Russ McCutcheon

The service industry is alive and well in this country.
In fact, every business supplies a service to a paying customer. Whether it is a physical item constructed or a specific service
provided, everyone is truly in the service business.

Why, then, is the service often terrible? Is technology partially to blame?

In todays fast-paced world, we want everything delivered to us at the speed of light. The worlds information
at our fingertips has made us an impatient society. Self-service in all industries has caused us to become accustomed to a
level of service that may be satisfactory for many transactions, but certainly not all of them. The demand for low cost and
high speed often takes the human touch out of many of our daily transactions.

And yet service can make the difference between becoming a commodity product or being a memorable experience.

Technology has allowed for a level of disconnect from provider to customer, or vice versa, that is alarming.

As an example, recently I received an e-mail complaint from a customer in my companys general information in-box.
After it was forwarded to me, I certainly expected to find that the customer had already checked out of the hotel. Upon calling
the general manager, we found that the customer was still in the hotel and had checked in only an hour earlier. I was amazed
that an unhappy customer, who had just checked in, would send a complaint to a general information mailbox instead of contacting
the front desk for the hotel manager to address the issues.

Luckily, we were able to find the customer and fix the problem. I hope this attention will be remembered and this customer
will continue to consider us in the future.

Why will some customers allow for the time it takes to properly provide them the service they desire, relish the experience
that can come with that service, and pay the appropriate amount for the experience? Why will the same customer view another
experience as strictly a commodity transaction and demand the lowest cost while ignoring the potential experience they may
receive in the transaction?

Moreover, how can a brick-and-mortar business use technology to provide the service and experience desired by our customers
in the way they wish to be served? How can we engage in a relationship with a customer who might want to avoid direct contact?

Good service will always require having the right person in place with the ability and training to anticipate needs along
with the power to provide for those needs. Finding the person who truly enjoys providing a great customer service experience
and who wants to create a relationship will always be the key in creating an experience where the customer will choose to
return.

Creating a relationship in a very short time frame can mean the beginning of what can become a lifelong relationship between
customer and service provider. In that same time frame, with the wrong person in place or by not meeting the needs of the
customer, the relationship can be ruined for a lifetime.

While it seems clear what a business needs to provide to create the experience the customer wants, the customer also needs
to be involved.

As a service provider, I want to know where I exceed expectations, but I really want to know where I have not. And I want
to know it as soon as possible, preferably while the customer is still in my business so I have the opportunity to make things
right.

Technology has created the ability for anyone to reach thousands or millions of people quickly. It has also allowed for the
removal of the human contact point. And it has allowed personal communication and interaction to fall to a very low level
or to not exist at all.

As a service provider, I want to know when I have failed in providing the service expected. And, above all, I want to make
it right for the customer.

Call me, write me, e-mail me, text me, tweet me. Use any type of technology you like. Allow me to serve you and to earn and
keep your business.bull;

__________

Dora is president of General Hotels Corp. in Indianapolis. Views expressed here are the writers.

The British police arrested three people on Thursday as part of an inquiry into accusations of bribery stemming from the news-gathering and corruption scandal that has engulfed Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, the police said, bringing to 46 the number of arrests during more than a year of investigations.

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The arrests came as a separate judicial investigation into the behavior of journalists at Mr. Murdoch’s British newspapers said that he and his son James would testify in separate appearances before the panel next week.

The police did not identify the suspects but described them in a statement as a 36-year-old man living in Kent, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to corrupt a public official; a 42-year-old former member of the armed forces in Lancashire, arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office; and a 38-year-old woman living at the same address in Lancashire, suspected of aiding in that misconduct. The police said they were searching both residences.

Mr. Murdoch’s company, the News Corporation, said one of its journalists at The Sun, a tabloid, had been among those arrested on Thursday, though no name was given, news agencies reported. The British news media identified the journalist as Duncan Larcombe, 36, the paper’s royal editor.

Nine others at the newspaper were arrested this year, dragging The Sun, the country’s best-selling daily, onto the main stage from the fringes of the news-gathering scandal that led to the closing last year of its sister tabloid, The News of the World.

Information provided by a special team created by the News Corporation to investigate accusations of wrongdoing led to the arrests on Thursday, the police said. The previous arrests at the paper were also aided by information given to the police by the company’s team, known as the Management and Standards Committee.

So far, the police said, 26 people have been arrested and questioned in the investigation into corruption and bribery. Twenty others have been arrested in separate inquiries into phone and computer hacking by journalists at the News Corporation’s British news operation, News International.

One of those inquiries, headed by Lord Justice Brian Leveson, said it would hear evidence from Rupert Murdoch on Wednesday and possibly on Thursday, as well. His son James was set to testify on Tuesday.

Both men testified during a Parliamentary hearing last July on phone hacking at News International. The proceedings, which were televised and closely followed on the Internet, were briefly interrupted when a protester threw a plate of shaving cream into Rupert Murdoch’s face.

Though none of the people arrested in connection with the scandal have been formally charged, British prosecutors said that the cases had moved a step closer to possible criminal prosecutions, with Scotland Yard sending four files on 11 unidentified people, including four journalists and a police officer, to the Crown Prosecution Service on Wednesday. Under Britain’s judicial system, criminal charges are drawn up by the prosecutors on the basis of evidence gathered by the police.

The list of those arrested but yet to be charged includes several well-known figures in British journalism, including Rebekah Brooks, the former chief of News International, and Andy Coulson, formerly an editor at The News of the World and later the communications chief for Prime Minister David Cameron. Mr. Coulson resigned that post last year, citing the distraction caused by the scandal at his former paper.

