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AT&T Strengthens 3G Wireless Coverage in New York and New Jersey AreasDeployment of 850 MHz Spectrum for 3G in the Metro NY, NJ Areas Substantially Improves In-Building Wireless Coverage, Adds Capacity to Support Surging Demand for Mobile Broadband

NEW YORK, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T* today announced a substantial strengthening of its 3G mobile broadband wireless network where it has deployed spectrum in the 850 MHz band across large portions of metro New York City, Long Island and New Jersey. As a result, customers in these areas should experience better connectivity, performance and enhanced in-building wireless coverage.

This most recent network enhancement is part of AT&T's ongoing efforts to drive innovation and investment into its 3G wireless network - the fastest 3G network in the nation according to recent independent testing. More smartphone customers have chosen AT&T over any other U.S. competitor, and AT&T is committed to driving continual enhancement of network capabilities to meet these customers' ever-growing mobile broadband needs.

"AT&T's ongoing investment to build broadband networks helps to create jobs, fuel economic growth and enable our customers to quickly access the content that matters most to them," said Jay Summerson, vice president New York, AT&T external affairs. "Our customers have embraced smartphones and upgrades like the additional 3G spectrum deployment allow them to enjoy the benefits of these devices and mobile broadband for years to come."

The 850 MHz spectrum was deployed for 3G use at more than 1,600 cell sites in metro New York, Long Island and New Jersey. It is considered a high-quality spectrum, which generally results in better in-building coverage. While specific benefits of the additional 3G spectrum will vary by location, AT&T 3G customers should see improved quality and coverage throughout New York City, Long Island and New Jersey where 850 MHz spectrum has been deployed. AT&T technicians nationwide responsible for monitoring network performance for service quality and coverage have seen significant increases in total 3G data traffic in areas where the 850MHz spectrum has been deployed.

"Where we deployed the additional 850 MHz spectrum, we saw an immediate increase in wireless data activity across the AT&T 3G network in those areas," said Tom DeVito, vice president and general manager for AT&T in New York and New Jersey. "The additional spectrum helps to enhance the 3G network so that our customers have the best experience when they make a call, check an e-mail or surf the Internet on their AT&T device."

This deployment is one part of AT&T's ongoing initiatives to enhance the speed and performance of its network. Recently, AT&T announced plans to further upgrade its 3G network nationwide with HSPA 7.2 technology to deliver considerably faster mobile broadband speeds. The upgrades are planned to begin in the fourth quarter, with completion expected in 2011. Additionally, AT&T is continually optimizing and adding cell sites in New York, New Jersey and across the country to maximize performance for customers. AT&T is planning to add nearly 1,900 cell sites nationwide this year, and we're adding new backhaul connections across the country to support the increasing volumes of mobile data traffic.

AT&T's 3G mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most open and widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T offers 3G data roaming in more than 100 countries, as well as voice calling in more than 215 countries.

Across the U.S., AT&T's 3G network is available in more than 350 major metropolitan areas. For more information about AT&T's 3G coverage in metro NY or anywhere in the United States, consumers can go to http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/. The online tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T |DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies. Additional information bout AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Ellen Webner of AT&T Inc., Office: +1-973-775-1321, or Mobile:
+1-201-532-7292, ellen.webner@att.com

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

Martin Reidy Named President of Meredith Integrated Marketing

NEW YORK, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; http://www.meredith.com/) today named Martin F. Reidy President of Meredith Integrated Marketing. Reidy will also serve as an Executive Vice President of Meredith's National Media Group and Corporate Vice President of Interactive Strategy. He will report to Jack Griffin, President of Meredith's National Media Group.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090810/CG58830LOGO)

Reidy succeeds Wendy Riches who will become Chief Strategy Officer for Meredith Corporation, a new position. In this role, Riches will work with Meredith's senior leadership team on developing and implementing long-range strategic plans across Meredith's diverse media and marketing platforms.

Meredith Integrated Marketing is a direct and digital marketing solutions leader that provides brands with compelling customer relationship management strategies and solutions. Its wide portfolio of expertise includes custom publishing, digital, mobile, video, database, health care, word-of-mouth and social marketing capabilities. With more than 400 employees across the United States, Meredith Integrated Marketing serves more than 200 clients including industry and brand leaders such as Kraft, Nestle, Pepsi, Honda and Johnson & Johnson.

Reidy joins Meredith from Publicis, where he served as President and CEO of Publicis Modem & Dialog. He joined Publicis in 2004 as President and CEO of Digitas West, and was later named President and CEO of Digitas Modem Media. Prior to Publicis, Reidy spent seven years as President and CEO of R/GA Interactive, part of the Interpublic Group. He started his career with international management consulting leader Bain & Company, rising to Partner before leaving to become Senior Vice President of EMI Music.

"Martin possesses a desired combination of marketing services and digital new media business leadership built on a strong foundation of corporate strategy and M&A experience," said Griffin. "I'm confident he will provide our growing Meredith Integrated Marketing business with outstanding leadership, facilitate integration of our current portfolio of services, and aggressively expand our capabilities. Additionally, I expect him to be a significant contributor to strategy development for the National Media Group as a whole."

"I am incredibly excited about the opportunity of working with Meredith, particularly in the digital arena," said Reidy. "Meredith's position in the media space through its national and local brands is legendary and gives the company a unique connection to its customers. Meredith's evolution into the interactive universe through its online presence and integrated marketing offerings has shown tremendous success and I am looking forward to being a part of taking it to the next level."

Reidy earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, graduating Beta Gamma Sigma and first in his class. He holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Finance and Marketing from the University of California at Berkeley.

"Martin's experience makes him ideally suited to work across all of our media platforms and businesses to further develop and guide our strategy companywide in the digital space," said Meredith President and CEO Steve Lacy. "He will be a strategic asset to our leadership team and we look forward to his contributions."

Meredith is the leading media and marketing company serving American women. Meredith combines well-known national brands - such as Better Homes and Gardens, Parents and Family Circle - with 12 local network-affiliated television brands in fast-growing markets and a robust online presence through the Meredith Women's Network, the first brand network comprised of premium websites geared toward the topics that matter most to women. The Meredith Women's Network engages more than 15 million unique visitors monthly, and includes The Better Homes and Gardens Network (Better Homes and Gardens, Better Recipes and MixingBowl); The Parents Network (Parents, American Baby and Family Circle); and The Real Girls Network (DivineCaroline , Fitness, More and Ladies' Home Journal).

Meredith also features full-service marketing solutions capabilities that provide national and international companies with innovative and cutting-edge marketing services. In the last three years, the company has significantly added to its portfolio through acquisitions and investments in the digital, mobile, word-of-mouth, health care and database areas.

Contact: Art Slusark (515) 284-3404; art.slusark@meredith.com Patrick Taylor (212) 551-6984; patrick.taylor@meredith.com

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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Meredith Corporation

CONTACT: Art Slusark, +1-515-284-3404, art.slusark@meredith.com, or
Patrick Taylor, +1-212-551-6984, patrick.taylor@meredith.com, both of Meredith
Corporation

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

Chief Commercial Officer Joins Aon Consulting Asia PacificIndustry veteran Anand Shankar to lead sales strategy and efforts across region

SINGAPORE, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aon Consulting, the global human capital consulting organization of Aon Corporation , today announced that 20-year industry veteran Anand Shankar has joined the firm in the newly created position of Chief Commercial Officer, Asia Pacific.

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

Shankar will lead sales strategy and efforts across practices and markets in Asia Pacific for Aon Consulting, working closely with the regional leadership team and colleagues globally.

"We welcome Anand to Aon Consulting," said Edouard Merette, CEO for Aon Consulting, Asia Pacific. "I look forward to working with Anand, who has a wealth of industry experience in Asia Pacific. Anand also has an excellent track record of developing solutions for multinational and local clients, which is aligned with our goal of providing clients with distinctive value through our people. We are confident that under his leadership, Aon's foothold in the region will strengthen."

Shankar brings two decades of experience in people management to Aon Consulting, and he is a well-known strategist in the professional services and human resources industry. Shankar previously held senior positions in other consulting firms, most recently with Talent2 as Group Corporate Director leading strategic growth through organic and inorganic strategies across multiple businesses. He spent more than a decade with Hewitt Associates in India, Hong Kong and Singapore consecutively, and most recently held the position of head of business development and line functions for consulting and outsourcing.

On his new role, Shankar said: "I look forward to being part of Aon, which has a track record of high performing organizational talent strategies and sound implementation processes. I share in the firm's belief that Asia Pacific is an important market with tremendous growth opportunities for HR consulting and outsourcing needs."

Based in Singapore, Shankar joined Aon Consulting Aug. 11. About Aon Consulting

Aon Consulting Worldwide is among the top global human capital consulting firms, with 2008 revenues of $1.358 billion and more than 6,300 professionals in 229 offices worldwide. Aon Consulting works with organizations to improve business performance and shape the workplace of the future through employee benefits, talent management and rewards strategies and solutions. Aon Consulting was named the best employee benefit consulting firm by the readers of Business Insurance magazine in 2006, 2007 and 2008. For more information on Aon, please visit http://www.aon.mediaroom.com/.

About Aon

Aon Corporation is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human capital consulting. Through its more than 37,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon readily delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Aon's industry-leading global resources and technical expertise are delivered locally through more than 500 offices in more than 120 countries. Named the world's best broker by Euromoney magazine's 2008 and 2009 Insurance Survey, Aon also ranked highest on Business Insurance's listing of the world's largest insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues in 2008. A.M. Best deemed Aon the number one insurance broker based on brokerage revenues in 2007 and 2008, and Aon was voted best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007 and 2008 by the readers of Business Insurance. For more information on Aon, log onto http://www.aon.com/.

