Bulk Coal carrier wins Lloyds award.

SOURCE: Safe Bulkers, Inc.

Dec 17, 2010 09:00 ET

Safe Bulkers, Inc. Awarded "The Best Dry Cargo Company for the Year 2010" at the 7th Annual Lloyds List Greek Shipping Awards

ATHENS, GREECE--(Marketwire - December 17, 2010) - Safe Bulkers, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: SB), an international provider of marine drybulk transportation services, announced today that it received "The Best Dry Cargo Company for the Year 2010" Award at the 7^th annual Lloyds List Greek Shipping Awards that took place in Athens on December 10, 2010.

Based on nominations from the wider shipping community that are assessed by a distinguished panel of industry judges, the Lloyds List Greek Shipping Awards highlight some of the year's top performers and finest moments in the industry. Since 2004, the Annual Lloyd's List Greek Shipping Awards have been recognizing the best in the dynamic Greek shipping industry.

In his introductory speech, Nigel Lowry, the Lloyds List Greek Correspondent, remarked that judges noticed not only the successful financial performance of the Company in the New York Stock Exchange, but also its consistent concentration on new quality vessels especially in the Panamax segment, the Company's competitive strength and its ability to take advantage of growth opportunities.

Polys Hajioannou, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, "We are very proud to have received this award recognizing our performance and our consistent efforts to grow the Company through selective high quality newbuild acquisitions and to enhance shareholder value for the long term."

About Safe Bulkers, Inc.
The Company is an international provider of marine drybulk transportation services, transporting bulk cargoes, particularly coal, grain and iron ore, along worldwide shipping routes for some of the world's largest users of marine drybulk transportation services. The Company's common stock is listed on the NYSE, where it trades under the symbol "SB." The Company's current fleet consists of 16 drybulk vessels, all built post-2003, and the Company has contracted to acquire eight additional drybulk newbuild vessels to be delivered at various times through 2013.

Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and in the Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events, the Company's growth strategy and measures to implement such strategy, including expected vessel acquisitions and entering into further time charters. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "anticipates," "hopes," "estimates" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, changes in the demand for drybulk vessels, competitive factors in the market in which the Company operates, risks associated with operations outside the United States and other factors listed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

For further information please contact:

Company Contact:
Dr. Loukas Barmparis
President
Safe Bulkers, Inc.
30-32 Karamanli Avenue
Voula 16673
Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 (210) 899-4980
Fax: +30 (210) 895-4159
E-Mail: directors@safebulkers.com

Investor Relations / Media Contact:
Ramnique Grewal
Vice President
Capital Link, Inc.
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1536
New York, N.Y. 10169
Tel.: (212) 661-7566
Fax: (212) 661-7526
E-Mail: safebulkers@capitallink.com

Click here to see all recent news from this company

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European Union downplays divisions leading up to meeting. Spanish credit downgrade hinted.

Reuters
7:49 AM, E.T. | December 16, 2010

European leaders sought to paper over deep divisions on how best to resolve the debt crisis ahead of a summit on Thursday, and Spain and Portugal came under renewed pressure to get their finances in order.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she had settled a dispute with Jean-Claude Juncker, the chairman of the Eurogroup of countries, over the idea of issuing euro area bonds, but differences still looked likely to arise at the summit.

 
"Jean-Claude Juncker and I had a long telephone conversation and cleared up the issue a while ago," Merkel said in an interview with Germany's Bild newspaper published on Thursday. "With so much at stake, the emotions sometimes get involved."

Juncker, who is a strong advocate of issuing so-called E-bonds, which Merkel says are unnecessary and would dent Germany's credit standing, also said the disagreement was resolved, but has hinted he could raise the proposal anyway.

He said he regretted "dissonances in public" which had given financial markets more cause for concern, and said he was focused on trying to achieve unity ahead of the two-day summit, as well as getting Spain and Portugal to improve their finances.

"They would do well... to present in detail structural reforms to be introduced beyond the plans of consolidation already announced," he told Corriere della Sera.

