PR-inside.com Press Releases Free Services http://www.pr-inside.com/ Copyright 08 pr-inside.com pr-inside.com Sport (PR-inside.com) Livermore, CA August 29, 2008 - Today FINIS announced the release of an entire line of elite water polo apparel and equipment in honor of the accomplishments of their star athlete, U.S. Olympian Tony Azevedo. Although falling just shy of that esteemed gold medal podium, Azevedo's stellar performances over the past 15 days guided his U.S.A. water polo team to their best Olympic finish since the Seoul Olympics back in 1988. It is no question that Tony Azevedo's feats in Beijing were well worthy of the dedication from FINIS. Not only did Azevedo lead his team to a silver medal, .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/finis-dedicates-exclusive-water-polo-r780193.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/finis-dedicates-exclusive-water-polo-r780193.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) - Results from the third round of the Bundesliga, the German first-division football league (home teams listed first Friday's Game Karlsruhe 0, Cologne 2 Saturday's Games Schalke vs. Bochum VfL Wolfsburg vs. Eintracht Frankfurt Borussia Moenchengladbach vs. Werder Bremen Bayer Leverkusen vs. Hoffenheim Energie Cottbus vs. Borussia Dortmund Arminia Bielefeld vs. Hamburger SV Sunday's Games Stuttgart vs. Hannover Bayern Munich vs. Hertha Berlin Friday, Sept. 12 Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Karlsruhe Saturday, Sept. 13 Hertha Berlin vs. Wolfsburg Borussia Dortmund vs. Schalke Hoffenheim vs. Stuttgart Werder Bremen vs. Energie Cottbus Hamburger SV vs. Bayer Leverkusen Cologne vs. Bayern Munich Sunday, Sept. 14 Hannover vs. Borussia Moenchengladbach Bochum vs. Arminia Bielefeld .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/bundesliga-football-results-r780192.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/bundesliga-football-results-r780192.htm World News (PR-inside.com) LONDON (AP) - A British court on Friday gave Foreign Secretary David Miliband a week to justify his decision to suppress secret documents that lawyers for a Guantanamo detainee argue could prove their client was tortured in Morocco. The High Court ruling came in the case of Binyam Mohamed, a British resident who was captured in Pakistan in April 2002 and is accused by the United States of conspiring with al-Qaida leaders to attack civilians. Mohamed's lawyers argue that the British government is withholding information about his treatment which is critical .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/uk-official-gets-more-time-in-r780190.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/uk-official-gets-more-time-in-r780190.htm Finance (PR-inside.com) SEATTLE (AP) - Machinists union leadership has called for a strike after deciding Boeing's final contract offer is not good enough. Connie Kelliher, a spokeswoman for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 751, says the union plans a news conference at 3 p.m. local (2200 GMT) to explain the union's objections. Boeing presented its third and final contract proposal on Thursday, calling for an 11 percent raise and 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment. The union covers more than 27,000 Boeing workers in Washington, Oregon and Kansas. The call for a strike .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/union-leadership-rejects-boeing-contract-r780189.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/union-leadership-rejects-boeing-contract-r780189.htm World News (PR-inside.com) PARIS (AP) - European Union leaders at a summit next week are not expected to impose sanctions on Russia but may name a special envoy to Georgia to ensure that a cease-fire between there is observed, officials in Paris and Brussels said Friday. In addition, the EU leaders may send a high official _ perhaps French President Nicolas Sarkozy _ on a shuttle mission to the region, the officials said. The 27 European Union leaders are scheduled to hold a special summit in Brussels on Monday to discuss how to respond to the .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/france-no-eu-sanctions-against-russia-r780188.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/france-no-eu-sanctions-against-russia-r780188.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) ORLANDO, Florida (AP) - American pro golfer Tripp Isenhour pleaded no contest on Friday to charges he faced for killing a protected hawk. Attorney David de Armas said Isenhour agreed to one year of supervised probation, four hours of anger management classes and 100 hours of community service. Forty hours must be performed at a wildlife or animal shelter. He also must pay a $500 (¤340) fine. Isenhour was charged with animal cruelty and killing a migratory bird. He was accused of hitting the bird with a golf shot when its loud chirps .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/golfer-vs-hawk-no-contest-plea-r780187.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/golfer-vs-hawk-no-contest-plea-r780187.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) NEW YORK (AP) - Show court schedule Saturday at the U.S. Open: Play begins on all courts at 1500 GMT Arthur Ashe Stadium Alona Bondarenko (27), Ukraine, vs. Venus Williams (7), United States Rafael Nadal (1), Spain, vs. Viktor Troicki, Serbia Serena Williams (4), United States, vs. Ai Sugiyama (30), Japan From 2300 GMT Timea Bacsinszky, Switzerland, vs. Dinara Safina (6), Russia James Blake (9), United States, vs. Mardy Fish, United States Louis Armstrong Stadium Sam Querrey, United States, vs. Ivo Karlovic (14), Croatia Julie Coin, France, vs. Amelie Mauresmo (32), France Gael Monfils (32), France, vs. David Nalbandian (7), Argentina David Ferrer (4), .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/u-s-open-show-court-schedules-r780185.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/u-s-open-show-court-schedules-r780185.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) OLATHE, Kansas (AP) - When Manute Bol unfolds his 7-foot-7 (2.31-meter) frame from a SUV and walks into a suburban Kansas City restaurant, eyes turn and people openly gawk. Bol is oblivious to the stares after a lifetime of towering over everyone around him. He considers his height a gift from God, one that gave him a way out of Sudan and brought him fame and fortune in the NBA. Now he wants to give back by helping to build a school in the village where he was raised. Bol, who didn't attend school .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/bol-wants-to-build-school-in-r780183.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/bol-wants-to-build-school-in-r780183.htm Finance (PR-inside.com) NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks tumbled Friday after the government said personal incomes fell last month by the largest amount in nearly three years while consumer spending slowed. The Dow Jones industrial average more than 170 points, while a disappointing profit report from computer maker Dell Inc. weighed on the technology-heavy Nasdaq composite index. Meanwhile, investors charted the path of Tropical Storm Gustav as it heads toward the Gulf of Mexico and its oil rigs and refineries. Wall Street's retreat following the downbeat news about consumers also comes after several days of sizable .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/us-stocks-end-lower-on-personal-r780182.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/us-stocks-end-lower-on-personal-r780182.htm Finance (PR-inside.com) SEATTLE (AP) - The machinists union has rejected Boeing's final contract proposal and has called for a strike. Connie Kelliher, a spokeswoman for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 751, says the union plans a news conference later in the day to explain the details of the rejection. Boeing presented its third and final contract proposal on Thursday. The union covers more than 27,000 Boeing workers in three states. The call for a strike comes as Chicago-based Boeing tries to keep up with a backlog of plane orders and avoid .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/machinist-union-rejects-boeing-contract-r780181.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/machinist-union-rejects-boeing-contract-r780181.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) - Cologne defender Umit Ozat collapsed during the Bundesliga game at Karlsruhe and was taken to a hospital for checks on Friday. Ozat collapsed in the 27th minute and medics treated the Turk for several minutes on the field before taking him out on a stretcher. Cologne general manager Michael Meier said during halftime that Ozat was able to communicate shortly after the incident and that he was being examined at a local hospital. .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/cologne-s-defender-collapses-during-game-r780179.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/cologne-s-defender-collapses-during-game-r780179.htm Health (PR-inside.com) Bellevue, WA -- Pharmacy OneSource, Inc., software as a service provider to more than 1,200 hospitals in the United States, announced today that Sentri7 was named People's Choice Winner for July 2008 in Microsoft's Ingenuity Point Contest. Sentri7 was chosen by online voters out of 130 different software solutions dedicated to Healthcare, Education, or Clean Technology. The entry with the most votes at the end of each month wins the People's Choice Award. Sentri7 got the most votes in July. 'I am thrilled that the public chose Sentri7 as an innovative healthcare solution,' said Keith Streckenbach, Chief Strategy Officer at Pharmacy OneSource. .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/sentri7-named-people-s-choice-winner-r780178.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/sentri7-named-people-s-choice-winner-r780178.htm World News (PR-inside.com) GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (AP) - Gustav became a hurricane again on Friday as it plowed toward Cayman Islands resorts, the start of a buildup that could take it to the U.S. Gulf Coast as a fearsome Category-3 storm three years after Hurricane Katrina. Gustav, which killed 71 people in the Caribbean, was expected to swirl through the Cayman Islands, a tiny offshore tax haven studded with resorts and cruise-ship souvenier shops, before crossing Cuba's cigar country and heading into the Gulf of Mexico by Sunday. Well-heeled tourists fled Cayman hotels by air, .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/a-hurricane-again-gustav-plows-toward-r780177.