Social networking and microblogging sites are replete with messages in support of the missile-man who completed a term as President before Pratibha Patel took over. “A P J Abdul Kalam is the only person who fulfills the minimum qualification for the post of President,” tweeted Sumit Nagpal.

“Highly educated”, “humble” and “people’s President”, are some of the popular expressions that go with Kalam’s name on the net. And rooting for him are people of all ages. A group has started a Facebook fan page in the name ‘We want Shri A P J Abdul Kalam as President again.’ Another group called ‘Abdul Kalam for President’ says this is the first time the people of India are having a voice in a Presidential election.

‘The President is not one to ask anything for himself,’ screams an online poster showing Kalam giving a salute. Below that: Click share if you support Kalam. “He’s an apolitical leader and, as the rocket man of India, put the country in a great league”, says Nargarjun Shetty who uses social networking sites to muster support for Kalam.

Then there are those who comment with their tongue firmly in cheek. “Seems APJ Abdul Kalam can’t be the President of India because he has no family to take on foreign tours and he does not grab land,” tweeted Jiten Gajaria. Social media expert Anivar Aravind said the social media is accessed only by 6% of India’s population, but their voices are heard by the powers that be. “Opinions of these people since they are seen as representatives of the educated middle and upper classes.

Aravind added that the posts and threads created for Kalam had interesting characteristics. “When some of the posters made for Kalam are widely being spread by his supporters, people who are not for Kalam are also using them to post their disagreement,” he said.

Earlier, as the temperature rose several commuters on the roads were heard saying it was the worst they had experienced in recent times. “Despite wearing sun glasses, my eyes were burning as I travelled across the city,” said Manomani of Vadapalani.

The subsequent dip, officials from the Met department said, was drastic. The temperature recorded at 5.30pm was 34Celsius. “This is the magic of sea breeze. It set in around 1.45pm and the temperature came down,” said India Meteorological Department deputy director general Y E A Raj.

Around 4.30 pm, several southern suburbs of the city experienced rain. “Thunder clouds developed around the city and rains were reported in areas beyond Tambaram,” said Raj. The Meenambakkam weather station recorded 0.2mm of rain.

In 2008, the maximum temperature remained 42.1C for three days continuously. The highest-ever temperature in the city is the 45C recorded in 2003. “The temperature crosses the 40-degree mark when the sea breeze sets in late or is weak. Westerlies from the north bring in dry, hot air, spiking the temperature,” said Raj.

The year 2004 was the only one where the maximum temperature did not cross the 40 mark, met officials said.

Going by the pattern in data compiled by the Met department, summers have become hotter by 0.7. The mean maximum temperature from 1951-1980 for May was 36.4C, whereas for the period between 1980 and 2010 the temperature is 37.1. In the period between 1961 and 1971, the mean maximum temperature was 37 degrees C. Between 2001 and 2010 it was 37.9 C.

The number of hot days (when the temperature is above 40C) has also increased, with the city experiencing 129 hot days between 2001 and 2010 against 68 hot days from 1991 to 2000. The number of cooler days (when the minimum temperature is below 19C), too, has come down. Between 1971 and 1980, there were 95 cooler days, but only 25 cooler days between 2001 and 2010.

Met officials say urbanisation is the biggest cause for the increase in temperature. “The number of vehicles on the roads has increased drastically. This is the biggest contributor to the increase in temperature,” he said.

Of the 181 people killed on the tracks between Guindy and Chengalpet in 2011, one-fourth lost their lives on the line between Chromepet and Tambaram stations, railway saources said. Most of the victims were jaywalkers. Everyday, on an average, around 1.5 lakh commuters use the Tambaram station where around 280 suburban services are operated. The “movement of trains is almost non-stop at Tambaram. A pedestrian subway close to the station is needed,” said Tambaram municipality chairman M Karikalan.

There was no provision in the original plan for staircases at the flyover as there was no footpath at the station. “Without a pedestrian footpath, a staircase is of no use,” said a state highways official.

A pedestrian subway can be used by all, while a staircase is about nine metres tall and has around 40 steps which women and the elderly may find it difficult to climb. The two-lane flyover, jointly executed by Southern Railway and the highways department, is 3.2km long and 7.5 metres wide. On February 28, 2011, sections of the Rs 78-crore flyover on GST Road and Mudichur Main Road were opened. On August 16, the final portion, on Velachery Main Road, was opened, connecting East and West Tambaram.

The flyover, the fifth such facility built on the 15-km Guindy-Tambaram stretch in the past few years, is part of the railway’s gauge conversion scheme introduced in 1999 to reduce waiting time of trains, both suburban and express.

In Chromepet, the Rs 7.55-crore limited-use subway replacing a railway crossing has been stalled for more than three years after work began on February 27, 2009, due to land acquisition problems. Southern Railway completed its portion of the work a few days ago and constructed a wall on both sides to prevent misuse of the completed portions.

Objections by around 400 families, residing on either side of the level crossing, to give their land for the project has halted the work. “Around 2,835 sqft of land is needed to lay ramps and service roads,” said government sources. It was in 1998 that the railways decided to replace the level crossing with a subway. In 2008, the highways department was roped in and the project re-designed as a road under bridge (RUB) to allow all vehicles. In late 2008, following objections by the affected families, the Pallavaram municipality passed a resolution, changing it again into a limited-use subway, which would be 33 metres long, 8.3 metres wide and 3.5 metres high.

“We are demanding that the transport department should allow advertisement display panels on the body of the vehicle. It will fetch extra income for drivers and will also reduce the fare hike burden for passengers in future,” union general secretary Thampy Kurian said. Currently, only private fleet taxis have the rights to display ads on vehicles. The taxi unions have also demanded similar rights before the Hakim panel recently.

Kurian said the list of demands submitted by him on Thursday included remodelling of all new autos to provide more leg space and height to both passengers and drivers. “The drivers are unable to sit properly and this is one of the main reasons for health problems such as bodyache, neck pain, lower back pain, etc. Also, if passengers will pay higher fares in near future, they too need ample space for footrest plus a good bootspace for luggage,” he said.

In a six-page memorandum to the panel, he also demanded that CNG filling outlets should supply lean gas.

The judge made this interim order after hearing two petitions filed by Jagati Publications which prints Sakshi and Indira Television, the operator of Sakshi TV. The government cited the guidelines as envisaged by the GO MS No 403, issued in 1992, in support of its decision to withhold advertisements to Sakshi. However, the decision of the state in this regard was contrary to the very guidelines, the judge said.

The GO cited the ongoing CBI probe against Jagati as another reason for its decision. The judge observed that the state failed to prove that Sakshi violated any of the guidelines. It simply referred to the guidelines without elaborating how they were violated, D V Sitarama Murthy, the counsel for Sakshi said. The judge, too, found it objectionable and said that stopping ads at this stage would put the paper to an irreparable loss.

Directing the state to file its counter, the judge posted the case to June 16 for further hearing.

In a separate development, Justice B Chandra Kumar posted to May 22, the petition filed by Jagati and others, challenging the freezing of their accounts by CBI. While Sakshi counsel said that as many 20,000 employees were dependent on the paper, CBI counsel informed the court that there were only 4457 employees working with the paper. The CBI counsel cited labour department figures as proof of his contention. The judge directed the petitioners to furnish the details of employees and the income and expenditure and posted the case to May 22.

Meanwhile, the CBI special court took cognizance of the second chargesheet in the Jagan assets case. It will be treated as a supplementary chargesheet. Its copies would be supplied to all the accused, including Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, on May 28 along with the first chargesheet. The court also directed its staff to furnish a copy of the chargesheet to the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The intensive care unit of the centre is on the ground floor and equipped with beds, said Dr Mohandas, managing director, MIOT hospitals.

With the rupee falling to a new low against the dollar, tour packages and other expenses have become expensive by 15-20% for international leisure and business travellers. Many who bought package tours before the dollar appreciated have been forced to shell out the difference on their return.

“Some corporate travellers who visited Bangkok last week for a conference had to pay more money because the cost of the package tour that was sold to them was worked out based on the value of the rupee before the dollar appreciated. The travel and tour company had to charge them more because expenses calculated in dollars shot up,” said Basheer Ahmed of Metro Travels.

Outbound travel, at its peak in May, has been hit. Many who enquired about holiday packages to Southeast Asian countries and Europe have decided to postpone their trips.

“There has been a 20% increase in expenses. A couple will have to spend 15,000 more for a short package tour to an international destination. The cost of international travel increased marginally this year when compared to last year when the dollar was 44. Now, the rupee has fallen to an all-time low of 54,” said P Saravanan of Viking Tour and Travel and chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India.

Travel agents are not selling many international tours. “We are unable to stick to the price promised when a prospective traveller comes to buy a package a week after making an inquiry. The cost goes up when calculated at the current rate of exchange of dollar. This rise in expenses often discourages leisure travelers. The cost goes up substantially for large families,” said M K Ajith Kumar of Asia Pacific Tours.

Tours sold last month for travel at the end of this month have not been affected because the agent may have already paid for flight tickets, hotel rooms and sightseeing tours. “The price of commodities and services has not gone up in dollars abroad but travelers from India have to shell out more because the value of the rupee has diminished,” he added.

People normally spend about $300 for shopping and other personal expenses. “Many are cutting down on this. Even credit cards do not help because the bills are based on exchange rate of dollars,” said Saravanan.

Many travel agents have started to include a rider in the price quoted for package tours, telling prospective clients that final rates are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.

The ongoing Air India pilots’ strike has come as an added blow to flyers. International air fare has gone up by nearly 10% because Air India is cancelling its flights. Sudden cancellations reduce capacity and push up the fare on routes like London, New York, Chicago, Frankfurt, Singapore and others. “It is difficult to re-book passengers on other airlines because seats are less and fares are high,” said Saravanan.

Most parents preferred to pay the term fees in installments and now are literally paying the price for it. They said they did not see it coming and were wondering how they would manage as they still had to contend with the living expenses even if they took care of the fees.

“Most students, who go overseas for higher education, are from middle or upper middle class families. Now, they find themselves forced into a hand-to-mouth existence. Increasing their allowance by even $50 is becoming more difficult,” said Chandrika Sagar, mother of Praveen, who is pursuing an MS in Thayer School of Engineering in the US.

In Praveen’s case, an educational loan covers his entire tuition fee unlike in India. Students abroad use downloaded study materials, borrow books and even get hand-medowns. So even though the tuition fee may not pinch, living expenses will.

Some parents who paid the fee at one go were relieved. K R Maalathi, mother of Pavithra, a student of the London School of Economics, said, “I couldn’t afford the collateral security the banks asked for giving my daughter an educational loan. So I paid her fees myself. I made the decision to pay the entire tuition fee at one go. At that time, I found it quite difficult but now I think it’s the best move I made. I avoided spending a lot more money unnecessarily.”

Overseas education agents said that though universities give a waiver for upfront payment of fees, most parents (70%) prefer to pay it in two to three installments. “With the rupee depreciating by more than 20% since January, the difference between last term’s fee and this term’s has run into five digits. I did not take this into consideration when I planned the annual budget,” said Siva Subramanian, whose son studies in Germany.

With the currency fall singeing pockets, students are now looking for free lunches. “My friends, who don’t have a kitchen in their house, head to the ISKCON temple for a free meal, because a simple breakfast costs around 10 pounds. Sometimes the academic pressure doesn’t allow us time to make even a simple sandwich at home,” said Priyanka Bhavanishankar, who studies at LSE.

Agents say this increase in expenses is unlikely to result in students dropping out, but could drive many to take up part-time jobs. “Most countries allow students to work a certain number of hours during the weekdays and full time during the holidays. The local population doesn’t want to work in the weekends, so many Indian students take advantage of this facility,” said Naveen Chopra, chairman of The Chopras, an overseas education agency.

In a letter to CM Kiran Kumar Reddy, Varaprasad said he had witnessed the suffering of the poor farmers after the Vanpic promoters took over their land for the project. “Thousands of farmers and dalits have been deprived of their livelihood for the sake of a few individuals which is highly objectionable. They are struggling to earn even a square meal a day,” the minister said here on Thursday. He urged the CM to cancel the MoU with Ras-al-Khaimah (RAK) and other agreements with the Vanpic promoters and take back the entire land into government fold. He said the reclaimed land could be utilized for house construction as well as cultivation. He said all the patta lands acquired from the farmers could be given back to the original owners and the remaining government land assigned to local dalits and poor.

Varaprasad said that he had taken the issue to the notice of the CM soon after taking over as Prakasam district in-charge minister. He said the CBI should dig out more facts about the Vanpic and Jagan assets case. Meanwhile, sources said the government is seeking legal opinion to scrap the deal between RAK and the government as well as with the Vanpic Ports Private Limited.

Sources said the failure of the promoter to develop the areas as mentioned in the master plan is being shown as one of the reasons for scrapping the deal. “As the promoter failed to keep the word to develop a port and airport in the land provided to him, the state government has every right to cancel the agreement,” pointed out a senior minister.

The manjeera supply streaming out of taps in most Hyderabadi households is not fit for drinking. Apart from organic waste (sewage), this `potable’ water is also dangerously infected with pesticides, faeces, oil, grease and heavy metals. It rates a poor ‘C’ on the water classification chart of the Central Pollution Control Board and is labelled unfit for consumption without being treated extensively .

These startling facts show up in the 11-page study conducted by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) in March this year on random samples collected from the Himayathsagar and Osmansagar , the city’s two primary drinking water sources. Worse, the water is acidic, way beyond permissible limits, and even coloured , indicating the presence of algae and decayed vegetation in the reservoirs that serve at least 70 per cent of Hyderabad’s thirsty populace. The most alarming disclosure, however, is the spiraling pesticide content that, as per the rulebook, should be a clear zero in any drinking water source. The report attributes this chemical pollution (present at nanogram levels and feared to shoot in the future) to excessive agricultural activity around the water bodies.

But then that’s not the only form of exploitation that these reservoirs are subjected to. Killing their once pure quality is also the increased growth of habitation in areas surrounding the tanks, which seems to be expanding by the day. That the bacterial count in this water has then shot from nil to a disturbing 860, as indicated in April’s water analysis report of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), comes as no surprise. As per PCB standards this count, which points to the entry of sewage and faecal material into the drinking water suppliers, should be zero. “But the water is being put through stringent chlorination regularly. That kills all the bacteria,” asserts Ramesh Chandra, senior environmental scientist with APPCB, trying to water down the seriousness of the issue. His assurances, however, fail to amuse environmentalists and independent water experts from the city who point out that while household purifiers do arrest these pollutants to some extent, they are not foolpooof remedies. The salt content in the water can still go unchecked, they say.

Recollecting the tragic deaths reported from areas such as Bhokalpur in 2009, they say that the severe water contamination, despite treatment has only worsened since then. The month of May that year had jeopardized the lives of over a 1,000 residents of the Old City pocket who were hospitalized with complaints of acute gastroenteritis. At least a dozen among them, both children and adults, had perished thereafter .

Away from the slums, the drinking water even the plush colonies of Banjara Hills had thrown up shocking results when put through tests last year. If some of the bottled water delivered here showed the presence of bacteria, traces of arsenic (a lethal chemical) were found in manjeera samples taken to local laboratories. “Consumption of arsenic-laced water can have serious health implications with prolonged usage leading to cancer or even death,” explains Sudesh Menon, chief executive officer of WaterLife India that works in the field of water purification . Sounding a word of caution he says how the presence of arsenic is difficult to establish as the chemical is both colourless and odorless.

Another life-threatening substance that has made its way into the drinking water taps of Hyderabad’s homes in huge quantity is fluoride , note experts. According to their assessment almost all water bodies in the city have tested positive in fl uoride, with many of them reporting a dangerously high level of the element. While a 1 ppm (standard measurement) fl uoride content is acceptable as per the rulebook, most of Hyderabad’s water contain way more than 1.5 ppm of the same. The repercussions ? Rickety bones in children and excessive spinal chord stiffness among grown ups.

But despite such findings , the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) is not ready to press the panic button just yet. Maintaining that the water at both Himayathsagar and Osmansagar is treated adequately and that all drinking water sources are usually `C’ class, officials of the board say that contamination is a minuscule evil that pops its head only rarely. And while they even insist that the network of pipelines in the city that carry this manjeera water to the homes of its 7.5 lakh customers is largely “safe” , the story on the ground seems far removed from the claim. Surveys reveal that almost every inch of these pipelines, date back to the Nizam’s era when they were first installed to facilitate water supply. Predictably , after five decades of usage, these pipes are now ridden with leakages, thus aggravating the pollution issue. From the IT pockets of Hi-Tec City to the modest colonies of Chandanagar, cases of sewage water mixing with the drinking supply has been reported in abundance over the last few years. “Each time we report a leakage to the water board, staffers come and fix the lines. But the solution is only temporary and after a few months the same problem arises. Unless the entire network of pipes is reinstalled, this severe contamination cannot be arrested,” says P Ramakrishna, city convener of Save Our Urban Lakes (SOUL) that has been battling , for long, to clean Hyderabad’s water bodies.

Local authorities conveniently pass the buck on to the central government for this gap and hide behind the lack of funds dispensed by the bosses at the top. They claim that of the 20 zones in the city work on installing fresh pipelines in seven zones (largely in the Old City) is currently on. “It is not possible to change the pipes throughout Hyderabad. Small replacements can be made but there are no funds for an extensive job,” reiterates Sundar Ram Reddy, in-charge director (technical), HMWS&SB. He, however , adds that the department undertakes regular maintenance of all pipelines and is even quick to act on any complaint.

But even as officials try to paint an all-is-well picture, residents are no longer in the mood to be fooled. With drinking water standards deteriorating by the day, a chunk of aware denizens have now started to test their water before pouring out a glass of it to their families. Apart from the municipal supplies, even the bore-well water is often taken to laboratories for a quality check. “We do get a lot of such cases these days as people are very cautious about the water they drink. Manjeera water samples though often found in the lab are not too many in number. That is because there is still limited awareness,” says B Anjaneyulu, chief water analyst at the Institute of Preventive Medicines. The institute’s monthly water monitoring reports this year have detected ‘unsatisfactory’ quality in several areas including Somajiguda , Narayaguda, Erragadda, Noorkhan Bazaar, among others.

