RESEARCH : NEW REAL-TIME MAPS TO TRACK POLLUTION.

On 14 October, the European Commission welcomed the results of the INTAMAP research project, which developed software to draw up real-time maps of air, soil and water pollution. Funded in the amount of 1.8 million by the EU, INTAMAP involved researchers from the UK, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands.

"Real-time pollution maps can be a crucially important tool for public authorities to identify the sources of pollution and how best to tackle it," commented Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes. "They can also help individuals to avoid pollution such as smog."

The INTAMAP project developed open-source software that creates contour maps showing not only polluted areas but also the origin and destination of the pollution. Such information will enable public authorities to take decisions more speedily to tackle the causes of pollution, while helping individuals to avoid it.

Such a system is something of a revolution for the EU. Until now, in cases of oil spills in European waters, measurements could show the exact area affected but it was often not clear how much pollution was involved or its origin. Without such information, it was difficult for public authorities to act quickly to tackle the problem effectively. Using interpolation methods - worldwide links via internet - these maps now show what is happening between the measurement points and therefore gives a more accurate picture of the pollution.

Globaltel: Canada a Top User of Cherple, Free PC-to-Cell SMS Message App.

Canada has emerged as a top user of Globaltel Media's PC-to-Cell SMS chat application Cherple, according to Robert Sanchez, president and CEO of Globaltel Media.

According to Sanchez, Canada went from statistical obscurity straight to the No. 2 slot for most Cherple users and has remained the second usage country among all nations for the last three months. Since its January U.S. launch, Cherple has won nearly 10 million users with its no-fee and no-subscription service that allows people to send SMS text messages from any Internet-connected PC to any U.S. mobile cellular device and receive messages back from the mobile to the PC.

Paid for through banner advertising and licensing, Cherple's two-way SMS texting makes it the ideal platform to have a real time, two-way chat across any distance, without the need for a special wireless data plan, smart phone or registration. Standard text messaging rates apply to the U.S. cell phone receiving and replying to any Cherple message, but there is no cost to the on-line user.

"In the month following its launch, Cherple was being used in more than 60 countries to connect to U.S. cell phones," Sanchez noted. "Now that number has grown to 146 countries and it is in use on every continent except Antarctica."

More than 83 percent of Cherple users come from North America, with Canada being the second largest market, right after the United States. Since its launch in early 2009, the number of Canadian users has increased seven-fold. This growth has made North America a leading user of Cherple.

Report Information:

http://www.globaltelmedia.com.

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

Evergreen Internet Assists Ross-Simons With Internet Commerce

Fine Jewelry, Tableware and Collectibles From Ross-Simons Stores and Catalogs

                    are Now Available on the World Wide Web 

CHANDLER, Ariz., Nov. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for the holiday season, Ross-Simons, the largest value-priced retailer of luxury merchandise, has brought their successful catalog business to the Internet with the help of Evergreen Internet, the world's leading provider of Internet commerce Web sites. In addition to their chain of retail stores and print catalogs, Ross-Simons now offers a selection of fine jewelry, tableware and collectibles directly from their new Web site (http://www.ross-simons.com). This online catalog features easy browsing through categories of merchandise, and with the secure ordering capabilities provided by Evergreen, customers can place orders directly from the Web site with ease and confidence. In addition to the selection of products currently available, future plans for the Web site include offering additional categories and a full spectrum of Ross-Simons fine merchandise.

The Ross-Simons Web site features the ability to browse and choose from a variety of luxury merchandise, which will include crystal, sterling, china, fine jewelry and collectibles from brand name manufacturers. The site also features its own Bridal Registry, which allows online ordering of gifts from Ross-Simons' Bridal Registry program and the ability to purchase gifts from the registry directly from the Web site. With leading edge Web commerce technology, Ross-Simons' existing Bridal Registry database is seamlessly integrated with the new Web site. Ross-Simons also plans to add online gift registration to the Bridal Registry in the near future.

In addition to their specific Bridal Registry, Ross-Simons is also a charter participant in Evergreen Internet's new All-The-Best! Gift Registry, which provides gift registration on the Internet and ordering from multiple online retailers for anniversaries, weddings, engagements, bridal and baby showers, and more.

A key component of the Ross-Simons online catalog is the Internet commerce capability. With their proprietary CyberCat application, Evergreen provides state-of-the-art secure transaction capabilities that are accessible through nearly all Internet browsers. The system features a digital keypad which randomly encrypts financial data and removes it from the Internet to complete the order off-line, assuring secure tracking and protection of information. It also offers integrated database capabilities between a company's Web site and their existing databases, for powerful data management, tracking and reporting. These features and more provide Ross-Simons with the ability to offer their customers the convenience of online shopping and the safety of secure transaction processing.