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/a-hurricane-again-gustav-plows-toward-r780177.htm Finance (PR-inside.com) Phoenix, AZ - Building off her celebrity status from TV commercials seen every day, in every major U.S. market, Roni Deutch has announced plans to stamp her name on more than 1000 tax preparation franchises, coined Roni Deutch Tax Center®, across the country in the next five to seven years. To feed this development, Roni Deutch is hosting a Mini-Discovery Dinner Seminar on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 6:30pm at the Doubletree Guest Suites Grand Ballroom, located at 320 N. 44th St. in Phoenix. The Mini-Discovery Dinner Seminar, hosted by the Roni Deutch Tax Center of Phoenix area developer Jeff Chesleigh .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/nation-s-most-recognized-tax-attorney-r780176.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/nation-s-most-recognized-tax-attorney-r780176.htm Finance (PR-inside.com) NEW YORK (AP) - The dollar was mostly higher against the other major currencies Friday as oil retreated from session highs. The British pound fell to a 26-month low against the dollar. The 15-nation euro rose to $1.4671 late Friday in New York from $1.4702 late Thursday. The British pound has lost almost 3.5 cents this week. On Friday, it touched a 26-month low of $1.8171 before trading to $1.8218 late in New York Friday, still down from $1.8284. The pound has lost 14 percent of its value against the dollar since its .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/dollar-mostly-up-as-oil-drops-r780175.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/dollar-mostly-up-as-oil-drops-r780175.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) - Results Friday from the Weltklasse athletics meet at Letzigrund Stadium (all distances in meters Men 100_1, Usain Bolt, Jamaica, 9.83. 2, Walter Dix, United States, 9.99. 3, Richard Thompson, Trinidad and Tobago, 10.09. 4, Travis Padgett, United States, 10.11. 5, Churandy Martina, Netherlands Antilles, 10.13. 6, Michael Frater, Jamaica, 10.15. 400_1, Jeremy Wariner, United States, 43.82. 2, LaShawn Merritt, United States, 44.43. 3, Christopher Brown, Bahamas, 45.05. 4, Johan Wissman, Sweden, 45.47. 5, Kamghe Gaba, Germany, 45.70. 6, Anton Kokorin, Russia, 46.03. 1,500_1, Haron Keitany, Kenya, 3:32.06. 2, Rashid Ramzi, .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/zurich-weltklasse-results-r780172.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/zurich-weltklasse-results-r780172.htm Finance (PR-inside.com) NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Energy companies have shut down more offshore production platforms as Gustav regained full hurricane force and neared the Gulf of Mexico. The federal Minerals Management Service, which manages offshore leases, said nearly 7 percent of the Gulf's daily oil production of 1.3 million barrels, or 86,000, had been turned off. Nearly 2 percent of the daily natural gas production of 7.4 billion cubic feet, or 136 million cubic feet, has been stopped. Six fixed production platforms had been shut down following evacuations. Seventeen drilling rigs, which are mobile .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/more-oil-production-taken-of-line-r780166.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/more-oil-production-taken-of-line-r780166.htm Finance (PR-inside.com) NEW YORK (AP) - Gold prices fell slightly Friday as a stronger dollar prompted selling from investors seeking commodities as an inflation hedge. The 15-nation euro bought $1.4671, down from $1.4702 late Thursday in New York. A stronger dollar typically encourages investors to shed hard assets like gold, which is viewed as a safe-haven investment used to hedge against inflation and weakness in the U.S. currency. Gold for December delivery fell $2 to settle at $835.20 an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange, after earlier dropping as low as $834. Other precious metals .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/gold-falls-as-dollar-gains-ground-r780165.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/gold-falls-as-dollar-gains-ground-r780165.htm World News (PR-inside.com) BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) - Lebanon's information minister says the Cabinet has appointed a new army commander to replace the former army chief who became the country's president in May. Tarek Mitri says the appointment of 55-year-old Brig. Gen. Jean Qahwaji came during a government session Friday. The post has been vacant since Michel Suleiman became consensus president after an Arab-brokered agreement that ended Lebanon's 18-month political crisis. Differences between the Western-backed parliament majority and the Syria-backed faction led by Hezbollah and its allies have delayed the appointment of a new army commander. Qahwaji headed .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/lebanese-government-appoints-new-army-r780164.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/lebanese-government-appoints-new-army-r780164.htm Finance (PR-inside.com) NEW YORK (AP) - Gold for current delivery closed at $829.30 per troy ounce Friday on the New York Mercantile Exchange, down from $830.90 late Thursday. HSBC Bank USA gave a late quote of $830.00, down from $832.00 on Thursday. .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/gold-down-r780159.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/gold-down-r780159.htm World News (PR-inside.com) KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) - Deadly Gustav regained hurricane force as it roared across the Caribbean on Friday, and on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall, forecasters said for the first time there's a better-than-even chance that New Orleans will get slammed at least by tropical-storm-force winds. Gustav ripped off roofs, downed power lines and pounded rain into Jamaica, triggering landslides and flooding and four deaths before moving out to sea Friday. That raised Gustav's overall toll to 71 lives after earlier deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Forecasters said Gustav reached .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/gustav-threatens-caymans-after-swamping-jamaica-r780156.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/gustav-threatens-caymans-after-swamping-jamaica-r780156.htm Business (PR-inside.com) Denver, Colorado, August 28, 2008 - Denver area Mercedes-Benz dealer Mercedes-Benz of Littleton has announced its renewed commitment to providing an outstanding customer experience in connection with the sales and service of Mercedes-Benz C-Class automobiles. Mercedes-Benz of Littleton provides attentive customer service to its loyal customer base from its location on Broadway in Littleton just four blocks north of E-470. The Mercedes-Benz dealership enjoys a reputation throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region as a reputable and trusted dealership that provides a high quality experience for Mercedes-Benz automobile sales and service customers. Included within the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup are the C300 .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/mercedes-benz-c-class-denver-mercedes-benz-r780155.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/mercedes-benz-c-class-denver-mercedes-benz-r780155.htm World News (PR-inside.com) VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Governments should do more to protect human rights by setting up independent institutions and developing comprehensive action plans, experts said Friday. Participants at an international conference in Vienna also said citizens in countries around the world need to be better informed about their rights and have more places to turn if they feel their rights have been violated. «States have the primary responsibility for reducing the vast implementation gap between the high aspirations of international human rights standards and the sobering realities on the ground,» said a draft .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/experts-more-human-rights-action-needed-r780154.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/experts-more-human-rights-action-needed-r780154.htm World News (PR-inside.com) BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) - The Hezbollah said it handed over on Friday a suspect who fired at a Lebanese army helicopter the previous day, while media reports claimed the fatal shooting was a mistake by the militant group. Military court magistrate Jean Fahd told The Associated Press that the man was surrendered to authorities by Hezbollah as the person who opened fire at the helicopter. A Lebanese army navigator was killed by the gunshots Thursday in the country's south and the helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing. Hezbollah described the incident in a .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/media-says-hezbollah-hit-helicopter-by-r780151.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/media-says-hezbollah-hit-helicopter-by-r780151.htm Finance (PR-inside.com) NEW YORK (AP) - Oil prices fluctuated sharply Friday as some traders feared supply disruptions and others bet the government will release supplies from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve if Tropical Storm Gustav wreaks havoc in the Gulf of Mexico area _ home to a quarter of U.S. crude supplies and 40 percent of refining capacity. Gustav was spinning away from Jamaica on a course toward Gulf Coast states including Louisiana _ three years to the day since Hurricane Katrina slammed into the state and tore up oil rigs and refineries. Light, sweet crude .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/oil-lower-as-gustav-threatens-gulf-r780150.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/oil-lower-as-gustav-threatens-gulf-r780150.htm World News (PR-inside.com) HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - The hungry in economically shattered Zimbabwe can once again get international aid, humanitarian agencies said Friday, the same day on-again, off-again power-sharing talks resumed. In separate statements Friday, Oxfam and Save the Children said a government ban on their work in the field had been lifted almost three months after it was imposed. The government had ordered independent aid agencies to stop work before a presidential runoff, accusing them of supporting opposition activists. The groups denied the accusations, and the ban had been widely condemned as a .