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U.S. Navy Awards AtHoc With Contract to Provide Network-Centric Emergency Notification Systems Reaching Up to 400,000 Personnel in Four Navy Regions

 September 12, 2006 -- AtHoc, Inc. today announced the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center in San Diego has selected and procured AtHoc IWSAlerts™ to serve as the networked alerting system for four of the Navy's sixteen regions around the world. The Navy purchased twelve enterprise edition server licenses of AtHoc IWSAlerts as well as the add-on Weather Alerts Module. Using the Navy's existing IP network, AtHoc IWSAlerts will be used to alert up to 100,000 personnel at each of the four regions within minutes of an emergency event occurring.

The AtHoc alerting system, named the Computer Desktop Notification System (CDNS) by the Navy, will be used primarily by the Regional Operations Center (ROC) within each of the four regions. ROCs operate 24/7 and have the primary responsibilities for all Navy installations and personnel within a defined geographical region. Their efforts are supported by Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) located on individual bases within the region, which will also be able to activate the system. CDNS will work in conjunction with installations' outdoor PA and telephony alerting systems to deliver, within minutes, alerts to over a hundred thousand networked devices in each region, including desktops, laptops, PDAs and even cell phones.

AtHoc IWSAlerts is a network-centric, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) offering that uses the existing IP network to quickly distribute alerts to installation personnel. The alerts, in the form of pop-up windows on a desktop or other mobile device, accompanied by an audio alarm, describe the potential threat, categorize the threat level and include instructions for action. Personnel receive alerts regardless of which application they are using as long as they are connected to the network. Once the alerts are distributed, the AtHoc system tracks which users acknowledged receipt of the alert and provides operators with detailed, real-time reports of alert responses.

AtHoc IWSAlerts also includes a robust, Web-based management system to manage emergency notifications. The management system enables operators to pre-define alerting scenarios that can be activated instantly during emergencies. It includes a library of more than one hundred pre-defined scenarios complying with signals and messaging specifications appropriate to watches, warnings, evacuation routes, battle staff directives and other federal, Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Navy-specific emergency notifications.

"For a complex organization such as the Navy, effective emergency alerting isn't just about distributing information. It's also about pre-planning and managing the emergency notification process," said Curt Kolcun, vice president of Microsoft Federal. "Using AtHoc IWSAlerts, built on Microsoft Windows and SQL Server technologies, the Navy can do exactly that."

AtHoc IWSAlerts' management system can determine who needs to be alerted to deal with a situation, figure out what types of information and instructions should be sent, decide who has the authority to alert whom and with what information, and also measure the overall effectiveness of the alerting process. It also includes organizational management tools that allow the ROCs and EOCs to assign varying levels of permissions to different operators. One operator may be authorized to send alerts to all personnel in a region while another would be limited to base personnel only, or even to personnel who are members of a specific tenant agency inside a base. This provides great value to the Navy, which manages multiple bases and tenant organizations within each region.

"We've continued to evolve AtHoc IWSAlerts to stay in line with the ever-growing and expanding needs of the U.S. Military. It's an honor to be selected for this deployment with the Navy," said Guy Miasnik, president and CEO of AtHoc. "The Navy has stringent requirements for protecting personnel. By using our network alerting system, the Navy will be even better prepared in times of emergency. We're excited about the role we'll play in protecting our men and women in uniform."

AtHoc IWSAlerts is running on a Microsoft server and SQL database platform. It has been certified for use within the DoD network.

About AtHoc, Inc.

AtHoc provides enterprise-class network-centric alerting systems for emergency notifications, force protection readiness, anti-terror warnings and critical communications. AtHoc offers a broad set of alerting solutions for the government/defense agencies and commercial enterprises, including IWSAlerts™ for Network-centric Emergency Mass Notifications; C2Alerts™ for Targeted User Alerts in Command & Control / C4I Operations Center; KMAlerts™ for Knowledge and Intelligence Dissemination; and EmployeeAlerts™ for critical Corporate Communications. AtHoc has partnered with business leaders including Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Unisys and IBM to bring these notifications solutions to the enterprise market. The U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Air Force, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Boeing, Raytheon, eBay and Juniper Networks are some of the world-class organizations that have selected and deployed AtHoc for their critical enterprise notifications needs.

For more information on AtHoc, please visit http://www.athoc.com.

QUVIS INTEGRATES FORENSIC MARKING BY THOMSON IN DIGITAL CINEMA SYSTEMS

– September 12, 2006)  QuVIS, Inc., the leading provider of digital cinema solutions, is pleased to announce that it has completed testing and will begin shipping the watermarking solution developed by Thomson, the global technology company serving the media and entertainment industries, in its commercial grade cinema systems.  With the integration of Thomson’s forensic watermarking, the QuVIS’ Cinema System will support an essential tool in the battle against piracy, a worldwide problem that cost Hollywood studios $6.1 billion in 2005, according to statistics released by the Motion Picture Association of America (May 3, 2006).

QuVIS’ Cinema System Series line of commercial grade servers deliver unsurpassed image quality in DCI JPEG2000, or its own patented wavelet compression technology, Quality Priority Encoding (QPE™). The Cinema Series supports resolutions through 4K and provides transparent real-time playback of a 2K image from a 4K master as well as optional 3D.  In addition to film-resolution playback, the QuVIS Cinema series supports current video broadcast standards including High Definition and Standard Definition at guaranteed quality levels.  The systems approach includes integrated support for automation control and audio, as well as optional show and theatre management system components. 

“QuVIS continues to add features as specified by the DCI, with more to be commercialized in the following months,” says Larry Jacobson President of the Entertainment division “It is our intent to offer the most compelling and innovative features in the digital cinema industry.  The addition of Thomson’s watermarking to our commercial grade Cinema System is yet another step in that process.”

 

Part of Thomson Content Security’s comprehensive NexGuard™ suite of security tools, Thomson’s watermarking technologies help eliminate illegal recording and other attempts to pirate copyrighted content without impacting the viewer experience. The solution embeds the time, date and location of content playback through a unique, invisible data replacement process. Thomson’s forensic mark exceeds the digital cinema specifications set by the Hollywood studio consortium, Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) in its robustness, capacity to store forensic information and the ability to yield implicating data from a small amount of footage.

"We are very pleased that QuVIS has recognized the leading-edge qualities of our watermarking solution," says Perry Weinstein, Director of Sales for Thomson. “With the help of QuVIS, NexGuard’s watermarking tools will continue to penetrate new markets worldwide.”

 

About QuVIS, Inc.

QuVIS Inc., is the leading provider of hi fidelity high-resolution motion imaging technology. The QuVIS line of servers, recorders and players provide guaranteed image quality using Quality Priority Encoding, (QPE™). QuVIS also offers optional JPEG2000, MXF, secure encryption and key management for a complete end-to-end digital cinema solution. QuVIS offers servers for real-time mastering and recording of content for SD through 4K for production, post production, digital dailies, digital cinema exhibition, simulation and large screen displays. The ASIC version of QPE, embodied in the QuVIS Digital Mastering Codec (QDMC™), offers new capabilities for the image storage, analysis and communication industries and is available for OEM and licensing applications.

 

  

Spooz, Inc. Launches SpoozNewz Blog

 Spooz, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SPZI), announced today that it will regularly post information to keep investors informed on its newly created blog at www.SpoozNewz.blogspot.com. It is intended that SpoozNewz provide a public forum for various Spooz insiders to address relevant topics of interest to the company's shareholders.

About Spooz, Inc.

Spooz, Inc., a publicly traded company based in Chicago, provides a suite of solutions designed to simplify financial trading for traders and hedgers alike. SpoozToolz™ and its modules, the Company's flagship products, add built-in trading capabilities to the popular Microsoft® Excel software application, combining a customizable interface, streaming quotes, charts, technical analysis, a comprehensive historical database, and electronic trade execution into a simple add-in that becomes part of the Excel tool bar.

VERITAS of China, LLC Engaged as Strategic Advisor for Atlantis Business Development Corporation

September 12, 2006 -- Atlantis Business Development Corporation (OTCBB: ABSD) (hereinafter "ATLANTIS") announced today that it has engaged VERITAS of China, LLC to advise it on its business development strategy for US companies doing business in China, including new business opportunities, mergers and acquisitions, and company marketing and positioning.

ATLANTIS has elected to be regulated as a business development company in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The business development company form of business is a vehicle established by Congress to allow smaller, retail investors to participate in and benefit from investing in small private businesses as well as the revitalization of larger private companies. As a business development company, ATLANTIS is engaged in providing debt and equity financing to public and private companies, as well as private equity funds, for working capital, acquisitions, management buyouts, projects and special situations. ATLANTIS offers its clients a "one stop shop" of equity and senior, subordinated, structured and mezzanine debt to realize their business development objectives.

ATLANTIS plans to achieve the level of success and implement a growth strategy similar to other established business development companies, such as American Capital Strategies, Ltd., a publicly traded business development company with capital resources of approximately $8.4 billion (http://www.americancapital.com).

VERITAS of China, LLC will provide services to ATLANTIS directly and through VERITAS Capital Advisors ("VCA"), a consulting and financial advisory division focused on providing value-added services to its corporate and institutional clients in the United States, China and internationally. VCA is expected to advise ATLANTIS and its portfolio companies in the areas of investor relations, capital formation, mergers and acquisitions, private equity firm relations, deal flow development and international business opportunities. VCA is headed by Dr. Edwin Ruh, and has a management team with over 50 years of collective experience in consulting, corporate finance, investment management and business development. VERITAS of China, LLC will also rely on the expertise and capabilities of its external strategic alliance partners to assist ATLANTIS in achieving its business development objectives.

Dr. Ruh is the Founder and Chairman of VERITAS of China, LLC and has been an Associate and Lecturer at the Harvard Information Infrastructure Project and spent more than 20 years in project finance and banking, closing more than 100 global transactions totaling more than $18 billion. He holds a Law Degree from Yale University, a Masters of Public Administration from Harvard University, Masters Degrees in Business Administration and Public Policy from the Heinz School, Carnegie Mellon University; a Master's Certificate in Materials Science from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained in this news release include certain predictions and projections that may be considered forward-looking statements under securities law. These statements involve a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, but not limited to, the performance of joint venture partners, as well as other economic, competitive and technological factors involving the Company's operations, markets, services, products and prices. With respect to Atlantis Business Development Corp. (ABSD), except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, ABSD's extremely limited operating history, uncertainties related to the Company's access to additional capital, competition and dependence on key management.

Primal Solutions Announces Warrants for EarthLink

 -- Primal Solutions (OTCBB: PSOL), the leading provider of IP transaction platforms, announced that it has issued to EarthLink (NASDAQ: ELNK) five-year warrants to purchase up to 1.5 million shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $0.28 per share (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances).

The warrants were issued on July 12, 2006 in connection with entering into a software license and services agreement to support EarthLink Municipal Networks business unit's Wi-Fi deployments. The warrants vest in increments upon reaching specific revenue milestones, or fully in the event of a change in control for Primal Solutions. Warrants for 300,000 shares vested upon issuance.

"We are excited to be working with EarthLink in the rapidly expanding municipal Wi-Fi market, and appreciate the interest that EarthLink has taken in our company," said Joseph Simrell, Chief Executive Officer, Primal Solutions.

Primal's IP Correlytics™ platform is being deployed by EarthLink to enable wholesale billing, which includes usage tracking, event rating and mediation, subscriber information management, billing calculations, wholesale self-help, and support for wholesale and third-party invoice creation and reporting. IP Correlytics is in use in EarthLink's Anaheim, California municipal Wi-Fi deployment.

About Primal Solutions, Inc.

Primal Solutions, Inc. provides comprehensive solutions for streamlining and improving IP transaction management. With its flagship offering, the IP Correlytics™ platform and related services, the company helps enhanced communication providers and new media companies generate increased revenue, rapidly launch new products and services and extract essential business intelligence from IP transactions. Customers and partners include leading communications and technology innovators worldwide, including Time Warner Cable, EarthLink, Lucent Technologies, Bright House Networks, Sylantro Systems, Telekom Malaysia and Cisco Systems. For more information, visit: www.primal.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the company's actual results or outcomes to be materially different from those anticipated and discussed herein. These include the company's historic lack of profitability, end-use customers' acceptance and actual demand, which may differ significantly from expectations, the need for the company to manage its growth, the need to raise funds for operations, and other risks associated with the regulation of the Internet and the telecommunications industry. Additional discussion of these and other factors affecting the company's business and prospects is contained in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

  

  

Magove S.A. Capitalizes on Integrated File Sharing and Data Management

PDM Capability Within Alibre Design Cuts Delivery Time in Half

-- "The real question," asks Gasper Acevedo of Magove S.A. when he talks about the Alibre Repository, a PDM file-sharing technology included with Alibre Design, "is 'why didn't we use this before?'"

For years, the engineering firm has been using Alibre Design, the popular 3D parametric CAD software, for all its automotive and machinery designs. By switching to 3D modeling, Magove increased its efficiency and could take on projects with greater three-dimensional complexities, like gauging. Magove, however, had not yet explored the workgroup file management and collaboration capabilities that came with its Alibre Design licenses. All this time, Magove had access to a secure, 100 MB Repository on the Alibre server, ideal for sharing files between multiple designers both on and off-site.

Alibre enables the Repository in Alibre Design Professional and also grants server storage with each Alibre Design Expert license. Repository access is integrated in the user interface along with other online collaboration features, such as real-time Team Design™, instant messaging, and expert assistance via the Alibre Assistant. In effect, this file sharing power gives small businesses like Magove the same advantages that complex and expensive enterprise Product Data Management (PDM) systems give larger firms. For instance, Alibre Repository maintains a complete version history allowing design changes to be tracked and reviewed. It also provides the ability to assign access rights, such as read and write, to designs, drawings, Bills of Materials (BOM), etc., to ensure that only the right people get access to sensitive design data. Check-in/check-out is also supported enabling multiple individuals from the same or different departments to simultaneously work with project data including 3D models, 2D drawings and other related documents such as engineering change orders or BOMs without conflicts.

 

Highlighted Links Success with Alibre PDM 3D mechanical CAD software

Acevedo, engineering manager at Magove, implemented file sharing on the many gauge designs Magove creates for automotive clients such as General Motors and Volkswagen. The gauges Magove designs are used to fit and physically model air conditioning tubing and other conduit systems through a vehicle assembly. When Acevedo and his staff finally put Alibre Repository to good use, they found they could halve the time from design to delivery.

"These changes in the way we do things have saved us time in a measurable way -- by 50 percent. That's a real number," Acevedo emphasizes. "It takes us half the time to design and build gauges now, with no extra effort or extra cost -- just due to file sharing. It's amazing."

"I think there are a lot of people who might be familiar with the modeling power of Alibre Design, but still aren't aware of all of the powerful collaborative features, like Alibre Repository," says Alibre CEO Greg Milliken. "Even for small businesses with only a few seats of Alibre Design, it's a tremendous benefit. The Repository allows designers to work on different aspects of a design simultaneously, even in separate locations, without any extra investment in software or hardware, because it's already part of the Alibre Design application. The results Magove has seen by incorporating the capability into their production process, reducing their time to market by half, are not uncommon."

"The time savings really multiplies considering the many gauging projects we do each year," concluded Acevedo. "And to think we could have been doing this all along. For years, we thought file sharing and data management was something that was hard to set up. Thanks to Alibre Design, it wasn't at all."

