Companies news

NEW YORK, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- ICE Futures U.S.(R), a wholly-owned subsidiary of IntercontinentalExchange, Inc. , announced changes to electronic trading hours for certain agricultural futures and options contracts. The changes will be effective with the start of trading on Monday, December 1, 2008, and apply to the following products: Cocoa, Coffee "C" and Robusta Coffee, Cotton No. 2, FCOJ, Sugar No. 11(R), Sugar No. 14(R), Sugar No. 16(R), RJ-CRB Index, and CCI Index.

In addition, the following changes will also apply:

-- Sugar No. 14, Sugar No. 16, RJ-CRB Index and CCI Index contracts will base the daily settlement price on trading from 2:44pm - 2:45pm ET each day.

-- On the last trading day of the expiring futures contract month, trading in the expiring Sugar No. 14 and Sugar No. 16 contracts will end at 2:30pm ET, and trading in the expiring Cotton No. 2 futures contracts will end at 2:45pm ET.

-- Floor trading for options on the CCI Index contract will end at 2:45pm each day.

ICE Futures U.S. worked collaboratively with agricultural market participants in reaching its decision to modify trading hours and settlement times for these products.

About IntercontinentalExchange

IntercontinentalExchange(R) operates regulated global futures exchanges and over-the-counter (OTC) markets for agricultural, energy, equity index and currency contracts, as well as credit derivatives. ICE(R) offers these markets to participants around the world through its technology infrastructure and trading platform, together with clearing, market data and risk management services. ICE Futures Europe(R) is ICE's regulated energy futures exchange. ICE's regulated North American exchanges, ICE Futures U.S.(R) and ICE Futures Canada(TM), offer markets for agricultural and financial contracts. Creditex, a market leader in trade execution and processing for credit derivatives, is also a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICE. A member of the Russell 1000(R) and S&P 500 indices, ICE is headquartered in Atlanta, with offices in New York, London, Chicago, Winnipeg, Calgary, Houston and Singapore. http://www.theice.com/ .

ICE Futures U.S.

CONTACT: Investor: Kelly Loeffler, VP, Investor Relations & Corp.
Communications, +1-770-857-4726, kelly.loeffler@theice.com, Sarah Stashak,
Director, Investor & Public Relations, +1-770-857-0340,
sarah.stashak@theice.com, both of IntercontinentalExchange; Media: Ellen G.
Resnick, Crystal Clear Communications, +1-773-929-9292, Cell: +1-312-399-9295,
eresnick@crystalclearPR.com

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

Brocade to Announce Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2008 Results

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As previously announced on November 10, 2008, Brocade(R) expects to report financial results for fourth fiscal quarter and full 2008 fiscal year on Thursday November 20, 2008, after the close of market. Financial results will be released over PR Newswire and First Call.

Following the press release, Brocade will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET). The call will be available as an audio Webcast live via the Internet at http://www.brcd.com/. A replay of the conference call will be available via the Webcast at http://www.brcd.com/ for approximately twelve months.

About Brocade

Brocade is a leading provider of data center networking solutions that help organizations connect, share, and manage their information in the most efficient manner. Organizations that use Brocade products and services are better able to optimize their IT infrastructures and ensure compliant data management. For more information, visit the Brocade Web site at http:/www.brocade.com or contact the company at info@brocade.com.

Brocade, Fabric OS, File Lifecycle Manager, MyView, and StorageX are registered trademarks and the Brocade B-wing symbol, DCX, and SAN Health are trademarks of Brocade Communications Systems, Inc., in the United States and/or in other countries. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of, and are used to identify, products or services of their respective owners.

Brocade

CONTACT: Public Relations, John Noh, +1-408-333-5108, jnoh@brocade.com,
or Investor Relations, Alex Lenke, +1-408-333-6758, alenke@brocade.com, both
of Brocade

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

Kentucky Students in Daviess County Double Math Scores with Everyday Mathematics(R)

OWENSBORO, Ky., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Daviess County is home to two 2008 Blue Ribbon schools. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is offered by the U.S. Department of Education to honor schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. Students in both Blue Ribbon schools improved their mathematics scores on the state's standardized test by 55% in just one year after Wright Group/McGraw-Hill's Everyday Mathematics(R) was implemented in Grades K-5.

Both Sorgho Elementary School and Whitesville Elementary School adopted the program in fall 2004. The percentage of Sorgho students scoring Proficient or Distinguished on the math portion of the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS) jumped from 39% in 2003 to 87% in 2004. The percentage of Whitesville students jumped from 33% in 2003 to 73% in 2004.

Beverly Dawson, principal at Sorgho Elementary School, said Everyday Mathematics is used in approximately half the elementary schools district-wide, and the program, coupled with dedicated teachers, has made a significant difference for her students.

"Everyday Mathematics is a research-based curriculum focusing on critical thinking, which means the program teaches students to look at mathematical problems in different ways," she explained. "They know there's more than one way to solve a problem."

Dawson said Everyday Mathematics also gives students a basic understanding of how numbers work. "This gives them a good foundation that they'll use the rest of their academic careers. We've watched our students who had experienced the program since kindergarten excel in math once they reached the upper grades. That wasn't the case before the program began," Dawson explained.

Laura Cecil, the school's staff developer and gifted-education coordinator, said students aren't afraid to attack math problems now because they know multiple strategies. "This program offers various perspectives to approaching math and mathematical thinking. It doesn't force students to rely on one strategy to find a solution. When we challenge them with extremely difficult high-level math problems, like those used in middle school, we notice they are determined to solve them. That's because they take the time to use every solution they know to work it through," Cecil said.

Teachers at Whitesville Elementary School, which also received a Blue Ribbon in 2008, have watched students' math scores increase as well.

Before Everyday Mathematics was implemented in Grades K-5 in fall 2004, teachers in different grade levels used different math programs. Only 33% of students in Grades 3-5 scored Proficient or Distinguished in math on CATS in 2003. Once all teachers began using Everyday Mathematics and were consistent with the language they used to teach the program, scores began to rise. In just one year, 73% of students scored Proficient or Distinguished in math.

"The primary reason that several schools across the district have experienced score increases is because teachers have committed to teaching Everyday Math with fidelity to assure students' ongoing achievement," Dawson concluded.

About Daviess County Public Schools

Daviess County is located in the western portion of Kentucky along the southern banks of the Ohio River, about 30 miles southeast of Evansville, Indiana. The major city in the county is Owensboro, which is the third largest city in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Daviess County Public Schools operate 18 schools and serve roughly 10,840 students in Grades Pre-K-12. The student population is 89% Caucasian, 5% multicultural, 3% African American, 1% Asian, 1% Hispanic, and 1% Native American. More than 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. For more information about Daviess County Public Schools, visit http://www.dcps.org/.

About Everyday Mathematics

With more than 20 years of history, Wright Group/McGraw-Hill's Everyday Mathematics for Grades Pre-K-6 helps students measure up to the demand for greater mathematical competence and problem-solving ability. Everyday Mathematics was developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. The research-based curriculum is used in nearly 185,000 classrooms across the United States by more than 3 million children. The Everyday Mathematics eSuite includes an online lesson planner with digital access to all teacher materials, an interactive online student edition, animated games for additional fact practice, an assessment management system to monitor student progress, and multilingual family letters in nine languages to support the home-school connection.

Visit http://everydaymathsuccess.com/ to read about the program's efficacy and to see videos of the program in use in the classroom. See http://wrightgroup.com/parent_connection/index.html for parent resources.

About Wright Group/McGraw-Hill

Wright Group/McGraw-Hill publishes innovative core and supplemental literacy and mathematics programs for differentiated instruction and teacher training in Grades Pre-K-8. The research-based approach, anchored in real-world applications, is based on the assessed needs of students, combining developmentally appropriate materials with explicit outcomes.

Wright Group is part of McGraw-Hill Education, a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 60 languages. Additional information is available at http://mheducation.com/. For more information on Wright Group's products, call 1-800-648-2970 or visit http://wrightgroup.com/.

Wright Group/McGraw-Hill

CONTACT: Amy Tillinghast
Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
(614) 750-7285
amy_tillinghast@mcgraw-hill.com
or
Melina Metzger
Paul Werth Associates
(614) 224-8114 Ext. 236
mmetzger@paulwerth.com

Web site: http://mheducation.com/
http://wrightgroup.com/
http://everydaymathsuccess.com/
http://www.dcps.org/

comScore CEO and Chairman Named Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2008 Award National Finalists in The Services Category

RESTON, Va., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- comScore, Inc. , a leader in measuring the digital world, today announced that Magid Abraham, comScore's CEO, and Gian Fulgoni, comScore's chairman, were named national finalists for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2008 Award in the services category. Ernst & Young's program recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, high-growth businesses on a regional, national and global level.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/COMSCORELOGO)

The national award finalists were announced at an awards gala, hosted by Jay Leno, on November 15 in Palm Springs, California. The gala is the culminating event of the Ernst & Young 2008 Strategic Growth Forum, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. This group of outstanding entrepreneurs was selected by an independent judging panel made up of business, community and academic leaders.

"This award honors the more than 600 comScore employees who worked tirelessly to help our company achieve its success and industry prominence," said Magid Abraham, comScore's CEO and co-founder. "Together, we built comScore as the ultimate source of information about digital media and online user behavior. Gian and I are gratified that comScore has become so interwoven within the fabric of the Internet and such an essential tool for planning, buying, selling, and evaluating the impact of digital marketing initiatives."

Now in its 22nd year, The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) awards program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. The overall national Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) winner will compete in the world event, held in Monte Carlo in 2009.

"After more than two decades, the Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) award has become one of the most prestigious business awards for entrepreneurs," said Larry Haynes, Americas Director, Entrepreneur Of The Year(R), Ernst & Young LLP. "We're proud to honor the national finalists who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and serve as catalysts for local and national change."

For more information about the winners and how to get involved, please visit http://www.ey.com/us/eoy.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) Awards are pleased to have SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as national sponsors.

About comScore

comScore, Inc. is a global leader in measuring the digital world. For more information, please visit http://www.comscore.com/boilerplate.

About Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year(R)

Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/COMSCORELOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com comScore, Inc.

CONTACT: Andrew Lipsman of comScore, Inc., +1-312-775-6510,
press@comscore.com

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

Liberty Media Corporation Announces Mike George, President and CEO of QVC, Inc. to Host Conference Call

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Liberty Media Corporation announced it will host a conference call in conjunction with Morgan Stanley, beginning at 1:00 pm (ET) on November 25, 2008. On that call, Mike George, President and CEO of QVC, Inc., will discuss QVC's operations.

Please call 866-770-7120 or 617-213-8065 (outside USA), pass code 41702404 at least 10 minutes prior to the call so that we can begin promptly at the start time. You will need a touch-tone telephone to ask questions. The conference administrator will give you instructions on how to use the polling feature. Questions will be registered automatically and queued in the proper sequence.

Replays of the call can be accessed by dialing 888-286-8010 or 617-801-6888 (outside USA), pass code 14597779. The replay will be available from 3:00pm (ET) on the 25th through December 8, 2008.

In addition, the conference call will be broadcast live via the Internet. All interested persons should visit the Liberty Media Corporation web site at http://www.libertymedia.com/investor_relations/default.htm to register for the web cast.

Liberty Media Corporation owns interests in a broad range of electronic retailing, media, communications and entertainment businesses. Those interests are attributed to three tracking stock groups: (1) the Liberty Interactive group, which includes Liberty's interests in QVC, Provide Commerce, Backcountry.com, BUYSEASONS, Bodybuilding.com, IAC/InterActiveCorp, and Expedia, (2) the Liberty Entertainment group, which includes Liberty's interests in the DIRECTV Group, Inc., Starz Entertainment, FUN Technologies, Inc., GSN, LLC, WildBlue Communications, Inc., and Liberty Sports Holdings LLC, and (3) the Liberty Capital group, which includes all businesses, assets and liabilities not attributed to the Interactive group or the Entertainment group including our subsidiaries Starz Media, LLC, Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc., and TruePosition, Inc., and minority equity investments in Time Warner Inc. and Sprint Nextel Corporation. For more information, please see http://www.libertymedia.com/.

