Insurance Guidelines When Planning for Final Expenses

Combined Insurance Offers Guidelines When Planning for Final Expenses

Affordable supplemental life insurance can help offset costly funeral expenses.

Chicago  -  March 7, 2008 -- Many people consider the welfare of their loved ones by purchasing life insurance to provide some financial security in the future. But, how many people consider the burden of paying the immediate costs for "final expenses" when a loved one dies? Combined Insurance, leading provider of supplemental insurance, offers guidelines consumers can use to ensure their family has adequate coverage for final expenses.

Final expenses are the costs incurred when one dies -- expenses such as a funeral service, burial or cremation, taxes and more. According to the National Association of Funeral Directors, the average cost of funeral expenses is approximately $7,000. These are expenses that often must be paid immediately, generally before the settlement of the deceased's estate. This can place a heavy financial burden on family and friends, compounding the emotional strain from their loss.

One option to help offset this burden is an affordable supplemental life insurance policy.

Immediate Expenses, Immediate Assistance
Following the death of a loved one who has not made plans in advance, survivors are responsible for making arrangements -- many of which require immediate payment such as:
- Transportation of remains to a funeral home
- Casket or cremation urn
- Burial plot or urn vault
- Tombstone or memorial
- Visitation and/or funeral services
- Hearse and limousine services
- Floral arrangements
- Taxes and probate expenses

"To help cover such expenses and ease the burden on surviving -- and grieving -- family and friends, a small, supplemental life insurance policy is a good option," says to Bill Wade, head of Claims for Combined Insurance. "Most supplemental life insurance policies afford faster payment, usually in about a week or so, which can help cover immediate expenses." And having a supplemental life insurance policy specifically earmarked for paying final expenses allows the estate and any other life insurance policies to go directly to beneficiaries, instead of bills.

Minimal Cost, Significant Benefits
Many small life insurance policies -- those with benefits from $10,000 to $25,000 -- are relatively inexpensive. "Once someone purchases a policy, the cost generally does not go up and the coverage rarely goes down," adds Wade.

The key to finding the right policy to meet individual needs is finding a licensed insurance agent who can look at your personal situation, evaluate your existing coverage and help you find a supplemental life insurance policy to meet your needs.

About Combined Insurance Company
Combined Insurance Company of America (www.combined.com) is a leading provider of supplemental accident, health and life insurance products. With a field sales force and corporate staff in excess of 10,000 people worldwide, Combined meets the growing coverage needs of policyholders around the globe. For more information, call 800-225-4500 or visit www.combined.com.

About Aon
Aon Corporation (NYSE:AOC) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting, and specialty insurance underwriting. Through its 43,000 professionals worldwide, Aon readily delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Our industry-leading global resources, technical expertise and industry knowledge are delivered locally through more than 500 offices in more than 120 countries. Aon was ranked by A.M. Best as the number one global insurance brokerage in 2007 based on brokerage revenues, and voted best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary, and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007 by the readers of Business Insurance. For more information on Aon, log onto www.aon.com.

Press Contact: Amy Perry
Company Name: Combined Insurance Company
Phone: 312-873-3530
Website: http://www.combined.com

Bankruptcy Court Issues Order in Chapter 11 Case

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Issues Order in RedEnvelope, Inc. Chapter 11 Case

RedEnvelope, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: REDE) today announced that in connection with its Chapter 11 case pending before the United States Bankruptcy Court in San Francisco, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order on April 22, 2008 granting authority to RedEnvelope, Inc. (the "Company") to enter into the $4.5 million debtor-in-possession credit facility and loan agreement by and among the Company, Granite Creek Partners Agent, LLC, as agent, Creative Catalogs Corporation ("Creative Catalogs") and Granite Creek FlexCap I, L.P. as the lenders and approving certain asset sale procedures, which among other things, identifies Creative Catalogs as the stalking horse bidder.

San Francisco, CA  -  April 23, 2008 -- RedEnvelope, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: REDE) today announced that in connection with its Chapter 11 case pending before the United States Bankruptcy Court in San Francisco, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order on April 22, 2008 granting authority to RedEnvelope, Inc. (the "Company") to enter into the $4.5 million debtor-in-possession credit facility and loan agreement by and among the Company, Granite Creek Partners Agent, LLC, as agent, Creative Catalogs Corporation ("Creative Catalogs") and Granite Creek FlexCap I, L.P. as the lenders and approving certain asset sale procedures, which among other things, identifies Creative Catalogs as the stalking horse bidder.

In addition, the Bankruptcy Court revised the sale procedures as previously disclosed in the Company's press release dated April 18, 2008 and in the Asset Purchase Agreement by and between the Company and Creative Catalogs dated April 17, 2008. Notably, the Bankruptcy Court capped the breakup fee at 4.5% of the cash consideration of $5.7 million, eliminated the 2% expense reimbursement provision, and also changed the initial overbid amount from $500,000 to $350,000.

"We are pleased that the decision made by the Bankruptcy Court yesterday will allow us more than adequate financing for the coming weeks and will allow us to return to business and payment as usual. In addition, we believe that this process will allow us to maximize the return for existing creditors," said Phil Neri, the Company's Chief Financial Officer.

The Bankruptcy Court has scheduled the sale hearing and auction of the Company's assets for May 27, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. A final Bankruptcy Court order regarding sale procedures is expected to be issued on or about Monday, April 28, 2008. Those interested in submitting bids should contact the Company in writing at 149 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. For information regarding the Company, the auction or the bankruptcy filing please contact the Company's Chief Restructuring Officer, A. Stone Douglass, at (415) 512-6122.

About RedEnvelope, Inc.

RedEnvelope, Inc. is a retailer dedicated to inspiring people to celebrate their relationships through giving. RedEnvelope offers an extensive collection of imaginative gifts through its webstore, www.RedEnvelope.com.