Not surprising then that households across the twin cities are now resorting to intensive purification of their manjeera before consumption.

According to Menon, most middle-class residential societies in Hyderabad these days are opting for such safety measures (especially reverse osmosis systems ), the demand for which has shot manifold over the last couple of years.

The fact that city’s stinking, coloured drinking water has also allowed the packaged water business to blossom into a multi-crore industry is no longer a secret.

WATER SAFE, CLAIMS HMWS&SB
Adhar Sinha, managing director of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) maintains that there is no cause for concern with the water being supplied to residents. According to him the water board has been taking all adequate measures, including extensive filtration , to ensure that the drinking water is potable and of good quality. “There is also an exhaustive chemical treatment that is being undertaken routinely to remove all pollutants,” he said. Sinha, however, admitted that the raw water accumulating in the Himayathsagar and Osmansagar was infected with pollutants, both organic and inorganic. Elaborating on it he said that the reasons for this contamination ranged from encroachments to human exploitation. “Due to such activities the quality of this water has deteriorated severely over the last few years,” the managing director said, adding, “To address the issue the state government is currently in the process of appointing a high-level committee under the chief secretary.” The committee will comprise several government departments such as the GHMC, HMDA, police department, forest department, district collectors (Ranga Reddy and Hyderabad), apart from the water board, who will work out a project to check the infl ow into the lakes so as to enhance the standard of raw water. “Once that is done, the drinking water quality of the city will improve manifold,” the water board chief stressed. Brushing aside concerns about the ancient network of pipelines carrying the treated drinking water, Sinha said, “The pipes do not pose much of a threat. We are regularly maintaining them and fixing any leakages that are reported.”

Gross domestic product increased 9.8 percent year-on-year, after rising 5.8 percent in the previous quarter. The figure was in line with expectations. The economy expanded for the sixth consecutive quarter.

The pace of growth was the fastest since 1996. In the first quarter last year, growth was 1.7 percent. In 2010, the economy grew 5.2 percent, after contracting 1.7 percent in the previous year.

Gross fixed capital formation increased 19.3 percent, following 19.9 percent growth in the previous quarter. Investment in plant and machinery rose 28.4 percent compared to 35 percent gain in the fourth quarter. Construction investment grew 10.3 percent versus 5.1 percent previously.

Exports rose 9.5 percent, after climbing 5.1 percent. Domestic demand grew 14.6 percent, same as in the previous three months.

Quarter-on-quarter, the economy grew 1.3 percent, after expanding 1 percent in the previous quarter. It was the fourth sequential growth in a row.

“The annual growth rate is flattered by the base effects stemming from the earthquake-related loss of output in Q1 last year,” Capital Economics Latin America Economist David Rees said in a note ahead of the data.

“Looking ahead, with copper prices still elevated and domestic demand booming, the economy is on course to grow by around 5.5% this year.”

Yesterday, the Chilean government headed by Sebastian Pinera unveiled a set of 50 planned measures to enhance competitiveness and productivity in the economy. The proposed measures include abolishing taxes on software and reducing red tape. The Pinera administration is targeting average annual growth of 6 percent over the term till 2014.

The country's central bank today announced measures to liberalize overseas investment, inter-company loans and foreign currency trade financing facilities obtained by residents. The measures are aimed at raising business efficiency and competitiveness of the economy, the bank said.

The real GDP grew 4.6 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, after rising 4.8 percent in the previous three months, Bank Negara Malaysia said. Economists had forecast GDP growth of 4.9 percent. Growth has been slowing from the double-digit figure of 10.1 percent in the first quarter of 2010.

Services output increased 5.9 percent, slower than the previous quarter's 6.1 percent. Manufacturing grew 5.4 percent following the 6.2 percent gain in the previous quarter.

Expenditure analysis showed that private consumption increased 6.7 percent after rising 6.4 percent in the previous three months. Public spending rose 6.1 percent following a modest 0.1 percent gain in the previous quarter.

Gross fixed capital formation increased 6.5 percent, much weaker than the 10 percent growth in the previous quarter. Exports rose 3.7 percent, following the 1.7 percent gain in the fourth quarter.

“Going forward, growth is expected to be sustained,” Bank Negara Malaysia said. “Growth in private consumption will continue to be firm, given the favorable employment conditions and income growth, while private investment is expected to strengthen further amid an improving outlook for the domestic economy and the further expansion of new growth industries.”

In the first quarter, inflation rose to 2.8 percent annually from 2 percent in the previous three months, the central bank said. Elsewhere, data from the Department of Statistics showed that inflation quickened in April, led by higher food and transport costs. The consumer price index, or CPI, rose 3.2 percent annually following a 3 percent increase in the previous month. Economists were looking for an inflation figure of 3.1 percent.

On May 5, Malaysia's central bank lifted its key interest rate by a quarter point for the first time this year to 3 percent and demanded that banks set aside more funds as reserves to absorb excess liquidity. It was the fourth hike since last March.

The central bank expects global commodity and energy prices to remain at elevated levels this year. The bank also sees some signs of domestic demand factors adding upward pressure on prices in the second half of 2011.

Food remains the main inflation driver, but administered price controls prevent translation of high global oil prices into domestic fuel prices, ING Bank economists said in a note ahead of the release of the data.

Administered price controls and sub-potential growth are expected to prevent inflation from becoming a big problem for monetary policy. ING Bank expects the May interest rate hike be the last in the current cycle.

The agency said that starting the first quarter of 2011 it has adopted a new methodology for collection of employment data.

The jobless rate for the first quarter came in at 12.4 percent. In the fourth quarter, the unemployment rate was 11.1 percent, according to the previous methodology. In the same quarter last year, the jobless rate was 10.6 percent.

Unemployment among youth, aged between 15 and 24, was 27.8 percent during the first quarter.

The number of jobless persons in the first quarter totaled 688,900, while the number of employed came in at 4.87 million. The labor force participation rate was 52.2 percent in the first quarter.

Based on the previous methodology, the unemployment rate for the first quarter would have been 11.4 percent, the agency said. It is the highest figure since the series began in 1998. The number of unemployed would have been 633,300, while the figure of employed would be 4.945 million.

Portugal's unemployment has been increasing since the third quarter of 2008, except in the second quarter of 2010 when the rate was flat with the previous quarter.

This week European finance ministers approved a three-year joint European Union/International Monetary Fund bailout worth EUR 78 billion for Portugal. Figures released last week showed that the Portuguese economy slipped back into recession in the first quarter.

Gross domestic product declined 0.7 percent sequentially in the first quarter, faster than the revised 0.6 percent fall in the fourth quarter last year.

The IMF, with its leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn in jail in New York on sex assault charges, is urging Athens to adopt new reforms in the coming months. Greece is desperate to avoid restructuring its sovereign debt, and will need help from neighbors and the IMF.

A lack of consensus on the Greece crisis has hurt the euro in recent weeks, but its losses versus the dollar have been muted by a series of economic releases showing lingering weakness in the U.S. economy.

The euro was stuck near $1.42 versus the dollar today, unable to sustain a move back toward 17-month highs set earlier in May. The euro topped out near $1.50 a few weeks ago.

In news from the beleaguered U.S. housing front, mortgage applications continued to rise last week, as home owners rushed to lock in low interest rates.

U.S. mortgage applications increased 7.8 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending May 13, 2011.

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 4.60 percent from 4.67 percent.

The Federal Reserve is scheduled to release the minutes of the April 26-27 monetary policy setting meeting at 2 pm ET. The FOMC minutes are also likely to be combed through to get further insights into the Fed's thinking about economic conditions and its monetary policy stance.

Meanwhile, the euro rose to a 10-day high of GBP 0.8824 versus the sterling.

The number of Britons claiming jobless allowance increased in April at the sharpest pace since January last year, even as the UK's private sector struggled to compensate for job losses in the public sector due to government spending cuts.

The Bank of England's rate-setting body decided by a split vote to leave the key interest rate unchanged this month as concerns over consumer spending overshadowed mounting inflation, the minutes of the meeting revealed Wednesday.

On the flip side, the Eurozone economy no longer needs the degree of economic or monetary stimulus adopted during the height of the financial crisis, given the strong ongoing recovery of the region, European Central Bank (ECB) Executive Board member Jurgen Stark said Wednesday.

Noted actress and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa emerged winner with a huge margin from Srei Rangam and is all set to form the Ministry in Tamilnadu. Actor and DMDK supremo Vijayakanth who contested from Rishivandhiyam as part of the AIADMK combine won it big. So was his party candidates – actor Arun Pandiyan and producer Michael Rayappan.

Addressing media persons, Vijayakanth said, ‘ it is a great victory for our combine. People have thrown out the DMK. I thank one and all. Its a victory for democracy’

Interestingly, All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi president and Nadigar Sangam chief Sarath Kumar, who contested on behalf of the AIADMK alliance from Thenkasi emerged thriumphant. Popular baddie onscreen Mansooralikhan who contested independently from Alandur was defeated. He managed just 600 votes.

With the film industry divided on their support to the DMK and the AIADMK, the news of the landslide victory for the AIADMK has given joy for many in Kollywood.

Vijay is obviously happy at the victory for the AIADMK. He says, ‘it is a victory for the democracy. People have voted in large numbers for a change’.

He also congartulatyed Jayalalithaa for snatching victory with such a huge margin. Vijay chose to thanks his fans on the occasion. He said, ‘for my one word, they jumped in the bandwagon and campaigned vigorously day and night for the AIADMK combine. I am grateful to them’.

Later in the evening Vijay drove to Poes Garden and congratulated Jayalalithaa.

Eventually Latha Rajnikanth clarified it as mere rumours and said Rajinikjanth is all fine and fit. Meanwhile Rajinikanth’s daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya immediately visited AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa’s house in Poes Garden. They presented her a bouquet and wished her all the best on behalf of their father.

Rajinikanth is gearing up to start shooting for his next Raana. However since he developed some difficulties in his health, he was admitted in a private hospital and was later discharged a couple of days ago.

In a letter released to the media, Ramanarayanan, said, ’since I am starting my work for a new film with needs more time and also my personal commitments, I have chosen to quit as the president of Tamil Film Producers Council’.

He further thanked the members of the Tamil Film Producers Council, The Fiilm Directors Association, the South Indian Artistes Association, FEFSI among others.

However it is learnt that the massive defeat of the DMK in the State Assembly elections announced on Friday has prompted Ramanarayanan to quit the post. He was considered a pro DMK man and hence he chose to call it quit, say sourcxes in the producers council.

During the run-up to the polls, Vadivelu had campaigned for the DMK-led combine and unleashed a verbal volley on DMDK president Vijayakanth. The actor had campaigned in various constituencies and targetted Vijayakanth in his speech. He even described Vijayakanth as a habitual drinker and a big zero in politics.

He had received threats after the elections and he called on Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and sought police protection.

Now with the AIADMK – DMDK combine ahead in the polls, additional policemen have been deployed at his house fearing a possible attack by the DMDK cadres.

The 61-year-old actor was admitted on Saturday night to the Sri Ramachandra Medical University (SRMU) at suburban Porur, days after he was discharged from another hospital where he was treated for allergic bronchitis and viral fever.

Rajnikant’s family had on Friday dismissed reports that his health had deteriorated.

The Enthiran star had suffered from exhaustion on April 29, the first day of the shoot of his new period film Rana co-starring Deepika Padukone, which is being directed by KS Ravikumar.

He was admitted to Isabel Hospital in the city and discharged the same day, only to be re-admitted there on May 4 for allergic bronchitis and viral fever.

“I’m very much here,” says the actor. The actor maintains his calm and of course, his sense of humor in an exclusive chat.

“I’m very much in Tamil Nadu. I am not a Pakistani, I’m a Tamilian. Why should I go out of my homeland? I am in my amma’s place. I wanted to be with her, so I am staying with her in Madurai,” says Vadivelu, back in Madurai after the election results were declared.

Vadivelu was the only campaigner from DMK who was confident of the party’s victory. Asked if he was disappointed with the Tamil Nadu people’s verdict, he says, “We have to accept the people’s verdict. I did my job as a campaigner and it was a great experience. Winning and losing are part of every election.”

During the campaign, the actor complained about threats from DMDK party men. There was stone pelting at his Virugambakkam residence on the day of the election results. The situation could worsen, but Vadivelu appears unfazed by the threats. He still takes a severe stand on Vijayakanth.

Asked about the recent attacks, he says, “After the election results, Vijayakanth should have moved on after congratulating the AIADMK leader. As a leader of his party, he didn’t do that. Instead, he is still stuck with me. His party cadres were creating a nuisance near my house, attacking my house again. AIADMK has won the election, but very clearly not because of Vijayakanth. People have voted for Jayalalithaa expecting some change. Vijayakanth’s alliance has nothing to do with this victory. He is not going to be the chief minister. It is Amma’s victory.”

None of his colleagues from the film industry have spoken to him about the results. Will the leading actors start avoiding him now? “They might hesitate to cast me in their films. But I’m not worried about all that. In fact, I am not worried about anything at the moment. I can lead my own life.”

Vadivelu is actually going through a tough time. He was at the peak of his career when he started campaigning for the DMK. One wonders whether this was necessary for the actor. Many from the film fraternity feel that he shouldn’t have entered the political fray.

Does he have any regrets? “I have no regrets at all. Whatever I spoke on the campaign was 100 per cent true. I will still raise my voice against Vijayakanth if he calls himself Karuppu MGR or the future Chief Minister.”

“Everyone is ready for counting. District collectors have confirmed their check list of all activities on counting day. All central forces have been deployed. It will be a free, fair and transparent counting,” chief electoral officer Praveen Kumar told TOI. He said elaborate arrangements had been made to check malpractices and errors in counting. There was no need for any sort of apprehension about manual errors in counting or irregularities, he assured.

There would be a separate team for manual counting as well as for data entry to double check the figures before announcing the results. His statement came in the wake of certain political parties including AIADMK and CPM, alleging there were irregularities in data entry operations during 2009 Lok Sabha polls. “There would be a separate team for data entry and a separate team for manual counting. The results will be announced only after tallying both the data,” Praveen Kumar said.

And for the first time, the Election Commission has also planned to record the results of each and every EVMs through high resolution video cameras. Earlier, the EC had planned to use webcams but ditched the plan in favour of using video cameras in view of its better resolution.

Additional CEO A Amudha said all the cameras were hired by the respective district authorities only for the purpose of recording EVM results. Every constituency will have a maximum of 10 to 14 tables for counting. “So, more than 3,000 cameras will be used for the purpose,” she said. This time as many as 16,966 counting staff, including micro observers, will be involved in counting.

The counting process will begin at 8am when postal ballots would be counted first. EVMs would be opened half an hour later. The subsequent rounds of counting would be held only after the results of the previous round are announced. After ensuring the returning officer’s official confirmation, the next round of counting will resume.

According to reports, two Deputy Commissioners are monitoring each of the four counting centres in Loyola College , Anna University, Queen Mary’s College – all in Chennai and Mohammad Sathak Arts College in Sholinganallur.

Each of the counting centres has an Election Control Room, a Media Centre and a Public Communication Room.

The Tamil Nadu poll outcome would be a test for Chief Minister M Karunanidhi government’s performance in the state

The fate of AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi’s son and Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin and DMDK actor-founder Vijayakanth will also be decided.

Apart from Tamil Nadu, the counting of votes also began in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry.

Mamata Banerjee is set to make history in West Bengal. Her Trinamool Congress is headed for a landslide win and Kolkata is set to have a new Chief Minister in Didi. Bouquets have started arriving at the Trinamool Congress office. The big question is whether the Trinamool Congress will get the magic half-way number of 148 alone or will it need ally Congress to make it there. West Bengal has 294 Assembly seats.

In Kerala, the Left and the Congress-led front are locked in a neck and neck battle.

In Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK has an edge as early trends trickle in but it’s early days yet. Counting has been slow in the state so far. Exit polls predicted a close finish for the DMK and AIADMK in the state. For the AIADMK’s Jayalalithaa, it is a chance to return to power after a hiatus of five years. The DMK, which suffered setbacks on account of 2G spectrum scam and corruption involving the first family members, is seeking a second successive term.

In Assam, the ruling Congress seems ahead in early trends.

Counting of votes is on for the high-profile by-election to Kadapa Lok Sabha in Andhra Pradesh too. It will determine the political future of Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, son of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

For Jagan, it was a fight to establish his political credentials after he floated his own political party YSR Congress.

For the Congress, its prestige is at stake in Kadapa as the Lok Sabha seat always remained in its kitty, thanks to YSR.

Jagan’s mother Vijayalakshmi also contested the Pulivendula Assembly seat.

The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements for the massive exercise and pressed into service nearly 17,700 Central security personnel to provide a three-tier security.

The entire process, which will decide the fate of several political leaders, will be videographed to prevent any malpractice. According to Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi, the poll outcome is expected by “early lunch”.

“Efficient and secure arrangements are in place for counting and declaration of results,” Quraishi said.

The counting is taking place in 142 counting halls in Assam, 140 in Kerala, 11 in Puducherry, 234 in Tamil Nadu and 312 in West Bengal. While Kerala has an assembly strength of 140, Assam has 126, Tamil Nadu 234, Puducherry 30 and West Bengal 294.

A total of 14.16 crore voters exercised their franchise in the five states which was 20 per cent of the total 72.8 crore electorate in the country with Tamil Nadu and West Bengal registering “all time record turnouts”.

Bhadra International which has bagged the contract for ground-handling operations shuttling passengers, supplying check-in and ground staff for airlines, moving flights using pushback vehicles and loading and unloading cargo among others at the Chennai airport, says it is ready.

The company has imported 15 coaches, 15 pushback vehicles, 20 step ladders, 15 conveyors, 15 main deck loaders for wide body aircraft, eight low deck loaders for narrow body aircraft, 45 tow bars to tow aircraft, 10 ground power units, 15 transporters that can be used to move cargo, and 75 battery-operated cars. All these pieces of equipment have been brought in for use of passenger aircraft.

