.(POLICY & REGULATION)(Department of Telecom)(Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.)(Brief article)

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has unveiled a bailout plan for struggling state-run telecom operator BSNL to yelp it launch broadband services in panchayats. A DoT official said that the company is expected to be given a package of $13.31 billion to set up, manage, and run a nationwide optical fiber cable to offer high-speed Internet services in areas that don't currently have access to them. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had recently said that BSNL would be entitled to obtain a charging regime.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

NETGEAR Tops Off Product Portfolio with New Flagship Router.

The NETGEAR N750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router speeds through intense tasks such as HD video streaming, multiplayer gaming and large file transfers

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NETGEAR, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today announced worldwide availability of the N750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (WNDR4000), the newest top of the line router from the industry's market leader. The N750 powers through intense wireless tasks such as streaming HD video, multiplayer gaming and large file transfers thanks to an aggregate combined data rate of up to 750 megabits per second (Mbps) while operating simultaneously in both wireless N bands: up to 450 Mbps in the 5 GHz band and up to 300 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band.

But the N750 isn't just about speed - the router offers a full range of premium features including flexible parental controls and a broadband usage meter, as well as DLNA Media Server support for streaming video, music and photos from any storage device plugged into its USB port to DLNA-enabled devices throughout the home such as some newer televisions and game consoles.

The N750 takes the wireless N standard to new levels with performance of up to 450 Mbps in the 5 GHz band, where there is less interference than the 2.4 GHz band. This higher frequency band can provide smoother, more consistent streaming to newer laptops, video game consoles and other dual-band wireless N devices for a superior user experience. The N750 also operates at up to 300 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band, supporting both the older 802.11g standard and the newer 802.11n standard. This provides maximum range and more capacity when multiple devices are using a mix of the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands on a single home wireless network. Overcrowding and delays are minimized during data-intensive activities such as HD video streaming and multiplayer online gaming.

The N750 is also an intelligent home gateway that helps consumers get the most from their network and connected devices.

NETGEAR Live Parental Controls, for example, provide a centralized, flexible and reliable parental control solution for all devices on the network, including Windows PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets, giving children and teenagers a safer environment for online activities - with no subscription required!

The broadband usage meter can be set to automatically notify consumers when data consumption is reaching monthly limits set by their service provider, avoiding costly overage fees for those with metered service plans.

Among the additional premium features of the N750 are:

* Guest network access, allowing visitors to go online without having to be given the home network password and without gaining access to computers, printers, storage drives and other devices on the home network.

* NETGEAR ReadyShare(TM) technology, for connecting a standard USB hard drive to the router to share storage and a media library across the home network.

* DLNA Media Server, for streaming media to DLNA HDTVs, Blu-ray(TM) players and game consoles.

* Four high-speed gigabit Ethernet ports for ultra-fast wired connections.

* IPv6 ready, for future-proof compatibility with the emerging IPv6 standard for Internet addresses.

"Home networks are no longer limited to low-bandwidth tasks such as reading email or looking at static web pages. Instead, today's home networks are gateways to movies, television, music, games, video chat and much more," said Som Pal Choudhury, NETGEAR director of product marketing. "No wireless router on the market today is faster or better prepared to deliver these next-generation online experiences to everyone in the family than the N750."

Pricing and Availability

The NETGEAR N750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (WNDR4000) is now available worldwide from major retailers - in stores and online - at $179.99 in the United States.

More information

To learn more about the NETGEAR N750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router, please visit http://www.netgear.com/MaxWiFi

About NETGEAR, Inc.

NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) is a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers. For consumers, the company makes high performance, dependable and easy to use home networking, storage and digital media products to connect people with the Internet and their content and devices. For businesses, NETGEAR provides networking, storage and security solutions without the cost and complexity of Big IT. The company also supplies top service providers with retail proven, whole home solutions for their customers. NETGEAR products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in over 28,000 retail locations around the globe, and through more than 37,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in 25 countries. NETGEAR is an ENERGY STAR partner. More information is available at http://www.NETGEAR.com or by calling (408) 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR at http://twitter.com/NETGEAR and http://www.facebook.com/NETGEAR.

(c)2011 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, and ReadyShare are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

Note: Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput will vary from maximum signal rates stipulated. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for NETGEAR, Inc.:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning NETGEAR's business and the expected performance characteristics, specifications, reliability, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses, user feedback and market position of NETGEAR's products and technology are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the following: the actual price, performance and ease of use of NETGEAR's products may not meet the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers; product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions; failure of products may under certain circumstances cause permanent loss of end user data; new viruses or Internet threats may develop that challenge the effectiveness of security features in NETGEAR's products; the ability of NETGEAR to market and sell its products and technology; the impact and pricing of competing products; and the introduction of alternative technological solutions. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect NETGEAR and its business are detailed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled "Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors," pages 11 through 29, in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2011. NETGEAR undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030730/NETGEARLOGO)

SOURCE NETGEAR, Inc.

Aircraft Supplier & MRO News - Europe.

New York, Geneva (AirGuideBusiness - Aircraft Supplier & MRO News Europe) Jul 4, 2010

Air France KLM, Embraer Air France KLM's maintenance arm is to extend its capabilities to include Embraer regional jets through a partnership with French carrier Regional. The carrier, an Air France subsidiary, operates both the ERJ-135/145 and E-Jet families from the Brazilian manufacturer. Air France Indutries and KLM Engineering & Maintenance say they have "pooled their expertise and know-how" with the airline to offer single-supplier support for Embraers. Jun 30, 2010

B/E Aerospace, Continental Airlines, Boeing Aircraft seats manufactured by B/E Aerospace are being fitted to new-build Boeing 737-800s destined for Continental Airlines, after the carrier suffered delivery delays due to Japanese seat maker Koito's fabrication of test results on seats. Earlier this year Koito admitted it falsified test results on as many as 150,000 seats on 1,000 aircraft in the world fleet. Evidence from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) highlighted three areas where Koito fabricated results - 16g and 9g test data and flammability data. Jun 30, 2010

