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<title>Press Release / elmo / Queued Press Releases</title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press</link>
<description>Free Press Release</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:38:31 -0500</pubDate>
<language>en</language>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Primark workers work for 7p an hour]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/6124</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/6124</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:38:31 -0500</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/6124</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) -- Workers producing clothes for Primark face growing poverty on as little as 7p an hour for up to 80-hour weeks. But they are helping Britain's most popular cheap fashion retailer beat the recession, the charity War on Want reveals today.War on Want warns that Primark is ignoring rising basic living costs as employees making garments in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka are now worse off than two years ago, when the charity first exposed their hardship.War on Want contrasts the retailer's 17 per cent profits jump to 233 million during the 12 months ending in September this year with employees on the minimum wage, 13.97 (1663 taka) a month, and all of them earning far less than a living wage.Amid high inflation and increasing fuel costs in Bangladesh, the price of low-quality rice has rocketed by 70 per cent. And prices of other cooking items, including oil, onions, pulses, wheat and flour, have soared by 30-60 per cent.Employees calculate a worker needs 44.82 (5333 taka) a month to give their family nutritious food, clean water, shelter, clothes, education, health care and transport. Yet average workers' pay, 19.16 (2280 taka) a month, is less than half a living wage.The vast majority of employees live in small, crowded shacks, many of which lack plumbing and adequate washing facilities.War on Want will stage a protest outside Primark's flagship store in London's Oxford Street this morning with its researcher Khorshed Alam, who has flown to the UK from Bangladesh. Campaigners from the charity and Alam will then go into the annual meeting of Primark's parent company, Associated British Foods, to speak out against its sweatshops.The report also reveals similar pay and conditions for Dhaka employees making clothes for Asda, Britain's second-largest clothing retailer by volume, and Tesco, the UK's biggest supermarket fashion chain.Ifat, who toils in a factory supplying all three retailers, said: &quot;I can't feed my children three meals a day.&quot;Runa, who makes Asda and Tesco clothes, is one of many young women forced by poverty to leave her rural home to earn money to send back to her family.She said: &quot;My pay is so meagre that I cannot afford to keep my child with me. I have sent my five-month old baby to the village to be cared for by my mother.&quot;Though forced overtime is illegal in Bangladesh, employees said they were made to toil extra hours, often unpaid. Workers complained that in the fast fashion rush to produce the latest styles, many of them suffer verbal and physical abuse as they struggle to meet unrealistic targets. Primark, Asda and Tesco all claim to respect the rights of its garment suppliers to join and form trade unions. But Dhaka workers said none of their factories was unionised.War on Want is demanding that the British government introduce regulation which ensures a living wage for overseas suppliers and allows exploited staff to seek justice in UK courts.Ruth Tanner, campaigns and policy director at the charity, said: &quot;Primark, Asda and Tesco promise a living wage for their garment makers. But workers are actually worse off than when we exposed their exploitation two years ago. The UK government must bring in effective regulation to stop British companies profiting from abuse.&quot;CONTACT: Paul Collins, War on Want media office (+44) (0)20 7549 0584 or (+44) (0)7983 550728<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Encounter continues at Nariman House 15 hours in]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5894</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5894</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:54:31 -0500</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5894</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 27 November 2008, Mumbai -- Mumbai After a night of horror, two of the country's plushiest hotels -- Taj and The Trident - and nearby Nariman House turned into a virtual battleground as heavily-armed soldiers and elite commandoes moved in to flush out the militants and rescue the hostages.Snipers took positions keeping a hawk eye for any movement by the terrorists while NSG commandos in bullet-proof jackets were seen sitting in a huddle trying to work out a plan as senior Army and police officers descended on the scene.Siren wailing fire tenders and police vans carrying reinforcements were seen rushing to the Taj Hotel amid firing and grenade blasts.Personnel escorted the guests at the Taj Mahal hotel and other two sites to the parked BEST buses which took them to safe destinations. Among them were a child of foreign nationality and an Indian maid seen coming out of Nariman House in South Mumbai.Two bodies were brought out from Taj Hotel and taken away in an ambulance.All the major roads in south Mumbai, where the explosions and firings are taking place since Wednesday night have been sealed with police placing barricades and parking their official vehicles on the roads to block the way.Raging fire and plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from the central dome of the century-old heritage Taj hotel and later from its new building opposite the Gateway of India as firemen struggled to douse the blaze.At the Nariman House, there was heavy exchange of fire between security forces and the holed up ultras. Source: Express India<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Initial Moves by terrorist in Mumbai - How they came to Mumbai]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5893</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5893</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:36:01 -0500</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5893</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 27 November 2008, Mumbai -- According to Mumbai Police, a group of 12 terrorists came to Mumbai from Gujarat. They got into one of the many Gujarat Fisheries boats that come into Sasoon Dock.From Sasoon Dock, they used an inflatable raft to enter Mumbai shores via Gateway of India. They dispersed from here in different directions. Many of them were part of multiple attacks.The first attack occurred at the Leopold cafe at 9:15 pm on Wednesday night when five terrorists came at the cafe and opened fire.At 9:20 pm, two men came on a scooter at Nariman house, near the Bootleggers Pub in Colaba and hurled grenade at a nearby petrol pump.The grenade missed the petrol reservoir but destroyed the facade of station.After hurling the grenade, the terrorists ran into Nariman House building behind petrol pump, which is a Jewish residential building. The terrorists murdered two people there.A few terrorists then remained holed up silently for hours. They surfaced again in the morning and hold people hostage and the hostage drama still continues.At 9:24 pm, another attack occurred at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus where two gunmen stormed in the station. They hurled hand grenades and fired at the people there.Many were injured after the firing. The terrorists ran out in a short while.At 9:30 pm, the Taj hotel and Apollo bunder witnessed a bloody attack when terrorists walked calmly through the service door of the Taj.Terrorists stormed the hotel and opened fire. They also hurled grenades at the people. Many people were evacuated and rescued by firemen through the night.However, according to reports, about 100 people are still trapped inside the Taj hotel. Major portions of the hotel have been destroyed by fire.Meanwhile, two terrorists have reportedly dead inside the hotel; though some are still alive and fighting. The encounter is still continuing.At 9:35 pm, Trident hotel came under attack when terrorists stormed the hotel.Unknown number of people are still trapped inside the hotel. Sources have confirmed two gunmen inside but there could be more. The operation to flush out terrorists is on.Meanwhile, two hotel staff and one security guard have been confirmed dead.At 9.55 pm, a taxi blast rocked Vile Parle leaving three dead. The taxi's debris are lying around.At 10.15 pm, the terrorists came outside the Cama &amp; Albless hospital in a hijacked Skoda and fired randomly, both inside and outside the hospital.After the Cama hospital encounter, the police sources have confirmed five people are dead including one police Inspector, two Constables and two watchmen.The area has been evacuated and there is heavy police presence.Apart from these, there were attacks outside the Metro cinema at 10.30 pm and at Wadi Bunder at 10.45 pm. In Wadi Bunder, there was a blast in a taxi in which 15-16 people were injured in the vicinity. The driver of the taxi is dead.At the Girgaum Chowpatty area, two terrorists opened fire after police confronted them at 10:50 pm.Both the terrorists were killed in the encounter. The police, later on, found two boats here laden with explosives.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Hostage Continues at Nariman House 15 Hours in to Terror Attacks in Mumbai]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5891</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5891</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:13:10 -0500</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5891</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 27 November 2008, Mumbai -- More than 100 people have been killed, including nine foreigners and at least 287 injured in a series of well-coordinated terrorist attacks in Mumbai.Terrorists, who apparently came in by boats, struck at 10 places in south Mumbai including five-star hotels, hospitals and train stations.There is a desperate hostage situation in at least two locations -- the Taj and the Trident hotels. In the Taj Colaba, at least 100 people are believed to be trapped probably held hostage by terrorists. Some of these are Israeli and Canadian nationals.NSG and Military Commandos have entered the Taj and Trident hotels. Three terrorists have been killed. Several staff members at the hotels have also been killed, including two at Trident. Gunshots continue to be heard.NSG Commandos have launched operations in the Nariman House building in Colaba. This was the second place that was attacked in Mumbai. Two men came on a scooter and hurled a grenade at nearby petrol pump.Though the grenade missed the petrol reservoir, it destroyed a facade of the station. The terrorists then ran into Nariman House building behind petrol pump into a Jewish residential building. Here, the terrorists murdered two people and then went silent for several hours till early this morning. This is another place apart from the Taj and the Trident, which are under siege.According to latest reports, policemen have succeeded in flushing out terrorists from the Cama hospital and everything seems to be calm now. Curfew has been imposed at Colaba and Gateway of India. At least 800 Army personnel have been deployed at various locations in Mumbai.At least 14 policemen have been killed across the city, including the head of the Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad Hemant Karkare, who was shot three times in the chest.Well-known encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar is also dead. Additional Commissioner of Police Sadanand Date is critical. Every top line anti-terror force in the country has been pushed into Mumbai including commandos of the National Security Guard, Marine Commandos and Army commandos.There are also reports of low intensity blast in Ville Parle and grenade attack in Santa Cruz. Two blasts have been reported in Napean Sea road area of south Mumbai.&quot;Encounter is on between police and terrorists at Taj and Trident. Our people have surrounded them and the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) team has arrived at the Taj hotel,&quot; A N Roy, Deputy Police Commissioner.Many foreigners have been held hostage by the terrorists. &quot;Gunmen took 15 hostages and half of them foreigners,&quot; said an eye-witness at Taj hotel.&quot;Gunmen wanted anyone with British or American passport,&quot; said another eye-witness.Five terrorists are killed, two escaped and nine have been arrested. An unknown organisation called the Deccan Mujahideen has taken the responsibility for the terror attacks.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be addressing the nation later in the day and he has called an emergency Cabinet meeting. Home Minister Shivraj Patil is back in Delhi from Mumbai for the meet.Cabinet Committee on Security will meet before the full Cabinet meet. The Prime Minister's election rally in Delhi scheduled for Thursday has been cancelled.Maharashtra Cabinet is scheduled to meet at 2 pm and there is also an all-party meet at 3 pm.Speaking to NDTV, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil said, &quot;There is no plan for talks with the terrorists.&quot;Intelligence sources say that foreign hand is fully evident in these attacks. They have arrested a Pakistan national from Chowpatty area in the city.Police have seized a rubber boat, which anchored off Mumbai harbour. It all started with incidents of firing in Colaba and near CST station.Meanwhile, train services have resumed at the CST station. Lufthansa, Northwest and Air France have cancelled their flights.On their part, hotels in Mumbai have been asked not to take new guests.Places attacked:# Trident Hotel, Taj Hotel, Nariman House, Wadi Bunder, Cama hospital, GT hospital, VT station, Bootleggers pub, Girgaum and Metro cinema.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Eyewitness account of Mumbai terror attacks]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5875</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5875</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:51:13 -0500</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5875</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 27 November 2008, Mumbai -- MUMBAI: A group calling itself the &quot;Deccan Mujahedeen&quot; claimed responsibility for Wednesday's attacks in Mumbai that killed 80 people, and injured over 300, though another group has claim responsibility for this terrible incident.The outfit sent emails to various media outlets saying it carried out the attacks across the city.Another little-known Islamic group, the Islamic Security Force-Indian Mujahedeen, had claimed responsibility for serial blasts last month in Assam that claimed nearly 80 lives.Six weeks earlier, New Delhi had been hit by a series of bombs in crowded markets that left more than 20 dead. Those blasts were claimed by a group calling itself the Indian Mujahedeen. Even as a little-known Deccan Mujahideen group claimed responsibility for the coordinated terror strikes in Mumbai on Wednesday night, the identity and nature of the attack has left security agencies baffled.In the camera shots of a suspected terrorist involved in the gruesome shootout ever to be undertaken by terrorists, the AK-47 wielding youth comes across as an average youngster.Dressed in a black half T-shirt and jeans with a blue rucksack hung over his left shoulder and red sacred thread tied on his right wrist, one might just mistake him to be just another regular college going student.What baffles the security agencies is the sacred thread tied on his wrist which many say could be a plot to show that the attack was undertaken by probably an extreme Hindu group.But, the claim by a terror organisation with a Muslim name has left the above theory in question, say experts.