Liberty Media Corporation

CONTACT: Courtnee Ulrich of Liberty Media Corporation, +1-720-875-5420

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

Sears.com Expands Its Online Shopping Experience With Massive New Assortment of Automotive Parts and Accessories

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Building on a long history of serving customers' automotive needs, Sears is now enabling online shoppers to purchase from a full assortment of automotive-related products in addition to Tires, Wheels and Batteries on Sears.com. Sears will add more than 130,000 new items to its online selection of parts and accessories for cars, trucks, motorcycles, campers, RVs, ATVs, and UTVs.

"Sears is adding more than 130,000 new items to our tires, wheels, batteries and automotive parts and accessories selection," said Imran Jooma, Sears vice president of e-commerce. "Our customers already expect to find the highest quality and broadest assortments of tires, appliances and tools on Sears.com. And, now we will be offering one of the largest online selections of automotive items, in time for the holiday season."

"These new additions to automotive on Sears.com allow us to better serve today's customer with speed and expertise," said Rick Sawyer, vice president and general merchandise manager of Automotive. "As more customers turn to the Internet to research automotive purchases, Sears.com should be their first choice. In addition to our great brands like Diehard and our expanded products selection, Sears.com will now offer the convenience of online appointment scheduling in addition to 'Click to Talk' for instant online & phone access to Tire experts. Customers can now shop for tires, batteries and service from the comfort of their home, get their questions answered, schedule their service and in most cases, drive into their local Sears Auto Center the same or next day to get the work done. That's the power of the internet at work."

To provide this broad selection of new products, Sears.com is partnering with the Whitney Automotive Group. Once launched, customers on Sears.com will be able to browse more than five million vehicle applications for parts and accessories designed to fit their specific vehicle. Customers can also search by product type, browse more than two thousand brands of parts and accessories, and shop for products designed to improve the fuel economy and performance of their vehicles.

For more information, or to shop for your vehicle, visit http://www.sears.com/automotive.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with over $50 billion in annual revenues and approximately 3,800 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has Martha Stewart Everyday products, which are offered exclusively in the U.S. by Kmart and in Canada by Sears Canada. The company is the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 13 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at http://www.searsholdings.com/.

About Whitney Automotive Group

Whitney Automotive Group is the largest internet and catalog retailer of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories. The company's flagship brand, J. C. Whitney, has been serving the automotive needs of its customers since 1915. Whitney Automotive today operates multiple brands and automotive retail Web sites, including http://www.jcwhitney.com/, http://www.stylintrucks.com/, and http://www.carparts.com/. Through its business services division, Whitney Automotive provides outsourced e-commerce, merchandising, product data, fulfillment, and customer service solutions for retailers looking to profit from the high growth rate in online automotive retailing. For more information, visit http://www.jcwhitney.com/.

Sears Holdings Corporation

CONTACT: Regina Pelz-Westergaard of Euro RSCG Worldwide PR,
+1-847-286-8984, regina.pelz-westergaard@eurorscg.com, for Sears; or Tom
Aiello of Sears Holdings, +1-847-286-7387, TAIELL1@searshc.com

Web site: http://www.searsholdings.com/
http://www.sears.com/automotive
http://www.jcwhitney.com/

Next Inning Technology Previews Optical Players: Bookham, Corning, Finisar and JDS Uniphase

PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Next Inning Technology Research (http://www.nextinning.com/), a subscription service focused on semiconductor and technology stocks, announced it has updated outlooks for Bookham , Corning , Finisar , and JDS Uniphase .

As stock prices began dropping early in 2008, McWilliams warned readers to be patient. While pundits anxiously called bottoms in March, July and again in September, he suggested to his readers to keep their powder dry for what he thought would be lower prices as we neared the November election. To read what McWilliams thinks investors should do now and receive copies of his in depth earnings previews, please accept our invitation to take a complimentary test-drive by visiting the link below.

https://www.nextinning.com/subscribe/index.php?refer=prn734

In a special review of the optics sector that was published today, McWilliams wrote: "My thesis then, which appears to be proving true, is that even as revenues decline, profitability will hold materially better than it has during past downturns. I echoed this point in a recent report in which I modeled my expectations for Cisco during the coming year using what I think will prove to be conservative projections..."

McWilliams also looks at these topics:

-- In modeling his expectations for Corning, does McWilliams think there is a firm enough value proposition to buy during the current dip?

-- Does McWilliams think optical component companies will be able to improve profit margins as demand returns to the sector?

-- Does McWilliams think JDS Uniphase will enjoy competitive advantages due to its size and scale?

-- Which stock does McWilliams believe is the best speculative play: Bookham, Finisar or Avanex?

Founded in September 2002, Next Inning's model portfolio has returned 100% since its inception versus 13% for the Nasdaq.

About Next Inning:

Next Inning is a subscription financial newsletter focused on technology stocks. Editor Paul McWilliams is a 20+-year industry veteran.

NOTE: This release was published by Indie Research Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor with CRD #131926. Interested parties may visit adviserinfo.sec.gov for additional information. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.

CONTACT: Marcie Martin Next Inning Technology Research, +1-888-278-5515

Indie Research Advisors, LLC

CONTACT: Marcie Martin of Next Inning Technology Research,
+1-888-278-5515

Web site: http://www.nextinning.com/
https://www.nextinning.com/subscribe/index.php?refer=prn734

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against Daktronics, Inc.

BENSALEM, Pa., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired the securities of Daktronics, Inc. ("Daktronics") between November 15, 2006 and April 5, 2007, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota.

The Complaint alleges that the defendants violated federal securities laws by issuing material misrepresentations to the market concerning Daktronics' business, operations and prospects, thereby artificially inflating the price of Daktronics securities.

No class has yet been certified in the above action. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. If you purchased Daktronics securities between November 15, 2006 and April 5, 2007, you have certain rights, and have until January 6, 2009, to move for Lead Plaintiff status. To be a member of the class you need not take any action at this time, and you may retain counsel of your choice. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this Notice or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020, by telephone at (215)638-4847, Toll-Free at (888)638-4847, by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com or visit our website at http://www.howardsmithlaw.com/.

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith

CONTACT: Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith,
+1-215-638-4847, 1-888-638-4847, howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com

Web Site: http://www.howardsmithlaw.com/

TRX Named Best Technology for the 2008/9 ITM Project ICARUS Environmental AwardsAward Given for Carbon Emissions Calculator's Methodology and Use of Data

ATLANTA, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TRX, Inc. , a global technology company that develops and hosts software applications to process data records and automate manual processes, announced today that it was the winner of the 2008/9 ITM Project ICARUS Environmental Awards for Best Technology. The TRX Travel Analytics CO2 emissions calculator was selected by an independent panel of academics and environmental experts appointed by the ICARUS Advisory Group based on its comprehensive use of data sources to provide sound calculation methodology for CO2 emissions in air travel.

The TRX Travel Analytics CO2 emissions calculator (http://carbon.trx.com/) assesses the amount of CO2 a company produces based on its specific corporate travel footprint. The sophisticated model matches detailed travel data from the corporation (such as arrival/departure cities, carriers, etc.) with worldwide flight schedules and aircraft information (the size and type of the plane, cabin information, etc.). Reporting modules provide corporations insight into how much CO2 its specific global air travel program has emitted, as well as how their program compares to industry averages, and enables corporations to determine the environmental impact of carrier mix and planned travel volume. TRX Travel Analytics also supplies the carbon calculator as a web service, enabling corporations to embed the calculator into their own web sites.

Best Technology, awarded to TRX as part of the Institute of Travel Managements' CSR project, was one of eight honors bestowed through the Project ICARUS Supplier Environmental Awards competition. Submissions were judged on 5 key criteria: Innovation, Leadership, Time-resilience, Scalability/Transferability, and Case Study material. Additionally, the Technology category was based on the quality of the methodology and technology used in the solution.

The judges stated "This high-quality category saw TRX win out for what the Stockholm Environment Institute considers to be 'likely the best currently available air travel carbon emissions calculator.' Transparency of calculation methodology is often not high in the carbon calculator market, but this is not the case for TRX's offering, whose product uses comprehensive and regularly updated data sources including major factors such as aircraft types, flight profile and distance, air traffic delays, cabin configurations, cargo on passenger flights, and load factor. The ability to be able to choose between carriers on carbon efficiency based on methodologically-sound and data-rich carbon calculators was called upon by the judges last year, and TRX has delivered this advance."

"This most recent award along with our previous recognition from the Stockholm Environment Institute for best CO2 emissions calculator further establishes the credibility of our products and our leadership in converting travel data into actionable insights for our customers," said Trip Davis, President and CEO of TRX. "We have quickly established the lead and benchmark in the carbon emissions space for travel. The calculator and supporting analytics offers our customers the ability to accurately and effectively manage their carbon footprints."

About TRX

TRX is a global technology company. We develop and host software applications that process data records and automate manual processes, enabling our clients to optimize performance and control costs. We are a leading provider to the travel industry. We deliver our technology applications in an on-demand environment to travel agencies, corporations, travel suppliers, government agencies, credit card associations, credit card issuing banks, and third-party administrators. TRX is headquartered in Atlanta with operations and associates in North America, Europe, and Asia. Please visit the company's Website at http://www.trx.com/ .

About ITM

The Institute of Travel Management UK & Ireland (ITM) represents over 1,000 business travel and meetings buyers and suppliers with a spend of over euro 7 billion per annum. The not-for-profit association provides benchmarking, best practice, education and networks. http://www.itm.org.uk/ .

About Project ICARUS

Project ICARUS was established in 2006 with three goals. To target 60% reduction in emissions across the business travel sector, to provide a toolkit to assist buyers to achieve this and an accreditation programme to recognize those who engage, to award innovative suppliers who engage in environmental impact reduction product development. The project received government funding through the Omega Partnership. http://www.icarus.itm.org.uk/ .

TRX, Inc.

CONTACT: Kira Perdue of Trevelino - Keller Communications Group for TRX,
Inc., +1-404-214-0722, Extension 101, kperdue@trevelinokeller.com

Web site: http://www.trx.com/
http://carbon.trx.com/
http://www.itm.org.uk/
http://www.icarus.itm.org.uk/

Diebold Enhances Total Outsourcing Solution With Security OfferingsComprehensive outsourcing program enables implementation of cutting-edge solutions without capital expense

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Driving innovation to help strengthen the financial services industry, Diebold, Incorporated is enhancing and broadening its outsourcing solution through the addition of security-related solutions and consulting. Outsourcing with Diebold can help deliver cost savings, streamline operations and increase the return on investment at the self-service channel. With the addition of security, Diebold now can enable financial institutions to take advantage of a true end-to-end solution under an operating model that allows for the addition of new security solutions with continually updated technology, without the traditional upfront expense. This allows financial institutions to rely on a professional outsourcing alliance with Diebold as an integral component of their security strategies.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080725/DIEBOLDLOGO )

Ever-present cyber threats and rapidly rising crime rates make it imperative for financial institutions to deploy a professionally designed, implemented and maintained security operation that offers the flexibility to easily incorporate new technologies as they emerge. These days, many financial institutions have limited resources and capital necessary to internally handle this effectively. Diebold's security outsourcing provides a thorough yet scalable solution for financial institutions.