DOWNGRADE THREAT
Ratings agency Moody's warned Spain on Wednesday that its debt could be downgraded, saying it was worried about its high debt funding needs, indebted banks and regional finances, although it did not expect Madrid to have to follow Greece and Ireland in seeking an EU bailout.

Spain's Treasury paid just slightly less than expected for long-term bonds on Thursday in a key test of investors' appetite for euro zone peripheral debt and a day after Moody's said it may cut the country's rating.
Portugal on Wednesday announced extra measures to cut red tape and bolster structurally slow growth, in a move to convince EU officials and financial markets it is doing enough to stave off the pressure to seek EU financial aid.

EU leaders will gather at 1500 GMT on Thursday for the end-of-year summit, having spent most of 2010 desperately trying to stem a contagion that has consumed Greece and Ireland and now threatens Portugal, Spain and others.

Apart from agreeing to make a small change to the EU's treaty to set up a permanent system for handling financial crises after 2013, they are not expected to take other concrete decisions, inaction that could be interpreted as weakness and exploited by financial markets unconvinced by the euro zone.

Throughout 2010, EU leaders have struggled to show unity and clear communication in handling the crisis, either putting forward half-formed or contradictory proposals, or not agreeing quickly enough on the right course of action.

Repeated statements of unity at half-a-dozen summits have sometimes not been backed up by action, leaving markets skeptical and piling more pressure on the euro and debt yields.

TREATY CHANGES, ECB CAPITAL
As well as approving the change to the EU treaty, demanded by Germany and backed by France over the opposition of several other member states, EU leaders are expected to discuss how they can improve the current temporary financial safety net -- a 750 billion euro ($1 trillion US) joint EU/IMF loan facility.
One possibility is to increase the size of the fund, while another would involve making it more flexible in terms of the loans it can make, including the possibility of credit lines.

Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders said the EU's portion, 440 billion euros, could potentially be doubled to fend off the threat of renewed market pressure on Portugal and Spain, and Spain has also backed the idea of a larger fund.While that may be discussed, EU sources indicate that they do not expect a concrete decision on enlarging the fund. The European Central Bank holds the second day of a regular, non-rate setting meeting on Thursday, when it is expected to agree to ask euro zone member states for more capital, a move to lower its risk profile as it helps tackle the crisis.

That issue may also be discussed among EU leaders on Thursday, when they will be joined by ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet. The ECB has come under pressure to step up its bond-buying program to help those countries struggling to fund themselves in volatile and punitive market conditions.

As well as fears about the debt situation in Portugal and Spain, which has approximately 275 billion euros of sovereign and bank debt expiring in 2011, there are increasing worries about other euro zone member states, including Belgium.

Underlining concerns about the euro zone economy and the strength of its recovery, the dominant services sector expanded at a much slower pace than expected in December, although the manufacturing sector is growing faster than forecast, figures released on Thursday showed. Switzerland, one of the euro zone's largest trading partners, kept interest rates on hold on Thursday, partly a reflection of the euro-area's difficulties, which have offset strong Swiss economic growth this year.

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Western Lithium to Purchase Royalties and Mineral Property Titles From Western Uranium

Western Lithium USA Corporation TSX VENTURE: WLC PINK SHEETS: WLCDF

Western Uranium Corporation TSX VENTURE: WUC PINK SHEETS: WURNF

Dec 15, 2010 09:20 ET

RENO, NEVADA--(Marketwire - Dec. 15, 2010) - Western Lithium USA Corporation ("Western Lithium" or "WLC") (TSX VENTURE:WLC)(PINKSHEETS:WLCDF) and Western Uranium Corporation ("Western Uranium" or "WUC") (TSX VENTURE:WUC)(PINKSHEETS:WURNF) have reached an agreement in principle for the purchase, by WLC, of Western Energy Development Corporation ("WEDC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of WUC that holds royalties and titles for substantially all of the Kings Valley mineral property holdings in Nevada. The parties have agreed that WLC will pay to WUC Cdn$6.85 million in WLC shares as consideration for the transfer of WEDC.

The transaction is designed to transfer all of the lithium properties out of WUC's portfolio, and represents the culmination of a spin-out process that started when WLC was initially formed as a subsidiary of WUC. WUC will now be able to focus more fully on growth through acquisitions and mergers, investments, and exploration globally and with more of a diversified commodities approach.

