Friday, September 30, 2005

Publishers Settle Unauthorized Copying and Selling Lawsuits Against Two Individuals

Publishers Settle Unauthorized Copying and Selling Lawsuits Against Two Individuals

Two Separate Defendants Sold Unauthorized Copies of Solutions Manuals on Internet Auction Sites

NEW YORK, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Three leading college textbook publishers, John Wiley & Sons, Thomson Learning and Pearson Education, today announced they have settled pending litigation against two separate defendants engaged in the unauthorized copying, distributing and Internet sale of counterfeit copies of their textbook solutions manuals.

The publishers' complaints, filed in U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York, alleged that individuals using the names "beyondboundaries00" and "sidestroke7" were responsible for the unauthorized reproduction, publication and dissemination of solutions manuals corresponding to textbooks published by the three publishers as well as those of other publishers. The materials being sold were intended to be provided only to instructors as pedagogical aids to teaching their courses and assessing student learning. The defendants' attempted widespread distribution of these materials threatened to impair the integrity of the works.

In the first complaint, publishers Wiley and Pearson Education allege that beginning in March 2004, an individual or entity using the names "beyondboundaries00" and "bizrisks," posted counterfeit solutions manuals purported to be products authorized by the publishers on the online auction site eBay.com and half.com.

In the second complaint, publishers Wiley, Thomson Learning and Pearson allege that beginning in January 2004, an individual or entity using the name "sidestroke7" posted counterfeit solutions manuals purported to be products authorized by the publishers on the online auction site eBay.com and half.com.

In settlement of both cases, which were initiated only after the defendants ignored several cease and desist notices by the publishers, the defendants agreed to each pay an undisclosed settlement amount to the publishers, and further agreed to permanently cease and desist from advertising, purchasing, selling or offering to sell plaintiffs' solution manuals, whether online or otherwise.

"This is an important victory for publishers on several levels. Aside from the blatant copyright infringement and counterfeiting of the publishers' trademarks, the defendants behavior encouraged fraud and promoted academic dishonesty. We hope that these lawsuits and settlement send a strong message that publishers will tolerate neither the theft of their intellectual property, nor the distribution of materials that may impair the pedagogical efficacy of their textbooks," said Nancy Wolff, Wolff & Godin, which represented the publishers.

About John Wiley & Sons

Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., provides must-have content and services to customers worldwide. Its core businesses include scientific, technical, and medical journals; encyclopedias, books, and online products and services; professional and consumer books and subscription services; and educational materials for undergraduate, graduate and lifelong learners. Wiley has publishing, marketing, and distribution centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols JWa and JWb. Wiley's internet site can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com/ .

About Thomson Learning

Thomson Learning is a part of The Thomson Corporation, ( http://www.thomson.com/ ), a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson Learning's businesses and brands serve the needs of individuals, learning institutions, corporations and government agencies with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning.

About Pearson Education

Educating 100 million people worldwide, Pearson Education ( http://www.pearsoned.com/ ) is the global leader in educational publishing, providing scientifically research-based print and digital programs to help students of all ages learn at their own pace, in their own way. The company is home to such renowned publishing brands as Pearson Prentice Hall, Pearson Addison Wesley, Pearson Allyn & Bacon, Pearson Benjamin Cummings and Pearson Longman. Pearson Education is part of Pearson (NYSE:PSO) , the international media company. In addition to Pearson Education, Pearson's primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

Source: Pearson Education

CONTACT: Susan Spilka of John Wiley & Sons, +1-201-748-6147, Adam Gaber
of Thomson Learning, +1-203-539-8663, or David Hakensen of Pearson Education,
+1-952-681-3040

Web site: http://www.wiley.com/
http://www.thomson.com/
http://www.pearsoned.com/

Environmental Attorney Terry D. Avchen is Featured as One of 'America's Best Lawyers'

Environmental Attorney Terry D. Avchen is Featured as One of 'America's Best Lawyers'

Avchen is a Leading Source for Journalists on Environmental Law

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Environmental attorney Terry Avchen said today that private property owners should always look for ways to turn a costly environmental cleanup into a profitable business opportunity.

"We are at the dawn of a new era with respect to contaminated property," said Mr. Avchen, who heads the Environmental Practice at the Century City law firm of Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil & Shapiro.

"While these two words can strike fear in the minds of business people," Mr. Avchen said, "contaminated properties can actually represent huge opportunities, and may represent one of the few undervalued classes of real estate assets in what some would consider a real estate bubble."

Mr. Avchen is an authoritative source on the latest amendments to the Superfund law and other state and federal laws and the latest insurance strategies that can provide protections for succeeding owners of contaminated properties.

"Environmental litigation can now, in many cases, be reduced to creative problem solving," Mr. Avchen said. "Many of these cases and properties represent exciting opportunities."

Mr. Avchen, one of the founding members of Christensen Miller, will be featured on Forbes Radio's "America's Best Lawyers," along with Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, Lanny Davis, special counsel to President Clinton, and David Boies, Special Justice Department Trial Counsel in the Microsoft antitrust case. As the name implies, "America's Best Lawyers" features the best legal minds in America who are on the cutting edge of their respective fields.

Mr. Avchen has lectured widely on environmental topics, including complex real estate transactions, environmental insurance, Prop 65 and environmental law from a business perspective. In 2004, Los Angeles Magazine listed Mr. Avchen among its Super Lawyers, noting, He ... "has distinguished himself as one of the foremost authorities on environmental law and the kind of expert you turn to when the stakes are high."

Environmental journalists can reach Mr. Avchen at Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil & Shapiro in Los Angeles, (310) 553-3000, or via email at tavchen@chrismill.com.

Source: Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil & Shapiro, LLP

CONTACT: Terry D. Avchen of Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser,
Weil & Shapiro, LLP, +1-310-553-3000,
tavchen@chrismill.com

Divorcenet.com Recognized as One of New England's Best

Divorcenet.com's Site Selected as a 2005 MITX Awards Finalist

Divorcenet.com Recognized as One of New England's Best

NEWTON, Mass., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Divorcenet.com (http://www.divorcenet.com/) today announced its site has been selected as a finalist in the Media/Portal category for The 10th Annual MITX Awards. Produced by the Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange, the MITX Awards recognize excellence in the creation of interactive technologies designed, produced or developed in New England.

Begun in 1996, the MITX Awards have grown to the largest and most prestigious awards competition in the country for technology innovations and celebrates the best creative and technological accomplishments emerging from New England.

"This is a special milestone for the organization and the commercial internet industry as a whole, both of which have seen significant change, myriad successes and unprecedented growth over the past decade. As technology advances, we will be at the forefront of those advancements." said Kiki Mills, Executive Director of MITX. "Our awards finalists continue to raise the bar and their work is a true testament to how interactive technology has become a core technology for businesses across all industries, nonprofits and educational institutions."

The Divorcenet.com technology team has combined the latest in Internet technology (informative news 'blogs,' lawyer-moderated advice forums, zip-code search capabilities for professional resources and others) to bring accurate and relevant information closer than ever to the average person. Doing so has built Newton-based Divorcenet.com into the pre-eminent resource (it now has over 40,000 members) for divorce and family law information by blending award- winning expertise in divorce law, journalism, divorce communication, technology and content creation to address all aspects pertaining to divorce -- from considering divorce through post-divorce issues such as alimony and child support.

"We are thrilled that Divorcenet.com has been named a finalist for the 2005 MITX Awards," said Steven L. Fuchs, managing partner and co-founder of Divorcenet.com. "It has always been our goal to help ease the difficult process of divorce by offering accurate, easily-accessible information designed for the average person, in addition to community support. We will continue to find ways to take advantage of the latest technology in support of this mission."

Divorcenet.com will be recognized with the other finalists in the category of Media/Portal at a gala awards ceremony traditionally attended by over 800 of the region's top interactive technology and business professionals. Winners will be announced at the ceremony in the Boston Copley Place Marriott on Wednesday, November 2nd. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.mitxawards.org/.

The 2005 MITX Awards program is sponsored by AOL, Doubleclick, Eyeblaster, IBM, Nixon Peabody LLP, Pointroll, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC and Backbone Media. Media partners are boston.com and Technology Review.

About Divorcenet.com

Founded in 1995, Divorcenet.com(R) is the leading provider of consumer- focused divorce information, seeking to empower women and men undergoing divorce. Consumers can access objective, credible and trusted divorce-related general and state-specific articles, support communities, interactive tools for managing divorce, and a nationwide directory of divorce lawyers, mediators and financial professionals.

About MITX

The Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange (MITX) accelerates business opportunities and professional development for those who seek to create business advantage through the innovative application of technology and services. Serving more than 2,500 members from multiple industries including Internet, interactive marketing, healthcare, and financial services, MITX is the region's premier association for thought leadership, technology trends, building business relationships and professional training and development. MITX also offers its members the chance to promote their companies to targeted audiences through sponsorships, speaking opportunities and networking. MITX is headquartered in Cambridge. For more information please go to http://www.mitx.org/.

  Contact:    Sara Fraim                    Brenda Suarez    MITX                          Red Javelin Communications    617-871-2155 x203             978-855-4635    sara@mitx.org                 brenda@redjavelin.com    

http://www.mitx.org

Source: Divorcenet.com

CONTACT: Sara Fraim of MITX, +1-617-871-2155 ext 203, sara@mitx.org; or
Brenda Suarez of Red Javelin Communications, +1-978-855-4635,
brenda@redjavelin.com

Web site: http://www.divorcenet.com/

Metrologic Accused of Patent Infringement

Metrologic Accused of Patent Infringement

BLACKWOOD, N.J., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTLG) today announced that it has been served with a complaint alleging that certain of its products infringe certain patents owned by Symbol Technologies, Inc. ("Symbol"). The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Symbol also filed a similar complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC) naming certain of Metrologic's products that were recently found by an arbitrator not to be included under the parties' existing cross license agreement. Metrologic strongly believes there is no basis for these claims.

Metrologic stands firm that these products do not infringe Symbol's patents. Metrologic will vigorously defend these new allegations of patent infringement as well as pursue its ongoing claims for patent infringement and breach of contract pending against Symbol in separate actions in the U.S. District for the District of New Jersey. Moreover, Metrologic strongly believes that Symbol's patents will be found invalid by the respective courts.

About Metrologic

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. ("Metrologic" or the "Company") is a global supplier of choice for data capture and collection hardware, optical solutions, and image processing software. Metrologic has been delivering innovative, quality products that are cost effective, reliable and supported by a superior level of personal service for nearly 40 years. Metrologic products are sold worldwide through Metrologic's sales, service and distribution offices located in The Americas, EMEA and Asia/Pacific. Metrologic provides its customers not only with a great deal, but a great deal more. For more information please call 1-800-667-8400 or visit http://www.metrologic.com/.

Forward-Looking Statement

Forward-looking statements contained in this release are highly dependent upon a variety of important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such forward-looking statements. Specifically, the factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations include: the amount and timing of any additional expenses for legal fees related to this litigation and the outcome of this litigation. When used in this release and documents referenced, the words "believes," "expects," "may," "should," "seeks," or "anticipates," and similar expressions as they relate to Metrologic or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. For additional factors, please see Metrologic's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.

CONTACT: Investor Relations: Ann Anthony, Metrologic Instruments,
+1-856-228-8100, Email:
a.anthony@metrologic.com

Web site: http://www.metrologic.com/

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Publishers Sue California Businesses for Copyright Infringement

Publishers Sue California Businesses for Copyright Infringement

BOSTON, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Six leading publishers have filed a copyright infringement suit against Cann Copy & Printing and Tan Tien Publications, two businesses located in San Jose, California, and their owners and managers, David Giang, Tan Giang, Bui Quyen, Do Kimlan, and Vien Tan. Elsevier Inc., Houghton Mifflin Co., Oxford University Press, Pearson Education, Thomson Learning, and John Wiley & Sons, Inc. allege that Cann Copy and Tien Tang have routinely produced unauthorized photocopies of entire textbooks and academic monographs and sold them to college students in the San Jose area. The publishers' complaint was filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

The lead counsel for the plaintiffs, William Strong of Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, LLP, said that the defendants have blatantly violated the law by providing students with illegal photocopies of at least 51 entire textbooks and monographs and selling them at a cost substantially below the cost of the legitimate publications. "We believe the defendants' actions are representative of a much larger pattern of abuse." The lawsuit seeks to stop Cann Copy and Tan Tien from further infringement as well as compensate the rightful copyright owners for damages.

Students who have purchased the illegal copies are unlikely to buy legitimate publications. Revenues from the sale of published materials fund author royalties and other expenses that support the creation of new works, scholarly endeavors, and scientific developments. The loss of sales due to copyright infringement and piracy contributes to higher prices for legitimate books, so publishers can recoup the substantial costs they incur in creating them.

"When copyrights are not respected, it has a direct and adverse impact," said Mr. Strong. "It is vital for individuals and businesses to recognize that disregard for copyright law is not only illegal, it cheats authors of their livelihood; stifles progress, creativity, and innovation; and adds to the expenses of law-abiding students," he explained.

Mr. Strong concluded, "Our hope is that Cann Copy and Tan Tien will adopt copyright compliant business practices in the future."

Cann Copy and Tan Tien operate copy shops located near the campuses of San Jose State University. Publishers believe that they have retained copies of each of the books cited in the lawsuit to use as a master when additional students request copies.

About Elsevier Inc.

Elsevier, Inc. is a US-based unit of Elsevier, a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. Working in partnership with the global science and health communities, Elsevier's 7,000 employees in 71 offices worldwide publish more than 2,000 journals and 1,900 new books per year, in addition to offering a suite of innovative electronic products, such as ScienceDirect (http://www.sciencedirect.com/), MD Consult (http://www.mdconsult.com/), Scopus (http://www.info.scopus.com/), bibliographic databases, and online reference works.

Elsevier (http://www.elsevier.com/) is a global business headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and has offices worldwide. Elsevier is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc (http://www.reedelsevier.com/), a world-leading publisher and information provider. Operating in the science and medical, legal, education and business-to-business sectors, Reed Elsevier provides high- quality and flexible information solutions to users, with increasing emphasis on the Internet as a means of delivery. Reed Elsevier's ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).

About Houghton Mifflin Company

Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Company is one of the leading educational publishers in the United States, with over $1 billion in sales. Houghton Mifflin publishes textbooks, instructional technology, assessments and other educational materials for elementary and secondary schools and colleges. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers. Houghton Mifflin offers computer-administered testing programs and services for the professional and certification markets. With its origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. The Company's Web site can be found at www.hmco.com.

About Oxford University Press

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford, and has a presence in more than 50 countries around the world. The books on its list range from music and higher education titles to reference; it is also a major online library reference publisher. In the U.S, its main offices are located in New York City and in Cary, North Carolina. Oxford can be visited online at www.oup.com/us.

About Pearson Education

Educating 100 million people worldwide, Pearson Education is the global leader in educational and computer publishing. With such renowned brands as Pearson Prentice Hall, Pearson Longman, Pearson Addison Wesley, Pearson Benjamin Cummings, Pearson Scott Foresman, Que, Sams, Peachpit, and many others, Pearson Education provides quality content, assessment tools and educational services in all available media, spanning the learning curve from early childhood through college and beyond. Pearson Education is part of Pearson (NYSE:PSO) , the international media company. Pearson's primary operations also include the Financial Times Group (publisher and distributor of business and financial business worldwide) and the Penguin Group (publisher of an unrivalled range of fiction and non-fiction, bestsellers and classics, children's and reference works for audiences in over 100 countries). More about Pearson and Pearson Education's Internet sites can be found at www.pearson.com and www.pearsoned.com.

About Thomson Learning

Thomson Learning is a part of The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. The Thomson Corporation's common shares are listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC). With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson Learning's businesses and brands serve the needs of individuals, learning institutions, corporations and government agencies with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning.

About John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., provides must-have content and services to customers worldwide. Its core businesses include scientific, technical and medical journals; encyclopedias, books and online products and services; professional and consumer books and subscription services; and educational materials for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. Wiley has publishing, marketing and distribution centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols JWa and JWb. Wiley's Internet site can be accessed at www.wiley.com.

Source: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

CONTACT: Susan Spilka, Wiley, +1-201-748-6147; Adam Gaber, Thomson
Learning, +1-203-539-8663; David Hakensen, Pearson Education, +1-952-681-3040;
Collin Earnst, Houghton Mifflin, +1-617-351-5113; Mark Seeley, Elsevier,
+1-781-359-2426; Sara Leopold, Oxford, +1-212-726-6254

Web site: http://www.wiley.com/
http://www.elsevier.com/
http://www.hmco.com/
http://www.oup.com/us
http://www.pearson.com/
http://www.pearsoned.com/
http://www.thomson.com/

Axial Vector(TM) Engine Corporation Retains Top Rated International Law Firm to Maximize and Protect Intellectual Property Value

Axial Vector(TM) Engine Corporation Retains Top Rated International Law Firm to Maximize and Protect Intellectual Property Value

Company retains Jones Day to advance its comprehensive intellectual property strategy that includes global IP licensing, patents, trademarks and litigation.

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Axial Vector(TM) Engine Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: AXVC) , a company developing exciting and potentially revolutionary internal combustion engine technologies, announced today it has retained Jones Day, an international law firm with over 2200 lawyers in 30 countries, to advance their comprehensive intellectual property strategy that includes global IP licensing, patents, trademarks and litigation.

Jones Day has a history of being selective as to who they represent and can count over 250 of the fortune 500 companies as their clients including Dell Computer, Kodak, IBM, Yahoo!, General Motors and Dow Corning amongst others. Jones Day has approximately 325 Intellectual Property (IP) lawyers and is considered one of the top law firms in the world when it comes to IP and technology law.

Over the last thirteen months, Axial Vector has worked to establish a revenue stream based upon the licensing of its proprietary technologies and intellectual property. Axial Vector has since granted a license to Adaptive Propulsion Systems for the use of their unique internal combustion engine and related technologies for military applications by the Military of the USA and NATO Member Countries. Also, Axial Vector has entered into preliminary license negotiations with Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd, a major engine manufacturing company based in India, for certain non-automotive uses of AVE technology and IP. The license agreements involve royalties payable on gross sales of manufactured goods and products that incorporate the licensed technologies. Axial Vector is currently engaged in active discussions with other industry leaders to license its Axial Vector Engine Technologies and its Gen Sets using Axial E Flux Generators.

"Hiring Jones Day demonstrates our commitment to continuously build upon our goal to be the leader in the development and licensing of innovative technologies related to the internal combustion engine and advanced electrical power generation. Jones Day has experience on a global basis and expertise that will allow us to implement our strategic planning to further develop and protect our Intellectual Property. We are quite pleased that they accepted us as a client and certainly look forward to working and growing with them," said Dr. Raymond Brouzes, President of Axial Vector Engine Corporation.

About Axial Vector(TM) Engine Corporation

Axial Vector Engine Corporation is a publicly traded company that owns, develops and licenses proprietary intellectual property regarding unique internal combustion engine and generator technologies.

We believe the fundamental economic conditions that ruled since the development of the internal combustion engine over 100 years ago no longer exist. In today's world of high fuel and oil costs, energy efficiency, weight, and space are key considerations.

We are developing and commercializing an exciting and potentially revolutionary internal combustion engine. Our engines are lighter, smaller and have fewer parts than a traditional engine. They are able to run on multiple fuels while making more power at lower RPMs than traditional ones. These innovative machines will be suitable replacements for existing engines in a number of industrial categories.

Key markets for the Axial Vector(TM) Engine include a number of specific military and industrial applications. Additionally, we are developing a family of electric power generators (GEN SETS) incorporating our unique Axial E-Flux technology. The GEN SETS have a high power density, will consume less fuel per unit of electrical power output and are considerably smaller than any known internal combustion engine generators and the control is totally and dynamically integrated with the AV Engine.

About Jones Day

Jones Day is an international law firm with 30 offices in centers of business and finance throughout the world. With more than 2,200 lawyers, including more than 400 in Europe and 175 in Asia, it ranks among the world's largest law firms.

More information can be found regarding Jones Day at their website; http://www.jonesday.com/

   For further information;     Dr. Raymond Brouzes, President    Axial Vector(TM) Engine Corporation    503-471-1348    info@axialvectorengine.com    http://www.axialvectorengine.com/        Dan Wernecke    Investor Relations    Aurelius Consulting Group,    (407) 644-4256    info@aurcg.com        Forward-Looking Statements    

This press release may be deemed to contain forward-looking information. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, including statements as to industry trends, future economic performance, anticipated profitability, anticipated revenues and expenses, and products or service line growth, may be significantly and materially impacted by certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, failure to meet operating objectives or to execute the operating plan, competition, and other economic factors. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in the Company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: Axial Vector(TM) Engine Corporation

CONTACT: Dr. Raymond Brouzes, President of Axial Vector(TM) Engine
Corporation, +1-503-471-1348 or
info@axialvectorengine.com; or Dan Wernecke,
Investor Relations of Aurelius Consulting Group, +1-407-644-4256 or
info@aurcg.com, for Axial Vector(TM) Engine Corporation

Web site: http://www.axialvectorengine.com/

Commonwealth Shuts Down Alleged Illegal Web-based `Payday' Lending Scheme; Consumers Have 90 Days to Apply for Restitution

Commonwealth Shuts Down Alleged Illegal Web-based `Payday' Lending Scheme; Consumers Have 90 Days to Apply for Restitution

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney General Tom Corbett and Pennsylvania Banking Secretary Bill Schenck today announced that legal action has been taken against an alleged illegal Internet-based "payday" lending operation accused of charging consumers more than 600 percent annual interest on loans that were deceptively marketed as "rebates."