Outsourcing security also can help lower instances of false alarms through 24/7 interactive remote monitoring. Simply adding a DVR and a two-way audio system interconnected to the site alarm panel, along with video monitoring services, can help financial institutions significantly reduce false alarm fees. Under an outsourcing agreement, financial institutions also can deploy the latest in access control and credentialing, which helps meet such stringent regulatory mandates.

When a financial institution outsources its entire integrated security program, Diebold will back the entire program with a remarkable promise against false alarm fees. It's a customer's assurance that Diebold can identify a true emergency with unmatched speed, accuracy and false alarm resistance.

"In an outsourcing agreement, Diebold's industry experts work with the financial institution to develop a comprehensive outsourcing solution that includes software, hardware and services," said Dennis M. Moriarty, senior vice president, Global Security Division. "By understanding customers' risks, compliance concerns and security business operations, we can build a solution that starts with a process and builds on it for optimal security of both a customer's facilities and data. We draw on our security expertise to provide unparalleled process management and business solutions to our clients."

"One of the greatest advantages under this type of full-service agreement is that Diebold becomes a single point-of-contact for the financial institution's entire self-service operation," said Greg Steffy, senior director, Integrated Services, Diebold. "Turning over to Diebold comprehensive management of key security system elements frees financial institutions to more effectively build and maintain customer relationships and reduces the need to devote valuable resources to myriad operational challenges."

Traditionally, streamlining operations, increasing efficiencies and realizing a solid return on investment could be difficult to achieve, given the capital required to enlist individual vendors to fulfill all the services necessary to address even the most basic business concerns. But today, a full-service outsourcing arrangement with Diebold offers a single-point-of- contact, helping financial institutions avoid large capital outlays and instead transform those expenses into operating dollars. It also allows financial institutions to provide the advanced security customers need and the operational efficiencies that drive the bottom line.

For more information about Diebold's total outsourcing solution for security, visit booth #1601 on the show floor, or visit Diebold online at http://www.diebold.com/ .

Visit Diebold's Booth #1601 at 2008 BAI Retail Delivery Conference & Expo.

For access to Diebold's RD 2008 press materials, please visit: http://www.diebold.com/whatsnews/rd2008/default.htm

About Diebold

Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services. Diebold employs more than 17,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.diebold.com/.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080725/DIEBOLDLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Diebold, Incorporated

CONTACT: Media Relations: DeAnn Zackeroff, +1-330-490-5220,
deann.zackeroff@diebold.com, or Investor Relations: Christopher Bast,
+1-330-490-6908, christopher.bast@diebold.com, both of Diebold, Incorporated

Web site: http://www.diebold.com/
http://www.diebold.com/whatsnews/rd2008/default.htm

Wireless Phone Users in Illinois' Williamson And Johnson Counties Now Experience Even Clearer Reception and Fewer Dropped CallsVerizon Wireless Activates Cell Site in Creal Springs

CREAL SPRINGS, Ill., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the only major carrier with a 30-day network test-drive pledge that pays for calls if a customer isn't satisfied and switches to another carrier, has activated a new cell site in Creal Springs, Ill. The cell site expands network coverage and increases capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; and download games and ringtones while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

This new cell site improves Verizon Wireless' voice and data network in Creal Springs as well as in a large area of southern Williamson and northern Johnson counties in Illinois. Specifically, Verizon Wireless customers will experience better coverage along the eastern side of The Lake of Egypt and the Shawnee National Forest.

"This network enhancement reflects our ongoing commitment to meet the growing needs of our customers and to provide them with the reliable, high quality service they expect from Verizon Wireless," said Lou Sigillo, president-Kansas/Missouri/Southern Illinois Region, Verizon Wireless.

Reliable service is fundamental to customer loyalty, and Verizon Wireless boasts the highest customer loyalty in the industry, as measured by the company's low percent of customer turnover.

"The value we offer our customers is closely tied to our industry-leading customer retention," Sigillo said. "Wireless consumers today understand that value is not defined by price alone. A major reason our customers choose Verizon Wireless and stay with us is because we offer the nation's most reliable network."

This new cell site is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Illinois and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested $48 billion since it was formed -- $5.5 billion on average every year -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. More than $176 million of this investment was spent in Illinois in 2007.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 70.8 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 71,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Cheryl Bini Armbrecht, Cheryl.Bini@verizonwireless.com, or
Brenda Hill, Brenda.Hill@verizonwireless.com, both of Verizon Wireless,
+1-636-345-9400; or Caroline Villanueva, +1-314-725-5645,
Caroline@sequel-llc.com, for Verizon Wireless

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

Wireless Phone Users in North St. Louis County, Missouri, Now Experience Even Clearer Reception and Fewer Dropped CallsVerizon Wireless Activates Cell Site In Black Jack

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the only major carrier with a 30-day network test-drive pledge that pays for calls if a customer isn't satisfied and switches to another carrier, has activated a new cell site in North St. Louis County. The cell site expands network coverage and increases capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; and download games and ringtones while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

This new cell site improves Verizon Wireless' voice and data network in the city of Black Jack. Specifically, Verizon Wireless customers will experience better coverage within a radius of the Old Halls Ferry Road and Parker Road intersection that stretches north to Missouri Highway 67, south to Redman Road, west to New Halls Ferry Road and east to Missouri Highway 367.

Reliable service is fundamental to customer loyalty, and Verizon Wireless boasts the highest customer loyalty in the industry, as measured by the company's low percent of customer turnover.

This new cell site is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Missouri and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested $48 billion since it was formed -- $5.5 billion on average every year -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. Since 2003, more than $300 million has been spent in Missouri to improve and expand the company's network.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 70.8 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 71,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Verizon Wireless

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

United Technologies Corp. Reaffirms 2008 Outlook

HARTFORD, Conn., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Technologies Corp. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Greg Hayes will meet with investors today and reaffirm UTC's expectations for 2008 earnings per share in the range of $4.90-4.95 and cash flow from operations less capital expenditures equal to or in excess of net income.

United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company that provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.

This release includes "forward-looking statements" concerning anticipated future financial performance, including expected earnings and cash flow. These matters are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in forward looking statements include the health of the global economy; impact of volatility and deterioration in financial markets on overall levels of economic activity; strength of end market demand in construction and in both the commercial and defense segments of the aerospace industry; fluctuation in commodity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and the impact of weather conditions; and company-specific factors including the impact of financial market volatility and deterioration on the financial strength of customers and suppliers and on levels of air travel; the availability and impact of acquisitions; the rate and ability to effectively integrate these acquired businesses; the ability to achieve cost reductions at planned levels; challenges in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies and new products and services; delays and disruption in delivery of materials and services from suppliers; labor disputes; and the outcome of legal proceedings. The level of share repurchases may vary depending on the level of other investing activities. For information identifying other important economic, political, regulatory, legal, technological, competitive and other uncertainties, see UTC's SEC filings as submitted from time to time, including but not limited to, the information included in UTC's 10-K and 10-Q Reports under the headings "Business," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Cautionary Note Concerning Factors that May Affect Future Results," as well as the information included in UTC's Current Reports on Form 8-K.

Contact: John Moran, UTC (860) 728-7062 Investor Relations, UTC (860) 728-7608 UTC-IR

United Technologies Corp.

CONTACT: John Moran, +1-860-728-7062, or Investor Relations,
+1-860-728-7608, both of UTC

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

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/913919.html

XsunX VP of Engineering to be on Thin Films Panel at the Green Power Conference, Solar Innovation and Investment USA December 2-3

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XsunX, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: XSNX), a solar technology Company engaged in the build-out of its multi-megawatt thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar manufacturing facilities, announced today that its VP of Engineering, Robert Wendt will be part of a panel discussing thin film technologies at the Green Power Conference, Solar Innovation and Investment USA on Tuesday December 2nd, 2008 at 1:30pm EST, in New York. The Solar Innovation and Investment conference is attended by investors and operators in the solar energy industry, including start-ups, installers, large-scale project developers, manufacturers, and financiers.

Commenting on his upcoming presentation, XsunX VP Engineering Robert Wendt stated, "I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a participant in an event that brings together the best minds in the industry. We hope to develop a viable roadmap for the scaling of solar power to become a primary electric source in the USA. I plan on discussing thin film technologies, and in particular how amorphous thin film compares to traditional silicon PV technology and how we anticipate it will compete within the marketplace," he added.

Conference Details: Green Power Conference, Solar Innovation and Investment, USA XsunX Presentation & Panel Discussion Tuesday December 2nd at 1:30pm EST Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel - New York City, 569 Lexington Avenue, New York, 10022 Event Website http://greenpowerconferences.com/renewablesmarkets XsunX Web site: http://www.xsunx.com/ Contact: For XsunX, Inc. Investor Relations Tel: (888) 797-4527 For XsunX, Inc. Media Relations Tel: (949) 330-806

Safe Harbor Statement: Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "may", "intend", "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.

XsunX, Inc.

CONTACT: Investor Relations: +1-888-797-4527, Media Relations:
+1-949-330-8065, for XsunX, Inc.

Web site: http://www.xsunx.com/
http://greenpowerconferences.com/renewablesmarkets

'Alone In The Dark(R): Inferno' Heats Up Retail- Atari's Action Survival Videogame Comes to PLAYSTATION(R)3 System with

NEW YORK, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system version of Atari and Eden Games' innovative action survival creation Alone in the Dark(R): Inferno has shipped to retailers across North America. Following feedback from media and gamers, Atari and Eden Games have given the title a blazing rework for its PLAYSTATION 3 system debut, delivering an even more entertaining, immersive and action-packed blockbuster experience.

Complementing the launch of the title, world famous Grammy award-nominated electronic music producer and DJ, Tiesto, has created a remix based on the powerful original game score composed by Olivier Deriviere. Available from Tuesday, November 18th, the stunning remix is available at retailers worldwide as CD single, digital download and limited edition 12" picture disk. A teaser of the music video to accompany the remix can be viewed now at the game's website http://www.centraldark.com/.

Alone in the Dark: Inferno features modified gameplay elements including camera, inventory system, and hero control which have all been reworked for maximum immersion and fun. In addition, Alone in the Dark: Inferno includes an all-new action packed stage revealing a previously unseen boss enemy of epic proportions.

Modifications include: -- Full 360 degree camera control: enhanced camera controls allows complete freedom of the camera and better handling of third person movement for even more immersive gameplay enabling players to view the fire and mass destruction they are causing in all of its glory. -- Fine-tuned controls: quicker and smoother reactivity of the hero's movements in third person view increases the pace of the game and makes for faster, reflexive gameplay during tense fighting scenarios; -- Inventory system more accessible: more logical jacket inventory system with the ability to scroll rapidly through the inventory with the D-pad or analogue stick to combine objects. In addition, gameplay is paused when accessing the inventory system to allow maximum creativity in combining items to create unique flammable weapons; -- More tips: additional on-screen tips will help players quickly adapt to controls and easily understand how to overcome tricky situations; -- Spectral Vision tuning: a tutorial earlier in the storyline explains the need to burn roots in order to gain spectral vision (a power that grants you the ability to see the unseen) and difficulty tuning means less spectral vision is required to reach the end of the game; -- Improved car dynamics and handling: driving has been tuned with increased suspension and reduced drifting giving overall better handling to make driving a fun walk in the park every time; -- 59th Street level tuning: one of the game's most exciting sequences just got better. 59th Street has been tweaked for a more satisfying race against the fissure with difficulty tuning, an added checkpoint at Columbus Circle and clear voice directions given by Sarah; -- Brand new thrilling action sequence: an exclusive new sequence has been added in Episode 6 for even more excitement and variety of gameplay in the episode.

Alone in the Dark: Inferno stays true to the storyline of the previous versions in which gamers take on the role of paranormal investigator Edward Carnby and over the course of one apocalyptic night must fight to survive and uncover the earth-shattering secret behind New York's Central Park. However, the new edition fully complements the intense storytelling and unprecedented environmental interactions with an array of improved gameplay elements that will give gamers the ultimate Alone in the Dark experience.

