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Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Fireswirl Technologies Inc.: General Business Update

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire) - Fireswirl Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FSW) ("the company") wishes to provide an update on the following:

BUSINESS UPDATE

The company expects to implement the following projects in Q1 2008:

In June 2007 the company acquired a 3G Platform enabling interactive video content to be deployed by mobile carriers. The platform was installed with Hutchison Telephone Company (Macau) Limited (HT) and a reseller agreement is in place whereby the company will receive a portion of the HT network revenue based on usage by the end user. In fall 2007 the company commenced development of a gaming suite consisting of baccarat, blackjack, slots, and video poker whereby contestants using their 3G mobile devices can compete for prizes. Beta testing of this 3G content is completed and the company anticipates entering a content reseller agreement with mobile carriers in the networks it is intended to be deployed within.

Throughout 2007 the company added new games and updated its online gaming suite, most recently converting its poker suite to a "flash based client" versus "downloadable windows application client". The company is expecting to deploy the flash based poker software within eligible partnering programs of popular social networking platforms. The poker suite will initially be on a play for free basis with the company expecting to derive future revenues from advertising.

Fireswirl is at final stages of completing a business to business (B2B) website that caters to an English and Chinese forum of users either operating or wishing to operate in China. Developed from our Shenzhen offices in China, based on the company's first hand experiences, the site will provide business oriented information with links, FAQ's, and the ability for members to catalogue their business. Our initial business case is to derive revenues from its memberships with future expectations to achieve B2B transactional fees between the members.

INVESTOR RELATIONS

The company has elected not to renew their investor relations contract with Ascenta Capital Partners Inc. and has not selected a replacement at this time.

BOARD COMMITTEES

On January 2, 2008 the company announced the addition of Ji Yoon and James Borkowski to the board of directors. The company's board committees are now composed as follows:

Audit Committee

Ji Yoon, Director (Chair)

Steven Hsieh, Director

Dale Peterson, Chief Executive Officer, President, Director

Compensation & Corporate Governance Committee

James Borkowski, Director (Chair)

Steven Hsieh, Director

Ji Yoon, Director

About Fireswirl

Fireswirl Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FSW) is focused on creating transactional revenue by engineering electronic and mobile commerce solutions for content providers. The Company's technology has broad applications for solutions requiring multiple payment interfaces, multi-currency and multi-language capabilities. Our solutions can be adapted to any industry seeking high volume or micro-payment solutions involving a wide base of users through internet or wireless applications.

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Richmond Hill Businessman Pleads Guilty to GST Fraud and Personating Other Individuals

NEWMARKET, ONTARIO--(Marketwire) - Richard Rupp of Richmond Hill was sentenced on February 1, 2008 in the Ontario Court of Justice to a conditional sentence of two years less a day after pleading guilty to goods and services tax (GST) fraud and personating other individuals. He was also fined a total of $217,557, which represents 100% of the fraudulent GST refunds he received.

Mr. Rupp, a former real estate agent and the president of Dynasty Homes Ltd., was sentenced to a conditional sentence of two years less a day for unlawfully making false or deceptive statements, and willfully obtaining GST funds to which he was not entitled. He was charged under the Criminal Code of Canada for fraudulently personating living persons with intent to gain advantage for himself. Under the conditional sentence, Mr. Rupp must remain at home during certain hours for one year, and must maintain good behaviour and must repay the amount fraudulently obtained by August 31, 2008. He must request from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) permission to register new GST accounts, and he must inform the CRA of any new companies that he acquires.

A CRA investigation revealed that Mr. Rupp registered 70 GST accounts from 1991 to 2001. During the period from 1996 to 2001, he used some of these accounts to file 652 false GST returns and receive fraudulent GST refunds totaling $217,557. Mr. Rupp used names and social insurance numbers of other individuals to register some of these accounts.

"Canadians have to be confident that the tax system is fair," said William V. Baker, Commissioner of the CRA. "That's why the Agency works to ensure that the vast majority of Canadians who pay their taxes are not penalized by the few who don't."

Taxpayers who claim false expenses, credits or rebates from the government are subject to serious consequences. They are liable not only for corrections to their tax returns and payment of the full amount of tax owing, but also to penalties and interest. In addition, if convicted of tax evasion, the court may fine them up to 200% of the tax evaded and sentence them for up to a five-year jail term.

