LDK Solar Reports Financial Results for the Second Quarter 2008

XINYU CITY, China and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LDK Solar Co., Ltd. , a leading manufacturer of solar wafers, today reported its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008.

All financial results are reported in U.S. dollars on a U.S. GAAP basis. Second Quarter 2008 Financial Highlights: -- Revenue of $441.7 million, up 89.2% quarter-over-quarter; -- Annualized wafer production capacity reached 880 MW by end of June; -- Signed nine long-term wafer supply agreements year-to-date; -- Total wafer shipments increased 60.8% to 191.7 MW during the quarter; and -- Gross profit margin for the quarter was 25.4%.

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 were $441.7 million, up 89.2% from $233.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, and up 345.9% year-over-year from $99.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was $112.3 million, up 73.9% from $64.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, and up 221.8% year-over-year from $34.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Gross profit margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was 25.4% compared with 27.7% in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and 35.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Operating profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was $100.3 million, up 90.9% from $52.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, and up 225.4% year-over-year from $30.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Operating profit margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was 22.7% compared with 22.5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and 31.1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

Income tax expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was $13.3 million. One of our operating subsidiaries in the PRC, after the first two years of exemptions, is now subject to the tax rate of 12.5% under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law that became effective on January 1, 2008.

Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was $149.5 million, or $1.29 per diluted ADS, compared to net income of $49.8 million, or $0.45 per diluted ADS for the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

LDK Solar ended the second quarter of fiscal 2008 with $83.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and with $261.9 million in pledged bank deposits.

"We experienced substantial revenue growth during the second quarter as our wafer capacity expansion exceeded our expectations," stated Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar. "We were also pleased to introduce our first Nova wafers using Upgraded Metallurgical Silicon (UMG), which began shipping to certain customers, ahead of schedule during the quarter. Customer demand remains strong and we have signed nine long-term wafer supply agreements year-to-date, further diversifying our customer base. In response to our sales backlog, we are again raising our target annualized capacity to 1.2 GW by the end of 2008, 2.2 GW by the end of 2009 and 3.2 GW by the end of 2010."

"We are pleased with our continued success of executing our growth strategies. In addition to our wafer capacity expansion, tremendous progress has been made to date on the construction of our polysilicon plants and the project remains on schedule," concluded Mr. Peng.

Business Outlook

The following statements are based upon management's current expectations. These statements are forward-looking in nature, and the actual results may differ materially. You should read the "Safe Harbor Statement" below with respect to the risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2008, LDK Solar estimates its revenue to be in the range of $486 million to $496 million with wafer shipments between 210 MW to 220 MW. LDK Solar also updated its outlook for the full year of fiscal 2008. For the full year of fiscal 2008, LDK Solar currently estimates:

-- Revenue to be in the range of $1.65 billion to $1.75 billion; -- Wafer shipments in the range of 750 MW to 770 MW; -- Gross margin in the range of 23% to 28%; and -- Annualized wafer production capacity to be 1.2 GW by the end of 2008. Conference Call Details

The LDK Solar Second Quarter 2008 teleconference and webcast is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), on Monday, August 11, 2008. To listen to the live conference call, please dial 800-366-3908 (within U.S.) or 303-205-0033 (outside U.S.) at 4:50 p.m. ET on August 11, 2008. An audio replay of the call will be available to investors through August 14, 2008, by dialing 800-405-2236 (within U.S.) or 303-590-3000 (outside U.S.) and entering the passcode 11117794#.

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (In US$'000, except share and per share data) 6/30/2008 3/31/2008 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 83,742 93,705 Pledged bank deposits 261,934 142,086 Trade accounts receivable, net 34,964 8,905 Inventories, net 656,202 519,594 Prepayments to suppliers 253,806 206,330 Other current assets 48,830 39,187 Deferred income tax assets 1,307 658 Total current assets 1,340,785 1,010,465 Property, plant and equipment, net 705,784 501,078 Deposit for property, plant and equipments 222,400 200,725 Intangible asset, net 1,103 1,109 Land use rights 78,946 64,612 Inventories to be processed beyond one year, net 10,529 21,401 Prepayments to suppliers to be utilized beyond one year 20,538 20,534 Pledged bank deposits - non-current 33,444 30,020 Convertible senior notes issuance costs 10,530 - Other financial assets 3,196 2,794 Deferred income tax assets 596 368 Total assets 2,427,851 1,853,106 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Current liabilities Short-term bank borrowings 375,634 313,933 Trade accounts payable 67,003 37,465 Advance payments from customers 242,962 231,089 Accrued expenses and other payables 166,994 137,525 Income tax payable 5,293 4,466 Other financial liabilities 6,213 7,577 Total current liabilities 864,099 732,055 Long-term bank borrowings, excluding current portions 99,158 37,795 Convertible senior notes 400,000 - Advance payments from customers - non-current 364,706 301,313 Other liabilities 2,252 2,164 Total liabilities 1,730,215 1,073,327 Shareholders' equity Ordinary shares: US$0.10 par value; 499,580,000 shares authorized; 106,478,033 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2008 and March 31, 2008 10,648 10,648 Additional paid-in capital 238,555 494,358 Statutory reserve 18,697 18,697 Accumulated other comprehensive income 84,340 60,214 Retained earnings 345,396 195,862 Total shareholders' equity 697,636 779,779 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 2,427,851 1,853,106 LDK Solar Co., Ltd. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statement Information (In US$'000, except per ADS data) For the 3 Months Ended 6/30/2008 3/31/2008 Net sales 441,665 233,399 Cost of goods sold (329,372) (168,831) Gross profit 112,293 64,568 Selling expenses (599) (481) General and administrative expenses (10,956) (11,185) Research and development expenses (437) (371) Total operating expenses (11,992) (12,037) Income from operations 100,301 52,531 Other income/(expenses): Interest income 1,698 1,326 Interest expense (10,197) (5,254) Foreign currency exchange gain, net 5,823 5,339 Government subsidy 4,347 4,521 Change in fair value of prepaid forward contracts 60,028 - Others 856 (126) Income before income tax 162,856 58,337 Income tax (expenses)/benefit (13,322) (8,511) Net income available to ordinary shareholders 149,534 49,826 Net income per ADS, Diluted $1.29 $0.45 About LDK Solar

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of solar wafers, which are the principal raw material used to produce solar cells. LDK Solar sells wafers globally to manufacturers of photovoltaic products, including solar cells and solar modules. In addition, LDK Solar provides wafer processing services to solar cell and module manufacturers. LDK Solar's headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located in Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Xinyu City, Jiangxi Province in the People's Republic of China. Its office in the United States is located in Sunnyvale, California.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, LDK Solar's ability to raise additional capital to finance its activities; the effectiveness, profitability, and marketability of its products; the future trading of its securities; its ability to operate as a public company; the period of time for which its current liquidity will enable it to fund its operations; its ability to protect its proprietary information; general economic and business conditions; the volatility of its operating results and financial condition; its ability to attract or retain qualified senior management personnel and research and development staff; and other risks detailed in LDK Solar's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about LDK Solar and the industry. These statements are based upon information available to LDK Solar's management as of the date hereof. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results because of certain risks and uncertainties. This press release also contains forward looking statements about the progress of LDK Solar's construction of its polysilicon plant. These statements are based on information available to its management today. Actual results may differ, including various factors which may delay or disrupt the plant's construction and completion, including, poor weather, the risk of labor difficulties, construction difficulties or financing difficulties.

LDK Solar undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although LDK Solar believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.

LDK Solar Co., Ltd.

CONTACT: Lisa Laukkanen of The Blueshirt Group, +1-415-217-4967,
lisa@blueshirtgroup.com, for LDK Solar Co., Ltd.; or Jack Lai, Executive VP
and CFO of LDK Solar Co., Ltd., +1-408-245-8801, IR@ldksolar.com

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

China 3C Group Reports Second Quarter 2008 Financial Results

-- Revenue Increases 22% to $78.5 Million -- -- Net Income Increases 37% to $7.6 Million -- -- Diluted EPS Increases 40% to $0.14 --

HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- China 3C Group (BULLETIN BOARD: CHCG) , a retailer and wholesale distributor of consumer and business products in China, today announced financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2008.

Results for the three months ended June 30, 2008

Net sales for the second quarter of 2008 totaled $78.5 million, compared to $64.5 million for the same period of the prior year. This 21.7% sales increase for the second quarter was primarily attributable to successful advertising and promotional efforts by the Company in conjunction with two major Chinese holidays in the second quarter and a net increase in new doors. Net sales decreased $3-4 million from preliminary 2008 second quarter sales estimates announced on July 10, 2008, after the Company accounted for supplier rebate activity and finalized the RMB to USD conversion exchange rate. The Company's wholesale business generated $25.4 million, or 32.3% of sales, while the retail business generated $53.1 million, or 67.7% of sales, in the second quarter.

The net combined retail and wholesale revenue contribution of each of the Company's four major operating subsidiaries was as follows:

-- WangDa (cell phones) second quarter 2008 revenue increased 38.1% to $26.9 million, compared to $19.5 million in the prior year period. Second quarter gross profit margin for WangDa was 14.1%. -- SanHe (appliances) second quarter 2008 revenue increased 20.3% to $19.3 million compared to $16.1 million in the prior year period. Second quarter gross profit margin for SanHe was 18.3%. -- YongXin (communications/office electronic equipment) second quarter 2008 revenue increased 29.1% to $18.6 million compared to $14.4 million in the prior year period. Second quarter gross profit margin for YongXin was 15.9%. -- Joy & Harmony (consumer electronics) second quarter 2008 revenue increased 25.6% to $18.3 million compared to $14.6 million in the prior year period. Second quarter gross profit margin for Joy & Harmony was 14.8%.

WangDa's mobile phone business was the fastest growing segment in the four major retail subsidiaries. Some of the leading brands sold by China 3C in the second quarter included Nokia, Motorola, Apple, Sony, Philips, Panasonic, Brothers, SanSui, Galanz, LongDe, and TCL, among other international and domestic brands.

Gross profit margin for the second quarter of 2008 was $12.9 million, compared to $11.4 million in the prior year period. Second quarter 2008 gross profit margin was 16.4% compared to 17.7% for the prior year period and 15.5% in the first quarter of 2008. The year-over-year gross margin decrease was primarily attributable to an increased competitive environment and a rising rate of inflation, which has impacted the company both in the cost of purchases and sales of goods.

General and administrative expense for the second quarter of 2008 totaled $3.3 million, or approximately 4.2% of net sales, compared with $3.0 million, or approximately 4.7%, for the same period in 2007. The G&A decrease on a percentage basis was due to strengthening cost controls such as a rationalization of management structure and increasingly sophisticated use of computerized systems.

Income from operations for the second quarter of 2008 was $9.5 million, or 12.2% of net sales, compared to income from operations of $8.4 million for the second quarter of 2007, or 13.1% of net sales.

The Company's second quarter 2008 tax rate decreased to 23.8% from 34.8% in the prior year period. The Company expects its tax rate for the 2008 fiscal year to be in the 25% range, compared to 35.9% in 2007.

Net income increased 37.3% to $7.6 million, or 9.6% of net sales for the second quarter of 2008 compared to $5.5 million, or 8.5% of net sales for the second quarter of 2007 largely due to the increase in net sales, strengthening cost controls and lower statutory tax rate effective for 2008. Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.14 from $0.10 in the prior year period.

Mr. Zhenggang Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to have rebounded from a difficult first quarter with strong sales and net income results for the second quarter. During the second quarter, we increased our promotional efforts for the May 1st Golden Week and Dragon Boat Festival holidays, which are two important spending periods for Chinese consumers. Sales also benefitted from increased targeted advertising programs that included direct mail advertising, advertising booklets and other special offers.

We were pleased with our 90 basis point sequential improvement in gross margin as well as a year-over-year increase in net income, both on an absolute and percent of sales basis. We had a net increase of 31 retail locations and the total number of store-within-stores stood at 1,001 at the end of the second quarter. We opened 30 retail locations in Shanghai YongLe and 6 in Wal-Mart and closed 2 non-competitive retail locations in Gome and 3 in Suning. We estimate that we will have approximately 1,020 store-within-stores by the end of 2008.

We believe we have a strong opportunity to enhance our competitive position in the market by continuing to improve profitability and efficiency per store, develop a broad product selection, selectively open new store- within-stores in established, well-known retail locations, develop customer service programs such as our after sales warranty support programs, and leverage our wholesale business to create new opportunities at the retail level.

As part of our growth efforts, we continue to evaluate the market for acquisition opportunities. Our strong and growing cash position provides us with us flexibility and the focus of any acquisition target continues to be on businesses that have the ability to increase our scale, enhance our product portfolio, optimize distribution, and immediately add to overall profitability

For the remaining two quarters of 2008, we expect to see a mid-single digit increase in year-over-year quarterly revenue growth, excluding any new acquisitions and that our gross margin will range between 14.5%-16.0%. We expect our profitability for the remaining two quarters of the year to benefit from a lower tax rate which can lead to net income that will slightly exceed the third and fourth quarter of the prior year.

We have a great opportunity to expand our presence in China's electronic consumer market in the months and years ahead and are committed to developing the right product and service offering within our retail and wholesale businesses to enhance our position in the marketplace," concluded Wang.

Accounts receivable increased to $19.1 million at June 30, 2008 from $8.1 million at December 31, 2007 and $14.8 million at the end of the 2008 first quarter. The increase was primarily due to strong sales growth in the second quarter. The accounts receivable position at the end of the second quarter met the Company's internal plan and management believes it can trend lower in subsequent quarters.

Inventory increased to approximately $13.0 million at June 30, 2008 from $6.7 million at December 31, 2007 and $11.0 million at the end of the 2008 first quarter. This increase was mainly attributable to the increase in net sales during the quarter. The Company remains comfortable with its current inventory position and continues to ensure that a sufficient level of electronics products are supplied to each store-in-store location.

The Company's cash position improved to $26.0 million at June 30, 2008, compared to $25.0 million at December 31, 2007 and $23.4 million at the end of the 2008 first quarter. The Company expects a quarterly increase in its cash and operating cash flow position for the remaining two quarters of 2008, excluding acquisitions.

About China 3C

China 3C is a leading wholesale distributor and retailer of 3C merchandise: computers, communication products and consumer electronics. The company specializes in wholesale distribution and retail sales of 3C products in Eastern China, focusing on products that make life more comfortable, convenient and connected. The company's goal is to become the number one retailer of 3C products in China. For more information, visit http://www.china3cgroup.com/ .

Forward-looking Statements:

Certain of the statements set forth in this press release constitute "Forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We have included and from time to time may make in our public filings, press releases or other public statements, certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. In some cases these statements are identifiable through the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "target," "can," "could," "may," "should," "will," "would" or words or expressions of similar meaning. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward- looking statements. In addition, our management may make forward-looking statements to analysts, investors, representatives of the media and others. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts and represent only our beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and China 3C Group undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or to announce revisions to any of the forward-looking statements.