"RedEnvelope" is a registered trademark of RedEnvelope, Inc.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements which may be preceded by the words "plan," "will," "expect," "believe," or similar words. Such statements are based upon current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of several factors. Factors that could affect future performance include, but are not limited to the Company's ability to: operate pursuant to the terms of the DIP Agreement; fund its working capital needs through the expiration of the DIP Agreement; obtain final Bankruptcy Court approval of the sale procedures and Asset Purchase Agreement; consummate the Asset Purchase Agreement in a timely manner; complete the Chapter 11 process in a timely manner; continue to operate in the ordinary course and manage its relationships with its creditors, noteholders, vendors, employees and customers given the Company's financial condition; limit the amount of time the Company's management and officers devote to restructuring, in order to allow them to run the business, and retain a number of its key managers and employees, and other risk factors described in detail in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 1, 2007 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 30, 2007, including, without limitation, those discussed under the caption, "Risk Factors," which documents are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release, and RedEnvelope undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The lack of any update or revision is not intended to imply continued affirmation of forward-looking statements contained herein.

Media Contact:
Stone Douglass
Company's Chief Restructuring Officer
(415) 512-6122

Press Contact: Stone Douglass
Company Name: RedEnvelope, Inc.
Phone: 415- 512-6122
Website: www.RedEnvelope.com

Filing Whiplash Claims In The UK

My friend in the UK was in a car crash and while she though she was unharmed, she started having some neck pain after she got home that night. I did a little research to help her out and found a site called 1stClaims.co.uk that had a guide to Whiplash. It turns out that it's common for people to suffer from whiplash after even a small auto accident. While most cars have headrests, most of us do not lean back the small amount needed to have the rest support our head. In a sudden accident, our head can be moved back violently, and then sometimes back forward again, while our body is held in place by our seatbelt. Of course, this all depends on what direction we are hit from and how hard.

The site also says that whiplash may not be felt right away, but sometimes even a day later. With all the stress and confusion, it's easy to understand how someone may not notice it. Since my friend will have to see a doctor, I sent her the link to the 1stClaims.co.uk site where she can learn how to file her whiplash claims. I recommended she do this because they say you can keep 100% of your compensation, there are no costs if the claim is not won, and since 1stClaims.co.uk serves all of the UK, they should be large enough to take care of her claim in a professional manner.

http://www.1stclaims.co.uk/whiplash-compensation/whiplash-claims.php

Paperless Residential Property Management

Residential Property Management Goes Paperless

Landlords and Renters have a great new tool to use with the launch of RentalSpaceNetwork.com, an online property management and rental advertising service. Created by a team of Real Estate and IT professionals, RentalSpaceNetwork.com promises to bring residential property management into the 21st century.

Tempe, Arizona, April 18, 2008-- Landlords and Renters have a great new tool to use with the launch of RentalSpaceNetwork.com (www.rentalspacenetwork.com), an online property management and rental advertising service. Created by a team of Real Estate and IT professionals, RentalSpaceNetwork.com promises to bring residential property management into the 21st century.

Managing rental properties is no easy task; the amount of advertising, paperwork, appointments, and payments that landlords and renters must deal with can be overwhelming. RentalSpaceNetwork.com will not only save people time and money, but it will also dramatically lessen the environmental footprint left behind by significantly reducing the use of paper and the amount of gas consumed powering vehicles.

The E-signature act of 2000 changed the way Americans do business by making the electronic signing of documents as legally binding as hand written signatures. RentalSpaceNetwork.com has created all of the necessary rental documentation in e-signature format which allows landlords and tenants the ability to sign, exchange and store documents online thus eliminating the need for printing, faxing, filing, and appointment scheduling. With just a click of a button people can Create, Fill Out, e-Sign, and Exchange: applications, customizable leases for all 50 states, move in/out forms, invoices and more. No more searching the internet for the proper forms and rental laws for your state; no more hard-to-read hand written leases; no more driving to meet with someone to give them an application or lease to fill out; no more fax machines.

In addition to the document exchange service, new Landlord Sign-Ups receive a customized ad for their property which includes a detailed property description, pictures, floor plans and virtual tours. Every ad also comes with an online availability calendar and printable property brochure. This ad will be placed on RentalSpaceNetwork.com and on one other keyword specific rental website giving the property valuable exposure.

RentalSpaceNetwork.com also provides a full payment center, where landlords can easily accept rent payments from their tenants online without having to set up their own merchant account. All that's required is a bank account, and the service comes with no set-up fees and no monthly fees. Landlords no longer have to wait for rent checks to arrive in the mail and are able to expedite the application and reservation process by accepting fees and deposits online. The time wasted making trips to the bank to deposit checks is eliminated and Landlords never again have to hear the age old excuse of "It must have gotten lost in the mail."

By using RentalSpaceNetwork.com, landlords can advertise their properties, screen prospective tenants, sign all of the proper rental documentation, and receive all of the necessary payments; all in one quick and easy to use place. Registered members can access and use their account from anywhere they have an internet connection.

For a limited time, landlords can try the service free of charge for one month for all of their rental properties. If they like what they see and wish to continue using the service, they can sign-up monthly for $24.99 per property or yearly for $199. There is also a special Bulk Listing Program for property managers or landlords with numerous rental properties. Landlords who choose to stop using the service will always be able access their account to view and print any document previously created. All data on the site is stored on secure servers behind numerous layers of protection and encryption.

All registered members of RentalSpaceNetwork.com undergo an identity verification test to help prevent identity theft and online fraud. All members can rest assured that the person they are doing business with on the site is who they say they are.

Landlords, whether you manage a house, condo, vacation rental, apartment complex, or corporate housing, RentalSpaceNetwork.com could be the solution to your property management needs. Sign-up for your free month of service to see what it is like to secure a qualified tenant in minutes with absolutely no faxing and no driving.

For renters, using RentalSpaceNetwork.com is always free. Search for the perfect rental property, create wish lists, check out property locations, print property brochures, e-sign your rental documentation, and pay your rent online. Make your life easier by signing up for a free account.

Rental Space Network, LLC (www.rentalspacenetwork.com)is a Tempe, Arizona based company dedicated to providing solutions in residential property management. The company operates over 250 websites that advertise rental properties.

