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PROFNET WIRE: GOVERNMENT & LAW: First Anniversary of Katrina

Posted on: Thursday, 10 August 2006, 12:00 CDT

ROUND-UPS First Anniversary of Katrina (81 experts) Cuba-U.S. Relations (continued, 3 experts) Middle East Peace Process (continued, 2 experts) Immigration Overhaul (continued, 1 expert) LEADS 1. Energy: U.S. Electricity Grid Operations, Problems and Solutions 2. Law: Immigration-Eligibility Rules 3. Law: Senate Action on Patent Reform ROUND-UP: First Anniversary of Katrina

Following are experts who can discuss any aspect of the disaster and its aftermath -- economic, social and political:

1. CHAIRMAN DONALD E. POWELL was named by President Bush as the Federal Coordinator of Gulf Coast Rebuilding on Nov. 1, 2005. He has been tasked with developing a long-term rebuilding plan for the region in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, coordinating the federal efforts and helping state and local officials reach consensus on their vision for the region. Prior to this appointment, Powell served as the 18th Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). In his role, immediately after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf, he assisted banks in resuming operations and provided around-the-clock information to consumers about how to access needed cash, and visited the area, meeting with bankers to see firsthand the challenges faced by the Gulf region as it goes through the rebuilding process. News Contact: Patricia Charles, Patricia.Charles@hillandknowlton.com Phone: +1-202-944-5168 (8/10/06)

2. MITCH LANDRIEU, lieutenant governor of Louisiana, has played an integral role in the recovery of Louisiana. In the immediate days following the hurricane, Landrieu assisted in rescuing New Orleans residents trapped in their homes by rising water. In the weeks and months following Hurricane Katrina, Landrieu implemented and aggressively pursued Louisiana Rebirth, a four-point plan that is crucial to the recovery of the state and its second largest industry, tourism. The four points of Louisiana Rebirth are: 1. Rebuild Louisiana to worldwide preeminence as a top tourist destination. 2. Make Louisiana's Cultural Economy the engine of economic and social rebirth. 3. Build better lives and livelihoods than before for all of Louisiana's people. 4. Make Louisiana's recovery the standard for high performance, accountability and ethical behavior. News Contact: Kip Patrick, kp@mcopr.com Phone: +1-202-416-6116 (8/10/06)

3. SIDNEY COFFEE, chairwoman of Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, is the executive assistant to the Governor for Coastal Activities. In her current role, Coffee advises Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco on all manner of coastal issues, such as restoration projects and public education efforts. She can speak on issues related to coastal restoration and protection and the vital role Louisiana's coastal wetlands play in the economic and energy security of the nation. News Contact: Kip Patrick, kp@mcopr.com Phone: +1-202-416-6116 (8/10/06)

4. VALSIN A. MARMILLION is the president of MARMILLION + COMPANY. For more than 30 years, Marmillion has been a leader of public interest issues across the country. As director and spokesperson of America's WETLAND: Campaign to Save Coastal Louisiana -- the largest public education campaign in Louisiana's history -- Marmillion developed the messages and strategies that have led to rising national awareness about the importance of saving and restoring coastal Louisiana. A native of Houma, La., Marmillion served as chief of staff for then congressman, now former Senator John Breaux, where he managed legislation focusing on coastal sustainability issues in the Gulf of Mexico. He has also coordinated conservation and sustainability issues among the nation's leading conservation organizations that work with areas including the Chesapeake Bay, Puget Sound, the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River watershed. News Contact: Kip Patrick, kp@mcopr.com Phone: +1-202-416-6116 (8/10/06)

5. MAURICE A. RAMIREZ, D.O., BCEM, CNS, CMRO, founder and president of HIGH ALERT, LLC; founding partner of National Disaster Life Support of Florida; and founding chairperson of the American Board of Disaster Medicine: "Two recent reports by the National Academies of Science stated that America's hospitals and ERs are no more prepared now than a year ago. Worse, hospitals have failed to integrate emergency medical services (EMS) into their planning. These groups fail to realize that disaster medicine is primarily practiced before the disaster ever strikes. Disaster medicine specialists are part of planning for the community disaster response. Rather than embracing the concept of board certification in the new specialty of disaster medicine, these territorial and fractious groups seek to stake their claim. They have learned nothing." News Contact: Pam Lontos, PRwhiz@prpr.net Phone: +1-407-299-6128 (8/10/06)

6. PHYLLIS FREEMAN is the National Disaster Response director and manager of WORLD VISION STOREHOUSE, which is overseeing the distribution of 8,000 backpacks to school children in the New Orleans area between now and Aug. 29, the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina: "New Orleans has a unique opportunity right now to dictate its direction for years to come. If children can find a nurturing, family-friendly environment and receive the help they need to succeed in school, the Crescent City in 2025 will be hard to recognize given current trends as young people do more with their education. Gang violence will drop and the city will be safer. Education is the key. Helping kids get ahead in school is crucial." Freeman commutes 2,000 miles a month back and forth from her home in Dallas to her job in New Orleans overseeing the distribution of long-term aid to storm victims. News Contact: John Yeager, JYeager@worldvision.org Phone: +1-253-815-2356 Web site: http://www.worldvision.org/ (8/10/06)

7. DR. CLIFF STANLEY, Ph.D., is the president of SCHOLARSHIP AMERICA: "Many individuals and organizations around the country donated to hurricane victims. Where is the money going, and is it helping those in need? In the days after Katrina, many students were forced to leave their colleges to evacuate. To help students get back on their feet, Scholarship America established the Disaster Relief." Students who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina are available for interviews. Stanley is available to speak about how local and national organizations supported hurricane survivors and where the money many corporations and individuals donated is going. News Contact: Sarah Stakston, SStakston@PSBPR.com Phone: +1-612-455-1769 (8/10/06)

8. BOB GAUDREAU, executive vice president of THE REGUS GROUP, the world's largest provider of outsourced workplaces: "An increasing number of companies have gotten smart about disaster planning in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. By partnering with outsourced office providers, companies are taking a proactive approach and including a new element in their disaster and business continuity plans -- a fully furnished and equipped office location that's ready whenever, wherever companies need them in the event of a crisis." As we approach the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Gaudreau can share lessons learned as companies reflect on the tragedy one year later. News Contact: Debra Dekelbaum, debra.dekelbaum@fleishman.com Phone: +1-214-665-1343 (8/10/06)

