Sad and tragic tale of sisters ; Girls saw mother strangled by father

11 May 1973 TWO little girls, whose life was described by alawyer as the "saddest and most tragic tale it has ever been mymisfortune to recount", received Pounds 7,000 in the High Court thisweek.

They were Jane and Ruth Ward, who lived with their aunt and unclein Orchard Avenue, Brentwood.

Since 1967, when Jane was five years old and her sister was onlytwo, their young lives had been a catalogue of horror.

For in that year, their father, Ernest Ward, then a porter atHigh Wood hospital, was crippled when his motorcycle was incollision with a lorry owned by Mac Fisheries Ltd.

While he was in hospital, Jane's twin brother, Philip, died bysuffocating in his …

MORTGAGE: Slow Down and Smell the Accountability; Back to basics loan processing means thorough income, employment and ID verification are now a part of almost all loan approvals. Web-based data aggregation tools can help out, but slower closings are inevitable.(Business Innovation)

Byline: John Adams

There's no better sign of how the mortgage market's atmosphere has changed than what potential borrowers are hearing from Ameritrust. "We let them know up front that we are trying to close loans less quickly so all information on the application can be validated," says John Owens, CEO of Ameritrust in Charlotte, where the lender's closings take about two weeks longer than a couple of years ago - even with the deployment of new data management technology that processes more consumer application information in less time. "We are making sure that all information gets verified before closing. We are trying to make it difficult for anyone who's trying to commit fraud."

Mortgage fraud was …

Houston Chronicle Computing Column.

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Mar. 26 -- MICROSOFT'S BROWSER TAKES A LEAP FORWARD: Boy, am I fickle when it comes to Web browsers.

Last November, I went gaga over Netscape Communications' latest Web-surfing software, Communicator 4.5. While it was an incremental upgrade, it was enough of a leap to push it past Internet Explorer 4.0.

But now I've found a new love.

For the past couple of weeks, I've been playing with the Windows 98

version of Internet Explorer 5.0, and I'm sold. While this may not be the greatest thing since sliced bread, it's definitely the best browser since well, Communicator 4.5.

Microsoft has focused on making a product that's easy for novices to use, but still powerful enough to delight savvy Web surfers. It's faster, friendlier and more stable than its competition.

Say what you will about Microsoft, this is a great piece of software. My initial reaction upon installing it was: "Oh my gawd. Netscape is toast!"

And if that's the case, then Internet Explorer 5 is the toaster, and it won't be because of Microsoft's allegedly underhanded business practices or bullying tactics. It will be because this browser is much better than anything else out there. Period.

Well, at least until Netscape Communicator 5 is released, supposedly this summer.

Those who go through the arduous process of downloading Internet Explorer 5 -- Microsoft has not made downloading any easier, unfortunately -- initially will see a browser that looks almost identical to version 4.01, the product that ships with Windows 98.

Once you begin using it, however, its differences become clear.

Try clicking on the Search button on the toolbar. A pane opens on the left with a list of choices -- find a Web page, someone's address, a business. Enter a search, and you'll get results from the Lycos search engine.

But wait -- what if you prefer AltaVista, InfoSeek, Excite or even the Microsoft Network? No problem. Click the Customize button and you can change which search engine the browser queries first, and preferentially order which of eight engines are checked next. If you don't like the results from the first one, clicking the Next button checks the next search engine in the list -- you don't have to re-enter your data each time.

This left-side pane also lets you search your history -- the list of sites you've visited in the past -- as well as your favorites.

Users of modern browsers are familiar with the feature that fills in a Web address as it's being typed in the location field. Microsoft has extended that capability into the forms you fill out on Web pages themselves.

For example, if you visit Web Site A and it requires a password, Internet Explorer 5 will remember both your log-in name and password. The next time you visit, the browser offers to fill in the information for you.

Like Communicator 4.5, Microsoft's new browser lets you enter a simple word instead of a confusing URL, or Universal Resource Locator, the familiar-but-maddening "http://www" address. For example, if you enter Coca-Cola, you'll go to the Coke Web site.

Internet Explorer 5 behaves differently from Communicator, though, when it can't immediately link the keyword to a Web site. With Communicator, a search is run through Netscape's Netcenter portal. But with Internet Explorer, the keyword is checked against whatever search engine you've listed as tops in the left-hand search pane.

There are other nifty bells and whistles. Internet Explorer 5 includes a toolbar that lets you connect to Net-based radio sites, almost like punching radio buttons in your car. It has a built-in control panel for managing multiple dial-up networking settings, something's that been long overdue. And it can download whole Web sites for off-line viewing.

As enthusiastic as I am about this new version of Internet Explorer, there are still some deficiencies. I still think Communicator's method of storing favorite sites -- creating a single Web page of bookmarked links -- is much easier to work with than the individual shortcut icons Internet Explorer dumps into the Favorites folder.

And Communicator's links bar, a toolbar full of favorite sites, is more versatile and easier to configure than Internet Explorer's.

Finally, the list of search engines from which you can choose is limited by Microsoft's choices. It would be nice if you could add your own preferred search sites.