As a result of this transaction, the existing lease and royalty arrangements between the two companies on the King's Valley property, including a Net Smelter Return of 1.5% and Net Profits Royalty of 3.5% on any lithium project that WLC developed, are eliminated. WLC gains full control of the Kings Valley property claims, excluding the Albisu gold exploration target noted below and a proposed royalty to be granted to Cameco Global Exploration II Ltd. ("Cameco") solely in respect of uranium as described below, thereby improving the corporate structure for WLC to develop its Stage I lithium deposit. The agreement also eliminates the need for continuing future lease payments by WLC of US$4 million.

Details of the Transaction

• WLC will purchase 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of WEDC, thereby acquiring all of WUC's direct and indirect interest in the Kings Valley mineral property, including mineral titles, leases, data and royalties. The Albisu gold property, located at the northern end of the Kings Valley property, and the Treeline Uranium exploration project, located in New Mexico, both of which are currently held by WEDC, will be transferred out of WEDC before completion of the transaction. 

• The purchase price will be Cdn$6.85 million, to be paid through the issue by WLC of 5,855,000 WLC common shares at a deemed price of Cdn$1.17.

• WUC's Strategic Alliance with Cameco, related to the exploration and development of uranium properties, will be concluded as a related part of the transaction with WLC, for consideration of Cdn$2.5 million to be paid by WUC to Cameco and the grant to Cameco of a 20% gross overriding royalty over the Kings Valley mineral property solely in respect of uranium.

• As part of the transaction, WUC has agreed to dispose, in due course, of its common shares in the capital of WLC following completion of the transaction in one or more block trades or off-market transactions until it is no longer an insider (ie. holds less than 10% of outstanding shares), and until it completes such disposition to refrain from voting against management nominees to the WLC board of directors and to vote in favour of any arm's length third party change of control transaction proposed by WLC's management.

The transaction is subject to negotiation and settlement of definitive agreements, the termination of the Strategic Alliance Agreement, completion of due diligence by WLC and all requisite third party approvals, including stock exchange and securities approvals.
Western Lithium is developing the Kings Valley, Nevada lithium deposit into potentially one of the world's largest⁽¹⁾ strategic, scalable and reliable sources of high quality lithium carbonate. The Company is positioning itself as a major U.S.-based supplier to support the rising global demand for lithium carbonate that is expected from the increased use of hybrid/electric vehicles.
Western Uranium Corporation is a mineral exploration company with properties in Argentina, Nevada, and New Mexico and an earn-in agreement with Renaissance Gold Inc. (formerly AuEx Ventures, Inc.) for the Baza gold-copper project in Spain. The Company has its head office in Vancouver, Canada; its executive management team is based in Reno, Nevada.
(1) Western Lithium has completed National Instrument 43-101 resource estimates on two portions of the property, one of which is envisioned for the initial stage of mine development. These resources cover part of the mineralization from a historical estimate of 11 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) prepared by Chevron Resources Corp. in the 1980s that encompasses all of the King's Valley lithium lens deposits identified to date, and ranks in size behind deposits in Bolivia (47 million tonnes LCE), Chile (37 million tonnes LCE), North Carolina (14 million tonnes LCE) and the DRC (12 million tonnes LCE). Source: R. Keith Evans, 2010; Roskill Information Services Ltd., 2009; and company disclosures. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources under National Instrument 43-101, the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources and the historical estimate should not be relied upon. 
 
Forward Looking Statements
Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Ontario Securities Act, including the completion of definitive agreements governing the transaction noted above and settling of all other outstanding conditions for completion of the transaction. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including obtaining regulatory approval, the relevant parties settling all terms and conditions for applicable definitive agreements and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in each management discussion and analysis. Forward-looking information is in addition based on various assumptions including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The companies do not have a policy of updating forward looking information, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

For more information, please contact
Western Lithium USA Corporation
Cindy Burnett
Vice President, Investor Relations
+1-604-331-9842
info@westernlithium.com
www.westernlithium.com
or
Western Uranium Corporation
Pamela Klessig
Chief Executive Officer
+1-775-827-3311
info@westernuranium.com
www.westernuraniumcorp.com

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United States Federal Reserve confirms sluggish recovery!