Birk Flight Services Icelandic fixed-base operator Birk Flight Services is seeking to expand into mainland Europe through the acquisition of existing service providers in the region. The 45-year-old company - which recently upgraded its facility at Reykjavik airport - says it has "years of experience and expertise" that it can bring to the European market. "We are looking closely at opportunities throughout Europe," says general manager Alma Gunnlaugsdottir, with a particular focus on eastern Europe, where the business aviation market is buoyant. Gunnlaugsdottir says Birk's expansion in Iceland is limited physically as there is little space to expansion at Reykjavik airport and economically. "A lot of the demand for business aircraft went down with Iceland's banking [and economic] crisis," she says. Jun 29, 2010

Centurion Aircraft Engines Centurion Aircraft Engines is offering owners of Centurion 1.7-powered piston aircraft a money-back offer for unused flight hours if they choose to upgrade to the next-generation Centurion 2.0 by 31 August. The Lichtenstein-based company says the 2.0 delivers 135hp (100kW) and is identical in weight to its stablemate, but provides a 50% greater operating life. Jun 30, 2010

CSA Czech Airlines Czech Airlines has cleared the way to establishing its technical division as a separate subsidiary, although it has not indicated whether it might be preparing for a possible divestment. The SkyTeam carrier has been undergoing extensive restructuring and has been open to selling certain activities which it considers non-core, while holding on to others. Approving the steps which will allow the "hiving off" of the technical division as a separate subsidiary was among the agenda items at Czech Airlines' general shareholders' meeting yesterday, says the carrier.Czech Airlines is moving towards a holding-company structure, having already set up its handling operation as a subsidiary. Jun 29, 2010

Eurocopter Eurocopter Canada and maintenance engineering school ENA have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide helicopter industry professionals and aircraft maintenance students entering the helicopter industry with enhanced technical and maintenance training in Quebec. As part of the MoU, Eurocopter will provide ENA with Eurocopter and Transport Canada-approved aviation instructors who will offer maintenance training on the Eurocopter AS350 series and EC120B helicopters, which are widely used in Quebec. Jun 30, 2010

Lufthansa, Panasonic Avionics Star Alliance member Lufthansa has begun flight-testing its 'FlyNet' in-flight Internet service in preparation for re-launch within several weeks. "The tests for the next generation of FlyNet are going well and we are confident to launch in late summer," a Lufthansa spokesman reveals to ATI and Flightglobal. Lufthansa previously said it would reinstate FlyNet by mid-year, so the new timeframe represents a slight slippage in the carrier's planned roll-out. Panasonic Avionics is playing a pivotal role in switching on FlyNet on the majority of 70 Lufthansa aircraft already fitted with Connexion by Boeing (CBB) hardware and MELCO antennas. Jun 29, 2010

PowerJet Franco-Russian joint venture PowerJet has been awarded European type certification for its SaM146 engine. PowerJet developed the 17,260lb-thrust (76.8kN) SaM146for the Sukhoi Superjet 100. Russian validation is imminent. Jun 29, 2010

Saint-Gobain, Airbus Aircraft interiors specialist Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics says it in talks with Airbus about providing a wide range of high-performance silicone seals to the A350 program. Jun 28, 2010

Snecma, PowerJet Snecma is examining additional markets for the PowerJet SaM146 engine following its certification in Europe, as it aims to produce up to 50 of the powerplants in 2011. The manufacturer has designed the SaM146 for the Sukhoi Superjet 100, but Snecma chief executive Philippe Petitcolin says the company is looking at other new programme options. PowerJet secured European Aviation Safety Agency certification for the engine on 23 June. Russian certification of the SaM146 is being carried out in parallel. Jun 29, 2010

SR Technics Maintenance firm SR Technics is to invest in its Zurich and Cork facilities with the aim of turning them into centres of excellence for engine part repairs. The initiative is part of SR Technics' 'piece part repair' business expansion. The company has begun investing to further develop and extend its existing repair capabilities. It is working closely with its partner Sanad to provide specific package deals which will include leasing solutions for the material management of engines and engine line replaceable units. Jun 30, 2010

Thales Having been firmly entrenched in modern military concepts of operations, unmanned air vehicles are slowly finding their way into civil airspace. After a year-long study in collaboration with a consortium of 23 companies representing nine countries, Thales says it has identified four possible paths for addressing frequency spectrum needs and concerns for as part of the integration of military unmanned air systems with civilian air traffic. The SIGAT study, or "Study on military frequency spectrum allocations for the Insertion into General Air Traffic of UAS", was aimed at defining and promoting a common European position for command and control radio frequencies for future military UAS integration in the European civil airspace. Jun 28, 2010

Thales, EADS France moves toward off-the-shelf purchase of MALE UAV. French military leaders say they are considering purchasing medium altitude long-endurance UAV assets to add to their small fleet of EADS Harfang MALE UAVs rather than pursuing a development program. A committee last month determined that EADS' and Thales-Dassault Aviation Development options for meeting the MALE requirement could be too costly and are too uncertain. Jun 29, 2010

Zodiac Aerospace Zodiac Aerospace is to buy Cantwell, Cullen and Company, an Ontario, Canada-based maker of wire harnesses and hydraulic hoses, for an undisclosed sum. In its third quarter to end May, aircraft seat market recovery helped Zodiac lift sales 2.6% to EUR583.3 million ($721.2 million), though for nine months it remains down 7.6% at to EUR1.55 billion. Jun 28, 2010

ZZ AirGuideBusiness 100705

Editorial eMail: edit@AirGuideOnline.com For Air Transport & Travel Business Experts contact our Director of Content Aram Gesar eMail: bizintel@AirGuideOnline.com For Advertising and Marketing: advert@AirGuideOnline.com For Custom Content: content@AirGuideOnline.com ISSN 1939-666X - Copyright [c] 2010 AirGuideBusiness / Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

NDS Launches MediaStorm: New Low-Cost Entry Data Broadcasting System.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 1998--NDS today launched MediaStorm, an easy-to-implement and low-cost entry data broadcast system for digital broadcasters.

