OTCPicks.com

FEATURED COMPANY

GREEN STAR PRODUCTS INCORPORATED (OTC: GSPI)

Detailed Quote: www.otcpicks.com/quotes/GSPI.php

Company Profile: http://www.otcpicks.com/green-star-products.htm

Green Star Products, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the production and sale of renewable clean-burning bio-diesel and other products, including lubricants, additives, and devices that are used in vehicles, machinery, and power plants. It offers SuperBAT total vehicle treatment, an anti-friction metal treatment used in various internal combustion engines, transmissions, power steering, and wheel bearings. The company also offers a lubricant formula of biodegradable cutting oil for machine shops, as well as water soluble AFT cutting oil for CNC machines. In addition, it engages in the development of fuel economy, power improvement, and emission reduction technologies for internal combustion engines and hybrid electric drive systems. Further, the company produces super-ethanol. It markets and sells its products in the United States and internationally. The company, formerly known as B.A.T. International, Inc., is based in Chula Vista, California.

GSPI News:

October 30 - Green Star States: Energy from Algae is Being Recognized as a Major Solution (Part Two)

Green Star Products, Inc. (OTC: GSPI) announced that it is releasing part two of a report covering the assessment of the 2nd Algae Biomass Summit hosted by Byrne & Company and Wilson Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati.

Part one of this report was published on October 27, 2008 (see 10/27/2008 GSPI press release titled “Green Star States: Energy From Algae Is Being Recognized As A Major Solution” at www.greenstarusa.com/news/08-10-27.html).

Joseph LaStella, President of Green Star Products, attended the conference and reported, “Prominent speakers from all over the world displayed their research and the potential of algae to permanently solve the oil crisis, food crisis, and to control the buildup of global warming gases. The algae biological makeup was also investigated for the possibility to produce chemicals and new products limited only by our ingenuity to create them.

“One of the conference highlights was the presentation given by Congressman Jay Inslee (D-WA) from the state of Washington. Representative Inslee, being a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Select Committee for Energy Independence and Global Warming, has been a long term supporter of national sustainability and energy independence.

“Congressman Inslee started his speech by giving an account of what his father had told him as a young boy in 1959. Holding up a flask of algae, his father (a biologist) told him, 'Someday this will cure the world's energy needs.'

“Congressman Inslee went on to say that the United States needs an energy, environmental and job creation program similar in national commitment to the Apollo Space Program launched by President John F. Kennedy. He also stated that President Kennedy knew that the U.S.A. could beat the Russians to the moon if the United States ingenuity engine was unleashed. A similar program sponsored by Congressman Inslee is called 'The New Apollo Energy Act' which challenges us on energy independence, global warming and creating jobs.

“Congressman Inslee outlined a four point program, to address the triple threat to the U.S.: imported oil, global warming and job losses (www.house.gov/inslee). Representative Inslee asked all 600 participants of the algae summit to go to Washington, D.C., and help him on Capitol Hill.

“Congressman Inslee reminded us that our fathers fought in World War II and left a legacy for Democracy. Those born after World War II, the 'baby boomers,' must now leave a legacy of Clean Energy. Industries cannot keep dumping their garbage into the atmosphere like it's a free sewer, and it is obvious that the U.S. addiction to foreign oil now has critical economic and national security implications.”

Mr. LaStella also states, “There was a clear consensus of opinion from all the industries, including airline, energy and chemical industries, that algae biomass is the answer to this dilemma. Presently, there is no clear pathway to the reduction of cost to produce commercial algae biomass.

“In summary, the summit speakers identified the most important items challenging the commercial production of algae biomass were the reduction of costs associated with capital construction and operation.

“Green Star's Hybrid Algae Production System (HAPS), one of the largest demonstration facilities, was operated for a continuous nine month period that created a foundation for addressing these cost issues. The HAPS system is protected by 23 individual patent pending components involving construction and operating techniques which will make it very cost competitive. None of these 23 high tech components were incorporated in any presentation at this summit by other companies.

“Therefore, it is my opinion that Green Star is ahead of the technology curve associated with the production of commercial scale algae biomass. Green Star is planning an exciting year for 2009 in developing two 500-acre commercial algae production facilities.”

As an additional comment, our last press release (part one) contained some minor inaccurate information. The Algae Biomass Summit was hosted by Byrne & Company and Wilson Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, and we would also like to give credit to John Williams of Scoville PR and the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) (algalbiomass.org) because we used several phrases from their press release to describe the attendance spectrum at the conference. We did reference their document in the previous press release; however, we would like to acknowledge again the efforts of Vinod Khosla in supporting this great industry.