Contact: Elisa Bakri +65 6239 7540 elisa_bakri@aon-asia.com

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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Aon Corporation

CONTACT: Elisa Bakri of Aon Corporation, +65 6239 7540,
elisa_bakri@aon-asia.com

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

Advanced Life Sciences to Present at 11th Annual Rodman and Renshaw Healthcare Conference

CHICAGO, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Advanced Life Sciences Holdings, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ADLS) , a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel drugs in the therapeutic areas of infection, cancer and respiratory diseases, today announced that it will present at Rodman and Renshaw's Eleventh Annual Healthcare Conference held September 9-11th in New York City.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080218/ALSLOGO)

Advanced Life Sciences' President and Chief Financial Officer, John Flavin, will make a corporate presentation to investors on Thursday, September 10th at 9:35 AM ET. The Company's presentation will be delivered in the Hubbard Salon at The New York Palace Hotel, 455 Madison Avenue in New York City. The webcast can be accessed through the Investor Relations page on the Advanced Life Sciences website, http://www.advancedlifesciences.com/. Those interested in listening to the presentation should log on a few minutes in advance in order to download any software or complete any sign-in that may be required.

About Restanza

Restanza is a novel, once-a-day, oral antibiotic that is in development for the treatment of CAP. It has shown higher in vitro potency and a broader range of activity than macrolides against Gram-positive bacteria associated with respiratory tract infections, and, again in in vitro tests, it appears to be effective against penicillin-, macrolide- and fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria. Restanza's demonstrated potency and ability to overcome bacterial resistance may be due to its mechanism of action resulting in specificity for its bacterial target. In addition to its utility in CAP, Restanza is also being investigated for the prophylactic treatment of inhalation anthrax post-exposure and other high priority biodefense pathogens. The FDA has designated Restanza as an orphan drug for the prophylactic treatment of inhalation anthrax post exposure, but the drug is not yet approved for this or any other indication.

About Advanced Life Sciences

Advanced Life Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel drugs in the therapeutic areas of infection, cancer, respiratory diseases and biodefense. For more information, please visit us on the web at http://www.advancedlifesciences.com/.

Any statements contained in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, those relating to technology and product development, market acceptance, government regulation and regulatory approval processes, intellectual property rights and litigation, dependence on collaborative relationships, ability to obtain financing, competitive products, industry trends and other risks identified in Advanced Life Sciences' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Advanced Life Sciences undertakes no obligation to update or alter these forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080218/ALSLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Advanced Life Sciences Holdings, Inc.

CONTACT: Joe Camp of Advanced Life Sciences Holdings, Inc.,
+1-630-754-4352, jcamp@advancedlifesciences.com

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

Don't Insure Everything, Just the Things You Might Mind LosingMany young adults - and the parents still supporting them - are putting belongings at risk when they can least afford to replace them

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new national survey commissioned by Allstate Insurance reveals college-aged adults are acquiring things at a prodigious pace. However, protecting those things is of little concern - to themselves or the parents who support them.

In the study, almost half of respondents (48 percent) reported belongings worth more than $10,000 and 87 percent reported they could only afford to replace, at best, some of their things. Despite this, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) had no insurance protection and 64 percent said it wasn't likely they would purchase renters insurance anytime soon.

In perhaps the best illustration of misplaced priorities, almost one third of respondents (29 percent) reported spending $100-250 on clothes during any given month, which is roughly what insurance costs for an entire year.

"The data suggests to me that people aren't thinking past the purchase," said Julie Parsons, vice president of Emerging Businesses and Consumer Household, Allstate Insurance Company. "It's a shame because renters insurance is one of the smartest investments people in this situation can make and so few take advantage of it."

A Bureau of Justice Statistics survey of households shows renters are 50 percent more likely to be burglarized than homeowners. This is yet another sobering reminder of how precarious the situation is for so many Americans opting to go without renters coverage.

The need for education is clear: almost one third of respondents (32 percent) believed renters insurance to be as much as 15 times higher than the actual national average of $16 per month. Overall, 78 percent of respondents had misperceptions about the true cost of renters insurance.

To underscore how education helps to address this current trend, eight out of 10 of those surveyed without renters insurance at the outset, expressed interest in buying insurance once they learned basic information about the coverage.

About the Survey

The national survey is comprised of 1078 weighted interviews and a 201 student oversample. Interviews were collected between July 25 and August 6, 2009 using internet and cell phone samples. All participants are young adults who rent their home or apartment and are between the ages of 18 and 30. Student oversamples were collected in California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. All surveys were conducted by Squier Knapp Dunn and Beck Research for Allstate.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate " slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via http://www.allstate.com/ and 1-800 Allstate .

Allstate

CONTACT: Raleigh Floyd of Allstate, +1-847-402-5600

Web Site: http://www.allstate.com/
http://myallstatefinancial.com/

Raytheon Announces Agreement to Purchase BBN Technologies

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 1, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company has entered into an agreement to acquire BBN Technologies, a privately-held world leader in research and development, and provider of critical solutions for national defense and security missions. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2009 subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction is not expected to materially impact revenue or earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2009, and is expected to be accretive in 2010. Terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

BBN's diverse portfolio encompasses a range of technologies including advanced networking, speech and language technologies, information technologies, sensor systems, and cybersecurity. The company's deep scientific and engineering talent aligns well with Raytheon's expertise and commitment to excellence.

"BBN brings world class people, technologies and capabilities to Raytheon and our customers," said William H. Swanson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Raytheon Company. "We expect all of our businesses to benefit from the application of BBN's research and development expertise and technologies across our product lines and programs. BBN's rich technology heritage makes this a natural fit."

BBN Technologies has a long history of innovative products and solutions including the ARPANET (forerunner of the Internet). Current offerings include the Boomerang acoustic-based shooter detection system currently deployed with U.S. forces, and a broad range of technology development programs, many considered mission-critical by defense and intelligence customers.

Following the acquisition, BBN Technologies will become part of Raytheon Network Centric Systems (NCS).

"BBN's products and technical capabilities will enhance NCS' ability to offer critically important solutions to our customers," said Colin Schottlaender, president, Network Centric Systems. "This acquisition will strengthen our positions in networking, communications, video surveillance and advanced sensing applications."

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, BBN employs 700 employees in seven U.S. locations.

"BBN has extraordinary technical depth in the areas in which we work," said Robert G. Elmer, president and CEO of BBN Technologies. "Joining Raytheon, an organization with very strong technical expertise and significant resources, will help us to broaden our reach, acting as a multiplier on our proven ability to deliver advances to the market rapidly and profitably, and better serve our ultimate client, the U.S. warfighter."

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provided state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control communications and intelligence systems; as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding the expected closing of the acquisition and the performance of Raytheon following the completion of the acquisition. These forward-looking statements are based on Raytheon's current expectations and are necessarily subject to associated risks related to, among other things, the successful completion of the acquisition and the ability of Raytheon to successfully integrate BBN Technologies and to achieve expected benefits. Actual results may differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. For information regarding other related risks, please see the "Risk Factors" section of Raytheon's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent filings on Form 10-K.

Contact: Jon Kasle 781.522.5110

Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Jon Kasle of Raytheon Company, +1-781-522-5110

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

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Champions Biotechnology to Deploy its Technology to Guide Development of Oncology Therapeutic for Global Biotech Leader

BALTIMORE, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Champions Biotechnology, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: CSBR) , a company engaged in the development of advanced preclinical platforms and tumor specific data to enhance the value of oncology drugs, has established yet another agreement with a large biotechnology company for the evaluation of a novel oncology therapeutic in Champions' Biomerk Tumorgraft(TM) platform.

By maintaining the fundamental genotypic features of the original human tumor along with the stromal components, the Biomerk Tumorgraft preclinical platform enables identification of the most promising development path for a compound in terms of indication, drug combination, and target patient population. The platform also has the potential to identify gene pathways of response and resistance as well as prognostic molecular biomarkers.

"We are excited to continue the growth of our impressive client base and begin working with one of the most respected global leaders in the discovery and development of novel therapies," said Doug Burkett, Ph.D., President of Champions Biotechnology, Inc. "Studies suggest that evaluation of oncology compounds through our Biomerk Tumorgraft platform will lead to more successful and efficient clinical development. The value-added by an optimally targeted, more efficient clinical path can result in cost savings, improved clinical and commercial success and significantly more years of patent life following commercialization."

About Champions Biotechnology, Inc.

Champions Biotechnology, Inc. is engaged in the development of advanced preclinical platforms and tumor specific data to enhance and accelerate the value of oncology drugs. The Company's Preclinical Platform is a novel approach based upon the implantation of primary human tumors in immune deficient mice followed by propagation of the resulting engraftments (Biomerk Tumorgrafts(TM)) in a manner that preserves the biological characteristics of the original human tumor. Early studies suggest that unlike traditional xenografts, these Tumorgrafts closely reflect human cancer biology and their response to drugs is predictive of clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Champions Biotechnology leverages its preclinical platform to evaluate drug candidates and to develop a portfolio of novel therapeutic candidates. As drugs progress through early stage development, the Company plans to sell, partner or license them to pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies, as appropriate. The Company also offers its predictive preclinical platform and tumor specific data to physicians for personalized patient care and to companies for evaluation of oncology drugs in models that integrate prognostic testing with biomarker discovery.

http://www.championsbiotechnology.com/ http://www.personalizedcancertreatment.com/

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995) that inherently involve risk and uncertainties. Champions Biotechnology generally uses words such as "believe," "may," "could," "will," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. One should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many unforeseen factors. See Champions Biotechnology's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009 for a discussion of such risks, uncertainties and other factors. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, they relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made, and Champions Biotechnology's future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements may not meet these expectations. The Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in Champions Biotechnology's expectations, except as required by law.

