Latest [PR Newswire] from SYS-CON MEDIA

The First American Corporation to Present at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods 2008 Insurance Conference

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:50:17 EDT

The First American Corporation (NYSE: FAF), America's largest provider of business information, announced that it will host a presentation to discuss First American's Financial Services and Information Solutions businesses at the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods 2008 Insurance Conference on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, at 10:20 a.m. EDT at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel located at 301 Park Avenue in New York City.

Neovasc Inc. Reports Q2 2008 Medical Ventures Corp. Financial Results

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:43:48 EDT

Venoco, Inc. Director Resigns

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:43:04 EDT

Venoco, Inc. (NYSE: VQ) today announced that J. Timothy Brittan has resigned from its board of directors. Mr. Brittan is President of Infinity Oil & Gas, Inc., an exploration and production company and joined the Venoco board in 2003.

United Energy Group Limited Extends US$76 Net Per Share Cash Tender Offer for Preferred Stock of Transmeridian Exploration Incorporated

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:36:32 EDT

United Energy Group Limited (HK: 467.HK) ("United Energy") announced today that it has extended the expiration date for its previously announced cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of 15% senior redeemable convertible preferred stock (CUSIP Nos. 89376N207; 89376N306) (the "Senior Preferred Stock") and 20% junior redeemable convertible preferred stock (CUSIP Nos. 89376N405; 89376N504) (the "Junior Preferred Stock" and, together with the Senior Preferred Stock, "Preferred Stock") of Transmeridian Exploration Incorporated (Amex: TMY) ("Transmeridian"). The expiration date for the tender offer, which was previously 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on August 29, 2008, will be extended until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 22, 2008, unless further extended. There is no change to the withdrawal rights, which will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on August 29, 2008.

Contract Negotiations Between Local 1201 of the National Conference of Fireman And Oilers, SEIU and School District of Philadelphia

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:36:32 EDT

Local 1201 of the National Conference of Fireman And Oilers, SEIU, which represents over 3,000 bus drivers, bus attendants, general cleaners, building engineers and maintenance employees, employed by the School District of Philadelphia today announced a tentative one year agreement with the School District. While details will not be disclosed, the agreement provides for an increase in base wages effective at the beginning of the contract year. There are no changes to the union's health care or other fringe benefits. "While we would have preferred a longer contract, we believe this is a fair deal and there are no give backs in this agreement," said Local 1201 President George Ricchezza. A ratification meeting is being scheduled.

Poker Pro John 'The Razor' Phan Wins More Than $1.1 Million at 2008 WPT Legends of Poker at the Bicycle Casino

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:33:01 EDT

The month of August is always exciting at the Bicycle Casino as the Legends of Poker tournament series builds to a crescendo with the World Poker Tour Legends main event. As was fitting for a series filled with some of the best poker pros in the world, it was famous poker pro John "The Razor" Phan who fought a long and tough battle to ultimately claim victory and the title of Legend of Poker.

Susman Godfrey L.L.P. Wins Three Cases In One Day In The Texas Supreme Court

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:30:17 EDT

The litigation boutique, Susman Godfrey L.L.P., won three different appeals for three different clients in three different opinions issued by the Texas Supreme Court today.

TAMM Oil and Gas Corp. Adds Don W. Hryhor as New Director

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:27:35 EDT

TAMM Oil and Gas Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: TAMO) is pleased to welcome Mr. Donald W. Hryhor as a new member of its Board of Directors.

Pennsylvania Revenue Department Releases August Collections

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:06:17 EDT

Secretary of Revenue Tom Wolf today reported Pennsylvania collected $1.7 billion in General Fund revenue in August, $117.5 million, or 6.6 percent, less than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $3.4 billion, which is $117.6 million, or 3.3 percent, below estimate.