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Taj Hotel is on fire flames surround Mumbai in Terrorist attacks]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5870</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5870</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:56:05 -0500</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5870</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 27 November 2008m, Mumbai -- The famous Taj Hotel set a blaze in the midst of terror attacks.At least 78 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in a series of attacks by terrorist gunmen at seven sites in Mumbai, including two luxury hotels.Johnny Joseph, chief secretary for the Maharashtra state of India, said at least 78 people died and an estimated 200 were injured. He warned the death toll could rise further.Gunmen opened fire on two of the city's best known Luxury hotels, the Taj Mahal and the Oberoi. They also attacked the crowded Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station in southern Mumbai and Leopold's restaurant, a Mumbai landmark.It was not immediately clear what the motive was for the attacks.Indian TV reports claimed Westerners had been taken hostage.But senior police officer AN Roy said: &quot;No hostages have been taken but there are guests in the Taj and the Oberoi hotel and we are trying to reach them.&quot;A British Euro-MP was among guests forced to flee fire in their Mumbai hotel.North West Tory MEP Sajjad Karim, speaking from a basement room at Taj Mahal Palace in the Indian capital, said he had no idea why the hotel was targeted.Leopold's restaurant was riddled with bullet holes and there were blood stains on the floor and shoes left by fleeing customers, according to an Associated Press reporter at the scene.Many of the casualties were taken to the GT Hospital near the shootings, said hospital official Yogesh Pandey.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ATS chief Hemant Karkare, two senior police officers killed Mumbai]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5868</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5868</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:44:55 -0500</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Society</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5868</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 27 November 2008, Mumbai -- ATS chief Hemant Karkare, two senior police officers and 78 others were killed when terrorists struck with impunity in Mumbai on Wednesday night in coordinated multiple blasts and gunfire in a dozen areas including at iconic landmarks CST railway station and two five star hotels--Oberoiand Taj.Karkare (54), who is probing the Malegaon blasts case, was gunned down when he was leading an operation at Hotel Taj against terrorists who had taken 15 people, including seven foreigners, as hostages. He was hit by three bullets in his chest. One MP Krishan Das and 200 people were stranded in Taj hotel.Another IPS officer Ashok Marutirao Kamte, a 1989 batch IPS officer, was killed while fighting terrorists at Metro Cinema in the city along with encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar who also gunned down as one of the worst terror strikes brought Mumbai to the knees.Army moved in to assist local police in flushing out terrorists holed up in Taj and Oberoi hotels. 200 NSG commandoes were also rushed to Mumbai.As indiscriminate firing and explosions at iconic landmarks showed no signs of easing since the first attack at Leopold restaurant in Colaba area at about 9.30 PM, hospitals like GT and Cama where gunfire was reported were also targeted. Police and eyewitnesses said AK-47s, rifles and hand grenades were used at will by an unspecified number of terrorists.Sixty bodies and over 200 persons injured were brought at St George's Hospital, hospital sources said. Seven bodies were brought to GT hospital while two bodies were brought to Cooper hospital. Four bodies were brought to Mumbai hospital.A little known outfit &quot;Deccan Mujahideen&quot; claimed responsibility for the attacks.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gordon Brown Condems Mumbai Terror Attacks]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5867</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5867</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:28:56 -0500</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5867</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 27 November 2008, Mumbai -- A British Euro-MP was among guests forced to flee fire in their Mumbai hotel during an attack by gunmen.North West Tory MEP Sajjad Karim, part of a delegation of MEPs visiting Mumbai ahead of a forthcoming EU-India summit, was in the Taj Mahal Palace during the attack.He said: &quot;I was in the main lobby and there was all of a sudden a lot of firing outside.&quot;He turned to get away &quot;and all of a sudden another gunman appeared in front of us, carrying machine gun-type weapons. And he just started firing at us... I just turned and ran in the opposite direction,&quot; he said.Hours later, he remained holed up in the hotel, unsure if the incident was over, and whether it was safe to come out. We have no idea what's going on,&quot; he said.Gordon Brown vowed to support a &quot;vigorous response&quot; by the Indian government to the attacks in Mumbai, which have left 78 people dead and 200 injured.The Prime Minister promised to back the Indian government as it responds to the series of incidents carried out by heavily-armed gunmen.&quot;These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response,&quot; Mr Brown said in a statement.&quot;I have sent a message to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help.&quot;Urgent action is under way to offer every possible protection to British citizens in the region.&quot;<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Deccan Mujahideen claim responsibility for Mumbai Terror Attacks]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5866</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5866</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:21:06 -0500</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5866</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 27 November 2008 --  Mumbai: In one of the most violent terror attacks on Indian soil, Mumbai came under an unprecedented night attack as terrorists used heavyTerror attacks in MumbaiA policeman stands guard after shootings by unidentified assailants at a railway station in Mumbai. (Reuters)More Picturesmachine guns, including AK-47s, and grenades to strike at the city's most high-profile targets -- the hyper-busy CST (formerly VT) rail terminus; the landmark Taj Hotel at the Gateway and the luxury Oberoi Trident at Nariman Point; the domestic airport at Santa Cruz; the Cama and GT hospitals near CST; the Metro Adlabs multiplex and Mazgaon Dockyard -- killing at least 80 and sending more than 900 to hospital, according to latest reports.The attacks have taken a tragic toll on the city's top police brass: The high-profile chief of the anti-terror squad Hemant Karkare was killed; Mumbai's additional commissioner of police (east) Ashok Kamte was gunned down outside the Metro; and celebrated encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar was also killed. The attacks appeared to be aimed at getting international attention as the terrorists took upto 40 British nationals and other foreigners hostage. The chairman of Hindustan Unilever Harish Manwani and CEO of the company Nitin Paranjpe were among the guests trapped at the Oberoi. All the internal board members of the multinational giant were reported to be holed up in the Oberoi hotel.Two terrorists were reported holed up inside the Oberoi Hotel and commando operation was on.An unknown outfit, Deccan Mujahideen, has sent an email to news organizations claiming that it carried out the Mumbai attacks.The Army and Navy in Mumbai were put on alert. 65 Army commandos and 200 NSG commandos were being rushed to Mumbai, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said.Some media reports attributed the attack to Lashkar-e-Taiba. There were alsounconfirmed reports that some of the terrorists came in by sea. A boat laden with explosives was recovered later at night off the Gateway of India.Well after midnight, sources said two of the terrorists were shot and wounded at Girgaum in south Mumbai. The two were driving in a commandeered silver-coloured Skoda car. Earlier, these men had sprayed bullets from a police Bolero, outside the Metro Adlabs multiplex.The attacks occurred at the busiest places. Besides hotels and hospitals, terrorists struck at railway stations, Crawford Market, Wadi Bunder and on the Western Express Highway near the airport. Several of these places are within a one-km radius of the commissioner of police's office. &quot;This is definitely a terrorist strike. Seven places have bee attacked with automatic weapons and grenades. Terrorists are still holed up in three locations Taj and Oberoi hotels and GT Hospital. Encounters are on at all three places,&quot; said Maharashtra DGP A N Roy.St George's Hospital and G T Hospital were said to have received 75 bodies and more than 250 injured people, additional municipal commissioner R A Rajeev said. Bombay Hospital got two bodies and 30 injured people were admitted there; Cooper Hospital, Vile Parle, got three dismembered bodies.Three of the deaths occurred inside the Taj and one G T Hospital attendant died in a shootout inside the hospital. There were reports of people cowering under tables and chairs at both the Taj as well as G T Hospital.Metro Junction resident Manoj Goel said: &quot;My brother, Manish, died in the firing at Colaba's Hamaal Galli.&quot;Cops fired back at the men -- probably from one of the Lashkar groups, dressed in black and with backpacks and SRPF, Crime Branch, ATS and teams of military commandos were summoned to the spot. Train services at CST were suspended and all roads leading to and from south Mumbai were blockaded.Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh cut short his Kerala visit and was returning to Mumbai. He described the situation in Mumbai as &quot;very serious&quot;.Deshmukh promised &quot;stringent action&quot; against the assailants but the mood across Mumbai was not so optimistic.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[20 taken hostage at Mumbai Oberoi Hotel]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5864</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5864</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:45:34 -0500</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5864</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 26 September 2008, Mumbai -- According to Headlines Today, at least 78 people were killed and over 200 injured in serial shootouts and blasts that rocked the suburbs late on Wednesday night. Mumbai Police's anti Terror Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare along with ACP Ashok Kante and encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar were among those killed in the attacks.Armed with automatic weapons, the terrorists barged into the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal (CST) railway station, opened fire and threw a grenade, injuring several people.Two famous south Mumbai hotels - Taj Hotel and The Oberoi - were also attacked as unidentified men fired at some guests.The first report of firing came from Colaba's Leopold Caf, followed by the Taj and then the Oberoi. Nariman Point and Cama Hospital were other places where firing took place.It is believed that two terrorists are still holed up inside the Oberoi. Commandoes have now taken over the hotel to flush out the attackers.Explosions were reported from Vile Parle, Santacruz airport and CST station, which is now sealed by the police. A bomb went off in a taxi parked near the airport, blowing up the entire vehicle to bits.As news of the firing spread, Mumbaikars abandoned the trains and poured out into the streets causing traffic snarls across the city.Terror attacks highlights    * Army called in    * Encounter cop Vijay Salaskar dead    * DIG Ashok Kante feared dead in attacks    * ATS chief Hemant Karkare dead    * 50-60 people held hostage at Taj Hotel    * Serial blasts rock Taj    *      Foreign tourists, media reporter taken hostage in Oberoi    *      Colaba: BP Petrol Pump blown up    *      VT station cordoned off by the police.     * At least 20 terrorists involved in attacks    * 20 taken hostage at Oberoi Hotel    * 60 killed, over 200 injured in terror strikes across Mumbai    * Firing outside Maharashtra Assembly    * Blast outside Metro Cinema    * 3 terrorists reportedly in Room no 631 of Taj Hotel    * Blast outside Mazagaon Dockyard    * 2 terrorists arrested    * Blast outside Capitol Cinema    * Firing continues at Taj Hotel    * ATS officer dies at Cama Hospital<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kids Now Grafting For Their Pocket Money As Parents Feel The Pinch]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5466</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5466</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:20:20 -0500</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5466</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) Thursday 13th November 2008, UK -- It seems that no-one is escaping the effect of the credit crunch - not even the nation's under 16s.  With families tightening their belts as the cost of living continues to rise, it isn't surprising that parents are making sure their kids learn about the value of money by working for their pocket money rather than getting free hand-outs. According to Sheilas' Wheels home insurance, almost two thirds(1) (63 per cent) of parents pay their kids to help out around the house, from drying the dishes to washing the car.  In fact, the vast majority of parents (86 per cent) say getting children to earn their pocket money prepares them for the world of work and life away from home by helping them to build up a knowledge of basic finances from an early age. In homes across the country, children as young as four are getting paid up to 2 per hour in pocket money for carrying out basic jobs around the house like cleaning their bedrooms (13 per cent), helping mum and dad in the garden (8 per cent), or setting the dinner table (5 per cent). Children at primary and middle school (aged 5 to 11) are taking on a wider variety of paid-for jobs to boost their pocket money earnings, including dog walking and helping with cooking meals, although they're also only getting paid 1 to 2 per hour on average. Older offspring at secondary school (aged up to 16) are likely to carry out more physical or responsible chores like mowing the lawn (8 per cent) and shopping (5 per cent) but they do get paid more per hour at around 3.  The average child is now grafting hard to earn just under 400 a year in pocket money by helping out their parents, with one in seven (14 per cent) kids spending between two and five hours a week doing chores in the home and garden - on top of regular homework. Children in the South East are most likely (71 per cent) to earn their pocket money by doing odd jobs with 5 per cent of older children in Greater London spending between 5-10 hours a week doing household jobs.       