Updated: April 26, 2012 1:02PM

Rummage Sale: Morgan Park United Methodist Church, Longwood Drive and 110th Place, will host a rummage sale 9 am to 2 pm April 20 and 21.

Concert: Trinity Lutheran Church, 9701 S. Brandt Ave., Oak Lawn, will host a concert by its Praise Band at 7 pm April 20. Information: (708) 422-0193.

Fellowship Night: First Christian Church of Chicago Heights, 1045 Dixie Highway, offers a Game and Fellowship Night at 7 pm April 20 in the church’s Garden Room. Information: (708) 758-3792.

Shabbat Service: Temple Anshe Sholom, 20820 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields, will have Shabbat Service at 7:30 pm April 20. Information: (708) 748-6010.

Spaghetti Dinner: United By Faith Lutheran Church, 3240 W. 98th St., Evergreen Park, will host a spaghetti dinner to benefit World Hunger. Hours are 4 to 7 pm April 21. Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children 7 to 12 and free for children younger than 6. Information: (708) 422-6301 or ubfelc@sbcglobal.net.

Craft Fair: Salem United Church of Christ, 9717 S. Kostner Ave., Oak Lawn, will host a spring craft fair 9 am to 3 pm April 21. Admission is free. Lunch will be available. Information: Jean Beauvais, (708) 423-9717.

Marriage Renewal: As part of its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, Incarnation Parish in Palos Heights is hosting an “Afternoon of Reflection and Renewal of Wedding Vows” for married couples who have belonged to the parish. The event is at 2 pm April 22 in the Bernardin Center, 5757 W. 127th St., Crestwood, and will include a wine and cheese celebration. Reservations: email Judi Weber at Judiweber60463@gmail.com or call (708) 371-3180.

Genealogical Meeting: The Illiana Jewish Genealogical Society will meet at 2 pm April 22 at Congregation Am Echad, 160 Westwood Drive, Park Forest, for a program on “Welcome to Jewish Gen,” an introduction to databases and other tools available on a Jewish genealogy website. The meeting is free to members and $2 for non-members. Information: www.ijgs.home.comcast.net.

Hunger Walk: The 2012 South Suburban CROP Hunger Walk, is at 1 pm April 22 starting at St. Paul Community Church, 18200 Dixie Highway, Homewood. The goal is to raise $27,000, one-fourth of which will be divided among seven local food-providing agencies. The remainder goes to help fight famine throughout the world. Information: Lucy Kokal, (708) 799-7953 or www.southsuburbancropwalk.com.

Shoe Drive: The youth group of the United Methodist Church of New Lenox, 339 W. Haven Ave., is having a shoe drive April 22 to May 9. Gently used shoes and monetary donations will be collected for Share Your Soles. Information: (815) 485-8271.

Sunday School Begins: Calvary Baptist Church, 801 E. Glenwood-Dyer Road, Glenwood, now offers Sunday School classes for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as classes for people in their 20s and 30s, and an adult class. The classes are 9:30 to 10:30 am Sundays. Church starts at 11 am Information: (708) 758-2300.

Food Program: St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11007 S. 76th Ave., Worth, will present a program by Jessica Palys at noon April 22 on relating spiritually to the food people consume. Information: (708) 448-6555 or www.stmarkworth.org.

Bingo: St. Julie Billiart Church, 7399 W. 159th St., Tinley Park, will have bingo at 1 pm April 22. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Information: (708) 429-6767.

Meaning of Life: Second Place Church, 6370 W. Emerald Parkway, Monee, will begin a new program, “ALPHA, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life,” at 6:30 pm Tuesday April 24 and meeting on subsequent Tuesdays for eight weeks. Information: (708) 587-0033 or email alpha@secondplacechurch.com.

Rummage Sale: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 8607 S. Narragansett, Burbank, will host its annual rummage sale 9 am to 4 pm April 26 and 27 and 8 am to noon April 28. There will be a $3 bag sale. Proceeds benefit local missions. Information: (708) 599-4780.

Rummage Sale: Trinity Lutheran Church, 9701 S. Brandt Ave., Oak Lawn, will have its spring rummage sale 5 to 9 pm April 27 and 9 am to noon April 28. Information: (708) 422-0193.

Murder Mystery: The United Methodist Church of Worth, 7100 W. 112th St., will present a Murder Mystery Dinner Play at 6:45 pm April 27 and 28. Tickets are $15. Reservations: (708) 448-6682.

Israeli Dinner: Temple Anshe Sholom, 20820 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields, will hold an Israeli Dinner celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s independence day, with dinner at 6 pm and service at 7:30 pm April 27. Information: (708) 748-6010.

Rummage Sale: Christ Lutheran Church, 14700 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park, will host a rummage and bake sale 9 am to 3 pm April 27 and 28. Information: (708) 349-0431.

Rummage Sale: The Presbyterian Church in Orland Park, 13401 S. Wolf Road, will have a rummage sale 7:30 am to 3:30 pm April 28. Information: (708) 448-8142.

Model Railroad Swap: Salem United Church of Christ, 9717 S. Kostner Ave., Oak Lawn, will have a Model Railroad Swap Fest 9 am to 4 pm April 28. Admission is $2, free for children younger than 12. Information: Jean Beauvais, (708) 423-9717.