9. ERNEST MARTIN, head of the insurance practice group at HAYNES AND BOONE LLP in Dallas, is co-founder and founding chairman of the Insurance Law Section of the Texas State Bar. Martin has been handling several major issues arising from claims for Katrina-related business property and other losses: "The event is still transforming the insurance industry, reshaping it day-by- day with court cases, arbitrations, bankruptcies and salvage operations." Martin can discuss this changing legal landscape. News Contact: Douglas R. Bedell, Doug.Bedell@haynesboone.com Phone: +1-214-651-5815 (8/10/06)

10. KEVIN RODEN, executive vice president and chief information officer at IRON MOUNTAIN, which provides information management, records management and data protection services, is available to discuss the ways organizations can safeguard their data from hurricanes and other natural disasters: "Organizations should make sure to evaluate their backup and recovery procedures as part of their disaster recovery preparedness checklist. They should also make backup copies of all critical data, store backup data off- site, and have a disaster recovery plan and backup solution that are tested in advance." News Contact: Sara Steindorf, SSteindorf@WeberShandwick.com Phone: +1-617-520-7259 Web site: http://www.ironmountain.com/ (8/10/06)

11. JON M. PEHA, associate director of the Center for Wireless and Broadband Networking at CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY: "First responders such as firefighters, paramedics, police and the National Guard depend on wireless communications systems to do their jobs. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 attacks, many lives were lost when these communications systems proved to be inadequate. Many American leaders talked about the importance of improving these systems across the country, but there have only been small incremental changes. Municipal governments cannot substantially improve the situation on their own, and, thus far, the federal government has not been willing to lead the way." News Contact: Margot Lester, margotlester@earthlink.net Phone: +1-919-967-3712 (8/10/06)

12. BILL HORAN, president and chief operating officer of OPERATION BLESSING: "They talk about the hundreds that Katrina killed in the wake of its devastation, but, in reality, Katrina is still killing people today." As the head of Operation Blessing, Horan has played an integral role in the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast. He can provide expert commentary on the social, economic and medical ramifications affecting the area. He has coordinated with Chairman Donald Powell and FEMA to help rebuild the region. Horan's efforts include the opening of a free medical clinic, and controlling the surplus in the mosquito population to help curb the spread of the West Nile Virus. News Contact: Peter Nasaw, peter@drcpublicrelations.com Phone: +1-212-966-4600 (8/10/06)

13. DR. CHRISTINA DRYDEN, assistant professor of integrative sciences at HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: "The environmental impact caused by Hurricane Katrina to the ocean itself can be compared to that of a forest fire in the woodlands. A forest fire destroys woodlands, but the charred material it leaves behind becomes fertilizer and promotes new growth in the future. Hurricanes can push high-oxygen surface water down into the lower-oxygen bottom water, which prevents fish kills. The lack of oxygen in deep waters creates 'dead zones,' leading to fish kills, which are occurring along a 70-mile stretch of the West Coast now." Dryden's background is in oceanography and marine chemistry. News Contact: Steven Infanti, sinfanti@harrisburgu.net Phone: +1-717-901-5146 (8/10/06)

14. MIKE MITCHELL, attorney at FISHER & PHILLIPS LLP: "With the height of hurricane season upon us, many employers have taken steps to ensure their information systems, employee communications and payroll will function in the event of a disaster. However, many other complex employee-related issues that could arise often are overlooked. Mandatory workers, benefit issues, overtime and OSHA compliance all produced problematic circumstances for business owners in the aftermath of the past year's devastation." Mitchell can discuss how employers can communicate with their employees what the company plans to do in the event of an unplanned interruption in operations. News Contact: Karen Hales, khales@deveney.com Phone: +1-504-949-3999 Web site: http://www.laborlawyers.com/ (8/10/06)

15. KEITH PYBURN, managing partner at FISHER & PHILLIPS LLP: "The AFL-CIO announced in June that it will invest $700 million in housing and economic development projects in New Orleans. Construction jobs will be the key industry in the region for the next several years. Construction companies and contractors face a number of concerns related to employment law: One is whether a company who subcontracts work is considered a joint-employer with the subcontractor. Well-advised employers are looking at the same factors as the Department of Labor, IRS, National Labor Relations Board, DHS and other agencies that enforce labor standards. A lot of people say, 'I'll just hire him as a contractor and pay him a flat fee,' but the circumstances as to whether someone is an employee rather than a contractor -- far beyond what you call them -- involves a variety of legal issues." News Contact: Karen Hales, khales@deveney.com Phone: +1-504-949-3999 Web site: http://www.laborlawyers.com/ (8/10/06)

16. TIMOTHY SCOTT, attorney at FISHER & PHILLIPS LLP: "Gov. Kathleen Blanco recently signed new legislation giving Louisiana more control in cracking down on illegal workers by allowing another level of enforcement through the attorney general or local district attorneys. In particular, the law allows for a $10,000 fine for employers who are not in compliance within 10 days of notification. Now is the time to make sure you are in compliance, particularly as Louisiana law allows for revocation of a business' operating license." News Contact: Karen Hales, khales@deveney.com Phone: +1-504-949-3999 Web site: http://www.laborlawyers.com/ (8/10/06)

17. DAVE STOREY, president and CEO of RELM WIRELESS: "Radio interoperability is essential to public safety. APCO Project 25 federal guidelines were established a decade ago to ensure that first responders across departments -- fire, police, EMT, etc. -- can communicate with each other across different radio systems. A year after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, P25 has still not been implemented in much of the U.S., even though it would allow rescue workers to communicate with each other, making life-saving efforts faster and more effective." News Contact: Shelley Pfaendler, spfaendler@kcsa.com Phone: +1-212-896-1248 (8/10/06)

18. BRUCE NEWMAN, professor of marketing at DePAUL UNIVERSITY and author of several books about political marketing and the presidency, believes the Hurricane Katrina and 9/11 crises define George Bush's image and legacy as president: "Bush took full advantage of 9/11 to get re-elected. He used that event to emphasize his decisiveness as a leader. But as the anniversaries of these events approach, he looks like a less credible and less honest leader who is incapable of responding to events around the world and insensitive to the needs of the people in New Orleans. The bottom line is that these catastrophes make him look like an inept leader." Newman can discuss how politicians use crises to mold their images, and President Bush's image one year after the hurricane. News Contact: Robin Florzak, rflorzak@depaul.edu Phone: +1-312-362-8592 (8/10/06)