The CRA is committed to ensuring public confidence in the integrity and fairness of the tax system through education and responsible enforcement. People who commit tax fraud are cheating the vast majority who obey tax laws.

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Macadamian Identified as a Leading Company in Software Services Globalization

Named to the Global Services 100 List for 2008
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 4, 2008) - Global Services Magazine has named Macadamian Technologies Inc. to the Global Services 100 for 2008, a list representing companies who have the maturity and capability to lead the next wave of services globalization.

The Global Services 100, now in its fourth year, is a tool for buyers of business and technology services. Judges from Global Services magazine team up with outsourcing experts at neoIT, a consulting firm that specializes in services globalization, to identify and evaluate the leading service providers located on four continents. The evaluation is based upon data provided by the service providers and third parties regarding effective operations, service offerings, client relationships and human capital.

"The Global Services 100 recognizes leadership across the globe," said Frederic Boulanger, Macadamian president and CEO. "Being named to this list, as well as being on the Software 500 again this year, means that our industry realizes the importance of our innovation-on-demand model."

"The Global Services 100 list, brought out by Global Services and neoIT, has grown to be a highly credible listing of global IT services and BPO companies. The list helps service buyers leapfrog the request-for-information stage and the category winners almost always make it to the RFP stage in a service deal. That's the unique advantage a Global Services 100 company enjoys," said Ed Nair, editor, Global Services.

Global Services and neoIT will present the awards to category winners at the 2008 Global Services Conference being held on March 12th, 2008 at Marriott Marquis, Times Square, New York, U.S.A.

About Macadamian

Macadamian is a software product development outsourcing partner for North American companies developing new products and improving existing products. Macadamian helps software development managers attain the mix of skill, speed, quality and cost needed to successfully deliver on their commitments. Founded in 1997, Macadamian provides a complete range of software development and related services to clients throughout North America, including Ottawa, Toronto, Boston, Dallas and San Jose. For further information, please visit the Web site at www.macadamian.com or email software@macadamian.com.

About Global Services

Global Services is a media platform with a portfolio that includes a magazine, website, events, newsletter and customized solutions. Our audience consists of corporate professionals engaged in the sourcing and management of business and technology services. Global Services is owned by CyberMedia (India) Limited. www.globalservicesmedia.com

About neoIT

neoIT is a management consulting firm that helps leading corporations improve and grow their business by capitalizing on services globalizationSM. Through a blend of strategic advisory services and hands-on execution support, neoIT provides advice and management expertise on the globalization of Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services. For more information, visit www.neoIT.com.

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Seven New Members Appointed to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), today announced the appointment of seven new members to the Council.

The new members are Paul Kevin Bates, Sean Taft Caulfield, Kerry Colleen Day, Angela Ferrante, P. Thomas Jenkins, Dr. Christopher P. Manfredi and Dr. Nelson Michaud. Biographical information on each new member can be found in the attached backgrounder.

"I am pleased to welcome these seven new members to SSHRC," said Minister Prentice. "Their diverse backgrounds and experience will strengthen the Council as it works to promote and support research in the social sciences and humanities."

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada is an independent federal government agency that funds university-based research and graduate training through national peer-reviewed competitions. The Council also partners with public and private sector organizations to focus research and aid the development of better policies and practices in key areas of Canada's social, cultural and economic life.

BACKGROUNDER

Biographical Information

Paul Kevin Bates

Mr. Bates is currently Dean and Industry Professor of Financial Management Services with the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. He is a former President and CEO of Charles Schwab Canada, a financial service provider, and President and COO of both TD Greenline Canada and Marathon Brokerage. He was also founder and CEO of Priority Brokerage and Porthmeor Securities.

In 2002 Mr. Bates was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal for community service, which honours Canadians who, over the previous 50 years, helped create the Canada of today.


Sean Taft Caulfield

Mr. Caulfield is currently Canada Research Chair (Tier II) Professor, Printmaking, at the University of Alberta. He has held many solo print exhibitions, most recently at the Malaspina Print Gallery in Vancouver. Mr. Caulfield's work can be found in collections in Canada, the U.S., China and Japan.


Kerry Colleen Day

Ms. Day is currently Vice-President, Legal, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer with ATB Financial. Prior to joining ATB Financial, Ms. Day was a partner in the law firm Milner Fenerty, practising in corporate commercial and securities law, and served as Corporate Secretary and General Counsel of TELUS Corporation.