ALL CHILDREN  AGED 4 AND UNDER  AGED 5 TO 11 AGED 12 TO 16           TOP 5 TASKS Cleaning bedroom Cleaning bedroom Cleaning bedroom Washing the car   Washing the car Help in the garden Help washing the car Cleaning bedroom   Help in the garden Dusting/cleaning Help in the garden Help in the garden   Dusting/cleaning Help washing the car Dusting/cleaning Drying/washing up   Drying/washing up Making their bed Making their bed Dusting/cleaning AVERAGE PAY PER HOUR  2.18  1.68  2.00 2.85 AVERAGE PAY PER WEEK  7.63  5.88  7.00 9.98 AVERAGE PAY PER YEAR  396.76  305.76  364.00 518.70  Jacky Brown at Sheilas' Wheels home insurance, commented:  &quot;Children's piggy-banks may be filling up across the UK but it seems that pennies are becoming more hard-earned.  Cash-strapped parents are trying to teach their kids the value of money and the importance of saving by ensuring that pocket money is earned rather than simply handed out.   &quot;As purse-strings continue to tighten, families are pulling together as the costs of living soar.  Kids are almost turning into a domestic workforce by carrying out chores around the house for their pocket money - giving some families an inexpensive alternative to professional gardeners and cleaners.&quot;  - ends -  For further information please contact the Sheilas' Wheels press office at Mischief PR on 020 7100 9999 or email sheilaswheels@mischiefpr.com Visit the media centre: www.sheilaswheels.comVisit the official fansite for Sheilas' Wheels: www.ilovesheilas.com Notes to Editors:(1) Sheilas' Wheels used the independent online research company Online Opinions who surveyed 1,000 of the UK's parents, from across the country aged 18 plus between 19th - 23rd May 2008. About Sheilas' Wheels:Sheilas' Wheels was launched in October 2005 to offer women drivers cheaper car insurance and female targeted product enhancements. In February 2008, the brand moved beyond car insurance to also offer home insurance with product enhancements including alternative accommodation (buildings and contents cover) in the event of loss of utilities in the home (terms and conditions apply), new for old cover on clothes (contents cover) and family legal protection cover which also includes assistance in finding emergency registered childminders while the insured person is attending jury service, and legal representation for a customer's child if they do not gain entry to the school of their choice (terms and conditions apply).<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Philips Research opens SimplicityLabs:a virtual environment for people-focused innovation]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3965</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3965</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:45:03 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Technology</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3965</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) -- erlin, Germany - At this year's IFA trade fair in Berlin, Philips Research will present its new online research environment - SimplicityLabs. This virtual environment allows people worldwide to experiment with new software-based product concepts in the comfort of their own homes. An extension of Philips' consumer-focused research, SimplicityLabs enables Philips Research to harness end-user feedback at a very early stage in the innovation process and validate new concepts in a way that is fast, efficient and cost-effective.How it worksFor each selected product concept, a product mock-up or software prototype is placed in the online SimplicityLabs for people to experiment with. In this way, people can actually try out the product concept features. Wide-reaching and quick feedback is then gathered on key issues, such as whether or not people like the concept, which functions are popular and which could be improved. This feedback is both explicit (i.e., people fill in a questionnaire about the concept) and implicit (i.e., the system records how people actually interact with the mock-up or prototype). &quot;Once we've gathered and interpreted this data, we can make all the improvements necessary to turn the online product concept into a real, consumer-focused product that, we expect, people will love,&quot; says Fred Boekhorst, Senior Vice-President Philips Research and Program Manager Lifestyle.At the IFA, attendees will be invited to experience new technology concepts that Philips is currently testing in its SimplicityLabs. One of these concepts is Personal TV Channels, which was outlined during IFA last year. This is a patented recommendation technology of Philips that finds, filters and delivers content from different media directly to the viewer's TV screen. This solution is perfect for players in the TV, multimedia and advertising industry to fulfill one mission - provide personalized TV entertainment and advertising to the end user. The gathered feedback on this and the other concepts in SimplicityLabs is used to further optimize the product concepts.The next step in a4experience' researchLike Philips Research's ExperienceLab, SimplicityLabs places the consumer at the very heart of the innovation process. Therefore, it will play an important role in Philips' drive to include end-user feedback into its research towards new concepts and products. &quot;Of course, we already have many initiatives that do this, for instance in ExperienceLab. But what's new about SimplicityLabs is that people can join in the experiments at any time, from anywhere, as it is targeted to concepts that can be tested in a virtual environment,&quot; says Boekhorst. This, Philips expects, will boost take-up rates and provide faster and richer consumer feedback in the early phases of product concept development. &quot;In the longer term, we expect SimplicityLabs will make a significant contribution to steering our innovation process and to ensuring that products in our portfolio are based on existing, wide-ranging consumer needs.&quot;Visitors at IFA can join the experiments in SimplicityLabs in the Future Zone which is situated on the Philips stand, hall 22.SimplicityLabs can be found at www.simplicitylabs.net For further information, please contact:Your local Philips press officeror:Saskia MaasPhilips Research / Communications DepartmentTel.: +31 (0)6 12999910E-mail: saskia.maas@philips.com  About Royal Philips ElectronicsRoyal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of &quot;sense and simplicity&quot;. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 133,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2007, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Philips notifies Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets of holding over 5% of its own shares]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3964</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3964</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:42:54 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Financial</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3964</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 8 September 2008 -- Amsterdam, The Netherlands -  Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG, AEX:PHI) announced today that it has notified the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) that it currently holds over 5 per cent of its own issued shares. This holding of Philips consists of shares that have been acquired for cancellation purposes under Philips' current EUR 5 billion share repurchase program and shares that are held to cover for obligations resulting from Philips' existing long-term incentive and employee stock purchase programs.For more information, please contact:Joon KnapenPhilips Corporate CommunicationsTel:  +31 20 59 77477   Email:  joon.knapen@philips.comAbout Royal Philips ElectronicsRoyal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of &quot;sense and simplicity&quot;. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 133,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2007, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.Forward-looking statementsThis release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Philips and certain of the plans and objectives of Philips with respect to these items. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Giselle Davies, Director of Communications for International Olympics Committee, to leave organisation]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3963</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3963</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:40:12 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3963</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 8 September 2008 -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announces that Giselle Davies, its Director of Communications, has decided to leave the organisation after six years service. Davies joined the IOC in 2002. During her tenure she created the IOC's Communications Department's current structure and team, and performed a critical role as a member of the IOC's senior leadership team during the Athens 2004, Torino 2006 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. &quot;Giselle is an accomplished communications professional,&quot; said IOC President Jacques Rogge. &quot;The IOC, its leadership, members and staff, have benefited greatly from her counsel and leadership and we wish her all the best as she moves on to enjoy new and different challenges.&quot; Davies said &quot;I have enjoyed six fun, fascinating, and eventful years and am proud of what the Communications team has achieved. Beijing was the most phenomenal high to leave on; these Games and their build up presented challenges that really only come along once in a career. Now is very much the right time for me to start a new chapter, both personally and professionally. I will leave the IOC after the Beijing 2008 debrief towards the end of this year and then enjoy some down time before exploring options for 2009 and beyond. I wish the IOC and the Olympic Movement all the best for continued success.&quot; During her time with the IOC Davies has led the creation of an integrated communications strategy for the IOC across digital, print and media relations. &quot;Giselle leaves a great legacy here,&quot; said IOC Director General Urs Lacotte. &quot;She's successfully navigated the IOC through many communications challenges, and done so with poise, confidence and grace. We're going to miss her.&quot; ###Notes to EditorsGiselle Davies, 39, is a graduate of Pembroke College, Cambridge, and joined the IOC in 2002 after six years in Formula One working for the Benetton Formula One and Jordan Grand Prix teams. Previously she worked for PR and sponsorship agency Scope Sponsorship (now Ketchum) on a number of sports and arts properties, including the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race. For more information please contact Emmanuelle Moreau, Media Relations Manager, on +41 79 637 3017 or contact the IOC Communications Department on +41 21 621 60 00, email: pressoffice@olympic.org<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Google Chrome: A new browser or just a fad from Google]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3899</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3899</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:14:06 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Technology</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3899</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) September 3, 2008, MOUNTAIN VIEW, California -- Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) today launched Google ChromeTM, a new open source browser intended to create a better web experience for users around the world. Available in beta in more than 40 languages, Google Chrome is a new approach to the browser that's based on the simplicity and power that users have come to expect from Google products.In the early days of the Internet, web pages were frequently little more than text. But today the web has evolved into a powerful platform that enables users to collaborate with friends and colleagues through email and other web applications, edit documents, watch videos, listen to music, manage finances and much more. Google Chrome was built for today's web and for the applications of tomorrow.&quot;We think of the browser as the window to the web - it's a tool for users to interact with the web sites and applications they care about, and it's important that we don't get in the way of that experience,&quot; said Sundar Pichai, Vice President of Product Management, Google Inc. &quot;Just like the classic Google homepage, Google Chrome has a simple user interface with a sophisticated core to enable the modern web.&quot;Making the web experience better for usersGoogle Chrome was designed to make it easy for users to search and navigate the web for the content they're looking for.    * A combined search and address bar quickly takes users where they want to go, often in just a few keystrokes.    * When users open a new tab in Google Chrome, they'll see a page that includes snapshots of their most-visited sites, recent searches and bookmarks, making it even easier to navigate the web.Google Chrome was engineered to deliver a seamless web experience for users. At its core is a multi-process platform that helps provide users with enhanced stability and security.    * Each browser tab operates as a separate process; by isolating tabs, should one tab crash or misbehave, others remain stable and responsive, and users can continue working without having to restart Google Chrome.    * Google also built a new JavaScript engine, V8, which not only speeds up today's web applications, but enables a whole new class of web applications that couldn't exist on today's browsers.Contributing to the innovation of browsers through openness&quot;While we see this as a fundamental shift in the way people think about browsers, we realize that we couldn't have created Google Chrome on our own,&quot; said Linus Upson, Director of Engineering, Google Inc. &quot;Google Chrome was built upon other open source projects that are making significant contributions to browser technology and have helped to spur competition and innovation.&quot;To further advance the openness of the web, Google Chrome is being released as an open source project under the name Chromium. The intent is that Google will help make future browsers better by contributing the underlying technology in Google Chrome to the market, while continuing to develop additional features.How to get Google ChromeGoogle Chrome can be downloaded at www.google.com/chrome. It is being released in beta for Windows in over 100 countries in the following languages: Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, Spanish (Latin America), Turkish, English (US), English (UK), Arabic, Czech, Danish, Hebrew, Hindi, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish, Indonesian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Croatian, Filipino, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Romanian, Serbian, Slovakian, Slovenian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Estonian.Google Chrome for Mac and Linux users will be available in the coming months. For more information on the open source project, Chromium, visit www.chromium.org.EDITOR'S NOTE: For screen shots or b-roll, visit www.google.com/chrome/press.About Google Inc.Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.Media Contact:Erin Fors650-930-3555press@google.com<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jacques Rogge Predicts Positive Legacy From Games 43 world records and 132 Olympic records]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3751</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3751</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:21:35 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3751</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) -- The Beijing Games raised the bar for the Olympic Movement and brought positive changes to China that are likely to continue well into the future, Jacques Rogge, the president of the International Olympic Committee, said Sunday.  Speaking at the closing press conference of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, Rogge said the Beijing Games demonstrated the universal appeal of Olympic values. A record 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) sent athletes to China, and a record 87 NOCs joined the medal count.  The competitors established 43 world records and 132 Olympic records, although some only lasted until the next heat.  &quot;It is clear that China has put the bar very high,&quot; Rogge told reporters.  The IOC president also noted that the Games are likely to be the most-watched Olympic Games in history, seen by more people in more places than ever. The Beijing Games were the first to have worldwide digital coverage.  Rogge left no doubt that the IOC was pleased with its decision in 2001 to bring the Games to China for the first time, a move that gave one-fifth of the world's population more exposure to Olympic values. He said some benefits from that decision are obvious now and that others will become more apparent in the future.  Rogge said the tangible benefits include the sports venues, a new airport terminal, new roads, improvements to mass transit and other infrastructure that was put in place for the Games. He said most of the sports venues were built near universities to ensure their use after the Olympic Games.   &quot;That means that no white elephant has been built and the after-Games use of these venues will be optimal,&quot; he said. &quot;These venues will be used by the students of the universities, by the owners of the different venues, the workers' unions. This is, I believe, a great legacy.&quot;  He said the Games would encourage more mass participation in sports in China. He also expressed confidence that Games-related environmental improvements, which he recently reviewed with Chinese authorities, will have a lasting impact.  &quot;The efforts on water cleaning and water remediation will be stepped up. More trees will be planted. All of this, I believe, is a legacy of the Olympic Games.&quot;  Rogge said other benefits are harder to evaluate or will require time to fully assess. As an example, he cited the new media regulations that were put in place for the Games.  &quot;The regulations might not be perfect, and we acknowledge that they are not perfect, but they are a sea change compared to the situation before. We hope, and we have expressed this hope, that they would continue,&quot; he said.    While Rogge declared the Games a big success, he acknowledged issues related to Internet access, media freedom and Beijing protest zones.  He said the IOC had made its position clear to Chinese authorities but cannot force changes on sovereign governments.  &quot;We acknowledge that the situation has not been perfect,&quot; he said, referring to the Internet issue. &quot;But we acknowledge, at the same time, that the situation is a major change.&quot;  He expressed hope that the Olympic experience would encourage more openness in China.  &quot;Through the Games, China has been scrutinised by the world, it's opened up to the world,&quot; he said. &quot;The world has learned about China and China has learned about the world. And I believe that this is something that will have positive effects on the long term.&quot;  ###  IOC contacts in Beijing:  IOC Media Relations office:                                   +8610 666 27 298        Emmanuelle Moreau, Media Relations Manager:   +86 158 1155 1830Sandrine Tonge, Media Relations Coordinator:     +86 135 5217 5720<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IOC President Remarks to the 120th IOC Session Beijing 2008 Ending]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3749</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3749</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:19:48 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3749</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) Beijing, China -- We are nearing the end of the XXIX Olympiad and these remarkable Olympic Games. We have seen achievements over the past two weeks that we will remember for the rest of our lives.  It has been a long journey since our decision in July 2001 to bring the Olympic Games to China, but there can now be no doubt that we made the right choice. Thank you for your support and your help. There are so many people to thank - the IOC Executive Board; Hein Verbruggen and his colleagues on the Coordination Commission; Gilbert Felli, our executive director of the Games, and the IOC staff; our partners at BOCOG; the Chinese government; and all of our Chinese friends who worked so hard to make these Games successful. Thanks also to the IOC members from China, Zhenliang He and Zaiqing Yu, for their invaluable assistance. To hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic volunteers, we have heard you say it many times, now it is my turn to say: Thank you for your cooperation! We will leave China with warm memories of your smiles, your enthusiasm and your eager willingness to help.  You are the future of China. We wish you the best. The list of accomplishments at these Games reflects the high level of competition and the universality of the Olympic Movement.  A record 204 National Olympic Committees participated the Games. 87 National Olympic Committees had medal winners;  Women athletes participated in record numbers - about 45 percent of the athletes were women. The athletes set more than 40 world records and more than 120 Olympic records.We had more broadcast coverage to more people, in more places than ever.We had global digital coverage for the first time. These are likely to be the most widely watched Games in Olympic history.Of course, statistics tell only part of the story. The Games are not just a showcase for the world's best competitions and athletes. They help break barriers and overcome differences. These Games were historic because they were held in the world's most populous nation for the first time. One-fifth of the world's population was exposed to Olympic values in a way that they never had experienced before. The world learned more about China, and China learned more about the rest of the world. And together, we shared the excitement and drama of the Games.We are first and foremost an organization devoted to sport, but it is sport with a purpose. Placing sport at the service of mankind and leveraging Olympic values to promote better understanding between people, nations and religions stands at the core of our mission.The IOC and the Olympic Games cannot force changes on sovereign nations or solve all the ills of the world. But we can - and we do - contribute to positive change through sport. Some of the changes in China are obvious today. Others will become apparent with time. The many improvements to mass transit and public infrastructure for the Games will improve the quality of life and environmental conditions in Beijing for years to come. The Games have also significantly heightened awareness of environmental issues, leading to major advances in the areas of energy consumption, sustainable water consumption, waste management and air quality.  The legacy of these Games for China is ultimately up to the Chinese people. The changes that are transforming this remarkable nation did not start with the Olympic Games and they will not end with the closing ceremony.  The Games have been a dream fulfilled and a source of inspiration for a generation of young Chinese people. Some of the friendly volunteers we have met over the past two weeks will be tomorrow's leaders. They have emerged from this experience with new confidence and a better understanding of Olympic values. That may ultimately the greatest legacy of these Games. We will all leave China with our personal list of special moments. The spectacular performances of Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt were certainly unforgettable. But there were many other moving scenes: the embrace of rival competitors from nations in conflict, the unfortunate injury of Liu Xiang, the tears of joy from athletes who have overcome personal tragedies and hardship. We will cherish these moments, but we cannot simply file away our experiences. As we look to Vancouver 2010, London 2012 and Sochi 2014, we must always remember our responsibility to keep the Olympic dream alive for future generations in all parts of the world. Let us leave China with a renewed dedication to our task.Thank you, colleagues; Thank you, China.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Closing Beijing Games 2008: Facts and Figures]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3748</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3748</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:17:19 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3748</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 24 August 2008, Beijing, China -- Sport - Amazing Venues, Amazing Results A record 204 NOCs participating; record number of women participating 132 Olympic records, 43 world records (as of 24/8 at 9:30) A record 87 NOCs join medal count - the most ever First-ever medals for Afghanistan, Mauritius, Tajikistan and Togo; first-ever gold medals for Bahrain, Mongolia and Panama; first individual gold for India Rave reviews for venues, Olympic Village, transportation and Games organization  International Popularity - On Track To Become the Most-Watched Games in History More broadcast coverage to more people in more regions than ever  First Olympic Games in history to have global digital coverage Record TV ratings in U.S. and China Record traffic to Games-related Web sites More visitors to IOC's site in first week than during entire 2004 Games; site has received over 5 million unique visitors so far (compared to 2.8 million unique visitors during 2004, total) 16.5 million views on IOC's digital channel (YouTube), across Africa, Asia and the Middle East  Olympic Magic - Memorable Moments Opening Ceremony awes international audience - Record audiences across the world's major markets. 80 percent audience share in China. 50 percent share in U.S. and major European markets. Phelps wins eight gold medals Bolt streaks across finish line twice in 100-m and 200-m Georgian and Russian embrace at shooting range A half-million enthusiastic Chinese volunteers welcome Olympic visitors  Meeting Challenges  Doping - Zero tolerance gets results; nearly 40 cheaters caught before the Games, 4 cheaters caught by IOC during Games- Record number of athletes tested, stringent new testing requirements Air Quality- Competition opened on second consecutive day of Grade I air quality, a decade-long record for Beijing- In the other 8 days, Beijing's air quality was Grade II, which still fell well within WHO and IOC standards- Stringent monitoring protects athletes' health Attendance- Attendance has more than tripled since the start of the Beijing Games<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IOC President's Speech at the Closing Ceremony of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3747</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3747</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:15:41 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3747</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 24 August 2008, Beijing, China -- Dear Chinese Friends,Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever.Thank you to the people of China, all the wonderful volunteers and BOCOG!Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world. Athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees came to these dazzling venues and awed us with their talent.New stars were born. Stars from past Games amazed us again. We shared their joys and their tears, and we marveled at their ability. We will long remember the achievements we witnessed here.As we celebrate the success of these Games, let us together wish the best for the talented athletes who will soon participate in the Paralympic Games. They also inspire us.To the athletes tonight: You were true role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport. The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitive rivals from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home.These were truly exceptionnal  Games!And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the Games of the XXIX Olympiad closed, and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the Games of the XXX Olympiad.Thank you! ### IOC contacts in Beijing:IOC Media Relations office: +8610 666 27 298Emmanuelle Moreau - Media Relations Manager +86 158 1155 1830Sandrine Tonge - Media Relations Coordinator +86 135 5217 5720<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Weightlifter Igor Razoronov fails anti-doping test in Beijing Olympic 2008]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3742</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3742</comments>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:35:18 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3742</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) Beijing, China, 24 August 2008 -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that weightlifter Igor Razoronov from Ukraine has committed an Anti-Doping Rules violation at the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing.Igor Razoronov, 38, tested positive for nandrolone on 18 August 2008.The Disciplinary Commission, composed of Thomas Bach (Chairman), Denis Oswald and John Coates, today decided: The athlete Igor Razoronov, Ukraine, Weightlifting - is disqualified from the mens' 105kg weightlifting event, where he had placed sixth; - is excluded from the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008; - shall have his diploma in the above-noted event withdrawn; -  shall have his Olympic identity and accreditation card immediately withdrawn and cancelled. - The International Weightlifting Federation is requested to modify the results of the above-mentioned event accordingly and to consider any further action within its own competence. - The NOC of Ukraine is ordered to return to the IOC, as soon as possible, the diploma awarded to the Athlete in relation to the above-noted event. - The NOC of Ukraine and BOCOG shall ensure full implementation of this decision. - The NOC of Ukraine is requested to inform the IOC and the International Weightlifting Federation of the results of the investigation of the special commission set up by the NOC of Ukraine. - This decision shall enter into force immediately. Under the IOC Anti-Doping Rules applicable to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, testing takes place under the IOC's auspices from 27 July to 24 August 2008. Within that period, the IOC systematically performs tests pre and post events. After each event, the IOC systematically carries out tests on the top five athletes plus two at random.So far, over 4,600 tests have been performed out of the more than 5,000 tests that the IOC anticipates to conduct throughout the period of the Games.INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEEIOC DISCIPLINARY COMMISSIONDECISIONREGARDING IGOR RAZORONOVBORN ON 