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/zimbabwe-aid-ban-lifted-r780148.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/zimbabwe-aid-ban-lifted-r780148.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://www.ambest.com - After nearly a year of problems, the U.S. financial guaranty insurance industry finally saw its first casualty of the credit crunch in the second quarter, with the deal placing Maryland-based ACA Financial Guaranty into run off, according to a story in BestWeek U.S./Canada. Corporate parent ACA Capital Holdings Inc. laid out a plan to cancel all credit default swaps insuring structured credit products in exchange for granting its counterparties voting rights and the ability to share in up to $1 billion in future dividends. But despite the runoff, some saw the ACA deal--and similar transactions--as a .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/bestweek-bond-insurers-see-tide-turning-r780146.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/bestweek-bond-insurers-see-tide-turning-r780146.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Birmingham Business Leadership Group John D. Johns, BBLG Subcommittee Co-Chair, 205-268-4400 jjohns@protective.com or Dudley Reynolds, BBLG Subcommittee Co-Chair, 205-326-8184 dreynold@energen.com A task group ('Task Group') formed by the Birmingham Business Leadership Group ('BBLG') today announced the findings of its Site Analysis and Feasibility Study for a proposed multipurpose facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Earlier this year, Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford proposed the construction of a state-of-the art, multi-purpose facility ('Facility') for Birmingham. The Mayor identified three possible sites for construction of the Facility: (1) land adjoining the Birmingham Race Course; (2) the current location of Legion Field; and (3) .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/birmingham-business-leadership-group-task-r780144.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/birmingham-business-leadership-group-task-r780144.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - HomeGrid Forum today announced continued progress and cooperation towards advancement of the International Telecommunication Union's Standardization Sector (ITU-T) G.hn next generation home networking standard. 'Our member companies are committed to making G.hn a reality in a timely fashion,' said Matthew Theall, President of HomeGrid Forum. 'HomeGrid members contributed more than half of the technical papers at the past two ITU-T G.hn meetings, and are eager to continue our collaboration on this vital next generation home networking standard. To assist in the process, we're pleased to announce our sponsorship of a specially-convened G.hn meeting in Chicago, IL from September .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/homegrid-forum-continues-support-of-r780142.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/homegrid-forum-continues-support-of-r780142.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Fitch Ratings has assigned an 'AA' rating to the Orange County Sanitation District, California's (the district) $29.6 million refunding certificates of participation (COPs), series 2008B (the certificates). The certificates will sell on Sept. 4 via competitive sale. Proceeds will refinance the district's 1993 variable rate demand COPs, terminate the swap and fund and maintain the debt service reserve fund. In addition, Fitch has affirmed the 'AA' underlying long-term rating on the district's approximately $1.1 billion of outstanding parity senior lien COPs. The Rating Outlook is Stable. The 'AA' rating reflects the essentiality of the service provided, healthy finances .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-rates-orange-county-sanitation-district-r780141.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-rates-orange-county-sanitation-district-r780141.htm World News (PR-inside.com) MONTREAL (AP) - Days after Canadian officials announced the deaths of 15 people linked to a bacteria outbreak, a provincial health department says an unusually high number of people have fallen ill with salmonellosis across Quebec. Horacio Arruda, a director with Quebec's public health department, said Friday that 87 cases of salmonella infection have been reported and one death has been linked to the outbreak. Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting. The Food and Agriculture Ministry has issued recalls of some brands of cheese that are a suspected source of the .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/salmonella-cases-reported-across-quebec-r780138.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/salmonella-cases-reported-across-quebec-r780138.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - The Allstate Corporation Mike Siemienas, 847-402-5600 As Gustav quickly approaches the Gulf coast, Allstate policyholders should feel assured that Allstate is prepared to respond quickly. Allstate's National Catastrophe Team has staged adjusters and five of its Mobile Response Units in the Gulf Coast area in preparation for Gustav. Once it is safe, the National Catastrophe Team will be deployed to the impacted areas. Allstate agents and the National Catastrophe Team will be on the ground quickly to help families start the claim process after the storm passes through. The Allstate Mobile Response Units, motorhomes designed to go into .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/allstate-is-prepared-to-respond-to-r780139.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/allstate-is-prepared-to-respond-to-r780139.htm Miscellaneous (PR-inside.com) Northumbria Numbers continues with development of its new website with a new selling process. Previously the process of putting a number plate up for sale was lengthy and labour intensive. Through the use of clever web pages and PHP programming Northumbria Numbers' customers can now put their personalised registration number up for sale quickly and easily. Step one is to fill in a few details such as email address and registration number to sell, this generates a record on the server and is responded to by email. If the estimated valuation is acceptable to the customer he or she clicks a .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/the-easy-way-to-put-your-r780135.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/the-easy-way-to-put-your-r780135.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Fitch assigned a 'AAA' rating to the $65 million of Senior Notes issued by Franklin Universal Trust (the Trust). The Senior Notes will pay a fixed coupon rate and will mature on August 28, 2013. The proceeds will be used to retire the Trust's previous senior fixed-rate notes and for general fund purposes. The 'AAA' rating denotes expectations of very low credit risk and is the highest rating category assigned by Fitch. The Trust is a diversified, closed-end management investment company that commenced operations in September 1988. The Trust's common shares trade on the NYSE under the symbol .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-rates-franklin-universal-trust-s-senior-r780134.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-rates-franklin-universal-trust-s-senior-r780134.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Fitch Ratings has withdrawn the 'A-/V2' rating for the Targeted Return Index Securities Trust Series 5-2002. Fitch will no longer provide analytical coverage on these tradeable credit baskets. Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's public site, www.fitchratings.com. Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times. Fitch's code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant policies and procedures are also available from the 'Code of Conduct' section of this site. Fitch Ratings, New York Said Rafat, +1-212-908-0337 Sandro Scenga, +1-212-908-0278 .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-withdraws-targeted-return-index-r780133.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-withdraws-targeted-return-index-r780133.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://www.ryanco.com - Ryan, the leading tax services firm in North America, with the largest transaction tax practice in the United States and Canada, today announced that the Louisiana Legislature has adopted House Bill 579, a Ryan-backed bill signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal, which will greatly benefit taxpayers by requiring the state to pay refunds within 45 days of a final determination. In recent years, taxpayers who were due refunds from the State of Louisiana often waited months to receive payment after their right to the refund had been determined. Ryan identified this problem and the detrimental effect .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/ryan-leads-successful-louisiana-effort-r780130.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/ryan-leads-successful-louisiana-effort-r780130.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) LONDON (AP) - Andrew Flintoff hit an undefeated 78 and then took two wickets against South Africa to spur England to a 126-run win and a one-day international series victory at The Oval on Friday. England earned an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, and handed South Africa its first limited-overs series defeat since losing 5-0 to Sri Lanka in 2004. Kevin Pietersen, who has not lost a game since taking over the England captaincy from Michael Vaughan this month, said his teammates performed «absolutely brilliantly. «I couldn't ask anything more from them,» Pietersen .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/england-reaches-296-7-in-3rd-odi-r780131.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/england-reaches-296-7-in-3rd-odi-r780131.htm Business (PR-inside.com) ORANGE COUNTY, CA - August 29, 2008 - 'Birch Street is a business that connects closely with their customers by providing a digital marketplace catered towards food and beverage needs,' said Leslie McDonald, Birch Street director of business development. 'Our new brand reflects who we are, the markets we serve and the innovations that differentiate us in our industry.' Over the years, in addition to adding forward-thinking solutions, the company has moved beyond procurement and has made significant progress in back-office automation solutions. 'From the outside looking in, I've watched Birch Street transition its business from a primarily procurement solution .