Press Contact: Jamin Bollen
Company Name: Rental Space Network
Phone: 480-216-8610
Website: www.rentalspacenetwork.com

Investment Banks in Auction Rate Securities Probe

Corporate Strategies to Discuss Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, UBS, JPMorgan Chase and Other Investment Banks in Auction Rate Securities Probe on Friday, April 11, 2008 at 9:00-11:00 a.m. ET.

Auction Rate Securities Sales Practices to be Investigated by SEC, FINRA

HOUSTON, April 10  -- The Financial Times has reported that, "Regulators have asked Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, UBS, JPMorgan Chase and other Wall Street banks to provide information on how they sold auction rate securities as part of an informal probe into the beleaguered market for the short-term bonds. The industry-wide action by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority underlines the watchdogs' concerns at the sudden seizing up of trading in securities that were once considered almost as safe as cash. The recent failure of hundreds of auctions has left investors such as local governments, student loan agencies and individuals unable to sell or refinance the securities." If you are an investor and cannot sell your securities, call "Corporate Strategies with Tim Connolly" live and toll free at 800-336-2225 and tell us your experience relating to auction rate securities or email us at news@corporate-strategies.net.

Previous guests of the show have included CNBC "Mad Money" Host Jim Cramer, U.S. Senator John McCain, former SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt, Enterprise Products CEO Dan Duncan, Celgene's CEO John Jackson, Landry's CEO Tilman Fertitta, Mario Gabelli, former Compaq CEO Eckard Pfeiffer, Money Manager Louis Navellier, and many others. Natural Nutrition, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: NTNI) (http://www.naturalnutritioninc.com) and Corporate Strategies Merchant Bankers are the lead sponsors of the Corporate Strategies Radio Show, (http://www.corporate-strategies.net).

Corporate Strategies may be heard on over 400 affiliate stations nationwide listed at CRN1 http://www.cableradionetwork.com, or on the Internet at http://www.corporate-strategies.net/radio. This hour of "Corporate Strategies with Tim Connolly" is hosted by Tim Connolly of Corporate Strategies Merchant Bankers (http://www.corporate-strategies.net). Noted Economist Mike King of Princeton Research provides live technical analysis for the show, and futures trader Oscar Carbone is a frequent commentator.

"Corporate Strategies with Tim Connolly" is live talk radio ... with the Titans of Business who move financial markets! The show is hosted by Tim Connolly, CEO of Merchant Banker Corporate Strategies, Inc. The Executive Producer of the show is broadcast news veteran Jan Carson, an award winning journalist with more than 20 years experience as a top rated television news anchor and reporter for NBC, ABC and CBS network affiliates. "Corporate Strategies with Tim Connolly" features financial experts from across the nation providing the latest intelligence on equities, income investments, and a variety of risk, equity and option strategies.


SOURCE Corporate Strategies, Inc.

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Will the auction rate securities bond investment problem affect you? Make sure you know how your individual retirement account has been allocated so you avoid this kind of nasty surprise.

Leading Provider of Auction Rate Securities Valuations

Houlihan Smith & Company is Leading Provider of Auction Rate Securities Valuations

CHICAGO, April 8, 2008 -- Abuses in sub-prime mortgage lending have triggered a "crisis of confidence" in the U.S. credit markets, according to Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke. Auction Rate Securities ("ARS"), which have not witnessed defaults on the underlying collateral since the early 1990s, have been treated by CFOs and Treasurers as conservative, short-term investments that were practically equivalent to cash.

However, due to the failing credit markets, investors have been left without the ability to liquidate their ARS portfolios -- causing companies to redefine the use of cash equivalents on their balance sheets. Even companies with ARS portfolios backed by the most secure and reliable collateral have suffered due to the extreme loss of liquidity.

"We view the current failing conditions in the ARS market being more indicative of a liquidity issue rather than a credit issue."

- Karl D'Cunha, Senior Vice President, Financial Opinions and Valuation

Services Group

Since the third quarter of 2007, Houlihan Smith & Co.'s experienced team of professionals have been valuing billions of dollars in failed ARS and other structured securities for some of the largest companies traded on the NYSE, AMEX, NASDAQ and other global exchanges. These ARS portfolios include:

    -- Student Loan Auction Rate Securities ("SLARS")
    -- Auction Rate Preferred Securities (collateralized by tax-exempt
       municipal bonds)
    -- Statutory Reserve Requirement ARS
    -- Complex Structured ARS issues by credit derivative product companies
       ("CDPC")

"Not every ARS is structured equally. The type and quality of the underlying collateral has a direct impact on the overall valuation of the security."

- Karl D'Cunha

Houlihan has developed a proprietary approach to valuing ARS that is presented in a clear and transparent manner. The methodology and underlying assumptions have cleared numerous Big 4 auditing firm reviews and have helped our clients ensure that they are properly recording these investments for financial reporting purposes

Houlihan Smith & Company Inc. ("Houlihan") is a national investment banking firm that specializes in providing financial opinions, valuation services and corporate advisory services to public and private businesses. The firm has over 125 experienced professionals with extensive industry expertise. This enables the firm to quickly respond and efficiently handle complex client engagements. Established in 1996, Houlihan is a registered broker-dealer and FINRA member committed to the highest levels of professional standards. The Houlihan name is synonymous with valuation and deal making expertise, leveraging years of experience, reputation and relationships.

Houlihan is also a recognized leader in corporate advisory services, having successfully transacted more than 500 merger and acquisition, capital restructuring, private placement, bankruptcy services, and ESOP advisory engagements. Every client situation is unique; therefore, the firm takes the time to understand each clients' needs to best match buyers and sellers, arrange appropriate financing, and create capitalization structures that optimize the client's potential.