25 MARCH 1970, ATHLETE, UKRAINE, WEIGHTLIFTING(Rule 23.2.1 of the Olympic Charter)1. On 18 August 2008, Mr Igor Razoronov (hereinafter the &quot;Athlete&quot;) competed in the Mens'105kg Weightlifting event in Beijing, in which he placed 6th.2. The Athlete was requested, in the evening of 18 August 2008 in Beijing, immediatelyfollowing the completion of his participation in the Mens' 105kg Weightlifting event, toprovide a urine sample for a doping control.3. Pursuant to Article 7.2.1 of the IOC Anti-Doping Rules applicable to the Games of theXXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008 (the &quot;Rules&quot;), Patrick Schamasch, as representative ofthe Chairman of the IOC Medical Commission, was informed at about 00:10 hours on22 August 2008, by the Head of the WADA Accredited Laboratory in Beijing, of anadverse analytical finding on the A sample of the above-noted urine.4. Pursuant to Article 7.2.2 of the Rules, Patrick Schamasch determined that the abovenotedA sample belonged to the Athlete, and verified that it did in fact give rise to anadverse analytical finding. He also determined that there was no apparent departure fromthe International Standards for Testing or the International Standards for Laboratoriesthat undermined the validity of the adverse analytical finding.5. Pursuant to Article 7.2.3 of the Rules, Patrick Schamasch immediately informed the IOCPresident, Dr Jacques Rogge, of the existence of the adverse analytical finding and theessential details available to him concerning the case.6. Pursuant to Article 7.2.4 of the Rules, the IOC President, by letter dated 22 August 2008,immediately set up a Disciplinary Commission, consisting of:- Thomas Bach (Chairman)- Denis Oswald- John CoatesThe IOC President also informed the Disciplinary Commission that, pursuant to Rule23.2.4 of the Olympic Charter and Article 7.1.4 of the Rules, the decision of theDisciplinary Commission in this case would constitute the decision of the IOC.The IOC President has in this case decided that the procedure may be extended beyondthe 24 hour time limit as per Article 7.2.13 of the Rules.7. Pursuant to Article 7.2.5 of the Rules, by letter dated 22 August 2008 notified to theAthlete, to the Chef de Mission of the NOC of Ukraine, Nina Umanets, to the InternationalWeightlifting Federation and to the Head of the Independent Observers' Programme, theIOC President advised of, among other things, the above-mentioned adverse analyticalfinding and of the time, date and place of the hearing of the Disciplinary Commissionregarding this case.The analytical report of the laboratory analysis of the A sample, prepared by the Head ofthe WADA Accredited Laboratory in Beijing and attached to the above-mentioned letter2dated 22 August 2008, indicated the presence of the prohibited substance Nandrolone ata concentration of 12.6 ng/ml, above the reporting threshold of 2.9 ng/ml.8. The Athlete did not request the analysis of the B sample.9. The Disciplinary Commission held a hearing on 22 August 2008 at around 13:15 hours,at the Beijing Hotel, IOC Executive Board Meeting Room, 18th Floor, 33 East Chang AnAvenue in Beijing, in the presence of a delegation of the NOC of Ukraine (hereinafter the&quot;Delegation&quot;) comprised of:Volodymyr Gerashchenko, NOC Secretary GeneralNina Umanets, Chef de MissionYaroslav Kruchek, Official10. The International Weightlifting Federation was represented at the hearing by Tamas Ajan,President.11. Also attending the hearing were:Patrick Schamasch, IOC Medical DirectorHoward Stupp, IOC Director of Legal AffairsChristian Thill, IOC Doping Control Administrative CoordinatorFranois Carrard, IOC CounselTravis Tygart, representative of the Independent Observers' Programme.12. The Delegation had been informed of the results of the laboratory analysis of the Asample, which, according to the analysis report prepared by the Head of the WADAAccredited Laboratory, indicated the presence of the prohibited substance Nandrolone ata concentration of 12.6 ng/ml, above the reporting threshold of 2.9 ng/ml.13. The Delegation did not have any objection as to the conduct of the disciplinary procedurewith respect to the alleged anti-doping rule violation, in accordance with Article 7 of theRules.14. The Delegation apologised for the situation and explained to the Disciplinary Commissionthat the Athlete had injuries and had undergone surgery for his knee and for his elbow ontwo occasions, approximately 6 months ago and one and a half year ago. The surgeryoccurred in a clinic and was not performed by sports doctors. The Delegation indicatedthat the use of medication to treat the Athlete may explain the presence of the prohibitedsubstance in the Athlete's body and that the NOC of Ukraine had set up a specialcommission to investigate the circumstances of the case.Nina Umanets reported that the Athlete had told her on the phone that he had not takenany prohibited substance.15. Upon questioning from the Disciplinary Commission, Patrick Schamasch indicated that itwas unlikely that a medical treatment would have lead to the presence of Nandrolone inthe Athlete's body. In any case, no Therapeutic Use Exemption had been received forthis Athlete.16. The Delegation indicated that it would provide to the Disciplinary Commission a detailedreport on the results of the investigation from its special commission on this matter.317. After hearing the Delegation and the arguments it put forward, the DisciplinaryCommission retired in order to deliberate.18. The Disciplinary Commission unanimously concluded that the Athlete had committed ananti-doping rule violation pursuant to Article 2.1 of the Rules in that there was thepresence of the prohibited substance Nandrolone in his body, above the reportingthreshold of 2.9 ng/ml.CONSIDERING the above, pursuant to the Olympic Charter and, in particular, Rule 23.2.1thereof, and pursuant to the IOC Anti-Doping Rules applicable to the Games of the XXIXOlympiad in Beijing in 2008 and, in particular, Articles 2.1 and 8 thereofTHE DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION OF THEINTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEEDECIDESI. The athlete Igor Razoronov, Ukraine, Weightlifting:(i) is disqualified from the Mens' 105kg Weightlifting event, where he had placedsixth;(ii) is excluded from the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008;(iii) shall have his diploma in the above-noted event withdrawn;(iv) shall have his Olympic identity and accreditation card immediately withdrawn andcancelled.II. The International Weightlifting Federation is requested to modify the results of the abovementionedevent accordingly and to consider any further action within its owncompetence.III. The NOC of Ukraine is ordered to return to the IOC, as soon as possible, the diplomaawarded to the Athlete in relation to the above-noted event.IV. The NOC of Ukraine and BOCOG shall ensure full implementation of this decision.V. The NOC of Ukraine is requested to inform the IOC and the International WeightliftingFederation of the results of the investigation of the special commission set up by theNOC of Ukraine.VI. This decision shall enter into force immediately.Beijing, 23 August 2008The IOC Disciplinary CommissionThomas BACHChairman<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ebay UK increases final value fee's across site]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3736</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3736</comments>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:55:03 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3736</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 23 August 2008 London, UK -- Ebay UK will be increasing final value fee's from the 24th September 2008, and reducing the initial listing fee's.Example of new Final value fee's:0.01 - 29.99 Currently 7.5%, new = 9.9%30.00 - 49.99 Currently 4.5%, new = 9.9%50.00 - 599.99 Currently 4.5%, new = 5.9%Ebay's comment:&quot;We are moving the cost of selling an item on eBay.co.uk away from the front-end insertion fee and increasing the final value fees.&quot;Also if you list an item which does not sell, or if your buyer does not pay, you may qualify for a credit of your insertion fees. This will only apply to auction listings, and not Buy It Now listings.Ebay Shop Changes:New criteria to sign up for a ShopIf you wish to subscribe to an eBay Shop, you will need to meet the following requirements from 24th September 2008:Basic Shop:Have a minimum Feedback score of 10, or Be PayPal Verified Featured Shop:Be a registered business seller on eBay and Be PayPal Verified and Maintain a 12-month average Detailed Seller Ratings score of 4.4 or above in each of the four areas Anchor Shop:Be a registered business seller on eBay and Be PayPal Verified and Maintain a 12-month average Detailed Seller Ratings score of 4.6 or above in each of the four areas Upgrading, downgrading and cancelling your ShopNote: Shop subscriptions are for a minumum 30-day period.UpgradingWhen upgrading your Shop to a higher tier, the new subscription level is effective immediately and the higher subscription fee will apply from the day you sign up.DowngradingIf you wish to downgrade your Shop, please note the following:Shops subscriptions are for a minimum 30-day period. If you downgrade within this period, you will be billed for the entire 30 days. If you downgrade after 30 days, the subscription that you pay in respect of the post-30 day period will be pro-rated, and any overpayment will be reflected in a later invoice. All Good 'Til Cancelled Buy It Now listings will renew at the new Shop tier's fee rate immediately. CancellingIf you wish to cancel your Shop, please note the following:Shops subscriptions are for a minimum 30-day period, and you will be billed for the entire 30 days if you cancel within this period. Subscriptions cancelled after the 30-day period will be pro-rated over the days of the month, and any overpayment will be reflected in a later invoice. All of your current Buy It Now listings will end automatically. Feature fees you have incurred will not be reimbursed.Click Here for more information on Ebay UK fee Changes<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Russia tops 1st round in women 4x400m relay]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3733</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3733</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:54:28 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3733</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 22 August 2008, Bejing, China -- Olympics athletics results on Friday:4x400m relay women (1st round - 3 first of each heat and 2 best times qualified for next round):. Heat 11. Russia 3:23.71 Q(Migunova, Veshkurova, Litvinova, Firova)2. Cuba 3:25.46 Q(Daz, Calatayud, Clement, Terrero)3. Great Britain 3:25.48 Q(Sanders, Sotherton, Okoro, Ohuruogu)4. Germany 3:25.55 q(Tilgner, Nwachukwu, Ekpo-Umoh, Hoffmann)5. Ukraine 3:27.44(Shcherbak, Petliuk, Karandyuk, Pygyda)6. Poland 3:28.23(Bejnar, Wojcik, Jesien, Prokopek - Janacek)7. India 3:28.83(Satti, Kaur, Kulathummuriyil Soman, Kaur)8. Japan 3:30.52(Kubokura, Tanno, Kida, Aoki). Heat 21. United States 3:22.45 Q(Wineberg, Henderson, Hastings, Richards)2. Jamaica 3:22.60 Q(Williams, Lloyd, Wilkins, Williams)3. Belarus 3:22.78 Q(Yushchanka, Khliustava, Usovich, Usovich)4. Nigeria 3:24.10 q(Abugan, Eze, Nwoke, Odumosu)5. France 3:26.61(Anacharsis, Sigre, Desert, Michanol)6. Brazil 3:30.10(Almirao, Tito, Pinheiro, Teodoro)7. Mexico 3:30.36(Grajeda Gonzalez, Medina, Vela, Rodriguez)8. China 3:30.77(Han, Chen, Wang, Tang)<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Liudmyla Blonska of Ukraine violates Anti-Doping Rules]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3732</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3732</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:17:19 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3732</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 22 August 2008, Beijing, China -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that Liudmyla Blonska, athletics, from Ukraine, has committed an Anti-Doping Rules violation at the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing . This decision follows a provisional suspension issued yesterday by the IOC Disciplinary Commission. ( 2008 Beijing Olympic Game )During the night of 16 to 17 August 2008, Liudmyla Blonska, 30, tested positive for Methyltestosterone.After having heard the report of the Disciplinary Commission, the IOC Executive Board today decided:The athlete Liudmyla Blonska, Ukraine, Athletics: - is disqualified from the Women's Heptathlon event, where she had placed second; - is excluded from the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008; - shall have her medal and diploma in the above-mentioned event withdrawn; - shall have her Olympic Identity and Accreditation Card immediately withdrawn and cancelled. - The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is requested to modify the results of the above-mentioned event accordingly and to consider any further action within its own competence. - The NOC of Ukraine is ordered to return to the IOC, as soon as possible, the medal and diploma awarded to the athlete in relation to the above-mentioned event. - The NOC of Ukraine and BOCOG shall ensure full implementation of this decision. - The NOC of Ukraine is requested to inform promptly the IOC and the IAAF of the outcome of the meeting scheduled on 29 August 2008 by the Ukraine Athletics Federation regarding Sergii Blonskyi's case. - The IOC reserves the right to take sanctions or measures in relation to the athlete's coach, Sergii Blonskyi. - This decision shall enter into force immediately. Under the IOC Anti-Doping Rules applicable to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, testing takes place under the auspices of the IOC from 27 July to 24 August 2008. Within that period, the IOC systematically performs pre- and post-event tests. After each event, the IOC systematically carries out tests on the top five athletes plus two at random.So far, over 4,600 tests have been performed out of the more than 5,000 tests that the IOC anticipates to conduct throughout the period of the Games.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Suspension of Liudmyla Blonska after positive drugs test: anti-doping]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3730</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3730</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:41:36 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3730</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) -- The IOC Disciplinary Commission held a hearing today in relation to the adverse analytical finding regarding Ms Liudmyla Blonska. The A and B sample analysis were positive for the substance Methyltestosterone.   