Rafa must now realise musical chairs is wrong.

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

by BARRY KING

RAFA BENITEZ is a bigger fan of rotation than the bloke who invented the game musical chairs. But like an old-fashioned dad at his 14-year-old son's birthday party, he's the only one interested, and it's becoming embarrassing. Soon the only thing rotating at Anfield will be the exit door ready for his departure. And after his latest pick and mix turned sour, that exit could be sooner rather than later.

Against second division Barnsley in the FA Cup on Saturday, Rafa's rotation meant it was time forA Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard - the only two Reds players to have scored more than ten goals this season - to rest their 'weary' legs. Understandable, considering Liverpool have a crunch Champions League clash with Inter Milan tomorrow and some seriously well-paid replacements ready to step in.

But as we saw at Anfield, Benitez's bench strength is virtually non-existent.A Despite the millions of pounds spent, Liverpool minus Torres and Gerrard aren't even good enough to beat Barnsley, never mind Wigan or West Ham. Of course, any team in the world would be weakened by the loss of their two star men.

Manchester United aren't as fearsome without Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, AC Milan would start to look a little toothless without Kaka and Andrea Pirlo.

But the difference between them and Liverpool is that both Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti can count on big performances from their stand-in players. United were without Ronaldo and left Carlos Tevez on the bench on Saturday, against Arsenal of all teams. They drafted in Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung - hardly star quality - and still won 4-0.

United could rely on a dynamic display from Wayne Rooney, while Fletcher and Park knew exactly what was needed of them. Liverpool, however, seem to have no idea how they are trying to play, except whenA defending. If it's back-against-the-wall stuff, like it will be against Inter, they shine. But when trying to dispose of an inferior opponent, like Barnsley, they stutter. And the confusion over selection only serves to baffle the players even more.

At times, it's almost like Rafa's spent the pre-game night rolling round in bed pondering his selection, before letting his wife decide. So much so that his players turn up on a match day not knowing if they need their boots or an extra pair of gloves and a hat.

It's nonsense to suggest Saturday's lot was a 'weak' team. They had a back four that any team in the Premier League would crave and still had more than $100 million worth of talent, players Benitez has bought, on the pitch. Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt, Xabi Alonso, Peter Crouch and Yossi Benayoun have been in and out more than a slalom skier, but still should have had enough to beat Barnsley, a team with an on-loan goalkeeper making his debut.

Benitez refused to blame his players for the defeat however, saying: A"It was a very strange game. We had a lot of chances, then we conceded in the last minute so it's very difficult to explain. A"But I can't fault the work-rate and performance of my players.A" So if he's not blaming the players, Rafa must accept the blame. And now the pressure really is on.

Defeat tomorrow and even the most blind Benitez backers will surely be asking if it's time to say 'adios'. Those outrageous claims by fans that the American owners have not backed Benitez in the transfer market just don't wash. He spent $90 million in the summer. Stubborn rotations had already seen their title hopes disappear before January 1, yet he was still given another $14 million to spend on defender Martin Skretel, after public foot-stamping, in the transfer window.

Needless tinkerings may be all forgotten with a result tomorrow. Defeat and surely the only rotating he will be doing is the ink cartridges

in his printer as he updates the old CV.

Stars who fail to shine for RedsA

LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez has had more than enough money to try and turn Liverpool into a trophy winning machine. There was more than $100 million worth on show against Barnsley, but who have been rotating worse than a broken helicopter propeller?

RYAN BABEL ($27 million)

Big things were expected of this Dutch flyer when Benitez coughed up the cash and the player claimed himself to be better than Thierry Henry. Has hardly been given a fair crack of the whip, but at times he has looked more like Lenny Henry.

YOSSI BENAYOUN ($9 million)

Benitez fought West Ham all summer to get his man, but once he got him, the boss thought Benayoun's best position was on the bench. Appeared in fits and starts and looked the part on occasion, just hasn't been given enough occasions to perform.

DIRK KUYT ($20 million)

Another player Rafa rumbled with other managers for in 2006. After one season to adjust, Kuyt was tipped to fly like a kite, but has failed to get off the ground in England, scoring just eight times in all competitions this season.

PETER CROUCH ($14 million)

The beanpole striker has shown what a good asset he can be, to both Liverpool and England. But Rafa's rotations simply haven't helped his confidence, highlighted by missed chances in the recent game against Chelsea and also Barnsley.

[c] 2007 Al Sidra Media LLC

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

Distributed Applications Technologies Achieves SAS 70 Certification.

(PRWEB) July 21, 2011

Distributed Applications Technologies (DAT), a wholly owned subsidiary of CornerStone, an advanced communications solutions provider, today announced the completion of Statement on Auditing Standards No. 70 (SAS 70) certification.

Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 70, Service Organizations, is a widely recognized auditing standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It represents that a service organization has been through an in-depth audit of their control objectives and control activities, which often include controls over information technology and related processes.

"Receiving SAS 70 certification emphasizes our commitment to providing our customers with the highest level of data security", said David Wilming, President of Software Services. "Our customers rely on our expertise and guidance to protect their information, and this certification demonstrates our ability to deliver world-class solutions to our customers."

The SAS 70 certification looks at many aspects of the hosting services that DAT provides, including the timely backups of critical files, off-site backup storage, regular off-site rotation of backup files, and assuring that client backup data is protected from unauthorized or unintentional use, modification, addition or deletion.

Full copies of the report are available upon request.

About Distributed Applications Technologies

Distributed Applications Technologies was founded in 2001. DAT's most notable product is SkySphere, a Software as a Service (SaaS) product that provides virtually hosted private networks and application hosting for small to mid-size businesses. SkySphere allows customers to access their network and applications from anywhere there is an Internet connection, without purchasing and maintaining software and servers.

About CornerStone Telephone Company

CornerStone Telephone Company is an integrated communications provider specializing in services for business and enterprise customers. The company provides its customers with the highest level of customer support while offering competitive service rates. CornerStone has over 50,000 access lines, providing local and long distance telephone service, high-speed Internet access, VoIP, security services, cloud computing and business telephone systems. The company services customers in New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Established in 2001, CornerStone has over 120 employees and 13,000 customers. The company is headquartered in Troy, N.Y. with offices in Syracuse, Oneonta, New York City, Poughkeepsie and Richmond, Massachusetts, and was voted fastest growing mid-size company and one of the Best Places to Work in the New York State Capital Region in 2007, 2008 and 2010. For more information, visit http://www.cstel.com.

About SAS 70 Certification

SAS No. 70 is the authoritative guidance that allows service organizations to disclose their control activities and processes to their customers and their customers' auditors in a uniform reporting format. The issuance of a service auditor's report prepared in accordance with SAS No. 70 signifies that a service organization has had its control objectives and control activities examined by an independent accounting and auditing firm. The service auditor's report, which includes the service auditor's opinion, is issued to the service organization at the conclusion of a SAS 70 examination. For more information, visit http://www.sas70.com.

###

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/7/prweb8662059.htm

English are green with envy over Beechgrove Garden.(News)

Byline: Tina Dawson

IT is a quintessentially Scottish TV show loved by greenfingered viewers all over the country.

But now it seems The Beechgrove Garden is overtaking an English rival and attracting more attention south of the Border too.

English viewers of Gardeners' World are ditching the show for its couthy Caledonian opponent because of its more down-to-earth approach.

The Beechgrove Garden has seen a 17 per cent rise in audience numbers since it became available to download on the BBC iPlayer, with seasoned presenter Jim McColl finding a growing audience down south - especially in northern England.

It is said his advice is 'more appropriate and more practical to more of the country' than that given by Monty Don on Gardeners' World.

Critics say the long-running BBC2 show is also 'too grand, pompous and far removed' from the average amateur gardener, with its viewing figures dropping from five million at its height in the 1990s to two million last year.

As a result earlier this year the BBC axed presenter Toby Buckland for Monty Don in a bid to halt the decline.

Gwyneth Hardy, a producer for The Beechgrove Garden, said they were now attracting English and Welsh viewers thanks to the iPlayer and Sky TV, which broadcasts BBC1 Scotland.

She said: 'We get masses of correspondence from people disaffected with Gardeners' World, saying "Where have you been all my life?" Our pre-Growing in popularity: Jim McColl, above, while Monty Don, below, is losing viewers senters recognise that gardening isn't an exact science and are happy to share their problems as well as their triumphs.

'We don't take ourselves too seriously, we have a bit of fun and aren't too pompous or prescriptive.

'The Beechgrove Garden is on a 2.5 acre site but it is divided up into normal-sized back gardens. We appeal to inexperienced and new gardeners tuning in for the first time.

'People watch Gardeners' World now for different reasons than before. When Alan Titchmarsh was on it, they looked at it and thought "I could do that". It now appeals to the high-end of gardeners - not the people with a small terrace garden.' She added: 'We are also more geographically appropriate.