Lifetime Networks' Nonpartisan Every Woman Counts Campaign Heads to Republican National Convention to Engage and Empower Women

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:02:46 EDT

Private School for Special Education Faces Teacher Job Actions

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:01:46 EDT

A school that accepts special education students from Delaware, Chester, Philadelphia and surrounding counties is facing possible job actions by its teachers.

Nation's Largest Business Women's Group States Women Breaking Electoral Glass Ceiling in 2008

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:01:34 EDT

The nation's largest bi-partisan women's business group, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), released the following statement regarding the selection of Gov. Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate:

St. Paul/East Metro Area Community Guides to Be Distributed to Republican Convention Attendees

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:58:46 EDT

The 6,000+ delegates and attendees to the Republican National Convention next week will easily find their way around the Twin Cities via their mobile devices and laptops, with help from the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.

REDC Sells 1,100 Southern California Foreclosed Homes for Over $200 Million in 10-Day Auction Event

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:52:16 EDT

Industry dominator Real Estate Disposition Corporation (REDC) reports yet another astonishing auction sales record of foreclosed homes, this time in Southern California. From August 16th through August 26th, REDC held 10 auctions grossing just over $200 Million in sales from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Each auction date saw 600 to 3,000 bidders attend the auction for a total of 16,321 bidders!

Weatherford Announces Conference Call

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:52:15 EDT

Weatherford International Ltd. (NYSE: WFT) today announced that it has scheduled a conference call for Monday, October 20, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. eastern, 9:30 a.m. central. The purpose of the conference call is to discuss results for the company's third quarter ended September 30, 2008. The call will be open to the public.

Stennis Space Center to Close for Hurricane Gustav

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:48:15 EDT

NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center will close Friday, Aug. 29, at 4:30 p.m. CDT, due to the approach of tropical storm Gustav, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane. Normal operations at the facility are expected to resume when conditions permit.

Boeing Delivers Two 777 Models to Emirates

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:45:47 EDT

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Dubai-based airline Emirates celebrated the delivery of a 777-300ER (Extended Range) and a 777-200LR (Longer Range) Thursday, marking the first double 777 delivery to a Middle East airline. Representatives from the Emirates and Boeing team are pictured here prior to the airplanes' departure for Dubai.

SpectrumDNA, Inc. Taps Seth Levenson to Lead Product Marketing

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:31:00 EDT

SpectrumDNA, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SPXA), http://www.spectrumdna.com, a studio that develops social media applications and enterprises, announced today that it has brought in Seth Levenson to lead its product and service marketing efforts.

Celebrities and Celebrations at Denver Area Starwood Hotels During The Democratic National Convention

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:30:46 EDT

Denver area Starwood hotels served as venues for many celebrations and celebrities during the recent Democratic National Convention. The Westin Tabor Center served as the campaign headquarters hotel for the Obama campaign. "We were honored to serve the Obama and Biden families and to be their home away from home for this exciting week," states Tom Curley, The Westin Tabor Center's GM and Starwood's Denver Area Managing Director. "The DNC was a unique experience for our entire team, and I am extremely proud of all our hotel associates for the job they did working side by side with the Obama campaign staff, the secret service and the local law enforcement agencies that were stationed here." The Sheraton Denver, the state's largest hotel, hosted numerous receptions, meetings and parties including the Emily's List reception for over 2000 guests with Michele Obama, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi as featured speakers. Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast was home to a DNC volunteer day where delegates packed food staples for Denver area Meals on Wheels food recipients.

U.S. Provides Assistance for Flood Victims in Nepal and India

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:30:17 EDT

On August 18, the Saptakoshi River broke through a retaining wall following heavy monsoon rains, resulting in floods in Sunsari District in southeastern Nepal and Bihar State in northeastern India. Flooding displaced up to 50,000 people in Nepal and affected 2.1 million people in India. In Nepal, the displaced populations took shelter in public buildings, unable to return to flooded areas until the embankment is repaired. Flood waters have blocked Nepal's East-West Highway and disrupted communications systems. In India, floods have stranded more than 1 million people in Supual, Madhepura, and Araria districts, leaving residents without clean drinking water and food.