CHINA 3C GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSOF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007 2008 2007 Sales, net $78,515,392 $64,498,473 Cost of sales 65,639,675 53,060,275 Gross profit 12,875,717 11,438,198 General and administrative expenses 3,326,044 3,014,233 Income from operations 9,549,673 8,423,965 Other (Income) Expense Interest income (29,472) (17,655) Other expense (326,904) (1,171) Total Other (Income) Expense (356,376) (18,826) Income before income taxes 9,906,049 8,442,791 Provision for income taxes 2,354,054 2,941,264 Net income $7,551,995 $5,501,527 Net income per share: Basic $0.14 $0.1 Diluted $0.14 $0.1 Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic 52,673,938 52,608,938 Diluted 53,073,938 52,608,938 Comprehensive Income Net Income $7,551,995 $5,501,527 Foreign currency translation adjustment 1,222,590 393,131 Comprehensive Income $8,774,585 $5,894,658 CHINA 3C GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007 2008 2007 Sales, net $146,668,847 $149,021,667 Cost of sales 123,246,750 123,651,187 Gross profit 23,422,097 25,370,480 General and administrative expenses 6,312,088 6,740,395 Income from operations 17,110,009 18,630,085 Other (Income) Expense Interest income (65,567) (31,446) Other (income)expense (311,929) 5,693 Gain on asset disposal (2,161) -- Total Other (Income) Expense (379,657) (25,753) Income before income taxes 17,489,666 18,655,838 Provision for income taxes 4,164,627 6,690,523 Net income $13,325,039 $11,965,315 Net income per share: Basic $0.25 $0.23 Diluted $0.25 $0.23 Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic 52,673,938 52,608,938 Diluted 53,073,938 52,608,938 Comprehensive Income Net Income $13,325,039 $11,965,315 Foreign currency translation adjustment 2,822,640 386,280 Comprehensive Income $16,147,679 $12,351,595 CHINA 3C GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF JUNE 30, 2008 AND DECEMBER 31, 2007 ASSETS 6/30/2008 12/31/2007 Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $25,993,638 $24,952,614 Accounts receivable, net 19,099,910 8,077,533 Inventory 12,991,176 6,725,371 Advance to supplier 2,478,134 2,572,285 Prepaid expenses 147,185 382,769 Total Current Assets 60,710,043 42,710,572 Property & equipment, net 79,709 89,414 Goodwill 20,348,278 20,348,278 Refundable deposits 52,619 48,541 Total Assets $81,190,649 $63,196,805 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses $5,210,024 $3,108,235 Income tax payable 2,428,862 2,684,487 Total Current Liabilities 7,638,886 5,792,722 Stockholders' Equity Common stock, $.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 52,673,938 and 52,673,938 issued and outstanding 52,674 52,674 Additional paid in capital 19,465,776 19,465,776 Subscription receivable (50,000) (50,000) Statutory reserve 7,234,295 7,234,295 Other comprehensive income 4,694,974 1,872,334 Retained earnings 42,154,044 28,829,004 Total Stockholders' Equity 73,551,763 57,404,083 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $81,190,649 $63,196,805 CHINA 3C GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007 2008 2007 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Income $13,325,040 $11,965,315 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 20,069 21,767 Gain on asset disposition (2,161) -- Provision for bad debts 17,445 2,419 Stock based compensation 226,293 851,400 Amortization of deferred consulting expense -- (Increase) / decrease in assets: Accounts receivables (11,039,822) 726,962 Inventory (6,265,805) (2,094,249) Prepaid expense 9,291 28,585 Advance to supplier 94,151 (30,695) Deposits (4,078) (37,649) Increase / (decrease) in current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses 2,101,789 1,092,296 Income tax payable (255,625) 381,880 Total Adjustments (15,098,453) 942,716 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (1,773,413) 12,908,031 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of property & equipment (10,650) (62,253) Proceeds from asset sales 2,447 -- Net cash used by Investing activities (8,203) (62,253) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES -- (4,500,000) Payments of notes-other Net cash provided in financing activities (4,500,000) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 2,822,640 386,280 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1,041,024 8,732,058 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning balance 24,952,614 6,498,450 Cash and cash equivalents, ending balance $25,993,638 $15,230,508 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES: Cash paid during the year for: Income tax payments $4,420,252 $6,308,643 Interest payments $ -- $ --

China 3C Group

CONTACT: Bill Zima in the U.S. at +1-203-682-8200 or Dan Joseph in Asia
at +86-21-6122-1077, both of ICR, Inc. for China 3C Group

Web site: http://www.china3cgroup.com/

tw telecom Reports Strong Second Quarter 2008 Results- Achieved 34.0% M-EBITDA margin -- Delivered $29 million levered free cash flow year to date -- Grew Modified EBITDA 19% year over year -- Delivered positive net income -

LITTLETON, Colo., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- tw telecom inc. , a leading provider of managed voice and data networking solutions for business customers, today announced its second quarter 2008 financial results, including $290.2 million of revenue, $98.8 million in Modified EBITDA(1) ("M-EBITDA") and net income of $.7 million.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080626/LATH527LOGO)

"We delivered strong results this quarter, which included achieving positive net income and continued levered free cash flow creation," said Larissa Herda, tw telecom's Chairman, CEO and President. "We achieved strong performance, which was particularly impressive when considering the prevailing economic headwinds, while we continued to invest in significant ongoing customer opportunities. Our results demonstrate the strength of our product portfolio, which leverages our metro capabilities across a diverse nationwide fiber footprint. We continue to focus on mission critical needs of enterprise customers and believe tw telecom is well positioned for the long term with the strength of our fiber based network, innovative cost effective solutions, the ability to win market share and a strong balance sheet."

Highlights for the Quarter For the quarter ending June 30, 2008, the Company -- -- Grew total revenue 3% sequentially and 8% year over year -- Grew enterprise revenue 24 consecutive quarters including 4% sequentially and 14% year over year -- Grew enterprise revenue to 72% of total revenue from 68% in the same period last year -- Grew data and Internet revenue 5% sequentially and 24% year over year -- Grew M-EBITDA 6% sequentially and 19% year over year -- Achieved a 34.0% M-EBITDA margin, a 100 basis point improvement sequentially -- Delivered $13.0 million of levered free cash flow(4), representing 4% of revenue, which included $5.0 million for integration and branding expenditures -- Completed brand launch of tw telecom on July 1

Year over Year Results -- Second Quarter 2008 compared to Second Quarter 2007

Revenue

Revenue for the quarter was $290.2 million representing a year over year increase of $22.2 million, or 8%. Key changes in revenue included:

-- $26.2 million increase in revenue from enterprise customers, or 14% year over year, representing 24 consecutive quarters of enterprise growth -- $1.8 million decrease in revenue from carriers. Growth in new sales was outpaced primarily by disconnects, including $2.4 million from one wireless customer and repricing of renewed customer contracts -- $2.2 million decrease in intercarrier compensation related to an increase in disputes, rate reductions and discontinuation of certain acquired products

By product line, the percentage change in revenue year over year was as follows:

-- 24% increase for data and Internet services(5), primarily due to continued success with Ethernet and IP-based product sales -- 5% increase for voice services(6), primarily due to the strength of bundled and other local product sales -- 1% increase for network services(7), primarily due to new customer sales and a reduction in disputes, partially offset by disconnects M-EBITDA and Margins

M-EBITDA grew to $98.8 million for the quarter from $83.0 million for the same period last year, a 19% increase, or $15.8 million. The increase in M-EBITDA primarily reflects solid revenue growth and integration cost synergies. Included in M-EBITDA are integration and branding expenses. Effective in 2008, the Company continues to separately track integration related capital expenditures but no longer is tracking any remaining operating-related integration expenses. Branding expenses totaled $2.2 million for the quarter and integration and branding expenses totaled $2.3 million for the same period last year.

Operating costs for the quarter increased primarily reflecting increased network access costs associated with additional sales partially offset by integration cost synergies, higher employee costs, and additional costs to launch new product capabilities in 16 acquired markets. Operating costs as a percent of revenue declined to 42% for the current period compared to 43% for the same period last year, reflecting synergies and scaling of the business.

Selling, general and administrative costs ("SG&A") were flat year over year, including increased branding costs and higher employee costs, offset by lower integration costs and bad debt expense. Bad debt expense was $1.0 million for the quarter and $1.4 million for the same period last year, representing less than 1% of quarterly revenue for both periods. SG&A costs as a percent of revenue declined to 26% for the quarter as compared to 28% for the same period last year reflecting synergies and scaling of the business.

Modified gross margin(8) was 58.5% for the current quarter compared to 57.4%, from the same period last year, a 110 basis point improvement. M-EBITDA margin for the quarter was 34.0% as compared to 31.0% from the same period last year, a 300 basis point improvement. The improvement in margins between periods primarily reflects synergies and scaling of the business.

The Company utilizes a fully burdened modified gross margin, including network costs, and personnel costs for customer care, provisioning, network maintenance, technical field and network operations, excluding non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

Net Income and Loss

For the quarter the Company reported net income of $.7 million, or $0.00 per share compared to a net loss of $9.6 million, a loss of $0.07 per share for the same period last year. The achievement of positive net income reflected strong M-EBITDA growth, partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense related to new capital assets placed in service, and a $4.1 million impairment loss on certain long-term investments.

Sequential Results -- Second Quarter 2008 compared to First Quarter 2008 Revenue

Revenue for the quarter was $290.2 million, as compared to $282.6 million for the first quarter, an increase of $7.6 million, or 3%. Key changes in revenue included:

-- $7.3 million increase in enterprise revenue, or 4% sequentially, from enterprise customers reflecting strong growth including increased usage revenue, offset by $1.0 million net decrease in revenue from acquired customers due to discontinued products and churn from very small customers -- $.8 million increase in revenue from carrier customers resulting from new sales and a decrease in disputes, partially offset by repricing of renewed customer contracts and $.9 million of disconnects from one wireless customer -- $.5 million decrease in intercarrier compensation related primarily to an increase in disputes partially offset by increased usage

By product line, the percentage change in revenue sequentially was as follows:

-- 5% increase for data and Internet services, primarily due to continued success with Ethernet and IP based product sales -- 2% increase for voice services, primarily due to the strength of bundled and other local product sales and usage -- 2% increase in network services primarily due to ongoing customer sales and lower disputes partially offset by repricing of renewed customer contracts M-EBITDA and Margins

M-EBITDA was $98.8 million for the quarter, as compared to $93.4 million for the prior quarter, a 6% increase. Included in M-EBITDA were branding expenses which totaled $2.2 million for the quarter and $.4 million for the prior quarter.

Operating costs were relatively unchanged between quarters and as a percent of revenue were 42% for the current quarter compared to 43% for the prior quarter. SG&A costs were relatively unchanged, representing 26% of revenue for both quarters.

Modified gross margin was 58.5% compared to 57.6% for the prior quarter. M-EBITDA margin was 34.0% for the quarter, as compared to 33.0% in the prior quarter, a 100 basis point expansion. Excluding expenses associated with the Company's brand launch, M-EBITDA margin was 34.8% for the quarter compared to 33.2% for the prior quarter. The change in M-EBITDA and margins primarily reflects revenue growth and integration cost synergies.

Net Income and Loss

For the quarter the Company reported net income of $.7 million, or $0.00 per share compared to a net loss of $.9 million, a loss of $0.01 per share for the prior quarter. The achievement of positive net income, reflected strong M-EBITDA growth, partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense related to new capital assets placed in service, and a $4.1 million impairment loss on certain long-term investments.

Margin and Other

"Our results were strong for the quarter," said Mark Peters, tw telecom's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "We experienced strong margin expansion by executing on both revenue opportunities and integration cost savings. Our performance for the quarter yielded us a 34.0% M-EBITDA margin, which is already within our targeted post-integration guidance range of mid-30%. We are pleased with our performance and see opportunities to further expand our M-EBITDA margin while balancing this goal with our objectives of revenue and cash flow growth."

"Our diverse nationwide local market presence, comprehensive product portfolio and strong customer base helped generate another strong quarter," said Peters. "Although we have seen some select pockets of pressure from the macro economic environment on a local market basis, our overall market strength largely offset these impacts, and our sales funnel was strong for the quarter. Customer churn was 1.5% for the current quarter compared to 1.3% for the same period last year and was 1.4% for the prior quarter. The vast majority of the higher customer turnover was from our very small acquired(2) customers that are below our service profile and we expect this churn may continue. We believe these customers were likely also impacted by the soft economy." Revenue churn remained near historical levels at 1.2% for the current quarter as compared to 1.1% for the same period last year, and 1.1% for the prior quarter.

The Company continues to expect normal business fluctuations to impact sequential trends in revenue, margins and cash flow. This includes the timing of sales and installations, seasonality of sales and usage, disputes, repricing of contract renewals and ongoing revenue churn, which includes the impact from carrier customers related to their consolidation activities and network grooming.

The Company rebranded itself as tw telecom on July 1, 2008. The Company expects to spend $5 to $6 million in 2008 for branding related costs, which includes up to $2 million in capital expenditures associated with the name change.

Capital Expenditures

Excluding integration and branding investments, capital expenditures were $65.5 million for the quarter, $65.6 million for the same period last year, and $57.7 million for the prior quarter. The sequential increase of 14% reflected strong customer driven success-based capital investments and expenditures for expanded network capacity, collocation and customer service capabilities. Integration and branding capital expenditures were $2.9 million for the quarter as compared to $13.0 million for the same period last year, and $1.9 million for the prior quarter.

For 2008, the Company expects total capital expenditures of $250 to $274 million, consisting of $10 to $14 million for integration and branding, and $240 to $260 million for its general operations which will primarily be used to fund growth opportunities.

Summary

"tw telecom is a powerful force in serving business customers," said Herda. "We remain focused on driving sales growth and growing cash flow by leveraging our national footprint and robust product portfolio to further penetrate the enterprise market place and grow our market share."

tw telecom plans to conduct a webcast conference call to discuss its earnings results on August 12 at 9:00 a.m. MDT (11:00 a.m. EDT). To access the webcast and the financial and statistical information to be discussed in the webcast, visit http://www.twtelecom.com/ under "Investor Relations."

(1) The Company uses a modified definition of EBITDA to eliminate certain non-cash and non-operating income or charges to earnings to enhance the comparability of its financial performance from period to period. Modified EBITDA (or "M-EBITDA") is defined as net income or loss before depreciation, amortization, accretion, impairment charges and other gains and losses, interest expense, debt extinguishment costs, interest income, income tax expense or benefit, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, and non-cash stock-based compensation expense. (2) Acquired customer base reflects the acquisition of Xspedius Communications, LLC on October 31, 2006. (3) The Company defines unlevered free cash flow as Modified EBITDA less capital expenditures. Unlevered free cash flow is reconciled to Net Cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the supplemental information posted on the Company's website. (4) The Company defines levered free cash flow as Modified EBITDA less capital expenditures and net interest expense from operations (but excludes debt extinguishment costs). Levered free cash flow is reconciled to Net Cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the supplemental information posted on the Company's website. (5) Data and Internet services include services that enable customers to interconnect their internal computer networks and to access external networks, including Internet at high speeds using Ethernet protocol. Services include metro and wide area Ethernet, virtual private network solutions and Internet access. (6) Voice services contain traditional and next generation voice capabilities, including voice services from stand alone and bundled products, long distance, toll free services, and VoIP. (7) Network services include transmission speeds up to OC 192 to carrier and enterprise customers. These services transmit voice, data, image, as well as enable transmission for storage, using state-of-the-art fiber optics. (8) The Company defines modified gross margin as Total Revenue less operating costs excluding non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Modified gross margin is reconciled to gross margin in the financial tables. Financial Measures

The Company provides financial measures using generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") as well as adjustments to GAAP measures to describe its business trends, including Modified EBITDA. Management believes that its definition of Modified EBITDA (see above) is a standard measure of operating performance and liquidity that is commonly reported and widely used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the telecommunications industry because it eliminates many differences in financial, capitalization, and tax structures, as well as non-cash and non-operating income or charges to earnings. Modified EBITDA is not intended to replace operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flow, and other measures of financial performance and liquidity reported in accordance with GAAP. Management uses Modified EBITDA internally to assess on-going operations and it is the basis for various financial covenants contained in the Company's debt agreements. Modified EBITDA is reconciled to Net Income (Loss), the most comparable GAAP measure, within the Consolidated Operations Highlights and in the supplemental information posted on the Company's website.