Fully compliant with Internet and DVB SI-DAT standards, NDS MediaStorm delivers a transparent link between the broadcaster and its customers. MediaStorm broadcasts data via a set-top box to a personal computer (PC) that is equipped with a low-cost card. In a local area network (LAN) environment, the data is distributed over the network to selected PCs. MediaStorm also provides a fast and efficient method of LAN bridging to interconnect multiple LANs spread across a country or continent.

"Broadcasters can use MediaStorm in many different ways to increase revenues and gain new customers," said Dr. Abe Peled, CEO of NDS. "MediaStorm brings new market opportunities to broadcasters by enabling them to offer electronic data, multimedia and video services, as well as delivering Business TV to the desktop. The system can also be used by broadcasters to provide a bureau service for content owners and producers who want to maximize their revenues, or to companies who need to transmit large amounts of electronic data quickly and securely."

With the launch of MediaStorm, NDS has two data broadcasting solutions. Digital broadcasters and content owners can now choose the best solution for their existing equipment, and the audience and type of data services to be offered. The following table is a guide to the markets that DBN and MediaStorm address : -0-

                    Existing Equipment   Services    Size of Audience                                         Offered ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Data Broadcasting        None           Consumer&    Continent-Wide, Network(DBN)                            Business     Large Audience ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MediaStorm         Existing Digital    Business to  Small to Medium                    Broadcast System     Business     Sized Audience ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -0-  NDS MediaStorm is perfect for a wide variety of applications, including:  --   Franchise Operations -- A low-cost mechanism for any organization      with a large number of locations distributed over a wide      geographical area to share information, video and data so that      each franchisee receives the data instantaneously.  --   Business Television -- A cost-effective solution for business TV      operators to distribute data and services to clients' existing PC      networks.  --   Corporate Data Delivery -- A reliable method of distributing      information, software updates and data over a continent-wide      area, quickly and efficiently.  --   LAN Bridging -- A cost-effective method of connecting LANs      distributed over a large geographical area.  --   Turbo Internet -- A service which is highly attractive to users      who need a fast and reliable Internet connection. 

-0- NDS MediaStorm broadcasts data using the following methods :

Unicast Mode. Unicast means that data is transmitted following an individual customer's specific request for electronic data. This could be the contents of an Internet site (Turbo Internet), for software or any digital property such as a film or a piece of music. The downlink server examines its cache, if the requested data is present, it is transmitted to the customer. Otherwise, the request is relayed to the uplink server and the data is transmitted either immediately, or if necessary, after being refreshed or retrieved.

File Reliable Multicast Mode. A reliable store-and-forward multicast system. Files reside in the uplink server's file system and are multicast. This mode could be used for company-wide distribution of video and data, such as the CEO's corporate address or an e-mail newsletter.

Pipe Reliable Multicast Mode. NDS MediaStorm uses this mode to transmit data over a specified bandwidth pipe while providing data reliability. One of the uses of this mode is to provide a fast and reliable EDI link between two companies.

Carousel Mode. A carousel repeatedly re-transmits data at pre-set intervals. A return path is not required, as any lost packets are filled by later transmissions. This mode is especially useful for bulk delivery of popular data in off-peak hours, such as top-selling software packages and electronic newspapers.

Streaming Mode. This mode is used for the transmission of real-time, loss-tolerant information such as audio and video. Streaming mode is suitable for applications such as the delivery of real-time news to the corporate desktop either for packaged news bureau services or for company specific news programming.

CONTACT: NDS Americas Inc.

Lisa Hobbs, 714/725-2548

lhobbs@ndsamericas.com

or

NDS Limited

Margot Field, + 44 181 476 8158

mfield@ndsuk.com

or

The Benjamin Group Inc.

Daniel McKean, 408/559-6090

dmckean@sv.tbgi.com

NRF Urges House to Pass Financial Rescue Bill.

WASHINGTON -- The National Retail Federation urged the House to immediately pass legislation scheduled for a vote today that would address the nation's financial crisis. NRF said the measure would be counted as a key vote in merchants' annual ranking of lawmakers on issues important to the retail industry.

"This legislation is a carefully crafted bipartisan effort to address the profound crisis that is threatening the viability of our nation's financial system and the very foundations of our economy," NRF Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Steve Pfister said. "If the House of Representatives rejects this proposal, the liquidity of more financial institutions could be imperiled and the linchpin of our economy - credit and lending - will drastically decline or could cease altogether."

"This crisis is not about Wall Street versus Main Street," Pfister said. "Our nation's financial system is a two-way street that directly affects every American and every facet of our economy. If Wall Street is not stabilized, the ability of American consumers and businesses to obtain the credit needed to keep our economic engine running and to continue our nation on the path to economic recovery will be imperiled. In these trying economic times, that is a risk we cannot take. Congress must act expeditiously and without partisanship."

The House is scheduled to vote today on H.R. 3997, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association, with membership that comprises all retail formats and channels of distribution including department, specialty, discount, catalog, Internet, independent stores, chain restaurants, drug stores and grocery stores as well as the industry's key trading partners of retail goods and services. NRF represents an industry with more than 1.6 million U.S. retail companies, more than 25 million employees - about one in five American workers - and 2007 sales of $4.5 trillion. As the industry umbrella group, NRF also represents over 100 state, national and international retail associations. www.nrf.com

Friday, February 24, 2012

HIGH-TECH IS JUST TOO HIGH-STRESS.(METRO)(UP CLOSE)(Column)

Byline: Rob Zaleski

Hardly a week passes, it seems, when my one of my high-tech colleagues isn't reminding me what a pathetic, out-of-touch dinosaur I've become.

And in a sense, I suppose, they're right.

As I've mentioned here before, I'm one of those odd creatures commonly referred as a technophobe. Not only do I not subscribe to cable TV, I've never even been tempted to. I do not own a cell phone and, frankly, think they're idiotic -- except for emergencies, the primary reason they were invented.