About Alibre

Alibre Inc. develops and markets Alibre Design™, the fastest growing parametric 3D solid modeling software for mechanical design and manufacturing. One-fifth the cost of comparable software, Alibre Design delivers quick ROI, ease-of-use, rich functionality and unique real-time support, and is enabling small and medium-sized businesses and workgroups to put 3D CAD on every engineer's desk, similar to utilities like Word or Excel. Alibre also delivers Alibre Design Xpress, the industry's only true 3D parametric modeler available free of charge. Alibre Design is available in thirteen languages and distributed worldwide. Founded in 1997, Alibre Inc. is privately funded and based in Richardson, Texas. For more information and for a free trial of Alibre Design, please visit www.alibre.com.

About Magove S.A.

Magove S.A., a Mexican firm specializing in machinery and equipment, has been providing effective industrial solutions to the needs of its clientele since 1972. Magove develops custom-designed machinery, robotic cells, and tube gauge dimensioning. For more information, visit www.magove.com.

 

 

What You Need to Know Now About Long Term Care

Plus, Why What You Don't Know About Medicare and Medicaid, Could Hurt You...

September 12, 2006 --

What would you do if your wife were diagnosed with Alzheimer's?

Do you know that Medicare won't cover her nursing home care?

What if you were to have a stroke and become unable to care for yourself?

 

Do you know that you would have to spend nearly all your assets, before Medicaid kicks in?

Despite an aging U.S. population with increasing longevity, and despite the fact that long term care costs continue to spiral upwards, Americans are less worried about needing and paying for long term care than they were a decade ago! According to a recent survey, many of those polled provided contradictory answers suggesting confusion and paralysis when it comes to planning for their future health care.

FIND OUT:

-- What Medicare will pay and will not pay

-- The difference between long term care and disability insurance

-- That most long term care is NOT provided in a nursing home

 

 

BREAKFAST ON BROADWAY Summer Sessions Address Connectivity Providers & Network-Dependent Services

Non-Metro, National vs. Regional/Local Carriers, Global VNOs, Small-Medium Enterprise Markets and Secure Single Touch Services Discussed

The BREAKFAST ON BROADWAY seminars' summer sessions focused on network and broadband-related issues -- the value of the non-metro provider, national versus regional/local carriers and global virtual network operators. Connectivity dependent services and the emerging small to medium enterprise market as a profitable center also were addressed. PPL Telcom (June), XO Communications and Symagio (July) and Global Internetworking and Xceedium (August) comprised the co-host lineup.

PPL Telcom directed its presentation towards enterprise owners and the rewards from using regional carriers and competitive access providers (CAP) to solve bandwidth continuity, redundancy, diversity and growth needs. "A company should control its own destiny by controlling its access. Use CAPs for their local knowledge, extremely high levels of customer care and ability to avoid critical downtime," said director of marketing, Charles Boddy. "Carrier hotels have large provider menus, making many services a cross-connect away."

XO looked at the true advantages national carriers have over regionals and locals. XO stressed how the recent changes in the telecom environment have given national carriers a competitive edge. At the same time, "New IP-based services, like VoIP, with their competitive cost and productivity advantages, make the regional/local providers a force to monitor," said XO senior sales engineer, Catherine Velasquez. "If these regional and local providers can better serve the increasing IP-based and wireless needs of the SMB, we might see the national carriers lose some of their current advantage."

Symagio spoke to the general business opportunities and significant ROI possibilities, which the small to medium business market (SMB) presents to carriers, providers, manufacturers, integrators and ISP/ASPs. "The newness, the quick climb in data generation, the drop in storage costs and the migration of large enterprise tech to SMBs got providers to suddenly take notice," said co-founder Will Allen. "Services are no longer a luxury but a universal need at the SMB level," emphasized co-founder Matt Curtis.

Xceedium covered new methods of remote operations management and security. The talk highlighted secure remote IT operations' rising importance -- allowing core competencies' geographic distribution, assets' remote access and segmented access to discrete systems. "On-the-fly IT infrastructures, with built-in full remote control, offer no-risk deployment of IT expertise and operations segregation based on identity-based management. And commercial touch free operations for infrastructures and secure remote 'lights-out' operations are on the way," expressed founder/CTO, David Van.

Andrew Goldsmith, vice president, marketing and strategy at Global Internetworking, returned after a year to present market trends and changes that are new and notable in bandwidth. A comparison of "traditional services" pricing '05 to '06 showed the slowdown in falling prices, spotlighted last year, remains. This year's predictions were the growing demand for alternative connectivity will trend upward in the years ahead, and the move to globalization is here to stay. Sixteen North America to Europe and seven North America to the PacRim cable systems were the supporting facts given. Goldsmith did mention Global Internetworking's agreeing to be acquired by Mercator Partners Acquisition Corporation. Mercator also has agreed to acquire UK-based ETT, aiming to create a Virtual Network Operator with global presence.

 

Highlighted Links TELEHOUSE website NY Peering Exchange

The next BREAKFAST ON BROADWAY seminar is on September 20, Wednesday at 8:30 AM. The URL address http://www.ersvp.com/r/event5212 is available for online registration. Topics include a look at how different the approaches to services, IP and broadband are in the U.K versus the U.S., what a company should know about 'going global' and key requirements to deal with broadband and services in the U.K. & the U.S. today and beyond. Featured presenters will be ETT (www.et-t.net), an independent London-based technology and data service integrator providing bespoke enterprise network solutions to major corporate clients worldwide, and Juma Technology (www.jumatechnology.com), a privately owned, New York-based high level IT systems and telecommunications integrator.

About TELEHOUSE America

TELEHOUSE is a stable and trusted pioneer of carrier-neutral colocation space and services. They provide customers with secure, power-protected environments where clients can house and operate their telecommunications and network resources. Companies from a wide range of industries locate their mission critical equipment at TELEHOUSE's colocation "meet-me-centers" in New York and California; taking advantage of the potential business opportunities that exist from other TELEHOUSE customers. Among the many benefits of colocating with TELEHOUSE is the ability to connect to state-of-the-art peering exchanges in New York (NYIIX, http://www.nyiix.net/) and Los Angeles (LAIIX, http://www.laiix.net/). Additionally, through close ties to its sister companies in Europe and Asia, TELEHOUSE can provide continuous, cost-effective operation of network-dependent businesses around the world. Please visit http://www.TELEHOUSE.com or contact us at sales@TELEHOUSE.com.

About PPL Telcom

PPL Telcom is an unregulated subsidiary of PPL Corporation, a Fortune 500 Global Energy Company, headquartered in Allentown, PA. They provide broadband connections to telecommunications companies, ISPs and large businesses and institutions, i.e. hospitals, schools and government needing high-speed data connections for multiple locations. PPL built a world-class highly redundant and diverse fiber-optic network. Strategically situated in the mid-Atlantic region, it services 15 markets in 6 states and the District of Columbia. The network's 4,000-plus route miles of fiber services northeast corridor customers from New York to Washington DC, also including Allentown, Bethlehem, Baltimore, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Newark, Northern VA, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, Scranton, Wilmington DE, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport and York. Their fiber is within half a mile of 100,000+ business locations, offering first and last mile fiber and the network in between. Products include Private Line (T1 to OC-192), Ethernet (10 Mbps to 1 Gbps), IP Services, and Wavelengths (1G, 2.5G and 10G speeds). For more information, visit www.ppltelcom.com.

About XO Communications

XO Communications, a subsidiary of XO Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: XOHO), is a leading provider of national and local telecommunications services to businesses, large enterprises and communications service providers. XO offers a complete portfolio of services, including local and long distance voice, dedicated Internet access, private networking, data transport, and Web hosting services as well as bundled voice and Internet solutions. XO provides these services over an advanced, nationwide facilities-based IP network and serves 75 metropolitan markets across the United States. For more information, visit www.xo.com.

About Symagio

Symagio is a New York-based, high-energy technology think tank devoted to data protection and security. They develop real-world strategies that protect clients from every disaster and enable them to respond to the continuous growth of worldwide data. Their flagship product is a high-end online data backup software package. It uses technology that transmits data at the bit level. Symagio is able to reduce bandwidth and time transfer requirements to protect databases previously protected only by unreliable tape, thereby bringing disk-to-disk protection to even the largest of servers. They have already achieved a global presence in the disaster recovery field by working with small to medium enterprise clients worldwide.

About Global Internetworking, Inc.

Founded in 1998, Global Internetworking is a knowledge-based, facilities-neutral network solutions provider for carriers, service providers, system integrators, government agencies, and enterprise customers. GII provides solutions built around its customers' requirements, not the constraints of any one telecommunications carrier's physical network or technology. Within the wholesale telecom market, GII helps customers obtain diverse, cost-effective off-net connectivity, from-anywhere to-anywhere in the United States and over 40 overseas markets. Within the enterprise and government sectors, GI specializes in providing diverse, high-capacity solutions for wide area network applications. GII offers all customers a turn-key, single-point-of-contact approach which allows them to find the most optimal end-to-end solution without having to find, manage and interconnect multiple local and long-haul telecom carriers. For more information, visit http://www.globalinternetworking.com

About Xceedium

Xceedium helps IT operations manage their distributed infrastructure as if it were one integrated system -- quickly, efficiently, and securely. Xceedium's GateKeeper is a hardened appliance that provides a centralized management interface for easy and secure administrative access to computing and networking resources, from anywhere, at anytime. The solution is client-less, agent-less, and rapidly deployable, providing a highly secure and real-time operational framework for complete control across in-band, out-of-band, and power-on/off support needs.

Xceediums's patented technology maximizes operational agility, increases service delivery, and enables auditable processes that support SOX and other regulatory requirements. GateKeeper is Common Criteria Certified and FIPS 140 compliant, and has been successfully deployed in hundreds of data centers within large government agencies and Fortune 1000 companies. Xceedium is headquartered in Jersey City, N.J. Please visit www.xceedium.com to learn more.

TELEHOUSE® is a registered trademark of TELEHOUSE International Corporation of America.

Copyright© 2001-2002, TELEHOUSE International Corporation of America, all rights reserved

 

 

Contagious Festival Draws Longtime Political Activist and Grandson in Dramatic Battle Over Best Politically Sensitive Presentation Online

Festival Features Original Work by Talented Designers, Activists, Filmmakers and Comics (http://bushland.cf.huffingtonpost.com/) 2006 -- A political activist who has been jailed with Country Singer Kris Kristoferson and Musician Jackson Browne for anti-war protests, has entered into a new fight with his grandson in a battle to win 1st place this month in the "Contagious Festival." Political Activist Keith Shirey of Pasadena, CA and his Grandson, Jesse Bailey are competing for the $2,500 prize in the Festival, which is an interactive contest online, which is decided by the most viewers of the presentation. The most popular sites rise to the top of the website live rankings and get the attention of a panel of esteemed political judges. Their presentation is called "Bushland - A Jesse Bailey Flash Video." It can be publicly viewed at: http://bushland.cf.huffingtonpost.com.

 

Highlighted Links Bushland Jesse Bailey Flash Shirey's Progressive Store

The winner will be determined by which offering gets the most views at the "Contagious Festival." Shirey, who has won fights against mega giant E-Bay for political censorship, also received death threats for selling his political art work on e-bay which ridiculed President Bush and the Republican Party (Http://www.progressive2008.com). Jesse, whose other grandfather is the famous jazz drummer, Donald Bailey, has already received several job offers because of the quality of his work on the Flash Video.

"I'm not surprised," said Shirey. "Creativity runs in the family. Jesse was drawing like a professional artist when he was 12."

The contest began on Sept. 1, 2006 and because the duo entered eight days late, they are some 50,000 views behind the top entry. "It doesn't bother me," said Jesse Bailey. "Artists are always racing to catch up when they have to meet deadlines. The Huffington Post gets a huge amount of traffic. We've got a good chance. I'm not worried."

The Flash Video criticizes Bush and the Republicans as being a menace to the planet, and the health and lives of the American people. The video also appears on Shirey's web site, Http://www.progressive2008.com. Due to the unrestrained attack on President Bush and the Republican Party, Shirey has received death threats and charges of being a traitor.

Focus Enhancements Announces FS-100 Version 3.0 With HD Native Frame Rate and QuickTime Support

New Firmware Upgrade Adds Support for Native 720/24p, 25p and 30p as Well as Native QuickTime Support for DVCPRO HD Recordings

Focus Enhancements, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCSE), a worldwide leader in video production and conversion technology, today announced the version 3.0 firmware upgrade for its popular FS-100 Portable Direct To Edit® (DTE) recorder enabling users to record native 720/24p, 25p and 30p in the MXF P2 or QuickTime file formats commonly used in Apple's Final Cut Pro. Version 3.0 is expected to be available in the middle of the fourth quarter, 2006.

Native file format support only records the required frames in a DVCPRO HD stream, eliminating the need to remove advanced pulldown or duplicate frames during import to the edit system. The new 3.0 software version also adds QuickTime support for native frame rates as well as other 720p and 1080i DVCPRO HD record modes for DTE workflow within Apple Final Cut Pro, bypassing the normal P2 import process thereby decreasing workflow.

"Focus Enhancements' unique DTE technology is continually evolving to streamline and improve professional video production workflow," said Matt McEwen, senior product manager for Focus Enhancements. "The addition of native frame rate support as well as QuickTime support to FS-100 saves a tremendous amount of time in DVCPRO HD workflow as well as offering extended record time."

Using native frame rate recording, users can more than double the record time on the FS-100 from 100 minutes to over 200 minutes. By recording only the required frames, the bit rate for DVCPRO HD recordings drops to as low as 40Mb/s. While camcorders such as the Panasonic AG-HVX200 P2 camera/recorder do not output a stream via FireWire when set to native frame modes (pN), the FS-100 processor is capable of achieving the same native support by only recording the required frames when set to regular 720/24p, 25p and 30p modes. QuickTime support also includes up to four channels of digital audio.

The FS-100 3.0 upgrade is expected to be available directly from Focus Enhancements for $39 by the middle of the fourth quarter this year.

Focus Enhancements will demonstrate a beta version of the 3.0 software during IBC Expo at the Amsterdam RAI from September 8 - 12 in stand number 9.431. IBC is the leading event for professionals involved in the creation, management and delivery of entertainment content.

For more information on Focus Enhancements and its products, please visit www.focusinfo.com.

About Focus Enhancements, Inc.

Focus Enhancements, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCSE), headquartered in Campbell, CA, is a leading designer of world-class solutions in advanced, proprietary video and wireless video technologies. The company's Semiconductor Group develops integrated circuits (ICs) for high-performance applications in the video convergence market, including IPTV set-top boxes and portable media players. Focus Enhancements is currently developing a wireless IC chip set based on the WiMedia UWB standard and designed to be compatible with Wireless USB and used in personal computer (PC), consumer electronics (CE), and mobile electronics applications. The company's System Group develops video products for the digital media markets, with customers in the broadcast, video production, digital signage and digital asset management markets. More information on Focus Enhancements may be obtained from the company's SEC filings, or by visiting the Focus Enhancements home page at http://www.Focusinfo.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this press release which are not historical including statements regarding management's intentions, hopes, expectations, representations, plans or predictions about the future are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the risk factors specified in the company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2006 and June 30, 2006, as well as other filings with the SEC. These statements are based on information as of September 09, 2006 and the company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

© 2006 Focus Enhancements, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Virtual Premise Releases Advanced Desktop Audit Manager for Tenants to Audit Real Estate Operating Expenses and CAM Charges

September 10, 2006 -- (National Retail Tenants Association) -- Virtual Premise, Inc. Tenants now have an exciting new weapon to help them challenge overcharges and errors in Operating Expenses and CAM. Designed for the retail market, this new product works equally well for non-retail corporate tenants.