The passenger coaches that will be used to shuttle passengers from the terminal to the aircraft parked in remote bays and back are expected to be the highlight.

These low-floor buses manufactured by Cobus of Germany have a capacity to carry over 100 passengers and can be tilted to a side to make the floor almost touch the ground to help wheel-chair-bound passengers board and also assist senior citizens. The floor can be tilted to as low as just 4 inches from the ground.

“All the equipment has been imported from Germany and conforms to International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards,” said Bhadra International managing director Prem Bajaj. More coaches and equipment will be brought in the coming days, he added.

All the vehicles are battery-operated as per the norms in the ministry of civil aviation’s new ground-handling policy.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has alloted 26,000 sq ft of space on the operation side of the international terminal for a maintenance depot.

Bhadra has also been allotted space near the domestic terminal for its staff and workers. “The maintenance depot and the building for staff will be constructed in a month. But, we are ready to start the ground handling services,” Bajaj added.

A senior AAI official said Bhadra would replace smaller ground handling agencies currently employed by airlines from next month. The new policy allows only three ground-handling agencies airport operator, Air India and a private company that wins the contract in an airport.

Bhadra International will also be in charge of ground-handling operations at the Calicut, Trivandrum, Mangalore and Tiruchi airports.

Prostitution is no longer about dingy rooms in narrow lanes in the globalised world. Often, introductions are made and deals struck in cyber space. The profiles of those involved in the trade have also changed. “The prostitutes are no more minor girls from rural areas. Today we find college girls and even house wives who voluntarily sign up for the business,” says a senior police officer.

In one case, a woman rescued by the police turned out to be a Pakistani airhostess. In March, nearly 18 house wives were trapped by decoys but let off.

Even the pimp no more looks like a sly crook; instead he could be the man-next-door, police say. “When we go on raids, we used to have a policeman as a decoy in the past. But pot-bellied cops arouse suspicion, and so now we hire for a fee people who look like young IT professionals to act as decoys,” the officer says.

Advanced technologies have become handy for the pimps. Some even use online video chats to hook up their girls with prospective clients. “It’s quite simple. The pimps use social networking sites that facilitate online web camera use. The customers will select the girls live. Then he will transfer cash to a particular bank account using net-banking. If he is a regular customer, the pimp will collect cash in person later,” a police officer said.

Sometimes classified ads in newspapers are also used to lure customers. An officer said: “The newspapers should review classified submissions and not allow suspicious ads.”

Initiating contact is also often made online. “If you want to contact a pimp, you can only enter into their cyber network through a known person. You have to send a message to the pimp mentioning the reference person’s name. The pimp will respond only after verifying that you are genuine,” said the officer.

The flesh trade has its own set of rules. Business practices include written contracts between the prostitute and the pimp. Typically, the girl is paid 30%. The rest is shared 60-40 between the local service provider’ who is a sub-contractor and the pimp who is the main contractor.

Some argue that the business is so well organized and consensual that the government should recognise the business and regulate it. Former additional public prosecutor Abudukumar Rajarathnam said: “When consensual sex is an accepted normmajority, how do you classify a person as a prostitute? They decide how to live their life, based on their economic conditions. And unless and until we improve the economic conditions of the women and the downtrodden, this will continue.”

The state highways department needs the estimate so that it can pay TNEB to shift the poles to the sides of the road. “We have sent several requests and reminders to officials of TNEB, Tambaram, since August 2010 but we still have not got any estimates,” said sources in the state highways department.

The road widening was delayed for more than a decade by litigation, as encroachers and traders did not want the stretch re-done. In December 2010, the Rs 9 crore project to converting the existing two-lane stretch into four-lane was started by the city road division of the state highways department. About 30 metres of land on both sides of the road was acquired.

Earlier, they identified 30 trees and 100 electrical poles that needed to be removed. The trees were cut down and a request sent to TNEB, Tambaram, in August to give an estimate on shifting charges for the poles. The delay by the TNEB has stalled the work on the stretch, a crucial link between the IT corridor and city.

“Unlike the old projects, in the new ones there is a provision for shifting charges in the total cost. This helps us pay other state agencies faster,” highways department officials said.

Construction material has been dumped on either side of the road, and trenches have been dug up but work has not progressed as the poles have to be shifted. Hundreds of people use the stretch to reach the city and OMR. Many in Velachery, Pallikaranai, Madipakkam, Kovilambakkam, Narayanapuram and Nanmangalam use the road to reach St Thomas Mount railway station.

Officials of TNEB, Tambaram, said that the delay is due to a shortage of manpower as they do not have people to visit the spot and draw up an estimate. “The estimate will be based on the nature and height of the poles that need to be relocated or replaced. So our men have to visit the stretch. We will give it soon,” said an official.

The police said A Peter (30) of Tiruppur on Monday came to an electronics shop and bought a laptop with his credit card. The owner swiped the card, the money was transfered to his account and Peter left with the laptop in his car. A few seconds later, a call from a private bank said a stolen card had been used by Peter. The shop’s employees, who had noted down Peter’s car number, informed the Chintadripet police.

The Mahindra Lohan was later cornered on Dams Road and Peter and his friends A Suresh (40) of Tiruvallur and driver A Mahendran (30) of Surankudi in Tuticorin nabbed. Five Standard Chartered Bank credit cards, one Citi Bank card, one Indus Ind Bank card, one ICICI card and an empty credit card along with the laptop and a MSR reader and writer encoding machine were seized.

The arrested trio told the police they had got the fake credit cards for Rs 5,000 each from a person in Bangalore. They later bought the credit card details through the Internet for 5-10 US Dollars each and encoded the data on to the credit cards using the encoding machine.

Police inquiries revealed that Peter had been involved in a Rs 68 lakh online fraud registered in the CCB a few months ago. “We will forward the case to the CCB for further investigation,” Triplicane deputy commissioner of police NM Mayilvahanan told TOI.

Johnson & Johnson rose 2.4 percent and was the top percentage gainer on the Dow after it reported a first-quarter profit that beat expectations, fueled by higher prescription drug sales and stabilizing performance of its consumer products business.

Offsetting that was Goldman Sachs Group Inc, which fell 2 percent to $150.68 after posting a steep profit drop as trading revenue fell. The investment bank also warned that there were fewer opportunities to make money in the current environment.

Texas Instruments Inc late Monday warned of slower-than-usual quarterly sales growth. The chipmaker’s stock was down 0.2 percent, off its lows of the session. Seagate Technology Plc fell 3.4 percent to $17.23 after giving a weak outlook and announcing a $1.4 billion acquisition.

“Unless the performance of financials and tech stocks improve, then I think the market could be in store for a correction,” said Marshall Front, chairman and chief investment officer at Front Barnett Associates in Chicago.

“These are important groups that point towards future economic activity,” he said, adding that bank results “have by and large been disappointing.”.

In its earnings report last week, JPMorgan Chase & Co said its book of consumer loans shrank by 10 percent in the quarter, and loans to corporate customers did not grow enough to make up for it.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 51.81 points, or 0.42 percent, at 12,253.40. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was up 5.42 points, or 0.42 percent, at 1,310.56. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 5.54 points, or 0.20 percent, at 2,740.92.

Materials companies were the top percentage gainers on the S&P. Steel Dynamics forecast strong growth, lifting other steelmakers. The stock rose 4.8 percent to $18.30 while the Dow Jones U.S. steel sector climbed 2.6 percent. The S&P materials index rose 2.6 percent.

Homebuilders also rose after government data showed U.S. housing starts and permits for future home construction rose more than expected in March.

The Dow Jones U.S. home construction index rose 1.4 percent. PulteGroup rose 3.2 percent to $8.09 and KB Home added 1 percent to $11.41.

Companies scheduled to report quarterly results later on Tuesday include Intel Corp, International Business Machines Corp and Yahoo Inc.

The Reliance stock fell on news that the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) has rejected two discoveries of the company. According to CNBC-TV18 sources, the rejected discoveries were located in NEC 25 offshore. Now the company has to submit new proposal to the DGH. The DGH also rejected RIL’s KG D6 spending plan for FY11 and FY12.

It was trading with volumes of 1,789,195 shares. In the previous trading session, the share closed down 1.16% or Rs 11.80 at Rs 1,009.15.

Share Price Movement During The Last 12 Months
Period Price Latest Price Gain/Loss (Rs.) % Gain/Loss
3-Days 1021.80 999.45 -22.35 -2.19
5-Days 1023.90 999.45 -24.45 -2.39
7-Days 1005.30 999.45 -5.85 -0.58
15-Days 1050.65 999.45 -51.20 -4.87
1-Month 993.00 999.45 6.45 0.65
3-Month 994.85 999.45 4.60 0.46
6-Month 1047.45 999.45 -48.00 -4.58
9-Month 1056.05 999.45 -56.60 -5.36
1-Year 1061.80 999.45 -62.35 -5.87

While the US markets ended off lows on Monday, Asian markets including india shrugged off S&P’s move and recovered. But worries remain that the real risk may emerge in the medium term and fund flows may turn volatile if US bond yields rise.

Experts say a clear picture will take time to emerge. They say Asian economies will feel little impact from Standard & Poor’s downgrade but a failure by Congress to reach a budget deal could have more serious repercussions.

“The ratings agencies are not always the best guide. They have said there is a possibility of downgrade, so we will have to watch the situation. They may have been cautious at least for now,” said Vallabh Bhansali, co-founder and chairman of Enam Securities.

“It is crucial that the US Congress agrees on a roadmap and timetable for medium-term fiscal consolidation to reassure Asian governments about the stability of their existing investments in US government debt as well as to convince them to continue buying new holdings,” Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist at IHS Global Insight said.

“Given the importance of the US as the world’s largest economy, this is also essential for underpinning the stability of the global financial system.”

Currencies and commodity markets are already seeing a minor churn. The dollar has gained against the Euro overnight since Euro debt concerns are more immediate than US debt concerns. This will mean that the Dollar’s strength could limit gains in emerging currencies.

Commodities like gold and silver however had a good day. They gained overnight being a safe haven investment play. But the dollar’s strength will cap their gains.

Some are even taking a contrarian call.

“The markets had a knee jerk reaction and then recovered as they expect the US govt to take corrective action post this downgrade. And reduce their deficit,” said Sunil Jain, vice-president, equity research, Nirmal Bang Securities.

The U.S. government is projected to run a record $1.5 trillion deficit this year, marking the third straight year that the deficit topped $1 trillion.

While market participants hope that commodities could decline in the medium term, if things don’t improve in the US, that will be positive for the Indian markets. But prolonged weakness in the US will result in outflows from emerging markets. So the markets are not breathing easy just yet.

Read more at: http://profit.ndtv.com/news/show/s-p-cuts-us-debt-outlook-what-is-means-for-markets-dollar-150677?cp

Lindsay Phillips, Managing Director of Lazard Carnegie Wylie Private Equity, told Reuters the firm has already had approaches for two businesses, which he declined to name, and deals were likely in the next six months.

“There are two specific opportunities that are likely, mainly because the pricing we’ve been offered is acceptable,” Phillips told Reuters in a telephone interview on Wednesday.

“We’ve already had approaches,” he said, adding interest came mainly from trade buyers but also included one from another private equity firm. Advisers have been appointed for one deal.

Lazard owns over a dozen businesses in Australia, including car service provider Midas, rural health provider Ochre Health and engineering firm Geotechnical Engineering, according to its web site.

Australian buyout firms have shied away from initial public offerings this year as choppy markets and poor returns from last year’s IPOs Myer (MYR.AX) and Kathmandu (KMD.AX) put off investors. [ID:nSGE66C025]

Earlier this year, CHAMP Private Equity sold its Study Group university programme provider to U.S. buyout firm Providence for $570 million, avoiding a float, and Bilfinger Berger’s (GBFG.DE) pulled the float of its Australian unit Valemus in July.

Lazard on Wednesday announced the first major realisation from its first investment fund, the sale of credit monitoring business Dun & Bradstreet Australia for A$233 million ($209 million), with a profit of A$100 million marking a threefold return on its original equity investment. For details, see [ID:nSGE680057]

The business was sold to a subsidiary of the Dun & Bradstreet Corp (DNB.N), which said the deal was the largest acquisition by D&B anywhere in the world since 2000.

Phillips said Lazard had planned to float Dun & Bradstreet and felt it would have done so “comfortably”, despite weak equity markets, but a long-standing relationship with D&B Corp meant the global firm had first option.

NEW FUND RAISING

Lazard’s inaugural A$333 million Australian private equity fund, raised in 2006 is almost fully invested, and a new A$400 million follow-on fund is planned.

Phillips said talks were underway with independent pension fund SunSuper, which is again likely to be a cornerstone investor.

“Sunsuper was a cornerstone in Fund 1 and we would hope they would be the cornerstone in Fund 2,” he said, adding that the environment for tapping investors was still difficult.

“It is extremely tough out there, it has probably improved from a year ago, but it is not by any stretch easy.”

Phillips said he was eyeing deals particularly in the sevices sector, which has performed well through the economic downturn, and firms with an enterprise value of between A$100 million and A$200 million.

“The deal flow is extremely attractive. We are happy to have managed to get this realisation (D&B) at an attractive price, because we are also seeing simultaneous extremely attractively priced acquisitions,” he said. (Reporting by Victoria Thieberger; editing by Balazs Koranyi and Valerie Lee) ((victoria.thieberger@reuters.com; +61 3 9286 1421; Reuters Messaging: victoria.thieberger.reuters.com@reuters.net))

Simon Leung, Microsoft’s Chief Executive for greater China, told the Journal in an interview that the company plans to invest about $100 million in Chinese companies.

Leung told the paper that Microsoft will target companies in sectors including software, cloud computing and possibly even gaming.

However, Leung declined to comment on the timing of those investments, the Journal said.

Microsoft is also seeking approval from the Chinese government to sell its Xbox videogame console in China, Leung told the Journal.

Leung did not name any possible internet search joint venture partner, the newspaper said.

“Definitely, our goal is to be No. 1 in the market” as measured by the amount of searches handled, Leung told the Journal.

Microsoft could not immediately be reached for comment by Reuters. (Reporting by Sakthi Prasad in Bangalore; Editing by Hans Peters)

And anyone whose appetite was whetted by that teasing coming attraction no doubt will be satiated by Robert Rodriguez and co-director Ethan Maniquis’ full-length incarnation, which delivers everything that was promised.

The latest example of the genre cheekily labeled “Mexploitation” — the best-known example of which (at least to American audiences) is Rodriguez’ own “El Mariachi” — “Machete” delivers the ’70s-style B-movie goods with a relentless onslaught of over-the-top violence, extreme gore, gratuitous nudity and cheap laughs, with a healthy dose of up-to-the-minute political satire to sweeten the package.

However, what was mightily entertaining in a three-minute trailer proves somewhat wearisome over the course of a 105-minute feature.

Danny Trejo — a stone-faced veteran action movie supporting player whose credits include everything from such movies as “Desperado” and “Con Air” to lending his voice to the “Grand Theft Auto” video games and appearing on the soap opera “The Young & the Restless” — probably has the role of his lifetime as the title character. He’s a former Mexico federale who resorts to working as a day laborer in Texas after a bust goes awry and a drug kingpin (Steven Seagal, looking like the late-career Marlon Brando) kills his wife and child.

Machete finds himself embroiled in the incendiary immigration debate when he takes an assignment to assassinate a Texas state senator (Robert De Niro, clearly relishing his cornpone accent) who has made the eradication of immigrant “parasites” his campaign platform.

Falling victim to a double cross, Machete succeeds only in wounding the target and inadvertently increasing his popularity in the polls. He thus is forced to take it on the lam while being pursued by various villains, including a corrupt businessman (Jeff Fahey) with an endless supply of henchmen and a murderous vigilante (Don Johnson, comically given an “Introducing” credit). His allies include his brother (Cheech Marin), a less-than-pious padre; the leader of an underground immigration network (Michelle Rodriguez) who works out of her taco stand; and a sympathetic Customs agent (Jessica Alba) who develops into a romantic interest.

But the convoluted plot mainly is an excuse for a relentless series of action set pieces in which Machete dispatches his opponents using any and all sharp objects available — from surgical instruments to the fearsome titular blade (not to mention a weed-whacker battle that might prompt well-heeled Los Angeles residents to treat their gardeners a little bit better).

It’s all executed with the director’s usual low-budget flair and finesse, and such moments as Machete performing a round-robin decapitation of several hoods at once or rappelling down the side of a building using one of his victim’s intestines surely will have audiences howling with approval.

As with “Grindhouse,” Rodriguez works hard to make this effort feel like a lost exploitation pic from the ’70s, even taking the care to provide film scratches on the opening credits. (He also has provided a handy catchphrase for his hero, though “Machete don’t text” is unlikely to replace “Make my day” anytime soon.)

The ensemble cast — ranging from an Oscar winner (De Niro) and faded action star (Seagal) to a B-movie vet (Fahey) and tabloid fodder (Lindsay Lohan, not exactly playing against type as a drugged-out, hell-raising sexpot) — pretty much offers something for everybody. Trejo certainly has an imposing physicality and formidable presence, but his deadpan, laconic style proves somewhat tedious in such a large dose. Judging by the audible groans from several female viewers during his passionate kiss with Alba, he’s not quite convincing as a romantic lead.

Whether the film’s pointed swipes at intolerance and anti-immigration forces — Johnson’s Minuteman-style figure has no compunction about shooting a pregnant Mexican woman in the stomach, and one of the major characters reaches an all-too-ironic end — will have the desired social impact remains to be seen. But one thing is sure, at least if we can believe the closing credits: Machete will be back, in not one but two promised sequels.

The housing price index compiled by Kookmin Bank rose 2.3 percent in August from a year earlier, the slowest since a 2.2 percent annual gain in January and down from a 2.7 percent increase in July, data from the bank showed. (Reporting by Yoo Choonsik; Editing by Jonathan Hopfner)

In a statement on Wednesday, the Defence Ministry blamed Armenia, saying Armenian soldiers had “crossed the line of contact and tried to attack Azeri forces”.

That account could not be independently verified and there was no immediate response from Armenia. Reports of clashes are often refuted by the opposing side.