Chicken Dinner: St. John United Church of Christ in Beecher will host its eighth annual Chicken Fry Dinner 4:30 to 7:30 pm April 28 at Beecher Amvet Hall, 532 Gould St. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under younger. Tickets will be available at the door. Information: Kathy Koehn, (708) 946-6729.

Rummage Sale: Faith Lutheran Church, 9701 Melvina Ave., Oak Lawn, will have a rummage and bake sale 9 am to 2 pm April 28. A $2 bag sale takes place after 1 pm Information: (708) 424-1059.

Rummage Sale: Faith Lutheran Church, 18645 Dixie Highway, Homewood, will host a rummage sale 9 am to 2 pm April 28. The church’s Wonderland Preschool will have an open house and bake sale on April 29. Information: (708) 799-1160.

Women’s Conference: Inner Changing Word Christian Church will present a “Women’s Face II Face Conference” 9 am to 2 pm April 28 in the auditorium at Rich South High School, 5000 Sauk Trail, Richton Park. Admission is free. Information: email info@icwministries.org.

Market Fair: St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11007 S. 76th Ave., Worth, will host an Outdoor Market Fair 7 am to 1:30 pm the last Saturday of each month from April to September. Food and free blood pressure screenings will be available. Vendors are sought. Information: (708) 444-1720 or (708) 233-6751.

Human Trafficking: The Catholic Community of St. Jude, 241 W. Second Ave., New Lenox, will host a presentation by Barbara Gusrafson from Woman At Risk International on human trafficking at 7 pm May 4. Following the program, jewelry made by rescued women will be offered for sale. Information: (815) 463-4208 or www.stjudes.org.

Spring Institute: The East-Will Deanery of the Council of Catholic Women will host its Spring Institute May 9 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mokena. Registration begins at 5:30 pm and Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Imesch is at 6 pm, followed by a buffet dinner and presentation about the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Wisconsin. Reservations for the dinner are $10 and are due Wednesday (April 25). Reservations: Mary Lou Cooper, (708) 946-3319.

Meal Packing: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 295 Sauk Trail, Frankfort, will host a mobile packing event for Feed My Starving Children June 22 and 23. More than 100,000 meals for children around the world will be packed. Information: www.goodshepherdfrankfort.org/mobilepack.

Crafters Wanted: United Methodist Church of New Lenox seeks artists and craftsmen to sell wares at the 37th annual Old Campground Festival, taking place 10 am to 4 pm June 23 on the church’s grounds off Lincoln Highway. Fees start at $45. Registration due June 1. Information: (815) 485-8271.

While cancer would end the presidential ambitions of many politicians, Chavezs struggle against the disease has in fact become his main rallying cry. Cancer could serve as a political asset if his health holds through the October vote, and thats the big if hanging over Venezuelan politics.

Last week, Chavez offered his starkest outlook yet as he wept while holding hands with his parents at a Mass and then pleaded to Jesus Christ to give him more life.

Give me your crown, Christ, Chavez said in live footage broadcast nationwide. Give me your cross, 100 crosses. Ill carry it, but give me life because there are still things left for me to do for these people and for this homeland. Dont take me away yet.

Chavez said later that he has faith in a miracle as he undergoes radiation therapy in Cuba following two surgeries that removed tumors from his pelvic area.

So far, what appears to be a serious life-or-death crisis hasnt dented his political support. To the contrary, one recent poll showed Chavez with a lead of 14 percentage points over rival Gov. Henrique Capriles. The poll by the firm Datanalisis had a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points.

Chavez has managed to hold on to support even while his main image has been that of an ailing president climbing or descending airplane stairs on his frequent flights to and from Cuba for treatment. On top of that, many Venezuelans are supporting him despite 25-percent inflation and one of the worst homicide rates in the world.

Information Minister Andres Izarra, one of Chavezs key aides, said on Monday that the president wont be out campaigning door-to-door like his rival because he doesnt need to. Izarra also said Chavezs spirits are being lifted by his supporters.

That love of the people, its arisen like a balsam, like part of his medicine, like part of his treatment to completely recover, Izarra said during a televised speech.

On Friday, Chavez is expected to rally his supporters on the 10th anniversary of his return to power after a short-lived 2002 coup, and he has drawn a parallel between his cancer fight and his survival during that coup, when he was restored to the presidency amid large pro-Chavez street protests.

At that time, the love of the people rescued Chavez from the edge of death, Izarra said. This time the love of the people is also rescuing Chavez from a particular health situation, in which if it werent for that love, Im sure his ailments would perhaps be greater.

Eduardo Gamarra, a Latin American studies professor at Florida International University in Miami, said compassion elicited by Chavezs illness has naturally played to his advantage in the electoral process.

Not only President Chavez but certainly his supporters and certainly the people handling his political campaign are taking full advantage of it. And I think it would be crazy for them not to do so, Gamarra said.

Chavezs illness also presents a challenge for the opposition, Gamarra said, because it might appear cold and callous to attack a seriously ill leader.

For both sides in Venezuelas divided political landscape, Chavezs illness has the potential to be a game-changer. The subject of what would happen if Chavez were to die is taboo among his political allies, as leaders of his United Socialist Party of Venezuela insist that Chavez will be their candidate and that there is no backup plan.

In the meantime, Chavez is adeptly using the uncertainty to once again cast himself as the protagonist in a larger narrative, at times evoking his own tragic hero, 19th century independence leader Simon Bolivar, who survived an assassination attempt and then resigned the presidency amid failing health. Bolivar was 47 when he died, and historians have generally cited tuberculosis as the cause.

