EIN Presswire: Media Live Feed Press Releases

Doritos "Sling Baby" Wins 2012 USA TODAY Facebook Super Bowl Ad Meter

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:38:03 +0000

Doritos "Sling Baby" Wins 2012 USA TODAY Facebook Super Bowl Ad Meter

PR Newswire

MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The USA TODAY Facebook Super Bowl Ad Meter winner has been announced and Doritos "Sling Baby" came out on top for 2012. The ad features a grandmother who creates a way to sling her grandson – with a rubber band-like setup - across the yard to grab a Doritos bag from a taunting boy. The Facebook community rated the ad a 4.33 (on a scale of 1 to 5 stars).

The top five ads chosen by the Facebook community and their score:

Doritos – Sling Baby – 4.33
Bud Light – Weego – 4.25
Kia – A Dream Car. For Real Life. – 4.23*
Chrysler – It's Halftime In America – 4.23*
M&Ms – Ms. Brown/Just My Shell – 4.22

* In the event of a ratings tie, higher rank goes to the ad that received the larger number of votes.

The USA TODAY Facebook Super Bowl Ad meter voting was open to Facebook's more than 800 million global users. Facebook users could view, rate and share all the national ads that aired during the game. Voting began right after the first ad aired during the Super Bowl on Sunday night and continued until 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Complete results can be found at admeter.usatoday.com and facebook.com/sports as well as in Wednesday's print editions of USA TODAY.

Created in 1989 to gauge consumers' opinions about television's most expensive commercials, Ad Meter and has been a subject of great consumer interest and conversation over the years. The 2012 USA TODAY Facebook Super Bowl Ad Meter combines the industry authority of USA TODAY with the social engagement of Facebook. With the rise of social media as a tool for consumers to voice, share and discover topics of conversation, this year's collaboration between USA TODAY and Facebook for Ad Meter 2012 is an evolution of how America discusses and rates ads during and after the Super Bowl, one of the most popular ad spend days of the year.

About Facebook

Founded in February 2004, Facebook's mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected. Anyone can sign up for Facebook and interact with the people they know in a trusted environment. Facebook is a privately held company and is headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif.

About USA TODAY

USA TODAY is a multi-platform news and information media company. Founded in 1982, USA TODAY's mission is to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Today, through its newspaper, website and mobile platforms, USA TODAY connects readers and engages the national conversation. USA TODAY, the nation's number one newspaper in print circulation with an average of more than 1.8 million daily, and USATODAY.com, an award-winning newspaper website launched in 1995, reach a combined 5.4 million readers daily. USA TODAY is a leader in mobile applications with more than ten million downloads on mobile devices. The USA TODAY brand also includes USA TODAY Education and USA TODAY Sports Weekly. USA TODAY is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI).

SOURCE USA TODAY

Radio One, Inc. Reports Q4 2011 Preliminary Revenue Information, Q1 2012 Pacings Update and Announces Date of its Year End 2011 Earnings Call

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:29:42 +0000

Radio One, Inc. Reports Q4 2011 Preliminary Revenue Information, Q1 2012 Pacings Update and Announces Date of its Year End 2011 Earnings Call

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Radio One, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROIAK and ROIA) today reported certain preliminary revenue information for the quarter ended December 31, 2011. Giving effect to the consolidation of TV One, consolidated net revenue increased approximately 37% compared to the same period in 2010. Revenue for the Company's core radio business, excluding Reach Media, decreased approximately 9.4% compared to Q4 2010, while Reach Media's revenue increased approximately 13% and the internet segment's revenue increased approximately 30%. Giving effect to a pro-forma consolidation of TV One, Q4 2011 consolidated net revenue was down approximately 2% compared to Q4 2010. Fourth quarter 2011 local radio revenues decreased approximately 4% and national radio revenues decreased approximately 22% compared to Q4 2010. The markets in which we operate radio stations were down approximately 3.8% for the quarter versus Q4 2010.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090806/PH57529LOGO )

Looking at current pacings for Q1 2012, the core radio business revenue is currently up approximately 6%, TV One's revenue is currently up mid single digits, Reach Media's revenues are expected to be broadly flat compared to Q1 2011 and our internet segment is currently up approximately 40% compared to Q1 2011. Given these trends, we are expecting a strong consolidated first half performance, and anticipate remaining in compliance with the various covenant tests contained within our credit agreement for the foreseeable future.

The company will release its full fourth quarter 2011 earnings statement on March 15, 2012 and will hold a conference call at 10:00 AM EDT on that date to discuss the earnings in more depth.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements represent management's current expectations and are based upon information available to Radio One at the time of this release. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Radio One's control, that may cause the actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are described in Radio One's reports on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Radio One does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements.

Radio One, Inc. (http://www.radio-one.com/) is a diversified media company that primarily targets African-American and urban consumers. The Company is one of the nation's largest radio broadcasting companies, currently owning or operating 53 broadcast stations located in 15 urban markets in the United States. As a part of its core broadcasting business, Radio One operates syndicated programming including the Russ Parr Morning Show, the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, CoCo Brother Live, CoCo Brother's "Spirit" program, Bishop T.D. Jakes' "Empowering Moments", the Reverend Al Sharpton Show, and the Warren Ballentine Show. The Company also owns a controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (http://www.blackamericaweb.com/), owner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show and other businesses associated with Tom Joyner. Beyond its core radio broadcasting business, Radio One owns Interactive One (http://www.interactiveone.com/), an online platform serving the African-American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment, which operates a number of branded sites, including News One, UrbanDaily, HelloBeautiful, Community Connect Inc. (http://www.communityconnect.com/), an online social networking company, which operates a number of branded websites, including BlackPlanet, MiGente, and Asian Avenue. In addition, the Company owns a controlling interest in TV One, LLC (http://www.tvoneonline.com/), a cable/satellite network programming primarily to African-Americans.

SOURCE Radio One, Inc.

Universal Travel Group Appoints Chief Operating Officer and New Board Members

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:41:30 +0000

Universal Travel Group Appoints Chief Operating Officer and New Board Members

PR Newswire

SHENZHEN, China , Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Universal Travel Group (NYSE: UTA) ("Universal Travel Group" or the "Company"), a leading travel services provider in China offering package tours, air ticketing, and hotel reservation services online and via customer service representatives, today announced that it has appointed Mr. Jun Liu as Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Ms. Moling Shang and Mr. Jun Liu have been appointed to the Board of Directors.

Mr. Jun Liu has nearly 20 years of experience working in the travel industry. Mr. Liu joined Universal Travel Group in November 2009 and served as Universal Travel's Deputy General Manager. He began his career in the hotel industry in 1988 working at the Beijing Likang Hotel. From 1993 through 2004, Mr. Liu served as General Manager of Beijing Likang Hotel as well as General Manager of Beijing Likang Travel Agency from 1997 through 2004. During his tenure, the revenue of Beijing Likang Travel agency more than doubled. In 2004, Mr. Liu established Beijing Hongtai International Travel agency where he served as General Manager. Mr. Liu graduated from the Party School of Beijing Municipal Party Committee of Economic Management.

Ms. Moling Shang has served during her career in several jobs in the communications division of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). From 1984 through 1996, Ms. Shang was the Chief of the Propaganda Department in the Information Bureau of the CPC's Central Committee. From 1996 to 1999, Ms. Shang served in numerous positions including Associate Director of News Agency for China Central Television and her previous role as the Chief of Propaganda. Following her successful completion of her previous roles, Ms. Shang was appointed Deputy Chief of Propaganda in the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee where she was responsible for the Three Represents campaign from 1999 through 2002. From 2002 to 2010, she served as Deputy Chief of the Information Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Ms. Shang graduated from the Branch School of Peking University.