Backed by Armenia, ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh mountain region threw off Azeri rule in the early 1990s with the collapse of the Soviet Union in a war that killed an estimated 30,000 people. A peace deal has never been reached. (Reporting by Afet Mehtiyeva; Writing by Matt Robinson; Editing by Louise Ireland)

The “New Jersey” edition will return for a third season next year, while “New York” will be back for a fourth round.

The news comes on the heels of Monday night’s drama-filled “Real Housewives of New Jersey” reunion show. Part One of the episode, which features all the cast in the same room for the first time this season, drew a steep 3.9 million viewers. That’s the most-watched single telecast in “Real Housewives” franchise history.

The second half will air Monday and serve as a lead-in for the series premiere of Jackie Warner’s “Thintervention,” which features the fitness expert and former “Work Out” star helping overweight clients kick their unhealthy habits.

Each “Housewives” series might find itself short one housewife next time. “New York” star Bethenny Frankel announced Monday that she will be exiting the series; she found success in June with her spinoff “Bethenny Getting Married?” The Hollywood Reporter also has confirmed that controversial “New Jersey” housewife Danielle Staub will leave the franchise as well in order to pursue alternative ventures.

Conducted in August by Rasmussen Reports, the survey asked, “Are Americans becoming kinder and gentler or more rude and less civilized?” The 14 percent who picked “kinder and gentler” were vastly outnumbered by the 69 percent choosing “more rude and less civilized,” with the rest unsure (or perhaps too polite to say). That figure is down slightly from a similar poll last September, when 75 percent said Americans were becoming ruder and less civilized.

Naturally, commerce provides opportunities for rudeness by people on both sides of the transaction. One question in the survey asked whether sales and service personnel are “ruder to customers than they were 10 years ago.” A majority of respondents (57 percent) said this is the case, vs. 32 percent saying it isn’t.

But it’s not as if the customers are seen as paragons of politesse. Asked whether they think Americans are “more rude to sales personnel or people waiting on them than they were 10 years ago,” 62 percent of respondents agreed that this is so, vs. 19 percent saying it isn’t.

While many people are annoyed when someone yammers away on a cell phone in public, the survey suggests this is less of a rudeness flashpoint than you might guess. Forty-three percent of respondents agreed that it is “rude for someone sitting next to you in public to be talking on their cell phone,” but 44 percent said it isn’t and the rest weren’t sure.

Do people call one another out for what they perceive as rude behavior? Fifty-one percent of respondents answered affirmatively when asked, “Have you ever confronted anyone over their rude behavior in public?” Forty-four percent said they haven’t done this.

He has joined the lineup of “Everybody Loves Whales,” the true story of a small-town reporter (John Krasinski) and a Greenpeace volunteer (Drew Barrymore) who enlist the rival superpowers to save three majestic gray whales trapped under the Arctic Circle in 1988. Danson’s character has no interest in saving the mammals.

The Working Title/Universal picture is based on Tom Rose’s nonfiction book “Freeing the Whales: How the Media Created the World’s Greatest Non-Event.” Shooting is set to begin this month in Alaska. Ken Kwapis is directing.

Also joining the cast is Vinessa Shaw (”3:10 to Yuma”) as a White House staffer who wants the government to help the whales. Kristen Bell and Tim Blake Nelson were previously cast.

The purpose of the Meeting is to propose to members special resolutions
to amend the Company’s constitution.

A key proposed amendment is to remove the restriction that dividends can
be paid only out of profits of the Company. This follows recent changes
to the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) that replaced the former profits test
with a new three-tiered test which permits payment of dividends in
circumstances other than out of profits.

Subject to the passing of this resolution, the Directors propose that the
Company pay an unfranked dividend of A$0.05 per share. The record date
for determining those shareholders on the register entitled to the
dividend will be 15 October 2010, which is seven business days after the
date of the Meeting. The ex-dividend date will be 11 October 2010 and the
dividend is expected to be paid on 8 November 2010. There is no foreign
conduit income attributed to the dividend.

The other proposed amendments to the Company’s constitution include the
insertion of pre-emptive rights provisions in respect of new issues of
shares for cash. The Directors consider that such provisions, which are
designed to protect Shareholders’ interests in the Company, are
appropriate for a company seeking admission to the Main Market of the
London Stock Exchange.

A separate special resolution will be proposed to seek approval to
re-insert proportional takeover provisions into the Company’s
constitution. The constitution previously contained proportional takeover
provisions which have now lapsed. The proposed proportional takeover
provisions are substantially the same as the previous provisions.

The Notice of Meeting (including Explanatory Notes) will be dispatched to
shareholders shortly.

Managing Director, Geoff Davis commented:

“It is with considerable pride that the Board announces a maiden
unfranked dividend of A$0.05 per share, made possible by recent changes
to the Australian Corporations Act.

The Board acknowledges that Medusa is in a fortuitous position with its
Co-O Mine generating strong and positive cash flow and is aware that it
needs to strike a balance between returns to shareholders and the future
capital requirements of the Company’s planned organic growth.

On the proviso that the strong cash flow generated from the Co-O Mine is
sustainable, it is the Company’s intent to reward its shareholders with
dividend payments after taking into account the Company’s future cash
requirements and position.”

ABN: 60 099 377 849

Contacts:
Australia:
Medusa Mining Limited
Geoffrey Davis
Managing Director
+61 8 9367 0601

Medusa Mining Limited
Roy Daniel
Finance Director
+61 8 9367 0601
admin@medusamining.com.au
www.medusamining.com.au

United Kingdom:
Fairfax I.S. PLC
Nominated Adviser/ Broker
Ewan Leggat/Laura Littley
+44 (0)20 7598 5368

Lothbury Financial Services Limited
Michael Padley/Libby Moss
+44 (0)20 7868 2010

Canada:
Nicholas Sayce
Investor Relations
+1 416 822 4404

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

-0-

The central bank reported the following daily data on
liquidity provision, in millions of euros. Click ECB40 for
full details.

TODAY PREV DAY
Use of overnight loan facility 1,545 1,409
Use of overnight deposit facility 104,262 100,254
Covered bond purchase programme 61,109 61,109

In June the ECB said it had completed its year-long covered
bond buying programme. [ID:nLDE65T1JZ] The total amount
purchased occasionally fluctuates due to valuation issues.

For details of previous ECB overnight lending operations,
see:
here
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
For graphic of euro zone liquidity levels click
here
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
(Reporting by Frankfurt newsroom)

Compal President Ray Chen also told an investor conference that fourth-quarter shipments would rise 10 percent over the third quarter. Gross margins in the third quarter would fall slightly from the second quarter, he said.

A weak third quarter has been widely expected by analysts. Rvial and sector leader Quanta Computer (2382.TW) said on Tuesday its third quarter shipments would be flat or fall slightly from the previous three months. [ID:nTOE67T03Y].

Analysts say earnings at both Quanta and Compal, major suppliers to top brands such as Hewlett-Packard (HPQ.N) and Dell (DELL.O), could have peaked in the second quarter amid uncertainties in the European and U.S. markets.

Chen added that Compal was “trying hard” to reach its full year shipment target, but this was “difficult”.

Compal said on Tuesday it earned a net profit of T$6.4 billion ($200 million) in April-June, double from a year earlier but below the first quarter’s T$8.52 billion. (US$1=T$32) (Reporting by Baker Li; Editing by Jonathan Standing)

The National Institute of Economic Research (NIER) forecast compared with a previous outlook in June, when it saw the economy growing 3.7 percent this year, slowing to 3.0 percent growth in the following year.

“Swedish exports have risen strongly in line with the global recovery. Rising household consumption and investments by industry have also contributed to the stronger business climate,” NIER said in the report.

The institute, which supplies forecasts for the government, said it saw the central bank’s key repo rate — currently at 0.50 percent — at 1.0 percent by the end of 2010. Its previous forecast was 0.75 percent.

The firm said it planned to transform its manufacturing unit in Tampere into a technology centre with a testing workshop in two years.

Cargotec currently employes 430 people in Tampere.

(Reporting by Helsinki Newsroom; Editing by Hans Peters)

Eyles, a trading specialist and formerly the head of Global Commodities Strategic Trading in London, was in-charge of the desk which has fewer than 20 traders, with one based in the United States and the rest in the United Kingdom.

A person briefed on the matter told Reuters on Tuesday that JPMorgan Chase has shut its proprietary trading desk and the bank redeployed affected staff from the unit, as the investment bank looks to comply with new U.S. banking laws. [ID:nN31255240] (Reporting Jennifer Tan, Florence Tan, Nick Trevethan, Luke Pachymuthu and Seng Li Peng, Editing by Ramthan Hussain)

LDK Solar signed the 10-year supply agreement with CSI in 2008. Under the contract, there are comprehensive and precise provisions regarding the price and delivery amounts for the duration of the contract. CSI failed to perform its purchase obligations and ceased making payments. LDK Solar believes the 10-year contract is legal and remains effective, and that CSI’s unilateral action constitutes a breach of the contract.

About LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK)

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LDK) is a leading vertically integrated manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) products and the world’s largest producer of multicrystalline wafers. LDK Solar manufactures polysilicon, mono and multicrystalline ingots, wafers, modules, and engages in project development activities in selected segments of the PV market. Through its broad product offering of mono and multicrystalline solar wafers and modules, LDK Solar provides its customers with a full spectrum of solutions. LDK Solar’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located in Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Xinyu City, Jiangxi Province in the People’s Republic of China. LDK Solar’s office in the United States is located in Sunnyvale, California. For more information about our company and products, please visit www.ldksolar.com

Safe Harbor Statement – LDK Solar

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this press release are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, LDK Solar’s ability to raise additional capital to finance its operating activities, the effectiveness, profitability and marketability of its products, the future trading of its securities, the ability of LDK Solar to operate as a public company, the period of time during which its current liquidity will enable LDK Solar to fund its operations, its ability to protect its proprietary information, the general economic and business environment and conditions, the volatility of LDK Solar’s operating results and financial condition, its ability to attract and retain qualified senior management personnel and research and development staff, its ability to timely and efficiently complete its ongoing construction projects, including its polysilicon plants, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in LDK Solar’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on information available to LDK Solar’s management as of the date hereof and on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about LDK Solar and the solar industry. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results because of such and other risks and uncertainties. LDK Solar undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections except as may be required by law.

SOURCE LDK Solar Co., Ltd.

Spot gold prices XAU= rose 56 cents $1,249.55 an ounce by
0654 GMT, having touched a two-month peak of $1,250.55 shortly
before.

Holdings in the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD.P), rose 3.952 tonnes
to 1,302.508 tonnes on Aug. 31, from 1,298.556 tonnes on Aug.
27.

“Investors are reluctant to exit their long gold positions,
as shown in the ETF numbers. At the same time, the market seems
very much focusing more on negative data than the positive,”
said Darren Heathcote, head of trading at Investect Australia
in Sydney.

Gold prices are expected to continue to rise, with the next
target seen at $1,300 once this year’s record high at $1,264.90
is taken out.

“Gold is taking time to consolidate,” said Dick Poon,
manager of precious metals at Hareaus in Hong Kong. “Even if it
dropped $20 to $30, it would still be healthy. It’s likely to
test $1,300 before the year end.”

The 30-day moving average, at $1,208.07, was close to
crossing above the 50-day moving average at $1,209.06, creating
a golden cross, suggesting another bout of strength.

Data showed modest growth in U.S. consumer confidence in
August and better-than-expected June home prices, but not
enough on its own to dispel worries of a “double-dip” in the
world’s largest economy and prompt relief selling of bullion.
[ID:nN31237504]

But gains in equities might be enough to tempt some
investors to sell down their bullion holdings.

“I think there is scope for it to retrace a little if we
get positive on the stock market tonight,” said Heathcote of
Investec.

Asian stocks rose on Wednesday, encouraged by a
manufacturing rebound in China and stronger-than-expected
growth in Australia. [MKTS/GLOB]

The official purchasing managers’ index (PMI) of China in
August moved up one notch from the previous month, after three
months of slowing growth. [ID:nTOE68001O]

The uncertainties in the economic outlook helped propel
gold to its biggest monthly rise since last November in August.
And some expected gold prices to further benefit from the
worries over recovery especially in the U.S. and Europe.

However, a researcher from China’s central bank warned
gold investors and told them to be alert to possible gold price
plunges as a result of selling from overseas central banks.
[ID:nTOE67U09P]
Precious metals prices at 0654 GMT
Metal Last Change Pct chg YTD pct chg
Turnover
Spot Gold 1249.55 0.56 +0.04 14.04
Spot Silver 19.36 0.02 +0.10 15.03
Spot Platinum 1521.05 4.65 +0.31 3.68
Spot Palladium 503.50 6.80 +1.37 24.17
TOCOM Gold 3400.00 54.00 +1.61 4.33
39158
TOCOM Platinum 4155.00 41.00 +1.00 -5.16
16171
TOCOM Silver 53.10 1.60 +3.11 2.71
486
TOCOM Palladium 1368.00 38.00 +2.86 17.42
176
Euro/Dollar 1.2721
Dollar/Yen 84.28
TOCOM prices in yen per gram. Spot prices in $ per ounce.
(Additional reporting by Nick Trevethan)

Miners were buoyed by optimism about China’s manufacturing base after positive purchasing manager data. Anglo American (AAL.L), Antofagasta (ANTO.L), BHP Billiton (BLT.L), Rio Tinto (RIO.L) and Xstrata (XTA.L) gained 0.8 to 1.6 percent.

By 0709 GMT, the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 .FTEU3 index of top shares was 0.5 percent higher at 1,031.54 points. “The market is higher on the China PMI data, though everyone will be waiting for the U.S. ISM, which is seen weaker and the ADP Employment report, later in the session,” said Giuseppe-Guido Amato, strategist at Lang & Schwarz.

Europe’s largest telecom and entertainment group Vivendi gained 3.3 percent. The company raised its annual profit targets when posting forecast-beating first-half results boosted by its newly acquired Brazilian telecoms unit and video games. (Reporting by Joanne Frearson)

The Shanghai Composite Index .SSEC finished at 2,622.9 points, paring brief gains made following data showing China’s manufacturing sector picked up after slowing for several months.

Dingsheng Tiangong Construction Machinery Co (600335.SS) was the biggest loser on the Shanghai bourse, falling about 7 percent after jumping 120 percent over the last month.

Analysts said despite the stream of profit-taking in the afternoon the index was unlikely to break below the key resistance level of 2,558 points, the 60 day-moving average, which has provided firm support over the past two months.

HSBC’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose to a three-month high of 51.9 in August from 49.4 in July. A PMI produced by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) also rose to 51.7 from 51.2. [ID:nTOE68001O] (Reporting by Farah Master; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)

“It is better to sell on the market, but if there is an investor who is willing to offer a premium, then this could be considered,” Gref told journalists. “Sale on the market is most transparent.”

He added, however, that it is too early to speculate about the bank’s privatisation process.

(Reporting by Dmitry Sergeyev; Writing by Lidia Kelly; editing by Melissa Akin)

The three new versions of its “Reader” line also feature an improved screen with better clarity, the manufacturer said on Wednesday.

Sony was first to the market with its Reader in 2006 but has struggled to keep up with rival Amazon.com Inc, whose Kindle e-reader is the top-selling device of its kind, according to analysts. Amazon does not disclose sales data.

In July, Amazon undercut competitors by offering a $139 wireless Kindle. The crowded e-reader market also includes traditional bookseller Barnes & Noble and electronics giant Apple, whose fast-selling iPad device has e-reader functions.

Steve Haber, president of Sony’s digital reading unit, said the touchscreen was one of the top requests made by consumers, who are willing to pay more for extra functionality.

“Lowering prices to get cheaper and cheaper — that’s not our direction,” Haber said in an interview. “Our plan is not to race to the bottom.”

Haber said the company expected to sell more of its lower-cost pocket version last holiday season, but sales of its higher-priced touchscreen version outsold the cheaper one.

“People stepped up and spent another $100 to buy touch,” he said.

Sony cut the prices of its last generation of Readers in July. [ID:nN06173858] Prices on the new versions are lower than their predecessors when first launched.

The new pocket version Reader retails for about $179. Sony’s larger 6-inch screen version, which allows for extra memory, costs $229. Users of these two devices must plug in to a computer when it comes time to download content.

Both are available immediately.

Sony is also offering a $299.99 “Daily Edition,” which, like the Kindle, is wireless. It has 3G and a larger screen. The Daily Edition rolls out in November.

Haber said overall sales of its readers are growing at three or four times last year’s levels.

“We haven’t seen any change in momentum,” he said.

Sony said it is also offering dictionaries in its new Readers and has been adding titles to its e-book store.

It plans to include reader reviews through an integration with social network site GoodReads, and will launch applications later in the year to interface with Apple’s iPhone and Android-based smartphones from Google Inc.

(Reporting by Alexandria Sage, editing by Matthew Lewis)

The sale of Samurai bonds, yen-denominated bonds sold by non-Japanese issuers, total 1 trillion yen so far this year, exceeding 0.92 trillion in the same period last year, according to Reuters data.

The 5-year yen/dollar basis swap JPYCBS5Y=YMPR, the most active segment at the medium end of the curve matching the most popular tenor in samurais, inched 2 bps wider to -48/42 bringing the move in the past two weeks to 8 basis points.

“The market has expected issuances to be announced and they have pushed back the 5 year aggressively in the last 4-5 days,” said a Tokyo-based rates trader at a European bank.

“There is positioning for 200-300 yards of flows to hit the street in the next week or so, causing the 3-5 year sector to be better offered.”

Traders use the term “yard” when referring to a billion, to avoid confusion with trillion or million, the latter often referred to as a buck.

Issuers such as HSBC (HSBA.L) (0005.HK) and the Indonesian government have expressed interest in selling samurai bonds although no time has been set.[ID:nTOE67T055][ID:nJAK435591]

The movement in the basis, the difference between cross-currency swaps and interest rate swaps in yen, was primarily on account of movements in the cross currency market as the interest rate swap market was deep enough to absorb the Samurai flows.