At a televised meeting this week, Chavez, 57, said the independence leader had been left without people, left without soldiers.

What a painful end, Chavez said.

In speeches and rallies, Chavez has regularly shouted the slogan: We will live and we will win! It appears to be both his personal mantra and his political bet.

The odds of that bet remain unclear. Since he announced his diagnosis last June, Chavez has kept secret specifics about his illness such as the type of cancer and the precise location of the tumors that have been removed.

Some medical experts say based on Chavezs accounts, its very possible his cancer could come back yet again.

The tumor is recurrent, and to us that indicates that his chances for a cure are minimal because in cancer care, the best treatment is the first treatment, said Dr. Julian Molina, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Rochester, Minnesota. He noted that Chavez underwent surgery for a second tumor in February, indicating that his chemotherapy was ineffective.

Other medical experts say that depending on the type and grade of Chavezs cancer, the outlook might not be so grim.

Given Chavezs treatment regimen, he could have a soft-tissue sarcoma, said Dr. Steve Hahn, professor of radiation oncology at the University of Pennsylvanias Perelman School of Medicine.

Its not necessarily pessimistic, Hahn said. If he had a low-grade sarcoma, then he really has very little chance of it spreading elsewhere and the radiation, if it prevents it from coming back in the pelvis … that should pretty much hopefully be the end of the story for him, end of the story meaning control of his disease.

Chavezs face has at times appeared puffy during his cancer treatments, and in September he acknowledged taking steroids along with other medications. Doctors say steroids can be prescribed as an anti-nausea medication to cope with the effects of chemotherapy and can help increase appetite and energy levels. Molina noted that excessive steroids use can spur side effects such as fluid retention, mood swings and increased blood pressure.

Its always possible that they gave him a short course of steroids, he felt good, and then he requested that, you know, keep on this. Its very hard when youre a president and you have the powers to say this is what I want to do, Molina said.

The dearth of hard information about Chavezs illness, as well as the fluctuations in his tone and appearance, have fueled speculation and rumors about Chavezs health in the Venezuelan media and on the street.

Chavez, for one, has urged political allies not to waste time responding to the gossip.

Chavez communicated with the nation on Wednesday through several messages on his Twitter account while finishing his latest round of radiation treatment in Cuba.

Im putting on my combat boots! one of the messages read. Wait for me!!

That night, Chavez made yet another homecoming at Caracas airport, smiling as he descended the airplane stairs next to one of his daughters and saying he was doing well. He appeared vigorous as he chatted with aides at the presidential palace and reminisced about the 2002 coup during a televised talk that ended nearly an hour after midnight.

Chavezs legions of supporters have shown intense loyalty to their hero, regularly gathering at government-organized events to pray for his health.

On a downtown Caracas avenue, lampposts have been festooned with banners showing a healthy Chavez smiling and wearing the red beret of his years as an army paratrooper, along with the slogan: Onward Commandant!

At one recent pro-Chavez rally outside the presidential palace, Magalys Martinez said shes optimistic Chavez can overcome his illness.

He very much wants to live, said Martinez, herself a cancer patient. For this illness, what he needs to have is ambition to live.

Another supporter at the rally, 63-year-old Bernarda Mena de Palacios, said shes thankful to Chavez for a government-run education program that helped her earn her high school diploma.

Were praying for the president, she said. I have faith hes going to come out victorious. We cant lose a president like him.

___

Ian James on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ianjamesap

___

April 12, 2012 03:49 PM EDT

Copyright 2012, The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Mobile tools and applications represent powerful technologies that will most certainly become more important in the years to come. Gartner Research has predicted that, by 2013, a greater number of people will be accessing the internet via mobile devices than via desktop computers.

With this move toward the small screen, consumers are becoming more aware of being tracked through mobile connectivity. The unique characteristics of the smartphone as a platform thats always on and connected — providing access to real-world information like user location, habits, schedule, and lifestyle — are creating a number of privacy challenges.

Given the sensitivity of the data that many consumers store on their phones, the demands are very high for manufacturers, marketers, carriers, app developers, ad networks, and all other mobile service providers to respect user privacy in order to earn and retain public trust. Making sure users feel that they are in control of sharing their data is important. After all, companies cant afford for consumers to perceive a lack of control over a device that is so intimate.

THat the Internet has become the imposing phenomenon of the modern era is no longer news. What appears to be news is how it is defining the way we live, work, learn, share and govern. Talking about governance, I will be focusing on the rule of law on the Internet.

The Internet, being a network of networks is a borderless online world without national boundaries that has giving birth to new citizens called global citizens or online citizens. The absence of national boundaries create a quick departure from the offline world which is the physical world that we know.

In the offline world, clear boundaries exist and with it legal jurisdiction backed up with principles in form of law governing the way of life of the citizens irrespective of status. That invariably defines nationalities and citizenship. Within and outside these boundaries is the maintainance of law and order which is referred to as the Rule of Law.

Pertinent question

The pertinent question for the online world is should we replicate the boundaries on the Internet by creating silos to ensure the prevalence of the rule of law on the Internet in line with the physical world? In my opinion, to do so is retrogressive. Internet, because of its open, transparent and inherent multi-faceted nature has engendered unprecedented access to information and wealth across the world and has shrunk the world into what we know today as the global village wherein information that hitherto could not be accessed due to distance can be available instantly.