FEATURED COMPANY

PHANTOM FIBER CORPORATION (OTCBB: PHFB)

Detailed Quote: www.otcpicks.com/quotes/PHFB.php

Company Profile: http://www.otcpicks.com/phantom-fiber.htm

Phantom Fiber Corporation is a leading developer of wireless platform software that enables its customers to deliver high-performance applications across global communications networks to mobile users. The company's wireless platform extends the rich multimedia content and user experience of existing Internet web sites securely and instantly to over 1,500 mobile devices including cellular phones and PDAs. This platform is already deployed to most segments of the global gaming industry and can be used by enterprises seeking to implement high performance mobile applications in such markets as: remote video surveillance; banking and brokerage applications; as well as the logistics and distribution markets. Visit www.phantomfiber.com for more information about Phantom Fiber.

PHFB News:

October 30 - Mahjong Time Signs a Multi-Year Contract With Phantom Fiber Corporation to Create a Mobile Extension to Their Leading Online Mahjong Gaming Platform

Mahjong Time, the leading software provider for the online mahjong gaming community, announced a multi-year contract with Phantom Fiber Corporation (OTCBB: PHFB), a leading wireless transaction enablement company specializing in the gaming and entertainment sector. Under the terms of the deal, Phantom Fiber will receive an integration fee and will then share in the ongoing revenue generated from the mobile subscribers.

The integration will allow Mahjong Time to continue delivering the functionality, graphics and speed that users have come to expect from their industry leading software platform and internet offering to over 1,000 handset types. In addition to this, the mobile extension will also offer features that have established Mahjongtime.com as the number one online Mahjong community; these features include multiple game types, multiple languages, practice play, and tournament play. The mobile product will operate on hundreds of device types including Java phones, Apple iPhone, Blackberry, Palm, Microsoft Pocket/PC and Smartphone based handheld devices from anywhere in the world.

"We are quickly being recognized as the dominant mahjong provider in the online arena and we have a strong brand in the Asian market, but I think we all realize that the Asian market is a very mobile and technical savvy geographic area," said William Sutjiadi, CEO of Mahjong Time. "We knew it was a matter of time before we would have to provide a mobile solution. Choosing Phantom Fiber was easy. Their ability to provide the only mobile solution that works globally, their unprecedented support for handsets, and most of all their experience in mobile multi-user environments will ensure the success of this project."

Jeff Halloran, Chairman & CEO of Phantom Fiber, stated, "This agreement has a number of benefits for Phantom Fiber. We recognize the magnitude of the Asian market and their passion for Mahjong. Extending the premier Mahjong platform to a mobile environment will extend Phantom Fiber's reach into those markets. Our multi-user experience from the gaming space and our ability to support multiple languages also blends nicely with our technology. We have been talking with Mahjong Time for some time and have watched them grow in popularity and have some great successes. We are glad the time is right to work with Mahjong Time and share in those successes."

The solution will provide the game content in a number of formats. The player can play against the computer or fully interact with the online community. By using the same login credentials as the internet, a player can search for friends who may be playing online via the internet and join the same games and contests as any other internet player, only from their mobile device.

ABOUT MAHJONG TIME

Founded in 2004, Mahjong Time is a San Diego-based company that is the premier provider of mahjong software and complete turnkey solutions. The Mahjong Time in-browser platform is available in seven languages and provides multiple mahjong rules sets that appeal to the needs of discerning players worldwide. Offered features include advanced subscription and tournament play, and Web 2.0 capabilities that allow players greater connectivity including the ability to establish multiple "friend" networks and to create private game rooms.

Mahjong Time is the exclusive online tournament partner of the annual World Series of Mahjong. The company is also involved in a strategic partnership with Cryptologic, the leading public developer and supplier of Internet gaming software. For more information, visit www.mahjongtime.com.

FEATURED COMPANY

ECOLOCAP SOLUTIONS (OTCBB: ECOS)

Detailed Quote: www.otcpicks.com/quotes/ECOS.php

Company Profile: http://www.otcpicks.com/ecolocap-solutions-inc.htm

EcoloCap is a US-listed, international company focused on the commercial development of green energy projects in emerging economies, especially in Asia. Rising energy costs, climate change concerns, and the need to reduce greenhouse gases create an unparalleled opportunity for the development of renewable, sustainable energy sources which will be a significant, long-term opportunity for the 21st century. To maximize shareholder value EcoloCap is focused on projects which qualify for Carbon Emission Reduction credits (CERs) registered under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the United Nations' Kyoto Protocol. EcoloCap utilizes its know-how, capital, technology, engineering expertise, and on the ground operations management to work with governments and enterprises in emerging economies in order to successfully reduce greenhouse gases for both capture and utilization. By this process EcoloCap acquires UN Certified Carbon Credits (CERs) at favorable costs, which are then sold on the world market at prevailing prices.