For more information regarding our ARS valuation and advisory services, please contact, Karl D'Cunha at 312.499.5900 or kdcunha@houlihansmith.com
Website: http://www.houlihansmith.com/

Auction Rate Preferred Shares the Largest Case of Fraud in US History

Wall Street's Auction Rate Preferred Shares the Largest Case of Outright Fraud in U.S. History, Declares Americas Watchdog

Americas Watchdog is demanding the the Securities & Exchange Commission & every State's Attorney General start investigating "auction rate preferred shares" & the fact that citizens in every US state were sold these extremely risky investments by a bank or stock broker as, "same as cash". Now tens of thousands of US citizens are being told by a bank or stock broker, "we don't know when you will get your money back". Why is this the biggest single case of fraud in US history? Its because the investors did not want risk, they wanted safety, and instead of that they were given an exotic risky investment device by greedy Wall Street investment houses & US banks. Why does this story deserve to be on NBC, CBS, ABC, & CNN? Its because this is by far the largest case of outright fraud in US history.

April 8, 2008 -- Americas Watchdog and its Corporate Whistle Blower Center are demanding that name brand banks or Wall Street financial institutions refund 100% of the investment unsuspecting US citizens placed in exotic investment devises called auction rate preferred shares, or auction rate shares. According to Americas Watchdog, "tens of thousands of US citizens were told by a US bank or Wall Street financial institution that auction rate shares were just like a CD, they were perfectly safe, and a consumer would never have to worry about their investment."

"Now in most cases, these small investors are being told by their bank or stock broker, they cannot get their money back or it will take months or longer. These US citizens were lied to, and now Americas Watchdog intends to force the issue with the SEC, State Attorney Generals, & the TV networks. We are talking about a half trillion dollars +; the life savings of tens of thousands of Americans. Wall Street and the banks will not get away with the biggest con job in history," states Americas Watchdog.

Americas Watchdog alleges the ARPS/ARS fraud is the biggest case of fraud in US history for the following reasons:

    * Tens of thousands of US citizens were told by a name brand bank or a Wall Street stock brokerage firm that auction rate preferred shares (ARPS/ARS) were just like cash, they were safe, they were just like a money market account, etc. The consumers did not want risk. Relying on their US bank or Wall Street stock brokerage firm, mom and pops and small investors in many cases were given an auction rate preferred share as a "safe alternative to a CD". Small investors were talked into investing hundreds of billions of dollars into this scheme.

    * Now these same banks or stock brokers are telling their clients they cannot access their money right now. However, the banks or stock brokerage firms are offering the auction rate preferred US victims the ability to borrow back some of their money, with interest. According to Americas Watchdog, "what a pathetic joke, first the banks & major stock brokers lie to tens of thousands of US citizens about the liquidity of auction rate preferred shares, now these same banks or brokers want to lend the victims back their own money? Not one customer was ever given a prospectus to the best knowledge of Americas Watchdog.

    * Americas Watchdog is indicating that if banks or financial institutions do not refund the auction rate preferred shares money in full to consumers, in the very near future the group will start a state by state protest/media event where individual consumers get to tell their auction rate preferred shares story to the local news media in front of the bank of stock brokerage firm that sold them this exotic not very safe investment. Consumers who were tricked into buying an option rate preferred share can call Americas Watchdog anytime at 866-714-6466.

According to Americas Watchdog, "The gloves are coming off, we are tired of seeing US citizens ripped off over and over and over again by Wall Street, US banks or a bought and paid for US Congress."

Talk about Reform or transparency from banks and Wall Street. In another case Americas Watchdog has been demanding that Congress require banks and mortgage bankers disclose a little known mortgage kick back called a "yield spread premium" for the last six years. According to the group, "50 million US homeowners pay a higher monthly mortgage payment today, because a bank or mortgage banker did not have to reveal the huge kick back they received, for increasing a home loan borrower's interest rate/monthly mortgage payment. Mortgage brokers must disclose these kick backs. Banks or mortgage bankers get the same kick backs, but they have no disclosure requirement."

Americas Watchdog says, "this kick back scheme rates #2 right behind the auction rate preferred shares fraud." In the case of the yield spread premium kick back, Congress has not been willing to require banks to disclose mortgage kickbacks because of the large donations they get from banks, home builders and mortgage bankers. Americas Watchdog's National Mortgage Complaint Center estimates that banks, mortgage bankers or home builders not having to disclose huge mortgage kick backs combined with appraisal fraud, are two of the major reasons we now have a national real estate meltdown. The National Mortgage Complaint Center's web site is located at http://NationalMortgageComplaintCenter.com

According to Americas Watchdog, "It's time for some accountability on the part of Congress and Federal Agencies that are supposed to be protecting people. Whatever happened to Federal oversight, or consumer protection? Having the best Congress money can buy has given us:

    * The auction rate preferred shares mega disaster

    * The US biblical type real estate disaster

    * Tax breaks for oil companies

    * Billions in tax breaks for national home builders that have failed to pay federal or state taxes on their work force (most of whom were/are undocumented workers-Google Americas watchdog the worst case of tax fraud in US history)

    * High profile Congressional hearings on steroid use in baseball instead of Congressional hearings on drug companies paying off Congress for Medicare Part B that cost 30 billion dollars more per year than it should have (The drug companies actually wrote the legislation).

    * No Congressional hearings on Auction Rate Preferred Shares fraud even though its a $720+ billion dollar disaster

    * With lots of money going to Congress, the mortgage industry fought fiercely to spike a provision to let bankruptcy judges rewrite the terms of distressed mortgages. It won that battle; the provision was left out. This in light of the fact that home builders and banks artificially inflated the values of US homes.

    *      Contrary to the Wall Streeet lies about the credit crunch being over within the next 12 months 1 in 5 Americans will owe more on their home than it is worth.

"Things have to change at the top in the form of real national leadership, corporate honesty & integrity or our country will not survive," says Americas Watchdog.

Americas Watchdog is all about consumer protection, shareholder protection and corporate responsibility. Their web site is located at http://AmericasWatchdog.com

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Investors are still waiting to learn if any of the financial institutions had bond insurance that might cover some of the losses. At this time suits are being filed for auction rate securities litigation. It may be some time before things are sorted out.

Auction Rate Securities Litigation

Auction Rate Securities Litigation: What You Should Know

DANVILLE, Calif., April 7, 2008 -- Auction Rate Securities (ARS) are long term, variable rate bonds tied to short term interest rates. The rate is typically established through a Dutch Auction or remarketing process which is conducted by the auction or remarketing agent (typically a large broker-dealer or bank). ARS are issued by a wide range of entities, including municipalities, corporations, and closed-end funds.