19. DAVID A. NEWSOME, M.D., is the author of "The New Orleans Program: Eat, Exercise, and Enjoy Life": "New Orleans is more than a city. It is a lifestyle, a spirit, an attitude. And it is a celebration. With our fast- paced, fast-food lifestyle, we have forgotten how to relax, enjoy and savor. Adopting a New Orleans attitude can bring us a long way back toward enjoying life. We had asked ourselves on our evacuation odyssey, 'If we can't get back to New Orleans, where else would we like to live?' The unanimous answer was 'nowhere else.' The whole country needs the New Orleans attitude, for its own health and life. The spirit of the city inheres in those who fled and will continue as they return to heal." Newsome can discuss what makes the New Orleans lifestyle unique; how this lifestyle engenders better health; and why, despite countless diet fads and products, obesity is an epidemic. News Contact: Antoinette Kuritz, akuritz@san.rr.com Phone: +1-858-467-1978 (8/10/06)

20. JACOB VIGDOR, associate professor of public policy and economics at DUKE UNIVERSITY: "Before Hurricane Katrina struck, much of New Orleans' population was held in place by two forces: inertia and the lure of relatively inexpensive houses that have since been wiped away. It was a city of convenience rather than opportunity. Will former residents return even though they may have no clear economic rationale for doing so? Past experiences, and the results of the first year's worth of recovery efforts, point toward an answer of 'no.'" (8/10/06)

21. JONATHAN WIENER, professor of law and environmental policy at DUKE UNIVERSITY: "When decisions are being made on how best to rebuild and protect New Orleans, officials need to consider future climate change scenarios, such as sea level rise and increased storm intensity." Wiener has written widely on U.S. and international environmental law and risk regulation, including numerous articles. He is co-author of the 2003 book, "Reconstructing Climate Policy." Wiener can discuss how to protect New Orleans in the future. (8/10/06)

22. ANDREW S. COBURN, program associate director of DUKE UNIVERSITY's Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines: "You just cannot justify massive building and rebuilding near the most dangerous property in the United States." Coburn took startling photographs of Katrina's wrath during an overflight of the Gulf region. He has long warned of the pitfalls of construction in dynamic, ever-changing beachfront environments. (8/10/06)

23. JENNI OWEN, director of policy initiatives at the Center for Child and Family Policy: "Following Katrina, billions of dollars in relief flowed into the Gulf Coast region, but the distribution of those funds to the people who need them has been slow, complicated, unfair and inefficient." A guidebook that Owen co-authored, "Reaching Out to Those In Need: A Guide to Establishing a Successful Disaster Relief Fund," recounts the steps taken to manage the more than $20 million in donations to the relief fund established in the wake of North Carolina's 1999 Hurricane Floyd. Owen can discuss how relief funds can be used effectively in helping people recover from Katrina and in helping rebuild the Gulf Coast region. (8/10/06)

24. DAVID SCHAAD, assistant chair of civil and environmental engineering at DUKE UNIVERSITY: "Duke was recently awarded an EPA grant that will support students in their efforts to improve the durability of houses in storm-prone areas of Louisiana. The goal of the project is to assist residents of the Gulf Coast area by attempting to identify relevant technologies that show promise for improving the durability, affordability and accessibility of housing." Schaad is the faculty adviser to the project. Last spring, he organized a course at Duke called "Natural Catastrophes: Rebuilding from Ruins." He can discuss emerging technologies that could be used to provide durable, affordable and accessible housing in Katrina-affected areas. (8/10/06)

25. MARIE LYNN MIRANDA, an associate research professor at the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences and director of DUKE UNIVERSITY's Children's Environmental Health Initiative: "Health threats from a hurricane linger long after the storm waters recede." Miranda has used Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to create a special, Web-based Hurricane Response Portal that maps and identifies potential health hazards facing communities in the wake of major hurricanes. She can discuss lingering health threats that a community faces following a hurricane. (8/10/06)

26. DR. RICHARD WEISLER, a psychiatrist at the DUKE UNIVERSITY Medical Center: "A critical shortage of primary care doctors, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals in the Gulf Coast region is preventing thousands of people from getting needed mental health care, which may lead to long-term problems for many. There are serious health consequences when people don't get the right treatment for a mental health problem in time." Weisler is the co- author of a commentary that appeared in the Aug. 2 issue of JAMA. News Contact: Tracey Koepke, koepk002@mc.duke.edu Phone: +1-919-660-1301 Web site: http://jama.ama-assn.org/ (8/10/06)

27. WILLIAM CHAFE, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at DUKE UNIVERSITY: "As significant anniversaries for Katrina and Sept. 11 approach, the two events will be remembered as moments that define the Bush administration as incompetent. Looking back, Katrina and Sept. 11 will be bookends for an administration that has failed to appreciate and respond effectively to the information it receives. The administration as a whole was characterized by an inability to identify the seriousness of a situation and, then, respond decisively and effectively." Chafe, a historian, is the former president of the Organization of American Historians. He can discuss how the federal government's responses to Katrina and Sept. 11 symbolize the incompetence of the Bush Administration. (8/10/06)

28. CURTIS RICHARDSON, a professor of resource ecology at the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences and director of DUKE UNIVERSITY's Wetland Center, has studied wetlands loss in environmental hotspots worldwide, including southern Louisiana and Iraq's Mesopotamian Marshes: "Both the Iraqi marshes and the Gulf Coast wetlands have sustained their nations with seafood and gas and oil, as well as protected the people who live there from flooding and other natural and manmade perils. But they are not given very much value." (8/10/06)

29. DR. MICHAEL LOMAX, president and CEO of the UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND (UNCF): "More than 20,000 students from seven historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) along the Gulf Coast were displaced by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. HBCUs fill a critical need and role in the lives of students, and rebuilding these institutions is a must. Today, HBCUs remain one of the surest ways for an African-American, or student of any race, to receive a high-quality education. More than half of all African-American professionals who have an impact on the national and global marketplace are graduates of an HBCU. There is hope after tragedy, but only with the help of Americans concerned about the future of our country and the education of our young people." News Contact: Elizabeth Elegant, media_network@chi.bm.com Phone: +1- 312-596-3496 (8/10/06)

