Watch out Chicago, The Single Scene is Getting a Facelift - Dr. Paul Dobransky Announces the Launch of Menspsychology.com and His New Partnership with Celebrity Matchmaker Christie Nightingale
CHICAGO, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- This weekend in Chicago, dating may change forever. Noted psychiatrist Dr. Paul Dobransky, also known as Dr. Paul, will conduct a remarkable boot camp to show men how to interact better with women. Dr. Paul will be joined by nationally recognized matchmaker and entrepreneur Christie Nightingale. In this extraordinary event, men will receive classroom instruction, then be taken to bars, clubs and restaurants to practice what they've learned.
About Dr. Paul
Dr. Paul has shared his riveting views on relationships with ABC, CBS, CNN, FOX and other national media platforms. He is also author of two well-received non-fiction books, The Secret Psychology of How We Fall In Love and The Power of Female Friendship. Both were published by Penguin. As well, he has written for The New York Times, USA Today, MSN.com, Men's Health and numerous others outlets.
Along with his media work, Dr. Dobransky has treated thousands of patients in his medical practice. Among other things, he uses clinical expertise to help men and women find productive relationships or improve the relationships they are in.
About Christie Nightingale
Christie Nightingale is CEO of Premier Match, one of the most talked about dating services in America. She's been profiled by Good Morning America and on numerous NBC affiliates. Christie has also been featured by ABC News, Bloomberg Television, National Public Radio, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and other national outlets.
Christie is a former PR executive and professional model, with offices in New York, Washington, Philadelphia and London. In fact, her opinion is so respected, Premier Match helped pick female contestants for ABC's hit show The Bachelor for several seasons.
Sustainable Life Media's SB Seminars Provide Executives With Sustainable Brand Strategy Training
Jennifer Rice's One-Day Seminar on Building the Credible Sustainable Brand premieres Oct. 4th in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Sustainable Life Media's new Sustainable Brands Seminar Series is designed to give small groups a comprehensive study on sustainability theory and practical application, including "Building a Credible Sustainable Brand." Jennifer Rice, principal at Fruitful Strategy, will teach participants that building a credible brand starts with laying the foundation: how customers experience your brand, and what they believe to be true about you as a company. By the end of the course, attendees will have gone through a structured process for leveraging sustainability for growth, learning from best-practices examples like Clorox, GE Ecomagination and InterfaceFLOR for each stage. Hands-on exercises will include the Five Stages Audit, Strategic Scope Mapping and Customer Experience Mapping.
Rice's course provides a structured methodology for developing market-facing sustainability strategy that is anchored on the Five Sustainable Brand Stages: Laggard, Trial, Emergent, Integrated and Transformative. This model aids businesses in building credible brand reputations, respecting their limits, and finding ways to leverage sustainability into competitive advantage and customer loyalty.
Six areas in brand gaps and opportunities in sustainability will be explored:
-- Scope of Sustainability Strategy: Are you focused simply on risk
mitigation or transformation of your entire category?
-- Sustainable Brand Strategy: How can sustainability be best integrated
into your brand portfolio: through a sub-brand, line extension,
ingredient brand, initiative brand or master brand?
-- Sustainability Positioning: To what extent is sustainability represented
in how you position your brand?
-- Customer Journey: Can your customers experience you as a sustainable
brand? How is sustainability integrated into all the ways a customer
interacts with you?
-- Communications: How visible and transparent is your sustainability
story?
-- Operational Integrity: How does your level of Operational Integrity
limit or enhance your market-facing sustainability efforts?
In 2009, after 20 years in brand and customer experience strategy, Rice founded Fruitful Strategy to help companies successfully align sustainability with revenue and reputation. Fruitful Strategy focuses exclusively on helping companies build reputation and revenue from sustainability: leveraging products, services, experiences, new business models, and brand and marketing strategies. Rice's current and former clients include HP, Microsoft and UnitedHealth, Green Electronics Council, Sierra Club, Fairmont Hotels, NCR, Emaar Hospitality (Dubai), Alcatel, and Verizon.
Limited to just 30 attendees for each daily session in all locations, participants will create a close-knit and invaluable network with brand and corporate sustainability executives, including product, brand and supply chain managers and designers; marketing, communications and PR team members; as well as HR or technology professionals. The five-part series will provide level-the-playing-field business knowledge in key areas of sustainable brand building, marketing, communications, strategy and assessment, product design, supply chain management and impending impact measurement strategies and tools.
SB Seminars Curriculum
The five-part SB Seminar Series is designed to provide attendees a complete grounding in many of the complex principles and practices involved in building business and brand value through sustainable innovation. Participants can attend one or more days to meet their needs, and the needs of their business. Hosted by SLM community member corporations Williams Sonoma, 3M, Johnson & Johnson and AMD, SB Seminars are scheduled for San Francisco CA in October, Minneapolis MN in November, New Brunswick, NJ in December and Austin, TX in January.
Monday: Building the Credible Sustainable Brand with Jennifer Rice of Fruitful Strategy
Tuesday: Designing Communications that Resonate with John Marshall Roberts of Worldview Learning
Wednesday: Sustainable Product Design: an LCA Approach with Jeremy Faludi, Associate Professor of Design at Stanford University.
Thursday: Making Supply Chains More Sustainable with Phil Berry of Sustainable Product Works
Friday: Managing Your Sustainable Brand Plan: Management Systems & Metrics for Driving Ideas to Reality with Ranier Ochsenkuehn, President, ROC One
About Sustainable Life Media
Sustainable Life Media (SLM) is the leading producer of sustainable business conferences and educational events, with additional products and services designed to inspire and equip businesses to profitably innovate for sustainability. These include targeted e-newsletters, online learning programs, various community membership levels, the flagship Sustainable Brands conference, SB Seminars and research through SLM Insights. SLM delivers information on the who, what and how of environmental and social innovation, and helps community members connect with thought leaders, peers, partners and solutions providers who can help them quickly reach their goals. For more information, please visit: http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com/about. To subscribe to SLM Newsletters for free, please visit http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com/newsletters.
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthmed Services, Ltd. (OTC QB: HEME), an innovative software and application development company, is excited to announce the successful completion of the Alpha phase of Virtual Vantage.
Virtual Vantage is a remote access software created for the healthcare industry and professionals allowing remote and stationary access from handheld devices, such as the iPad, to servers and both stationary PC and Apple computers in all healthcare facilities such as hospitals, doctor offices, clinics and pre and post patient care facilities.
Director John Popovic, committed to developing this software since coming onboard earlier this year, has now achieved this goal. The overall acceptance and growing success of the iPad in the healthcare industry supports the Company's objective to increase convenience and efficiency through the use of technology that is now being required for today's healthcare professionals.
The Company anticipates Virtual Vantage will be available for additional beta testing via download in early October 2010.
For more information on the Company and its products, you may visit the Company's website at http://www.healthmedltd.com.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Finally, Something has Been Done About the Weather
BETHLEHEM, Pa., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Weather Trends International announces the release of its newest website weathertrends360.com. The website provides forecasts from one hour to 360 days into the future for every square inch of planet Earth so no longer do we have to leave the weather to chance.
weathertrends360.com is the first to provide free, long range weather forecasts. The technology that powers the site is proprietary to Weather Trends International who has been providing long range weather forecasts to Fortune 500 companies and governments for the past 8 years. Weather Trends International has converted their high level statistical weather forecasting model into a consumer friendly tool accessible to everyone who wants to see future weather.
The purpose of the site is to give people weather information they need to go and plan events. Bill Kirk, CEO of Weather Trends International says, "Our clients have always come to us for personal weather forecasts for events like weddings and golf outings. We decided to offer people all over the world a planning tool so no one would have to leave weather to chance ever again." Kirk believes that events such as weddings, vacations, and even planting a vegetable garden can all be better enjoyed with a little weather planning.
Users can access the forecasts by just sharing an email. They can see the weather forecast the next 360 days for everyplace on the planet. The weather forecasts can be saved and shared, all for free. "While we can't change the weather, it's about time we're able to plan more than 2 weeks ahead for it," says Kirk.
About Weather Trends:
Weather Trends International has been providing accurate long range forecasting internationally to the retail, financial, and government sectors for the past eight years. Utilizing technology first developed in the early 1990s, Weather Trends International's unique statistical math based trade secret formula forecasting methodology provides clients weather solutions and understanding of how consumers respond to the weather. Forbes ranks Weather Trends International #5 of its Most Promising Companies.
SOURCE Weather Trends International
Weather Trends International
CONTACT: Theresa Ogando, Shurn Group for Weather Trends International, +1-908-635-4558, Theresa.ogando@shurngroup.com
MyWireless.org® Applauds U.S. House for Passage of 'Small Business Jobs Act' - Which Included I.R.S. Listed Property, the 'MOBILE Cell Phone Act of 2009'
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wireless consumer advocacy coalition, MyWireless.org, today applauded House Leadership and all bill supporters on both sides of the Capitol after the U.S. House successfully passed the 'Small Business Jobs Act,' H.R. 5297, by a vote of 237-187. Included in it was language from the overwhelmingly bipartisan 'MOBILE Cell Phone Act of 2009,' (Modernize Our Bookkeeping in the Law for Employees), or the House and Senate companion bills (S. 144 and H.R. 690). The package now heads directly to the President's desk for signature into law.
This pro-consumer and bipartisan legislation has enjoyed broad support in the Senate and the House, with 72 co-sponsors and 214 co-sponsors, respectively. The measure would remove cellular telephones, smartphones and similar wireless communications devices from application of the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) "Listed Property" rules under section 280F, and alleviate a burdensome tax measure imposed on business and employees because of their employer-provided wireless devices. Under the existing I.R.S. regulations, employees receiving a work-provided wireless device for day-to-day usage are required to keep a detailed phone call log on any personal use (calls, emails, texts, tweets, etc.) of that cell phone provided for under the work plan, and should pay income tax on that 'benefit.' The 'MOBILE Cell Phone Act of 2009' eliminates that archaic regulation, providing relief to American workers in companies of all sizes.
Brian Johnston, director of advocacy for MyWireless.org, said, "Today is a very proud moment for American wireless consumers and for MyWireless.org. These bills were introduced in Congress in January of 2009, and since then it's been a top priority for our organization to educate consumers about the proposals, and to provide them an opportunity to express their support to their Members of Congress. More than 100,000 letters were sent through our web site to Representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill, and we're pleased that so many consumers cared about this issue and took action. This is a victory for millions of wireless consumers, who now won't have to worry about the I.R.S. taking money out of their hands for using such an invaluable communications tool."
Johnston also expressed appreciation to the bills' original sponsors, Rep. Earl Pomeroy (ND), Rep. Sam Johnson (TX), Sen. John Kerry (MA) and Sen. John Ensign (NV) for coming together and working hard to obtain this repeal of the Listed Property regulation.