We have a site in Aberdeenshire.

If you can grow plants here, you can grow them anywhere.

'Monty Don gardens in the South-East of England so when he tells you to split your irises, ours probably haven't even flowered yet.' Jim McColl, 74, explained: 'The climate in Northumberland, Cumbria and Yorkshire is similar to ours.' Forums on the internet are also abuzz with English gardeners who are new fans. One wrote: 'Gardeners' World could learn a lot from the likes of McColl about sensible, practical and affordable gardening.' Another added: 'The Gardeners' World garden is so far removed from most people's gardens. It's far too grand.' Gardening - Page 77

A Priceless Holiday: Institute for Shipboard Education Presents New Year's in the Amazon.

Institute for Shipboard Education's Enrichment Voyage Explores the Infamous Amazon River on a Three-Week Travel and Learn Experience through the Caribbean and South America

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A world of cultural sharing and exploration awaits travelers aboard the Institute for Shipboard Education's upcoming Enrichment Voyage, which will sail for several days along the Amazon River during its three-week voyage through the Caribbean and South America from December 22, 2011 to January 12, 2012.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-priceless-holiday-institute-for-shipboard-education-presents-new-years-in-the-amazon-123256348.html

This year's voyage will celebrate the Christmas holiday in San Juan, Puerto Rico and will make its special passage through the Amazon River to celebrate the New Year. Throughout the six-day exploration of the Amazon River, voyagers will experience the river's vastness, share cultural experiences, and witness the magical "meeting of the waters" when the Rio Negro and the cafe-au-lait-colored Solimoes meet to form the Amazon River.

Rita Dove, the Pulitzer-prize winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate (1993-95), and civil rights activist and University of Virginia professor Julian Bond, will head an esteemed group of lecturers and experts during the 22-day voyage. Speakers will lead interactive lectures, workshops and pre-port briefings related to each country on the itinerary, providing an in-depth look into the countries and cultures visited. Participants can further tailor their travel experience through a variety of excursions, service visits and activities.

"What a pleasure to sail on one of the world's most majestic rivers and experience the dynamic cultures that grace its banks as well as the vibrant Caribbean countries that we will visit," said Mr. Bond, a history professor at the University of Virginia (U.Va.), where he has been teaching since 1991.

Enrichment Voyages are a one-of-a-kind travel and learning adventure for participants of all ages. "Participants on Enrichment Voyages have some of their most intellectually active and enjoyable travel experiences aboard the ship and in these countries," says Kelli Palmer, director of the Enrichment Voyage program.

In addition to sailing along the Amazon River with stops in Manaus and Santarem, Brazil, the upcoming voyage will visit seven Caribbean countries, exploring the histories, cultures, art, beaches and foods. Voyagers can also "give back" through service learning opportunities in several ports of call, including volunteering in orphanages or local community building projects.

This is all part of the enriching shipboard environment aboard the MV Explorer, a state-of-the-art ship that serves as the floating campus for the Semester at Sea global study program. The ship provides the energy of a college campus and the adventure of foreign ports. It's an ideal setting for discussing world issues-a floating university, complete with an 9,000-volume library, computer center, Internet and Wi-Fi, a common hall and nine classrooms.

"I haven't found any other travel experiences quite like these Enrichment Voyages. You stay aboard a lovely ship. Meet fascinating and educated people. Visit nearly a dozen countries. And you only have to unpack once. It's just a great way to see and learn about our world," said Mary Harvey of Danville, California, who recently sailed on ISE's April Enrichment Voyage through Central America.

The size of the MV Explorer-at 590-feet-offers a comfortable, intimate environment compared to typical cruise vessels. Its smaller size allows the Enrichment Voyage staff, lecturers, experts, and crew to provide a higher-quality experience to participants.

The upcoming Enrichment Voyage runs from Dec. 22, 2011 to Jan. 12, 2012. It will depart Nassau, Bahamas and travel to Puerto Rico; St. Kitts; Grenada; Manaus and Santarem, Brazil; Trinidad; Barbados; and Dominica before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Voyagers can also "give back" through service learning opportunities in several ports of call. Travelers booking before June 15 will receive a nearly 15% discount on normal rates. Make a reservation on the Institute for Shipboard Education Enrichment Voyages website.

Learn more about upcoming Enrichment Voyages at www.enrichmentvoyages.org or join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/enrichmentvoyages.

About the Institute for Shipboard Education

The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Tracing its roots back to 1963, the Institute administers the multiple-country study abroad program Semester at Sea as well as Enrichment Voyages, a Lifelong Learning Program, and the Forum on Global Engagement. The mission of ISE is to educate individuals with the global understanding necessary to address the challenges of our interdependent world.

Contact: Lauren Heinz, lheinz@ise.virginia.edu, 434-243-4055

SOURCE Institute for Shipboard Education

AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTS - MAY 18, 2011.

SYDNEY, May 18 Asia Pulse - Highlights of today's newspapers:

AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW:

- Global Swiss-based miner Xstrata will close its copper smelting activities at Mt Isa and refining in Townsville, in north Queensland, as part of a program to sustain its future operation in the area.

- Directors of businesses that lodge their tax returns more than three months late may become personally liable for the debts under a change in the federal budget.

- The Australian arm of British giant Lloyds Banking Group lost $1.6 billion last year - worse than the loss the unit recorded at the peak of the global financial crisis - mostly due to bad loans to the property sector.

- Treasury says it will heed submissions to a consultation paper on superannuation contributions for people over the age of 50.

THE AUSTRALIAN:

- Independent MP Rob Oakeshott wants petrol excluded from Labor's carbon tax, but says the multi-party climate committee is yet to make a final decision on the matter.

- Treasury chief Martin Parkinson has raised the spectre of China's boom turning to bust - with devastating consequences for Australia.

- The Australian dollar is the major currency most closely linked to buoyant sentiment, leaving it susceptible to a "vicious" decline.

- Global miner Xstrata says it will close down its copper smelting activities at Mt Isa and refining in Townsville by the end of 2016.

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD:

- Petrol prices will not rise under the new carbon tax after the multi-party committee accepted the federal government's argument it must narrow the cost of living impact of its climate policy in the face of relentless attacks by the Coalition.

- The judiciary has cleared the way for a public inquiry into the secretive NSW Crime Commission, accused by the police corruption watchdog of "systemic and long-standing" misconduct.

- The Defence Department is investigating allegations that security at Australian military bases and embassies has been jeopardised by a deliberate fabrication of information to speed up security clearances.

- The sprawling empire of bases and other facilities controlled by the Department of Defence will be underfunded by million over the next three years, a report by the national auditor says.

THE WEST AUSTRALIAN:

- A multi-million dollar proposal to hold a world-class golf tournament in Perth over the next three years is under threat because the PGA of Australia has refused to endorse it.

- Colliers International will present a prime clutch of WA retail, commercial and tourism-related properties to cashed-up overseas and interstate buyers via an internet auction next month in a move that represents a first for the local market.

- New receivers have been appointed to the heritage-listed Caves House in Yallingup in an apparent bid by St George Bank to kickstart the stalled sales process.

ASIA PULSE ry 18-05 1047

Research and Markets: Mobile Broadband in the United States - 2011 Report on the $20 Billion Industry.

M2 PRESSWIRE-May 3, 2011-: Research and Markets: Mobile Broadband in the United States - 2011 Report on the $20 Billion Industry(C)1994-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

RDATE:03052011

Dublin - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/392b5b/mobile_broadband_i) has announced the addition of the "Mobile Broadband in the United States" report to their offering.

Mobile Broadband in the United States industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market share, market size (value and volume 2006-10, and forecast to 2015). The profile also contains descriptions of the leading players including key financial metrics and analysis of competitive pressures within the market. Essential resource for top-line data and analysis covering the United States mobile broadband market. Includes market size data, textual and graphical analysis of market growth trends, leading companies and macroeconomic information.

Highlights

- Mobile broadband consists of services where users can connect their mobile telephones or computer devices (such as laptops) to the internet through 3G cellular networks, either through a USB modem or an embedded SIM card in their device. Volume is measured in terms of mobile broadband subscriptions. Any currency conversions included in this report have been calculated using constant 2010 annual average exchange rates.

- The US mobile broadband industry had total revenue of $20.4 billion in 2010, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 149.6% for the period spanning 2006-2010.

- Industry subscription volumes increased with a CAGR of 93.8% between 2006-2010, to reach a total of 155.2 million Mobile broadband subscriptions in 2010.

- The performance of the industry is forecast to decelerate, with an anticipated CAGR of 27.9% for the five-year period 2010-2015, which is expected to drive the industry to a value of $70 billion by the end of 2015.

Key Questions Answered

- What was the size of the United States mobile broadband market by value in 2010?

- What will be the size of the United States mobile broadband market in 2015?