“The CCS market is very sensitive to flows hitting the street and when the market knows there are flows coming one way its not going to necessarily sit and oppose it,” the Tokyo-based trader said.

Japanese cross currency yen/dollar CCS for the 5-year segment JPUS3L5YU=TRDT was at -51 bps compared with Tuesday’s -46.5 bps.

That compares with a 1.5 bps rise in the 5-year IRS JPYSB6L5Y=.

AUSSIE RATE CUT HOPES QUELLED

In Australia, interest rate swaps jumped and expectations of a rate cut were pared back after data showed the economy grew at the fastest pace in three years last quarter, handily beating analysts’ forecasts.

Government statistics showed gross domestic product (GDP) climbed 1.2 percent in the second quarter, compared to the first when it rose 0.7 percent, outpacing forecasts of a 0.9 percent increase.

This took growth for the year to 3.3 percent, marking Australia’s 19th consecutive year without a recession.

Swaps AUDIRS jumped across the curve rising by 5-10 bps in the 1-4 year segment causing some steepening in the short end of the curve as 3-4 years rose faster.

A credit Suisse measure CSRBA=CSAU shows the market is now poised for a 7 percent chance of a rate cut next week, down from a 13 percent chance on Tuesday.

Interbank futures <0#YIB:> are still suggesting a 20 percent chance of a rate cut by the year end.

A Reuters survey of 18 economists found all expected the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to keep rates at 4.5 percent after its monthly policy meeting on Sept. 7. It has already raised its key cash rate by 150 basis points since October.

“We remain of the view that the next move is firmly in the upward direction although the timing is complicated by the still contained inflation at this juncture coupled with a clear loss of momentum in U.S. growth and generally uncertain global outlook,” said a client note from RBC Capital Markets.

It has a policy rate target of 5.25 percent by end-2011.

Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Motally,
Inc., initially announced on August 20, 2010.

Motally’s mobile analytics service enables developers and publishers to optimize the
development of their mobile applications through increased understanding of how users
engage. The service offering is planned to be adapted for Qt, Symbian, MeeGo and Java
developers.

About Nokia
At Nokia, we are committed to connecting people. We combine advanced technology with
personalized services that enable people to stay close to what matters to them. Every
day, more than 1.2 billion people connect to one another with a Nokia device – from
mobile phones to advanced smartphones and high-performance mobile computers. Today,
Nokia is integrating its devices with innovative services through Ovi (www.ovi.com
http://www.ovi.com/ ), including music, maps, apps, email and more. Nokia’s NAVTEQ is a
leader in comprehensive digital mapping and navigation services, while Nokia Siemens
Networks provides equipment, services and solutions for communications networks
globally.

About Motally
Motally Inc. was founded in 2008 in San Francisco and has patent-pending technology to
ensure accurate data collection and analytic reporting for publishers’ mobile sites.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
It should be noted that certain statements herein which are not historical facts are
forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those regarding: A) the
timing of the deliveries of our products and services and their combinations; B) our
ability to develop, implement and commercialize new technologies, products and services
and their combinations; C) expectations regarding market developments and structural
changes; D) expectations and targets regarding our industry volumes, market share,
prices, net sales and margins of products and services and their combinations; E)
expectations and targets regarding our operational priorities and results of operations;
F) the outcome of pending and threatened litigation; G) expectations regarding the
successful completion of acquisitions or restructurings on a timely basis and our
ability to achieve the financial and operational targets set in connection with any such
acquisition or restructuring; and H) statements preceded by “believe,” “expect,”
“anticipate,” “foresee,” “target,” “estimate,” “designed,” “plans,” “will” or similar
expressions. These statements are based on management’s best assumptions and beliefs in
light of the information currently available to it. Because they involve risks and
uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from the results that we currently
expect. Factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to: 1)
the competitiveness and quality of our portfolio of products and services and their
combinations; 2) our ability to timely and successfully develop or otherwise acquire the
appropriate technologies and commercialize them as new advanced products and services
and their combinations, including our ability to attract application developers and
content providers to develop applications and provide content for use in our devices; 3)
our ability to effectively, timely and profitably adapt our business and operations to
the requirements of the converged mobile device market and the services market; 4) the
intensity of competition in the various markets where we do business and our ability to
maintain or improve our market position or respond successfully to changes in the
competitive environment; 5) the occurrence of any actual or even alleged defects or
other quality, safety or security issues in our products and services and their
combinations; 6) the development of the mobile and fixed communications industry and
general economic conditions globally and regionally; 7) our ability to successfully
manage costs; exchange rate fluctuations, including, in particular, fluctuations
between the euro, which is our reporting currency, and the US dollar, the Japanese yen
and the Chinese yuan, as well as certain other currencies; 9) the success, financial
condition and performance of our suppliers, collaboration partners and customers; 10)
our ability to source sufficient amounts of fully functional components, sub-assemblies,
software, applications and content without interruption and at acceptable prices and
quality; 11) our success in collaboration arrangements with third parties relating to
the development of new technologies, products and services, including applications and
content; 12) our ability to manage efficiently our manufacturing and logistics, as well
as to ensure the quality, safety, security and timely delivery of our products and
services and their combinations; 13) our ability to manage our inventory and timely
adapt our supply to meet changing demands for our products; 14) our ability to protect
the complex technologies, which we or others develop or that we license, from claims
that we have infringed third parties’ intellectual property rights, as well as our
unrestricted use on commercially acceptable terms of certain technologies in our
products and services and their combinations; 15) our ability to protect numerous Nokia,
NAVTEQ and Nokia Siemens Networks patented, standardized or proprietary technologies
from third-party infringement or actions to invalidate the intellectual property rights
of these technologies; 16) the impact of changes in government policies, trade policies,
laws or regulations and economic or political turmoil in countries where our assets are
located and we do business; 17) any disruption to information technology systems and
networks that our operations rely on; 18) our ability to retain, motivate, develop and
recruit appropriately skilled employees; 19) unfavorable outcome of litigations; 20)
allegations of possible health risks from electromagnetic fields generated by base
stations and mobile devices and lawsuits related to them, regardless of merit; 21) our
ability to achieve targeted costs reductions and increase profitability in Nokia Siemens
Networks and to effectively and timely execute related restructuring measures; 22)
developments under large, multi-year contracts or in relation to major customers in the
networks infrastructure and related services business; 23) the management of our
customer financing exposure, particularly in the networks infrastructure and related
services business; 24) whether ongoing or any additional governmental investigations
into alleged violations of law by some former employees of Siemens AG (”Siemens”) may
involve and affect the carrier-related assets and employees transferred by Siemens to
Nokia Siemens Networks; 25) any impairment of Nokia Siemens Networks customer
relationships resulting from ongoing or any additional governmental investigations
involving the Siemens carrier-related operations transferred to Nokia Siemens Networks;
as well as the risk factors specified on pages 11-32 of Nokia’s annual report Form 20-F
for the year ended December 31, 2009 under Item 3D. “Risk Factors.” Other unknown or
unpredictable factors or underlying assumptions subsequently proving to be incorrect
could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking
statements. Nokia does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise, except to the extent legally required.

Media Enquiries:

Nokia
Communications
Tel. +358 7180 34900
Email: press.services@nokia.com

www.nokia.com http://www.nokia.com/

HUG#1441851

It is expected the ministry will finalize its indication of the preferred candidate in about two weeks.

SOURCE Ballast Nedam NV

New Valley Drilling Co. Ltd. of Springdale, Newfoundland will mobilize
equipment to the Cross Hills property shortly, to commence the drilling
of targets identified by RockBridge’s prospecting program.

RockBridge President, Gary Mathiesen, stated “We are pleased to have the
agreements in place to proceed with this properties’ first ever drilling
program. The Cross Hills property continues to be of great interest to
RockBridge, and this work will further expand our knowledge of the Copper
and Rare Earths mineralization.”

About RockBridge

RockBridge has a diversified and broad resource base. It includes 343
Newfoundland mineral claims prospective for Rare Earth Elements and
Copper with its 2010 work program underway, 6 B.C. mineral claims
prospective for Gold and 9 Yukon mineral claims with a portion adjacent
to Underworld Resources Inc.’s “Golden Saddle” discovery and immediately
north of Kaminak Gold Corporation’s Coffee discovery, as well as varying
interests in 19 Oil and Gas wells and properties in Alberta and B.C.
including the Pembina Cardium properties slated for horizontal well
development later this year, and the expanding Woodrush project located
in the Peace River Arch of British Columbia.

For more information on RockBridge, please visit the website at
www.rockbridgeresources.com or email info@rockbridgeresources.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

ROCKBRIDGE RESOURCES INC.

Gary Mathiesen, President and CEO

This news release may include statements about expected further events
and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject
to risks and uncertainties. RockBridge cautions that actual performance
will be affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond its
control. Future events and results may vary substantially from what
RockBridge currently foresees. Discussion on the various factors that may
affect future results is contained in RockBridge’s recent filings,
available on SEDAR.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Service Provider
(as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange
Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press
release.

Contacts:
RockBridge Resources Inc.
Gary Mathiesen
President and CEO
604-687-4719
info@rockbridgeresources.com
www.rockbridgeresources.com

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

[Stockholm, 1 September 2010] – During September 2009, SinterCast carried out a
successful pre-emptive rights issue of Units. Those who subscribed to units received
shares and warrants of series 2009/2010. The exercise period for subscription of shares
commences today, 1 September 2010.

Every two warrants entitle the holder to subscribe to one share at SEK 25 during the
period 1-30 September 2010. A total of 925,483 warrants of series 2009/2010 were issued,
providing the opportunity for the subscription of 462,741 new shares. Trading in
warrants on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm will proceed until 27 September 2010, after which the
warrants will be delisted.

Full exercise of the warrants in September 2010 will result in an additional cash
injection of SEK 11.6 million, prior to transaction costs. As of today, 6,478,383 shares
are issued in SinterCast. If all of the warrants are exercised, the total number of
shares will increase to 6,941,124 Shares.

Further information regarding terms and conditions of the exercise, and the subscription
form, are available on the website: www.sintercast.com http://www.sintercast.com

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors:

Dr. Steve Dawson
President & CEO
Tel: +46 8 660 7750
e-mail: steve.dawson@sintercast.com mailto:steve.dawson@sintercast.com

SinterCast is the world’s leading supplier of process control technology for the
reliable high volume production of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI). With at least 75%
higher tensile strength, 45% higher stiffness and approximately double the fatigue
strength of conventional grey cast iron and aluminium, CGI allows engine designers to
improve performance, fuel economy and durability while reducing engine weight, noise and
emissions. SinterCast produces a variety of CGI components ranging from 2 kg to 17
tonnes, all using the same proven process control technology. The end-users of
SinterCast-CGI components include Aston Martin, Audi, Caterpillar, Chrysler, DAF Trucks,
Ford, Ford-Otosan, General Electric Transportation Systems, General Motors, Hyundai,
Navistar, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, MAN, Porsche, PSA Peugeot-Citroën, Renault,
Rolls-Royce Power Engineering, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and Waukesha Engine. The
SinterCast share is quoted on the Small Cap segment of the Nordic Exchange, Stockholm
(Stockholmsbörsen: SINT).

END

Agfa Graphics and Shenzhen Brothers inform that the joint venture Agfa Graphics Asia,
announced at the beginning of this year, has gone live on September 1, 2010. The joint
venture, combining both companies’ Greater China and ASEAN activities, will fully draw
on the infrastructure, technology, manufacturing and distribution strength of its
founding companies.

About Agfa-Gevaert
The Agfa-Gevaert Group is one of the world’s leading companies in imaging and
information technology. Agfa develops, manufactures and markets analogue and digital
systems for the printing industry (Agfa Graphics), for the healthcare sector (Agfa
Healthcare), and for specific industrial applications (Agfa Materials).
Agfa is headquartered in Mortsel, Belgium. The company is present in 40 countries and
has agents in another 100 countries around the globe. The Agfa-Gevaert Group achieved a
turnover of 2,755 million Euro in 2009.

About Agfa Graphics
Agfa Graphics offers integrated pre-print solutions for the printing industry. These
solutions include material consumption, hardware, software, and services for production
workflow, design and color management. The Company’s CtP, CtF and digital proofing
systems have positioned it as worldwide leader in the commercial printing and packaging
industries as well as newspaper publishing markets.
Agfa Graphics is rapidly expanding its offer of products and solutions on the growing
digital inkjet market. Its experience in both image technology and emulsions has
provided the knowledge necessary to make high-quality systems for UV and solvent-based
inks. Partnerships with industry leaders in development and manufacture have expanded
the scope of its technology and permitted the company to develop comprehensive digital
solutions for printing posters, banners, signs, displays, labels and packaging
materials.

Contact
Agfa-Gevaert NV
Septestraat 27
2640 Mortsel – Belgium

Viviane Dictus
Director Corporate Communication
T 32 3 444 7124
E viviane.dictus@agfa.com mailto:viviane.dictus@agfa.com

Johan Jacobs
Corporate Press Relations Manager
T 32 3 444 8015
E johan.jacobs@agfa.com

HUG#1441683

The three new versions of its “Reader” line also feature an improved screen with better clarity, the manufacturer said on Wednesday.

Sony was first to the market with its Reader in 2006 but has struggled to keep up with rival Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O), whose Kindle e-reader is the top-selling device of its kind, according to analysts. Amazon does not disclose sales data.

In July, Amazon undercut competitors by offering a $139 wireless Kindle. The crowded e-reader market also includes traditional bookseller Barnes & Noble (BKS.N) and electronics giant Apple (AAPL.O), whose fast-selling iPad device has e-reader functions.

Steve Haber, president of Sony’s digital reading unit, said the touchscreen was one of the top requests made by consumers, who are willing to pay more for extra functionality.

“Lowering prices to get cheaper and cheaper — that’s not our direction,” Haber said in an interview. “Our plan is not to race to the bottom.”

Haber said the company expected to sell more of its lower-cost pocket version last holiday season, but sales of its higher-priced touchscreen version outsold the cheaper one.

“People stepped up and spent another $100 to buy touch,” he said.

Sony cut the prices of its last generation of Readers in July. [ID:nN06173858] Prices on the new versions are lower than their predecessors when first launched.

The new pocket version Reader retails for about $179. Sony’s larger 6-inch screen version, which allows for extra memory, costs $229. Users of these two devices must plug in to a computer when it comes time to download content.

Both are available immediately.

Sony is also offering a $299.99 “Daily Edition,” which, like the Kindle, is wireless. It has 3G and a larger screen. The Daily Edition rolls out in November.

Haber said overall sales of its readers are growing at three or four times last year’s levels.

“We haven’t seen any change in momentum,” he said.

Sony said it is also offering dictionaries in its new Readers and has been adding titles to its e-book store.

It plans to include reader reviews through an integration with social network site GoodReads, and will launch applications later in the year to interface with Apple’s iPhone and Android-based smartphones from Google Inc (GOOG.O). (Reporting by Alexandria Sage, editing by Matthew Lewis)

“The Epson Stylus NX625 is perfect for families and students who need a superior performing all-in-one at an affordable price,” said Stacey Tieu, associate product manager, Consumer Ink Jets, Epson America, Inc. “Not only is the Epson Stylus NX625 the world’s fastest all-in-one with high-speed automatic two-sided printing, it is also a feature-rich machine with copy and scan functions plus superior photo capabilities.”

The Epson Stylus NX625 features built-in memory card slots and a 2.5-inch color LCD to easily view, select, edit, and print photos without a computer(3). Utilizing Epson’s all-pigment DURABrite® Ultra ink, this versatile all-in-one delivers superior photo quality and durable prints that are fade(4)-, smudge- and water(5)-resistant, while also printing a 4″x6″ photo in as fast as 20 seconds(6). In addition, the Epson Stylus NX625 offers high-quality scanning with 2400 dpi to archive important documents.

Additional Features of the Epson Stylus NX625:

* High-speed automatic two-sided printing with speeds of 7.6 ISO ppm (black) and 4.6 ISO ppm (color)(6), based on the ISO standard
* World’s Fastest all-in-one with speeds of 15 ISO ppm (black) and 7.2 ISO ppm (color)(6), based on the ISO standard
* Restore faded color photos without a PC
* Adjust over- and under-exposed photos, and enhance richness and scenery in photos with Auto Photo Correction
* Versatile ink cartridges used for both photos and documents
* Replace only the ink cartridge needed with individual ink cartridges
* Extra high-capacity ink cartridges available, saving approximately 35 percent in ink costs(7)
* Quickly print photos and more from mobile devices; see www.epson.com/mobileprinting for more information
* ENERGY STAR® qualified, RoHS compliant, and designed to be recycled(8)
* Epson MicroPiezo® print head features DX3™ technology with smart nozzles that each produce and precisely place three sizes of ink droplets to create exceptional photos and documents

Pricing and Availability

The Epson Stylus NX625 ($149.99*) will be available in September through major computer, office and electronic superstores, a variety of retail stores nationwide and Epson’s retail site, www.epsonstore.com. For more information, please see the Epson Stylus NX625 fact sheet.

About Epson America, Inc.

Epson America, Inc. is a leading provider of an extensive range of printers, 3LCD projectors, scanners and point-of-service printers that are renowned for their high quality, functionality, innovation and energy efficiency. Epson America is a U.S. affiliate of Seiko Epson Corporation, which employs more than 70,000 people in 106 countries around the world. Seiko Epson is committed to its ongoing contributions to the global environment and for the second year in a row has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria. To learn more about Epson America, please visit: www.Epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonAmerica), Twitter (http://twitter.com/EpsonAmerica) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/EpsonTV).

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Epson, Epson Stylus and MicroPiezo are registered trademarks, Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark, and Exceed Your Vision is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. DURABrite is a registered trademark of Epson America, Inc. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

(1) Fastest in its class printing black text in default, single-side mode, in accordance with ISO/IEC 24734. Compared to ink jet all-in-ones priced $199.99 or as of August 10 based on manufacturers rated ISO speeds or independent testing.

(2) Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n certified; level of performance subject to the range of the router being used

(3) Some functions may not be supported by Mac®, such as two-sided printing and accessing memory cards when the printer is networked.