The 'MOBILE Act' will modernize an outdated and archaic piece of the U.S. tax code, that if continued to be enforced, would only further hinder wireless consumers' and businesses' efficiency and productivity. On behalf of all the American wireless consumers who spoke up to weigh in on this legislation with their federal lawmakers, MyWireless.org thanks its sponsors in the House and Senate, and all of the bill's co-sponsors for their work on this important issue for much of the 111th Congress, as they defended American businesses and wireless users around the country from more spiraling unfair, new wireless taxation. Wireless should remain affordable and accessible to all Americans.
Atari Launches New Online And Mobile Games Initiative Atari Games Online (Atari GO)
Online Industry Veteran Thom Kozik to Drive New Service
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Atari, an interactive entertainment company, announced today the continued evolution of its games business with the official rollout of Atari Games Online (Atari GO). The Atari GO initiative will support the development of new online casual and social games and help game developers navigate the increasing complexities of publishing online games. The announcement was made today by Jeff Lapin, CEO, Atari.
Thom Kozik, who recently joined Atari in March, brings more than twenty-five years of experience in games, technology and online beginning with Microsoft followed by leadership roles with Yahoo!, Bigpoint and K2 Network. Kozik has been leading this new initiative, focused on attracting independent developers and content distribution partners with Atari's multi-platform approach to development, marketing and distribution. More than a dozen studios are actively developing new casual and social games around the Atari GO suite of services.
"Thom brings a wealth of experience and insight to his role here at Atari as he joins our management team during this high growth period in online gaming," said Lapin. "We look forward to bringing modernized versions of our well-known games, such as Asteroids, and new original games to global online marketplace."
"The programs, tools and support structures behind Atari GO allows developers to focus on making great games that can then be delivered globally," said Thom Kozik, Executive VP, Online & Mobile at Atari. "Developers can already sign up for our programs and collaborate with us as we envision the future of cross-platform gaming."
Atari Games Online will offer programs designed to connect great games to online gamers across a number of platforms:
-- The Independent Developer Program will cultivate new original games and
games based on Atari's deep catalog of classic IP while supporting them
with the strength of the Atari brand, marketing and platform support.
-- The Affiliate Program will enable popular independent sites to embed
genuine online versions of Classic Atari games along with our new
titles, directly into their site and share in the revenue.
-- The Distribution Program is focused on identifying and partnering with
top portals, social networks and game aggregators to expand Atari's
audience.
-- Marketing and Platforms support will help developers with distribution,
marketing, and metrics. Atari will also help developers navigate the
increasing complexities of publishing on multiple social networks, sites
and portals by assisting with registration, inventory management,
monetization tuning and advertising support.
Complementing the announcement of Atari GO, the company is showcasing a new production slate of re-imagined classic games that will roll out in the coming months.
For more information about Atari's online initiatives (ATARI GO) and developer, affiliate and distribution programs please visit: http://www.atari.com/go
ABOUT ATARI, SA
Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Atari's brands and content are available across all key traditional and digital distribution touch points, including browser-based and social online platforms, PC, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone, Android and RIM devices). Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc.
Atari benefits from the strength of its worldwide brand and its extensive catalogue of contemporary classic game franchises (Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Lunar Lander®), original owned franchises (Test Drive®, Backyard Sports®, Deer Hunter®), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek(TM) Online, Champions Online(TM)) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters®, Rollercoaster Tycoon®, Dungeons and Dragons®). Atari also leverages the power of its franchises to deliver movies and merchandise to consumers around the world.
Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.
SOURCE Atari
Atari
CONTACT: Erik Reynolds, Atari PR, +1-310-405-7662, Erik.Reynolds@atari.com; or Melissa Zukerman, Principal Communications Group on behalf of Atari, +1-323-658-1555, melissa@pcommgroup.com
Paciugo Gelato & Caffe Selects AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport for First Airport Location
- Brand Serves Authentic, Fresh Gelato Based On Fourth-Generation Italian Recipes -
CLEVELAND, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The unmistakable flavors of authentic Italian gelato are being added to the menu at the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). AIRMALL USA, the leading airport concessions developer in North America and operators of the AIRMALL at CLE, has executed a lease agreement with Paciugo Gelato & Caffe to open a 300-square-foot unit in Concourse C, the brand's first airport unit since the company's founding in 2000. Operated by MBC Concessions, Paciugo (pronounced pah-CHOO-go) will offer the brand's authentic gelato based on fourth-generation Italian recipes, as well as classic coffee and espresso blends created from beans grown at specialized farms in Africa and East Asia.
"At AIRMALL USA, we are delighted that Paciugo Gelato & Caffe has chosen our newest concessions program to open their very first airport location. We believe it is the perfect addition to our program, where flavors range from local to international," said Mark Knight, president of AIRMALL USA. "Moreover, passengers with a craving for this classic Italian favorite can enjoy their gelato knowing that they will pay 'Regular Mall Prices... Guaranteed.'"
Paciugo was founded by Ugo Ginatta and his wife Cristiana. The couple imports Italian ingredients, machinery and technique from Italy to duplicate the recipes from their home cities of Turin and Milan. The brand is renowned for authentic, wholesome Italian gelato, which is freshly prepared each morning before the doors open at each location. Paciugo has authentically created more than 300 flavors of gelato in four base formats: milk-based, water-based, soy-based and no sugar added. The company uses only real fruit and high-quality ingredients.
The coffee and espresso selections at Paciugo Gelato & Caffe are just as faithfully designed and prepared as the gelato. With a full menu of styles and flavors, Paciugo Gelato & Caffe offers coffee made from the highest-quality beans.
"Paciugo Gelato & Caffe will create an even greater variety of choices for travelers at CLE and offer some international flair," said Airport Director Ricky Smith. "We are pleased to add the unit to our concessions program and are certain that passengers will welcome the arrival of freshly-prepared Italian gelato."
A project of AIRMALL USA, the AIRMALL at CLE officially opened in July 2010. The 76,000-square-foot concessions program features 55 distinct units.
AIRMALL® USA is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations at Pittsburgh International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport (Terminals B and E), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The leading airport concessions model in North America, AIRMALL USA continues to boast the highest per-passenger spend on the continent and consistently receives accolades for innovation and customer service. AIRMALL USA is owned by Prospect Capital Corporation, a leading New York investment company founded in 1988. For more information on AIRMALL USA, visit http://www.airmall.com.
Contact: Jeff Donaldson
412-642-7700
jeff.donaldson@elias-savion.com
ConnectEDU Acquires CoursEval(TM) and Academic Management Systems
Best-Of-Breed Industry Leader in Course Assessment Complements ConnectEDU's College Suite
BOSTON, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- ConnectEDU, Inc., the web-based leader in empowering students to manage their education and launch their career, announced the acquisition of Academic Management Systems (AMS) and its flagship product CoursEval. ConnectEDU will continue to support, enhance and grow the CoursEval higher education and health professions client base as well as extending the solution into the ConnectEDU K-12 client base.
"We are excited about the potential of the acquisition and plan to continue the great work of the CoursEval team. This is consistent with our servicing the intersection point between students, teachers and administrators," commented Craig Powell, Chief Executive Officer of ConnectEDU. "We look forward to leveraging the underlying technology of CoursEval to extend ConnectEDU's evaluation and assessment capabilities as well as making course evaluations available to our K-12 client base."
In addition to acquiring CoursEval and its loyal clients, ConnectEDU has retained the entire CoursEval support, development and sales team. The team will remain in Buffalo at ConnectEDU's latest regional office.
"ConnectEDU and Academic Management Systems share a common mission of using real data to drive informed decisions for both students and educators," remarked AMS Founder and Vice President, Dr. John Eisner. "Our combined organization will benefit our current and future users and we are excited to be part of the ConnectEDU enterprise." Dr. Eisner will serve in an advisory role for the next three years and continue to be closely involved with the CoursEval product.
Other AMS products that are not core to the ConnectEDU product strategy (including ClinicEval(TM), SiteAssign(TM), AdMIT(TM), WebAdMIT(TM) and GrAdMIT(TM)) were migrated to a separate entity prior to the acquisition.
ConnectEDU is devoted to helping students find and enroll in the right college, get a degree, and launch their career. Created, developed and run by people who have worked in every area of college counseling, admissions, and career development, ConnectEDU uses information technology to connect real students and real data with real colleges, and real career opportunities. We make the college admissions process simpler, more efficient, more reliable and more effective. ConnectEDU's approach gives every student, from every neighborhood across the country, the best opportunity to achieve their dream of a college education and promising career.
SOURCE ConnectEDU, Inc.
ConnectEDU, Inc.
CONTACT: John Petrucelli, +1-617-532-3013, jpetrucelli@connectedu.net
CTIA-The Wireless Association® Statement on House Passage of Small Business Jobs Act
Bill included MOBILE Cell Phone Act of 2009 (H.R. 690) which removes cell phones from IRS listed property rules
WASHINGTON,Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After the House of Representatives passed the Small Business Jobs Act (H.R. 5297), which included the MOBILE Cell Phone Act of 2009 (H.R. 690), CTIA-The Wireless Association® President and CEO Steve Largent released the following statement:
"We are pleased the House passed the MOBILE Cell Phone Act, which will remove wireless devices from the IRS listed property rule. As consumers and businesses across the country deal with the current challenging economic conditions, this bill will provide them with much needed relief.
"The President, his Administration and Congress clearly understand that employer-provided devices are essential for employees because they offer convenience and improve productivity. It is an arcane rule to require all personal usage to be considered a taxable benefit.
"We appreciate the House passing the bill so quickly after the Senate. We especially want to thank Senators John Kerry, John Ensign, Max Baucus and Chuck Grassley and Representatives Sam Johnson and Earl Pomeroy for their leadership on this issue.
"We look forward to the President signing this bill into law as the permanent repeal of MOBILE Cell Phone Act is long overdue."
CTIA-The Wireless Association® (http://www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, DC.
RF Technologies® to Demonstrate New Smart Sense(TM) Technology for Infant Security at AWHONN
New transmitter and banding design offers improved tamper detection
BROOKFIELD, Wis., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ --RF Technologies®, a leading provider of RFID monitoring systems and healthcare security solutions, announces that it will be showcasing its new Smart Sense(TM) transmitter and banding technology at the 2010 Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) annual convention. The conference will be taking place at The Venetian in Las Vegas from September 25-29. Smart Sense technology is part of the newest version of Safe Place® Infant and Pediatric Security Solution, an anti-abduction system.
"We have heard a lot of positive feedback about our unique Smart Sense bands, which are soft and comfortable on infants, while keeping them protected. Our current customers are also excited about the Smart Sense technology because of its advanced tamper detection capabilities," stated Mary Van Himbergen, Product Manager at RF Technologies.
Smart Sense technology is the first in the industry to utilize multiple measurements, making Safe Place the most robust infant protection system on the market. It can detect if a band is loose, tampered with or has been removed from the infant. The soft, stretchy band will comfortably shrink around the newborn's ankle to accommodate weight loss or gain, keeping the transmitter in place and the infant secure.
In addition to the new Smart Sense technology, Version 7 of the Safe Place Infant and Pediatric Security Solution features a new Pre-Enroll function that will allow staff to admit an infant or child before he or she is banded, improving staff efficiency.