- What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the United States mobile broadband market?

- How has the market performed over the last five years?

- Who are the top competitiors in the United States' mobile broadband market?

Key Topics Covered:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

MARKET OVERVIEW

Market definition

Research highlights

Market analysis

MARKET VALUE

MARKET VOLUME

MARKET SEGMENTATION II

MARKET SHARE

FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS

Summary

Buyer power

Supplier power

New entrants

Substitutes

Rivalry

LEADING COMPANIES

AT&T Inc.

Deutsche Telekom AG

Sprint Nextel Corporation

Verizon Communications Inc.

MARKET FORECASTS

Market value forecast

Market volume forecast

MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/392b5b/mobile_broadband_i

Source: Datamonitor

CONTACT:

Research and Markets,

Laura Wood,

Senior Manager.

press@researchandmarkets.com

Fax from USA: 646-607-1907

Fax from rest of the world: +353-1-481-1716

((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).

Teaching cultural & botanical connections: ethnobotany with tea.(QUICK FIX)

ABSTRACT

Engaging students in ethnobotanical concepts can be a challenge if you present the topic as a straight lecture. I used the art of brewing tea, accompanied by numerous herbals (books), to impress upon my students how people have learned what plants are helpful or harmful to humanity.

Key Words: Ethnobotany; tea; herbals; botany.

**********

Getting students excited about plants is not always an easy task. However, one trick I found for ethnobotany, a topic where students have a little more interest because of the human health/drug connection, was very simple. I went to the local food co-op and purchased as many loose dried botanical herbs, spices, and teas as they had available. I purchased plants the students may have heard of before, like lavender and lemongrass, but

I also picked up some that may not come to mind at first, like basil and black stick. A warning to teachers using this idea: please make sure you are familiar with the plants that you choose. Research the possible effects of the plants you are planning to have students use to make a tea and, of course, avoid hazardous or poisonous plants.

I went to the laboratory armed with all my botanical purchases, several tea pots, tea balls/spoons to brew the botanicals, cups for hot liquids, and as many different herbal guides as I could scrounge and borrow. I must admit I felt like a teacher out of Harry Potter, but I placed the books and botanicals in the middle of a table and told the students that they each needed to brew (and try) at least four teas. As I boiled the water in preparation, the students were instructed to research the botanical options available to them in the mini-library provided. A few students had personal laptops and asked to use the Internet for discovering plant uses. I allowed them to go to the Internet only after acquiring some information out of the books. Making notes about what the plant's scientific name was, where it grew worldwide, and what it was used for medicinally or socially began to engage them. I warned them that one herbal may give one set of uses while another gives a very different list. The tone of the entire laboratory was mellow and friendly. Students talked to each other about what plants were the most interesting to them and why. Of course, some students were interested in teas that would help them relax; others were interested in the stimulants. For example, a few were surprised to learn that catnip was not a stimulant to humans and began asking why there were different reactions in two mammals. Student bias and cultural influences also showed themselves. One Asian student talked about how basil was used in his ancestry as a steeped medicine, and other students commented that they thought it was strictly an Italian herb, but both listened intensely at other perspectivest Natural conversations developed easily and, depending on the class dynamics and cultural diversity available, other stimulating mini-lessons could present themselves. However, I was most impressed with such a simple exercise making such an impact on my students. The stereotyped "jock" was interested in this exercise only after he tried some lavender tea and liked it. His original comment was that tea was for old ladies, not men. He left with a handful of botanical teas for later in the week. During our last personal tea together on campus, this same student informed me that he was considering further education in England because of the tea culture in that country. This lesson will stay in my repertoire for many years.

DOI: 10.1525/abt.2011.73.4.11

DOROTHYBELLE POLI is Assistant Professor of Biology at Roanoke College, 221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153; e-mail: poli@roanoke.edu.

LodgeNet Deploys Next Gen Smart Wireless LAN Technology From Ruckus Wireless at 131 Hotels Across the Country.

LodgeNet Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ:LNET) announced that it has been selected to install next generation Smart Wireless LAN equipment from Ruckus Wireless in 131 hotel properties across the country. In concert with LodgeNet's tailored engineering and support services, installation of Ruckus Wireless marks the launch of truly innovative and cost-effective high-speed Internet access (HSIA) solution for the hospitality industry.

Over the next 90 days the Ruckus Wireless Smart LAN systems are being deployed by LodgeNet in all 131 locations spanning multiple brands including Residence Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Sleep Inn, TownPlace Suites, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Ramada Inns, Country Inn and Suites and Comfort Inn.

"The Ruckus solution offers the high degree of security, flexibility, scalability and surprising affordability that the industry has been demanding for some time now," said Ron Peterson, VP of Broadband Internet Solutions for LodgeNet. "Unlike other wireless alternatives, the Ruckus system is completely adaptive and can be installed without costly and cumbersome cabling. This greatly shortens the installation cycle and increases wireless reliability."

"LodgeNet is very pleased to add this innovative new solution to its portfolio of Broadband Internet offers," said Scott E. Young, President of Hospitality for LodgeNet. "With an initial rollout spanning so many hotel brands, it is clear that this new technology and service implementation meets the needs of many customers that are looking for a high-quality, reliable and affordable wireless solution."

"With the explosion of mobile data devices, Wi-Fi is quickly moving from a technology of convenience to a ubiquitous utility," said David Callisch, VP of Marketing with Ruckus Wireless. "For the hospitality industry, Wi-Fi is no longer a 'nice-to-have' but a 'must-have' to retain customers and improve customer service. Ruckus offers a smarter wireless LAN solution that delivers a four-fold increase in range and reliability at one of the most affordable price points." The Ruckus ZoneFlex Smart WLAN system represents the next phase of Wi-Fi technology innovation. Smart Wi-Fi combines state-of-the art advances in RF signal routing, smart Wi-Fi meshing, advanced user security and quality of service. The combination of these technologies enables a new class of Wi-Fi system that can automatically adapt to changing environmental conditions by focusing signals farther and only where they are needed while steering them around obstacles and interferences.

Keywords: LodgeNet Interactive Corporation.

This article was prepared by Internet Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Internet Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.

ASIANET DAILY SUMMARY - APRIL 8, 2008.

AsiaNet Daily Summary - Press Releases for Tuesday, April 8, 2008

WYETH SINGAPORE...

MADISON, New Jersey and Tuas - Wyeth has announced it will invest US$96 million to expand its existing nutritional manufacturing facility in Tuas, Singapore.

www.wyeth.com

FRAGRANCE COMMUNICATION...

TOKYO - NTT Communications has announced it will conduct a pilot test of its new Mobile Fragrance Communication service, a mobile version of an existing service for enjoying downloaded audiovisual content together with specific fragrances that are emitted by a dedicated device. The pilot test will run from April 10 to 20.

www.ntt.com

PACNET INTERNET...

SINGAPORE - Pacnet Internet Limited has announced that the Board of Directors of the Company, in response to the offer by Pacnet Limited, together with its principal shareholder and ultimate control person, to purchase all issued ordinary shares of the Company at a purchase price of US$11.20 net in cash per share, without interest, is expressing no opinion to the Company's shareholders with respect to the Offer or the Offer Price.

www.pacnet.com

INTERWOVEN OPTIMIZATION...

SINGAPORE - Interwoven, Inc. has announced it is launching the recently acquired Optimost real-time multivariable testing and Website optimization capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Interwoven Optimost Website optimization solution allows companies to get more from their existing customer acquisition and Website investments by maximizing online conversion rates.

www.interwoven.com

ICERA SIRIFIC...

BRISTOL - Icera Inc., the leader in software defined wireless modem chipsets, has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to merge with Sirific Wireless, a fabless semiconductor company specializing in advanced CMOS RF transceivers.

www.icerasemi.com

www.sirific.com

BNY MELLON...

SINGAPORE - BNY Mellon Asset Servicing, the global leader in securities servicing, has been awarded the title of 'Best Global Custodian' in Asia in The Asset magazine's Triple A Transaction Banking Awards 2008.

www.bnymellon.com

MICREL LDOS...

SAN JOSE, California - Micrel Inc. has launched the MIC5331 32/33 a new dual channel micro-power LDO regulator family ideally suited for today's power-hungry, battery-powered electronics including mobile phones, PDAs, MP3 players, personal navigation devices, digital still cameras and handheld instruments.

www.micrel.com

WIND ENERGY...

PUNE - The US$2.1 billion Kalyani Group, the leader in the auto component sector in India, today announced that First Reserve Corporation, the leading energy-focused private equity firm has invested in Kenersys, the newly-formed integrated wind energy company focused on design, assembly and marketing of wind turbine generators.

www.firstreserve.com

GALDERMA COLLAGENEX...

LAUSANNE - Galderma Pharma S.A., a global specialty pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology, today announced that its U.S. holding company, Galderma Laboratories, Inc., has completed its all cash tender offer for CollaGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

www.galderma.com

www.collagenex.com

ATMEL SECURITY...