ECOS News:

October 28 - EcoloCap Signs New Carbon Credit Projects in China

EcoloCap Solutions, Inc. (OTCBB: ECOS) ("EcoloCap") announced that it has in the past two weeks reached carbon credit purchase agreements with several large Chinese industrial companies which represent a 100% increase in the company's supply of CERs over the next 5 years.

The purchase contracts, called Emissions Reductions Purchase Agreements (ERPA), once accredited by the UN, are projected to produce up to 1 million CERs annually when the projects are running at full capacity. These projects will reduce the production of greenhouse gases while also helping to meet China's increasing needs for energy.

Using conservative pricing projections EcoloCap estimates that the additional CERs will increase its revenues by at least $2.5 to 4 million annually after allowing for brokerage commissions and CER acquisition costs. However, current prices for CERs on the World Market are in the range of 17 to 19 Euros (approx. US$21.50 to 24.00) and if prices continue in this range the estimated revenues would be at least 50% higher.

Dr. Tri Vu Truong, President and CEO of EcoloCap said "the projects for which we are currently processing ERPA contracts are solid evidence that our marketing efforts in China are starting to show results. Projects such as this are highly profitable and will have significant recurring revenues for several years. Our revenue estimates cover only the next 5 years however all but one of these ERPA contracts have terms of up to 17 years so there is substantial additional revenue potential over the life of the contracts."

EcoloCap's objective is to double its total CER reserves over the next six to nine months, with an initial target of accumulating a portfolio of 5 million CERs annually.

FEATURED COMPANY

GREENCHEK TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED (OTCBB: GCHK)

Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/GCHK.php

Company Profile:
http://www.otcpicks.com/greenchek-technology/greenchek-technology.htm

GreenChek Technology, Inc. manufactures and distributes hydrogen injection technology devices that primarily focus on mobile transportation applications and industrial generative power applications. It also provides mobile greenhouse gas emissions reduction technology. The company's Onboard Hydrogen Generation and Injection technology is used for emissions reduction technology and fuel economy enhancement in trucks, locomotives, and automobile engines. It has operations in the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. The company, formerly known as Ridgestone Resources, Inc., was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

GCHK News:

October 14 - GreenChek Announces a More Aggressive Strategic Plan Following 3rd Party Certification Results

GreenChek Technology Inc. (OTCBB: GCHK), a leading globally focused provider of hydrogen based technology for mobile transportation and stationary power generation applications, reported that they are fast-tracking their Strategic Sales Plan as a result of the certification process which confirmed prior results of in-house testing. Management is currently targeting Chinese and Canadian companies for rapid deployment of our products.

GreenChek manufactures an emission reducing device simply known as the ERD 1.0, which can be retrofitted to any vehicle or combustible engine regardless of fuel source. This device reduces vehicle emissions as well as increases fuel economy.

GreenChek’s Chief strategy Officer, Donald Walling who was involved directly in the certification process pointed out that, “The validation of our ERD 1.0 with our successful 3rd Party certification from a world recognized company such as Clean Air Technologies Inc., has reaffirmed the significance of our technology.” Walling further noted, “This has given our senior management team even more confidence for us to more aggressively forge forward with our Strategic Plan as well as in building our strategic alliances and plans for Europe.”

GreenChek’s President and CEO Lincoln Park added, “Initially our plan called for GreenChek to make aggressive inroads into Europe and the United States in Q4 2008 through to Q2 2009. We had originally planned to enter the markets in China and Canada late 2009 and into 2010. However, since our 3rd Party Certification we are now more optimistic and are currently entertaining discussions with various Chinese companies in addition to mapping out our approach to attack and penetrate the Canadian market as well.”

FEATURED COMPANY

COPPER KING MINING CORPORATION (OTC: CPRK)

Detailed Quote: www.otcpicks.com/quotes/CPRK.php

Company Profile:
www.otcpicks.com/copper-king-mining/copper-king-mining.htm

Copper King Mining Corporation currently owns approximately 1200 acres in the Drum Mountains of Utah, which are patent deeded mining claims which contain gold, silver and copper. The company recently added to its holdings by filing six more claims on land which was inside their holdings, but not patent deeded. Contiguous to that acreage is approximately 1100 acres of claims filed by Western Utah Copper Company. As the companies explored the concept of a joint venture on the Drum Mountain properties, it was decided that a very viable consideration was to join the total assets of both companies.