Virtual Premise, Inc. and Asset Strategies Group (ASG) jointly developed this radically new approach to auditing Operating Expenses and CAM. "After surveying the market, we realized that products available today only offered a place to store expense information, but do very little to reconcile or audit those expenses. We decided it was time to offer a product that actually helps reduce operating expenses," says Mike Pascale, VP Chief Product Officer.

Advanced Desktop Audit Manager can be used on a stand-alone basis with any Lease Administration system, or integrated in the Virtual Premise Global Real Estate Management System™. The system uses a unique questionnaire-style interface that captures expense provisions and automatically performs key calculations to audit your expenses. Integrated workflow management and built-in document templates create challenge letters so users can manage many audits simultaneously.

Configurable filters identify the best opportunities for cost recovery and streamline the audit process. "Virtual Premise's technology expertise, combined with our years of desktop audit experience resulted in a product that really works!" says Paul Hiers of ASG. "The rapid recovery of overcharges identified by the Advanced Desktop Audit Manager enables users to quickly impact the bottom line."

Virtual Premise is now scheduling demonstrations of its Advanced Desktop Audit Manager. With flexible pricing, an intuitive interface, and quantifiable returns, Virtual Premise has already received tremendous interest in this new product. For more information, or to schedule a demonstration, go to www.virtualpremise.com or call 404-267-1730.

About Virtual Premise

Virtual Premise, Inc. (www.virtualpremise.com), Atlanta, GA, is the leading provider of Real Estate Information Management Software. Key Products include Portfolio, Lease, Project, Transaction, and Document Management. Virtual Premise also offers Lease Abstracting, Document Scanning, and Due Diligence Services.

About Asset Strategies Group

Asset Strategies Group, LLC (www.consultasg.com), Columbus, OH, is a leading retail real estate consulting firm providing strategy, desktop audit, deal negotiation, store design/construction, lease administration, and utility bill data entry/presentment services.  

Reminder - It's Fast and It Looks Totally Hot!

The Air Force Reserve Jet Car masterfully rolls along the runway, spewing smoke, flames and mini-sonic booms. It pulls into position and waits. Sometimes a naive pilot, who actually thinks he has a shot at winning, flies close to the deck and issues a race challenge. The car continues to wait as the plane circles to get into position. The plane comes in fast and as it passes over the Jet Car, the driver kicks it into action. The Jet Car accelerates from zero to 400 mph in about eight seconds -- that's less time than it takes to dial home on your cell phone. It's less time than it takes to get in your car and crank the engine. It's less time than it takes to back out of your driveway. It's less time than it takes the Jet Car to zoom past the plane it is racing. You can actually witness the Jet Car take on another unsuspecting victim at the Reno National Championship Air Races and Air Show, September 16 and 17.

 

Highlighted Links Air Force Reserve

 

(Click here for details)
The Air Force Reserve Jet Car will appear
at the Reno National Championship Air Races and Air Show
on September 16 and 17.

The Car's Westinghouse J-34 jet churns about 10,000 horsepower and 6,000 pounds of thrust to move the 26-foot long car, appropriately decorated to look like the inside of just such an engine. The 1800-foot run gobbles 40 gallons of diesel fuel before the 2,300-pound car is dragged to a stop by a ring slot parachute.

Scott Hammack, who designed the Jet Car, is the primary driver, Bill Braack is the #2 driver and Linda Hammack handles logistics for the team, which has been accident-free for more than 3,300 runs. That equates to driving from New York to Ft. Lauderdale for Spring Break, and at Jet Car speed, that's about a three-hour trip, provided there's no traffic.

Bill Braack, Scott Hammack and the Jet Car are proudly supported by the Air Force Reserve, composed of more than 70,000 men and women. Although members of the Air Force Reserve serve part-time, they perform approximately 30 percent of the work of U.S. Air Force. A large number of civilian jobs in America exist in the Air Force Reserve, where reservists can continue their careers while serving their country. The Air Force Reserve is a team of people who are stationed locally, but serve globally.

 

 

Sam Houston State University Wins Grand Prize for Efforts to Reduce Drinking & Driving

AAA Texas Honors University for Alcohol Prevention Program

 AAA Texas today awarded Sam Houston State University the $5,000 grand prize in the AAA College and University Drinking and Driving Prevention Awards Program. The competition challenges colleges and universities to develop and implement programs to prevent student drinking and driving and alcohol abuse. This year, six universities were awarded a total of $10,000.

Sam Houston State earned the award for its "Kats Taking Care of Kats" campaign. The campaign utilizes the university's Bearkat mascot theme to increase student participation in alcohol education and promote their willingness to assist their fellow "KATS" when they are engaging in risky behavior associated with alcohol use. The "KATS" campaign has been integrated into school events, the curriculum, campus newspaper, website, flyers, as well as personal and mass e-mail distributions.

Strategies enacted by Sam Houston State include:

--  "Alcohol 101 Plus" - Integrated the Century Council's interactive     program into the alcohol education curricula.      --  "S.W.A.A.T." - 'Six Weeks of Alcohol Awareness Training... and then     some' - provide students an opportunity to attend alcohol education     presentations during the semester and after at least six sessions of     training the students received items such as backpacks and t-shirts.      --  "Smart Start" - Alcohol awareness orientation for incoming freshmen     and their parents during orientation sessions.      --  "Reducing Irresponsible Drinking (RID) Week" - alcohol awareness week     focused on obsessive alcohol consumption among students.  Included     interactive exhibits and prevention presentations, plus a lecture series     for each day of event.     

"Sam Houston's 'KATS' program is an excellent example of a school providing a well conceived and comprehensive approach to dealing with the serious problem of drinking and driving and alcohol abuse on campus," said Steven Bloch, Ph.D., coordinator of the AAA's College and University Drinking and Driving Prevention Awards Program.

Prizes of $1,000 each were awarded to other winners including the University of North Texas (Denton, TX), Cal State Fullerton, New Mexico State University, Champlain College in Vermont, and the University of California (Irvine, CA). In 2005, Sam Houston State University received the $1,000 prize.

The College and University Drinking and Driving Prevention Award was developed nine years ago by AAA Texas and the Center for College Health and Safety to address problems associated with drinking among college students. The award recognizes campus programs and activities that reduce drinking and driving or prevent alcohol and other drug use that can result in impaired driving.

The Center for College Health and Safety assists colleges and universities in developing, implementing and evaluating prevention policies and programs to address health and safety issues.

AAA Texas, a member of the American Automobile Association federation of motor clubs, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, more than a million AAA Texas members benefit from the organization's roadside assistance service, travel agency, financial products, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing, trip planning services, and traffic safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on AAA Texas web site at www.aaa.com.

 Ulticom®, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULCM), a leading provider of network signaling solutions, today announced that Telephia has chosen Signalware to enhance the capabilities of its industry-leading performance measurement solutions for communication service providers. Telephia is the largest provider of syndicated consumer research to the communications industry.

Ulticom's line of Signalware signaling products (see http://www.ulticom.com/html/products/signalware-overview.asp for more info) provide a high-performance application development and deployment environment encompassing the essential network signaling technology used to reliably deliver communication services. With broad support for wireless and VoIP protocols, the Signalware solution provides Telephia with a robust carrier grade platform to measure the performance of mobile and next-generation fixed telephony networks.

"Providing timely, accurate, and actionable service-based intelligence to our clients is what sets Telephia apart from competitors," said Terry Joyce, Senior Vice President -- Systems Development, Telephia. "Best-of-breed components such as Signalware enable us to expand our business on a global basis by ensuring the rapid deployment of new capabilities to our patented solutions."

"Telephia's choice of Signalware speaks to the flexibility of our solution to enable converged network services," said Osman Duman, senior vice president and CMO at Ulticom. "Telephia's innovative approach uniquely addresses the growing need for service providers to have a comprehensive understanding of their service offerings to enable new service revenue, increase ARPU, and reduce subscriber churn."

About Telephia

Telephia is the largest provider of syndicated consumer research to the communications industry. Telephia is your connection to the digital consumer.

Since 1998, executives at service providers, device manufacturers, content providers, and retailers have relied on Telephia data to make confident competitive strategy, marketing and resource allocation decisions. Telephia uses its unique measurement tools and large-scale consumer panels to completely understand the digital consumer's behavior, attitudes and experience.

To learn how Telephia data can help you understand the digital consumer and track your competitive performance, please contact us at (415) 395-0500 or sales@telephia.com.

About Ulticom, Inc.

Ulticom provides service essential signaling solutions for wireless, wireline, and Internet communications. Ulticom's products are used by leading telecommunication equipment and service providers worldwide to deploy mobility, location, payment, switching, and messaging services. Traded on NASDAQ as ULCM, Ulticom is headquartered in Mount Laurel, NJ with additional offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.ulticom.com.

Note: This release contains "forward-looking statements" for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will be achieved, and actual results could differ materially from forecasts and estimates. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: the results of the Audit Committee's review of matters relating to the Company's stock option awards, including but not limited to the accuracy of the stated grant dates of option awards and whether proper corporate procedures were followed in connection with such awards; the results of Comverse's review of its stock option awards as applicable to employees of the Company; the impact of any restatement of the financial statements of the Company or other actions that may be taken or required as a result of such reviews; the Company's inability to file required reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission; the risks of dealing with potential claims and proceedings that may be commenced concerning such matters; risks associated with the Company's inability to meet requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market for continued listing of the Company's shares; risks of litigation and of governmental investigations or proceedings arising out of or related to the Company's stock option grants or any restatement of the financial statements of the Company; risks associated with the development and acceptance of new products and product features; risks associated with the Company's dependence on a limited number of customers for a significant percentage of the Company's revenues; changes in the demand for the Company's products; changes in capital spending among the Company's current and prospective customers; aggressive competition may force the Company to reduce prices; risks associated with rapid technological changes in the telecommunications industry; risks associated with making significant investments in the expansion of the business and with increased expenditures; risks associated with holding a large proportion of the Company's assets in cash equivalents and short-term investments; risks associated with the Company's products being dependent upon their ability to operate on new hardware and operating systems of other companies; risks associated with dependence on sales of the Company's Signalware products; risks associated with future networks not utilizing signaling systems and protocols that the Company's products are designed to support; risks associated with the products having long sales cycles and the limited ability to forecast the timing and amount of product sales; risks associated with the integration of the Company's products with those of equipment manufacturers and application developers and the Company's ability to establish and maintain channel and marketing relationships with leading equipment manufacturers and application developers; risks associated with the Company's reliance on a limited number of independent manufacturers to manufacture boards for the Company's products and on a limited number of suppliers for board components; risks associated with becoming subjected to, defending and resolving allegations or claims of infringement of intellectual property rights; risks associated with others infringing on the Company's intellectual property rights and the inappropriate use by others of the Company's proprietary technology; risks associated with the Company's ability to retain existing personnel and recruit and retain qualified personnel; risks associated with the increased difficulty in relying on equity incentive programs to attract and retain talented employees and with any associated increased employment costs; risks associated with rapidly changing technology and the ability of the Company to introduce new products on a timely and cost-effective basis; risks associated with changes in the competitive or regulatory environment in which the Company operates; and other risks described in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties, as well as others, are discussed in greater detail in the filings of Ulticom with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. All such documents are available through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or from Ulticom's web site at www.ulticom.com. Ulticom makes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made.

© 2006 Ulticom, Inc. All rights reserved. Ulticom, Signalware, nSignia and IMS-Ready are trademarks of Ulticom, Inc.

 

Order Logistics, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: ODLG) (www.orderlogistics.com) has added Contec, Inc. (www.contecinc.com) to its client base. Contec has engaged Order Logistics to provide tier-two support for its database platforms. As a part of the new support agreement, Order Logistics will be providing proactive database system monitoring, training and mentoring. In addition, Contec will be utilizing Order Logistics' online Customer Care Center to log Oracle support questions. This Customer Care Center provides clients with 24x7 support for their mission-critical systems anywhere in the world.

"Our expertise in database design and implementation allows us to provide solutions to companies such as Contec, to help implement scalable and reliable solutions," said Jennifer Cunningham, Director of Business Intelligence for Order Logistics' eBridge Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Order Logistics. "Our skills in large-scale databases and customer support combined with our Solve (IT)2 platform and suite of solutions, including SupplierBRIDGE, ScheduleFlex, and iSource uniquely qualify us to provide world-class support for global companies, and we are pleased to provide this service for Contec."

 

Highlighted Links Order Logistics, Inc.

About Contec®

Contec, Inc., an ISO 9001:2000 registered company, is a leading manufacturer of contamination control products for critical manufacturing environments worldwide. Contec products are used in various industries across the globe -- biomedical, pharmaceutical, medical device, microelectronics, optics, semiconductor, data storage, automotive OEM, aerospace, health and fitness, and marine.

The extensive product line for clean rooms and critical environments includes knitted, woven and nonwoven wipers, presaturated wipers, sterile and non-sterile wipers, mopping systems, wall washing systems, sponges and swabs. Many of our wipers and mops are available validated sterile for use in aseptic environments. Laundered wipers and mops are processed in our ISO Class 4 clean room laundry facility. Our ISO 9001:2000 registration ensures customers of consistent quality products -- from development to delivery. We are committed to exceeding customer requirements and expectations.

About Order Logistics

ORDER LOGISTICS, Inc. is helping great companies discover, manage and execute their most effective global supply chain solutions strategies.

The Order Logistics' team, technology, solutions, and dedicated transportation resources allow organizations to have world-class visibility, information and controls without disrupting existing plans, processes, partnerships, and information systems. By leveraging technology, business solutions, operational expertise, and a centralized capacity network of transportation providers to take advantage of logistical opportunities, Order Logistics provides end-to-end solutions for its customers. This allows each customer to gain control over their unique distribution network and utilize their existing information systems to their full capacity.

President Brian Griffin and ODLG are featured on the MacReport.Net, a leading provider of online business and financial information. To listen to Mr. Griffin's presentation go to the following link: http://www.publiccoreport.net/featured/ODLG/company.asp

Note: Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results or timelines to differ materially are risks associated with research and clinical development, regulatory approvals, supply capabilities and reliance on third-party manufacturers, product commercialization, competition, litigation, and the other risk factors. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent judgments of the management of Order Logistics as of the date of this release. Order Logistics and its managers and agents undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

 

CEO of US Energy Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: USEH), Claude Eldridge, is proud to announce the groundbreaking news everybody has been seeking: "When will US Energy Holdings, Inc. start the exploration of its first well in Ozona, Texas?"

US Energy Holdings plans to commence drilling within the first week of November 2006. This well should be in full production in time to meet the 06-07 winter demand. Following the history of this field, this well should return great profits for US Energy Holdings and its shareholders.

Claude Eldridge, CEO, thanks the shareholders for standing behind this company while we have been building a solid foundation for making US Energy Holdings a name to be reckoned with in the energy sector.

This press release contains statements which may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of US Energy Holdings, Inc. and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward statements include fluctuation of operating results, the ability to compete successfully and the ability to complete before-mentioned transactions. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.

 

PetroSun Incorporated (PINKSHEETS: PSUD) is pleased to announce today that it has inked a deal to secure Title Sponsorship of the 2006 Independence Bowl which will be held on Thursday, December 28 in Shreveport, LA. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Central time. The terms of the partnership agreement give PetroSun naming rights to the historic bowl through 2008.

"This is an exciting opportunity for us on many levels. The Independence Bowl partnership provides PetroSun a terrific platform, nationally, to generate greater brand awareness and introduce to the public some of our renewable energy initiatives but it also provides a terrific opportunity for the company to make a difference at the local level, through our active participation in charity organizations and sponsored community events," said Gordon LeBlanc, Jr., Chairman/CEO of PetroSun, Inc. "My wife and I were both raised in the Shreveport-Bossier area, so it's a homecoming of sorts for us. We have always been familiar with the Independence Bowl and its strong history and we're excited, along with Rayfield Wright, to be a part of this event and this community."