30. H. ALAN ROTHENBUECHER, partner at SCHOTTENSTEIN ZOX & DUNN CO., LPA: "Purchasing managers experienced a large volume of suppliers declaring Force Majeure due to Hurricane Katrina, forewarning them of delayed shipments. Courts have declared many suppliers improperly invoked a Force Majeure clause for the purpose of delaying supplies." Rothenbuecher can provide practical tips for negotiating Force Majeure clauses for supply agreements and can address the historical context of these clauses; how and why Force Majeure is currently used; what the law requires for a supplier to be able to use such a clause; and how a company can push back against the supplier and minimize the risk impact of such clauses. News Contact: Melissa Wilson, mwilson@szd.com Phone: +1-614-462-2307 (8/10/06)

31. MICHAEL GREENBERGER, JD, director of the UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND's Center for Health and Homeland Security: "Unfortunately, while there has been much study and talk about 'lessons Learned' from Katrina, in the real world, we are less prepared today to deal with a similar situation than we were last August. First, FEMA is in worse shape today than it was one year ago. Second, there is even more confusion today about 'who should be in charge' of a national disaster. Third, there are increased tensions between the federal government and the state governments about who should be in charge." Greenberger can discuss which level of government should lead in recovery from a national catastrophic event, the disorganization of the federal response and lack of effectiveness of the national response plan to Katrina, and the special needs (e.g., evacuation and medical treatment) of vulnerable populations, i.e., the elderly, the poor and the disabled, during a Katrina- like event. News Contact: Judith Lynn Heiger, jheig001@umaryland.edu Phone: +1-410-706-0914 (8/10/06)

32. DANA KOREY is the author of "Just In Case, The Ultimate Vital Document Organizer," a portable, step-by-step guide to gathering and storing your essential information during times of personal, regional or national crisis: "We have learned from Katrina that being prepared is everyone's responsibility, and each of us must take action now." Korey is a nationally recognized speaker and television guest on the topics of disaster preparedness and home and office organizing. She is the founder and co-owner of Away With Clutter, a professional organizing firm that has helped thousands of individuals, families, businesses, and corporations get organized and prepare for disaster. She also teaches a seminar on organizing before it is too late. Korey can discuss the most essential documents to keep and how best to protect them; best places to store/hide your documents; and best tips/methods/process to actually organize all your papers and create systems for easy retrieval. (8/10/06)

33. JEFF KARRENBAUER, president of INSIGHT, INC., an international provider of supply-chain planning solutions: "Natural disasters, acts of war and other events are reasons to perform a rigorous vulnerability analysis, a key tool in creating supply chain resilience. CFOs and others involved in corporate risk analysis need to take a realistic view of business risk from unimaginable real-world events. These impact corporate survival and highlight the need for assessing supply chain vulnerability as a factor in business continuity planning. Studies show that 40 percent of firms without adequate plans for business disruption are at risk to go out of business." News Contact: Becky Boyd, becky@mediafirst.net Phone: +1-770-642-2080 (8/10/06)

34. NICOLE DASH, assistant professor of sociology at the UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS: "Hurricane Katrina shows why those who will be most vulnerable, if threatened by a hurricane, need to know what resources will be available from the local government. Will transportation be available to help with the evacuation? Where are evacuation locations? What should you do if you don't have the financial means to gather supplies for a hurricane? Asking questions and planning early may be the difference between survival and tragedy for the most economically marginal." News Contact: Nancy Kolsti, nkolsti@unt.edu Phone: +1-940-565-3509 (8/10/06)

35. DR. JOHN BAEN, professor of finance, insurance, real estate and law at the UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS, can discuss redevelopment of urban areas following a natural disaster like a hurricane. He is the co-author of a paper titled "Urban Functionality and Extreme Natural Disasters; The New Orleans- Katrina Case for New Federal Policies and Programs for High Risk Areas." In the paper, Baen argues against redeveloping areas hit by a hurricane. He is critical of federal programs that encourage urbanization of areas at high risk of damage from hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. News Contact: Nancy Kolsti, nkolsti@unt.edu Phone: +1-940-565-3509 Web site: http://www.coba.unt.edu/firel/Baen/urban_functionality.pdf (8/10/06)

36. DAVID McENTIRE, associate professor of the emergency administration and planning degree program at the UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS and an expert on FEMA, calls the response to Hurricane Katrina "deplorable": "The real blame at the federal level lies with policies pertaining to homeland security. Mitigation for natural disasters has been ignored. The Department of Homeland Security has created policies without sufficient input from those involved in emergency management, and FEMA's budget and decision-making authority was eroded. It was logical that response to Katrina would be problematic under these conditions." News Contact: Nancy Kolsti, nkolsti@unt.edu Phone: +1-940- 565-3509 (8/10/06)

37. DAVID PREVATT, wind engineer, is the wind tunnel director and an assistant professor of civil engineering at CLEMSON UNIVERSITY: "Critical connection points in construction can make or break a house or building during a hurricane. In order to rebuild the Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast properly, roof trusses, metal ties and various connectors, top to bottom, all play a crucial role in keeping the envelope of a house sealed from hurricane wind and rain. Attention to these details can make a difference in whether a home or building survives the forces." News Contact: Susan Polowczuk, susan.polowczuk@clemsonews.clemson.edu Phone: +1-864-656-2063 (8/10/06)

38. BRYANT NIELSON, civil engineer, is an assistant professor in CLEMSON UNIVERSITY's Department of Civil Engineering: "Bridges affected during Hurricane Katrina showed movement similar to what happens in an earthquake. Retrofitting bridges to accommodate seismic loads may be the answer to bridges standing up to hurricanes as well as earthquakes. Post-Katrina repairs to damaged bridges were performed remarkably fast." Nielson toured the ravaged area with a national group examining roadways and bridges. It was noted that bridge decks shifted laterally to their supporting piers, which is what is usually seen during earthquakes. News Contact: Susan Polowczuk, susan.polowczuk@clemsonews.clemson.edu Phone: +1-864-656-2063 (8/10/06)

39. WAYNE PACELLE, president and CEO of THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES, can speak on the state of animals in the Gulf Coast region; recent state and federal legislation passed to help protect animals during future disasters; and what was done for animals over the past year and what will be done in the future: "Saving animals from the effects of a disaster requires planning by individuals and by government agencies. It's important to have pets included in government disaster and evacuation planning, but responsibility still lies primarily with individual families to plan ahead and be prepared. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pets." News Contact: Belinda Mager, bmager@hsus.org Phone: +1-646-469-4987 (8/10/06)