(4) Display permanence based on accelerated testing of prints displayed under glass in indoor display conditions; album permanence based on accelerated testing of prints in dark storage conditions. Actual print stability will vary according to media, printed image, display conditions, light intensity, temperature, humidity and atmospheric conditions. Epson does not guarantee the longevity of prints. For maximum print life, display all prints under glass or UV filter or properly store them.

(5) Water resistance on Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy, Premium Photo Paper Semi-Gloss, Premium Luster Photo Paper, and Photo Paper, when using genuine Epson inks.

(6) ISO ppm is based on the new international standard for measuring print speed. Black and color print speeds are determined in default, single-side mode, in accordance with ISO/IEC 24734. Actual print times will vary based on system configuration, software, and page complexity. See www.epson.com/printspeed for details, including complete ISO reports.

(7) Save about 35% compared to T125 Standard capacity cartridges. Actual savings and yields may vary. See www.epson.com/cartridgeinfo.

(8) See our website for convenient and reasonable recycling options at www.epson.com/recycle.

*Estimated street price

SOURCE Epson America, Inc.

Aerius International Inc., (Pink Sheets:AERS) has engaged major law firm
Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP to assist the company in preparing and
posting current public information and other information on the OTC Disclosure
and News Service required to remove the “yield sign” currently placed on the
company’s listing on the Pink Sheets.

“Procopio is one of the largest law firms in Southern California with a global
network that serves clients worldwide, and we are pleased John Cleary of
Procopio will assist us in expeditiously posting the information and materials
necessary to remove the ‘yield’ sign that is currently placed on our listing,”
said Bill Luxon, CEO of Aerius.

Beginning in 1946, Procopio has advised companies at every stage in their
corporate life cycle, helping them to plan, finance and operate their
businesses. “I believe they will add an important component to Aerius’ worldwide
business strategy, and we expect Procopio will be a valuable partner as we
continue our growth in the future,” said Luxon.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the
safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified
by phrases such as Aerius or its management “believes,” “expects,”
“anticipates,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” “estimates” or other words or phrases of
similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company’s
business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are
forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to
certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those in forward-looking statements. The forward-looking
statements included in this release are made only as of the date of this
release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking
statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

CONTACT: Aerius International, Inc.
Bill Luxon, CEO
866-412-9800
Fax: 866-412-5300
info@goaerius.com

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/AQ58110)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100901/AQ58110)

Ms. Larrabee, selected through an intensive search, has proven her leadership through 21 years of increasing responsibility at Jones & Stokes where she led the multi-office company through cohesive growth to $80 million and 500 employees, serving as vice president and chief operating officer for eight of those years. She has served as Senior Vice President, Environment and Planning Division Leader since the company’s acquisition by ICF International in 2008.

“Lisa Larrabee brings the motivation, passion and experience to excel as our next executive leader,” said Guy Erickson. “We are confident that her past successes in advancing core values and operating principles into integrated strategic and business operations make her the perfect fit to continue implementing our Harris & Associates vision to be the excellence and integrity leader among management and consulting companies.”

Harris & Associates, established in California in 1974, has offices throughout the western United States, and serves public and institutional clients in the transportation, civil infrastructure, healthcare and education sectors. “The tradition of Harris is our people-friendly, collaborative culture and the high-value service we provide to our clients. Lisa will steward these values into the next generation of our company leadership,” said Carl Harris.

About Harris

Ranked 31st in ENR’s 2009 Top 100 CM-for-Fee Firms, Harris & Associates is a professional services company with a staff of nearly 300 employee-owners dedicated to helping clients, employees and communities succeed through industry-leading technical and professional construction consulting services. Since our inception in 1974, our program managers, construction managers, architects, and engineers have served the specialized planning, design, and construction management needs of our public and institutional clients on over $14 billion of completed projects. For more information, contact Carolyn Colson at (925) 827-4900, ext. 1269 or email ccolson@harris-assoc.com.

SOURCE Harris & Associates

“We have collaborated with many of the industry’s leading photographers and fine artists to redefine and perfect the art of paper making, and the overwhelming success of these three papers mandates that we expand our line to include rolls,” said Jeff Smith, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. “Every day, a growing number of professionals switch to these breakthrough papers because of the stunning images they can produce, and in an effort to help satisfy the demands of professionals, we are delighted to be able to provide these papers in rolls.”

Optimized for use with Epson Stylus® Pro printers and inks – including the Epson 900-series with Epson UltraChrome® HDR ink technology – Signature Worthy papers are designed to help creative professionals create prints that yield richer blacks, smoother tonal transitions and wider color gamuts.

Epson Hot Press and Cold Press Papers

Epson Hot Press papers give artists a unique, smooth surface for advanced print making while Cold Press papers offer a more textured surface. Epson offers both surfaces in two choices of white points: Hot Press Bright and Cold Press Bright for those who prefer a brighter white point; and Hot Press Natural and Cold Press Natural for those who prefer a warmer tone. Both Hot Press and Cold Press papers are composed of a true cotton fiber base, are acid/lignin-free and achieve near-instant dry times.

Epson Exhibition Fiber Paper

Epson’s Exhibition Fiber Paper is designed to give professional and advanced photographers a paper that delivers the true look and feel of a classic F-surface, air-dried print that’s revered by professionals who have extensive backgrounds from the days of dark room processing. This paper also has a cotton fiber base and is acid/lignin-free.

“Since the launch of Exhibition Fiber Paper three years ago, photographers and fine artists have increasingly asked Epson to make this paper available in larger roll sizes to achieve maximum image quality while increasing productivity,” adds Jeff Smith. “Now that it’s available in roll widths up to 64 inches, it will be a huge advantage for them as well as fine art repro shops.”

Availability

New Signature Worthy roll papers are currently available through authorized Epson Professional Imaging resellers. For more information on Epson’s complete line of professional media, visit www.proimaging.epson.com.

About Epson America, Inc.

Epson America, Inc. is a leading provider of an extensive range of printers, 3LCD projectors, scanners and point-of-service printers that are renowned for their high quality, functionality, innovation and energy efficiency. Epson America is a U.S. affiliate of Seiko Epson Corporation, which employs more than 70,000 people in 106 countries around the world. Seiko Epson is committed to its ongoing contributions to the global environment and for the second year in a row has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria. To learn more about Epson America, please visit: www.Epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonAmerica), Twitter (http://twitter.com/EpsonAmerica) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/EpsonTV).

Note: Specifications and terms are subject to change. Epson, Epson Stylus and Epson UltraChrome are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corp. Signature Worthy is a trademark of Epson America, Inc. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these trademarks.

SOURCE Epson America, Inc.

The company said in a presentation posted on its website that the outlook for this year remained negative and uncertain. (Reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng; Editing by David Dolan)

Isis, which is developing the drug with Genzyme Corp (GENZ.O), said that of the 83 patients treated with mipomersen, 73 completed the trial.

In addition to the three drop outs related to elevations in liver enzymes, a further six were related to adverse events — injection site reactions (2), non-cardiac chest pain (2), injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms (1), and constipation (1).

All 41 patients treated with a placebo completed treatment.

The most common side effects were injection-site reactions — seen in 93 percent of mipomersen patients, compared with 42 percent of the placebo group — and flu symptoms, which were seen in 49 percent of the mipomersen group and 32 percent of placebo patients.

The companies had announced in February that the trial, which involved patients with severe, inherited high cholesterol, known as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, met its goals.

It found that patients taking mipomersen experienced an average reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol of 28 percent after 26 weeks of treatment, compared with an average increase of 5 percent for placebo patients.

The full results were presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s Congress in Stockholm, Sweden.

Similarly robust results have been seen in other mipomersen trials, but some analysts are concerned that the incidence of elevated liver enzymes, which can be a sign of liver damage, might restrict eventual sales of the drug.

Isis said six mipomersen-treated patients had persistent increases in liver enzymes. As measured by MRI, mipomersen patients had a median increase of 4.9 percent in liver fat, compared with an increase of 0.4 percent for placebo-treated patients.

None of the patients, including those who discontinued the study, had changes in other laboratory tests to indicate liver dysfunction.

The trial also found that patients treated with mipomersen had a 26 percent reduction in apolipoprotein B compared with a 7 percent increase for placebo; a 19 percent reduction in total cholesterol compared with a 4 percent increase for placebo; and a 25 percent reduction in non-HDL cholesterol compared with a 4 percent increase for placebo.

“In all four of the phase 3 studies we have completed, we have seen consistent and robust reductions in LDL cholesterol and other atherogenic lipids that support our plan to initially target homozygous and severe heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients,” Isis Pharmaceuticals Chairman and CEO Stanley Crooke, said in a statement.

“Under no circumstances,” Bogdanchikov told Reuters, responding to a question about Vedomosti’s report, which cited seven sources close to the company.

“As a shareholder in Rosneft, the president of Rosneft, a member of the board of directors of Rosneft, I am very attached to the company, ” he said.

Bogdanchikov’s contract expired on July 29 and it has not been extended.

The newspaper reported that the directive from the company’s management needed to replace Bogdanchikov has already been prepared.

Bogdanchikov has been Rosneft’s chief executive since 1998.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin declined to comment to journalists on Bogdanchikov’s contract on Wednesday during a visit to Krasnoyarsk. (Additional reporting by Dasha Korsunskaya; Writing by Jessica Bachman; Editing by Michael Shields)

Christian Siriano and Charlotte Ronson have both joined forces with FIJI Water to create exclusive looks inspired by the brand’s iconic square bottle, pristine source, and distinctive taste. Each designer has fashioned a creation that will debut prior to their runway shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. “FIJI Water is honored to have two of fashion’s best and brightest to collaborate with this season,” said John Cochran, president and chief operating officer of FIJI Water. “Christian Siriano and Charlotte Ronson embody a luxurious yet attainable appeal that aligns with the essence of our brand.”

FIJI Water knows that styles change season to season, but it is always in fashion to be environmentally friendly. That is why the company will also be sponsoring all of the recycling efforts at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. After enjoying a refreshing bottle of water, be sure to place it in one of the blue recycling containers that will be available throughout Lincoln Center.

FIJI Water has long been a stylish and replenishing must-have for models, designers, and attendees at New York’s most anticipated fashion shows and events.

ABOUT FIJI WATER

FIJI® Water, a natural artesian water bottled at the source in Viti Levu (Fiji islands), is known for its soft mouthfeel and iconic square bottle loved by discerning consumers, well-known celebrities, and quality-conscious chefs. The first carbon-negative product in its industry, FIJI Water is committed to reducing its environmental impact and preserving the planet for future generations. Through our membership in 1% for the Planet and partnership with Conservation International, FIJI Water supports environmental efforts around the world and in our backyard; our FIJI Water Foundation is dedicated to providing access to clean water, health care, and education for the people of Fiji. To learn more, please visit www.fijiwater.com.

Contact: Amber Eyerly

310.966.8463

aeyerly@fijiwater.com

In 2002 the German ministry of finance decided to honor Miss Hepburn with
a stamp and entered into a contract with the Audrey Hepburn Children’s
Fund (AHCF). Due to an internal breakdown the printing of the 14 million
stamps for the German post was ordered prior to obtaining the contractual
approvals from the AHCF. The AHCF, unaware of the printing, requested
some creative changes. The Ministry, unable to comply, ordered the entire
stock destroyed!!! … but for three sheets — 1 kept by the Ministry, 1
by the printer and one located recently in a file in the office of Sean
Hepburn Ferrer, the chairman of the AHCF.

These stamps are today, by agreement with the Ministry, the only
un-postmarked specimens available for sale (5 postmarked stamps were sold
at auction for prices ranging from 50,000 to 125,000 Euros. It is
believed that someone high up inside the ministry picked up a single
sheet hot off the press and sent letters to friends). The mint condition
sheet of 10 stamps is the object of unprecedented desirability and unique
value in the international scene of modern philately. The minimum reserve
is set at a record 500,000 Euros.

Judging from the very exclusive list of guests and bidders and the
limited availability of admissions — Stamp Collectors, VIPs, Bankers,
Investors and Industry Captains have been clamoring for invitations. This
event promises to be the most exciting Auction, Gala and ‘nonprofit’
social event of the season.

The Audrey Hepburn stamp is estimated to reach close to a million Euros
on the final hammer. 100% of the proceeds will go to charity through the
AHCF and UNICEF.

Andreas Schlegel, of the reputable ‘Schlegel Briefmarken’ stamp
appraisers and auctioneers, has been overwhelmed with requests for
attendance, since news of the exclusive Auction and Gala became public.

The Auction will take place on October 16th in Berlin, Germany, and will
provide 300 seats, most of which have been reserved in advance. The
demand and requests have been so numerous, Mr. Schlegel has already gone
to “waiting list” status.

He is, however, considering making allowances for donors/philanthropists
who wish to contribute in support of the reputable Audrey Hepburn
Children’s Fund.

Audrey Hepburn, who was a devoted UNICEF Ambassador, has left two worthy
champions for her humanitarian cause — her sons, Sean Ferrer and Luca
Dotti, who keep her legacy, life works and charities meaningful and
alive. www.audreyhepburn.com

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1345711

For further information, please contact:

Ileana International for Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund
Mr. Mike Mena
mike@ileanainternational.com

Mrs. Rebecca Johansen for Schlegel Briefmarken
sailorstorme@gmail.com

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/CL58105-a )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100901/CL58105-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/CL58105-b )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100901/CL58105-b )

The National Suit Drive, held at the more than 1,000 Men’s Wearhouse locations throughout the country, collects men’s and women’s suits, shirts, jackets, ties, belts, and shoes to donate to approximately 200 local charities that support those in transition looking for work. For a complete list of store locations and charities involved, visit www.nationalsuitdrive.com.

To encourage people to “give the suits off their backs,” teams of bare-chested men descended upon five cities throughout the country to walk the streets. The teams promoted the event in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. (To see the teams in action, see the attached photo.)

Although the recession has affected a wide spectrum of the American workforce, 82 percent of job losses have happened among men, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, due to the economy’s particularly heavy impact on male-dominated industries like construction and manufacturing.

“With nearly one out of 10 working-age men unemployed in this country, the economic downturn has disproportionately hurt the male workforce,” said George Zimmer, Men’s Wearhouse founder and CEO. “By collecting and donating professional clothing, Men’s Wearhouse aims to help men ’suit up’ for job interviews and offset the ‘mancession.’”

The National Suit Drive is Men’s Wearhouse’s largest yearly philanthropic event. This year, the company aims to top 100,000 articles of clothing in just one month. For every suit the company collects, it will donate one dress shirt to the cause.

In addition to providing a tax receipt, Men’s Wearhouse is thanking donors for their generosity with a 25 percent off discount on their next purchase at Men’s Wearhouse.*

“In this difficult economic environment, it is even more important for job seekers to make a favorable first impression during an interview, and a great-looking suit sends a message of confidence and success,” said Jerri Rosen, founder and CEO of participating nonprofit Working Wardrobes, based in Costa Mesa, Calif. “I encourage people to clean out their closets for a cause, as our extraordinary partnership with Men’s Wearhouse has helped thousands of people get back to work.”

For a complete list of store locations, click here or visit www.menswearhouse.com.

About Men’s Wearhouse

Since it was founded in 1973, Men’s Wearhouse has become one of the largest specialty retailers of men’s apparel in the country, with 1,259 stores carrying a full selection of designer and private-label suits, sport coats, casualwear, and accessories. Today, The Men’s Wearhouse, Inc. family of companies includes Men’s Wearhouse, MW Cleaners, K&G Fashion Superstore, TwinHill Corporate Apparel, and Moores Clothing for Men in Canada, making it one of North America’s leading providers of quality and value in both apparel and apparel care. For additional information, please visit the company’s Web site at menswearhouse.com.

*Restrictions apply. See coupon for details.

SOURCE Men’s Wearhouse

“We know people’s time is valuable and want to respect that when they visit our site,” said Patrick Campbell, vice president of Aquent’s On Demand division. “With that in mind, we’ve made it very easy for a prospective client to see screen shots, watch a demo, learn more about our product, and contact a specialist for more information. And when someone does reach out to us, they can continue to expect a prompt personal phone call — we’ve been known to surprise prospective clients by sometimes calling literally within a minute or two of receiving their request.”

Dan Perez, chief technical officer for Aquent On Demand said, “In addition to the content changes, we saw this as a chance to upgrade the technology as well, so we’ll deliver this site using Amazon’s new CloudFront service. This uses a global network of servers to deliver content quickly with the best possible performance.”

About RoboHead

RoboHead is the industry-leading marketing project management tool that helps marketing and creative services organizations manage the full lifecycle of their projects, from intake through delivery. This web-based solution not only tracks dates, deadlines, time, and resources, it also manages collaboration, approvals, notification, and finances.

About Aquent On Demand

The On Demand division of Aquent began in 2004 with a goal of providing web-based, on demand software solutions to creative and marketing organizations that are easy to use, affordable and fast to implement. This began with the industry-leading marketing project management solution, RoboHead, continued in 2007 with MajorTom, an enterprise class digital asset management solution, and in 2010, saw the launch of ReviewPad, an inexpensive way to share files, collect feedback, and manage sign-off process. These leading on-demand tools are used by thousands of individuals at some of the world’s leading companies.

SOURCE Aquent

“With $1.2 trillion in commercial real estate debt scheduled to mature over the next few years and most U.S. banks unable or unwilling to extend new credit, the need for large amounts of private commercial capital has never been greater,” Bogdanoff said.

Remington is an international commercial real estate investment banking company, specializing in providing access to a global network of commercial capital sources, including hundreds of active private lenders and investors. Since 1993, Remington has arranged more than $5 billion in financing across the capital stack for all types of commercial property.

“There have been about 250 bank failures involving hundreds of billions of dollars in assets since the start of the financial crisis in 2007,” Bogdanoff said. “And with hundreds of additional bank failures expected over the next few years, many commercial real estate owners may be unable to finance or refinance properties through traditional banking sources.

“Alternatively, there are billions of dollars in private capital available waiting on the sidelines from lenders and investors ready to step in to finance, refinance or recapitalize all types of commercial property having intrinsic value,” Bogdanoff said. “Over the years, Remington has built solid relationships with hundreds of these capital sources, including private equity funds, institutional and individual investors, certain corporations and many others.