Image via WikipediaDecember 14, 2010

Federal Reserve Open Market Committee News Release:


Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in November confirms that the economic recovery is continuing, though at a rate that has been insufficient to bring down unemployment. Household spending is increasing at a moderate pace, but remains constrained by high unemployment, modest income growth, lower housing wealth, and tight credit. Business spending on equipment and software is rising, though less rapidly than earlier in the year, while investment in nonresidential structures continues to be weak. Employers remain reluctant to add to payrolls. The housing sector continues to be depressed. Longer-term inflation expectations have remained stable, but measures of underlying inflation have continued to trend downward.

Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Committee seeks to foster maximum employment and price stability. Currently, the unemployment rate is elevated, and measures of underlying inflation are somewhat low, relative to levels that the Committee judges to be consistent, over the longer run, with its dual mandate. Although the Committee anticipates a gradual return to higher levels of resource utilization in a context of price stability, progress toward its objectives has been disappointingly slow.

To promote a stronger pace of economic recovery and to help ensure that inflation, over time, is at levels consistent with its mandate, the Committee decided today to continue expanding its holdings of securities as announced in November. The Committee will maintain its existing policy of reinvesting principal payments from its securities holdings. In addition, the Committee intends to purchase $600 billion of longer-term Treasury securities by the end of the second quarter of 2011, a pace of about $75 billion per month. The Committee will regularly review the pace of its securities purchases and the overall size of the asset-purchase program in light of incoming information and will adjust the program as needed to best foster maximum employment and price stability.

The Committee will maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and continues to anticipate that economic conditions, including low rates of resource utilization, subdued inflation trends, and stable inflation expectations, are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels for the federal funds rate for an extended period.

The Committee will continue to monitor the economic outlook and financial developments and will employ its policy tools as necessary to support the economic recovery and to help ensure that inflation, over time, is at levels consistent with its mandate.

Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman; William C. Dudley, Vice Chairman; James Bullard; Elizabeth A. Duke; Sandra Pianalto; Sarah Bloom Raskin; Eric S. Rosengren; Daniel K. Tarullo; Kevin M. Warsh; and Janet L. Yellen.

Voting against the policy was Thomas M. Hoenig. In light of the improving economy, Mr. Hoenig was concerned that a continued high level of monetary accommodation would increase the risks of future economic and financial imbalances and, over time, would cause an increase in long-term inflation expectations that could destabilize the economy.

2010 Monetary Policy Releases

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BlackBerry App World Now Accepting Apps for BlackBerry PlayBook

Image by DavePeckens via Flickr

Developers can now submit apps and become eligible for a free BlackBerry PlayBook

WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 7, 2010) - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today opened the BlackBerry App World™ vendor portal to begin accepting BlackBerry® PlayBook™ apps from developers. In addition, RIM outlined how developers can become eligible to get a free BlackBerry PlayBook if their app is submitted and approved for distribution on BlackBerry App World prior to the launch of BlackBerry PlayBook in North America*.

"Interest and momentum behind the BlackBerry PlayBook continues to build and we are thrilled with the positive response from both the developer community and our customers. With its groundbreaking performance and robust support for industry standard development tools, the BlackBerry PlayBook provides an exceptional platform that appeals to a wide range of mobile app developers, including Adobe® AIR® and Flash® developers, HTML web developers, corporate developers and application hobbyists," said Tyler Lessard, VP Global Alliances & Developer Relations at Research In Motion. "We are very pleased to be working with developers in advance of the product launch and the opening of BlackBerry App World to accept BlackBerry PlayBook apps is an important next step."

BlackBerry PlayBook App Development
RIM also recently released an update to the Beta version of the BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK for Adobe AIR. The update now supports Flash Builder 4.5 (Burrito/Flex Mobile) with plug-ins that work with either Flash Builder 4.0 or the pre-release version of Flash Builder Burrito. Support for Flash Builder Burrito adds drag and drop capabilities, making it even easier and faster for developers to build applications for the BlackBerry PlayBook. The latest Beta of the SDK also supports Windows in 64-bit and includes a simulator for Linux.