40. JEFF L. MYERS, M.D. Ph.D., is an associate professor at UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, and the chief of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at the UT Medical Group's Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center: "Despite the lessons learned last year, the health care industry is still woefully unprepared for major disasters. After experiencing firsthand the devastation from Katrina, I now practice medicine in one of the top 10 cities at risk for a major earthquake. Yet, like New Orleans, Memphis, Tenn., also lacks a federal plan to protect and evacuate hospital and nursing home patients during a disaster. Medical providers and community leaders must work together to develop disaster response plans that include communications tools and backups, security, public health safeguards, and reliable transportation to ensure the safety of patients and medical staff." News Contact: Joy Sutherland, joy.sutherland@utmg.org Phone: +1-901-448-6337 (8/10/06)

41. PAUL LAWRENCE VANN, defense expert, former Capitol Hill staffer and CEO of LAUREL WREATH COMMUNICATIONS INC.: "What I have learned from Hurricane Katrina is that American citizens should not expect their government to bail them out during a natural disaster. Hard-working, tax-paying citizens have been all but forgotten after Katrina entered the Gulf Coast region. Families have been displaced and misplaced without a care or concern for them rebuilding their homes or playing a role in the process. The blame game has somewhat subsided, however, there is more emphasis on assisting people in other regions of the world instead of here at home. Pity our leaders for neglecting their own because one day they will have to answer to a higher power. Let us not forget the great citizens in the Gulf Coast." Vann is available to speak with reporters about how people can rebuild their lives after a natural disaster, as an expert and someone who's living the experience. (8/10/06)

42. BILL BRANLEY, a New Orleans native who, along with his family after his mother's passing, was forced to evacuate the area as Katrina approached, believes New Orleans is overdeveloped. His thoughts and travels made their ways into his characters' lives in his novel, "Sea Changes": "Much of the city is built on reclaimed swamp land. As you go out from the city, the marshes and bayous have experienced tremendous development. This has affected what happens to storm runoff. You can only pump out so much water through mechanical means." As a consumer, he shares thoughts about how FEMA could be proactive instead of reactive. News Contact: Gail Sideman, gsideman@publiside.com Phone: +1-262-240-7433 Web site: http://www.seachangesnovel.com/ (8/10/06)

43. TIM JARRELL, publisher of FODOR'S TRAVEL: "One year after Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of New Orleans, residents and tourists are returning to the 'Big Easy.' After a successful Mardi Gras and a soulful Jazz Fest, the city is returning to its previous as a tourist destination." The soon-to-be released "Fodor's New Orleans 2007" (on sale Sept. 5, 2006) shows how the city is making its comeback and provides travelers with great information on hotels, restaurants, shopping and more. News Contact: Rachel Lieberman, Rlieberman@randomhouse.com Phone: +1-212-782-9586 Web site: http://www.fodors.com/ (8/10/06)

44. BERNARD WEINSTEIN, professor of applied economics, directs the UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS' Center for Economic Development and Research. He is the author of a paper titled "The Economic Aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: A Local, National and Global Assessment." The research, which he has presented in India and will present in Scotland, shows the breadth and depth of the economic impact of the two hurricanes. Weinstein can discuss the economic impact of Hurricane Katrina. News Contact: Nancy Kolsti, nkolsti@unt.edu Phone: +1-940-565-3509 (8/10/06)

45. JOHN MARINI, vice president of ADJUSTERS INTERNATIONAL, has led disaster recovery responses to every U.S. hurricane since 1992. In 1995, he helped establish a team of experts who assist states and municipalities with FEMA grant management programs. He has given numerous seminars on the topic of disaster recovery from an insurance and FEMA perspective. His team is currently working as advocates for the Port of New Orleans, City of Slidell, Jackson County, City of Pascagoula, and Mississippi State Port at Gulfport, among others, as they move through the FEMA grant application process, giving him a firsthand perspective of the issues involved in the Gulf Coast reconstruction efforts underway. News Contact: Judy Wolf, jwolf@adjustersinternational.com Phone: +1-315-797-3035, ext. 2051 (8/10/06)

46. JAMES L. CRENSHAW, Robert L. Flowers Professor of Old Testament at DUKE UNIVERSITY's Divinity School, has written extensively about the issue of theodicy -- human effort to justify the puzzling ways of the gods or God. Crenshaw can discuss whether natural disasters are a punishment from God. (8/10/06)

47. FREDERIC G. REAMER, Ph.D., professor at RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE's School of Social Work, is available to discuss crime and the role of Katrina on incarceration. This includes the risks of people in New Orleans who were on parole or probation who are now "missing" and are not being supervised because they have left the New Orleans area or supervision resources are not available. Reamer has worked as a social worker in various correctional settings, and has been the director of the National Juvenile Justice Assessment Center, U.S. Department of Justice. He currently serves on the State of Rhode Island Parole Board. In addition, Reamer can discuss the impact of Katrina (relocation, family disruption and stress) on struggling teens. News Contact: Theresa Spinner, tspinner@naswdc.org Phone: +1-202-408-8600, ext. 468 (8/10/06)

48. LYNN PURNELL HAGAN, Psy.D., LCSW, is a social worker and an expert on trauma. She was born, raised, and has lived most of her life on the Gulf Coast. Originally from Houston, she experienced hurricanes such as Carla and Alicia. Living outside of New Orleans in Slidell, La., for some 20 years, she experienced firsthand hurricanes like Andrew and George. She is currently back in Houston, where she is in private practice, and is preparing for the next hurricane and how she will be able to help herself, her family, and the countless others who may need her aid. Hagan has experience counseling individuals suffering from trauma, and worked in Kuwait for five years counseling State Department employees. Hagan can discuss post-traumatic stress disorder and how it affects children as well as adults. She can also discuss relocation issues, and how the unique culture of New Orleans may be permanently changed resulting from so many residents relocating to other areas. News Contact: Theresa Spinner, tspinner@naswdc.org Phone: +1-202-408- 8600, ext. 468 (8/10/06)