“This available pool of alternative capital represents a unique opportunity for the commercial real estate community to step outside its normal comfort zone and explore new avenues of commercial financing in these challenging times.”

For more information:

www.RemingtonCapitalinc.com

Contact: Neil Wintle

apply@RemingtonCapitalinc.com

(480) 905-3239

(877) 597-4458 – toll free

SOURCE Remington Capital

The “Black Pearl Capital Partners (BPCP)” fund will be the first in a series of private equity funds raised by BPC to take advantage of opportunities in various industry sectors. Proceeds of the fund will be used to invest globally in growth sectors and distressed situations where it can add value. The fund expects a 2 to 3 year investment period with a 5 to 7 year exit.

Fareed Asadi (Chairman) said: “We are extremely pleased to have launched our first private equity fund. We are excited by the opportunities we are seeing at the moment and extremely positive about the outlook. We are looking at a number of investments currently, across several industry verticals.”

For information, contact:

Ronnie Budja

ronnie@blackpearlcap.com

011 41 22 365 2348

www.blackpearlcap.com

SOURCE Black Pearl Capital

This double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study was designed to test the
efficacy and safety of adding mipomersen to stable lipid-lowering therapy.
Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive a 200 mg dose of mipomersen or placebo
weekly for 26 weeks. The trial included 124 adult heFH patients at 26 sites in
the United States and Canada. All of the patients had pre-existing coronary
artery disease and LDL-C levels greater than 100 mg/dL, and were taking a
maximally tolerated dose of a statin, as well as additional lipid-lowering drugs
in most cases. Prior to study enrollment, 78 percent of patients had previously
experienced at least one cardiovascular event and 49 percent had more than one
previous cardiovascular event.

Patients treated with mipomersen had an average LDL-C at baseline of 150 mg/dL.
These patients had an average LDL-C level of 104 mg/dL at the end of the study.
Forty-five percent of the mipomersen-treated patients achieved LDL-C levels of
less than 100 mg/dL, a recognized treatment goal for high-risk patients. The
reductions observed in the study were in addition to those achieved with the
patients` existing therapeutic regimens.

The trial met all of its secondary and tertiary endpoints. Patients treated with
mipomersen experienced a 26 percent reduction in apolipoprotein B compared with
a 7 percent increase for placebo; a 19 percent reduction in total cholesterol
compared with a 4 percent increase for placebo; and a 25 percent reduction in
non-HDL cholesterol compared with a 4 percent increase for placebo (all
p<0.001).

Reductions were observed in other atherogenic lipids, including Lp(a) by 21
percent compared with no change for placebo (p<0.001). Apo B and Lp(a) are both
generally accepted risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Study results are
based on an intent-to-treat analysis (full analysis set).

“Having these data presented is a great milestone for the mipomersen program,”
said Paula Soteropoulos, vice president and general manager of Genzyme`s
cardiovascular business. “The data underscore our belief that mipomersen has the
potential to help those familial hypercholesterolemia patients who are `left
behind` by current therapies, and are in need of new treatment options.”

As seen in other mipomersen studies, the most commonly observed adverse events
were injection site reactions (93 percent for mipomersen compared with 42
percent for placebo) and flu-like symptoms (49 percent for mipomersen compared
with 32 percent for placebo).

All 41 patients treated with placebo completed treatment. Of the 83 patients
treated with mipomersen, 73 completed treatment; nine of the discontinuations
were related to adverse events, the nature of which was generally similar to
previous studies. Reasons for withdrawal from the mipomersen group were:
elevations in liver transaminases (3), injection site reactions (2), non-cardiac
chest pain (2), injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms (1), and
constipation (1).

In this study, elevations in liver transaminases (ALTs) in patients treated with
mipomersen were observed that were generally similar in character with those
seen in other studies. Six mipomersen-treated patients (7 percent) had
persistent ALT elevations above 3X ULN during the treatment period. Persistent
is defined as consecutive elevations at least one week apart. As measured by
MRI, mipomersen-treated patients had a modest change in liver fat from baseline
(median increase of 4.9 percent), compared with the placebo-treated patients
(median increase of 0.4 percent). In general, increases in liver transaminases
and liver fat appeared to be associated with the greatest reductions of LDL
cholesterol. No patients, including those who discontinued the study, had
changes in other laboratory tests to indicate hepatic dysfunction, and there
were no Hy`s Law cases.

“In all four of the phase 3 studies we have completed, we have seen consistent
and robust reductions in LDL cholesterol and other atherogenic lipids that
support our plan to initially target homozygous and severe heterozygous familial
hypercholesterolemia patients,” said Isis Pharmaceuticals Chairman and CEO
Stanley T. Crooke. “We are excited by these positive phase 3 results and look
forward to working with Genzyme to bring mipomersen to patients who are in need
of a new and novel lipid-lowering agent.”

About Mipomersen

Mipomersen is a first-in-class apo-B synthesis inhibitor currently in late-stage
development. It is intended to reduce LDL-C by preventing the formation of
atherogenic lipids. It acts by decreasing the production of apo-B, which
provides the structural core for all atherogenic lipids, including LDL-C, which
carry cholesterol through the bloodstream.

Genzyme`s initial U.S. and E.U. regulatory filings for mipomersen will seek
marketing approval for the treatment of patients with homozygous FH (hoFH).
These initial filings may also include patients with severe heFH. In the first
half of 2011, Genzyme expects to submit the initial U.S. and E.U. filings, and
to have made progress toward filing in other major international markets.

Genzyme and Isis have completed all four phase 3 studies planned to support the
initial filings. As previously reported, the phase 3 study of mipomersen in hoFH
patients met its primary endpoint with 25 percent LDL-C reduction, and results
were presented at last year`s American Heart Association meeting. Genzyme and
Isis announced top-line results of the phase 3 study in heFH patients in
February. The companies last month reported that the phase 3 studies of
mipomersen in severe hypercholesterolemia and high-risk patients met their
primary endpoints with 36 and 37 percent LDL-C reductions. These four studies
will be included in the initial filings. In addition, studies are ongoing and
planned to evaluate alternative dosing regimens.

About Familial Hypercholesterolemia

FH is one of the most common genetic disorders, and results in elevated LDL
cholesterol levels. FH patients have inherited abnormalities in liver cells that
are responsible for clearing LDL-C from the blood. These patients experience a
markedly increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) and
CVD-related death.

There are two forms of FH: homozygous (hoFH), where a defective gene is
inherited from both parents, or heterozygous (heFH), where a defective gene is
inherited from only one parent. HoFH is a very rare condition estimated to
affect approximately one in a million people worldwide. HeFH is a more common
form of the disorder, with a prevalence of approximately one in 500.

About Genzyme

One of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to
making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases.
Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up to a diversified
enterprise with more than 12,000 employees in locations spanning the globe and
2009 revenues of $4.5 billion. In 2010, Genzyme was named to the Fortune 500.

With many established products and services helping patients in 100 countries,
Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the most advanced
technologies in the life sciences. The company’s products and services are
focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cancer,
transplant, and immune disease. Genzyme’s commitment to innovation continues
today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as
cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and other areas of unmet
medical need.

Genzyme`s press releases and other company information are available at
www.genzyme.com and by calling Genzyme`s investor information line at
1-800-905-4369 within the United States or 1-678-999-4572 outside the United
States.

About Isis

Isis is exploiting its expertise in RNA to discover and develop novel drugs for
its product pipeline and for its partners. The Company has successfully
commercialized the world’s first antisense drug and has 23 drugs in development.
Isis’ drug development programs are focused on treating cardiovascular,
metabolic, and severe neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Isis’ partners are
developing antisense drugs invented by Isis to treat a wide variety of diseases.
Isis and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals are joint owners of Regulus Therapeutics Inc.,
a company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of
microRNA therapeutics. Isis also has made significant innovations beyond human
therapeutics resulting in products that other companies, including Abbott, are
commercializing. As an innovator in RNA-based drug discovery and development,
Isis is the owner or exclusive licensee of approximately 1,600 issued patents
worldwide. Additional information about Isis is available at www.isispharm.com.

Genzyme Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Genzyme`s
business plans and strategies regarding mipomersen including, without
limitation, statements about its potential uses, its safety profile, the
expected timing of regulatory filings in the U.S. and E.U., and the studies that
are expected to form a basis of the regulatory filings. These statements are
subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those forecasted. These risks and uncertainties include, among
others: that regulatory authorities determine additional clinical studies of
mipomersen are needed to support a 2011 filing; that Genzyme is unable to
continue to support its clinical and other development efforts related to
mipomersen; that regulatory authorities determine mipomersen`s safety profile
does not support approval for treatment of any or all of the targeted
population; the actual efficacy and safety of mipomersen including, without
limitation, the effects of elevations in liver transaminases; and the risks and
uncertainties described in Genzyme’s SEC reports filed under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, including the factors discussed under the caption “Risk
Factors” in Genzyme’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June
30, 2010. Genzyme cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the
forward-looking statements contained in this press release. These statements
speak only as of the date of this press release and Genzyme undertakes no
obligation to update or revise the statements.

Genzyme is a registered trademark of Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved.

Isis Safe Harbor Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Isis`
collaboration with Genzyme Corporation, its financial and business development
activities, and the development, activity, therapeutic potential and safety of
mipomersen in treating patients with high cholesterol. Any statement describing
Isis` goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions or beliefs
is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement.
Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, particularly
those inherent in the process of discovering, developing and commercializing
drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the
endeavor of building a business around such drugs. Isis` forward-looking
statements also involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove
correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Isis` forward-looking
statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements
are based only on facts and factors currently known by Isis. As a result, you
are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other
risks concerning Isis` programs are described in additional detail in Isis`
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and its most
recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which are on file with the SEC. Copies of
these and other documents are available from the Company.

Isis Pharmaceuticals is a registered trademark of Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Regulus Therapeutics is a trademark of Regulus Therapeutics Inc.

Genzyme Contacts:
Media
Erin Emlock, 617-768-6923
or
Investors
Leah Monteiro, 617-768-6602
or
Isis Contacts:
Media
Amy Blackley, Ph.D., 760-603-2772
or
Investors
Kristina Lemonidis, 760-603-2490

Copyright Business Wire 2010

Revenues for the second quarter of 2010 totaled US$11.4 million as compared with $9.8 million for the first quarter of 2010. The net loss for the second quarter of 2010 totaled $1.5 million, or $0.15 per share, a decline of 35.0% from US$2.4 million, or $0.23 per share, in the first quarter.

Gross margins for the quarter were 31.7%, down from 37.4% in the first quarter. The decline in gross margins is due primarily to changes in the mixture between product and project sales.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Eitan Livneh, President and CEO of Magal, said, “We were pleased with the revenue growth and reduction in the net loss for the quarter. We recently announced the receipt $5.5 million in new orders which included $4.3 million of orders in Israel, indicating that our strategic plan is starting to show early success. We also recently announced our second win to provide security solutions for airports in China, solidifying our position as the leader in this important market. In addition, we are seeing positive signs from the important markets in Western Europe and the UK. We believe that based on these positive signs, Magal expects to continue revenue growth for the balance of 2010.

“With the new cash infusion which was approved at the recent extraordinary shareholders meeting, I believe that Magal is now well-positioned to expand its sales efforts as well as seek acquisitions which will solidify our leadership in the perimeter security market,” concluded Mr. Livneh.

Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were US$21.2 million, a 3.0% decrease compared with the comparable period last year. Net loss for the six months period ended June 30, 2010 was US$3.9 million, or $0.38 per share, compared with a net loss of US$2.1 million, or $0.20 per share, in the same period last year.

The Company will host a conference call today at 10:00 am ET, 5:00 pm Israel time. On the call, management will review and discuss the results and will be available to answer investor questions.

To access the conference call, please dial one of the following numbers:

US: 1-888-668-9141
International: +972-3-9180609
Israel: 03-9180609

A replay of the conference call will be available from the day after the call. The replay can be accessed on the Magal website at: http://www.magal-s3.com.

About Magal S3

Magal S3 is a leading international provider of security, safety and site management solutions and products (NASDAQ: MAGS).

Over the past 40 years, Magal S3 has delivered tailor-made solutions to hundreds of satisfied customers in over 80 countries.

Magal S3 offers a broad portfolio of unique products used to protect sensitive installations in some of the world’s most demanding locations and harshest climates. This portfolio covers the following three categories:

– Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) – a variety of smart
barriers and fences, fence mounted detectors, virtual gates, buried and
concealed detection systems

– Close Circuit TV (CCTV) – a comprehensive management platform with a
leading Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) and Video Motion Detection
(VMD) engine

– Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) – a proprietary site
management system that enhances command, control and decision making
during both routine operations and crisis situations

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such statements are based on assumptions and expectations which may not be realized and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated. Future events and actual results, financial and otherwise, may differ from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. A number of these risks and other factors that might cause differences, some of which could be material, along with additional discussion of forward- looking statements, are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

MAGAL SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(All numbers except EPS expressed in thousands of US$)

Three months ended
June 30, 2010

Revenues 11,430

Cost of revenues 7,802

Gross profit 3,628
Operating expenses:
Research and development, net 1,059
Selling and marketing 2,156
General and administrative 2,105

Total operating expenses 5,320

Operating loss (1,692)
Financial expenses (income), net (110)

Loss before income taxes (1,582)
Income tax 20

Net loss (1,562)

Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest (15)
Net income (loss) attributable to Magal Ltd. shareholders (1,547)
Basic net loss per share $(0.15)

Three months ended
June 30, 2010

%

Gross margin 31.7
Research and development,net as a % of revenues 9.3
Selling and marketing as a % of revenues 18.9

General and administrative as a % of revenues 18.4
Operating margin (14.8)
Net margin before tax (13.8)
Net margin (13.5)

MAGAL SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(All numbers except EPS expressed in thousands of US$)

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2010 2009 % change

Revenue 21,204 21,870 (3.0)

Cost of revenue 13,916 13,231 5.2

Gross profit 7,288 8,639 (15.6)
Operating expenses:
Research and development, net 2,155 2,305 (6.5)
Selling and marketing 4,545 4,801 (5.3)
General and administrative 3,875 3,840 0.9
Total operating expenses 10,575 10,946 (3.4)

Operating loss (3,287) (2,307)
Financial expense, net 659 226

Loss from continuing operations
before income taxes (3,946) (2,533)
Income tax 20 344

Net loss from continuing operations (3,926) (2,189)
Discontinued operations, net – 63
Net loss (3,926) (2,126)
Basic and diluted net loss per share (0.38)$ (0.20)$

Six Months Ended
June 30,
2010 2009

% %

Gross margin 34.4 39.5
Research and development, net as a
% of revenues 10.2 10.5
Selling and marketing as a % of revenues 21.4 22.0
General and administrative as a
% of revenues 18.3 17.6
Operating margin (15.5) (10.5)
Net margin after discontinued operation (18.5) (9.7)

MAGAL SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(All numbers expressed in thousands of US$)

June 30, December 31,
2010 2009
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,768 $ 11,869
Short term bank deposits – 1,807
Restricted deposit 2,965
Trade receivables 12,608 12,328
Unbilled accounts receivable 4,795 5,892
Other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses 4,079 1,573
Deferred income taxes 307 272
Inventories 10,175 10,912
Total current assets 39,697 44,653

Long term investments and receivables:
Long-term trade receivables 1,565 1,753
Long-term loans 200 200
Long-term deposits 50 40
Severance pay fund 2,105 2,476
Total long-term investments and receivables 3,920 4,469

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 8,747 9,178

OTHER ASSETS, NET 279 269

GOODWILL 1,895 2,053

ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TO DISCONTINUED OPERATION – 28

Total assets $54,538 $60,650

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term bank credit $ 7,534 $ 8,234
Current maturities of long-term bank debt 661 1,824
Trade payables 2,490 4,018
Other accounts payable and accrued expenses 12,111 10,110
Total current liabilities 22,796 24,186

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term bank debt 216 548
Accrued severance pay 3,171 3,562
Total long-term liabilities 3,387 4,110

LIABILITIES ATTRIBUTED TO DISCONTINUED – 45
OPERATION

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 28,355 32,309

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $54,538 $60,650
Total bank debt to total capitalization 0.30 0.33
Current ratio 1.74 1.85

Financial Communication Public & Investor Relations
Hadas Friedman
Tel: +972-3-695-4333 Ext. 6
E-mail: hadas@fincom.co.il
Web: http://www.fincom.co.il

For more information:

Magal Security Systems Ltd.
Ilan Ovadia, CFO
Tel: +972(3)539-1444
E-mail: ilano@magal-s3.com
Web: http://www.magal-s3.com

SOURCE Magal Security Systems Ltd

AMSTERDAM–(Business Wire)–
AVG Technologies, developers of the world`s most popular free anti-virus
software, today announced a limited public beta test of its new online tool, AVG
Threat Labs. Designed to help consumers combat criminal elements on the Web,
Threat Labs is an innovative online information portal that merges the
quantitative Web threat detection data that AVG routinely collects from its
almost 100 million users with data from AVG`s LinkScanner technology.

AVG users with LinkScanner already installed are protected in real-time from
sites containing malware. Threat Labs complements this software by enabling the
user to type in the URL of a specific Web site to gather more information. Users
not currently using AVG software still benefit from visiting Threat Labs as this
unique tool provides an instant and complete safety analysis of a Web site
including detection statistics, a detection timeline, an analysis of linked
sites and a detection map. AVG`s Threat Labs augments AVG`s existing free,
downloadable anti-virus software and enhances the company`s unique “people
powered protection” approach to security.

“Web threats are constantly evolving and it is our mission to provide consumers
with the resources they need to not be victims of Internet crimes,” said JR
Smith, Chief Executive Officer of AVG Technologies. “What really excites me
about Threat Labs is that it is all about what makes AVG a different security
software company to our competitors because it is based on people powered
protection. From the standard AV tools and malware detection, to more cutting
edge resources like threat labs and our new social media tools, AVG is committed
to a product line that is effective against the risks we understand today and
the threats that are evolving as we speak.”