In addition, management uses unlevered and levered free cash flow, which measure the ability of M-EBITDA to cover capital expenditures. The Company uses these cash flow definitions to eliminate certain non-cash costs. Levered and unlevered free cash flow are reconciled to Net Cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the supplemental information posted on the Company's website. The Company also provides an adjustment to the measure gross margin by eliminating the impact of non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to the adoption of SFAS 123R. Management uses modified gross margin internally to assess on-going operations. Modified gross margin is reconciled to gross margin in the Consolidated Operations Highlights.

Forward Looking Statements

The statements in this press release concerning the outlook for 2008 and beyond, including expansion plans, growth prospects, expected margins, churn, business fluctuations, sales activity, timing of sales and installations, seasonality, disputes, repricing of contract renewals and ongoing revenue churn, expected cost synergies, integration and branding costs, integration activities and results and expected capital expenditures are forward-looking statements that reflect management's views with respect to future events and financial performance. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements include the risks summarized in the Company's filings with the SEC, especially the section entitled "Risk Factors" in its 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. tw telecom undertakes no obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About tw telecom

tw telecom, headquartered in Littleton, Colo., provides managed network services, specializing in Ethernet and transport data networking, Internet access, local and long distance voice, VPN, VoIP and security, to enterprise organizations and communications services companies throughout the U.S. As a leading provider of integrated and converged network solutions, tw telecom delivers customers overall economic value, quality service, and improved business productivity. Please visit http://www.twtelecom.com/ for more information.

tw telecom inc. Consolidated Operations Highlights (Dollars in thousands) Unaudited (1) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2008 2007 Growth % 2008 2007 Growth % Revenue Network services $98,804 $97,590 1% $195,610 $197,560 -1% Data and Internet services 97,318 78,540 24% 190,108 148,421 28% Voice services 84,707 80,295 5% 167,780 160,225 5% Service Revenue 280,829 256,425 10% 553,498 506,206 9% Intercarrier compensation 9,341 11,593 -19% 19,256 23,204 -17% Total Revenue 290,170 268,018 8% 572,754 529,410 8% Expenses Operating costs 121,274 115,067 242,095 232,447 Gross Margin 168,896 152,951 330,659 296,963 Selling, general and administrative costs 75,483 75,624 149,963 148,097 Depreciation, amortization, and accretion 70,919 68,605 140,778 134,745 Operating Income 22,494 8,722 39,918 14,121 Interest expense (18,860) (22,709) (39,539) (46,171) Interest income 1,538 4,547 4,224 9,086 Other income (loss) (4,095) - (4,095) - Income (Loss) before income taxes 1,077 (9,440) 508 (22,964) Income tax expense 378 145 753 430 Net Income (Loss) $699 ($9,585) ($245) ($23,394) SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO RECONCILE MODIFIED GROSS MARGIN AND MODIFIED EBITDA Gross Margin $168,896 $152,951 $330,659 $296,963 Add back non-cash stock-based compensation expense 803 858 1,728 1,710 Modified Gross Margin 169,699 153,809 10% 332,387 298,673 11% Selling, general and administrative costs 75,483 75,624 149,963 148,097 Add back non-cash stock-based compensation expense 4,553 4,792 9,713 8,735 Modified EBITDA 98,769 82,977 19% 192,137 159,311 21% Non-cash stock-based compensation expense 5,356 5,650 11,441 10,445 Depreciation, amortization, and accretion 70,919 68,605 140,778 134,745 Net Interest expense 17,322 18,162 35,315 37,085 Other income (loss) (4,095) - (4,095) - Income tax expense 378 145 753 430 Net Income (Loss) $699 ($9,585) ($245) ($23,394) Modified Gross Margin % 58.5% 57.4% 58.0% 56.4% Modified EBITDA Margin % 34.0% 31.0% 33.5% 30.1% Free Cash Flow: Modified EBITDA $98,769 $82,977 19% $192,137 $159,311 21% Less: Capital Expenditures 68,405 78,582 -13% 128,042 133,686 -4% Unlevered Free Cash Flow 30,364 4,395 591% 64,095 25,625 150% Less: Net interest expense 17,322 18,162 -5% 35,315 37,085 -5% Levered Free Cash Flow $13,042 ($13,767) n/a $28,780 ($11,460) n/a Expenses included in M-EBITDA reported above (2) Integration expenses (3) - $1,327 - $3,096 Branding expenses $2,184 994 $2,565 1,206 Total $2,184 $2,321 $2,565 $4,302 Expenditures included in Capital Expenditures above (2) Integration costs $2,739 $13,020 $4,611 $18,886 Branding costs $133 - $133 - (1) For complete financials and related footnotes, please refer to the Company's SEC filings. (2) Represents costs to integrate the acquired operations and execute a branding plan. All amounts are included in the reported results above. (3) Effective in 2008 the Company is no longer separately tracking operating-related integration expenses. tw telecom inc. Consolidated Operations Highlights (Dollars in thousands) Unaudited (1) Three Months Ended June 30, March 31, 2008 2008 Growth % Revenue Network services $98,804 $96,806 2% Data and Internet services 97,318 92,790 5% Voice services 84,707 83,073 2% Service Revenue 280,829 272,669 3% Intercarrier compensation 9,341 9,915 -6% Total Revenue 290,170 282,584 3% Expenses Operating costs 121,274 120,821 Gross Margin 168,896 161,763 Selling, general and administrative costs 75,483 74,480 Depreciation, amortization, and accretion 70,919 69,859 Operating Income 22,494 17,424 Interest expense (18,860) (20,679) Interest income 1,538 2,686 Other income (loss) (4,095) - Income (Loss) before income taxes 1,077 (569) Income tax expense 378 375 Net Income (Loss) $699 ($944) SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO RECONCILE MODIFIED GROSS MARGIN AND MODIFIED EBITDA Gross Margin $168,896 $161,763 Add back non-cash stock-based compensation expense 803 925 Modified Gross Margin 169,699 162,688 4% Selling, general and administrative costs 75,483 74,480 Add back non-cash stock-based compensation expense 4,553 5,160 Modified EBITDA 98,769 93,368 6% Non-cash stock-based compensation expense 5,356 6,085 Depreciation, amortization, and accretion 70,919 69,859 Net Interest expense 17,322 17,993 Other income (loss) (4,095) - Income tax expense 378 375 Net Loss $699 ($944) Modified Gross Margin % 58.5% 57.6% Modified EBITDA Margin % 34.0% 33.0% Free Cash Flow Modified EBITDA $98,769 $93,368 6% Less: Capital Expenditures 68,405 59,637 15% Unlevered Free Cash Flow 30,364 33,731 -10% Less: Net interest expense 17,322 17,993 -4% Levered Free Cash Flow $13,042 $15,738 -17% Expenses included in M-EBITDA reported above (2) Branding expenses $2,184 $381 Expenditures included in Capital Expenditures above (2) Integration costs $2,739 $1,872 Branding costs $133 - (1) For complete financials and related footnotes, please refer to the Company's SEC filings. (2) Represents costs to integrate the acquired operations and execute a branding plan. All amounts are included in the reported results above. tw telecom inc. Highlights of Results Per Share Unaudited (1) (2) Three Months Ended 6/30/08 3/31/08 6/30/07 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (thousands) Basic (2) 147,136 146,810 144,736 Diluted 149,200 146,810 144,736 Basic Income (Loss) per Common Share $0.00 ($0.01) ($0.07) Diluted Income (Loss) per Common Share $0.00 ($0.01) ($0.07) As of 6/30/08 3/31/08 6/30/07 Common shares (thousands) Actual Shares Outstanding 147,292 146,978 144,887 Options (thousands) Options Outstanding 12,386 12,828 12,097 Options Exercisable 7,231 7,403 7,428 Options Exercisable and In-the-Money 2,522 2,691 3,208 (1) For complete financials and related footnotes, please refer to the Company's SEC filings. (2) Stock options, restricted stock units and convertible debt subject to conversion were excluded from the computation of weighted average shares outstanding because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. tw telecom inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (Dollars in thousands) Unaudited (1) June 30, March 31, 2008 2008 ASSETS Cash and equivalents $325,156 $318,218 Receivables 86,418 87,479 Less: allowance (9,595) (11,064) Net receivables 76,823 76,415 Other current assets 21,701 20,033 Property, plant and equipment 3,149,104 3,083,907 Less: accumulated depreciation (1,856,891) (1,792,026) Net property, plant and equipment 1,292,213 1,291,881 Other Assets 540,125 547,077 Total $2,256,018 $2,253,624 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable $41,953 $45,448 Deferred revenue 28,162 27,221 Accrued taxes, franchise and other fees 71,280 69,857 Accrued interest 16,697 9,624 Accrued payroll and benefits 29,916 34,919 Accrued carrier costs 40,695 45,551 Current portion of debt and lease obligations 7,472 7,586 Other current liabilities 26,439 29,912 Total current liabilities 262,614 270,118 Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Floating rate senior secured debt - Term Loan B, due 1/7/2013 591,000 592,500 9 1/4% senior unsecured notes, due 2/15/2014 400,313 400,326 2 3/8% convertible senior debentures, due 4/1/2026 373,750 373,750 Capital lease obligations 10,659 9,531 Less: current portion (7,472) (7,586) Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations 1,368,250 1,368,521 Long-Term Deferred Revenue 18,785 19,243 Other Long-Term Liabilities 24,749 22,899 Stockholders' Equity 581,620 572,843 Total $2,256,018 $2,253,624 (1) For complete financials and related footnotes, please refer to the Company's SEC filings. tw telecom inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Dollars in thousands) Unaudited (1) Three Months Ended June 30, March 31, 2008 2008 Cash flows from operating activities: Net Income (Loss) $699 ($944) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, amortization, and accretion 70,919 69,859 Stock-based compensation 5,356 6,085 Investment impairment, deferred debt issue and other 4,676 583 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables, prepaid expense and other assets (2,169) 1,683 Accounts payable, deferred revenue, and other liabilities (7,702) (18,392) Net cash provided by operating activities 71,779 58,874 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (66,845) (59,637) Proceeds from sale of assets and other investing activities 1,245 (2,387) Net cash used in investing activities (65,600) (62,024) Cash flows from financing activities: Net proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and in connection with the employee stock purchase plan 2,596 1,477 Payment of debt and capital lease obligations (1,837) (1,640) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities 759 (163) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 6,938 (3,313) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 318,218 321,531 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $325,156 $318,218 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid for interest $11,843 $27,546 Cash paid for income taxes $990 - Addition of capital lease obligation $1,560 - Supplemental information to reconcile capital expenditures: Capital expenditures per cash flow statement $66,845 $59,637 Addition of capital lease obligation 1,560 - Total capital expenditures $68,405 $59,637 (1) For complete financials and related footnotes, please refer to the Company's SEC filings. tw telecom inc. Selected Operating Statistics Unaudited (1) Three Months Ended 2007 2008 Mar. 31 Jun. 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Mar. 31 Jun. 30 Operating Metrics: Route Miles Metro 18,092 18,324 18,520 18,832 19,009 19,235 Regional 6,884 6,922 6,921 6,921 6,921 6,921 Total 24,976 25,246 25,441 25,753 25,930 26,156 Buildings (2) Fiber connected buildings, on-net 7,689 7,884 8,109 8,355 8,587 8,810 Networks Class 5 Switches 71 71 70 70 70 69 Soft Switches 35 35 35 36 36 36 Headcount Total Headcount 2,778 2,817 2,876 2,859 2,883 2,890 Sales Associates (3) 490 497 519 508 511 517 Customers Total Customers 31,431 31,342 31,440 31,638 31,200 30,663 (1) For complete financials and related footnotes, please refer to the Company's SEC filings. (2) Fiber connected buildings (e.g. "on-net") represents locations to which the Company's fiber network is directly connected. (3) Includes Sales Account Executives and Customer Care Specialists.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080626/LATH527LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com tw telecom inc.

CONTACT: investor relations, Carole Curtin, +1-303-566-1000,
carole.curtin@twtelecom.com, or media relations, Bob Meldrum, +1-303-566-1354,
bob.meldrum@twtelecom.com, both of tw telecom inc.

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

Sonic Solutions Announces Upcoming Schedule of Events

NOVATO, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonic Solutions(R) today announced participation in the following upcoming events with the financial community. Audio webcasts of select presentations will be accessible and archived at the company's Web site at http://www.sonic.com/about/investor/.

Canaccord Adams 28th Annual Global Growth Conference InterContinental Boston Boston, MA August 13, 2008 1:30 p.m. ET / 10:40 a.m. PT Mark Ely, Executive Vice President of Strategy Kaufman Brothers, LP 11th Annual Kaufman Bros. Investor Conference The W New York Hotel (541 Lexington) New York, NY September 4, 2008 11:00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. PT Paul Norris, Chief Financial Officer, EVP and General Counsel Maxim Group 2008 Growth Conference Grand Hyatt Hotel New York, NY October 7, 2008 Exact time TBD Dave Habiger, Chief Executive Officer & President William Blair & Company Small Cap Growth Stock Conference Waldorf-Astoria New York, NY October 7, 2008 3:20 a.m. ET / 12:20 p.m. PT Dave Habiger, Chief Executive Officer & President About Sonic Solutions

Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC; http://www.sonic.com/) enables the creation, management, and enjoyment of digital media content through its Hollywood to Home(TM) products, services, and technologies. Sonic's products range from the advanced authoring systems used to produce Hollywood DVD and Blu-ray Disc titles to the award-winning Roxio(R)-branded photo, video, music, and digital-media management applications and services. Sonic's patented technologies and AuthorScript(R) media engine are relied upon by leading technology firms to define rich media experiences on a wide array of consumer electronics, mobile devices, set-top players, retail kiosks, and PCs. Always an innovator, Sonic has taken a leading role in helping professional and consumer markets make the successful transition to the new high-definition media formats and, through the Sonic DVD On Demand(TM) and Qflix(TM) platforms, Sonic is defining new models for the digital distribution of premium Hollywood entertainment. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Marin County, California.

Sonic, the Sonic logo, Sonic Solutions, AuthorScript, Hollywood to Home, Sonic DVD On Demand, Qflix, and Roxio are trademarks or registered trademarks of 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.

Sonic Solutions

CONTACT: Investor Relations, Nils Erdmann, +1-415-893-8032,
nils_erdmann@sonic.com, or Press, Chris Taylor, +1-408-367-5231,
chris_taylor@sonic.com, both of Sonic Solutions

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

Phonetime reports second quarter resultsIncreases revenue 71% to $39.3 million; generates record net income of $734,000

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Phonetime Inc. (TSX: PHD), a leading supplier of international long distance telecommunication products and services, announced today its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2008. All figures are in Canadian currency.

Highlights of the Second Quarter - Sales were $39.3 million, an increase of 71% over $23.0 million in the second quarter of 2007. - Gross profit was $5.2 million, up 100% over $2.6 million in Q2 2007. - EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and stock compensation expenses) was $1.9 million compared to $247,000 in the second quarter of 2007. - Net income was $734,000 compared to a net loss of $473,000 in second quarter of 2007. - Paid down $1.2 million of long-term debt and other loans payable related to the Symphony acquisition in the quarter. - Launched a new point of presence in Los Angeles, enabling its US- based carrier customers to streamline connectivity to Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong and other Pacific Rim countries. - Processed approximately 1.4 billion minutes of long-distance calls. Overview

"Our strong second quarter results provide further validation that our strategy to diversify our operations, expand our wholesale activities internationally, and prudently invest in network infrastructure is working," said Wayne Silver, President and CEO of Phonetime Inc. "Since the start of the year, we have improved the key performance metrics of our Wholesale and Retail Divisions, including sales, gross margins, net income, account receivables, customer wins and call volumes. We expect this steady growth to continue for the balance of 2008 based on the increasing demand for our telecommunications services, particularly within emerging markets in Asia, Africa and South America. We expect this trend to continue in Q3 as we have just completed our most profitable month ever in July."