The Independence Bowl provides one of the most attractive match-ups of any bowl game in the nation, showcasing teams from the Big 12 and Southeastern Conferences. The Bowl has been televised on ESPN since 1992 to a national audience and has become a fixture of ESPN's Bowl Week. Last year's game, a thriller won by Missouri 38-31 over South Carolina, garnered a 2.75 TV rating, ranking it sixth out of 20 bowl games carried on the network.

The PetroSun Independence Bowl and ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, also reached an agreement today for a contract extension, keeping the game on ESPN through 2009.

"On behalf of our entire ESPN college football team, we are very pleased to extend our 15-year relationship with the Independence Bowl through the 2009 game and we welcome PetroSun to what has been a tremendous partnership," said Dave Brown, ESPN's Vice-President of Programming and Acquisitions. "Many of college football's top programs and top players have visited the Ark-La-Tex region each year and we look forward to more great Big 12 vs. SEC games going forward. The Independence Bowl is truly a community event and we look forward to continuing to be a part of it."

The Independence Bowl can trace its roots back to 1975 when the board of directors of the Shreveport-Bossier City Sports Foundation conceived the idea of bringing a postseason football game to northwest Louisiana. Applying to the National Collegiate Athletic Association for certification, the group's efforts were rewarded with the approval of a December 13, 1976 game. Past title partners include Poulan / WeedEater, Sanford Corporation, and MainStay Funds.

"The Independence Bowl has a great deal of history behind it, and now thanks to PetroSun stepping up as the title sponsor, and the extension with ESPN that takes us through 2009, our future looks better than ever," said Independence Bowl Executive Director Missy Setters. "We feel like this is a tribute to the hard work of so many people over the past 30-plus years, and we couldn't be happier and more excited about the future of the PetroSun Independence Bowl."

All ticket renewals for the 2006 game have been mailed and new ticket orders are currently being accepted. Anyone who did not receive a renewal form in April should contact the Independence Bowl office immediately. Those interested in ticket information can call the Bowl office at (318)221-0712 or toll free at (888)414-BOWL (2695). Interested parties can also visit the bowl's official web site at www.independencebowl.org to receive updated information on news and related events.

About PetroSun

PetroSun's current operations are concentrated in the Ark-La-Tex region with plans to expand into New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Australia in 2006. PetroSun provides a comprehensive array of products and services to the oil industry. PetroSun BioFuels, a wholly owned subsidiary, is an emerging producer of bio-diesel derived from the cultivation of algae. The Company's cutting edge technologies, combined with a proven ability to apply them effectively and safely within a disciplined ROI framework, creates long term value for PetroSun shareholders and partners. PetroSun is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information about PetroSun visit the company's website at http://www.petrosun.us

Except historical matter contained herein, matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties, which may affect the Company's business and prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

 

 Leading connectivity solutions provider Gefen Inc.
today announced the formal recognition of its HDMI CAT5 Extreme as one
of Electronic House magazine’s Products of the Year for 2006.

Distinguished from among hundreds of entries, Gefen’s HDMI CAT5 Extreme
is a sender/receiver extension system that sends HD video and digital
audio up to 200 feet in distance using industry-standard CAT-5e cabling.

This method allows HDMI sources to supercede the limitation of the HDMI
specification, and deliver HDCP-compliant resolutions (up to 1080p)
plus multichannel digital audio to any remotely located HDMI projector or
display.

Through a democratic voting process, involving editors from Electronic
House and three related publications, winning products were selected
based on criteria ranging from innovative features to customer reviews.

“Our decisions are based on product demos, talking with installers and
users and sometimes going out on a limb for products we found to be
promising,” said Cindy Davis, Editor-in-Chief, Electronic House magazine.

“Topping our list of criteria is technological innovation, combined
with overall value--and just plain outstanding features.“

As one of the winners, Gefen will be featured in Electronic House’s
September publication and will officially receive its award at a special
ceremony, held during CEDIA.

Gefen’s President and CEO Hagai Gefen will be among several Gefen
representatives at the awards ceremony during CEDIA to receive the award.

“We’re thrilled to be acknowledged for excellence in bringing
cutting-edge solutions to the market,” said Gefen. “We look forward to
continuing to provide the tools and add-on hardware that makes Gefen recognized
as a worthy solutions provider in the digital domain.”

Electronic House Products of the Year Award
Saturday, September 16, 2006
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Denver City Center Marriott
1701 California Street
CEDIA Denver


About Gefen:
Gefen leads the industry in just-in-time audio/video solutions for both
professionals and consumers with an eye for superior quality and
reliable performance. In the HD digital domain, Gefen delivers advanced
technologies with multi-platform extension, switching, distribution and
conversion capabilities. Gefen equipment is valued all over the world in
professional AV/IT and consumer electronics/home theater environments.
Their add-on hardware maximizes system functionality by enabling AV
systems to operate beyond their original capabilities. Visit www.gefen.com
for detailed product information.

About Electronic House magazine:
Electronic House, an EH Publishing, Inc. magazine is the leading
consumer publication that focuses on all aspects of the electronic home. In
authoritative articles, Electronic House covers home theater, multiroom
entertainment, home control, wireless communications, energy
management, home networking, and high-speed wiring. Electronic House readers want
to have the best technology in their homes and Electronic House
provides easy-to-read information enabling them to make informed buying
decisions.

  

IDS Clarifies Stock and Cash Distributions

HLS and IDS to Release Pre-Market Update on Wednesday Morning

IDS Worldwide, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: IDWD) reported earlier today that the 995ad.com division is concluding final negotiations to merge with a fully reporting publicly traded company in the next few days. 995ad.com will be the surviving company and will distribute shares to IDS common stockholders on a 1:1 basis for each share owned of IDS common shares at the time of the closing date. IDS shareholders must own the stock 3 days prior to the closing date to allow for the settlement of the trade in their respective accounts.

IDS has received requests to clarify certain points. Every investor purchasing IDS common stock (IDWD) will be eligible to receive the $2.35 cash per share from HLS, the 995ad.com distribution shares and also the HLS dividend shares already received for stock holders who previously qualified. It is necessary for IDS to separate the 995ad.com division into its own public company prior to HLS cash buyout of $2.35 per share.

 

Highlighted Links IDS Worldwide, Inc.

Further, HLS and IDS will release a joint press release pre-market tomorrow after conclusion of Wednesday morning meeting in Dubai (Dubai time which is 8 hours ahead of United States EDT).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, or other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially because of factors such as the effect of general economic and market conditions, entry into markets with vigorous competition, market acceptance of new products and services, continued acceptance of existing products and services, technological shifts, and delays in product development and related product release schedules, any of which may cause revenues and income to fall short of anticipated levels. All information in this release is as of the date of this release. The company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company's expectations.

 

Introduces Turbo Models for the IBM System Storage DS8000 Series and Enterprise-Class N Series Systems Designed to Deliver Increased Performance, Simplified Management and Lower Costs

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced one of the single largest expansions of its storage portfolio with the introduction of new and faster systems, enhanced products across its storage product line, and a new Enterprise Choice warranty service option for the IBM System Storage DS6000 series. Spanning IBM's high-end disk systems, as well as its N series portfolio, data retention solutions, and offerings for SMBs, the new and enhanced storage products are designed to provide customers with increased performance and management capabilities, infrastructure simplification, and lower costs.

"The storage industry's broadest portfolio of products and solutions just got broader," said Andy Monshaw, general manager, IBM System Storage. "We're turbocharging our storage systems and accelerating our NetApp relationship to help customers manage their information on demand needs. Today's announcement further demonstrates IBM's commitment to provide our clients with increased flexibility and increased choice that enables them to take control of their storage infrastructures. The choice for customers is clear -- more powerful and faster storage solutions from IBM, versus proprietary solutions from EMC."

Introducing the IBM System Storage DS8000 Turbo

At the high-end, IBM is introducing the new IBM System Storage DS8000 Turbo models, updating its flagship DS8000 series. The new models -- the IBM System Storage DS8100 Turbo and DS8300 Turbo systems -- are based on POWER5+ processors, and demonstrate a performance improvement of up to 15 percent for transaction processing workload environments, as compared to the previous IBM System Storage DS8000 storage system. The addition of 4Gbps Fibre Channel and FICON technology allows for the reduction of the number of network resources supporting simplified management and reduced infrastructure costs. With this offering, IBM is now the first vendor to deliver 4Gbps FICON support.

Additional features of the IBM System Storage DS8000 Turbo models include improved tiered storage options, functions to enable greater performance and efficiency for DB2 applications on IBM System p servers, and support for three-site business continuity solutions that reaches greater distances and requires less network bandwidth than competing systems. Details include:

--  Tiered Storage Options - The new Turbo models offer tiered storage     options within a single system in order to align data with business value     and simplify data management.  The first tier, using Fibre Channel drives,     can be used to store critical, frequently used data, whereas the second     tier incorporates low cost Fibre Channel ATA drives (FATA) and is used to     store less frequently used data.  The second tier disk storage can support     faster restores and provides the opportunity for lower costs by temporarily     staging snapshots or backups. --  Three-Site Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Solution - Three-site     Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery solutions are designed to provide     constant access to data and to support failover/failback modes for     efficient resynchronization with quick updates in the event that any site     experiences downtime.  The DS8000 three-site solution from IBM utilizes IBM     Metro Mirror to maintain synchronous copies of data up to 300 kilometers     away.  Additionally, IBM's Global Mirror function for asynchronous copy     provides three- to five-second replication at virtually unlimited     distances, compared to up to 30 seconds for competing systems. --  IBM Server Synergy Features - I/O priorities and Cooperative Caching     enable the IBM System Storage DS8000 Turbo to work in conjunction with IBM     AIX solutions and DB2 in order to improve efficiency and performance for     high priority applications. --  IBM TotalStorage Productivity Center (TPC) for Replication - Is     designed to provide a single point of control for Metro Mirror, Global     Mirror and FlashCopy functions, as well as providing the ability to track     and confirm the completion of replication operations to avoid costly     mistakes.  It also can help maintain data consistency with cross-device     consistency groups.  The software also works with IBM Enterprise Storage     Server and IBM SAN Volume Controller (SVC) as a way of automating the     replication functions of SVC. --  Improved Costs - The enhancements announced today are designed to     enable clients to take control of their storage infrastructure and to     tailor their investment to their unique business needs.  The DS8000 Turbo     line includes a 25% lower base system list price (USD) than the previous     comparable systems.  The lower base system price, new option for second-     tier capacity, and functions to reduce and simplify management are all     designed to help clients achieve a lower TCO.     

"The IBM System Storage DS8000 Turbo's disaster recovery is a major improvement over the solution from Hitachi we were using previously," said Gilmar Teixeira, Storage Management, Tivit. "We replaced the HDS storage infrastructure with IBM System Storage DS8100 systems, which enables us to mirror 100 percent of the data between our primary and backup centers, allowing Tivit to comply with its strict service level agreements."

IBM today is also announcing enhancements to the IBM System Storage DS6000, which will now also support low cost Fibre Channel ATA drives (FATA), tiered storage options and TPC for Replication. Based on customer requests, the DS6000 Series will also come with one-standard warranty and the option for customers to take advantage of a new flexible Enterprise Choice option for warranty extensions, which allows customers to choose a 24X7 warranty for an additional one year to three years in one-year increments when ordered at the time of original purchase.

The new IBM System Storage DS8000 Turbo models and enhancements for the DS6000 series will both be available on September 9, 2006 with starting list prices of $213,400 for the DS8000 Turbo models and $102,600 for the enhanced DS6000. Additionally, the server synergy features for the DS8000 Turbo will be available on November 17, 2006, and available as an upgrade at no additional charge on systems purchased prior to November 17, 2006.

"The IBM DS8000 system has allowed us to simplify our infrastructure and become more cost efficient," said Bob Venable, enterprise systems manager at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. "We need to provide around-the-clock service to our customers. The DS8000 helps us to do this by decreasing our per-terabyte disk costs, increasing disk performance, protecting our data from unforeseen events and maintaining data availability."

Introduction of the IBM System Storage N7000 Series

IBM today is also announcing the next major step in its groundbreaking relationship with Network Appliance Inc. (NASDAQ: NTAP) with the introduction of high-end enterprise and gateway solutions. With today's launch of the new IBM System Storage N7000 family, IBM has introduced a complete line of unified storage products based on NetApp technology designed to provide end-to-end solutions for environments needing enterprise class NAS, FC SAN, and iSCSI offerings, from the smallest of businesses to the largest data centers.

The N series models, IBM System Storage N7600 and N7800, offer Fibre Channel and SATA disk drive support and provide simultaneous NAS, iSCSI and 4Gbps FC SAN (FCP) attachment. Additionally, they offer over 35 advanced software features and are scalable up to 504 terabytes of physical capacity. The enterprise gateway models, IBM System Storage N7600 and N7800 Gateways, utilize the same technology as the enterprise appliance models and include an option of attachment to IBM, Hitachi and HP storage subsystems. These high-end enterprise solutions are designed to enable customers to consolidate large amounts of IP attached storage under one single point of management.

Both the enterprise appliance and gateway solutions offer new software capabilities, in addition to the 35-plus software features already available across the entire N series. They include:

--  FlexShare - Designed to help administrators to increase processing     utilization without sacrificing the performance of critical business needs,     as well as the control to prioritize applications based on how critical     they are. --  MetroCluster - Designed to extend cluster failover capabilities from     the primary to remote site and replicates data from the primary site for     the remote site to help maintain currency and availability of data.     MetroCluster also helps to rapidly resume operations at the remote site in     the event of a disaster.  Disaster recovery options are available for     distances up to 100 kilometers.     

"The introduction of the N7000 products represents a significant milestone in NetApp's strategic relationship with IBM," said Tom Georgens, executive vice president and general manager, Enterprise, Storage Systems, Network Appliances. "The pairing of IBM's global reach and NetApp's leading-edge storage offerings has been a winning relationship for both companies, and in particular our customers."

The N series enterprise appliance models will be available September 1, 2006 with a starting price of $140,500, and the N series enterprise gateway solutions will be available September 22, 2006 with a starting price of $113,500.

Enhancement of IBM's Compliance and Archiving Solutions

Designed for long-term data retention, including retention driven by regulation or corporate governance requirements, the IBM System Storage DR550 V3.0 and DR550 Express is designed to offer increased flexibility, capacity and price performance by including the IBM System Storage DS4700 storage controller and the EXP810 storage expansion as its disk storage subsystem. The DS4700 system uses 500 GB SATA drives and offers 4Gbps Fibre Channel technology.

Single server and express model configurations are currently available starting at a price of $21,000. Dual-server models will be available September 15, 2006 starting at a list price of $128,000.

Expansion of IBM System Storage DS4000 Series

Today's announcement completes a major expansion of IBM's storage line, which started earlier this month. IBM recently expanded its DS4000 line of midrange storage servers with the introduction of the IBM System Storage DS4200 Express Model, a powerful and affordable storage server that is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. It also added new features and functionality across its entire DS4000 family of products to increase capacity, speed and overall performance, helping clients to create optimal tiered data storage strategies and offer robust data protection and duplication features.

The new IBM System Storage DS4200 Express will be available on August 25, 2006, starting at a list price of $11,474.

For more information about IBM and IBM storage, visit http://www.ibm.com/storage.