What Developers Are Saying
"Developing for the PlayBook has been a pleasurable experience. The APIs are straightforward and optimized for the device and the environment is cross-platform," said Jerome Carty, President, JCX Systems, Inc. "The thing that impresses me the most is the potential for the hardware. The gestures for the PlayBook make the device feel as though you have unlimited surface area since they extend beyond the screen to the bezel. This will make for a fun and unique experience for developers and end-users."

"The BlackBerry PlayBook has some stellar hardware specs which will support Adobe AIR quite well," said Randy Troppman, Founder, RunningMap. "I recompiled several of my AIR apps with the BlackBerry Tablet OS AIR SDK and they worked the first time. Unmodified. Piece of cake. Now I just need to take advantage of the BlackBerry PlayBook's touch screen to take these apps to the next level."

"Model Metrics is thrilled to be working to deliver scalable enterprise applications on the BlackBerry PlayBook," said John Barnes, CTO, Model Metrics, Inc. "The ease of development and deployment sets a new bar for the tablet market and Model Metrics is looking forward to offering the 2GO platform for the BlackBerry PlayBook."

See more examples and comments at http://devblog.blackberry.com/2010/10/blackberry-playbook-apps/.

Free BlackBerry PlayBook Offer
Registered developers who submit a qualifying BlackBerry PlayBook app that is accepted into BlackBerry App World prior to the initial product launch in North America will receive a free BlackBerry PlayBook, subject to certain terms and conditions. Although developers are encouraged to submit multiple apps, there is a limit of one free BlackBerry PlayBook per registered developer in BlackBerry App World. For additional information on the offer, including the Terms and Conditions, visit www.blackberry.com/developers/blackberryplaybookoffer.

Useful Links

• BlackBerry Tablet OS Development (http://www.blackberry.com/developers/tabletos)
  • Getting Started Guide for Windows and Mac
  • Development Guide
  • Developer Tools for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux 
  •  
• BlackBerry Tablet OS Webcast Series
  • Get Building for the BlackBerry PlayBook (http://webcast.streamlogics.com/audience/index.asp?eventid=23141115?IID=DEVWEB1101) 
  • My First App for the BlackBerry PlayBook (http://webcast.streamlogics.com/audience/index.asp?eventid=35207765?IID=DEVCAST21109)
  • Device Integration for apps on the BlackBerry PlayBook (http://webcast.streamlogics.com/audience/index.asp?eventid=13758486?IID=DEVWEBC31117)
  • User Interface Guidelines (http://webcast.streamlogics.com/audience/index.asp?eventid=15766542)
  • Coming Soon! BlackBerry App World submissions (check http://devblog.blackberry.com for details in the next few days) 
  •  
• Adobe Tablet OS Development Page (http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flash/blackberrytabos/)
• BlackBerry Developer Blog (http://devblog.blackberry.com)
• Twitter (www.twitter.com/blackberrydev @BlackBerryDev)
• BlackBerry Support Forums (http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/Tablet-OS-SDK-for-Adobe-AIR/bd-p/tablet)

*Subject to terms and conditions.

About Research In Motion
Research In Motion (RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, revolutionized the mobile industry with the introduction of the BlackBerry® solution in 1999. Today, BlackBerry products and services are used by millions of customers around the world to stay connected to the people and content that matter most throughout their day. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ:RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend," "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by RIM in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that RIM believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause RIM's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of RIM's Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on RIM's forward-looking statements. RIM has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third party products or services.

For more information, please contact

Media Contact:
Brodeur Partners (PR Agency for RIM)
Marisa Conway
212-336-7509
mconway@brodeur.com
or
Investor Contact:
RIM Investor Relations
519-888-7465
investor_relations@rim.com

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Plantronics Simplifies Conference Calls With New Instant Meeting App for BlackBerry and Android Phones

Image by chrissatchwell via Flickr

Dec 09, 2010 11:00 ET

One-Touch Conference Call Connections for Today's Mobile Workforce

SANTA CRUZ, CA--(Marketwire - December 9, 2010) - Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) today announced the availability of InstantMeeting, a conference calling app for Android™ and BlackBerry® smart phones that enables mobile professionals to access conference calls from their devices with the push of a button.
Simplified Communications for the Distributed Workforce.