Investigations are currently in progress regarding alleged securities fraud in connection with the sale of Auction Rate Securites (ARS) by a number of major broker-dealers, including UBS, Citigroup/Smith Barney, Wachovia, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan Chase and TD Ameritrade, among others. The issuers of the ARS include Blackrock, Eaton Vance, Nuveen, Legg Mason and ING.

According to recent news articles, the broker-dealers and issuers materially misrepresented the liquidity and risks of the ARS to individual investors and corporations by labeling these securities as "cash equivalents," in press releases, monthly account statements, individual communications with investors, and other investment guidance material. In fact, the promised liquidity of ARS was created artificially when the broker-dealers purchased their own securities in order to keep the market running smoothly.

Beginning on February 7, 2008, the market for ARS collapsed, as all of the major broker-dealers announced that they will no longer purchase ARS for their own accounts to ensure that the auctions do not fail and that the securities remain liquid. In the past month, thousands of auctions run by the broker-dealers have failed. As a result, over $350 billion in ARS that were once offered as "cash equivalents" are now illiquid, resulting in economic losses and severe hardships for investors. Some broker-dealers, including UBS and Goldman Sachs Group, have been sending investors brokerage statements noting that the ARS have been marked down in value.

Beginning in March 2008, several class action lawsuits have been filed against many of the participating banks.

If you are an investor who has purchased or owns Action Rate Securities, and you either have information or wish to discuss your rights as an investor, please contact Carey & Danis now! Toll Free: (800)721-2519.


SOURCE Carey & Danis, LLC

Funds Announce Refinancing of Auction-Rate Securities

4 Nuveen Taxable Closed-End Funds Announce Refinancing of Auction-Rate Securities

First Phase to Redeem $714 Million in ARS, Update Also Provided on Other Funds, Conference Call Scheduled for April 3

CHICAGO-- April 01, 2008 --Four taxable closed-end funds sponsored by Nuveen Investments today announced the refinancing of $714 million of their auction-rate securities (ARS), including auction-rate preferred shares (ARPS) and auction-rate notes (ARN). The four funds are Nuveen Multi-Strategy Income and Growth Fund (NYSE: JPC); Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund (AMEX: JRS); Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund (NYSE: JTA); and Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund (NYSE: JTD). Each fund's Board of Trustees has approved the refinancing, which is expected to lower the relative costs of leverage for each fund over time while also providing liquidity at par for the holders of at least some of each fund's ARS.

As part of the refinancing, all or a significant portion of each fund's outstanding ARS will be redeemed as follows: $450 million of $708 million ARPS in JPC (approximately 64%); $150 million of $222 million ARPS in JRS (approximately 68%); $78 million of $123 million ARS in JTA (approximately 63%); and the entire $36 million of ARPS in JTD. Funds redeeming less than all of their outstanding ARPS will redeem securities on a pro rata basis by series. Depository Trust Company (DTC), the securities' holder of record, determines how a partial series redemption will be allocated among each participant broker-dealer account. Each participant broker-dealer, as nominee for underlying beneficial owners (street name shareholders), in turn determines how redeemed shares are allocated among its underlying beneficial owners. The procedures used by different broker-dealers to allocate redeemed shares among beneficial owners may differ from each other as well as from the procedures used by DTC.

"This marks the initial implementation of our plan to seek to refinance all the ARS issued by our taxable closed-end funds, which we announced several weeks ago," said Bill Adams, Executive Vice President, Nuveen Investments, Inc. "We expect to make similar announcements regarding our other taxable funds in coming weeks."

The four funds identified above expect to begin issuing redemption notices in the next several days. Redemptions will be funded with new borrowings. Due to legal requirements, JRS and JPC will need to complete the announced partial redemptions in two stages. The funds anticipate that the refinancings for JTA (partial) and JTD (full) will be completed by the end of April and that the partial refinancings for JRS and JPC will be completed by the end of May.

Progress On Other Restructuring Alternatives for ARS

Nuveen Investments is continuing to explore various alternatives for refinancing the remaining portion of these funds' ARS and remains committed to restructuring the leverage of all Nuveen closed-end funds that have issued ARS.

In addition to the refinancings announced above, Nuveen is continuing to arrange debt financing for the remaining taxable funds, and to work on a new form of preferred stock - Variable Rate Demand Preferred ("VRDP") - which could replace the ARPS issued by municipal and taxable closed-end funds. VRDP would have a put feature designed to enable VRDP to appeal to a broader investor audience, especially money market funds. The existing ARPS issued by Nuveen closed-end funds are not eligible for purchase by money market funds. Nuveen still seeks to complete the refinancing of all the taxable funds' ARS within four to six months and begin refinancing some of the municipal fund ARPS within two to three months. Due to highly challenging financial market conditions and other regulatory, market and economic factors, Nuveen cannot be certain that it will be able to refinance all its funds' ARS, that VDRP will be successfully and cost-effectively issued, or that it will be able to take all the necessary actions within the specified time frames.

"We continue to make progress in arranging debt financing for our taxable funds and on the development of VRDP as a potential solution for our municipal and taxable funds," Adams said. "We are well aware of the importance of addressing the auction rate securities challenge as effectively and quickly as possible, and in that effort serving the interests of both the common and preferred shareholders of the funds. We are committed to providing our shareholders periodic updates on our progress."

Conference Call (final details TBD)

Nuveen Investments will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Central time on Thursday, April 3, 2008, to discuss the refinancing of the funds' ARS. Nuveen anticipates high call volume and encourages attendees to access the call via the live streaming audio link to facilitate the registration process. Online participants will be able to submit questions. Attendees can access the teleconference on Nuveen's Web site, www.nuveen.com, or at http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=105775&s=1&k=68694868A5B290FE248355A2D480F2A 3. (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

Attendees who prefer to participate by phone can access the call by dialing (866) 311-5247 or (212) 729-5043 and referencing conference ID number 41908989.