And while I'll admit that e-mail is a truly ingenious invention -- particularly if you have a kid living in a faraway place like Sierra Leone, as I do -- I have absolutely no regrets about dismantling my home computer four years ago and depositing it at the dump. Because, among other things, it frees me to partake in one of the most underrated pleasures of life -- sitting back with a daily newspaper, which for a mere 50 cents (or $1 for the generally superb New York Times) provides about an hour's worth of nourishment for one's brain.

"But do you have any idea what you're missing?" one of my high-tech colleagues asked again last week.

Actually I do. In fact, there have been numerous stories in the last year that make it rather clear what I and other dinosaurs like myself are missing. And since it's unlikely my high-tech colleagues have seen these stories -- I'm guessing they were too busy illegally downloading music or text-messaging old girlfriends to notice -- I've decided to repeat a few of them here. Just for perspective's sake.

Let's see, where to start?

There was the story in The Capital Times' business section on March 3 about how cellular phone service and supplies was the No. 1 most complained about business in Wisconsin and North America in 2005.

The story said that the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau received an astounding 895 complaints against the industry last year -- almost twice as many as were lodged against the No. 2 industry on the list, mail order and catalogue shopping. (No. 5 on the list, incidentally, was Internet shopping services.)

Why are many cell-phone users so upset?

"It's the quality of cell phones, it's the range of service, it's warranty issues -- you name it," BBB Wisconsin President and CEO Randall Hoth said when contacted last Friday.

And those 895 complaints are just the tip of the iceberg, he says, noting that most people have to be incensed before they'll actually lodge a complaint.

There was the story four days later in which Wisconsin consumer protection officials warned that U.S. Cellular "may be misleading" some of its customers by requiring them to upgrade their phones or pay a fee.

The very next day, U.S. Cellular backed away from the plan and said in a statement, "Customer satisfaction is U.S. Cellular's No. 1 priority and we regret any inconvenience to our customers over this issue."

Right, uh-huh.

Let's see, what else?

There was another story last week about how satellite TV provider DirecTV will pay $115,000 in fines and litigation costs and pay restitution to customers in a consumer protection case it settled with the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

A suit filed against the company alleged that DirecTV violated state law by failing to disclose to consumers all of the material terms of its customer agreements at the time a customer subscribed, including fees for disconnecting before a subscription period ended.

And there were several stories in recent months about how an increasing number of cable and satellite TV customers are fed up with all the "junk" channels in their packages and want to be able to select and pay only for the channels they watch.

Charter Communications, the cable provider for the Madison area -- and which recently boosted the monthly price of expanded basic cable to $47.99 -- said it was studying a la carte pricing, but that it wasn't going to happen any time soon.

But my favorite story was the interview with Canadian author Heather Menzies in the Ottawa Citizen. Menzies has written a book, "No Time: Stress and the Crisis of Modern Life" that says many average citizens who regularly use cell phones, computers and other high-tech gadgets are suffering from high-tech overload and that it's causing depression, overwhelming stress and emotional burnout.

"It crept in so benignly" and "has been so beautifully camouflaged as stuff that we want," Menzies said. "But it's come at such a pace, it is so relentless, that is has taken over our lives."

So if any of my high-tech colleague happen to be reading this, yes, I really do understand what I'm missing. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to venture over to the Arboretum and experience something that people actually used to cherish many years ago. (And if you think I'm kidding, ask your grandparents.)

It's called solitude.

E-mail: rzaleski@madison.com

Gables Earnings Beat Consensus.

Gables Residential (the "Company"), today reported earnings for the second quarter that exceeded consensus estimates. Net income available to common shareholders was $0.18 per diluted share and funds from operations ("FFO") was $0.61 per diluted share, compared to a consensus First Call estimate of $0.60. "Our performance exceeded expectations primarily due to achieving property operating results at the high end of our range. We are also pleased to be achieving our strategic objective of producing total returns that exceed the NAREIT Apartment Index. Our total return for the year-to-date period, trailing 12 months, three years and five years all exceed this benchmark," noted Chris Wheeler, CEO.

Net income available to common shareholders for the quarter was $4.4 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to $4.9 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2002. For the first six months of 2003, net income available to common shareholders was $13.6 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, compared to $30.6 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2002. During 2002, a significant amount of asset sales occurred during the first quarter. The Company expects that sales volume in 2003 will be generally similar to volume in 2002, but that the timing of asset sales will vary. Net income per share for the first six months of 2003 included gains from asset sales, net of minority interest, of $4.1 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, compared to $19.0 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2002.

FFO for the quarter was $18.5 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, compared to $18.6 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2002. FFO for the first six months of 2003 was $38.3 million, or $1.26 per diluted share, compared to $41.2 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2002. The FFO metric excludes gain on sale of previously depreciated operating real estate assets and real estate asset depreciation and amortization. A reconciliation of net income to FFO is included on page 12.

This earnings release is available on Gables Residential's website at http://www.gables.com/ . On the Gables Quicklink pull-down menu, please select "Investor/Company Info/Earnings Releases" or go directly to this web address: http://www.gables.com/q203earningsrelease .

The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, August 7, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Gables executives will discuss second-quarter earnings, current activity and the local multifamily markets.

The conference call will be open to the public and will also be broadcast live on the Internet via Gables Residential's website at http://www.gables.com/ . On the Gables Quicklink pull-down menu, please select "Investor/Company Info/Conference Calls" or go directly to this web address: http://www.gables.com/conferencecalls . Those listening by phone should call in 5-10 minutes before conference time to (800) 884-5695 and use the passcode 33475186. International callers or those in the 617 area code should call (617) 786-2960.

A playback will be available from 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 7, 2003 until midnight on Friday, August 15, 2003. US/Canada participants should call (888) 286-8010. International callers or those in the 617 area code should call (617) 801-6888. The Gables playback code is 76408966. The playback can also be accessed for 12 months following the conference call via Gables Residential's website at http://www.gables.com/webcasts .