Results for the Second Quarter

Consolidated sales for the second quarter of 2008 were $39.3 million, up 71% over $23.0 million in the second quarter of 2007. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, sales were $75.8 million, an increase of 71% when compared to $44.4 million in the same period of 2007. The growth is attributable primarily to higher sales volumes of the Company's Wholesale Division, which buys and resells telecommunications long-distance services to telephone carriers around the world using Phonetime's proprietary call trading platform. Phonetime also generates revenues through its Retail Division, which provides pre-paid calling cards and long-distance services to targeted ethnic consumer groups.

Gross profit for the second quarter of 2008 was $5.2 million or 13.2% of sales compared to $2.6 million or 11.3% of sales in the second quarter of 2007. The increase is due to higher sales experienced by both the Wholesale and Retail Divisions.

The net income for the second quarter of 2008 was $734,000 or $0.01 per basic share compared to a net loss of $473,154 or $0.01 per basic share in the second quarter of 2007. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, net income was $1.4 million or $0.01 per basic share, compared to a net loss of $837,000 or $0.01 per basic share for the same period in 2007. The improvement was principally due to performance gains by the Company's Wholesale Division.

In the second quarter of 2008, Phonetime had negative cash flow from operations of $984,000 compared to negative cash flow from operations of $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2007. The Company's closing bank balance and net cash flow were negatively impacted by the quarter end coinciding with the statutory banking holiday period. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, cash flow from operations was $1.3 million compared to negative cash flow of $2.2 million in the same period of 2007.

Financial Highlights (000's except share data) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (unaudited) June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Sales $39,311 $23,030 $75,806 $44,378 Gross profit $ 5,178 $ 2,567 $10,095 $ 5,340 Gross profit percentage 13.2% 11.1% 13.3% 12.0% EBITDA $ 1,860 $ 247 $ 3,688 $ 812 Net Income $ 734 $ (473) $ 1,353 $ (837) Cash flow from operating activities $ (984) $(1,670) $ 1,261 $ 2,184) Cash and cash equivalents $(4,256) $ 998 $(4,256) $ 998 Total long-term liabilities $ 3,840 $ 354 $ 3,840 $ 354 Weighted average number of common shares basic 106.7 94.6 106.7 94.6

Phonetime will host a conference call on Tuesday, August 12 at 11:00 a.m. (ET) to discuss its second quarter 2008 financial results. To access the conference call by telephone, dial 416-915-5648 or 1-800-814-4853. Please connect approximately 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the call to ensure participation. The conference call will be archived for replay until Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at midnight. To access the archived conference call, dial 416-640-1917 or 1-877-289-8525 and enter the reservation number 21280214 followed by the number sign.

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available at http://www.phonetime.com/. Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be required to join the webcast. The webcast will be archived at the above web site for 30 days.

About Phonetime Inc.

Established in 1994, Phonetime is a leading supplier of international wholesale long distance telecommunications services to carriers of all sizes around the globe. Phonetime also competitively markets a range of pre-paid and subscription-based long distance products and services to individual consumers and businesses across Canada. Phonetime has operations on six continents, including facilities in Canada, Europe, Africa and South East Asia. In Canada, Phonetime operates one of the country's largest private networks with 40 Points-of-Presence available locally to 85% of the population. Phonetime is registered as a Class A International Carrier with the CRTC and whose stock is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: PHD). More information may be found on the Company's website - http://www.phonetime.com/.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws, including the "safe harbour" provisions of the Ontario Securities Act and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "forecast", "target", "project", "may", "will", "should", "could", "estimate", "predict" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or language suggesting an outlook.

Forward-looking statements and information are based on current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Phonetime concerning anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies and regulatory developments. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations and anticipations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: incorrect assessments of value when making acquisitions; increases in debt service charges; fluctuations in foreign currency and exchange rates; inadequate insurance coverage; changes in tax laws; and Phonetime's ability to access external sources of debt and equity capital.

The foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Phonetime does not undertake any obligation to up-date publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Phonetime Inc.

CONTACT: Wayne Silver, Phonetime, President & CEO, (905) 361-8304,
wayne@phonetime.com; Rodney Franklin, Phonetime, Chairman & CFO, (905)
361-8305, rodney@phonetime.com; Joe Racanelli, Equicom Group, (416) 815-0700 x
243, jracanelli@equicomgroup.com

Fort Dodge Animal Health Announces Leptoinfo.com Now Available to Dog Owners

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth , today announced it has added a dog owners' section on http://www.leptoinfo.com/, a Web site dedicated to providing information and resources to veterinarians and pet owners about Leptospirosis, a growing canine health threat.

Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease of dogs, multiple animal species and humans that occurs in countries around the world, including the United States. Once a disease that primarily affected dogs living in rural areas, leptospirosis is now considered a threat to dogs in suburban and urban settings, perhaps due to increased opportunity for contact with wildlife(1), a common carrier of leptospirosis. It is spread through the urine of an infected animal and most dogs that venture outdoors are at risk for leptospirosis.

The new section on leptoinfo.com is specifically designed to help educate dog owners and answer many common questions about leptospirosis. While on the site, dog owners can find out how to protect their dogs, information about the disease, signs of illness, prevention strategies and a list of frequently asked questions.

"Many pet owners are unaware of the serious danger leptospirosis poses to dogs or that any dog that spends time outdoors could be susceptible," says Tom Lenz, DVM, MS, DACT, Vice President of Professional Services, Fort Dodge Animal Health. "I encourage all dog owners to speak with their veterinarian about this disease, as it can be prevented through vaccination."

In addition to information about how leptospirosis can affect dogs, the site helps educate pet owners about the risks the disease can pose to humans. "As the risks of leptospirosis continue to increase, so does the need for education, especially among dog owners who may not be aware leptospirosis is not only a threat to their dog, but to their family as well," says Dr. Lenz.

About Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a deadly bacterial disease spread by wildlife and domestic animals. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from animals to people. All breeds and sizes of dogs are at risk. Common leptospirosis carriers include raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels, rats and other dogs. Livestock can also carry the disease. Leptospirosis should be considered if a dog has a fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and/or lethargy. Early recognition is important for a full recovery.

About Fort Dodge Animal Health

Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth is a leading manufacturer and distributor of animal health products for the companion animal, equine, livestock, swine and poultry industries in North America and international markets. As a committed partner to veterinary practitioners and animal owners worldwide, Fort Dodge is making a difference through innovative research and product development that address current and emerging animal health needs. Key products include West Nile-Innovator(R) and the Innovator(R) combination vaccines, the Duramune(R) and Fel-O-Vax(R) vaccine lines, CYDECTIN(R), the Pyramid(R) and Triangle(R) vaccine lines, and Quest(R) Gel. Wyeth's major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health.

References

(1) Michael P. Ward, Lynn F. Guptill, Ching Ching Wu. Evaluation of environmental risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs: 36 cases (1997-2002). JAVMA, Vol. 225, No. 1, July 1, 2004.

Wyeth

CONTACT: Media, Kelly Gross, PR/Communications, Office, +1-913-664-7276,
or Cell, +1-913-375-4434, grossk@fdah.com

Web site: http://www.leptoinfo.com/
http://www.wyeth.com/

Maxwell Technologies Appoints Larry Longden Vice President and General Manager of Microelectronic Space Products Group

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Maxwell Technologies, Inc. announced today that it has promoted Larry Longden to the new position of vice president & general manager of the company's Microelectronics product group, which develops, manufactures and markets radiation hardened components and single board computers for the space and satellite markets.

Longden began his 34-year tenure with Maxwell as an engineer, specializing in analyzing radiation effects on electronic devices and systems. In 1984, he was responsible for introducing the company's first radiation hardened product, a "nuclear event detector", which senses potentially damaging radiation effects and shuts down sensitive electronic systems to limit damage. He was awarded a U.S. patent for that device in 1987, and more recently was co-inventor on a patent for Maxwell's Xray-Pak(R) shielding technology to protect components from man-made radiation. Since 2000, he has been responsible for developing and implementing the company's Microelectronics product strategy of combining proprietary radiation mitigation technologies with commercial semiconductors to produce and market high-performance, space-qualified components and systems, and, in 2006, was appointed general manager of the Microelectronics product group.

"Larry has overseen Microelectronic product development and launched dozens of new products, including the SCS750 single board computer, which Northrop Grumman Space Technologies designed into the U.S. government's next generation weather satellite program, and Astrium Ltd selected for the European Space Agency's Gaia science mission," said David Schramm, Maxwell's president and chief executive officer. "Under his leadership, the Microelectronics product portfolio has grown significantly, and Maxwell has established itself as a respected supplier to a very demanding and competitive industry."

Maxwell is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative, cost-effective energy storage and power delivery solutions. Our radiation-mitigated microelectronic products include power modules, memory modules and single board computers that incorporate powerful commercial silicon for superior performance and high reliability in aerospace applications. Our BOOSTCAP(R) ultracapacitor cells and multi-cell modules provide safe and reliable power solutions for applications in consumer and industrial electronics, transportation and telecommunications. Our CONDIS(R) high-voltage grading and coupling capacitors help to ensure the safety and reliability of electric utility infrastructure and other applications involving transport, distribution and measurement of high-voltage electrical energy. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.maxwell.com/.

Maxwell Technologies, Inc.

CONTACT: Michael Sund, +1-858-503-3233, for Maxwell Technologies, Inc.

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

Investor Alert From Cauley Bowman Carney & Williams, PLLC: Update on Proposed Acquisition of i2 Technologies Inc. - ITWO

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Cauley Bowman Carney & Williams, PLLC announces an investigation into the proposed acquisition of i2 Technologies Inc. . On August 11, 2008, i2 announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with JDA Software Group Inc. Under the terms of the proposal, i2 shareholders would receive $14.86 per share in cash for each share owned and i2 would no longer operate as a publicly traded company. This price per share represents an approximately 5% premium over the stock's closing price of $14.16 prior to announcement of the acquisition. The proposed merger cannot be completed without the approval of i2 shareholders.

If you are a current shareholder of i2 Technologies Inc. and would like to be advised of your rights in this matter, you may contact Cauley Bowman Carney & Williams, PLLC at the phone number below.

Cauley Bowman Carney & Williams, PLLC

Cauley Bowman is a national law firm that represents investors in securities fraud and corporate governance class actions. It is one of the country's premier firms in the area of securities fraud having recovered billions of dollars for defrauded investors and secured significant corporate governance reforms. Cauley Bowman maintains in-house finance, forensic accounting specialists and extensive trial experience.

CONTACT Darrin L. Williams, Esq. Randall K. Pulliam, Esq. Kristi Gray 501-312-8500 1-888-551-9944 info@cauleybowman.com

Cauley Bowman Carney & Williams, PLLC

CONTACT: Darrin L. Williams, Esq., or Randall K. Pulliam, Esq., or
Kristi Gray, +1-501-312-8500, or 1-888-551-9944, info@cauleybowman.com, all of
Cauley Bowman Carney & Williams, PLLC

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

Verizon Makes Digital Television Upgrade Easy for FiOS TV Customers in CaliforniaOnly Verizon Delivers All-Digital TV Over the Nation's Most Advanced Fiber-Optic Network, Straight to Customers' Doors

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- With the federal mandate to phase out analog television broadcasts approaching in early 2009, many consumers remain uncertain of what the change means for them. However, Verizon FiOS TV customers are ahead of the game. Verizon FiOS TV is already all-digital, so for most customers there will be no change. At the same time, Verizon is making other changes, and it is taking steps to ensure that customers are not confused by the phaseout of analog broadcasts.

Verizon is phasing out a small number of duplicate analog channels on the FiOS TV service so all customers will enjoy better-quality, all-digital viewing experiences on every set in their homes. Until now, Verizon has provided these duplicate channels to allow digital subscribers to view some limited programming in an analog format without using a set-top box.

The company also has a small number of customers who subscribe to a service that solely offers these duplicate analog channels. Verizon will make the digital transition easy for these customers by providing them with a free digital adapter.

"As we phase out our local analog simulcasts this year, we want to make sure that our small number of affected customers can continue receiving this programming on sets they are using without a set-top box," said Dustin Kroeger, director of consumer marketing for Verizon's West Coast region. "We're reaching out to those customers now to help them get their free digital adapter from us so they can enjoy high-quality digital programming on every set in their home."

Customers also may choose to upgrade to a set-top box that lets them see more programming, including high-definition channels, and enables full-featured, interactive services, like extensive video-on-demand programming and Verizon's innovative interactive media guide.

Verizon is phasing out the analog channels on a regional basis. FiOS TV customers in California will see the transition starting Sept. 1. Customers have been notified well in advance by letters, e-mails and phone calls from Verizon. The company also has set up a dedicated Web site, http://www.verizon.com/godigital, to provide answers to common questions about all-digital service.

Advantages of Upgrading to FiOS TV

TV fans who either do not receive all-digital programming from their TV service provider, or who receive only over-the-air broadcasts without a cable or satellite connection, should consider switching to FiOS TV.

"FiOS TV makes any TV look incredible -- even analog sets," said Kroeger. "The change broadcasters are making to digital signals doesn't mean you need a new TV, but now is a good time to consider the network you're using. When you subscribe to FiOS TV, you will know that you made a smart decision as you begin to receive superior quality, all-digital programming delivered over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network straight to your home."

Verizon's fiber network delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen. Verizon's FiOS TV delivers more than 400 all-digital channels, including approximately 32 high-definition (HD) channels for California customers, and access to more than 10,000 on-demand titles, 70 percent of which are free. The video-on-demand library also now includes an increasing number of high-definition titles.

Verizon also offers innovative features not available from other providers, such as Home Media DVR (digital video recorder) and FiOS TV Widgets that give instant access to information like local weather and traffic conditions. Home Media DVR has a multi-room DVR feature enabling up to three simultaneous viewings of recorded programs on different television sets without requiring customers to set up a complex home network or buy extra equipment. Customers also can access photos and music on their PCs and play them on their TV.

The value of FiOS TV extends to the installation and customer support. Specially trained Verizon technicians will install the service and demonstrate FiOS TV features and services.

Consumers can check online at http://www.verizon.com/fiostv to learn more. Customers can also call their local Verizon sales office or 888-438-3467.

Verizon Communications Inc. , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 69 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,600 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

Verizon

CONTACT: Heather Wilner, +1-212-321-8333, heather.b.wilner@verizon.com,
or Jon Davies, +1-805-372-6969, jon.davies@verizon.com

Web Site: http://www.verizon.com/
http://www.verizon.com/fiostv
http://www.verizon.com/godigital
http://www.verizon.com/news

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

The Quantum Group to Present at the 4th Annual Summer Technology Conference Hosted by Security Research Associates, Inc.

WELLINGTON, Fla., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Quantum Group, Inc. ( http://www.quantummd.com/ ), a Wellington, Florida based healthcare organization, announced today that Pete Martinez, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology & Innovations Officer, will be presenting at Security Research Associates' 4th Annual Summer Technology Conference at 2:30 p.m. on August 18, 2008. The conference is being held at the Omni Hotel in San Francisco.

Conference attendees will include a select group of institutional portfolio managers and analysts, and will feature presentations from CEOs and CFOs from 35 of the fastest growing companies in the technology sector.

For additional information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with The Quantum Group, Inc. at this conference, please contact Jim Blackman at 713-256-0369 or jim@prfmonline.com

About Security Research Associates, Inc.

Security Research Associates, Inc. (SRA) was founded in San Francisco in 1980 and, today, offers investment banking and M&A services as well as institutional brokerage services. A boutique firm by design, SRA works with a select group of portfolio managers from around the country and focuses on technology and life science companies in the micro and small cap arenas. For more information about SRA see our web site at www.sracap.com or call us at 415-925-0346.

About The Quantum Group, Inc.

The Quantum Group provides business process solutions, service chain management, strategic consulting and leading edge technology innovations to the healthcare industry.