The business has shut down its web-based operation and will pay a total of $70,000 in fines and costs, plus refund consumers the amount of interest they paid above the maximum six percent permitted under state law. Consumers have until December 21, 2005 to file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General to obtain a refund.

Corbett said an "Assurance of Voluntary Compliance" agreement was reached with Ace Pays Inc., a Delaware Corporation formerly based in Levittown, Bucks County. The agreement, filed in Commonwealth Court, resolves alleged violations of Pennsylvania's Consumer Discount Company Act, Maximum Interest Rates Law and the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.

Schenck said that the Department of Banking entered into a separate consent agreement with Ace Pays Inc. Schenck alleged that Ace Pays also failed to register as a payday lender or to obtain a license under the Credit Services Act.

Following a joint investigation, Corbett and Schenck said that Ace Pays advertised an "instant cash rebate," for as much as $1,000, when you joined its web-based membership program formerly located at www.acepays.com. The print advertisements ran in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The ads and online promotions potentially reached thousands of consumers statewide. The ads included statements such as "GET THE CASH YOU NEED NOW!" and receive "UP TO $1,000 INSTANTLY."

To obtain the so-called "rebate," consumers were encouraged to sign up for a one year membership program that was said to offer a variety of goods and services including discount prescriptions, legal assistance and health care insurance partnering, weather updates, online personals, email services and an "exclusive" catalog of items such as jewelry and designer clothing.

Consumers were given the option to join the program at various membership levels that ranged from $50 to $1,000 per year. For example, if a consumer signed up for the "Diamond" level, or highest membership tier, he or she would receive a $1,000 "instant rebate." Ace Pays would then charge that consumer a $20 daily rate that was typically deducted from their bank account every two weeks. Investigators said the amount charged was equivalent to an annual interest rate of 630 percent.

Investigators noted that consumers who signed up for smaller "rebates" were charged lower daily fees that again were well above the maximum six percent allowed under state law. On top of the exorbitant interest rates, consumers' contracts also included an additional early termination fee if they defaulted on the payments.

"It's clear to us that the web-based membership program was a ruse to engage in an illegal payday loan operation," Corbett said. "The so-called 'instant rebates' were nothing more than loans that had to be paid back, in some cases, at an annual interest rate of more than 600 percent. The actions taken by Secretary Schenck and my office not only bar this practice from continuing, but provide refunds to those who were charged the exorbitant and illegal interest rates."

"This is the way state government should work," Schenck said, "across branches and across party lines to protect Pennsylvania's vulnerable consumers. This was a great partnership with a great result for Pennsylvanians. Now we need to make sure that people know they're entitled to their money back."

Under the terms of both agreements, Ace Pays Inc. admits no wrongdoing and agrees to:

  -- Provide refunds to consumers who file a complaint with the Office of      Attorney General before December 21, 2005.  Consumers will be refunded      the difference between the interest rate charged and the six percent      interest rate allowed under state law.   -- Permanently shut down the web-based operation.   -- Pay $55,000 in civil penalties.   -- Pay $15,000 for the Commonwealth's investigation costs.  

Corbett and Schenck urge consumers who suspect that they are entitled to a refund to contact the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555 to obtain a complaint form. Consumers may also file a complaint electronically by visiting http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/.

Corbett and Schenck also remind consumers to be cautious with their financial information and to check out companies before conducting financial transactions. A searchable database of all Pennsylvania-licensed financial service providers is available at http://www.banking.state.pa.us/, or by calling 1-800-PA BANKS.

Corbett said, "I'm pleased with the outcome of our joint investigation which went a long way toward protecting thousands of Pennsylvanians who in our view were held hostage financially by an illegal business practice that intentionally targeted low income consumers with poor credit."

"The Pennsylvania Department of Banking is committed to safeguarding consumers from deceptive marketing and illegal lending," Schenck said. "We will continue to work aggressively, with the Attorney General and others, to put a stop to them."

CONTACT: Heather Tyler, Acting Press Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Banking, +1-717-214-6046, or Barbara Petito, Deputy Press Secretary, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, +1-717-787-5211, petito@attorneygeneral.gov

Source: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

CONTACT: Heather Tyler, Acting Press Secretary, Pennsylvania Department
of Banking, +1-717-214-6046, or Cell: +1-717-439-5203, or Barbara Petito,
Deputy Press Secretary, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General,
+1-717-787-5211, Home: +1-717-236-6264, or Cell: +1-717-215-1341,
petito@attorneygeneral.gov

Web site: http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/
http://www.banking.state.pa.us/

'YES on 79' Launches First TV Ad Vs. $78 Million Drug Industry Ad-Blitz

'YES on 79' Launches First TV Ad Vs. $78 Million Drug Industry Ad-Blitz

Consumer, Health & Senior Advocates' TV Ad Is 'David' to Drug Industry's Deceitful $78M 'Goliath' Ad Campaign. AARP Endorses Prop 79 as Schwarzenegger Backs Pharma's Measure

WHAT: Roll Out of First TV Ad for 'Yes on Proposition 79' Campaign (Cheaper Drugs More Californians Can Count On)

WHEN: Thursday, September 29, 2005 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: AIDS Healthcare Foundation Executive Offices 6255 Sunset Blvd., Suite 2100 (at Argyle) Hollywood CA 90028

WHO: Michael Weinstein, President, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and introducing (via television commercial) Leona Tockey, a Bay Area California resident with high monthly prescription drug costs

*Visual: copies of the 60 second television ad for 'Yes on Prop. 79' campaign will be provided to the media

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of the American Association of Retired Persons' (AARP) endorsement of California's Proposition 79 earlier today, advocates representing millions of California consumers, senior citizens, patients, and workers in the 'Yes on Proposition 79' campaign will unveil their first television commercial for the campaign's drug discount ballot measure in a press conference and commercial screening in Los Angeles, Thursday, September 29th at 11:00am.

"Officials in Washington and Sacramento have largely given a blank check to the pharmaceutical industry, and hardworking Americans everywhere are now paying for it with their pocketbooks and their lives," said Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a co-sponsor of the 'Yes on 79' campaign and producer of this first Prop 79 television spot. "Leona Tockey, who is featured in this commercial, is but one of millions having trouble affording her monthly medicines. The $78 million that Pharma is spending here in California on a TV advertising blitz to hoodwink California voters about Proposition 78 -- which one LA Times' columnist even called 'bamboozlement' -- could easily help Leona, or others like her, pay for her $400 monthly prescription drug bills-for the next 16,000 years. The drug industry and its corporate lobbyists are instead circling the wagons to blur the truth about Proposition 79 and protect the status quo."

Pharmaceutical companies have poured a record-breaking $78 million into Proposition 78, a smokescreen measure designed to defeat the health and consumer advocate-supported Prop 79 -- because they fear the real, enforceable discounts that Prop 79 would provide.

Because the 'Yes on Prop. 79' campaign has, and continues to be, so financially outmatched by the drug industry cartel and its $78 million media campaign for its own sham ballot measure, the 'Yes on Prop. 79' supporters were forced to embrace the exact opposite approach to producing and running their own television commercial. Prop. 79 supporters from AHF shot the spot on a shoestring budget (approx. $1,200); utilized the compelling story of Ms. Tockey, a real Californian with expensive monthly drug bills who would actually benefit from Prop. 79 (unlike in the ubiquitous and slick Prop 78 ads, which use a white-haired, patrician looking Hollywood actor to portray an allegedly concerned doctor); the group has made (and is making) limited cable buys for the spot (CNN, A&E, Lifetime, etc) in Los Angeles, the Bay Area and either Sacramento or San Diego for roughly $5,000 to $10,000.

"We are urging all concerned Californians -- our 'Vioxx voters' -- to do what Washington and Sacramento officials, including Governor Schwarzenegger, are unwilling or unable to do: take back some degree of control over a drug industry run amok and vote 'Yes' on Proposition 79," added AHF's Weinstein.

Proposition 79: Cheaper Drugs More Californians Can Count On, supported by Health Access California, Consumers Union, California Association of Retired Americans, Congress of California Seniors, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the League of Women Voters, and over one hundred other endorsing organizations, will provide affordable prescription drugs for 8-10 million Californians, using the purchasing power of the state to leverage enforceable discounts from prescription drug companies. A competing measure, the pharmaceutical industry-backed Proposition 78, relies on manufacturers to volunteer discounts, and has no enforcement mechanism. For more information on Proposition 79, visit www.voteyesonprop79.org

Source: Yes on Prop 79

CONTACT: Lori Yeghiayan of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, +1-323-860-5227,
or cell, +1-323-377-4312, for Yes on Prop 79

Web site: http://www.voteyesonprop79.org/

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Tribune Company to Appeal Tax Court Ruling

Tribune Company to Appeal Tax Court Ruling

CHICAGO, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) said today it will immediately appeal a United States Tax Court ruling issued late this afternoon disallowing the 1998 tax-free reorganization of Matthew Bender, a former subsidiary of The Times Mirror Company. Tribune acquired Times Mirror in June 2000, and inherited the preexisting tax dispute at that time.

"We are disappointed by the court's ruling," said Crane Kenney, Tribune's general counsel. "We look forward to our appeal in the Seventh Circuit."

The exact amount of the tax deficiency has yet to be determined, but is estimated to be in the $1 billion range for both the Matthew Bender transaction and a similar transaction completed by Times Mirror in the same year. Over time, deductions for state taxes and interest will reduce the net cash outlay to approximately $850 million. The company's current reserves connected to the litigation total approximately $250 million. The company intends to pay the tax promptly through the issuance of commercial paper.

These tax issues are covered by purchase accounting related to the Times Mirror acquisition. On a preliminary basis the company anticipates that approximately $500 million will be added to goodwill on Tribune's balance sheet and that approximately $125 million (after taxes) will be charged to the company's income statement in the third quarter.

CONFERENCE CALL/WEBCAST

The company will conduct a conference call tomorrow, Sept. 28 at 8 a.m. CT (9 am ET, 6 am PT) to discuss the Tax Court ruling and accounting issues. To access the call, dial 877/847-0401 (domestic) or 706/679-5349 (international). The conference ID number is 1150528. Replays of the conference call will be available from Sept. 28 through Oct. 5. To hear the replay, dial 800/642-1687 (domestic) or 706/645-9291 (international). The access code for the replay is 1150528.

A live webcast will be accessible through http://www.tribune.com/ and through CCBN at http://www.ccbn.com/. An archive of the webcast will be available from Sept. 28 to Oct. 5.

TRIBUNE (NYSE:TRB) is one of the country's top media companies, operating businesses in publishing and broadcasting. It reaches more than 80 percent of U.S. households and is the only media organization with newspapers, television stations, and websites in the nation's top three markets. In publishing, Tribune operates 11 leading daily newspapers including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and Newsday, plus a wide range of targeted publications such as Spanish-language Hoy. The company's broadcasting group operates 26 television stations, Superstation WGN on national cable, Chicago's WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience.

This press release contains certain comments or forward-looking statements that are based largely on the Company's current expectations and are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties. Such comments and statements should be understood in the context of Tribune's publicly available reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the most current annual 10-K report and quarterly 10-Q report, which contain a discussion of various factors that may affect the Company's business or financial results. Any of these factors could cause actual future performance to differ materially from current expectations. Tribune Company is not responsible for updating the information contained in this press release beyond the published date, or for changes made to this document by wire services or Internet service providers. The Company's next 10-Q report to be filed with the SEC may contain updates to the information included in this release.

Source: Tribune Company

CONTACT: Media: Gary Weitman, +1-312-222-3394 office,
Fax: +1-312-222-1573,
gweitman@tribune.com, Investor: Ruthellyn Musil,
+1-312-222-3787 office, Fax: +1-312-222-1573,
rmusil@tribune.com

Web site: http://www.tribune.com/

The David Law Firm Sponsors International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma

The David Law Firm Sponsors International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma

(PRWEB) September 28, 2005 -- The David Law Firm is again proud to sponsor the Second International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada October 6 - 8, 2005.

The symposium will bring together patients, medical researchers, and other professionals in the fight against mesothelioma, and increase solidarity in the struggle with this rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

The symposium is expected to attract leading scientists and doctors who will discuss the latest developments in mesothelioma treatment, including immunotherapy and gene therapy. Lectures and panelist discussions will cover recent medical advances, current treatment options and emerging potential therapies. Treatment of mesothelioma remains a major medical challenge that attracts some of the best oncologists and researchers.

Presentations will be given specifically for caregivers and patients, as well as those coping with loss. Break-out sessions are planned to allow discussion of how patients and families can learn to cope with this devastating cancer, including the challenges of caregiving will also be featured. Many of these issues are addressed by the website www.mesothelioma-aid.org sponsored by Jonathan David* of The David Law Firm.

About The David Law Firm
The David Law Firm, P.C., located in The Woodlands, TX (Greater Houston Area), has clients in all 50 states. It is their goal to assist mesothelioma patients and their families in finding the best resources available to cope with their illness.

Mesothelioma strikes over 3,000 Americans every year. Symptoms may not appear until decades after asbestos exposure occurs. Symptoms are described on the web page www.mesotheliomaweb.org/symptoms.htm.

The David Law Firm can be reached Toll Free at 1-800-998-9729 or through our website at www.asbestos-attorney.com

* Licensed by The Supreme Court of Texas.

###

Press Contact: Cheryl Engman
Company Name:
Email: info@mesotheliomaweb.org
Phone: 281-296-9090
Website: http://www.asbestos-attorney.com

Lorman Education Services Presents "Medical Records Law" Seminar on November 10, 2005

Lorman Education Services Presents "Medical Records Law" Seminar on November 10, 2005

(PRWEB) September 22, 2005 -- Lorman Education Services presents "Medical Records Law" seminar on November 10, 2005.

This "Medical Records Law" seminar is designed to address the general and specific issues relating to management of medical records and safeguards that can be taken in the medical office setting to avoid potential hazards.

This seminar is designed to address the general and specific issues relating to management of medical records and safeguards that can be taken in the medical office setting to avoid potential hazards.

Additionally, the speaker will show how to develop confidence among the staff with the ever-changing guidelines of HIPAA, educate them with the ability to answer questions posed by patients with regard to their PHI and to implement an airtight office policy with security and protection of PHI as top priority.

Melanie Lawson-Vershave is with Real Medical Solutions Northwest. She has worked in practice administration and hospital legal collections for a combination of 10 years. Ms. Lawson-Vershave has implemented new practice management systems to streamline and promote efficiency, revamped in-house collection procedures, actively pursued old accounts receivable with great success and redeveloped medical billing departments to move them away from the lull of data entry. She believes that team work, education and streamlined policy is the key to an efficient, profitable medical practice.

This one-day seminar is designed for medical records directors, health information directors, business managers, office managers, hospital administrators, nurses, release of records professionals and attorneys.

To register for this event please click http://www.lorman.com/info/359522 or please call 866-352-9539 to speak with a Lorman Education customer service representative. Reference number for this event is 18189.

# # #

Press Contact: Ben Halverson
Company Name: Lorman Education Services
Email: bhalverson@lorman.com
Phone: 866-352-9539
Website: www.lorman.com/info/359522

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

In Our Crusade, We're Going to Snuff you Helter-Skelter

September 1, 2005
 

In Our Crusade, We're Going to Snuff you Helter-Skelter
The neocons: " We're going to blow you to smithereens, military, civilians, men, women and children, infirm, aged or newborn, and even in-utero; you name it, we're going to Shock and Awe you, thousands and thousands of you, all in the name of Jesus, our Crusade, and our safety. We're going to unleash nuclear bunker-busters on you and unleash as much depleted uranium on you as possible so that you and your progeny will suffer its debilitating effects for generations to come. The lord be praised."

The Bush administration is the biggest monkey-wrench in the struggle to get the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to mean something. They're also trying to get ever more lethal cluster bombs and bunker busters.

Senator Dianne Feinstein has criticized the Senate for approving the bunker-buster nuclear bombs, saying: "In essence, these policies encourage other nations to develop their own nuclear weapons thereby putting American lives and our national security interests at risk. We are telling the world, when it comes to nuclear weapons, do as we say, not as we do."

So while the United States is moving to be ever more lethal and destructive, the rest of the world will be attending a conference that deserves the world's praise, the Jane's Defense 8th Annual Less-Lethal Weapons 2005 Conference, held in the United Kingdom on October 26-27, 2005. Funny, but when I read the roster of the attendees, I couldn't find the name of even a single attendee from the United States of any importance or influence. Yes, a couple of American universities are sending people, but Bush government? Yeah, sure! Jeez, this administration never read the part of the Bible they quote ad nauseam about Thou Shalt Not Kill. Liz wishes Georgie Boy would have these words read to him, that Golda Meir wrote: "There's no difference between one's killing and making decisions that will send others to kill. It's exactly the same thing, or even worse." Especially when you send young men and women to kill and be killed because you had a hissy fit and just stomped your little feet on the floor and pouted your way into a war of choice. While discussing this, we were sipping tall Highballs, enjoying the fact that the highball glasses were chock-full with ice, although the weather has certainly cooled off considerably.

Again, Max, Charlotte and Elizabeth Cook a Banquet
We were promised an extra special dinner tonight and were anxious to go to the dining room to see what the gang had put together. When we sat down, we were presented with tiny plates of sliced artichoke hearts with a frothy goat cheese spuma made with a special foamer. Charlotte enjoys making these little "amuse-bouches" and we enjoy each of her surprises. Next, she served us a cold Crab, Avocado and Lime soup. Because it is a rich, thick soup, it merited creamy Chardonnay, and she chose a Marlborough Chardonnay from New Zealand. Elizabeth prepared Pan-seared Salmon with Pearl Onions and Chanterelles she paired with a Pinot Noir. After palate-cleansing dollops of raspberry sorbet, Max served us his incredible Beef Daube Arlรฉsienne which of course, is always cooked with plenty of vegetables. Max thought a rosรฉ would go well with this comfort-food, and served a good Provenรงal wine, a Bandol. Charlotte thought a small salad would be a great finish for our meal, and she brought out small plates of Frisรฉe with Walnuts and Roquefort that she served with a Washington State fruity but dry Riesling. Elizabeth served us a Fig and Ricotta Tart and poured us some beautifully chilled Champagne.

Winding Down
We next went back to the great room to have our after-dinner coffee and sit with the children for a while. The children were talking about how fortunate we all were since we didn't lose any foals or calves this year, and the mares and the cows all had easy deliveries. Now, if only our government were as healthy! After putting sweaters on the youngest children, the crowd separated and went home.

ยฉCopyright 2005 Grindstaff Chronicles. All Rights Reserved.
================================================
Reprinted from The Grindstaff Chronicles Newsletter which
is published in the USA by farmers, ranchers, and neighbors.

It is intended to share the thoughts and lifestyle of people
who work hard, like to relax and enjoy life, and are often
dismayed by news, politics, and the events of the day
that defy common sense.
http://www.GrindstaffChronicles.com
================================================


 

Class Action Lawsuit Required To Stop Dangerous Bankruptcy Law From Becoming Law On October 17th.

Class Action Lawsuit Required To Stop Dangerous Bankruptcy Law From Becoming Law On October 17th.

(PRWEB) September 27, 2005 -- In previous press releases that have run on PR web, this author has been indicated that it is easier to assassinate the president than to have any expectations that the financial community would choose entrepreneurship over poverty: poverty is extremely profitable.

In the New Orleans address, President Bush clearly stated that "Entrepreneurship Shatters Poverty" and that help was on the way. Well an emergency time period for the SBA to generate these funds is about 2 months: the same time frame for FEMA to have funds to any of hurricane's victims. This problem of poverty is non-partisan.

Now, instead of being able to focus on rebuilding their shattered lives, people are going to be hit with another blow unless a class action lawsuit or some other rule of law thrwarts the implementation of backward legislation on October 17th.

The whole sordid truth is continuously covered up, but it is becoming increasingly more and more difficult to cover up the corruption, graft and scandal of the following:

1. Inaccurate credit reports that have egregious errors.
2. Incorrect credit scores that allow banks to ignore brilliant ideas and focus on an incorrectly calculated number.
3. An education system that is completely disconnected from reality and sends millions of people each year into the arms of collection agencies who harass 24/7
4. Payroll and credit card companies that take advantage of the poorest of the poor with usurious interest rates. Even the middle class can not escape their wrath.
5. Incorrect government statistics that reward poverty and account those who fall of unemployment insurance as employment even though they are still unemployed.
6. As poverty is profitable, non-profit agencies that focus on the destitute must reinforce despair in order to have an ineffective purpose.
7. New requirements introduced by Congress and the Senate that forbids purchasing of milk, cheese, bread, etc. if ones credit score is too low.