       Operating Results for the Second Quarter 2003 Compared to the                            Second Quarter 2002   

The Company's markets and portfolio continue to feel the residual impact of the national economy's job-growth contraction and related renter demand. On a same-store basis, total revenues declined 1.9% and property operating and maintenance expense growth was 0.6%, resulting in a 3.2% reduction in property net operating income ("NOI"). These results were at the high end of the Company's expectations for the quarter. A detail of the same-store results by market is presented on page 13.

Investment and Disposition Activity

During the quarter, the Company acquired Gables Knoxbridge, 334 apartment homes in the Dallas Established Premium Neighborhood(TM) (EPN) of Highland Park, for $34 million and completed lease-up of three development communities: Gables Metropolitan II, 274 apartment homes in the Dunwoody EPN(TM) of Atlanta; Gables Paces, 80 apartment homes in the Buckhead EPN(TM) of Atlanta; and Gables North Village, 315 apartment homes in Celebration, Florida.

In July 2003, the Company acquired Gables Woodley Park, 211 apartment homes in the Northwest Washington, D.C. EPN(TM), for $53 million. Year to date, the Company has acquired 784 apartment homes, completed the lease-up of 989 apartment homes, sold 300 apartment homes and commenced development on 1,247 apartment homes which are expected to deliver stabilized earnings in late 2004 and in 2005. "Our research indicates that the national economy is in the early phase of a slow recovery. Our plans to deliver new assets in late 2004 and 2005 should allow us to capitalize on projected improving fundamentals," said Mr. Wheeler.

In May 2003, Gables acquired Archstone Management Services' business, which consisted of management contracts for 10,684 apartment homes in 32 communities. The management and accounting services rendered under the acquired contracts are transitioning to Gables over a 3-month period. The $6.5 million purchase price will be paid in three installments based on the retention of the acquired contracts. The incremental contribution to net income from the acquired contracts will be largely offset by the amortization of the purchase price for the first five years. "Property operations is a core competency for Gables, and our continued ability to outperform the markets shows how committed we are to our operations focus. The fee management business is an excellent avenue to leverage our operations, and the Archstone-Smith business fits nicely with our platform," noted Mr. Wheeler.

Preferred Share Offering

The Company closed a $75 million offering of its 7.5% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares on May 8, 2003. The shares are redeemable at the discretion of the Company on or after May 8, 2008. Proceeds of the offering were used to pay down borrowings under the Company's unsecured lines of credit that are being utilized for its acquisition and development activities discussed above.

Industry Recognition

During the quarter, the Company announced that its corporate-housing division, Gables Corporate Accomodations ("GCA"), was the recipient of the 2002 "Tower of Excellence Company of the Year" Award. During June and July, the 2002 Gables Residential annual report ("We Think Inside the Box") was recognized for several awards. NAREIT selected Gables as the Mid Cap winner of a Gold Award for Management's Discussion and Analysis for the second year in a row and a Silver Award in the Presentation and Design category. The League of American Communication Professionals selected Gables for its highest distinction, a Platinum Award in the REIT/Real Estate category, and the Company also received a Silver Award for Interior Design in the acclaimed International ARC Award competition.

Unusual Items

In May 2002, the Company expensed approximately $1.7 million of early debt extinguishment costs. Under accounting rules in effect at that time, these costs were classified as an extraordinary item and, as such, did not reduce FFO. In April 2002, SFAS No. 145 was issued. The Company adopted this standard on its January 1, 2003 effective date and, pursuant to the new rules, reclassified the $1.7 million of early debt extinguishment costs from extraordinary items to unusual items. In the computation of FFO pursuant to the NAREIT definition outlined on page 6, net income is adjusted for extraordinary items but is not adjusted for unusual items. As such, previously reported FFO for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 has been reduced by $1.7 million. The adoption of this standard had no impact on previously reported net income.

Earnings Guidance

The Company's guidance for the third quarter of 2003 and the full year 2003 for net income and FFO on a diluted per share basis is disclosed and reconciled below:

   Third Quarter 2003:                                                                Range                                                         Low-End    High-End    Expected net income                                     $0.14      $0.59   Add:  Expected real estate asset     depreciation and amortization                          0.45       0.44   Less: Expected gain on sale of     previously depreciated operating real     estate assets                                          0.00      -0.42   Expected funds from operations (FFO)                    $0.59      $0.61     Same-Store Operating Assumptions to the Company's   Guidance (1):    Total property revenues                                -2.50 %    -1.75 %   Property operating and maintenance     expenses                                              0.75 %     0.00 %   Property net operating income (NOI)                    -4.50 %    -2.75 %    (1)  Represents the projected change from the third quarter        2002 to the third quarter 2003.      Full Year 2003:                                                                Range                                                         Low-End     High-End    Expected net income                                     $0.84      $2.65   Add:  Expected real estate asset     depreciation and amortization                          1.78       1.76   Less: Expected gain on sale of     previously depreciated operating real     estate assets                                         -0.17      -1.89   Expected funds from operations (FFO)                    $2.45      $2.52    Same-Store Operating Assumptions to the Company's   Guidance (2):    Total property revenues                                -1.75 %    -1.25 %   Property operating and maintenance expenses             1.00 %     0.50 %   Property net operating income (NOI)                    -3.25 %    -2.25 %    (2)  Represents the projected change from 2002 to 2003.                            Discontinued Operations   

The Company adopted SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," effective January 1, 2002. This standard requires, among other things, that operating results of real estate assets sold subsequent to January 1, 2002 that the Company has no continuing involvement with, be reflected as discontinued operations in the statements of operations for all periods presented. The Company evaluates, in the ordinary course of its business, the continued ownership of its assets relative to available opportunities to acquire and develop new assets and relative to available equity and debt capital financing. The Company sells assets if it determines that such sales are the most attractive sources of capital for redeployment in its business, for repayment of debt, for repurchases of stock, and for other uses. The Company expects to reclassify historical operating results whenever necessary in order to comply with the requirements of SFAS No. 144.