 

  Investors Real Estate Trust (NASDAQ: IRETS) announced today that its Board of Trustees has declared a regular quarterly distribution of 16.50 cents per share/unit payable on or about October 2, 2006, to common shareholders and unitholders of record at the close of business on September 15, 2006.

 

 The distribution reinvestment price will be the closing NASDAQ share price on October 2, 2006, less a discount of 5%. The Company has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register the number of common shares necessary to meet distribution reinvestment elections.

This 16.50 cents per common share/unit distribution represents the 142nd consecutive quarterly distribution paid by IRET since its inception in 1970, and represents an increase of .05 cents or .3% over the previous regular quarterly distribution of 16.45 cents per common share/unit paid July 3, 2006.

Investors Real Estate Trust's Board of Trustees also declared today a distribution of 51.56 cents per share on the Company's Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (NASDAQ: IRETP). This distribution will be payable October 2, 2006, to Series A preferred shareholders of record on September 15, 2006.

About Investors Real Estate Trust

Investors Real Estate Trust is a self-advised equity real estate investment trust. Its business consists of owning and operating income-producing multi-family residential and commercial properties located primarily in the upper Midwest states of Minnesota and North Dakota. Investors Real Estate Trust is based in Minot, North Dakota, and has an additional office in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

 Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Master Plan Stakeholders are invited to attend the fourth semi-annual Stakeholder Forum on Tuesday, August 29, 2006, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Flight Path Learning Center in the LAX Imperial Terminal at 6661 West Imperial Highway, Los Angeles. On-site parking is free.

Airport representatives will provide updates on the overall status of the LAX Master Plan. Presentations will include the LAX Specific Plan Amendment Study Process, the South Airfield Improvement Project, LAWA Soundproofing Program, and new successful environmentally friendly transportation services, such as the LAX FlyAway non-stop bus service.

 

Highlighted Links http://laxmasterplan.org/stakeholder

LAWA representatives from Residential Acquisition Division, Soundproofing Program, and Business and Job Resources Center also will host resource tables to provide information and to be available for one-on-one communication. Representatives from the County of Los Angeles Sound Insulation Program, the City of El Segundo Sound Insulation Program, and the City of Inglewood Sound Insulation Program have also been invited to host resource tables and to be available to answer stakeholders' questions.

Many stakeholders are already frequenting LAX's recently implemented transportation-related services, including the FlyAway bus service from Union Station and Van Nuys, the LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lot, and the LAX Valet Parking Lot. The forum will provide attendees with information on how to use these environmentally friendly options.

If assistance for the hearing-impaired is required, please notify airport staff at least 72 hours before the event. The public forum will be conducted in English, with Spanish-language translation available.

 

 

Boeing and Korean Air today announced completion and certification of Korean Air’s 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter. For this modification, Boeing managed every aspect of the conversion process from contract signing, design and production through redelivery. Boeing contracted with Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering Co., Ltd. (TAECO) in Xiamen, China, for the hands-on modification work. This is the fourth 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter that has been redelivered through Boeing to cargo operators.

 

On Aug. 4, workers at Korean Air’s Aerospace Division in Pusan Korea began modifying a 747-400 passenger airplane. For this and follow-on conversions, Korean Air’s Aerospace Division receives a "freighter kit" from Boeing, and will use the kit to convert and certify a combination of its own and other airlines’ 747-400 passenger airplanes into freighters.

 

Korean Air has six firm freighter kits remaining on order with options for 13 more kits

Children and Pet-Related Retailers Appear Poised to Weather Declines in Consumer Spending, Says S&P Equity Research Adults More Likely to Skimp on Themselves, Continue to Spend on Family

NEW YORK, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Retailers targeting children and pets may be better insulated from a potential slowdown in consumer spending says Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services. This and other findings are available in a semi-annual report, Retailing: Specialty Industry Survey, published by Standard & Poor's, a leading provider of independent investment research.

Standard & Poor's Equity Research believes, that despite higher interest rates, gas prices and the dampening effect of a declining housing market, working adults will continue to spend on, or provide spending money to, their children. As a result, specialty retailers catering to children should be better positioned to weather a slowdown in consumer spending. Additionally, many adults consider pets as full fledged family members equal to humans; because of this Standard & Poor's Equity Research believes pet supply retailers are also better positioned to weather a slowdown in consumer spending.

"While consumer spending is slowing, we still project it to grow 2.5% for the rest of the year, which is below our full year forecast of 3.1% and well below 2005's growth of 3.5%," said Michael Souers, Specialty Retail Analyst, Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services. "When spending slows, adults are more likely to cut back on spending for themselves before they cut back on their spending on children or pets. Parents will forgo a lot of things before they cut into their kids' allowances or downgrade their pet's lifestyle."

Standard & Poor's Equity Research believes the following companies are well positioned to grow despite the slowdown in consumer spending. S&P has a "Strong Buy" recommendation (5-STARS out of 5) on PetSmart (Nasdaq: PETM; $23.98) due to the growing trend of pet pampering and the growth of pet accessories. Claire's Stores (NYSE: CLE; $27.73) carries a buy recommendation (4-STARS) because the company's position as a leading retailer of inexpensive fashion accessories and jewelry to tweens and teenagers, as well as its strong international growth. Finally, Standard & Poor's Equity Research also has a buy (4-STARS) recommendation on Build-A-Bear (NYSE: BBW; $21.68) because of its double-digit growth expectations and discounted valuation to its peers and the market as a whole.

To view a video clip of Standard & Poor's equity analyst Michael Souers discussing the sector, please click mms://wmd31sea.activate.net/sandp/windows/sptv-survey-42.wmv .

Standard & Poor's Industry Surveys provide a broad and fundamental overview of each industry's structure, its recent performance, and an analysis of trends that are expected to influence it in the future. Each Survey is organized into the following sections: Current Environment, Industry Profile/Industry Trends, How the Industry Operates, Key Industry Ratios and Statistics, How to Analyze a Company, Industry References, Comparative Company Analysis, and a Glossary of terms used in that industry. Both text and data are provided, as are references to additional sources of industry information. Two surveys on each industry are published each year.

Readers can purchase Standard & Poor's Industry Surveys three ways:

Online for immediate download at http://sandp.ecnext.com/, by telephone at 212-438-4052, or via e-mail order sent to bill_kelleher@standardandpoors.com. Members of the media can request a copy from the communications contact listed at the end of this release.

The analyst quoted above is a Standard & Poor's equity analyst. He has no affiliation with any companies he covers, nor any ownership interest in any companies he covers.

About Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services

As the world's largest producer of independent equity research, over 1,000 institutions license Standard & Poor's research for their investors and advisors, including 19 of the top 20 securities firms, 13 of the top 20 banks, and 11 of the top 20 life insurance companies. Standard & Poor's team of 120 experienced U.S., European and Asian equity analysts use a fundamental, bottom-up approach to assess a global universe of approximately 2,000 equities across more than 120 industries worldwide. Follow Standard & Poor's equity analysts' U.S. market commentary each day at http://www.equityresearch.standardandpoors.com/.

The equity research reports and recommendations provided by Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services are performed separately from any other analytic activity of Standard & Poor's. Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services has no access to non-public information received by other units of Standard & Poor's. Standard & Poor's does not trade on its own account. The analytical and ethical conduct of Standard & Poor's equity analysts is governed by the firm's Research Objectivity Policy, a copy of which may also be found at www.standardandpoors.com or by clicking here.

About Standard & Poor's

Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) , is the world's foremost provider of financial market intelligence, including independent credit ratings, indices, risk evaluation, investment research and data. With approximately 7,500 employees, including wholly owned affiliates, located in 21 countries and markets, Standard & Poor's is an essential part of the world's financial infrastructure and has played a leading role for more than 140 years in providing investors with the independent benchmarks they need to feel more confident about their investment and financial decisions. For more information, visit http://www.standardandpoors.com/.

 

 

 

Capturing Buyers in a Slowing Real Estate Market

With the slowing of the real estate market, and news of it being the slowest market in nearly a decade, real estate agents are working harder to capture your attention.  Stories of homes being on the market since early this spring are not uncommon.  Patience, this is not the market of yesteryears where the market was so hot, that buyers were making offers sight unseen for properties. 

 

If you were to compare the length of time to sell a home over a 7 year period, according to The Multiple Listing Service for Southern California, the trend is still downward being around 50 days as compared to a peak of nearly 100 days-on-market of SOLD listings in late fall 2003.  The overall trend during the 7 years is 70 days-on-market in January 2000 compared to 40 days-on-market currently.

 

Capturing buyers attentions are extras such as vacations or using a real estate agent’s moving truck for a day are not uncommon.  A feng shui consultation may help.

 

Brian Moore, a real estate agent in Southern California, receives assistance from St. Joseph.  He has buried upside down 8” below the ground, a small statue of St. Joseph next to the “For Sale” sign.  The most important next step is to pray for St. Joseph to intervene for you.   Each home where he’s received assistance he’s sold, with one being $12,000 over the asking price. 

 

Leigh Willoughby, a Westside real estate agent in Southern California, prices her client’s homes from a buyer’s perspective.  Add to that preparation, some staging, her market expertise and negotiating skills.  I don’t know if her Quality Service Certification helped, but a recent home, which is now in escrow, sold more than  $120,000 over asking price and received 9 offers. 

 

Finding the right real estate agent you can work with may be more important than ever in this market.  When you think you’ve found the right one, know if you’ll be working with them, or their assistant. 

 

 

www.leighwilloughby.com

www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stj01002.htm

www.themls.com

 

 

BC Ethic and the Viper Room Present: Prepare To Raise Hell -- a Musically Driven, Fashion Forward Good Time

The Party Will Sneak Preview The Viper Room Retail Clothing Collection by BC Ethic; With Musical Guests The Supersuckers, The John Deere's and Lord Of Jack

WHO:

BC ETHIC CLOTHING VIPER ROOM CARROLL SHELBY MTV's FAST INC. -- The "FAST ASHLEYS" BLUE COLLAR GIRL CLOTHING THE SUPERSUCKERS THE DEERE JOHNS LORDS OF JACK 

WHAT:

PREPARE TO RAISE HELL -- a musically driven fashion forward event -- Come see, feel, and experience new cutting edge retail fashions from BC Ethic, Blue Collar Girl and the debut of Viper Fashion from BC Ethic.

 

(Click here for details)

Also featuring: the Fast Ashleys retail collection of clothing and current BC Ethic retail juggernaut, the Carroll Shelby collection.

These collections will make their official debut at Project Show Las Vegas at the end of the month, but really, why wait!?!

THE BC ETHIC COLLECTION of classic Shelby 60's era automobiles will be in front of the club, and the hippest music and fashion types will be inside rocking out to live performances by The SUPERSUCKERS, THE DEERE JOHNS and the Hollywood debut of: LORDS OF JACK -- featuring BC Ethic President James Huber as "The Minister Of Mayhem" on guitar.

Additional celebrity and special guests will also be present. The limited tickets available to the public SOLD OUT long ago!

INVITED PRESS can see, feel and experience the vibe from inside the club. In keeping with the Viper Room experience as a place to hang, drink, listen to music and have fun -- there will be no carpet or step and repeat, and certainly no attitude -- it's just plain hell raising fun.

The clothing will be on display, the drinks flowing, the bands rocking, and the people will be raising hell! If you cover fashion or music, Prepare To Raise Hell is the place to be this Friday. Photographers are welcome inside to shoot the vibe, the bands, and the brands.

Mainstream Media: Need a place to hang before hitting the Paris Hilton CD release party down the street at Privilege? Drop by -- we'll balance your Hollywood night-on-the-town-coverage.

Did we mention this is the Viper Room's retail clothing collection debut!?

WHEN:

THIS FRIDAY, August 18, 2006 -- ARRIVE EARLY -- The fashion preview starts at 6PM and party goes off at 8PM -- the first band takes the stage at 9PM.

WHERE:

The world famous Viper Room on the Sunset Strip -- 8852 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA

 

 

PetroSun to Acquire Equity Interest in ElectraTherm

Alternative Energy Company Produces WHG Systems That Convert Waste Heat Into Electricity

PetroSun Drilling, Incorporated (PINKSHEETS: PSUD) announced today that the company has entered into a Letter of Intent with ElectraTherm, Inc. to acquire a twenty percent equity interest in ElectraTherm and the exclusive worldwide rights to market the company's renewable energy products to the oil and gas industry.

"The ElectraTherm acquisition continues our foray into the renewable energy sector and highlights PetroSun's long term strategy to become a worldwide leader in the development and distribution of alternative fuel resources," said Gordon LeBlanc, Jr., Chairman and CEO of PetroSun.

Approximately two thirds of the potential energy available from fossil fuels is typically vented "up the stack" as waste heat. ElectraTherm has developed a Waste Heat Generator that produces electricity using waste heat from a variety of sources including internal combustions engines, industrial processes, and biomass, solar and geothermal systems.

"ET's waste heat generators produce 'fuel-free' electricity while lowering greenhouse emissions per kilowatt of power produced," says ElectraTherm's Founder and President, Richard Langson. "We have developed the quintessential green solution for businesses of all sizes; not only does our WHG system offer the requisite environmental benefits it creates tremendous cost efficiencies as well."

Every industrial process, from melting steel to baking bread, releases energy into the atmosphere in the form of excess heat. For a hundred years, business owners and mechanical engineers have sought uses for this underutilized energy resource. Until now, only the waste heat from very large industrial processes was captured and converted into electricity. For the first time, ElectraTherm offers small to mid-size businesses the opportunity to offset their electrical costs by utilizing waste heat.

Since September 2005, ET's WHG prototype has employed 190-degree water to evaporate a refrigerant in a closed system. It then uses the pressure from the expanding gas to turn a screw expander, which drives an electrical generator.

"It's kind of like taking the steam from a tea kettle and using it to spin a propeller," says Langson. "Other companies have built waste heat generators, but they either take up too much space, require temperatures in excess of 650 degrees, or their cost per kilowatt is three times our cost. At today's energy prices, ElectraTherm's 20, 40, and 100 kilowatt units will pay for themselves in less than 3 years."

With a cost per kilowatt below $2,000, ET has found wide scale interest in its equipment.

"Companies domestically and internationally are taking our solution very seriously. We are in the process of negotiating letters of intent with companies in the US, Mexico and the UK," says Langson.

About ElectraTherm, Inc.

Based in Carson City, NV, ElectraTherm, Inc. is the premier manufacturer of small- to medium-scale waste heat and pressure reduction generators in the United States. For more information on ElectraTherm and its products visit their website at www.electratherm.com.

About PetroSun

PetroSun's current operations are concentrated in the Ark-La-Tex region with plans to expand into New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Australia in 2006. PetroSun provides a comprehensive array of products and services to the oil industry. Algae BioFuels, a wholly owned subsidiary of PetroSun, is an emerging producer of biodiesel derived from the cultivation of algae. The Company's cutting edge technologies, combined with a proven ability to apply them effectively and safely within a disciplined ROI framework, creates long term value for PetroSun shareholders and partners. PetroSun is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information about PetroSun visit the company's website at http://www.petrosun.us.

Except historical matter contained herein, matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties, which may affect the Company's business and prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

 

 

GTREX Capital Files Revised Preliminary Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting

 GTREX Capital, Inc. (OTCBB: GRXI), an investment company with holdings in emerging travel-related businesses, has filed a revised 14A Preliminary Proxy Statement for its annual meeting of stockholders, now tentatively scheduled for September 21, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time at the company's corporate offices in Temecula, California. A subsequent 14A Definitive Proxy Statement, which will confirm the meeting date, is expected to be filed within 10 days and sent to shareholders of record on or about September 1, 2006.

