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/

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/

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

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 Arlésienne which of course, is always cooked with plenty of vegetables. Max thought a rosé would go well with this comfort-food, and served a good Provençal wine, a Bandol. Charlotte thought a small salad would be a great finish for our meal, and she brought out small plates of Frisée 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. ©Copyright 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

 

Web site: http://www.whitecase.com/
http://www.ponemon.org/

 

 

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

[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. ]

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 choice—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

Organizations Risk Employee Lawsuits for Failing to Comply

 

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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 ...