Through our dynamic patient-centric architecture, we empower the communication that is critical for the coordination of care and take aim at the $600 billion inefficiency gap in the United States healthcare industry. We are guided by a mission to develop efficiencies, improve the quality of patient care and achieve cost reductions for the nation's largest and fastest growing industry.

We have developed leading-edge technology with the creation and deployment of a series of innovative patent-pending initiatives. Through approximately 2,000 healthcare providers and multiple insurance company relationships under management, we are positioned to be a catalyst for change to the Florida healthcare industry.

Certain statements contained in this news release, which are not based on historical facts, are forward-looking statements as the term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to substantial uncertainties and risks in part detailed in the respective company's Securities and Exchange Commission 10-KSB, 10-QSB, S-8 and 8-K filings (and amendments thereto) that may cause actual results to materially differ from projections. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "plans," "will," "may," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates" and other words of similar meaning. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to properly execute its business model, to raise substantial and immediate additional capital to implement its business model, to attract and retain executive, management and operational personnel, to negotiate favorable current debt and future capital raises, to negotiate favorable agreements with a diversified provider base and to continue to supply the services needed by its HMO clients as well as physician clients. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the provisional patents discussed in this press release will be granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office, or, if they are granted, they will not be challenged by third parties, or if not that we will be able to effectively use or commercialize such patents and/or we may not have the resources to deploy such technology. As a result, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: PR Financial Marketing Jim Blackman: 713-256-0369 jim@prfmonline.com or Danielle Amodio Vice President Corporate Communications The Quantum Group, Inc. 561.798.9800

The Quantum Group, Inc.

CONTACT: PR Financial Marketing, Jim Blackman, +1-713-256-0369,
jim@prfmonline.com; or Danielle Amodio, Vice President Corporate
Communications, The Quantum Group, Inc., +1-561-798-9800

Web site: http://www.quantummd.com/
http://www.sracap.com/

uBid.com Holdings, Inc. Selected as the Exclusive Host of the John T. Petters Foundation's Online Charity AuctionAsset Recovery Leader To Host Silent Auction For Charity Event

CHICAGO, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- uBid.com Holdings Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: UBHI) , the leading asset recovery solutions company for the world's most trusted brands, today announced the John T. Petters Foundation has selected uBid.com as the exclusive host of its annual charity gala held on in Minneapolis, MN. The John T. Petters Foundation awards an average of $5,000 per scholarship twice a year to deserving students to study abroad and gain a global view while enhancing their educational experience.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060206/CGM036LOGO)

"Last year, we gave scholarships to students from 22 states and this year we would like to double that. The uBid auction not only helps us raise the funds needed to award scholarships, but their platform and vast audience gives us great exposure nationally," said Tom Petters, Chairman of Petters Group Worldwide and father of John Petters.

The John T Petters Foundation Gala is held annually in honor of the short yet remarkable life of John Petters, who tragically lost his life at age 21. The auction, hosted by uBid.com, starts Monday, August 11, 2008 and can be found at http://www.ubid.com/promo/petters_charity_auction/ for anyone who would like to participate.

"We are proud to help raise money for the John T Petters Foundation Silent Auction," said uBid.com Holdings, Inc. CEO Jeff Hoffman. "We feel we have a responsibility to help charitable organizations, and we're very excited to be doing our part."

For more information on uBid's charity auction services, please contact Ryan Calverley at 773.272.4414 or at ryanc@ubid.com.

For more information please visit http://www.ubid.com/. About uBid.com Holdings, Inc.

uBid.com Holdings, Inc. is the world's leading excess inventory solutions company that links brand name sellers with customers around the globe. uBid.com Holdings, Inc. does this through its multi-channel asset-recovery solution that includes an online auction platform located at http://www.ubid.com/, physical facilities liquidation and a business-to-business selling platform. Brand name sellers are able to reduce excess inventory more efficiently and profitably than ever before. And however they choose to buy, shoppers now have an inside connection to the world's most trusted brands at prices far below retail. With more than 10 years experience in online commerce, uBid Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Chicago, IL.

uBid.com Holdings, Inc. is publicly-traded on the NASD OTC bulletin board (UBHI.OB).

SEC Filings and Forward-Looking Statements

Additional information about uBid.com is in the company's annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Certain statements made in this release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements using terminology such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "possible," "plan," "project," "should," "will," "forecast," and similar words or expressions. uBid.com Holdings, Inc. intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Forward-looking statements are based on the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business of uBid.com Holdings, Inc. and the industries and markets in which uBid.com Holdings, Inc. operates. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors which may affect the forward looking statement identified above and uBid.com Holdings, Inc.'s business, financial condition and operating results generally include the effects of adverse changes in the economy, reductions in consumer spending, declines in the financial markets and the industries in which uBid.com Holdings, Inc. and its partners operate, adverse changes affecting the Internet and e-commerce, the ability of uBid.com Holdings,Inc. to develop and maintain relationships with strategic partners and suppliers and the timing of its establishment or extension of its relationships with strategic partners, the ability of uBid.com Holdings, Inc. to timely and successfully develop, maintain and protect its technology and product and service offerings and execute operationally, the ability of uBid.com Holdings, Inc. to attract and retain qualified personnel, the ability of uBid.com Holdings, Inc. to successfully integrate its acquisitions of other businesses, if any, and the performance of acquired businesses. uBid.com Holdings, Inc. expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as otherwise specifically stated by uBid.com Holdings, Inc.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060206/CGM036LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com uBid.com Holdings Inc.

CONTACT: Ryan Calverley, Press Officer of uBid.com Holdings Inc.,
+1-773-272-4414, ryanc@ubid.com

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

Hastings Entertainment to Announce Results for Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2008 on August 18, 2008

AMARILLO, Texas, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hastings Entertainment, Inc. , a leading multimedia entertainment retailer, will announce financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 via a press release issued before the market opens on Monday, August 18, 2008.

About Hastings

Hastings Entertainment, Inc. is a leading multimedia entertainment retailer that combines the sale of new and used CDs, books, videos and video games, as well as trends merchandise, with the rental of videos and video games in a superstore format. We currently operate 152 superstores, averaging approximately 20,000 square feet, primarily in medium-sized markets throughout the United States.

We also operate http://www.gohastings.com/, an e-commerce Internet Web site that makes available to our customers new and used entertainment products. The site features exceptional product and pricing offers. The Investor Relations section of our web site contains press releases, a link to request financial and other literature and access to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Hastings Entertainment, Inc.

CONTACT: Dan Crow, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Hastings Entertainment, Inc., +1-806-677-1422

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

Irvine Sensors Sets 3rd Quarter Conference CallWebcast scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2008 at 1:15 PM (Pacific Daylight time)

COSTA MESA, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Irvine Sensors Corporation today announced that it will host a conference call to discuss results of its third quarter of fiscal 2008, the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 29, 2008, on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 1:15 PM Pacific Daylight Time. Analysts and Investors who would like to participate in the Q&A Session following the web cast, please request the dial-in number from Investor Relations at investorrelations@irvine-sensors.com before noon, Monday, August 18, 2008. If you are not able to participate in the Q&A Session, you may e-mail your questions to Investor Relations at investorrelations@irvine-sensors.com. All questions will be addressed as time permits.

Irvine Sensors' CEO John C. Carson and CFO John Stuart will host the Company's call to discuss those results. The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties via a link on Irvine Sensors' homepage at http://www.irvine-sensors.com/. To listen to the live call, please go to the Irvine Sensors website at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to monitor the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call, and remain archived on the Irvine Sensors site through September 1, 2008.

Irvine Sensors Corporation http://www.irvine-sensors.com/ is a vision systems company engaged in the development and sale of miniaturized infrared and electro-optical cameras, image processors and stacked chip assemblies, the manufacture and sale of optical systems and equipment from military applications through its Optex subsidiary and research and development related to high density electronics, miniaturized sensors, optical interconnection technology, high speed network security, image processing and low-power analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits for diverse systems applications

Irvine Sensors Corporation

CONTACT: Investor Relations of Irvine Sensors Corporation,
+1-714-444-8718, investorrelations@irvine-sensors.com

Web site: http://www.irvine-sensors.com/

Nokia 5610 XpressMusic Rocks on to the Scene with T-Mobile USANew black and silver Nokia 5310 XpressMusic also joins the XpressMusic family

NEW YORK, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Expanding the popular XpressMusic product line, the all-new Nokia 5610 XpressMusic and Nokia 5310 XpressMusic, in a new black finish with silver accents, are available today exclusively in the U.S. from T-Mobile USA. Similar to the Nokia 5310 music features, the Nokia 5610 is outfitted with the most wanted, music-friendly features including easy-to-use external music controls, packaged in a new, compact slider design.

The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic comes ready to rock with an included wired stereo headset, a USB cable for side-loading music and a 2 GB memory card. Its unique music slider key makes accessing music easy with just a flick of the thumb. Aluminum side panels accent the high gloss finish and large 2.2-inch, 16 million color display. Customers can choose from two color options: black with red accents and white with silver side accents.

In addition, the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic delivers crystal clear sound quality, up to 22 hours of music playback and a memory capacity for up to 3,000 songs on an optional 4GB microSD card*. More than just a phone and music player, the Nokia 5610 also features a high-quality 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus and dual LED flash.

Adding to the colorful palette of Nokia 5310 XpressMusic options, the device is now also available in a cool black finish with silver accents. The thin and lightweight Nokia 5310 in silver has all the familiar features of the original device including a music player with dedicated external music controls, stereo Bluetooth connectivity, 2.0 megapixel camera, up to 18 hours of music playback and a memory capacity for up to 3,000 songs* on an optional 4GB microSD card. The new black and silver model joins the line of Nokia 5310 XpressMusic phones already available in three color combinations exclusively from T-Mobile: black/red, black/purple and black/orange.

"Music is one of many entertainment experiences Nokia offers consumers who enjoy the ease of having a multifunctional device with them wherever they go," said Frank Vium, Vice President of Sales, Nokia USA. "Now with the addition of the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic phone and the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic phone in black/silver, music lovers across the United States have even more choice -- great colors and compelling forms in a sleek package."

Key Features of the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic: -- Music player with dedicated music slider key -- 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus and dual LED flash -- Video capture and playback -- MP3 and video ring tones -- Stereo Bluetooth connectivity -- FM radio -- 2 GB micro-SD card included in box (support for up to 4 GB) -- Digital music player (supports AAC, eAAC+, MP3 and WMA formats) -- 2.2 inch QVGA 240 x 320 display with up to 16 million colors -- Stereo wired headset -- 3.5 mm headphone jack, compatible for use with most music player earphones -- Hands free speaker -- Voice dialing, voice commands and voice recorder -- Quad-band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz; GSM/GPRS/EDGE -- Dimensions: 3.88 in x 1.91 in x 0.67 inches; 3.92 oz

The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic and Nokia 5310 XpressMusic phones will be available beginning August 11, 2008 at select T-Mobile retail stores and online at http://www.t-mobile.com/. For more information, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com/.

* Capacity based on 3:45 per song with 48 Kbps eAAC+ (M4A) encoding on the Nokia Music Manager.

About Nokia

Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. We make a wide range of mobile devices with services and software that enable people to experience music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games, business mobility and more. Developing and growing our offering of consumer Internet services, as well as our enterprise solutions and software, is a key area of focus. We also provide equipment, solutions and services for communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.

About T-Mobile USA, Inc.

Based in Bellevue, WA, T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the US operation of Deutsche Telekom AG's Mobile Communications Business, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of T-Mobile International. T-Mobile USA's innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect effortlessly to those who matter most. T-Mobile USA's GSM/GPRS/EDGE 1900 voice and data network, when combined with roaming and other agreements, reaches 284 million people in the U.S. In addition, T-Mobile USA operates one of the largest Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless broadband (WLAN) networks in the country (including roaming sites), available in approximately 9,700 convenient public access locations nationwide. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA highest in wireless customer satisfaction, wireless call quality and wireless customer care in numerous regions throughout the U.S. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.t-mobile.com/.

Nokia; T-Mobile USA, Inc.

CONTACT: Nokia, Americas, Communications, +1-972-894-4573,
communication.corp@nokia.com; or T-Mobile USA, Inc., T-Mobile Media Relations
+1-425-378-4002, mediarelations@t-mobile.com

Web site: http://www.nokia.com/
http://www.t-mobile.com/

Mesa Labs Declares Quarterly Dividend

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mesa Laboratories, Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 10 cents per share of common stock, payable on September 15, 2008 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 28, 2008.

Mesa Laboratories develops, acquires, manufactures and markets electronic instruments and disposables for industrial, pharmaceutical and medical applications.

This news release contains forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statement is contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form-10K for the year ended March 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and from time to time in the Company's other reports on file with the Commission.

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

CONTACT: Luke R. Schmieder, CEO-Chairman of the Board of Directors, or
John J. Sullivan, President-COO, or Steven W. Peterson, VP Finance-CFO, all of
Mesa Laboratories, Inc., +1-303-987-8000

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

William K. Butler, Jr. Named Chief Operating Officer of Aaron Rents, Inc.

ATLANTA, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of Aaron Rents, Inc. , the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories, has elected William K. Butler, Jr. Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Butler, 55, formerly was President of the Company's Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership division.

Mr. Butler's election was announced by R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr., Chairman of the Board of Directors. "We are very pleased to have Ken Butler assume the responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and feel that his industry knowledge, skills, and experience will enable us to continue our strong growth and performance well into the future," Mr. Loudermilk, Sr. stated.

Robert C. Loudermilk, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, added, "Ken Butler is a great asset to the Company and has earned his new role as COO. I look forward to working with him as we continue to build the business."

Mr. Butler started his career with Aaron Rents in 1974 as a Store Manager. He advanced to Regional Manager, first in the Washington/Baltimore Region and then in the Western Region, as the Company was then organized. He was promoted to National Merchandising and Sales Manager in 1983, Vice President of the Aaron's Rental Purchase division, now known as the Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership division, in 1986, and in 1995 was promoted to President of the division.

Under Mr. Butler's leadership, Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership has grown from infancy to more than 1,500 Company-operated and franchised stores. The division is the Company's growth leader and its franchise program ranks among the top U.S. franchisors in national surveys.

Aaron Rents, Inc., based in Atlanta, currently has a total of more than 1,570 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this news release regarding Aaron Rents, Inc.'s business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include factors such as changes in general economic conditions, competition, pricing, customer demand and other issues, and the risks and uncertainties discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

Aaron Rents, Inc.

CONTACT: Gilbert L. Danielson, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Aaron Rents, Inc., +1-404-231-0011

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

Weight Loss and Fitness Information Site iNutrition.com Announces Second Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit Winner

HOUSTON and OTTAWA, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- iNutrition, a weight loss, fat loss, fitness tips, and information portal, announced today the second winner of the "Summer of Fit" sweepstakes, featuring a free Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit system. The Winner of the second drawing is Vivia Corzo of Los Angeles, California.

iNutrition will be giving away a free Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit system on the first and fifteenth of the month in August, September, until October 1, 2008. iNutrition sweepstakes winner Vivia Coorzo said, "Oh my goodness, I'm so excited!" For your chance at winning a Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit System, just go to http://www.inutrition.com/, and sign up now, and for the latest Nintendo info, go to http://www.e3expo.com/.

About iNutrition.com

"iNutrition.com is all about you. Our mission at iNutrition.com is to provide you the very latest sports, lifestyle, and nutrition secrets for a long, healthy life. iNutrition.com members not only have access to the latest in nutrition news and independent research, but soon you will also be able to post your research, nutrition secrets, and product ideas on our unique idea exchange, iNutrition Answers. If iNutrition.com adopts your product idea or an original article you have submitted, you will receive both recognition on our website and cash credits to buy our energy, weight loss, sports, and lifestyle supplements. You may even have an opportunity to become directly involved in the sales and marketing of iNutrition.com products, so that you can become both physically and fiscally fit. After all, iNutrition.com is all about you!"