Included in the proposals to be considered and voted upon by shareholders at the annual meeting is an authorization for the Board of Directors to withdraw the company's election to be treated as a business development company (BDC) pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940. Shareholders will also be asked to consider and vote upon proposals to elect to the Board of Directors to serve until the next annual meeting, as well as to ratify of the appointment of Chisholm, Bierwolf & Nilson as the company's independent public accountants and the appointment of Parsons Law Firm as the company's general counsel.

 

Highlighted Links GTREX Capital Website Global Travel Exchange

"This proxy statement varies little from the previous 14A that was filed several months ago," said Gary Nerison, chairman of the Board of Directors and interim chief executive officer. "The revisions in this version primarily concern the changes in accounting procedures that will occur as a result of the proposed withdrawal of the company's BDC election. As we explained in the first preliminary proxy, GTREX Capital may contemplate additional investments that have an international element, which could effect the company's compliance with elements of the Investment Company Act. Overall, the Board believes that in order to fully execute the company strategy to build value for GTREX Capital shareholders, a withdrawal of our BDC election would be appropriate at this time."

To sign up to receive information by email directly from GTREX Capital whenever new press releases, investor newsletters, SEC filings, or other information is disclosed, please visit http://www.gtrexcapital.com/investor.asp.

About GTREX Capital, Inc.

GTREX Capital, Inc. (http://www.gtrexcapital.com) is a Business Development Company pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940 whose core focus is to assemble an investment portfolio of investments into businesses related to the travel industry.

Its initial portfolio investment, Global Travel Exchange, Inc. (www.gtrex.com) has launched its Voyager Network travel distribution platform, which provides a service that enables direct access to reservation systems of major travel suppliers such as airlines, cruise lines, hotels, car rental companies and providers of other travel amenities. GTREX Capital recently acquired all of the outstanding shares of Global Travel Partners, a Nevada corporation that owns 100% of AsiaWorld Travel Vancouver, Ltd., and Dominion Pacific Travel, two British Columbia-based travel companies.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the results of operations and business of GTREX Capital, Inc., which involves risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual future results could materially differ from those discussed. The Company intends that such statements about the Company's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other forward looking statements be subject to the "Safe Harbors" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

 

Wilon Resources, Inc. Corporate Profile

Wilon Resources, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: WLON), an energy company engaged in the production of natural gas, is on the threshold of registering a significant advance in its operations and revenues.

Wilon is a young but vital company in the natural gas industry. In the past few years, the company has successfully drilled or reworked over 65 wells. Plans are to both rework another 50 wells during the next 12 months, and to complete more than 25 new wells in 2006 and 2007. Its operations are in West Virginia and Kentucky on leaseholds that aggregate approximately 15,000 acres. Wilon is currently completing an agreement for the transmission of its natural gas production through an additional interstate pipeline company.

The infusion of financing from any public offering or private placement will permit the company to accelerate its expansion with a commensurate increase in revenues and earnings. Results in 2006 have been affected by a partial interruption of operations of the transmission company transporting Wilon's production. This situation has been resolved, and full production is expected to resume shortly.

Wilon has a three year history of sales and earnings. For the fiscal year ending 9/30/05, sales exceeded $2.6 million, and net income exceeded $525,000. The transition from a private to a public company will help ensure the acceleration of its drilling program, and provide a better negotiation position in the acquisition of other natural gas companies in their geographic area.

Visit our website: (www.wilonresources.com) 

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward-looking statements in this action may be identified through the use of words such as "expects," "will," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes" or statements indicating certain actions "may," "could" or "might" occur.

 

 

CanWest Petroleum Corporation Receives Approval for Listing of Shares on the American Stock Exchange

 The American Stock Exchange ("Amex") has approved the application by CanWest Petroleum Corporation (the "Company") (OTCBB: CWPC) for the listing of the Company's common stock on Amex under the trading symbol "BQI".

T. Murray Wilson, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of CanWest Petroleum Corporation, said, "We are very excited about our listing on the American Stock Exchange. We hope to benefit from the array of support the Exchange provides to its listed companies, and to enhance shareholder value as a result of the listing."

CanWest Petroleum has selected AGS Specialist Partners as its specialist. The Amex listing approval is contingent upon the Company being in compliance with all applicable listing standards on the date it begins trading on Amex, and may be rescinded if the Company is not in compliance with such standards. The Company expects to begin trading on Amex on Thursday, August 24, 2006.

About CanWest Petroleum

CanWest Petroleum, a public company incorporated in the State of Colorado, is engaged in a variety of projects in the oil and gas industry in Western Canada with an emphasis on oil sands and oil shale. Its lead project is an oil sands exploration program being conducted in the Province of Saskatchewan by its subsidiary, Oilsands Quest Inc. To obtain more information on CanWest Petroleum, visit the Company's web site (www.canwestpetroleum.com).

About the American Stock Exchange

The American Stock Exchange is the only primary exchange that offers trading across a full range of equities, options and exchange traded funds (ETFs), including structured products and HOLDRSSM. In addition to its role as a national equities market, the Amex is the pioneer of the ETF, responsible for bringing the first domestic product to market in 1993. Leading the industry in ETF listings, the Amex lists 188 ETFs to date. The Amex is also one of the largest options exchanges in the U.S., trading options on broad-based and sector indexes as well as domestic and foreign stocks.

Safe Harbor statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the companies' operations, markets, products and prices, and including other factors discussed in CanWest Petroleum Corporation's various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CUSIP# 138 748 108

 

 

YaSheng Group Receives Wide Support for Development of the California Asian Pacific Logistics Center

 The YaSheng Group (PINKSHEETS: YHGG) makes progress in the development of the company's Asian Pacific Logistics Center in Southern California. Over the past year the company has received the support from the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and Economic Development Department as well as the People's Republic of China's Commercial Department in Los Angeles. All agencies bring beneficial support in seeing this project achieve success. In addition the company has completed 80% of the environmental endangered species study with the final survey to finish this spring.

The Project is located in San Bernardino County and was started in March of 2004 with the purchase of land which covers an area of 81 acres. The company will build an automated high-tech logistics facility to support YaSheng's goal to expand and improve global logistics. This will also serve as a new business channel for Chinese/ U.S companies that seek logistics services and support. The facility will function as a cargo transportation and storage warehouse hub near the Los Angeles/Long Beach ports and Southern California Logistics Airport http://www.logisticsairport.com/index.php. This will give the company immediate access to modern systems for logistics in Rail, Air, and Seaport needs to strategically access North America and for North American trade back into China.

Receiving support from the San Bernardino Board of Supervisors and Economic Development Department is very good news for YaSheng. The Company gave an overall presentation of the goals of the project to the county officials, which was well received. The San Bernardino County has written a letter of support and plans to set up an internal team to assist YaSheng in expediting the bureaucratic process. County leaders will also play a roll in developing the project to become a success for the local community.

In coordination with the San Bernardino County officials YaSheng Group has received support from the People's Republic of China's Commercial Department in Los Angeles. This department is responsible in overseeing overseas investments from companies like YaSheng. The commercial department feels this project is very good for both China and the U.S. as it opens up a modern channel of logistics for trade. They have also written a letter of support endorsing this project and see it a key to trade between both countries.

The Environmental Endangered Species study is near to completion. Last fall the company completed 80% of the study without any endangered species issues and will finalize the study this spring. Once complete the company will be able to begin the other studies as required by the county planning department. The endangered species study is important because of the impact it will have on the timing of the project and remains the most difficult issue before construction can begin.

Once the environmental study is out of the way the company can move forward with the applications for permitting and construction. With the support of both the U.S. local officials and PRC Commercial Department the company is expecting to see the project move forward and prepare for construction by year end 2006 and into spring of 2007. The company feels focusing on logistics within is an opportunity in itself for profit margins and restructuring for the global marketplace. The Logistics Center is one project of a larger project to innovate the entire company's logistics to leading standards.

About YaSheng Group:

The YaSheng Group (PINKSHEETS: YHGG) is a diversified industrial conglomerate incorporated in Redwood City, California, and operates in hi-tech agriculture, salt chemistry and biological technology as its core Business with advantages in rich land, mineral resources, capital and technology reserves.

Through three major industries, Agriculture, Chemical, and Biotechnology, the company's operating categories include: chemical engineering, agricultural production, biotech, pharmaceuticals, textile products, printing and dyeing, commercial trading, beverages and inorganic salt manufacturing. With total assets of approximately $1.5 billion USD and over 15,000 employees, YaSheng Group has 155,097,355 shares issued and outstanding as of December 1, 2004.

Further information concerning YaSheng Group can be found on the corporate website: http://www.yashenggroup.com/

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The statements contained herein that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. to Acquire Fifty Percent Share of Excel Auto Leaseback in Quebec

-- Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SMKG) (FRANKFURT: QYH), a leading provider of prepaid cards, value smart storage cards and payment transaction management services, announced today that they have entered into an agreement to acquire a fifty percent share of Excel Auto Leaseback.

Excel Auto Leaseback (9157-0366 Quebec Inc.) of Anjou, Quebec offers consumers short term loans to a maximum of twelve months on equity. The loans range from $1,200.00 to $10,000.00 with a return for Excel of between fourteen and eighteen percent per loan. Currently, Excel issues up to approximately sixty loans per month, but with the partnership with Smart Card, this figure can easily grow to around five hundred loans per month.

Smart Card CEO, Massimo Barone stated, "Smart Card is once again positioning itself to be a major contender in the prepaid services industry by establishing partnerships and developing relationships with companies that allow Smart Card to grow its existing offerings."

Smart Card will not only share in the interest revenues from the loans, but Excel will also use Smart Card's prepaid Mastercard® for the disbursement and repayment of the loans. The ultimate goal of this union is to establish retail locations that incorporate Excel's existing services along with the services provided by Smart Card with VelocityMoney™ and VelocityMerchant™. The initial rollout of this plan will start with the existing Excel locations in Quebec, with the goal of expanding into Toronto, New York, and New Jersey with additional locations.

Vince Mercurio, president of Excel Auto Leaseback, stated, "The advantage of partnering with Smart Card Marketing Systems will allow us to fulfill payment solutions for clients, give us a broader market reach, as well as help us grow our full suite of financial offerings."

About Excel Auto Leaseback

Excel Auto Leaseback was established in June of 2005 and is owned and operated by its president, Mr. Vince Mercurio. The purpose of the company is to develop a niche in short term financing for consumers with same day needs. Excel Auto Leaseback also extends its service through a secondary office in Quebec City.

About Smart Card Marketing Systems, Inc.

Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. has taken a mainstream position in the smart and prepaid charge card market to develop, integrate and to jointly deploy turnkey co-branded solutions for loyalty and payment management transactions. Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. seeks industry suppliers and creates channel partners to better the availability of API's (automated protocol interfaces) that respectively are only available to preferred corporations/clients and manages the required protocol in-place by the offering institution for the merchant.

Forward-Looking Statements. This news release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements about the expected future prospects of our business and all other statements in this release other than historical facts, constitute forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "would," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "intends," "plans," "estimates," or "anticipates" or similar expressions which concern our strategy, plans or intentions. All statements we make relating to estimated and projected earnings, margins, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results are forward-looking statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and, therefore, our actual results may differ materially from those we expected. We derive most of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Some of the factors that we believe could affect our results include: general economic and market conditions, including the lingering effects of the economic slowdown and services revenue; the overall condition of the bank card industry, including the effect of any further consolidation among financial services firms; the regulatory, credit and market risks associated with our operations; the integration of acquired businesses, the performance of our businesses; the effect of war, terrorism or catastrophic events; the timing and magnitude of sales; the timing and scope of technological advances; the ability to retain and attract customers and key personnel; and the ability to obtain patent protection and avoid patent-related liabilities in the context of a rapidly developing legal framework for software and business-method patents. The factors described in this paragraph and other factors that may affect our business or future financial results and when applicable, will be discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf as a result of new information, future events or other factors.

 

 

 

IDS Updates Special Dividend and Dubai Events

HLS Purchases Additional Property in Dubai Today

 IDS Worldwide, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: IDWD) reported today that HLS executives from Dubai confirmed that the necessary steps have been taken to finalize the Special Dividend issued previously to IDS common stockholders. IDS has been informed that the special dividend shares should receive a CUSIP Number by October 5, 2006 and shortly thereafter the company plans to file an SB-2 Registration to have the restriction lifted on the special dividend shares.

IDS has received numerous requests from investors regarding the timing of the HLS $2.35 cash buyout of all IDS common shares outstanding. At this point the terms of the buyout have been finalized, with public stockholders of IDS common stock receiving all cash of $2.35 per share and IDS insiders accepting a mixture of HLS Corporate Bonds and Stock. The timing for the beginning of the tender is predicated now on only two remaining factors. First, HLS must submit the formal tender offer documentation to the appropriate agencies. Secondly, the tender documents must be approved by aforementioned agencies. Upon such approval of the tender documents, HLS will be required to transfer $5 Million non-refundable deposited to IDS bank accounts. There are no terms left to negotiate and IDS will sign the deal upon approval of the cash buyout tender documents.

 

Highlighted Links IDS Worldwide, Inc.

Additionally, today HLS and IDS executives in Dubai met with numerous banks, government officials and Sheikhs prominently involved with the massive construction projects in Dubai. After these meetings HLS decided to purchase additional land surrounding the New Dubai Convention Center to facilitate the IDS and HLS 10-year business model. A map of the location can be seen at (http://www.hlsworldwide.com) on the company page. Land in Dubai is appreciating double digits per quarter and should make this a very valuable investment long-term for the stockholders.

IDS executives will remain in Dubai for another 5 days before returning to Pakistan and then onward the 1st week of September with regards to 995ad.com transactions with Chinese partners.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, or other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially because of factors such as the effect of general economic and market conditions, entry into markets with vigorous competition, market acceptance of new products and services, continued acceptance of existing products and services, technological shifts, and delays in product development and related product release schedules, any of which may cause revenues and income to fall short of anticipated levels. All information in this release is as of the date of this release. The company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company's expectations.

 

 

IDS and HLS Finalize Buyout Terms and Deliver Instructions to Legal Advisors to Develop Tender Offer Documents

IDS and HLS File Necessary Paperwork for UAE Major Expansion

IDS Worldwide, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: IDWD) today announced that IDS and HLS have reached and accepted the final terms for the $2.35 cash offer for all the outstanding common stock of IDS Worldwide, Inc. IDS insiders will receive preferred stock and bonds in return for their respective IDS Worldwide, Inc. common shares. IDS and HLS have developed the final terms and instructions to enable their respective legal advisors to complete the necessary tender offer documents needed to file with the appropriate government agencies.

Additionally, IDS and HLS have completed the necessary Real Estate Purchases and Government filings to launch one of the most aggressive expansions ever in Dubai, UAE. IDS and HLS would like to extend their great appreciation to Sheikh Mohammad Khalifa Al Jumairi (http://www.lands.ae) for his great assistance with the Government Authorities of Tatweer (A Member of Dubai Holding) (http://www.tatweerdubai.com) for filing the necessary closing documents for this real estate purchase. IDS and HLS have purchased the land adjacent to the new Dubai Convention Center located in the new multi-billion dollar development just launched under the project title "The City." The City development is located in the heart of Dubai's emerging financial district and located on Emirates Road, the most influential business section in Dubai. The HLS corporate website (http://www.hlsworldwide.com) has a map showing the location of the new "The City" development where the headquarters and convention center are to be located.

HLS Security Division has already been awarded 240 security and fire installations to begin immediately. IDS programmers and engineers have been in Dubai the past two weeks building a nationwide Security Monitoring Network mirroring the successful operations in Pakistan. IDS was informed this week that it is the fastest growing security company in the Asia Region.