About Universal Travel Group

Universal Travel Group Inc. (NYSE: UTA) is a leading China-based travel services provider, focusing on the domestic tourism market for leisure and corporate travel and offering packaged tours, air ticketing, and hotel reservation services. The Company targets geographic expansion in underpenetrated travel markets in central and western China; and it has established a second operation base in Chongqing. With the Chinese disposal income continuing to rise driving demand for domestic leisure services, the Company continues to benefit and dominate packaged tour businesses. The Company operates multi-channels sales with 24 hour call centers, online website, owned and franchised sales offices and various wholesale channels. For more information, please visit Universal Travel Group's website at us.cnutg.com

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Jing XIE, Secretary of Board & Interim Chief Financial Officer
Universal Travel Group Inc.
Tel: 86-755-86319549
Fax: 86-755-86319348
06@cnutg.com
Website: us.cnutg.com

Christensen
Kimberly Minarovich
Tel: +1 212 618 1978
Kminarovich@ChristensenIR.com

Christian Arnell
Tel: +86 10-5826-4939
carnell@ChristensenIR.com

SOURCE Universal Travel Group

TUV Rheinland Group: Electric Vehicle Makes a Hit in China

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0000

TUV Rheinland Group: Electric Vehicle Makes a Hit in China

PR Newswire

2011 Report on China's Electric-Vehicle Markets

HONG KONG, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The TUV Rheinland Global Electric-Vehicle (EV) Survey 2011, released in the fourth quarter, suggests that almost every car driver in India and China intends to choose an EV in the next five years. "This alone will completely change the market conditions", explains Dr. Thomas Aubel, Executive Vice President of Mobility at TUV Rheinland. The survey also shows that although the problem of charging is the biggest concern for Chinese drivers, most people are still willing to invest more for the sake of environmental protection. In addition, Japan and Germany are perceived asthe leaders in EV technology and thus customers would prefer to buy Japanese and German EVs. Potential EV buyers selected Volkswagen as their preferred brand.

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2012/02/07/20120207121009138335.html )

Study Background

The TUV Rheinland Group has a broad range of specialists and labs for vehicle safety testing in Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, China and the USA. This report is drawn from a poll of 6,421 people, conducted by TUV's vehicle testing specialists in 12 main markets including China, Germany, Japan and the USA. From this sample, a total of 502 adult drivers in China were surveyed. The respondents owned a wide variety of cars, such as micro, small, middle class, luxury, SUVs, pick-up, vans (MPV), roadster and etc.

Chinese opt to drive in the city and most driving is short- or mid-distance

When asked if they would purchase an EV in the coming five years, approximately 88% of the Chinese people interviewed said that they would, trailing just behind India with 92%. The poll finds that 44% of respondents would use an EV in the same way as their present car, while 39% would prefer to use the EV only for regular trips. Over 60% of driving journeys are in cities and 87% of those surveyed drive less than 100km in their daily lives, with journey times of less than 2 hours. The study shows that families with a higher income drive longer hours and distances than those with lower incomes.

Most of the Chinese respondents drive fewer than 100 miles per day. This makes driving an EV viable because the battery needs to recharge after a certain distance and this is likely to be satisfied. Thus, Chinese people are more willing to buy an EV than those in other countries.

The Chinese are willing to pay more for protecting the environment.

In China, 40% of those interviewed said that they would like to buy an EV because of environment protection. Saving fuel (19%) tops the list of environmental concerns; including combating global warming, air pollution, protecting our future from environmental changes and environmental protection through reduced oil exploration. The cost is also relevant; for example, the rising fuel price weighs quite heavily with 32% of respondents. To this end, 16% may choose an EV to save money on fuel. The purchase price, governmental subsidy and tax credits can also assist in the adoption of electric vehicles.

More than four out of five (80%) are willing to pay more to buy an EV to support environmental protection. 38% of the respondents claimed that they would prefer an EV to a regular vehicle even if the price of the EV was 20% higher. The study finds that those with a higher household income are more likely to value environmental protection, with 63% wanting to buy an EV, which is 11-12% higher than those with a lower income. One in four of the low-income respondents said that they were discouraged by the cost of environmental protection.

Access to charging points and battery safety are the greatest concerns.

As the data shows, charging options, convenience and accessibility will be critical to EV adoption. People worry about the need to recharge the battery after a certain distance (22%), the availability of charging stations (19%), the number of hours required to charge the battery (9%) and loss of power while driving (4%).

However, 9% of the respondents would not buy an EV due to safety considerations. Of these, 50% of them are very concerned about battery leakage/explosion (17%), battery safety (17%) and loss of power in the street (16%).

In summary, the future of electric vehicles depends primarily on charging accessibility and battery safety.

Japan and Germany are perceived as the leaders in EV technology

The specialists from TUV Rheinland Group found that when asked about the most technologically advanced country with regard to EV technology, more than half of the respondents perceived Japan (50%) and Germany (49%) as the leaders, followed by the USA (33%) and China (31%).

Brand Influence: a large majority of people prefer Volkswagen

For the question concerning, "Which car manufacturer do consumers associated the most closely with EV?", thirty-four percent of the participants named Audi, Honda and Toyota as the top EV makers, with Volkswagen (31%) taking second place and BMW (30%) in third place. Volkswagen takes the top spot as the favorite car manufacturer, while Honda takes second place. Volkswagen (31%), Honda (27%), Toyota (24%), Audi (23%), Buick (17%) and BMW (17%) make up the list of the top five vehicle brands.

This result shows that a majority of people favors Volkswagen amongst all, and then Toyota, Audi, Buick and Honda, which is more or less the same as the responses to the interview question "What is the brand of your primary vehicle?" It is clear that Chinese drivers will choose Japanese or German brands because they believe that they are the leaders in vehicle technology. The survey also reveals that people's first car buying experience has a direct impact on their next purchase. Volkswagen is selected as the best choice for an electric vehicle for its brand reputation.

As environmental and energy efficiency concerns spread throughout China, electric vehicles (EV) are increasingly seen as a solution for modern transportation. As they grow ever more popular, EVs will have a profound and positive impact on energy applications, transportation and society. EVs growing popularity will also create tremendous opportunities for charging systems and other EV-related products.

TUV Rheinland is an internationally renowned third-party inspection and certification organization, the team of experts foresaw the growth of this new market, being the first in China to launch testing and certification services for EV charging systems and our service scope includes: EV charging stations, EV cables, EV charging couplers and EV on-board battery chargers.

TUV Rheinland can help charging station owners, EV manufacturers, and component suppliers demonstrate the superior quality and safety of their products and equipment.

TUV Rheinland Greater China

A global leader in technical service provision, the TUV Rheinland Group operates out of 490 locations in 61 countries on all five continents. Our 14, 000 employees provide more than 2,500 types of services for 39 industries based on the guiding principle of developing sustainable safety and quality standards.

An important pillar for the Group since 1986, TUV Rheinland Greater China promotes technical progress by sharing expertise on technical innovations. TUV Rheinland Greater China aims to contribute to the region's development by becoming the leading provider of superior safety, quality and environmental services and solutions.

With 8 major offices in key regions, we are strategically positioned to deliver local testing and certification services linked to the safety of products and the quality of management systems. TUV Rheinland Group's 2000 employees focus on clients' requirement by reaching a competitive balance that provides reliable, high-quality products, safe working conditions and low environmental impact. The service scope covers the wide sectors of industry and energy; transportation; machinery; electric and non-electric products; food; system management certification and training & consulting.