About Natural Nutrition Inc.

iNutrition.com and InterACTIVE Nutrition International Inc. (http://www.interactivenutrition.com/) are wholly owned subsidiaries of Natural Nutrition, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: NTNI) and were previously minority owned by Corporate Strategies Merchant Bankers. InterACTIVE Nutrition is a manufacturer and international leader in sports and nutritional supplements backed by over 12 years of research, development and sales of sports nutrition products in over twenty countries throughout the world.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from the results, performance or other expectations implied by these forward-looking statements. Natural Nutrition's expectations regarding future sales and profitability assume, among other things, stability in the economy and reasonable growth in the demand for its products, the continued availability of raw materials at affordable prices, retention of its key management and operating personnel, as well as other factors detailed in Natural Nutrition's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements, assumptions and factors stated or referred to in this press release are based on information available to Natural Nutrition today.

Natural Nutrition Inc.

CONTACT: Sean Connolly of Natural Nutrition, Inc., +1-713-337-3700,
sean@naturalnutritioninc.com

Web site: http://www.inutrition.com/
http://www.interactivenutrition.com/
http://www.e3expo.com/

Fushi Copperweld Announces Reporting Date for Second Quarter 2008 Earnings Results

DALIAN, China, Aug. 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fushi Copperweld, Inc. , the leading global manufacturer of bimetallic wire used in a variety of telecommunication, utility, automotive and other electrical applications, today announced that the Company will report its second quarter 2008 financial results before the market opens on Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

Management will host a conference call at 8:30am ET on Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

Listeners may access the call by dialing #913-312-0636. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available at http://www.viavid.net/ . A replay of the call will be available from August 12, 2008 to September 12, 2008. Listeners may access the replay by dialing 719-457-0820; passcode: 3600374.

About Fushi Copperweld

Fushi Copperweld, Inc. through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Fushi International (Dalian) Bimetallic Cable Co, Ltd., and Copperweld Bimetallics, LLC, manufactures bimetallic composite wire products, principally copper-clad aluminum wires (''CCA'') and copper-clad steel ("CCS"). CCA and CCS wire offers greater value than solid copper wire in a wide variety of applications such as coaxial cable for cable television (CATV), signal transmission lines for telecommunication networks, distribution lines for electricity, electrical transformers, wire components for electronic instruments and devices, utilities, appliances, automotive, building wire, and other industrial wire. For more information on Fushi Copperweld, visit the Company's website: http://www.fushicopperweld.com/ .

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may include certain statements that are not descriptions of historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ''will'' ''believes'', ''expects'' or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may also include statements about our proposed discussions related to our business or growth strategy, which is subject to change. Such information is based upon expectations of our management that were reasonable when made but may prove to be incorrect. All of such assumptions are inherently subject to uncertainties and contingencies beyond our control and upon assumptions with respect to future business decisions, which are subject to change. We do not undertake to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For a description of the risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, see our most recent Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 10-K, and our subsequent SEC filings. Copies of filings made with the SEC are available through the SEC's electronic data gathering analysis retrieval system (EDGAR) at http://www.sec.gov/ .

For more information, please contact: Nathan Anderson Director IR & Corporate Development Tel: +1-931-433-0482 Email: ir@fushicopperweld.com Bill Zima & Ashley Ammon MacFarlane ICR, Inc. Tel: +1-203-682-8200

Fushi Copperweld, Inc.

CONTACT: Nathan Anderson, Director IR & Corporate Development at
ir@fushicopperweld.com or +1-931-433-0482; or Bill Zima & Ashley Ammon
MacFarlane, ICR, Inc. at +1-203-682-8200 for Fushi Copperweld

Web site: http://www.fushicopperweld.com/
http://www.viavid.net/

Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest Online Public School Program Announces ExpansionOnline public school will serve additional students in more regions across the state

HOUSTON, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest (TXVA), the state's largest full-time online public school program, is expanding to serve additional students across a wider geographic area. The program recently received approval from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to enroll up to 1,500 students in regions 1-8, 10-13, and 20. Those regional education service centers cover most of the eastern half of Texas including the state's largest cities: Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Corpus Christi.

In 2007-08 academic year, TXVA served 750 students in regions 4 (Houston), 10 (Dallas) and 11 (Fort Worth).

TXVA is a program of Southwest Schools, a public charter school located in Houston, TX. The online public school, which operates under TEA's Electronic Course Program, began operations in 2006. It is open to students in grades 3-8.

"Texas Virtual Academy has been a great success and is very popular with families throughout the state," said Janelle James, Southwest Schools Chief Academic and Operating Officer. "We are excited that more Texas students are now able to participate in our program."

James added, "Our goal at Southwest Schools is to give students access to high quality educational opportunities. TXVA provides an exciting education experience that provides kids with the benefit of personalized learning along with public school structure and accountability. We are grateful for the leadership and guidance of Kate Loughrey from TEA's Department of Distance Learning as we've expanded this program to meet the needs of more children across the state."

The online school program allows students to receive a complete education outside the traditional classroom. Every student receives an individualized learning program using a curriculum with web-based lessons developed by K12, the nation's leading provider of curriculum and K-12 online public school programs. Developed by renowned and respected education experts, the K(1)(2) curriculum is a highly effective curriculum that enables mastery of core concepts and skills for students of all abilities. The K12 program combines a cognitive science-based curriculum with individualized learning approaches, delivered by teachers specifically trained to educate in an online environment.

TXVA students access lessons through the innovative K12 Online School and use other K12 education materials (textbooks, workbooks, math and science supplies, and other hands-on projects) that are shipped directly their homes.

All students are assigned to state-certified teachers. The TXVA teachers work in partnership with the students and parents to help meet the students' learning needs. Teachers assign lessons, provide instruction, guidance and support and regularly communicate with students and parents via phone, email, Web-based "e-classrooms," and face-to-face meetings. Teachers also organize school outings and activities for students and their families. Students work with a "learning coach," usually a parent or responsible adult, to help guide them through their lessons.

Students must meet a number of accountability measures including academic progress and attendance requirements, and must also participate in state assessment tests. Because TXVA is a public school program, there is no cost to enroll.

For more on the Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest, including enrollment information and a complete list of school-sponsored events across the state, visit http://www.txva.org/.

About Southwest Schools:

Southwest Schools was founded in 1999 with the goal of providing an exemplary education to students and parents through a public school of choice. The school provides many different excellent education programs and offerings, including classes from elementary through high school, online school program, summer programs, homework assistance, and much more. Students who attend Southwest Schools bring a diversity of interests, cultures, talents, and proficiencies. They have found an atmosphere that encourages students to develop lifelong values and skills.

For more information, visit: http://www.swschools.org/ About K12 Inc.

K12 Inc. , a technology-based education company, is the leading national provider of K-12 curriculum and online education programs. K12 provides its curriculum and academic services to online schools, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families. In the 2007-08 academic year, over 40,000 students in 17 states were enrolled in online public schools that use the K12 program. K12 Inc. also operates the K12 International Academy, an accredited, diploma-granting online private school serving students worldwide.

K12's mission is to provide any child the curriculum and tools to maximize success in life, regardless of geographic, financial, or demographic circumstances.

K12 Inc. is accredited through the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA). It is the largest national K-12 online school provider to be recognized by CITA. More information can be found at http://www.k12.com/.

Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest

CONTACT: Janelle James of Southwest Schools, +1-713-784-6345, or Mary
Gifford of TXVA, +1-571-334-0204, mgifford@k12.com

Web Site: http://www.k12.com/
http://www.swschools.org/
http://www.txva.org/

EMBARQ Offers Enhanced Customer Hotline; Company Goes the Extra Mile to Satisfy Customers

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The chances are good that most people have had to call a customer service line for something in their lives. Many have their issues resolved during the call. A few do not.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060516/EMBARQLOGO)

EMBARQ is incorporating a new way to help its customers who are not completely satisfied with the outcome they have experienced after reaching out to its general consumer help line. Customers can call the EMBARQ(TM) Consumer Affairs Hotline at 800-877-3345 (option 3) and talk to a representative Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time to discuss their unresolved issue. During non-business hours and weekends, the company pledges it will return calls within 24 hours and begin work on a resolution.

Dana Chase, vice president of network services for EMBARQ, is so committed to making customers happy that she's also added a new responsibility to her title -- to be the Customers' BFF, or in the texting world, "Best Friend Forever."

"We're committed to providing the best service possible and exceeding our customers' expectations every single time we have the opportunity to interact with them," said Chase. "Our promise to address issues within 24 hours is another example of that dedication. If we treat our customers as our best friends, we build customers' trust and loyalty."

The EMBARQ(TM) Consumer Affairs Hotline has been in place for years and is listed in the front of phone books. The company said it hopes the enhancement will make more consumers aware that the hotline is available. Focusing on customer service is one of the ways EMBARQ has worked to differentiate itself from the competition, especially in an industry not particularly known for treating customers well.

"If you hang up the phone and are upset for any reason, we want another chance to make you happy," said Chase.

EMBARQ customers who need to get in touch with the company's Consumer Affairs Hotline can call 800-877-3345 (option 3) or go online to http://www2.embarq.com/companyinfo/consumer.

About EMBARQ

Embarq Corporation , headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a complete suite of common-sense communications services. The company has approximately 18,000 employees and operates in 18 states. EMBARQ is included in the S&P 500 and is in the Fortune 500(R) list of America's largest corporations.

For consumers, EMBARQ offers an innovative portfolio of services that includes reliable local and long distance home phone service, high-speed Internet, wireless, and satellite TV from DISH Network(R) -- all on one monthly bill.

For businesses, EMBARQ has a comprehensive range of flexible and integrated services designed to help businesses of all sizes be more productive and communicate with their customers. This service portfolio includes local voice and data services, long distance, Business-Class High

Speed Internet, wireless, enhanced data network services, voice and data communication equipment and managed network services.

EMBARQ believes that by focusing on the communities the company serves and by employing common sense and practical ingenuity, it is able to provide customers with a committed partner, dedicated customer service and innovative products for work and home. For more information, visit embarq.com.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060516/EMBARQLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Embarq Corporation

CONTACT: Vernon Fraley of Embarq Corporation, +1-919-554-7185,
vernon.x.fraley@embarq.com

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

Hoya annonce ses résultats financiers pour le premier trimestre de l'exercice 2008

TOKYO, Japon, August 11 /PRNewswire/ -- HOYA Corporation a annoncé aujourd'hui ses résultats financiers pour le premier trimestre de 2008, qui a pris fin le 30 juin 2008. Le chiffre d'affaires net a atteint 130,1 milliards de yens pour ce trimestre, soit une hausse de 33,1 % par rapport aux 97,7 milliards de yens du premier trimestre de 2007.

Le bénéfice d'exploitation pour le trimestre s'est chiffré à 21,8 milliards de yen, une diminution de 3,5 % comparativement aux 22,6 milliards de yens au premier trimestre de 2007. Le revenu net pour le premier trimestre a été de 21,1 milliards de yens, soit une hausse de 24,0 % par rapport aux 17,0 milliards de yens enregistrés au premier trimestre de 2007 causée essentiellement par les profits réalisés sur la vente des actions de NH Techno Glass, la société affiliée de mise en équivalence de HOYA. Le bénéfice par action pour le premier trimestre a été de 48,97 yens comparativement aux 39,61 yens enregistrés au trimestre correspondant de 2007.

<< Le rétrécissement du marché des semi-conducteurs et la grande compétitivité des prix dans les activités des lentilles optiques ont eu un effet négatif sur notre premier trimestre de 2008 >>, a affirmé Hiroshi Suzuki, président-directeur général de HOYA. << Le marché sera toujours aussi faible, mais tout indique que nos activités engendreront de meilleurs résultats au deuxième trimestre. Nous nous concentrerons sur le système endoscopique ainsi que sur les lunettes et les lentilles de contact pour renforcer davantage notre croissance. >>

Prévisions pour le deuxième trimestre de 2008

La vente de trois entités commerciales de Pentax a été consolidée depuis le troisième trimestre de 2007 ; cependant, la société prévoit que le marché de l'électro-optique demeurera fragile tout au long du deuxième trimestre de 2008.

- Chiffre d'affaires net de 133,6 milliards de yens, soit une hausse de 32,3 % par rapport aux 100,9 milliards de yens enregistrés au deuxième trimestre de 2007 - Revenu d'exploitation de 23,1 milliards de yens, soit une diminution de 13,8 % par rapport aux 26,8 milliards de yens enregistrés au deuxième trimestre de 2007 - Revenu net de 19,2 milliards de yens, soit une diminution de 8,6 % par rapport aux 21,0 milliards de yens enregistrés au deuxième trimestre de 2007 - Bénéfice par action de 44,36 yens comparativement aux 48,64 yens enregistrés au deuxième trimestre de 2007

Le rapport trimestriel est disponible dans son intégralité à la page << Financial Statement >> de la section << Investor Relations >> du site Web de HOYA au http://www.hoya.co.jp/english/

*Les résultats sont préliminaires et n'ont pas été vérifiés.

*Les montants en yens montrés dans le présent document sont arrondis au chiffre inférieur à la centaine de millions la plus près.

À propos de Hoya Corporation

Hoya Corporation est une entreprise technologique mondiale établie à Tokyo, au Japon, et un leader de la prestation de produits et de services de haute technologie novateurs et indispensables fondés sur ses technologies optiques de pointe. Hoya oeuvre dans quatre secteurs d'activités : la division d'électro-optique, qui se spécialise dans la fabrication de masques et de photomasques pour les dispositifs à semi-conducteurs et les panneaux à cristaux liquides, de lentilles optiques pour les appareils photo numériques ainsi que de disques en verre incassables pour les lecteurs de disque dur. La division des soins de la vue, qui fournit des lunettes, exploite des magasins de détail spécialisés dans la vente de lentilles de contact et fabrique des lentilles intraoculaires destinées à la chirurgie de la cataracte. La division des soins vitaux, qui fournit des systèmes endoscopiques. Finalement, la division d'imagerie, qui produit des appareils photo numériques SLR/compact, des lentilles interchangeables, des modules de lentilles ainsi que des mini-lentilles. Hoya compte maintenant plus de 100 filiales et sociétés affiliées, et emploie environ 35 000 personnes dans le monde.

Hoya Corporation

Contact : Akiko Maeyama / Naoji Ito, Communications d'entreprise, Hoya Corporation, Tél. : +81-3-3952-1166 / Courrier électronique : HOYA-pr@mb.hoya.co.jp

TechWeb's Internet Evolution Cites Top 10 Google DisappointmentsSocial network efforts, NASA partnership, corporate culture not all they're cracked up to be

NEW YORK, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Google may be the darling of Wall Street and opinion leaders in technology, but the search engine giant has also made its share of blunders -- 10 of them, to be exact, according to TechWeb's Internet Evolution, a Web 2.0 site dedicated to investigating the future of the Internet.

In a report published today, Internet Evolution enumerates the Top 10 Google Disappointments that range from development and product issues to the dark side of its much touted laissez-faire culture.

In addition to a corporate culture that's riddled with excess and contradiction, the report is also critical of Google's social networking efforts with Orkut, OpenSocial, and FriendConnect, as well as a largely dormant partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Other disappointments includes its much hyped Gphone, and a variety of other services including Gmail, Google Apps for Education, and Knol, among others.

To read the report click here: http://www.internetevolution.com/document.asp?doc_id=159196

The intent of the report was to bust through the hype that greets almost everything Google does, according to Internet Evolution Editor in Chief Terry Sweeney. "Between its financial performance and dominant position in the search engine business, Google generates mostly unabashed praise for its efforts and initiatives," Sweeney said. "Our report takes a more critical look as Google struggles to expand beyond its core strengths in search and advertising."