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/leading-hospitality-eprocurement-developer-r780129.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/leading-hospitality-eprocurement-developer-r780129.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - NuStar Energy, L.P., San Antonio Investors, Mark Meador, Director, Investor Relations: 210-918-2895 or Media, Mary Rose Brown, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications: 210-918-2314 Web site: http://www.nustarenergy.com NuStar Energy L.P. (NYSE:NS) announced today that the company's board of directors has approved construction of an additional 12.5-mile segment of the East Pipeline System from El Dorado, Kansas, to Potwin, Kansas, which is great news for consumers in the region. The $16.1 million project will increase the capacity and operational flexibility of NuStar's pipeline system in the region, improving the flow of refined products from U.S. Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent supply connections .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/nustar-pipeline-expansion-to-increase-fuel-r780128.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/nustar-pipeline-expansion-to-increase-fuel-r780128.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Eighteen months after he purchased the storied Miramar Hotel property in Montecito, California, Rick Caruso's plan for a new hotel at the site received conditional approval from the Montecito Planning Commission. 'The unanimous vote by the Planning Commission to conditionally approve our plan, though non-binding, was a decisive step forward for this project,' said Rick Caruso, CEO of Caruso Affiliated. 'We are grateful to the Planning Commissioners for their input. We tried to do everything they asked, and we're pleased that they responded positively to our plan. We look forward to being back in front of them soon .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/caruso-plan-to-bring-back-miramar-r780127.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/caruso-plan-to-bring-back-miramar-r780127.htm World News (PR-inside.com) ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) - Algeria's official news agency says the army has killed four armed Islamic militants over two days in a sweep against insurgents east of the capital. The APS agency quotes unidentified security officials as saying three militants were killed in an army-led ambush Thursday in the Lakhdaria hills in the Bouira region some 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Algiers. APS reported Friday that another militant was killed in the regional town of Bouderbala during a gunfight with security forces. A four-year-old girl was killed and her grandmother badly injured .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/algerian-army-kills-4-armed-islamic-r780125.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/algerian-army-kills-4-armed-islamic-r780125.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Fitch expects to rate Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Issue H, Series 2008 as follows: --$ 400,000,000 Issue H, Series 2008 'AAA'; For more information, see the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Issue H, Series 2008 presale report, available to all investors on Fitch's corporate site, www.fitchratings.com. Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's public site, www.fitchratings.com. Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times. Fitch's code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant policies and procedures are also .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-to-rate-massachusetts-educational-financing-r780126.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-to-rate-massachusetts-educational-financing-r780126.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - FibroGen, Inc. today announced that Toshinari Tamura, Ph.D., recently retired Representative Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Science Officer of Astellas Pharma, Inc., has joined FibroGen's Board of Directors. Dr. Tamura has been involved with FibroGen and the company's development of Hypoxia Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) for the treatment of anemia since 2004, when Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., the pharmaceutical company that merged with Fujisawa to form Astellas Pharma, Inc., first licensed the rights to the HIF-PHI anemia program in Japan. In 2006, Astellas and FibroGen broadened the anemia partnership to include greater Europe. 'We .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/toshinari-tamura-ph-d-joins-board-of-r780121.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/toshinari-tamura-ph-d-joins-board-of-r780121.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://www.iberdrolarenewables.us - IBERDROLA RENEWABLES announced today that construction is underway on a 50 megawatt (MW) wind farm, the Buffalo Ridge Wind Power Project near White, South Dakota. The project, expected to be complete in 2009 contingent upon passage of the Production Tax Credit, will export enough energy for approximately 15,000 homes each year. 'The construction of yet another large-scale wind energy project in Brookings County by IBERDROLA RENEWABLES represents South Dakota's willingness to be a significant contributor to a new energy economy that lessens our dependence on foreign oil and enhances our national security,' Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin said. .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/iberdrola-renewables-announces-second-wind-r780120.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/iberdrola-renewables-announces-second-wind-r780120.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://www.henryschein.com - Henry Schein, Inc., the largest provider of healthcare products and services to office-based practitioners in the combined North American and European markets, today reminded customers that its disaster relief hotline stands ready to assist dentists, physicians, veterinarians and healthcare facilities that may experience operational, logistical or financial issues as a result of hurricanes or other natural disasters. The toll-free number for all dental, medical and veterinary customers - 800-999-9729 - is operational and is being staffed from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CDT, and monitored 24 hours a day. 'Henry Schein is ready to help support our .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/henry-schein-disaster-relief-hotline-stands-r780119.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/henry-schein-disaster-relief-hotline-stands-r780119.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) GLENEAGLES, Scotland (AP) - Leading scores Friday from the Johnnie Walker Championship, a US$2.6 million (¤1.75 million) European Tour event at 7,320-yard (6,695-meter) par-73 Centenary Course at Gleneagles: Second Round Gregory Havret, France 68-71_139 Robert Rock, England 70-70_140 Bradley Dredge, Wales 71-70_141 Peter Whiteford, Scotland 73-68_141 Soren Hansen, Denmark .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/european-pga-johnnie-walker-championship-scores-r780117.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/european-pga-johnnie-walker-championship-scores-r780117.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://www.southernlinc.com - SouthernLINC Wireless Jamie Schaff, 678-443-1527 jschaff@southernco.com or Edelman Lindsey Larkins, 404-262-3000 Lindsey.Larkins@edelman.com SouthernLINC Wireless, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), suits up this fall in support of high school football in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. The company is sponsoring giveaways, an award program and radio coverage of high school games in Birmingham, Ala., Clanton, Ala., Dothan, Ala., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Pensacola Beach, Fla., Mobile, Ala., Montgomery, Ala., Tuscaloosa, Ala., Vidalia, Ga., and surrounding areas. 'When it's fall in the South, it's all about football, and high school football is a proud regional tradition SouthernLINC Wireless is pleased .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/southernlinc-wireless-kicks-off-high-r780116.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/southernlinc-wireless-kicks-off-high-r780116.htm World News (PR-inside.com) ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) - Algeria's official news says the army has killed four armed Islamic militants over two days in a sweep against insurgents east of the capital. The APS agency quotes unidentified security officials as saying three militants were killed in an army-led ambush Thursday in the Lakhdaria hills in the Bouira region some 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Algiers. APS reported Friday that another militant was killed in the regional town of Bouderbala during a gunfight with security forces. A four-year-old girl was killed and her grandmother badly injured in .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/algerian-army-kills-4-armed-islamic-r780115.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/algerian-army-kills-4-armed-islamic-r780115.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://foxsportsla.msn.com - Fox Sports en Espanol Jennifer Serna 310-444-8736 jennifer.serna@fox.com or The Jeffrey Group Priscilla Polonio 305-860-1000 ext. 181 ppolonio@jeffreygroup.com Fox Sports en Espanol announced the launch of its first-ever weekly NFL football show, Fox Impacto NFL, premiering tonight at 9PM ET/6PM PT. The magazine-style show, hosted by Adrian Garcia with analysis by acclaimed sports commentator Eduardo Blancas, will give a unique insider look to the world of the NFL by evaluating the upcoming games and reviewing the past week's action with a special focus on the NFL's key teams and players. The Fox Impacto NFL duo, Adrian and .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fox-sports-en-espanol-launches-new-r780114.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fox-sports-en-espanol-launches-new-r780114.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://www.topconpositioning.com - Topcon Positioning Systems George Smith, 925-245-8603 Senior Manager - Corporate Communications Cell: 501-259-8545 news@topcon.com Topcon Corporation of Tokyo has announced the acquisition of Voxis, Inc., a United States-based company acknowledged as a global leader in laser scanner technology and high resolution motion systems. The acquisition of Voxis of Point Richmond, California, culminates a development relationship with Topcon of more than two years, which resulted in the recent announcement of the company's GLS-1000 laser scanner. Topcon developed Precise Scan Technology for the GLS-1000. The new technology not only uses 'time of flight' measurement but also combines the .