CPRK News:

October 28 - Copper King Responds to Metal Price Volatility

Pre-production procedures bringing mill on line in late November

Copper King Mining Corporation (OTC: CPRK) announced that it has tracked a number of reductions in its projected operating costs that will correspond to reduced metal prices. The cost reductions will serve to soften the impact of the current lower copper, silver, gold and other metal prices. Notably, reduced fuel and materials costs are expected to be realized in the company’s operations.

The company notes that a number of coincidental factors, such as the upcoming election in the United States and recent fears over the condition of World credit markets, have impacted metal prices.

However, the company believes that actual demand for copper and all other commodities is strong and will increase. Further, the potential for inflation, once credit and election uncertainties are eased, will put significant upward pressure on metal prices. The company therefore believes that, as it moves into the production phase on its Hidden Treasure Mine, metal prices will recover upward toward their recent highs and will perhaps begin to move even higher.

In addition, the company believes that the high-grade ore at its Hidden Treasure Mine (in excess of 2% copper with additional credits for silver, gold, molybdenum and magnetite) will also serve to keep its operating costs among the lowest in the industry on a per pound of copper basis. This will help the company maintain its operations on a competitive basis.

FEATURED COMPANY

PERF GO GREEN HOLDINGS INCORPORATED (OTCBB: PGOG)

Detailed Quote: www.otcpicks.com/quotes/PGOG.php

Company Profile:
http://www.otcpicks.com/perf-go-green/perf-go-green.htm

Perf Go Green Holdings, Inc. is engaged in the creation and global marketing of 100% eco-friendly, non-toxic, food-contact-compliant, biodegradable plastic products. All Perf Go Green products are made from recycled plastics and completely break down in landfill within two years, leaving no toxic or visible residue, as compared to other plastics that take hundreds of years. Perf Go Green’s corporate name reflects its “Go Green” mission to develop, market and distribute biodegradable plastic products as a practical and viable solution to eliminating plastic waste from the world environment.

PGOG News:

October 28 - Perf Go Green Adds Leading Supermarket Chain Hy-Vee, Inc. to Distribution Network

Perf Go Green Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: PGOG) (“Perf Go Green”), a marketer and distributor of biodegradable plastics, announced a distribution agreement with Hy-Vee, Inc. One of the top 30 supermarket chains in the U.S., Hy-Vee operates more than 224 retail stores in the Midwest.

“Our agreement with Hy-Vee is another sign of the overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception retailers are giving our biodegradable plastic bags,” said Perf Go Green Chairman and CEO Tony Tracy. “We're especially excited about this new partnership because Hy-Vee is well-known for its commitment to sustainability and its leadership in bringing health and wellness to mainstream consumers. Perf Go Green's earth-friendly products offer a meaningful way for consumers, companies and their employees to reduce their environmental footprint.”

Perf Go Green will begin shipping its 13-gallon kitchen trash bags and its 30-gallon lawn and leaf bags to Hy-Vee in November 2008.

Founded in 1930, Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 224 retail stores in seven Midwestern states. For 2007 the company recorded total sales of $5.6 billion, ranking it among the top 30 supermarket chains and the top 50 private companies in the U.S.

Founded in November 2007, Perf Go Green premiered at the March 2008 International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago, where its products received an honor for their design quality and innovation. Perf Go Green is proud to be part of the nation's “go green” movement, which is poised to become a $500 billion market by 2009, according to Landor Associates.

Perf Go Green products incorporate recycled plastics that are combined with an Oxo-Biodegradable proprietary application method to produce the film for its bags. Based on environmental claims statements made by the manufacturer of the Oxo-Biodegradable applied to our bags, when discarded in soil and exposed to the presence of microorganisms, moisture and oxygen, we believe Perf Go Green products biodegrade within two years, decomposing into simple materials found in nature much faster than regular plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down. Through this process and the use of recycled plastics, Perf Go Green effectively removes plastic waste from the environment. In addition, Perf Go Green trash bags utilize a unique patented dispensing system that stores the bags on the bottom of trashcans and dispenses them one at a time, similar to a tissue box.

STOCKS TO WATCH

PHARMANET DEVELOPMENT GROUP (NASDAQ: PDGI)
"Up 39.73% in morning trading"

Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/PDGI.php

PharmaNet Development Group, Inc., a global drug development services company, provides a comprehensive range of services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, generic drug, and medical device industries. The Company offers clinical-development solutions including early and late stage consulting services, Phase I clinical studies and bioanalytical analyses, and Phase II, III and IV clinical development programs. With approximately 2,500 employees and 41 facilities throughout the world, PharmaNet is a recognized leader in outsourced clinical development.

PDGI News:

October 29 - PharmaNet Development Group Reports Third Quarter 2008 Preliminary Financial Results

PharmaNet Development Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PDGI) (the “Company”), a leading provider of clinical development services, reported preliminary net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2008, of $1.5 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $6.9 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, in the third quarter 2007.