PFT Cancels Special Membership Meeting After PFT-District Extend Contract

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:30:17 EDT

The Special Membership Meeting, which the PFT had scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, September 1st at Temple University to brief PFT members on contract negotiations, has been postponed, PFT President Jerry T. Jordan announced today.

North Central Bancshares, Inc. Declares Dividend

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:30:17 EDT

North Central Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") (Nasdaq: FFFD), the holding company for First Federal Savings Bank of Iowa (the "Bank") announced today that the Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.01 per share on its common stock to be paid on October 6, 2008 to shareholders of record as of September 15, 2008. This dividend is a reduction from the previous quarter's dividend of $0.35 per share. "This pro-active step is prudent due to the decline in value during 2008 and increased level of volatility of the Company's investment in Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) preferred stock," said David M. Bradley, Chairman, President and CEO of North Central Bancshares, Inc. "The Bank continues to have a strong capital level that exceeds 'well capitalized' requirements."

ATF Advises Licensed Firearms and Explosives Dealers to Secure Inventories Ahead of Pending Natural Disasters

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:23:16 EDT

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) today issued two open letters to all federal firearms licensees (or licensed gun dealers) and federal explosives licensees and permittees with recommendations to store and secure inventories in preparation for natural disasters, such as hurricanes making landfall in their vicinities.

BM&FBOVESPA Launches Small Cap and MidLarge Cap Indices

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:22:30 EDT

Two new indicators will be introduced on the Brazilian stock market September 1, 2008: the BM&FBOVESPA MidLarge Cap Index and the BM&FBOVESPA Small Cap Index. Their portfolios will measure stock returns by market value. Under the tickers MLCX and SMLL, respectively, the indices will have their portfolios reevaluated at the end of each four-month period.

/C O R R E C T I O N -- World Vision/

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:22:30 EDT

In the news release, World Vision Prepares Relief Goods, Staff for Gustav's Landfall, issued earlier today by World Vision over PR Newswire, we are advised by the organization that the sixth paragraph, second sentence, should read "Lagasse" rather than "Legasse" as originally issued inadvertently.

ViewPoint Bankers Mortgage Expands in Texas

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:20:15 EDT

ViewPoint Bankers Mortgage (VPBM), the mortgage subsidiary of ViewPoint Bank, today announced the addition of eight new mortgage production offices throughout Texas. The company has hired a total of 45 loan originators and processors to operate the offices, all of whom were formerly a part of CTX Mortgage.

SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center to Close for Labor Day, September 1; Closing Permanently on September 4

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:20:15 EDT

The U.S. Small Business Administration announces today that the Disaster Center in Pennsylvania will be closed Monday, September 1 in recognition of Labor Day, re-open Tuesday and will remain open until operations cease on Thursday, September 4th at the close of business.

Governor Rendell Says PA Resources Being Sent to Support Hurricane Gustav Preparedness

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:16:44 EDT

As tropical storm Gustav became a hurricane today, Governor Edward G. Rendell directed the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to coordinate state agency resources to support hurricane preparation for the storm, which could hit the Gulf Coast region as early as this weekend.

Teamsters and Waste Management Agree to Re-Enter Negotiations

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:15:46 EDT

The following is an official statement from Local 200 Secretary-Treasurer Tom Millonzi:

Camelot Receives New Trading Symbol 'CMLT'

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:09:45 EDT

Camelot Entertainment Group, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CMLT) announced today that it has received a new trading symbol "CMLT" in connection with its 100:1 reverse stock split of its common and preferred shares, which was effective August 29, 2008. The reverse stock split is part of an overall restructuring of the company's operating focus and management team as it continues to implement its business model while refocusing its efforts on generating shorter term revenues. Camelot had previously traded under the symbol CMEG.