"We chose Evergreen Internet to implement the online commerce capabilities of our Web site because of their expertise in secure online transactions and their ability to integrate the online ordering with our existing databases and systems," stated Peter Howard, vice president of marketing for Ross-Simons. "Our new Web site now offers our customers a new and powerful resource that is available 24 hours a day."

Ross-Simons is the largest value-priced reseller of fine jewelry, tableware and collectibles. They offer luxury items from the world's leading manufacturers at eight retail locations and through their popular print catalogs. Their new online catalog and Bridal Registry is available on the Internet at http://www.ross-simons.com/

Evergreen Internet is the premier provider of Internet commerce sites to direct marketing companies. Evergreen has developed Internet sites that provide online catalogs and product information for the world's leading direct mail companies, including Spiegel and Sundance (http://www.cybermart.com). Their proprietary CyberCat application allows Evergreen to provide secure online commerce solutions that are tightly integrated into their customers' business systems. The company can be reached at 602-926-4500, or on the World Wide Web at (http://www.evergreen.com).

SOURCE Evergreen Internet

     -0-                             11/26/96 

/CONTACT: Kristin Gillespie of Evergreen Internet, 602-926-4500, or gillespie@evergreen.com; or Alexx Wood of BRAVO! Marketing, 415-392-6043, or alexx@bravomarketing.com, for Evergreen/

CO: Evergreen Internet; Ross-Simons ST: Arizona IN: MLM SU:

GZ -- SFTU008 -- 4164 11/26/96 08:01 EST http://www.prnewswire.com

MTV Networks and AOL to Deliver Expansive Library of MTVN Entertainment Content Through AOL Video.

Comprehensive Offering Includes Show Clips from COMEDY CENTRAL, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, CMT, Logo, The N, Spike TV, MTV2, AtomFilms and GameTrailers

NEW YORK, Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Networks (MTVN), a unit of Viacom , and AOL today announced that show clips from MTVN's music, kids and family, comedy and pop-culture brands will be available to consumers for free through AOL Video (http://video.aol.com/). Beginning later this week, audiences will be able to view short-form video from COMEDY CENTRAL, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, CMT, Logo, The N, Spike TV, MTV2, AtomFilms and GameTrailers, including show clips from COMEDY CENTRAL's Emmy and Peabody- Award winning "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," MTV's "The Hills," Nickelodeon's "iCarly," "VH1's "I Love New York," and much more.

The comprehensive offering strengthens MTV Networks' position as the world's largest provider of diverse programming on-air, online and on mobile spanning nearly every demographic, from kids and teens, to young adults, men, boomer and LGBT audiences.

"Whether it's on-air, online or on mobile, our audiences form communities around our content in all the places they explore and engage with our brands across platforms," said Mika Salmi, President, Global Digital Media, MTVN. "By delivering a vast library of clips from our hit shows through AOL Video, we're increasing engagement with our brands across the digital space, creating additional online ad inventory, and closing the loop by driving audiences back to our popular linear channels."

"AOL Video is a central hub for video content from the world's leading entertainment brands as well as from anywhere across the Web," said Kevin Conroy, Executive Vice President, AOL. "We're excited to work with MTVN to make their extensive library of programming available free and on demand, giving consumers a seamless experience that helps them connect easily and effortlessly to the widest selection of high-quality video content on the Web."

The new agreement significantly broadens the comprehensive lineup of high- quality video offered through AOL Video, which has the largest collection of network-branded programming available online. By combining industry-leading technology with a unique, easy-to-use user experience, AOL Video makes it easy for consumers to find, watch and share high-quality, branded video content as well as millions of videos from across the Web without having to visit multiple websites.

Through AOL Video (http://video.aol.com/), users can find participating MTVN content which will be viewable through MTVN's broadband video player embedded on AOL pages.

In addition to its agreements with all domestic cable operators and MSOs, MTVN currently delivers video content through all major download-to-own services and several online syndication partners. The company also makes a wide variety of video available through its portfolio of approximately 300 websites, including TheDailyShow.com, which archives more than 13,000 clips dating back to 1999. Additionally, the company has more than 80 mobile distribution agreements in place globally, with all major carriers.

Globally, MTV Networks programs more than 145 television channels that reach more than 510 million viewers. The company also boasts a portfolio of more than 300 websites that attract 90 million unique visitors around the world each month.