All financial data provided in this press release is subject to recording a goodwill impairment charge. The Company is working with its valuation consultant to determine the amount of the non-cash goodwill impairment charge which is a result of the recent decline in the Company’s market capitalization and is not indicative of its performance or ability to continue to run its operations. Until the final determination is made, the financial information contained in this press release, without taking into account the charge for impairment of goodwill, is not presented in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Direct revenue in the third quarter 2008, decreased 10.6 percent to $89.2 million compared to $99.8 million in the third quarter 2007, due primarily to lower late stage revenue partially offset by higher early stage revenue. Foreign currency exchange translation unfavorably impacted direct revenue by approximately $1.4 million primarily due to the strengthening of the US dollar relative to the Euro, Swiss Franc and Canadian Dollar. The early stage segment represented approximately 47.8 percent of total direct revenue and the late stage segment represented 52.2 percent. Approximately 40.6 percent of direct revenue was generated in the United States and 59.4 percent in Canada, Europe and Asia.

Operating margin decreased to 3.7 percent in the third quarter 2008, compared to 13.7 percent in the third quarter 2007, primarily due to lower resource utilization in the third quarter 2008. Foreign currency exchange translation unfavorably impacted operating margin in third quarter 2008 by approximately $0.3 million.

Cash and cash equivalents were $63.3 million at September 30, 2008, compared to $51.5 million at June 30, 2008. Net cash generated from operations was $15.8 million in the third quarter 2008, compared to net cash generated from operations of $20.3 million from continuing operations in the third quarter 2007.

The Company’s backlog was $521.6 million at September 30, 2008, compared to $579.2 million at June 30, 2008, and $457.4 million at December 31, 2007. The Company’s quarter-to-date book-to-bill ratio was 0.4x at September 30, 2008, reflecting significant cancellations and weaker bookings, compared to a book-to-bill ratio of 2.0x at June 30, 2008. Year-to-date book-to-bill ratio at September 30, 2008, was 1.2x.

Early Stage Segment

For the early stage segment, direct revenue increased 13.2 percent to $42.6 million in the third quarter 2008, compared to $37.6 million in the third quarter 2007, primarily due to higher revenue in the clinics. Foreign currency exchange translation unfavorably impacted early stage direct revenue by approximately $1.0 million.

Early stage segment operating margin decreased to 18.7 percent in the third quarter 2008, compared to 21.4 percent in the third quarter 2007, primarily due to lower sample volume in its bioanalytical laboratories. Foreign currency exchange translation unfavorably impacted early stage operating profit by approximately $0.1 million.

Backlog for the early stage segment was $55.3 million at September 30, 2008, compared to $77.6 million at June 30, 2008. New business authorizations were $27.1 million and cancellations were $6.8 million in the third quarter 2008. Early stage quarter-to-date book-to-bill ratio was 0.5x at September 30, 2008. Early stage year-to-date book-to-bill ratio was 0.9x at September 30, 2008.

Late Stage Segment

For the late stage segment, direct revenue decreased 25.0 percent to $46.6 million in the third quarter 2008, compared to $62.2 million in the third quarter 2007, primarily due the previously disclosed contract cancellations and postponement and a $3.0 million dollar benefit in the third quarter 2007 resulting from revenue recognized from the signing of change orders. Foreign currency exchange translation unfavorably impacted late stage direct revenue by approximately $0.4 million.

Late stage segment operating margin was 1.1 percent in the third quarter 2008, compared to 21.2 percent in the third quarter 2007, primarily due to lower staff utilization, severance and a $3.0 million dollar benefit in the third quarter 2007 resulting from revenue recognized from the signing of change orders for which the work had been completed in prior quarters. Foreign currency exchange translation unfavorably impacted late stage operating margin by approximately by $0.2 million.

Backlog for the late stage segment was $466.3 million at September 30, 2008, compared to $501.6 million at June 30, 2008. This decrease is primarily due to the aforementioned contract cancellations. New business authorizations were $73.0 million and cancellations were $61.7 million during the third quarter 2008. Late stage quarter-to-date book-to-bill ratio was 0.2x at September 30, 2008. Late stage year-to-date book-to-bill ratio was 1.5x at September 30, 2008.

Corporate Financial Summary

Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $5.2 million in the third quarter 2008, compared to $7.5 million in the third quarter 2007, primarily due to lower compensation expense and professional fees. In addition, in the third quarter 2007, the Company reserved $1.5 million for the settlement of the class action and other related litigation, of which $0.5 million was subsequently reversed in the second quarter 2008.

Third quarter 2008 non-cash share-based compensation expense was $0.2 million and other non-cash compensation was $0.7 million, compared to $0.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in the third quarter 2007.