SAN JOSE, California - Atmel Corporation has announced the availability of its FingerChip Security Chipset which provides a highly secure, high performance, small and cost effective biometric solution.

www.atmel.com

FANNIE MAE...

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Fannie Mae will redeem the principal amount of MTN securities issues amounting to a total of US$80 million on April 17, 2008 at a redemption price equal to 100 per cent of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued interest.

http://www.fanniemae.com

THERMO FISHER...

WALTHAM, Massachusetts - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, has introduced its first Chinese-language catalog targeted specifically to markets in China. The new Fisher Scientific China Laboratory Supplies Guide includes an extensive portfolio of products suited to the needs of customers in research, testing and processing facilities in China.

www.thermofisher.com

www.fishersci.com.cn

FANNIE MAE...

WASHINGTON - The following is being issued by Fannie Mae:

2 Year

Pricing Date: April 9, 2008

Settlement Date: April 11, 2008

Maturity Date: May 20, 2010

Issue Size: US$3 billion

Coupon: TBD

Payment Dates: Each May 20th and November 20th, beginning May 20, 2008

CUSIP: 31398APV8

Listing: Application will be made to list the securities on the EuroMTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange

www.fanniemae.com

STIEFEL APPOINTMENT...

CORAL GABLES, Florida - Stiefel Laboratories, Inc., the world's largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology, today announced Gavin Corcoran, M.D., FACP, has been promoted to the newly created position of chief scientific officer.

www.stiefel.com

DARA BIOSCIENCES...

RALEIGH, North Carolina - DARA BioSciences has announced that the audit report accompanying the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, as included in the Company's Annual Report on 10-K filed on March 31, 2008, contained a going concern qualification.

www.darabio.com

ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS...

ROTKREUZ - Roche Diagnostics announced today that the Elecsys Anti-HCV assay has received regulatory approval in Europe for the E 170 analyzer for MODULAR ANALYTICS and the e 601 module for the cobas 6000 platform.

www.roche.com

AsiaNet is a consortium of leading news agencies distributing unedited, translated news releases for worldwide clients. Visit www.asianetnews.net for full-text versions.

ASIA PULSE 08-04 1434

Digital ad agency creative with space; aQuantive moving into former Google offices; pampering at Trump Place.(Real Estate)

Companies looking for office space in the tight midtown market can't be shy. So when digital advertising agency aQuantive Inc. needed a large office in Manhattan, it contacted Google to see if it could sublease space that the Internet giant had vacated last year.

Google said yes, and Seattle-based aQuantive signed a sublease for 79,000 square feet on floors 18 through 20 at 1440 Broadway, at West 40th Street. Google moved out of the building last fall, after it leased 300,000 square feet at 111 Eighth Ave. The aQuantive lease runs through 2015; asking rents in the building are $35 to $45 a square foot.

The advertising firm is consolidating staff members at three small offices located in lower Manhattan into the new space, which it plans to occupy in November.

"In a market where there is no space, you have to be creative,'' says David Falk, an executive vice president at Newmark Knight Frank, which represented aQuantive. "This space needs very little work because Google outfitted it for a technology company.'' Google was represented by its own real estate executives.

--julie satow

Customers roll over for new spa

residents and workers on Riverside Boulevard will soon have two new options for pampering themselves--and their pets--without leaving the neighborhood.

Cleo Spa, a full-service spa and wellness center, has leased a 4,300-square-foot space at 140 Riverside Blvd., and doggie day care center Biscuits and Bath is planning to open in 2,400 square feet at 160 Riverside Blvd. Both retailers are going into the Trump Place development, which is just south of Riverside Park on the West Side.

This is the fifth location for 10-year-old Biscuits and Bath. This site will offer cage-free daytime boarding as well as neighborhood walks and grooming. Co-founder John Ziegler aims to open at least one more Manhattan location next year, but he plans to expand the concept slowly.

"When you're dealing with live animals, it's not like you can just churn out locations like video stores,'' Mr. Ziegler says.

Newmark Knight Frank represented property owner Equity Residential in both 15-year deals. Midtown Commercial Real Estate negotiated on behalf of Biscuits and Bath, and independent broker Julie Kang represented Cleo Spa.

Newmark is searching for a restaurateur to lease the only remaining retail vacancy in Trump Place. "We would like to get the likes of Daniel Bouley, but we would also entertain a more casual restaurant,'' says Kenneth Hochhauser, a Newmark broker who worked on the deals.

--elisabeth butler

Broadway tower lawyering up

law firms are showing an insatiable appetite for offices in midtown. The latest to gobble up space are Vedder Price, which is leasing 52,000 square feet at 1633 Broadway, and Kasowitz Benson Torres & Friedman, which is expanding by 51,000 square feet in the same building. Asking rents at 1633 Broadway, between West 50th and West 51st streets, are $70 a square foot for the top floors and $55 to $65 a square foot for the lower floors. The property is 100% leased.

Vedder Price will move from 805 Third Ave., at East 50th Street, where it occupies 23,800 square feet. It will take its 47th-floor space by year's end. Kasowitz Benson will expand into the entire 24th floor this fall to occupy a total of more than 200,000 square feet in the building.

"There are law firms that have been in the market for a while, and there is less opportunity for quality space,'' says James VanderVliet, a vice president at Paramount Group, which owns 1633 Broadway and represented itself.

Jones Lang LaSalle represented Vedder Price, and CB Richard Ellis represented Kasowitz Benson.

--julie satow

CAPTION(S):

1440 BrOADWAY is providing a platform for aQuantive.

EARLY STAGE BUSINESSES : No substitute for meeting people face to face.(Business)

Byline: By Martin Faint

Even in this high tech world of e-commerce and internet forums it seems there is still no substitute for face to face networking.

Or at least that is what is suggested by the reaction to Advantage Business Angels' first Venture Fair, held in conjunction with The Black Country Chamber & Business Link and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Business Link.

Last week hundreds of entrepreneurs and business support professionals descended on West Bromwich Albion FC to see what they can offer one another.

Carol Slater, the professional and relationships manager at the Black Country Chamber and Business Link, was one of the professionals who was at the event.

She found that it complemented her own remit - to help the various intermediaries across the Black Country work alongside one other.

'We've been able to pull together and introduce the support services and partnership organizations here.'

In bringing together such a diverse range of organizations, Advantage Business Angels supported her proposition that there is a solid network of support services in the region.

'We aim to deliver a seamless service to our clients, so if they have a specific need we can look in Business Link or elsewhere.'

Seeing all the faces in one room helped this mission.

'This has been a fantastic networking opportunity, with a wonderful buzz to it,' said Ms Slater. 'What we have here isa real cross section of businesses across Birmingham and The Black Country.'

Masood Bupp, the general manager of the Institute of Asian Businesses, was another attendee who benefited from the Venture Fair.

'I was invited as one of the speakers,' he said. 'We were really very pleased with the way it turned out.'

Mr Bupp said that Asian businesses have in the past tended to turn first and foremost to friends and family for their funding needs, and such events help open up the wider business community.

'Asian businesses have sometimes been in a network of their own.'

'The family networks have worked well, but many Asian businesses are now at the stage where they are ready to go into a bigger scale and are looking at other funding sources. Ethnic minority companies should attend these events to become aware of what is on offer.'

Ms Slater agrees: 'It's great to marry together so much under one roof. We'd like this to be the first of many events

CAPTION(S):

All the fun of the Venture Fair. Carol Slater, professional & relationships manager; Masood Butt, general manager, Institute of Asian Businesses and Helen Swaffield, director, Swaffield Solicitors

Pay less for your personal pension.

CUT-PRICE personal pensions are on offer in the run-up to the new low-cost, flexible stakeholder pension schemes that will be available from April next year.

Independent financial adviser Chartwell Investment Management has teamed up with Friends Provident to offer a personal pension with a 0.65 pc annual charge. The only other charge is a one-off [pounds sterling]99 for a regular payment plan or [pounds sterling]60 for a lump-sum investment.

* LEGAL & General has a new internet-based stakeholder-friendly group personal pension scheme with the Computer Services and Software Association, which also has a 0.65 pc annual charge, open to the estimated 250,000 staff working for CSSA members. There is no up-front fee.

* COVENTRY Building Society has raised the rate on its Call Save 11 account by 0.3 pc to 6.05 pc before tax, following last week's 0.25 pc rise in the Bank of England base rate.

Grapevine: The End?(Internet)(Column)

Vinnie The Leg Breaker: So I have a theory and I am looking for holes in it. From what I have been reading lately it appears as if there may be a secondary market opening up. Recently there was a trade in jumbos with Redwood Trust and today Flagstar came out with a new program called "Advantage" which is not Fannie, Freddie, or government of any kind.