The notion of an office has transformed from four walls, a desk and a computer, to something much more fluid, mobile and familiar. No matter the location -- home office, airport or the sideline of a soccer game -- today's distributed workforce requires instant access to information from a host of devices, be it a smart phone, tablet computer or notebook. According to a recent international study from Plantronics, more than 90 percent of enterprise employees stated that they spend at least some time working outside of the office. No matter where these workers are, 83 percent are expected to be present in meetings either online or via conference calls "frequently" or "all the time."

The Plantronics InstantMeeting™ app eliminates the frustration and time lost when trying to dial-in to a conference call, a cumbersome process that requires entering a myriad of numbers, ID codes and passwords, and # and * signs. The mobile app allows today's mobile professional the most convenient way to dial into a conference call from their Android or BlackBerry phone. The app automatically syncs conference dial-in numbers from leading providers, requiring no advanced setup of access codes and calendars. With one touch the application removes the worry of having to remember a moderator ID number, eliminates the frustration of miss-dialing a conference line and joining a call five minutes late. If a user gets disconnected from a conference call (e.g., poor reception), they can reenter the meeting with one touch.

"In spite of the proliferation of communications tools such as IM, SMS and email, modern professionals spend an increasing amount of time in meetings, specifically conference calls. InstantMeeting enables quick, intuitive conference call access so mobile professionals can focus on the task at hand: communication and collaboration," said Gunjan Bhow, vice president and general manager of New Ventures at Plantronics. "Our ultimate goal is to enable people to communicate with one another naturally and with minimal barriers, regardless of the devices, platforms and tools being used. InstantMeeting saves time and frankly, a bit of sanity, so people can conduct business more efficiently and get on with the rest of their day."

Pricing and Availability
The Plantronics InstantMeeting app is available today in the Android Marketplace, BlackBerry App World and online at InstantMeeting. The trial version provides 20 free initiations to conference calls. Users who download the free trial app through http://www.plantronics.com/instantmeeting on December 9, 2010 will receive 1,000 free initiations to conference calls. A premium version of InstantMeeting is available in the Android Marketplace and BlackBerry App World for $2.99 with unlimited calls. Instant Meeting will be available for the Apple iPhone®, Microsoft® Office and Skype® and in early 2011.
For a demo of how the application works, please visit the http://www.plantronics.com/instantmeeting

About Plantronics
Plantronics is a world leader in personal audio communications for professionals and consumers. From unified communication solutions to Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers unparalleled audio experiences and quality that reflect our nearly 50 years of innovation and customer commitment. Plantronics is used by every company in the Fortune 100 and is the headset of choice for air traffic control, 911 dispatch and the New York Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.plantronics.com or call (800) 544-4660.
Plantronics and Plantronics InstantMeeting are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.

Contacts:
Karen Auby
Plantronics, Inc.
831-458-7814
karen.auby@plantronics.com

Michael Moeschler
Voce Communications for Plantronics, Inc.
408-738-8784
mmoeschler@vocecomm.com

Click here to see all recent news from this co

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Rodinia Lithium Inc. Intersects 204 Metres Grading 536 mg/L Lithium at Salar de Diablillos

4 hours ago by Marketwire

Rodinia Lithium Inc. ("Rodinia" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: RM)(OTCQX: RDNAF), is pleased to report that it continues to intersect high-grade lithium and potash in its reverse circulation drilling exploration program on its Salar de Diablillos lithium-brine project in Salta, Argentina ("Diablillos" or the "Salar"). The Company has commissioned a second drill which is already operational on the property as a result of the successful exploration program and to ensure timely delivery of an initial resource estimate.