The challenge now is how do we ensure that the rule of law prevails on the Internet? How do we ensure that criminals do not operate with impunity? How do we ensure citizensrights to privacy, freedom of speech and assembly among others are not trampled upon by anyone not even the state? How do we ensure that there is justice on the Internet? How do we ensure that core principles of decorum, civility and the right of children to participate online without abuse are protected?

Tackling the above challenges must rely on innovation – a key catalyst of the Internet which over the past 43years of its evolution has ensured its resilience. The idea of doing something in a different way has not only benefitted the global economy, it has also added immense value to human life and dignity. The last frontier of the process concerns to how the Internet is governed to ensure the advancement of the rule of law in the online world.

One of the important results of the World Summit on Information Society 2005 was the establishment of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) to provide a forum for better understanding of the Internet governance ecosystem among all stakeholders irrespective of their constituencies. Now in its 6th edition and the 7th expected to hold in Baku Azerbaijan 6-9 November 2012, the IGF has thrown up a new model of governance called consensus multi-stakeholderism.

At the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development Working Group on the Improvement to the Internet Governance Forum, it was evident that the true and enduring approach to Internet governance is through multi-stakeholder participation with a focus on building consensus around core issues. Issues that are objectionable might have to be put aside.

The history of the Internet underscores this approach as the Internet is a system that continues to evolve through the participation of many stakeholders in the user community, the business community, the civil society, the technical and academic communities and of course governments.

All stakeholders have something to offer and their views matter greatly for an effective rule of law in the online world. A case in point was the stalling of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect Intelletual Property Act (PIPA) bills in the US Congress due to the failure of sponsors to carry key stakeholders along. The ideas behind the bills are good but the processes of articulating the bills were not inclusive.

As mentioned earlier, the rule of law has to do with legal principles governing the conduct of all citizens and the disposal of justice in the real (offline) or the virtual (online) world. Every one needs justice on the Internet, from the children, to consumers, users, producers, suppliers, organisations and states with regard to privacy, freedom of expression, security and other such rights. The rule of law prevails in the offline world but not yet matured in the online world.

The writer is CEO Kontemporary Consult and Vice-Chairman ,World Information Technology and Service Alliance (WITSA).

New Delhi: The fifth edition of the World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR) 2012 got off to a start at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi today. The two day event is being organised by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP), in partnership with the Department of Electronics Information Technology (DEITy), Ministry of Communications Information Technology, Government of India.

WITFOR will focus, on use of ICT in agriculture, education, health and e-Governance, within the overall theme of ‘ICT for Sustainable Human Development’. Representatives from over 30 countries will share their knowledge, views and best practices in the use of IT for governance and delivery of key public services, brought together on a common platform that will allow them to showcase successful, working models of the use of ICT for development.

WITFOR was born out of the need for emerging economies and developed countries to collaborate and harness the potential for digital technologies for sustainable development. Since its inception in 2003, World IT Forums have been held four times. The activities of the Forum are broadly guided by the World Summit on the Information Societys (WSIS) Plan of Action, in order to help achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The participation in WITFOR has risen from 600 to 1,500 in six years, bearing testimony to its robust content and the diversity of attendees. The WITFOR conferences help bring together a variety of stakeholders to discuss, debate and analyse ways in which ICT is powering the engine of growth and development in the emerging economies for policymakers and practitioners to share knowledge on ‘ICT for development’ with their international counterparts who are facing similar challenges in their countries.

With over 80 speakers from around the world, WITFOR 2012 aims to bring together a unique mix of policymakers and political leaders, social entrepreneurs, academic researchers, practitioners and executives, both from the private and public sector. Leaders from multilateral organisations like UNESCO, UNDP, the World Bank and from regional bodies like the West African Health Organisation will share their experiences in meeting the challenges of globalisation and sustainable development.

WITFOR is an important international event that places the host country on an international platform to showcase its achievements. So far, India has hosted only regional ICT / e-Governance international events and partnering in WITFOR 2012 will give Indian Policy Makers as well as Industry and opportunity not only to learn from other countries but will also open avenues for further cooperation and business development especially for innovative products such as Aakash and value added services delivered on Mobile Platforms. Also, WITFOR 2012 will give Indian States an opportunity to showcase their premier e-Governance projects and give international delegates an opportunity to visit such projects across India

The Forum will discuss the role of IT interventions in bringing about greater transparency in governance, issues of privacy and security while dealing with public databases, financial inclusion and ways of leveraging wireless technologies. It will also debate challenges related to the training of health workers, capacity building, evidence-based decision making to improve health outcomes, the role of government in primary healthcare, and the role of ICT in creating digital content, bridging the skills gap and the digital divide, as well as improving productivity, food security, knowledge transfer in the agriculture sector.

Kerala IT News

PTS Inc. (PINKSHEETS:PTSH) www.ptspi.com/ subsidiary Navistar Global Logistics (UK) ltd www.navistar.co.uk/ is pleased to announce that their internal financial statements for the eight month period ending December 31, 2011 are now available.

These interim financials are now available on Mina Mar Marketings support suite @ www.minamargroup.net/support/index.php?_m=downloadsamp;_a=viewdownloadamp;downloaditemid=3715amp;nav=0. The financials are reported in GBP (British Pound).

PTS Inc. is currently awaiting the FOB key from its OTC Markets subscription so that the company can file its December 31, 2011 financial reports and Adequate Disclosure document accordingly.

More Details will follow.