RF Technologies is a leading provider of comprehensive, integrated RFID Safety and Security systems, Wi-Fi RTLS systems, and healthcare enterprise solutions. With an installed base of more than 10,000 systems worldwide, RF Technologies specializes in state-of-the-art healthcare solutions for senior care facilities and hospitals, including Code Alert® Wandering Management, Wireless Call and Fall Management Solutions, Safe Place® ED and Infant Security Solutions, and PinPoint® RTLS Location-Aware Solutions. The company is credited with inventing the first RFID infant security system, which was designed and developed by nurse clinicians. It was the first in the industry to invent Peer-to-Peer Wi-Fi RTLS, and to offer Remote Monitoring, RF Consulting and 24x7 technical support by RF Technologies' staff specialists and a nationwide service management team. http://www.rft.com
SOURCE RF Technologies
RF Technologies
CONTACT: Amy Hansen, Director of Client Service and Public Relations of Seroka Public Relations, +1-262-523-3740, amy@seroka.com, for RF Technologies
TWTRCON SF 2010 Workshop Topics to Include Real-Time Analytics, Game-Based Marketing, Team Micro-Blogging and Location-Based Promotions
November 18 Conference Adding Educational Sessions Taught by Real-World Practitioners to Lineup of Real-Time Business Case Studies
NEW YORK, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- TWTRCON and Modern Media today announced that TWTRCON SF 2010 (http://twtrcon.com/sf10), a one-day conference on the business use of real-time technologies taking place November 18, 2010 at the Hotel Nikko San Francisco, will include new educational workshops on topics such as real-time analytics, creating game-based marketing campaigns, team micro-blogging strategies and managing location-based promotions.
The workshops will run parallel to the main agenda, which features panels and case studies on the business use of real-time technologies.
"Since we launched TWTRCON, the community has developed hands-on experience and developed practical skills in the business use of Twitter and other real-time tools," explained Tonia Ries, founder and CEO of Modern Media, and host of the event. "We wanted to create an opportunity for experienced practitioners to share their skills -- and we are really excited about the topics our instructors have suggested!"
Each of the TWTRCON SF workshops will be 35 minutes long and will feature how-to techniques and practical training. The eight workshops scheduled for TWTRCON SF 2010 are:
1. Join the Chat! How To Use Twitter Chats to Build Influence and
Crowdsource Innovation, led by Angela Dunn, Idea Designer and Digital
Consultant, Blogbrevity
2. How to Build a Team Microblogging Strategy, led by Victoria Harres,
Director, Audience Development, PR Newswire
3. How to Apply Game-Based Marketing Dynamics to Twitter, led by James
Clark, Co-Founder, Room 214
4. How To Mine Twitter Data For Bottom-Line Intelligence, led by Karsten
Januszewski, Software Engineer, Microsoft
5. How to Claim Your Business (and Customers) on Location-Based Networks,
led by Bob Fine, Founder, Cool Blue Company
6. How to Monitor -- and Measure -- Real-Time Conversations and Campaigns,
led by Adam Zbar, CEO and Co-Founder, Tap11
7. SalesTweets: How to Boost Sales via Smart Chirps, led by Pattie Simone,
Founder, WomenCentric.net
8. Alone in the Nest: How to Manage Twitter as a Solopreneur, led by Ginny
Cooper, Principal, The Cooper Group
The workshops will run in two parallel tracks, and TWTRCON SF 2010 attendees will be able to participate in up to four of the workshops. Instructors are asked to provide handouts for all TWTRCON SF attendees, which will also be posted online after the event.
The TWTRCON SF 2010 main conference agenda, which will be posted in the next two weeks, will feature speakers from leading brands, including Ford Motor Company's Scott Monty, H&R Block's Robert Turtledove and Southwest Airlines' Linda Rutherford, and from small businesses such as The Roxy Theater and Aspen Spin. They will be joined by industry experts Laura Fitton, Steve Rubel, Brian Solis and Kara Swisher, tech industry leaders from Google, Twitter and HP Labs, and real-time start-ups such as StatusNet and stickybits.
For sponsorship information, contact Anne Weiskopf, VP Sponsor Programs, via email at anne@modernmediapartners.com, or tweet @anneweiskopf. Sponsors confirmed to date include Tap11, Sprinklr and Zendesk.
About TWTRCON
TWTRCON is entirely focused on the business use of the real-time web. TWTRCON produces the TWTRCON Business in Real-Time conference, a one-day event that features case studies from leading brands, workshops led by social media practitioners and mini tutorials about real-time tools. The company also publishes social media business case studies, statistics and videos on its web site at TWTRCON.com. TWTRCON is produced by Modern Media, a team of people dedicated to driving innovation in the media industry.
About Modern Media
Modern Media (http://www.modernmediapartners.com/) is an agency at the intersection of live, digital and social media. Publishers, media entrepreneurs and marketers rely on Modern Media to clarify and re-focus brands, create and produce events and brand extensions, build websites and social media campaigns, and motivate sales team with tools that drive revenue. Modern Media launched TWTRCON, the Twitter for Business Conference, in May of 2009.
Clicck's 2.0 Holistic Approach to Online Dating Turns Industry on its Head
NEW YORK Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- A year after Clicck's beta test and revolutionary announcement setting the trend for the future of online dating, the industry still hasn't advanced passed the virtual Stone Age. Recently launched, Clicck.com with its holistic, trendsetting approach to online match making is now available to singles everywhere. Clicck makes it less stressful, less time-consuming, and shatters preconceptions of just how far online dating can replicate old-fashioned love at first site. Through the integration of advanced technology to mimic real time dating, Clicck matches users through a combination of its patent-pending facial recognition software, compatibility test and cutting edge biochemical attraction analysis. Working with software developer Eyepinch, Clicck will bring face-to-face connections to computer screens by allowing users to click, contact, and connect their way to finding that special someone.
Clicck.com CEO, Chris Ovide, is offering this innovative approach to singles everywhere with a special emphasis on the LGBT community, adding a new option to their normal dating repertoire. "Clicck was created in response to the controversial Proposition 8 in California to seek alternative methods of legitimizing GLBT relationships, That being said I began to realize the industry had matured and became excited with the prospect of enhancing relationships for all people worldwide using new technologies. I was sure that facial recognition used as a tool in online dating would be amazing not to mention adding in DNA matching and a new Big Five based compatibility test." Says Mr. Ovide.
Clicck brings brand spanking new technologies to simulate the in-person dating experience, with an amazing array of never before seen offerings that seek to redefine online dating. Their patent-pending Facial Recognition software allows users to upload any picture and within seconds extrapolates a facial profile that others can search for or be identified with. A match percentage is then shown on each profile that incorporates the proprietary compatibility test and also demographic preferences thereby returning a more complete overall match.
What's next? Mr. Ovide adds, "We are currently creating a ground-breaking mobile app and will turn some heads as well as adding some new personality dimensions and improving our compatibility test. We also are currently designing advanced matching tools that will continue to keep us seen as the cutting edge of online dating well into the future."
For Media Inquiries please contact:
Ian T.D. Smith
917 216 2771
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Right Dental Group is expanding its territory and has opened practice participation opportunities in many metropolitan areas. As a premier choice for new patients for dental practices the opportunity to be included in this expansion is significant. Driving new patients to top-quality local dentists via its social media and e-commerce marketing platforms has never been in more demand. Many dental practices are struggling in the current economic climate and Right Dental Group provides a welcomed answer to new patient marketing needs.
Right Dental Group's fresh approach to new patient marketing establishes a departure from business as usual in the dental advertising industry. Instead of sending phone calls or email inquiries from potential patients to its dentists Right Dental Group only sends new patients that are ready to schedule an appointment. The most radical element this program is the price; Right Dental Group does not charge any fees to its dentist members.
The power of social media, group buying and e-commerce are the marketing engines leveraged by Right Dental Group for its dentists. The significant challenges presented to the sole practitioner when employing these methods of marketing are overcome with participation in Right Dental Group. Dentists are not overwhelmed by large influxes of new patients nor are they merely servicing new patients who have travelled to merely redeem a coupon.
The success of the Right Dental Group program is found in its ability to provide localized options for patients. Patients that choose a practice for service have done so from multiple choices on the Right Dental Group website. Patients see a detailed dentist profile and choose a dentist from the dozens of dentists listed in their area. The patient's choice of a specific practice greatly increases the opportunity to convert the patient into a lifetime patient of the practice.
Most traditional marketing efforts require a dental practice to invest $250 to $300 to get a new patient to schedule an appointment. This expense normally expands when the dentist provides a discount on service to a new patient for a dental exam, cleaning and x-rays. Right Dental Group eliminates the expense of producing the new patient; reducing the investment of its members to the supplies and labor required to perform the service.
Dentists interested in participating with Right Dental Group must meet membership criteria and pass a third-party background check. Member dentists are held to high standards of patient service and treatment. More qualifications can be seen at http://www.RightDentalGroup.com/join . For qualified dentists, memberships are currently available in most metropolitan areas. Memberships are limited in each city and are filled on a first come, first qualified dentists basis. For more information, interested parties should call (877) 804-8484 or email info@RightDentalGroup.com.
Wi-Fi Alliance® Applauds FCC Ruling on Television White Spaces
Use of vacant spectrum will enable new Wi-Fi® technology for a range of applications
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wi-Fi Alliance welcomes a ruling issued today from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enabling the practical use of new unlicensed spectrum. Vacant spectrum from unused analog television bands - commonly called "TV white spaces" - presents an important new frequency for Wi-Fi operation, and today's FCC ruling provides usable guidance that is responsive to industry recommendations.
"We share the FCC's enthusiasm about the potential use of TV white spaces for Wi-Fi," said Wi-Fi Alliance CEO Edgar Figueroa. "The new FCC rules will foster innovation that benefits end users, while continuing to promote co-existence among all users of the spectrum."
The Wi-Fi Alliance recently initiated an industry effort to create a certification program for Wi-Fi devices operating in the TV white spaces. This program will draw on the emerging IEEE 802.11af standard.
Operation in television white spaces spectrum will enable Wi-Fi signals to travel up to three times farther and better penetrate obstructions such as walls and physical obstructions. New applications will be able to take advantage of this greatly improved range for Wi-Fi, to build large outdoor networks and extend coverage in hospitals, homes, corporate environments and more.
"Our industry is ready to design a range of innovations leveraging television white spaces, and we are excited for what lies ahead as a result of the Commission's decision today," said Figueroa. "Delivering advanced connectivity using TV white spaces spectrum is another important way for Wi-Fi technology to address consumer and market needs and advance our connected experience."
About the Wi-Fi Alliance
The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global non-profit industry association of hundreds of leading companies devoted to the proliferation of Wi-Fi technology across devices and market segments. With technology development, market building, and regulatory programs, the Wi-Fi Alliance has enabled widespread adoption of Wi-Fi worldwide.
The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM) program was launched in March 2000. It provides a widely-recognized designation of interoperability and quality, and it helps to ensure that Wi-Fi enabled products deliver the best user experience. The Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 8,000 product certifications to date, encouraging the expanded use of Wi-Fi products and services in new and established markets.