Champions Biotechnology, Inc.

CONTACT: The Investor Relations Group, Investor Relations, James
Carbonara, or Public Relations, Susan Morgenbesser, +1-212-825-3210

Web Site: http://championsbiotechnology.com/

Raytheon Announces Agreement to Purchase BBN Technologies

BBN Technologies has a long history of innovative products and solutions including The ARPANET (forerunner of the Internet). Current offerings include the Boomerang acoustic-based shooter detection system currently deployed with U.S. forces, and a broad range of technology development programs, many considered mission-critical by defense and intelligence customers.

Following the acquisition, BBN Technologies will become part of Raytheon Network Centric Systems (NCS).

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, BBN employs 700 employees in seven U.S. locations.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-looking Statements

Contact: Jon Kasle 781.522.5110

Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Jon Kasle of Raytheon Company, +1-781-522-5110

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

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/149999.html
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Thomas A. Beaver Named Chairman of National Penn Board

BOYERTOWN, Pa., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Penn Bancshares, Inc. announced today that Thomas A. Beaver, of Sinking Spring, Pa., has been named chairman of the board of National Penn Bancshares, Inc., effective September 1, 2009. He will assume the role formerly held by Wayne R. Weidner, who will continue as a director, vice chairman and a member of the executive committee. Also serving as vice chairman is Jeffrey Feather.

"This is an important step in the transition to my eventual retirement from the Board of Directors," said Weidner. "Tom understands National Penn's business model as well as the needs of our shareholders and clients. He's the right person to lead the board as National Penn navigates these challenging times."

Glenn E. Moyer, National Penn's President and CEO said, "On behalf of our management team, we support the Board's focus on corporate governance best practices, we thank Wayne for his leadership and we welcome Tom in his new role."

Beaver, 57, retired partner in the business consulting group and former CEO of Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP (regional CPA and consulting firm), joined the boards of National Penn and National Penn Bank in July 2005. In February 2008, he was named lead independent director, a position he has held since then.

"I've appreciated the opportunity to serve on the National Penn board these last four years and look forward to continuing in the role of chairman," said Beaver. "I'm especially honored to follow Wayne, who has been a leader in the community and in banking for nearly 50 years."

In addition to his role with National Penn, Beaver has served as a director and member of many other business and philanthropic organizations including past president of The Wyomissing Foundation, Inc.; past president of the Hawk Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America; director and finance committee chairman of The Reading Hospital and Medical Center; and, with his wife, Cathy, former campaign co-chair of the United Way of Berks County. He received a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA from Lehigh University.

About National Penn's Board of Directors:

National Penn's board consists of 15 directors, the majority of whom are independent, consistent with the guidelines for Nasdaq-listed companies. All directors are selected for their character, judgment, business experience and acumen, to give the Board expertise and experience in areas of strategic importance to National Penn.

About National Penn Bancshares, Inc.:

National Penn Bancshares, Inc., with $9.8 billion in assets, is the fourth largest bank holding company based in Pennsylvania. In addition, wealth assets under administration or management amount to $8.1 billion.

Headquartered in Boyertown, National Penn operates 127 offices. It has 124 community banking offices in Pennsylvania and one office in Maryland through National Penn Bank and its HomeTowne Heritage Bank, KNBT and Nittany Bank divisions. National Penn also has two offices in Delaware through its wholly-owned subsidiary Christiana Bank & Trust Company.

National Penn's financial services affiliates consist of National Penn Wealth Management, N.A., including its National Penn Investors Trust Company division; National Penn Capital Advisors, Inc.; Vantage Investment Advisors, LLC; Institutional Advisors LLC; National Penn Leasing Company; National Penn Insurance Services Group, Inc., including its Higgins Insurance division; and Caruso Benefits Group, Inc.

National Penn Bancshares, Inc. common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "NPBC". Please visit our Web site at http://www.nationalpennbancshares.com/ to see our regularly posted material information.

National Penn Bancshares, Inc.

CONTACT: Media: Catharine S. Bower, Corporate Communications,
+1-610-369-6618, catharine.bower@nationalpenn.com, or Investors: Michelle H.
Debkowski, Investor Relations, +1-610-369-6461,
michelle.debkowski@nationalpenn.com

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

Suspect Detection Systems Inc. Signs 7-Digit (USD) Contract to Install Cogito System at a National Border Crossing

PETAH TIKVA, Israel, September 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Suspect Detection Systems Inc., (SDSS.OB), a leading developer of counter-terror and crime prevention technology, announced today that a 7-digit contract has been signed with a Federal Agency in a major country to deploy the Cogito(TM) rapid interrogation system along a major national border.

Cogito will be used to interrogate potential suspects seeking entry into the country at a specific point of entry. Few Cogito units will be installed at the border crossing, along with the full installation of the Cogito Central Database and Management System (CDMS) which stores all data collected by each of the units.

The system is currently being customized to interrogate potential suspects in few languages. The CDMS control and manage all the Cogito units in real time and can analyze the biometric information and test result collected in the database.

"Our system was designed specifically to aid in the apprehension of terrorists and criminals at border crossings," said Shabtai Shoval, CEO of Suspect Detection Systems Ltd. "We have worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive system that can accurately identify suspects at any time of day or night, without the aid of experienced interrogators. We are confident that Cogito will contribute to a safer, less porous border."

Cogito is an automated interrogation system that is used to accurately detect the hostile intent of suspected criminals and terrorists in just five to seven minutes. The system was designed under the concept that the most dangerous weapon a suspect will carry is his or her intent to commit a destructive act

Cogito can easily be deployed to detect terrorists, smugglers and criminals at checkpoints, border crossings, crime scenes, war zones, or in private enterprises.

"Cogito is a powerful tool that can be utilized by any organization with advanced security and crime prevention operations from private enterprises to federal agencies," added Shoval. "The positive feedback we have received from Cogito customers demonstrates the impact of the system on the war against crime."

About Suspect Detection Systems

Suspect Detection Systems Ltd. is a developer of proprietary counter-terror and crime prevention technology designed to identify threats in real-time, and prevent incidents before they are carried out. The technology detects the hidden 'hostile intent' of assailants-before they commit their intended acts-with a remarkable degree of accuracy. The system can also be used after crime was committed to quickly identify criminals from among a pool of suspects.

Learn more about Suspect Detection Systems and Cogito Technology at http://www.suspectdetection.com/

Forward-Looking Statements

This letter contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risk factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in technology and market requirements, decline in demand for the Company's products, inability to suitably develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, loss of market share, pressure on pricing resulting from competition, and inability to maintain certain marketing and distribution arrangements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release, as actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Suspect Detection Systems' public filings may be viewed at http://www.sec.gov/.

Suspect Detection Systems

CONTACT: Contact: Alex Traiman, SDSS Public Relations, +1-646-863-9729,
alext@sdscp.com; Michal Efraty, Public & Investor Relations Consultant
Financial Communication, +972-3-695-4333, michal@FinCom.co.il

Points.com Helps Back-to-School Shoppers Save Money With Loyalty Rewards Shopping Tips

TORONTO, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- From new clothes to books to school supplies, parents and kids across America are hitting the malls in search of deals to stretch their dollars for back-to-school. Even though the recession is still making it difficult to make ends meet, many consumers have access to an underused currency that can help. Points International Ltd. (TSX: PTS; OTCBB: PTSEF), the world's leading loyalty reward solutions provider and owner of Points.com, offers several easy and economical ways to save money during back-to-school by redeeming miles and points for everything you need this fall.

"With the economy putting the pinch on spending, now's the time for consumers to take advantage of the nearly 14 trillion unused rewards which have been sitting idle in accounts," said Chris Barnard, president of Points International. "The sky's the limit on what can be redeemed for loyalty points these days."

If you're hoping to pick up a pair of new shoes or a new backpack while trying to save a little extra money, rewards earned through loyalty programs are the answer. Points.com can maximize your purchasing power at minimum cost with a number of different products and services to make back-to-school shopping on the cheap a reality:

- Spruce up your wardrobe. To girls, choosing the first-day-of-school outfit is like choosing a wedding dress. Make sure you look your best by redeeming rewards for gift cards from retailers such as Gap, Old Navy, Macy's or J. Crew. - Hit the ground running. If you're in the market for new kicks this school year, use your miles and points to get gift cards for Foot Locker(R) or adidas.com. - Rulers, binders and protractors, oh my! Does your school supply list look like a letter to Santa? If so, don't worry. Turn rewards into gift cards that can be used at office supply stores like Staples or Amazon.com. - Down, set, hike! It's that time of year again, when kids are getting ready to begin fall sports. From cleats to nets to knee pads, redeem your points and miles for gift cards to SportsAuthority.com or Nike so your kids have all the equipment they need for the big game. - Leaving on a jet plane. By now, the older ones have probably left for college, but parents weekend is going to sneak up before you know it. Use your rewards for flights and hotel stays in college towns from some of our many partners including: American Airlines AAdvantage(R), Aeroplan(R), AsiaMiles(TM), British Airways Executive Club, Wyndham Rewards(R), Delta SkyMiles(R), InterContinental Hotels Group's Priority Club(R) Rewards and more. Just a few miles or points short of an award redemption? Check out Points.com for more ways to earn, purchase or trade for additional miles or points to get you to the reward level you desire.