About Infogrames Entertainment and Atari

The Infogrames group, including Atari, Inc., is a global producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and all interactive game platforms including consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony Computer Entertainment, advanced smartphones, Personal Computers, web and online. Its games are sold in more than 60 countries through an international distribution network and direct to consumers via http://www.atari.com/.

The Infogrames group's extensive catalogue of popular games is marketed under the Atari brand and based on original franchises (Alone in the Dark, Test Drive, V-Rally, My Horse & Me, Backyard Sports franchise, Total Annihilation, Outcast etc.), publishing properties (The Witcher, Legendary, Race Pro etc.), international licenses (Dragon Ball Z, Dungeons & Dragons, Jamie Oliver etc.) and classic games covering the entire history of the video game industry (Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids etc).

Safe Harbor Statement

With the exception of the historical information contained in this release, the matters described herein contain certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release are not promises or guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein. Some of the factors which could cause our results to differ materially include the following: the loss of key customers; delays in product development and related product release schedules; inability to secure capital; loss of our credit facilities, adapting to the rapidly changing industry technology, including new console technology; maintaining relationships with leading independent videogame software developers; maintaining or acquiring licenses to intellectual property; fluctuations in quarterly net revenues and results of operations based on the seasonality of our industry; the termination or modification of our agreements with hardware manufacturers; and other factors.

The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company's expectations.

"PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION" and "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

The ESRB rating icons are registered trademarks of the Entertainment Software Association.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Atari, Inc.

CONTACT: Alissa Bell of Atari, Inc., +1-212-726-4217,
alissa.bell@atari.com; or Debra Duffy +1-212-981-5219,
Debra_Duffy@dkcnews.com, or Sujata Sinha, +1-212-981-5235,
Sujata_Sinha@dkcnews.com, both of Dan Klores Communications, for Atari, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.atari.com/

Newfields, New Hampshire Residents to Benefit from Verizon Wireless Network ExpansionInvesting to Stay Ahead of Growing Demand for Wireless Voice, Multimedia and Internet Access

NEWFIELDS, N.H., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents in Rockingham County, Verizon Wireless has activated a new cell site. The new site increases wireless voice and data coverage and capacity along Routes 108, 85, and 87 in Newfields, New Hampshire, as well as the surrounding area.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $48 billion since it was formed to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services like BroadbandAccess and V CAST. Regionally the company has invested over $2.2 billion into its New England network, including over $100 million during the first six months of 2008. As the wireless carrier with America's largest 3G network, every Verizon Wireless cell site in New England provides wireless broadband connectivity.

"We've always believed that even the most advanced cell phone is only as good as the network it runs on," said director for Network Systems Performance for Verizon Wireless, Richard Enright. "We continue to aggressively invest into our wireless networks across New England to increase coverage and capacity for our customers."

BroadbandAccess offers computer users the nation's most reliable high-speed wireless mobile broadband network, operating at average upload speeds between 500 and 800 kbps, and download speeds between 600 kbps and 1.4 mbps over Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess with EV-DO Revision A network. V CAST brings video clips of TV shows, music on demand and other multimedia services to wireless phones.

The company's 'nation's most reliable wireless network' reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country who inspired the "can you hear me now" national advertising campaign. Nationally, these test men and women drive more than 90 specially equipped vehicles almost 1,000,000 miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways as well as major roads and surface streets in high-population areas, based upon U.S. Census counts, to confirm that voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 70.8 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 71,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ . To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia .

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Michael Murphy of Verizon Wireless, +1-781-932-1213,
Michael.murphy@verizonwireless.com; or Anne Elise O'Connor of Thomson
Communications for Verizon Wireless, +1-860-399-0191,
Aeoc@thomsoncommunications.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/

VIDEO from Medialink and General Motors: GM Continues Work to Enhance U.S. and Canada's Emergency Response SystemOnStar helps in more than 100,000 Automatic Crash Response incidents

NEW YORK, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- GM's OnStar today announced a significant milestone for in-vehicle safety and emergency medical response. Over the course of the past 12 years, its Automatic Crash Response (ACR) technology has aided subscribers and others on the nation's roadways in more than 100,000 crash incidents. The ability of OnStar to pinpoint the GPS location of the crash and convey to emergency responders the magnitude of the incident has assisted in the dispatch of the appropriate level of response from emergency service personnel -- in many cases meaning the difference between life and death.

(See video from General Motors at: http://inr.mediaseed.tv/GM_35963/)

"We started with a vision that we could build on GM's 100-year history of redefining a safer future in automotive transportation, and are very pleased that we've been able to continue to innovate in this important area," said OnStar President Chet Huber. "We've been extremely fortunate to have developed a wide range of important relationships with the Emergency Response Community that has helped guide our innovations as we've continued to move the frontier in crash response capabilities."

OnStar's crash response capabilities have evolved significantly over the past 12 years. Now in its 8th generation, OnStar's embedded technology, built on the strength of more than 400 patent filings, responds to more than 2,000 crash incidents per month. When OnStar launched in 1996, the vehicle would send a signal to OnStar upon airbag deployment. The enhancements to the service now allow the technology to provide real-time data about the type and severity of the crash to OnStar's dedicated emergency team. OnStar advisors relay this crash data, including the number, direction and severity of impacts, airbag deployment, and rollover information -- to the appropriate 911 emergency call center.

"Since the idea of using wireless communications for automatic crash notification first started in the mid 1990s, GM and OnStar have led the way in making that idea a reality for crash victims," said Dr. Jeff Runge, an emergency physician and former Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "OnStar has steadfastly sought to improve Automatic Crash Response with a combination of technology and a human connection, getting the right response to the right place as quickly as possible. I would urge all automakers to consider the benefits of providing this technology to their customers."

Emergency responders use this data to better anticipate the types and severity of injuries resulting from the crash and to determine whether care at a trauma center is necessary. Dr. Jeff Clawson, best known as the father of emergency medical dispatch says, "This is not something that could have happened without a strong vision backed up by deep technical capabilities and a willingness to venture into unknown space to take up a major societal challenge. GM has done an admirable job bringing this capability to life through OnStar, and has undoubtedly helped save lives and mitigated the effects of serious injuries for thousands of their customers and others involved in those 100,000 crashes."

Many times, the country's firefighters are the first on the scene of these crashes. Chief Jim Harmes, former President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and Chief of the Grand Blanc, Michigan, Fire Department, applauds OnStar for its enhancements in the public safety arena. "This technology allows us to do our jobs better, faster and more informed. Having pertinent data available to us within seconds of a crash enables us to arrive at the scene with a more accurate idea of what has happened. This technology truly benefits everyone involved."

OnStar subscribers like Kristopher Kalfas of Texas continually substantiate the importance of the service. On June 22, 2008, Kalfas was in a serious collision while driving his GMC Sierra. "OnStar was able to get the police and EMS to me fast. They are really able to help save people's lives. They helped save mine. I am very thankful. And to that OnStar advisor who was talking to me that night, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are an angel. Thank you OnStar. Thanks for helping me see my 23rd birthday."

Dr. Bradford Parkinson of Stanford University and recipient of the National Academy's Draper Prize for the development of GPS commented: "When I led the advocacy and development of GPS in the 1970's we could predict many benefits to society. The creativity of American industry has gone much further. Among the real surprises is OnStar, clearly helping to save lives and benefiting all those who have used this system. The ability to locate people in distress, assess their needs and request the appropriate help on their behalf is laudable. OnStar and GM are utilizing GPS technology to benefit society and all of those on our nation's roadways. I congratulate them for their contribution to all of us."

Huber concludes, "OnStar as a whole has evolved into something much larger than we first imagined. It has been extremely rewarding to develop technology that is now a part of the fabric of the emergency medical community's efforts to materially improve the outcomes of crashes. With more than 200 million subscriber interactions since that first crash, we're only beginning to deliver on the power of OnStar."

For more information on Automatic Crash Response and OnStar's other services, visit http://www.onstar.com/.

About GM

General Motors Corp. , the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, Mich. GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at http://www.gm.com/.

About OnStar by GM

OnStar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. OnStar is available on more than 50 MY 2009 GM models. OnStar is standard for one year on nearly all new GM retail vehicles in the United States and Canada. OnStar provides services to more than 5.5 million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. OnStar ranked at the top of the latest Consumer Telematics Vendor Matrix released by ABI Research in 2008. More information about OnStar can be found at http://www.onstar.com/.

Registered journalists can access video, audio, text, graphics and photos for free and unrestricted use at http://www.mediaseed.tv/.

11NY08-0118

Medialink and General Motors

CONTACT: Medialink, New York, +1-888-560-5578, mediadesk@medialink.com

Web site: http://inr.mediaseed.tv/GM_35963
http://www.onstar.com/
http://www.gm.com/

The Daily Beast Sexism Poll: Feminism a Dirty Word; Sexism Alive and Well

NEW YORK, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of the 2008 election, a new poll on sexism from The Daily Beast, an operating business of IAC , found that registered American voters view feminism very negatively. Yet American women overwhelmingly believe they are being treated unfairly in the press, in the workplace, in politics and in the armed forces. The complete survey, including all data, is available at http://www.thedailybeast.com/.

For a race that was supposed to have broken the glass ceiling, it may just have shown women how hard and resistant that barrier really is. 63% of women said the press did not treat women equally; more than two thirds of women said that they were being treated unfairly in the workplace (68%) and in politics (72%).

But while "feminism" seems to connote radicalism out of the mainstream, most women have very definite beliefs about the equality of the sexes. Older women believe by nearly 2 to 1 that when given an equal opportunity, women will succeed at whatever they do. Younger women agree but more of them (43%) feel that men and women have different strengths and weaknesses in what they can do well.

KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:

-- By an overwhelming 61% to 19% margin, women believe there is a gender bias in the media.

-- Only 20% of women are willing to use the word "feminist" about themselves. Only 17% of all voters said they would welcome their daughters using that label.

-- 4 in 10 men freely admit sexist attitudes towards a female president. 39% of men say that a male is "naturally more suited" to carrying out the duties of the office.

-- Women over 50, the first generation to have a majority in the workforce, see far more discrimination in every area of life than younger women.

"This poll shows the rising anger in American women who feel increasingly ignored politically, culturally and especially by the media," said Tina Brown, Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of The Daily Beast.

The media had a huge opportunity this fall to overcome these perceptions of bias, and it seems they failed the test -- especially with the older generation. Women over 50 said Palin was asked questions and subjected to unfair comments by a remarkable 2 to 1. All voters recalled more stories being written about Palin's hair and clothes than Obama's healthcare plans. And despite the large volume of stories about the hair and clothes of the candidates, 70% of women think those topics are not fair game for discussion.

Both Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin emerged as role models to women, while men saw only Hillary as a potential role model. 69% said Hillary's campaign helped the chance we will one day have a women president while the voters were divided (37 to 43) on whether Palin helped that cause.

Saturday Night Live parodies of Palin and Hillary were seen by more than half the voters and most thought they were fair rather than being too hard on them.

Led by an older generation that is harshly disappointed and impatient for equality in all areas of life, women may well show greater solidarity with women running for office in the future. While 95% of African Americans voted for Barack Obama, far fewer women voted for Hillary Clinton or Sarah Palin. The heightened perceptions of how women were treated this cycle just may drive more votes by women for women next time around.

The Daily Beast Sexism Poll was conducted by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB). The poll covered 1,003 internet interviews with registered voters from November 5 - November 6, 2008. Overall, the margin of error is +/- 3.09%.

The sample included: 461 males and 542 females; 361 Democrats, 301 Republicans, and 341 Independents; and 772 white and 231 non-white (Black, Hispanic, Asian, Arabic, Other Race) voters.