Wi-Fi®, Wi-Fi Alliance®, WMM®, Wi-Fi Protected Access® (WPA), the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo, the Wi-Fi logo, the Wi-Fi ZONE logo, and the Wi-Fi Protected Setup logo are registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance; Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM), Wi-Fi Direct(TM), Wi-Fi Protected Setup(TM), Wi-Fi Multimedia(TM), and the Wi-Fi Alliance logo are trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
SOURCE Wi-Fi Alliance
Wi-Fi Alliance
CONTACT: Karl F. Stetson of Edelman, +1-206-268-2215, karl.stetson@edelman.com, for Wi-Fi Alliance
Catchafire Launches Scalable Skills-based Volunteer Matching Service
For-profit Social Mission Technology Company Aims to Revolutionize the Way People Volunteer
NEW YORK, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Catchafire, a scalable professional skills-based volunteer matching platform, today announced the launch of its industry-changing Beta site. CEO Rachael Chong founded Catchafire to improve the quality of the volunteer experience by providing opportunities for people to volunteer their skills in a powerful way. Catchafire is revolutionizing the way people think about volunteering through its innovative user interface and matching algorithm that makes high quality matches between professionals who want to volunteer their skills and nonprofits and social enterprises that need their help. Catchafire wants volunteers to think, "What's in it for me?"
"Since the soft launch of our Alpha site in May, we have matched over 70 organizations with professionals who have volunteered over 3,000 hours to provide over $500,000 in services. Our new site will allow us to do this on a much larger scale," says Chong, who ranked first in this summer's Huffington Post Innovator Series.
Catchafire Beta was built by CTO, Andrew Lin, who came to Catchafire from Hulu.com where, as VP of Technology, he built Hulu from the ground up to the household name it is today in less than three years. "Catchafire Beta is a big step forward in its ability to make great volunteer matches. We have a built a brand-new set of tools and algorithms that can discover and categorize more information about our volunteers and organizations, allowing us to make more informed, higher quality matches," says Lin.
Some of Catchafire's new site features include:
-- Dashboard - users can now view and act on all of their Catchafire
volunteer matches through a single page
-- Project Logs - users can now keep track of their progress on Catchafire
Projects
-- Project Qualification Quizzes - volunteers are now required to pass a
short quiz before they are approved for Catchafire Projects
-- Facebook Connect Login - users can now use their Facebook credentials to
access the Catchafire site
-- New projects - users can now select new projects in areas including
strategy, finance, technology, marketing, public relations, social
media, multimedia, and design.
Catchafire is also rolling out its Corporate Solution which provides companies with a pipeline of skills-based volunteer opportunities for their employees and tracking and reporting tools allowing them to measure the impact their employees are having on their community.
"Catchafire is game-changing for the nonprofit community because, we can now find volunteers that provide us with the professional services that we've always needed but could never afford," said Shana Dressler, Executive Director of the Global Cocoa Project, which supports cocoa farmers around the world.
About Catchafire
Catchafire is a New York City-based for-profit social mission technology company that connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and social enterprises that need them. Catchafire's volunteer projects are packaged as off-the-shelf solutions to address common organization needs and to make it easy for professionals to volunteer in the midst of their busy lives.
HDI Dune Announces North American Launch of Four New Universal Media Players and Home Automation Technology
At CEDIA, HDI Dune unveils HDI Dune Pro, Dune HD Max, Dune HD Smart, and Dune HD Lite 53D for North American Market, featuring upgrade options for comprehensive home automation and control
ATLANTA, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- CEDIA -- HDI Dune introduced its new line of home automation-ready media players to the North American market at the CEDIA Expo in Atlanta today.
Its product line--which includes the company's no-compromise high-definition media center for audio and video enthusiasts as well as its diminutive networked media player for adding HD media capabilities to any TV in the house--cover a range of feature sets with prices from $249 to $1999.
"Consumers are demanding more from fewer components. HDI Dune has capitalized on the market for universal players that consolidate the functionality of a Blu-ray disc deck, media server, DVR, and network attached storage into a single box," said Konstantin Dyshlevoy, CEO of HDI Dune.
"Each device is designed with expandability in mind, be it networking capabilities or allowances for new hardware and technology as it becomes available. Our forward-looking philosophy ensures that these products stay current even as technology changes. With our new HDI Dune Home technology upgrade, for example, consumers can use our players to monitor and control connected devices in the home--like lights, cameras and thermostats--all via the television and mobile phones."
HDI Dune Pro
HDI Dune Pro is the ultimate HD entertainment center. Designed with the discerning and tech-savvy consumer in mind, HDI Dune Pro features a true audiophile-grade power supply, a Wolfson WM8741 DAC, and optimized internal components for superior quality with both 7.1-channel digital and 2-channel analog playback. It also comes standard with a Blu-ray disc drive, a 3.5" SATA HDD rack, Ethernet and WiFi networking capabilities, and HDI Dune Home technology for connected home services.
MSRP $1999
Dune HD Max
The latest fully-featured, integrated media center from HDI Dune, the Dune HD Max expands on the feature set of the popular Dune BD Prime 3.0 and Dune HD Base 3.0 media players. Among the new components is a powerful Sigma Designs SMP8642 video processor and a built-in optical drive that allows the Dune HD Max to play anything from CDs to DVDs and Blu-ray discs. The player also has a 3.5'' SATA HDD rack with hot-swap support, an SD card slot, and three high-speed USB 2.0 ports to connect external storage and extension modules.
MSRP $499
Dune HD Smart
The Dune HD Smart is the first media platform on the market to feature a modular system approach consisting of base module players that can be complemented by an array of extension modules. Each of the base modules can be used as a compact and affordable full-HD media center or as the foundation for a customized system using different extension modules of the user's choice.
Smart B1 - player with a low-noise optical disc drive (CD/DVD/Blu-ray) based on Sony mechanics and optics, specially designed for usage in home cinema systems
Smart D1 - player with a digital info display and an expansion bay to connect a 3.5'' SATA HDD
Smart H1 - player with a 3.5'' SATA HDD rack with hot-swap support
MSRP between $249 and $309
Dune HD Lite 53D
The Dune HD Lite 53D is the first player in the Dune HD Lite line of products. With a sleek, upright form factor and five colorful case options, the Dune HD Lite 53D is a friendly addition to the home environment, in addition to being one of the most affordable full-functioning universal media players on the market. While its big brothers, the Dune HD Max and Dune HD Smart players will be employed principally as the heart of the home cinema room, the Lite 53D players can expand the functionality of Dune HD players to other rooms. The player offers the flexibility to create an affordable A/V solution for the entire home.
MSRP $169
HDI Dune Home
Standard on the HDI Dune Pro and available as an optional upgrade for all other current units, HDI Dune Home enables home control and automation based on Z-Wave technology for a range of networked devices including lights, cameras and thermostats. The technology, developed in conjunction with 4Home, features an intuitive interface that is displayed on the television and accessed via the standard remote. The software supports a range of services including home monitoring, remote device management, and alerts and access to the home network via the mobile phone.
MSRP $99 (includes the software module for Dune HD players and Z-Wave USB stick)
HDI Dune is a global leader in cutting-edge entertainment and lifestyle products for the home. Its Dune HD and HDI Dune lines of high-definition A/V components feature the latest consumer technology, including HDI Dune Home, a new platform that lets consumers manage their home's connected devices from the television. Visit http://www.Dune-HD.com for more information.
SOURCE HDI Dune
HDI Dune
CONTACT: Konstantin Dyshlevoy of HDI Dune, Ltd., +852-81753500, press@dune-hd.com; or press, Jonathan Lai of BESPOKEN | Communications, +1-415-218-4209, jlai@bespokencomm.com, for HDI Dune, Ltd.
Headcase(TM) and the Ohio Art Company Introduce New Etch A Sketch® iPad case.
ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Headcase(TM), in partnership with the Ohio Art Company, today officially introduced the first Etch a Sketch iPad case, allowing for the world's most popular drawing toy to provide a fun and entertaining backdrop for one of the most revolutionary devices conceived by Apple. The Etch a Sketch® iPad case is available for purchase for $39.00 at http://www.getaheadcase.com
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Etch A Sketch has sold over 150 million units worldwide and continues to be one of the most popular toys with both children and parents. The iPad sold over 3 million units in its first 80 days alone.
"Etch A Sketch has been one of the most recognized and iconic toys for five generations," says Daniel Deutsch, CEO of Headcase. "Similarly, the iPad is instantly recognizable and has defined an entirely new category of technology. It's a natural fit between these two leading brands, and it's been a thrill to work with Ohio Art to bring the look and the feel of the world's most popular drawing toy to Apple's latest opus. It is the perfect accessory for those of us who never really grew up," he adds.
The Etch A Sketch iPad case resembles America's favorite toy, and is made of impact resistant ABS plastic, allowing for the ultimate in protection for an iPad case. Rubber feet and a felt backing gently cradle the iPad inside the Etch A Sketch iPad case, while strategically placed windows throughout the Etch A Sketch iPad case allow for easy use of all switches, ports, and buttons. A retractable kick stands allow one to either lay the iPad flat, or angle it for easy use of the iPad keyboard.
"We are excited to have worked in close partnership with Headcase to bring this new, fun and very functional Etch a Sketch iPad case to our customers," notes Martin Killgallon, Senior Vice President with the Ohio Art Company. " We're looking forward to great success for not only this product but for soon to be introduced iPhone and iPad apps," he adds.
Headcase(TM) is a division of Real Simple Ideas LLC, an Orlando, FL based product development company. With in-house design and prototyping capabilities, ideas go from conception to distribution in record time. For more Etch A Sketch fun on the iPhone and iPad, check out the only official Etch A Sketch applications by Freeze Tag. The Etch A Sketch for iPhone is available now. The Etch A Sketch for iPad is coming soon. Check here for official Etch A Sketch applications: http://www.freezetag.com
About Ohio Art
Creators of the famous Etch A Sketch drawing toy, The Ohio Art Company remains one of the world's most widely recognized toy companies since its establishment in 1908. The Ohio Art Company is committed to developing toys that encourage creativity and learning while providing hours of enjoyment, encouraging self-expression and promoting positive development. The company also proudly markets specialty toys including K's Kids®, a line of toys specially developed for babies and toddlers. Visit the Ohio Art website at http://www.ohioart.com.
Headcase(TM) is a trademark of Real Simple Ideas, LLC.
Etch A Sketch® is a trademark of The Ohio Art Company
CONTACT: Dan Chesnicka, Headcase, danc@rndstudio.com; Alex Studnicky, Southard Communications for The Ohio Art Company, +1-212-777-2220, Alex@southardinc.com
Consumers Transform From Simple Party Hosts to Master Mixologists With Diageo's New thebar.com iPhone App
Industry Leading Website Packages Content For Easy Party Planning On The Go With Popular Smartphone
NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo has launched a new iPhone app for its cocktails site, thebar.com. With 83 percent of adult consumers conducting party planning research before they even leave home -- this app gives them the chance to be responsible master mixologists and the ultimate party planners, whether they're looking for tips before heading to the store, en route, within the store, or even at their favorite bar. Available on the iTunes US App Store and developed by leading mobile marketing agency Phonevalley, the app is compatible with all iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad devices in the US.