A replay of the call will be available beginning shortly following the call through April 17, 2008. To access the replay, please dial (800) 642-1687 or (706) 645-9291, conference ID number 41908989, or visit the closed-end fund section of the company's website at www.nuveen.com/cef. Call information and updates will be posted on Nuveen's new auction-rate preferred resource center at www.nuveen.com/arps.

Nuveen Investments provides high quality investment services designed to help secure the long-term goals of institutions and high net worth investors as well as the consultants and financial advisors who serve them. Nuveen Investments markets its growing range of specialized investment solutions under the high-quality brands of NWQ, Santa Barbara, Tradewinds, Rittenhouse, Symphony and Nuveen, including the Nuveen HydePark Group. In total, the Company managed $164 billion in assets as of December 31, 2007.

No VRDP shares have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act) or any state securities laws. Unless so registered, any VRDP shares may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements made in this release are forward-looking statements. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These include, but are not limited to: the ability of the four Nuveen funds announcing refinancing plans to implement those plans on a timely basis and, for those three funds partially redeeming ARS, to develop and finalize proposals to address the remaining ARS issued by those funds; the ability of the leveraged Nuveen funds not announcing a refinancing plan today to develop and finalize fund-by-fund specific proposals to restructure the leverage of such funds; the need for the leveraged Nuveen funds not announcing a refinancing plan today to obtain formal fund-by-fund board approval of specific proposals as they are developed and finalized; the ability of the leveraged Nuveen funds not announcing a refinancing plan today to negotiate and obtain from third parties the necessary debt facilities and other commitments and agreements necessary for those Nuveen funds to refinance all or a portion their leverage on terms and conditions acceptable to the funds and in a timely manner; with respect to the three Nuveen funds announcing a partial redemption of their ARS, obtaining fund-by-fund board approval to address the remaining outstanding ARS issued by those funds; the ability of the leveraged Nuveen funds to negotiate and obtain from broker-dealers or other financial institutions the unconditional put commitments necessary for the issuance of VRDP on terms acceptable to the funds and in a timely manner; the acceptance by the market, and demand for, VRDP in amounts sufficient for any Nuveen funds to refinance all or a portion of its leverage; the need to obtain any necessary regulatory approvals for the issuance of VRDP or the implementation of the Nuveen funds' plans to restructure their leverage; other legal and regulatory developments; and other additional risks and uncertainties. Nuveen and the closed-end funds managed by Nuveen and its affiliates undertake no responsibility to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements.

Nuveen Taxable Closed-End Fund Refinancing Q&A Attached Below

Nuveen Taxable Closed-End Fund Refinancing Q&A

1. Q: What is being announced?

A: Four taxable closed-end funds sponsored by Nuveen Investments have announced the refinancing of $714 million of their auction-rate securities (ARS), including auction-rate preferred shares (ARPS) and auction-rate notes (ARN). This first step involves the following funds and amounts refinanced:

JPC: $450 million of $708 million in outstanding auction-rate preferreds (64%)

JRS: $150 million of $222 million (68%)

JTA: $78 million of $123 million (63%)

JTD: $36 million of $36 million (100%)

2. Q: How were these funds selected?

A: Taxable funds can readily employ conventional debt leverage, and several of our funds including JRS and JTA already do. (Debt leverage is generally less advantageous for tax-exempt funds since interest on debt leverage is taxable while dividends on the funds' ARPs is tax-exempt.) The specific funds chosen and the amounts refinanced are the result of an overall evaluation of many different factors, including lender preferences for particular asset classes, lending capacity and terms offered, regulatory asset coverage requirements and the amount and composition of existing leverage.

3. Q: Why are some funds only redeeming a portion of their ARS?

A: Debt leverage has higher regulatory asset coverage requirements than equity (FundPreferred) leverage, which limit the maximum amount of debt leverage to 33% compared with 50% for equity leverage. Because our funds generally have leverage ratios close to or above the 33% maximum for debt leverage, refinancing less than all of their ARS with debt leverage ensures that the funds are able to maintain a prudent level of regulatory asset coverage. In the case of JTD launched in June 2007, the fund's target leverage ratio of 25% enabled the fund to refinance its outstanding FundPreferred, as well as complete its planned leveraging which had been deferred in response to market events, while also ensuring an appropriate level of asset coverage. Redemptions of less than all of a fund's outstanding FundPreferred are made on a pro rata basis by tranche in order to treat each tranche equitably.

4. Q: How are the redemptions of ARS being funded?

A: Redemptions are being funded with new debt borrowings. Information regarding the funds' borrowing arrangements regularly can be found in the funds' shareholder reports.

5. Q: How will partial redemptions actually work?

A: When a fund is refinancing less than all of its outstanding FundPreferred, the fund will redeem FundPreferred shares on a pro rata basis by tranche, i.e. the same aggregate proportion of each tranche's outstanding shares will be redeemed. The Depository Trust Company (DTC), the securities depository where FundPreferred street name positions are held, determines how these pro rata redemptions are allocated among the separate broker-dealer accounts in which FundPreferred shares are held in street name. Broker-dealers, according to their own procedures, then allocate the FundPreferred shares redeemed through DTC from their street name account among their customers who are the underlying beneficial owners. FundPreferred shareholders should contact their financial advisor for more specifics regarding their firm's allocation procedures.

Although a fund will redeem FundPreferred shares on a pro rata basis by tranche, DTC's "by lot" allocation process may not result in a pro rata redemption of the shares held in each broker-dealer's street name account, so that an underlying beneficial owner in turn may not receive a pro rata redemption of the FundPreferred shares they own. DTC's allocation process begins by determining the proportion of a tranche's shares scheduled for redemption (i.e. 1 out of x shares). DTC then assigns each FundPreferred share held in every broker-dealer's account a sequential number between 1 and the tranche's total number of outstanding FundPreferred shares. DTC randomly selects a starting share number to begin the redemption process, and then continues redeeming every xth share until it has redeemed the required total number of shares.

6. Q: When will more specific information regarding redemptions become available?

A: Nuveen expects the funds to begin issuing redemption notices in the coming days. Due to legal requirements, JRS and JPC will need to complete their redemptions in two stages approximately two to four weeks apart.