Earnings Release Supplements

The Company produces Earnings Release Supplements ("the Supplements") that provide detailed information regarding the financial position and operating results of the Company. These Supplements are available via the Company's website and through e-mail distribution. Access to the Supplements through the Company's website is available at http://www.gables.com/financialreports . If you would like to receive future press releases via e-mail, please register through the Company's website at http://www.gables.com/mailalerts . Some items referenced in the earnings release may require the Adobe Acrobat 4.0 Reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat 4.0 Reader, you may download it at the following website: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html .

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Terms

This release, including the Supplements, contains certain non-GAAP financial measures and other terms. The Company's definition and calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and other terms may differ from the definitions and methodologies used by other REITs and, accordingly, may not be comparable. The non-GAAP financial measures referred to below should not be considered as alternatives to net income or other GAAP measures as indicators of our performance. Additional information regarding these items and other non-GAAP financial measures and other terms used in this release, including the Supplements, can be found elsewhere herein.

Funds from Operations (FFO) is used by industry analysts and investors as a supplemental operating performance measure of an equity real estate investment trust ("REIT"). The Company calculates FFO in accordance with the definition that was adopted by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT"). FFO, as defined by NAREIT, represents net income (loss) determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), excluding extraordinary items as defined under GAAP and gains or losses from sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets, plus certain non-cash items, such as real estate asset depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures.

Historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values instead have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors and analysts have considered presentation of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves. Thus, NAREIT created FFO as a supplemental measure of REIT operating performance that excludes historical cost depreciation, among other items, from GAAP net income. The use of FFO, combined with the required primary GAAP presentations, has improved the understanding of operating results of REITs among the investing public and made comparisons of REIT operating results more meaningful. Management generally considers FFO to be a useful measure for reviewing the comparative operating and financial performance of the Company (although it should be reviewed in conjunction with net income which remains the primary measure of performance) because by excluding gains or losses related to sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets and excluding real estate asset depreciation and amortization, FFO can help one compare the operating performance of a company's real estate between periods or as compared to different companies.

Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) represents FFO less recurring value retention capital expenditures. Because FFO excludes real estate asset depreciation and amortization, AFFO represents a useful supplemental operating performance measure because it takes into consideration recurring value retention capital expenditures.

Recurring Value Retention Capital Expenditures represent costs typically incurred every year during the life of a community, such as expenditures for carpet, vinyl flooring, appliances, mechanical equipment and fixtures. To the extent such costs are incurred in connection with a major renovation of a community they are excluded from this item.

Non-recurring Capital Expenditures represent costs that are generally incurred in connection with a major project impacting an entire community, such as roof replacement, parking lot resurfacing, exterior painting and siding replacement. These costs are not incurred on a regular basis and may not occur or re-occur during the anticipated hold period of an asset. To the extent such costs are incurred in connection with a major renovation of a community they are excluded from this item.

Value Enhancing Capital Expenditures represent costs for which an incremental value is expected to be achieved from increasing the NOI potential for a community or recharacterizing the quality of the income stream with an anticipated reduction in potential sales cap rate for items such as replacement of wood siding with a masonry based hardi-board product, amenity upgrades and additions, installation of security gates and additions of covered parking. To the extent such costs are incurred in connection with a major renovation of a community they are excluded from this item.

Property Net Operating Income (NOI) is used by industry analysts, investors and Company management to measure operating performance of the Company's properties. NOI represents total property revenues less property operating and maintenance expenses (as reflected in the accompanying statements of operations). Accordingly, NOI excludes certain expenses included in the determination of net income such as property management and other indirect operating expenses, interest expense and depreciation and amortization expense. These items are excluded from NOI in order to provide results that are more closely related to a property's results of operations. Certain items, such as interest expense, while included in FFO and net income, do not affect the operating performance of a real estate asset and are often incurred at the corporate level as opposed to the property level. As a result, management uses only those income and expense items that are incurred at the property level to evaluate a property's performance. Real estate asset depreciation and amortization is excluded from NOI for the same reasons that it is excluded from FFO pursuant to NAREIT's definition.

Stabilized Occupancy is defined as the earlier to occur of (i) 93% physical occupancy or (ii) one year after completion of construction. For purposes of evaluating comparative operating performance, the Company categorizes its operating communities based on the period each community reaches stabilized occupancy. For purposes of the period-end community charts, once a community has reached a stabilized occupancy level it is reclassified from the Development/Lease-up Communities chart to the Stabilized Communities chart.

Physical Occupancy represents gross potential rent less physical vacancy loss as a percentage of gross potential rent.

Economic Occupancy represents actual rent revenue collected divided by gross potential rent. Thus, economic occupancy differs from physical occupancy in that it takes into account concessions, non-revenue producing apartment homes and delinquencies.

Gross Potential Rent is determined by valuing occupied apartment homes at contract rates and vacant units at market rates.

Income Available for Debt Service and Preferred Dividends represents net income available to common shareholders before interest expense and credit enhancement fees, preferred dividends, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, minority interest, gain on sale of real estate assets, long-term compensation expense, extraordinary items and unusual items, all from both continuing and discontinued operations, as applicable. Management generally considers income available for debt service and preferred dividends to be an appropriate supplemental measure to net income of the operating performance of the Company because it helps investors to understand the ability of the Company to incur and service its debt and preferred stock obligations.

Forward-Looking Statements

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release, including the supplements, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. These forward- looking statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to the future events or financial performance discussed in this release, based on management's beliefs and assumptions and information currently available. When used, the words "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "project", "should", "expect" and similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company's ability to produce total returns through monthly dividends and share price changes that exceed the NAREIT apartment sector index and the Company's ability to achieve its expectations for third quarter 2003 and full year 2003 earnings. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are not guarantees of future events or performance, which may be affected by known and unknown risks, trends and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, projected or implied. Factors that may cause such a variance include, among others: local and national economic and market conditions, including changes in occupancy rates, rental rates, and job growth; the demand for apartment homes in the Company's current and proposed markets; the uncertainties associated with the Company's current real estate development, including actual costs exceeding the Company's budgets; changes in construction costs; construction delays due to the unavailability of materials or weather conditions; the failure to sell communities on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all; the failure of acquisitions to yield anticipated results; the cost and availability of financing; changes in interest rates; competition; the effects of the Company's accounting and other policies; and additional factors discussed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any responsibility to update forward-looking statements.