49. JOANNE VALERIUS, faculty member of the COLLEGE OF ST. CATHERINE's Health Information Management department, can discuss the impact of this disaster, and the public and personal health record concerns that have been uncovered by health information managers. She can provide information based on her personal experience in working with the Office of Public Health, and with the literature that has been written about this. Valerius was part of the Minnesota Lifeline team, organized by the American Refugee Committee. Her experience during this volunteer effort was the importance of building community and trust with other volunteers in order to develop very quickly a tool that could collect pertinent health information on the clients served. News Contact: Julie Michener, jcmichener@stkate.edu Phone: +1-651-690-6521 (8/10/06)

50. DEBORAH BOWEN, MSW, LCSW, is a social worker and grief therapist. She is available to discuss grief and disasters and how grief evolves over time. She authored, with Susan L. Strickler, M.Ed., "A Good Friend for Bad Times: Helping Others through Grief." She has two additional books about grief in editorial review. Bowen works with the North Carolina Division of Aging during disasters, providing mental health services to seniors. She also specializes in therapy with adults with a variety of clinical issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, grief recovery and caregiver issues. News Contact: Theresa Spinner, tspinner@naswdc.org Phone: +1-202-408-8600, ext. 468 (8/10/06)

51. CAROL JUERGENSEN-SHEETS, MSW, LCSW, is a social worker and a certified marriage and family therapist. She is available to discuss the following topics: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), how to help from afar, donation fatigue, helping children cope with hurricane disaster, and talking to kids to alleviate and process their fears. Juergensen-Sheets is based in Indianapolis, and hosts a live call-in talk show for News Talk Station 1070 WIBC. In addition, she has a regular weekly segment on CBS advising people on life skills for a weekend newscast, as well as doing a healthy living segment on a weekly health show for NBC during the week. She also writes a newspaper column for the Sunday edition of the Indianapolis Star. Juergensen-Sheets gave several television interviews in the first few months after Katrina struck on the topics referenced above. News Contact: Theresa Spinner, tspinner@naswdc.org Phone: +1-202-408-8600, ext. 468 (8/10/06)

52. TIZIANA DEARING, executive director of the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations at HARVARD UNIVERSITY's Kennedy School of Government: "Katrina's devastation threw a glaring spotlight on the human element of natural disasters. What often turns storms and hurricanes into genuine human disasters are conditions created by people and policies -- poverty, vulnerability and lack of preparation. It also underscored the importance of -- and lack of -- coordination during a disaster of such massive scale. There is no one nonprofit, corporation, government body or military unit that can handle it all. They all have roles to play, and then someone does have to coordinate them. Finally, Katrina called into question our understanding of who should take care of us. Who is responsible for the basic safety net when disaster strikes? Do we know? Do they?" Dearing can discuss Hurricane Katrina's lessons for and impact on humanitarian relief organizations. News Contact: Doug Gavel, doug_gavel@harvard.edu Phone: +1-617-495-8290 (8/10/06)

53. VICTORIA BANYARD, associate professor of psychology at the UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, can discuss the ways in which people react to increased anxiety and stress triggered by the anniversary of traumas such as Katrina: "Having social support from friends, family and community, as well as keeping normal life routines with work, play and hobbies are key to dealing with the increased emotions. This will be particularly difficult for people whose lives continue to be disrupted by Katrina because they have not been able to return home." News Contact: Lori Wright, lori.wright@unh.edu Phone: +1-603-862-0574 Web site: http://www.unh.edu/news/news_releases/2006/april/lw_060412june1.html (8/10/06)

54. ROBERT WHEELERSBURG, associate professor of anthropology at ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE, knows firsthand the difficulties encountered by federal government officials trying to provide assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina. As an Army Reserve major, Wheelersburg spent more than five years assigned to FEMA's Region III headquarters in Philadelphia as a liaison officer in the Department of Defense Emergency Preparedness. He was activated for several natural and man-made disasters in Region III and other regions, including Hurricanes Bonnie and Fran, the Florida Wildfires and Y2K. He was also one of the first Department of Defense troops activated for the Pentagon attack on 9/11. News Contact: Mary Dolheimer, dolheimerm@etown.edu Phone: +1- 717-361-1587 (8/10/06)

55. KEN BODE, former CNN senior political analyst, is Pulliam Professor of Journalism at DePAUW UNIVERSITY. He offered an op-ed on the six-month anniversary of Katrina after visiting the region. News Contact: Ken Owen, kowen@depauw.edu Phone: +1-765-658-4634 Web site: http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=17278 (8/10/06)

56. ANNA BURGER is the international secretary and treasurer of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION (SEIU). Making good on a promise the Change to Win Federation made last year, July 25, 2006, saw the doors open on the Worker Resource Center in New Orleans. The Worker Resource Center is supported by Change to Win and a broad coalition of local and community-based organizations, and is an ambitious effort to help thousands of New Orleans workers -- and evacuees who have not returned -- find employment and gain access to essential health and financial benefits. Burger can discuss efforts being made by unions and community groups to provide job-training opportunities to workers in New Orleans -- and evacuees who have not returned. She can comment on the significance of helping New Orleans workers find employment and gain access to essential health and financial benefits. News Contact: Jennifer Ale, alej@seiu.org Phone: +1-202-898-3376 (8/10/06)

57. CLAUDIA A. WOLF, CPA, CFE, is a partner in the Chicago office of DELOITTE FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES LLP ("Deloitte FAS"), and the national leader of the Business Insurance Claims Consulting practice within Forensic & Dispute Services. Wolf has more than 20 years of experience in insurance claims accounting, having spent her career performing analysis of financial and operating data necessary for the determination and verification of losses sustained due to property and casualty losses and other disruptions to businesses in a considerable range of industries. News contact: Robin Brasner, Rbrassner@aol.com Phone: +1-212-262-7472 (8/10/06)

58. BYRON O. SPRUELL is the Midwest regional managing principal for the Forensic & Dispute Services practice of DELOITTE FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES LLP ("Deloitte FAS"). Formerly, Spruell led the Forensic & Dispute Services practice in the Houston office and is a recognized leader in the Gulf Coast Region of Deloitte FAS' Dispute Consulting practice. He has more than 14 years of experience in the areas of dispute consulting, business insurance consulting and complex damage claims analysis. Spruell provides expert witness testimony and related services in litigation, arbitration and mediation matters across a number of industries including aviation, construction, energy, high technology, manufacturing, maritime, oil and gas, and retail. News contact: Robin Brasner, Rbrassner@aol.com Phone: +1-212-262-7472 (8/10/06)