The solution to shatter poverty is to offer joint accounts based on mutual ownership versus no money, usurious interest and stifling credit scores.

The time to do something is now. In France, revolutions occurred with leaders facing the Guillotine. This author is not suggesting violence, only that entrepreneurship shatters poverty and the barriers that reinforce destitution.

The way to begin is to stop this horrid law from being implemented and then work at changing it.

Call to action. If you are in debt then please get off the sidelines and make a difference while there is still time.

For more information please contact:
Stuart Weinstein
www.thefilmtv.com
416-948-8526

# # #

Press Contact: Stuart Weinstein
Company Name: XTREME ENTREPRENEURS
Email: stuart__ian@hotmail.com
Phone: 416-948-8526
Website: www.thefilmtv.com

New Survey Shows Companies Losing Customers and Facing Legal Action

New Survey Shows Companies Losing Customers and Facing Legal Action
 
NEW YORK, Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Victims of personal data security breaches are showing their displeasure by terminating relationships with the companies that maintained their data, according to a new national survey sponsored by global law firm White & Case. The independent survey of nearly 10,000 adults, conducted by the respected privacy research organization Ponemon Institute, reveals that nearly 20 percent of respondents say they have terminated a relationship with a company after being notified of a security breach.
 
"Companies lose customers when a breach occurs. Of the people we surveyed who received notifications, 19 percent said that they have ended their relationship with the company after they learned that their personal information had been compromised due to security breach. A whopping 40 percent say that they are thinking about terminating their relationship," said Larry Ponemon, founder and head of the Ponemon Institute.
 
Even more disconcerting, the survey also reveals that five percent of Americans have hired lawyers upon learning that their personal information may have been compromised.
 
"Five percent may not seem like much, until you realize that anywhere between 23 million and 50 million Americans have received notification of a data security breach. That means that over one million people out there are likely seeking legal counsel," said David Bender, co-head of White & Case's privacy practice. "This should be particularly troubling to companies, especially in light of several putative class-action lawsuits recently filed in California against companies that experienced security breaches."
 
Bender added that while it's unclear just how any court might calculate damages for customers whose personal information has been breached, but have not suffered any clear harm, the fact that the plaintiff's bar is taking on such suits means they anticipate that courts may commiserate with customers' frustration over breaches.
 
One of the top frustrations that consumers experience is that the company hasn't clearly and effectively communicated just exactly what effect the security breach will have on their personal information.
 
"Does a breach mean that an unauthorized person is using a consumer's credit card to rack up purchases, or is assuming that consumer's identity? Or simply that hackers broke into a company's security system just for kicks and nothing untoward has happened? Either way, the survey reveals that companies need to be straightforward about what they know, as those companies who fail to communicate information in a clear, consistent and timely fashion are four times more likely to experience customer churn," said Ponemon. "And those businesses that deploy canned emails or form letters to communicate a data breach to victims are more than three times as likely to lose customers than those that contact victims by telephone or personalized letters or a combination of both."
 
Overall, 39 percent of respondents said that they felt the message conveyed by the organization about the data security breach was NOT honest and believable, and 52 percent said that the notice was difficult to understand.
 
Bender said that a company should engaged in prophylactic tactics both before, and after, a breach.
 
"One thing that comes through clearly in the survey is that those companies taking pains to handle the breach correctly lost the fewest customers. In an attempt to prevent any breach, the company should use appropriate security practices and should conduct a privacy audit. In the event a breach occurs, the survey suggests that the company should send each victim a notification that is timely, is written in clear language free of technical or legal jargon, is detailed enough to describe what has happened, and that offers a victim assistance hotline."
 
Bender added that the smart companies will also handle the notification in the form of a personalized letter followed up with a phone call-both designed so as to distinguish them from direct marketing pieces. The company should also consider providing free credit report monitoring for a period of time.
 
  Among the other top findings of the survey:
 
  * The organizations most likely to report a breach are banks (20%), credit
    card companies (18%), governmental organizations (including state
    universities) (13%), and health care providers (9%).
 
  * 86% of security breaches involved the loss or theft of customer or
    consumer information. About 14% involved employee, student, medical and
    taxpayer data.
 
  * 58% said the breach decreased their sense of trust and confidence in the
    organization reporting the incident. Only 8% of respondents did not
    blame the organization that reported the breach.  Surprisingly, 12% said
    the incident enhanced their sense of confidence in the organization.
 
  * Over 82% believed that an organization should always report a breach,
    even if the lost or stolen data was encrypted or there was no criminal
    intent.
 
  * 59% of respondents don't have confidence in US state or federal
    regulation to protect them from data security breaches.
 
For more information or to obtain a copy of the "National Survey on Data Security Breach Notification," please contact Sandi Sonnenfeld, Media Relations Manager, White & Case at 212/819-8299 or via email ssonnenfeld@whitecase.com.
 
About the Ponemon Institute, LLC
 
Ponemon Institute is a "think tank" dedicated to advancing responsible information management practices in business and government. To achieve this objective, Ponemon Institute conducts independent research on privacy and information security, educates leaders from the private and public sectors, and verifies the privacy and data protection practices of organizations. The Institute is headquartered in Michigan. For more information, visit http://www.ponemon.org/ or contact (800) 887.3118.
 
About White & Case
 
White & Case LLP is a leading global law firm with nearly 1900 lawyers practicing in 38 offices in 25 countries. White & Case's Privacy Practice operates at the forefront of privacy issues and data protection laws. We advise clients on how to adopt sound privacy practices, avoid privacy risks, and protect their competitive advantage. We also represent clients in privacy-related litigation. Each year we host an annual Global Privacy symposium, write articles and publish or sponsor surveys related to complex privacy issues. Visit http://www.whitecase.com/.
 
Source: White & Case LLP
 
CONTACT: Sandi Sonnenfeld, Media Relations Manager of White & Case LLP,
+1-212-819-8299,
ssonnenfeld@whitecase.com
 
 
 

SickofLawsuits.org views personal injury lawyers as evil - no alternative for patients mentioned

SickofLawsuits.org's National Education Campaign Reveals That Americans Believe Personal Injury Lawyers Are More Interested in Profits Than Helping Clients

 
Sep 26, 2005 11:23 America/Chicago 
 
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent survey by SickofLawsuits.org, 82 percent of Americans agree that personal injury lawyers who file lawsuits over medicines and other healthcare remedies are more interested in making money than in helping their clients. The survey finding will be featured in an advertisement today in Roll Call. The ad is one of four advertisements running in Roll Call as part of the group's public education campaign leading up to Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week (October 3-7).
 
"Some personal injury lawyers will file questionable lawsuits based on junk science in hopes of winning big money," said Sick of Lawsuits spokesperson Dr. Evelyn Tobias-Merrill. "Such lawsuit abuse is bankrupting our healthcare system, forcing our doctors to stop practicing, and taking life-saving medicines off the shelves."
 
The campaign will run half-page print advertisements, including the one today, to raise legislators' awareness about Americans' concerns over the need for legal reform. SickofLawsuits.org also is planning a national television advertising buy for the fall to encourage citizens to help stop lawsuit abuse and protect America's healthcare system.
 
"We want to let our representatives in Washington know that legal reform continues to be a major issue for all of us," said Dr. Tobias-Merrill. "These survey findings show that Americans are sick of lawsuits, and it's time for change now."
 
The national survey of 800 likely voters was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies on behalf of SickofLawsuits.org during August 16-18, 2005. The margin of error is +/- 3.5%.
 
SickofLawsuits.org is a nonpartisan, grassroots campaign of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, representing more than 165,000 supporters across the country including doctors, healthcare professionals, small business owners, attorneys and other individuals from all walks of life. Persons interested in more information or becoming active on lawsuit abuse and healthcare issues can visit http://www.sickoflawsuits.org/.
 

Source: Sick of Lawsuits
 
CONTACT: Dr. Evelyn Tobias-Merrill of Sick of Lawsuits, +1-800-476-1442
 
 
 
[I'm sure there is some abuse, but a survey of 800 is not what I would consider a "national" survey. And how many of those were personal injury patients/clients? If you remove the monitary incentive, are you going to be able to find good legal representation that you can afford? If not, then the highly paid lawyers of the drug and medical companies may deny compehansation to those that truely deserve it. ]

Monday, September 26, 2005

Legalmatch to Provide NACDL Members with Robust Client Acquisition and Management Solutions

In a Landmark Partnership, Legalmatch to Provide NACDL Members with Robust Client Acquisition and Management Solutions

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (PRWEB) September 26, 2005 -- LegalMatch, the company that pioneered use of the Internet to connect qualified attorneys with clients needing representation, has formalized an affinity partnership with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the nation's foremost legal defense organization. The 13,000 members of the NACDL will now gain preferred access to LegalMatch's growing spectrum of innovative client acquisition tools, services and activities.

"This partnership is an important achievement for LegalMatch," said Peter Reis, LegalMatch Director of the NACDL Affinity Partnership. "We look forward to helping the NACDL fulfill its mission of protecting people's right to justice and due process by providing them improved access to qualified representation."

The LegalMatch client acquisition model allows both attorneys and consumers to make informed choices when embarking on a relationship, increasing each party's efficiency while maintaining anonymity and discretion. The clients gain key information, including attorney background profiles and fee schedules that help them make the right choiceย—information that traditional channels such as the Yellow Pages do not provide. LegalMatch's pre-screening capabilities allow attorneys to focus on clients that are most appropriate for their practice and needs, saving time and resources.

"LegalMatch has proven that it can effectively support and expedite the process of gaining representation for the accused, an often underserved segment of American society," said Ralph Grunewald, NACDL Executive Director. "We look forward to using the efficiencies that LegalMatch has developed to bring mutual advantages to our attorney members and to those they serve."

Through the partnership, LegalMatch will also make available to NACDL members a number of additional benefits, including lines of credit through a LegalMatch Financial Services partner, for accommodating membership fees and other business costs.

About LegalMatch
Established in 1999, with a formal site-launch in 2000, LegalMatch is the nation's premier provider of online legal services. LegalMatch is the best place for consumers to find the right attorney and for attorneys to build and focus a practice. Corporate offices are located in San Francisco and Los Angeles. For more information regarding the company or this initiative, please contact Don Keane, Vice-President of Marketing at (415) 946-0855.

About the NACDL
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is the preeminent organization in the United States advancing the mission of the nation's criminal defense lawyers to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime or other misconduct. A professional bar association founded in 1958, NACDL's more than 12,500 direct members-and 90 state, local, and international affiliate organizations with another 35,000 members-include private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, active U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges committed to preserving fairness within America's criminal justice system.

# # #

Press Contact: Donald Keane
Company Name: LEGALMATCH
Email: Don.Keane@legalmatch.com
Phone: 415-946-0855


Liska, Exnicios & Nungesser: Katrina Class Action Against Major Oil Companies - Defendants Named

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The following was released today by Liska, Exnicios & Nungesser:

As released earlier today, a class action lawsuit has been filed against a number of major oil companies blaming them for Hurricane Katrina's devastation in New Orleans.

In the petition filed in United States District Court For The Eastern District of Louisiana, the named defendants include: Columbia Gulf Transmission Co.; Koch Pipeline Company, L.P.; Gulf South Pipeline Company, LP; Shell Pipeline Company LP; Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co.; Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Corp.; Shell Oil Co.; ExxonMobil Corp.; Exxon Mobil Corp.; Chevron Corp.; and BP Corporation N.A., Inc.

The lawsuit alleges that the major oil companies' oil, gas and pipeline exploration and drilling activities throughout Southeast Louisiana resulted in ecological damages to such an extent that coastal marshes were destroyed which previously had protected New Orleans naturally from Katrina level hurricane force winds and tidal surges.

   FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO SECURE A COPY OF THE SUIT:    CALL: Val P. Exnicios, Esq. at (318) 256-0583 or (318) 332-7858 (cell) or          "Duke" Williams, Esq. at 1 (800) 256-1533 

Source: Liska, Exnicios & Nungesser

CONTACT: King Logan, klogan@loganmktg.com , or Amy Boyle, both for
Liska, Exnicios & Nungesser, +1-770-650-6388, ext. 103

Sunday, September 25, 2005

Organizations Risk Employee Lawsuits for Failing to Comply

 

Organizations Risk Employee Lawsuits for Failing to Comply with ...
Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USA
... conference attendees was Michael J. Lotito, partner in the employment law firm Jackson Lewis LLP and coordinator of the firm's workplace training practice. ... 
 
Warning Issued to Past and Current Shareholders of Startek, Inc. ...
Yahoo News (press release) - USA
SAN DIEGO, July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 8, 2005, the law firm of Lerach ... Coughlin filed a complaint, Schatz & Nobel has issued a press release claiming to ...

Scott+Scott, LLC Updates DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. ...
Yahoo News (press release) - USA
... Scott+Scott, LLC, a Connecticut-based law firm with offices in Ohio and California, has a national practice and reputation. Scott ...

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OPENS DEBATE ON โ€˜GROUP OF FOUR'-SPONSORED ...
I-Newswire.com (press release) - USA
... It was time to make firm and decisive ... or other grave breaches of international humanitarian law. ... regarding information in these press release contact the ...

CPSC, NBTY Inc. Announce Recall of Multivitamins
I-Newswire.com (press release) - USA
... Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below ... resistant packaging as required by federal law. ... regarding information in these press release contact the ...

Chadbourne & Parke LLP Continues Growth With Addition of Trading ...
Yahoo News (press release) - USA
NEW YORK, July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The international law firm of Chadbourne & Parke LLP today announced the formation of a new Trading and Derivatives Practice ...

Former Top Pelosi Aide, George Crawford, Joins King & Spalding
Yahoo News (press release) - USA
WASHINGTON, July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- King & Spalding LLP, a leading international law firm, today announced that George Crawford, former chief of staff for ...

Warning Issued to Past and Current Shareholders of Startek, Inc. ...
Yahoo News (press release) - USA
... Rather, the press release appears to be an advertisement designed to solicit clients so that ... Lerach Coughlin, a 150-lawyer firm with offices in San Diego, San ...

Democrats Smell Scandal, Want Rove Removed
CNSNews.com - Alexandria,VA,USA
... This week, Rove's lawyer told the Washington Post that Rove did not know the ... information," Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW, said in a press release. ...

Bush remains confident in Rove
Japan Today - Tokyo,Japan
... Committee jumped into the fray Tuesday with a lengthy press release attacking Wilson ... Rove's lawyer Robert Luskin told Newsweek magazine that his client "never ...

AS WIDELY expected, President SR Nathan will seek a second six ...
TODAYonline - Singapore
... in a press release, that he has submitted his application for a certificate of eligibility -- the first step to the presidency. Lawyer and grassroots leader ...

Zimbabwean aid worker detained over transit camp photos: lawyer
ReliefWeb (press release) - Geneva,Switzerland
... a camp outside the capital of Harare, where an estimated 5,000 people fled after their homes were destroyed by a government demolition campaign, her lawyer said ...

Turabi pledges peaceful opposition to Sudan govt
ReliefWeb (press release) - Geneva,Switzerland
... It's worse than the previous one," said Turabi, a lawyer who was educated at the University of London and the Sorbonne in Paris. ...

Phone companies lobbying for adequate funding
The Caledonia Argus (subscription) - Caledonia,MN,USA
... Otterness explained some of his concerns in a July 8 press release. ... involving archaeology, plus extra office space is also being leased to a local lawyer. ...

Md. woman's al-Qaida claims delay Newark-India air route
NorthJersey.com - Hackensack,NJ,USA
... George Carneal, a lawyer for the Indian company, said in a telephone interview that no ... the Newark route, and the carrier said in a July 8 press release that it ...

Friday, September 23, 2005

Dionex Corporation and Alltech Associates Inc. Settle Lawsuit

Dionex Corporation and Alltech Associates Inc. Settle Lawsuit

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dionex Corporation (NASDAQ:DNEX) today announced that Dionex Corporation and Alltech Associates, Inc. amicably settled a lawsuit Dionex had filed against Alltech alleging infringement of three Dionex U.S. patents relating to ion chromatography electrolytically regenerated suppressors, including those sold under the Alltech DS Plus mark. Under the settlement, Alltech agreed to cease production and sale of such suppressors. Other terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Dionex Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of chromatography systems for chemical analysis. The Company's systems are used in environmental analysis and by the life sciences, food and beverage, chemicals, petrochemicals, power generation and electronics industries in a variety of applications.

Alltech Associates, Inc., a subsidiary of W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn., is a global manufacturer and marketer of chromatographic media, columns, and components for the life science and analytical industries.

Certain statements regarding sales and earnings contained herein that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect sales and earnings causing actual results to differ from these statements are foreign currency fluctuations, competition from other products, economic conditions in the areas in which the company sells its products, and existing product obsolescence. These factors and other risk and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q filed by Dionex Corporation and W.R. Grace & Co., respectively, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: Dionex Corporation

CONTACT: Craig McCollam of Dionex Corporation, +1-408-481-4107; or Anita
Tyler of Alltech Associates, Inc., +1-410-531-4251

Web site: http://www.dionex.com/


PROFNET WIRE: GOVERNMENT & LAW: Gulf Coast Reconstruction

  ROUND-UPS    Gulf Coast Reconstruction (21 experts)   Impact of Hurricane Katrina (continued, 10 experts)   Supreme Court Transition (continued, 1 expert)   The Terrorist Threat (continued, 2 experts)   North Korea (continued, 2 experts)   File-Sharing Lawsuits (continued, 1 expert)   Anthrax Preparedness (continued, 1 expert)    LEADS    1.  World Affairs: The Cuban Trade Embargo Harms Cuban Citizens    ROUND-UP: GULF COAST RECONSTRUCTION  

Following are experts who can discuss President Bush's recovery plan for the Gulf Coast. The federal government plans to pay for most of the costs to fix damage during and after the storm. Bush proposed the creation of a Gulf Opportunity Zone, which 'should provide immediate incentives for job-creating investment, tax relief for small businesses, incentives to companies that create jobs, and loans and loan guarantees for small businesses.' Bush also proposed federally funded worker recovery accounts of up to $5,000 for evacuees to spend on job training, classes or child care during the hunt for employment:

1. CHRIS EDWARDS, director of tax policy studies at CATO INSTITUTE: "President Bush is jumping the gun with promises of big federal spending to rebuild damaged cities 'even better' than before. Many evacuees may not want to move back to their former homes because this is apparently a dangerous place to live. Moving back into New Orleans, with its inadequate levees, high crime, corruption and poor economy would seem like a bad decision for many. Rebuilding should be a state and local responsibility, because these governments can better measure the costs and benefits of repairing each type of infrastructure. They should wait and see what is actually needed in their less-populated cities of the future." News Contact: Evans Pierre, pr@cato.org Phone: +1-202-789-5200 (9/22/05)

2. DAVID BOAZ, executive vice president of CATO INSTITUTE: "President Bush's sense of compassion is admirable, but his solutions reflect a misunderstanding of economics and of the American Constitution. In our federalist system, rebuilding a city is primarily a local responsibility. The federal government has helped in the past, but it has never taken primary responsibility for such local concerns. If the $200 billion figure turns out to be correct, we should note that it is twice what the U.S. government spent on the Marshall Plan to rebuild all of Western Europe after World War II. The president's proposal reflects too much money being spent with too little thought. Congress must not kowtow to the president; it must do the responsible thing and take time to consider how best to respond to a local natural disaster." News Contact: Evans Pierre, mediastaff2@cato.org Phone: +1-202-789- 5200 (9/22/05)

3. PHILIP DADDONA, senior managing director of FTI CONSULTING: "Now that President Bush has launched the federal government's reconstruction efforts in the Gulf Coast region, several key questions have emerged, not the least of which is how to prevent instances of waste, fraud and abuse from tainting and distracting from the recovery efforts." Based on his experience at Ground Zero at Sept. 11, Daddona can talk about these issues, as well as the infrastructure priorities of the reconstruction efforts. From an operations perspective, he can also review and analyze the current plan and offer additional suggestions based on his experience. News Contact: Melissa Maslar, mmaslar@levick.com Phone: +1-202-973-1336 (9/22/05)

4. CRAIG S. KING, attorney with Washington, D.C.-based firm ARENT FOX, has more than two decades of experience in government contracting, and is a valuable source for those covering the government's role in Katrina reconstruction efforts. His specialties include oversight/auditing, two key areas given the increasing allegations of fraud: "With $50 billion at stake, the potential for abuse is great; companies are already being investigated for 'back-door' wrangling and no-bid contracts." In addition to fraud, King is an expert on federal market competition; contract negotiations; antitrust reviews; privatization and outsourcing of government functions and ethics/compliance. News Contact: Kelly Burkett, kelly.burkett@widmeyer.com Phone: +1-202-667-0901 (9/22/05)