Points International works in partnership with all loyalty and reward programs active on Points.com. All transactions are fully sanctioned by the program operators.

About Points International Ltd.

Points International Ltd. is the owner and operator of Points.com, the world's leading reward program management Web site which was recently named one of the 30 Best Travel Sites by Kiplinger's. At Points.com consumers can Swap, Earn, Buy, Gift, Share and Redeem miles and points from more than 25 of the world's leading reward programs. Participating programs include American Airlines AAdvantage(R) program, Aeroplan(R), AsiaMiles(TM), British Airways Executive Club, Wyndham Rewards(R), Delta SkyMiles(R) and InterContinental Hotels Group's Priority Club(R) Rewards. Redemption partners include Amazon.com(R) and Starbucks. For more information, visit http://www.points.com/.

Points International Ltd.

CONTACT: about these tips or to interview Chris Barnard, contact: Media
relations: Jordan Fischler, Allison Partners, T. (646) 428-0604, E.
points@allisonpr.com; Investor relations: Alex Wellins, The Blueshirt Group,
T. (415) 217-7722; Brinlea Johnson, The Blueshirt Group, T. (212) 551-1453

JDSU Launches Broadband@Work Across America CampaignInitiative to Help Rural Service Providers Succeed at Broadband Deployment Kicks-Off at OSP Expo 2009 Booth #508

MILPITAS, Calif., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- JDSU (Nasdaq: JDSU; TSX: JDU) today launched "Broadband@Work Across America," a campaign to help raise awareness and educate rural service providers on the technical issues and challenges that could impact their ability to successfully deploy broadband services in towns across the country.

The campaign is inspired by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provides $7.2 billion to accelerate broadband service deployment to rural and underserved regions in the nation. The first deadline for broadband stimulus grant applications was recently completed on August 20, 2009, and two more will be scheduled until all funding is awarded on September 30, 2010.

Broadband@Work Across America leverages JDSU's decades of expertise in broadband network test and management solutions as well as optical components and equipment, to help rural telecommunications providers use stimulus funds to deploy broadband services through fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), digital subscriber line (DSL), wireless, and hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) systems, among others.

JDSU's Broadband@Work Across America campaign will be featured at OSP Expo 2009 in Minneapolis, September 2-3, booth #508. JDSU will be exhibiting its leading broadband test and measurement solutions and displaying the new campaign theme, literature, special offers, giveaways and other supporting materials.

"With proper testing, rural telecommunications providers can avoid facing technical issues in their broadband deployments that cost time and money," said Dave Holly, president of JDSU's Communications Test and Measurement business segment. "JDSU's Broadband@Work Across America campaign offers information, training and solutions to help providers deploy broadband services as quickly as possible."

JDSU has already created a Broadband@Work Across America brochure that offers tips for handling some of the technical issues providers face in deploying broadband services. The first in a series of free Webinars, "Broadband Stimulus Funds - What Technical Issues May Arise?" is scheduled for September 24, 2PM-3PM EDT. For more information and to stay updated on the campaign, please visit: http://www.jdsu.com/broadbandatwork.

About JDSU

JDSU (NASDAQ: JDSU; and TSX: JDU) enables broadband and optical innovation in the communications, commercial and consumer markets. JDSU is the leading provider of communications test and measurement solutions and optical products for telecommunications service providers, cable operators, and network equipment manufacturers. JDSU is also a leading provider of innovative optical solutions for medical/environmental instrumentation, semiconductor processing, display, brand authentication, aerospace and defense, and decorative applications. More information is available at http://www.jdsu.com/.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050913/SFTU125LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com JDSU

CONTACT: investors, Michelle Levine, +1-408-546-4421,
michelle.levine@jdsu.com, or press, Bernie Tylor, +1-240-404-1913,
bernie.tylor@jdsu.com, both of JDSU

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

NETGEAR Ships 'The Ultimate Networking Machine' for Gamers, Media Enthusiasts and Small BusinessesAward-winning Router Offers Consumers and Small Businesses Blazing Performance and the Most Advanced Feature Set in the Industry Today

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NETGEAR , Inc. , a worldwide provider of technologically innovative, branded networking solutions, today announced the availability of its RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNDR3700), a networking device that sets a new bar for the industry in terms of advanced features, speed and range.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090901/SF68348)

The RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router is packed with unique features like ReadyShare for high-speed access to a USB hard drive from any device on the network, broadband usage metering, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) support and video Quality of Service (QoS). Its extreme performance -- with a 680 MHz processor, 500 Mbps WAN to LAN speeds and 350 Mbps real-world maximum wireless throughput -- is vital for online gaming, high-definition video streaming and secure, large data transfers, making it the ultimate centerpiece for any advanced home or small business network.

Winner of a "Best of Innovations" award at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show, NETGEAR's RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router is one of the first consumer routers to be compatible with DLNA-certified products. This feature enables media enthusiasts and gamers to easily stream digital content to new DLNA-compliant HDTVs and gaming consoles. Additionally, NETGEAR is pioneering broadband usage metering in a series of its products; the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router is the first to include this feature. This enables consumers to accurately monitor their usage of download traffic in a given time period so they can easily stay within the limits designated by their Internet Service Provider (ISP).

The RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router will be a highlight of NETGEAR's booth at IFA, one of the world's largest consumer electronics trade shows, taking place September 4-9 in Germany. NETGEAR's booth will be located in Hall 15.1/116 of the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

"Today's wireless networks are simultaneously supporting multiple bandwidth-hungry applications -- online gaming in the kids' rooms, high-definition video streaming in the family room, and file sharing and Voice over IP across the home or business. As a result, it's become imperative for wireless networks to have features that enhance the overall consumer experience while delivering the fastest speed, highest reliability and maximum range that today's applications demand," stated Som Pal Choudhury, NETGEAR's senior product line manager for advanced wireless products. "Therefore, we're thrilled to offer our home and small business customers the power and flexibility of such a full-featured router, packed with state-of-the-art technology. It's the ultimate networking machine."

Powerful Processor

The RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router's powerful 680 MHz MIPS processor -- one of the highest in the consumer router category today -- enables gamers and media enthusiasts to run multiple bandwidth-intensive applications simultaneously.

Simultaneous Dual Band

Dual band technology enables concurrent use of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, offering twice the bandwidth with better connections and less interference. In fact, the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router yields real-world Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) throughput of up to 350 Mbps combined, faster than any other consumer router available today. Additionally, the router's eight ultra-sensitive, internal, metamaterial antennas are fine-tuned for each frequency band, delivering extended range beyond competing routers.

Ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet Ports

Built-in gigabit Ethernet ports ensure ultra-high wired performance, with up to 500 Mbps WAN to LAN speeds -- twice the speed of competing routers.

ReadyShare USB Storage Access

ReadyShare provides fast and easily-shared access to external USB storage devices. Simply plugging a USB drive into the router provides super-fast read/write wireless access from any PC on the network. Additionally, multiple file formats are supported (e.g., FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, EXT2, EXT3) as is HTTP and FTP access from outside the home or office.

ReadyDLNA

With integrated DLNA functionality, the NETGEAR router acts as a Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) media server and automatically discovers media files on the USB hard drive. The media content stored on the USB hard drive connected to the router can be easily viewed and played by the NETGEAR Digital Entertainer Elite (EVA9150) as well as DLNA-enabled televisions and set-top boxes, such as XBox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Enterprise-class Security

The router incorporates enterprise-class wireless security with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA-Enterprise and WPA2-Enterprise) encryption that keeps data secured for businesses, and Push 'N' Connect that helps users connect easily and securely with the press of a button. Additional Wi-Fi networks can also be created for visitors to the home or office with restricted access to the local network.

Broadband Usage Meter

With the integrated broadband usage meter, users can not only view daily, weekly and monthly usage statistics on download traffic, but also get customized notifications when they are close to the monthly limit designated by their ISP.

Quality of Service

The RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router features fine-tuned QoS algorithms for video that reduce packet loss and jitter and enable seamless streaming of HD video over Wi-Fi for the serious media enthusiast. Support for a high number of simultaneous connections and QoS via efficient packet processing also enable lag-free online gaming.

Green Features

Three adjustable power and range settings on the router can reduce wireless transmit power by up to 75 percent compared to when the router is transmitting at full power. The auto-sensing gigabit Green switch automatically adjusts power consumption based on cable length and unused ports. Also, when Wi-Fi is not in use, turning these ports off via the dedicated wireless on/off switch reduces power by up to 30 percent.

"Many ISPs are beginning to set and lower limits for how much their subscribers are allowed to download each month, not to mention charging for overages. Therefore, it's becoming increasingly important for people to be aware of how much total bandwidth they are consuming -- not only on their PCs, but also on connected devices like iPhones and gaming consoles," said Joyce Putscher, principal analyst from In-Stat, a market research firm. "It makes good business sense to offer routers that not only facilitate the seamless streaming of data across the network, but also enable measuring of Internet bandwidth usage so consumers can more easily stay within acceptable limits."

NETGEAR's RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNDR3700) is now available worldwide through leading retailers, e-commerce sites and value-added resellers. The router is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support and has an MSRP in the U.S. of $189.99. For maximum throughput, NETGEAR recommends the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router be used with a matching dual band wireless-N device such as the NETGEAR 5 GHz Wireless-N HD Access Point/Bridge (WNHDE111) or the NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter (WNDA3100).