Press Contact:

Simon Hung

TUV Rheinland Hong Kong Ltd.

Tel: +852-2192-1948

Email: simon.hung@hk.chn.tuv.com

SOURCE　TUV Rheinland Greater China

Center for Investigative Reporting, The Bay Citizen Announce a Joint Memorandum of Understanding to Pursue Merger

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:55:44 +0000

Center for Investigative Reporting, The Bay Citizen Announce a Joint Memorandum of Understanding to Pursue Merger

PR Newswire

Combination will provide highest quality nonprofit journalism and investigative reporting locally, regionally, and globally

BERKELEY, Calif. and SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR) and the Bay Area News Project (BANP), which operates The Bay Citizen, announced today that they have entered into a memorandum of understanding to pursue a potential merger. The agreement was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both nonprofit organizations.

The conceived merger will bring together The Bay Citizen, an award-winning nonprofit news organization focused on covering the San Francisco and Bay Area, and CIR, the nation's oldest nonprofit investigative news organization, which operates California Watch. The merger will create a more sustainable foundation for their shared missions: to provide high-quality journalism that is essential to an informed and engaged democracy. The proposed merger will bring together the collective expertise, reputations, and innovative talents of both organizations.

A transition team comprised of members of both organizations will conduct a thoughtful, thorough review process and will make recommendations about integration, which will be subject to approval by both boards.

The combined organization will have a board of directors that will include an equal number of voting members from both of the current Boards. Phil Bronstein, current President of the CIR Board, will serve as the Executive Chair of the merged organization and Robert J. Rosenthal, Executive Director of CIR, will be the Executive Director of the merged entity.

Rosenthal will be in charge of editorial and overall strategies and will be responsible for its day-to-day operations. Bronstein also will focus on overall strategy, as well as audience engagement, board functions, fundraising and overseeing a variety of approaches to support the nonprofit.

Together, Bronstein and Rosenthal will work with the Board and the merged organization to assure that it is at the forefront of creating unique, high-quality accountability journalism on multiple platforms. A crucial focus of the strategy will be to engage the Bay Area community in the organization's new form of accountability journalism.

"This is an opportunity to take accountability journalism to an even higher level," said Rosenthal. "We will now be able to combine all the strengths of CIR and The Bay Citizen and have an outstanding team of journalists focused on the Bay Area. With California Watch, CIR does stories that have made a difference in the lives of people throughout California. We bring CIR stories to national and international audiences. The Bay Citizen has brought voice to local politics, community issues, and Bay Area news in an innovative manner. We will now be able to bring our combined strategies for engagement and accountability journalism to a region of the country that can best embrace it. Because it's the Bay Area, stories we do here will be of interest to audiences across the country and around the world."

The Bay Citizen is a nonprofit, nonpartisan member-supported news organization that provides in-depth original reporting on Bay Area issues including public policy, education, the arts and cultural affairs, health and science, the environment, and more, online at baycitizen.org as well as in print in The New York Times Bay Area report on Fridays and Sundays.

Phil Bronstein said, "I've been a journalist in the Bay Area my entire adult life and have deep roots and affection for the extraordinary and unique culture here. There is more innovation, activism, and civic involvement in this region than anywhere in the country. This is the basis for engaging people where we all live. With our unified nonprofit model, we can bring together combined talent, technology, investigative power and creative skills to serve the public in dynamic ways."

Jeffrey Ubben, Chair of the Board of The Bay Citizen, expressed his support for the new entity. "The Bay Citizen and the Center for Investigative Reporting are each stellar news organizations. We look forward to working out the details and joining forces. Together, we will draw on the vision and talents of each of our high-caliber staffs, and ultimately become stronger and more effective than the sum of our parts. This merger bodes well for an informed and engaged Bay Area."

Brian Kelley, Interim CEO of The Bay Citizen, acknowledged the recent transitions in leadership preceding this announcement. "The Bay Citizen was the vision of the late civic leader, Warren Hellman. He appointed Lisa Frazier, who in less than three years catapulted the organization from an idea to an award-winning news force. This new direction builds on the creative and generous initiative of Mr. Hellman and the excellent execution by Ms. Frazier."

"The Bay Citizen was started as an experiment in journalism," said Susan Hirsch, a founding member of The Bay Citizen's Board of Directors and the philanthropic advisor to the late Warren Hellman. "My earliest discussion with Warren centered on the need to find innovative and creative ways to investigate and report the news. We believe the future of the free press is to be found in collaboration and cooperation between news outlets with differing strengths and this belief has led us to discussions with the Center for Investigative Reporting. From the beginning, The Bay Citizen has been committed to high quality journalism, progressive use of technology, and a strong business model. This potential merger is another step on that path."

The transition team plans to spend approximately 30 days working out the details of the merged entity, including staffing, board membership, and location(s). The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including notifying the California Attorney General.

About the Center for Investigative Reporting

Founded in 1977, the Center for Investigative Reporting is the nation's oldest nonprofit investigative news organization, producing unique, high-quality reporting that has impact and is relevant to people's lives. CIR's newest venture, California Watch, is the largest investigative team in the state. The organization's stories appear in hundreds of news outlets including NPR News, PBS Frontline, PBS NEWSHOUR, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Washington Post, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Sacramento Bee, The Daily Beast, MinnPost and American Public Media's Marketplace. CIR stories have received numerous journalism awards including the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Silver Baton, George Polk Award, Emmy Award, and Investigative Reporters and Editors Award. Its reports have sparked state and federal hearings and legislation, United Nations resolutions, public interest lawsuits and changes in corporate policies. For more information, please visit www.centerforinvestigativereporting.org and www.californiawatch.org.

About The Bay Citizen

The Bay Citizen is a nonprofit, nonpartisan member-supported news organization that provides in-depth original reporting on Bay Area issues including public policy, education, the arts and cultural affairs, health and science, the environment, and more. The Bay Citizen's news can be found online at www.baycitizen.org as well as in print in The New York Times Bay Area report on Fridays and Sundays. For more information, please visit www.baycitizen.org.

Contact:
Sara Ying Rounsaville
415.733.8588, syk@sff.org

SOURCE The Bay Citizen

Bi-Partisan Members of Congress, Prominent Former Officials Call for Peaceful Resettlement of Camp Ashraf Residents, Removal of the Dissidents from Terrorist List -- Californian Society for Democracy in Iran

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:42:35 +0000

Bi-Partisan Members of Congress, Prominent Former Officials Call for Peaceful Resettlement of Camp Ashraf Residents, Removal of the Dissidents from Terrorist List -- Californian Society for Democracy in Iran

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Members of Congress, prominent scholars and former U.S. officials called for a speedy and peaceful end to the standoff over the fate of 3,400 pro-democracy Iranian dissidents at Camp Ashraf in Iraq, amid warnings that a failure to quickly and safely relocate them would endanger their lives.

"There is a looming genocide that could occur if a number of different things don't go right in the next weeks and months," warned former FBI Director Louis Freeh. "Our goal here is to make sure that genocide does not occur."

"This issue is simple, and at this critical time, the U.S. position must be clear and steadfast," added Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "International humanitarian standards must be upheld, human rights must be respected – these are universal obligations, and the residents of Camp Ashraf deserve no less."

The event, held in the Cannon Caucus Room, was sponsored by the House Foreign Affairs Committee member Ted Poe (R-TX). Reps. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Dan Lungren (R-CA) and Trent Franks, (R-AZ) also spoke.