You can download it for free from www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/.

Send e-mail to dwight.silverman@chron.com, or call 713-220-2000, access code 1001. See Dwight on Eyewitness News Sunday Extra at 7:30 a.m. Sundays on Channel 13.

Visit Houston Chronicle Interactive on the World Wide Web at http://www.HoustonChronicle.com

MP urges people to take part in survey.

<p>HIGH PEAK MP Andrew Bingham is urging local people to fill in a survey sent to him by NHS Derbyshire County about the future of Buxtonas Corbar Birth Centre.</p><p>Andrew has placed the survey on his website and is encouraging High Peak residents to make sure they have their say on the proposals to close Corbar for births.</p><p>Andrew said: aI have written back to PCT chief executive David Sharp regarding the survey to seek clarification on the process. I was told by him and the Chairman, Mark Todd, that the first stage was an engagement with key stakeholders to decide on the way the subsequent consultation would work.</p><p>aWhilst I welcome this survey and will be responding, following a request from me, they have said it is in order for me to publish it so that members of the public can comment. This is good in that people can have their say early, but I have asked for reassurance that this is in no way an attempt to downgrade the subsequent public consultation!</p><p>aI would urge as many people as possible to go to my website www.andrewbingham.org, download the survey, fill it out and send it in. There are over 1,300 people on the Facebook page supporting Corbar. If all filled it in then we would have a great start.</p><p>aIf anyone does not have internet access, then please call my office in Buxton on 01298 26698 and we will send one out. Alternatively call in to my office at 20 Broad Walk to collect a copy. </p><p>aWe must show Messrs, Sharp and Todd just how strong the feeling is and just what a vital facility Corbar is.a</p>

Government spokesman presents information online.

Author:

Poly Pantelides

GOVERNMENT spokesman Stefanos Stefanou yesterday presented six Press and Information Office (PIO) websites which aim to internationally promote Cyprus and make the task of searching for information a bit less daunting.

"There are possibilities and choices for keeping updated and PIO's websites are one of the most reliable and informed," said Stefanou.

He added that the PIO is in the process of digitising its archives. "This saves money and is also environmentally friendly."

The website www.piopressreleases.com.cy is in essence a search engine for the government's archives between 1962 and 1980 in either English or Greek.

The archives include announcements, newspaper articles, film and photography.

It was set up in December 2009.

Archive material is also available at PIO's website, www.moi.gov.cy/pio, updated daily in Greek and English and offering also the opportunity to peruse official transcripts and track post-2001 developments on the Cyprus problem.

"It's good to visit the past," Stefanou said.

Visit www.aspectsofcyprus.com if you are one of those who like to absorb information, or at least have it readily available.

Greek speakers should visit its counterpart at www.peri-kyprou.com.

Learn more about the island's geography, history and culture, or perhaps its diplomatic missions, political system and its defence security, among others.

A photo gallery accompanies each category.

The first picture available for Cyprus' political system is suitably, that of the proclamation of the independent Republic.

Film buffs should be kept happy at www.cyprusfilm.com with a selection of 41 short films produced by the PIO and other government services.

The website is available in Greek, English and French covering material from 2007 onwards, which marks the time that state internet television started broadcasting, Stefanou said.

Those who are still confused on what they are meant to do for Sunday's parliamentary elections can visit www.elections2011.gov.cy, which explains the voting system, gives information on candidates and provides background information on previous elections.

This has been part of the government's policy for the past ten years, to provide information for elections whether parliamentary or presidential for about 40 days before ballots open for voting, Stefanou explained.

The website is in Greek only.

English speakers looking to find out where to vote should visit wtv.elections.moi.gov.cy and type in your ID number and date of birth, although this is not one of the websites Stefanou was promoting.

There is still a conspicuous lack of information available in Turkish, something which Stefanou acknowledged but "it's a priority" he said.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2011

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

Osama Passed By.

George Bush wished for that moment, when he would appear before the American people and the world to announce that America had killed the man who had killed the Twin Towers. Bush was able to kill the Taliban regime, which had refused to surrender a costly visitor called Osama Bin Laden. He also was able, without any convincing pretext, to kill Saddam Hussein's regime and observe his swaying corpse [after his execution]. He used to dream of the third big killing. Indeed, like individuals, empires need revenge to wash away their wounds. But he had neither luck nor time by his side. This appearance was the lot of Barack Obama, the different president with the different approach. Who knows, perhaps the coming days will show that Obama is more dangerous than both Bush and Bin Laden combined because of his ability to kill regimes and governments.

A decade ago, Osama Bin Laden rocked the world when he moved war to US soil. He targeted the symbols of the US success and stature in New York and Washington, and the world was stunned by the "invasions". The empire came out wounded from that day. It launched its great military machine and showed an unprecedented ability to strike blows, and make mistakes.