Photos, product specifications, and a video on the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router can be found on the NETGEAR web site at http://www.netgear.com/WNDR3700.

About NETGEAR, Inc.

NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) designs innovative, branded technology solutions that address the specific networking, storage, and security needs of Small- to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) and home users. The company offers an end-to-end networking product portfolio to enable users to share Internet access, peripherals, files, multimedia content, and applications among multiple computers and other Internet-enabled devices. Products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in over 29,000 retail locations around the globe, and via more than 41,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in 25 countries. NETGEAR is an ENERGY STAR partner. More information is available at http://www.netgear.com/ or by calling (408) 907-8000. Follow NETGEAR at http://twitter.com/NETGEAR and http://www.facebook.com/netgear.

2009 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, RangeMax and ReadyShare are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

Note: Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput will vary from maximum signal rates stipulated. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.

Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for NETGEAR, Inc.:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning NETGEAR's business and the expected performance characteristics, specifications, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses, user feedback and market position of NETGEAR's products and technology are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the following: the actual price, performance and ease of use of NETGEAR's products may not meet the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers; product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions; failure of products may under certain circumstances cause permanent loss of end user data; new viruses or Internet threats may develop that challenge the effectiveness of security features in NETGEAR's products; the ability of NETGEAR to market and sell its products and technology; the impact and pricing of competing products; and the introduction of alternative technological solutions. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect NETGEAR and its business are detailed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled "Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors," pages 35 through 49, in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal second quarter ended June 28, 2009, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2009. NETGEAR undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030730/NETGEARLOGO)

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090901/SF68348
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030730/NETGEARLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com NETGEAR, Inc.

CONTACT: U.S. Media, Lisa Hawes of Sterling Communications,
+1-408-884-5155, lhawes@sterlingpr.com; or U.S. Sales Inquiries,
+1-408-907-8000, sales@netgear.com, or U.S. Customer Inquiries, 1-888-NETGEAR

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

Verizon Launches Disney's New JONAS Game'Field Day Fun' Online Game Available Only at Verizon 'Surround' Web Site

NEW YORK, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Between now and Oct. 21, the only place to play the new JONAS online game -- "Horace Mantis Academy Field Day Fun" -- is at Verizon Online.

Available during that period only at http://surround.verizon.net/ to anyone with a broadband connection, the game is the newest in a series of Jonas Brothers videos, games and other features on Disney Connection, the online family entertainment site that is a standard feature Verizon broadband customers can access at no additional charge. After October 21, Verizon customers will be able to access the game within Disney Connection.

"JONAS: Field Day Fun" is a fast-moving sports game featuring characters from JONAS, the Disney Channel show starring the Jonas Brothers, and set in the show's Horace Mantis Academy. There are three different play modes within the game: Turf Surfing, The Wall and Sprinkler Hurdles. Each mode has items players can pick up to add score and time bonuses to their game, as well as obstacles they must avoid.

Players tackle three rounds of each game, with every round being more difficult than the last. At both the beginning and the end of the game, players can choose to click the link to watch the JONAS "Clip of the Week."

"Verizon Online, through its Verizon Central and Verizon Surround portals, has become the gateway to an exceptional lineup of games, movies, music, TV programs and sporting events," said John Williamson, vice president for Verizon corporate marketing. "This agreement with Disney to offer the 'JONAS Field Day Fun' online game exclusively through Verizon is another example of how we're bringing the latest and greatest in entertainment to our online audience."

Whether it's downloading hot new video releases from an online, on-demand movie service or thumping trolls in an online game, Verizon Online makes it easy for customers to access entertainment and information from anywhere they find a broadband connection. Customers also can download to their laptops the movies, games, music and other features they enjoy most and take them along on vacation or travel.

Verizon has been delivering high-quality video entertainment to its FiOS and High Speed Internet broadband customers since 2005, with online services like Starz Play, ESPN360, Disney Connection and YES Network.

"Verizon offers the online entertainment variety and alternatives that reflect the many tastes and diverse viewing preferences of American consumers," Williamson added. "By offering this latest Disney Connection online game, we hope to encourage both Verizon and non-Verizon broadband customers to visit and experience some of what we have to offer."

Through its 100 percent fiber-to-the-home network, Verizon offers its FiOS Internet customers speeds up to 50 Mbps (megabits per second) downstream and 20 Mbps upstream, the fastest upstream speeds available anywhere. Verizon also offers a range of fast, affordable DSL-enabled High Speed Internet service with speeds up to 7.1 Mbps downstream and 768 Kbps (kilobits per second) upstream.

FiOS TV offers consumers a broad collection of programming, with more than 500 all-digital channels, including the Disney Channel, and 15,000 video-on-demand (VOD) titles each month - 70 percent of which are free. Verizon's industry-leading VOD library also includes more than 1,400 HD titles per month.

Verizon Communications Inc. , headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 87 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations provide converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. Wireline also includes Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 235,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.

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

Verizon

CONTACT: Cliff Lee of Verizon, +1-518-396-1095,
clifford.p.lee@verizon.com

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

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

Video: Guitar Hero(R) 5 Now Available for Consumers to 'Rock Any Way They Want'Latest Version of Best-Selling Music Franchise Offers Today's Hottest Rock Hits and Classic Anthems For a Limited Time Consumers Score a Copy of the Unreleased Guitar Hero® Van Halen® with Purchase of Guitar Hero 5

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continuing to transform the way people experience music, the highly-anticipated Guitar Hero 5 video game hits store shelves today with unprecedented music variety featuring an expansive, pulse-pounding 85-song on-disc set list, more than 150 songs available via downloadable content, and the capability to import select songs from other Guitar Hero games. Featuring some of music's leading bands and artists across a multitude of genres, the ability for players to rock any way they want with any combination of multiple guitarists, bassists, drummers and singers in any game mode, Guitar Hero 5 allows players to step into the spotlight as iconic rockers of the past, present and future with an all-star line-up of in-game playable characters, including Kurt Cobain, Johnny Cash, Carlos Santana, Garbage's Shirley Manson and Matt Bellamy of Muse. For a limited time, consumers who purchase Guitar Hero 5 will receive the unreleased Guitar Hero Van Halen when they mail in their proof of purchase.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/guitarhero/39809/

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090901/NY68773 )

Early reviews and previews of the game have been outstanding. Official Xbox Magazine gives Guitar Hero 5 a final score of 95 out of 100 saying, "Party Play mode instantly reinvigorates the social fun of music games ... It is the new standard for social rocking." The magazine goes on to say, "This is musical fun done right ... This is the Guitar Hero to own."

"Guitar Hero 5 is the best Guitar Hero game yet and an incredible value for consumers by providing hours of entertainment as they play along to the music they love and discover new artists and tracks," said Dan Rosensweig, president and chief executive officer of Guitar Hero. "The game offers consumers access to an extensive library of music, including 85 songs on-disc, more than 150 songs available via DLC and the ability to import music from previous Guitar Hero."

Guitar Hero 5's refined GH(TM)Music Studio combines remarkably comprehensive features including improved editing tools, new guitar samples and more than 400 easy-to-use music patterns with complete accessibility for players of all creative abilities. To date, more than 300,000 songs have been uploaded to GHTunes and those songs have been downloaded for free more than 17 million times by users.

Features exclusive to the Wii(TM) version of Guitar Hero 5 deliver a unique and unforgettable gameplay experience with unprecedented integration, where up to two Nintendo DS(TM) players engage in an intense competition with two Wii guitarists in the new Roadie Battle mode. Mii(TM) Freestyle returns for a unique gameplay experience that allows Wii players to jam along to different genres, including Rock, Metal and Blues. The new Mii Freestyle Stage Manager allows Nintendo DS players to call the shots with control of on-stage lightshows, camera angles and pyrotechnics.

The entire set list is at players' fingertips from the start, featuring genre-defining hits from some of the biggest rock artists and bands of all time, including The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Kings of Leon, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Vampire Weekend. Players take complete control as Guitar Hero 5 allows gamers to personalize and customize how they experience music by being able to play with any in-game instrument combination -- multiple vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers, in any game mode. With the game's all-new Party Play Mode, getting the band back together has never been easier. Players can now jump in or drop out of gameplay seamlessly, without interrupting their jam session. Elevating the Guitar Hero series to new heights with unmatched social gameplay, an enhanced style, new in-game artists and more rock legends, Guitar Hero 5 features new surprises and challenges that will fire-up long-time fret board fanatics and create a new generation of addicts.

Published by Activision Publishing, Inc. , Guitar Hero 5 is developed by Neversoft Entertainment for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, and by Vicarious Visions for the Wii system from Nintendo. Budcat is developing Guitar Hero 5 for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. The game is rated "T" for "Teen" (mild lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB. For more information about Guitar Hero 5, please visit GH5.GuitarHero.com.

Guitar Hero Van Halen is developed by Underground Development for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION3 and PlayStation2 computer entertainment systems and the Wii home video game system from Nintendo. The game is rated "T" (Teen - Mild Lyrics, Mild Suggestive Themes) by the ESRB. For more information about Guitar Hero Van Halen, please visit http://www.vanhalen.guitarhero.com/.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com/.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors, licensees, licensors and third-party developers, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, Activision Blizzard's success in completing the integration of the operations of Activision Publishing and Vivendi Games in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined company's ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated, and the other factors identified in the risk factors section of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

2009 Activision Publishing, Inc. Guitar Hero and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. 2006 Nintendo. All rights reserved.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090901/NY68773
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com/ Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/guitarhero/39809 Activision Publishing, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Natalie Salzman DaRosa, PR Manager of Guitar Hero,
+1-424-744-5732, ndarosa@guitarhero.com

Web Site: http://gh5.guitarhero.com/
http://www.activision.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/007396.html

Vital Products, Inc. Initiates Third Production of Paper Packaging Systems

CONCORD, Ontario, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Vital Products, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: VTPI) , a multi channel innovator in the industrial packaging sector, announced today that it has initiated its 3rd production run of its paper packaging system.