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat, also spoke in support of those at Camp Ashraf, as did Marc Ginsberg, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Morocco during the Clinton administration.

The residents of Camp Ashraf are members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK). Speakers also called for the State Department to remove the group from its list of terrorist organizations, a move that would speed their relocation, a view shared by renowned lawyer Alan Dershowitz and former New York Senator Alfonse D'Amato.

The group, which was placed on the list in 1997, renounced violence in 2001. When the U.S. military took control of the camp in 2003, it conducted detailed research and analysis on each of the residents there – all of whom voluntarily disarmed – and found no evidence of terrorist activity or association. Parallel investigations by other U.S. and international law enforcement organizations reached the same conclusion.

"A thorough individual background investigation… produced no evidence of wrongdoing, no evidence of criminal acts, and absolutely no evidence of terrorism by these people," said retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. David Phillips, who was the camp's commander. "I didn't read or get my information second and third hand. I lived it. I experienced it. I know it."

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose government took over control of Camp Ashraf from the U.S. military in 2009, has claimed that the Iranian dissidents' presence in Iraq "raises problems with Iran." In 2009 and 2011, the camp was attacked by Iraqi forces, resulting in 47 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries. Maliki had sought to close the camp at the end of 2011, but bowed to international pressure and allowed it to stay open until the end of April.

At issue is the fate of the dissidents; whose return to Iran would be tantamount to a death sentence. The MEK, other Iranian dissident groups and human rights organizations argue that those living in Camp Ashraf should be safely relocated to other nations by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. And while the Camp residents have already been granted "protected persons" status under the 4th Geneva Convention, Iraq has practically blocked the resettlement efforts by not allowing the UNHCR to start its process even though the UN body declared its readiness to do so in September.

The residents' supporters are also wary of the Iraqi government's desire to move them to Camp Liberty, a former U.S. military base near Baghdad International Airport, citing the lack of access to the camp by family members and lawyers, the lack of freedom of movement, the absence of UN inspectors inside the camp, the belief that those housed there would be denied adequate medical care, and the fear that they would be mistreated or brutalized by Iraqi forces.

"The way Camp Liberty has been pre-designed and controlled by the Iraqi regime, clearly at the behest of the Iranian regime, it is now a prison camp, not a refugee camp," Freeh said.

SOURCE Californian Society for Democracy in Iran

NACA Responds to GAO Report on Native American Contracting

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:39:11 +0000

NACA Responds to GAO Report on Native American Contracting

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to today's Government Accountability Office (GAO) report entitled, "Monitoring and Oversight of Tribal 8(a) Firms Need Attention," the Native American Contractors Association (NACA) released the following statement:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110325/MM71964LOGO)

"The GAO report contains no 'smoking gun' to justify further legislative reform of the Native 8(a) program," stated Sarah Lukin, Interim Executive Director of NACA. "The GAO correctly points out what NACA has long supported; that contracting officers need training to better understand rules and regulations, and that there must be greater coordination between agencies regarding monitoring and oversight of the entire 8(a) program."

The GAO report notes that the number of Tribal, Alaska Native Corporation, and Native Hawaiian Organization 8(a) firms increased by 49 percent between 2005 and 2010, and that these Native 8(a) firms significantly increased the amount of their competitive contracts over the same five-year period. Ms. Lukin stated: "More Native businesses are participating in the 8(a) program to expand their business acumen and, leveraging the experience gained, are competing for government contracts. Clearly the 8(a) program is working as Congress intended."

"Collectively, Native 8(a) contracts represent a small fraction – approximately one percent – of all federal contract dollars," Ms. Lukin continued. "Our small sliver of the federal pie is making a dramatic impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of Native people nationwide through scholarships, jobs, elder care assistance and other critical programs." Government contracting is an important sector for tribal businesses that are building sustainable, healthy economies in some of the most impoverished communities in the country, where unemployment and poverty rates are often staggering.

NACA represents over 200 Tribal, Alaska Native Corporation, and Native Hawaiian Organization government contracting firms across the United States. These businesses collectively employ over 55,000 people with an annual payroll of nearly $2 billion, with operations in all 50 states, several U.S. territories, and foreign countries. NACA's members represent over 675,000 Tribal Members, Alaska Native Shareholders, and Native Hawaiians.

For more information please contact Jennine Elias, Director of External Affairs, at 202.758.2676.

The Native American Contractors Association (NACA) is a national Native advocacy organization based in Washington, DC. NACA represents and serves Tribal, Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), and Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) across the nation on issues relating to the economic self-sufficiency of America's indigenous people, focusing on our members' participation in government contracting and the Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program.

SOURCE Native American Contractors Association

The Washington Press Club Foundation's 68th Annual Congressional Dinner February 8, 2012, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:25:12 +0000

The Washington Press Club Foundation's 68th Annual Congressional Dinner February 8, 2012, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington, D.C.

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Even if the news of 2012 is all about how the tenants in the Capitol just can't get along, a group of Congressional leaders will gather to prove otherwise as they join with members of the Washington press corps for an evening of good natured fun.

The Washington Press Club Foundation has invited Capitol Hill notables to join the guests of the 68th Annual Congressional Dinner on Feb. 8 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for an evening of off-the-record merriment, bipartisan style. We've asked them to share their take on the lighter side of life in Congress with the sold-out audience of members of the D.C. press and their Congressional guests.

Special guests for the evening include Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee; House Minority Whip, Congressman Steny Hoyer; Rep. John Carter, secretary of the House Republican Conference; Sen. Charles Schumer, vice chairman of the Senate Democratic Conference and chairman of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee.

Headline speakers are Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH; Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-CA; and Rep. Billy Long, R-MO.

More than 750 distinguished guests will gather for the invitation-only dinner, an evening of bipartisan banter and barbs that benefits one of D.C.'s leading journalism organizations.

The Annual Congressional Dinner is Washington's premier media affair, where members of Congress, elected officials and the diplomatic corps mix and mingle with members of the press. Inaugurated by the Women's National Press Club in the early 1940s, the event is among the oldest of the year's media galas.

In addition to the two prestigious awards presented at the dinner, the David Lynch Prize and the Washington Press Club Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award, the evening's program gets to the heart of the workings of Capitol Hill, as interpreted—with a wink and a nod—by those who serve there.

The 2012 recipient of the Washington Press Club Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award is Edith M. Lederer. Edith has covered all the major stories on almost every continent for the Associated Press and has served as an example and mentor to many a journalist throughout her extraordinary 50 year career.

The evening includes a special appearance by the House "house band": The Second Amendments, "No Politics, Just Rock and Roll." Rep. Collin Peterson, D-MN, on guitar and vocals, Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-MI, on guitar, Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-TN, on bass and former Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-MO, on drums and vocals.

Sponsors for the 2012 dinner include The Hill, CQ Roll Call, Toyota, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Ford Motor Company, United Healthcare, AO-HuffPost Politics, American Petroleum Institute, The National Beer Wholesalers Association, AARP and Honeywell.

SOURCE The Washington Press Club Foundation

Space Systems/Loral Selected to Provide Two Powerful Satellites for Australia's National Broadband Network

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:23:00 +0000

Leading Platform for Satellite Broadband Delivers Unprecedented Capacity Distribution Capability to Assure Internet Access to Rural and Remote Australia

Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) (NASDAQ: LORL), the world's leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that it has been awarded a contract to provide two high throughput communications satellites that will be used to deliver high speed broadband service to rural and remote areas of Australia. The satellites will be operated by NBN Co Limited (NBN Co), which was established to implement the Australian government policy initiative of providing access to high speed broadband to every household and business in the country via an integrated national network that will utilize fiber, wireless and satellite technologies.