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/topcon-acquires-voxis-inc-scanner-technology-r780113.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/topcon-acquires-voxis-inc-scanner-technology-r780113.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - TriCord Hurricane Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:TRIH), announced today that it has approved three new distributors for its flagship hurricane protection product, The Storm-Proof Roof, (www.stormproofroof.net). These distributors are: The RL Group of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Ed's Awning Services of Margate, Florida (north of Miami); and New Horizons Innovative Storm and Screen Solutions of Winter Springs, Florida (Orlando area). TriCord Vice President Kenny Tolbert stated, 'This year is shaping up to be an above normal Atlantic basin hurricane year with eight named storms already, and we are not yet half way through the season. Fay and Gustav have proven .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/major-hurricane-gustav-heading-toward-us-r780112.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/major-hurricane-gustav-heading-toward-us-r780112.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Claymore announces the availability of the most recent semiannual shareholder report for the Madison/Claymore Covered Call and Equity Strategy Fund (NYSE: MCN). Claymore has released the most recent semiannual shareholder report for MCN and it has been filed with the SEC. The report can be accessed through Claymore's website at http://www.claymore.com/cefs. Hard copies of the report are available by calling Claymore at 800-345-7999. This information does not represent an offer to sell securities of the Fund and it is not soliciting an offer to buy securities of the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/mcn-announces-the-availability-of-its-r780111.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/mcn-announces-the-availability-of-its-r780111.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - The Purdue Research Park presented college tuition vouchers to high school junior and senior students who were among the top three finishers in the second annual Entrepreneurship Academy. The vouchers ranged in amounts from $100 to $500 and can be used to offset the costs of higher education. The weeklong academy was based on an entrepreneurship program called 'So what? who cares? why you?'(TM) by Wendy Kennedy. 'I believe the future for American competitiveness lies in our ability to innovate and create new technologies,' said Gregory W. Deason, vice president for real estate and research park .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/high-school-students-win-college-vouchers-r780109.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/high-school-students-win-college-vouchers-r780109.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://www.shoshonesilvermining.com - Shoshone Silver Mining Company (OTCBB:SHSH) is pleased to announce it has reached an agreement in principle whereby Shoshone Silver Mining will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Kimberly Gold Mines, Inc., formerly of Post Falls, Idaho After the acquisition is finalized, following approval of the Kimberly shareholders, Kimberly's Rescue Gold Mine property located in Idaho County in the south central part of Idaho, and the Kimberly Gold Mine property will become two of the key parts of Shoshone's new 'Gold Division'. The high-grade Rescue Vein on the Rescue Mine property has yielded historical .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/shoshone-silver-mining-company-reaches-agreement-r780107.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/shoshone-silver-mining-company-reaches-agreement-r780107.htm World News (PR-inside.com) REDZIKOWO, Poland (AP) - Poland's prime minister sought to reassure worried residents near the site of a planned U.S. missile defense base on Friday, pledging that they and the country would be more secure, despite threats from an angry Russia. Before facing residents at a town hall meeting in the city of Slupsk, Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited the former Polish air base in Redzikowo _ just 115 miles (180 kilometers) from Russia's westernmost edge _ that is to host the facility. «In case of war, Redzikowo and Slupsk will be more secure .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/polish-pm-nothing-to-fear-over-r780108.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/polish-pm-nothing-to-fear-over-r780108.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Fitch Ratings has downgraded two classes and affirmed one class of notes issued by ACA ABS 2002-1, Limited/LLC (ACA ABS 2002-1). Fitch has also removed classes B and C from Rating Watch Negative. The following rating actions are effective immediately: --$55,364,063 class A notes affirmed at 'AAA'; --$64,000,000 class B notes downgraded to 'B' from 'BBB-'; --$16,152,750 class C notes downgraded to 'CC' from 'CCC'. Fitch's rating actions reflect the significant collateral deterioration within the portfolio, specifically from subprime U.S. residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), manufactured housing RMBS, and structured finance (SF) collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-affirms-1-amp-lowers-r780105.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-affirms-1-amp-lowers-r780105.htm World News (PR-inside.com) HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - Aid agencies say they can resume distributing food in Zimbabwe. Oxfam and Save the Children said Friday that a government ban had been lifted almost three months after it was imposed. The government had ordered aid agencies to stop work before a presidential runoff. The governing party had accused the independent groups of supporting opposition activists. The groups denied the accusations, and the ban had been widely condemned. A month ago, the governing party agreed to lift the ban to help open the way to power-sharing talks. The talks with .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/aid-agencies-say-they-can-work-r780106.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/aid-agencies-say-they-can-work-r780106.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Fitch Ratings has affirmed and removed from Rating Watch Negative the 'AAA' underlying rating on Jordan School District, UT's (the district) approximately $335.3 million in outstanding GO bonds. The Rating Outlook is Negative. The 'AAA' underlying rating reflects the district's credit quality without consideration of the 'AAA'-rated guaranty on the GO bonds provided by the Utah School Bond Default Avoidance Program. The bonds are included in the state program and, thereby, also are rated 'AAA' based on the enhancement. Fitch's conversion to Rating Outlook Negative is based on the longer expectation for resolution of uncertain credit factors resulting .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-affirms-jordan-school-district-utah-s-r780103.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-affirms-jordan-school-district-utah-s-r780103.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) GLENEAGLES, Scotland (AP) - Gregory Havret shot a 2-under 71 on Friday to hold a one-stroke lead after the second round of the Johnnie Walker Championship, while Colin Montgomerie's 70 boosted his chance of a Ryder Cup selection. Montgomerie, the veteran of eight Ryder Cup teams, needs a victory or close to it to persuade European captain Nick Faldo to make him one of the two wild-card picks on Sunday for the match next month against the Americans at Valhalla outside Louisville, Kentucky. He was tied for 13th, five strokes off the lead. «I .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/havret-leads-montgomerie-shoots-r780104.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/havret-leads-montgomerie-shoots-r780104.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Amina Technologies David Frey Director of Marketing 866-462-6462 marketing@aminatechnologies.com Amina Technologies, a world leader in invisible sound solutions, is proud to showcase the new AIWX invisible speakers at the CEDIA Expo 2008 in Denver, Booth 174. The new AIWX Series, introduced earlier this year, is headlined by the AIW5X, an 80W RMS invisible speaker with incredible sound and extremely versatile installation options. The AIWX lineup also includes the new APU2 inline filter protection unit, which provides low frequency and over-current protection for the AIWX speakers. The new AIWX speakers are now backed by an industry-leading 10 year limited .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/amina-technologies-to-exhibit-at-cedia-r780102.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/amina-technologies-to-exhibit-at-cedia-r780102.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry's leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth and Income, Momentum, and Value. The four highlighted picks are: TiVo, Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVO), Helmerich and Payne, Inc. (NYSE: HP), Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENER) and Gibraltar Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROCK). Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=88 Zacks #1 Rank Stocks have .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/zacks-releases-four-powerful-buy-stocks-r780101.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/zacks-releases-four-powerful-buy-stocks-r780101.htm Finance (PR-inside.com) NEW YORK (AP) - Auto parts supplier Delphi, which has been operating under bankruptcy protection for nearly three years, is working on a revision to its reorganization plan and is not talking about liquidating the company, a spokesman said Friday. «We are working on revisions to the plan of reorganization that would let the company successfully emerge,» Delphi spokesman Lindsey Williams said. He said the Troy, Michigan-based company is in discussions with GM, its creditors and other stakeholders to revise the plan, but he would not say whether it includes the participation .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/delphi-revising-plan-to-emerge-from-r780099.