Vital Products Chief Executive Officer, Michael Levine remarked, "Over the past few months we have completed two production runs of our Quikpak paper packaging system that utilizes our unique cohesive paper. We currently have approximately 40 machines in the market at various companies that represent the broadest spectrum of packaging needs, from small electronics to aircraft parts."

Mr. Levine further commented, "The product has received glowing reports and over the next few months we plan on introducing the Quikpak system in Texas, Florida and Illinois. At the current pace of sales the 3rd production run is expected to be sold out prior to its completion."

About Vital Products, Inc.

Vital Products, Inc. is a distributor of industrial packaging products. The company plans to identify and invest in emerging market segments in the industrial packaging sector as well as research and develop products it can patent and license in the environmentally sustainable packaging markets. For more information visit our website at http://www.vitalproductsinc.com/.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Any statement not regarding a historical fact is a forward-looking statement. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to finance its planned expansion efforts; the company's ability to raise funds on acceptable terms; the company's ability to successfully adapt its business model and such other risks disclosed from time to time in the company's reports filed with the securities and exchange commission including those on the company's annual report on form 10-KSB. The company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this document to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in management's expectations, except as required by law.

Vital Products, Inc.

CONTACT: Vital Products, Inc., Al Kau, Investor Relations,
+1-888-795-3166 (California), al@thesearchforvalue.com

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

CGI's AMS Advantage(R) Recognized for Successful Implementations with Client-Nominated AwardsStock Market Symbols GIB.A (TSX) GIB (NYSE)www.cgi.com/newsroom

FAIRFAX, VA, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CGI Group Inc. (TSX: GIB.A; NYSE: GIB), a leading provider of information technology and business process services, today announced it received two "Best Fit Integrator" awards from the Center for Digital Government at the third annual Best Fit Integrator Recognition Awards Dinner held recently in Sonoma, California. CGI was honored for its enterprise resource planning (ERP) work with Monterey County, California, and the City and County of Honolulu.

The "Best Fit Integrator Exceptional Service Award in Finance and Administration" recognizes an integrator's role as a key change agent or catalyst for process or operational change in the agency or jurisdiction. A client since 1985, Monterey County recently upgraded its legacy mainframe system to the Web-based AMS Advantage(R) Financial Management solution. The County is now live with AMS Advantage Performance Budgeting, Financial Management, and Learning Management, providing real time access to accurate information, reducing redundant data entry and paper-based processes. The ERP project in Monterey County spans 27 departments, including the County's hospital.

"CGI's AMS Advantage software is designed and built for state and local government," said Ed Munez, ERP Project Manager, Monterey County. "They deliver in-depth experience and expertise with a solution that meets our unique needs through configuration, not customization. Another big plus is that there is no finger-pointing with CGI - there is one organization that is accountable for getting the job done."

CGI was also recognized for its work with the City and County of Honolulu. Having partnered with the City and County since 2006, CGI recently celebrated the on-time and on-budget completion of phase one of the project, the implementation of AMS Advantage Financial Management.

"CGI has set itself apart from the other vendors that service the City and County of Honolulu," said Gordon Bruce, chief information officer, City and County of Honolulu. "In addition to the quality work delivered, they provide a 'local' flavor to consulting. They have worked hard at developing a true partnership with the City and they have been very effective at seamlessly integrating their resources with the City's resources to create a spirited, integrated team environment."

"CGI is honored to again be nominated by our clients as a Best Fit Integrator," said Pat Colacicco, Vice-President of CGI's AMS Advantage program. "For the past two years, we have been recognized for our work in various categories for this award, including 'elegant design' and 'tailored teams' for clients like Los Angeles County, California and Wake County, North Carolina. We are proud to continue this tradition with Monterey County and City and County of Honolulu and look forward to continued success and partnership."

About The Center for Digital Government

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. The Best Fit Integrator award contenders were evaluated across 12 categories based on nominations gathered from state and local government agencies.

About CGI

Founded in 1976, CGI is one of the largest independent information technology and business process services firms in the world. CGI and its affiliated companies employ approximately 26,000 professionals in over 100 offices across 16 countries. CGI provides end-to-end IT and business process services to clients worldwide from offices in Canada, the United States of America, Europe, Asia Pacific as well as from centers of excellence in North America, Europe and India. CGI's annualized revenue run rate is currently $3.8 billion and as at June 30, 2009, its order backlog was $11.8 billion. CGI's shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB) and are included in the S P/TSX Composite Index as well as the S P/TSX Capped Information Technology and MidCap Indices. Website: http://www.cgi.com/.

CGI GROUP INC.

CONTACT: Investors: Lorne Gorber, Vice-President, Global Communications
and Investor Relations, (514) 841-3355, lorne.gorber@cgi.com; Media: Linda
Odorisio, Vice-President, US Communications, (703) 267-8118,
linda.odorisio@cgi.com

Zain Nigeria Partners with Harris Stratex Networks to Build State-of-the-Art Network Operations Center in LagosHarris Stratex' managed network services expertise and service assurance technology allows operator to reduce operational costs and deliver an enhanced customer experience

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. , a leading provider of wireless solutions that enable the evolution of next-generation fixed and mobile broadband networks, today announced it partnered with Zain Nigeria, a leading mobile operator serving 24 countries in the Middle East and Africa, to launch a new network operations center (NOC) in Lagos. The NOC, which Zain commissioned in July, is part of a full, turnkey project completed by Harris Stratex, which includes NOC design and buildout -- supported by Harris Stratex' NetBoss integrated services assurance technology -- and network process re-engineering and optimization. The new facility is designed to boost the resilience and robustness of Zain's network, enhancing the customer experience while drastically reducing the amount of operational downtime.

"Our customers are our number one priority, and we have an ongoing commitment to offer an increasingly compelling experience, particularly as our customer base and network traffic grows," said Khaled Khorshid, Zain Nigeria's chief operating officer.

According to Mr. Khorshi, "Harris Stratex is a long-standing partner, and we knew they had the right mix of expertise in the managed network services business to deliver a world-class NOC and integrate all our network equipment under one manager-of-manager system. The end result will drive toward our goal of achieving 100 percent network visibility, so we can proactively maintain quality of service and improve our overall operational efficiency."

The state-of-the-art NOC is designed to monitor and manage multi-vendor, multi-protocol network infrastructure, including subscriber access, 4G/WiMax access, IP backhaul and core network technologies, as well as network elements providing energy, security and surveillance controls. It provides around-the-clock network surveillance, performance monitoring and trouble ticket management for voice, video and data networks. The center monitors Zain Nigeria's networks to identify network problems before they can impact business functions or productivity, and seeks to resolve issues remotely from the NOC or by dispatching technicians to network infrastructure sites.

This NOC buildout project was implemented by Harris Stratex Networks in conjunction with Middle East Telecommunication Company (METCO), a communications solutions integrator that addresses customer applications and requirements.

"As an innovative telecom provider with a steadily growing presence in its region, Zain Nigeria needs to know that their network resources and subscriber traffic are functioning reliably on a constant basis," said Mike Pangia, senior vice president and chief sales officer, Harris Stratex. "Our system, which captures a wealth of information about the equipment and network traffic, and makes it easily available to those who need to know, is designed to give them this confidence, to maximize the value of their investment and to help them to provide the world-class services they are known for."

Harris Stratex Global Network Services (GNS) managed network solutions are built on two decades of managed network services expertise and field-proven technology. Harris Stratex offers an extensive managed network services portfolio that includes eTOM-compliant NOC managed services, integrated network management systems, process re-engineering and optimization, and a variety of other offerings designed to enhance the process maturity of an organization. With its suite of network management solutions, and hands-on experience in defining, implementing and improving network operations, Harris Stratex enables customers to focus on their core business with the peace of mind that their network is being managed and optimized around the clock according to their needs.

At the core of the NOC and the Harris Stratex managed network services business are its advanced NetBoss service assurance solutions. The technology platform features highly-sophisticated management features, such as high-volume event processing and advanced, flexible filtering and correlation, enabling operators to quickly find and focus on service-affecting network issues, determine root causes and isolate trouble spots. With more than 200 deployments in 35 countries, the Harris Stratex NetBoss portfolio offers customers field-proven, flexible solutions that scale from element management to geographically dispersed manager of managers. For more information on Harris Stratex' network management technology, please visit the overview webpage.

About Harris Stratex Networks, Inc.

Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless solutions that enable the evolution of next-generation fixed and mobile broadband networks. The company offers reliable, flexible and scalable wireless network solutions, backed by comprehensive professional services and support. Harris Stratex Networks serves all global markets, including mobile network operators, public safety agencies, private network operators, utility and transportation companies, government agencies and broadcasters. Customers in more than 135 countries depend on Harris Stratex Networks to build, expand and upgrade their voice, data and video solutions. Harris Stratex Networks is recognized around the world for innovative, best-in-class wireless networking solutions and services. For more information, visit http://www.harrisstratex.com/.