59. DAVID EISNER is the CEO of the CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE, which administers the Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs. He was appointed by President Bush and began serving in December 2003. Eisner is a nationally recognized leader on nonprofit capacity building, infrastructure and organizational effectiveness. News Contact: Patricia Charles, Patricia.Charles@hillandknowlton.com Phone: +1-202-944-5168 (8/10/06)

60. RALPH LOCURCIO, retired brigadier general, is the director of the construction management program at the FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. He learned many lessons in disaster recovery as commander of the Kuwait Emergency Reconstruction Office following the first Gulf War; as commander of the Hurricanes Hugo and Iniki recovery operations; and consultant to the Mount Pinatubo recovery operations. Locurcio can discuss disaster recovery's physical reconstruction aspects. News Contact: Karen Rhine, krhine@fit.edu Phone: +1-321-674-8964 (8/10/06)

61. MIKE TIDWELL, environmental advocate, predicted Hurricane Katrina in vivid detail in his 2003 book, "Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana's Cajun Coast." In his new book, "The Ravaging Tide: Strange Weather, Future Katrinas, and the Coming Death of America's Coastal Cities," Tidwell predicts that because of global warming, ocean levels will rise by three feet in the coming decades, endangering coastal populations not only in North America, but throughout the world. Tidwell can discuss his forecasts that in the next 75 years, much of the Florida peninsula and Lower Manhattan could lie under ocean water. News Contact: Nicole Kalian, nicole.kalian@simonandschuster.com Phone: +1-212-632-4992 (8/10/06)

62. JOSEPH SCHWIETERMAN, director of DePAUL UNIVERSITY's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development, can discuss the overall rebuilding of New Orleans, and issues involving energy, transportation, commerce and city facilities. News Contact: Roxanne Brown, rbrown11@depaul.edu Phone: +1-312- 362-8623 (8/10/06)

63. NEIL VINCENT, assistant professor of social work at DePAUL UNIVERSITY, can talk about how such factors as poverty and stress caused by the magnitude of the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina may still be weighing on its victims. Vincent is a native of Lafayette, La., and, prior to moving to Chicago in 2005, spent the previous six years living in New Orleans. News Contact: Roxanne Brown, rbrown11@depaul.edu Phone: +1-312-362-8623 (8/10/06)

64. SHEILA RIBORDY, director of DePAUL UNIVERSITY's Mental Health Center and professor of psychology, can discuss the long-term psychological effects of displacement on children, youth and families; the positive and negative impact of rebuilding or starting over; and how poverty continues to shape the lives of those people most affected by Hurricane Katrina. (Ribordy will be out of the country and unreachable until Aug. 22.) News Contact: Roxanne Brown, rbrown11@depaul.edu Phone: +1-312-362-8623 (8/10/06)

65. MICHAEL J. OLIVIER, secretary of Louisiana Economic Development (LED), can discuss the economic development challenges and opportunities that remain nearly a year since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast. He can also talk about local, national and international investors interested in business opportunities in Louisiana. News Contact: Mira Meghdessian, mira.meghdessian@dc-intl.com Phone: +1-212-725-0707 http://www.louisianaforward.com/ (8/10/06)

66. MARK LEWIS, president of the Louisiana Technology Council (LTC), can discuss the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the state's technology sector, as well as provide examples of businesses, small and large, that have had to cope with the disaster. Lewis and his staff worked directly with the state's technology community to meet their needs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. News Contact: Mira Meghdessian, mira.meghdessian@dc-intl.com Phone: +1-212- 725-0707 http://www.ltc-la.org/ (8/10/06)

67. TIM WILLIAMSON, president of The Idea Village, a New Orleans business incubator, works directly with hundreds of entrepreneurs and small-business owners whose business has been affected by Hurricane Katrina. Williamson can offer numerous examples of creative ways that companies and their employees have kept their businesses running, some having prospered and even grown. News Contact: Mira Meghdessian, mira.meghdessian@dc-intl.com Phone: +1-212-725-0707 http://www.ideavillage.org/ (8/10/06)

68. MARK DRENNEN, president and CEO of GREATER NEW ORLEANS, INC., can discuss the reconstruction efforts within the ten-parish Greater New Orleans region, as well as the area's economic development efforts. News Contact: Mira Meghdessian, mira.meghdessian@dc-intl.com Phone: +1-212-725-0707 http://inc.gnoinc.org/ (8/10/06)

The following experts from the UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE are available: KEVIN GARDNER, director of the Center for Contaminated Sediment Research, can discuss the clean-up of contaminated sediment. DAVID BROWN, assistant professor of geography and the New Hampshire state climatologist, can discuss why Hurricane Katrina was so intense and whether there will be more hurricanes like it. NANCY KINNER, professor of civil engineering and the director of the Coastal Response Research Center, can discuss oil spills, soil and groundwater contamination, and bioremediation, a clean-up technology that uses naturally occurring microorganisms to degrade hazardous substances into less toxic or nontoxic compounds. KURK DORSEY, associate professor of history, can discuss the history of New Orleans from an environmental standpoint as well as the decision to rebuild.

Also, RICHARD LANGAN, director of the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology, and the UNH/NOAA Open Ocean Aquaculture Project, can discuss aquaculture, including the shellfish/oyster industry, and coastal pollution and degradation. ROBERT ROSEEN, director of the Stormwater Center, can discuss stormwater management, a major coastal water quality issue. JOHN BURGER, entomologist and professor of zoology, can comment on West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses. MICHAEL ROBIN COLLINS, professor of civil engineering, can address the effects of Katrina on water supplies and wastewater management along the Gulf Coast. MEL DUBNICK, professor of public administration, can address the effects of Katrina on municipal services, and discuss the federal administrative aspects of the disaster in terms of FEMA response and accountability. BRAD MANNING, director of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and the University Emergency Group, can discuss how regions plan for and mitigate the effects of natural disasters. J. WILLIAM HARRIS, professor of history, can discuss what has been learned about race and poverty along the Gulf Coast as a result of the hurricane. SHARYN POTTER, associate professor of sociology, can address the social and health consequences of people who survived Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. JIM WIBLE, professor of economics, can discuss the economic consequences of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. News Contact: Lori Wright, lori.wright@unh.edu Phone: +1-603-862-0574 (8/10/06)