5. ROBERT MURRAY, vice president of economic affairs at MCGRAW-HILL CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH & ANALYTICS: "The U.S. economy appears capable of absorbing the shock from Katrina without slipping into recession. Continued employment growth will help the market fundamentals for such income property types as offices, hotels and multi-family housing over the long-term. The continuation of low mortgage rates supports single-family housing this year, and total construction starts for the U.S. are still expected to rise 6 percent to 7 percent in 2005, even with the loss of new construction start activity in the Gulf region. The U.S. economy will see growth dampened by 0.5 percent to 1 percent during the latter half of 2005 -- discernible, but not enough to tip the economy into recession." News Contact: Rob Kulat, kucomm@hotmail.com Phone: +1-732-219-5816 (9/22/05)

6. STEPHEN SLIVINSKI, director of budget services at CATO INSTITUTE: "Americans and businesses have together donated around $750 million to the hurricane relief effort so far. For those donating, the sacrifice might be small, but it is a sacrifice nonetheless. Contrast that with the White House and Congress' response. They've rushed to spend $63 billion of taxpayer money without sacrificing a single dollar devoted to their pet projects. In a federal budget of $2.5 trillion, there are plenty of wasted dollars and unnecessary pork projects to offset the spending on Katrina relief efforts. Charity requires sacrifice, even from big-spending politicians using other people's money for charitable purposes." News Contact: Evans Pierre, pr@cato.org Phone: +1-202-789-5200 (9/22/05)

7. PAM BAKER, Gulf fisheries biologist for ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE: "Hurricane Katrina has devastated the Gulf's fisheries and fishing economy, especially the shrimp industry, which was already depleted. Following the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, Environmental Defense will work with our partners, fishermen and government officials to find ways to improve the long- term economic and ecological outcomes in the Gulf's struggling fisheries, as the government puts together a disaster assistance package. This work is already happening in the Gulf. Environmental Defense is working closely with fishermen, government officials and other partners to design fishing quota systems for red snapper, reef fish, shrimp and other key fisheries. A disaster assistance package should build upon this work. Katrina disaster assistance should be structured to help fishermen and their communities in the short- term, and give them a much better long-term opportunity for safe, viable and sustainable fisheries." News Contact: Kathleen Goldstein, KGoldstein@environmentaldefense.org Phone: +1-202-572-3243 (9/22/05)

8. VALSIN A. MARMILLION, spokesperson for AMERICA'S WETLAND: CAMPAIGN TO SAVE COASTAL LOUISIANA, can address what Hurricane Rita's approach means to Louisiana's coastal wetlands and how any recovery plan must marry flood protection with wetland restoration to protect New Orleans and coastal Louisiana from future hurricanes: "Louisiana's coastal wetlands, which serve as the state's first line of defense against hurricanes and the storm surge they produce, need urgent restoration. There are almost open water conditions around New Orleans now. Because of wetland loss some areas of Louisiana are no longer protected at all." News Contact: Kip Patrick, kp@mcopr.com Phone: +1- 202-416-4116 (9/22/05)

9. TYREE COLLIER, tax shareholder at JENKENS & GILCHRIST, has helped companies provide disaster relief, both through direct efforts and by helping them establish tax-exempt foundations to address hardships. He advised a large for-profit hospital system wanting to provide Katrina relief for employees, and helped two large businesses set up programs following Sept. 11: "There is a structured process for setting up foundations to address limited hardships, but for companies wanting to provide relief for major disasters, like Katrina, they do not have to go through the same process because of more lenient rules for events significant enough to receive government support." News Contact: Petri Darby, APR, pdarby@jenkens.com Phone: +1-713-286-2073 (9/22/05)

10. BASIL IMBURGIA, senior managing director of FTI CONSULTING: "Companies will be working with their insurance carriers in the next few weeks to try and assess the damage along the Gulf Coast. Frequently, the insurance companies and the damaged companies themselves hire firms with expertise in forensics, construction, data management and storage, insurance adjusting and computers to set the level of damage." FTI will help insurance carriers accurately estimate damages for payouts and work with companies that have suffered damages to double-check the assessments of the insurers. FTI brings expertise from their role in Sept. 11 cleanup in New York to the Gulf Coast. News Contact: Melissa Maslar, mmaslar@levick.com Phone: +1-202-973-1336 (9/22/05)

11. DAVID ROSNER, U.S. Marine Corps (reserve) intelligence officer, former combat service support officer and veteran of Hurricane Iniki relief operations, the first Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom: "The criticism of the Katrina recovery effort is ill-informed, due to a lack of understanding of the rules and regulations allowing for military assistance. There is also a misconception by the public regarding the logistical capabilities of civilian and military agencies." Rosner has logistics and military intelligence support experience at the tactical and operational level. News Contact: Adam Kluger, adamkluger@yahoo.com Phone: +1-212-369-2458 (9/22/05)

12. STEVEN ROTHBERG, president and founder of COLLEGERECRUITER.COM: "I just returned from four days in southern Mississippi doing volunteer disaster response work for Nechama: Jewish Response to Disaster. I assessed the damage to homes and small businesses in Hattiesburg and Ocean Springs. The devastation I saw in the latter was something I hope I never have to witness again. Two entire blocks along the entire coast are gone, just gone. People picking through the rubble of their former homes in the hope of finding something, anything of sentimental value." Rothberg: steven@collegerecruiter.com Phone: +1-952-848-2211 (9/22/05)

13. BRIAN GREENBERG, CPA, financial analyst and college planner: "Break out your disco shoes; we're going back to the '70s. Bush's plans to rebuild New Orleans -- guns, butter and bread -- will bring about '70s style inflation." Greenberg: brian@greenbergcpa.com (9/22/05)

14. SUSAN WILEY HARDWICK, professor of geography at the UNIVERSITY OF OREGON and author of "Mythic Galveston," which includes a lot on the city's reconstruction following the 1900 hurricane: "Indeed, viewed from a development perspective, Galveston might be seen as the ultimate triumph of technology over nature: a remarkable success story of complete structural migration of the environment, a place where the efficacy of engineering genius truly saved the day." Hardwick's research underscores the exhibit "Through Galveston's Gate," which opens in early 2008 at the Texas State Historical Museum. News Contact: Mary Stanik, mstanik@uoregon.edu Phone: +1-541-346-3873 (9/22/05)

15. JOHN SAVAGEAU, senior vice president of operations at CRG WEST in Los Angeles, can talk about BellSouth's estimate that it will cost between $400 and $600 million to repair the more than 1.1 million telephone and Internet lines damaged by Hurricane Katrina, as well as the logical need to replace their old copper system with either wireless or other modern facilities. Savageau, who has extensive telecom disaster recovery experience throughout the world, currently oversees L.A.'s One Wilshire Building, which is the largest and most densely connected communications center in the world, with more than 220 carriers housed there. News Contact: Trent Freeman, tfreeman@cswpr.com Phone: +1-310-396-2400 (9/22/05)

16. DR. MAURICE RAMIREZ, second-in-command in the critical care arena with the DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, was in the hardest hit area immediately after Katrina hit. Ramirez is the first Central Florida physician to complete the National Disaster Life Support (NDLS) Instructor Program. Ramirez is board certified in emergency medicine, family practice, sports medicine, geriatric medicine and clinical nutrition. Ramirez can comment on what's happening now and what mistakes were made. News Contact: Pam Lontos, prpr@prpr.net Phone: +1-407-299-6128 (9/22/05)

17. DIANNE STEWART, director of PUBLIC WORKS: THE DEMOS CENTER FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR, has 20 years of experience inside state government, in the private sector and in a state-level policy NGO working on issues of governance, particularly as they affect low-income families. As the founder and director of the office of governmental affairs at the Texas Department of Human Services and the 11-year executive director of the Center for Public Policy Priorities, Stewart has worked from within and without in efforts to improve the operations and decision-making of state government. News Contact: Anica Archip, anica@creativecci.com Phone: +1-718-522-0538 (9/22/05)

18. STAN SOLOWAY, president of the PROFESSIONAL SERVICES COUNCIL, can answer questions about the government's special hurricane procurement policies and the role of the private sector in this unprecedented reconstruction effort. The Professional Services Council is the leading advocate on legislative and regulatory policies and practices that affect the government professional and technical services industry. Prior to joining PSC, Soloway served as the deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition reform. News Contact: Stefanie Starkey, starkey@pscouncil.org Phone: +1-703-875-8059 (9/22/05)

19. BILL HINES, managing partner of JONES WALKER, the largest law firm in Louisiana, and respected advisor to Mayor Nagin, is immediate past chair of the City of New Orleans Economic Development Advisory Committee and former director of regional planning organization Metrovision. He has a long-term relationship with the N.O. Regional Chamber of Commerce. The firm will return to the Central Business District office as soon as power and necessary services are working. On the state level, the firm is lobbying for legislation regarding insurance claims for victims. On the federal level, the Washington, D.C., office is assisting the Louisiana delegation with bankruptcy legislation. News Contact: Vivian Hood, hoodv@jaffeassociates.com Phone: +1- 904-220-1915 (9/22/05)

20. BRIAN DRUM, president/CEO of DRUM ASSOCIATES and SBA's NYC Small- Business Person of the Year, brought his company back from the brink of bankruptcy after the terror attacks of Sept. 11. He can offer a blueprint for small-business recovery that includes a post-catastrophe business recovery checklist for all small businesses devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Drum was recently honored by Senator Hillary Clinton for his dedication, courage and commitment to his employees, and by Mayor Michael Bloomberg for the innovative steps he took to save his business after Sept. 11. News Contact: Adam Kluger, adamkluger@yahoo.com Phone: +1-212-369-2458 (9/22/05)

21. HENRY M. KOFFMAN, director of construction engineering and management at USC, is a construction historian who has studied the history of New Orleans and its levees and pumping system. He is an expert in construction engineering; construction management; construction defects; forensic engineering; cost estimating and scheduling; construction safety; labor relations and management; quality assurance; changes in specifications and plans; construction delays; liens; licensing; construction and engineering ethics; globalization; construction education and real estate development. News Contact: Trent Freeman, tfreeman@cswpr.com Phone: +1-310-396-2400 (9/22/05)

ROUND-UP: IMPACT OF HURRICANE KATRINA (continued)

We've added the following to items posted previously at http://profnet.prnewswire.com/organik/orbital/thewire/lst_leads.jsp?iLRTopicID =10923

1. JOAN ROSE, Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, is an international expert in public health water microbiology: "What we're going to see is have and have-nots in the future. There are places in the country whose water systems are taxed at 150 and 200 percent over capacity. There are communities that need to do something about their infrastructure, but it hasn't been a priority. It's a good question why some communities wait until there's a crisis. It seems to be more than just a question of money." News Contact: Sue Nichols, nichols@msu.edu Phone: +1-517-353-8942 (9/22/05)

2. KEN STERN, managing director of FTI CONSULTING: "The oil industry has an immense opportunity to lobby for relaxed environmental standards and other considerations from the government to ensure an invigorated return-on- investment. The political opportunity ahead for them is tremendous. Refining was already on the decline. No new refineries have been built in the past 30 years. What is the damage to the existing refineries? When will they come back online? Should they come back at all? Global oil companies need to decide if they will take refining overseas if the U.S. doesn't ease environmental restrictions here." Stern brings more than 30 years of petrochemical experience to his analysis of these issues. News Contact: Melissa Maslar, mmaslar@levick.com Phone: +1-202-973-1336 (9/22/05)

3. R. SCOTT FOSLER, visiting professor and senior fellow at the UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, played a major role in overhauling FEMA in the 1990s: "FEMA's in a fix at this point, and there are no quick answers for rebuilding its strength." Fosler can discuss the difficulties in fixing what he calls "a broken agency." As president of the National Academy of Public Administration in the 1990s, Fosler responded to Congress's request for a plan to fix FEMA, an agency he says was then viewed as an embarrassing federal failure. The NAPA team recommended a comprehensive overhaul of the agency's mission, structure and role in a national emergency management system. News Contact: Neil Tickner, ntickner@umd.edu Phone: +1-301-405-4622 (9/22/05)

4. PAUL DIMITRUK, founder, chairman and CEO of PORTBLUE, a provider of Web-based expert systems: "Sadly, events like Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina show that we must do more to systematically prepare for disasters. The JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) disaster preparedness requirements became much more stringent after Sept. 11. I expect Hurricane Katrina will result in even more robust requirements, and rightly so. When disaster does strike, state and local leaders, as well as hospital emergency department, disaster management and administrators, need expert advice and a common, but flexible, framework to prepare for and manage disasters. The right expert systems can provide that." News Contact: Ken Greenberg, ken@edgecommunicationsinc.com Phone: +1-818-990-5001 (9/22/05)

5. ROXANNE SPILLETT, president of BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA: "Boys & Girls Clubs in the Gulf Coast area have experienced major Katrina losses. We have some 20 Club facilities destroyed or severely damaged. The full extent of damage is still not known, particularly in flooded areas of New Orleans. Boys & Girls Clubs of America is concentrating efforts in two areas: 1) Addressing the needs of all displaced children, both Club members and non-members. Clubs around the country are opening their doors and offering services to displaced children in their areas. 2) Assessing our affected Clubs and determining their needs." BGCA is accepting donations from the public (online at www.bgca.org; or by phone at l-800-805-CLUB). Technology centers at Clubs are open for anyone to search online for family through FEMA and Red Cross databases. News Contact: Mitchell Leff, mitch@leffassociates.com Phone: +1-404-861-4769 (9/22/05)

6. JOHN W. MARINI, vice president of ADJUSTERS INTERNATIONAL, has led disaster recovery responses to every U.S. hurricane since 1992. In 1995, he helped establish a team of experts who assist states and municipalities with FEMA grant management programs. Marini has given numerous seminars on the topic of disaster recovery from an insurance and FEMA perspective. His team is currently working as advocates for the Bay St. Louis Waveland School District, the city of Waveland and Hancock County, among others, as they move through the FEMA grant application process, giving him a firsthand perspective of the issues involved in the Gulf Coast reconstruction efforts underway. News Contact: Judy Wolf, jwolf@adjustersinternational.com Phone: +1-315-797-3035 (9/22/05)

7. JON HANSEN, Oklahoma City assistant fire chief during the Murrah Federal Building bombing in 1995 and President Bush's top choice to lead the United States Fire Administration, is an expert in the field of homeland security, emergency response, emergency management, disaster preparedness, public safety and the latest technologies available to help in planning. He has testified numerous times before Congress on various issues related to terrorism. Hanson recently led several disaster recreation efforts to prepare fire departments and other emergency organizations for the possibility of bombings, bioterrorism, snipers and natural disasters. Currently, Hansen is head of the emergency response team at Autodesk, a software and services company. News Contact: Nicole Pack, nicole.pack@autodesk.com Phone: +1-415-507-6282 (9/22/05)

8. ROBERT ALLEN, chair of the SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN Historic Preservation Department, is an Alabama native, former representative to the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and founder of the Homeless Coalition of Mobile. He can discuss how to assess and best care for historic structures that have suffered hurricane damage. He can discuss what the loss of many national historic buildings could mean to tourism in the area. Allen is knowledgeable about "smart growth" in the Gulf Coast, and can speak on ways to house those left homeless by the hurricane. He is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. News Contact: Sunny Nelson, snelson@scad.edu Phone: +1-912-525-5225 (9/22/05)

9. CONNIE CAPOZZOLA PINKERTON, professor in the SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN Historic Preservation Department, has more than 14 years' experience in cultural resource management, having worked in both public and private sectors as an archaeologist and architectural historian. She can discuss how to document and restore nationally and locally significant sites, preserve archaeological resources, and address the impact of the hurricane on the cultural landscape of the Gulf Coast. Pinkerton is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Georgia Historical Society. News Contact: Sunny Nelson, snelson@scad.edu Phone: +1-912-525-5225 (9/22/05)

10. BRIAN ROBINSON, professor in the SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN Historic Preservation Department, has been working in historic preservation since 1992. He can discuss restoration and project planning for all cultural resources, preservation technology and conservation science. Specializing in wood restoration and preservation ethics, Robinson is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and the Association for Preservation Technology International. News Contact: Sunny Nelson, snelson@scad.edu Phone: +1-912-525-5225 (9/22/05)

ROUND-UP: SUPREME COURT TRANSITION (continued)

We've added the following to items posted previously at http://profnet.prnewswire.com/organik/orbital/thewire/lst_leads.jsp?iLRTopicID =9950

1. KAREN HULT, professor of political sciences at VIRGINIA TECH: "Roberts' confirmation seems inevitable. Why? Roberts is an impressive nominee both professionally and personally, has no ethical problems and strong ratings from the ABA. There are only 44 Democrats in the Senate and less-than-uniform agreement among them about whether Roberts should be blocked and, if so, how to try to do it. Public attention has been focused on Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, on high gasoline prices, and on the hostilities in Iraq, not on the confirmation. As a replacement for Rehnquist, not O'Connor, Roberts' confirmation to the court likely would make rather little difference in the decision outcomes." News Contact: Jean M. Elliott, elliottj@vt.edu Phone: +1- 540-231-5915 (9/22/05)

ROUND-UP: THE TERRORIST THREAT (continued)

ProfNet added the following to items posted previously at http://profnet.prnewswire.com/organik/orbital/thewire/lst_leads.jsp?iLRTopicID =3295

1. DAPHNE BILOURI, senior analyst for GLOBAL RISK STRATEGIES, a provider of risk management solutions, is an expert on corporate social responsibility. Through the course of her professional career, Bilouri has provided intelligence and political risk analysis to governments and the private sector as an environment and development consultant. As a result of her contacts and expansive field research, she is regularly contacted by governments and non- governmental organizations. Bilouri is responsible for developing a risk model that measures the impact of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and security in new and sensitive markets. Her work is influenced by her associated expertise in social and institutional development; relations between government, business and non-governmental organizations; stakeholder dialogue; and monitoring and capacity building. News Contact: Andrew Hoffman, andrew.hoffman@eurorscg.com Phone: +1-212-367- 6937 (9/22/05)

2. TAMARA MAKARENKO, senior analyst at GLOBAL STRATEGIES GROUP, a provider of risk management solutions, is an acknowledged international expert on the crime-terror nexus. Prior to entering the private sector, Makarenko held several academic and research posts in the U.K. and Central Asia. She has published widely on issues related to terrorism in both academic and professional journals, and her first single-authored book, "The Crime-Terror Nexus," is due to be published. Having conducted extensive field research, Makarenko has designed an intricate system of global information collection and analysis, which is used within her work, and is regularly sought by government and corporate clients. She currently holds affiliations with the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at the University of St. Andrews (U.K.), the Silk Road Studies Program at Uppsala University (Sweden) and at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University (U.S.). News Contact: Andrew Hoffman, andrew.hoffman@eurorscg.com Phone: +1-202-448-5322 (9/22/05)

ROUND-UP: NORTH KOREA (continued)

ProfNet added the following to items posted previously at http://profnet.prnewswire.com/organik/orbital/thewire/lst_leads.jsp?iLRTopicID =7984

1. MITCHELL REISS, vice provost for international affairs at the COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY: "Monday's agreement was a remarkable diplomatic achievement by the United States and its lead negotiator, Chris Hill. It establishes firm principles not only to eliminate the threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons program, but also to usher in a more stable, secure and prosperous future for all of Northeast Asia. The immediate challenge is to translate these principles into concrete policies and programs in the coming weeks. Implementation will be key. The sequencing of steps -ย– who does what, when -- will now be the main focus, and challenge, of future negotiations." News Contact: Suzanne Seurattan, scseur@wm.edu Phone: +1-757-221-1631 (9/22/05)

2. HAN S. PARK, professor at the UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA and director of GLOBIS: "North Korea's recent agreement certainly is a symbolic success, allowing each of the participating parties to declare a diplomatic victory. However, in reality, it simply represents an assurance for future negotiations. The document acknowledges the existence of disagreements and the language was made deliberately vague with undefined concepts in order to allow different interpretations. This agreement is the product of a desperate desire to produce some form of agreement on the part of the participants, especially North Korea and the United States." News Contact: Joy R. Holloway, joyh@uga.edu +1-706-542-7849 (9/22/05)

ROUND-UP: FILE-SHARING LAWSUITS (continued)

We've added the following to items posted previously at http://profnet.prnewswire.com/organik/orbital/thewire/lst_leads.jsp?iLRTopicID =2332

1. GREGORY G. KERBER, CEO of WURLD MEDIA, whose Peer Impact is the first legal P2P compensating both rights holders and network users), can comment on Grokster, Kazaa, Kuro and Soribada rulings: "Courts around the globe are coming to the same conclusion -ย– stealing is stealing, whether virtual or physical. But the rulings highlight that P2P does not automatically mean 'illegal.' There are legitimate P2Ps whose operations respect the law, turn a profit and are welcomed by millions of consumers seeking legal options to share content. The rulings are a welcome clarification for users, artists, rights holders and the business community." News Contact: Isabel Kaldenbach, isabel@buckleykaldenbach.com Phone: +1-703-979-3076 (9/22/05)

ROUND-UP: ANTHRAX PREPAREDNESS (continued)

We've added the following to items posted previously at http://profnet.prnewswire.com/organik/orbital/thewire/lst_leads.jsp?iLRTopicID =2007

1. STEVE SPENSLEY, vice president (USA) of GLOBAL STRATEGIES GROUP, a provider of risk management solutions, has extensive experience designing training programs for UN international staff operating in difficult and hostile environments. In 2001, Spensley was stationed in Zambia, where he served as operations director for a security company, and subsequently was appointed country manager in Malawi overseeing more than 2,000 security guards, 400 clients and significant resources and budget. During this time, Spensley undertook a number of threat and risk assessments on mining sites, oil refineries, diplomatic missions and construction sites. Spensley is currently enrolled in a master's degree in crisis, risk and disaster management at Leicester University in the U.K. He joined Global in 2004 as vice president of Global USA in Washington, D.C. News Contact: Andrew Hoffman, andrew.hoffman@eurorscg.com Phone: +1-202-448-5322 (9/22/05)

LEADS

1. WORLD AFFAIRS: THE CUBAN TRADE EMBARGO HARMS CUBAN CITIZENS. JACK KENNY, author/publisher of "Cuba: Revolution Then and Now," a photographic collection of Cuba and its people: "The trade embargo harms Cuban citizens and does nothing positive, except to give Fidel Castro a scapegoat for a failed economy. Travel restrictions rob Americans of the opportunity of meeting the wonderful people who inhabit this charming country. And allowing Cubans who safely flee and 'set foot' in America to remain here is totally immoral, as it makes the U.S. an accomplice to the death of the many, many who drown in disparate, risky attempts to escape." News Contact: Scott Lorenz, scottlorenz@westwindcos.com Phone: +1-734-667-2090 Web site: http://www.cuba-/ photo.com (9/22/05)

  PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire.   To submit query by e-mail: profnetquery@prnewswire.com    To consult the ProfNet Database: http://www.prnewswire.com/profnet    To submit query by fax: 631-348-7906    To submit query by phone: +1-800-PROFNET    To share a thought on the ProfNet Wire: leads@prnewswire.com    

PRNewswire -- Sept. 22

Source: ProfNet


Perma-Fix Receives $1.2 Million Insurance Claim Settlement

ATLANTA, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. ((NASDAQ:PESI) (Germany: PES.BE) today announced that it has received a final payment of $1,243,000 for the settlement of one of the two pending insurance claims, related to the fires, which occurred at the Perma-Fix of Michigan facility during 2003. The Perma-Fix of Michigan operations were discontinued during the fourth quarter of 2004. The Company will recognize, as a result of this settlement payment, a gain from discontinued operations of $966,000.