7. Q: When will Nuveen announce refinancing for other funds?

A: We hope to make similar announcements for our other taxable funds in the coming weeks. Nuveen is continuing to make progress in arranging debt financing and on the development of a new form of preferred stock - Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) -- as a potential solution for our municipal and taxable funds.

Contacts

Nuveen Investments
Media Contact:
Chris Allen
(312) 917-8331
christopher.allen@nuveen.com
or
Kathleen Cardoza
(312) 917-7813
kathleen.cardoza@nuveen.com
or
Investors Contact:
(877) 622-7530

Online Clinical Decision Support Tool Delivers Evidence-based Nursing Information

Wolters Kluwer Health Delivers Evidence-based Nursing Information through Online Clinical Decision Support Tool

Clin-eguide offers direct access to Lippincott Williams & Wilkins trusted nursing information

MINNEAPOLIS--April 09, 2008--Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading global provider of information for healthcare professionals and students, announced today that Clin-eguide, its online clinical decision support tool, now offers evidence-based, actionable information for nurses from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Clin-eguide is an online clinical decision support tool that provides accurate evidence-based information for health care providers in the clinical setting. It integrates trusted content from Wolters Kluwer brands like Ovid, Facts & Comparisons®, and Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, as well as other premier publishers.

Through Clin-eguide, nurses have access to a wealth of multi-specialty information that includes evidence-based nursing monographs for disease, drug, treatment, signs and symptoms; the Nursing Drug Handbook database; link to Lippincott's Nursing Procedures and Skills; disease and medication patient handouts; drug information from Facts & Comparisons®; visual differential diagnosis tools; MEDLINE® access; and more.

"Nurses face a myriad of challenges in today's healthcare environment," said Arvind Subramanian, President and CEO, Wolters Kluwer Health Clinical Solutions. "They're tasked with improving patient care and increasing patient safety, all while ensuring compliance with regulatory agencies and helping to educate and mentor incoming generations of nurses."

Subramanian continued, "Clin-eguide nursing solution was designed and created by nurses for nurses. It increases productivity via fast and easy access to evidence-based nursing information and allows nurse educators to better manage limited resources. Plus, it comes backed by trusted nursing content from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, the leader in evidence-based information for nurses."

About Wolters Kluwer Health

Wolters Kluwer Health (Conshohocken, PA), a division of Wolters Kluwer, is a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry. Major brands include traditional publishers of medical and drug reference tools and textbooks, such as Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and Facts & Comparisons®; electronic information providers, such as Ovid, Medi-Span® and ProVation®; and pharmaceutical information providers such as Adis International and Source®. Wolters Kluwer Health has annual revenues (2007) of $1,044 million (?761 million) and employs approximately 2,700 employees globally. For more information, visit www.WKHealth.com.

Contacts
Wolters Kluwer Health Clinical Solutions
Media Contact:
Laura Gilbert, 612-313-1506
Director, Marketing Communications
laura.gilbert@wolterskluwerhealth.com

Program to Purchase Structured Settlements Outside of Guarantee

Woodbridge Investments Announces Program to Purchase Structured Settlements Outside of Guarantee Period

Woodbridge Investments has announced a new structured settlement and lottery program specializing in the purchase of structured settlements and lottery payments outside the guarantee period.

Studio City, California  -  January 12, 2008 -- Woodbridge Investments, a pioneer in the purchase of lottery payments and structured settlements, has announced a new structured settlement and lottery program specializing in the purchase of structured settlements and lottery payments outside the guarantee period.

Scott Schwartz, Vice President and director of sales stated, "Many lottery winnings and structured settlements pay out for twenty years or for life. We have developed a program that involves an insurance policy that allows us to purchase lottery and structured settlement payments beyond the guaranteed period."

Schwartz added, "Of course, we will continue our program of paying the highest prices for the lottery payments and structured settlements but our new 'out of guarantee' program will allow us to further service our customers."

A recent customer testimonial stated, "A friend of mine told me she had previously sold some of her payments for a large lump sum of money and was still able to collect monthly payments even though she expected to receive payments outside of the guaranteed period. She gave me a toll free number to call, and told me to at least check it out. I am so glad I did..."-Virginia M. MO

Woodbridge and its predecessor companies has been purchasing lotteries and structured settlements since 1993. Woodbridge has helped over 1,000 people gain access to their future payments. Woodbridge has a comprehensive Free Advice Center for helping people research their choices at its website http://www.woodbridgeinvestments.com.


Press Contact: Scott Schwartz
Company Name: Woodbridge Investments
Phone: 1-866-865-7044
Website: http://www.woodbridgeinvestments.com

National Arbitration Forum Resolves 3 Domain Name Disputes

The National Arbitration Forum Resolves Univision, Webkinz and Hershey's Kisses Domain Name Disputes

Dispute resolution program boasts a legal process that is quick, inexpensive, neutral and expert.

Minneapolis  -  September 13, 2007 -- www.domains.adrforum.com -- The National Arbitration Forum recently issued decisions on the rights to Univision.tv, Webkinzz.com, Webkniz.com, Weblinz.com and ChocolateKiss.com.

"Domain names have irreplaceable value for trademark holders. Abusive practices like cybersquatting and typosquatting can lead to disputes," said Kristine Dorrain, Internet Legal Counsel. "The National Arbitration Forum domain name dispute resolution program boasts a legal process that is quick, inexpensive, neutral and expert."

The following three decisions were made in accordance with the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) by independent and neutral arbitrators on the National Arbitration Forum's panel.

Univision.tv
On June 7, 2007, Univision Communications Inc., the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States, submitted a complaint electronically with the National Arbitration Forum asserting legal rights to the domain name Univision.tv. The Complainant requested the dispute be decided by a three-member panel.