About Internet Evolution

Internet Evolution hosts more than 100 world-famous Internet experts -- such as Kevin Mitnick, once the most-wanted computer hacker in the world; Dr. Lawrence Roberts, inventor of packet switching, and one of the world's foremost authorities on telecom network architectures; Jack Uldrich, futurist, scholar, and author; Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist.com; David Weinberger, technologist and co-author of The Cluetrain Manifesto; Howard Schmidt, former White House cybersecurity adviser; and Norman J. Ornstein, political scientist and a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) -- all of whom are addressing today's critical socio-economic issues within its ThinkerNet blogosphere. Internet Evolution also offers broadcast-quality broadband video documentaries and interviews; investigative reports; and user-generated content facilitated via the latest Web 2.0 technology.

About TechWeb (formerly CMP)

TechWeb, the global leader in business technology media, is an innovative business focused on serving the needs of technology decision-makers and marketers worldwide. TechWeb produces the most respected and consumed media brands in the business technology market. Today, more than 10 million business technology professionals actively engage with and rely on our global face-to-face events, including Interop, Web 2.0, Black Hat, and VoiceCon; online resources such as the TechWeb Network, Light Reading, Intelligent Enterprise, InformationWeek.com, bMighty.com, and The Financial Technology Network; and the market-leading, award-winning InformationWeek, Wall Street & Technology, TechNet, and MSDN magazines. TechWeb also provides end-to-end services ranging from next-generation performance marketing, custom media, research, and analyst services. TechWeb is a division of United Business Media (http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/), a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion.

Contact Amy Averbook TechWeb's Internet Evolution (212) 925-0020 x112 averbook@lightreading.com

Internet Evolution

CONTACT: Amy Averbook, TechWeb's Internet Evolution, +1-212-925-0020,
x112, averbook@lightreading.com

Web site: http://www.internetevolution.com/document.asp?doc_id=159196
http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/

OTI to Present at Noble Financial Equity ConferenceNoble Financial M.A.D. MAX Equity Conference

FORT LEE, N.J., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On Track Innovations Ltd, (OTI) , a global leader in contactless microprocessor-based smart card solutions, for homeland security, payments, petroleum payments and other applications, will be presenting at the Fourth Annual Noble Financial Equity Conference at 4:00 p.m.(Pacific) on Monday, August 18, 2008 at the Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort, Nevada.

A presentation regarding OTI's market positioning, financial performance and strategic direction will be provided. The presentation will be webcast live featuring high-definition, streaming video and PowerPoint slides. Access is available by logging on to the conference website http://www.noblemadmax.com/ or by going to OTI's website at http://www.otiglobal.com/content.aspx?id=231. It is recommended that interested parties register at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the presentation to ensure timely access.

On Track Innovations Ltd. (OTI) is a leading contactless smart card solution provider. Applications developed by OTI include product solutions for:

1. SmartID -- Homeland security solutions -- national ID cards, e-passports and medical cards.

2. Payments -- Cashless solution for small ticket items. 3. EasyFuel -- Fuel management and petroleum solution.

Noble will also arrange one-on-one meetings with OTI. This will be an excellent opportunity to meet with OTI and receive an update on OTI's technology.

About OTI

Established in 1990, OTI designs, develops and markets secure contactless microprocessor-based smart card technology to address the needs of a wide variety of markets. Applications developed by OTI include product solutions for petroleum payment systems, homeland security solutions, electronic passports and IDs, payments, mass transit ticketing, parking, loyalty programs and secure campuses. OTI has a global network of regional offices to market and support its products. The company was awarded the Frost & Sullivan 2005 and 2006 Company of the Year Award in the field of smart cards.

For more information on OTI, visit http://www.otiglobal.com/, the content of which is not part of this press release.

About Noble Financial

Noble Financial is a privately-held, full-service capital markets firm driven by what is often overlooked by other firms -- uncovering the value embedded in the orphaned, undiscovered or misunderstood company. The company focuses on converting market inefficiencies into profit opportunities. Noble Financial supports emerging companies through strategic advice, investment banking, market-making, sales & trading, comprehensive equity research, and the development of institutional support. Noble Financial's equity conferences -- 2008 marks their fourth annual -- allow for a unique blend of professional and personal interaction among a diverse cross-section of executives. The company has operated for 24 years and has offices in Florida, New York City and Boston.

OTI Contact: Investor Relations Galit Mendelson Paul Holm Vice President of Corporate Relations portfoliopr 201 944 5200 ext. 111 212 888 4570 galit@otiglobal.com paulh@portfoliopr.biz

On Track Innovations Ltd.

CONTACT: OTI Contact: Galit Mendelson, Vice President of Corporate
Relations, +1-201-944-5200, ext. 111, galit@otiglobal.com, or Investor
Relations, Paul Holm of portfoliopr, +1-212-888-4570, paulh@portfoliopr.biz

Web Site: http://www.noblemadmax.com/
http://www.otiglobal.com/
http://www.otiglobal.com/content.aspx?id=231

Herley Industries Receives a Contract for UK Future Lynx Helicopter Program

LANCASTER, Pa., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Herley Industries, Inc. announced today that AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, has awarded them a contract to provide its PCM770 Encoders for use in the Flight Test Data Acquisition System of the AgustaWestland next-generation Lynx Helicopter. The Future Lynx will be the UK Army's new Battlefield Reconnaissance Helicopter and the Navy's new Surface Combatant Maritime Rotorcraft. The first flight of the Future Lynx Helicopter is expected to take place in late 2009 with first deliveries starting in 2012.

Myron Levy, Herley's Chairman and CEO, said, "Herley's test instrumentation and data acquisition product line is widely accepted for flight testing airborne vehicles. We are pleased to support the UK and AgustaWestland in this important program."

Herley Industries, Inc. is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of microwave technology solutions for the defense, aerospace and medical industries worldwide. Based in Lancaster, PA, Herley has eight manufacturing locations and approximately 965 employees. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at http://www.herley.com/.

For information at Herley contact: Tel: (717) 735-8117 Peg Guzzetti http://www.herley.com/ Investor Relations

Safe Harbor Statement -- Except for the historical information contained herein, this release may contain forward-looking statements. Such statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. When used in this report, words such as "anticipated," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "may," "plans," "potential" and "intends" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the belief of the Company's management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company's management. The Company's results could differ materially based on various factors, including, but not limited to, cancellation or deferral of customer orders, difficulties in the timely development of new products, difficulties in manufacturing, increased competitive pressures, and general economic conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of future events or developments.

Herley Industries, Inc.

CONTACT: Peg Guzzetti, Investor Relations of Herley Industries, Inc.,
+1-717-735-8117

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

Microsoft Breaks New Ground in Helping Developers Build and Deploy Client, Web and Data-Driven ApplicationsAnnounces release to manufacturing of Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 SP1 and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.

REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. today announced the release to manufacturing (RTM) of the .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Visual Studio 2008 SP1. These releases come just nine months after the release of the .NET Framework 3.5 and Visual Studio 2008, and include a substantial number of updates based directly on customer feedback. The service packs continue to address the needs of the developer community by making it even easier to develop applications for the latest platforms, with new features such as the .NET Framework Client Profile for faster deployment of Windows-based applications, multiple enhancements to ASP.NET, and unparalleled support for database application development through the ADO.NET Entity Framework, ADO.NET Data Services and integration with SQL Server 2008.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

"Visual Studio 2008 SP1 and the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 had an extremely positive impact on our ability to develop a Web-based application that our customer, Misys Healthcare Systems, could use to manage patients' records -- in fact, it helped us boost development speed by 60 percent," said Galen Murdock, president and CEO at Veracity Solutions Inc. "The Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX improvements and new capabilities such as ADO.NET Entity Framework and ADO.NET Data Services meant we didn't have to worry about any of the underlying plumbing and could simply focus on building a highly responsive and interactive experience for users."

New Breakthroughs for Developing and Deploying Client Applications

The .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 includes the new .NET Framework Client Profile -- the fastest and easiest way to deploy applications for Windows. With .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and the .NET Framework Client Profile, developers can more easily deploy client applications thanks to an 86.5 percent reduction (197 MB to 26.5 MB) in .NET Framework size. This means that end users will be able to download and install Windows-based applications significantly faster than before. The .NET Framework Client Profile also makes it possible to extend the improved download and installation experience to existing .NET applications.

Developers now can quickly and simply deploy new and existing rich-client applications to a broader audience. Any services connecting to these applications will also see up to 10 times the amount of performance improvement when running in Internet Information Services 7.0 (IIS7).

"The beauty of the .NET Framework has always been that it makes it easier for developers to build applications that are visually stunning, well connected and highly secure," said Scott Guthrie, corporate vice president of the .NET Developer Division at Microsoft. "However, we want to make sure we are keeping the end-user experience in mind as well, which is why we created the .NET Framework Client Profile. The .NET Framework Client Profile significantly speeds up the installation of Windows and enables a much more consumer-friendly experience. This is a huge step forward for the more than 4 million .NET developers worldwide."

The .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 includes several improvements to the common language runtime, such as the ability to generate managed code that improves application startup time by 20 percent to 45 percent and end-to-end application execution time up to 10 percent, and the ability of managed code to take advantage of the Address Space Layout Randomization security feature in Windows Vista. In addition, .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 has improvements for the creation of rich-client applications and line-of-business applications using Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF).

Simplified Development of Web and Data-Driven Applications

The .NET Framework 3.5, released in November 2007, already contains significant improvements for developing Web 2.0 applications and dynamic Web sites, including new server controls and a client-script library for AJAX-style applications, as well as tight integration with IIS7. With .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, the .NET Framework now offers support for ASP.NET Dynamic Data, which provides a rich scaffolding framework that allows rapid data-driven development without writing code.

Furthermore, the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 includes ADO.NET Data Services and ADO.NET Entity Framework, which raise the level of abstraction for database programming and supply both a new model-based paradigm and a rich, standards-based framework for creating data-oriented Web services. With this service pack, Visual Studio 2008 and the .NET Framework 3.5 also support SQL Server 2008, making the Microsoft platform the most comprehensive environment for database application development.

"Using the Entity Framework has significantly sped up our development cycle by removing a lot of the custom code we have to write," said David Copple, lead developer, The Test Factory. "The Entity Framework took away the tedium of having to write standard data access code and business objects, which gave our team a big productivity boost."

The .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 also improves developer productivity by simplifying the requirements for creating, implementing, changing and scaling applications via delivery of a single framework for service development that spans enterprise-critical applications and emerging rich, interactive applications. Enhancements to the representational state transfer (REST) services functionality within Windows Communication Foundation expand the range of choices for developers and provide a more flexible programming model for building services to support both Web 2.0 and service-oriented architecture (SOA) applications. ADO.NET Data Services leverages the new REST capabilities in Windows Communication Foundation, giving developers dramatic productivity gains when creating data-centric REST-based services.

Additional Improvements to Visual Studio 2008

Enhancements in Visual Studio 2008 SP1 build on the new functionality in the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, offering developers improved performance and reliability. Improvements include better-performing designers for building WPF applications, improved tools for developing AJAX applications, improved designers for working with the ADO.NET Entity Framework, a richer JavaScript development environment and a streamlined Web site deployment experience. Visual Studio 2008 SP1 also extends the developer-focused innovations in SQL Server 2008, making the development of occasionally connected applications and spatial applications easier and offering developers additional controls for incorporating business intelligence into applications.

More information and a download of Visual Studio 2008 SP1 is available at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=122094; more information and a download of .NET Framework 3.5 SP1is available at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=124150.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Rapid Response Team of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide,
+1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com

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

Aon Consulting's Replacement Ratio Study Shows the Impact on Workers Who are not Saving Enough for Retirement

CHICAGO, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A worker planning to maintain a pre-retirement standard of living in retirement can require anywhere from approximately $15,000 to $185,000 or more annually from private and employer sources, according to Aon Consulting Worldwide, the global human capital consulting organization of Aon Corporation .

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041215/CGW049LOGO)

The 2008 Replacement Ratio Study, conducted by Aon Consulting and Georgia State University, details the percentage of one's final annual salary that needs to be replaced for a person to keep the same standard of living after retirement. This allows workers to determine what they should be saving now and in the future, based on age, current salary and other factors.

For example, the study shows that a worker earning $50,000 at retirement will need to replace 81 percent of that amount annually to continue the same standard of living. On a yearly basis, this worker may receive 51 percent ($25,500) from Social Security (including spousal benefits), while the remaining 30 percent ($15,000) needs to come from an employer retirement plan and/or the worker's own savings. These numbers vary depending on final base salary, so in contrast, a worker earning $150,000 at retirement will need to replace 84 percent of that salary to continue the same pre-retirement standard of living. In this case, however, Social Security will provide only 23 percent ($34,500), while the employer retirement plan and/or worker's own savings must account for the remaining 61 percent ($91,500) each year. See chart at the end of this release for additional breakouts.

"Generally, a person needs less gross income after retiring," said Cecil Hemingway, U.S. Retirement Practice leader with Aon Consulting. "This is primarily due to the following factors: income taxes go down after retirement; Social Security taxes end completely; Social Security benefits are partially or fully tax-free; and saving for retirement is no longer needed. That said, our 2008 Replacement Ratio Study truly illustrates the importance of saving and the overwhelming challenges that lie ahead for those who don't save adequately."

Making Money Last

This study also reveals the number of years an average person should plan for their retirement assets to last. If a married couple is comfortable with a 50 percent chance they will not outlive their assets, they need to plan for 27 years. In terms of dollars, if this couple were earning $80,000 annually before retiring, then accumulating $420,000 from an employer retirement plan and/or their own savings by the time they retire will allow them to maintain their pre-retirement standard of living. If the couple were more conservative and wanted a 95 percent chance they would not outlive their assets, they should plan for at least 38 years. This translates into approximately $715,000 in savings by the time they retire. See chart at the end of this release for additional breakouts.

"The most significant issue retirees will face moving forward is outliving assets," said Hemingway. "The convergence of medical advancements, enabling people to live longer, and worker apathy toward retirement savings is creating a 'perfect storm,' which may result in millions of Americans with little money left as they advance through their 'golden years.' The Pension Protection Act of 2006 includes provisions so employees can be automatically enrolled in company retirement plans. However, the responsibility of retirement still rests with the employee to determine if that's enough to ensure a well-funded retirement."

It's Not Too Late to Start Saving

In addition, the Replacement Ratio Study shows the percentage of a person's earnings that need to be saved annually until age 65, if a worker were to start saving at various ages and salary levels. For example, a 25-year-old male earning $30,000 who has not started saving for retirement will need to save at least 4.2 percent of his pay each year until 65 to have a chance of retiring with an appropriate amount of savings. If this worker were age 35 making $60,000, the number jumps to 7.5 percent of pay each year until 65. See chart at the end of this release for additional breakouts.

"An employee with a typical 401k, for example, has to bear all equity, interest rate/inflation and longevity risk that employers used to bear, so the bottom line is save," said Hemingway. "If you're saving now, make sure it's an appropriate amount, based on all factors. If you're not saving, start doing so today. It's never too late to start saving, but the later you start, the more you will need to save to make up for years of not doing so."

About the Replacement Ratio Study

The primary data source for this information is the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES). This is essentially the same database that is used to construct the Consumer Price Index. The CES is done annually. Aon Consulting and Georgia State University used data from the most recent years available-2003, 2004, and 2005. This data includes information on approximately 12,823 "working" consumer units and 6,498 "retired" consumer units.

About Aon Consulting

Aon Consulting Worldwide (http://www.aon.com/hcc) is among the top global human capital consulting firms, with 2007 revenues of $1.352 billion and 6,335 professionals in 117 offices worldwide. Aon Consulting is shaping the workplace of the future through benefits, talent management and rewards strategies and solutions. Aon Consulting was named the best employee benefit consulting firm by the readers of Business Insurance magazine in 2006 and 2007.