Angela Ferrante

Ms. Ferrante was most recently COO of the Ontario Energy Board. She previously held the positions of Senior Vice-President Corporate Communications with BMO Financial Group, Vice-President Public Affairs with the Ontario Power Generation and Executive Vice-President and COO of the C.D. Howe Institute. She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of VIA Rail Canada Inc.

A former journalist, Ms. Ferrante is a member of the Board of the Canadian Journalism Foundation.


P. Thomas Jenkins

Mr. Jenkins is currently Executive Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer of Open Text Corporation. He has been a director of the firm since 1994 and from 1997 to 2005 served as CEO. Prior to joining Open Text, Mr. Jenkins held a number of executive positions with BMC Software Inc. and with DALSA Inc., an electronic imaging manufacturer. Mr. Jenkins is currently a member of the Board of Directors of BMC Software Inc.


Dr. Christopher P. Manfredi

Dr. Manfredi is currently Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Professor in the Department of Political Science at McGill University, where he previously held the positions of Chair, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor. He is a member of the College of Reviewers of the Canada Research Chairs Program and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Association for Canadian Studies.

Dr. Manfredi has authored numerous books, articles and reports and has served as co-editor of the Canadian Journal of Political Science.


Dr. Nelson Michaud

Dr. Michaud is currently an Associate Professor at the Ecole nationale d'administration publique, where he is also Chair of the Groupe d'etude, de recherche et de formation internationales and Chair of the Laboratoire d'etude sur les politiques publiques et la mondialisation. Previously, Dr. Michaud worked for the federal government in the departments of Regional Industrial Expansion, the Solicitor General of Canada and Consumer and Corporate Affairs.

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Titan Trading Announces Appointment to Advisory Board

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire) - Titan Trading Analytics Inc. (TSX VENTURE:TTA) (OTCBB:TITAF) ("Titan") and its wholly owned subsidiary, Titan Trading USA, are pleased to announce the appointment of Parker Seto to Titan's advisory board.

Mr. Seto's primary responsibility will be overseeing Titan's expansion into Asian markets. Parker has 23 years of experience in the brokerage industry and holds Series 7, 24, 4, and 63 licenses. Mr. Seto has held a number of roles in the industry, including Chief Compliance Office (CCO) for Carlin Financial Group and Heng Fung Equities, Inc.

Parker is well-versed in International Business and is bi-lingual, speaking both English and Cantonese fluently. Parker will be directly responsible for business development in Asian markets, specifically Hong Kong and Shanghai. Titan plans to market to Asian brokers who wish to provide electronic trading platforms and Direct Market Access (DMA) tools to their client base.

"Having a bi-lingual expert in the Compliance field who also has deep relationships in the Asian brokerage industry is a huge asset for Titan," says Phil Carrozza, President of Titan Trading U.S.A.

Except for historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, changing market conditions, and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events in this press release might not occur.

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Cortex Retains CHF Investor Relations

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire) - Cortex Business Solutions Inc. (TSX VENTURE:CBX) ("Cortex" or "the Company") today announced that, subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance, it has retained the services of CHF Investor Relations ("CHF"), Canada's longest established investor relations firm.

Effective immediately, CHF will provide comprehensive investor relations and market-making services for an initial period of twelve months ending January 31, 2009. Thereafter, cancellation by either party requires three months' notice. CHF will be paid a monthly fee of $7,500 plus allowable disbursements. Additionally, subject to regulatory approval and the dictates of the Company's stock option plan, Cortex has granted incentive stock options to CHF as follows:

- 250,000 options at an exercise price of $0.25 per share granted immediately;

- and agrees to grant another 250,000 options premium-priced at $0.50 or similarly priced in the context of the market once additional options become available under the Stock Option Plan in the future.

Mr. Ryan Lailey, VP Business Development & Corporate Strategy, commented, "Cortex had an outstanding year of achievement, record revenue and growth. Management continues to see increased activity and acceptance of our valuable cost-saving products and services by the marketplace. The addition of CHF to our team enhances and expands our communication to the investment community and our shareholders."

CHF does not currently own any shares of Cortex.

About CHF Investor Relations

CHF's niche role is acting as a public company's outsourced, low-cost equivalent to an internal investor relations department. With Canadian offices in Toronto and Calgary, and international offices in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Shanghai, China, CHF serves an international portfolio of TSX/Venture-listed, and companies seeking to list on the TSX, that operate in a broad range of industries, including niche financial products, mining exploration and producers, oil and gas, telecommunications, high-tech and special situations.