About Zain

Zain is a leading telecommunications operator across the Middle East and Africa providing mobile voice and data services to 69.5 million active customers as at 30 June 2009. In terms of country footprint, Zain is the 3rd largest mobile operator in the world with a commercial presence in 24 countries.

Zain operates in the following countries: Bahrain, Burkina Faso, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Palestine (currently known as Paltel Group), Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. In Lebanon, the company manages 'mtc-touch' on behalf of the government. In Morocco, Zain owns 31% of Wana Telecom through a joint venture.

Zain offers innovative services in its markets such as 'One Network', the world's first borderless mobile telecommunications network enabling customers when abroad to receive calls and sms without charge and to make voice and data calls at local rates throughout 20 countries in Africa and the Middle East. This service allows a customer to top up airtime in one's home country or from more than 1,000,000 outlets within Zain's One Network footprint.

The Zain brand is wholly owned by Mobile Telecommunications Company KSC, which is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (Stock ticker: ZAIN). Zain is listed in the Financial Times' Global 500 Index which ranks the world's largest companies based on market capitalization (http://www.ft.com/reports/ft5002008). Zain aims to become one of the top ten mobile operators in the world by end of the year 2011. For more, please visit http://www.zain.com/ or email info@zain.com.

Trademarks

NetBoss is a registered trademark of Harris Stratex Networks. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Harris Stratex Networks, Inc.

CONTACT: Investors: Mary McGowan, Summit IR Group Inc., +1-408-404-5401,
mary@summitirgroup.com; Media: Jen Anderson, Harris Stratex Networks, Inc.,
+1-919-749-7240, jennifer.anderson@hstx.com; Emeka Oparah, Zain Nigeria,
+234802-222-1120, emeka.oparah@zain.com

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

Mark Bronson Joins Board of Directors at the Beard Company

OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Beard Company (OTC Bulletin Board: BRCO) today announced that Mark Bronson has been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors.

For the past seven years, Mr. Bronson has served on the executive management team at the Harvison Companies in Fort Worth, Texas, where he is currently Chief Financial Officer. The Harvison Companies are a privately-owned group of companies, one of which is the largest outside shareholder in The Beard Company. He is responsible for financial oversight activities involving over a dozen companies in such diverse businesses as oil and gas, mining, renewable energy initiatives, light manufacturing, retail sales, wholesale travel, banking, agribusiness and real estate. Mr. Bronson also reviews new business opportunities and supervises economic evaluation and due diligence related to such opportunities. He presently serves as a Director of several private companies and a Canadian company that is in the process of listing on the TSX Venture Exchange.

Prior to joining the Harvison Companies, Mr. Bronson owned and operated a number of his own businesses for 12 years. He also served as a part-time CFO for a retailer, developed training materials for a publishing company, was an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Business at Texas Christian University (TCU), and negotiated the sale of businesses for two clients.

A Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Bronson, began his business career in 1972 with Arthur Andersen in Omaha, Nebraska. He relocated to Fort Worth, Texas when he was admitted to the partnership at Arthur Andersen, where he focused on closely-held businesses in a wide variety of industries. In addition to his public accounting experience, Mr. Bronson has served as Controller and Chief Accounting Officer for two publicly-traded companies - Lone Star Technologies (steel manufacturing and banking) and FFP Operating Partners (multi-state operator of convenience stores).

Mr. Bronson earned his B.A. degree in Economics from the University of Nebraska and his M.B.A. degree from Michigan State University.

"We are delighted that Mark Bronson has agreed to join our Board of Directors," stated Herb Mee, Jr., Beard's President. "The Harvison Companies have been a tremendous supporter of The Beard Company, and we are confident that Mark's financial and accounting expertise will play an important role in support of the turnaround that we believe is underway at our Company."

About The Beard Company

The Beard Company creates, acquires, and/or invests in businesses, primarily related to natural resources, that management believes have high growth and/or above-average profit potential and can enhance shareholder value. The Company is involved in oil and gas activities; coal reclamation activities; and minerals exploration and development through its Geohedral investment.

The Company is headquartered in Oklahoma City and its common stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "BRCO".

Forward-Looking Statements

This document may include statements that constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe", "estimate", "project", "expect", "anticipate", or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the ability to negotiate and execute contracts in connection with the Company's coal reclamation activities; future trends in commodities prices; financial, geological or mechanical difficulties affecting Geohedral's or Beard Dilworth's planned geological work programs; uncertainties surrounding estimates of mineralized material; and other risks associated with the Company's business. By making these forward-looking statements, Beard undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes in the future.

For Additional Information, Please Contact: Herb Mee, Jr., President, at (405) 842-2333 or via email at hmee@beardco.com or RJ Falkner & Company, Inc., Investor Relations Counsel, at (800) 377-9893 or via email at info@rjfalkner.com

The Beard Company

CONTACT: Herb Mee, Jr., President of The Beard Company, +1-405-842-2333,
hmee@beardco.com; or Investor Relations Counsel, RJ Falkner & Company, Inc.,
1-800-377-9893, info@rjfalkner.com, for The Beard Company

Which is the Real Terminator of H1N1 Disease, the Antisepsis or the Vaccine?

SHANGHAI, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Linkwell Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: LWLL) , a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of healthcare-related disinfectants in China, put forward its worries about the trend of the misunderstanding concerning dealing with the spread of H1N1.

"Antisepsis is one of the most effective measures to prevent and control infectious diseases, and it will work best when used with the H1N1 vaccine," said Xuelian Bian, the Chairman and CEO of Linkwell Corporation, concerning the increasingly severe worldwide outbreak of H1N1 influenza. "Nearly all countries are making H1N1 vaccine production a top priority, which will bring some certain potential risks. With several years of experience in epidemiological research and infectious diseases in the Second Military Medical University, I am well aware of the current vaccine developments and production speed cannot keep up with the rate of virus mutation. In fact, the most economical and effective way to prevent the virus is to disinfect the breeding ground for pathogens, cutting off their routes of transmission by strengthening the personal hygiene, disinfection and isolation protection of susceptible people. The Chinese Ministry of Health has attached increasingly great importance to disinfection in medical institutions in recent years. At present, it is the Chinese masses that need to be educated about disinfection, so that more people know how to use antisepsis and health care products correctly."

Mr. Bian also commented, "To confront H1N1 influenza, Linkwell's 90%-held subsidiary, Likang Company, as a professional disinfectant supplier, contributes actively and responsibly. In the first half of this year, bottled disinfectants sent to most of hospitals around the country increased by tens of thousands, owing to the H1N1 disease. Due to last year's Wenchuan Earthquake in China, Likang was ordered by China's Ministry of Health to provide to the disaster areas a large amount of disinfectant, of which more than 400 tons were transported by air due to urgent need.

"We are carrying out R&D on new types of disinfectant to combat the influenza virus," Chairman Xuelian Bian emphasized, "Over the past few years, Likang has focused on the medical disinfection market in China, rejecting offers of cooperation from institutional investors who have wanted to invest in the civilian public health market many times. Nevertheless, the situation of the outbreak of infectious diseases throughout the world is becoming more urgent. China's 1.3 billion people make up a more than 30 billion market shares in the huge market of infection control. To Likang company, which holds a large number of civilian disinfection product technology patents, the decision to penetrate the civil disinfection market and other related markets will not only provide the most professional products and services to the whole community, but also lead to rapid growth and expansion for the company."

About Linkwell Corporation

Linkwell Corporation, through its 90% ownership of its subsidiary, Shanghai Likang Disinfectant Hi-tech Co., Ltd, develops, manufactures and distributes disinfectant healthcare products in China. Founded in 1998, Shanghai Likang Disinfectant Hi-tech Co., Ltd, has developed into China's top-ranked medical disinfection high-tech enterprise with several years' rapid growth. Formerly a Second Military Medical University-owned technology company, Likang always attaches great importance to the R&D and sales of new sterilization products. The company has obtained most disinfection product licenses approved by the Ministry of Health, and is equipped with the all the liquid, gel, powder and tablet production lines. The company is in possession of 12 patents and has 25 others in process, as well as a great deal of know-how. The company can put forward two to four new products each year. Being the largest provider of medical disinfection products and technical service providers, Linkwell has a national marketing and sales presence in more than 5,000 medical institutions, throughout all 22 provinces, five autonomous regions, and four special municipalities of China. For more information, please visit http://www.linkwell.us/ .

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations or beliefs, including, but not limited to, statements concerning the Company's operations, financial performance and condition. For this purpose, statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that these statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products; pricing and new technology; changes in consumer preferences and tastes; effectiveness of marketing; changes in laws and regulations; fluctuations in costs of production; and other factors as those discussed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. In addition, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Linkwell Corporation

CONTACT: Arthur Huang of Linkwell, +86-21-6565-9020 x820, or
lkhcm@lwll.us

Web Site: http://www.linkwell.us/

China North East Petroleum Will Present at Rodman & Renshaw Annual Global Investment Conference

HARBIN, China and NEW YORK, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- China North East Petroleum Holdings, Limited (NYSE Amex: NEP; 'NEP'), a leading oil producing company in Northern China, announced today that the Company's management team will present at the upcoming Rodman & Renshaw Annual Global Investment Conference.