Capital expenditures decreased to $1.7 million in the third quarter 2008 compared to $6.6 million in the third quarter 2007 primarily due to the investments in clinic expansions during the prior year. Depreciation expense was $3.6 million and amortization expense related to intangible assets was $0.7 million in the third quarter 2008, compared to depreciation expense of $3.2 million and amortization expense of $0.7 million in the third quarter 2007.

Net days sales outstanding were 46 days at September 30, 2008, compared to 48 days at June 30, 2008.

Tax expense for the third quarter 2008, was $0.3 million compared to a $3.0 million in the third quarter 2007.

Convertible Senior Notes Update

The Company issued and currently has outstanding approximately $143.8 million of 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2024 (the “Convertible Notes”).

The Company has formally engaged a financial advisor and is evaluating certain options to address these Convertible Notes which include, but are not limited to, any of the following alternatives or a combination of these alternatives: 1.) cash tender, 2.) an exchange offer, and 3.) a repurchase on the open market. The Company expects to formally announce the options it intends to pursue at the conclusion of its review process.

IDENIX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED (NASDAQ: IDIX)
"Up 23.26% in morning trading"

Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/IDIX.php

Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of drugs for the treatment of human viral and other infectious diseases. Idenix's current focus is on the treatment of infections caused by hepatitis C virus and HIV.

IDIX News:

October 30 - Idenix Pharmaceuticals Reports Third Quarter and Nine Month Financial Results

Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDIX), a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of drugs for the treatment of human viral and other infectious diseases, reported unaudited financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008. At September 30, 2008, Idenix's cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled approximately $60.1 million.

2008 Year-to-Date Business Highlights:

* Idenix completed its phase I/II study of IDX899, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) being developed for the treatment of HIV-1, which demonstrated potent antiviral activity at all doses tested. Patients receiving once-daily IDX899 achieved a mean plasma viral load reduction of approximately 1.8 log10 after seven days of treatment in each of the 800 mg, 400 mg, 200 mg and 100 mg dosing cohorts (n=8 per treatment group). Patients receiving placebo (n=8) had a mean viral load increase of 0.10 log10 over the same treatment period. The safety profile of IDX899 observed during this study was comparable to placebo, with no serious adverse events reported and no pattern of adverse events or laboratory abnormalities observed on treatment. Additionally, no patients who received treatment discontinued the study.

* Idenix also continued to advance its HCV discovery and development programs, successfully completing a first-in-man phase I study of IDX184, a nucleotide prodrug candidate, and initiating the IND-enabling preclinical studies for IDX375, a non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitor, and IDX136 and IDX316, macrocyclic protease inhibitor drug candidates.

"As we advance our HCV and HIV discovery and development programs, we remain excited about the opportunities ahead for Idenix," said Jean-Pierre Sommadossi, Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer of Idenix.

For the third quarter ended September 30, 2008, Idenix reported total revenues of $2.1 million, compared with total revenues of $10.9 million in the third quarter of 2007. The decrease was primarily due to a decline of $7.4 million in reimbursements of research and development costs from Novartis Pharma AG, Idenix's collaboration partner. Idenix reported a net loss of $16.9 million, or a loss of $0.30 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2008, compared to a net loss of $30.5 million, or a loss of $0.54 per basic and diluted share for the third quarter ended September 30, 2007.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Idenix reported total revenues of $5.8 million, compared with total revenues of $55.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The majority of the decrease was due to $30.4 million in lower reimbursements of research and development costs from Novartis, a decrease of $10.0 million due to lower milestone revenue in 2008 as compared to 2007 and $9.3 million due to lower license fee revenue. The company reported a net loss of $56.3 million, or a loss of $1.00 per basic and diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared with $65.0 million, or a loss of $1.16 per basic and diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

2008 Financial Guidance

Idenix currently expects to end 2008 with approximately $45 to $50 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, assuming no milestone payments, license fees, reimbursement for development programs, and assuming no financing activities during the remainder of 2008.

SM&A INCORPORATED (NASDAQ: WINS)
"Up 136.51% in morning trading"

Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/WINS.php

SM&A is the world's foremost management consulting firm providing leadership and mentoring solutions to PURSUE for business capture, WIN competitive procurements and profitably PERFORM on the projects and programs won. Our proven processes, people and tools have delivered significant top-line and bottom-line growth across markets, products and services.

WINS News:

October 29 - SM&A Agrees To Be Acquired by Odyssey Investment Partners

SM&A (Nasdaq: WINS), the world's foremost management consulting firm providing solutions to PURSUE, WIN and PERFORM on competitive procurement projects, and Odyssey Investment Partners, LLC, a leading middle-market private equity firm, today announced a definitive agreement under which an affiliate of Odyssey will acquire SM&A for $6.25 per share in cash in a transaction with a total value of approximately $119.6 million.