About Cortex Business Solutions Inc.

Cortex products enable the secure exchange of business critical documents such as purchase orders, field receipts, invoices and acknowledgments, between a large cohort of trading partners. Customers can implement the approach quickly and achieve productivity improvements, enhanced cash flow and efficiencies associated with transacting electronically, while avoiding the risk and delays associated with large information technology or business processes re-engineering initiatives. Cortex products and services are non-intrusive and allow customers the freedom to leverage and optimize their existing processes and information technology assets. The Company's shares are listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol CBX. There are approximately 55 million shares issued and outstanding.

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The Canada Revenue Agency Offers Business Tax Help on Saturdays

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire) - The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will provide service on its business enquiries telephone lines on two Saturdays, February 16, and 23, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This extended service will assist employers who need help preparing T4 slips for employees.

The CRA's business enquiry telephone service operates year round with agent-assisted service available from Monday to Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Automated service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The business enquiry telephone number is 1-800-959-5525.

The CRA takes the privacy and confidentiality of taxpayer information very seriously. When calling the business enquiry service, taxpayers are asked to answer personal and account-specific questions to confirm their authority to discuss the business account with the CRA. Taxpayer account information is available only to those individuals who have authorization to access the account.

For general information on business-related topics 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, visit the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca.

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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Arrives in Cairo

Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis Debuts

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire) - Fairmont Hotels & Resorts today announced the opening of Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis. The property joins the company's collection of landmark hotels as the first Fairmont to open its doors in Cairo and the fifth addition to the portfolio in the Middle East and Africa. A second property located adjacent, the Fairmont Heliopolis, will embark upon a renovation program beginning first quarter of 2008, whose design will result in a relaxed and inviting space complementing the elegant Towers. Upon completion, guests will enjoy access to a wide variety of dining outlets, function space and other business and leisure amenities.

Reflecting a contemporary design and welcoming yet personalized service, Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis features 247 luxurious guestrooms which offer an elegant yet comfortable place to live, work and relax, extensive conference facilities, a spa, atrium garden and dining outlets. The property is located in the central Heliopolis area (Greek, for city of the sun), five minutes from Cairo International Airport and a perfect base from which to explore popular attractions such as the Mohamed Ali citadel, the Egyptian Museum and pyramids.

A Pharaonic Horus eye - a symbol of power and protection - is illuminated onto a gray ceiling from a white pergola located below, in the hotel's atrium. With five sun-shaped designs, the "sun theme" encompasses the atrium, bridal suite, and function areas. The hotel's lighting accentuates the design with subtle orange tones reflected throughout the property. Elements of nature are incorporated into the hotel's contemporary interior design, through thoughtfully situated landscaped gardens, indoor plants, water features and abundant natural lighting. Destination design firm WATG, the world's leading design consultant for the hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries, did the master planning, architecture, interior and landscape design for Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis.

Elegantly detailed guestrooms offer either a classic or contemporary decor and feature 32" flat screen TVs, wireless HSIA and bathrooms equipped with bathtubs, standing rain shower and sound systems. Rooms overlooking the atrium enjoy views of the tropical gardens, palm trees and flowing stream below. Three presidential suites offer large bedrooms, a large living room, dining room that seats 12 and a butler's kitchen with Nespresso coffee machine.

Dining in Cairo is a treat for the senses, with a wide range of products available in the region underscoring Fairmont's commitment to providing locally sourced, organic or sustainable items to guests wherever possible. Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis' four dining outlets underscore the chefs commitment to excellent cuisine with a local flare, including Aqua e Luce, featuring modern Italian cuisine and stunning views of the Atrium garden. The restaurant's design is an integral part of the dining experience with its open areas, private dining room, wine racks, and display kitchens.

The property features more than 4,500 square meters of function space, with rooms named after ancient Egyptian precious stones and Red Sea treasures, including the main ballroom Canyon, which accommodates 2,100 for a reception. Additional features include an outdoor, heated pool, fitness center, business center and boardrooms for guest use and a Willow Stream Spa scheduled to open late 2008.

Additional Fairmont locations in the Middle East and Africa include The Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Zanzibar, Fairmont Mara Safari Club and Fairmont The Norfolk, Nairobi. Future developments include Fairmont Nile City, Cairo (2008); Fairmont Palm Island, Dubai (2009); Fairmont Zimbali, South Africa (2010); and Fairmont Abu Dhabi Resort & Villas (2011) and Fairmont Kingdom of Sheba, Dubai (2011).