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/delphi-revising-plan-to-emerge-from-r780099.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) NEW YORK (AP) - Two New York Yankees pitchers and one Chicago Cubs pitcher from the Dominican Summer League were each suspended 50 games for testing positive for banned performance-enhancing drugs under Major League Baseball's minor league program on Friday. Justo Arias and Rafael Martinez of the Yankees tested positive for metabolites of stanozolol. Jhon Rodriguez of the Cubs tested positive for metabolites of nandrolone. All three suspensions will begin at the start of next season. A total of 41 minor leaguers have received bans since July 25, including 33 from the Dominican Summer .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/minor-league-pitchers-suspended-for-r780097.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/minor-league-pitchers-suspended-for-r780097.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://ritzcarlton.com - The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica remains open and is fully operational after Tropical Storm Gustav. The hotel incurred minimal damage and employees are in the process of removing debris and refreshing guestrooms. 'We are completely ready to offer our leisure and business customers the same exceptional experience they have come to expect from The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort,' said Bernd Kuhlen, General Manager. 'I encourage everyone with plans to visit our luxury resort to go ahead with their trip, as our ladies and gentlemen at the hotel are looking forward to welcoming .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/the-ritz-carlton-golf-amp-spa-resort-r780095.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/the-ritz-carlton-golf-amp-spa-resort-r780095.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) Pop star JESSICA SIMPSON has vowed to cut off communication with her famous exes NICK LACHEY and JOHN MAYER - because she is desperate to start a new life with TONY ROMO. The singer has ditched memories of the pair for her latest beau, American football star Romo - changing her cellphone number and e-mail address in an ultimate act of devotion. She tells People magazine: 'I don't want anybody that's been in my life (before) in my life anymore, and I don't want them to have any way of contacting me... I'm not just dating for fun. I want kids someday. .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/simpson-cuts-ties-with-lachey-and-r780096.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/simpson-cuts-ties-with-lachey-and-r780096.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Altera Corporation (Nasdaq:ALTR) today announced that it will participate in the Citi Investment Research 15th Annual Global Technology Conference in New York, NY. Altera's presentation is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 9:50 am Eastern Time. Interested parties may access a webcast of Altera's presentation at this event on our website at www.altera.com. About Altera Altera's programmable solutions enable system and semiconductor companies to rapidly and cost-effectively innovate, differentiate and win in their markets. Find out more at www.altera.com. Altera, The Programmable Solutions Company, the stylized Altera logo, specific device designations and all other words .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/altera-announces-participation-in-citi-r780093.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/altera-announces-participation-in-citi-r780093.htm World News (PR-inside.com) MOSCOW (AP) - At the outset of this year, Russia proudly proclaimed itself an island of stability at the annual economic gathering in Davos, setting itself apart from the tumult of the global financial crisis. Then came the war with Georgia, which some here regard as Russia's 9/11. Within hours of Russia's retaliation to Georgia's move to take back its breakaway republic of South Ossetia, Russia had attracted widespread condemnation and threats of isolation and expulsion from the international community. «For the first time since the Crimean War, Russia has no allies,» said Garry .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fears-of-isolation-as-investors-flee-r780094.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fears-of-isolation-as-investors-flee-r780094.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - The Travelers Companies, Inc. Media: Matt Bordonaro, 860-277-7014 or Sheila Trauernicht, 860-277-7461 College students returning to school this fall are being urged to guard their possessions as they lug high-tech gadgets and expensive computer equipment to off-campus housing. Jeff Cook, vice president of product management for Travelers of Massachusetts, noted that iPods, cell phones and laptops remain the most common items to be stolen during 'Move-In Week.' 'Students need to be vigilant about protecting those items and to not leave them unattended,' he said. With that in mind, students are encouraged to take practical steps to ensure .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/college-students-urged-to-protect-possessions-r780092.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/college-students-urged-to-protect-possessions-r780092.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) Pop singer KYLIE MINOGUE emulates QUEEN frontman FREDDIE MERCURY for her live performances - because she loves acting flamboyantly during concerts. The Australian star has just finished a tour of the U.K. - and admits she relishes the opportunity to channel the spirit of the late rocker. She says, 'I'm releasing my inner Freddie Mercury. It's hard to explain but parts of the show are so over the top. When I sing Your Disco Needs You, it's a real Freddie moment.' And although Minogue enjoyed her time on the road, she isn't planning on taking her performances to the U.S. She adds, 'I .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/minogue-freddie-mercury-inspires-tour-r780090.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/minogue-freddie-mercury-inspires-tour-r780090.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) PROJECT RUNWAY host TIM GUNN has branded actress JENNIFER ANISTON 'desperate'. The former Friends star recently split with rocker John Mayer, and has been photographed in New York and Los Angeles looking carefree. But U.S. style king Gunn believes Aniston is hiding behind her wardrobe. He tells America's OK! magazine, 'Sometimes I think she has 'desperate character' written on her. The clothes we wear send a message. And I think that's the message - I don't think that's her intention though. 'She's a gorgeous woman and she understands her fashion. I can't help but think that's she's pretty high-maintenance.' (LJ/WNWCKO/ZN) CORRECTION: London's Globe Theatre .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/gunn-attacks-desperate-aniston-r780091.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/gunn-attacks-desperate-aniston-r780091.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) Pop superstar MADONNA stunned security staff at an airport in Germany on Thursday (28Aug08) night - by turning up wearing a bathrobe. The Holiday hitmaker arrived at Schoenefeld airport after performing at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin as part of her Sticky and Sweet world tour. But staff at the venue were shocked to see the star wander through security checks wearing nothing more than a fluffy white robe and black trainers. The singer's gown had the cheeky slogan 'Dancing Queen' printed on the back. .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/madonna-stuns-airport-staff-r780089.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/madonna-stuns-airport-staff-r780089.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://www.gpotato.com - Gala-Net Inc. will release the next chapter to its most renowned MMORPG game, Flyff: Fly for Fun later this fall. Flyff, Version 12 (V12) will be saturated with new content changes that Flyff users have been eagerly anticipating. Among the many updates in this new version is the Lord System, which allows users to vote for a 'Lord' in each cluster. The honor of becoming a 'Lord' comes with the ability to start EXP or item drop events, boost a player's Attack or Defense Power by 10%, and much more. In addition to the Lord System, V12 .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/gala-net-s-acclaimed-mmorpg-flyff-version-r780088.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/gala-net-s-acclaimed-mmorpg-flyff-version-r780088.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Fitch downgrades and removes from Rating Watch Negative six classes of notes issued by Trainer Wortham First Republic CBO III Ltd./Corp. (Trainer Wortham III). The following rating actions are effective immediately: --$97,620,659 Class A-1 Notes downgraded to 'BBB-' from 'BBB' and removed from Rating Watch Negative; --$60,750,000 Class A-2 Notes downgraded to 'CCC' from 'BB' and removed from Rating Watch Negative; --$9,000,000 Class B Notes downgraded to 'CC' from 'B' and removed from Rating Watch Negative; --$8,104,000 Class C Notes downgraded to 'C' from 'B-' and removed from Rating Watch Negative; --$13,880,922 Class D .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-downgrades-6-classes-of-trainer-r780087.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-downgrades-6-classes-of-trainer-r780087.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) NEW YORK (AP) - Jelena Jankovic won another sneaker squeaker, playing 28 points in the last game to finish off Zheng Jie of China 7-5, 7-5 and become the first woman into the U.S. Open fourth round on Friday. No. 2-seeded Jankovic is aiming to reach her first Grand Slam final. She needs three more wins _ with Justine Henin retired, Maria Sharapova injured, Ana Ivanovic eliminated and the Williams sisters in the opposite bracket, this should be her best chance. Jankovic came out full of energy, showing no ill effects of a .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/jankovic-works-overtime-makes-4th-round-r780086.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/jankovic-works-overtime-makes-4th-round-r780086.