This transaction was unanimously approved by SM&A's Board of Directors. The agreed acquisition price represents a premium of 159% over the closing price of SM&A's common stock at close of business on October 30, 2008. Steven Myers, founder of SM&A and its largest stockholder, is supportive of the transaction.

Cathy McCarthy, president and chief executive officer of SM&A, commented, "We are pleased with the terms of this transaction; it is a win/win proposition for all involved. We believe that the best interests of our stockholders are well-served and that the Company enters an exciting new phase with a strong financial partner that can help us take SM&A to the next level of its development."

Bill Hopkins, Managing Principal of Odyssey Investment Partners, LLC, said, "We are pleased to acquire a company of the caliber of SM&A. A best-of-breed provider in its markets, SM&A is well positioned to successfully leverage its expertise to enter new vertical markets that can offer attractive long-term growth potential in the coming years. We are pleased to add SM&A to our portfolio."

Caltius Mezzanine has committed to provide financing for the transaction, including senior notes, senior subordinated notes and an equity co-investment.

Wedbush Morgan Securities acted as financial advisor to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of SM&A.

The transaction, which is expected to close near the end of calendar 2008 or early in the first quarter of 2009, is subject to SM&A stockholder approval, antitrust clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and customary conditions.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, the Company will solicit alternative acquisition proposals from third parties for 45 days subject to compliance with specific procedures set forth in the merger agreement. The Company does not intend to disclose developments with respect to any solicitations it makes or inquiries it receives until the Board has made a decision regarding any alternative proposal and subject to compliance with the merger agreement.

ABOUT ODYSSEY INVESTMENT PARTNERS, LLC

Odyssey Investment Partners, LLC, based in New York, is a leading middle-market private equity fund with more than $1.2 billion under management. Odyssey Investment Partners, LLC makes majority, controlled investments primarily in established middle-market companies in a variety of industries, including industrial manufacturing, business, financial and healthcare services, aerospace products, and localized and route-based service businesses.

CIRCA PICTURES & PRODUCTION COMPANY (OTC: CPPD)
"Up 53.33% in morning trading"

Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/CPPD.php

Circa is a rapidly emerging film and television production company. Circa Pictures currently have films and television projects in various stages of pre-production ranging from reality programs to original scripted projects (film and television.) These projects will be marketed to film distribution companies, DVD packagers, terrestrial and cable television networks and film and TV syndication companies across North America.

CPPD News:

October 31 - Circa Pictures Comments on Yesterday's Trading Activity

Circa Pictures and Production Intl., Inc. (OTC: CPPD) addressed the unexpected increase in volume and activity.

According to Constantine Papadopoulos, CEO, "In regard to the recent flurry of activity with CPPD stock, the executives and management of the company wanted to assure its shareholders that nothing internal occurred to generate this event, thus we have no explanation or reason for the large volume of shares that traded yesterday."

Papadopoulos continued: "As we promised to our shareholders, we are proceeding with all our production plans including; Tom Sawyer Aeronaut; Allison Legacy Racing, Lucky 7 Pro; DCV Chronicles and other programs and projects — and the filing of our Form 10 with the SEC. We anticipate this filing to occur very soon and the entire process will be completed within the next few months."

FIRST REGIONAL BANCORP (NASDAQ: FRGB)
"Up 34.99% in morning trading"

Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/FRGP.php

First Regional Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Century City. Its subsidiary, First Regional Bank, specializes in providing businesses and professionals with the management expertise of a major bank and the personalized service of an independent.

FRGP News:

October 30 - First Regional Bancorp Reports Profitable Third Quarter Results

Capital Position Strengthens, Remains Well-Capitalized

First Regional Bancorp (Nasdaq: FRGB) returned to profitable operations for the third quarter ended September 30, 2008.

For the three months ended September 30, 2008 net income was $1.2 million, equal to 9 cents per diluted share, compared with last year's third quarter profit of $8.1 million, or 62 cents per diluted share. Reflecting the Company’s loss in the second quarter of 2008, results for the first nine months of 2008 were a net loss of $12.6 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, versus a profit of $25.7 million, or $1.98 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2007. At September 30, 2008, total assets were $2.418 billion, up 14.6% from $2.110 billion one year earlier. Total deposits grew 22.3% to $2.045 billion from $1.672 billion a year earlier, and net loans posted growth of 15.2% to $2.248 billion from $1.951 billion at September 30, 2007. First Regional’s capital ratios strengthened further in the third quarter of 2008, and continue to exceed all financial ratio requirements under applicable regulations for “Well Capitalized” status, the highest level established by banking regulators.