America needs to achieve victory against an enemy with a known address. Bin Laden depleted it, as he was an obstinate enemy with no address. He could be in any cave, any house, and there was nothing that could lead to him. He dealt neither with phones nor with the internet. How difficult it is to fight a ghost. Every time you try to get closer, you find nothing. Meanwhile, the man was costly. Huge amounts were spent on improving security in airports, ports, and embassies in the United States, the West, and their allies. He was also costly to the world from which he came and against which he had vowed to lift the injustice.

Before he was killed, Bin Laden lost his battle. He lost it in Saudi Arabia, which he had attempted to destabilize. The full-fledged confrontation approach with its security, intellectual, and religious dimensions reduced the man's popularity and isolated the thought stemming from despair, gloom, and extremism. He also lost his battle in Pakistan, whose location and nature of regime he dreamt to change, and got nothing but indifference from its intelligence services.

Osama Bin Laden suffered in the past months a great loss that revealed al-Qaeda's isolation. The protesters in Tunisia did not raise his pictures, and his portrait did not appear on Tahrir Square in Cairo. The protesters in Yemen or Libya did not try to affiliate themselves with him. The revolutions and protests came from another dictionary, and demanded pluralism, the transfer of power, transparency, the respect of the other's opinion, belonging to today's world, and taking part in building it. This dictionary is in complete contradiction to his own one. Osama Bin Laden tried to ignite the demarcation lines between the Muslims and the West. He achieved success, particularly among some communities. However, the winds of the past months showed the wish of Arabs and Muslims to enjoy freedom, dignity, and progress, and to belong to the present era rather than excluding themselves from it.

The killing of ben Laden does not imply the end of al-Qaeda or the end of terrorism. It can be considered an important event in the battle of symbols and the confirmation of the rule of punishing the perpetrator, whoever he is. The battle against terrorism will remain open. Bringing it to an end requires fighting injustice, poverty, marginalization, and occupation. It needs freedom, open horizons, development, reform, and participation. Perhaps this is why Obama may be more violent than Bush and more dangerous than Bin Laden.

Osama Bin Laden has come and gone. He was suicidal in his line of thought, approach, and discourse. He ignited fire in this or that capital, and yesterday he was its victim. His companions might avenge him, but this does not mean that he is a page that has been turned. Osama passed by.

2011 Media Communications Group

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

Peugeot Launches Hyper-Local Advertising Campaign with NAVTEQ LocationPoint(TM).

First European Automotive Brand to Leverage NAVTEQ's fast-growing LocationPoint Ad Network

PARIS, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, has announced that Peugeot is running a first-of-its kind campaign on NAVTEQ LocationPoint, one of the fastest growing hyperlocal mobile ad networks in the world. NAVTEQ LocationPoint delivers ads and offers to on-the-go mobile phone users as they approach local retailers. Ads feature built-in calls to action such as "click to map" to guide users step by step to the retailer's location.

The Peugeot campaign is unique in that it is the first time a major automotive brand is leveraging LocationPoint to connect with potential customers. The ads invite mobile users to detour to their local Peugeot dealer to test drive the sleek, compact Peugeot RCZ-enticing them with a special lease deal of 299 Euros per month. The campaign targets users as they approach one of 428 Peugeot dealers across France.

"The choice of medium reflects the technological spirit of the brand and the campaign complements the overall communication plan for the RCZ," explained Marc Giulioli, Marketing Director Peugeot France. "The ability of NAVTEQ LocationPoint to generate traffic into the dealerships by targeting and engaging people on-the-go as they near points of purchase is a very powerful marketing tool."

NAVTEQ is a leading aggregator of top quality ad inventory that spans devices, apps, and global regions. Ads are delivered with built-in features such as: "click to map", "click to route", "click to call", which make it easy for consumers to go, shop, buy, or save coupons for later use. LocationPoint ads resonate with consumers, deliver a stronger return on investment for advertisers and offer greater opportunity for publishers to monetize high value content.

"Peugeot now joins a growing number of global brands from a diverse range of industries which are taking advantage of this compelling and effective advertising medium," added Bruno Bourguet, senior vice president, EMEA Sales, NAVTEQ. "Our aggressive expansion programme has paved the way for the NAVTEQ LocationPoint Advertising network to provide brand advertisers with large-scale audience reach. It is a great step forward for a leading name such as Peugeot to recognise the exciting new dimension which location brings to mobile advertising."

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of location content in the form of maps, traffic and places data that enables navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world. NAVTEQ supplies precise, comprehensive location content to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has more than 5,400 employees located in 214 offices in 49 countries.

For more information on NAVTEQ Media Solutions, please visit www.navteqmedia.com or follow us on Twitter at @NAVTEQMedia.

NAVTEQ and LocationPoint are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Peugeot

Present in 160 countries with 10,000 contact points, Peugeot combines rigorous standards and exciting ideas all over the world. In 2010, its bicentenary year, Peugeot consolidated its position as the leading French car maker worldwide and moved up a place in the global league table of car makes (9th) selling 2,142,000 cars. Peugeot is the only make to deploy an overall mobility offer with passenger and utility vehicles, scooters, bicycles and a wide range of services including its "Mu by Peugeot" free choice mobility service.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060313/NAVTEQLOGO)

SOURCE NAVTEQ