My theory is that the latest beat-down of brokers (new comp guidelines) is to enable the opening of the secondary market. It could be for a few reasons such as get rid of the brokers as investors are convinced we are the devil.

Or they want to push broker comp down to the point that the "salesmen" move to more profitable pastures and LOs are just order takers who are much easier to control since they cannot think outside the box.

For whatever reason I think the death of the broker, which is coming soon, is all tied to the opening of the secondary market.

The reason I say true brokers are done is due to the new safe harbor requirements. It will be impossible to ensure that each of your customers gets the best deal you can offer on any given day if you have more then two or three lenders. And if all you have are two or three lenders are you really a broker?

REBroker:I would ask if you work with more than three banks, are you a serious broker?

The Voice of Reason: It's a relationship business not a commodity business.

Sfranny: Give me a break; the state doesn't have the money or will the Fed with CFPB to look at every broker's loan files. Please. If the banks and Fed wanted brokers gone, we'd be gone by now.

Vinnie The Leg Breaker: True they cannot look at all broker files, but all they need is to look at enough and declare those loans in violation of Reg Z and therefore unforeclosable. What is the minimum net worth they will require to cover those potential buybacks?

It is a relationship business, but so was insurance until Progressive, GEICO, SAFECO, etc., came into play. Sure State Farm, Allstate, Nationwide, MetLife still have a huge piece of that pie, but they lose a little bit every year to the commodity companies.

OLYMPIA MAN WITH MORE THAN 34,000 IMAGES OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON.

SEATTLE, WA -- The following information was released by the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington:

JOSHUA ROBERT STARNES, 23, of Olympia, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 15 years in prison and lifetime of supervised release for Transportation of Child Pornography. STARNES was arrested by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), on December 31, 2009, after a story he wrote about raping young boys was posted on an internet site. STARNES had come to the attention of law enforcement a few months earlier after chatting with a source about his desire to molest young boys. When authorities searched STARNES' computer they found the computer contained over 34,000 images and 291 video files of child pornography. At sentencing U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton told him, "Your need for the approval of others was greater than your revulsion at these images ... a person able to control themselves would have said 'no'."

According to records filed in the case, STARNES posted on an internet site about how he had inappropriately touched a pre-school age boy. STARNES also 'chatted' on line about his interest in molesting, raping, and otherwise assaulting young boys. STARNES traded child pornography with others via internet messenger services. STARNES was originally charged in state court, but was indicted by the federal grand jury on April 27, 2010. He pleaded guilty on October 5, 2010. He has been held at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac, Washington since May 3, 2010.

"We are extremely pleased with the message this sentence sends to others who would prey on children ," said John R. Batiste, chief of the Washington State Patrol. "Our Missing and Exploited Children Task Force put a lot of effort into this case. We appreciate the work of the US Attorney's office in getting to this conclusion."

In asking for the 15 year sentence, Assistant United States Attorney Brian Werner wrote to the court how the consumers of child pornography cause more children to be victimized. "The distribution and possession of child pornography keeps the market for this type of material thriving, and leads to circumstances where more of this material is created. When he was arrested, Mr. Starnes told the State Patrol that producers of child pornography will "continue to make it regardless if I look at it or not." ..... Mr. Starnes is incorrect if he believes that consumers of child pornography

play no role in the creation of child pornography, some child pornography is "made-for-trade" for other child pornography."

The case was investigated by the Washington Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force ("ICAC"), including the law enforcement agencies, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Washington State Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Werner.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. Click here for more information about Project Safe Childhood.

For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney's Office, at (206) 553-4110 or Emily.Langlie@USDOJ.Gov.

Another Exciting New Product from YESpay International: EasyV-GiftCard is Here.

London, UK (Vocus/PRWEB) 1 March 2011

EasyV-GiftCard, a new exciting product, is now available from YESpay International designed to address the closed loop Gift Card solution requirements for retailers. With total sales of $97 billion in US and estimated sales of [pounds sterling]17 billion in 2010 in UK according to 'The UK Gift Voucher and Gift Card Association', the gift card has already established its credibility as an effective customer acquisition tool in the retail market. According to previous studies, the average incremental spend above the value on the card is 40%, so merchants are not only looking at gift cards as an added value service to the customers but also as an effective sales aid tool.

EasyV-Gift Card is an online closed loop gift card solution enabling merchants to implement a powerful customer acquisition program within their retail environment. Provided as a fully hosted and managed service, EasyV-GiftCard can be used at any existing electronic point-of-sale (ePOS) system which is integrated with YESpay's Chip-and-PIN payment solution or in a standalone mode using a simple PC payment application (YESpos) making it ideal for single or multi-chain high street retail environments.

Using intuitive screen prompts, retail staff can confidently issue, load and accept gift card payments with the knowledge that each transaction is securely authorised online against the gift card holder account checking availability of funds in just 3-5 seconds and settled with the merchant gift card database managed by YESpay's PCI DSS approved EMBOSS Bureau Service. Merchants can manage their Gift Card scheme through the Gift Card Merchant site, i.e. they can adapt the solution to suit their retail environment, they can add promotions and special Gift Card offers to match their retail strategy.

The Gift Card Merchant Site is a comprehensive website for the complete management of the Gift Card solution; it has information about the number of cards issued, balance available on each card, and also provides the merchant functionality of loading money into a card or blocking a Gift Card if need be. Real time gift card transaction reports can be accessed via the Gift Card merchant website through EMBOSS making reconciliation fast and simple. Downloadable transaction reports, all the way to a single POS system, can be imported into in-house accounts and management reporting applications in a matter of minutes.To start using EasyV-Gift Card merchants do not need any additional software or hardware installation, rather a simple to perform upgrade in their current POS solution. EasyV-Gift Cards are then processed just as normal credit/debit card transactions.

Merchants have a great amount of flexibility with YESpay's GiftCard. They can choose to issue gift cards with a predetermined value or to allow the customer to specify the initial value of the card. A wide choice of gift card designs can be selected or, if required, the merchant may create their own design, allowing the gift card to match and enhance their branding.

The Gift Card holders can register themselves on the YESpay's Gift Card Cardholder Website enabling them to perform certain transactions such as activation, loading, balance enquiry and fund transfer to another card through the website. In case the card gets stolen, registered card holders can get a new one issued from the merchant or transfer the funds from that card to another.

Delivered under the SaaS model (Software as a Service), merchants require no capital investment and benefit from low on-going monthly fees per POS system and a small per transaction charge. A one off setup fee per POS terminal ensures they are fully linked and tested with EMBOSS, YESpay's payment gateway.

Vivek Singh, National Sales Manager at YESpay International comments " Our EasyV-GiftCard service can really boost sales and consumer spending for our merchants without a large capital investment and low on-going service costs!''.

To obtain more information on our Gift Card solution please contact YESpay International Limited via sales(at)yes-pay(dot)com or (+44) 0871 221 9510.

About YESpay International Limited:

YESpay, a global card payments service company, provides highly secure Internet, EMV Chip & PIN, contactless and gift card payment processing services to independent and multi-chain merchants. Through EMBOSS[TM], the YESpay Managed Payment Service, merchants can quickly accept integrated card payments within EPOS, kiosks, hospitality and e-commerce systems with minimal capital investment and low on-going services costs. EMBOSS is an on-line IP-based payment processing service that has been generically pre-accredited by major Card Acquirers in Europe and North America (including Chase Paymentech, First Data Merchant Service (FDMS), Barclaycard Business, HSBC, HBOS, Lloyds Cardnet, Streamline, Ulster Bank, Elavon, PBS, Amex and Diners). In addition, the YESpay EMBOSS service is fully end to end certified to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) Level 1 as mandated by Visa and MasterCard. The YESpay EasyV-Suite of card payment products is innovative and cost-effective for EPOS, Kiosk, Hospitality, Mobile and Internet environments. With the YESpay EMBOSS card payment service, merchants can perform card payments in both card-present and card-not-present environments.

http://www.yes-pay.com

YESpay International Ltd Offices:

UK Headquarters: Checknet House, 153 East Barnet Road, Barnet, EN48QZ, UK

133 Richmond Street West, Suite 406, Toronto, ONTARIO, M5H2L3 CANADA

UK/Europe Telephone: +44 -- 203 -- 006 -- 3790

USA/Canada Telephone: +1 -- 416 -- 214 - 6012

PR Contact: Antonia Mitsana, Marketing Manager, +44-203-006-3790 ext. 227

antonia.mitsana(at)yes-pay(dot)com

###

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/3/prweb8168360.htm

Cisco to Showcase the Power of the Network at Digital Signage Expo 2011.