"thebar.com aims to help consumers plan for any event whether they are at home or going out," said Kristin L. Ganong, VP, Digital Strategy & Relationship Marketing, Diageo. "Our new iPhone app helps users enjoy their choice cocktail anywhere, responsibly."
Phone users of legal drinking age can use the app to easily find out where to purchase their favorite spirits, beer and wine brands in local bars and liquor stores. Like thebar.com, the app boasts an extensive catalog of cocktail recipes supported by the breadth of the Diageo portfolio: some of the world's favorite spirits, beer and wine brands, including Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum, Guinness® Draught, Johnnie Walker® blended Scotch whisky, Jose Cuervo® tequila, Smirnoff® vodka, and Sterling Vineyards® wine. Download here (http://bit.ly/thebar1app) to see the app in action. A quick shake of the app's cocktail shaker will give you a unique cocktail recipe to try.
thebar.com iPhone App users can:
-- Search nearby stores for everything they need to bartend their party
-- Find hundreds of cocktail recipes with detailed instructions and
pictures
-- Get great offers for iconic brands, including Smirnoff, Guinness, Jose
Cuervo, Bailey's, Crown Royal, Captain Morgan, and Johnnie Walker
-- Shake up the app's Cocktail Shaker for a random recipe
-- Mix up their social scene by finding new local sports bars, night clubs,
and restaurants
-- Search for drink recipes by ingredient, keyword, brand, etc.
-- Share drink recipes with friends through Facebook and email
-- Save favorite drinks to their thebar.com profile to access at any time
-- Check out facts and tips about responsible drinking with the DrinkIQ
applet
*GPS enabled bar and liquor store locater feature available in CA, DE, FL, HI, IL, LA, MA, MO, NE, NM, NV, NY, VT
About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.
Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.
Always Open. Always Serving Responsibly.
Digital artwork furnished upon request.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rich Gallagher Brooke Lawer
Taylor Diageo
(212) 714-5736 (203) 229-4782
rgallagher@taylorpr.com Brooke.Lawer@diageo.com
Agency Launches Crowdsourcing Site with 100+ University Students in U.S., U.K. and Asia
NEW YORK, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ --Thomas Edison would have loved the crowdsourcing trend, having said, "To have a great idea, have a lot of them." To add to the flow of great ideas Ketchum generates and implements for its clients, the award-winning agency today launched Mindfire, its first crowdsourcing site.
Graduate and undergraduate students with communication and digital skills from leading universities in the United States, the United Kingdom and Asia have signed on to participate in an open innovation community, where real challenges facing Ketchum and its clients are posted for students to tackle, alone or collaboratively. In exchange for their contributions, students will receive career coaching, personalized training and job alerts from Ketchum, and prizes provided by clients. A Mindfire community member could even be asked to implement a "winning idea," and in such instances, would be compensated to do so. As an added incentive, every idea posted on Mindfire will result in a donation from Ketchum to Room to Read to buy a local language book for needy children in the developing world. (Room to Read is Ketchum's philanthropic partner.)
"Mindfire is a community of creative students at top schools on three continents who will bring fresh perspectives to our client challenges. We're really excited to see how they respond to our first posted assignment for our client Wendy's, who asked us to crowdsource ideas for a new product launch," said Chief Innovation Officer Karen Strauss, a co-developer of Mindfire along with Chief Information Officer Andy Roach.
The program will begin with a four month pilot phase. The beta group of participating students was selected by their professors or through creative competitions expressly for their curiosity, eagerness to participate in real-world creativity challenges, and for their knowledge of all types of social and traditional media. Participating schools to date include:
-- The Media School, Bournemouth University, UK
-- Boulder Digital Works, University of Colorado at Boulder
-- Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
-- New York University, New York City
-- Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
-- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
"We're increasingly seeing a desire among our clients for a steady stream of new and creative ideas, along with a willingness to accept good ideas from any part of the marketing discipline," said Andy Roach, who oversaw Mindfire's development. "Mindfire is a great example of the fusion of IT and creative idea generation that is so critical to the client-facing aspects of our business."
Ketchum is widely recognized for its success in generating creative ideas from throughout the network that drive business results. Mindfire complements a host of other tools including Ide8, an internal brainstorming platform available to all employees 24/7. Ide8 has already yielded several ideas that have become core elements of client programs.
About Ketchum
A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global communications consultancies and leads the industry in the U.K. and continental Europe as Ketchum Pleon. With five global practices - Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food & Nutrition, and Technology - and specialty capabilities that include Access Communications (high- and consumer-tech PR), Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), MMG (clinical trial recruitment), Ketchum Global Research Network, Ketchum Sports & Entertainment, and Ketchum Pleon Change (change management and workplace communications), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communication expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC), visit http://www.ketchum.com.
Bigpoint Releases Zoomumba Into the Wilds of Online Gaming
HAMBURG, September 23, 2010/PRNewswire/ --
- Exotic Animals and Fun-Filled Gameplay Combine in Bigpoint's
Latest Web-Based Casual Title
- Social Networking Features, Realistic Sound Effects, and Lively
Animations Deliver Endless Entertainment
Cute pandas, gorgeous gorillas, hyperactive meerkats, and
cuddly polar bear babies, welcome to Zoomumba! In Bigpoint's ( http://www.bigpoint.com) latest casual game, it's easy to fall in love with
the zoo animals looking up at you with their big bright eyes. In Zoomumba
(http://www.zoomumba.com), players focus on creating the best zoo around,
striving to satisfy zoo visitors and keep their animals happy by tending to
them and their virtual habitats.
As zoo directors, players are responsible for making sure their animals
are healthy and happy. They have to provide food and water, and must call a
vet if their animals get sick. Happy and healthy animals help the zoo attract
more visitors, which increases the zoo's popularity, and makes it more
successful. Players can also customize and expand their zoos by adding
special animal habitats, concession stands, and decorations, including trees,
fountains, and statues. Hard-working zoo directors can level up in no time at
all. Zoomumba offers a friendly community and intuitive gameplay, making it a
pleasure to play for experienced or inexperienced players alike.
ConvergeOne Announces Letter of Intent to Purchase Juma Technology
Acquisition Would Expand NACR Northeast Region and Expert Resources
EAGAN, Minn., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- ConvergeOne, LLC, one of the largest independent Value Added Solutions Providers (VASPs) in the United States, has signed a Letter of Intent to purchase the systems solutions and maintenance business of Juma Technology (OTC Bulletin Board: JUMT), a telecommunications and IT systems integrator based in Farmingdale, NY. The announcement was made today by John McKenna, Chairman and CEO of ConvergeOne, which is based in Eagan, MN. Juma's intellectual property and software division, which operates as Nectar Services Corp., is not part of the sale.
"With our strategy of investing in and developing technology companies that demonstrate strong viability and industry leadership, we are excited about the prospect of bringing Juma Technology into our organization," according to John McKenna, CEO of ConvergeOne. "This acquisition would enhance our ability to drive business growth and deliver more value for customers seeking the latest technology solutions and services."
An Avaya Platinum BusinessPartner with a strong presence in New York, Juma specializes in converged voice and data network deployments, and is experienced in multivendor technologies including Avaya, Cisco, Juniper Networks, Extreme Networks, Plantronics, Polycom, and others. Juma engineers have earned high levels of certification to support a wide range of equipment, software, and managed services.
As the process continues on course, the acquisition could be finalized before the end of 2010 and would merge Juma's resources into NACR -- a ConvergeOne operating company that is also based in Eagan and is the largest Avaya BusinessPartner worldwide.
"We believe that NACR is an excellent home for the Juma systems integration business," said Anthony M. Servidio, CEO of Juma Technology. "This is a great opportunity for Juma to thrive under the umbrella of NACR while enabling us to turn our full focus on our Nectar software division, which will now operate as its own stand alone enterprise."
"With their impressive experience, certifications, and skills, the people of Juma would be a great addition to NACR -- putting more resources on the ground in our Northeast Region and further strengthening our ability to serve our customers there," said Tom Roles, President and CEO of NACR. "In turn, Juma staff and their customers would be able to take full advantage of all the resources NACR offers as a leading nationwide provider of communications solutions and services."
Among those resources are state-of-the-art product preconfiguration, staging, and testing through the NACR Performance Readiness Center®; customer training and development through the NACR Center of Excellence for Learning and Development; and Service and Support Centers (SSCs) featuring high-tech network monitoring capabilities.
ConvergeOne specializes in the IP telephony and convergence market, offering national reach, in-depth technical expertise, total solution focus, and hands-on service. In addition to NACR, the ConvergeOne companies include S1 IT Solutions (Boise, ID). To learn more about ConvergeOne and its companies, visit http://www.converge-one.com.
About ConvergeOne, LLC
ConvergeOne, headquartered in Eagan, MN, is a leading Value Added Solutions Provider (VASP), serving as a critical link between OEMs and end users providing essential consulting and project management services related to custom design, installation, implementation, and maintenance of communication solutions. ConvergeOne, through its family of national VASPs, offers a "one-stop" destination for its broad spectrum of valued customer relationships, providing in-depth technical expertise and total solution focus. Custom services include converged networks and unified communication solutions, call centers, system design, implementation, integration, maintenance, data storage and archiving and other professional services primarily for mid-sized and enterprise businesses. For more information, visit http://www.converge-one.com.
About NACR
With offices nationwide, industry award-winning NACR (Eagan, MN) is a certified Avaya Connect Platinum Partner, seven-time Avaya BusinessPartner of the Year, and a leading provider of communications solutions for businesses. Its highly trained and experienced team, with more than 300 industry-recognized certifications, delivers proven, scalable, cost-effective solutions tailored to a customer's end-to-end needs, from sales through ongoing support. Using sophisticated processes, advanced tools, and two high-tech Network Operations Centers (NOCs), NACR provides comprehensive monitoring and managed services for multivendor infrastructures. And to help customers keep pace with changing technology and business needs, the NACR Center of Excellence for Learning and Development provides training and educational opportunities. For more information, call 1-888-321-NACR (6227) or visit http://www.nacr.com.
About Juma Technology
Juma Technology Corp. provides advanced IP Convergence solutions that integrate voice, data and video applications. Juma's IP Convergence solutions enable companies to increase productivity, enhance mobility and create significant cost savings. Juma has been recognized as an industry leader in providing integrated business communications and services, helping customers leverage network convergence to achieve their business goals.
SOURCE ConvergeOne, LLC
ConvergeOne, LLC
CONTACT: Scott Sund, Vice President of Marketing of NACR, 1-800-431-1333, ext. 2502, ssund@nacr.com; or Melissa Nacerino, Director of Marketing of Juma Technology, +1-646-291-8264, mnacerino@jumacorp.com
Summer May be Cooling Down, but the Truck Battles are Heating up Again
-More Power with Better Fuel Economy; Competition Benefits the Consumer-
COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The suddenly hot consumer truck buying market will benefit again from the competition of new 2011 models hitting the showrooms from the top light truck manufacturers, according to industry-leading vehicle pricing and information publisher NADAguides. The recent strength and increase in truck sales has sparked an ongoing battle among top-selling manufacturers Chevrolet, Ford, and Ram. These three continue to ramp up the performance and features of their hot-selling models such as the Silverado, F-Series and Ram 1500. In addition to improving existing trim levels, some of these have taken their models to the next level by creating special edition designs that cater to consumer specific lifestyles and interests, making the competition even more interesting.