The date, time and location of China North East Petroleum's presentation at the Rodman & Renshaw Conference are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 Time: 12:05 PM EDT Presenters: Mr. Chao Jiang, Executive Vice President of Finance Mr. Robert Bruce, Director of the Board Venue: Asia Track New York Palace Hotel New York, NY Webcast: http://wsw.com/webcast/rrshq15/nep/

A replay of the presentation will be available for 90 days following the live presentation using the same link and will also be available on the Company's website at http://www.cnepetroleum.com/ . During the conference, the management will be available to meet with analysts and portfolio managers. Interested parties and investors who wish to meet with China North East Petroleum management may contact LK@rodm.com or call (212) 430-1782. Participation in the Rodman & Renshaw Annual Global Investment Conference is by invitation only.

About Rodman & Renshaw, LLC.

Rodman & Renshaw, LLC is a full service investment bank dedicated to providing investment-banking services to companies that have significant capital needs, along with research and sales and trading services to investor clients. Rodman is a leader in the PIPE (private investment in public equity) and RD (registered direct placements) transaction markets according to PrivateRaise a service of DealFlow Media Inc. and Sagient Research Systems, Inc.

ABOUT CHINA NORTH EAST PETROLEUM (NYSE Amex: NEP)

China North East Petroleum Holdings Limited is an independent oil company that engages in the production of crude oil in Northern China. The Company is a pioneer in China's private oil exploration and production industry, and the first Chinese non-state-owned oil company trading on the NYSE Amex.

The Company has a guaranteed arrangement with the PetroChina to sell its produced crude oil for use in the China marketplace. The Company currently operates four oilfields in Northern China. For more information about the Company, please visit http://www.cnepetroleum.com/ .

Statements in this press release which are not historical data are forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors not under the company's control, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from the results, performance or other expectations implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, those detailed in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, please contact: United States: Chao Jiang Executive Vice President of Finance Tel: +1-212-307-3568 Email: chao.jiang@cnepetroleum.com China: Yang Dio Zhang Chief Financial Officer Tel: +86-451-5558-0253 Email: dio.zhang@cnepetroleum.com

China North East Petroleum Holdings Limited

CONTACT: United States: Chao Jiang, Executive Vice President of Finance,
+1-212-307-3568, or chao.jiang@cnepetroleum.com; China: Yang Dio Zhang, Chief
Financial Officer, +86-451-5558-0253, or dio.zhang@cnepetroleum.com

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

NF Energy Saving Corporation Announces $43.9 Million Energy Management ContractRecurring Revenue Contract Extends over 15 Years

SHENYANG, China, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- NF Energy Saving Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: NFEC; "NF Energy"), a Chinese leader in energy efficient flow control systems, announced the Company executed a 15 year, U.S. $43.9 million Energy Management Contract (EMC) with a large hospital in Shenyang.

Currently, the hospital has an annual energy consumption expense of RMB30 million (US$4.39 million). NF Energy will provide management and technological expertise in the reconstruction of the hospital's lighting, elevator, air-conditioning, boiler, and hot water systems. The energy audit has been completed and reconstruction has begun.

"We are very pleased to be able to assist with the modernization of such an important, large public institution. This multi-year project will allow us to recognize a meaningful revenue stream for the coming years. The NF Energy management team is working towards other long-term recurring revenue contracts to enhance our current project-oriented business model," commented Mr. Gang Li, Chairman and CEO of NF Energy.

About NF Energy Saving Corporation Website: http://www.nfenergy.com/

NF Energy Saving Corporation (OTCBB: NFEC) is a China-based provider of integrated energy conservation solutions utilizing energy-saving equipment, technical services and energy management re-engineering project operations to provide energy saving services to clients. Headquartered in Shenyang city of China, the Company currently has 220 employees and several proprietary energy saving technologies and patents.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains certain statements that may include "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes, expects, anticipate, optimistic, intend, will" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with and available from the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact: American Capital Ventures Howard Gostfrand Tel: +1-305-918-7000 Email: info@amcapventures.com Web: http://www.amcapventures.com/

NF Energy Saving Corporation

CONTACT: Howard Gostfrand of American Capital Ventures,
+1-305-918-7000, or info@amcapventures.com, for NF Energy Saving Corporation

Web site: http://www.nfenergy.com/
http://www.amcapventures.com/

FirstEnergy Announces Expiration of Its Cash Tender Offer for 6.45% Notes, Series B, Due 2011

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. today announced the expiration of its previously announced cash tender offer for $1,200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.45% Notes, Series B, due 2011, as specified in the Offer to Purchase dated August 4, 2009, and amended by the press release issued by FirstEnergy on August 18, 2009. The tender offer expired at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on August 31, 2009. According to information provided by the Tender Agent, as of the expiration time, the aggregate principal amount of the notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the tender offer was $1,256,369,000. Because the aggregate principal amount of the notes validly tendered and not withdrawn as of the expiration time is in excess of the tender cap, FirstEnergy will purchase all notes accepted in the tender offer on a pro rata basis among the tendering holders, as described in the Offer to Purchase. The settlement date is expected to be September 1, 2009.

Holders of notes that validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their notes by the early tender deadline of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 17, 2009, and whose notes are accepted for purchase are entitled to receive the previously announced total consideration of $1,092.50 per $1,000 principal amount of notes. Holders of notes that validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their notes after the early tender deadline and prior to the expiration time and whose notes are accepted for purchase are entitled to receive the previously announced tender offer consideration of $1,062.50 per $1,000 principal amount of notes.

A total of $250,000,000 in aggregate principal of the notes remains outstanding. Pursuant to the terms of the tender offer, notes not tendered in this tender offer remain outstanding, and the terms and conditions governing the notes, including the covenants and other provisions contained in the indenture governing the notes, will remain unchanged. From time to time, FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries may acquire notes that were not tendered or purchased in the tender offer through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices as FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries may determine, which may be more or less than the price to be paid pursuant to the tender offer and could be for cash or other consideration. Alternatively, FirstEnergy may, subject to certain conditions, repurchase any or all of the notes not purchased pursuant to the tender offer at any time we are permitted to do so under the respective indentures governing the notes.

In connection with the tender offer, FirstEnergy has retained Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and RBS Securities Inc. to serve as Dealer Managers for the tender offer. D. F. King & Co., Inc. has been retained to serve as the Information Agent and the Tender Agent for the tender offer.

For additional information regarding the terms of the tender offer, please contact: Morgan Stanley at 800-624-1808 (toll free) or 212-761-5384 (collect); Credit Suisse at 800-820-1653 (toll free) or 212-538-1862 (collect); or RBS at 877-297-9832 (toll free) or 203-897-6145 (collect). Requests for documents and questions regarding the tender of notes may be directed to the Information Agent at 800-735-3591 (toll free) or 212-269-5550 (collect).

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services. Its seven electric utility operating companies comprise the nation's fifth largest investor-owned electric system, based on 4.5 million customers served within a 36,100-square-mile area of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey; and its generation subsidiaries control more than 14,000 megawatts of capacity.

FirstEnergy's obligations to accept any notes tendered and to pay the applicable consideration for them are set forth solely in the Offer to Purchase and related Letter of Transmittal.

This news release is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of acceptance of the tender offer. FirstEnergy may, subject to applicable law, amend, extend or terminate the tender offer.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements include declarations regarding management's intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "believe," "estimate" and similar words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially due to the speed and nature of increased competition in the electric utility industry and legislative and regulatory changes affecting how generation rates will be determined following the expiration of existing rate plans in Pennsylvania, the impact of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's regulatory process on The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, or The Toledo Edison Company to the extent each is associated with the distribution rate case, economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins, changes in markets for energy services, changing energy and commodity market prices and availability, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, the continued ability of FirstEnergy's regulated utilities to collect transition and other charges or to recover increased transmission costs, maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, other legislative and regulatory changes, revised environmental requirements, including possible greenhouse gas emission regulations, the potential impacts of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia July 11, 2008 decision requiring revisions to the Clean Air Interstate Rules and the scope of any laws, rules or regulations that may ultimately take their place, the uncertainty of the timing and amounts of the capital expenditures needed to, among other things, implement the Air Quality Compliance Plan (including that such amounts could be higher than anticipated or that certain generating units may need to be shut down) or levels of emission reductions related to the Consent Decree resolving the New Source Review litigation or other similar potential regulatory initiatives or actions, adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including, but not limited to, the revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits and oversight) by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Metropolitan Edison Company's and Pennsylvania Electric Company's transmission service charge filings with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the continuing availability of generating units and their ability to operate at or near full capacity, the ability to comply with applicable state and federal reliability standards, the ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from strategic goals (including employee workforce initiatives), the ability to improve electric commodity margins and to experience growth in the distribution business, the changing market conditions that could affect the value of assets held in FirstEnergy's nuclear decommissioning trusts, pension trusts and other trust funds, and cause it to make additional contributions sooner, or in an amount that is larger than currently anticipated, the ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with FirstEnergy's financing plan and the cost of such capital, changes in general economic conditions affecting FirstEnergy, the state of the capital and credit markets affecting FirstEnergy, interest rates and any actions taken by credit rating agencies that could negatively affect FirstEnergy's access to financing or its costs or increase its requirements to post additional collateral to support outstanding commodity positions, letters of credit and other financial guarantees, the continuing decline of the national and regional economy and its impact on FirstEnergy's major industrial and commercial customers, issues concerning the soundness of financial institutions and counterparties with which FirstEnergy does business, and the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in FirstEnergy's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. The foregoing review of factors should not be construed as exhaustive. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor assess the impact of any such factor on FirstEnergy's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities that may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. FirstEnergy expressly disclaims any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

FirstEnergy Corp.

CONTACT: Media, Tricia Ingraham, +1-330-384-5247, Investors, Ron
Seeholzer, +1-330-384-5415, both of FirstEnergy Corp.

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