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Eaton Vance Management, the Boston-based investment adviser, today announced the monthly distributions declared on the common shares of nine of its closed-end municipal bond funds ('Funds'). The record date for the distributions is September 10, 2008, and the payable date is September 17, 2008. The ex-date is September 8, 2008. The distribution per share, closing market price on August 28, 2008 (or last trade price), and annualized market yield for each Fund are as follows: -0- Distribution Closing Annualized Fund Per Share Price Yield Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:EVN) $0.070000 $13.21 6.36% Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/eaton-vance-municipal-income-trusts-declare-r780085.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/eaton-vance-municipal-income-trusts-declare-r780085.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) LINDSAY LOHAN has reportedly been pleading with Olympic swimmer MICHAEL PHELPS for a date. The actress - who is rumoured to be dating DJ Samantha Ronson - is said to have bombarded the U.S. gold medal winner with calls and text messages asking him to take her out. And his cool response hasn't put her off - because the more he ignores her, the harder she tries. A source tells Britain's Daily Mirror, 'At first he thought it was a joke when she got in touch. But she's since been phoning and texting constantly. 'It's become a running joke in his camp. Lindsay has .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/lohan-wants-olympic-date-r780084.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/lohan-wants-olympic-date-r780084.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) Actor PAUL REUBENS has denied reports he will make a return to TV opposite LAURENCE FISHBURNE in hit U.S. show CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION. The Pee-wee Herman star was rumoured to have been recruited by Fishburne after the actor was cast in the series to replace William Petersen earlier this month (Aug08). A source tells the National Enquirer that Fishburne wanted Reubens 'to play... a psychopathic killer after something goes horribly wrong in his life,' in a bid to help the actor revive his career, adding, 'The only person who can possibly reach him is Fishburne.' But Reubens' spokesperson Carrie Byalick has .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/reubens-denies-csi-role-r780080.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/reubens-denies-csi-role-r780080.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://www.ambest.com - The 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia are projected to spend more than $1.54 billion in 2009 on the regulation of insurance, reports Best's Review magazine. Its September cover story, 'The Cost of Regulation,' takes a close look at the regulatory budgets as reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Regulatory spending varies widely state to state, reports Best's Review. It ranges from a 2009 projected high of $30 per resident in Delaware to a low of $2 per resident in 11 other states. Industry observers almost unanimously agree that states that spend .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/best-s-review-examines-which-states-spend-r780081.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/best-s-review-examines-which-states-spend-r780081.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) Actress SHANNEN DOHERTY has vowed not to undergo cosmetic surgery to change her looks - because she refuses to conform to Hollywood's rigid standards of beauty. The 37-year-old star admits she feels pressure in to fit in with Tinseltown's flawless starlets, but insists she has resisted the urge to change her own image. She says, 'These are my looks, whether you like them or not. They work for me. I have a gap in the middle of my teeth. You know how many people wanted to cover that gap? 'My parents are like, 'Don't ever do that! That's what makes you different!' .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/doherty-rules-out-cosmetic-surgery-r780082.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/doherty-rules-out-cosmetic-surgery-r780082.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Eaton Vance Management, the Boston-based investment adviser, today announced the monthly distributions declared on the common shares of twelve of its closed-end insured municipal bond funds ('Funds'). The record date for the distributions is September 23, 2008, and the payable date is September 30, 2008. The ex-date is September 19, 2008. The distribution per share, closing market price on August 28, 2008 (or last trade price), and annualized market yield for each Fund are as follows: -0- Distribution Closing Annualized Fund Per Share Market Price Yield Eaton Vance Insured Municipal Bond Fund (AMEX:EIM) $ 0.065083 $ 13.08 5.97% Eaton .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/eaton-vance-insured-municipal-bond-funds-r780079.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/eaton-vance-insured-municipal-bond-funds-r780079.htm Business (PR-inside.com) http://www.westaff.com - Westaff, Inc. (NASDAQ:WSTF) a leading provider of staffing services, announced today that it has entered into a Forbearance Agreement with U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, effective August 27, 2008. The agreement relates to bank covenant defaults which occurred on April 19, 2008 under the Financing Agreement dated February 14, 2008. Under the terms of this Forbearance Agreement, the banks have agreed to forebear from exercising any remedies that they may have against the Company as a result of such events of default through September 30, 2008. 'We agreed to this short-term forbearance .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/westaff-signs-second-forbearance-agreement-r780078.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/westaff-signs-second-forbearance-agreement-r780078.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) QUEEN LATIFAH has reportedly made plans to start a family by adopting a child from her native U.S. The Chicago star announced in June (08) her plans to start a family, telling reporters it would 'happen eventually'. But according to National Enquirer, the 38-year-old is ready to become a first-time mum by adopting a child from America. Latifah - real name Dana Owens - has spoke to the publication about adopting, but would not confirm if she was going ahead with the plans. She says, 'I can understand why people go outside the U.S. You can adopt someone here, and the birth parents have .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/latifah-to-adopt-r780077.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/latifah-to-adopt-r780077.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) Actress SHANNEN DOHERTY has hit out at BRITNEY SPEARS and LINDSAY LOHAN insisting they deserve to get negative press for flashing photographers without wearing underwear. The 37-year-old star was branded a 'bad girl' during her stint on hit U.S. teen show Beverly Hills, 90210 during the height of her acting career in the 1990s. But she insists her own outlandish behaviour never matched that of Spears and Lohan - who have been snapped in a series of photographs without their knickers. She says, 'You know, you play a character; people perceive you as the character. I guess it means I did my job. But .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/doherty-slams-scandalous-starlets-r780076.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/doherty-slams-scandalous-starlets-r780076.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - On Friday, August 29, 2008, the President signed into law: H.R. 6580, the 'Hubbard Act,' which clarifies existing law regarding benefits and compensation for servicemembers voluntarily leaving service under a sole-survivorship discharge. White House Press Office 1-202-456-2580 .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/statement-by-the-press-secretary-r780073.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/statement-by-the-press-secretary-r780073.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) Dance music star MOBY has hit out after a female friend of the star was tackled to the ground in a security mix-up at the Democratic National Convention. The musician flew out to Denver, Colorado this week (beg25Aug08) for the historic event, joined by a bevy of celebrities and politicians who prompted tight security. He says, 'A friend of mine was wrestled to the ground by six cops/security-people because she had left her credentials in her hotel room. Maybe the cops in Denver should lay off the caffeine/meth/diet-pills/sugar-cereals while they're working the convention?' (JMA/WNWCBLE and NYDN/ZN) WENN - FIFTH - HOLLYWOOD, SHOWBIZ and PEOPLE NEWS .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/moby-slams-security-at-political-convention-r780075.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/moby-slams-security-at-political-convention-r780075.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - JAKKS Pacific (NASDAQ:JAKK), announced that the Connecticut State Court has granted summary judgment today in the state court action, dismissing World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.'s (WWE) bribery and anti-trust claims against JAKKS and its principals on the basis of collateral estoppel and statute of limitations grounds. The decision is being reviewed by the Company and may be subject of a further press release. About JAKKS Pacific, Inc. JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and consumer products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/jakks-pacific-prevails-in-wwe-state-r780072.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/jakks-pacific-prevails-in-wwe-state-r780072.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Fitch rates SLM Student Loan Trust, 2008-9 as follows: --$3,963,579,000 class A 'AAA'; --$122,584,000 class B 'AAA'. The effective date of this rating is Aug. 28, 2008. For more information, see the SLM Student Loan Trust, 2008-9 presale report, available to all investors on Fitch's corporate site, www.fitchratings.com. Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's public site, www.fitchratings.com. Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times. Fitch's code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-rates-slm-student-loan-trust-r780070.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-rates-slm-student-loan-trust-r780070.