The Company also continues to pursue the settlement, and/or subrogation, of the remaining claim at the facility. At this time, management cannot estimate the actual proceeds to be received from this earlier claim.

Dr. Louis F. Centofanti, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are very pleased to have reached this favorable settlement and to receive the $1.2 million payment. We are optimistic about the final outcome of the negotiations and look forward to a favorable settlement of the remaining claim and subrogation issue."

Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. is a national environmental services company, providing unique mixed waste and industrial waste management services. The Nuclear Segment provides radioactive and mixed waste treatment services to hospitals, research laboratories and institutions, numerous federal agencies including the Departments of Energy and Defense and nuclear utilities. The Industrial Segment provides hazardous and non-hazardous waste treatment services for a diverse group of customers including Fortune 500 companies, numerous federal, state and local agencies and thousands of smaller clients. The company operates eleven major waste treatment facilities across the country.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" which are based largely on the Company's expectations and are subject to various business risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the information concerning statements that we are optimistic about the final outcome of the negotiations and the favorable settlement of the remaining claim and subrogation issue. These forward-looking statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While the Company believes the expectations reflected in this news release are reasonable, it can give no assurance such expectations will prove to be correct. There are a variety of factors which could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those described in this release, including without limitation, the Company discontinuing its operations at the Michigan facility during 2004, new claim information, disputes with our insurance carrier or unfavorable subrogation negotiations. The Company makes no commitment to disclose any revisions to forward-looking statements, or any facts, events or circumstances after the date hereof that bear upon forward-looking statements.

Please visit us on the World Wide Web at http://www.perma-fix.com/ .

Source: Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc.

CONTACT: Dr. Louis F. Centofanti, Chairman and CEO, Perma-Fix
Environmental Services, +1-404-847-9990; or European Investors, Herbert
Strauss, +011-43-316-296-316, or herbert@eu-ir.com, or Investors, J. Todd
Atenhan, EPOCH Financial Group, +1-888-918-4214, or tatenhan@bellsouth.net,
both for Perma-Fix Environmental Services

Web site: http://www.perma-fix.com/

Thursday, September 22, 2005

National Arbitration Forum Issues Decision on Jaclyn Smith Web Address

National Arbitration Forum Issues Decision on Jaclyn Smith Web Address

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 2005--

  A National Arbitration Forum arbitrator rules in favor of Jaclyn Smith and Jaclyn Smith International, Inc., regarding the Internet domain name jaclynsmithhome.com  

The National Arbitration Forum announced today that a ruling has been issued in favor of actress Jaclyn Smith, best known as a member of the original Charlie's Angels television show, and Jaclyn Smith International, Inc., a designer of clothing and domestic products, regarding rights to the Internet domain name jaclynsmithhome.com.

Jaclyn Smith and Jaclyn Smith International, Inc., represented by Stephen J. Strauss of Fulwider Patton Lee & Utecht, LLP, filed a complaint with the National Arbitration Forum on July 22, 2005 against Unasi, Inc. of Panama, asserting legal rights to the Web address jaclynsmithhome.com. The disputed domain name resolves to a website featuring links to third-party commercial websites that directly compete with Jaclyn Smith and Jaclyn Smith International, Inc.'s business.

Having received no response to the complaint from Unasi, a National Arbitration Forum arbitrator ruled in favor of Jaclyn Smith and Jaclyn Smith International, Inc. The Jaclyn Smith trademark has registrations with United States Patent and Trademark Office dating back to 1986. Unasi registered the domain name jaclynsmithhome.com on January 11, 2005.

The arbitrator found that Unasi did not have legitimate rights to, or interest in, the disputed Web address, and that the Web address was confusingly similar to Jaclyn Smith's trademark. The arbitrator also found that Unasi was using the address in bad faith by presumably profiting from "click-through" fees for diverting Internet users to third-party commercial websites.

Jaclyn Smith and Jaclyn Smith International, Inc.'s Internet domain dispute is one of thousands heard each year by the National Arbitration Forum. The domain name dispute process is a popular alternative to lengthy and expensive trademark lawsuits.

A copy of the decision, Jaclyn Smith and Jaclyn Smith International, Inc. v. Unasi, Inc., is available for viewing on the National Arbitration Forum Web site at: http://www.arb-forum.com/domains/decisions/522853.htm.

About the National Arbitration Forum

The National Arbitration Forum is one of the world's leading providers of alternative dispute resolution solutions, including arbitration and mediation, representing a distinguished panel of over 1,500 attorneys and retired judges in the U.S. and in 29 countries. Founded in 1986, the National Arbitration Forum administers more than 50,000 cases annually. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the National Arbitration Forum also has offices located in New Jersey and Los Angeles. Additional information is available at the National Arbitration Forum's Web site at www.arbitration-forum.com.

Contacts
The National Arbitration Forum, Minneapolis
Kimberly Johnson, 952-516-6478
kjohnson@arb-forum.com
[I just visited the site and it's just ads with a nasty popup ad...]

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

VITAMINS BAN ON HORIZON - CALL CONGRESS NOW!

 

VITAMINS BAN ON HORIZON - CALL CONGRESS NOW!
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... Press Release - National Health Freedom Coalition: Codex Full Commission adopts Codex Guidelines ... Attorney Scott Tipps of NHF stood and requested the guidelines ... 
 
Review Taylor's Exile Agreement
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Arizona Family Law Blog provides information on a number of important family law, divorce, child custody, child support, and related topics. The blog was  created by Trent Wilcox of Wilcox & Wilcox, P.C. to provide general information that may be helpful to those interested in divorce and family law issues.


 Aiken Police Join Attorney General's Internet Predator Task Force
South Carolina Headlines (press release) - Greenville,SC,USA
Columbia, SC July 11, 2005 - Attorney General Henry McMaster added another local law enforcement agency to a state task force dedicated to catching sexual ...

Atlanta Attorney To Interview For UI General Counsel Position
I-Newswire.com (press release) - USA
... a University of Iowa alumnus now practicing as a private attorney in Atlanta ... If you have questions regarding information in these press release contact the ...

Federal Medicaid Commission Named; Former Tennessee Governor To ...
Medical News Today (press release) - UK
... The decisions he made were fundamentally flawed." Michele Johnson, an attorney with the Tennessee Justice Center, said, "To say he was a Medicaid expert would ...

RadioMike'sA New Show And Some Thoughts Just For You
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Author Pitches a Perfect Frame-Up
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... spring eternal. Randy Richardson is an attorney, award-winning journalist and parental humor columnist for SanityCentral.com. He ...

District attorney challenges report
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CLINTON - Anderson County District Attorney Jim Ramsey has blasted as "scurrilous and ... Ramsey, in a press release issued last week, said he hasn't received a ...

Reno Begins Next Stage of Development With Appointments to Board
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... Mr. Bua is a securities attorney and represents a number of international and domestic mining companies. This press release contains statements (such as ...

Xechem Establishes Sickle Cell Advisory Board
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... She is a Certified Public Accountant, an attorney and a higher education ... This press release contains certain forward looking statements within the meaning of ...

 

Monday, September 19, 2005

3M and Accutrac Software Integrate RFID File Tracking and Records Management for Major Law Firm

3M and Accutrac Software Integrate RFID File Tracking and Records Management for Major Law Firm; Fulbright & Jaworski Adopts the New System Nationwide After Success at Dallas Trial Site

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2005--3M and Accutrac Software Inc. today unveiled a software interface that seamlessly integrates 3M's RFID Tracking System with the Accutrac Records Management Software program. The two companies said Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, one of the world's largest law firms, is rolling out the integrated system nationwide, following nearly two years of successful experience with it in its Dallas home office.

The announcement was made at the 50th Annual ARMA International Conference and Expo, Navy Pier Festival Hall, Chicago. ARMA is the world's largest association of records management professionals.

"This is a landmark event in the emergence of RFID technology in the office setting," says Joal Storm, marketing development manager, 3M Security Systems Division. "It makes RFID an even more user-friendly and cost-effective complement to records management. We are very pleased to be working with Accutrac in this important strategic initiative."

"Accutrac recognizes the important impact that RFID technology has had in the records management industry," says Kurt Thies, CEO, Accutrac Software. "Aligning with 3M to integrate RFID tracking features with Accutrac's records management software functionality will further expedite record center procedures and reinforce security measures for our mutual users. The integrated offering further supports Accutrac's commitment to helping companies effectively manage physical and electronic records in a central repository."

Fulbright & Jaworski, an 85-year-old, full-service law firm, with more than 900 attorneys, has been employing 3M RFID file tracking with Accutrac records management software in Dallas as a trial site. The large Intellectual Property and Technology Practice Group that participated in the trial maintains several thousand active legal files and in Dallas alone, adds an average of some 1,000 new files each year.

"RFID is more efficient than bar coding alone," observes Lisa Simpkins, project manager, Fulbright & Jaworski. "Integrating it with records management software has made it easier than ever to inventory files and locate them quickly. The integrated solution significantly increases accuracy and saves time and money."

Based on the firm's experience in Dallas with the Intellectual Property and Technology Practice Group, Simpkins says an internal committee recommended that Fulbright & Jaworski introduce the integrated system in its other offices, a process that is now taking place. In addition, the firm has said it will extend the use of the integrated system to additional practice areas.

In addition to intellectual property and technology, Fulbright & Jaworski has more than 50 other integrated practice groups. It is an international law firm with offices in Houston; New York; Washington, DC; Austin; Dallas; Los Angeles; Minneapolis; San Antonio; Hong Kong; London; and Munich.

3M offers a suite of products based on technology that uses radio frequency identification to locate, track and inventory files. A tiny microchip and antenna are embedded in a tag affixed to each file which allows the files to be easily tracked through the entire workflow. As a file moves between the various offices and checkpoints, a complete file history is tracked and can be easily viewed on any network computer. Unlike bar codes, RFID tags require no line of sight between the tag and the tracker because the information is transmitted via radio waves.

3M, headquartered in St. Paul, was a pioneer in the application of radio frequency identification technology for tracking and retrieving files. Its systems are used by law firms and are now starting to be adopted in other industries, including health care and education.

Irvine, Calif.-based Accutrac Software Inc. is a leading provider of records management and conflict avoidance software for law firms throughout the United States and Canada. Accutrac software products track, index and manage physical and electronic records from creation through disposition in a central repository.

About Accutrac

Accutrac Software Inc. is a leading provider of records management software and services to Fortune 500 companies, legal and other professional services firms and government agencies. Accutrac's D0D 5015.5 certified, Accutrac, Accutrac Web and Accutrac XE programs allow organizations to classify, index, search and retrieve all records (physical, electronic and e-mail) through a single application. By automating the manual tasks of records management, the Accutrac records repository helps companies save time and money, reduce the occurrence of missing records, and comply with regulatory requirements. More information can be found at www.accutrac.com.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

Contacts
3M Security Systems, St. Paul
Joan Olseen, 651-736-1163
or
LVM Group Inc.
Bob Rumerman, 212-499-6567
or
Andrea Harvey, 212-499-6568

Friday, September 16, 2005

SUPPORT Aaron Wall (SEOBook) Against Traffic Power

SUPPORT Aaron Wall (SEOBook) Against Traffic Power
A well-rounded view on search engines and search engine marketing from five  segments of the Web population represented by senior members of the major ...
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Traffic Power Lawsuit Update
Initially when I was sued by Traffic Power I partnered up with the fine folks at Traffic Power Sucks and helped share their lawyer fees. Some of my friends donated far more than I could have ever... donated. Category(s) aaron matthew wall
http://www.seobook.com/archives/001180.shtml
Posted 1 day ago in Aaron Wall's SEO Book.com
 
Lawsuits against bloggers are starting to pop...
again. Wall Street Journal reporter David Kesmodel, who wrote the article about Aaron Wall and Traffic... released. More recently, blogger Aaron Wall was sued because of allegedly defamatory comments... company Traffic-Power. I won't go into detail about the case. Instead I'll send you to... a good
http://www.blogwriteforceos.com/blogwrite/2005/09/why_you_need_a_.html
Posted 4 days ago in BlogWrite for CEOs

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Milberg Weiss Announces The Filing Of A Class Action Suit Against Abercrombie & Fitch Co. And Certain Of Its Officers and Directors On Behalf of Investors

Milberg Weiss Announces The Filing Of A Class Action Suit Against Abercrombie & Fitch Co. And Certain Of Its Officers and Directors On Behalf of Investors.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 2005--The law firm of Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP announces that a class action lawsuit was filed on September 13, 2005 on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ("Abercrombie" or the "Company") (NYSE: ANF) between May 17, 2005 and August 3, 2005, inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to pursue remedies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").

If you bought the securities of Abercrombie between May 17, 2005 and August 3, 2005, and sustained damages, you may, no later than November 1, 2005, request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. A lead plaintiff is a representative party that acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member's claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Under certain circumstances, one or more class members may together serve as "lead plaintiff." Your ability to share in any recovery is not, however, affected by the decision whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. You may retain Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP, or other counsel of your choice, to serve as your counsel in this action.

The action, numbered 05-CV-848, is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against defendants Abercrombie, Michael S, Jeffries (CEO and Chairman) and Robert S. Singer (President and COO). A copy of the complaint filed in this action is available from the Court and can be retrieved from the clerk's office and various services, or can be viewed on Milberg Weiss's website at: http://www.milbergweiss.com

The following is a summary of the allegation of the complaint: During the Class Period, defendants touted the apparent strength of Abercrombie's business, which caused the Company's stock price to rise dramatically. Shortly after positive statements were issued by the Company, Abercrombie's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer sold substantial amounts of his personally held Abercrombie stock. Defendant Jeffries's Class Period stock sales were highly suspicious in both timing and amount. After defendant Jeffries sold 2,027,574 shares of Abercrombie stock for proceeds of $142,895,129, the Company announced, on August 4, 2005, weaker than expected sales for the month of July. Same store sales were reportedly up 22% over July 2004. This figure disappointed investors because, while the growth seemed impressive, in July 2004, the Company reported a 9% decline from July 2003, and July 2003 saw an 11% decline from July 2002. Accordingly, in reality, the Company's July 2005 sales were less than its sales from three years earlier.

This announcement caused the price of Abercrombie stock to fall dramatically, from $70.03 per share on August 3, 2005 and to $65.36 per share on August 4, 2005, on unusually heavy trading volume.

Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP (http://www.milbergweiss.com) is a firm with over 100 lawyers with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Boca Raton, Delaware, Seattle and Washington, D.C. and is active in major litigations pending in federal and state courts throughout the United States. Milberg Weiss has taken a leading role in many important actions on behalf of defrauded investors, consumers, and others for nearly 40 years. Please contact the Milberg Weiss website for more information about the firm. If you wish to discuss this action with us, or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights and interests with regard to the case, please contact the following attorneys:

Steven G. Schulman Peter E. Seidman Andrei V. Rado One Pennsylvania Plaza, 49th fl. New York, NY, 10119-0165 Phone number: (800) 320-5081 Email: sfeerick@milbergweiss.com Website: http://www.milbergweiss.com 

Contacts
Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP
Steven G. Schulman
Peter E. Seidman
Andrei V. Rado
800-320-5081
sfeerick@milbergweiss.com

Video Game Industry to Sue Michigan's Governor; Industry Seeks to Have Unconstitutional Video Game Law Overturned

Video Game Industry to Sue Michigan's Governor; Industry Seeks to Have Unconstitutional Video Game Law Overturned

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 2005--The computer and video game industry will file suit in Michigan asking that the state's new video game law be overturned, the Entertainment Software Association announced today. Similar laws were previously found unconstitutional and thrown out in St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Washington State, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees.

"If this law is implemented, it will not only limit First Amendment rights for Michigan's residents, but, by virtue of its vagueness, it will also create a huge amount of confusion for Michigan's retailers, parents, and video game developers," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the ESA, the trade group representing U.S. computer and video game publishers. "I'm confident the court will affirm our position given the rulings on similar statutes in other jurisdictions; indeed, the facts, the science, the law, and the U.S. Constitution have not changed since those decisions were handed down."

The new law, SB 416, would restrict the dissemination of video games containing certain violent content. According to the ESA, given the bill's hopelessly vague language defining the game content subject to the Act, retailers will have no objective way to determine whether they are in compliance and game developers will not know if their products would be covered. Civil and criminal penalties for violating this Act are fines of up to $5000 to $40,000 or imprisonment for up to 93 days.

The ESA argues that this bill is an effort to substitute the government's judgment for parental supervision and turn retailers into surrogate parents. Lowenstein said that the industry's products were being unreasonably and unfairly singled out. He contends that while there is no question that a few games have content that some audiences will find offensive, the same can be said for some content in TV, films, music, and books. Since the government does not regulate the sales of those entertainment industries, it should follow suit for the sale of video games. Ultimately, he concluded, parents, not government or industry, must be the gatekeepers of what comes in the home.

"In 2004, the average game buyer was 37 years old and the average game player was 30," Lowenstein said. "Knowing this, our industry creates a wide range of content for a diverse consumer audience, just as other entertainment industries do. And, it's illogical that video games would be treated more harshly than R-rated movies or music CDs with parental warning labels, both of which can be legally viewed and sold to minors. How can you treat a video game based on James Bond any different than a book or movie based on the same subject matter?"

The ESA noted that both parents and retailers are already doing a good job in monitoring what games kids purchase. According to the Federal Trade Commission, parents are involved in the purchase or rental of games 83% of the time, and industry data shows that nine out of ten parents monitor the games their kids play. Moreover, with the strong support of the ESA, leading retailers have already implemented systems to prevent the sale of Mature-rated games to persons under 17. In fact, the National Institute on Media and the Family found last fall, prior to full implementation of these new enforcement systems, that retailers prevented the sale of Mature-rated video games to minors 66% of the time. All games are clearly rated with both age and content information through the Entertainment Software Rating Board rating system (www.esrb.org).

The Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association (IEMA) has expressed its strong support for the ESA's action.

The ESA is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. ESA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $7.3 billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2004, and billions more in export sales of American-made entertainment software. The ESA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show, business and consumer research, government relations and First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts. For more information, please visit www.theESA.com.

Contacts
Entertainment Software Association
Dan Hewitt, 202-223-2400
dhewitt@theesa.com

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

The Law Firm of Goldman Scarlato & Karon, P.C. Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against Mercury Interactive Corporation

The Law Firm of Goldman Scarlato & Karon, P.C. Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against Mercury Interactive Corporation

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 13, 2005--Goldman Scarlato & Karon, P.C., a law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and Ohio, announces that a lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, on behalf of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded securities of Mercury Interactive Corporation ("Mercury" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:MERQE) between October 22, 2003 and August 23, 2005, inclusive, (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed against Mercury and certain officers and directors.