At the end of the hearing, in accordance with the applicable rules, the Chairman of the Disciplinary Commission decided to provisionally suspend Ms Liudmyla Blonska from all competitions with immediate effect and to provisionally cancel her accreditation, until the final decision has been pronounced by the IOC Executive Board.IOC contacts in Beijing:IOC Media Relations office: +8610 666 27 298  Emmanuelle Moreau - Media Relations Manager +86 158 1155 1830Sandrine Tonge - Media Relations Coordinator +86 135 5217 5720---------------------------------------------------------------INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEEIOC DISCIPLINARY COMMISSIONDECISION OF PROVISIONAL SUSPENSIONBY THE CHAIRMANREGARDING LIUDMYLA BLONSKABORN ON 9 NOVEMBER 1977, ATHLETE, UKRAINE, ATHLETICS(Rule 23.2.1 of the Olympic Charter)1. On 16 August 2008, Ms Liudmyla Blonska (hereinafter the &quot;Athlete&quot;) competed in the Women's HeptathlonFinal in Beijing, in which she placed 2nd.2. The Athlete was requested, during the night of 16 August 2008 to 17 August 2008 in Beijing, immediatelyfollowing the completion of her participation in the Women's Heptathlon Final, to provide a urine sample and ablood sample for a doping control.3. The analytical report of the laboratory analysis of the A sample, prepared by the Head of the WADAAccredited Laboratory in Beijing, indicated the presence of the prohibited substance Methyltestosterone. TheAthlete requested the analysis of the B sample of the above-noted urine and attended the B sample openingand analysis on Wednesday 20 August 2008 at about 17:00.4. On 21 August 2008, at around 11:00, the analytical report of the laboratory analysis of the B sample,prepared by the Head of the WADA Accredited Laboratory in Beijing, was communicated to the IOC. Suchreport indicated the presence of Methyltestosterone in the B sample, thus confirming the adverse analyticalfinding of the A sample.5. On 21 August 2008, at 12:30, the Disciplinary Commission held a hearing in accordance with the IOC Anti-Doping Rules applicable to the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008 (the &quot;Rules&quot;). The Athlete waspresent at that hearing, accompanied by representatives of the NOC of Ukraine.6. The Athlete had been informed of the results of the laboratory analysis of the A sample, which, according tothe analysis report prepared by the Head of the WADA Accredited Laboratory, indicated the presence of theprohibited substance Methyltestosterone. At the hearing, the Athlete in particular was informed that thisfinding was confirmed by the results of the laboratory analysis of the B sample and was handed out a copy ofsuch analysis report.7. The Athlete is scheduled to compete in the Women's Long Jump on 22 August 2008.8. At the end of the hearing, the Athlete and the delegation of the NOC of Ukraine have been informed of thefollowing decision of the Chairman of the IOC Disciplinary Commission.CONSIDERING the above, pursuant to Article 7.2.7 of the IOC Anti-Doping Rules applicable to the Games of theXXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008THE CHAIRMAN OF THE IOC DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION OF THEINTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEEDECIDESI. The athlete Ms Liudmyla Blonska, Ukraine, Athletics, is provisionally suspended from all competitions, withimmediate effect, until the final decision has been pronounced by the IOC Executive Board.II. The Olympic identity and accreditation card of the Athlete is provisionally cancelled until such final decisionhas been pronounced by the IOC Executive Board.III. This decision shall enter into force immediately.Beijing, 21 August 2008The Chairman of the IOC Disciplinary Commission<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Controlled Aggression in Beijing Olympic 2008]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3729</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3729</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:39:54 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3729</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 22 August 2008, Beijing -- One of the last sports to get under way at the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, taekwondo is also one of the most recent additions to the Olympic programme, making its entrance as a full medal sport only in 2000, featuring four weight categories for men and four for women. Korean heritageAs befits the nation that gave the sport to the world, South Korea was the outstanding country in the inaugural competition in Sydney, winning three gold medals and a silver. Considering it was allowed to enter only four athletes, including men's heavyweight champion Kim Kyong-hun and women's welterweight winner Lee Sun-hee, this was quite an achievement.  Kyong-Hun KIM     Sun Hee LEE  First Vietnamese medallistSouth Korea's third gold medallist in Sydney, Jun Jae-eun, won the final of the women's featherweight competition against Tran Hieu Nga, who became the first Vietnamese athlete ever to earn an Olympic medal. Ngan, whose father had died two months before the Olympic Games, came from the small fishing village of Tuy Hoa, where her family ran a sweetshop. Double gold medallistsThe men's featherweight title in Sydney went to American Steven Lopez, the son of Nicuraguan immigrants, who went on to capture his second gold medal four years later in Athens, at welterweight. Prior to these Games, Lopez was the only man to have won two Olympic taekwondo gold medals, an achievement equalled among the women by China's Chen Zhong, who won the first two Olympic heavyweight titles.  Zhong CHEN  Taiwan strikes goldOne of the stories of the Athens Games surrounded Taiwan. Chen Shih-hsien, in winning at flyweight, became Taiwan's first Olympic gold medallist in any sport, and just 20 minutes later her compatriot Chu Mu-yen took gold in the men's flyweight. And as if that was not enough, less than four months after the Games, men's featherweight silver medallist Huang Chih-hsiung was elected to the Taiwanese parliament. Justice is doneThe man who beat Huang to the gold in Athens was Hadi Saei Bonehkohal of Iran, who had won a bronze medal at featherweight in the 2000 Games. Early in 2004 he gave his bronze medal away to be auctioned to raise money for the survivors of an earthquake the previous year that had devastated his home town of Bam. Justice of a sort was therefore done when his bronze medal was replaced with gold.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Asian Women Dominating in Olympic Table Tennis]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3698</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3698</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:11:44 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3698</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 8/21/2008 -- Segun TORIOLA, Nigeria against Jean-Michel SAIVE, Belgium; it was the match of the eighth day in the Peking University venue. The probable best African player is only number 115 in the world ranking, but never in his match against SAIVE (no. 26) there was a visible difference. The match in the night session (starting time 22:00) was the most attractive so far at the Olympic Games and the patient spectators did not regret their stay. &quot;I never played so well, my forehand was very good&quot;, Segun TORIOLA said after the match. &quot;I'm the first one in Africa to have stepped into the top 32.&quot;Saive's Last Olympics?Jean-Michel SAIVE was in a different mood after the match. &quot;I'm very disappointed about the results today. I knew it could be a tough match. When I led 7-1 in the last game, I thought I could win.&quot; Of course the six times Olympian was also asked on whether this was his last Olympics. &quot;I don't know. I'm 39 in November, and it's probably my last Olympics. But I'll continue to play. If I'm still able to play in two years' time, I will try to get into the next Olympics. It's much too early to say today, isn't it?&quot;Aussie Player Close to SensationAustralia's William HENZELL was close to creating the biggest sensation of the day. The 26 year old was leading 3-1 in games against YOON Jae Young (KOR), bronze medallist in the Men's team event. HENZELL did not show any respect and bothered YOON with his unorthodox services.&quot;I'm pretty disappointed, but I played two of my best matches (against Jens LUNDQVIST, Sweden and YOON Jae Young, Korea). I felt as though the fourth game was really important to win. But after that YOON fought back hard and played much better than he did in the first half. He has a very good serve and an excellent topspin on his first ball, he made it very hard.&quot;Two North Korean Men still in the DrawThe players from Korea DPR are mostly unknown and not that high ranked in the ITTF World Ranking. Today they proved that they are absolutely competitive, even on the world stage. KIM Hyok Bong (no. 101) overcame CHIANG Peng-Lung (Chinese Taipei, no. 23) and defensive player JANG Song Man (103) eliminated Spain's HE Zhi Wen (no. 37). KIM will face Germany's Timo BOLL in the round of the last 32; JANG will challenge Hong Kong's LI Ching.Asian Women DominatingThe women's draw is in Asian hands. The second round was the final destination for all European players. The only European exceptions were LI Jie and LI Jiao from the Netherlands as well as LI Qiangbing (AUT). However, all of the three ladies were born in China. GAO Jun, WANG Chen (both USA) and WU Xue (DOM) also represent a country outside of Asia. Yet they all have an Asian background too.The Chinese top players made a short shrift of their opponents. ZHANG Yining, WANG Nan as well as GUO Yue conceded no single game. &quot;The atmosphere at the Singles event is very different&quot;, GUO Yue, world singles champion 2007, said after the match. &quot;I feel that I performed pretty well today. I demonstrated my skills from training.&quot;<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[McDonalda4s a4Lost Ringa4 game doesn't come with a Happy Meal]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3697</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3697</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:01:50 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Gaming</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3697</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 21 August 2008, Beijing China -- McDonald's has introduced a new game, but it doesn't come in your Happy Meal. Since March of this year, the TOP Olympic sponsor has been the force behind the largest alternative-reality game (ARG) and website, The Lost Ring. As this is McDonald's first venture into the world of ARG, it could make it their biggest undertaking yet. And with the culmination tied to the Summer Games and wide-reaching recognition of the brand, more and more people are being introduced to this new form of entertainment. McDonald's global chief marketing officer, Mary Dillon, explains the goal of the programme to be &quot;strengthening [its] bond with the global youth culture&quot;. Investigate forgotten mysteriesThe Lost Ring adventure calls for gamers from across the globe to join forces online and in the real world as they investigate forgotten mysteries and urban legends of the ancient Games. After nearly six months of play, the Lost Ring will culminate in Beijing near the Closing Ceremony. For the past few months players have been receiving a wave of clues both online (via YouTube and Flickr) and off (e.g. players found clues in a post box in Tokyo and a bookstore fireplace in Johannesburg). In addition, the game's official website offers a forum where players can discuss theories and work together to solve the puzzles.   The BackstoryThe game began more than four months ago with 50 bloggers receiving a package containing only an Olympic poster and various clues directing them to the game's official website. Once there, a cryptic trailer begins to play. The short film depicts a woman asleep in a deserted field who wakes to find the words &quot;Trovu la ringon perditan&quot; - Esperanto for &quot;find the lost ring&quot; - tattooed on her arm.  An Internet and International SensationSince the trailer first launched, 2.5 million players across the globe have continued to follow the stories of five characters who all awake with the same markings tattooed somewhere on their body. Players can communicate with the characters via email, but as they come from all around the world (South Africa, Korea, Japan, Argentina and England), the language barrier adds an extra twist to an already enticing plot.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Pindemonium Breakout in Beijing]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3696</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3696</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:59:31 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3696</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 20 August 2008, Beijing, China -- Beijing's eyes may be &quot;pinned&quot; on TV broadcasts of basketball, diving and other Olympic sports, but another event is drawing attention to the city's sidewalks. &quot;Pindemonium&quot; has broken out. Volunteers, drivers, athletes and the public all have one passion: to get their hands on and exchange as many attractive pins as possible. To show them off they stick them to their accreditation card, bags and clothes. WantedBeijing's most popular pins include logos from sponsors like Coca-Cola and Kodak, along with one that has a pop-out image of Beijing's National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest. NBC has a camera-shaped pin that lights up, and a Samsung pin features a cell phone that slides open. Chinese traders tend toward pins depicting dragons, including a set that places Beijing's five Olympic mascots against a dragon in the background.  Spreading the passionAn American from Los Angeles, Aberra Aguegnehu is a volunteer who has been to all Olympic Games since 1984 and beaten all pin records. Apart from the Olympic Games, pins are his greatest passion and he is convinced that the fever will spread around quickly: &quot;After a slow start, interest is increasingly growing here in Beijing. You should see the Pin Centre in the Village. People are really getting excited.&quot; &quot;The exchanging of pins has already become a sort of culture and a means of communication. In order to collect these pins, I travelled to many Olympic host cities and also made a lot of friends,&quot; said Zhang Xu, a Chinese pin collector, who was busy &quot;bargaining&quot; in the trading centre. Pin trading centresContinuing a tradition that began in 1988, Coca-Cola in Beijing again hosts the official site for Olympic pin trading - &quot;the No. 1 spectator sport&quot; at the Olympic Games. The Coca-Cola Official Pin Trading Centre is located in Chaoyang Park and enables pin lovers to exchange their collections as well as their experiences. Further pin trading centres set up in Beijing during the Olympic Games are located in the international zone of the Olympic Village and in the downtown area of Beijing. All the pins presented and exchanged in these trading centres will be related to the Olympic Games, both summer and winter ones. Some are officially produced by organising committees and some are made by individual delegations or media to cover the Games.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Spanish air crash kills at least 45]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3692</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3692</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:22:16 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Society</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3692</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 20 August 2008, -- A passenger plane has crashed on take-off at Madrid's Barajas airport, killing at least 45 people and seriously injuring 19.(Advertisement)However, a source for the emergency services reported about 150 fatalities, saying: &quot;They are pulling out burnt corpses. The plane has been completely destroyed.&quot;The national government's office in Madrid said at least 19 people are seriously hurt while 35 were unharmed. Dozens of emergency vehicles are at the scene.A large cloud of smoke billowed at Terminal Four from the remains of flight JK5022's MD82 jet for Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.There were 166 passengers and six crew onboard, according to Scandianvian airline SAS, which owns Spanair and has been trying to sell it since last year.SAS said: &quot;The aircraft, an MD-82, was en route from Madrid to Las Palmas when the accident occurred, at 14:23 hours local time. We can confirm that there were 166 passengers and six crew onboard.