At launch, MTVN will provide video clips from hit shows including, but not limited to:

   -- COMEDY CENTRAL: "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," "The Colbert      Report," "Reno 911!"    -- MTV: "The Hills," "My Super Sweet 16," and "Boiling Points"    -- Nickelodeon: "iCarly," "The Naked Brothers Band," "SpongeBob      SquarePants," "Dora the Explorer," and "Go, Diego Go!"    -- VH1: "I Love New York," "The Salt-N-Pepa Show," "Best Week Ever," and      "America's Most Smartest Model"    -- CMT: "CMT Crossroads," "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team,"      and "Trick My Truck"    -- Logo: "The Big Gay Sketch Show," "Rick and Steve: The Happiest Gay      Couple in All the World," and "CBS News on Logo"    -- The N: "Degrassi" and "Instant Star"    -- Spike: "MXC," "TNA iMPACT," as well as a number of Spike web originals.    -- MTV2: "The Andy Milonakis Show," "Celebrity Deathmatch," and      "WonderShowzen"    -- AtomFilms: Hit web shows and UGC videos, including "HellHoles" and "80s      Ending"    -- GameTrailers: The latest from the world in gaming including world      premier game trailers, in-depth interviews, top ten lists and extensive      event coverage.   

AOL(R) is a global Web services company that operates some of the most popular Web destinations, offers a comprehensive suite of free software and services, runs one of the largest Internet access businesses in the U.S., and provides a full set of advertising solutions. A majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. , AOL LLC and its subsidiaries have operations in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Asia. Learn more at AOL.com.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 145 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 300 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

CONTACT: Mariana Agathoklis, +1-212-846-5755, Mariana.Agathoklis@mtvstaff.com, or Mark Jafar, +1-212-846-8961, Mark.Jafar@mtvstaff.com, both of MTV Networks; or Jaymelina Esmele of AOL, +1-703-265-7831, Jaymelina.Esmele@corp.aol.com

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/ http://video.aol.com/

Ethics to take center stage in Boca Raton.

Tricky ethical questions facing practitioners--from conflicts with clients and their creditors to bankruptcy to metadata--will be addressed at the 2006 Masters Seminar on Ethics.

The seminar, sponsored by the Professional Ethics Committee, will run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 23, at the Bar's Annual Convention at the Boca Raton Resort and Club.

"We are trying to appeal to a broad spectrum of the Bar by having speakers who will appeal both to people who practice in single issue areas such as bankruptcy but also in a broader spectrum," said Tim Thomes, who chairs the PEC subcommittee setting up the seminar. "I think we have a diversified set of speakers who will satisfy lawyers... seeking a broad overview of issues."

The seminar, which carries 2.5 CLE ethics credits, will begin with brief remarks by Thomes. Then Franklin L. Zemel will discuss conflicts arising in deadlocked entities, followed by Jeffrey Wm. Pearson and Wade Yeakle, who will talk about a lawyer's duty when a client orders an attorney not to pay a creditor, who in turn appeals to the lawyer to protect the creditor's interest.

Patricia Redmond will talk on ethical issues in the new bankruptcy code, and Steven W. Teppler will talk about metadata--the hidden data, sometimes including confidential matters, that can accompany e-mailed documents.

The seminar will close with a discussion by D. Culver "Skip" Smith on ethical concerns when lawyers create ancillary businesses.

Thomes said there will be question periods for each topic, and the speakers will also be available at the end of the seminar. In addition, Teppler will have a laptop computer after the meeting and demonstrate how metadata works, including showing how information, such as notes and editing information, can remain invisible in the background of an electronic document, but can be retrieved by someone who receives it via e-mail or the Internet.

"It is going to be a lively and topical ethics seminar," Thomes said. "We have such a good group of presenters this year that I'm personally very excited and appreciate that this type of talent pool has come forward."

Walter Industries Invites You to Join its Third Quarter Conference Call on the Web.

In conjunction with Walter Industries' Third Quarter earnings release, you are invited to listen to its conference call that will be broadcast live over the Internet on Wednesday, October 30 at 9:00 a.m. EST with Don DeFosset of Walter Industries.

    What:     Walter Industries Third Quarter Earnings Release     When:     Wednesday, October 30 at 9:00 a.m. EST     Where:    http://www.walterind.com     How:      Live over the Internet -- Simply log on to the web at the               address above     Length:   Approximately one hour   

Walter Industries, Inc. is a diversified company with five principal operating businesses and annual revenues of approximately $1.9 billion. The Company is a leader in homebuilding, home financing, water transmission products, energy services and specialty aluminum products. Based in Tampa, Florida, the Company employs approximately 6,300 people. For additional news on the Company or investor information, please contact Walter Industries Senior Vice President - Financial Services Joe Troy at (813) 871-4404 or visit the corporate Web site.