"We are honored to be a part of the Australian government's initiative to provide universal broadband service to all of its citizens," said John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral. "Today, access to the internet is crucial for education, safety, and economic development. Satellite is a highly cost-effective solution for providing high-speed connectivity over broad geographic areas and the Australian government has demonstrated visionary thinking in looking to satellite as one of the three chosen technologies to deliver service to every part of the nation."

Space Systems/Loral has built more satellites for broadband communications than any other manufacturer, and has built the world's highest capacity broadband satellites which deliver more than 100 gigabits per second throughput. The two satellites, NBN Co 1A and 1B, are both Ka-band, high-throughput broadband satellites that use multiple spot beams in an advanced design that tailors capacity to Australia's vastly distributed population. When launched in 2015, the satellites will provide service to some of the most remote places in Australia, as well as its coastal islands and external territories including Norfolk Island, Cocos Island, Christmas Island and Macquarie Island in the Antarctic.

"This announcement is a significant step towards reducing the digital divide between Australians living in urban areas and those living in the most geographically isolated regions. Rural and remote communities can now look forward to receiving enhanced broadband connectivity that will assist them in accessing the types of business, health, education and government services that people in metropolitan areas take for granted, " said Mike Quigley, chief executive officer of NBN Co. "We selected Space Systems/Loral to design and build our satellites because of its leadership in delivering the world's largest and most powerful satellites, and its long history of success in providing satellites for broadband service."

The satellites for NBN Co are based on the SS/L 1300 platform which leads the industry in reliability and has been optimized to provide enhanced performance and capacity distribution for broadband missions. The satellites are designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

The contract award also includes satellite control facilities, support for system capacity planning and optimization, systems to manage satellite operations, and end-to-end systems integration support.

About NBN Co Limited
NBN Co Limited was established in 2009 to implement the Australian Government's policy initiative to design, build, and operate a National Broadband Network to provide access to high speed broadband to all Australian premises. NBN Co is a wholly-owned Commonwealth company that has been prescribed as a Government Business Enterprise (GBE) and is represented by "Shareholder Ministers" -- the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and the Minister of Finance and Deregulation. The organization's goal is to deliver Australia's first national wholesale-only, open access broadband network to all Australians, regardless of where they live. For more information, visit: www.nbnco.com.au.

About Space Systems/Loral
Space Systems/Loral, a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (NASDAQ: LORL), has a long history of delivering reliable satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the world. As the world's leading provider of commercial satellites, the company works closely with satellite operators to provide spacecraft for a broad range of services including television and radio distribution, digital audio radio, broadband Internet, and mobile communications. Billions of people around the world depend on SS/L satellites every day. For more information, visit www.ssloral.com.

About Loral Space & Communications
Loral Space & Communications is a satellite communications company. Through its Space Systems/Loral subsidiary, the company is a world-class leader in the design and manufacture of satellites and satellite systems for commercial and government applications including direct-to-home television, broadband communications, wireless telephony, weather monitoring, and air traffic management. Loral also owns 64 percent of Telesat, one of the world's largest providers of satellite services. Telesat operates a fleet of telecommunications satellites used to broadcast video entertainment programming, distribute direct-to-home video and broadband data services, and other value-added communications services. For more information, visit Loral's Web site at www.loral.com. LORL-G

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "believes," "expects," "plans," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "anticipates," "estimates," "project," "intend" or "outlook" or other variations of these words or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. In addition, Loral Space & Communications Inc., Space Systems/Loral, Inc. or their representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing, which may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and press releases or oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer of the company. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results as a result of certain risks and uncertainties which are described as "Risk Factors" and in the "Commitments and Contingencies" note to the financial statements in Loral's 2010 annual report on Form 10-K filed March 15, 2011. The reader is specifically referred to this document, as well as the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to (1) risks associated with financial factors, including swings in the global financial markets, financial covenants in SS/L's credit agreement, increases in interest rates and access to capital; (2) risks associated with satellite manufacturing, including competition, cyclicality of SS/L's end-user markets, contractual risks, creditworthiness of customers, performance of suppliers and management of our factory and personnel; (3) regulatory risks, such as the effect of U.S. export control and economic sanction laws; and (4) other risks, including litigation. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. Furthermore, Loral and SS/L operate in an industry sector where securities values may be volatile and may be influenced by economic and other factors beyond the control of Loral and SS/L.

Space Systems/Loral was selected to provide the satellites, NBN Co 1A and 1B, to NBN Co.

Ladies, Who's Your Baseball Boyfriend

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:20:43 +0000

Ladies, Who's Your Baseball Boyfriend

New fantasy baseball mini-game for girl gamers.

PR Newswire

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Girl gamer, Missy Wedig, creates a single draftee, fantasy baseball mini-game with delicious twist. Girls can pick one player to be their Baseball Boyfriend. During the baseball season, each player will earn points based on their boyfriends stats. The girl with the most points at the end of the season wins bragging rights for having the hottest boyfriend.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/CG49515)

Football is over for the season and spring training is just a few weeks away. To many baseball fans this means one thing, it's time to start planning your fantasy baseball team. It's also a time to start checking out this season's new hotties.

Last year BaseballBoyfriend.com was a site for Missy and her girlfriends to keep track of their fantasy boyfriend throughout the season. This year she's making it available for anyone to play. While you're playing in your normal fantasy league, you can pick a player to be your boyfriend for the season. Girls can keep their BBBF all season long or dump him for another man if he's not performing. As the season progresses you'll be able to see your dating history. If one man isn't enough for you, you can pick another boyfriend in each of your league.

In mid January, CBSSports.com announced a fantasy app market allowing developers to create apps within their fantasy sports platform. Baseball Boyfriend is one of the first independent apps released so far and promises to be another fun way to enjoy watching the boys of summer. It's also good reason to spend a little more time with your real sweetheart.

Media Contact: Frank Panko of A View From My Seat, +1-267-252-4473, frank@aviewfrommyseat.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE A View From My Seat

Flowers, Champagne and Discounts: 55% of Brits Plan to Enjoy Special Dining Offers This Valentines Day

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:01:00 +0000

Flowers, Champagne and Discounts: 55% of Brits Plan to Enjoy Special Dining Offers This Valentines Day

PR Newswire

LONDON, February 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- TOPTABLE REVEALS MEN LEAVE IT TO THEIR PARTNERS AS ONLY 18% MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR 14TH FEBRUARY -

A survey released today by toptable, reveals that savvy Brits plan to spend more this Valentine's Day but also want to get more value for their money with over 55% planning to take advantage of special offers ahead of their romantic dates.

The poll conducted by the UK's leading online restaurant booking site found that in spite of the current economic climate, one third of Brits planned to spend more eating out this Valentine's Day than they did last year, with most planning to spend more than GBP75 to impress their date.

However, British diners are also becoming savvier wanting more value for money. The survey revealed that over half (55%) of Britons were planning to take advantage of special offers to treat their date to more.

Women in charge of booking this year

When it comes to making Valentine's Day dinner reservations this year, it is British women who are wearing the trousers. No longer prepared to wait for their partner to book, nearly two thirds of the women (60%) stated they would be making the booking. This compares to just 18% of women who said their man was in charge, with the remainder stating it was a joint decision.