M2 PRESSWIRE-February 23, 2011-: Cisco to Showcase the Power of the Network at Digital Signage Expo 2011(C)1994-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

RDATE:22022011

WHAT:

Cisco will exhibit at the Las Vegas Convention Center' Digital Signage Expo on Feb. 22-25. Demonstrating its leading network-based signage solutions, Cisco will highlight its latest product innovations emphasizing the rapidly evolving capabilities for displaying dynamic live streaming and on-demand video, motion graphics and more.

"Digital signage is a Cisco business that continues to experience rapid growth, and an important market as we drive our vision and strategy around making video and dynamic digital content the next great form of communication across the enterprise, schools, retail outlets and beyond," said Janice Litvinoff, general manager, Cisco Digital Media Systems business unit. "This year at DSE 2011, we are excited to showcase how the power of the network can take signage to new heights with extensive scalability and flexibility, bold and creative content, and more."

DEMONSTRATIONS:

Show attendees visiting booth #1310 will have the opportunity to experience Cisco' broad range of digital signage technology. These include:

Video everywhere -- Cisco will be showcasing an expanded line of professional-grade high-definition LCD models in 42-, 47- and 55-inch sizes, rounding out its portfolio and providing customers with more options. These new displays will also be featured on a video wall in Cisco' booth.

Robust scalability -- Announced in October 2010, the Cisco Digital Media Player 4310 automatically configures to the signage network at setup. The player also combines network-based scalable technology with Adobe Flash, creating the ultimate canvas for digital signage content. Flash and video content will be remotely managed via an iPod interface that highlights the capabilities of the DMP 4310.

In addition, technology from Cisco and its partners will be on display at the booth. Those are:

Array Interactive -- Cisco Digital Signs will be enabled with a touch screen application and integrated with a Cisco TelePresence endpoint to tap into "speak to a live expert" as a virtual expert on-demand solution.

Cisco Nexus(r) On-Demand -- AppSpace and Cisco' Digital Media Suite will allow flexible and easy content updates and publishing to digital media applications. AppSpace will highlight different banking and financial-services industry applications and concepts via a Cisco Digital Media Player 4400 and a Cisco LCD Professional Series 40-inch display.

Industry Weapon -- Controlled by an iPad interface, Industry Weapon will showcase how Cisco' interactive signage can be used to engage passersby. Guests will receive coupons & offers, from the digital sign and will be able to redeem the promotions on a mobile device.

For more information about Cisco DSE news, see press release, "Cisco Reaches 3,000-Customer Milestone in Digital Signage."

AWARD CEREMONY/PANEL DISCUSSIONS:

In addition to product demonstrations, several other activities will be taking place throughout the course of the show, including:

The 2011 DSE Apex Awards -- On Wednesday, Feb. 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Paris Hotel, the Digital Signage Expo will reveal the winners of the Apex Awards. The Apex Awards celebrate innovation in the development and deployment of technology in the global digital out of home sector. Cisco and the following Cisco customers are finalists:

JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Hospitality Category

NASDAQ, Business Industry & Government Category

New Meadowlands, Event Venues Category

West Texas A&M University, Education and Healthcare Category

"Digital Placed-Based Advertising: Bridging the Gap in Audience Demographics and Measurement" -- On Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., join Cisco' Brian Carnell, manager of marketing and advertising product strategy, for his "lunch and learn" session about emerging tools, methodologies and standards that will close the gap between traditional and digital advertising audience measurement.

"Creating the Right Visual Experience" -- On Thursday, Feb. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join Cisco' Dos Dosanjh customer solution manager, Digital Media Creative Services, for a session about a digital signage approach that addresses the business logic, content strategies and creative design mapped to the underlying platform.

WHO:

Janice Litvinoff, general manager, Cisco Digital Media Systems business unit is available for meetings by appointment.

WHEN:

Feb. 22-25, 2011

WHERE:

The Digital Signage Expo is taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. For on-site requests or other media inquiries, please contact Star Meza at starm@text100.com, (408) 398-1258.

About Cisco

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.

Contact Information:

Press Contact(s)

Starlayne Meza

Cisco Systems, Inc.

+1 408 525 4335

stmeza@cisco.com

((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).

HTC Unveils Two Social Phones With One-Touch Facebook Access.

HTC raises the bar for mobile social phones with HTC ChaCha(TM) and HTC Salsa(TM)

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile World Congress -- HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, today announced two new phones built entirely to be social, combining the simplicity, ease-of-use and depth of HTC Sense(TM) with the power and connectivity of Facebook. As part of an extended portfolio of six new HTC Sense-based devices being unveiled at Mobile World Congress, HTC ChaCha and HTC Salsa feature a dedicated Facebook button for one-touch access to the key functions of the Facebook service that are integrated throughout the HTC Sense experience.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110215/SF48313)

"HTC has always understood that different people want different things and the new HTC ChaCha and Salsa offer special new ways to experience Facebook on a mobile device," said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. "With more than 500 million active users worldwide, Facebook has become synonymous with the social web and we wanted to create the ultimate socially connected phones with mass market appeal."

"We have worked closely with HTC for several years on bringing Facebook to their devices and HTC ChaCha and HTC Salsa are the next stage," said Henri Moissinac, Head of Mobile Business for Facebook. "HTC has brought Facebook to these two new devices in an innovative way enabling people to connect and share easily whenever they want, wherever they are."

The Facebook button on HTC ChaCha and HTC Salsa is context-aware, gently pulsing with light whenever there is an opportunity to share content or updates through Facebook. With a single press of the button, you can update your status, upload a photo, share a Website, post what song you are listening to, 'check in' to a location and more. For example, you can take a photograph of friends on your phone and upload it instantly to Facebook by simply pressing the button. Or let your friends know what song you're listening to by pressing the button while listening to music on the phone. The track is automatically identified and shared on Facebook.

The new devices feature Android Gingerbread 2.3.3, the latest version, and use the latest iteration of HTC Sense to integrate Facebook throughout the HTC Sense experience. When you make a phone call, the dialer screen displays your friend's latest status and photos, and even tells you if their birthday is approaching. The same updates are also displayed when you receive a call from a Facebook friend. You can also use your phone's existing contacts to help you connect with them on Facebook or personalize your handset further with a number of new, Facebook-branded widgets.

The HTC ChaCha and HTC Salsa smartphones make it simple to stay in touch with your friends using Facebook Chat and Messages on your phone. Your Facebook messages and conversations are integrated within your phone and appear within your text and email inboxes alongside your regular conversations.

Stay connected with the smartphone for the Facebook generation - HTC ChaCha

The HTC ChaCha smartphone is designed to provide a seamless, social experience by enabling you to stay in touch with your friends anytime, anywhere. The unique tilt design shapes the display and physical QWERTY keyboard so it is easy to view and comfortable to type. Capture special moments in crisp, High-Definition detail or video chat with your friends using the dual cameras, including a 5-megapixel color camera with auto focus and LED flash and a VGA front-facing camera. The ChaCha smartphone also brings the Internet to your fingertips with a 2.6-inch, 480 x 320 resolution landscape touch screen.

Your Facebook friends never felt closer - HTC Salsa

Boasting the same deep Facebook integration as the HTC ChaCha smartphone, the HTC Salsa smartphone provides a fast, high-performance smartphone experience. Capture the moment in high-resolution stills or video with the 5-megapixel camera and immediately share it with friends on the generous 3.4-inch, 480 x 320 resolution touch display. Upload your photos to Facebook at the touch of a button. For face-to-face conversations on the move, the VGA forward-facing camera enables high-quality video calling.

Availability

The HTC ChaCha and HTC Salsa smartphones will be available to customers across major European and Asian markets during Q2 2011. In the United States, HTC plans to bring this unique user experience to market later this year exclusively with AT&T.

About HTC

HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

HTC, the HTC logo, HTC ChaCha, HTC Salsa, and HTC Sense are the trademarks of HTC Corporation. All other names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.

SOURCE HTC Corporation

Huge Alert On: (OTCBB:SIRG) - (OTCBB:VSPC) - (PINKSHEETS:WTCT).

M2 PRESSWIRE-February 9, 2011-OTC ADVISORS, LLC: Huge Alert On: (OTCBB:SIRG) - (OTCBB:VSPC) - (PINKSHEETS:WTCT)(C)1994-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

RDATE:09022011

Rochester NY -- www.otc-advisors.com names (OTCBB:SIRG) Sierra Resource Group, Inc. , (OTCBB:VSPC) VIASPACE, Inc. , and (PINKSHEETS:WTCT) WatchIt Technologies, Inc. its "Bulls of the day"!

Visit: http://www.otc-advisors.com/disclaimer.htm for current profiles

Check out our forum at http://otc-advisors.com/forum.htm to get in on the chatter on who's hot and who's not.

To feature your publicly traded company in our alerts email us at info@otc-advisors.com.