About The Daily Beast

The Daily Beast is a website dedicated to news and commentary, culture and entertainment. Created by Tina Brown and IAC, The Daily Beast curates the web's best content and offers fresh works from its own talented roster of contributors. The Daily Beast is an operating business of IAC . For more information, visit http://www.thedailybeast.com/.

Media Contact: Debbie Fink, Director of Marketing 212.524.8843 Debbie.fink@thedailybeast.com

The Daily Beast

CONTACT: Debbie Fink, Director of Marketing, The Daily Beast,
+1-212-524-8843, Debbie.fink@thedailybeast.com

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

Liberty Media LLC Announces Expiration of Early Participation Date and Withdrawal Date in Tender Offer for 8-1/2% Senior Debentures Due 2029 and 8-1/4% Senior Debentures Due 2030

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Liberty Media LLC ("Liberty"), a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation , today announced that the Early Participation Date in respect of its previously announced cash tender offer for its 8-1/2% Senior Debentures due 2029 (the "8-1/2% Debentures") and 8-1/4% Senior Debentures due 2030 (the "8-1/4% Debentures" and, together with the 8-1/2% Debentures, the "Debentures") expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 17, 2008.

On November 3, 2008, Liberty commenced a tender offer for the maximum aggregate principal amount of Debentures it can purchase for $285 million at a purchase price per $1,000 principal amount determined in accordance with the procedures of a modified "Dutch Auction."

The total consideration payable under the tender offer per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures of each series will be determined based on a formula consisting of a "base price" of $550.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures, plus a "clearing premium" to be determined pursuant to the modified "Dutch Auction." The clearing premium will be determined by consideration of the "bid price" specified by each holder that tenders Debentures into the tender offer, which represents the minimum consideration such holder is willing to receive for those Debentures.

As of the Early Participation Date, according to Global Bondholder Services Corporation ("GBSC"), the depositary for the tender offer, Liberty received valid tenders from holders of approximately $242.1 million aggregate principal amount of 8-1/2% Debentures and approximately $379.7 million aggregate principal amount of 8-1/4% Debentures at various bid prices within the acceptable bid price range of $550 to $620 per $1,000 principal amount. This represents approximately 48.4% and 42.1% of the outstanding principal amount of the 8-1/2% Debentures and the 8-1/4% Debentures, respectively. Holders who validly tendered and did not withdraw their Debentures on or prior to the Early Participation Date, and whose Debentures are purchased pursuant to the tender offer, will be entitled to receive an "early participation payment" of $10.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures, which amount was included in the bid price specified by such tendering holders.

Previously tendered Debentures cannot be withdrawn after the Withdrawal Date, which also expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 17, 2008, and holders who tender Debentures after the Withdrawal Date do not have withdrawal rights. The tender offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 3, 2008, unless extended (the "Expiration Date").

Pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, holders of Debentures may tender their Debentures until the Expiration Date and still be entitled to receive the tender offer consideration as determined pursuant to the tender offer if Liberty purchases such Debentures in the tender offer. However, any such tender that occurs after the Early Participation Date will not be entitled to the early participation payment.

Because the aggregate amount of Debentures validly tendered and not withdrawn as of the Early Participation Date would cause Liberty to spend more than $285 million to purchase such Debentures, Liberty will accept Debentures validly tendered in the tender offer on a prorated basis as described in the Offer to Purchase. Liberty will determine the final proration factors as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date.

Liberty has retained Citi and Deutsche Bank Securities to serve as dealer managers for the tender offer, and GBSC to serve as the depositary and information agent. Copies of the Offer to Purchase and related documents may be obtained from GBSC at (866) 873-7700 (toll free) or (212) 430-3774 (for banks and brokers). Questions regarding the tender offer may be directed to Citi at (800) 558-3745 (toll free) or (212) 723-6106 (collect) or to Deutsche Bank Securities at (866) 627-0391 (toll free) or (212) 250-2955 (collect).

This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation of any offer to sell the Debentures or any other securities. The tender offer is being made solely by the Offer to Purchase, dated November 3, 2008, and the related letter of transmittal, which fully set forth the terms of the tender offer.

About Liberty Media LLC

Liberty Media LLC is an intermediate holding company of Liberty Media Corporation, owning interests in a broad range of electronic retailing, media, communications, and entertainment businesses.

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Liberty Media LLC and its subsidiaries to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include the risks and factors described in the publicly filed documents of Liberty Media LLC, including its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Liberty Media LLC expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Liberty Media LLC's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Liberty Media LLC

CONTACT: Courtnee Ulrich of Liberty Media LLC, +1-720-875-5420

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

Energy Focus, Inc. Chosen for DARPA SBIR to Develop 'Explosion-Proof' Lighting

SOLON, Ohio, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Energy Focus, Inc. , a global leader in energy-efficient lighting technologies, announced today that the company's proposal to develop Explosion Proof LED fixtures has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. Under the project, titled "Explosion-Proof Solid State Lighting Fixture for Extreme Environments.", Energy Focus will further develop solid state lighting fixtures.

"Adding explosion proof fixtures to our offering of fluorescent and incandescent replacement fixtures is an important step in decreasing energy usage and maintenance requirements for the US Fleet," said Roger Buelow, CTO of Energy Focus, Inc. "With our LED fixtures delivering over 60 lumens per watt for 5 years, we can now envision a Fleet with all solid-state lighting."

"Energy Focus has been working with DARPA over the past several years to develop advanced lighting systems that meet the extreme demands of our military," said Joe Kaveski, CEO of Energy Focus, Inc. "This SBIR confirms our ongoing strategy to develop a broad range of military applications for Energy Focus's rugged solid state lighting systems."

Unlike traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems that can be compromised in battle situations, the Energy Focus system utilizes EFO-LED technology that provides energy efficient bright light from a solid state LED source. With the SBIR contract, Energy Focus will work on further development of the technology with the US Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM).

DARPA is the central research and development organization for the Department of Defense (DoD). It manages and directs selected basic and applied research and development projects for DoD, and pursues research and technology where risk and payoff are both very high and where success may provide dramatic advances for traditional military roles and missions.

About Energy Focus, Inc.

Energy Focus, Inc. , designs, develops, manufactures and markets lighting systems for wide-ranging uses in both the general commercial and the pool and spa lighting markets. Energy Focus EFO(R) systems offer energy savings, heat dissipation and maintenance cost benefits over conventional lighting for multiple applications. The Company's headquarters are located at 32000 Aurora Rd., Solon, Ohio. The Company has additional offices in California, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Telephone: (440) 715-1300. For more information, see http://www.energyfocusinc.com/.

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding the business outlook for 2008 and thereafter, future pool market sales, and the potential growth of EFO sales based upon its energy savings over halogen and fluorescent lights. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted. Risk factors that could affect the Company's future include, but are not limited to, a slowing of the U.S. and world economies and its effect on Energy Focus' markets, failure to develop marketable products from new technologies, failure of EFO or other new products to meet performance expectations, unanticipated costs of integrating acquisitions into the Energy Focus operation, delays in manufacturing of products, increased competition, other adverse sales and distribution factors, and greater than anticipated costs and/or warranty expenses. For more information about potential factors which could affect Energy Focus financial results, please refer to the Company's SEC reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Energy Focus disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking statements.

Energy Focus, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Energy Focus, Inc., Public Relations Office,
+1-440-715-1295, pr@energyfocusinc.com; or Investors, John Baldissera of BPC
Financial Marketing, 1-800-368-1217, for Energy Focus, Inc.

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

PacificNet Announces Expansion of Gaming Technology Development Center in China with Recruitment of Engineers and Sales/Marketing Staff Specializing in Gaming Product/System Development and Distribution- Interviews During G2E Las Vegas: Join PACT Gaming Development Team by Sending Resumes to IR@Pacificnet.com

BEIJING, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PacificNet Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PACT), a leading provider of e-commerce, gaming and mobile game technologies in China, Macau and Asia, announced plans to expand its Gaming Technology Development Center in China and the recruitment of additional designers and engineers specializing in gaming systems, Casino Management Systems (CMS), table management systems, slot or Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) machine design, Slot Accounting Systems (SAS) design and product compliance with experience in GLI/GSA standards, as well as developers experienced in mobile games, internet games, MMORPGs and 3D game engine development. Interested job candidates should submit information or a resume at the booth of PACT's partner, Octavian Booth 2210, at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, November 18-20, 2008 or email executive bio and resume to ir@Pacificnet.com . Interviews may also be arranged by calling Jacob Lakhany at 605-229-6678.

"We look forward to participating in the G2E for the third consecutive year and hope to meet with seasoned gaming developers and new talent who are interested in joining our expanding PACT Gaming Development Center in China and Macau," said Victor Tong, PacificNet CEO. "Despite the recession in the USA, we see long term growth in our home market in Asia and we hope to continue to hire the best developers to join and lead our gaming technology team in Asia. We are glad to share our success stories, our product development strategy and partnership models with the leading gaming operators in Macau and Asia. Despite the worldwide economic slowdown, we are seeing impressive growth opportunities in China and Macau and steady demand for our products in games, gaming, mobile and e-commerce."

PACT Gaming Development Center Employment Qualifications: -- Qualified designers, developers and engineers with over 5 years job experience in gaming product development. -- Experience in gaming systems, Casino Management Systems (CMS), Slot Accounting Systems (SAS), table management systems, slot machine and slot game content development and electronic table game development. -- Gaming Standard: experience in gaming technology compliance, GLI 11 & GLI 13 compliance, SAS 6.02 Protocol Development, G2S and GSA standards. -- Job Location: based in Macau, Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Some travel required to Beijing & USA. Applicant may work from home over the internet if relocation not possible. Part-time and location flexibility allowed. -- Strong technical, engineering, software programming and analysis skills. -- Good communication skills with fluency in English and Chinese preferred. PACT Sales and Marketing Team Qualifications: -- Experience in marketing and distribution of gaming and casino products. -- Part-time and location flexibility allowed.

Interested parties may apply with detailed bio and resume to PacificNet USA IR center:

Jacob Lakhany, Tel: +1 605 229 6678, Email: ir@pacificnet.com. About PACT

PacificNet (OTCBB: PACT.OB) is a leading provider ecommerce, gaming and mobile game technology worldwide with a focus on emerging markets in Asia, Latin America and Europe. PACT's gaming products are localized to their specific markets creating an enhanced user experience for players and larger profits for operators. PACT's gaming clients include the leading hotels, casinos and gaming operators in Macau, Europe and elsewhere around the world. PACT employs about 500 staff in its various subsidiaries with offices in the US, Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China.

Safe Harbor Statement

This Company's announcement contains forward-looking statements. We may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in our periodic reports to the SEC on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, etc., in our annual report to shareholders, in our proxy statements, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by our officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, PacificNet's historical and possible future losses, limited operating history, uncertain regulatory landscape in China, and fluctuations in quarterly and annual operating results. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in PacificNet's Form 10K and other filings with the SEC.

For more information, please contact: PacificNet USA IR Office: Jacob Lakhany Tel: +1-605-229-6678 Email: ir@pacificnet.com PacificNet Beijing Office: Becky Zhao Tel: +86-10-5922-5000 23/F, Building A, TimeCourt, No. 6 Shuguang Xili Chaoyang District, Beijing, China 100028 PacificNet Macau Office: 14/F, Blocks B-C, Chong Fok Commercial Centre No. 26 Avenida de Marciano Baptista, Macau Tel: +853-2872-8955

PacificNet Inc.

CONTACT: PacificNet USA IR Office: Jacob Lakhany at +1-605-229-6678 or
ir@pacificnet.com; PacificNet Beijing Office: Becky Zhao at +86-10-5922-5000;
Or PacificNet Macau Office at +853-2872-8955

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

Merrimac Announces Conference Call Information for Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results

WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Merrimac Industries, Inc. , a leader in the design and manufacture of RF Microwave components, assemblies and micro-multifunction modules (MMFM(R)), today released its third quarter 2008 financial results.