If you are a member of this class and wish to view a copy of a complaint and join this class action, please e-mail us at info@gsk-law.com and request a copy of the complaint and a plaintiff certification. If you are a member of the Class, you may move the Court no later than October 20, 2005 to serve as a lead plaintiff for the Class. Any member of the purported class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. However, if you choose to remain an absent class member, unless and until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel.

The complaint alleges that during the Class Period, unknown to investors, the Company's internal controls and corporate compliance mechanisms were inadequate. On July 28, 2005, Mercury filed a Form 8-K with the SEC disclosing that it had formed a Special Committee in response to an SEC inquiry relating to the timing of the Company's issuance of certain stock options. On August 29, 2005, the Company issued a press release and filed a Form 8-K with the SEC announcing that the Company's previously issued financial statements could no longer be relied upon and that it would be restating its financial results for fiscal years 2002, 2003, and 2004 and for the first quarter, 2005. The Company's stock price, which traded as high as $44.74 on June 1, 2005, fell to $36.94 on August 29, 2005 following the Company's announcements.

If you bought Mercury securities between October 22, 2003 and August 23, 2005, inclusive, and would like to obtain information about the lawsuit, then you are invited to call (888) 753-2796 to speak with an advisor.

Contacts
The Law Firm of Goldman Scarlato & Karon, P.C.
Mark S. Goldman, Esq., 888-753-2796

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Solomon Sues Toyota For Patent Infringement

Solomon Sues Toyota For Patent Infringement

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2005--Solomon Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:SOLM) announced today that it has filed an action against Toyota Motor Corporation in federal district court in Tampa, Florida for infringement of Solomon's Electric Wheel(R) patent. Solomon alleges that the hybrid transmission drive in the Toyota Prius and Highlander infringes a number of claims contained in its U.S. Patent No. 5,067,932. In the lawsuit Solomon is asking for an injunction barring further infringement as well as damages for the unauthorized use of its patent by Toyota.

Solomon President Peter DeVecchis said, "We commenced this lawsuit based on extensive review and research including a thorough review by our special patent counsel, Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., of the basis of our claims. In determining this course of action we examined an existing Toyota Prius transmission against our patent claims." Mr. DeVecchis further stated, "While we are aware of the difficulties faced by a small company seeking to protect its patent rights against a large company like Toyota, we are determined to use every effort to realize for our shareholders the benefits from our patented technology."

Information about Solomon Technologies, Inc.:

Solomon Technologies, Inc. has been successfully installing and supporting marine installations of its patented and proprietary electric motor drive systems around the world. Solomon currently provides propulsion systems for new and retrofit marine applications as well as motors for high growth, high volume land based vehicle and machinery applications. Solomon, through its proprietary propulsion systems and patented Electric Wheel(R) technology, offers a unique electric motor design with an ability to efficiently regenerate electricity and leads the way in the recreational boating industry's adoption of the fundamental new technology.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements regarding Solomon Technologies, Inc. in this release that are not historical in nature, particularly those that utilize the terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "likely," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," or "plans," or comparable terminology, are forward-looking statements based on current expectations about future events, which management has derived from the information currently available to it. It is possible that the assumptions made by management for purposes of such statements may not materialize. Actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. Important factors known to management that could cause forward-looking statements to turn out to be incorrect are identified and discussed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts
Solomon Technologies, Inc.
Peter DeVecchis, 727-934-8778
www.solomontechnologies.com
or
Investor Awareness, Inc.
Tony Schor, 847-945-2222
www.investorawareness.com
Toyota

Monday, September 12, 2005

Industry Changing Title Insurance Class Action Settlement Announced by Wites & Kapetan, P.A.

Industry Changing Title Insurance Class Action Settlement Announced by Wites & Kapetan, P.A.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2005--The Law Firm of Wites & Kapetan, P.A. announced the settlement of a class action pending against Florida's largest title insurer, Attorneys' Title Insurance Fund, Inc. The lawsuit, which is pending in Broward County Circuit Court, alleges that Attorneys' Title Insurance Fund, Inc., which is known as The Fund, overcharged persons that pay the premiums for title insurance in Florida.

The lawsuit focuses on title insurance premiums charged to borrowers in mortgage refinancing transactions. In such transactions, the borrower is required to pay a title insurance company a premium for a title insurance policy that the insurer then issues to the lender. That policy is known as a Lender's Policy, and insures the lender, not the borrower. The lawsuit alleged that The Fund overcharged borrowers for such premiums by failing to charge them a discounted premium as required by Florida law, known as the Reissue Rate. The plaintiffs also alleged that The Fund failed to charge the Reissue Rate in other circumstances where the law so required.

In settling the lawsuit, The Fund established a settlement fund of $2.5 million to pay the claims of class members, and agreed to institute wide-ranging changes to its business practices that are an industry first. In the settlement documents, The Fund agrees that charging Reissue Rates is mandatory, and that virtually all Florida residents are eligible for such rates. The Fund will now communicate to and enforce this policy among its agents, and will include these changes in all future training, policy and procedure manuals. The Fund will also communicate these policies to the entire title insurance industry in all future editions of "The Fund Title Notes", the leading practice guide for Florida's title insurance industry. All of the changes are new for The Fund, and are the result of this settlement.

Included in the class are persons that paid a title insurance premium to The Fund from February 1, 1999 to September 5, 2005 that should have been, but were not, charged a premium based on the Reissue Rate in connection with (1) a mortgage refinancing; (2) the purchase of unimproved land; and/or (3) the purchase of a property from a seller that purchased that property within three years of your purchase. Class members will soon receive notice of the settlement through direct mail, and publication in newspapers throughout the state.

Marc A. Wites, of Wites & Kapetan, P.A., is counsel to Plaintiffs and the Class in this and 5 other similar class actions pending against Florida title insurers, including Stewart Title Guaranty Company, Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation, American Pioneer Title Insurance Company, k/n/a Ticor Title Insurance Company of Florida, and Fidelity National Title Insurance Company. Like the case against The Fund, the plaintiffs in these class actions allege that they were overcharged for title insurance premiums.

For more information about the settlement and other pending title insurance class actions, contact Marc A. Wites, toll free at 1-866-277-8631 or at 954-570-8989, or by email at mwites@wklawyers.com.

Visit The Florida Litigation Guide, authored by Marc A. Wites, at www.flalitguide.com

Contacts
Wites & Kapetan, P.A., Lighthouse Point
Marc A. Wites, 954-570-8989
Fax: 954-354-0205
mwites@wklawyers.com
www.wklawyers.com

Sunday, September 11, 2005

BlogsNow.com is like an "auto-run" blog search engine

I just discovered this site, http://www.blogsnow.com/
 
" I visited google news and blogdex frequently. I liked google news for its speed and blogdex for using weblogs as a source. I wanted something that is as fast as google news but uses blogs. Since there wasn't anything like that I wrote BlogsNow."

"Every sixty seconds BlogsNow generates a new list of topics. Reflecting what weblogs are talking about right now. BlogsNow will show you trends and breaking news faster than any
other tool."
 
I think it's worth a visit.
 
(hris

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Justice Sues Over Wrong Policy, Says National Association of Realtors

Justice Sues Over Wrong Policy, Says National Association of Realtors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2005--The Department of Justice has sued the National Association of Realtors(R) over a policy that no longer exists, according to the government's complaint filed yesterday in U.S. District Court here.

In the 14-page complaint, only one paragraph mentions the new Internet Listing Display (ILD) policy enacted by the association last week. The balance of the document refers to a former policy, known as Virtual Office Websites (VOW). The suit primarily challenges three provisions of the former policy, two of which are not part of the new ILD policy.

The one provision challenged by government in its complaint that still exists in the new NAR policy governs brokers' ability to opt out of displaying their listings on competitors' Web sites. The suit mischaracterized the purpose and effect of the provision, which was intended to protect brokers' ownership rights in their property listings.

NAR has discussed provisions of the new policy with Department of Justice attorneys since May and provided them the new policy before it was made public yesterday.

"The new policy results in part from the discussions NAR held with the Justice Department over the past four months. We listened to what they had to say and they helped us to come up with a significantly better policy. We're shocked and disappointed that after all these discussions, they would sue us over a policy that no longer exists. We would like to encourage them to revisit their decision," said Laurie Janik. She reiterated her confidence in NAR's legal position.

The new ILD policy consolidates and replaces both the VOW policy and NAR's Internet Data Exchange (IDX) policy to create a single, unified policy governing the Internet display of all property information originating from the more than 800 multiple listing services owned and operated by Realtor(R) organizations.

All MLS property listing data available for display will automatically be available to all MLS members unless a member notifies the MLS in advance that he or she does not want to participate in Internet Listing Display. In that case, none of the listings he or she enters into the MLS will be available for display on other brokers' Web sites nor will he or she be allowed to display other brokers' listings on his or her own Web site. A broker who has elected to "opt out" may not reverse that decision for 90 days. This provision, known as "blanket opt-out," is included in the IDX policy and has been in force by hundreds of MLSs for three and a half years. It has been widely accepted by the industry and very few brokers have chosen to opt out.

The National Association of Realtors(R), "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

NOTE: Reporters may obtain copies of the Justice Department filing by calling NAR Public Affairs at 202-383-1000.

Information about NAR is available at http://www.realtor.org. This and other news releases are posted in the Web site's "News Media" section in the NAR Media Center.

REALTOR(R) is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(R) and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

Contacts
National Association of Realtors
Steve Cook, 202-383-1014
202-257-3652 (cell)
scook@realtors.org

Cooper Levenson Plays Major Role in World's Largest Gaming Conference

Cooper Levenson Plays Major Role in World's Largest Gaming Conference

     Global Gaming Expo 2005

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2005--The law firm of Cooper Levenson, recognized as a pre-eminent source for legal representation in the gaming industry and gaming-related interests worldwide, was selected to develop and produce a slate of educational sessions for the annual Global Gaming Expo (G2E), the world's largest trade show and conference for the gaming industry, set to take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center Tuesday, September 13th through Thursday, September 15th.

Cooper Levenson was named the Legal and Regulatory Advisor to G2E in 2004, and is also Multi-jurisdictional Legal & Regulatory Advisor to a number of other industry events, including the Pennsylvania Gaming Congress, Florida Gaming Summit, and Gaming & Technology Summit. The firm is a full service gaming, business & litigation firm that serves the industry's leading suppliers and service providers in all aspects of casino law, including employment, licensure, civil rights, criminal liability, negligence, administrative proceedings, zoning, contracts and other casino-related affairs.

Organized by the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions, G2E is expected to attract over 25,000 industry professionals from around the globe visiting an exposition of over 700 vendors and learning from more than 400 speakers in 175 conference sessions.

The conference portion of G2E is broken down by tracks, or themes. Cooper Levenson was selected to develop a slate of sessions for the "Gaming Law and Regulation" track, which serves to update attendees on gaming from a legal and compliance standpoint, and features a number of compelling topics and distinguished speakers. Additionally, lead attorneys from the gaming law team are participating in a number of panels: Lloyd D. Levenson, Chief Executive Officer of the firm and Chairman of the Casino Law Department is moderating a panel discussion on "Casinos, Regulators and Suppliers: Working Together" on Wednesday, September 14th. Partner Lynne Levin Kaufman moderates "Table Game OKs: Why Approving "Felt" Never Felt Better" on Tuesday, September 13th, and attorney Alan I. Kalb participates in "What is Intellectual Property? The Basics on Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights" on Thursday, September 15th.

"We are honored to have the ability to work so closely with the G2E team," said Lloyd Levenson. "We are confident that our lineup of speakers and topics is timely, relevant and will once again be a highlight of the show, as legal and regulatory issues are at the core of every venue, every operation and every provider's relationship to the gaming industry."

For more information on the event, visit www.globalgamingexpo.com

Cooper Levenson was founded in Atlantic City in 1957 and has since grown to 60 attorneys and six offices in Atlantic City, Cherry Hill, Princeton, Cape May Court House, Northfield and Harrisburg.

Contacts
Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law, Atlantic City
Jamie K. Mulholland, 609-572-7362
Fax: 609-572-7363
jmulholland@cooperlevenson.com

Friday, September 09, 2005

Shepherd Finkelman Miller & Shah, LLC Announces Update to Class Action Lawsuit Against Host America Corporation

Shepherd Finkelman Miller & Shah, LLC Announces Update to Class Action Lawsuit Against Host America Corporation

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 8, 2005--Shepherd Finkelman Miller & Shah, LLC Updates Investors Regarding Class Action Lawsuit It Filed Against Host America Corporation -- CAFE.

Shepherd, Finkelman, Miller & Shah, LLC (http://www.classactioncounsel.com; e-mail: jmiller@classactioncounsel.com), a law firm with offices in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida, in its ongoing effort to assist investors in Host America Corporation ("Host America" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:CAFE, CAFEW), issues this notice to update investors regarding the class action lawsuits that have been filed against Host America in connection with Shepherd Finkelman Miller & Shah, LLC's August 9, 2005 press release. After a significant independent investigation, Shepherd Finkelman Miller & Shah, LLC and its co-counsel filed the first of several class action lawsuits against Host America on August 8, 2005, alleging that the July 12, 2005 Form 8-K and press release were false and misleading. A copy of this Complaint may be obtained from the Court, or you can call our offices toll free at either 866/540-5505 or 877/891-9880 to speak with an attorney regarding this matter and we will send you a copy of the Complaint. In addition, you can contact us at the email addresses provided above and below and we will send you a copy of the Complaint and answer any questions that you may have.

The Complaint filed by Shepherd Finkelman Miller & Shah, LLC alleges that "Wal-Mart was not a customer of the Company's in connection to purchasing the LightMasterPlus...Wal-Mart had made no commitment to purchase or install the LightMasterPlus outside of the test installation" and therefore, Defendants had no basis for stating that the test installation was a "first-phase roll-out," that "the next phase will involve a significant number of stores," or that the purported installation was a "major event for our company." On August 31, 2005, Host America issued a press release updating investors about the ongoing investigation into its July 12, 2005 notice. In the press release, Host America informed investors that the Company "never had a written agreement" or "any agreement for the installation of LightMasterPlus" with Wal-Mart and that nearly two months after its announcement on July 12, 2005, "neither Host nor its wholly-owned energy management subsidiary R.S. Services, Inc. has received from Wal-Mart a list of the 10 stores to be surveyed." In reaction to this announcement, the price of the Company's common stock closed on September 1, 2005, down $10.54 per share, or more than 73 percent.

If you are purchased Host America securities between July 12, 2005 and July 22, 2005 (inclusive), you may qualify to serve as lead plaintiff on behalf of the Class. All motions for appointment as lead plaintiff must be filed with the Court no later than October 7, 2005. Any member of the proposed Class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff in this action through counsel of his or her choice, or may remain an absent class member. There are certain legal requirements to serve as lead plaintiff, which we would be pleased to discuss with you. Please contact James E. Miller, Esquire (866/540-5505; jmiller@classactioncounsel.com), or James C. Shah, Esquire (877/891-9880; jshah@classactioncounsel.com), if you would like to discuss this action or have any question regarding this notice or your rights.

Shepherd, Finkelman, Miller & Shah, LLC (http://www.classactioncounsel.com) is a national law firm that represents investors, including institutions and individuals, as well as consumers, in class action and other complex litigation, and maintains offices in Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The firm's attorneys have appeared in matters on behalf of our clients throughout the United States and have been appointed lead counsel in a number of class actions and corporate governance matters.

Contacts
Shepherd, Finkelman, Miller & Shah, LLC
James E. Miller, Esquire, 866-540-5505
jmiller@classactioncounsel.com
or
James C. Shah, Esquire, 877-891-9880
jshah@classactioncounsel.com

Spectrum Settlement Recovery Expects Millions of Eligible Businesses to Overlook $3 Billion VISA/MasterCard Settlement

Spectrum Settlement Recovery Expects Millions of Eligible Businesses to Overlook $3 Billion VISA/MasterCard Settlement; Announcement of Filing Deadline Is Approaching

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2005--A large majority of the businesses eligible to recover money in the $3 billion VISA/MasterCard class action settlement will miss their opportunity for a refund, according to San Francisco-based Spectrum Settlement Recovery.

Millions of businesses in the U.S. are eligible for a refund from the VISA/MasterCard settlement fund. The dollar amounts could be sizable, based on the business's charge card volume.

This is the largest commercial class action settlement ever. The announcement of the deadline for claiming a refund is expected soon.

In 2003, VISA and MasterCard agreed to refund over $3 billion to merchants who accepted the network companies' cards from October 1992 through June 2003 in settlement of a lawsuit filed by Wal-Mart and other retailers. The lawsuit accused VISA and MasterCard of forcing merchants who accepted their credit cards also to honor their debit cards and overcharging them for processing fees during that period.

The Claims Administrator in the case is dealing with a massive quantity of data from dozens of databases. An eleventh hour determination not to use MasterCard data to identify eligible transactions and claimants is further complicating the settlement notification process. Only the VISA data information is being used.

"This isn't going to be the slam dunk that businesses were promised," says Howard Yellen, Spectrum Settlement Recovery's chairman. "There appear to be big holes in the Claims Administrator's data that many large and small businesses are going to fall through." Spectrum provides claims filing and recovery services in class action settlements.

Originally, the Administrator indicated it would notify eligible claimants and supply most of the data needed to make a claim for a full refund. However, a recent filing in U.S. District Court shows that the Administrator is dealing with considerably more missing data than was initially estimated.

Previously, the Administrator had indicated that no more than 10 percent of the settlement fund was owed to merchants whose data was missing from the records being used for the distribution of notices to eligible claimants in the settlement.

However, the document filed in court on August 22 by Garden City Group, the Claims Administrator, shows as many as one-third of the eligible businesses may not show up in data provided by the credit card networks. The amount of the settlement fund associated with this group, comprising approximately 2.8 million claimants, could rise well above the earlier 10% estimate.

Further complicating efforts to get businesses to participate in the settlement, the Garden City filing indicates that claimants will receive a 6-page claim form and an instruction manual up to 8 pages long. The sheer complexity of the documents may scare away many eligible companies from filing. Also, there is no mechanism to ensure that the documents reach the right person in any given company. "Many of these complex, expensive mailings are going to end up in the circular file," said Yellen.

Motivating eligible class members to file a claim in class-action settlements is always a problem. On average, only 10% to 20% of eligible claimants file because of complicated legal forms and missed deadlines. That leaves billions of dollars on the table, unclaimed or to be divided among those that do file.

In the Visa/MasterCard settlement, filing a claim is particularly important because the entire $3 billion settlement will be divided among class members who take the time to file a claim. But those who do not file, won't get any money from the settlement.

"Every eligible business should file a claim in the VISA/MasterCard case," says Spectrum's Yellen. "It may not be as easy as it first appeared, but the refunds will be significant for those who do."

About Spectrum Settlement Recovery -- Spectrum is the nation's largest claim filing and fund recovery service for commercial and securities class-action settlements. Spectrum offers businesses a complete solution for filing and managing settlement claims. Spectrum's proprietary methodology uncovers details often overlooked, ensuring Spectrum clients receive all the money for which they are eligible in class-action settlements.

Contacts
Spectrum Settlement Recovery
Craig Wolfson, 415-392-5900 ext. 245
cwolfson@spectrumsettlement.com

Thursday, September 08, 2005

International Association of Gaming Attorneys Announce Speakers for 2005 IAGA/IAGR Gaming Law Conference

International Association of Gaming Attorneys Announce Speakers for 2005 IAGA/IAGR Gaming Law Conference

SCOTTDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 7, 2005--

  Thomas J. Matthews, CEO of International Game Technology, Named Keynote Speaker and Opening Address by Vic Poleschuck, President and CEO of British Columbia Lottery Corp.  

Morden C. Lazaraus, president of the International Association of Gaming Attorneys (IAGA), announced today that Thomas J. Matthews, the CEO and COO of International Game Technology (IGT), will be the keynote speaker at the 2005 IAGA/IAGR Gaming Law Conference scheduled for Sept. 19-23 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

"We are very honored to have Tom Matthews as our keynote speaker this year at the 2005 IAGA/IAGR Gaming Law Conference. It is also very coincidental that this year represents the 25th anniversary of IGT's existence and during which period in their history they have been, at all times, a very strong and faithful supporter of IAGA and its objectives," said Lazarus.

Matthews is scheduled to speak to the conference on Friday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. PST in Vancouver at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

The 2005 IAGA/IAGR Gaming Law Conference will be officially opened on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005, by Vic Poleschuck, the president and CEO of the British Columbia Lottery Corp. (BCLC). Poleschuck has been the president and CEO of BCLC since Oct. 1, 1999, and is recognized as a leading gaming executive in Canada. He is expected to discuss the status of gaming in British Columbia and its vision for the future.

The 2005 IAGA/IAGR Gaming Law Conference will consist of these keynote addresses as well as panel discussions regarding legal and regulatory issues specifically highlighting Canadian gaming with representatives from each of the provinces in Canada where gaming has a presence.