This major investment in Dubai, under planning for the last 2 years, is launching a massive development and new business subsidiaries for IDS and HLS. This land purchase, unlike other land deals in Dubai, is not a 99 year ground lease, but a freehold purchase giving complete title to the land. Additionally, with IDS connections in the UAE we will be able to begin construction of the new 250,000 sq. ft. headquarters immediately as opposed to the normal 18 months waiting period for most development projects in Dubai. IDS executives have extended their stay in Dubai for another week to file the government paperwork to launch a new company IDS Consultants Worldwide LLC.

 

Highlighted Links IDS Worldwide, Inc.

IDS Consultants Worldwide LLC. will assist companies throughout the world wishing to do business in the UAE and more specifically participate in the over $100 Billion of Development Projects underway in Dubai. IDS has already received requests from companies around the world for assistance in participating in various governments tenders currently under bid and has scheduled meeting this week signing the 1st clients for this new company. IDS Consultants Worldwide LLC will offer in-house lawyers, architects, engineers and real estate personnel to facilitate companies worldwide in successfully expanding their operations to the UAE. IDS Worldwide Consultants LLC is uniquely situated, due to relationships developed in both the government and private sector in Dubai over the last 7 years, and additionally due to the location with the new Dubai Convention Center, to assist companies desiring to conduct trade shows in Dubai and/or establishing profitable business ventures in the UAE.

IDS Consultants Worldwide LLC. will occupy office space and share research and development facilities in the new HLS headquarters in Dubai. IDS scientists and engineers who developed the biometric flash drives, biometric cell phone and technologies not yet released to the public will relocate to Dubai when construction of the research labs in the new HLS headquarters are completed. IDS software teams will remain in Pakistan developing new technologies to create additional revenue streams. IDS developers have already completed and refined the next technology to be released to the public and most likely to be the next division taken public. IDS has developed a software program (which is currently being used on www.hlsworldwide.com website) called Real Time Assistant (RTA) which allows real time communication, document transmittal and electronic online applications. This software program is similar, but with increased functionality, to Live Person™ Software sold by Live Person, Inc., a publicly traded company with a current market capitalization over $150 Million. IDS programmers developed this software in less than 6 months and a cost of less than $250,000. IDS will market RTA for 50% less per license than Live Person Software. An example of how the software works is best demonstrated in this example: An apartment complex leasing office utilizing RTA software would hear a door bell chime on the leasing office computer when a prospective tenant was viewing their online ad and/or website. The office leasing personnel would immediately be able to communicate with the prospect (similar to MSN Messenger) in real time. Continuing, if the prospect was interested in a 3-bedroom apartment, the leasing office would be able to immediately "push" to the prospect computer the 3-bedroom floor plan in PDF format that could be printed out. Finally, if the prospect wished to fill out an application for the apartment, the leasing office could activate an electronic application form on the prospect screen which the leasing office could begin to fill out for the prospect right before their eyes. This proprietary software does not require the apartment leasing office or the prospective tenant to have or load any software to use the RTA functions. The RTA software is embedded either on the apartments website or any online ad.

IDS will begin marketing this software to the Real Estate and Apartment Communities beginning in September. Last year Ebay paid approximately $415 Million to acquire Rent.com web portal which serves over 12 Million Apartments each month. Rent.com charges apartment complexes $375 for each lease generated thru the Rent.com site. IDS will market the Real Time Assistant (RTA) to the same clients for only $50 per month and will not take any of their leasing revenue. Conservative 1st year estimates of only capturing 10% market share of these apartment complexes will generate additional annual revenue of approximately $60 Million with Gross Profit Margins of 85%.

IDS software programmers and hardware engineers have several other software products in development, including an additional two that will be released to the market in the 3rd quarter of 2006.

IDS would like to reiterate, as previously stated, that the 995ad.com division will not be part of the HLS buyout offer. Steps are currently being taken to separate this division as its own company prior to the closing of HLS $2.35 per share cash buyout.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, or other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially because of factors such as the effect of general economic and market conditions, entry into markets with vigorous competition, market acceptance of new products and services, continued acceptance of existing products and services, technological shifts, and delays in product development and related product release schedules, any of which may cause revenues and income to fall short of anticipated levels. All information in this release is as of the date of this release. The company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company's expectations.

 

 

CanWest Petroleum anuncia el cierre de su fusión con Oilsands Quest

CanWest Petroleum Corporation (OTCBB: CWPC) anunció hoy que ha terminado su transacción de fusión (la "Fusión") con su subsidiaria, Oilsands Quest Inc. Como resultado de la Fusión, aprobada a primera hora de esta mañana por los accionistas minoritarios de Oilsands Quest, CanWest Petroleum posee ahora el 100% de las acciones ordinarias con derecho a voto de Oilsands Quest.

Cada acción ordinaria de Oilsands Quest fue intercambiada por 8,23 acciones intercambiables de Oilsands Quest (las "Acciones intercambiables"), originando la emisión de 76.504.302 acciones intercambiables en una base completamente diluida. Los derechos, privilegios y restricciones relativos a las Acciones intercambiables estipulan que cada Acción intercambiable puede ser cambiada por una acción ordinaria de CanWest Petroleum. Gracias a un acuerdo fiduciario de voto, los poseedores de Acciones intercambiables están titulados para votar en todas las juntas de accionistas ordinarios de CanWest Petroleum. Tras la Fusión, CanWest Petroleum tendrá aproximadamente 179.568.196 acciones ordinarias emitidas y en circulación (incluidas las acciones ordinarias subyacentes a las 57.349.388 Acciones intercambiables) y en términos de base completamente diluida, 232.165.234 acciones ordinarias.

Como parte de la Fusión, ocurrieron los siguientes hechos:

- La junta directiva de CanWest Petroleum fue reorganizada y a partir de ahora estará formada por T. Murray Wilson (Presidente ejecutivo), Christopher H. Hopkins, Ronald Phillips, Tom Milne, William Scott Thompson y Gordon Tallman. Los directores de la Corporación son ahora T. Murray Wilson, Presidente ejecutivo; Christopher H. Hopkins, Presidente y CEO; Karim Hirji, CFO; y Errin Kimball, Vicepresidente de Exploraciones.

- CanWest Petroleum se convierte en accionista preferencial en Alberta en las fechas 11 de agosto y 14 de agosto de 2006, tal y como queda registrado en el SEDAR (www.sedar.com) en sus informes anuales bajo el National Instrument 51-101 para el año que terminó el 30 de abril de 2006, realizado en el Formulario 51-101F1 (declaración de actividades de exploración de betún y otra información) y Formulario 51-101F3 (informe de gestión y directores). Como CanWest Petroleum no tiene atribuidas reservas a sus propiedades, no ha registrado un Formulario 51-101F2 (informe de evaluador o auditor calificado independiente de reservas). Estos registros están disponibles en el sitio Web de CanWest Petroleum (www.canwestpetroleum.com). En un anterior comunicado de prensa con fecha de 6 de julio de 2006, la directiva de la compañía anunció su estimado de recursos del que ahora se amplía la información con un estimado realizado por una tercera parte independiente.

CanWest Petroleum ha solicitado su cotización en bolsa en un mercado de valores de EE.UU. Además, la compañía pretende conseguir el consentimiento del accionariado para cambiar su nombre al de Oilsands Quest Inc. o uno similar, en la junta de accionistas que tendrá lugar este otoño.

En referencia a la Fusión, el presidente T. Murray Wilson dijo que "Éste es un paso clave en la reorganización de CanWest Petroleum. El nuevo equipo ansía la fusión de las numerosas fortalezas de ambas compañías". Christopher H. Hopkins, Presidente y CEO, añadió: "Estamos encantados con la Fusión y damos la bienvenida a la oportunidad de trabajar con todos los accionistas".

Con respecto a la Fusión, TD Securities Inc. y CIBC World Markets Inc. actuaron como asesores financieros de CanWest Petroleum y Oilsands Quest, respectivamente. Genuity Capital Markets ofreció sus servicios a la junta directiva de Oilsands Quest con la opinión de que, sujeta a la revisión de los documentos finales que afectan a la transacción, la oferta para la transacción es justa desde un punto de vista financiero, para los accionistas de Oilsands Quest.

Declaración de Puerto seguro bajo la ley Private Securities Litigation Reform Act de 1995: Excepto la información histórica contenida en este comunicado de prensa, todas las declaraciones e información aquí contenidas son de carácter futurista sujetas a varios riesgos e incertidumbres, incluyendo pero sin limitarse a, factores económicos, competitivos, gubernamentales y técnicos que afectan a las operaciones, mercados, productos y precios de las compañías, e incluyendo otros factores contemplados en varios registros de CanWest Petroleum Corporation con la Comisión de Intercambio y Valores de Estados Unidos.

 

 

IDS Executives Reach Agreement With HLS for $2.35 Cash Buyout Terms

HLS Makes $25 Million Commitment for Worldwide Headquarters in Dubai

 IDS Worldwide, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: IDWD) reported today that over the weekend the terms of the HLS $2.35 cash buyout of IDS common stock have been finalized. IDS executives have extended their stay in Dubai throughout this week to establish closing contingencies and escrow accounts. HLS has informed IDS now that final terms have been reached for both publicly held and insider's common stock. Their legal advisors can now complete the necessary paperwork for the official tender documents and the associated $50 Million Bond Offering. HLS executives informed IDS that tentatively 50% of the bond offering have been verbally committed by international investors.

IDS and HLS after meetings this week with legal, banking and accounting advisors will release definitive details and timelines pertaining to the final closing of the transaction. Each common stockholder of IDS common shares (PINKSHEETS: IDWD) will receive $2.35 per share cash for each share of common stock owned. IDS majority insiders approved to receive HLS bonds and stock for their IDS common shares.

IDS and HLS executives also initiated plans this past week for moving IDS operations to Dubai. In relation to these discussions HLS this weekend purchased land from the land surrounding Dubai's new high technology convention center in the multi-billion dollar development project called "The City" and is on the most desired road in the city, Emirates Road. The property is directly linked to the convention center and will greatly increase HLS corporate presence in the international business community with the traffic from the convention center.

IDS CEO Patrick Downs stated, "I am very pleased with both the progress in reaching the final terms for this transaction with HLS that will reward the common stockholders of IDS both in the short term and for many years to come with the ever increasing value of the HLS dividend shares. HLS and IDS executives share the same vision for establishing long term growth for their stockholders. I believe there is no other region in the world, like the UAE and more specifically Dubai, that will enable triple digit growth for at least the next decade.

 

Highlighted Links IDS Worldwide, Inc.

HLS is building a $25 Million 250,000 sq. ft. headquarters for HLS worldwide operations consisting of IDS corporate offices, Security Monitoring Center and Research and Development laboratories. IDS will occupy a portion of the building and share research and development facilities to continue to develop cutting edge technologies in the software and biometric security industries.

This joint venture between HLS and IDS scientists and engineers have already begun production of their latest breakthrough technology the HLS Biometric Encryption Cell Phone which will arrive in the US market in the next 60 days. IDS and HLS are at least a year ahead of worldwide telecommunication companies that are planning to release similar technology. HLS proprietary 384-bit 18 layer encryption combined with biometric authentication will allow wireless encrypted banking and brokerage transactions from a user's cell phone for the 1st time in the United States. HLS plans to auction of the rights to this technology to the cellular phone industry this quarter with an opening bid of $400 Million plus ongoing royalties.

IDS software and engineering teams will develop applications and games for the HLS biometric encryption cell phone users. IDS scientists are also releasing to production teams this quarter the 1st biometric remote control residential and business security system in the United States in this quarter. This cutting edge technology will eliminate the need for passwords for alarm panels in residences and businesses. The technology also includes a biometric remote control carried on a user's key chain that allows biometric activation and deactivation of alarms systems along with a biometric activated panic button. This biometric security system has a wide range of applications with customizable software that also can be used to report ingress and egress activities and time and attendance in real time at an administrator station. Practical applications consist of nursing homes, college campuses, office towers and government buildings that allow an administrator from a central location in a matter of seconds to change or eliminate authorization of entry credentials to any area of the facilities.

IDS engineers in conjunction with HLS will build a nationwide security monitoring station in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that will go into service this coming Monday. The Dubai Division already has requests from 240 customers for immediate installation of HLS security and fire equipment and monitoring services. Dubai currently has over $85 Billion in Construction underway and with HLS connections the company is positioned to capture a large percentage of this construction demand for fire suppression installation and security infrastructure.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, or other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially because of factors such as the effect of general economic and market conditions, entry into markets with vigorous competition, market acceptance of new products and services, continued acceptance of existing products and services, technological shifts, and delays in product development and related product release schedules, any of which may cause revenues and income to fall short of anticipated levels. All information in this release is as of the date of this release. The company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company's expectations.

 

 

 

First Pet Life Files Company 15c2-11 Document

First Pet Life, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: FPLF) announced today the company has updated its 15c2-11 which ensures the company will be able to initiate or resume quotations in the OTC Bulletin Board, the Pink Sheets, or any other comparable quotation medium. Updating the form 15c2-11 document also ensures First Pet Life, Inc. is representing that it has satisfied all applicable requirements of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rule 15c2-11 and the filing and information requirements of NASD Rule 6740.

About First Pet Life, Inc.

First Pet Life is a pet industry marketing company that is positioning itself to offer many services, including pet health insurance, pet supplies, along with boarding and grooming services nationwide. First Pet Life has the backing of a pet insurance industry leader as well as the backing of pet product manufactures, which will lend in strengthening its market position. The comprehensive products and services offered are broad yet inexpensive for the typical pet owner. Additional information is available at www.firstpetlife.com.

Disclaimer:

Matters discussed in this press release are "forward-looking statements." Statements describing company objectives are forward-looking. Company's plans are also forward-looking statements and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including the financial performance of the company and market evaluations of its stock, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.

 

 

 

HE-5 Resources, Corp. Confirms Estimated Inferred Resource of Over One Million Tons of Ore From Claim at Overman Property

Company Is Ready to Commence Drilling Program at Overman Property

 HE-5 Resources, Corp. (PINKSHEETS: HRRP), today announced that one of the seventeen claims included in the Company's Overman Property site contains an estimated inferred resource of over 1 million tons of ore for Phase I of the Drilling Program. This estimate does not take into account the tonnage that lies under the existing pit floor. The inferred resource is based on results of the tests performed on ore samples from the Overman pit that were extracted during five drilling programs prior to HE-5's acquisition of the Property. Following these positive results from the assaying of past samples, HE-5 is pleased to report that it is now ready to commence Phase I of the Drilling Program at the Overman Property.

HE-5 is in the process of completing its audited financial statements, which will reflect results from operations on an annual basis for the previous two years, ending on August 31, 2006. The Company has decided to release these annual audited statements rather than the Opening Statement for the first quarter of 2006 (as reported on May 5) due to the fact that it will provide investors with a more accurate and complete representation of the financial progress and condition of the Company. Currently, HE-5 declares that it is debt-free and in a positive cash position even after incurring approximately $500,000 in pre-production or operational costs to date.

 

Highlighted Links Botaniex, Inc.

HE-5 today also confirmed that the roadwork and drill pad construction have been completed. Recent digital photos of the Overman Property, which include an image of the road that extends to the floor of the pit, have been posted on the Corporate website at: http://www.he-5resourcescorp.com/overman.html.

About HE-5 Resources, Corp.