William Randall, President and CEO of Rodinia, commented "we continue to intersect high quality lithium brines in the southern portion of the Salar. Hole D-RC-11 is remarkable in that we have intersected 204 metres of high grade mineralized brines in a single aquifer composed almost exclusively of sand and gravel. These conditions are extremely favourable, especially in an area we did not have high expectations for. The drills have now moved to the northern portion of the Salar where the higher grade brines are expected, based on the auger drill results."

Results from the latest four drill holes are summarized in Table 1. All the holes reported in this press release were drilled in the southern lower grade portion of the Salar as determined by the surface auger drilling. The reverse circulation drill holes were drilled vertically to ensure proper representation of the stratigraphic column. As in the previous drill holes, the distribution of lithium concentrations over the hole are remarkably even, suggesting that the entire stratigraphic column below the near surface clays represents a single aquifer, composed primarily of sands and gravels. The clay content in all holes drilled to date has been low to negligible. Holes D-RC-10 and D-RC-11 both may have encountered basement rocks towards the bottom of the hole where schistose material was detected in the cuttings. The depths at which the basement is thought to have been encountered are substantially greater than those predicted by the gravity survey, increasing the potential value of the basin.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
                   From          Interval     Li      K      B
Drill Hole          (m) To (m)        (m) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l)  Mg:Li SO4:Li
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
D-RC-08         Artesian brine
                        @ 70.5               260   2200    550   3.50  14.23
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
zone open at depth
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
D-RC-09              24     60         36    521   6063    556   3.64  14.96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
zone open at depth
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
D-RC-10            brine @ 36m               560   7100    480   4.29   8.39
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
D-RC-11              60    264        204    536   5638    741   3.48  12.09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Asampling procedure was enforced by management to ensure sample integrity during the drill program. Where possible, brine and sediments samples were air lifted, and water restricted to the upper part of the hole before the water table was intercepted. Once brine bearing horizons were intercepted, drilling was halted and the drilling pipe lifted 2 feet or more to allow the total flushing of the internal pipe by means of air pressure for approximately ten minutes or until the brine appeared reasonably clean of sediment. After sufficient air lifting of the brine, a sample was collected in 500 ml sample bottles that had been washed three times with the brine. Liquid was also collected in five gallon buckets and the time of filling of the bucket recorded, in order to aid in quantifying the formational flow.

The Project is supervised by Ray Spanjers, Rodinia's Manager of Exploration. Mr. Spanjers is considered a qualified person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this release. According to the Company's sampling protocol, sample size is to exceed 500 millilitres and be stored in clean, secure containers for transportation. The prepared samples are then forwarded to the ALS Laboratory Group, Environmental Division, in Fort Collins, Co (USA) for analysis. A rigorous QA/QC program is implemented consisting of regular insertion of standards and blanks to ensure laboratory integrity.
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About Rodinia Lithium Inc.:
Rodinia Lithium Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a primary focus on lithium exploration and development in North and South America. The Company is positioned to capitalize on the expected increase in demand for lithium carbonate that is projected to result from the anticipated paradigm shift to mass adoption and use of key lithium applications like lithium-ion batteries as well as glass ceramics, greases, pharmaceuticals etc.
Rodinia is currently exploring its Clayton Valley project in Nevada, USA, which surrounds the only lithium-brine producer in North America, and its Salar de Diablillos project in Salta, Argentina.
Please visit the Company's web site at www.rodinialithium.com or write us at info@rodinialithium.com. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RodiniaLithium.

Cautionary Notes
Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding the impact of the drill program at the Diablillos property and results of such drill program; the potential of the Diablillos property; the anticipated timetable with respect to the an initial resource estimate; the potential results and timetable for further exploration with respect to the Clayton Valley project and the Diablillos property, the timetable with respect to future acquisitions and exploration developments at Clayton Valley and Diablillos, timetable for further exploration, analysis and development, title disputes or claims; and governmental approvals and regulation. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, financing risks, acquisition risks, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Contacts:
Investor Cubed Inc.
Neil Simon
+1 (647) 258-3311

Rodinia Lithium Inc.
Aaron Wolfe
Vice-President, Corporate Development
+1 (416) 309-2696
www.rodinialithium.com

SOURCE: Rodinia Lithium Inc.

http://www.rodinialithium.com

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