Short description

PTS, Inc. subsidiary Navistar Global Logistics (UK) Ltd is an international logistics freight forwarding company with high quality warehousing in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and at all ports and airports, and with north American subsidiary Starbase Global Logistics.

Navistar Global Logistics are specialists in air freight, sea freight and road haulage, transfer customs clearance, storage and fulfillment. Navistar can collect and deliver door-to-door, anywhere in the world.

Safe Harbor Statement

Information in this news release may contain statements about future expectations, plans, prospects or performance of Pts Inc. (PINKSHEETS:PTSH) that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the Safe Harbor Provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words or phrases can be, expects, may affect, believed, estimate, project and similar words and phrases are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Pts Inc. (PTSH:PK) cautions you that any forward-looking information provided by or on behalf of Pts Inc. (PTSH:PK) is not a guarantee of future performance. None of the information in this press release constitutes or is intended as an offer to sell securities or investment advice of any kind. Pts Inc. (PTSH:PK)s actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, some of which are beyond Pts Inc. (PTSH:PK)s control. In addition to those discussed in Pts Inc. (PTSH:PK)s press releases, public filings, and statements by Pts Inc. (PTSH:PK)s management, including, but not limited to, Pts Inc. (PTSH:PK)s estimate of the sufficiency of its existing capital resources, Pts Inc. (PTSH:PK)s ability to raise additional capital to fund future operations, Pts Inc. (PTSH:PK)s ability to repay its existing indebtedness, the uncertainties involved in estimating market opportunities, and in identifying contracts which match Pts Inc. (PTSH:PK)s capability to be awarded contracts. All such forward-looking statements are current only as of the date on which such statements were made. Pts Inc. (PTSH:PK) does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which any such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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Updated: March 30, 2012 2:20AM

Fish Fry: St. Joseph Church, 17951 Dixie Highway, Homewood, will host a fish fry 4:30 to 8 pm Friday. Information: (708) 798-0622.

Fish Fry: Our Lady of Loretto, 8925 S. Kostner Ave., Hometown, will host a fish fry and pasta dinner 4 to 6:30 pm Friday. Fish dinner is $7.50 and includes one refill of fish. Shrimp is $8.50 and meatless pasta is $6. The event also includes a bake sale. Information: (708) 424-7471.

Fish Fry: St. Benedict Church, 2339 York St., Blue Island, will host fish fries for lunch and dinner Friday. Lunch hours are 11 am to 1:30 pm and dinner is 4 to 7:30 pm Cost is $8. Information: (708) 385-8510.

Fish Fries: St. Mary Immaculate Parish, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield, will host a fish fry 4:30 to 7 pm Friday. Phone orders are accepted. Information: (815) 436-2651 or www.smip.org.

Drama: Bethlehem Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 20 E. 147th St., Harvey, will present a free play, “King of Kings,” at 7 pm Friday and 5:30 pm Saturday. Information: (708) 596-1190 or www.bethlehemtemplembchurch.org.

Visually Impaired Expo: Orland Park Christian Reformed Church, 7500 W. Sycamore Drive, and OASIS for the Visually Impaired will present Vision Dynamics Resource and Products Expo 10 am to 3 pm Friday. The event includes exhibits and workshops for people who are visually impaired and their families. Information: (708) 460-6573.

Choir Concert: Temple Anshe Sholom, 20820 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields, will host a concert by its choir along with that of B’nai Yehuda Beth Sholom at 7:30 pm Friday. The concert, “Mazel Bueno! A Celebration of Sefardic, Chassidic and Yiddish Song” also will include the Frelich Folk Ensemble. Information: (708) 748-6010.

Concert: Calvary Assembly of God, 18620 S. Governors Highway, Flossmoor, will host the Legacy of Praise Worship Concert, a fundraiser for Homewood Christian Academy, at 6 pm Saturday. Performers include Percy Bady, LaTosca Walker, 219 and Resident Aliens. Tickets: (708) 535-1524 or www.homewoodchristian.com.

Faith And Fun: United Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 4351 W. 180th St., Country Club Hills, will host a Faith and Fun event for children age 2 through fifth grade and their parents 10 am to noon Saturday. The event includes Bible stories, songs, games and a snack. Registration: (708) 798-0951.

Easter Eggstravaganza: Christ Lutheran Church of Orland Park, 14700 S. 94th Ave., will host an “Easter Eggstravaganza” at 10:30 am Saturday featuring a storyteller, egg hunt and refreshments. Information: www.christlutheranorland.com.

Pork Chops: Zion Lutheran Church, 3840 W. 216th St., Matteson, will host a pork chop dinner 4:30 to 7 pm Saturday. Cost is $16.50 per person. Tickets: (708) 747-1116.

Easter Musical: Grace Fellowship Church, 15150 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest, will present an Easter musical, “Remember Where the Past Ends and Forever Begins,” at 6 pm Sunday. Admission is free of charge. Information: (708) 535-1200.

Cantata: St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 9300 W. 167th St., Orland Hills, will present a Lenten Cantata, “For Such a One As This,” at 3 pm Sunday. The cantata will include adult and teen choirs, Seton Orchestra, liturgical dancers and lectors. Information: (708) 403-0101.

Cantata: Faith United Methodist Church, 15101 S. 80th Ave., Orland Park, will present an Easter Cantata at 3 pm Sunday. Information: (708) 444-8560.

‘Hippie Jesus Night’: Christian Disciples of Christ, 4351 W. 180th St., Country Club Hills, will offer “Hippie Jesus Movies Night” at 5 pm Sunday, featuring screenings of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Godspell.” Information: (708) 798-0951.