"Recent sales reports show the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 as the top three best-selling trucks year-to-date, and recent web traffic patterns at NADAguides.com affirm these numbers," stated Don Christy, Jr. president and CEO of NADAguides. "Over the last three months, web traffic has continually increased month over month for the Ford F-Series, Silverado and Ram truck models respectively."
NADAguides attributes the resurgent interest in pickup trucks not only to stable gas prices, but also to efforts by the three Detroit manufacturers to consistently build reliable light trucks with increasing fuel efficiency and continued power and performance. "Each year these machines become stronger, better-looking and more efficient and continue to be consumer favorites," Christy added.
The Ford F-150 has continuously evolved by meeting the needs and demands of its consumers and with the 2011 model, will increase fuel economy by 20%. With multiple lineups under the F-150 name such as the Harley Davidson edition and the SVT Raptor, Ford covers all elements of interest. The Ford F-150 steps into 2011 with four new engines. The standard engine is a 3.7L V6 with twin independent variable cam timing and a four-speed automatic transmission. Also available will be the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, a 5.0L V8 and a powerful 6.2L V8. With towing capacities ranging from 5,400 lbs to 11,300 lbs, the F-150 gets about 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway. Standard equipment includes traction control, parking aid, navigation system, adjustable pedals and much more. The Ford F-150 comes with a 5 year/60,000 mile warranty and roadside assistance. Ford is currently offering $1,500 Retail Customer Cash, $1,000 Ford Credit Retail Bonus Customer Cash, and $1,000 Promotional Retail Bonus Customer Cash or $1,000 Retail Bonus Customer Cash and 0% interest for 36 months on 2010 models. To keep up to date on current rebate and incentive programs from Ford and all manufacturers, visit http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/Incentives-and-Rebates.
Ford model improvements are impressive for 2011 and they will continue to compete for consumer interest with their Built Ford Tough Invasion of the Bulls Promotion, American Ride Tour and F-150 Round-up where you can drive the 2011's before they hit the store. Now, those are some programs tough to compete with. Sales of the new 2011 models will begin in December.
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has become the durable and affordable truck consumers rely on for all their truck needs. The base engine is a 4.3L V6, and available engines include the 4.8L V8 or 5.3L V8 that produces 315 horsepower. The Silverado also comes with either a four or a six-speed automatic transmission. Even with all this power under the hood, the Silverado manages an impressive 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway. Optional equipment includes Bluetooth, OnStar, and various appearance options. With the much improved features of the OnStar option, advisors are able to immediately connect to your vehicle to send help in an emergency situation. The Silverado offers a world full of modern amenities including XM Traffic, Navigation Radio, USB port, Rearview camera system and Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile allowing Internet connection up to 150 foot radius around the vehicle. The Chevrolet Silverado starts at $20,850 and goes up based on trims, options and features. Chevrolet has current incentives that offer $4,500-$5,000 (depending on the cab) cash allowance or 0% interest for 72 months. The Silverado 1500 comes with a 100,000 miles/5 year power train warranty. As with Ford, Chevrolet tries to capture the consumer's eye with their Ultimate Deer Camp Package sweepstakes.
Rounding out the group is the 2011 Ram 1500, standing up to its competitors and remaining steady in the race. It seats three to six passengers comfortably and is available in many different styles, including the newest lifestyle specific Outdoorsman, which comes with enhanced lighting, heavy-duty engine cooling for towing purposes, on and off road tires, black handles and mirrors to eliminate reflection and glare, and much more geared for the needs of hunters and fishermen. The base engine is a 3.7L V6, but the popular truck is also available with a 4.7L V8 or 5.7L Hemi V8 generating 390 horsepower and over 400lb-ft of torque. The Ram 1500 gets 13 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway. Optional equipment includes power sunroof, power heated tow mirrors, GPS navigation, iPod control, 30GB hard drive, and Uconnect WEB. Ram is definitely moving in the right direction with technology features that enhance work and play. The Ram 1500 starts at $20,610 and goes up based on trims, options and features. The truck is covered by a 100,000 mile/5 year power train warranty plus a 36,000 mile /3 year Basic Limited Warranty that provides bumper-to-bumper coverage. Ram currently has incentives and rebates that make the Ram even more enticing. Current options include $3,500 cash allowance, 0% interest for 60 months or the 60 Day Handshake deal which gives you 60 days to drive the truck paid for by Ram and if you are not satisfied, Ram will take the truck back, no questions asked. Ram couldn't go without their own truck tour and have done so with their Ram Master Camper Tour.
Let the competition begin!
About NADAguides
NADAguides (http://www.nadaguides.com) is the largest publisher of vehicle pricing and information for new and used cars, classic cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and manufactured homes. NADAguides offers in-depth shopping and research tools in addition to the most market-reflective pricing available. The company also produces software, mobile applications, raw data, web services, web-syndicated products and print guidebooks.
CONTACT: Andrea Lopez of NADAguides, alopez@nadaguides.com; Media and interviews, JoLee Liepman, jliepman@golinharris.com, +1-213-438-8792, for NADAguides
Agreement to Purchase Republic ITS Will Enhance Siemens' Complete Traffic Solutions Offering
ATLANTA, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --Siemens Industry, Inc. (NYSE: SI) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Republic Intelligent Transportation Services, Inc. (Republic ITS), headquartered in Novato, Calif. Upon close, the company will be named Republic ITS, Inc., a Siemens Company. Siemens will acquire 100 percent of the stock of Republic ITS, which is majority-owned by an infrastructure fund managed by Alinda Capital Partners LLC. Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.
Republic ITS will become part of the Complete Transportation business of the Mobility Division of Siemens Industry, Inc. and be closely aligned with its Intelligent Traffic Solutions business. With the completion of this purchase, Siemens is making a commitment to strengthen its position in the transportation solutions, service and maintenance business. Republic ITS is a leader in the US transportation services and support for this key market and is expected to enhance Siemens' position. Republic's expertise will complement Siemens' technology portfolio and traffic management solutions.
Republic ITS will continue to operate from its Novato, Calif. headquarters. It employs approximately 300 people, who will be integrated into the Siemens business structure.
"The acquisition of Republic will allow Siemens to expand its reach in the traffic solutions and services business," said Oliver Hauck, president, Mobility division, Siemens Industry, Inc. "Ever-increasing demand for solutions to improve the sustainability of cities and ease congestion makes this acquisition even more critical. Republic is renowned for its superior service and maintenance capabilities for the traffic solutions industry. A combined portfolio of Siemens' products and solutions and Republic's services and maintenance represents a unique and complementary offering to our customers."
"Siemens' intelligent traffic solutions coupled with Republic's renowned service and maintenance capabilities, supports an aggressive growth strategy and further penetration into both existing and new markets," said Wade White, President of Republic. "Additionally, I'm confident Siemens will provide Republic ITS with the level of investment required in people, technology and operations to strengthen our position in the market."
Established in 1991, Republic specializes in Intelligent Transportation Services which include, but are not limited to the maintenance, testing, repair, and replacement of traffic signals, streetlights, digital cellular technology upgrades, call boxes, spread spectrum radio, side fired radar, CMS/DMS signs, weigh-in motion stations, ATMS and energy efficiency upgrades such as LED retrofits of traffic signals and streetlights. Republic has a broad range of expertise and experienced personnel including: registered professional transportation engineers, electricians and International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Certified Traffic Signal & Roadway Lighting Specialists.
About Alinda
Alinda Capital Partners LLC is the world's largest independent infrastructure firm, with over $7 billion in equity commitments to infrastructure investments. Alinda's infrastructure companies serve over 125 million customers annually in more than 250 cities. The companies operate in 18 states in the United States as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Italy, and employ more than 15,000 people. Alinda's investors are predominantly pension funds for public sector and private sector workers. These institutions seek steady investments over the long term, matching their pension liabilities and include some of the largest institutional investors in the world. http://www.alinda.com
About Siemens
Siemens Industry
Siemens Industry, Inc. (SII) is the U.S. affiliate of Siemens' global Industry Sector business--the world's leading supplier of production, transportation and building technology solutions. The company's integrated hardware and software technologies enable comprehensive industry-specific solutions for industrial and infrastructure providers to increase their productivity, sustainability and profitability. The Industry Sector includes six divisions: Building Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility, Drive Technologies and OSRAM SYLVANIA. With nearly 222,000 Siemens Industry Sector employees worldwide, the Industry Sector posted a worldwide profit of $2.7 billion on revenues of $47.7 billion in fiscal 2009. http://www.usa.siemens.com/Industry
Industry and Government Leaders Converge to Spotlight U.S. Competitiveness and the Future of Telecom
Verizon, FCC, and The Council on Competitiveness featured at OIDA's 19th Annual Forum
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Among the 25 speakers expected at this year's Annual Forum on November 16-17 in Arlington, Virginia, OIDA announces three featured industry leaders: Thomas Tauke, Phoebe Yang, and William Bates.
Thomas Tauke is Executive Vice President - Public Affairs, Policy and Communications, at Verizon. As the company's senior policy executive, he is responsible for the development of Verizon's public policy positions and advocacy at the local, state, federal, and international levels. Mr. Tauke serves as a member of Verizon's Leadership Council and is a past chairman of the U.S. Telecom Association where he is currently on the Board of Directors and is a member of the executive committee.
Phoebe Yang, Senior Advisor to the Chairman on Broadband at the FCC, heads the core team managing the Commission's broadband priorities and works with other federal, international, state and local entities on advancing the Commission's broadband agenda. She serves as the Commission's primary point of contact to enable the use of broadband to promote key national priorities, such as improving heath care, education, and energy efficiency.
William Bates, Vice President of Government Affairs, manages the Council on Competitiveness' outreach and message to Members of Congress, the Administration and Governors. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils, a network of over 30 competitiveness councils from around the world. The Council serves as a forum for elevating national competitiveness to the forefront of national consciousness, to rethink and redefine how U.S. companies will remain competitive.
The Optoelectronics Industry Development Association (OIDA) Annual Forum (http://www.oida.org/events/forum10) is a signature event in the area of optoelectronics and optical communication. This year, the 19th Annual Forum focuses on two major areas in which the photonics/optoelectronics industry takes on special significance: U.S. competitiveness and the future of telecommunications. Senior-level speakers include representatives from Oclaro, Finisar, USC, Google, Carnegie-Mellon University, Corning, UC Davis, Baller-Herbst Law Group, OneChip Photonics as well as a number of government agencies including Department of Defense, NIST, and the USDA-Rural Utilities Service.