The Panel concluded that the domain name is identical to the registered trademark UNIVISION with the addition of the .tv extension. Respondent and registered owner Edmundo Norte could not support his claim of an intent for future use as a parody site and did not demonstrate rights to or legitimate interests in Univision.tv. The Panel found that the Respondent offered to sell the domain name for an amount in excess of reasonable development expenses which supports findings of bad faith registration and use. The Complainant successfully established all three elements required under the ICANN Policy and defended its trademark in domain name dispute resolution. On August 16, 2007, Univision.tv was ordered to be transferred to Univision Communications Inc.

Webkinzz.com
Ganz, owner of Webkinz a popular line of real and virtual stuffed animals, submitted a complaint electronically on May 21, 2007. The National Arbitration Forum panelist found that the domain names Webkinzz.com, Webkniz.com, and Weblinz.com were registered by renowned cybersquatter Texas International Property Associates.

The Panel found that the three disputed domain names are confusingly similar to the WEBKINZ mark all with slight typographical variations. The Panel went on to find that erroneous variations of Complainant's WEBKINZ mark are typical of typosquatting -- using a website to profit from the mistyping of someone else's trademark -- and prove the Respondent's lack of rights and legitimate interests. Because the Respondent used the websites to generate revenue through pay-per-click advertisements it was found that the domain names were registered and used in bad faith. Ganz proved all three elements required of the ICANN Policy and was granted the rights to Webkinzz.com, Webkniz.com, and Weblinz.com on July 19, 2007.

ChocolateKiss.com
The Hershey Company, one of the largest chocolate production facilities in the world, filed a claim electronically on April 20, 2007 against Respondent R. Reaves. Complainant, the Hershey Company, requested that the dispute over ChocolateKiss.com be handled by a panel of three National Arbitration Forum arbitrators.

The Panel found that ChocolateKiss.com was confusingly similar to Complainant's KISSES mark, as the term "chocolate" was simply descriptive of Complainant's business and the combination of the terms was calculated to suggest the involvement of Complainant. The Panel also found that Respondent lacked rights or legitimate interests because the content displayed on Respondent's website gave the erroneous impression that it was affiliated with Complainant. Finally, the Panel found that Respondent registered and was using the domain name in bad faith because Respondent was using this implied affiliation with Complainant to attract users to its website for commercial gain. Accordingly, the Panel granted Complainant's request for a transfer of the domain name on June 8, 2007.

To file a claim, see www.domains.adrforum.com. Questions regarding domain name dispute resolution or e-commerce arbitration may be directed to domaindispute @ adrforum.com. Journalist inquiries may be directed to media @ adrforum.com.

About the National Arbitration Forum (FORUM)
The National Arbitration Forum (FORUM), a leader in arbitration and mediation services for over 20 years, is an expert in the resolution of Internet-based disputes. An innovator in the industry, the National Arbitration Forum serves as one of three primary providers of the ICANN domain name dispute resolution program, resolving issues involving disputed trademarks. Over 8,000 intellectual property cases have been filed through the National Arbitration Forum's state-of-the-art case management system. For more information, visit www.domains.adrforum.com.

Fact Sheet http://www.adrforum.com/users/naf/resources/FastFactsDomainNameDisputeResolution.pdf
Searchable Case Database http://domains.adrforum.com/decision.aspx
Univision Communications Inc. v. Edmundo Norte http://domains.adrforum.com/domains/decisions/1000079.htm
Ganz v. Texas International Property Associates http://domains.adrforum.com/domains/decisions/991778.htm
The Hershey Company v. R. Reaves http://domains.adrforum.com/domains/decisions/967818.htm

Press Contact: Jolina Pettice
Company Name: National Arbitration Forum
Phone: 952 400 0349
Website: www.domain-disputes.com

Funding Group Provides $25 Million Factoring Facility

Platinum Funding Group Provides $25 Million Factoring Facility For An Acquisition.

The funding of Cumberland Valley Fabricators, Inc. and Waddell Construction, Inc. was facilitated by an investment banker who has previously worked with Platinum on funding an automotive supplier, Griswold Manufacturing, Inc.

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 18, 2008 -- Platinum Funding Group has signed an agreement for a $25-million accounts receivable factoring facility with Cumberland Valley Fabricators, Inc. and Waddell Construction, Inc. The facility funded the acquisition of the Virginia-based Waddell by Maryland-based Cumberland, both construction companies. The initial advance was provided against $3.4 million in Cumberland's and Waddell's invoices.

The combined entity has annual revenues near $20 million. The deal was facilitated by Elizabeth Jones, an investment banker who had utilized Platinum's resources in funding Griswold Manufacturing, Inc., an Ohio-based automotive supplier, in January 2007.

"What makes Platinum different is our ability to quickly provide very large advances, and find creative solutions for complicated transactions," said Eyal Levy, founder and CEO of Platinum Funding Group. "This makes us a go-to partner and for investment banks, private equity and venture capital firms at the time when liquidity is becoming increasingly limited."

"Working with Platinum Funding Group was very positive experience," said Elizabeth Jones, Chairman and CEO of Gilet Holdings. "Platinum's team worked to understand the unique needs of each individual company and to reach our specific goals. They provided us with quick, straightforward answers and I am confident that they are a group that will work with us to realize the business' full potential."

"Platinum Funding Group has worked diligently in assisting us in all procedures related to our funding," added Kathleen Neff, Controller of Cumberland Valley Fabricators, Inc. "They took the time to thoroughly educate us with hands-on training. We have a team that supports our needs and is flexible to work with."

For more information, visit www.PlatinumFundingGroup.com or contact:

Anna Belkina                   
Platinum Funding Group           
212-944-2828 ext. 215            
email protected from spam bots    

Platinum Funding Group, a leading factoring company, provides clients with accounts receivable funding, letters of credit, bridge funding, and accounts receivable management. Established in 1992, the company has been consistently assisting companies with annual sales revenue between $1 million and $150 million. Platinum possesses the financial resources to serve the needs of clients across more than 30 industries, issuing same day advances on accounts receivable to early-stage companies, fast growing firms, and companies in Chapter 11. Platinum Funding Group is headquartered in New York City and has regional offices throughout the U.S.

Press Contact: Anna Belkina
Company Name:
Phone: 646-315-7220
Website: www.PlatinumFundingGroup.com