&quot;Dozens of shocked relatives began arriving at Las Palmas airport on the island of Gran Canaria, where they were whisked into a room away from the press and comforted by Red Cross psychiatrists.There was no immediate official comment on the cause of the accident but the newspaper El Mundo quoted a source on its website as saying the plane's left engine had caught fire.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Decision reached for the Fani Chalkia anti-doping case]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3675</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3675</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:39:02 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3675</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) Beijing, China, 18 August 2008 -- The Disciplinary Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reached a decision in the case of an anti-doping rule violation committed by Ms Fani Chalkia.   Samples provided by Ms Chalkia on the 10th August in Fukui, Japan during a pre-competition doping control test, proved positive for the banned substance Methyltrienolone; a steroid with potentially serious effects on health.   The IOC's Medical Director, Dr Patrick Schamasch, was informed of the positive result on 16th August. At the athlete's request the a4B' sample was tested on 17th August. Later that day this sample also proved positive for the same banned substance. The Greek NOC consequently suspended Ms Chalkia and she left the Olympic Village.   The IOC Disciplinary Commission praised the Greek NOC for its decisive action and cooperation. Meeting today, the Commission; Thomas Bach (Chairman), Gunilla Lindberg and Denis Oswald, reached the following decision:   I. The athlete Fani Chalkia, Greece, Athletics:  (i) is excluded from the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008;  (ii) shall have her Olympic identity and accreditation card immediately cancelled.   II.          The Athlete's file shall be transmitted to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which is requested to consider any further action within its own competence.  III.         The NOC of Greece and BOCOG shall ensure full implementation of this decision.  IV.        The IOC Disciplinary Commission will report the matter to the competent Greek authorities, with a request to investigate possible violations of Greek law, in particular by the coach, George Panagiotopoulos.  V.         The IOC reserves its right to take sanctions or measures in relation to the Athlete's coach, George Panagiotopoulos.  VI.        This decision shall enter into force immediately.A feature of the decision is that the Commission took the step of deciding to notify the Greek authorities of its concerns regarding possible violations of Greek law by Ms Chalkia's coach, Mr George Panagiotopoulos.   This decision shows the determination of the IOC to broaden the fight against doping to those behind athletes. IOC contacts in Beijing: IOC media relations office: +8610 666 27 298    Mobile numbers:Emmanuelle Moreau - Media Relations Manager -   +86 158 1155 1830Sandrine Tonge - Media Relations Coordinator -      +86 135 5217 5720<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Cold War-era uranium processing plant reopens as Wildlife Preserve]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3621</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3621</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:01:53 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Society</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3621</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 17 August 2008 CINCINNATI -- A site once home to a Cold War-era uranium processing plant and the focus of a contentious struggle to clean up toxic waste has re-emerged as a haven for wildlife and a memorial to those who worked to make the area safe.The Fernald Preserve and its visitors center will make their public debut Wednesday at the former site of the government center that processed uranium metal for nuclear weapons from 1952 to 1989. Shrouded in secrecy for years, the site gained national notoriety in the 1980s with media reports on site emissions and residents' concerns over radioactive contamination of air, soil and groundwater.A corrugated metal warehouse was transformed into a visitors' center that traces the site's history from its years as an American Indian habitat. Some exhibits highlight the plant's workers, known as &quot;Cold War warriors&quot; for their contribution to the nation's defense.The preserve is not a recreational area. There are no bike trails or picnic areas, but visitors can walk nature trails, viewing wild ducks and geese gliding along marshy ponds surrounded by prairie grass and wildflowers.&quot;We are using native plants and grasses identified in an 1819 land survey to return the site to the way it was then - a haven for birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects,&quot; said Sue Walpole, spokeswoman for S.M. Stoller Corp., Legacy Management's contractor.The center doesn't try to hide the plant's tumultuous history. Newspaper and TV reports chronicling the public outcry and ensuing lawsuits are part of exhibits on display.&quot;We tried to show everything, warts and all,&quot; said Jane Powell, site manager for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Legacy Management, which operates the site.The $4.4 billion site cleanup was completed in January 2007. The visitor's center and preserve, which cost $7 million, are the first developed under Legacy Management, which is responsible for more than 60 other waste sites around the country, Powell said.&quot;It's amazing and very emotional for me,&quot; said Lisa Crawford, a founder of the citizens group that lobbied for cleanup for more than 20 years. &quot;I'm not afraid here now, and there was a time when I was very afraid.&quot;More than 4.7 million tons of low-level waste remain at Fernald in a fenced-off, 110-acre pile encased in thick liners and caps made of synthetic material, clay, rock and clean soil. The 65-foot-high, grass-covered mound snaking along an edge of the preserve is about the length of two Empire State Buildings laid end to end.The rest of the radioactive waste - more than a million tons - was shipped to storage and disposal sites in Nevada, Utah and Texas.Officials say the site has met cleanup standards established by federal and state regulators. Fernald groundwater will be pumped and treated for eight to 10 years until the drinking water standard is met.&quot;I think Fernald is a good model for other sites,&quot; said Susan Gordon, director of the Alliance for Nuclear Accountability, a national network of organizations concerned with nuclear weapons production and waste cleanup issues. &quot;A plan was developed that the community was comfortable with and that didn't push all of the waste into someone else's backyard, but that recognized the need for monitoring the site in the future.&quot;Powell, of the Energy Department, worked at Fernald when the plant was still operating.&quot;Sometimes I look out my office windows, and I can almost see the ghosts of the workers and buildings that were here for so many years,&quot; she said. &quot;It's often hard to believe that we've come this far.&quot;<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Alternative fuel found of the future: Pond Scum as Biofuel]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3620</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3620</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:53:39 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Technology</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3620</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 17 August 2008 -- In the world of alternative fuels, there may be nothing greener than pond scum.Algae are tiny biological factories that use photosynthesis to transform carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy so efficiently that they can double their weight several times a day, producing oil in the process - 30 times more oil per acre than soybeans, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Like soybean oil, the algae oil can be burned directly in diesel engines or further refined into biodiesel.University of Virginia researchers have a plan to greatly increase algae oil yields by feeding the algae extra carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas) and organic material like sewage, meaning the algae could simultaneously produce biofuel and clean up environmental problems.&quot;We have to prove these two things to show that we really are getting a free lunch,&quot; said Lisa Colosi, a U.Va. professor of civil and environmental engineering who is part of the interdisciplinary research team.Most previous and current research on algae biofuel, explained Colosi, has used the algae in a manner similar to its natural state - essentially letting it grow in water with just the naturally occurring inputs of atmospheric carbon dioxide and sunlight. This approach results in a rather low yield of oil - about 1 percent by weight of the algae. The U.Va. team hypothesizes that feeding the algae more carbon dioxide and organic material could boost the oil yield to as much as 40 percent by weight, Colosi said.Proving that the algae can thrive with increased inputs of either carbon dioxide or untreated sewage solids will confirm its industrial ecology possibilities - to help with wastewater treatment, where dealing with solids is one of the most expensive challenges, or to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, such as coal power-plant flue gas, which contains about 10 to 30 times as much carbon dioxide as normal air.Research partner Mark White, a U.Va. finance professor, will be quantifying the big-picture environmental and economic benefits of algae biofuel compared to soy-based biodiesel under several hypothetical scenarios. For instance, if the nation instituted a carbon cap-and-trade system, that would increase the monetary value of algae's ability to dispose of carbon dioxide. Increased nitrogen regulations would also bump up the appeal of algae, since it can also remove nitrogen from air or water.&quot;The main principle of industrial ecology is to try and use our waste products to produce something of value,&quot; Colosi said. This research will quantify just how much &quot;free lunch&quot; algae biofuel promises<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Asia continues to dominate in Olympic Badminton]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3618</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3618</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:59:07 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Sports</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3618</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center)17 August 2008 -- Badminton crowned its women's singles champion, Zhang Ning of China as well as its men's doubles champions, Kido Markis and Setiawan Hendra of Indonesia, as Asia continued its domination of this relatively young Olympic sport. Hoyer-Larsen out on his ownEver since it was introduced to the Olympic Games in 1992, only one gold medal has ended up outside Asia, with Denmark's Paul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen winning the men's singles in Atlanta in 1996. The remaining 19 gold medals prior to these Games were shared between just three countries: China, South Korea and Indonesia, whose five Olympic gold medals have all come in badminton. Gigantic shuttlecockThe first of these was Susi Susanti's victory in Barcelona in 1992, and just two hours later her fianc, Allan Budi Kusuma, won the men's title. When Susanti and Kusuma returned to Indonesia the celebration in their honour included a two-hour parade through the streets of Jakarta that was led by a car carrying a gigantic shuttlecock. Susanti returned to win a bronze medal four years later in Atlanta, and in 1997 Susanti and Kusuma were married. Model of dedicationAt the last two Olympic Games, in Sydney and Athens, China has been utterly dominant in women's singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles. The story of 2004 champion Zhang Ning is a model of dedication: she left her home in Liaonong Province at the age of 12 to train full-time, and when she and her fianc received their marriage licence in 2001, they delayed their ceremony for three years until after the 2004 Games, during which time they never spent more than two months together at a stretch. Childhood team-matesGe Fei and Gu Jun from Jiangsu Province began playing badminton together when they were nine years old. Twelve years later, they ran through the field at the 1996 Olympic Games to win the women's doubles gold medal, and four years later in Sydney they did the same, only once conceding more than seven points in a game. Ge, whose specialty was playing close to the net, also won a world championship in mixed doubles in 1997 while pairing with Liu Yong.<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Online Retail Sales grow 39% vs 2007]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3258</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3258</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:00:36 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3258</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) 18th July 2008, London, United Kingdom -- New figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index show that UK shoppers spent over 26.5 billion online in the first six months of 2008 despite the credit crunch - up 38% on the 19.2 billion recorded for the first half of 2007. Capgemini and IMRG report that for the first half of 2008, 17p1 in every pound was spent online.Online Spending Bucks Recession; Half of All Shopping Online by 2014 26.5 billion spent online in the UK in first half of 2008 Business models forced to change as online share of retail reaches 20% 17p1 in every pound spent online in first half of 2008This is roughly equivalent to half of all supermarket sales and larger than all retail sales for clothing and footwear2.The Index shows that online sales are proving resilient to tough trading conditions as frugal shoppers seek to makethe most of their available income away from the high street. Technology consultancy Capgemini and global e-retailindustry body IMRG predicts that online growth will remain strong for the rest of 2008. This will be driven by risingfuel costs and falling disposable income, a desire to achieve sustainability in the supply chain and smarter consumershopping habits.2008 Peaks and TroughsThe Index shows that online spending has followed similar seasonal trends to previous years, with growth in onlinesales falling sharply in January (-16.5%), picking up in the Spring and declining towards the Summer. This year, thedip in growth for June (-5%) is significantly more pronounced than 2007. This slowdown is reflected in year-on-yeargrowth which has declined for June for the first time since 2005 - indicating that whilst still growing rapidly incomparison to the high street, online spending is not immune to the credit crunch.Mike Petevinos, Head of Consulting for Retail for Capgemini UK, said:&quot;Whilst online retail is not immune to the credit crunch, it is showing greater resilience than the high street. Theonline channel continues to grow its share of retail spend thanks to the traditional drivers of convenience and choicebut these drivers appear to be magnified by the current economic environment. Convenience has a sharper edge in aworld of soaring fuel prices and the ability to research and make more informed choices in a time of heightened pricesensitivity is a key advantage of the online channel.We predict between 30 and 50% of all retail will be online in the next five years as new drivers, such as sustainability,are added to the mix. This is because as online reaches a 20% of all retail sales, retailers experience a tipping pointwhich forces them to seriously re-think the future viability of their business model. We have seen this happen forbooks, music/DVDs and electricals and as the industry as a whole reaches this tipping point in 2008, more categoriesare sure to follow.