"It is anticipated that industry and regulatory leaders in most of the mature gaming jurisdictions in the world where gaming is legalized and regulated will be in attendance at the conference, and that this year in excess of 50% of the attendees present will come from jurisdictions outside of North America, including large delegations from South Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Macau," said Lazarus.

Contacts
International Association of Gaming Attorneys
Kerry Koenig, 480-474-4378

The Law Firm of Lasky & Rifkind, Ltd. Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against Mannatech, Inc.

The Law Firm of Lasky & Rifkind, Ltd. Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against Mannatech, Inc.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 8, 2005--Lasky & Rifkind, Ltd., a law firm with offices in New York and Chicago, announces that a lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, on behalf of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded securities of Mannatech, Inc. ("Mannatech" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: MTEX) between August 10, 2004 and May 9, 2005, inclusive, (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed against Mannatech and certain officers and directors ("Defendants").

If you are a member of this class and wish to view a copy of a complaint and join this class action, please e-mail us at investorrelations@laskyrifkind.com and request a copy of the complaint and a plaintiff certification. If you are a member of the Class, you may move the Court no later than October 31, 2005 to serve as a lead plaintiff for the Class. Any member of the purported class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. However, if you choose to remain an absent class member, unless and until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel.

The complaint alleges that Defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Defendants issued a series of false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business and prospects by concealing improprieties by sale associates that were allowed and encouraged by the Company.

On May 9, 2005, Barron's published a story on the Company, detailing the CEO's history and questioning the Company's sales associates methods. The story also discussed a civil suit filed in Los Angeles County against Mannatech for negligent misrepresentation and conspiracy to commit fraud. In reaction to this news, Mannatech's shares traded as low as $11.64 per share, on May 10, 2005.

If you bought Mannatech securities between August 10, 2004 and May 9, 2005, inclusive, and would like to obtain information about the lawsuit, then you are invited to call (800) 495-1868 to speak with an advisor.

Contacts
The Law Firm of Lasky & Rifkind, Ltd.
Leigh Lasky, Esq., 800-495-1868

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Wells Fargo Bank Settles California Check-Cashing Suit

Wells Fargo Bank Settles California Check-Cashing Suit

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 6, 2005--Wells Fargo Bank has settled a California class action lawsuit about its $5 check cashing fee. The suit was brought April of last year by Chaffee Enterprises on behalf of California employers who claim that the bank's check cashing fee, charged to non-accountholder employees, could place employers in violation of the California Labor Code.

Under the terms of the settlement, Wells Fargo will offer free direct deposit for certain small business customers for a period of one year commencing September 1, 2005. By having their payroll deposited into an account through Direct Deposit, qualifying employees of Wells Fargo small business customers will be able to open a Wells Fargo checking account free of monthly service fees, therefore, avoiding non-accountholder check cashing fees.

"The vast majority of businesses in the U.S. are small businesses. As the number one lender to small businesses in the country, Wells Fargo is committed to providing products and services that help our small business customers and their employees succeed financially," said Laura Schulte, president of Wells Fargo's California Community Bank. "Settling this lawsuit makes good sense for our small business customers, their employees and for Wells Fargo."

"We are proud to have helped employers in this matter, while at the same time assisting those employees who may not otherwise be able to afford the check cashing fee imposed by the bank," said Nicholas P. Roxborough of Roxborough, Pomerance & Nye LLP.

Wells Fargo will mail information to its small business customers in California, as identified in the settlement agreement, about direct deposit payroll services.

Wells Fargo & Company

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $435 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance to more than 23 million customers from more than 6,000 stores and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and elsewhere internationally. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the only bank in the United States to receive the highest possible credit rating, "Aaa," from Moody's Investors Service.

Roxborough, Pomerance & Nye

Roxborough, Pomerance & Nye LLP is a Los Angeles-based law firm providing expert legal counsel and representation to the California business community. Established in 1996, the firm offers a broad range of legal services in all facets of civil litigation with its primary focus on employment, business, and insurance litigation. It is the first law firm in the country to specialize in and make new law when representing employers in workers' compensation premium and dividend disputes with insurance carriers.

Contacts
Roxborough, Pomerance & Nye LLP
Nick Roxborough, 310-470-1869
npr@rpnlaw.com
or
Wells Fargo & Company
Julia S. Tunis, 415-222-3858

The Law Firm of Goldman Scarlato & Karon, P.C. Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

The Law Firm of Goldman Scarlato & Karon, P.C. Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 6, 2005--Goldman Scarlato & Karon, P.C., a law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and Ohio, announces that a lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, on behalf of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded securities of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ("Abercrombie" or the "Company") (NYSE:ANF) between June 2, 2005 and August 16, 2005, inclusive, (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed against Abercrombie, Michael S. Jefferies, Robert Singer and Michael W. Kramer ("Defendants").

If you are a member of this class and wish to view a copy of a complaint and join this class action, please e-mail us at info@gsk-law.com and request a copy of the complaint and a plaintiff certification. If you are a member of the Class, you may move the Court no later than November 1, 2005 to serve as a lead plaintiff for the Class. Any member of the purported class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. However, if you choose to remain an absent class member, unless and until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel.

The complaint alleges that Defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Abercrombie made a series of false and misleading statements regarding its monthly and quarterly sales results, while at the same time failing to disclose that margins were rapidly deteriorating, and that the Company had built a significant amount of inventory going into the Company's fiscal second quarter.

On August 16, 2005, Abercrombie reported that its fiscal second quarter earnings, while up on a year-over-year basis at $0.63 per share, dramatically missed analyst estimates of $0.69 per share and that its full-year results would be below expectations. Shares of Abercrombie fell from $61.23 per share to $58.85 per share in reaction to the news. Subsequent to the negative report, and the acknowledgement that Abercrombie's Chairman and CEO sold more than 1.6 million shares for approximately $118 million in proceeds during the class period leading up to the negative earnings announcement, shares have continued to slide, to as low as $53.53 per share, a decline of 12.6% since the negative results were announced.

If you bought Abercrombie securities between June 2, 2005 and August 16, 2005, inclusive, and would like to obtain information about the lawsuit, then you are invited to call (888) 753-2796 to speak with an advisor.

Contacts
The Law Firm of Goldman Scarlato & Karon, P.C.
Mark S. Goldman, Esq., 888-753-2796

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Big Changes in Character of Legal Profession

 

Big Changes in Character of Legal Profession
Newswise (press release) - USA
... Women were significantly underrepresented among law firm partners in 1995, constituting 7 percent of partners, which is 22 percentage points less than ... 
 
Real estate attorney joins New York law firm from Seyfarth Shaw
Lawfuel (press release) - New Zealand
Lowenstein Sandler PC - NEW YORK, NY, July 12, 2005 -- LAWFUEL - The Law News Network - Lowenstein Sandler, a leading law firm with offices in New York and ...

City-Based Commercial Law Firm, Lewis Silkin, Adopts PortWise As ...
SourceWire (press release) - London,UK
PortWise today announced that City-based, commercial law firm, Lewis Silkin, has adopted PortWise as its corporate standard for Secure Application Access. ...

PROMINENT BANKING AND FINANCE ATTORNEYS JOIN ALSTON & BIRD
dBusinessNews Charlotte (press release) - Charlotte,NC,USA
Charlotte - The national law firm Alston & Bird LLP today announced the addition of Paul S. Donohue, John F. Baron and James AL Daniel, Jr., from Parker Poe ...

Cooley Godward LLP to Open Washington, DC Office
Yahoo News (press release) - USA
... said, "Cooley was the number three firm in the world for issuer-side public offering representation in 2004 and is the dominant technology law firm in Silicon ...

The Truesdale Law Group, LLC, Provides Personalized Legal ...
PrimeZone (press release) - Los Angeles,CA,USA
NEWARK, NJ, July 11, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Truesdale Law Group, LLC, a newly launched boutique law firm, provides hands-on legal solutions to international ...

Bray Admitted To Trial Lawyers Association
dBusinessNews Charlotte (press release) - Charlotte,NC,USA
Charlotte - William Bray, principal of The Bray Law Firm, has been admitted as a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA). ...

Law - Reed Smith adds Southern California litigation partner
Lawfuel (press release) - New Zealand
(July 12, 2005) Century City, CA -- LAWFUEL - The Law News Network - Reed Smith, a top-25 international law firm, announces the addition of Andrew E. Paris as ...

King & Spalding Advises Sprint On $1.3 Billion Acquisition Of US ...
TMCnet (press release) - USA
ATLANTA and NEW YORK, July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- King & Spalding LLP, a leading international law firm, today announced that it represented Sprint in its ...

PROMINENT BANKING AND FINANCE ATTORNEYS JOIN ALSTON & BIRD
dBusinessNews Charlotte (press release) - Charlotte,NC,USA
... best lawyers and resources in the country, was a perfect fit to suit these needs ... in America in the area of financial institutions and transactions law and was ...

Attorney >From Malaysia Wins International Justice Prize
Yahoo News (press release) - USA
... about outside influence on the Malaysian judiciary. The suit forced him to resign from his law firm before it finally was withdrawn. ...

Pelosi: 'Protecting America from Terrorism Requires More Than Just ...
ArriveNet (press release) - Castle Rock,CO,USA
... have seen in Iraq, planning is not the Bush Administration's strong suit. "The 9/11 intelligence reform legislation the President signed into law last December ...

PETA AND PHYSICIANS GROUP SUE EPA OVER LARGE-SCALE, UNVALIDATED ...
PETA (press release) - USA
... and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) filed suit today against ... substantially less protection from pesticide risks than the law allows. ...

Groups to appeal to a higher court on constitutionality of NAFTA
Canada NewsWire (press release) - Canada
... "NAFTA tribunals do not apply Canadian law or legal ... The suit launched by UPS could have just as easily been over public education or health care." "Investment ...

Monday, September 05, 2005

Lerach Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP Files Class Action Suit against Arbinet-Thexchange, Inc.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 2, 2005--Lerach Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP ("Lerach Coughlin") (http://www.lerachlaw.com/cases/arbinet/) today announced that a class action lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on behalf of purchasers of Arbinet-Thexchange, Inc. ("Arbinet") (NASDAQ:ARBX) common stock who purchased their shares pursuant or traceable to Arbinet's December 16, 2004 initial public offering ("IPO" or the "Offering").

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than 60 days from today. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact plaintiff's counsel, Samuel H. Rudman or David A. Rosenfeld of Lerach Coughlin at 800/449-4900 or 619/231-1058 or via e-mail at wsl@lerachlaw.com. If you are a member of this class, you can view a copy of the complaint as filed or join this class action online at http://www.lerachlaw.com/cases/arbinet/. Any member of the purported class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member.

The complaint charges Arbinet and certain of its officers, directors and underwriters with violations of the Securities Act of 1933. Arbinet is the leading electronic market for trading, routing and settling communications capacity.

The complaint alleges that, in connection with the Company's IPO, defendants issued a materially false and misleading Registration Statement and Prospectus (the "Registration Statement"). Specifically, the Registration Statement failed to adequately disclose and misrepresented material information concerning, among other things: (i) the negative impact that certain factors, including, but not limited to, increases in wireless calls and shifts in the geographic market usage mix, would have on Arbinet's revenues and profits; (ii) the relevance of certain statistical data; and (iii) certain other material risks the Company faced which would negatively impact its future growth and revenues.

On May 4, 2005, Arbinet announced its results for the first quarter of 2005, the three months ended March 31, 2005 and reported that its results were "flat" compared to the fourth quarter of 2004. Then, on June 21, 2005, Arbinet forecast greatly reduced results for the second quarter of 2005, the three months ending June 30, 2005. As alleged in the complaint, Arbinet finally owned up to the true material facts that drive its business, fee revenues and profits - information that had been concealed until this point by defendants. Following the June 21, 2005 disclosures, the price of Arbinet's common stock fell by more than 20%.

Plaintiff seeks to recover damages on behalf of all purchasers of Arbinet common stock who purchased their shares pursuant or traceable to Arbinet's December 16, 2004 IPO. The plaintiff is represented by Lerach Coughlin, which has expertise in prosecuting investor class actions and extensive experience in actions involving financial fraud.

Lerach Coughlin, a 150-lawyer firm with offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Boca Raton, Washington, D.C., Houston, Philadelphia and Seattle, is active in major litigations pending in federal and state courts throughout the United States and has taken a leading role in many important actions on behalf of defrauded investors, consumers, and companies, as well as victims of human rights violations. Lerach Coughlin lawyers have been responsible for more than $20 billion in aggregate recoveries. The Lerach Coughlin Web site (http://www.lerachlaw.com) has more information about the firm.

Contacts
Lerach Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP
William Lerach, 800-449-4900
Samuel H. Rudman
David A. Rosenfeld
wsl@lerachlaw.com

Sunday, September 04, 2005

HOW Aaron Wall games Google...

HOW Aaron Wall games Google...
... This is just plain wrong, but Google doesn't care.
UPDATE 2005-08-31: Web spammer Traffic Power
sues web spammer Aaron Wall
http://www.google-watch.org/aaron.html
Priceless. REMEMBER: PLEASE DONATE TO

A TRULEY WORTHY CAUSE, TO EASE THE

SUFFERING IN NEW ORLEANS.
<
http://groups.google.com/group/Aaron-Wall-is-
a-Hypocrite/browse_thread/
thread/3894f8dd4b3
a05f7/e7d3b0d0a304a08f?q=%22traffic+power%22
&rnum=3#e7d3b0d0a304a08f>
http://groups.google.com/group/Aaron-Wall-is-a-
Hypocrite?hl=en
-Sep 03, 07:31pm by ? - 1 message - 1 author

[ Note: I decided to publish this item that came in today to demonstrate how pathetic and lame the campaign against Aaron Wall really is. Re-publishing an article by Daniel Brandt from September 20, 2004 shows a real lack of creativity and originality. I won't attempt to address the entire article, but much of what is said, including Daniel Brandt's whining about Aaron Wall's linking to his tool Daniel Brandt makes available, although not in a manner he would like, and his use of Daniel Brandt's name in the posting Aaron Wall made about HIS tool.

Rather than being UPSET that Aaron's site comes up in a search for Daniel Brandt's name, he should be THANKFUL!. At least SOMEONE can make it so his name is found...!

Then he goes on about the domains Aaron has registered and that some are related to the topic of drugs (oh my!), and the fact that Aaron has done quite a substantial job of promoting his site, his book, and his business via his blog, forum activity, and gaining a massive amount of back links. Talking about someone's success in a tone indented to cast doubt and suspicion does not remove the fact of that success. Where is the harm, except to competitors? Where is the breaking of rule or law? Are there customer complaints against Mr. Wall? If so, let them be brought forth, or shut the hell up!

I don't expect this pattern of attacks against Aaron Wall to decrease, but only increase as Traffic Power and their slimy friends respond to the general outpouring of support for Aaron Wall, and the vocal protest against the evil embodied that is Traffic Power and 1p.com. If you have a few bucks after supporting the hurricane relief, please visit Aaron Wall's site at www.seobook.com and donate to his legal fund.]


TRAFFIC Power Files Suit Against SEO Book
Reload this Page Traffic Power Files Suit Against SEO Book ... Well Traffic
Power  just filed a civil lawsuit against me. ...
<
http://forums.searchenginewatch.com/showthread.php?threadid=7539>

Class Action Lawsuit Against Immucor, Inc

Law Firm Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against Immucor, Inc and Certain Individual Defendants

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 3, 2005--The law firm of Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP announces that a class action lawsuit was filed on September 2, 2005, on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the securities of Immucor, Inc. ("Immucor" "BLUD" or the "Company"). A copy of the complaint filed in this action is available from the Court, or can be viewed on Milberg Weiss's website at: http://www.milbergweiss.com

If you purchased or otherwise acquired the securities of Immucor between January 7, 2005 and August 29, 2005, inclusive, and sustained damages, you may, no later than October 31, 2005, request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. A lead plaintiff is a representative party that acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member's claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Under certain circumstances, one or more class members may together serve as "lead plaintiff." Your ability to share in any recovery is not, however, affected by the decision whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. You may retain Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP, or other counsel of your choice, to serve as your counsel in this action.

The action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against the Company, and certain of its former officers and directors. According to the complaint, defendants violated sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5, by issuing a series of material misrepresentations to the market during the Class Period.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, defendants regularly certified that the Company's internal controls were adequate, and that its financial statements were prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. While the stock price was artificially inflated, during the first six months of 2005, Immucor insiders sold approximately 186,000 shares for proceeds of nearly $5 million.

On August 26, 2005 the truth began to surface when the Company was forced to announce that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") had issued a formal order as part of its investigation of payments the company's Italian unit made to people associated with government medical facilities in Italy. Three days later, the Company revealed that its Chief Financial Officer, Steven C. Ramsey, had resigned, and that it would have to revise its net income for fiscal 2005 to account for a previously unrecorded accrual for employee bonuses.

The Company also announced that its 10-K for year end 2005 would be further delayed due to additional accounting and auditing procedures the Company claimed were necessary to properly reflect the accrued bonus and to render the internal controls report required by Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley. On September 2, 2005, defendants revealed that the Company received a letter from NASDAQ warning that the company's stock was subject to delisting because of Immucor's failure to timely file its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005, and its stock began trading under the symbol "BLUDE."

In response to this news, the price of BLUD common stock dropped from a closing price of $28.61 on August 25, 2005, before the market learned of the SEC's formal investigation to close at $24.00 per share on August 30, 2005, on unusually high trading volumes.

Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP (http://www.milbergweiss.com) is a firm with over 100 lawyers with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Boca Raton, Delaware, and Washington D.C. and is active in major litigations pending in federal and state courts throughout the United States. Milberg Weiss has taken a leading role in many important actions on behalf of defrauded investors, consumers, and others for nearly 40 years. Please contact the Milberg Weiss website for more information about the firm. If you wish to discuss this action with us, or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights and interests with regard to the case, please contact the following attorneys:

Steven G. Schulman
One Pennsylvania Plaza, 49th fl.
New York, NY 10119-0165
Phone number: (800) 320-5081
Email: sfeerick@milbergweiss.com
Website: http://www.milbergweiss.com

Or

Maya Saxena
Joseph White
5200 Town Center Circle, Suite 600
Boca Raton, Florida 33486
msaxena@milbergweiss.com
jwhite@milbergweiss.com

Contacts

Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP, New York
Steven G. Schulman, 800-320-5081
Email: sfeerick@milbergweiss.com
Website: http://www.milbergweiss.com
or
Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP, Boca Raton
Maya Saxena
Joseph White
msaxena@milbergweiss.com
jwhite@milbergweiss.com

Saturday, September 03, 2005

Lerach Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP Files Class Action Suit against Arbinet-Thexchange, Inc.

Lerach Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP Files Class Action Suit against Arbinet-Thexchange, Inc.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 2, 2005--Lerach Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP ("Lerach Coughlin") (
http://www.lerachlaw.com/cases/arbinet/) today announced that a class action lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on behalf of purchasers of Arbinet-Thexchange, Inc. ("Arbinet") (NASDAQ:ARBX) common stock who purchased their shares pursuant or traceable to Arbinet's December 16, 2004 initial public offering ("IPO" or the "Offering").

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than 60 days from today. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact plaintiff's counsel, Samuel H. Rudman or David A. Rosenfeld of Lerach Coughlin at 800/449-4900 or 619/231-1058 or via e-mail at wsl@lerachlaw.com. If you are a member of this class, you can view a copy of the complaint as filed or join this class action online at http://www.lerachlaw.com/cases/arbinet/. Any member of the purported class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member.

The complaint charges Arbinet and certain of its officers, directors and underwriters with violations of the Securities Act of 1933. Arbinet is the leading electronic market for trading, routing and settling communications capacity.

The complaint alleges that, in connection with the Company's IPO, defendants issued a materially false and misleading Registration Statement and Prospectus (the "Registration Statement"). Specifically, the Registration Statement failed to adequately disclose and misrepresented material information concerning, among other things: (i) the negative impact that certain factors, including, but not limited to, increases in wireless calls and shifts in the geographic market usage mix, would have on Arbinet's revenues and profits; (ii) the relevance of certain statistical data; and (iii) certain other material risks the Company faced which would negatively impact its future growth and revenues.

On May 4, 2005, Arbinet announced its results for the first quarter of 2005, the three months ended March 31, 2005 and reported that its results were "flat" compared to the fourth quarter of 2004. Then, on June 21, 2005, Arbinet forecast greatly reduced results for the second quarter of 2005, the three months ending June 30, 2005. As alleged in the complaint, Arbinet finally owned up to the true material facts that drive its business, fee revenues and profits - information that had been concealed until this point by defendants. Following the June 21, 2005 disclosures, the price of Arbinet's common stock fell by more than 20%.

Plaintiff seeks to recover damages on behalf of all purchasers of Arbinet common stock who purchased their shares pursuant or traceable to Arbinet's December 16, 2004 IPO. The plaintiff is represented by Lerach Coughlin, which has expertise in prosecuting investor class actions and extensive experience in actions involving financial fraud.