Investors are invited to participate in the financial results conference call on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Eastern) by dialing 1-800-723-6751 (for International callers: 1-785-830-7980) five minutes prior to the scheduled start time, and reference the Merrimac Industries third quarter 2008 conference call or use conference id# 5746902. For those unable to participate, a replay will be available for seven days by dialing 1-888-203-1112, or 1-719-457-0820 for international callers, pass code number 5746902.

This conference call will also be broadcast live over the internet by logging on to the web at this address:

http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=53548

Should you be unable to participate during the live webcast, a link to the archived webcast will be posted on the Merrimac Industries, Inc. website

http://www.merrimacind.com/ About Merrimac

Merrimac Industries, Inc. is a leader in the design and manufacture of RF Microwave signal processing components, subsystem assemblies, and Multi-Mix(R) micro-multifunction modules (MMFM(R)), for the worldwide Defense, Satellite Communications (Satcom), Commercial Wireless and Homeland Security market segments. Merrimac is focused on providing Total Integrated Packaging Solutions(R) with Multi-Mix(R) Microtechnology, a leading edge competency providing value to our customers through miniaturization and integration. Multi-Mix(R) MMFM(R) provides a patented and novel packaging technology that employs a platform modular architecture strategy that incorporates embedded semiconductor devices, MMICs, resistors, passive circuit elements and plated-through via holes to form a three-dimensional integrated module used in High Power, High Frequency and High Performance mission-critical applications. Merrimac Industries facilities are registered under ISO 9001:2000, an internationally developed set of quality criteria for manufacturing operations.

Merrimac Industries, Inc. has facilities located in West Caldwell, NJ and San Jose, Costa Rica and has approximately 210 co-workers dedicated to the design and manufacture of signal processing components, gold plating of high- frequency microstrip and bonded stripline Teflon (PTFE) circuits and subsystems providing Total Integrated Packaging Solutions(R) for wireless applications. Merrimac (MRM) is listed on the American Stock Exchange. Multi- Mix(R), Multi-Mix PICO(R), MMFM(R), System In A Package(R), SIP(R) and Total Integrated Packaging Solutions(R) are registered trademarks of Merrimac Industries, Inc. For more information about Merrimac Industries, Inc. please visit our http://www.merrimacind.com/.

Contact: Mason N. Carter, Chairman & CEO 973.575.1300, ext. 1202 E-mail: mnc@merrimacind.com

Merrimac Industries, Inc.

CONTACT: Mason N. Carter, Chairman & CEO, +1-973-575-1300, ext. 1202,
mnc@merrimacind.com

Web Site: http://www.merrimacind.com/

Merrimac Reports Third Quarter 2008 ResultsIncome from Continuing Operations for Third Quarter and First Nine Months of 2008New Orders, Backlog and Revenue Continue Strong

WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Merrimac Industries, Inc. , a leader in the design and manufacture of RF Microwave components, subsystem assemblies and micro-multifunction modules (MMFM(R)), today announced the results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2008.

Previously reported results of operations of Filtran Microcircuits Inc. ("FMI") for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 have been reclassified and reported as discontinued operations.

Net sales from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2008 were $8,328,000, an increase of $1,716,000 or 26.0 percent compared to the third quarter of 2007 net sales of $6,612,000. Net sales from continuing operations increased due to the higher level of orders received during the prior year, with its resultant larger backlog that continued during 2008, including higher sales of Core and Multi-Mix(R) products to the defense industry-related customers the Company serves, as well as a continuation of the favorable trend in orders received during the current year that positively impacted backlog during 2008.

Gross profit from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2008 was $2,749,000, a decrease of $67,000 or 2.4 percent, and was 33.0 percent of sales as compared to gross profit of $2,816,000 or 42.6 percent of sales for the third quarter of 2007. The decrease in gross profit from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2008 was due to an aggressive pricing strategy on new long-term programs that required significant engineering content in the development phase, which is now complete.

Operating income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2008 was $220,000, compared to operating income from continuing operations of $317,000 for the third quarter of 2007. The decrease in operating income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the third quarter of 2007 was due to the lower gross profit margins and increased selling, general and administrative expenses. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was partially due to accounting and legal fees in preparation for the credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank.

Income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2008 was $193,000 compared to income from continuing operations of $245,000 for the third quarter of 2007. Income per diluted share from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2008 was $.06 compared to income from continuing operations of $.08 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2007.

Loss from discontinued operations for the third quarter of 2008 was $(11,000) compared to a loss from discontinued operations of $(2,058,000) for the third quarter of 2007. Loss per share from discontinued operations for the third quarter of 2008 was nil compared to a loss from discontinued operations of $(.70) per basic share and $(.69) per diluted share for the third quarter of 2007.

Net income for the third quarter of 2008 was $182,000 compared to a net loss of $(1,813,000) for the third quarter of 2007. Net income per diluted share for the third quarter of 2008 was $.06 compared to a net loss of $(.61) per diluted share for the third quarter of 2007.

Net sales from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2008 were $21,576,000, an increase of $5,081,000 or 30.8 percent compared to net sales of $16,495,000 for the first nine months of 2007.

Gross profit for the first nine months of 2008 was $8,448,000, an increase of $1,568,000 or 22.8 percent, and was 39.2 percent of net sales as compared to gross profit of $6,880,000 or 41.7 percent of net sales for the first nine months of 2007. The increase in gross profit for the first nine months of 2008 was due to the higher sales level and the positive impact that this had on the Company from a higher level of absorption of its fixed manufacturing costs.

Operating income from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2008 was $574,000 compared to an operating loss from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2007 of $(632,000). The increase in operating income from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2008 as compared to the first nine months of 2007 was due to the increase in sales, and the decrease in research and development spending, partially offset by higher sales commissions and increased selling, general and administrative expenses.

Income from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2008 was $447,000 compared to a loss from continuing operations of $(688,000) for the first nine months of 2007. Income from continuing operations per diluted share for the first nine months of 2008 was $.15 compared to a loss from continuing operations of $(.23) per share for the first nine months of 2007.

Loss from discontinued operations for the first nine months of 2008 was $(66,000) compared to a loss from discontinued operations of $(5,858,000) for the first nine months of 2007. Loss from discontinued operations per diluted share for the first nine months of 2008 was $(.02) compared to a loss from discontinued operations of $(1.97) per share for the first nine months of 2007.

Net income for the first nine months of 2008 was $371,000 compared to a net loss of $(6,546,000) for the first nine months of 2007. Net income per diluted share for the first nine months of 2008 was $.13 compared to a net loss of $(2.20) per share for the first nine months of 2007.

Orders of $9,295,000 were received during the third quarter of 2008, an increase of $2,266,000 or 32.2 percent compared to $7,029,000 in orders received during the third quarter of 2007. Orders of $24,688,000 were received during the first nine months of 2008, an increase of $2,921,000 or 13.4 percent compared to $21,767,000 in orders received during the first nine months of 2007. Backlog increased by $3,112,000 or 17.3 percent to $21,103,000 at the end of the third quarter of 2008 compared to $17,991,000 at year-end 2007, due to the increased orders received during the first nine months of 2008, including orders from defense industry-related customers that are scheduled for shipment later in 2008 and 2009. The book-to-bill ratio for the third quarter of 2008 was 1.12 to 1 and for the third quarter of 2007 was 1.06 to 1. The book-to-bill ratio for the first nine months of 2008 was 1.14 to 1 and for the first nine months of 2007 was 1.32 to 1. The orders, backlog and book-to-bill data exclude FMI information for 2007.

Also, today, the Company reported that the Audit Committee of Merrimac Industries, Inc. determined that reissuing the previously filed financial statements for the fiscal 2008 second quarter was appropriate to correct accounting errors discovered by management. Please refer to the Company's Form 10-Q/A for fiscal 2008 second quarter filed today.

Chairman and CEO Mason N. Carter commented, "It is not pleasant to report that the Company's accounting controls and procedures were not effective. However, we plan to implement effective remediation with two core components: 1) hiring key accounting personnel, and 2) optimizing the manufacturing and accounting potential of our new operating system. Combining the lessons learned from these events with our management team's commitment provides a platform to manage the growth potential of our business." "On a very positive note, we are pleased to report the quarterly record of $9.3 million of orders received in the third quarter. Especially positive was that over $2 million of the new orders were for products that utilize Multi-Mix(R) Microtechnology solutions. This Multi-Mix(R) business is incremental to our strong Core bookings and not a replacement for Core technology. It is encouraging that this record level represents a very good product mix enhancing our record backlog level.

"Our refinancing of a new asset based loan with Wells Fargo Business Credit, an operating division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is working well for us as our Team has a strong asset management orientation. We look forward to a long, prosperous relationship with our new banking partner.

"Our financial highlights include: -- Third quarter income from continuing operations of $193,000 or $.06 per diluted share. -- Orders booked for the third quarter of 2008 were $9.3 million. Orders booked were $24.7 million for the first nine months of 2008. -- Continuing solid third quarter-end backlog of $21.1 million. -- Book-to-bill ratio of 1.14 to 1 for the first nine months of 2008. -- Working capital of $11.6 million and current ratio of 3.4 to 1."

Investors are invited to participate in the financial results conference call on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Eastern) by dialing 1-800-723-6751(for International callers: 1-785-830-7980) five minutes prior to the scheduled start time, and reference the Merrimac Industries third quarter 2008 conference call. For those unable to participate, a replay will be available for seven days by dialing 1-888-203-1112, or 1-719-457-0820 for international callers, passcode number 5746902.

This conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet by logging on to the web at this address: http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=53548

Should you be unable to participate during the live webcast, a link to the archived webcast will be posted on the Merrimac Industries, Inc. website http://www.merrimacind.com/

About Merrimac

Merrimac Industries, Inc. has facilities located in West Caldwell, NJ and San Jose, Costa Rica and has approximately 210 co-workers dedicated to the design and manufacture of signal processing components, gold plating of high-frequency microstrip and bonded stripline Teflon (PTFE) circuits and subsystems providing Total Integrated Packaging Solutions(R) for wireless applications. Merrimac (MRM) is listed on the American Stock Exchange. Multi-Mix(R), Multi-Mix PICO(R), MMFM(R), System In A Package(R), SIP(R) and Total Integrated Packaging Solutions(R) are registered trademarks of Merrimac Industries, Inc. For more information about Merrimac Industries, Inc. please visit our website http://www.merrimacind.com/ .