If you are unable to listen to the live webcast, the call will be archived on the Web site at http://www.walterind.com/ . The call will also be archived at http://www.prnewswire.com/ .

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X79882218

Contact: Joe Troy, Senior Vice President - Financial Services, Walter Industries, +1-813-871-4404

Website: http://www.walterind.com/

Filing amended business tax returns to recover money; businesses should get a second opinion, whether it is done before or after the return is filed.(Management & Operations)

April 15th may be gone but, but certainly not forgotten--especially if, like millions of businesses, you unknowingly overpaid your businesses' federal taxes and can recover money by filing an amended return.

According to the IRS tax code, you have three years from the filing date for the tax year in question to file an amended return. For example, if returns for the 2003 tax year were filed on March 1, 2004, the taxpayer has until March 1, 2007 to file an amended return. This same role also applies if the taxpayer feels they have made errors resulting in a balance.

Reasons Businesses Overpay

Most businesses either prepare their business taxes themselves or have a tax preparer or accountant do them. With either method, the tax liability can be calculated as higher than it actually is because of missed deductions, unrecognized changes in tax laws or just plain being given bad advice.

For small businesses especially, there are a number of applicable deductions which many tax preparers often miss from home office deductions to self-employed health insurance to personal assets converted to business use (see Top Ten Most Often Missed Business Tax Deductions). Although some deductions may seem minor, over an entire year, they can add up to thousands of dollars.

Another area, which causes many business owners to overpay, is being given incorrect advice by their tax preparer or even the IRS directly. In a poll performed by Money magazine, the average tax preparer produces an average of 480 returns between February 1 and April 15, making it difficult for each return to get the time and attention it deserves. This same poll also found there was an average discrepancy of 300 percent between what the tax preparers said was due and what was actually due.

Furthermore, in the IRS's 2001 assessment of their own call centers, they found that 50 percent of the time, their representatives gave incorrect or insufficient advice. Whether a business owner does their own taxes and had to call the IRS for clarification on an issue or the business's taxes were handled by a CPA, odds are the answer was not correct.

U.S. tax laws are among the most complex in the world. Plus, tax laws change every year and have changed tremendously in the last couple of years. Even the best tax preparer can easily make a mistake.

Addressing a Need

Over the last few years, numerous new tax franchises have emerged that provide tax preparation services for consumers. In addition, there are many non-franchised accounting and tax firms dedicated to the needs of large corporations. This has created a gap in the marketplace, leaving the smaller business owner without experienced tax professionals to address their unique needs.

Why is it that when faced with a life-threatening surgery a second opinion is immediately sought after but, when trusting thousands or millions of dollars to an individual or entity, it's done without question? Businesses should get a second opinion, whether it is done before or after the return is filed, to ensure they are not overpaying or simply to ensure their returns are accurate in all aspects. If not, they could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

TOP TEN Most Often Missed Business Tax Deductions (Listed in no particular order)

1. Home office deductions--if a taxpayer runs a home office he is entitled to deduct expenses for the percentage of square footage the home office is occupying. Expenses include the combined total of mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities, repairs, and other related items.

2. General business expenses--Often, business owners will use their personal money or property for business expenses and will fail to deduct it.

3. Imputed interest on corporate shareholder loans--If a shareholder loans money to his corporation he is required to charge interest on it. The shareholder would be required to report the interest as income on his personal return, but the deduction on the corporate return can be used to reduce wages resulting in a refund of Social Security and Medicare taxes.

4. Meals/entertainment expenses--Similar to the general business expenses deduction, many times business owners will use personal money to pay for meals or entertainment expenses.

5. Personal assets converted to business use--in many cases when a person starts a business, he uses personal assets to get the business going. The lair market value of these converted assets can be a business deduction starting with the date of conversion.

6. Self-employed health insurance--As of the 2002 tax year, those who are self-employed are entitled to deduct 70 percent of their health insurance premiums.

7. Company entertainment--Company holiday parties, barbecues or other forms of entertainment are often paid for with personal funds and are not accounted for or reimbursed.

8. Communications expenses--Anytime a personal cell, telephone or Internet connection is used for business use, that is an additional deductible expense, which is often missed.

9. Fuel tax credit--Fuel that a business uses for off-highway equipment or machinery is entitled to a fuel tax credit. For example, if a landscaping company purchases fuel to power its lawnmowers or other equipment; it is entitled to a credit.

10. Automobile expenses--Often, personal vehicles are used for business use but the individual will fail to deduct for mileage and other related automobile expenses.

Darren Oliver is the chairman and COO of Tax Recovery Systems. He can be reached at 800-714-3504.