About OIDA
OIDA is a Washington DC-based, member-based non-profit association that promotes optoelectronics. OIDA members include the leading providers of optoelectronic components and systems enabled by optoelectronics, as well as universities and research institutions. OIDA serves as the voice of industry to government and academia, acts as liaison with other industry associations worldwide, and provides a network for the exchange of ideas and information within the optoelectronics community. Learn more about OIDA at http://www.oida.org.
Contact: David Iams
Telephone: 202-785-4426
Email: iams@oida.org
SOURCE Optoelectronics Industry Development Association
Optoelectronics Industry Development Association
CONTACT: David Iams of the Optoelectronics Industry Development Association, +1-202-785-4426, iams@oida.org
3D Cinema Comes Home With Sony's New SXRD Front Projector
Company's First 'Elevated Standard' Projector Integrates Seamlessly with Third-party Control Systems
ATLANTA, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- (CEDIA Booth #1112) -- Sony today brings the big-screen 3D cinematic experience home with the new the VPL-VW90ES - the company's first 3D front projector.
Designed with the custom and specialty consumer electronics market in mind, the VPL-VW90ES is the first projector to be been branded with Sony's "Elevated Standard" (ES) moniker, signifying an emphasis on high build quality and outstanding video experience. It was also engineered to seamlessly integrate third-party control systems.
"Delivering on Sony's promise of innovation, the VW90ES brings the 3D big screen theater home with another stunning full HD, sub-$10,000 home cinema projector," said Brian Siegel, vice president of Sony's home audio and video business. "Sony understands the 3D ecosystem better than any manufacturer so dealers and installers can count on Sony products to deliver the best possible 3D experience."
"The VW90ES also shares the heritage of previously acclaimed Sony SXRD projectors delivering incredible 2D performance that rivals any competition in its class," he added.
The Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD(TM)) full HD (1920 x 1080) projector delivers film-like performance with Sony's 24p True Cinema(TM). It incorporates frame sequential 3D technology with active-shutter glasses that work together with Sony's proprietary 240Hz high frame rate technology, delivering smooth, full high-definition 3D images.
The new 240Hz high frame rate drive supports to minimize cross talk for minimal image distortion, producing an unrivalled 3D and 2D high definition cinematic experience. Additionally, the projector uses a single Ultra High Performance (UHP) lamp that drives brightness of 1,000 ANSI lumens and delivers a sharp, deep black picture thanks to Sony's Advanced Iris 3(TM) technology that helps to produce a dynamic contrast ratio of 150,000:1.
Sony's ES audio and video products not only deliver outstanding sound and picture quality, they are built to seamlessly integrate with third-party control systems. Sony has worked closely with major custom home theater control companies ensuring that drivers are available and accurate. The VPL-VW90ES is no different as it joins an elite list of Sony products that integrate easily with leading home automation systems including Control4, Crestron, AMX®, Savant, Ultimate Remote Control, RTI, Vantage, and others. The projector is also Control4 Certified and includes an AMX Device Discovery Beacon.
The projector does not require a special screen so it can be easily placed in existing home theaters with minimal revision to the set up making it ideal for retrofit projects. It includes two pairs of Sony active shutter 3D glasses that are also compatible with Sony's 3D capable BRAVIA HDTVs.
The VPL-VW90ES SXRD 3D front projector will be available in November for about $10,000 through Sony authorized installers and specialty dealers around the country. It will come equipped with two pairs of Sony active shutter 3D glasses and a built-in 3D transmitter.
VPL-VWPRO1 Home Theater Projector
Also announced today, Sony's VPL-VWPRO1 front projector is a high-performance 2D home theater solution designed to deliver a high-quality cinematic experience at a more affordable price.
The new model is equipped with updated full HD 1080p SXRD panels delivering vivid color and film-like image quality with brightness of 1,300 ANSI lumens. Sony's Advanced Iris 3 technology delivers a high dynamic contrast ratio of 85,000:1, optimizing both dark and bright scenes to produce deep black levels with stunning details.
Like the VPL-VW90ES, the VPL-VWPRO1 is Control4 Certified, includes an AMX Device Discovery Beacon, and is designed to integrate seamlessly with the other major control company systems such as Crestron, URC, Savant, Vantage and others.
The VPL-VWPRO1 Front Projector, is bundled with an additional lamp, and will be available in Early October for about $3,400 through Sony authorized installers and specialty dealers around the country.
SOURCE Sony Electronics
Sony Electronics
CONTACT: Greg Belloni of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-4460, greg.belloni@am.sony.com; or Tania Scheer of PainePR, +1-949-809-6782, tscheer@painePR.com, for Sony Electronics
PickupTrucks.com Launches Free Truck Shopping App for iPhone
CHICAGO, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- PickupTrucks.com now offers a free iPhone app to help pickup truck shoppers search dealer and private-party pickup truck listings so they can easily locate the vehicle they want while on the go. The app, which also works on the iPod Touch and iPad, is free and can be downloaded from the App Store on iTunes.
"The new iPhone app will offer pickup truck shoppers the best of PickupTrucks.com so the growing number of iPhone users can access pertinent information about buying their next truck whenever and wherever they want," said PickupTrucks.com senior editor Mike Levine.
The PickupTrucks.com app gives shoppers the ability to search millions of new, used and certified vehicles based on make/model, distance and maximum price preferences; save specific dealerships and listings, along with notes and additional photos, to a favorites list for future access; and locate nearby dealerships to contact them by email or phone, visit the store, view their complete inventory or access their traditional internet site.
The new app also allows truck shoppers to sort listings search results based on distance, mileage, price and model year and access affordability and payment calculators.
"PickupTrucks.com's new iPhone app is just another enhancement we are making to better reach mobile consumers," said Mitch Golub, president of Cars.com, parent company of PickupTrucks.com. "Mobile continues to be one of the fastest growing areas for traditional websites like ours and now accounts for 10 percent of our current visits and projected to be 20 percent by 2011. We're bringing a whole new level of value to consumers, who can now access our site directly from a dealer lot, and to advertisers, who are able to reach an incremental audience over and above what we are delivering."
Automotive advertisers are also taking note of the opportunity to reach in-market car shoppers through mobile. The new PickupTrucks.com iPhone app is sponsored by the Chevy Silverado.
About PickupTrucks.com
PickupTrucks.com is a website dedicated to the distinct needs of pickup truck buyers and owners. In addition to thousands of new- and used-truck listings, PickupTrucks.com offers relevant information and powerful tools so that truck buyers can make the right decision on what to buy, where to buy, how much to pay and how to outfit their vehicles. The site features expert truck reviews, the latest truck news, a pickup truck configurator, pricing calculators, user generated ratings and more.
PickupTrucks.com is a member of the Cars.com(TM) family.
SOURCE PickupTrucks.com
PickupTrucks.com
CONTACT: Jackie Brennan, Associate Public Relations Manager, +1-312-601-6229 (direct), +1-219-577-6106 (mobile), jbrennan@cars.com, or Steve Nolan, Public Relations Manager, +1-312-601-5163 (direct), +1-630-310-2468 (mobile), snolan@cars.com, both for PickupTrucks.com
A Small Step Toward Lasting Well-Being: MeYou Health Launches 'Daily Challenge'
BOSTON, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- MeYou Health (http://www.meyouhealth.com) has launched Daily Challenge (http://www.meyouhealth.com/challenge), a free, online social well-being tool that helps you positively impact your life every day by completing simple, positive tasks and sharing the experience with your personal connections.
"MeYou Health is all about helping you - and the people you know - take small steps to lasting change. With Daily Challenge, we leverage new social connection research that says that by helping you harness the full positive potential of your social network, you'll be better able to incorporate healthy behaviors into your daily life," said Chris Cartter, general manager of MeYou Health.
In order to jump-start a rich social experience -- and provide an easy way to invite people you know into the system -- Daily Challenge requires a Facebook username and password. Future versions will allow non-Facebook members to register, as well.
Each Daily Challenge arrives via e-mail with an explanation about how it contributes to your well-being, along with a "fun fact" intended to engage you in that day's activity. Grounded in the well-being domains identified in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, and carefully vetted against scientific research, the Challenges cover topics and behaviors ranging from healthy eating and physical activity to emotional health and life evaluation.
One day's Challenge might be to eat fruits and vegetables in at least three different colors, for example; the next day's could be to contact a friend or relative you haven't spoken with recently, draw a 'pie chart' of your life, or climb a set of stairs.
"In the past, most interventions around behavioral change were attempts to hit 'home runs,' like losing 10 or 15 pounds all at once," noted MeYou Health scientific advisor Nathan Cobb, M.D. "You never tried to hit a single. Daily Challenge is based on evidence that small changes can not only be achieved but sustained over time."
Developed by well-being, healthcare and gaming experts, Daily Challenge allows users to earn points, collect stamps and achieve new levels as they complete each Challenge. "All of this is meant to provide a sense of momentum, giving you an opportunity to celebrate a win every day," said Trapper Markelz, head of product for MeYou Health.
"As Daily Challenge grows we plan to offer not just daily challenges, but entire programs that help you work on yourself and support others to improve well-being," added Markelz. "It should be a really exciting year as we continue to expand on this platform introducing new content, mobile applications for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and tools to help you form meaningful support groups."
Daily Challenge was beta-tested this spring and summer by a group of 1,500 volunteers who completed more than 30,000 challenges. Users can start getting Daily Challenges delivered to their inboxes now by signing up for free at the MeYou Health website.
About MeYou Health
MeYou Health is a company dedicated to helping people pursue, achieve and maintain a more healthful life by improving their well-being every day. MeYou Health products feature fulfilling Web and mobile experiences that encourage people to become mindful of small actions they can take every day to engage their body, mind and spirit. We also transform social networks into support systems, activating their potential to motivate and inspire. By engaging, educating and empowering people to make better choices, MeYou Health promotes personal growth and lasting change. Located in Boston, MeYou Health was founded in 2009 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Healthways, Inc (Nasdaq: HWAY).
About Healthways
Healthways is the leading provider of specialized, comprehensive solutions to help millions of people maintain or improve their health and well-being and, as a result, reduce overall costs. Healthways' solutions are designed to help healthy individuals stay healthy, mitigate and slow the progression to disease associated with family or lifestyle risk factors and promote the best possible health for those already affected by disease. Their proven, evidence-based programs provide highly specific and personalized interventions for each individual in a population, irrespective of age or health status, and are delivered to consumers by phone, mail, internet and face-to-face interactions, both domestically and internationally. Healthways also provides a national complementary and alternative Health Provider Network and a national Fitness Center Network, offering convenient access to individuals who seek health services outside of, and in conjunction with, the traditional healthcare system. For more information, please visit http://www.healthways.com.
Public Broadcasters to Launch 'Next Avenue(SM)' Multimedia Initiative to Super-Serve and Engage Baby Boomers
$5 million in grants from The Atlantic Philanthropies, the General Mills Foundation and the Medtronic Foundation will support Next Avenue's plans to embrace boomers just as Sesame Street and PBS KIDS support and engage young people
ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Next Avenue(SM), a new, national public television initiative that will offer comprehensive, multiplatform content designed to super-serve and engage baby boomers, help them navigate a new life stage and unleash their full potential, announced today that it has raised $5 million in grants that will help the initiative to move forward with launch plans for spring of 2011. The grants include $3.5 million from The Atlantic Philanthropies, $1 million from the General Mills Foundation and $500,000 from the Medtronic Foundation.