This press release contains statements relating to future results of the Company (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with demand for and market acceptance of existing and newly developed products as to which the Company has made significant investments, particularly its Multi-Mix(R) products; the possibilities of impairment charges to the carrying value of our Multi-Mix(R) assets, thereby resulting in charges to our earnings; risks associated with adequate capacity to obtain raw materials and reduced control over delivery schedules and costs due to reliance on sole source or limited suppliers; slower than anticipated penetration into the satellite communications, defense and wireless markets; failure of our Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM customers to successfully incorporate our products into their systems; changes in product mix resulting in unexpected engineering and research and development costs; delays and increased costs in product development, engineering and production; reliance on a small number of significant customers; the emergence of new or stronger competitors as a result of consolidation movements in the market; the timing and market acceptance of our or our OEM customers' new or enhanced products; general economic and industry conditions; the ability to protect proprietary information and technology; competitive products and pricing pressures; our ability and the ability of our OEM customers to keep pace with the rapid technological changes and short product life cycles in our industry and gain market acceptance for new products and technologies; risks relating to governmental regulatory actions in communications and defense programs; and inventory risks due to technological innovation and product obsolescence, as well as other risks and uncertainties as are detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Merrimac Industries, Inc. Summary of Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) Quarters Ended September 27, September 29, 2008 (a) 2007 (a) Net sales $8,328,000 $6,612,000 Gross profit 2,749,000 2,816,000 Selling, general and administrative expenses 2,423,000 2,099,000 Research and development 106,000 400,000 Operating income 220,000 317,000 Interest and other (expense), net (17,000) (72,000) Provision for income taxes 10,000 - Income from continuing operations 193,000 245,000 Loss from discontinued operations, after taxes in 2007 (11,000) (2,058,000) Net income (loss) $182,000 $(1,813,000) Net income (loss) per common share: Income from continuing Operations - basic $.06 $.08 (Loss) from discontinued operations - basic $- $(.70) Net income (loss) per common share - basic $.06 $(.62) Income from continuing operations - diluted $.06 $.08 (Loss) from discontinued operations - diluted $- $(.69) Net income (loss) per common share - diluted $.06 $(.61) Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic 2,948,000 2,917,000 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted 2,966,000 2,960,000 (a) In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the operating results of Filtran Microcircuits Inc. for the current and prior period have been reported as discontinued operations. Merrimac Industries, Inc. Summary of Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 27, September 29, 2008 (a) 2007 (a) Net sales $21,576,000 $16,495,000 Gross profit 8,448,000 6,880,000 Selling, general and administrative expenses 7,021,000 6,293,000 Research and development 853,000 1,219,000 Operating income (loss) 574,000 (632,000) Interest and other (expense) income, net (127,000) (56,000) Income (loss) from continuing operations 447,000 (688,000) Provision for income taxes 10,000 - Loss from discontinued operations (66,000) (5,858,000) Net income (loss) $371,000 $(6,546,000) Net income (loss) per common share: Income from continuing operations - basic $.15 $(.23) (Loss) from discontinued operations - basic $(.02) $(1.97) Net income (loss) per common share - basic $.13 $(2.20) Income from continuing operations - diluted $.15 $(.23) (Loss) from discontinued operations - diluted $(.02) $(1.97) Net income (loss) per common share - diluted $.13 $(2.20) Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic 2,940,000 2,975,000 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted 2,965,000 2,975,000 (a) In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the operating results of Filtran Microcircuits Inc. for the current and prior period have been reported as discontinued operations. Merrimac Industries, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets June 28, 2008 December 29, 2007 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $1,923,000 $2,004,000 Accounts receivable, net 6,893,000 5,300,000 Inventories 5,886,000 5,040,000 Other current assets 620,000 774,000 Revenue in excess of billing 1,186,000 - Due from assets sale contract - 664,000 Total current assets 16,508,000 13,782,000 Property, plant and equipment, net 9,720,000 10,956,000 Restricted cash - 250,000 Other assets 510,000 532,000 Deferred tax assets 52,000 52,000 Total Assets $26,790,000 $25,572,000 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities: Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $1,550,000 $550,000 Accounts payable 905,000 944,000 Other current liabilities 2,354,000 2,328,000 Deferred tax liabilities 52,000 52,000 Income taxes payable 10,000 - Total current liabilities 4,871,000 3,874,000 Long-term debt, net of current portion 3,146,000 3,763,000 Deferred liabilities 64,000 61,000 Total liabilities 8,081,000 7,698,000 Stockholders' equity: Common stock 33,000 33,000 Additional paid-in capital 20,253,000 19,790,000 Retained earnings 1,545,000 1,173,000 Treasury stock (3,122,000) (3,122,000) Stockholders' equity 18,709,000 17,874,000 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $26,790,000 $25,572,000 Merrimac Industries, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 27, September 29, 2008 (a) 2007 (a) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $371,000 $(6,546,000) Less, loss from discontinued operations (66,000) (5,858,000) Income (loss) from continuing operations 437,000 (688,000) Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,908,000 1,757,000 Amortization of deferred financing costs 24,000 23,000 Share-based compensation 376,000 223,000 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (1,593,000) (1,385,000) Inventories (846,000) (742,000) Revenue in excess of billing (1,186,000) - Other current assets 49,000 57,000 Other assets 69,000 (30,000) Other current liabilities 31,000 245,000 Deferred liabilities 2,000 18,000 Net cash used by operating activities - continuing operations (729,000) (522,000) Net cash used by operating activities - discontinued operations (66,000) (363,000) Net cash used by operating activities (795,000) (885,000) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of capital assets (672,000) (1,071,000) Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations 665,000 - Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations (7,000) (1,071,000) Net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations - (180,000) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (7,000) (1,251,000) Cash flows from financing activities: Repurchase of common stock for the treasury - (2,148,000) Borrowings under revolving credit facility 1,000,000 - Repayment of long-term debt (617,000) (413,000) Restricted cash returned (deposited) 250,000 (250,000) Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 29,000 74,000 Proceeds from Stock Purchase Plan sales 59,000 79,000 Net cash provided by (used in) financing Activities - continuing operations 721,000 (2,658,000) Net cash used in financing activities - discontinued operations - (52,000) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 721,000 (2,710,000) Effect of exchange rate changes - 33,000 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (81,000) (4,813,000) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period, including $562,000 reported under assets held for sale in 2007 2,004,000 5,961,000 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period, including $43,000 reported under assets held for sale in 2007 $1,923,000 $1,148,000 (a) In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the operating results of Filtran Microcircuits Inc. for the current and prior period have been reported as discontinued operations. Contact: Mason N. Carter, Chairman & CEO 973-575-1300, ext. 1202 mnc@merrimacind.com

Merrimac Industries, Inc.

CONTACT: Mason N. Carter, Chairman & CEO of Merrimac Industries, Inc.,
+1-973-575-1300, ext. 1202, mnc@merrimacind.com

Web Site: http://www.merrimacind.com/

U.S. Retail E-Commerce Growth Slows to 1 Percent in October as Concerns About Inflation, Jobs and the Financial Markets Cause Consumers to Curb SpendingOctober Represents Softest Year-Over-Year Online Spending Growth on Record

RESTON, Va., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- comScore, Inc. , a leader in measuring the digital world, today released its monthly retail e-commerce sales estimates, which showed that online spending in October 2008 grew by only 1 percent over October 2007, the lowest monthly growth rate since comScore began tracking e-commerce in 2001. The overall softness in online retail spending was precipitated by curtailed spending across mid to lower income segments, with households earning less than $50,000 exhibiting negative spending growth compared to a year ago.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/COMSCORELOGO)

"While rising prices remained consumers' biggest concern in October, it's clear that the increase in the country's unemployment rate along with the shock of the financial market meltdown have had a negative impact on the psyche of the American consumer, and the effects were clearly felt in the online retail sector," said comScore chairman, Gian Fulgoni. "October represented the softest single-month of online retail growth on record, and we can only hope that the recent sharp drop in oil prices will cause a continued easing of inflation and a strengthening in consumer spending as we enter the critical holiday shopping season."

Retail E-Commerce Growth Rates Show Six Consecutive Months of Slowdown

A review of monthly retail e-commerce growth rates depicts the slowdown in the U.S. retail economy. Retail e-commerce growth rates have fallen from a height of 28 percent in August 2007 to a growth rate of just 1 percent in October 2008. October represents the sixth consecutive month this year of slowing growth rates.

Retail E-Commerce (Non-Travel) Growth Rates Excludes Auctions, Autos and Large Corporate Purchases Total U.S. -- Home/Work/University Locations Source: comScore, Inc. Month Y/Y Percent Change Jun-07 25% Jul-07 22% Aug-07 28% Sep-07 19% Oct-07 19% Nov-07 20% Dec-07 18% Jan-08 12% Feb-08 14% Mar-08 9% Apr-08 15% May-08 12% Jun-08 11% Jul-08 8% Aug-08 6% Sep-08 5% Oct-08 1% Negative Growth Rate among Lowest Income Earners

A three-month trailing average of retail e-commerce spending reveals that the low and middle-income segments are responsible for much of the softness. Overall, online retail spending from August through October grew just 4 percent versus year ago, with spending declining by 3 percent among households making less than $50,000. Households with income between $50,000 and $100,000 showed marginally positive spending growth (1 percent), while those making at least $100,000 increased their spending at a healthy rate of 14 percent.

Retail E-Commerce (Non-Travel) Growth Rates by Income Segment Excludes Auctions, Autos and Large Corporate Purchases Aug-Oct 2008 vs. Year Ago Total U.S. -- Home/Work/University Locations Source: comScore, Inc. Aug-Oct Share of Total Retail Y/Y Percent E-Commerce Dollars HH Incomes Segment Change Spent $0 - $49,999 -3% 21% $50,000 - $99,999 1% 45% $100,000+ 14% 35% Grand Total 4% 100%

comScore also conducted surveys in July and October which reveal a marked shift in consumers' top economic concerns. Specifically, while rising prices remained the top overall economic concern in October, it's clear that consumers have become increasingly worried about unemployment/job security and the health of the financial markets. Households earning at least $100,000 indicated that the state of the financial markets was their biggest economic concern, with a sharp increase from 14 percent in July to a 49 percent in October. Those earning less than $100,000 showed marked increases in concern about unemployment and job security.

Q: Based on your situation, which of the following economic conditions most concerns you? July 2008 and October 2008 Total U.S. -- Home/Work/University Locations Source: comScore, Inc., E-Commerce Survey Household Rising Unemployment/ Financial Income Prices Job Security Markets Jul-08 Oct-08 Jul-08 Oct-08 Jul-08 Oct-08 $0-$49,999 70% 53% 16% 22% 6% 17% $50,000-$99,999 67% 35% 13% 22% 9% 29% $100,000+ 53% 20% 9% 12% 14% 49% Total 67% 43% 14% 21% 8% 25%

"It's clear that worry, concern and even fear are the prevailing consumer sentiments at the moment, and this is causing all income segments to pull back their spending," added Fulgoni. "With the financial markets still volatile and more job cuts looming, it would appear the only near term ray of hope for this year's holiday shopping season is that the sharp drop in oil prices will cause an easing in inflation and provide a much needed boost in consumers' spending power."

About comScore

comScore, Inc. is a global leader in measuring the digital world and preferred source of digital marketing intelligence. For more information, please visit http://www.comscore.com/boilerplate.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/COMSCORELOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com comScore, Inc.

CONTACT: Andrew Lipsman of comScore, Inc., +1-312-775-6510,
press@comscore.com

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

Final Results of 2008 JCP(SM) Executive Committees Elections Are Out

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Java Community Process(SM) (JCP(SM)) Program Management Office, today announced the final results of the 2008 JCP Executive Committees (EC) elections. After two ballot rounds -- for ratified and elected seats -- the winners are: Ericsson, SpringSource, SAP, Intel Corp. and Werner Keil for the Java SE/EE EC and Nokia, Philips, IBM, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB and Sean Sheedy for the Java ME EC. For an overview of the 2008 JCP EC elections including the ratification ballot, ratification results, open nominations, elections ballot and elections results you can visit http://www.jcpelection2008.org/jcp/overview.

"The number and variety of candidates and the results of this year's elections testify to the vitality of the organization. The balance between newcomers and re-elected members, large corporations and individuals, and between traditional and open-source business models reflects the diversity of the Java community. I'd like to congratulate the winners, and to thank the runners-up. I'm looking forward to welcoming the new members at our next meeting in December."

The Executive Committee changeover will take place between November 18 and Dec. 1 with the new EC members taking office on December 2.

EC members guide the evolution of the Java technologies by approving and voting on all technology proposals (Java Specification Requests, or JSRs). They are also responsible for defining the JCP's rules of governance and the legal agreement between members and the organization. They provide guidance to the Program Management Office (PMO) and they represent the interests of the JCP to the broader community.