The rise of the 'mate date'

Although Britons seem to be getting less romantic, singles are keen to get in on the action with over one in three of those surveyed planning to go on 'mate dates' and make dinner reservations to dine with more than one other. Of those surveyed, only 25% said that if they can't dine out with a partner they would rather stay at home.

Lucy Taylor, head of restaurant dining at toptable said: "It is great to see that Britons are using both their hearts and their heads this year and aren't being a fool for love, taking advantage of special offers such as free glasses of champagne to accompany meals or money off set courses. By doing so, it means that couples can really enjoy more from their dining experience, maybe even visit places they wouldn't be able to normally. On toptable, you are able to see special offers available at restaurants of your choice and can even search by restaurant offers only which will pull out all the offers available in your chosen location, arguably a great way to enjoy more this Valentine's Day."

For more information on toptable, please visit http://www.toptable.com

*Findings based on a sample size of 1,074 British diners, research conducted by toptable running a poll on their website. Online fieldwork took place between 23rd January and the 26st January 2012.

About toptable
More than 12 million diners have been seated via toptable, making it the leading consumer destination for restaurant reservations in the UK. toptable.com provides a free and easy-to-use service, allowing diners to browse and book at more than 3,000 restaurants across the UK. More than 200,000 diners are seated at restaurants each month through reservations booked via toptable.com. toptable is owned and operated by OpenTable, Inc.

OpenTable, OpenTable.com, OpenTable logos, toptable and other
service names are the trademarks of OpenTable, Inc. and/or its affiliates

Appeals Court Finds California Ban on Same-Sex Marriages Unconstitutional

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:12:56 +0000

Appeals Court Finds California Ban on Same-Sex Marriages Unconstitutional

PR Newswire

Prominent GLBT lawyer and founder of institute that defends traditional marriage react to overturning of Prop 8 in debate held at UH Law Center.

HOUSTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mitchell Katine, local counsel in Lawrence v. Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court case that overturned sodomy laws in the United States, said he was "thrilled" with today's finding by a federal appeals court that California's ban on same-sex marriages was unconstitutional. He cautioned students at the University of Houston Law Center, however, that the case will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, and that might take a year or two.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120118/DM38067LOGO )

Katine and Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, founder of the Ruth Institute, a project of the National Organization for Marriage Education Fund, were debating the issue of "Defining Marriage" as a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals announced its decision. "I'm sorry, but not surprised," Morse said of the court's ruling. "I think we have a good chance at the Supreme Court," she added, noting that Katine had mentioned earlier in the debate that he had lost the sodomy case "at every level" before finally prevailing at the Supreme Court.

The appeals court panel ruled 2-1 that California's ban on same-sex marriages violated the civil rights of gays and lesbians. "Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples," states the opinion written by Judge Stephen Reinhardt, one of the court's most liberal judges. The ruling applies only to California and will not go into effect pending a likely appeal to the full 9th Circuit.

The Law Center debate was sponsored by The Federalist Society and Outlaw, an organization devoted to the issues of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender students.

The two veterans of the same-sex marriage debate argued the perceived benefits and drawbacks of legalizing gay marriage on society, participants and, specifically, children of such unions.

Morse pointed out "as a cautionary tale," how no-fault divorce was presented in 1968 as a simple way to lower the cost of divorce for a relatively small number of people. But, she said, it turned out to have a far-reaching effect on society as a whole and undermined the perceived permanence of marriage. Similarly, she argued, legalization of same-sex marriage would undermine basic principles, especially concerning child-rearing. The significance of marriage as an institution between a man and woman, she said, is how it connects children to their parents and vice versa. Children are "entitled" to a stable relationship with their parents, she said, and mothers and fathers are not interchangeable. Biology is the natural "default mode" of determining parentage, she argued, and legalizing same-sex marriage would be replacing a naturally occurring fact with something created by the state. "The state has no right to interfere."

Katine countered by saying he and his longtime partner are successfully raising two happy, well adjusted, adopted children. When he asked them what marriage means to them, he said his son answered "family," and his daughter added that it makes that relationship "permanent." Katine said, "Gay and lesbian people are not trying to change marriage. We are trying to join marriage."

He said the procreation argument is specious because many married heterosexual couples choose not to have children, yet enjoy thousands of civil rights and benefits that same-sex couples do not. Citing the First and Fourteenth Amendments, he said the United States was founded on freedom from government intrusion. And, though religion often plays a large part in debates over same-sex marriage, Katine said, "Advocates are not trying to force civil rights on religions." Morse later argued that scripture aside, same-sex marriage would affect religious institutions in areas such as employment, benefits, and pre-marital counseling.

Katine said any discussion of gay and lesbian rights, including comments from the Supreme Court bench in his landmark sodomy case, always comes down to the bottom line questions, "Who cares?" and "What's the harm?" As Lawrence v. Texas, was winding its way through the courts, he said then-President George W. Bush and then-senator Rick Santorum, R-Pennsylvania, predicted "the sky would fall" if the nation's sodomy laws were struck down. "None of it happened," Katine said. He predicted same-sex marriage will prevail before the Supreme Court and "ultimately it will show that gay and lesbian parents are good people, and the sky will not fall. I believe I will see in my lifetime same-sex marriage legal and my son will be proud of his family and my daughter will feel it is permanent."

Media Contacts: Carrie Criado, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, cacriado@central.uh.edu, 713.743.2184 or John T. Kling, Communications Manager, jtkling@central.uh.edu, 713.743.8298

SOURCE University of Houston Law Center

Consolidated Graphics Reports Financial Results for the Quarter Ended December 2011 and Additional $70 Million Stock Repurchase Authorization

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:06:35 +0000

Consolidated Graphics Reports Financial Results for the Quarter Ended December 2011 and Additional $70 Million Stock Repurchase Authorization

PR Newswire

HOUSTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Consolidated Graphics, Inc. (NYSE: CGX) today announced financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2011.

Revenue for the December quarter was $283.9 million, a $15.2 million or 5.1% decrease compared to the prior year quarter. The decline in revenue compared to the prior year quarter was due to an expected $11.3 million decline in election-related business, a 3.5% decline in same-store sales, partially offset by sales growth related to acquisitions. Adjusted Operating Income for the December 2011 quarter was $20.6 million or 7.2% of revenue, compared to $30.2 million or 10.1% of revenue last year. Adjusted Net Income was $12.6 million, or $1.21 per diluted share for the quarter, compared to Adjusted Net Income of $18.7 million or $1.60 per diluted share for the prior year quarter.

Operating income, which included a $2.0 million goodwill impairment charge, was $17.6 million for the December 2011 quarter. Operating income for the prior year quarter was $28.2 million and included impairment charges of $1.0 million. Net income for the December 2011 quarter was $10.8 million or $1.04 diluted earnings per share, compared to $17.6 million or $1.50 diluted earnings per share last year.

Joe R. Davis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Graphics, commented, "Our financial performance in the current quarter was impacted by expected lower election-related business and lower than anticipated seasonal sales of both custom photo products and sales into the insurance industry. The lower sales into the insurance industry primarily related to one customer. We anticipate that the decline in business from this customer will be temporary. During the quarter, we also had non-recurring start-up expenses related to launching new hardware and platform software for certain customers, that adversely impacted the bottom line."

Mr. Davis, continued, "Our recent investments in technology, such as our WorkSmart Suite™ products are being well received by our customers and will continue to provide long-term profitable growth. We continue to differentiate our customer offerings through investments in state-of-the-art technology, printing, and fulfillment solutions. Supported by our strong balance sheet, we believe these actions will continue to drive growth over the long-term and further enhance our competitive position."

Mr. Davis concluded, "Due to the seasonal nature of sales into the custom photo product and the insurance markets, we are optimistic that we will achieve year-over-year same-store sales growth in the March 2012 quarter. Based on current market conditions, we expect the March quarter's revenue to be in the range of $265 - $275 million which assumes year-over-year same-store sales growth of up to 5%."

Share Repurchase Program Update

During the quarter, the Company purchased 239,456 shares of its common stock for $11.0 million pursuant to a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of $100 million of the Company's common shares. Since beginning the share repurchase program in November 2010, the Company has purchased 1,531,549 shares of its common stock (13.0% of shares outstanding) for $69.1 million. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had 10,242,578 common shares outstanding.

Additional Share Repurchase Authorization

On February 6, 2012, the Board of Directors amended the share repurchase program by increasing the authorization to purchase the Company's common shares from $100 million to $170 million. Additionally, the expiration of the program was extended to September 30, 2013. The amended share repurchase program enables the Company to repurchase shares of its common stock in open-market purchases as well as privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to applicable securities regulations, and subject to the terms of our bank facilities, market conditions and other factors. The Board of Directors may modify, suspend, extend or terminate the program at any time. Remaining authorization under the amended share repurchase program at February 6, 2012 was $100.5 million.

A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Margin, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the attached tables and in the related Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Form 8-K also includes the basis for management's use of these non-GAAP financial measures.

Consolidated Graphics, Inc. will host a conference call tomorrow, Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, to discuss its third quarter fiscal 2012 results. The conference call will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet on our website (www.cgx.com) and a subsequent archive of such call will also be available on our website.

Consolidated Graphics, Inc. (CGX), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is one of North America's leading general commercial printing companies. With 70 printing businesses strategically located across 27 states, Toronto, and Prague, and a presence in Asia, CGX offers an unmatched geographic footprint, unsurpassed capabilities, and unparalleled levels of convenience, efficiency and service. With locations in or near virtually every major U.S. market, CGX provides the service and responsiveness of a local printer enhanced by the economic, geographic and technological advantages of a large national organization.

Consolidated Graphics' vast and technologically advanced sheetfed and web printing capabilities are complemented by the world's largest integrated digital footprint. By coupling North America's most comprehensive printing capabilities with strategically located fulfillment centers and industry-leading technology, CGX delivers end-to-end print production and management solutions that are based on the needs of our customers to improve their results. For more information, visit www.cgx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in which the Company discusses factors it believes may affect its performance or results in the future. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than historical facts, such as statements regarding assumptions, expectations, beliefs and projections about future events or conditions. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by the appearance in such a statement of words like "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "forecast," "project," "should" or "will" or other comparable words or the negative of such words. The accuracy of the Company's assumptions, expectations, beliefs and projections depends on events or conditions that change over time and are thus susceptible to change based on actual experience, new developments and known and unknown risks, including those created by general market conditions, competition and the possibility that events may occur beyond the Company's control, which may limit its ability to maintain or improve its operating results or financial condition or acquire additional printing businesses. The Company gives no assurance that the forward-looking statements will prove to be correct and does not undertake any duty to update them. The Company's actual future results might differ from the forward-looking statements made in this press release for a variety of reasons, which include weakness in the economy, financial stability of its customers, the sustained growth of its digital printing business, seasonality of election-related business, its ability to adequately manage business expenses, including labor costs, the unfavorable outcome of legal proceedings, the lack of or adequacy of insurance coverage for its operations, the continued availability of raw materials at affordable prices, retention of its key management and operating personnel, satisfactory labor relations, the potential for additional goodwill impairment charges, its ability to identify new acquisition opportunities, negotiate and finance such acquisitions on acceptable terms and successfully absorb and manage such acquisitions in a timely and efficient manner, as well as other risks described under the heading "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and the risk factors and cautionary statements described in the other documents the Company files or furnishes from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Should one or more of the foregoing risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the Company's underlying assumptions, expectations, beliefs or projections prove incorrect, the Company's actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in its forward-looking statements, and its business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Regulation G Reconciliation

This press release also contains references to the non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA, which we define as earnings, or net income, before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, goodwill impairment charges, litigation and other charges, share-based compensation expense, non-cash foreign currency transaction gains and losses and net losses/gains from asset dispositions, Free Cash Flow, which we define as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures plus proceeds from assets dispositions, Adjusted Operating Income, which we define as operating income before goodwill charges, litigation and other charges, share-based compensation expense, and non-cash foreign currency transaction net (gain)/loss, Adjusted Operating Margin, which we define as Adjusted Operating Income divided by sales, Adjusted Net Income, which we define as net income (loss) before goodwill charges, litigation and other charges, share-based compensation expense, non-cash foreign currency transaction net (gain)/loss, all net of tax, and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, which we define as Adjusted Net Income divided by diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are provided in the tables below. Management's opinion regarding the usefulness of these non-GAAP financial measures to investors and a description of the ways in which management used such measures can be found in the Current Report on Form 8-K we filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(Tables to follow) CONSOLIDATED GRAPHICS, INC. Consolidated Income Statements (In thousands, except per share amounts, and unaudited)
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		December 31,				December 31,
		2011	2010	Change		2011	2010	Change
				$	%			$	%
Sales		$283,891	$299,111	(15,220)	(5)	$794,644	$795,934	(1,290)	-
Cost of Sales		213,969	222,297	(8,328)	(4)	605,618	602,515	3,103	1
	Gross Profit	69,922	76,814	(6,892)	(9)	189,026	193,419	(4,393)	(2)
Selling Expenses		23,149	23,471	(322)	(1)	68,411	69,078	(667)	(1)
General and Administrative Expenses		26,922	23,973	2,949	12	77,855	70,071	7,784	11
Goodwill Impairment Charge		1,984	-	1,984	nm	1,984	-	1,984	nm
Impairment and Other Charges		-	991	(991)	nm	5,281	(2,475)	7,756	nm
Other Expense		238	138	100	72	429	195	234	120
	Operating Income	17,629	28,241	(10,612)	(38)	35,066	56,550	(21,484)	(38)
Interest Expense		1,676	1,805	(129)	(7)	4,831	5,904	(1,073)	(18)
	Income before Taxes	15,953	26,436	(10,483)	(40)	30,235	50,646	(20,411)	(40)
Income Taxes		5,119	8,867	(3,748)	(42)	10,281	18,182	(7,901)	(43)
	Net Income	$10,834	$17,569	(6,735)	(38)	$19,954	$32,464	(12,510)	(39)

Earnings Per Share
	Basic	$1.05	$1.53			$1.86	$2.83
	Diluted	$1.04	$1.50			$1.83	$2.79

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
	Basic	10,332	11,482			10,712	11,452
	Diluted	10,459	11,694			10,885	11,655

Effective Income Tax Rate		32.1%	33.5%			34.0%	35.9%

nm- not meaningful

CONSOLIDATED GRAPHICS, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share and per share amounts, and unaudited)
	December 31, 2011			March 31, 2011

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$		7,002	$	3,710
Accounts receivable, net	190,559			171,779
Inventories	55,677			50,888
Prepaid expenses	11,408			13,447
Deferred income taxes	12,137			10,787
Total current assets	276,783			250,611
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	385,191			388,681
GOODWILL	24,681			27,124
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	16,391			19,376
OTHER ASSETS	10,610			12,691
	$	713,656		$	698,483
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current portion of long-term debt	$	21,509		$	15,911
Accounts payable	97,970			90,100
Accrued liabilities	67,012			81,501
Total current liabilities	186,491			187,512
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion	175,822			154,161
OTHER LIABILITIES	21,597			13,820
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, net	51,236			45,629
Total liabilities	435,146			401,122
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 10,242,578 and 11,072,053 issued and outstanding	102			110
Additional paid-in capital	161,024			170,547
Retained earnings	117,335			123,990
Accumulated other comprehensive income	49			2,714
Total shareholders' equity	278,510			297,361
	$	713,656		$	698,483

Total debt	$	197,331		$	170,072
Debt-to-total capitalization		42%			36%

CONSOLIDATED GRAPHICS, INC. Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (In thousands, except per share amounts, and unaudited)
	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	December 31,								December 31,
	2011					2010			2011				2010

Net income	$	10,834				$	17,569		$	19,954			$	32,464
Income taxes	5,119					8,867			10,281				18,182
Interest expense, net	1,676					1,805			4,831				5,904
Depreciation and amortization	18,663					17,087			53,774				51,373
Goodwill impairment charge	1,984					-			1,984				-
Impairment and other charges	-					991			5,281				(2,475)
Share-based compensation expense	710					798			1,853				2,573
Non-cash foreign currency transaction loss	238					138			429				195
Net (gain) loss from asset dispositions	(331)					(78)			(725)				(174)
Adjusted EBITDA	$		38,893			$	47,177		$		97,662		$	108,042

Net cash provided by operating activities	$		24,901			$	21,714		$		63,329		$	51,898
Capital expenditures	(19,710)					(25,577)			(48,813)				(51,166)
Proceeds from asset dispositions	1,795					211			2,694				2,862
Free Cash Flow	$		6,986			$	(3,652)		$		17,210		$	3,594

Operating income	$		17,629			$	28,241		$		35,066		$	56,550
Goodwill impairment charge	1,984					-			1,984				-
Impairment and other charges	-					991			5,281				(2,475)
Share-based compensation expense	710					798			1,853				2,573
Non-cash foreign currency transaction loss	238					138			429				195
Adjusted Operating Income	$		20,561			$	30,168		$		44,613		$	56,843
Adjusted Operating Margin	7.2				%	10.1		%	5.6			%	7.1			%

Net income	$			10,834		$	17,569		$		19,954		$		32,464
Goodwill impairment charge	1,984					-			1,984				-
Tax benefit of goodwill impairment charge	(774)					-			(774)				-
Impairment and other charges	-					991			5,281				(2,475)
Tax benefit of impairment and other charges	-					(386)			(1,987)				965
Share-based compensation expense, net of taxes	433					487			1,130				1,570
Non-cash foreign currency transaction loss, net of taxes	145					84			262				119
Adjusted Net Income	$			12,622		$	18,745		$		25,850		$		32,643

CONSOLIDATED GRAPHICS, INC. Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (In thousands, except per share amounts, and unaudited)
	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	December 31,					December 31
	2011			2010		2011			2010

Diluted earnings per share	$	1.04		$	1.50	$	1.83		$	2.79
Goodwill impairment charge	0.19			-		0.18			-
Tax benefit of Goodwill impairment charge	(.07)			-		(.07)			-
Impairment and other charges	-			.08		.49			(.21)
Tax benefit of Impairment and other charges	-			(.03)		(.18)			.08
Share-based compensation expense, net of taxes	.04			.04		.10			.13
Non-cash foreign currency transaction loss, net of taxes	.01			.01		.02			.01
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share	$		1.21	$	1.60	$		2.37	$		2.80

SOURCE Consolidated Graphics, Inc.

Richard Beltram Selected For "New Jersey 2012 Select Wealth Managers"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:55:00 +0000

Richard Beltram Selected For "New Jersey 2012 Select Wealth Managers"

PR Newswire

Richard Beltram of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Morristown, NJ has been honored with a recognition by New Jersey Monthly in its selection of "New Jersey 2012 Select Wealth Managers."

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Announcing a special recognition appearing in the February, 2012 issue of New Jersey Monthly published by New Jersey Monthly, LLC. Richard Beltram was selected for the following honor:

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/DC49109)

"New Jersey 2012 Select Wealth Managers"

Richard Beltram commented on the recognition: "This is quite an honor for me. The fact that New Jersey Monthly included me in its selection of "New Jersey 2012 Select Wealth Managers," signals that my constant effort to deliver excellent work has paid off. It is gratifying to be recognized in this way."

About Richard Beltram:

As your Financial Advisor, I can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together to preserve and grow wealth, you'll have access to a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices. Our service commitment centers around a continual assessment of your goals, investments & performance while working with your CPAs and Attorneys, to help you identify potential opportunities, reduce fees and simplify your life.

Following the publication of Richard Beltram's selection for New Jersey Monthly's New Jersey 2012 Select Wealth Managers list, American Registry seconded the honor and added Richard Beltram to the "Registry of Business Excellence™." An exclusive recognition plaque, shown here, has been designed to commemorate this honor.

For more information on Richard Beltram, located in Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Morristown, NJ please call 973-993-5250, or visit www.fa.smithbarney.com/richard_beltram.

This press release was written by American Registry, LLC with contributions from on behalf of and was distributed by PR Newswire, a subsidiary of UBM plc.

American Registry, LLC is an independent company that serves businesses and professionals such as Richard Beltram who have been recognized for excellence. American Registry offers news releases, plaques and The Registry™, an online listing of over 2 million significant business and professional recognitions. Search The Registry™ at http://www.americanregistry.com.

Contact Info:
Richard Beltram
Phone: 973-993-5250
Email Address: richard.m.beltram@mssb.com

SOURCE American Registry

Communications Expert David Margulies Says Devil's Advocate Could Have Prevented Komen PR Problems

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:32:03 +0000

Communications Expert David Margulies Says Devil's Advocate Could Have Prevented Komen PR Problems

PR Newswire

DALLAS, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- David Margulies, author of the book Crisis Management in the Internet Age, notes that Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation's recent news headlines illustrate how important it is that every organization incorporates a devil's advocate in their decision making process.

"In any institution, fully vetting proposals by debating the pros and cons leads to better decision making and helps avoid public relations pitfalls," said David Margulies, author of the book Crisis Management in the Internet Age and president of the Margulies Communications Group. "A devil's advocate tests an organization's policies against how an average consumer, customer, donor, voter, regulator or the news media might react."

The recent controversy surrounding the Komen Foundation illustrates a common problem; the foundation is supervised by a small, closely knit board of directors. People with similar viewpoints and life experiences tend to reinforce each other's beliefs or want to avoid disagreement and controversy. A more diverse board of directors or the presence of a devil's advocate from outside the foundation's leadership could have easily identified the fallout from the decision not to grant further support to Planned Parenthood.

"In litigation it is common to stage a mock trial where a defense attorney argues the plaintiff's side of the case to help find weaknesses in the defense," said Margulies. "Many organizations neglect this process."

A complete discussion of the issue would have provided an opportunity to evaluate the likely response from Planned Parenthood supporters, the Foundation's own donor base and whether the justification for the decision would withstand close scrutiny.

Sometimes the process of utilizing a devil's advocate leads a decision not to move forward with a controversial initiative. Other times, it makes sure that the organization has fully evaluated the likely fallout and has developed a communications plan that addresses controversial issues immediately, instead of dealing with negative coverage as it occurs. Without a communications strategy, organizations often mishandle their public response, and risk having controversies dragged out over an extended period of time.

David S. Margulies is the author of the book Crisis Management in the Internet Age and founder of the Margulies Communications Group, a public relations and crisis management firm based in Dallas.

SOURCE David Margulies