Backed by three years of research and groundwork, Next Avenue intends to leverage the power of public media - online, on air and on the ground - to support this huge, diverse and influential generation in much the same way Sesame Street and PBS KIDS have supported and engaged young children and their families for many years. Next Avenue will offer a unique blend of authoritative and vetted content, including content from public and non-profit partners as well as user-generated content, focusing on leisure and learning, health, financial security, work and careers, care giving, relationships and giving back to the community.
Next Avenue's Board of Advisors consists of prestigious experts who are contributing their expertise, including J. Walker Smith, Ph. D., executive vice chairman of The Futures Company and president of the Yankelovich MONITOR; and Dr. Fernando Torres-Gil, associate dean of Academic Affairs at the UCLA School of Public Affairs and the first assistant Secretary for aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Bill Clinton.
"We are designing Next Avenue to be a virtual 'life coach' for baby boomers, informing, inspiring, engaging and connecting the nation's largest segment of the adult population. It will also challenge them to see the opportunities life holds after 45," said Next Avenue CEO Jim Pagliarini. "We intend for Next Avenue to be a truly interactive venture, designed not merely to entertain and inform but to provoke thought and action. And we plan to provide a rich arena for user-generated content, feedback and interaction." Pagliarini is also president and CEO of Twin Cities Public Television, which is leading the initiative in collaboration with American Public Television (APT) and PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), among others.
Next Avenue is designed to be the most comprehensive content initiative ever to target this audience:
-- Online through an enormous web content hub of video, information,
targeted e-newsletters, customized tools for better living, original
content, user-generated content and a huge, aggregated and vetted
database of content contributed by public media and such organizations
as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Institutes of
Health, the Office of Public Health and Science, and Civic Ventures, a
think tank on boomers, work and social purpose; mobile device apps will
also be developed for Next Avenue's content;
-- On air through multiple public television series, specials and
interstitials, many of which will capitalize on well-known and
well-regarded public television personalities and brands; and,
-- On the ground with relevant, regularly scheduled events coordinated
through local stations across the country.
Far more than a database or 'how to' manual, Next Avenue is designed as a daily stop to engage visitors and shed light on practical questions such as "What do I need to do to remain healthy?" and "How can I take steps to be financially secure?," as well as meet social needs such as, "Where can I find people from whom I can learn and be inspired?" What is more, it will serve as a guide along the journey and provide perspective on questions such as "How do I define and live the life I want?" and "How do I ensure that I like this part of my life?"
"Public media is uniquely positioned to serve this audience, which is an established, loyal public television audience and very active on the Internet," said Judy Diaz, Next Avenue's president and COO. "Because our mission historically has been to serve people of all ages and income levels, we also believe that public broadcasting is uniquely positioned to understand and relate to a generation that is more diverse and complex than any other older generation in American history."
"These generous grants will help us build out and make the most of one of the central components of Next Avenue - our web content hub - as we continue to seek additional sponsors to partner with us in reaching this audience and creating and sharing content," Diaz added.
In addition to grant money, Next Avenue is seeking a limited number of category-exclusive corporate sponsors with whom Next Avenue can potentially build content relationships online (with sponsor content clearly identified).
"We already have had an incredibly positive response from both the advertising community and the non-profit community about our plans for Next Avenue," added Pagliarini. "We are looking for partners who recognize the value of this market and the opportunity to work with us on the ground floor as we build this unique content hub."
The Future Company's Smith commented, "Next Avenue is uniquely situated to build this definitive resource for what I call the 'ageless generation'." The co-author of four books, including Generation Ageless: How Baby Boomers are Changing the Way We Live Today...And They're Just Getting Started, Smith added, "Boomers are redefining life after 45 and have a variety of new and changing needs and priorities as they move into the second half of their lives. A comprehensive resource managed by public broadcasting, which has already gained the public trust, has a good head start in engaging this audience."
Next Avenue(SM) is a service mark of Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.
Ben Halpert Goes Old School to Keep Kids Safe Online with New Book: The Savvy Cyber Kids at Home: The Family Gets a Computer
ATLANTA, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teaching children online safety begins long before kids create their first Facebook page and Ben Halpert has written a new book to bring that message home. On October 1, 2010, in conjunction with National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Savvy Cyber Kids, Inc., an Atlanta based 501c3, will release its first book for young children, The Savvy Cyber Kids At Home: The Family Gets A Computer. Using traditional early childhood education tools, parents have a new means to keep their children safe online.
Ben Halpert is no stranger to the dangers of the Internet and the anonymity it provides for those who mean harm to children. Ben spends his days as an information security practitioner for a Fortune 500 company and his nights as a champion for children in cyberspace. Seeing a void in online safety for children before they begin K-12, Ben created Savvy Cyber Kids in 2007. The organization teaches kids safety before they go online.
"Technology has become so ingrained in our lives that we entertain our children with a video or an interactive game on a mobile phone. When something becomes so familiar, it carries the false belief that it must be safe," states Ben Halpert, Founder of Savvy Cyber Kids and author of The Savvy Cyber Kids At Home: The Family Gets A Computer. "A child's immersion in today's virtual world must be accompanied by a parent, teacher, or other adult caregiver's good advice. Savvy Cyber Kids creates the tools to enable that conversation."
Savvy Cyber Kids, Inc. and others know we need to reach kids when they are young enough to listen, regardless of economic background. Organizations including the Girl Scouts of America, Web Wise Kids, the Simple Abundance Charitable Trust, the Internet Security Alliance, (ISC)2 and the National Cyber Security Alliance are giving advance praise to the book and the organization.
The Savvy Cyber Kids At Home: The Family Gets A Computer, written by Ben Halpert and illustrated byTaylor Southerland is available online at Amazon.com and through bookstores nationwide for $21.99 on October 1, 2010.
For interviews and review copies of The Savvy Cyber Kids At Home: The Family Gets A Computer, please contact Maureen O'Crean in her Los Angeles office at 310-379-9620.
The 39 Clues® Bestselling Multi-Media Franchise Breaks New Ground With the Launch of Part Two 'The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers' on April 5, 2011
MULTI-AUTHOR LINEUP TO INCLUDE WORLDWIDE BESTSELLING AUTHOR DAVID BALDACCI
NEW YORK, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the global success of the bestselling multi-media adventure series The 39 Clues®, Scholastic (Nasdaq: SCHL) announced today that it will launch The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers, a continuation of the popular franchise that combines books, cards, and an interactive online game where kids ages 8-12 play a role in the story. The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers will begin on April 5, 2011 with the publication of "Vespers Rising," a novel written by New York Times bestselling authors Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman, and Jude Watson. "Vespers Rising" will release simultaneously in hardcover, e-book, and audio format in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, India, and the Philippines. Internationally-acclaimed and bestselling author David Baldacci will write the final book in The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers series. There are currently more than 8.5 million copies in print of the first 10-book The 39 Clues series which launched in 2008.
Starting with "Vespers Rising," The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers series will be published over a 24-month period and will continue with six more installments written by a team of bestselling and award-winning authors, including Gordon Korman (August 2011), Jude Watson (December 2011), Peter Lerangis (March 2012), Roland Smith (August 2012), and Linda Sue Park (December 2012). The final book in the series, written by David Baldacci, will be published in March 2013. The 39 Clues Cahills vs. Vespers is a fully-integrated multi-media reading experience spanning books, cards, and an immersive online game on http://www.the39clues.com. Each book will contain collectible "evidence" cards that unlock online missions and include puzzles, mini-games, and interactive stories. In addition, two card packs, each with sixteen collectible game cards that further the story, will be published in August 2011 and August 2012. The 39 Clues online game, which has more than 1.2 million registered users to date, will add new interactive features including a moderated online message forum, allowing kids around the world to interact with each other for the first time on the site.
"I'm thrilled to be part of the 39 Clues team," said author David Baldacci. "A multimedia approach is wonderful fun and reaches young readers in new and innovative ways, greatly enhancing the odds of making them lifelong readers. There can be no worthier goal."
"The 39 Clues has captivated a global following and we couldn't be more thrilled about the success and popularity of the series. Kids around the world have been asking if there would be more books, so we are very excited about making this announcement," said Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade. "As an innovator in children's book publishing, Scholastic will continue to go where kids are and publish books that kids love in various platforms. With this exciting new story arc and dream team of bestselling authors, we look forward to expanding this groundbreaking reading concept and reaching even more readers, gamers, and kids who love both reading and gaming worldwide."
Within the world of The 39 Clues, the Cahills are the most powerful family the world has ever known, secretly dominating every area of human endeavor over the past 500 years. The source of their power has been lost, hidden in 39 Clues scattered around the world. In The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers, the Cahills discover they're not the only ones who have been searching for the Clues. The Vespers, a ruthless cabal lurking in the shadows for their turn to stomp across the world stage, have also been hunting for the source of ultimate power. The Cahill family must unite to protect the Clues, and the world, against the Vespers, who have sinister plans darker than the Cahills could ever imagine, dating back to the mysteries of ancient times.
The 39 Clues series launched on September 9, 2008, with"Book 1: The Maze of Bones"by Rick Riordan, which debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. On December 2, 2008, "Book 2: One False Note"by Gordon Korman was released and also debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Since then, the series, including "Book 3: The Sword Thief"by Peter Lerangis (March 3, 2009), "Book 4: Beyond the Grave" by Jude Watson (June 2, 2009), "Book 5: The Black Circle" by Patrick Carman (August 11, 2009), "Book 6: In Too Deep" by Jude Watson (November 3, 2009), "Book 7: The Viper's Nest" (February 2, 2010) by Peter Lerangis, "Book 8: The Emperor's Code" (April 6, 2010) by Gordon Korman, "Book 9: Storm Warning" (May 25, 2010) by Linda Sue Park, and "Book 10: Into the Gauntlet" (August 31, 2010) by Margaret Peterson Haddix, have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. In addition to the ten-book arc, Scholastic announced that it will publish "The 39 Clues: The Black Book of Buried Secrets," the ultimate guidebook to the world of The 39 Clues with an introduction by Rick Riordan, on October 26, 2010. The 39 Clues has been licensed for publication in 24 languages including Swedish, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, German, Greek, and Hebrew.
Movie rights for The 39 Clues have been acquired by DreamWorks Studios with Steven Spielberg eyeing to direct and Deborah Forte of Scholastic Media producing. The script is being penned by Jeff Nathanson whose credits include "Catch Me If You Can"and "Rush Hour 2." Scholastic Media recently launched the The 39 Clues Madrigal Maze App for the iPhone(TM) and iPod touch®, which has been ranked among the top "Paid Kids Games" on the App Store since release.
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology and related services and children's media. Scholastic creates quality books, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, magazines, multi-media and other products that help children learn both at school and at home. The Company distributes its products and services worldwide through a variety of channels, including school-based book clubs and book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, on-air, and online at http://www.scholastic.com.