This year 13 candidates participated in the EC elections race including corporate entities and individual developers. To view the qualifying statements of both winners and runners up go to Ratification Results at http://www.jcpelection2008.org/jcp/ratification_results and to Election Results at http://www.jcpelection2008.org/jcp/election_results.

About the Java Community Process

Since its launch in 1998 as the open, inclusive process to develop and revise Java technology specifications, reference implementations, and technology compatibility kits, the Java Community Process program has fostered the evolution of the Java platform in cooperation with the international Java developer community. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 10th birthday, the JCP now has over 1200 corporate and individual participants. More than 300 Java technology specifications are in development in the JCP program, 55% of which are in the final stages. For more information on the JCP program, please visit http://jcp.org/.

Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, JCP, Java, Java SE, Java EE, and Java ME are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

Java Community Process

CONTACT: Corina Ulescu, JCP Program Office at Sun Microsystems, Inc.,
+1-408-276-6159, corina@jcp.org

Web site: http://jcp.org/

Video: Macy's Prepares for World-Famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R) with FileMaker Pro 9

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Macy's Parade & Entertainment Group is gearing up for next week's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City using FileMaker Pro 9, the best-selling easy-to-use database software for Mac and Windows. This year marks the first year that FileMaker Pro 9 will be used by the Macy's Parade & Entertainment Group to manage the myriad of information on the people, including the thousands of volunteers, and logistics required to ensure the smooth flow of all the magnificent helium balloons, floats, singers, dancers, performers and celebrities along the streets of New York City into Herald Square.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/filemaker/36075/

"With more than 5,000 people participating in this year's parade, our new FileMaker Pro 9 databases will bring together all the required functions for the parade into one manageable, networked solution," said Robin Hall, senior vice president, Macy's Parade & Entertainment Group.

Macy's Parade & Entertainment Group, including its fabled Parade Studio in Hoboken, N.J., will take advantage of a networked FileMaker Pro solution for a variety of tasks, including costume inventory and assignment, float and balloon inventory and location, and volunteer history and assignment.

Before FileMaker Pro was deployed, the database for the parade was originally built in Microsoft Access and its operation required programming knowledge beyond the basic consumer level. This caused delays and resulted in the need to export all work from Microsoft Access queries into Microsoft Excel documents to find specific information in a user-friendly manner.

"With our new FileMaker database system, time-consuming tasks such as assigning volunteers parade responsibilities have been reduced from about 10 days to just one or two days, and more important, we can better meet the needs and specifications of each individual, group and staff member," said Hall.

Future expansion of the Macy's Parade database will involve Web-published content, including online registration for volunteer participation in the parade.

About FileMaker, Inc.

FileMaker, Inc. develops award-winning database software. Its products include the legendary FileMaker Pro product line for Windows, Mac and the Web, and the new Bento personal database for Mac. FileMaker Pro won 49 awards, more than its next eight competitors combined, from 2003-2008 in the U.S., and a total of 130 awards worldwide during this time. Millions of customers, from individuals to large organizations, rely on FileMaker, Inc. software to manage, analyze and share information. FileMaker, Inc. is a subsidiary of Apple Inc.

(C)2008 FileMaker, Inc. All rights reserved. FileMaker and Bento are trademarks of FileMaker, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/filemaker/36075/ FileMaker, Inc.

CONTACT: Kevin Mallon of FileMaker, Inc., +1-408-987-7227,
kevin_mallon@filemaker.com; or Orlando Veras, Macy's Media Relations,
+1-212-494-3893, Orlando.Veras@macys.com

Web Site: http://twitter.com/FileMakerpr
http://www.filemaker.com/

Diebold Poised to Roll Out the Latest Deposit Automation InnovationRapid processing enables customers to quickly and reliably conduct multiple deposits in a single transaction

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continuing to provide the momentum for financial institutions to generate revenue, reduce costs and manage risk, Diebold, Incorporated is rolling out the newest innovation in its deposit automation family of solutions. With Diebold's new rapid processing capability, financial institutions now can provide consumers and business customers with an automated deposit option designed to expedite bulk note and check deposits at any time of the day or night, improving security and enhancing convenience at the automated teller machine (ATM).

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080725/DIEBOLDLOGO )

Rapid processing is executed in a single transaction that features the simultaneous operation of two modules at the ATM. One module facilitates single or bulk note deposits and the other enables single or bulk check deposits. Providing two separate modules, synchronously operating, to conduct a single transaction does more than increase the speed of transactions -- it also greatly enhances reliability.

"It's imperative in today's fast-paced society for financial institutions to consistently improve the speed and convenience at which customers can conduct self-service transactions," said Charles E. Ducey, Jr., senior vice president, global development and services, Diebold. "Rapid processing is one more tool to help financial institutions better serve customers through improved availability. And because both notes and checks can be immediately inserted, it provides another layer of security at the ATM and reduces wait time."

Research has shown deposit automation benefits financial institutions not only by delivering cost-effective transactions, it also promotes greater brand differentiation, strengthens compliance with regulatory mandates and, by migrating transactions out of the branch, it offers the freedom to build customer relationships to promote higher value products and services. Additionally, deposit automation has proven to increase total transactions and deposit activity.

With rapid processing, Diebold's note-accepting technology can accept stacks of mixed-denomination currency without an envelope or a deposit slip. The module verifies and itemizes the deposit note-by-note. This allows for instant credit, depending on the institution's policy, and the module can hold large quantities of cash longer, allowing for fewer deposit sweeps. Additionally, offering the ability to accept large stacks of notes better serves business customers, who regularly make deposits at ATMs.

With checks -- also inserted without an envelope or deposit slip -- Diebold's Intelligent Depository Module(TM) accepts a single check or stacks up to 30. The check images are captured and displayed on the ATM screen for customer verification. Through superior imaging and character recognition, the check images are printed on the receipt along with the details of the cash transaction. Additionally, before the transaction is completed, customers are offered the opportunity to cancel the deposit of any one of the checks or the entire bulk stack. Customers also can adjust or cancel the note deposit portion of the transaction. Once the details of the transaction are approved, the data is collected, including the images of the deposited checks, and transmitted to a server, which begins the check clearing process.

For more information about Diebold's new rapid processing solution, visit booth #1601 on the show floor at 2008 BAI Retail Delivery Conference and Expo, or visit Diebold online at http://www.diebold.com/ .

For access to Diebold's RD 2008 press materials, please visit: http://www.diebold.com/whatsnews/rd2008/default.htm

About Diebold

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080725/DIEBOLDLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Diebold, Incorporated

CONTACT: Media Relations, DeAnn Zackeroff, +1-330-490-5220,
deann.zackeroff@diebold.com, Investor Relations, Christopher Bast,
+1-330-490-6908, christopher.bast@diebold.com, both of Diebold, Incorporated

Web site: http://www.diebold.com/
http://www.diebold.com/whatsnews/rd2008/default.htm

Onvia's Michael Balsam Spoke at InfoCommerce's 2008 ConferenceDiscussion Centered Around the Importance of Content in Context

SEATTLE, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Onvia (http://www.onvia.com/) , which helps businesses achieve a competitive advantage by delivering timely and actionable business opportunities and intelligence, announced that Vice President of Products and Services Michael Balsam recently spoke at InfoCommerce 2008 - Data 2.5: Evolve and Thrive, a conference for data publishers. The event was held November 10-12 in Philadelphia.

Participating on a panel discussion entitled, "There's No Free Launch," Balsam addressed the importance of solutions that create value for clients by not only providing relevant content but, more importantly, context around that information.

"Given the current state of the economy, we all need to ask ourselves how to recession-proof our businesses and drive growth while many sectors contract. With the continued commoditization of data, the mantra of 'content is king' has taken a back seat to 'content in context,'" stated Balsam. "Consider the volume of sources for lead generation and how few services successfully differentiate themselves through smart, proprietary, market- changing methods for providing contextual prequalification. Thought leaders in our industry take a relentless and laser-focused approach to driving this type of value through unique content offers that show demonstrable ROI for clients and advertisers."

For more information on the InfoCommerce 2008 Conference and panel discussion, visit http://www.infocommercegroup.com/conference/.

About Onvia

Onvia (http://www.onvia.com/fp/Default.aspx) helps businesses achieve a competitive advantage by delivering timely and actionable intelligence on pending projects, sales leads and key business contacts. More than 8,100 clients across the United States rely on Onvia as a comprehensive resource for industry-specific information needed to plan, market and sell effectively. Onvia offers unparalleled coverage of government purchasing activity in addition to commercial and residential projects in development. Onvia was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Michael Balsam http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=71234

Onvia

CONTACT: Jessica Mularczyk of Onvia, +1-508-498-9300,
mularczykpr@verizon.net

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

Spare Backup and The Carphone Warehouse Limited (CPW) Sign Data Storage Services AgreementSpare Backup to Offer 1 Gigabyte Promotional Storage Offer to CPW

PALM DESERT, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Spare Backup (BULLETIN BOARD: SPBU) today announced that it has signed a Data Storage Services Agreement with The Carphone Warehouse Limited (CPW), a subsidiary of Best Buy Europe Distributions Limited, who currently operates in nine countries within Europe. Spare Backup will provide CPW's customers with a free promotional 1GB (gigabyte) of its online data storage through CPW. Spare Backup and CPW have agreed to share any revenue derived from the agreement on a confidential but mutually beneficial basis.

At the completion of the initial free promotional period the customer will be given the opportunity to continue to use the data backup service for a monthly or yearly fee that is tied to the amount of data storage requested.

Spare Backup will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the data and for the administration and operation of the Backup Website. Spare Backup will ensure that the Backup Website is available on a 24/7 basis except for scheduled maintenance or in the event of an emergency.

Spare Backup is the first totally automated online backup service that intelligently selects, secures and stores files without any user intervention and with the data migration feature added, the customer can transfer their data without any complicated actions on his or her part.

"This agreement along with our strengthened relationship with DSGI, is helping to solidify Spare as the backup service of choice among the top retailers in Europe," stated Cery Perle, CEO of Spare Backup. "We are excited about the opportunity to extend Spare Backup's reach throughout Europe and partnering with CPW is another significant step forward for our company."

"The Carphone Warehouse and Spare Backup are both passionate about giving customers the highest quality service and products to make their shopping experience simple and enjoyable. Spare Backup's Data Storage solutions that ease the transfer and backup storage of priceless data certainly helps to deliver that."

For additional information, visit http://www.sparebackup.com/. For investor relations, please contact Robert Schatz at Wolfe Axelrod Weinberger, 212-370-4500 or rob@wolfeaxelrod.com.

About Spare Backup, Inc.:

Spare Backup, Inc. specializes in helping consumers, small office/home office users, and small to mid-sized businesses protect their computer data quickly, automatically and cost-effectively. The company's flagship Spare Backup product is the first totally automated online backup service that intelligently selects, secures and stores files without any user intervention, automatically backing up documents, email, music, photos and other PC files on a continuous basis or according to the schedule of the user's choice. The company is headquartered in Palm Desert, California.

Safe Harbor Statement:

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking information made on the company's behalf. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, which address the company's expectations of sources of capital or which express the company's expectation for the future with respect to financial performance or operating strategies can be identified as forward-looking statements. Such statements made by the company are based on knowledge of the environment in which it operates, but because of the possibility of unknown factors, as well as other factors beyond the control of the company, actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement. An investment in our common stock involves a significant degree of risk. You should not invest in our common stock unless you can afford to lose your entire investment. You should consider carefully all risk factors and other information in our annual report and quarterly filings before deciding to invest in our common stock. If any of the following risks and uncertainties develops into actual events, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected and you could lose your entire investment in our company.

Spare Backup, Inc.

CONTACT: Robert Schatz of Wolfe Axelrod Weinberger Assoc. LLC,
+1-212-370-4500, fax, +1-212-370-4505, rob@wolfeaxelrod.com, for Spare Backup

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

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