Mission Trip: Tinley Park United Methodist Church, 6875 W. 173rd Place, is organizing a mission trip to Appalachia in September. An informational meeting will be at 10:30 am Sunday. Information: (708) 532-2960 or www.TinleyMethodist.org.

Healing Service: Infant Jesus of Prague Church, Flossmoor Road and Leavitt Avenue, Flossmoor, will hold a Mass and Healing Service at 7:30 pm Monday. Information: (708) 799-1234.

Cantata: St. Jude’s Church, 241 W. Second Ave., New Lenox, will host a Holy Week Cantata, “The Song Everlasting,” at 7 pm Tuesday, featuring choirs, orchestra and guest vocalists from the Lyric Opera. Information: www.stjudes.org

Preschool: Trinity Lutheran Preschool, 9701 S. Brandt Ave., Oak Lawn, will begin a session of its program “Two by Two” Wednesday. The four-week session for 2-year-olds and a caregiver meets 9:30 to 10:30 am Wednesdays. Cost is $40. Registration: Cathy Cepican, (708) 422-0193.

Theology South: St. Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago, will host “Abusive Husbands, Christian Divorce and Catholic Annulment in a Narcissistic Age,” led by Biblical studies professor Troy W. Martin and his daughter, Andrea V. Oelger at 9 am Thursday. Cost is $6. Information: (708) 422-1635.

Last Supper: St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 18850 Riegel Road, Homewood, will host a Holy Thursday service re-enacting the Last Supper through a dramatization of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting. The service is at 7:30 pm Thursday. Information: (708) 798-8904.

Walk of the Cross: The traditional Good Friday Walk of the Cross sponsored by the New Lenox Ministerial Association starts at 10 am April 6 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 241 W. Second Ave. Walkers will follow the cross and offer a hymn, brief homily and prayer at each of the following: St. Jude Church, United Methodist Church and Maplewood Cemetery, ending with meditation at Trinity Lutheran Church at approximately noon.

Passover: Temple Anshe Sholom, 20820 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields, will hold a Passover Matza Brei Breakfast at 9 am April 7. A Shabbat Passover Morning Service will follow at 10 am Information: (708) 748-6010.

Easter Egg Hunt: Olympia Fields United Methodist Church, 20301 Western Ave., will host an Easter egg hunt at noon April 7 for children age 12 and younger. Information: (708) 481-5928.

Exercise Group: Tinley Park United Methodist Church, 6875 W. 173rd Place, is starting a free exercise program that will meet at 7:30 pm Sunday, Wednesday and Friday and at 9 am Saturday in the social hall. Information: (708) 532-2960 or www.TinleyMethodist.org.

Yoga Class: Tinley Park United Methodist Church, 6875 W. 173rd Place, will offer a new yoga group meeting at 6 pm Tuesdays. Information: (708) 532-2960 or www.tinleymethodist.org.

Choir Concert: Oak Lawn Bible Church, 9435 S. 54th Ave., Oak Lawn, will present a concert by the Moody Men’s Collegiate Choir of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago at 6 pm April 15. Information: (708) 857-9800.

Casino Trip: Salem United Church of Christ, 9717 S. Kostner Ave., Oak Lawn, will host a trip to Four Winds Casino in Michigan April 15. A $30 ticket includes bus transportation, $15 in slot machine credit and $10 in food credit. Reservations: Marianne Cox, (708) 389-8184 or email maricox@sbcglobal.net.

Women’s Conference: Peace Community Church, 21300 LaGrange Road, Frankfort, will host a one-day conference for women, “Celebrate,” April 21 featuring radio personality Margo Feiseler. Cost is $30 or $20 for high school and college students. Registration is due April 14. Information: Ruth Couwenhoven, (815) 468-1084 or rcouwenhoven@flourishwomen.org.

Spring Luncheon: The Christian Women’s Fellowship of Hometown Christian Church will host its annual spring salad luncheon at 12:30 pm April 18 at the church, 4340 W. 87th St. Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 to 12. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Information: (708) 582-7744.

Genealogical Meeting: The Illiana Jewish Genealogical Society will meet at 2 pm April 22 at Congregation Am Echad, 160 Westwood Drive, Park Forest, for a program on “Welcome to Jewish Gen,” an introduction to databases and other tools available on a Jewish genealogy website. The meeting is free to members and $2 for non-members. Information: www.ijgs.home.comcast.net.

Hunger Walk: Plans are being formed for the 2012 South Suburban CROP Hunger Walk, scheduled for 1 pm April 22, beginning and ending this year at St. Paul Community Church, 18200 Dixie Highway, Homewood. In 2011, there were 28 participating congregations, organizations and businesses. The goal for the 2012 walk is to raise $27,000, one-fourth of which will be divided among seven local food-providing agencies. The remainder goes to help fight famine throughout the world. Information: Lucy Kokal, (708) 799-7953 or www.southsuburbancropwalk.com.

Murder Mystery: The United Methodist Church of Worth, 7100 W. 112th St., will present a Murder Mystery Dinner Play at 6:45 pm April 27 and 28. Tickets are $15. Reservations: (708) 448-6682.

Meal Packing: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 295 Sauk Trail, Frankfort, will host a mobile packing event for Feed My Starving Children June 22 and 23. More than 100,000 meals for children around the world will be packed. Information: www.goodshepherdfrankfort.org/mobilepack.