ROUND-UP: CUBA-U.S. RELATIONS (continued)

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1. WILLIAM LEOGRANDE, dean of AMERICAN UNIVERSITY's School of Public Affairs: "No matter how long Castro has ever been out of Cuba traveling, or in any other situation, there's never been a transfer of power. I think it's going to have a very strong impact -- they've clearly been paving the way for succession to Raul for some time now, and this is only going to re-ignite speculation about Castro's health." LeoGrande has written widely in the field of Latin American politics and U.S. foreign policy, with a particular emphasis on Cuba and Latin America. News Contact: Maralee Csellar, csellar@american.edu Phone: +1-202-885-5952 (8/10/06)

2. KENYA C. DWORKIN y MENDEZ, an associate professor of Hispanic studies at CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, is a Cuban native. She is available to discuss the ongoing situation in Cuba, as well as immigration reform proposals. News Contact: Jonathan Potts, jpotts@andrew.cmu.edu Phone: +1-412-268-6094 (8/10/06)

3. GARY PREVOST, author and lecturer, is a professor of political science at the College of Saint Benedict/SAINT JOHN'S UNIVERSITY. Prevost has done extensive research into Central and Latin American politics and social movements. His co-edited book, "Cuba: The Different American," is indicative of his in-depth perspective of Cuba. News Contact: Michael Hemmesch, mhemmesch@csbsju.edu Phone: +1-320-363-2595 (8/10/06)

ROUND-UP: MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS (continued)

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1. MEHDI NOORBAKSH, associate of international affairs at the HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: "The United States will face a grueling time in the Middle East. The Israeli-Hezbollah war in Lebanon left behind more casualties than mere humans from both sides. The first casualty was the United States' credibility around the world, and especially in the Middle East, a place in which Washington is in desperate need of credibility. The Israelis lost the myth of a strong army that can swiftly crush any threat from outside. Hezbollah's ability to withstand Israeli assault in Lebanon and continuously inflict blows on Israel exposed the strength of a militia group against a strong conventional army." Noorbaksh can offer insights on the impact of this conflict on U.S. policy in the region. He has published extensively on the Middle East politics, including publishing with the Foreign Policy Association, Middle East Policy Journal, International Journal of Middle Eastern Studies and others. News Contact: Steven Infanti, sinfanti@harrisburgu.net Phone: +1-717-901-5146 (8/10/06)

2. DR. MICHAEL LAITMAN, author of "Kabbalah, Science & The Meaning of Life," can talk about Israel's special role in global affairs that it is currently neglecting. Laitman's live daily lessons are broadcast on Israel television and on kab.tv to thousands around the world in five languages. His teachings explain how understanding these hidden forces is the key to having a complete picture of the world we live in, and the means for evolving in a peaceful and harmonious manner where we are completely in tune with nature and the universe. News Contact: Josia Nakash, josia@kbb1.com Phone: +1-972-3- 9228428 (8/10/06)

ROUND-UP: IMMIGRATION OVERHAUL (continued)

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1. SUSAN REDMAN-RENGSTORF is the vice president of the NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR COMMUNITY AND JUSTICE (NCCJ): "The United States is a large, diverse society comprised of virtually every ethnic and cultural group found across the globe. This diversity, brought about by immigrants, presents enormous challenges in creating positive inter-group relations. Much work is needed for the U.S. to realize its full potential as a democracy that provides liberty and justice for all." Redman-Rengstorf can provide statistics demonstrating how immigrants are perceived, discrimination against immigrants, and whether immigrants are taking jobs away from people born in America. News Contact: Cheryl Besl, cheryl.besl@strata-g.com Phone: +1-513-381-8855 (8/10/06)

LEADS

1. ENERGY: U.S. ELECTRICITY GRID OPERATIONS, PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS. DOUG HOUSEMAN, principal of utilities at CAPGEMINI, can discuss how regulators have pushed to keep power prices low, and utilities as lean as possible, causing fewer investments in grids: "Regulators may have gone too far. Lack of grid investments caught up with New York City residents' purchase of power-hungry electronic equipment like HDTVs. In California, even if there was enough power, the grid would not be able to handle it. Environmental concerns, population, and consumer demand for power, all hamstring utilities. In St. Louis, equipment slated for replacement was left in place when it continued to operate." News Contact: Joe Gimenez, jgimenez@gcigroup.com Phone: 1-512-542- 2853 (8/10/06)

2. LAW: IMMIGRATION-ELIGIBILITY RULES. IRINA PLUMLEE, immigration attorney at GARDERE WYNNE SEWELL LLP: "Increasingly, U.S. employers are realizing that strict adherence to the government's employment eligibility verification rules is the key to staying out of trouble. The government's new strategy of charging employers of unauthorized workers with conspiracy to aid illegal immigrants and engage in money-laundering schemes is costly for employers. Violations can result in monetary damages and even jail time. With improved interaction between federal agencies and heightened enforcement efforts, employers and labor-for-hire contractors find themselves in a 'hot seat.'" News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@legalpr.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534 (8/10/06)

3. LAW: SENATE ACTION ON PATENT REFORM. STEVEN R. LUDWIG, Ph.D., partner at STERNE, KESSLER, GOLDSTEIN & FOX P.L.L.C. in Washington, D.C.: "S. 3818 was introduced in the Senate of the United States which proposes to substantially reform patent law. This new Senate bill addresses many of the problems with the current patent system and reflects compromises between Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT), cosponsors of the bill. Earlier House of Representative's bills, H.R. 2795 [introduced by Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX)] and H.R. 5096 [introduced by Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA)], vary in certain key areas from this Senate Bill. This Senate bill is a further attempt to achieve some balance between the priorities of various industries." Ludwig can provide interpretation and analysis of the bill; a comparison and corollary to the related House bills; and an overview of the implications the bill has on overall patent reform. News Contact: Kathryn Holmes Johnson, kholmesj@skgf.com Phone: +1-202-772-8878 (8/10/06)

PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To submit query by e-mail: profnetquery@prnewswire.com To consult the ProfNet Database: http://www.prnewswire.com/profnet To submit query by fax: 631-348-7906 To submit query by phone: +1-800-PROFNET To share a thought on the ProfNet Wire: leads@prnewswire.com SOURCE ProfNet

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