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) Scottish singer-songwriter EDWYN COLLINS will exhibit pictures he drew while recovering from a double brain haemorrhage at an art exhibition in London. The former Orange Juice frontman almost died after suffering two brain haemorrhages in 2005, and he has only just started performing again, most recently at the U.K's Glastonbury Festival. But Collins rediscovered his love of art by keeping a diary of his recovery and drawing a bird every day. The sketches will be displayed at London's Smithfield Gallery in October (08). .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/collins-displays-artwork-in-london-r780069.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/collins-displays-artwork-in-london-r780069.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) Pop star RICKY MARTIN has vowed to be a doting dad to his newborn twins after enduring years of estrangement from his own father. The 36-year-old singer became the parent of twin baby boys earlier this month (Aug08) after fathering them through a surrogate mother. And according to biographer Kathleen Tracy - writer of Ricky Martin: Red-Hot and on the Rise! - it was the divorce of the singer's own parents that left him determined to be a perfect dad. Martin tells Tracy: '(My dad) wanted me to choose between him and my mother. How do you ask a child that?' A source tells .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/martin-aspires-to-be-a-good-r780068.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/martin-aspires-to-be-a-good-r780068.htm Entertainment (PR-inside.com) HOOTIE and THE BLOWFISH have split so that frontman DARIUS RUCKER can concentrate on a solo career as a country star. Rucker has revealed the group's AOL Music Sessions show, which was taped in California on Wednesday (27Aug08), will be their last non-charity concert. He says, 'We have four charity gigs every year and we will still do them, but we will not do a record or tour. 'Even when we play now, we're not as close as we were. I don't miss the getting big or all that stuff, I miss when we were real close.' However, Rucker admits the split might .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/hootie-leaves-the-blowfish-r780067.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/hootie-leaves-the-blowfish-r780067.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Fitch Ratings has affirmed the long- and short-term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) and outstanding debt ratings of E.I duPont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) as follows: --Long-term IDR at 'A'; --Senior unsecured debt at 'A'; --Bank credit facility at 'A' --Short-term IDR 'F1'; --Commercial Paper 'F1'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. The ratings of DuPont reflect the company's size and leading market positions, integrated operations and low cost position in all segments as well as its conservative financial strategy. DuPont is the second largest chemical company in the US based on revenues. .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-affirms-dupont-s-idr-at-a-r780066.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-affirms-dupont-s-idr-at-a-r780066.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Allegheny Energy, Inc. Media contact: Allen Staggers, Manager, Corporate Communications, 724-830-5433 Media Hotline: 888-233-3583 E-mail: astagge@alleghenyenergy.com or Investor contact: Max Kuniansky, Executive Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, 724-838-6895 E-mail: mkunian@alleghenyenergy.com Allegheny Power, the electric delivery subsidiary of Allegheny Energy, Inc. (NYSE: AYE), today submitted a request to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia to recover an additional $173 million (annualized) in fuel and purchased power costs, effective January 1, 2009. The proposed increase is largely due to the dramatic rise in coal prices, which is the single largest component of Allegheny's cost of producing electricity. Since .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/allegheny-power-files-for-rate-increase-r780065.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/allegheny-power-files-for-rate-increase-r780065.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - At their annual meeting today, shareholders of Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust (NYSE:EFR), a closed-end investment company, voted to elect Thomas A. Faust Jr. and William H. Park as Class II Trustees of the Fund and Ralph F. Verni as Class II APS Trustee of the Fund, elected solely by holders of Auction Preferred Shares (APS), each for a three-year term. The Trust's current Class I and Class III Trustees, who serve staggered three-year terms, were not up for election and remain in office. The Fund is managed by Eaton Vance Management, a subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp., .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/eaton-vance-senior-floating-rate-trust-r780064.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/eaton-vance-senior-floating-rate-trust-r780064.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Today, Senator McCain made an exciting decision in choosing Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to join him on his ticket as the Vice Presidential candidate. Governor Palin is a proven reformer who is a wise steward of taxpayer dollars and champion for accountability in government. Governor Palin's success is due to her dedication to principle and her roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic and serves as a wonderful example of the spirit of America. By selecting a working mother with a track record of getting things done, Senator McCain has once again demonstrated his commitment to reforming Washington. I applaud Senator McCain .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/statement-by-the-president-r780063.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/statement-by-the-president-r780063.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Fitch assigns an 'A-' rating to the City of Marble Falls, Texas' (the city) $9.95 million combination tax and limited pledge revenue certificates of obligation, series 2008 (the certificates). Fitch also affirms the 'A-' rating to the city's $35.99 million in certificates of obligation and $1.4 million in tax notes outstanding. The certificates are scheduled tentatively to sell the week of Sept. 1 via a negotiated offering. The Rating Outlook is Stable. The certificates are direct obligations of the city and are payable from an ad valorem tax levied on all taxable property in the city within the .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-rates-marble-falls-texas-cos-r780062.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/fitch-rates-marble-falls-texas-cos-r780062.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Gustav beginning on August 27, 2008, and continuing. The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives, protect .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/statement-by-the-press-secretary-r780061.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/statement-by-the-press-secretary-r780061.htm Finance (PR-inside.com) WASHINGTON (AP) - Consumer spending in the U.S. slowed to a crawl and personal incomes plunged in July, reflecting the waning impact of $93 billion in economic stimulus payments. The Commerce Department report Friday showed that consumer activity got off to a shaky start in the third quarter, raising new worries that the economy could falter in coming months due to rising unemployment, a continuing credit crisis and the deepest housing slump in decades. Personal incomes fell by a bigger-than-expected 0.7 percent in July, the biggest drop in nearly three years, while .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/incomes-drop-sharply-in-july-while-r780060.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/incomes-drop-sharply-in-july-while-r780060.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - AmCOMP Incorporated, North Palm Beach Kumar Gursahaney, Chief Financial Officer, 561-840-7171 ext. 11700 AmCOMP Incorporated ('AmCOMP' or the 'Company') (Nasdaq:AMCP) announced today that it has entered into an amendment to the merger agreement providing for the acquisition of AmCOMP by Employers Holdings, Inc. ('EMPLOYERS') (NYSE:EIG). Under the amended merger agreement, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, holders of AmCOMP's approximately 15 million common shares outstanding will receive consideration of $12.15 per share in cash. AmCOMP's Board of Directors approved the amendment to the merger agreement in light of the terms of its settlement .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/amcomp-and-employers-holdings-amend-merger-r780059.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/amcomp-and-employers-holdings-amend-merger-r780059.htm Sport (PR-inside.com) ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Teenage midfielder Sotiris Ninis was included Friday in Greece's squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Latvia. The 20-year-old Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Avraam Papadopoulos were also called up, but 70-year-old coach Otto Rehhagel avoided making major changes for the matches, played Sept. 6 and 10. The 18-year-old Ninis and Papastathopoulos were dropped for this year's European Championship, where Greece suffered three straight defeats and scored just one goal in the defense of its 2004 title. Midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos, who remains unsigned after his summer release from .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/ninis-called-up-for-greek-qualifiers-r780058.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/ninis-called-up-for-greek-qualifiers-r780058.htm Business (PR-inside.com) - Minneapolis-based Pentair, Inc. (NYSE: PNR), a global leader in water filtration and treatment, will enable news media covering the Republican National Convention to tap into the Minneapolis municipal water supply during Saturday night's traditional gathering for reporters prior to the start of the convention. Pentair is contributing five Everpure water bars throughout the reception area on the Minneapolis riverfront for the event. If the more than 8,000 expected attendees want a drink of water, they can get premium filtered water sourced straight from the city's own system. The water bars support a commitment that Minneapolis Mayor R.T. .. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.pr-inside.com/filtration-leader-pentair-to-get-journalists-r780056.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/filtration-leader-pentair-to-get-journalists-r780056.htm