To sign up for our free newsletter or to be added to our Quarterly Investment Magazine visit http://www.otc-advisors.com/contact.htm

Also, you can receive up to the minute stock alerts via our Twitter/Facbook page. www.twitter.com/otcadvisors or www.facebook.com/pages/OTC-ADVISORS-LLC/259891872296

Visit: www.otc-advisors.com

About Sierra Resource Group, Inc.

SIERRA RESOURCE GROUP, INC. (OTC Bulletin Board: SIRG) is U.S. based junior exploration and mining company committed to the exploration, discovery and development of copper, gold, silver, and other mineral resources. Sierra Resource Group Inc. holds mining rights and mineral concessions in Arizona and is looking to expand throughout the Americas in the near future. We are committed to exploring responsibly, maintaining environmentally friendly policies while impacting the local economy in a positive manner that will allow our shareholders to take pride in their investment.

For more information, please, visit our web site www.sierraresgroup.com.

News Today :

KINGMAN, Ariz., Feb. 9, 2011 Sierra Resource Group, Inc. (the "Company") has become aware that there are several organizations currently disseminating opinions, both favorable and unfavorable, regarding the Company. Some of these organizations send mass mailings through the U.S. Postal Service or are Internet web sites that, through message boards and analyst opinions, may disseminate statements that are not factual and are based solely on conjecture. These statements may discuss the perceived value of the Company, potential opportunities, anticipated financial results, or various other topics. The Company has not engaged the services of any of these organizations and has not provided any information to them, other than what they may have learned through the Company's public announcements and SEC filings.

"In assessing the value of an investment in our Company, investors should rely only on publicly available information contained in our SEC filings and our official press releases," said Patrick Champney, Chief Executive Officer.

Visit: www.otc-advisors.com

About VIASPACE Inc.

VIASPACE is a clean energy company providing products and technology for renewable and alternative energy that reduce or eliminate dependence on fossil and high-pollutant energy sources. Through its majority-owned subsidiary VIASPACE Green Energy Inc., the Company grows Giant King Grass as a low-carbon fuel for electricity generating power plants, as a feedstock for bio methane production and cellulosic biofuels, and for other low-carbon, renewable energy products. VIASPACE Green Energy recently introduced its Green Log(TM) fireplace and campfire log product. For more information, please go to www.viaspace.com or www.viaspacegreenenergy.com, or contact Dr. Jan Vandersande, Director of Communications, at 800-517-8050 or IR@VIASPACE.com.

News Today :

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2011 VIASPACE Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: VSPC), and its renewable energy subsidiary VIASPACE Green Energy Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: VGREF), announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PT Provident Agro of Jakarta Indonesia with the goal to use Giant King(TM) Grass as feedstock for a large scale pellet mill to manufacture a minimum of 300,000 metric tonnes per year of pellets for the export market, primarily in Europe.

Provident Agro owns extensive oil palm plantations and land in Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, Indonesia with a total land bank of 150,000 hectares (370,000 acres) producing more than 23,500 tons of crude palm oil each year. Provident Agro is owned 50% by the Saratoga Group and 50% by Provident Capital Indonesia. The Saratoga group, headed by Edwin Soeryadjaya, Ernst & Young's Indonesian Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010, has extensive holdings in energy and natural resources including coal and palm plantations. Saratoga and Provident Capital Indonesia also own a network of cell phone towers in Indonesia.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, Provident Agro will initially plant a 25 acre test plot in Indonesia using Giant King Grass seedlings provided under contract by VIASPACE. Details of the business relationship were not provided. Provident Agro has signed a Nondisclosure and Non-Circumvention Agreement with VIASPACE, and has visited the Giant King Grass plantation in China as part of its due diligence.

Giant King Grass is a very high yield, nonfood, low carbon energy crop that can be burned in electric power plants to replace coal. The carbon dioxide released when Giant King Grass is burned is reabsorbed by the next crop growing 120 days later. With only minor modifications, many existing power plants can burn up to 25% Giant King Grass pellets instead of coal, thus reducing their carbon emissions by 25% and meeting their emissions targets for the next 10 to 20 years while preserving their large capital investment. New power plants can burn up to 100% Giant King Grass.

Bloomberg reported on December 3, 2010, "The highest-priced coal in two years is making wood pellets a viable fuel alternative for U.K. power producers, heralding a doubling of electricity generation from biomass in the next three years...Benchmark coal for delivery next month in Northwest Europe has climbed 40 percent this year to close at $116.25 a metric ton yesterday, thehighestsince Oct. 24, 2008, according to data compiled by Bloomberg from broker prices. Pellets have fallen 0.7 percent this year to 126.30 euros ($167) a ton, according to APX-Endex, an Amsterdam-based exchange thatplansto begin trading of wood contracts on its system by mid-2011...Power companies are turning to biomass as the profit from coal-based electricity generation slides."

Giant King Grass is a dedicated and sustainably grown energy crop that provides an attractive alternative to wood pellets which are being criticized for diverting wood waste from current applications in the pulp & paper, plywood, veneer and engineered wood products industries.

Visit: otc-advisors.com

About WatchIt Technologies:

WatchIt Technologies is an alternative "incubator" for developing and emerging "Green Technology" companies and technologies. The Company's flagship product is the revolutionary "Fuel Reformer" technology. Its focus is on strategies that are structured to mitigate risk and produce returns in all market environments.

News Today:

ARDEN, NC, Feb 09, 2011 WatchIt Technologies Inc. (PINKSHEETS: WTCT) announced today that as a result of nationalizing the pending patents, the Company has received a verbal commitment for funding, with a signed term sheet to follow. The purpose of this financing is to take the Company's revolutionary "fuel reformer" to a pre production stage without diluting the common shares of stock.

"Members of the board are actively engaged in discussions with a select group of investors who are committed to assisting the company long term and as a result are willing to invest in the preferred series of stock. By offering this series of stock, it will provide the company with the necessary capital to accomplish its goals without having a dilutive impact on the common shares," stated Max Bennett, President and CEO of WatchIt Technologies. "Thus far the discussions have resulted in a presentation of a term sheet from one investor followed by a verbal commitment of acceptance. The investor has committed to a term sheet for a significant amount of durable non-dilutive financing. With the most recent discussions and negotiations, we are very optimistic about securing the first major investment dollars necessary to bring our breakthrough Fuel Reformer to the market."

"The company is proceeding in a planned and deliberate process in regards to financing, patent solidification and development," stated Bennett, President and CEO of WatchIt Technologies. "The process of bringing a new product to market requires the management team to understand and implement a multitude of steps and safeguards to insure our shareholders' investments are secure and future customers are getting the best product available. We are committed to keeping our shareholder base informed and up to date."

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OTC-ADVISORS.COM is a website that profiles stocks of interest. We are not licensed brokers or financial consultants. The information here is believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed to be accurate by OTC-ADVISORS. Please be advised that the information contained may or may not be complete and is solely for informational purposes only. This is not to be construed as an offer to sell, hold or the solicitation of an offer to buy. Investors are encouraged to seek opinions by their registered brokers or financial advisors after extensive due diligence is performed.

For additional information: info@otc-advisors.com, www.otc-advisors.com, www.twitter.com/otcadvisors or www.facebook.com/pages/OTC-ADVISORS-LLC/259891872296

((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).

ALLOT LAUNCHES SERVICE GATEWAY SIGMA E FOR LTE NETWORKS.

(Full text of statement. Contact details below.)

MEDIA RELEASE PR42950

Allot Launches Service Gateway Sigma E for LTE Networks, Propelling the Industry to 160 Gbps Throughput

BOSTON, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

- SG-Sigma E Offers a Growing Portfolio of Intelligent Services Integrated Within the Policy Control & Charging Framework Allot Communications Ltd. (http://www.allot.com/ )(NASDAQ: ALLT), a leading supplier of service optimization and revenue generation solutions for fixed and mobile broadband service providers worldwide, announced today the launch of Allot Service Gateway Sigma E (http://www.allot.com Service_Gateway_Sigma_E.html) (SG-Sigma E).

Boasting 160 Gbps of throughput and supporting 8 million subscribers on a single platform, SG-Sigma E is designed to meet the high-speed and extreme performance requirements of 4G LTE and fixed-mobile converged networks, enabling operators to enhance the user experience whilst generating revenue from over-the-top (OTT) applications. SG-Sigma E will be on display for the first time during Mobile World Congress from 14-17 February, hall 2, booth B53.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20110125 431818)

Allot SG-Sigma E is the only service gateway platform of its kind to deliver extreme performance of up to 1 Terabit per second in a clustered configuration. Acting as a nerve center in the network, the platform enables operators to expand their role in the Internet value chain by providing vital information on applications, subscribers and network topology. This knowledge is crucial to implementing Intelligent Charging models which enable the monetization of OTT applications such as video, social networking and more.

SG-Sigma E is also designed to reduce deployment complexity, time-to-market and TCO for the operator, by enabling in-platform deployment of Allot or third party network and subscriber services (http://www.allot.com Service_Protector.html) such as video optimization, advanced media caching and DoS/DDoS protection.

"With the huge amount of traffic expected on LTE networks, operators must put in place solutions that will enable them to manage the oncoming torrent of data," said Shira Levine, directing analyst for next gen OSS and policy at Infonetics Research.

"For the mobile Internet market to continue its exponential growth, those solutions need to be specifically designed to provide the performance and intelligence required to maximize network efficiency, enable smart charging and deliver next-generation services that will open up new revenue streams to operators."

"LTE signifies the next big step forward for mobile Internet. It represents a huge opportunity for operators to improve the way they deliver Internet to subscribers in terms of throughput, the services that they offer and how they charge for it," said Rami Hadar, Allot's President and CEO.

"SG-Sigma E is designed to do exactly that."

The highly scalable SG-Sigma E architecture enables pay-as-you-grow deployment, allowing operators to upgrade capacity and add services at any time. SG-Sigma E is based on AdvancedTCA(R) standards, 3GPP fully-compliant and engineered to meet the NEBS design guidelines.

Allot Communications pioneered the concept of a carrier-class platform for intelligent network management and integrated services in 2007 with the launch of Service Gateway Omega. SG-Sigma E is the third generation of this vision.

About Allot Communications

Allot Communications Ltd. (NASDAQ: ALLT) is a leading provider of intelligent IP service optimization and revenue generation solutions for fixed and mobile broadband operators and large enterprises. Allot's rich portfolio of solutions leverages Dynamic Actionable Recognition Technology (http:/ www.allot.com Dynamic_Actionable_Recognition_Technology.html ) (DART) to transform pipes into smart networks that can rapidly and efficiently deploy value added Internet services. Allot's scalable, carrier-grade solutions provide the visibility, topology awareness, security, application control and subscriber management that are vital to managing Internet service delivery, enhancing user experience, containing operating costs, and maximizing revenue in broadband networks.

Trademark Notice The terms 3GPP and LTE are registered Trade Marks of ETSI.

Safe Harbor Statement

Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally relate to the company's plans, objectives and expectations for future operations, including the expectation for huge amount of traffic on LTE networks, the market demand for the SG-Sigma E and the expected performance characteristics of the SG-Sigma E and its ability to meet operators' requirements and expectations. These forward-looking statements are based upon management's current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These factors include, but are not limited to: changes in general economic and business conditions and, specifically, a decline in demand for the company's products the company's inability to develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; loss of market; and other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the company's annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Allot Communications Contacts

Jonathon Gordon, Tel: +972-9-761942, jgordon@allot.com

PR Contact

Danielle Matthews - Calysto Communications, Tel: +-1-404-266-2060 x2

SOURCE: Allot Communications Ltd.

ASIA PULSE ms 03-02 1113

J Vineyards & Winery Blog Offers News You Can Use.

In the quest for even faster methods of communication, acolytes of Social Media (think Twitter, FourSquare, Yelp, Facebook, YouTube) continue to embrace one of the Internet's best connective platforms -- The Blog.

Though the rush is on to create the Internet's next hot new communication tool, blogging about wine continues to gain in popularity. A quick survey indicates that there are now thousands of individuals, some representing wineries and media outlets, who maintain a blog.

Within these blogs, you will find latest news and technical information about wine, winemakers, vineyards, appellations, harvest, and industry controversies big and small. J Vineyards & Winery, you will be happy to know, also maintains a blog.

Keywords: Food, J Vineyards & Winery, Vineyards.

This article was prepared by Food Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Food Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.

DivX and Sharp Team to Bring Premier Level of DivX Certification to New Devices.

Sharp's 2011 LCD TVs and Blu-ray Disc players to be DivX Plus(TM) HD Certified for easy DivX MKV video playback

SAN DIEGO and MAHWAH, N.J., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DivX, a division of Sonic Solutions (Nasdaq: SNIC), and Sharp Electronics Corporation today announced that Sharp will add DivX Plus(TM) HD Certification to its new LE835 and LE830 lines of AQUOS Quattron(TM) LCD TVs as well as its new line of AQUOS Blu-ray Disc(TM) players, providing flawless playback of DivX MKV files in 1080p. Consumers who purchase the new Sharp devices will enjoy high-quality playback of DivX Plus HD videos and Hollywood movies in the DivX format directly on the products using any optical disc or through the SD card slot.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081124/DIVXLOGO)

Key advanced DivX Plus HD features on the Sharp devices include support for as many as eight subtitle and audio tracks in a single movie file, smooth fast forward and rewind which makes it simple to navigate through a DivX Plus video, and auto chapter points so users can skip between chapters in a video when no chapters have previously been authored.

"Sharp is a global consumer electronics leader, and it's a testament to both our longstanding relationship and next-generation technology that they've chosen to add DivX Plus HD Certification to their 2011 LCD TVs and complete line up of Blu-ray Disc players," said Matt Milne, Executive Vice President and General Manager, DivX. "We look forward to our continued partnership with Sharp to offer innovative home entertainment solutions to their customers."

"We were very happy with the customer feedback we received on our 2010 DivX HD Certified product lines, and so we chose to expand our relationship with DivX to incorporate their most advanced level of certification on our 2011 Blu-ray Disc players and LCD TVs," said Bruce Tripido, associate vice president, consumer electronics marketing, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "For us DivX Plus HD technology is like a stamp of approval, ensuring our customers that they can play their entire video collection including MKV files in a high-quality and secure way."

DivX Plus HD Certification is the premium level of certification available from DivX, awarded to consumer electronics products supporting the optimized playback of all content created with DivX software. Available on www.divx.com, DivX Plus Software allows users to create and playback H.264 video in an .mkv file container. DivX Plus HD Certified devices will playback all previous versions of DivX video and DivX Plus HD video files with the .mkv file extension and AAC audio created with third-party tools.

At CES 2011, Sharp introduced new AQUOS Quattron LE835 and LE830 Series LCD TVs which combine Sharp's X-Gen panel with Quad Pixel Technology and edge LED backlighting to deliver a superior and captivating experience. These series will be available in 60-, 52-, 46- and 40-inch screen size classes in the United States this spring. The company's HP25/35/75/205 Blu-ray Disc players will be for sale in the United States in March 2011, the HP35 will be sold in Europe, and the HP25 will be available for the rest of the world later in 2011.

Known for great performance, visual quality, and interoperability on any DivX Certified device, DivX provides consumers with a comprehensive digital media solution supporting the majority of high-quality Internet video on their TVs or other consumer electronics devices. All DivX devices contain proprietary digital rights management technology and are capable of playing back premium movies in the DivX format from major studios. Global online retailers offering titles in the DivX format include WB Shop, Media Markt, Film Fresh, and Best Buy's CinemaNow, which is powered by RoxioNow(TM).

DivX creates, distributes, and licenses digital video technologies that span the "three screens" comprising today's consumer media environment - the PC, television, and mobile devices. Over 400 million DivX devices have shipped into the market worldwide from leading consumer electronics manufacturers. DivX also offers content providers and publishers a complete solution for the distribution of secure, high-quality digital video content. Driven by a globally recognized brand and a passionate community of hundreds of millions of consumers, DivX is simplifying the video experience to enable the digital home.

For more information about DivX, visit www.divx.com.

About Sharp

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions, LED lighting and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS Quattron(TM) LCD televisions and 3DTVs, SharpVision projectors, Insight Microwave Drawer ovens, Notevision multimedia projectors and Plasmacluster air purifiers. For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at www.sharpusa.com. Find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.

Sharp, AQUOS and all related trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation and/or its affiliated entities.

About Sonic Solutions

Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC) enables digital media from Hollywood to Home. For more than two decades, Sonic products, service, and technology brands, including Roxio, RoxioNow(TM), DivX, and MainConcept, have fueled home entertainment, powered rich digital media functionality on a range of platforms for a variety of partners, and inspired unique personal media experiences for hundreds of millions of consumers. Sonic technologies are now combining to deliver a universal platform for Hollywood Studios, retailers, consumer electronics manufacturers, and PC OEMs that provides consumers instant access to premium entertainment from virtually anywhere. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Marin County, California. Learn more at www.sonic.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This release may contain forward looking statements that are based upon current expectations, including the launch, distribution, and market acceptance of the DivX format. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Sonic Solutions' annual and quarterly reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release should be read in conjunction with Sonic Solutions' most recent annual report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which contain a more detailed discussion of the Company's business including risks and uncertainties that may affect future results. Sonic Solutions does not undertake to update any forward looking statements.

Sonic, Sonic Solutions, Roxio, RoxioNow, DivX, DivX Certified, DivX Plus, and Hollywood to Home are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by Sonic Solutions in the United States and/or other countries. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective owners and, in some cases, are used by Sonic Solutions under license.

SOURCE DivX, Inc.