About Aon

Aon Corporation is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting. Through its 36,000 colleagues 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 named the world's best broker by Euromoney magazine's 2008 Insurance Survey. In 2008, Aon ranked highest on the Business Insurance ranking of the world's largest insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues. Aon also was ranked by A.M. Best as the number one insurance broker based on brokerage revenues in 2007 and 2008, and was 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 http://www.aon.com/.

Replacement Ratios Translated into Dollars Private and Private and Pre-Retirement Social Employer Employer Sources Income Security(%) Sources(%) Total(%) (Annual $) $50,000 51 30 81 $15,000 $60,000 46 32 78 $19,200 $70,000 42 35 77 $24,500 $80,000 39 38 77 $30,400 $90,000 36 42 78 $37,800 $150,000 23 61 84 $91,500 $200,000 17 69 86 $138,000 $250,000 14 74 88 $185,000 This assumes a family situation in which there is one wage earner who retires at age 65, with a spouse at age 62. The Social Security includes the spouse's Social Security he/she will collect at age 62. Number of Years a Retirement Account Should Last Desired Probability That You Number of Years You Should Prepare For Will Not Outlive Your Assets Married Couple Male only Female only (Male 65, and (65) (62) Female 62)* 50% 19 24 27 75% 24 30 31 95% 31 38 38 For example: If a 65-year-old male is counting on a 95% probability that he will not outlive his assets, he should plan for his retirement savings to last 31 years. * This assumes a family situation in which there is one wage earner who retires at age 65, with a spouse at age 62. Number of Years a Retirement Account Should Last - Dollars Needed on the Day of Retirement 50% Desired 95% Desired Probably of Probably of Not Outliving Not Outliving Private Assets (27 Assets (38 Private and years)- years)- Pre- Social and Employer Private and Private and Retirement Security Employer Total Sources Employer Employer Income (%) Sources(%) (%) (Annual $) Dollars Dollars $80,000 39 38 77 $30,400 $420,000 $715,000 $90,000 36 42 78 $37,800 $525,000 $890,000 $150,000 23 61 84 $91,500 $1,260,500 $2,150,000 $200,000 17 69 86 $138,000 $1,905,000 $3,250,000 $250,000 14 74 88 $185,000 $2,555,000 $4,355,000 This assumes a family situation in which there is one wage earner who retires at age 65, with a spouse at age 62. Social Security includes the payments made to both spouses. Annual investment returns are expected to average 7.8% with a standard deviation of 10.7%. Yearly Savings as a Percentage of Pay - Males Current % of pay that needs to be saved each year until Salary age 65, if saving starts at age x 25 35 45 55 $20,000 3.5 5.8 10.9 26.7 $30,000 4.2 7.1 13.3 32.8 $40,000 4.2 7.1 13.3 32.8 $50,000 4.1 6.9 13.0 31.9 $60,000 4.5 7.5 14.0 34.5 $70,000 4.8 8.1 15.1 37.1 $80,000 5.2 8.8 16.5 40.5 $90,000 5.8 9.7 18.2 44.9 For example: A 35-year-old male making $60,000 who hasn't saved anything for retirement, will need to save 7.5% of his salary per year to retire at age 65. If a 45-year-old making $60,000 begins saving for retirement, he will need to save 14% of his annual salary per year to retire at age 65. Yearly Savings as a Percentage of Pay - Females Current % of pay that needs to be saved each year until Salary age 65, if saving starts at age x 25 35 45 55 $20,000 3.7 6.2 11.6 28.5 $30,000 4.6 7.7 14.4 35.4 $40,000 4.6 7.7 14.4 35.4 $50,000 4.5 7.5 14.0 34.5 $60,000 4.8 8.1 15.1 37.1 $70,000 5.2 8.8 16.5 40.5 $80,000 5.7 9.5 17.9 44.0 $90,000 6.2 10.5 19.6 48.3 For example: A 35-year-old female making $60,000 who hasn't saved anything for retirement, will need to save 8.1% of her salary per year to retire at age 65. If a 45-year-old making $60,000 begins saving for retirement, she will need to save 15.1% of her annual salary per year to retire at age 65. For more information, contact: Joe Micucci 312-381-4786 joe_micucci@aon.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041215/CGW049LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Aon Corporation

CONTACT: Joe Micucci of Aon Corporation, +1-312-381-4786,
joe_micucci@aon.com

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

Jones Apparel Group Commences Item-Level RFID Pilot in Select Nine West Retail LocationsRetailer to utilize item-level RFID with state-of-the art solutions and support from Avery Dennison, inCode Wireless, Motorola, RFID Sherpas LLC and Vue Technology.

NEW YORK, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jones Apparel Group, Inc. today announced that it has initiated a program to evaluate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in select Nine West retail locations. The goal of this pilot program will be to study the benefits that item-level RFID provides in the areas of enhanced productivity, customer service and inventory accuracy.

"We are always looking for new ways to raise the bar and deliver outstanding customer service," said Sergio Prosperino, Senior Vice President, Store Operations at Nine West. "We are intrigued by the prospect of enhanced inventory visibility, and we think this can be of real value to our customers and store associates."

The team of companies with whom Jones is partnering on this initiative consists of:

-- Vue Technology, which will provide the RFID software and system management solutions;

-- Motorola's Enterprise Mobility Business, which will provide fixed and handheld RFID readers and antennas;

-- Avery Dennison, which will provide RFID tags and printers; and

-- inCode Wireless, which will provide installation and integration services and, along with RFID Sherpas LLC, will perform operational and business case analysis.

"We are eager to begin this test to explore the benefits that RFID can provide in our retail footwear locations," said Norm Veit, Executive Vice President, MIS at Jones. "RFID has interested us for some time, and we believe it has reached the point where launching a pilot program of this nature makes sense. We are also pleased to be working with our chosen partners on this project, and we look forward to the support and expertise we are confident they will provide."

About Jones Apparel Group

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (http://www.jny.com/) is a leading designer, marketer and wholesaler of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company also markets directly to consumers through its chain of specialty retail and value-based stores. The Company's nationally recognized brands include Jones New York, Nine West, Anne Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Kasper, Bandolino, Easy Spirit, Evan-Picone, l.e.i., Energie, Enzo Angiolini, Joan & David, Mootsies Tootsies, Sam & Libby, Napier, Judith Jack, Albert Nipon and Le Suit. The Company also markets costume jewelry under the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation, footwear under the Dockers Women brand licensed from Levi Strauss & Co. and apparel under the Rachel Roy brand licensed from Rachel Roy IP Company, LLC. Each brand is differentiated by its own distinctive styling, pricing strategy, distribution channel and target consumer. The Company contracts for the manufacture of its products through a worldwide network of quality manufacturers. The Company has capitalized on its nationally known brand names by entering into various licenses for several of its trademarks, including Jones New York, Evan-Picone, Anne Klein New York, Nine West, Gloria Vanderbilt and l.e.i., with select manufacturers of women's and men's products which the Company does not manufacture. For more than 30 years, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.

About Avery Dennison Corporation

Avery Dennison is a global leader in pressure-sensitive labeling materials, retail tag, ticketing and branding systems and office products. Based in Pasadena, Calif., Avery Dennison is a FORTUNE 500 Company with 2007 sales of $6.3 billion. Avery Dennison employs more than 30,000 individuals in 60 countries worldwide, who develop, manufacture and market a wide range of products for both consumer and industrial markets. Products offered by Avery Dennison include: Fasson brand self-adhesive materials; Avery Dennison brand products for the retail and apparel industries; Avery brand office products and graphics imaging media; specialty tapes, peel-and-stick postage stamps, and labels for a wide variety of automotive, industrial and durable goods applications. For more information, visit http://www.averydennison.com/.

About inCode Wireless

inCode is a global professional services organization providing business strategy and wireless technology consulting for leading companies worldwide. The experienced professionals of inCode leverage mobile technology expertise and industry experience to offer complete end-to-end solutions: strategy, business case analysis, hardware and software requirements, system integration, workforce training, and support. inCode offers customized mobile solutions for fleet, field service, field sales, supply chain, RFID, WLAN, and several other enterprise wireless and mobility areas. For more information go to http://www.incodewireless.com/ or contact info@incodewireless.com

About Motorola

Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6 billion in 2007. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com.

About RFID Sherpas LLC

RFID Sherpas LLC is a management consulting practice focused exclusively on the retail sector. The company serves a global base of retailers, merchandise vendors, technology providers and industry associations as an advisor on all facets of Retail RFID, including matters of strategy, project design, implementation, and business case analysis. In addition to helping clients utilize RFID practically and profitably in stores and other retail operating environments, the company plays an active role at the association level, fostering education and adoption of item-level RFID within the retail community. For more information visit http://www.rfidsherpas.com.

About Vue Technology

Vue Technology is the leading provider of item-level RFID solutions, offering breakthrough RFID infrastructure components and a powerful software suite that delivers the most scalable, reliable, and ROI-driven RFID solutions on the market. Vue's TrueVUE(TM) RFID Platform provides the industry's only unified RFID infrastructure that allows customers to manage dock doors, portals, mobile devices, smart surfaces and smart shelves to achieve RFID visibility down to the item-level.

With its patented RF Networking devices and UHF enabled VUEPoints(TM), Vue allows standard readers to network across thousands of antennas, exponentially increasing the number of zones that readers can support and dramatically reducing the cost barriers previously associated with item-level RFID roll-outs. Combined with an integrated software suite for device and network management, EPC commissioning, and RFID workflows, the TrueVUE(TM) RFID Platform is uniquely able to deliver significant and measurable ROI to its customers. For more information, visit http://www.vuetechnology.com.

MOTOROLA and the stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. (C) Motorola, Inc. 2008. All rights reserved.

Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

CONTACT: Norm Veit, EVP Management Information Services of Jones Apparel
Group, Inc., +1-215-785-4000

Web site: http://www.jny.com/
http://www.averydennison.com/
http://www.incodewireless.com/
http://www.motorola.com/
http://www.rfidsherpas.com/
http://www.vuetechnology.com/

Dynamics Research Corporation Completes Acquisition of Kadix SystemsRevenue Base of More Than $40 Million Strengthens DRC's Position in Growth Markets

ANDOVER, Mass., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dynamics Research Corporation , a leading provider of innovative engineering, technology and information technology services and solutions to federal and state governments, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Kadix Systems, LLC, effective August 1, 2008. As previously reported, the purchase price of Kadix Systems by DRC was $42 million with the potential for additional consideration of up to $5 million, based on the achievement of certain conditions. For tax purposes, the transaction will be treated as an asset purchase resulting in tax benefits to DRC, which have an estimated value of $10 million.

Kadix, a rapidly growing, high-end management consulting firm, maintains practice specialties in organizational change, human capital, information technology and public and learning and organizational development and is focused on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Marine Corps information technology, military medical health, and federal civilian markets. Kadix is currently providing services, which generate more than $20 million of revenue annually through task orders under the DHS Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for Leading Edge Solutions (EAGLE) contract (functional area 5 - Program Management and functional area 3 - Independent Verification & Validation Services) and DHS Program Management Strategic Sourcing (PMSS) contract. New task orders received in 2008 include a five-year $22 million order, providing IT strategic planning for the ICE Strategic Development Division at DHS and a $9.9 million, four-year order providing financial systems services to the Transportation Security Administration.

"Kadix Systems' customer presence significantly increases the percentage of our business mix focused on high-growth markets, a key strategic focus for DRC. In addition, Kadix high-end services carry strong margins, facilitating margin expansion," said Jim Regan, DRC's chairman and chief executive officer.

Kadix had annual revenues and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $23.0 million and $3.8 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2007. Revenue reported on an unaudited basis was $33.6 million for the twelve months ended June 30, 2008. Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008, March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was $11.6 million, $9.0 million and $6.8 million, respectively, and revenue for the two months ended September 30, 2007 was $4.2 million.

With rapid expansion in the past six months, the annualized Kadix revenue base is currently in excess of $40 million, with an estimated EBITDA margin of 15 percent and approximately 40 percent of the current estimated annualized revenue base to be recognized in the last five months of 2008. More than 90 percent of its work is derived from prime contracts. Employment has expanded from 207 at December 31, 2007 to approximately 270 employees at July 31, 2008. Kadix funded backlog at June 30, 2008 was $26.0 million.

With the addition of Kadix, DRC currently has 109 bids awaiting award with an estimated contract value of $233 million. The inclusion of Kadix in DRC's operating results for the last five months of 2008 is anticipated to contribute $0.02 to $0.03 to earnings, after taking into account an estimated $2.2 million of interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization related to the Kadix acquisition for the five-month period. The financial benefits of the acquisition are expected to be more fully realized in 2009 from the inclusion in DRC results of a full year of Kadix operations with incremental contributions of more than $24 million in revenue and earnings of at least $0.12 per diluted share.

About Dynamics Research Corporation

Dynamics Research Corporation (DRC) is a leading provider of mission-critical technology management services and solutions for government programs. DRC offers forward-thinking solutions backed by a history of excellence and customer satisfaction. Founded in 1955, DRC is a publicly held corporation and maintains more than 25 offices nationwide with major offices in Andover, Massachusetts; Reston, Virginia; and Fairborn, Ohio. For more information please visit our website at http://www.drc.com/.

Forward-Looking Disclaimer

Safe harbor statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Some statements contained or implied in this news release, may be considered forward-looking statements, which by their nature are uncertain. Consequently, actual results could materially differ. For more detailed information concerning how risks and uncertainties could affect the company's financial results, please refer to DRC's most recent filings with the SEC. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information.

CONTACTS: Investors: Dave Keleher Media: Duyen "Jen" Truong SVP and Chief Financial Officer Sage Communications (for DRC) 978.289.1615 703.584.5645 dkeleher@drc.com duyent@aboutsage.com

Dynamics Research Corporation

CONTACT: Investors, Dave Keleher of Dynamics Research Corporation, SVP
and Chief Financial Officer, +1-978-289-1615, dkeleher@drc.com; or Media,
Duyen "Jen" Truong of Sage Communications for Dynamics Research Corporation,
+1-703-584-5645, duyent@aboutsage.com

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

Astea International to Webcast Second Quarter 2008 Results

HORSHAM, Pa., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Astea International Inc. will release the company's second quarter 2008 financial results on Thursday, August 14, 2008. On Friday, August 15, 2008, management will host a conference call that will be broadcast live over the Internet. Zack Bergreen, Chief Executive Officer, Rick Etskovitz, Chief Financial Officer, and John Tobin, President, will host the call.

August 15, 2008 11:00 a.m. EDT http://www.astea.com/

The conference call can be found under the subheading, "About Us," and then "Investors," or use the following URL to access the link: http://www.astea.com/about_investors.asp. To listen to the live call via the Internet, please go to the website at least fifteen minutes early to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. To listen to the live call via the telephone, please call 1-877-407-3140. For calls from outside North America, please dial 1-201-689-8473. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available, via the Internet, two hours after the call and will remain available for sixty days.

About Astea International

Astea International is a global provider of service management software that addresses the unique needs of companies who manage capital equipment, mission critical assets and human capital. With the acquisition of FieldCentrix, Astea complements its existing portfolio with the industry's leading mobile field service execution solutions. Astea is helping companies drive even higher levels of customer satisfaction with faster response times and proactive communication, creating a seamless, consistent and highly personalized experience at every customer relationship touch point. Since its inception in 1979, Astea has licensed applications to companies, around the world, in a wide range of sectors including information technology, telecommunications, instruments and controls, business systems, HVAC, gaming/leisure, imaging, industrial equipment, and medical devices.

http://www.astea.com/. Service Smart. Enterprise Proven.

(C) 2008 Astea International Inc. Astea and Astea Alliance are trademarks of Astea International Inc. All other company and product names contained herein are trademarks of the respective holders.

Astea International Inc.

CONTACT: Rick Etskovitz, Chief Financial Officer of Astea International,
+1-215-682-2500, retskovitz@astea.com

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

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News archive of November 2009
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