C. K. Cooper & Company Appoints Mary B. Safrai, CFA to Its Research Department.

IRVINE, Calif. -- C. K. Cooper & Company appointed Mary B. Safrai, CFA, to its research department. Phil McPherson, Director of Research, commented, "Mary brings years of experience in analyzing the energy sector and will provide a perfect compliment to growing our insightful franchise. Additionally, Mary's experience within the oil service sector will expand C. K. Cooper's knowledge base beyond our traditional E&P roots. We are extremely excited to have Mary on board and believe she will bring valuable insight to our clients."

Mary B. Safrai, CFA, Associate Director Oil & Gas Group

Mary B. Safrai has been associated with Carl H. Pforzheimer & Co., an energy boutique firm, for most of her career as a security analyst covering E&P and oil service companies. In addition, she followed the energy industry at Swiss American Securities, a private banking affiliate of Credit Suisse. Mary served on the board of Paradigm Geophysical, a seismic software company in Herzliya, Israel, from 2000 until it went private in 2002.

Mary holds an MBA in finance and economics from New York University, an MA in English Literature from Boston College and a BA from Syracuse University. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a NASD Series 7 registered representative and a NASD analyst with Series 86 and 87 licenses.

Mary will assume coverage of the following four companies within our peer group.

* American Oil & Gas (AMEX:AEZ)

* NGAS Resources (NASDAQ:NGAS)

* Teton Energy Corporation (AMEX:TEC)

* Whittier Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:WHIT)

Additionally, we look forward to Mary adding quality small cap E&P names to our distinguished peer group.

C. K. Cooper & Company is an investment-banking boutique that specializes in the growth oriented sectors. In the energy space, the firm is focused on exploration and production companies.

The information contained herein is not a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any company, industry or security. Although opinions and estimates expressed herein reflect the current judgment of C. K. Cooper & Company, the information upon which such opinions and estimates are based is not necessarily updated on a regular basis; when it is, the date of the change in estimate will be noted. In addition, opinions and estimates are subject to change without notice. This Report contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ significantly from the results described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in "Investment Risks." C. K. Cooper & Company from time to time performs corporate finance or other services for some companies described herein and may occasionally possess material, nonpublic information regarding such companies. This information is not used in the preparation of the opinions and estimates herein. While the information contained in this Report and the opinions contained herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, C. K. Cooper & Company has not independently verified the facts, assumptions and estimates contained in this Report. Accordingly, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information and opinions contained in this Report. C. K. Cooper & Company, its managing directors, its affiliates, and/or its employees may have an interest in the securities of the issue(s) described and may make purchases or sales while this report is in circulation.