HE-5 Resources, Corp. (HE-5) is a growth-oriented and emerging natural resources company. HE-5's mission is to maximize shareholder value by investing in pre-production mining projects, which are undervalued and have proven reserves that will increase the revenue and profit of the Company. HE-5's goal is to establish a vast mineral reserve and resource base with a focus on the following 5 metals: gold, silver, copper, zinc and platinum.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

Please be advised that statements made herein, other than historical data, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, potential volatility in the company's stock price, increased competition, customer acceptance of new products and services offered by the company, and uncertainty of future revenue and profitability and fluctuations in its quarterly operating results. Please also be advised that the company's stock is not currently registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

IDS CEO Featured on FOX TV News Yesterday and Three Additional Broadcasts This Morning

HLS Bioflash Online Orders Triple Prior to and After Fox TV News Interview

ORLANDO, FL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- August 17, 2006 -- IDS Worldwide, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: IDWD) reported today that IDS CEO Patrick Downs was featured in an interview segment yesterday and three additional broadcasts this morning. IDS demonstrated the proprietary encryption and software for the HLS Bioflash USB drive which is the most sophisticated Biometric Encryption flash drive in the world.

Prior to the broadcast on FOX News, online orders tripled and continue to increase again this morning at a rapid pace. The news segment can be seen online at http://www.hlsworldwide.com. IDS CEO Patrick Downs stated, "IDS has received additional requests from broadcast networks and media publications to run news segments on the HLS Bioflash Drive. We have always been confident that once this breakthrough technology was seen firsthand by the public the information would have a viral marketing effect."

IDS previously signed joint venture with STS has produced immediate results in Washington with meetings and product demonstrations with the majority of the top government agencies. The OMB issued a directive to all government agencies on August 10, 2006 that all agencies must immediately update their IT security to encrypt all portable data storage devices. Most agencies still have not met this criteria at this date. The Veterans Administration, which has $200 Million for IT security which must be spent by fiscal year end September 30, 2006, has already held meetings with STS executives last week and will meet again this coming week. STS will also conduct follow up meetings with the IRS, TSA and Senator's that have requested private demonstrations of this revolutionary biometric encryption flash drive.

 

Highlighted Links IDS Worldwide, Inc.

Under the STS status as Disabled Veterans Owned Company any government agency can purchase up to $3 Million of HLS products prior to be placed on the GSA List. STS has held several meetings regarding HLS Biometric Flash Drives being placed on the GSA schedule and GSA has informed STS that they are expediting this process due to the demand from various government agencies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, or other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially because of factors such as the effect of general economic and market conditions, entry into markets with vigorous competition, market acceptance of new products and services, continued acceptance of existing products and services, technological shifts, and delays in product development and related product release schedules, any of which may cause revenues and income to fall short of anticipated levels. All information in this release is as of the date of this release. The company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company's expectations.

 

 

Unico, Inc. Announces Initial Agreement on Joint Venture for Silver Bell Mine

Unico, Incorporated (OTCBB: UCOI), a natural resource company in the precious metals mining sector, today announced that it has reached an initial agreement for a joint venture with the Polymet Company, LLC for mining at the Silver Bell Mine, held by Unico's wholly-owned subsidiary, Silver Bell Mining Company, Inc. A subsequent definitive agreement, which will finalize the details of the joint venture, is expected to be signed by August 31, 2006.

Under terms of the letter of intent, Polymet will be responsible for all mining activity and bear all mining expenses. Polymet will also conduct certain resource definition and exploration work designed to identify other ore bodies and further develop the value of the property. Polymet will also pay lease payments to the Silver Bell Mining Company, as agreed upon by the parties. The agreement covers all 17 mining claims owned by Silver Bell Mining Company and which comprise the property commonly known as the Silver Bell Mine.

Unico subsidiary, Deer Trail Mining Company, LLC, which is completing reconstruction of an on-site mill and processing facility, will be responsible to mill the ore into concentrates. All of the ore mined pursuant to the joint venture arrangement and milled into concentrates shall be sold to Polymet subsidiary, PGM, LLC, which previously entered into an agreement to purchase concentrates from the Deer Trail Mine.

"We are pleased to extend our relationship with the Polymet Company and its subsidiary, PGM, LLC to include a joint venture for the Silver Bell Mine," said Unico chief executive officer Mark A. Lopez. "As we have repeatedly stated when discussing the long-term plan to build value for Unico stockholders, there are a number of initiatives that the company expects to undertake to develop and grow revenues streams, and a mining program at the Silver Bell is one of these."

 

Highlighted Links Unico, Inc. Website

"A joint venture was judged to be an excellent method to initiate mining activity at the Silver Bell, while Unico concurrently supports the development of processing capabilities at the Deer Trail mill facility and continues to oversee the geological and analytic process from the Phase II exploratory drilling program conducted at the Deer Trail Mine in 2005," said Mr. Lopez.

"All of this activity was made possible through the ongoing support of our shareholders, who approved the restructuring plan, allowing Unico to undertake many of these activities. We look forward to the continued progress at the Deer Trail Mine, as well as the initiation of mining at the Silver Bell, and we will keep shareholders updated on these operations as they develop," added Mr. Lopez.

The Silver Bell Mine was discovered in 1871 and in 1880 there was recorded production of 120 tons of 100 ounce per ton silver from the mine. Production at the Silver Bell has been was sporadic, including long periods of inactivity. In 1978, the mine was re-opened and was expanded with three inclines on the main vein. The mine changed hands again in 1980 and was developed further. Pre-feasibility and confirmation work conducted under different ownership in the mid-1990s led to plans for a three-phase drilling program at the Silver Bell mine.

Shareholders who would like to sign up to receive information by email directly from Unico, Inc., particularly when new press releases, SEC filings or other information is disclosed, are asked to visit the company's website at www.uncn.com/IR/mailinglist.asp.

About Unico, Inc.

Unico, Inc. (OTCBB: UCOI) is a publicly traded natural resource company in the precious metals mining sector that is focused on the exploration, development and production of gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper concentrates at its three mine properties: the Deer Trail Mine, the Bromide Basin Mine and the Silver Bell Mine. For more information, please visit www.uncn.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and such Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The company may experience significant fluctuations in operating results due to a number of economic, competitive and other factors. These factors could cause operation results to vary significantly from those in prior periods, and those projected in forward-looking statements. Information with respect to these factors, which could materially affect the company and its operations, are included on certain forms the company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

Specialty Electronics Increases Net Profits by 50% Year Over Year by Utilizing D-Tools System Integrator™ Software

— D-Tools, Inc., the worldwide leader in system integration software, today announced that Specialty Electronics has increased revenues by 50% year over year while utilizing D-Tools System Integrator. Specialty Electronics is based out of Naples, FL, and they specialize in high quality custom installation of high end audio/video systems, for both the residential and commercial market.

Upon their inception, Specialty Electronics was looking to replace their existing software with a business solution that would link directly with QuickBooks. Mitch Faden, VP of Operations for Specialty Electronics, visited EHX Expo where a D-Tools presentation caught his attention. He swiftly incorporated D-Tools System Integrator into the Specialty Electronics business process and immediately saw positive results.

“We wanted a program that would help us easily create proposals but would link to the other documentation as well. We needed a stronger technique to run our business, and our primary focus is on creating proposals and documenting our projects, so D-Tools was a perfect fit for us,” said Faden. Before the addition of D-Tools, Specialty Electronics was utilizing Microsoft Word to create proposals and did not have a solid process. “We got into D-Tools about a month after we started the business, so it’s been a big part of our success from the start,” said Faden.

D-Tools has helped Specialty Electronics track labor and materials because everything is included in the proposal, leaving little room for error. They can now accurately charge their customers the correct price and deliver exactly what is promised. “D-Tools software allows us to accurately track all of the elements of the project including materials, work orders, and labor, so it really helps us catch any potential errors and ensure that we can account for intangibles,” said Faden.

Specialty Electronics has been able to customize the software to better fit the way the company operates, and to reflect its company brand identity, giving proposals a distinctive appearance. “D-Tools is very adaptable and we’ve created a great business process around it. We knew that when we started the company that D-Tools needed to be our business process,” said Faden.

Specialty Electronics has experienced an increase in revenues by 50% every year since they have been in business, with D-Tools playing a major role. Another key factor is their consistent customer satisfaction. “Proposals go over very well to our customers because they are easy to understand and they look professional. Our close ratio is in the 90 percent range,” said Faden, “D-Tools has helped us win more business because when our clients are looking at us compared to other companies not using the software, we look like we can get the job done at a higher quality.”

Time and cost has also been reduced significantly. “The database saves time and money, because there is no searching, and you don’t have to call every vendor, said Faden. “Time has dropped significantly as we mastered the software, and we are consistently getting better and better as we learn new shortcuts, which have helped us cut our production time in half.”

Proposals can also be produced and completed much quicker with the use of D-Tools. “We can write a proposal, interview the potential client in the morning, tweak it throughout the day after talking to client, and have it all done and ready to go by the end of the same day,” said Faden.

“It’s been great working with the D-Tools team. The technical team is very responsive, and the training has been very effective. The thing I like about the company is that they listen and actually apply my suggestions – things that I’ve mentioned to the team actually make it into the next versions. That doesn’t normally happen with other companies.”

About Specialty Electronics
Specialty Electronics is located at 2700 Immokalee Road # 6, Naples Florida, 33912. Our phone number is 239-593-7330. Please visit our website at specialtyelectronics.biz. We have been in business since 2003.

About D-Tools, Inc.
D-Tools is a worldwide leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate system design software. The company, founded in 1998 and based in Concord, California, offers a wide range of products and services created to simplify the complicated design, engineering, documentation and estimating processes that accompany residential and commercial installation projects of any size. Over 2,000 leading companies use D-Tools software to reduce time and costs and streamline the system integration process. D-Tools is the recipient of the Consumer Electronics Association’s Mark of Excellence Award (2004, 2005, 2006), National Systems Contractors Association and Sound and Video Contractor’s Innovations in Technology for Business Productivity Award (2004, 2005) and CE Pro’s High Impact Award for Design Software.

 

 

 

Channel Access and Performance Technologies Announce
Distribution Agreement

Channel Access will distribute Performance Technologies' industry-leading CompactPCI® and AdvancedTCA®
high-performance platforms and solutions

 Channel Access and Performance Technologies (NASDAQ: PTIX), a leading developer of communications platforms and systems, are pleased to announce they have entered into a distribution agreement. With this arrangement, Channel Access adds Performance Technologies' full line of CompactPCI® and AdvancedTCA® platforms and solutions to the company's growing portfolio of embedded computing and converged communications building blocks.

The Performance Technologies products are a natural fit with other open standard communications products sold by Channel Access. As a distributor of Performance Technologies' products, Channel Access will provide its customers with a wider set of products with short lead time sales and excellent support services. Moreover, Channel Access will further penetrate the market for Performance Technologies' products by bringing a new prospective customer base to Performance Technologies.

"We see enormous synergies between Channel Access and Performance Technologies combined customer bases and product offering," commented Tim Resker, vice president of sales for Channel Access. "Adding the Performance Technologies products to our portfolio will bring great value to the Channel Access customer base."

"Channel Access has a strong reputation of providing its customers with a wide variety of open standards-based communications products, and we are pleased to add our solutions to their portfolio," said Mike Tortorello, vice president of worldwide sales for Performance Technologies. "This agreement allows us to leverage the superior service and delivery of system components offered by Channel Access, giving us the opportunity to reach a greater number of customers and expand our leadership position in the embedded platform industry."

Performance Technologies' complete line of CompactPCI and AdvancedTCA solutions includes fully-managed, application-ready platforms, integrated slot functionality and enabling software and high availability middleware for equipment manufacturers and system integrators. All Performance Technologies products are integrated by design, offering customers the most unified and complete solutions set with increased content and a high level of interoperability for systems development.

Additional information on Performance Technologies' full line of embedded platforms and solutions is available at http://www.pt.com.

About Channel Access
Channel Access is an authorized distributor and reseller of embedded computing and telecommunications products. The mission of Channel Access is to provide its customers with superior service and delivery for system components. By offering a full line of embedded computing and telecommunications products along with optional system integration services, Channel Access has become a strategic supply chain partner for industry leading system vendors. Visit http://www.channelaccess.com for more information.

About Performance Technologies
Performance Technologies (NASDAQ: PTIX) develops platforms and systems for the world's evolving communications infrastructure. Our broad customer base includes global technology companies in the telecommunications, defense and homeland security, and commercial markets. Serving the industry for 25 years, our complete line of embedded and system-level products enables equipment manufacturers and service providers to offer highly available and fully-managed systems with time-to-market, performance and cost advantages.

Performance Technologies is headquartered in Rochester, New York. Additional engineering facilities are located in San Diego and San Luis Obispo, California; and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit http://www.pt.com.

Forward Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for certain forward-looking statements. This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and financial performance, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbor provisions of those Sections. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other factors, general business and economic conditions, rapid technological changes accompanied by frequent new product introductions, competitive pressures, dependence on key customers, the attainment of design wins, fluctuations in quarterly and annual results, the reliance on a limited number of third party suppliers, limitations of the Company's manufacturing arrangements, the protection of the Company's proprietary technology, the dependence on key personnel, potential delays associated with the purchase and implementation of an enterprise-wide software system and potential impairments of investments. These statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, the Notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Company as of December 31, 2005, as reported in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other documents as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Passport Restaurants, Inc., Retains Investment Banking Firm, Announces Plan to Raise Up to $10 Million in Secondary Stock Offering

ORLANDO, FL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- August 18, 2006 -- Passport Restaurants, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: PSPR) (FRANKFURT: PPU), a restaurant holding company, today announced that it has retained a New York investment banking firm to assist the Company in raising a second round of capital to complete its acquisition and development plan in the casual/fast casual segments of the U.S. restaurant industry.

Passport Restaurants, Inc. Chairman John Creed said that the Company hopes to raise up to $10 million in this secondary stock offering. "We see Passport Restaurants, Inc., as an opportunity for investors interested in participating in the high growth potential of the fast-growing and underdeveloped casual and fast casual dining segments of the U.S. restaurant industry," Creed added.

Passport Restaurants, Inc. has made a number of acquisitions with the $3.5 million in initial seed capital which the Company raised, including: Steve's Pizza, an eight unit quick-casual pizza restaurant chain in the family dining category; New York NY Fresh Deli, one of America's fast-growing sandwich restaurants; and Playa Grill & Margarita Bar, a quick-casual Mexican grill restaurant. Creed said that aggressive plans already are underway to increase the New York NY Fresh Deli franchise system by 200% and the Steve's Pizza's three-fold as well as to begin growing Playa Grill & Margarita Bar with company restaurant expansion early next year.

About Passport Restaurants, Inc.

Passport Restaurants, Inc. is a multi-concept restaurant management and holding company which acquires, develops and grows emerging restaurant concepts in the casual dining and quick-casual dining segments of the U.S. restaurant industry. Passport Restaurants, Inc. currently owns Playa Grill & Margarita Bar, a quick-casual restaurant that features high quality, high value, made-fresh Mexican grilled foods in a casual coastal atmosphere, Steve's Pizza a quick-casual "hometown" pizza restaurant offering a superior quality, affordably priced pizza for dine-in, take-out and delivery and New York NY Fresh Deli, a quick-casual sandwich restaurant which features signature New York Style Hot Sub Sandwiches, Gourmet Deli Sandwiches and Fresh Cut Salads. For additional information visit the Passport Restaurant, Inc. website at www.restaurantholdings.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

The information contained in this press release, other than historical information, consists of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These statements may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors beyond the Company's control, including general economic conditions, consumer spending levels, competition from toy companies, motion picture studios and other licensing companies, the uncertainty of public response to the Company's properties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations.