Tuesday, March 3, 2009

US Global Mail Enters into Distribution Agreement with Vine Global Solutions, Inc.

Leading e-commerce company to provide fulfillment for VineMall.com

HOUSTON, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Vine Global Solutions, Inc. (http://www.vineglobal.com) announced it has signed a distribution agreement with US Global Mail (http://www.usglobalmail.com) to distribute items through the VineMall website. The agreement also includes other Internet operations which Vine Global licenses as the Vine Mall concept. VineMall.com is the only online marketplace dedicated to enabling international expansion opportunities for U.S. online merchants.

The agreement strengthens US Global Mail's status as a leading international e-commerce fulfillment company. US Global Mail's distribution network allows Vine Mall's international consumers to purchase from U.S. companies online. US Global Mail handles all necessary customs documentation. In addition, US Global Mail features a package consolidation service to provide the most cost-efficient shipping possible.

"This agreement further enhances the US Global Mail brand name as the global leader in international e-commerce fulfillment and we are excited to add Vine Global to our distribution channel," said Barry Wisnevitz, Founder of US Global Mail, Inc. "We feel we can provide Vine Global the best opportunities for success in a competitive Internet retail environment with our package consolidation features and real-time shipping system."

"VineMall.com is the only one-stop international marketplace dedicated to enabling cross-border e-commerce opportunities for U.S. merchants. Our agreement with US Global Mail provides world-class logistical solutions for our merchants," said Marc Raygoza, CEO/Founder of Vine Global Solutions, Inc. "We have been impressed with US Global Mail's proven track record and professionalism."

About US Global Mail:

US Global Mail (http://www.usglobalmail.com) is a leading U.S. mail and package-forwarding company offering service to consumers around the world. Established in 2003 and based in Houston, Texas, US Global Mail is a pioneer in international e-commerce distribution. US Global Mail utilizes the widest selection of shipping methods in the industry and offers the customer a real-time shipping experience. US Global Mail's state-of-the-art rate calculator provides fast and accurate delivery rates for all major shipping companies. Services cover packages of all allowable weights and sizes. US Global Mail maintains the highest standards in customer service and strives to continually expand features to meet ever-increasing consumer needs.

About Vine Global Solutions:

Vine Global offers a suite of e-commerce solutions that enable U.S. online retailers to quickly and cost-effectively expand into international markets. The Vine Global solution transforms any U.S.-based, English-language online store into a multinational/multilingual online store without any integration effort from the retailer's software development team. Vine Global's technology platform accounts for language translation, currency conversion, multi-currency landed cost calculation, channel conflict, product restriction management, export compliance, customs documentation, international payment fraud protection and processing, shipment tracking and door-to-door international parcel delivery.

Vine Global guarantees payment to the retailer in U.S. Dollars, effectively eliminating the retailer's risk typically associated with cross-border e-commerce sales. Our solution is equipped with proven and proprietary international fraud techniques that allow us to take on this calculated risk. As a result, U.S. retailers can sell to international customers without any software code changes to their existing online store. Vine Global is the only company today that provides a complete solution that enables and drives sales to consumer markets worldwide. 

    Contact:

    Barry Wisnevitz
    barry@usglobalmail.com
    Founder, USGlobalMail.com
   http://www.usglobalmail.com
    14781 Memorial Drive
    Houston, TX 77079
    USA
    1-866-596-8965
    1-281-596-8965

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

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Refinancing in Wake of Homeowner Plan

CHICAGO, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- President Obama's new $75 billion Homeowner Stability Initiative aims to help three-to-four million homeowners who owe more than 80 percent of their home's value. The plan focuses on "responsible" homeowners, who are still current in their payments but at risk of default. While not everyone will qualify, all consumers should take this time to ensure their credit report is accurate and that they are in good financial standing. If their credit report and score are in good shape, even those who aren't eligible for the stimulus plan may find it's the right time to refinance to take advantage of current rates.

Before refinancing, it is critical that consumers do their homework and understand how they will be viewed by lenders. The TrueCredit.com Mortgage Simulator provides consumers with a snapshot of their most up-to-date credit information as well as a personalized loan rate analysis to show them the interest rates they would qualify for that day.

In a recent New York Times article, Forrester Research Analyst Brad Strothkamp called the mortgage simulator a useful service. "What I like most about it is its independent, unbiased nature," he said.

Consumers can purchase TrueCredit.com's Mortgage Simulator by logging onto www.gotruecredit.com.

About TrueCredit.com's Mortgage Simulator

TrueCredit.com's proprietary offering delivers a listing of mortgage rates for which an applicant should qualify, based on a daily nationwide survey of rates from the Heitman Group. Rates are continuously updated, so users can check periodically to see if their rates have changed. The simulator automatically populates users' up-to-date credit score and monthly non-mortgage debt level so that consumers have a realistic analysis of their standing. Also included is a "What If" tool designed to help users determine how changing various factors, such as improving a current credit score or debt-to-income ratio, can improve borrowing power.

About TrueCredit.com

Since 1999, TrueCredit.com has helped millions of consumers manage their own credit health. Through a suite of educational materials, free monthly newsletters and easy-to-use products, the company helps consumers understand personal credit management and empowers them to achieve greater financial well-being. TrueCredit.com's online products include credit reports, credit and insurance scores, credit monitoring, debt management tools and identity theft insurance services. TrueCredit.com is the direct-to-consumer arm of Chicago-based TransUnion Interactive, a subsidiary of TransUnion, a global leader in credit and information management. Manage your credit. Manage your life(SM). www.gotruecredit.com

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Hannah Montana Fans Get Key to Online Secrets With New Book and Interactive Website

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Kids get the key to hours of fun and entertainment with Hannah Montana Secrets Unlocked Online, new this spring from Reader's Digest. Fans will covet the collectible charm with secret password that comes with the book. It enables readers to access a special website, www.hannahwebpass.com, that's chock-full of fun online activities. Kids can read about Hannah, her friends Lily and Oliver, and even heartthrob Jake Ryan, then log on to the website, plug in the secret code, and discover a treasure chest full of pictures, posters, printables and interactive activities.

The book and website each include three separate sections -- "Fashion Focus," "School, Friends, and More," and "Family Rocks" -- that not only show what makes Hannah so cool, but also give kids a chance to explore their own fashion style, relationships, and more. Fans will want to share with each other the book's familiar Hannah Montana moments -- silly, goofy, funky, and, of course, romantic. The website extends the fun.

Online, kids can design a room, guitar, bulletin board, birthday card, or concert t-shirt, choose outfits for Hannah, edit a magazine cover or yearbook, and print out a fashion calendar or a birthday keeper. Whether fans want to read Miley's diary, find out their "crush style," or create a Hannah Montana family scrapbook, it's all there at www.hannahwebpass.com. A special bonus page even allows kids to download and print posters and stickers.

The Hannah Montana Secrets Unlocked Online book and secret website are the ultimate key to fun for Hannah Montana fans.

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Monday, March 2, 2009

Southwest Airlines Named No. 7 in FORTUNE Magazine's Top 50 Most Admired Companies in the World

Southwest is Only U.S. Airline to Make List of World's Top 50 Most Admired Companies

DALLAS, March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southwest Airlines today celebrated with its 35,000 Employees the news that it was named as one of the Top 10 Companies in FORTUNE magazine's ranking of the World's Most Admired companies. It is the 13th consecutive year that the Dallas-based airline has been named to the Most Admired list. Southwest ranked No. 7 on the list of the 50 Most Admired Companies in the World in the March 16, 2009, issue of FORTUNE, which hit newsstands today.

"I celebrate this wonderful honor with the Employees of Southwest Airlines," said Gary Kelly, Southwest's Chairman, President, and CEO. "I'm privileged to work with the most dedicated, happy, productive, and devoted airline Employees in the world."

The honor is particularly special this year, because it is the first year FORTUNE magazine has combined both its World's Most Admired and America's Most Admired surveys into one. FORTUNE's own news release on the survey says: "the new Most Admired list is the definitive report card on corporate reputations."

The ranking is determined from surveys sent to company executives, boards of directors, and analysts of multiple industries, and each Company is rated on several criteria, including quality of management, people management, use of corporate assets, financial soundness, quality of products/services, social responsibility, longterm investment, and innovation.

In addition to being named one of FORTUNE's Top 10 Most Admired Companies in the world, Southwest, which serves only the domestic United States, also ranked third in the list of the World's Most Admired Airlines.

After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom. Southwest's updated gate areas and improved boarding procedure make flying Southwest Airlines even more convenient and simple. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states (service to Minneapolis-St. Paul begins March 8, and service to Boston Logan International Airport will begin in Fall 2009). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide.

www.southwest.com

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XFMedia Changes its Corporate Identity and Ticker Symbol to XSEL

BEIJING, March 2 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Xinhua Finance Media Limited (Nasdaq: XFML) (the "Company"), a leading media group in China, announced today that it has changed its name to Xinhua Sports & Entertainment Limited ("XSEL") following shareholder approval obtained on January 15, 2009. The Company is unveiling a new corporate identity which highlights its focus on the rapidly expanding sports and entertainment market in China. Its trading symbol on the NASDAQ Global Market will be changed from "XFML" to "XSEL" effective Monday, March 2, 2009.

Link to the new XSEL logo: http://www.xsel.com/logo/

Positioned to offer advertisers an effective platform to reach the young, upwardly mobile demographic in China, the Company has been growing its media platforms beyond finance with a particular focus on sports and entertainment. This is an extension of the continued effort to target the fastest growing and most affluent audiences in China. The new corporate name and identity more accurately reflect the Company's mission and its direction for future growth.

Ms. Fredy Bush, XSEL's Chief Executive Officer said, "Sports themed programming is the fastest growing and most profitable segment of the broadcast industry in China today. According to research conducted by Morgan Stanley, there are approximately 500 million soccer fans and 300 million basketball fans in China. Providing additional popular international sports content to these individuals as well as the sizeable untapped fans in China is a compelling business strategy and investment opportunity."

"China's media market is continuing to open opportunities that were not available just one year ago. Content is fast becoming the most valuable commodity in China. We are in the fortunate position of being able to leverage our well-established platform of media and advertising resources to deliver content across television channels, the Internet, and mobile phones," continued Ms. Bush.

XSEL's total media solution reaches approximately 250 million television viewers, a radio broadcast audience of approximately 125 million, over 480 million potential mobile phone users and an extensive university network of over 45 million students. XSEL provides Chinese audiences access to premium sports and entertainment content while also offering advertisers access to China's young, upwardly mobile demographic.

As a result of the Company's focus on sports and entertainment, it is rolling out a new corporate identity, which is derived from the concept of "spotlights", an element universally associated with the excitement of sports and entertainment. Moreover, its new corporate brand mark via its "X" shape symbolizes convergence, namely its capacity to bring together content and access, advertisers and audiences, and the best practices of East and West. The "X" also represents the Company's continued business expansion and extension. Furthermore, through the abbreviation of the new Company name "XSEL", the Company conveys to the market its ability to "excel" in China's media industry as well as its capability to help its clients "excel" in reaching their target audience in China.

The new corporate name follows a number of announcements by the Company regarding expansion into new ventures related to sports broadcasting and film production in China. Among these various initiatives, the Company acquired exclusive distribution rights in China to the All Sports Network ("ASN"). ASN's content includes the NFL, NCAA March Madness, all Pac 10, ACC, and Big 10 competitions and exclusive NHL regular and post season games. XSEL has also purchased the 2009 - 2012 seasons of the UEFA Europa League as well as rights in China to one of the largest fight sports libraries in the world featuring World Class boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Kung fu and other competitions.

About XSEL

Xinhua Sports & Entertainment Limited ("XSEL"; NASDAQ: XSEL) is a leading sports and entertainment media company group in China. Catering to a vast audience of young and upwardly mobile consumers, XSEL is well-positioned in China with its unique content and access. Through its key international partnerships, XSEL is able to offer its target audience the content they demand -- premium sports and quality entertainment. Through its Chinese partnerships, XSEL is able to deliver this content across a broad range of platforms, including television, the Internet, mobile phone, cinema, university campuses and other multimedia assets in China. Along with its in-house advertising resources, XSEL offers a total solution empowering clients at every stage of the media process linking advertisers with China's young and upwardly mobile demographic.

Headquartered in Beijing, the company employs more than 1,350 people and has offices and affiliates in major cities throughout China including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Xinhua Sports & Entertainment Limited shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ: XSEL). For more information, please visit http://www.xsel.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about XSEL's beliefs and expectations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Among other things, quotations from management in this announcement contain forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks outlined in XSEL's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F.

This press release is based upon information available to the public, as well as other information from sources which management believes to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed by XSEL to be accurate, nor does XSEL purport it to be complete. Opinions expressed herein are those of management as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. XSEL undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

    Media Contact

     Joy Tsang
     XSEL
     Tel:   +86-21-6113-5999
     Email: joy.tsang@xsel.com

     Lindsay Koval
     AGG International
     Tel:   +1-212-614-4170
     Email: lindsay@aggintl.com

    IR Contact

     Edward Liu
     XSEL
     Tel:   +86-21-6113-5978
     Email: edward.liu@xsel.com

     Howard Gostfrand
     American Capital Ventures
     Tel:   +1-305-918-7000
            +1-877-918-0774, toll free
     Email: info@amcapventures.com

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Pearson - Final Results Interviews With CEO and CFO

LONDON, March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pearson, the international media company, today announced its 2008 preliminary results.

In a video interview, Marjorie Scardino, CEO, and Robin Freestone, CFO, discuss the company's strong performance in 2008. They look at the results and outlook in detail, and break down the opportunity for Pearson in its different businesses including Pearson Education, Penguin Group and the Financial Times Group.

In addition to the interviews there will also be a live analyst presentation at 09:00GMT.

The interview, transcript and live presentation are available on http://w3.cantos.com/pearson.

It's free to view. All you need to do is register at http://www.cantos.com. Cantos.com, the online financial broadcaster, features in-depth interviews, documentaries and webcasts with senior company executives. If you would like to contact us, please email enquiries@cantos.com or phone +44(0)207-936-1333.

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CHAMP and OAG Announce Strategic Alliance to Automate the Distribution of Cargo Tariffs

CHAMP's Cargospot to publish real-time rates on OAG AFRA

BANGKOK, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- CHAMP Cargosystems (www.champ.aero), the leading provider of air cargo IT solutions, and OAG Cargo (www.oagcargo.com), the foremost data and online information services business for the global airfreight industry, today announced their global co-operation for the provision of real-time rate and booking services. This alliance will deliver a direct interface between CHAMP's Cargospot system and OAG's Air Freight Rates (AFRA) application.

Carriers utilising CHAMP's new generation Cargospot applications will now be able to distribute their rates directly to their forwarding clients via OAG's AFRA. This web-based solution allows the communication of real-time rate information between carriers and freight forwarders in a secure online environment. Carriers will have the option within Cargospot to upload their rates via the 'AFRA interface' and their latest tariffs will be automatically placed on AFRA where they will be instantly accessible to current and potential customers.

Mike Navin, Managing Director OAG Cargo Solutions, part of UBM Aviation, said: "We are excited about this initiative with CHAMP, which supports OAG's strategy for obtaining rate information directly from the source. The dynamics of our industry demand high-speed communications and data transfer between airlines, handlers and forwarders. Having an interface to link our two applications will speed up the communication process for critical real-time rate data and deliver added value to our customers."

James Fernandez, VP Sales and Marketing, CHAMP Cargosystems explains: "CHAMP's partnership with OAG is part of our strategy to extend the range of services available to our Cargospot clients. As we continue to invest in our new-generation product portfolio, finding the right partners is critical to us so that we can provide our customers with opportunities for growth and competitive advantage.

"Our clients can now have a direct interface with their customers, providing improved levels of service at lower cost. The real-time publication of tariffs is vital in today's competitive environment and Cargospot users will now be able to respond even more quickly to any movements or changes in the market."

Cargospot -- CHAMP's new generation suite of applications -- provides a modern software platform for airlines needing a complete solution to automate their cargo business or to replace a current legacy system. Cargospot is offered in both hosted and license options to suit companies of all sizes. The modules enable fast interoperability with business partners (customers, agents, and service providers) throughout the air cargo supply chain.

AFRA is a business to business tool for secure rate information between airlines and freight forwarders, and for the communication of sales quotations between forwarders and shippers. Airlines publish their rates on the system, and forwarders access the information under license. Currently it contains more than eight million tariffs including general, contract, ad hoc and net rates, and is used by freight forwarders worldwide to compare prices quickly and easily to find the right rate for a consignment.

About CHAMP (http://www.champ.aero/)

CHAMP Cargosystems is the market leader in providing integrated software solutions to air cargo carriers and their distribution partners around the world. With a comprehensive and proven portfolio CHAMP provides solutions to over 85 airlines and 200 customers worldwide, including GSAs, GHAs and Forwarders and is an IATA Strategic Partner.

In addition to the core airline business, the CHAMP portfolio includes extensive ground handling modules addressing the needs of GHA and GSA specialists. CHAMP also leverages its domain knowledge of cargo airlines and experience of ERP (enterprise resource planning) applications to deliver outsourcing consultancy and leading-edge SAP financial platforms for financial and accounting operations to airlines managing freight. CHAMP is an SAP(R) Channel Partner.

About OAG Cargo Solutions (www.oagcargo.com)

OAG Cargo Solutions provides an expanding portfolio of innovative products and services to the global air cargo community. Its air freight community portal oagcargo.com includes tools for routing and shipment planning, Dangerous Goods regulations, a real-time air freight rates database, air and road schedule data, tracking and analysis solutions and multi-media cargo schedule products. Its renowned Inforwarding service has more than 26,000 registered freight forwarding and airline users in 26 markets worldwide.

OAG Cargo Solutions is part of UBM Aviation (www.ubmaviation.com), a global data and information business for the air transport industry serving the passenger aviation, air cargo logistics, maintenance repair & overhaul (MRO) and business travel communities with flight and fleet information products, market intelligence, news and events. UBM Aviation is a division of United Business Media (UBM) Limited.

About UBM (www.ubm.com)

United Business Media Limited (UBM) is a global media and marketing services company that informs markets and brings the world's buyers and sellers together at events, online, in print, and with the information they need to do business successfully. UBM serves professional and commercial communities, from IT professionals to doctors, from journalists to jewelry dealers, from farmers to pharmacists around the world. UBM employs more than 6,500 people in more than 30 countries. UBM's businesses include CMPMedica, Everything Channel, PR Newswire, RISI, TechInsights, TechWeb, Think Services, UBM Aviation and UBM Global Trade. UBM is listed on the London Stock Exchange (UBM.L) and has a market capitalization of $2.5 billion.

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