The full consumer launch and availability of AVG`s Threat Labs is slated for
late September 2010. It will be part of a set of tools for the AVG Internet
Security suite to help consumers more safely navigate the murky waters of social
networks as well as resources such as Threat Labs that bring together the
quantitative data with reputational data to empower consumers on the Web. AVG`s
product suite will create a global army of citizens, nearly 100 million strong,
working together to thwart Internet crime.

AVG Threat Labs Beta can be accessed at
http://www.avgthreatlabs.com/sitereports. AVG Free or LinkScanner can be
downloaded at the AVG Download Web page free of charge, or at www.download.com.

Keep in touch with AVG

* For breaking news, follow AVG on Twitter at www.twitter.com/officialAVGnews
* For security trends analysis, follow AVG blogs at http://blogs.avg.com
* Join our Facebook community at www.facebook.com/AVGfree

About AVG Technologies

www.avg.com

AVG is a global security software maker protecting more than 110 million
consumers and small businesses in 170 countries from the ever-growing incidence
of Web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. AVG has
nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and one of the most
advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats
from around the world. Its free, downloadable software allows novice users to
have basic anti-virus protection and then easily upgrade to greater levels of
safety and defense when they are ready. AVG has nearly 6,000 resellers, partners
and distributors globally including Amazon.com, CNET, Cisco, Ingram Micro,
Play.com, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo!.

Source: http://www.avg.com/press-releases-news

Talk to Us
AVG Technologies – Investor Relations
Siobhan MacDermott
CZ Mobile: +420 725 695 132
US Mobile: +1 415 299 2945
siobhan.macdermott@avg.com
or
AVG Technologies – EMEA
Alica Domanicka, +420 725 097 437
alica.domanicka@avg.com
or
MS&L, for AVG
Mary McCeney, +1 212-468-4053
mary.mcceney@mslworldwide.com

“Under no circumstances,” Bogdanchikov told Reuters, responding to a question about Vedomosti’s report, which cited seven sources close to the company.

“As a shareholder in Rosneft, the president of Rosneft, a member of the board of directors of Rosneft, I am very attached to the company, ” he said.

Bogdanchikov’s contract expired on July 29 and it has not been extended.

The newspaper reported that the directive from the company’s management needed to replace Bogdanchikov has already been prepared.

Bogdanchikov has been Rosneft’s chief executive since 1998.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin declined to comment to journalists on Bogdanchikov’s contract on Wednesday during a visit to Krasnoyarsk. (Additional reporting by Dasha Korsunskaya; Writing by Jessica Bachman; Editing by Michael Shields)

Reuters has not verified the newspaper reports, and cannot
vouch for their accuracy. New items are marked with (*).

UNICREDIT (CRDI.MI)

The bank will launch talks with unions next week over its
domestic streamlining programme, sources close to the issue said
on Tuesday. The bank has targeted 4,700 job cuts for 2011 to
2013 as part of the programme.

Italy will ensure that Libya’s investment in UniCredit will
remain clear and free of any irregularity, Foreign Minister
Franco Frattini said on Tuesday. [ID:nLDE67U1Y6]

* Market regulator Consob is looking into Libyan
shareholding in the bank, Il Sole 24 Ore said.

* UniCredit has put up for sale properties in Rome worth 300
million euros, Libero said.

SAIPEM (SPMI.MI)

Indonesia’s Pertamina [PERTM.UL] said Saipem was among the
five companies shortlisted to build a $1 billion refinery in the
country, adding that an engineering contract is expected to be
signed early next year. [ID:nJAK485290]

* TELECOM ITALIA (TLIT.MI)

Italy’s financial police claimed in a report in May that
Telecom Italia unit Sparkle owes another 429 million euros plus
interest in unpaid taxes, MF reported. The phone company had
reported the issue in its six-month financial statement.

* FONDIARIA-SAI (FOSA.MI)

The company is in talks to sell its Swiss private banking
unit Gesfid to Switzerland’s PKB Privatbank, Il Sole 24 Ore
reported citing PKB’s director-general.

ITALCEMENTI (ITAI.MI)

ING cut the price target on the cement maker to 5.45 euros
from 6.50 euros, rating “hold”.

Release of financial results:
Q4 2010 – 10 February 2011
Q1 2011 – 5 May 2011
Q2 2011 – 20 July 2011
Q3 2011 – 27 October 2011

The ordinary Annual General Meeting will be held on 14 April 2011.

All dates are subject to change.

Orkla ASA

Oslo, 1 September 2010

Contact:

Siv M. Skorpen Brekke
VP Investor Relations, Tel.: +47 2254 4455

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian
Securities Trading Act)

“If you look at the United States, there are now only four main mobile phone companies for a market of 280 million people, in China and India it’s the same.

“In Europe, for 300 million inhabitants, we still have tens of operators,” Benoit Scheen told daily paper La Libre Belgique in an interview published on Wednesday.

“It will be difficult for small operators, like in our country, to carry on in the long term without at least getting partnership deals with big operators.”

In Belgium Mobistar, which is majority-owned by France Telecom (FTE.PA), competes with former state monopoly Belgacom (BCOM.BR) and Base, a subsidiary of Dutch Koninklijke KPN (KPN.AS). (Writing by Ben Deighton)

However, the weighted average dividend yield for Asian REITs
contracted to 6.86 percent in the first half of 2010 from 8.06
percent during the same period last year, U.S.-based CBRE (CBG.N)
said in a statement.

“The fortunes of Asian REITs still remained mixed. During the
first half of the year, some markets have seen strong growth in
IPO and acquisition activity and others have witnessed delisting
applications, mergers and consolidations,” said Andrew Ness,
executive director at CBRE Research Asia.

“REITs in Japan, Taiwan, Korea and Hong Kong outperformed
their respective stock markets, all of which suffered downward
adjustments in the second quarter amid concerns over the pace of
the global economic recovery,” Ness said.

Acquisitions in the market totalled $5.7 billion during the
first half of 2010, surpassing the $4.2 billion recorded for the
whole of 2009, with Japan being the most active market for asset
purchases, CBRE said.

Singaporean and Malaysian REITs were active buyers of office,
retail, industrial and healthcare assets while REITs in Hong
Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Thailand remained inactive, it
said.

While a few REITs were delisted, South Korea, Singapore and
Thailand saw new listings, such as Cache Logistics CAL.SI.

REITs invest in mainly commercial property and pay rent
collected from their properties to shareholders as a dividend and
also usually offer returns that are higher than yields of
government bonds.
(Reporting by Lee Chyen Yee; Editing by Ken Wills)
(See www.reutersrealestate.com for Reuters’ global service for
real estate professionals)

Eyles was formerly the head of Global Commodities Strategic Trading in London.

Dawe was also the Asia-Pacific managing director at JPMorgan.

On Tuesday, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters that JPMorgan Chase had shut down its proprietary trading desk, as the bank looks to comply with new U.S. banking laws. [ID:nN31255240]

The sources said Blythe Masters, the bank’s head of global commodities, held a townhall meeting in Singapore on Wednesday to announce the changes. (Reporting by Florence Tan, Jennifer Tan, Nick Trevethan and Seng Li Peng, Editing by Ramthan Hussain)

Soco, which owns a 30.5 percent stake in the block alongside Vietnam’s state oil group Petrovietnam PVD.HM and Thailand’s state-run PTT Exploration and Production (PTTE.BK), said on Wednesday initial results indicated two main reservoir sand intervals.

The well, TGD-2X on block 16-1, was targeting around 100 million barrels of proven plus probable oil reserves.

Soco said further tests would take around three weeks after which it would release the results and update on plans to develop the discovery.

TGD-2X was drilled on an area which boarders the Te Giac Trang oil field which Soco and its partners are currently developing, targeting first oil production of 50,000 barrels of oil per day in mid-2011.

Shares in Soco closed at 470.4 pence on Tuesday, valuing the company at 1.5 billion pounds ($2.31 billion).

(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Matt Scuffham)

The Shanghai Composite Index .SSEC finished lower at 2,638.8 points, after jumping 1.6 percent on Monday.

Chinese airlines were also among the biggest fallers, reversing after posting robust gains from strong first-half year earnings.

Analysts said the prospect of slower yuan appreciation also dragged on airlines as they will be burdened by higher fuel purchasing costs. (Reporting by Chen Yixin and Jacqueline Wong)

The company said on Tuesday it ended June with an order book of 3.5 billion euros ($4.5 billion), maintaining it at about the same level as at the end of last year and expecting it to remain over the 3 billion euro mark this year on the back of strong international activity.

“This performance at the order book level should be maintained, (supporting) … business volume growth,” it said in a statement. The company said earlier this year it expected revenue to continue to grow in 2010 but in single digits, a slower pace than in 2009 when revenues rose 14 percent.

Mota said net profit rose to 19.6 million euros ($24.9 million). Analysts surveyed by Reuters had expected, on average, a profit of around 12 million.

Revenue rose 2.6 percent from a year-ago on a pro-forma basis to 900 million euros and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased almost 12 percent to 103.2 million. Analysts had forecast EBITDA of 97 million and revenue of 940 million.

Mota has changed the way it consolidates transport concessions into its overall results, making pro-forma figures necessary to compare revenue and EBITDA with 2009 levels. (Reporting by Andrei Khalip; Editing by David Holmes) ($1=.7861 Euro)

Highlights * Seadrill generates second quarter 2010 EBITDA of US$493
million

* Seadrill reports second quarter 2010 net income of US$329 million and
earnings per share of US$0.77

* Seadrill acquires the seven jack-up rig company Scorpion Offshore Ltd

* Seadrill awarded US$2.9 billion in new contracts and contract
extensions

* Seadrill subsidiary Seawell announces proposed merger with Allis-
Chalmers Energy Inc

* Seadrill takes delivery of the ultra-deepwater units West Gemini and
West Orion

* Seadrill increases the quarterly cash dividend to US$0.61 per share

Second quarter results*

Seadrill today reported consolidated revenues for the second quarter 2010
of US$933 million compared to US$853 million for the first quarter 2010.

Operating profit for the second quarter was US$383 million as compared to
US$332 million in the previous quarter.

The second quarter operating profit for Mobile Units amounted to US$310
million as compared to an operating profit of US$285 million in the first
quarter 2010. The increase was related to improved contribution from the
deepwater units.

The second quarter operating profit for Tender Rigs was US$55 million, an
increase of US$20 million from the preceding quarter. The increase was
mainly due to a full quarter in operations for the new tender rigs West
Vencedor and T12.

Operating profit from Well Services amounted to US$19 million as compared
to US$12 million in the first quarter 2010. The increase was due to higher
overall activity.

Net financial items resulted in an income of US$0.1 million compared to a
loss of US$86 million in the preceding quarter. The Company recorded a
loss of US$168 million on derivative financial instruments related to
mark-to-market of interest rate swap agreements, forward contracts and
currency derivatives. The loss was offset by an accounting gain of
US$111 million related to the revaluation of the first 40.1% ownership
interest that Seadrill had acquired in Scorpion as well as an income of
US$56 million related to a gain in connection with the purchase price
allocation following the purchase of Scorpion.

Income taxes were US$54 million resulting in net income for the quarter of
US$329 million. Earnings per share for the second quarter were US$0.77.

Chief Executive Officer in Seadrill Management AS Alf C Thorkildsen says
in a comment, “Our strategy has been to grow our Company through
construction and acquisition of premium assets and experienced employees.
This strategy has provided Seadrill with the best contract backlog in the
industry. As we now are turning our backlog into revenues we are proud to
report the highest quarterly EBITDA (adjusted for gain on sales) in the
Company’s history.”

For further information, please see the second quarter 2010
report
attached.

Analyst contact:
Jim Datland
Vice President Investor Relations
Seadrill Management AS
+47 51 30 99 19

Media contact:
Esa Ikaheimonen
Chief Financial Officer
Seadrill Management AS
+47 51 30 99 19

* Effective June 1, 2010, Scorpion Offshore Ltd has been
consolidated into the accounts.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to
Section 5- 12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)

[HUG#1441478]

Second quarter 2010 report: http://hugin.info/135817/R/1441478/385807.pdf

Fleet dayrates and contracts August 2010:
http://hugin.info/135817/R/1441478/385808.pdf

This announcement is
distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The
owner of this announcement warrants that:

(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other
applicable laws; and

(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Seadrill Limited via Thomson Reuters ONE

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

Qantas will use the Boeing Service Center Repair Network for quick, reliable access to landing gear exchanges, repair and replacement around the world, greatly reducing maintenance time. The agreement takes effect in 2011.

The launch of the Landing Gear Overhaul and Exchange Program by Qantas for the 747-400ER family provides a similar opportunity for operators of the 40 747-400ER Freighters currently in service.

“We appreciate that a customer such as Qantas is demonstrating their confidence in Boeing to provide them with this important service,” said Dale Wilkinson, vice president, Material Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “By choosing Boeing’s landing gear exchange program, Qantas will have immediate access to a replacement gear without having to invest in a landing gear asset themselves.”

Qantas Airways is the latest of more than 70 customers to take advantage of the Boeing’s Landing Gear Overhaul and Exchange Program. Boeing coordinates with airlines and global component repair and overhaul suppliers to promptly return airplanes to service.

More than 500 airplanes have benefitted from the Boeing Landing Gear Overhaul and Exchange Programs for 717, Next-Generation 737, Boeing Business Jet, 757-300, 767-300, 777-200ER/-300/300ER, MD-11 and, now 747-400ER/ERF models. The program adheres to Boeing-approved quality processes and procedures and provides full technical and emergency support.

Contacts:

Bob Saling

Boeing Communications

+1 206-766-2914

bob.saling@boeing.com

Nancy Standifer

Boeing Communications

+1 206-437-4427

nancy.j.standifer@boeing.com

More information: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aviationservices/brochures/LandGearOverhaulExchPgm.pdf

SOURCE Boeing

Det er mottatt tegninger på 1 744 737 aksjer á kr 1,90 som totalt utgjør kr 3 315 000.
Dette inkluderer tegninger fra styrets medlemmer.

Styrets medlemmer har tegnet for henholdsvis:
Sobona AS v/ Ola Røthe (styreleder) tegner 78 947 aksjer, totalt NOK 150 000. Totalt
innehar Sobona AS 528 947 aksjer i NattoPharma.
Anders Uddén (styremedlem) tegner 157 895 akser, totalt NOK 300 000. Totalt innehar
Anders Uddeén 2 541 681 aksjer i NattoPharma.
Pharmavie AS v/ Christel Piron /( styremedlem) tegner 157 895 akser, totalt NOK 300 000.
Totalt innehar Pharmavie AS 1 294 561 aksjer i NattoPharma.

Spørsmål i forbindelse med emisjonen kan rettes til:

Morten Sundstø
CEO
NattoPharma ASA
Tlf. 950 61 860

The Escondida Vein lies within a vein system that is known to extend over
1,300 metres (4,265 feet) in length and 850 metres (2,790 feet) in depth,
based on previous geological information. This vein was not included in
the Company’s last NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate.

Michel Roy, Chairman and CEO stated; “We remain very encouraged that the
Escondida Vein will continue to show tremendous continuity laterally and
at depth, consistent with other veins in the Chicago system.”

The Escondida Vein is similar to the other veins found and identified in
the Chicago area within a geological setting similar to the geology and
mineralization of the extensive Santa Juana vein system, located within
the adjacent Velardena Property. The veins are polymetallic and rich in
gold, silver, lead and zinc. The main difference between the Chicago and
Santa Juana mines is that the Santa Juana veins strike NW-SE whereas the
Chicago veins strike NE-SW.

Michel Roy, Chairman and CEO added; “The Chicago area continues to
provide excellent evidence in the potential for ECU to add significantly
to its current mineral resources.”

Cautionary Statements

Readers are cautioned that until a prefeasibility study is completed,
there are no assurances these latest mineralized zones will be
economically viable.

All widths are true widths. Samples were assayed at the ERSA laboratory
in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico which is currently in the process of being
certified. Mr. Michel Roy, P. Geo., a “qualified person” within the
meaning of NI 43-101, prepared the technical information disclosed in
this news release.

About ECU Silver

ECU Silver Mining Inc. is focused on the exploration, development and
mining of gold, silver and base metals at its Velardena District
Properties in Durango, Mexico. The Company holds a NI 43-101 compliant
mineral resource of 40 million silver equivalent ounces in the measured
and indicated category and 391 million silver equivalent ounces in the
inferred category. The Company also owns two mills with a combined
capacity of 820 tonnes per day. ECU’s mission is to become a pre-eminent
silver and gold producer through the development of its existing and
potential mineral resources at Velardena.

Cautionary Statements

Readers are cautioned that there are no assurances that all or any part
of ECU Silver’s mineral resource will be economically viable. Until a
prefeasibility study is completed, there are no assurances the release of
an updated mineral resource will be economically viable.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 27E of the Exchange Act.
Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the
future results of operations, performance and achievements of the
Company, including potential property acquisitions, the timing, content,
cost and results of proposed work programs, the discovery and delineation
of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, geological interpretations,
proposed production rates, potential mineral recovery processes and
rates, the proposed construction of a mill, business and financing plans,
business trends and future operating revenues. Although the Company
believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance
that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking
statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect,
anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are
those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company
cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are
not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results
may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a
result of various factors, including, but not limited to, variations in
the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be
located, significant downward variations in the market price of any
minerals produced, the Company’s inability to obtain any necessary
permits, consents or authorizations required for their activities, to
produce minerals from their properties successfully or profitably, to
continue their projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be
fully able to implement their business strategies. All of the Company’s
public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers
are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports
filed with respect to the Company’s mineral properties.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this Press
Release.

Contacts:
ECU Silver Mining Inc.
Michel Roy
Chairman and CEO
Torreon, Mexico
011 52 871 747 5750

ECU Silver Mining Inc.
Stephen Altmann
President
Toronto, Canada
(416) 366-2428

ECU Silver Mining Inc.
Mark Butler
Investor Relations
Toronto, Canada
(905) 602-4248
www.ecu.ca

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.