H. Anthony Gartshore, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are pleased with First Regional’s prompt return to profitability in the third quarter despite the challenging economic times for financial institutions. Much uncertainty remains regarding the economic environment in which we operate. While operating margins are under pressure due to the Federal Reserve's actions to reduce interest rates, our core earnings remain strong. Moreover, First Regional’s long-standing emphasis on capital strength continues to serve us well, enabling us to deal realistically with the economic environment while maintaining 'well capitalized' capital ratios, the highest standard established by banking regulators."

Mr. Gartshore continued: “First Regional’s third quarter profit comes against a backdrop of continued weakness in the real estate industry. As noted in the past, we benefit from having avoided involvement in sub-prime mortgages and other exotic financial instruments, which are the source of much of the nation’s current economic woes. However, there are few real estate, financial, or other economic segments which have escaped the current environment unscathed. First Regional’s approach has always been to confront challenges fully, directly, and realistically. We perform ongoing analyses of our loan portfolio and economic conditions, and make loan loss provisions as necessary.”

In the third quarter of 2008 First Regional made a $10.4 million provision to its loan loss reserve, which brought the loan loss reserve to $54.7 million, or 2.37% of gross loans at September 30, 2008. In comparison, the loan loss provision for the second quarter of 2008 was $44.7 million. Nonperforming assets at the end of the third quarter of 2008 totaled $33.1 million, or 1.43% of gross loans and OREO, compared to $32.9 million (or 1.41% of gross loans and OREO) at June 30, 2008, and just $12,000 on September 30, 2007.

Mr. Gartshore added: “We continue to provide our clients with financial strength and safety; efficient, cost-effective operation; and our unrivaled level of service. That effort is made possible by our skilled and experienced management and our capable and professional staff. These members of the First Regional team have the talent and experience to execute our strategy, confront the challenges, and capitalize on the opportunities that will undoubtedly arise as the economy and the credit markets return to health.”

Mr. Gartshore concluded: “While we are pleased to have returned to profitability in the third quarter, we will continue our pursuit of the operating results we expect of ourselves and the shareholder value that our investors deserve. Nonetheless, our third quarter profit is an important milestone. While we foresee many challenges, we remain confident regarding First Regional’s future in this difficult time for the Southern California economy.”

ARTIFICIAL LIFE INCORPORATED (OTCBB: ALIF)
"Up 34.12% in morning trading"

Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/ALIF.php

Artificial Life, Inc. is a public U.S. corporation headquartered in Los Angeles, with its production center in Hong Kong and additional offices in Berlin (EMEA headquarters) and Tokyo. As a leading, full-service provider of mobile broadband 3G technology, mobile participation TV, mobile gaming, content and business applications, Artificial Life provides 2D and 3D multi- and single player rich-media applications for 3G, 3.5G and 4G network-enabled mobile phones. Recognized internationally for outstanding content quality and technology, Artificial Life transcends traditional modes of mobile communications and interactive gaming.

ALIF News:

October 31 - Artificial Life Reports Strong Third Quarter Earnings

Record Revenues and Profits

Artificial Life, Inc. (OTCBB: ALIF) (www.artificial-life.com), a leading full service provider of award-winning mobile technology, games and applications, today reported strong results for its third quarter 2008.

REVENUES: Revenues for the quarter ending September 30, 2008 were $6,628,597 as compared to $1,611,704 for the same quarter in 2007. The increase in revenues of $5,016,893 or 311% was mainly due to increased product license income; one time downloads and monthly subscription revenues for 3G games derived from mobile carriers, resellers and hand set distributors; and license sales for the new technology platform MobileBooster(tm).

Revenues for the first nine months of 2008 were $16,235,071 as compared to $2,684,458 for the same period in 2007, an increase of 505%.

INCOME: Income from operations for the quarter ending September 30, 2008 was $3,584,546 as compared to $466,059 for the same quarter in 2007, an increase of 669%. The increase of income from operations is mainly due to increased revenues from the sale of 3G games and technology licenses offset by operating costs of $3,044,051.

Net income for the quarter ending September 30, 2008 was $3,485,050 as compared to a net income of $28,478 for the same quarter in 2007.

The basic and diluted net income per share for the third quarter of 2008 was $0.07, as compared to $0.00 for the quarter ending September 30, 2007.

“Despite the current global market turmoil we have been able to perform well and deliver the best quarter results in our history. The strategy of becoming a full service mobile application provider and expanding carefully is working out well and has again generated positive results. We expect further growth for the remainder of the year,” said Eberhard Schoneburg, CEO of Artificial Life, Inc.