A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an extraordinary collection of luxury hotels which includes iconic landmarks like The Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Monte Carlo and New York's The Plaza. Fairmont hotels are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travelers can discover culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the destination. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont's portfolio includes 55 distinctive hotels, with plans to develop over 20 new properties in the coming years in destinations as diverse as Beijing, Abu Dhabi and South Africa.

Fairmont Raffles Hotels International is a leading global hotel company with over 85 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissotel brands. The Company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.

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Quizam Signs Deals With 20 Schools in UK, Spain, Norway, Iceland, India, Netherlands and Sweden

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire) - Quizam Media Corporation ("Quizam" or "the company") (TSX VENTURE:QQ) is pleased to announce it has signed deals with 20 more schools to use its flashcard learning software.

The Schools are:

1. Sion-Manning RC Girls School, London, UK

2. Aloha College, Malaga, Spain

3. Nesodden Videregaende Skole, Nesodden, Norway

4. Hrafnagilsskoli, Akureyri, Iceland

5. Podar International School, Mumbai, India

6. King Edward VI School, Suffolk, UK

7. Alftanesskoli, Alftanes, Iceland

8. Blackfen School For Girls, Bexley, UK

9. Carbooncollege St. Jan, Limburg, Netherlands

10. Carbooncollege Emma, Heerlen, Netherlands

11. Batchwood School, Hertfordshire, UK

12. St. John's Church School, Peterborough, UK

13. Oakington Education, Oakington, UK

14. William Ellis School, London, UK

15. St. Philomena's, London, UK

16. Hannah More Primary School, Bristol, UK

17. Licensed Victuallers' School, Berkshire, UK

18. Notre Dame Prep School, Cobham, UK

19. Borgsmoskolan, Norrkoping, Sweden

20. Peacehaven Community School, Sussex, UK

David Lee, director of Global Development for Quizam, commented, "The Quizam Team is delighted with the Global response to this product."

Quizam's strategy is to accelerate global use of the software. In exchange for waiving the $2000 Pilot Fee for 6 months the schools have agreed to give Quizam student/teacher feedback on the software. If the schools purchase the software before the end of the 6 month pilot period they will receive a 25% discount.

About Quizam Media Corporation (www.quizam.com)

Quizam Media Corporation is currently growing sales of Quizam 3.0 Software, a compelling Computer-Based Assessment tool that utilizes time-tested quizzing methods to empower students to learn in an environment where their assessment is instantaneous and their learning curve is accelerated. Students that use Quizam learn faster and score higher. Quizam's mission is to empower over a billion school-aged children and university students globally with relevant, effective and fun study aids.

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Finavera Renewables Announces $2 Million Private Placement

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (marketwire)- Finavera Renewables Inc. ('Finavera Renewables') (TSX VENTURE:FVR) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of 10,000,000 units at a price of $0.20 per unit for gross proceeds of $2,000,000. The units consist of one common share and one-half of a share purchase warrant, with each full warrant exercisable at $0.25 for 24 months from the date of the private placement. A finder's fee will be payable in connection with the private placement.

Proceeds of the placement will be used for the continued development of Finavera Renewables' wind and wave energy projects, and for general working capital.


About Finavera Renewables Inc.
Finavera Renewables Inc. is dedicated to the development of renewable energy resources and technologies. The Company's objective is to become a major renewable and green energy producer by developing and operating its assets in the wind and wave energy sectors. Finavera Renewables Inc. is developing the licensed and patented 'AquaBuOY' wave energy technology, a device that is based on proven and sustainable buoy technology. The Company is developing wave energy projects for AquaBuOY use in the United States, Portugal, South Africa and Canada. One of those projects, in California, has secured a 2MW power purchase agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric. The Company is also developing other wind energy projects in Canada and Ireland. In Canada, a two stage 150 MW project is being developed in Alberta. Construction on this advance stage project is estimated to begin in 2008 and provides for near term revenue. In British Columbia, four projects totaling 366 MW have been entered into the provincial Environmental Assessment process, and several other sites are being developed. In Ireland, two pre-construction wind projects are under development with a potential capacity of 175MW. Data collection and environmental studies have been continuing at a number of sites in both countries.

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