&quot;Drivers of online demandOver the past six months, IMRG and Capgemini have seen a pronounced increase in sales at the top end and bottomend of the online retail market, indicating that consumers are shopping smarter - buying everyday items at discountretailers whilst adding a touch of luxury with select items from high-end retail outlets. This is further backed up byrecent research which found that UK internet visits since June 2007 to mid-market online retailers have fallen by 6%,while visits to lower-end retailers, such as Primark, have increased by 12% and visits to high-end retailers, includingHarrods, increased by 14% over the last 12 months3.James Roper, Chief Executive and Founder of IMRG, said:1 Calculated from BRC Figures and IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index2 http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/rsbrief0608.pdf3 Hitwise; June 2008: http://www.e-inbusiness.co.uk/news/news_footfall.htm&quot;Online shopping growth continues to out-perform the high street, as tight budgets and poor weather keep people athome where they can shop online for bargains. Clothing and footwear sales were the biggest losers in physical storesin June, with sales either flat or lower than last year despite heavy and widespread discounting. Online however theywere big winners; internet clothing sales were up 32%, while lingerie sales rose by 37% and footwear 38%.Online retail is benefiting from a general desire to shift to more sustainable shopping patterns. According to researchfrom the IMRG, 56% of people believe shopping online is more environmentally friendly in comparison to the highstreet. In turn, Capgemini's recent a4Future Supply Chain' report reveals that many retailers are examining thepossibility of sharing deliveries and merging supply chains to combat rising fuel costs and &quot;green&quot; their businessmodels.Sector Winners and LosersSales for clothing online have enjoyed high levels of growth for 2008 - with 1.76 billion spent on clothes online byUK shoppers in the first half 2008. Of particular note, shoppers spent a record amount on clothes in March this year- a month-on-month growth of 21.8% and 31.2% more than March 2007.James Roper commented:&quot;Smart high street retailers across all categories are now using the internet to cope with the challenging andchanging market conditions. A growing number of them are using their stores to enhance their online customers'experience, for example by enabling in-store pickup and returns, which often generate supplementary sales, as wellas much-needed footfall.&quot;The online Beer Wine and Spirits (BWS) sector has also seen high sales for February and March, however, year-onyeargrowth for the sector has seen a slow down for 2008. This slowdown in growth is consistent across mostsectors - most notably for the electrical sector and health and beauty sectors. For instance, online electrical salesfor the first half of 2008 have seen only an average of 20% year-on-year growth, compared to an average of 63% forthe first half of 2007.For further informati on please contact:Luica Mak - 020 7025 6408 (Luica.mak@redconsultancy.com)Melissa Au - 020 7025 6417 (Melissa.au@redconsultancy.com)Notes to EditorsAbout IMRGIMRG (Interactive Media In Retail Group) is the industry body for global e-retail. Formed in 1990, IMRG is setting and maintaining pragmatic and robust e-Retail Standards to enable fast-track industry growth, and facilitates itscommunity of members with practical help, information, tools, guidance and networking. Consumers can beconfident when dealing with IMRG Members because all have committed to operate using methods that are Honest,Decent, Legal, Truthful and Fair, and have undertaken to not bring the industry into disrepute. The strength of IMRGis the collective and co-operative power of its members.About CapgeminiCapgemini, one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, enables itsclients to transform and perform through technologies. Capgemini provides its clients with insights and capabilities that boost their freedom to achieve superior results through a unique way of working - the Collaborative BusinessExperience - and through a global delivery model called Rightshore, which aims to offer the right resources in theright location at competitive cost. Present in 36 countries, Capgemini reported 2007 global revenues of EUR 8.7 billion and employs over 83,000 people worldwide.More information is available at www.uk.capgemini.com.About the a4IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index'The IMRG Capgemini Index tracks 'online sales', which we define as 'transactions completed fully, including payment,via interactive channels' from any location, including in-store. These sales are predominantly internet-based today,but the Index remains ready to record e-retail sales conducted via whatever interactive channels the market mayembrace in the future.Around sixty e-retailers regularly contribute data to the IMRG Capgemini Index, including 247 Electrical, AirportParking &amp; Hotels Ltd, Ancestral Collections, Arcadia Group, ASOS.com, BeCheeky.com, Berry Bros. &amp; Rudd,Boden.co.uk, Boots Direct, Buyagift.com, Carphone Warehouse, Charles Tyrwhitt, Cloggs, Comet, Co-operativeTravel, Crocus.co.uk, dabs.com, Damart, Daxon, Debenhams, e flowersUK.co.uk, EmpireDirect, Figleaves.com,Firebox, Furniture123, Game.net, GreatValueJewellery.com, Greenfingers.com, Interflora, J D Williams, JasonShankey, John Lewis Partnership, La Redoute, lastminute.com, Lighting-Direct, Lookfantastic.com, Made in Sheffield,Marks &amp; Spencer, New Look, Next, Otto UK (Freemans, Grattan, Kaleidoscope), PetPlanet.co.uk, Pixmania,Prezzybox.com, QED-UK, QVC, R C Roland, Redcats UK, Shoe-Shop.com, Shop Direct Home Shopping, Schuh,Skinstore.com, Tesco.com Wine, Tesco Electrical, The Fragrance Shop, The Jewellery Channel, The Sunday TimesWine Club, TUI UK, United Co-op, Vertbaudet, Waitrose and Wilkinson Hardware.Quotes from retailers:Alison Wade, Head of Marketing at Buyagift.com, said:&quot;Buyagift had a fantastic month for sales, with turnover through all channels up 52% on last year. June is a key timeof the year for us, as Father's Day is our second busiest time of the year for selling gifts (after Christmas) and for us tobe showing this growth on an already busy month is superb.&quot;Christian Robinson, Managing Director of Firebox.com, said:&quot;June marked Firebox.com's 10th birthday, and we had plenty of reasons to celebrate. As well as setting new recordsfor web traffic and retail sales for the month - retail sales for the month grew 20% year on year - we also launched aseries of new online initiatives like the Firebox Lunchtime Challenge: a series of Banzai / Jackass challenges turnedinto 3 minute comedy clips and distributed via our blog, social media and movie sharing sites like YouTube andVimeo.&quot;Gary Berg, Managing Director of Lighting Direct, comments:&quot;Lighting Direct have again achieved higher than expected June sales. E-retail sales have increased by 32% incomparison to June of last year and so far we are bucking the a4credit crunch' trend. We are continuing to be moreaggressive in our marketing with promotions and keeping in contact with our customers on a regular basis.&quot;<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[RyanAir cuts substaintial flights from its London Stansted base]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3252</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3252</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:02:56 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>World &amp; Business</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3252</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) July 17, 2008 , London -- Ryanair, London Stansted Airport's largest airline today (Thursday 17th July, 2008) announced substantial capacity cutbacks at Stansted for its Winter Schedule (a408/09). Ryanair, which last Winter had 36 aircraft based at Stansted, will this Winter reduce that number to 28 aircraft (a 25% reduction), and an approximate 14% reduction in the number of weekly flights from over 1,850 per week last year to just under 1,600 this year. Ryanair estimates that its traffic at London Stansted will decline this Winter by some 900,000 passengers compared to last Winter's schedule. Ryanair's decision to cut back capacity at Stansted is for the following reasons: 1.      London Stansted is the most expensive of Ryanair's 28 bases.2.      The BAA Airport monopoly has again increased airport charges by 15% this year, on top of a 100% increase last year.3.      The total failure of the inadequate CAA regulatory regime to control these unjustified cost increases or to persuade BAA Stansted to meet the needs of its low fare airline users.4.      The fact that oil prices have risen to $140 a barrel. Ryanair confirmed that it will lose less money this Winter by sitting these 8 aircraft on the ground, rather than flying them at an expensive airport like BAA Stansted, during the Winter when fares are extremely low, but oil prices remain stubbornly high. Ryanair confirmed that it had written to BAA Stansted in recent weeks offering to operate these aircraft/flights this Winter in return for a substantial discount on airport charges applicable to these flights for the Winter season only. Like most monopolies, the BAA dismissed Ryanair's reasonable requests out of hand. The BAA would rather impose high airport charges and have fewer passengers, rather than working with airline customers to lower costs and keep people flying during a Winter of crisis in the airline industry.  Announcing these cutbacks in London this morning, Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary said: &quot;These Winter Schedule cutbacks, which are significantly greater than those of last Winter, show just how damaging the BAA Airport monopoly has become to consumers and the best interests of London and UK tourism and the economy generally. Like most monopolies, the BAA continues to increase costs at three times the rate of inflation, while delivering miserable service and inadequate facilities. Passengers continue to suffer long queues at security and passport control and frequent baggage belt failures at Stansted because the BAA refuses to staff or operate these facilities adequately. &quot;These cutbacks reaffirm the abject failure of Harry Bush and his inadequate regulatory team in the CAA who have repeatedly failed to restrain the BAA's high charges, price increases or to encourage them to meet the reasonable requirements of Stansted users by developing the efficient facilities we need and are willing to pay for. &quot;When a regulated monopoly makes it more profitable for airlines to sit aircraft on the ground rather than fly them through the winter, then obviously the CAA's laughable regulatory regime has failed. The BAA Stansted's rejection of Ryanair discount plan for this Winter proves yet again why the BAA monopoly should be broken up and replaced with three competing London airports whose primary  focus will be on stimulating traffic and developing low cost efficient facilities,  which their customer airlines want and are willing to pay for. &quot;We hope that the Competition Commission report will in due course support Ryanair's call for the break up of the high cost BAA monopoly, and replace the inadequate and failed CAA regulatory regime with competing airports and better still competing terminals at the main London airports. Monopoly airports and the CAA's regulatory regime have delivered high prices and awful facilities. It is time we allowed competition to deliver where monopolies have failed&quot;. An example of these cutbacks is set out below: LONDON STANSTED WINTER a408/'09 CUTBACKS  Winter a407/'08 Winter a408/'09   Base Aircraft 36 28 (-22%) Weekly Flights 1,860 1,590 (-14%) Samples: Dublin 58 50 (-14%)                 Glasgow 29 20 (-31%)                 Rome CIA 35 28 (-20%)  In addition Ryanair is also announcing 6 new routes this Winter from Stansted to Winter sun destinations including: Fuerteventura (Canaries), Ibiza, Tenerife, Malaga, as well as Katowice (Poland) and Basel in Switzerland.  These new routes are included in the above schedule, as part of the overall capacity reduction. Destination Weekly Frequency Start Date Malaga 3 28th Oct'08 Fuerteventura 3 28th Oct'08 Tenerife South 3 28th Oct'08 Ibiza 3 28th Oct'08 Katowice 7 27th Oct'08 Basel 3 21st Dec'08<br/><br/>1 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Air Tattoo 2008 Spectators wait for decision for Sunday]]></title>
<link>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3200</link>
<comments>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3200</comments>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:24:33 -0400</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elmo</dc:creator>
<category>Entertainment</category>
<guid>http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/3200</guid>
<description><![CDATA[(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) -- July 12, 2008, London, UK - Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo in Gloucestershire will make a decision later about whether it can go ahead on Sunday.The opening day of the event at RAF Fairford was cancelled after heavy rain left the airfield and car parks waterlogged. People are being refused entry at the gates and 1,500 pre-booked campsite arrivals have been turned away. An information helpline has been set up on 01285 713000. It is the first time the tattoo has had to cancel one of its days in its 38-year history. &quot;We are aware of the inconvenience our decision will have on the many thousands of people who have bought tickets for the Saturday but the safety of the public is paramount,&quot; said Tim Prince, Air Tattoo director. More than 300 planes were due to take part and 100,000 visitors were expected to attend. Earlier in the week, air traffic controllers battled to clear a backlog of planes coming in after bad weather. Steve Roden , 52, and his wife Leslie, 48, travelled from Haughley in Suffolk for the annual event. &quot;We've been here in our tent since Tuesday. It's one of our two annual holidays, we take the week off and really look forward to it,&quot; said Mr Roden. It is anticipated that the show will be held on Sunday, but it will be only for holders of tickets valid for Sunday Tattoo spokesman&quot;I'm aircraft mad. I don't think I've really grown up. We always stay until Monday to see the planes leave. &quot;I'm sitting in our tent in the rain and the mud and to be honest I'm gutted. &quot;The mud is so bad we can't even get our car off the site to visit Cirencester so we're stuck here.&quot; A tattoo spokesman said: &quot;It is anticipated that the show will be held on Sunday, but it will be only for holders of tickets valid for Sund