About Gables

With a mission of Taking Care of the Way People Live(R), Gables Residential has received national recognition for excellence in the management, development, acquisition and construction of luxury multifamily communities in high job growth markets. The Company's strategic objective is to produce total returns through monthly dividends and share price changes that exceed the NAREIT apartment sector index.

The Company has a research-driven strategy focused on markets characterized by high job growth and resiliency to national economic downturns. Within these markets, the Company targets Established Premium Neighborhoods(TM) ("EPN's"), generally defined as areas with high per square foot prices for single-family homes. By investing in resilient, demand-driven markets and EPN(TM) locations with barriers to entry, the Company expects to achieve its strategic objective.

The Company is one of the largest apartment operators in the nation and currently manages 50,783 apartment homes in 183 communities, owns 86 communities with 23,979 stabilized apartment homes primarily in Atlanta, Houston, South Florida, Austin, Dallas, Tampa and Washington, DC and has an additional 9 communities with 2,388 apartment homes under development or lease-up. For further information, please contact Gables Investor Relations at (800) 371-2819 or access Gables Residential's website at http://www.gables.com/.

   GABLES RESIDENTIAL   Consolidated Statements of Operations   June 30, 2003   (Unaudited and amounts in thousands, except for per share data)                                        Three months ended   Six months ended                                            June 30,            June 30,                                         2003     2002      2003      2002   Revenues:      Rental revenues                   $53,778  $51,054  $107,409  $103,514      Other property revenues             3,289    3,101     6,125     6,000         Total property revenues         57,067   54,155   113,534   109,514      Property management revenues         1,951    1,857     3,800     3,672     Ancillary services revenues          1,453    2,110     3,326     4,655     Interest income                         88      120       161       181     Other revenues                          74       42       120        85         Total other revenues             3,566    4,129     7,407     8,593          Total revenues                  60,633   58,284   120,941   118,107    Expenses:      Property operating and       maintenance (exclusive of items       shown below)                      20,439   19,245    40,208    37,875      Real estate asset depreciation       and amortization                  12,763   11,881    25,779    23,534      Property management  - owned        1,697    1,489     3,357     3,398      Property management  - third       party                              1,947    1,619     3,773     3,344      Ancillary services                  1,085    1,308     2,310     2,779      Interest expense and credit       enhancement fees                  11,410   10,029    22,889    20,148      Amortization of deferred       financing costs                      482      275       906       532      General and administrative          2,272    1,753     4,605     3,675      Corporate asset depreciation and       amortization                         482      428       824       881      Unusual items                         ---    1,687       ---     1,687         Total expenses                  52,577   49,714   104,651    97,853   Income from continuing operations    before equity in income of joint    ventures, gain on sale and minority         interest                         8,056    8,570    16,290    20,254    Equity in income of joint ventures       100       40       195     1,928   Gain on sale of previously    depreciated operating real estate    assets                                  ---      ---       ---    17,906   Gain on sale of land and development    rights                                  ---      462       ---     1,801   Minority interest of common    unitholders in Operating    Partnership                          (1,021)  (1,068)   (2,247)   (6,817)   Minority interest of preferred    unitholders in Operating    Partnership                          (1,078)  (1,078)   (2,156)   (2,156)    Income from continuing operations      6,057    6,926    12,082    32,916    Operating income (loss) from    discontinued operations, net of    minority interest                       ---      376        (8)      819   Gain on disposition of discontinued    operations, net of minority    interest                                ---      ---     4,075     1,763   Income from discontinued operations,    net of minority interest                ---      376     4,067     2,582    Net income                             6,057    7,302    16,149    35,498    Dividends to preferred shareholders   (1,672)  (2,442)   (2,516)   (4,885)    Net income available to common    shareholders                         $4,385   $4,860   $13,633   $30,613     Weighted average number of common    shares outstanding - basic           24,679   24,802    24,588    24,662   Weighted average number of common    shares outstanding - diluted         30,520   30,931    30,429    30,802    Per Common Share Information-Basic:   Income from continuing operations    (net of preferred dividends)          $0.18    $0.18     $0.39     $1.14   Income from discontinued operations,    net of minority interest               $---    $0.02     $0.17     $0.10   Net income available to common    shareholders                          $0.18    $0.20     $0.55     $1.24     Per Common Share Information-    Diluted:   Income from continuing operations    (net of preferred dividends)          $0.18    $0.18     $0.39     $1.13   Income from discontinued operations     $---    $0.02     $0.17     $0.10   Net income available to common    shareholders                          $0.18    $0.19     $0.55     $1.24      GABLES RESIDENTIAL   Funds From Operations and Adjusted Funds From Operations   June 30, 2003   (Unaudited and amounts in thousands, except for per share data)                                           Three months ended  Six months ended                                              June 30,           June 30,                                           2003     2002     2003     2002    Net income available to common    shareholders                           $4,385   $4,860  $13,633  $30,613    Minority interest of common    unitholders in Operating Partnership:     Continuing operations                  1,021    1,068    2,247    6,817     Discontinued operations                  ---       91      965      634       Total                                1,021    1,159    3,212    7,451    Real estate asset depreciation and    amortization:      Wholly-owned real estate assets -       continuing operations               12,763   11,881   25,779   23,534      Wholly-owned real estate assets -       discontinued operations                ---      324       49      709      Joint venture real estate assets        349      342      689      744        Total                              13,112   12,547   26,517   24,987    Gain on sale of previously depreciated    operating real