Crafters Wanted: United Methodist Church of New Lenox seeks artists and craftsmen to sell wares at the 37th annual Old Campground Festival, taking place on the church’s grounds off US 30 10 am to 4 pm June 23. Fees start at $45. Registration due June 1. Information: (815) 485-8271.

Christian Holy Week Services

Chicago Heights: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 330 Highland Drive, Maundy Thursday service at 7 pm Thursday, Good Friday service at 7 pm April 6 and Easter sunrise service at 7 am, breakfast 7 to 10 am and traditional Easter service at 10 am April 8. Information: (708) 754-4493.

Chicago Heights: St. Mark United Church of Christ, 312 Chicago Road, will host God Can Ministries, First Christian Church and United Christian Church at 7:30 pm Thursday for a Maundy Thursday soup and bread meal followed by a worship service. Easter worship service at 10:30 am preceded by breakfast and egg hunt at 9:30 am Information: (708) 754-2266

Country Club Hills: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4247 W. 183rd St., Palm Sunday services at 8:30 and 11 am Sunday, Maundy Thursday services at 10 am and 7 pm Thursday, Good Friday service at 6 pm April 6, Holy Saturday prayer service at 5 pm April 7, Easter sunrise service at 6:30 am, breakfast from 7:40 to 10:15 am and worship services at 8:30 and 11 am April 8. Information: (708) 798-4131.

Homewood: First Presbyterian Church of Homewood, 17929 Gottschalk Ave., Palm Sunday service at 10:30 am Sunday, Maundy Thursday soup supper at 6:30 pm followed by a seder service at 7:30 pm Thursday, Easter breakfast 8:30 to 10 am and Easter service 10:30 am April 8. Also there will be a Good Friday Interfaith Community Service at noon April 6 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 18850 Riegel Road, and a Good Friday tenebrae service at 7:30 pm April 6 at St. Paul Community Church, 18200 Dixie Highway. Information: (708) 798-0490.

Homewood: Faith Lutheran Church, 18645 Dixie Highway, Palm Sunday services at 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday featuring the Senior Choir performing a cantata on April 1. Information: (708) 799-1160.

Matteson: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3840 W. 216th St., Palm Sunday service at 9 am Sunday, Maundy Thursday service at 7 pm Thursday, Good Friday service at 7 pm April 6, Easter sunrise service at 6:30 am April 8 followed by breakfast and traditional worship service at 10 am Information: (708) 747-1116.

New Lenox: St. Jude’s Church, 241 W. Second Ave., Parish Reconciliation Service at 7 pm Wednesday, a Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper at 7:30 pm Thursday followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until midnight. Good Friday Masses April 6 include a 10 am Ecumenical Cross Walk, 3 pm Stations of the Cross and 7:30 pm Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion. A Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass is at 8 pm April 7. Easter Masses at 7, 9 and 11 am in church, and 9:15 and 11:15 am in the gym at Providence Catholic High School, 1800 W. Lincoln Highway. Information: www.stjudes.org.

Oak Lawn: Salem United Church of Christ, 9717 S. Kostner Ave., Seder dinner at 7 pm Thursday, Good Friday service at 7:30 pm April 6, and Vigil Service at 9 pm April 7. Information: www.salemoaklawn.org,

Oak Lawn: Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service, which includes a re-enactment of Jesus’ last days at 7 pm Thursday, Community Good Friday service at noon April 6 and Easter services at 9 and 11:15 am April 8, with breakfast at 10 am Information: (708) 422-4200.

Orland Park: Christ Lutheran Church of Orland Park, 14700 S. 94th Ave., Palm Sunday services at 8, 9:30 and 11 am Sunday; Maundy Thursday services at 11 am and 7 pm Thursday, Good Friday services at 11 am and 7 pm April 6, Easter sunrise services at 6:30 and 8 am followed by breakfast at 9 am and family worship service at 11 am April 8. Information: www.christlutheranorland.com.

Orland Park: Presbyterian Church, 13401 S. Wolf Road, Palm Sunday service featuring the church’s Celebration Singers at 10 am Sunday, Maundy Thursday service at 7:30 pm Thursday, Easter observance includes breakfast served by the Men’s Club at 8:30 am and service at 10 am April 8. Information: (708) 448-8142.

Orland Park: Faith United Methodist Church, 15101 S. 80th Ave., Maundy Thursday drama at 7 pm Thursday, Good Friday tenebre service at 7 pm, Easter traditional service at 9 am and contemporary at 10:45 am April 8. Information: (708) 444-8560.

Olympia Fields: United Methodist Church, 20301 Western Ave., Maundy Thursday service at 7:30 pm Thursday, Easter Egg Hunt featuring the Easter Bunny for children age 12 and younger at noon April 7, Easter Sunday service including Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” at 9:30 am April 8. Information: (708) 481-5928 or www.ofumc.net

Palos Park: Peace Memorial United Church of Christ, 10300 W. 131st St., Good Friday services at 7:30 pm April 6 that will include a presentation of Haydn’s “Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross,” Easter sunrise service at 7:30 am, potluck breakfast at 8:30 am and Easter celebration service at 9:30 am April 8. Information: (708) 448-7833 or www.pmcucc.org.

Tinley Park: Faith United Presbyterian Church, 6200 W. 167th St., offers a French toast breakfast at 9 am, C children’s party and egg hunt at 9:30 am and Easter service at 10:30 am April 8. Information: (708) 532-8877.

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