Lerach Coughlin, a 150-lawyer firm with offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Boca Raton, Washington, D.C., Houston, Philadelphia and Seattle, is active in major litigations pending in federal and state courts throughout the United States and has taken a leading role in many important actions on behalf of defrauded investors, consumers, and companies, as well as victims of human rights violations. Lerach Coughlin lawyers have been responsible for more than $20 billion in aggregate recoveries. The Lerach Coughlin Web site (http://www.lerachlaw.com) has more information about the firm.

Contacts
Lerach Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP
William Lerach, 800-449-4900
Samuel H. Rudman
David A. Rosenfeld

Friday, September 02, 2005

New Video: When SEOs Attack!!!

Aaron Wall to fight Traffic Power in blog comment legal stoush ...
"This suit is not about Traffic Power. This suit is not about this blog.
This suit is more about free speech, which is the very fabric that holds
the web ...
<http://www.blogherald.com/2005/09/01/aaron-wall-to-fight-trafficpower-in-bl
og-comment-legal-stoush/>

SEOBOOK Sued by Traffic Power Arsewipes, Considers Pulling Content ...
mythoughts: This is much bigger than "does traffic power suck" or ... Aaron
obviously annoyed Traffic Power. I was just pointing out the irony in how
his ...
<http://www.threadwatch.org/node/3638>

AARON Wall To Fight Traffic Power Suit; Calls For Donations
Aaron Wall To Fight Traffic Power Suit; Calls For Donations. Aaron Wall of
SEO Book, who is being sued by Traffic Power over allegedly helping reveal
"trade ...
<http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/050901-111418>

ABAKUS Search Engine Marketing SEO Blog ยป Traffic Power Files Suit ...
Traffic Power Files Suit Against Aaron Wall and SEO Book [ SE News ] -
bobmutch @ 8:15 pm. I have kind of been watching this suit shape up and it
looks like ...
<http://www.abakus-internet-marketing.de/en/seoblog/archive/2005/09/traffic-
power-files-suit-against-aaron-wall-and-seo-book/>

BLOGGING Is Not A Crime!
Blog Herald - Bunbury,Australia - The short story is this: Aaron is being
sued over comments left on his blog by his readers about a notoriously
unsavoury company called Traffic Power, or 1p.com ...
<http://www.blogherald.com/2005/09/01/blogging-is-not-a-crime-campaign-launc
hes/>

SEARCH Forums Roundup: Sep. 2, 2005
Search Engine Watch - USA ... Rival To US Search Players - Google Goes Into
Print Ads - The Future of Search - GoogleNet: Rumors of a Parallel Internet
Surface - Traffic Power Files Suit ...
<http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/050902-022553>

AARON Wall To Fight Traffic Power Suit; Calls For Donations
Search Engine Watch - USA Aaron Wall of SEO Book, who is being sued by
Traffic Power over allegedly helping reveal "trade secrets" has decided to
fight the lawsuit. ...
<http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/050901-111418>

DAILY SearchCast, Sept. 1, 2005: SEO Book To Fight Traffic Power ...
Search Engine Watch - USA Today's search podcast covers SEO Book's Aaron
Wall deciding to fight allegations he revealed trade secrets of SEO firm
Traffic Power on his blog, Yahoo ...
<http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/050901-151356>

Guide To The Bankruptcy Reform Act

New Release - Guide To The Bankruptcy Reform Act

For bankruptcy lawyers and other professionals, a roadmap to the practice of law under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005

(PRWEB) July 12, 2005 -- Bankruptcy lawyers are scrambling to master the fine points of the new, complicated reform legislation that becomes effective on October 17 this year. The best way to avoid panic is to sort it all out well ahead of its effective date.

Among other things, the Reform Act imposes important added accountability on lawyers for the accuracy of the information provided in the bankruptcy documents. And, it adds to the lawyer's tasks a complex calculation to determine whether the debtor has enough disposable income to be forced into chapter 13 - a court-approved repayment plan, instead of the simpler chapter 7.

Morgan King's Guide to Practice takes the lawyer, by the numbers, through the 500 plus pages of the Act, and provides a roadmap of 10 steps to handling a case under the Act.

King is best known for his flagship book, Discharging Taxes In Bankruptcy, published by KingsPress and distributed by BankruptcyBooks.com. Bankruptcy lawyers across the nation consider that book the "bible" on discharging taxes. King speaks regularly on this topic at the annual convention of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, as well as many state bar and other professional organizations of bankruptcy lawyers.

The newly published Guide to Practice consists of 400 pages, including 5 flow-charts, 7 checklists, and 5 model disclosure statements, plus a CD containing the text of the Bankruptcy Reform Act, the IRS Financial Collection standards required for the "means" test, and the House Judiciary Committee Report on the legislation.

October 17 is rushing at us! Are you prepared for a whole new way of handling cases?

Get fast answers to questions like these:

What are the new advertising restrictions? Page 72
What are the 5 new disclosure statements? Page 74
What are the 9 new documents that must be filed? Page 78
What are the 22 new deadlines to calendar? Page 210
What are the new lawyer accountability rules? Page 32
How do you do the means test? Page 130
When is the means test not required? Page 125
When is the automatic stay dissolved? page 227
How do you handle the initial client interview? Page 86

And so much more!

How to handle new threshold questions that must be answered to determine whether the client will be forced into Chapter 13; how to do calculations under the "means" test; how does the Act reduce or eliminate the super-discharge of Chapter 13? Are any debtors exempt from some provisions of the Act? How are claims treated under the Act? What are the "traps for the unwary'? What are the new accountability provisions that affect lawyers? Debtors? How does the Reform Act impact the discharge of taxes?

King's "roadmap" to handling cases . . . a step-by-step practical guide to the important provisions of the Act.

PLUS a unique feature ... the text will be constantly subject to peer review ... any reader may easily submit suggestions, corrections or questions online at ReformGuide.com. The text will be updated accordingly.

The book is available at ReformGuide.com or BankruptcyBooks.com.

CONTACT: Morgan King, Editor

King Bankruptcy Media
(925) 829-6460
www.ReformGuide.com

Enron Announces Agreement to Settle Litigation Related to Company ...

 

Enron Announces Agreement to Settle Litigation Related to Company ...
Yahoo News (press release) - USA
announced today that it has reached agreements to settle a governmental action and related class action lawsuit currently pending against the company and ...  

 NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZED BY AMERICAN BAR ...
Empire Information Services, Inc. (press release) - Schenectady,NY,USA
... The State Bar is being recognized for the work of its Special Committee to Ensure Quality of Mandated Representation chaired by Buffalo lawyer Vincent E. Doyle ...

New Release - Guide To The Bankruptcy Reform Act
Emediawire (press release) - Ferndale,WA,USA
... And, it adds to the lawyer's tasks a complex calculation to determine whether the debtor has enough disposable income to be forced into chapter 13 - a court ...

Nation News in Brief: Minister meets US official
Peninsula On-line - Qatar
... The committee discussed the lawyer's duties according to the law's text and ... at Indian embassy, will be the chief guest, a press release said yesterday.

Barrows case inflames UW-Legislature relations
Journal Times Online - Racine,WI,USA
... the west, someone in the state Legislature would issue a press release demanding proof ... smart card recently when they announced that a Madison lawyer and former ...

Democratic National Committee: What Did Rove Know and When Did He ...
ArriveNet (press release) - Castle Rock,CO,USA
... Then, after the release of emails from Time magazine reporter Matt Cooper revealing the name of the White House source, Rove's lawyer confirmed that Rove did ...

Law Offices of Brodsky & Smith, LLC Announces Class Action Lawsuit ...
Market Wire (press release) - USA
BALA CYNWYD, PA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 07/11/2005 -- Law offices of Brodsky & Smith, LLC today announces that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed on ...

Investor Notice: Murray, Frank & Sailer LLP Has Filed a ...
PrimeZone (press release) - Los Angeles,CA,USA
NEW YORK, July 11, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Murray, Frank & Sailer LLP filed a class action lawsuit on July 8, 2005 in the United States District Court for the ...

DreamWorks Animation Announces Withdrawal of Secondary Offering ...
Yahoo News (press release) - USA
... The company also noted that six purported class action lawsuits have been filed in recent weeks against DreamWorks Animation and certain officers and directors ...

Shell Statement on ERISA Settlement
Yahoo News (press release) - USA
... FirstCall/ -- The Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies (NYSE: SC, LSE: SHEL) reported today that a settlement has been reached in a class action and related ...

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Kreindler & Kreindler Announces Class Action Suit to Prevent Acquisition of Intermix Media by News Corporation

Kreindler & Kreindler Announces Class Action Suit to Prevent Acquisition of Intermix Media by News Corporation

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 31, 2005--Kreindler & Kreindler LLP today announced that it has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of shareholders of Intermix Media, Inc. (AMEX:MIX), which includes MySpace.com, alleging that current directors, officers and controlling shareholders of Intermix designed a sale to News Corporation (NYSE:NWS) that benefited themselves at the expense of the Company and its public shareholders. The class action lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles.

The complaint alleges that in a flawed process tainted by conflicts of interest, the defendants arranged a sale of Intermix to News Corporation at a glaringly inadequate and unfair price that virtually guaranteed Intermix shareholders would receive far less than optimal value for their shares. Furthermore, defendants failed to take all necessary steps to maximize stockholder value, and did not institute a bidding mechanism to foster a fair auction of the Company to the highest bidder or explore other strategic alternatives. "It is unconscionable that the Intermix board failed to initiate a proper auction process for the Company that owns MySpace.com, one of the world's most viewed Internet sites, which continues to enjoy phenomenal growth and makes an attractive target," said Gretchen Nelson of Kreindler & Kreindler LLP's Los Angeles Office. "Indeed, our investigation has revealed that other prominent companies expressed interest in advancing more attractive acquisition proposals, only to be given the cold shoulder by the self-interested defendants." "To make matters worse, the agreement with News Corp. severely limits communications with any third party interested in submitting a competing proposal, and establishes an unreasonable $25 million termination fee if the News Corp. deal is abandoned in favor of a preferable deal with another party that actually maximizes Intermix shareholder value," said Mark Labaton, another Kreindler attorney working on the matter. The complaint alleges that instead of attempting to obtain the best terms for Intermix and its shareholders, the defendants structured the transaction to reduce their liability and maximize their gain. In doing so, the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Intermix by: -- Failing to provide a bidding mechanism to foster a fair auction of the Company; -- Failing to solicit alternative transactions or other potential acquirers; -- Failing to take steps to maximize the value of Intermix to its public shareholders; -- Failing to value, and thereby undervaluing Intermix and its assets including its "crown jewel," a popular social networking Web site called MySpace.com, which is currently the second ranked Web domain in terms of pages viewed; -- Failing to structure the transaction so the Company's shareholders would receive a change of control premium, which is customary for a takeover of this sort; and -- Tailoring the proposed acquisition to advance their own financial, legal and other personal interests at the expense of plaintiff and Intermix's public shareholders. The lawsuit seeks preliminary and permanent injunctive relief and to recover damages. For over half a century, Kreindler & Kreindler LLP has been among the nation's most respected and successful plaintiffs' law firms. The firm specializes in complex plaintiff-side litigation and handles a wide variety of matters, including securities litigation. Kreindler & Kreindler LLP has achieved excellent results for thousands of clients. The firm has recovered a substantial number of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, and recently secured a $2.7 billion settlement -- one of the largest civil settlements in history. Kreindler & Kreindler LLP Office Locations: 707 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 5070 Los Angeles, California 90017 Telephone: 213-622-6469 100 Park Avenue New York, New York 10017 Telephone: 212-687-8181 -------- END STORY BODY -------- - end main story table - -------- START CONTACT INFO -------- Contacts Kreindler & Kreindler LLP
Gretchen Nelson or Mark Labaton, 213-622-6469

Notice of Filing Securities Class Action Against Immucor, Inc. and Certain of Its Former and Current Officers

Notice of Filing Securities Class Action Against Immucor, Inc. and Certain of Its Former and Current Officers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 31, 2005--Atlanta based Chitwood Harley Harnes LLP announces that it has filed a securities fraud class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against Immucor, Inc. ("Immucor", "BLUD" or the "Company"), Dr. Gioacchino De Chirico, Steven C. Ramsey, and Edward L. Gallup on behalf of persons who purchased BLUD common stock (NasdaqNM: BLUD-News) between January 7, 2005 through and including August 29, 2005 (the "Class Period"). The case number is 1:05-cv-02276. A copy of the complaint is available from the court and will be posted on Chitwood Harley Harnes' website, www.chitwoodlaw.com for the next two months.

If you purchased or otherwise acquired BLUD common stock between January 7, 2005 and August 29, 2005, and have been damaged thereby, you may request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff no later than sixty days from today. Any member of the purported class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff in this action through counsel of his or her choice, or may remain an absent class member. There are certain legal requirements to serve as lead plaintiff, which Chitwood Harley Harnes would be happy to discuss with you. You may contact the firm by contacting Lauren S. Antonino, Esq. at lantonino@chitwoodlaw.com or Meryl Edelstein, Esq. at medelstein@chitwoodlaw.com or at the address or phone numbers provided below. You are also welcome to submit questions or transaction information to Chitwood Harley Harnes online at www.chitwoodlaw.com. The Complaint alleges that defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. During the Class Period, the complaint claims that Defendants misrepresented that Immucor's financial statements and disclosures fairly and accurately reflected the Company's results of operations as required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") and the Exchange Act. The Complaint also charges that Defendants' Sarbanes-Oxley certifications during the Class Period were also false and misleading, as the Company, knowingly or with severe recklessness, lacked adequate internal controls and failed to keep proper books and records in violation of their well publicized Code of Corporate Conduct. The nature of Defendants' fraud began to come to light on August 26, 2005 when the Company was forced to announce that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") had launched a formal investigation into payments made by its Italian unit and its president, Defendant De Chirico, in October 2003 to a physician connected with a hospital with which the Company was doing business. After the market closed on August 29, 2005, the Company revealed further that its Chief Financial Officer had resigned, that it would be revising its previously issued results for at least two quarters in order to account for a previously unrecorded accrued bonus, and that its Form 10-K for fiscal year 2005 would be further delayed due to additional accounting and auditing procedures the Company claimed was necessary to properly reflect the accrued bonus and to render the internal controls report required by Section 404 of Sarbanes Oxley.

In response to this news, the price of BLUD common stock dropped from a closing price of $28.61 on August 25, 2005 before the market learned of the SEC's formal investigation to close at $24.00 per share on August 30, 2005. A staggering 6 million shares of BLUD common stock were traded on August 30, 2005 alone. This volume is nearly ten times the average daily volume. During the first six months of 2005, Immucor insiders sold approximately 186,000 shares for proceeds of about $4,970,000. During this time, Defendants led the market to believe that the internal control issue involving the Italian subsidiary was "an isolated event" that was not expected to lead to more than a $350,000 fine and increased investigation expenses that had already been factored into the Company's bottom line. In fact, however, the opposite was true. Immucor's internal control problems, as the market later learned, were not confined to its Italian subsidiary and did not center solely around this alleged "isolated event." If you would like to discuss this case or have questions, please feel free to contact: Chitwood Harley Harnes, LLP Lauren S. Antonino (888) 873-3999, ext. 6888 lantonino@chitwoodlaw.com www.chitwoodlaw.com Meryl Edelstein (888) 873-3999, ext. 6881 medelstein@chitwoodlaw.com 1230 Peachtree St. Suite 2300 Atlanta, GA 30309

Contacts
Chitwood Harley Harnes, LLP, Atlanta
Lauren S. Antonino, (888) 873-3999, ext. 6888
lantonino@chitwoodlaw.com
www.chitwoodlaw.com
or
Meryl Edelstein, (888) 873-3999, ext. 6881
medelstein@chitwoodlaw.com

Loser Company Banned by Google, Sues SEO Book Author. Feels "Better" Now.

AARON Wall Sued by Traffic Power
Outer Court - USA
Aaron Wall, Search Engine Optimization blogger at SEOBook.com, says he is being sued by SEO company Traffic-Power.com (which commenter Jason Bailey says ...
<http://blog.outer-court.com/archive/2005-08-27-n66.html>

AARON
Wall Sued Over SEOBook Blog Comments
WebProNews - Lexington,KY,USA
... This subject is topical because Aaron Wall of SEOBook was sued by infamous search engine marketing provider Traffic-Power, who's site has been removed from ...
<http://www.webpronews.com/insidesearch/insidesearch/wpn-56-20050829AaronWal
lSuedOverSEOBookBlogComments.html>



SEO Book's Aaron Wall Sued By Traffic-Power Over Revealing "Trade ...
Search Engine Watch - USA
... blog. He'd been served with a cease-and-desist letter from SEO company
Traffic-Power.com that seemed impossible to comply with. ...
<http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/050830-152234>



BLOGGER Faces Lawsuit Over Comments Posted By Readers...
Huffington Post - New York,NY,USA
Traffic-Power.com sued Aaron Wall, who maintains a blog on search engine optimization -- tactics companies use to get themselves to appear higher in searches ...
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2005/08/31/blogger-faces-lawsuit-ove_n_6514.h
tml>



MEDIA & MARKETING
Wall Street Journal - USA
... Traffic-Power.com sued Aaron Wall, who maintains a blog on search engine optimization -- tactics companies use to get themselves to appear higher in searches ...
<http://online.wsj.com/public/article/0,,SB112541909221726743-mVzkKuCzJYZr6f
xe38o5ejK_1jA_20060830,00.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top>



BLOG Faces Lawsuit Over Reader Comments
Slashdot - USA
Traffic-Power.com, which sells tools for boosting Web traffic, sued Aaron Wall, age 25, over statements posted in the comments section of Wall's search-engine ...
<http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/05/08/31/1427228.shtml?tid=123>



Google Bans Traffic Power and its Clients
Update: Traffic Power has changed there name to. ... If you are a former Traffic Power customer, you can send an email to Dave over at Traffic Power Sucks ...
www.markcarey.com/googleguy-says/archives/discuss-google-bans-traffic-power-
and-its-clients.html - 83k - Aug 30, 2005 -



Web Advertising Info.com : Traffic Power & 1P Launch Fake SEO ...
Traffic Power / 1P are a notorious group of SEOs who are known to use deceptive practices to get clients websites banned. Recently 1P / Traffic Power ...
www.seobook.com/archives/000537.shtml

Traffic Power Gets Schooled
Today class, professor Sullivan will walk you step by step through the allegations Traffic Power has made against Aaron Wall of SEO Book and he will provide ...
www.searchengineguide.com/searchbrief/senews/005502.html



Any ever here of traffic-power?
Here's some interesting reading on traffic power if you've got a couple of days. ... A class action lawsuit is in the works against Traffic Power, ...
forums.seochat.com/t10791/s.html



Google Bans Traffic Power and its Clients
Update: Traffic Power has changed there name to \"1P\" or \"First Place\". ... If you are a former Traffic Power customer, you can send an email to Dave ...
www.webmedic.net/google-bans-traffic-power-and-its-clients-vt27199.html



1P / Traffic Power
Black Hat SEO >> 1P / Traffic Power The only company in the entire Black Hat SEO directory bad enough to get their own category. ...
www.blackhatseo.com/html/cat22.html



Traffic Power scam
Both are there to promote "Traffic Power" and their new site "1P First Place". ... The posts in these forums praise Traffic Power and First Place (1p), ...
www.webworkshop.net/traffic-power.html



Traffic Power Gets Schooled
Today class, professor Sullivan will walk you step by step through the allegations Traffic Power has made against Aaron Wall of SEO Book and he will provide...
www.searchengineguide.com/searchbrief/senews/005502.html



Traffic Power Sucks
SEO firm allegedly violates a number of ethical standards.
www.trafficpowersucks.com/



Traffic Power Sucks
BBB Slams Traffic Power! From "Satisfactory" to 93 complaints! Click HERE!... We're looking for someone in New Mexico who was a Traffic Power Victim! ...
www.trafficpowersucks.com/lawsuit.htm



Traffic Power Class Action - Spammed I am man...
Jim Hedger is a writer, speaker and search engine marketing expert based in Victoria BC. Jim writes and edits full-time for StepForth and is also an editor ...
www.zeromillion.com/webmarketing/spam-google.html - 41k - Cached - Similar
pages



Spam SEO Company Traffic-Power, aka 1p.com -> High Rankings Search ...
Class Action Suit Possibility www.girardgibbs.com/traffic-power.html Not sure if I'm overstepping the forums guidelines or not but basically it's a law firm...
www.highrankings.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7421



Traffic-Power.com
I spent some time today speaking with a gentleman from Traffic-power.com. ... I just got a call from those jokers (Traffic Power) and they were asking $4000 ...
www.jimworld.com/apps/webmaster.forums/action::thread/forum::seo-101/thread:
:4094/start::1/



Traffic Power
Confucious say When in hole, stop digging. - WebProWorld moderator CBP. Since publishing my Traffic-Power article just two weeks ago, I've received n.
www.webpronews.com/insiderreports/searchinsider/wpn-49-20040723TrafficPower.
html