estate assets:      Wholly-owned real estate assets -       continuing operations                  ---      ---      ---  (17,906)      Wholly-owned real estate assets -       discontinued operations                ---      ---   (5,042)  (2,198)      Joint venture real estate assets        ---      ---      ---   (1,754)        Total                                 ---      ---   (5,042) (21,858)    Funds from operations                  $18,518  $18,566  $38,320  $41,193    Recurring value retention capital    expenditures:     Carpet and flooring                    1,215    1,630    2,374    2,842     Appliances                               163      199      330      351     Other additions and improvements       1,378    1,701    2,521    3,171        Total                               2,756    3,530    5,225    6,364    Adjusted funds from operations         $15,762  $15,036  $33,095  $34,829    Average common shares and units    outstanding - basic                    30,416   30,762   30,359   30,634   Average common shares and units    outstanding - diluted                  30,520   30,931   30,429   30,802    Per common share data - basic:   Funds from operations                    $0.61    $0.60    $1.26    $1.34   Adjusted funds from operations           $0.52    $0.49    $1.09    $1.14    Per common share data - diluted:   Funds from operations                    $0.61    $0.60    $1.26    $1.34   Adjusted funds from operations           $0.52    $0.49    $1.09    $1.13    Common shares and units outstanding    reconciliation:   Average common shares and units    outstanding - basic                    30,416   30,762   30,359   30,634   Incremental shares from assumed    conversions of:     Stock options                             95      163       61      162     Other                                      9        6        9        6   Average common shares and units    outstanding - diluted                  30,520   30,931   30,429   30,802      GABLES RESIDENTIAL   Results of Property Operations - Second Quarter Comparisons   June 30, 2003   (Unaudited and amounts in thousands, except for property data)    The combined operating performance for all of the Company's wholly-owned   communities that are included in continuing operations for the quarters   ended June 30, 2003 ("2Q 2003") and June 30, 2002 ("2Q 2002") is as   follows:                                           2Q 2003  2Q 2002 $ Change% Change   Rental and other property revenues:   Same-store communities (1)            $45,437  $46,294   $(857)  -1.9% (A)   Triple net master lease communities     1,646    1,646     ---    0.0%   Communities stabilized in 2Q 2003,    but not in 2Q 2002                     2,459    1,383   1,076   77.8%   Development and lease-up communities    2,074      761   1,313  172.5%   Communities under renovation or not    fully operational (2)                  4,198    4,071     127    3.1%   Acquired communities (2)                1,253      ---   1,253    ---   Sold communities (2)                      ---      ---     ---    ---     Total property revenues             $57,067  $54,155  $2,912    5.4%    Property operating and maintenance    expenses (3):   Same-store communities (1)            $16,389  $16,293     $96    0.6% (A)   Triple net master lease communities       ---      ---     ---    ---   Communities stabilized in 2Q 2003,    but not in 2Q 2002                       968      702     266   37.9%   Development and lease-up communities      833      497     336   67.6%   Communities under renovation or not    fully operational (2)                  1,763    1,753      10    0.6%   Acquired communities (2)                  486      ---     486    ---   Sold communities (2)                      ---      ---     ---    ---     Total property operating and      maintenance expenses               $20,439  $19,245  $1,194    6.2%    Property net operating income (NOI)    (4):   Same-store communities (1)            $29,048  $30,001   $(953)  -3.2% (A)   Triple net master lease communities     1,646    1,646     ---    0.0%   Communities stabilized in 2Q 2003,    but not in 2Q 2002                     1,491      681     810  118.9%   Development and lease-up communities    1,241      264     977  370.1%   Communities under renovation or not    fully operational (2)                  2,435    2,318     117    5.0%   Acquired communities (2)                  767      ---     767    ---   Sold communities (2)                      ---      ---     ---    ---     Total property net operating income      (NOI)                              $36,628  $34,910  $1,718    4.9%     Total property NOI as a percentage     of total property revenues            64.2%    64.5%     ---   -0.3%    (1)  Communities that were owned and fully stabilized throughout both 2Q        2003 and 2Q 2002  ("same-store").   (2)  Communities that were in renovation or not fully operational,        acquired, or sold subsequent to April 1, 2002, as applicable.   (3)  Represents direct property operating and maintenance expenses as        reflected in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and        excludes certain expenses included in the determination of net income        such as property management and other indirect operating expenses,        interest expense and depreciation and amortization expense.   (4)  Calculated as total property revenues less property operating and        maintenance expenses as reflected above.     (A) Additional information for the 62 same-store communities by market is       as follows:                                  Number of   % of      Physical     Economic                                Apartment  2Q 2003   Occupancy    Occupancy                  Market          Homes      NOI     in 2Q 2003   in 2Q 2003    South Florida                  4,377      29.7%       94.1%      92.4%   Houston                        4,934      27.4%       94.2%      92.9%   Atlanta                        3,431      17.7%       94.3%      92.1%   Austin                         1,677      10.8%       90.4%      89.4%   Dallas                         1,123       8.1%       95.5%      94.2%   Washington, D.C.                  82       1.6%       94.1%      93.7%   Other                          1,243       4.7%       90.1%      84.2%     Totals                      16,867     100.0%       93.6%      91.8%                                       % Change from 2Q 2002 to 2Q 2003 in                                Economic                   Market       Occupancy    Revenues     Expenses       NOI    South Florida                   2.2%       0.9%         2.5%         0.1%   Houston                         2.1%      -0.2%         1.0%        -0.8%   Atlanta                         3.7%      -5.8%        -3.2%        -7.2%   Austin                         -2.2%      -7.4%        -2.1%       -10.5%   Dallas                         -0.1%      -2.3%         0.2%        -3.6%   Washington, D.C.                5.6%       7.9%        -6.8%        13.9%   Other                          -0.6%      -0.4%         8.5%        -6.7%     Totals                        1.6%      -1.9%         0.6%        -3.2%  

CONTACT: Investor Relations of Gables Residential, 1-800-371-2819

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