Amended Settlement Plan of Allocation Announced in R&G Financial Corporation Securities Litigation

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:00:16 EDT

Lead Counsel in the In Re R&G Financial Corporation Securities Litigation class action today announced the following:

Tips on Preparing Financially for Hurricane Gustav

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:00:16 EDT

Stocking up on plywood, flashlights and extra batteries isn't the only thing residents need to do in order to prepare themselves for hurricane season. Part of disaster preparedness also includes financial planning. With Hurricane Gustav looming in the Gulf, Texas residents should use these next couple of days to get their finances in order.

Secretary Cortes, Maj. Gen. Wright Urge PA Military Members to Prepare Early to Vote

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:00:16 EDT

Recognizing national Armed Forces Voters Week as an opportunity to honor the courage and commitment of the commonwealth's men and women in uniform, Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes and Pennsylvania Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright today urged Pennsylvanians serving in the military to prepare early to cast absentee ballots in the Nov. 4 General Election.

MHF Holdings Company Launches 'MHF Trucking & Drayage'

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:57:15 EDT

MHF Holdings Company announced today that it will continue to expand its Jacksonville operations with the launch of MHF Trucking & Drayage. MHF Holdings and regional Magellan Transport Logistics opened the Jacksonville office in June. The MHF Trucking & Drayage division will offer domestic and international drayage services throughout the United States via an owner-operator network.

Statement by USW International President Leo W. Gerard on John McCain's Selection of Sara Palin As His Running Mate

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:55:45 EDT

"It is important to realize that while the governor's husband is a member of a union, this does not automatically qualify her for an on-the-job training program to become a heartbeat away from the presidency. And while her husband is one of 850,000 dues-paying members of the steelworkers union, it does nothing to absolve Sen. McCain of his long history of anti-union sentiment and anti-worker actions, including continuously pushing an anti-working family agenda that:

Louisiana Dialysis Caregivers and Volunteers Brace for Hurricane Gustav; Prepare to Maintain Power, Continued Access for Patients to Life-Saving Treatment

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:54:01 EDT

With the highest per capita population of kidney failure patients in the nation, the Gulf Coast region is bracing to avoid a potential healthcare crisis as Hurricane Gustav nears, threatening to disrupt the administration of area patients' lifesaving dialysis treatments. For these patients, dialysis is a necessary process to live -- involving a specialized machine to circulate and cleanse the blood and an on-site medical technician to oversee the treatment -- and if only a few of their thrice-weekly treatments are missed, their blood will become toxic and highly lethal.

American Airlines Seeks Government Approval to Defer Launch of Chicago to Beijing Service

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:46:16 EDT

American Airlines today filed a request with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) for a waiver that will allow it to begin nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Beijing, China, on April 4, 2010. American had previously planned to inaugurate the service on April 9, 2009.

Most Gulf Coast Structures Not Safer Today Than They Were Three Years Ago, IBHS Says

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:44:00 EDT

In the three years since Hurricane Katrina, some Gulf Coast states have taken much-needed steps to make communities safer. However, as residents in the same vulnerable areas watch Tropical Storm Gustav take aim, it is critical that people understand what has yet to be done - and what they need to do right now.

Windswept Environmental Group Announces Mobilization to Louisiana for Hurricane Gustav

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:40:59 EDT

Windswept Environmental Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets: WEGI.PK) today announced that its Trade Winds subsidiary is presently preparing approximately twenty (20) vehicles with generators and at least three (3) 45 foot semi-tractors trailers to leave its Holtsville location this weekend to support our Louisiana operations. This mobilization will depend on the strengthening and direction of the storm, but we have already contacted our large commercial clients in Louisiana to help support them.

Movie Gallery Announces Executive Vice President Will be Leaving the Company

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:40:45 EDT

Movie Gallery, Inc. ("Movie Gallery") announced that Thomas D. Johnson, Jr. will be leaving the Company today. As previously announced on July 23, 2008, Lucinda ("Cindy") M. Baier has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Movie Gallery, reporting directly to C.J. ("Gabe") Gabriel, Jr., the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer.