Entest Chairman CEO David Koos stated, “The Company intends to hold live interviews on its blog site to clarify and update shareholders on progress being made by the Company. Also, there will be an opportunity for open forum discussions on news items previously announced. It is the Companys intention to utilize this blog site to address future plans as they develop.”
Future webcasts will be announced prior to taking place so those wishing to participate can logon and join the discussion. Should you miss any interviews, they will be recorded and available on demand later.
Hispanic Federation, LULAC, NCLR, NPRC, USHCC Among Organizations
Calling on Congressional Leadership to Address Disparate Treatment of
Latinos in Current Version of Healthcare Bill Through the Reconciliation
Process
WASHINGTON — Leaders of Latinos United for Healthcare (LUH), including Hispanic
Federation, LULAC, NPRC, USHCC, National Hispanic Medical Association
and Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), have sent a
letter to Capitol Hill calling upon Congress to focus their attention
and efforts on ensuring that the healthcare issues of Latinos are not
overlooked in the final healthcare reform legislation.
“For decades, every American has been anxiously awaiting the passage of
quality and equitable healthcare reform. Today, as the President and
Congress find themselves in a historic and promising atmosphere, it is
important that they bear in mind the concerns of Latinos, the second
largest population in the U.S.,” stated Lillian Rodriguez-Lopez,
President of the Hispanic Federation. “As a coalition, we support
the President and Congress in advancing healthcare legislation but it
must not come at the cost of excluding Latinos.”
LUH strongly urges Congress to take further action to ensure that the
following priorities are addressed in the reconciliation process to be
finalized in the coming days and weeks.
These critical priorities include the following:
Approximately 4.5 million Americans live with Alzheimers, and by 2050 the disease could affect anywhere from 11 to 16 million people. To shed more light on this serious subject, Home Instead Senior Care will hold a “Changing the World of Alzheimers” day-long seminar with a top expert in the field on Wednesday, March 24 in San Francisco.
Specific event topics include: positive approach skills; common brain changes; role playing different types of help; importance of schedule; and more.
“Teepa Snow is a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of dementia. She is known for her dynamic and engaging presentation on a topic that many find extremely difficult,” said Cathy Murphy, owner, Home Instead Senior Care San Francisco. “This is a do-not-miss event for anyone who works in the field of dementia or has loved ones who are afflicted by it.”
Bento Box Entertainment, the production company founded last year by three prominent animation veterans, announced it has been chosen to produce “Bobs Burgers,” the half hour prime time animated series from 20th Century Fox Television with a 13-episode order from the FOX Network.
Created and co-written by Loren Bouchard (”Home Movies”; “Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist”), “Bobs Burgers” is about a guy who runs a burger joint with the help of his tightly wound wife and three unhelpful kids. Showrunners are Bouchard and Jim Dauterive (”King of the Hill”). Bento Box principal Mark McJimsey (”King of the Hill”) will be a producer on the project.
About Bento Box Entertainment
Bento Box develops and produces animated and live action series and films as well as interactive and new media properties. In addition to providing a full roster of production capabilities to their studio partners, Bento Box develops its own original projects, capitalizing on the principals close relationships with artists, writers, and other content creators as well as distribution and funding entities. Partnering to head the firm are Scott Greenberg, former President and Chief Operating Officer of Film Roman, Joel Kuwahara, a veteran producer on “The Simpsons,” and Mark McJimsey, longtime producer on “King of the Hill.” Bento Box is currently producing “Neighbors from Hell” for 20th Century Fox Television in conjunction with Jeffrey Katzenberg and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., which premieres on TBS this summer.
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As a competitor, bodybuilding has been a source of strength. My faith in God and my strong belief in a healthy lifestyle and proper supplementation were all contributing factors in my fight to overcome cancer at a young age. With the help of FLEX, the NPC and role models such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, Lou Ferrigno and Reg Park, I was able to stay focused and continue fighting my disease. As I underwent chemotherapy, they were constant inspiration. Now, at age 28, I help people overcome obstacles and reach their physical and mental goals. Working with my clients in their homes or at the Jewish Community Center of Manhattan is always a rewarding experience. My coach, Dr. Michael Feulner–who helped me improve my diet, exercises and posing–has played a tremendous role in my life and in my upcoming film, United States of Atrophy. The movie traces my lifes events–from battling cancer to where I am today–and the influence that a healthy lifestyle has had on me. Without the heroes of yesterday, the influence of the NPC organization and FLEX, I dont know where I would be today. Thank you!
Financial Highlights 2009 (at identical exchange rates)
— Revenue growth of 2.6% (excluding the 53(rd) week in 2008)
— Comparable store sales evolution of -0.4% in the U.S. and 2.7% in
Belgium
— Adjusted operating profit growth of 4.6%*, above our 1% – 4% guidance
range
— Objectives of EUR 100 million cost and EUR 50 million working capital
improvements achieved
When you diet to either lose fat or gain muscle, you should maintain a food log of what you eat and how much. This can be critical in keeping you eating enough (or not too much) food, and eating the appropriate amounts of the right kinds of foods at the right times. Research confirms that those who track their food intake in a journal better maintain their diet. In fact, one 2008 study funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health reported that those who consistently kept a food log for 30 months, lost twice as much weight as those not keeping a log. To make that food diary even better, consider photographing your meals, as well. University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers had subjects record what they ate for one week in words or in photographs. They found that those taking photos of their food made a more critical evaluation of the items on their plate before eating them, which caused them to make better food choices. With the help of camera phones, photographing your meal is as easy as pressing a button. Adding photos to your food log can help you better evaluate your diet and keep you on the right track–whether that track is a one-way ticket to massville or a fall on the bodyfat scale.
Canadian celebrities and top fashion designers are once again joining forces with the Heart and Stroke Foundation to make healthy hearts fashionable at the third annual Heart Truth Fashion Show at Torontos LG Fashion Week.
“The face of heart disease has changed – no longer a mans disease, heart disease and stroke is the leading cause of death for women in Canada(1),” says Sally Brown, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. “Every one of the 20 celebrities walking our runway at the Heart Truth Fashion Show is sending a message to all Canadian women: its time to protect your heart health.”
Each March since its launch, the red dress symbol has come to life on the runway with the support of the fashion industry and celebrity models at the Heart Truth Fashion Show. As the official symbol of The Heart Truth campaign, the red dress represents womens courage, passion and their power for change as they share the truth with others and raise awareness about the importance of heart health.
Now in its spectacular third year, the 2010 Heart Truth Fashion Show will see 20 celebrities modeling one-of-a-kind red dresses by top Canadian fashion designers to raise awareness about womens risk for cardiovascular disease. A standing-room only sellout, and historically LG Fashion Weeks hottest ticket, the invite-only Heart Truth Fashion Show takes place on Wednesday, March 31 at 3 pm in the LG Fashion Week environment at Allstream Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto.
Canadian celebrities modelling original red dresses in this years Heart Truth Fashion Show include: Erin Cebula, Keshia Chante, Jane Francisco, Robin Gill, Luba Goy, Marci Ien, Tanya Kim, Silken Laumann, Mira Leung, Sheila McCarthy, Anne-Marie Mediwake, Tracey Moore, Leah Pinsent, Caroline Rhea, Kathleen Robertson, Crystal Shawanda and Kimiko Zakreski.
Holy Cross Hospital recently held a demolition event to celebrate the kickoff of construction on the new Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Womens Center at Holy Cross Healthplex, slated to open this fall.
Joining in the festivities were representatives from the Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation, which provided an initial $4 million donation, the Hudson Family Foundation, general contractor Stiles Construction, architectural firm Gresham Smith, engineering firm SSR and community leaders, guests and more than 50 “Girlfriends,” women in the community who each pledged $5,000 as lifelong members of the Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Womens Center. The $15 million project is funded entirely through philanthropy.
Holy Cross Hospital unveiled Phase I renovations to the building that will be transformed into the new womens health facility. Guests also were treated to a luncheon underwritten by Hughs Catering.
Plans for the 55,000 square-foot space, located at 1000 NE 56 St. in Fort Lauderdale, include a dedicated entrance, a welcome area, education and community rooms, a cuisine center, a chapel, counseling rooms, a womens boutique, gift shop, doctors offices and a computer and library research center.
“Holy Cross Hospital has already been awarded a five-star rating for maternity care and womens health by Healthgrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization,” said Holy Cross Hospital President and CEO John C. Johnson. “Our new Womens Center will combine our outstanding healthcare services and commitment to positive patient experiences in a comprehensive one of a kind facility dedicated to all women in our community.”
Groupe Bikini Village inc. (TSX: GBV) (”Groupe Bikini Village” or the “Company”) today announced that the Companys board of directors has received the resignation of Mr. Mardiros Ounanian, Chairman and director of the Company, and would like to thank him for his services. The resignation of Mr. Ounanian takes effect immediately. Following Mr. Ounanians resignation, the board has immediately initiated a search for a director who could take on this role and these responsibilities.
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Groupe Bikini Village inc.s future operations, economic performance, financial conditions and financing plans. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors they believe are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to managements expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the results or developments anticipated by management will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or effects on the Company. Management undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law.
The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-status Indians, today announced the start of construction to renovate and expand the Uauitshitun School in the community of Natashquan, Quebec. This project was made possible thanks to an investment of $6.4 million under Canadas Economic Action Plan.
“Our Government is working to ensure First Nation students have access to the same educational opportunities as other Canadians,” said Minister Strahl. “It is essential that First Nations have access to healthy, safe schools that meet the demands of their communities.”
The Uauitshitun School currently houses students from preschool to grade five, and was temporarily expanded in both 2000 and 2005 using prefabricated modules for classrooms. This project will replace the modules with permanent facilities, while the existing school will be renovated to meet current standards and better address educational needs. Construction will be ongoing from February 2010 to March 2011 and is managed by the First Nation.
This investment will add new classrooms and improve firefighting equipment and overall facilities. The renovations will benefit existing students and ensure the school is capable of meeting future needs. This project is part of the $200 million for new schools and major renovations included in the $1.4 billion investment for Aboriginal peoples under Canadas Economic Action Plan.
“This work is excellent news for the community but especially for the students,” stated Mr. Francois Bellefleur, Chief of the Innu community. “Natashquan youth deserve to study in a safe, healthy and modern school. In the long run, modernizing the school, in particular by building new classrooms, will certainly contribute to the success of our youth.”
WATERBURY, Vt. — Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) (“GMCR”) today
announced that Pebbles Acquisition Sub, Inc. (“Purchaser”), a wholly
owned subsidiary of GMCR, has extended its previously announced $35.00
per share cash tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of common
stock of Diedrich Coffee, Inc. (NASDAQ: DDRX) (“Diedrich Coffee”). In
accordance with the terms of the merger agreement among GMCR, Purchaser
and Diedrich Coffee, the tender offer has been extended 20 business days
(the maximum number of days permitted under the merger agreement) to
expire at midnight, New York City time, on Monday, April 5, 2010, unless
further extended. The tender offer previously was scheduled to expire at
midnight, New York City time, on Monday, March 8, 2010. All other terms
and conditions of the tender offer remain unchanged.
As of 5:30 p.m., New York City time, on March 8, 2010, approximately
2,737,014 shares have been tendered into the tender offer and not
withdrawn. The tender offer is subject to customary closing conditions,
including, among other things, regulatory approvals. The Board of
Directors of Diedrich Coffee has recommended that Diedrich Coffee
stockholders tender their shares into the tender offer. Questions and
requests for assistance regarding the tender offer may be directed to
the Information Agent for the offer, Okapi Partners LLC, toll-free at
(877) 274-8654.
BofA Merrill Lynch is serving as financial advisor to GMCR on this
transaction and Ropes Gray LLP is serving as its legal advisor.
About Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR)
EAT THIS Perky Jerky
Together Customers and Baristas Explore Starbucks Bold Coffee
Portfolio; Spring Promotion Includes:
“We have a remarkable selection of high-quality bold coffees from around
the globe and we wanted to provide an opportunity to showcase them,”
said Dub Hay, Starbucks senior vice president, Coffee. “Highlighting
bold coffees also provides a backdrop for us to implement the Pour Over
brewing method which helps ensure our brewed customers can quickly have
a bold coffee of their choice after 12 p.m.”
From today through May 3 in participating U.S. and Canada
Company-operated and licensed stores, customers have the choice between
a featured “Bold Pick of the Week” or the smooth, medium bodied Pike
Place Roast™. In addition to offering these fresh high-quality coffees
all day long, a Tall (12 fl oz) brewed coffee is a great value priced at
just $1.50 plus tax where applicable in U.S. participating stores.
The Best of the Starbucks Bold Coffee Portfolio
Appointment is First of Its Kind for Hospitality Industry
PARIS — From Paris Fashion Week, W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster
and industry innovator, tonight celebrates an industry first, the
appointment of international stylist and fashion authority Amanda Ross
as the brand’s first ever Global Fashion Director. For more than 10
years, W has continually broken new ground through innovative and
first-of-its-kind fashion initiatives and programs. As W Hotels
continues to grow globally, on track to increase its footprint to more
than 50 hotels by 2011, Ross will serve as a strategic fashion advisor
to the brand, providing global insight and guidance for an integrated,
cutting-edge approach to fashion. A respected industry veteran, Ross
will provide an authentic point of view for W, fostering industry
relationships and identifying partnerships and collaborations that will
make W Hotels a credible player within the fashion industry. She will
also work closely with W Hotels The Store, W’s twist on the traditional
hotel gift shop, including Global Glam, a newly launched fashion and
accessories collection created exclusively for W by established and
emerging designers inspired by the design of W’s latest hotels.
“Fashion is an extension of design, one of the key differentiators for W
Hotels,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and
Le Méridien. “As fashion is ever-changing and evolving on a seasonal
basis, it appeals to our guests who are always seeking the latest,
newest, hippest, and Amanda, with her extensive industry experience,
will guide us in further integrating fashion into our hotels in credible
ways that positively affect the guest experience.”
Ross began her multi-faceted career more than 20 years ago at Condé Nast
under the guidance of renowned Art Director Alexander Liberman and
went on to serve as Market Director for Harper’s Bazaar, where
she worked with the world’s foremost fashion designers and helped to
identify and nurture emerging talent. Today, she combines extensive
editorial work (Harper’s Bazaar, Russian L’Officiel, Town
Country) with international style consulting for film,
television and retail interiors. Her film and television credits include Lipstick
Jungle (Brooke Shields, Kim Raver, Lindsay Price) and It’s
Complicated (Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin). Ross also
styles personal clients, including celebrities such as Mariska Hargitay,
Julianna Margulies, Vera Farmiga, Kim Raver, and Lindsay Price. Over the
years, she has consulted for fashion houses, including Dennis Basso,
Elie Tahari, Ashleigh Verrier and Allegra Hicks as well as advertising
campaigns for Maybelline, NBC and Volkswagen.
“I am so honored and excited to have been chosen for this
first-of-its-kind position,” said Ross. “I share in W’s passion for
fashion and look forward to using my years of editorial, styling and
consulting experience to help W further connect the dots between fashion
and hotels.”
Paving the Way For Our Youth, Larkin Street Youth Services eighth annual benefit and fund-raising event, kicked off the organizations 26th year and recognized the Gap Foundation for their work with youth at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco on March 3, 2010. Attended by over 370 community leaders and Larkin Street supporters, the event at the Four Seasons San Francisco raised over $500,000 to support Larkin Streets 25 different programs serving runaway and at-risk youth in San Francisco with 84% of all fundraising at Larkin Street allocated directly to programs.
The Gap Foundation was honored by Larkin Street for the Foundations commitment to bettering the lives of youth, nationally and internationally, and for their long term partnership supporting Larkin Streets youth. Larkin Street has been working with the Gap Foundation since 1990 as a collaborative partner. In total, Larkin Street has received over $435,000 in funding from the Gap Foundation to enrich and expand the organizations Hire Up Educational and Employment Program among others. Additionally, through two capacity building grants, the Gap Foundation created a two year leadership development program at Larkin Street and offered participation to a select number of other nonprofit youth-serving grantees. Employees from Gap Inc. have also volunteered hundreds of hours of their time to provide state-of-the-art training and professional development to their nonprofit senior manager colleagues at Larkin Street.
“Larkin Street is not only providing critically-important services to at-risk youth in the Bay Area, but is also paving the way nationally as a respected leader championing best practices in serving homeless youth through its innovative and successful programs,” Bobbi Silten, Chief Foundation Officer, Gap Inc., said. “We are proud to be a partner of Larkin Street Youth Services, an organization that truly stands by its founding belief that homeless youth deserve the chance to reclaim their lives.”
Three Larkin Street youth were presented with the 2010 “Going the Distance” Larkin Street Youth Achievement Awards. The “Going the Distance” award honors those Larkin Street youth who have made the greatest strides from where they began to where they are today, overcoming significant barriers on the path to realizing their goals.
“I thank Larkin Street for this award and for keeping me on the right path,” said Mahesh, youth award honoree. “They have been supportive in helping me meet my own goals and my living situation has greatly improved. Im away from the bad influences from my past now and I have a positive place to live and am looking forward to the future.”
POWAY, Calif. — Cohu, Inc. (NASDAQ:COHU) today announced that it will present at Sidoti
Company’s 14th Annual Emerging Growth Institutional
Investor Forum at The Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City on Tuesday,
March 24, 2010 at 11:20 a.m. ET.
Cohu, through its Delta Design and Rasco subsidiaries, is a supplier of
test handling, burn-in and thermal solutions used by the global
semiconductor industry as well as a supplier of closed circuit
television and microwave communications equipment.
Mosbys review questions for the speech-language pathology Praxis examination. (CD-ROM included)
Introduction to communicative disorders, 4th ed. (DVD included)
I KNOW HOW TOUGH IT IS OUT THERE FOR SO MANY OF OUR READERS. Im fully aware of the terrible state of our economy, and I am so grateful to each and every one of you who has spent your hard-earned dollars to purchase this magazine. Without your support, bodybuilding itself would not exist. As this recession extends from months into years, one concern I have is that young men and women will begin to lose hope, grow sad and depressed, and lose the will to do some of the things they normally do. When were in a rut, its easy to let it hold us in place and prevent us from enjoying the rest of our lives. Although the recession may impact the number of times you go to the movies or eat out each month, I hope that it doesnt affect your fitness routine. If theres one area of your life that needs to remain resistant to the vicissitudes of the economy, it is exercise. There are many good reasons why you should continue working out even when times are tough. I probably dont have to tell you this, but exercise can alter your mood, increasing the production of body chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins are natural mood elevators and are the reason you feel better after a workout than you did before. Additionally, working out makes you fitter and stronger, and helps you look better. When you look and feel good, you are more confident in your abilities and less likely to undergo the severe mood swings that financial stress can cause. This is important for several reasons, not the least of which is that the better your outlook, the more likely you are to recognize opportunities–financial or otherwise–when they present themselves.
Bento Box Entertainment, the production company founded last year by three prominent animation veterans, announced it has been chosen to produce “Bobs Burgers,” the half hour prime time animated series from 20th Century Fox Television with a 13-episode order from the FOX Network.
Created and co-written by Loren Bouchard (”Home Movies”; “Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist”), “Bobs Burgers” is about a guy who runs a burger joint with the help of his tightly wound wife and three unhelpful kids. Showrunners are Bouchard and Jim Dauterive (”King of the Hill”). Bento Box principal Mark McJimsey (”King of the Hill”) will be a producer on the project.
About Bento Box Entertainment
Bento Box develops and produces animated and live action series and films as well as interactive and new media properties. In addition to providing a full roster of production capabilities to their studio partners, Bento Box develops its own original projects, capitalizing on the principals close relationships with artists, writers, and other content creators as well as distribution and funding entities. Partnering to head the firm are Scott Greenberg, former President and Chief Operating Officer of Film Roman, Joel Kuwahara, a veteran producer on “The Simpsons,” and Mark McJimsey, longtime producer on “King of the Hill.” Bento Box is currently producing “Neighbors from Hell” for 20th Century Fox Television in conjunction with Jeffrey Katzenberg and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., which premieres on TBS this summer.
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“Alice in Wonderland” is back — this time as Hollywoods blockbuster movie of the week. But truth to tell, Alice has never really gone away. Somewhere, some place, somebody is always reading or watching “Alice in Wonderland.” The book is a self-contained world — rich, wild and magnetic.
SAN FRANCISCO — Visa Inc. (NYSE: V), a FIFA partner and the preferred card of the 2010
FIFA World Cup™, today announced an extension of its
first-ever global FIFA-themed marketing campaign – Go Fans. The
global campaign, which originally debuted in Latin America in 2009,
includes television, print and out-of-home advertisements, usage
promotions, experiential offers for cardholders and merchant discounts. Go
Fans was developed to connect with football fans worldwide to drive
preference for and usage of Visa products, promote Visa’s association
with the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and reinforce the
ways in which Visa enhances the fan’s FIFA World Cup™
experience. Today, 78 markets throughout the world are activating Visa
FIFA-themed marketing programs with over 200 clients.
Utilizing the flexibility of the More people go with Visa
campaign, advertising creative from the Go Fans campaign will be
customized and will appear in 30 markets around the world to strengthen
the campaign’s relevance in those regions. In addition to Go Fans,
customized advertising extensions of the campaign will utilize Go
Football and Go [Country] (e.g. Go Brazil) taglines.
“Football fans are unlike any other sports fans in the world. We’ve
created a campaign that captures these fans’ inspirational passion for
the game, taps into their nationalistic pride and reminds them how Visa
can help enhance their experience,“ said Antonio Lucio, Chief Marketing
Officer of Visa Inc. “Building off Visa’s legacy of creating integrated
marketing campaigns in support of global sporting events, our platform
enables us to reinforce the ways that Visa enhances the fan’s World Cup
experience while also advancing our own business and that of our
clients.”
The Go Fans campaign celebrates the common love that all fans
have for football and creative executions featuring the colors of the
national flags of each of the 32 qualifying countries, symbolize the
expression of each fan’s true colors and love of country. The campaign
reinforces the ways that Visa enables fans to express their true colors
in support of their teams by offering an easier way to pay, their Visa
card.
“Few mobile applications reach this level of acceptance especially prior to their commercial launch. In fact, Getfugu reached this milestone while still in beta,” said Michael Jay Solomon, Chairman of Getfugu. “Advertisers and businesses, both large and small, can now clearly establish that participating with Getfugu can expand their bottom line. Our sales team has been indefatigable, our skillful engineers outstanding in providing the major mobile phone manufacturers, including Apples iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, J2ME, and others which have pre-loaded our application, the tools that consumers have been crying for. This milestone validates our agnostic to all platforms business model.”
Getfugu has recently announced several content, distribution, sales and technology deals:
One for content with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) to develop and test custom ARL (Augmented Reality Links) and VRL (Voice Recognition Links) promoting five titles using Getfugus mobile search application. Another for marketing and promotion efforts through its association with Weiser Creative and Bullseye Marketing via mailings introducing Getfugu to 21 million homes, 2,500 businesses and an additional 2.4 Million Retail Businesses through their NewBizPak mailings.
Getfugu is also building revenue through its association with Salesconx. A 2,000 person sales force currently being deployed is scheduled to deliver revenue in the next 90 days.
On the technical side, Getfugu has announced the completion of the initial phase of design and prototype of real time 3D product recognition enabling consumers to recognize products, shapes, and logos through the viewfinder in real time.
Media Lab Inc., premier provider of Photoshop plug-in website creation technologies, today announced SiteGrinder 3, its next generation web site development platform. In addition to over 300 new features, Media Lab SiteGrinder 3 supports two new optional add-ons, Commerce and Control.
The SiteGrinder 3 Commerce add-on builds web stores with a fully-integrated shopping cart from within Photoshop. Users can now easily create online stores with shopping carts from image galleries using simple Photoshop text and art layers. After publishing their store to the web, users can edit products, pricing, images and descriptions remotely using any web browser.
The SiteGrinder 3 Control add-on enables website content management from any Internet-connected computer through a web browser. The designer/developer (or client) can quickly change any site content including page additions, text, images and galleries remotely from any web browser, all without returning to Photoshop.
“SiteGrinder 3 is the best website development tool that I have ever used,” said Charles Hurst, Web Designer. “Its integration with Photoshop as a plug-in gives me a complete development platform from initial design all the way to a working published website. With the optional Commerce and Control add-ons, and the over 300 new features and functions in SiteGrinder 3, I have complete control over the design, deployment and remote management of my websites.”
Graphic designers, photographers, artists or anyone can easily transform their Photoshop designs into CSS and XHTML standards-compliant websites without writing a single line of code. For developers who want to improve their work flow, all code generated by SiteGrinder 3 is fully editable in Dreamweaver or any other CSS or HTML editor.
ViewSonic® Corp., a leading global provider of visual display, computing and digital content solutions, today announced that Jeff Volpe has been named a 2010 Channel Chief by the Everything Channels CRN. Channel Chiefs are leaders in creating effective channel programs for solution providers. They consistently defend, promote and execute effective channel partner programs and strategies.
Under Volpes direction, ViewSonic launched its new Finch Club partner program and Web site to give resellers a one-stop shop for easily finding ViewSonic promotions, sales incentives, training and support to boost their bottom line. Finch Clubs customized reseller portals, such as the award-winning Gov/Ed program, extend ViewSonics valued partners free exclusive webinar trainings for guidance on the latest products, selling tips and topical industry issues. Volpe also diversified product lines this year in the largest growing markets so that ViewSonic will be able to continue to offer solution providers the tools to sell more full solutions. From signage to systems, ViewSonic now makes five categories available to solution providers so that they may gain services, revenues and build profitability.
For the eighth consecutive year the Channel Chiefs were chosen by Everything Channel editorial based on criteria including policy and program innovations made during the past year, the amount of revenue their company generates through partners, their willingness to speak out publicly on behalf of the channel, and the number of years they have dedicated to channel activities.
“We are dedicated to constantly enhancing our offerings and relationships with our valued channel partners, while helping them to remain strong in their businesses,” said Melinda Beecher, ViewSonics channel manager. “We are honored that CRN has recognized Jeff and ViewSonic for all the hard work that we continue to put into our channel program. Channel advocacy is part of everything we do and as such, we continue to implement programs that evolve along with our channel partners needs, year over year.”
“Being named a Channel Chief is one of the most prestigious honors in the IT industry. This years Channel Chiefs offers tremendous insight into the whos who of the Channel,” said Kelley Damore, VP, editorial director, Everything Channel. “Top channel executives consistently ensure that the Channels voice is heard when strategic decisions are being made and continually nurture mutually profitable relationships. We applaud the 2010 Channel Chiefs for their successful partner programs and strategies.”
Phoenix Wins 2010 Recognition
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — CSC (NYSE: CSC) announced today that its insurance client, The Phoenix
Companies of Hartford, Conn., was selected by Celent, a financial
services technology research and advisory firm, as a “Model Insurer” for
its effective use of technology. This report marks the fourth
consecutive year that Celent has showcased insurers using CSC software
to support industry best practices.
The report, Celent Model Insurer 2010: Case Studies of Effective
Technology Use in Insurance, recognized Phoenix for consolidating
multiple systems into a single front-end for increased efficiency and
customer service improvement. Using CSC’s Customer
Service Accelerator, Phoenix successfully aggregated data from
multiple systems into one Web-enabled interface that presents a single
view of the customer. Customer Service Accelerator draws data from seven
systems from multiple vendors, including four policy administration
systems, a customer repository, Automated
Work Distributor (AWD) for workflow and CSC’s PerformancePlus
for producer management.
The software enables customer service representatives (CSRs) to access
customer information including portfolio, contact history, policy data,
producer information and workflow data within one interface to improve
response times and efficiencies. As a result of the implementation, CSR
call times have decreased by 15 percent. Audits of customer calls reveal
greater data integrity, and the company has reduced CSR training time on
Variable Life account processing by 60 percent.
“In today’s economic environment, the winning insurers are the ones who
leverage all available resources to the maximum to meet market
challenges,” said Mike Fitzgerald, a senior analyst in Celent’s
insurance practice. “Phoenix was selected as a Model Insurer because of
the firm’s best practices in infrastructure optimization, use of
industry standards, improved use of channels and higher staff
productivity.”
Phoenix Wins 2010 Recognition
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — CSC (NYSE: CSC) announced today that its insurance client, The Phoenix
Companies of Hartford, Conn., was selected by Celent, a financial
services technology research and advisory firm, as a “Model Insurer” for
its effective use of technology. This report marks the fourth
consecutive year that Celent has showcased insurers using CSC software
to support industry best practices.
The report, Celent Model Insurer 2010: Case Studies of Effective
Technology Use in Insurance, recognized Phoenix for consolidating
multiple systems into a single front-end for increased efficiency and
customer service improvement. Using CSC’s Customer
Service Accelerator, Phoenix successfully aggregated data from
multiple systems into one Web-enabled interface that presents a single
view of the customer. Customer Service Accelerator draws data from seven
systems from multiple vendors, including four policy administration
systems, a customer repository, Automated
Work Distributor (AWD) for workflow and CSC’s PerformancePlus
for producer management.
The software enables customer service representatives (CSRs) to access
customer information including portfolio, contact history, policy data,
producer information and workflow data within one interface to improve
response times and efficiencies. As a result of the implementation, CSR
call times have decreased by 15 percent. Audits of customer calls reveal
greater data integrity, and the company has reduced CSR training time on
Variable Life account processing by 60 percent.
“In today’s economic environment, the winning insurers are the ones who
leverage all available resources to the maximum to meet market
challenges,” said Mike Fitzgerald, a senior analyst in Celent’s
insurance practice. “Phoenix was selected as a Model Insurer because of
the firm’s best practices in infrastructure optimization, use of
industry standards, improved use of channels and higher staff
productivity.”
AVON, Conn. — The latest results of Eastbridge Consulting Group’s Voluntary
Insurance Confidence Index survey show that those in the industry
believe the economy will have less negative impact on voluntary sales in
2010 than previously thought.
“When we first added this question to our survey in December of 2008, 62
percent of respondents expected some negative impact on voluntary,” say
Gil Lowerre, Eastbridge president. In this most recent survey, however,
just 48 percent said they expect a negative impact. “In fact,” adds
Lowerre, “85 percent of respondents expect 2010 sales to increase as
compared to 2009.”
“Both brokers and carriers are optimistic about the potential for 2010,”
adds Bonnie Brazzell, vice president for Eastbridge. Eighty-three (83)
percent of brokers expect increases in sales in 2010 and 88 percent of
carriers do, according to the survey. The overall Confidence Index is up
to its highest level since July of 2008, the estimated start of the
recession.
The Voluntary Industry Confidence Index study is conducted
semi-annually and includes responses from individuals active in the
market—carriers, brokers, and vendors. Like other confidence indices,
the index is a single number that compares the current results to a
baseline measure. The first Confidence Index survey was completed in
December of 2005; the results from that survey serve as our “base” year
(meaning the index was at 100 for that year).
CORTEZ, Colo. — Seventeen-year-old Katelynn Wilson was one of six students — and the only Mormon — to receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Colorado Farm Show in the statewide contest and was honored at the presentation banquet earlier this year.
Scholarships Awarded for $250 Toward Museums and the Web Conference
Registration
PORTLAND, Ore. — Extensis, a division of Celartem Inc., today announced it is sponsoring
a limited number of competitive scholarships to the Museums and the Web
Conference to be held in Denver, Colorado on April 13-17, 2010.
The Digital Asset Management Scholarship is sponsored by Extensis and is
available to help heritage and culture professionals offset the cost of
attending this annual gathering. Individuals awarded the scholarships
will receive $250 toward the Museums and the Web conference registration
and automatic registration in the digital asset management workshop
offered during the conference.
Deadline to apply for the scholarships is March 19, 2010.
Largest Event for Women in Computer Science and Engineering
Provides Opportunity for Students to Collaborate and Learn from Leading
Technical Women
PALO ALTO, Calif. — The Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology announced today that scholarship
applications are now being accepted for the 2010
Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Conference (GHC),
which brings together women from all aspects of computer science and
engineering. This year’s conference will be held September 28 to October
2, 2010 in Atlanta, GA. The deadline for scholarship applications is May
14, 2010.
Full and partial scholarships to this year’s conference are made
possible through generous grants to the Anita Borg Institute from the
National Science Foundation, Industry and Academic sponsors. Full
scholarships cover conference registration, lodging for four nights, and
travel expense reimbursement. Partial scholarships are also available.
While the largest portion of scholarships are awarded to undergraduate
and graduate students, junior faculty and members of non-governmental
organizations and non-profits are also eligible to apply.
“Last year, 311 scholarships were awarded, a 23 percent increase from
the previous year,” said Deanna Kosaraju, Vice President of Programs.
“We reviewed over 900 applications, and we expect an even greater
response for 2010.”
First Lady Michelle Obama will speak to parents and child advocates this week Wednesday, March 10, at 12:30 p.m. during the National PTA® Legislative Conference (March 9 – 11). The event will take place at the Doubletree Hotel Crystal City – National Airport (300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, 703-416-4100).
The First Lady is slated to speak about her national campaign, “Lets Move” — a movement pertinent to the National PTAs efforts toward fighting childhood obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles.
“We commend First Lady Michelle Obama as she continues to champion for childrens health and wellness with her new Lets Move initiative to fight childhood obesity,” said Charles “Chuck” J. Saylors, National PTA President.
“We are honored to have the First Lady speak to parents and child advocates at our National Legislative Conference as she is truly an inspiration and serves as a great role model through her tireless efforts in child health and wellness, an area of public policy in which PTA has been instrumental since our inception in 1897. PTA looks forward to working alongside the First Lady as we continue to seek improvements in federal child nutrition programs, including specific ways to improve the content and implementation of local wellness policies, increase access to healthy foods and beverages, limit access to the least healthy offerings in schools, and provide the supports needed for those implementing child nutrition programs to improve outcomes.”
The three-day conference is designed to motivate grasstop leaders from across the country and provide an in-depth look at the latest PTA Public Policy Agenda through a series of workshops, skill building trainings, panel discussions, and guest speakers. The conference will culminate with Capitol Hill visits with congressional leaders that will focus on 2010 public policy priorities: effective family engagement in education, equity and opportunity in education for children, and childrens overall health and wellness.
NEW YORK — “We know there is a lot of speculation in regard to the arrest of
DAngelo in New York City this past weekend. We would like his fans and
the public at large to know that DAngelo has pled not guilty — and is
contesting the allegations made against him. Also know that, he is in
good health and extremely excited about his forthcoming new album.
DAngelo would like to personally thank all of his fans for the
outpouring of concern, and appreciates if all would allow the American
justice system to resolve the matter before jumping to any conclusions.”
GETTING THERE The Wild Horse Sanctuary is in Shingletown, about 170 miles north of Sacramento and 30 miles southeast of Redding. FRIDAY Spend the afternoon at Turtle Bay Exploration Park ($13; 840 Sundial Bridge Dr./Auditorium Dr., Redding; turtlebay.org or 530/243-8850). From there, walk across the 217-foot-highSundial Bridge that crosses the Sacramento River and links up with the McConnelL Arboretum Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay (same fee and contact info as park, see above), perfect for a stroll. Watch the sunset over a dinner of house-smoked prime rib and gorgonzola polenta on the riverside patio at Rivers Restaurant ($$$; closed Sun; 202 Hemsted Dr., Redding; 530/223-5606). Spend the night at the Weston House Bed Breakfast (from $155; in Shingletown; westonhouse.com). SATURDAY Breakfast by Weston Houses pool, which overlooks the Wild Horse Sanctuary (two-day rides $435, three-day rides $535; includes meals and lodging; wildhorsesanctuary.org), then head over there to saddle up.
GETTING THERE The Wild Horse Sanctuary is in Shingletown, about 170 miles north of Sacramento and 30 miles southeast of Redding. FRIDAY Spend the afternoon at Turtle Bay Exploration Park ($13; 840 Sundial Bridge Dr./Auditorium Dr., Redding; turtlebay.org or 530/243-8850). From there, walk across the 217-foot-highSundial Bridge that crosses the Sacramento River and links up with the McConnelL Arboretum Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay (same fee and contact info as park, see above), perfect for a stroll. Watch the sunset over a dinner of house-smoked prime rib and gorgonzola polenta on the riverside patio at Rivers Restaurant ($$$; closed Sun; 202 Hemsted Dr., Redding; 530/223-5606). Spend the night at the Weston House Bed Breakfast (from $155; in Shingletown; westonhouse.com). SATURDAY Breakfast by Weston Houses pool, which overlooks the Wild Horse Sanctuary (two-day rides $435, three-day rides $535; includes meals and lodging; wildhorsesanctuary.org), then head over there to saddle up.
Many people know vitamin D as the sunshine vitamin, but more individuals are deficient in vitamin D than ever before–even in south Florida. Weve been made so aware of the dangers of prolonged sun exposure that everyone covers up with sunscreen, which blocks the suns rays and interferes with vitamin D production. Add to this the fact that for anyone living north of Atlanta, Georgia, its impossible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from the sun alone. I recommend taking 2,000 international units of vitamin D. This is a lot more than the U.S. recommended daily allowance–between 200 and 600 lUs–which I believe is way too low. A growing body of knowledge says that low levels of vitamin D are related to a host of physical ailments, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. So, how is this related to bodybuilding? First, a healthy body is easier to train. Second, data shows that there is a seasonal variation in athletic performance, which means that during the months in which you get maximal ultraviolet exposure (i.e., vitamin D), athletic performance is better. Third, when you introduce vitamin D to people who are deficient in it, it seems to promote the growth of fast-twitch muscle fibers. This month we pick the brain of nutritionist and CEO of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Jose Antonio, PhD.
WebTech Wireless Inc. (TSX: WEW), a leading provider of vehicle fleet location-based services (LBS) and telematics technology, announces that Amador Transit of Sutter Creek, California, has become the latest customer of its NextBus Real-Time Passenger Information Service (RTPIS). The sale covers a full NextBus implementation and three years of service, including hosting fees.
Amador County, California is located approximately 45 miles southeast of Sacramento and is an important agricultural and tourist region.
The NextBus contract outfits Amador Transits entire fleet with NextBus GPS location devices and uses NextBus patented technology that predicts real-time bus arrival information. NextBus will also install roadside LED digital bus stop displays and a large LCD transit center sign that will bring this information to riders.
The NextBus RTPIS also gives users access to accurate, real-time bus arrival information via their cell phones, Smartphones or from any computer connected to the internet. The NextBus system includes the ability to sign up for automatic email or text alerts. These alerts can be sent minutes before the bus is predicted to arrive – based upon its actual location – giving riders time to meet their bus: the system reduces wait times. NextBus will also implement its Telephone Information System. This lets riders use any phone to key in the code for their bus stop and hear an automated voice tell them when the next buses are predicted to arrive. GPS-enabled Smartphones will also give riders the location of the nearest bus stop.
“Were in business to serve the residents and visitors of Amador County, and providing a seamless system to announce the arrival of the next bus is a key element of our system. Weve recently opened a new Transit Center, which is the public hub of our operations, and the NextBus system will be a major feature of that facility,” said Amador Transits Executive Director, James A. Means.
SPORT SCIENCE on ESPN is the ultimate guy show. Created by passionate sports fans John Brenkus and Mickey Stern, the show dissects the feats of the worlds greatest athletes with the help of sophisticated sports technology. Far from being a passive spectator in a lab coat, co-host Brenkus often serves as the foil in many segments, putting himself in harms way to advance the cause while testing the limits of human pain. What Brenkus and company often discover on their journey into elite athleticism is as beneficial to the athletes as it is to the frontiers of science. In addition to its own time slot, Sport Science will be involved in every major sporting event in 2010.
Specialized Site is One of Only a Handful in the United States
VAN NUYS, Calif. — Valley Presbyterian Hospital is proud to announce the planned red-carpet
grand-opening on March 17th of its premier Amputation
Prevention Center (APC), an integrated limb-preservation center that is
one of the nation’s only facilities of its kind.
The center utilizes a rare and innovative team-based approach that pairs
podiatrists and vascular surgeons under the same roof – and has
significant ramifications for the growing number of people in the
country who are diagnosed with diabetes.
“This Center represents a major advancement in this crucially needed
area and brings together some of the very best talent, teamwork and
tools in the country,” said Gustavo Valdespino, President and CEO of
Valley Presbyterian Hospital. “There is no doubt that the exemplary
expertise and efforts at this Center will greatly improve success rates
for limb preservation.”
In the U.S., nearly 24 million people – or 7.8 percent of the U.S.
population – have diabetes. California alone has nearly 3 million people
with diabetes, meaning that more than 1 out of 10 adult Californians has
diabetes. And people with diabetes are far more likely to undergo foot
or leg amputations because many have circulation and nerve problems,
which make it easy to get ulcers and infections that may lead to
amputation, according to the American Diabetes Association.
The New York State Insurance Department on Monday announced that six healthcare providers reimbursed the state $2.4 million due to inflated billings, $2 million coming from two providers on Long Island. The state also announced the six providers collectively paid about $40,000 in fines and agreed to discontinue the practices that the resulted in inflated claims. Edward Fryman, a podiatrist in Seaford, reimbursed the state $1,088,966 and paid a $10,889 fine, while South Shore Ambulatory Surgery Center in Lynbrook reimbursed the state $821,834 and paid a $8,218 fine. The state said the providers in Nassau County, New York City and Westchester had waived out-of-pocket fees that should have been charged to state and local government employees filing health insurance claims. The providers instead passed on the cost of out-of-pocket fees to the state in the form of inflated bills.
Elysium Internet, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: EYSM), a next
generation Local Internet advertising and digital media Company, today
announced that it will exhibit its performance based, direct navigation
patient acquisition program at the North Carolina Foot and Ankle Societys
Winter Seminar, next week.
I was a “normal” weight through high school, but never developed an interest in sports or fitness because I am legally blind. By the age of 31, in 1995, I reached 185 pounds. That year, my aunt, who is the same age as me, wanted me to join a gym with her. I decided to give it a try. I started to clean up my diet by eliminating fast food and sodas with sugar. I began reading fitness and bodybuilding magazines to learn how to lift. Picturing how I would eventually look was impossible, and setting a final goal weight just seemed too far off into the future, so I set small, reachable goals–just to get one clothing size smaller. It was slow, but I was making progress and keeping off what I had lost. The weight continued to come off, and in 2001, I had gotten down to 120 pounds. Many people began asking me if I competed in fitness or bodybuilding, so I decided to give it try. Imagine going from hiding from the camera at family gatherings to getting up onstage in a bikini! In March 2002, I completed in my first bodybuilding contest at age 38, and placed second in novice lightweights and third in masters. I have continued competing, and in 2009, I won the middleweight and overall at the NPC Junior Nationals, and took fourth at the NPC Nationals.
Thank you for all the awesome articles that helped me develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I was a 230-pound lineman in high school, but now Im a 188-pound athletic trainer/exercise physiologist who competes in everything from 5k races to marathons and even a Ford Ironman competition this June. MF remains a staple in helping me accomplish my athletic goals, and be a positive role model for both the cardiac patients I work with and the high school students I train.
Hope that you never need to use an AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill, but if you do, be thankful that modern technology has created a way to reduce your gravitational pull. It sounds like science fiction, but tech developed by NASA and AlterG incorporates a plastic air chamber sealed around your waist and encapsulating your legs, which, in effect, reduces your bodyweight by as much as 80%.
When you diet to either lose fat or gain muscle, you should maintain a food log of what you eat and how much. This can be critical in keeping you eating enough (or not too much) food, and eating the appropriate amounts of the right kinds of foods at the right times. Research confirms that those who track their food intake in a journal better maintain their diet. In fact, one 2008 study funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health reported that those who consistently kept a food log for 30 months, lost twice as much weight as those not keeping a log. To make that food diary even better, consider photographing your meals, as well. University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers had subjects record what they ate for one week in words or in photographs. They found that those taking photos of their food made a more critical evaluation of the items on their plate before eating them, which caused them to make better food choices. With the help of camera phones, photographing your meal is as easy as pressing a button. Adding photos to your food log can help you better evaluate your diet and keep you on the right track–whether that track is a one-way ticket to massville or a fall on the bodyfat scale.
CANTON, Texas — Homemade Gourmet®, a company dedicated to its customers and
Consultants, decided to issue a recall last week on its Tortilla Soup
Mix. The Tortilla Soup Mix that was recalled contained an ingredient
distributed by Best Flavored Foods of Las Vegas, that potentially
contained Salmonella. If the soup was prepared per the cooking
instructions there would be zero chance of a health risk to its
customers. Regardless, Homemade Gourmet® decided to recall
the product. Later it was confirmed that the Homemade Gourmet Tortilla
Soup Mix was in fact, not tainted.
When asked why the recall, the company’s CEO Ken Johnsen
stated, ”Homemade Gourmet® has been selling food to
millions of families for more than 12 years, and we take pride in
offering great tasting, high quality and safe products. Why take even
the slightest chance when your customers health is at stake.” As part
of the voluntary recall process, Homemade Gourmet® immediately
contacted all 184 customers who purchased the Tortilla Soup Mix and
offered an exchange or refund. The company has received positive
response about the decision as well as the process of handling the
recall.
Homemade Gourmet® has an excellent relationship with the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA). Over the past three years and as recently
as February 2010, the FDA has inspected the company’s plant and
determined they are in complete control of quality in the manufacturing
process.
I was a skinny kid who had a rough childhood. Health and fitness–more specifically bodybuilding–have been important outlets for me in handling the many things Ive been through in my life. Although I did some weight training as a kid, it was when I became a U.S. Marine Corps Body Bearer that I was “bitten by the bodybuilding bug.” Unfortunately, over the next several years, I spent a lot of time overseas, but it didnt stop me from continuing to hang on to ray dream of becoming a bodybuilder, which came to fruition in 2009. I set my sights on competing as a heavyweight in the 2009 All Forces National Military Bodybuilding Championships on October 10, in Tampa, Florida. I connected with Tim Gardner and joined his team, Team Body*Tech, based out of Tampa. At the time, I was in Iraq working as a contractor, so we communicated on a weekly basis via phone and e-mail. When I returned to the States, we jumped into precontest mode. I was very motivated, because so many people over the years said that I didnt have what it takes. Although I didnt carry the level of mass I needed for my height, I felt my conditioning would make up for some of that. I had started to do a lot of online social media networking before I returned to the United States and, over time, I created a large friend/fan base of people who began following and supporting me. It was a great feeling and, as it grew closer to the competition, I felt a huge sense of pride. Everyone was able to watch my transformation take place as I posted pictures, and blogged about my life challenges and the pursuit of my dream to become a bodybuilder.
NEW YORK — Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE:TWC) today released the following statement:
Today, a broad coalition of non-profit organizations and cable,
satellite and telecommunications companies filed a petition for
rulemaking asking the Federal Communications Commission to establish a
new framework for resolving retransmission consent disputes. The
coalition includes companies with over 67 million video subscribers. The
filing presented a clear case that the FCC’s regulations for governing
retransmission consent, created nearly 20 years ago, are outdated and
are harming consumers and driving up prices.
Consumers are increasingly being put in the middle of disputes
between programmers and distributors, including recurring threats of
going dark, high-stakes public negotiations, and, in the case of ABC’s
recent withdrawal of programming from three million Cablevision
subscribers, highly disruptive blackouts.
In today’s filing, the 14 petitioners asked the FCC to implement new
dispute resolution mechanisms –such as compulsory arbitration or an
expert tribunal — and require continued carriage of broadcast signals
during negotiations or disputes, to help ensure uninterrupted
programming for consumers. The petitioners implore the FCC to act
expeditiously to help prevent further consumer harm.
The diverse group of petitioners is comprised of the American Cable
Association, Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Charter Communications,
DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight Communications, Mediacom Communications,
New America Foundation, Organization for the Promotion and Advancement
of Small Telecommunications Companies, Public Knowledge, Suddenlink
Communications, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon.
“Consumers want the best of both worlds: Pay TV and OTT Video,” says
Keith Nissen, In-Stat analyst. “Nearly 40% of consumer broadband
household respondents want a combination of linear and on-demand TV, and
nearly three quarters want to acquire all their video content from their
pay TV operator.”
The recent research also found:
Jobvite today announced it has added Jobvite Source and Jobvite Hire to the Google Apps Marketplace , Googles recently launched online storefront for Google Apps products and services. Jobvite recruiting applications help companies make referral hires through social networks , find talent matches on the web for their jobs and manage the entire business process of hiring.
“The social nature of the open web has changed how companies recruit and hire new employees. At Jobvite, were developing products for an open environment that provides valuable innovation and functionality for business users,” said Dan Finnigan , President and Chief Executive Officer of Jobvite. “Now, its easy for Google Apps customers to find and use a powerful, intuitive recruiting application thats directly integrated into the Google Apps suite.”
Companies can use Jobvites software-as-a-service applications to find and hire the right talent for their jobs:
“We are very excited to have Jobvite in the Google Apps Marketplace,” says Scott McMullan, Google Apps Partner Lead for Google Enterprise. “Through the Google Apps Marketplace, software vendors like Jobvite are helping us build a rich ecosystem of integrated apps that work seamlessly with Google Apps, allowing IT administrators to leverage the benefits of cloud computing and extend Google Apps to meet more of their business needs. We are happy to offer Jobvite to the millions of Google Apps users who have embraced the cloud.”
When Nancy Reynolds joined Kaspersky Lab Americas as Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales, in January she made a commitment to be better, faster and smarter by creating a strong sales and partner network and hiring the right talent to drive it forward. Acting on that commitment, Kaspersky Lab , a leading developer of Internet threat management solutions that protect against all forms of malicious software, today announces the appointment of security industry veteran, Dan Burke, as vice president, U.S. corporate sales.
As Vice President, U.S. Sales, Dan Burke is responsible for overseeing and directing Kaspersky Labs field sales organization in the U.S. In this role, Dan will manage all field sales activity for the U.S. enterprise customers, working in conjunction with the companys 100% Channel commitment. Dan will be working closely with the companys technical support, marketing and channel sales teams to ensure that Kaspersky Lab customers continue to receive outstanding pre- and post-sales support and all the other resources necessary to help keep their businesses protected.
Dan comes to Kaspersky with nearly a decade of sales experience and an extensive background in security. Dan became highly recognized as an outstanding sales leader in the security industry during his tenure at Trend Micro, where he managed the companys enterprise sales team. In this position he successfully grew the region despite intense competitive pressures and a challenging economic environment. Before joining Kaspersky Lab, Dan established, managed and grew one of the premier security solutions VARs in the US, with regional headquarters in Ohio where he represented a dozen blue-chip security brands and established a reputation as a trusted security partner for security assessments, consulting and product delivery.
Quotes:
Nancy D. Reynolds, Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales
Kaspersky Lab Americas
“As we add velocity to our equation and continue to build upon the outstanding work that Kaspersky Lab has done in the consumer and SMB markets, we recognize that the right people matter. At Kaspersky, we understand the importance of having a solid, well-versed sales team in place as we continue to expand into the enterprise market. In keeping with our commitment to work better, faster and smarter, I am very excited to announce that Dan Burke will be joining us as the Vice President of U.S. Corporate Sales. Having built a world-class sales team in his previous role, Dans extensive security and sales experience are a welcomed addition to our rapidly expanding team of experts.”
Dan Burke, Vice President, U.S. Sales
Kaspersky Lab Americas
“Kaspersky Labs award-winning products, its distinctively high-energy corporate culture, and commitment to its partners and customers are a great foundation for success. The company has set the bar high and Im excited to join such an incredible team that is so intensely focused on keeping their customers safe and secure. Helping to move the company further up market has energized me personally and I can feel that energy coming from every corner of this company.”
$299 Do-It-Yourself System Lets Homeowners Monitor and Control Door
Access, Temperature, Lighting and More from a Computer or Cell Phone
CARMEL, Ind. — To celebrate the one-year anniversary of its Schlage LiNK™
home-management system, Schlage today announced it is
offering a $50 rebate for Starter Kits purchased through April 30.
Lowe’s and RadioShack will offer an instant rebate at the cash register
while all other rebates will be mail-in. The mail-in rebate applies only
to kits sold at the full retail price of $299. Schlage LiNK is available
for sale at more than 5,000 retail stores as well as through online
retailers Amazon.com, TigerDirect.com, CircuitCity.com, CompUSA.com,
Lowes.com, RadioShack.com and others.
The starter kit provides everything needed to set up a Z-Wave®-based
wireless home-management system, including one Schlage® wireless
keypad deadbolt or lever lock, the Schlage Bridge, which connects to the
home’s existing router, and a light module.
The Schlage LiNK System gives homeowners 24/7 control over their homes
from a computer or cell phone and enables them to remotely lock and
unlock doors, receive email or text alerts when specific access codes
are entered, conserve energy through remote thermostat management and
monitor the home via a live video feed.
In addition to Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s BlackBerry, the LiNK mobile
application is available for devices running Microsoft’s Windows Mobile
5 or higher and phones compatible with Java. Support for Qualcomm’s BREW
is coming soon.
GLENSIDE, Pa. (MCT) — In an impassioned rally that evoked his campaign, President Barack Obama left what he called the Washington “echo chamber” Monday and urged voters to knock on doors and make phone calls to embolden members of Congress to pass health care legislation. “They need to hear your voices because right now the Washington echo chamber is in full throttle,” Obama told an audience of 1,800 at Arcadia University outside Philadelphia. “It is as deafening as its ever been. And as we come to that final vote, that echo chamber is telling members of Congress, wait, think about the politics — instead of thinking about doing the right thing.” Removing his suit coat, Obama spoke with an emotional intensity that one Democratic senator said had been lacking in his previous health care speeches. U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., who flew up and back with the president on Air Force One, told reporters afterward: “Thats the most fiery Ive seen him since the early campaign. When I was listening to him I wished that he had given that in the State of the Union (address in January).”
MED TECH SCIENTISTS TURN LIPOSUCTION LEFTOVERS INTO STEM CELLS After performing a liposuction surgery in August 2008, Michael Longaker left the OR with a quart of fat from a patient. But instead of dumping it in a biohazard bin, the Stanford University surgeon took it to his lab. Several weeks later, he and cardiologist Joseph Wu became the first to turn the castaway fat into stem cells. In 2007, an international team of scientists showed that, given the right genetic signals, skin cells could transform into pluripotent stem cells- cells that have the ability to become almost any other type of cell. A year later, Longaker and Wu began considering what other cells could make the same transition. “We looked around and said, Hey, a lot of us are overweight. That fat is easy to get at, ” Wu says. The duo injected the same reprogramming genes that make skin cells act like embryonic stem cells into adipocytes, cells that turn into fat. From start to finish, transforming fat cells took just 20 days, compared with about eight weeks for skin cells from a patient, and yielded 20 times as many stem cells. Even better, they did it without using the mouse cells normally required to reboot skin, which increases the risk of contamination.
Zeltiq, a liposuction alternative, is a
non-surgical way to reduce unwanted body fat using a patented cooling
technique (cryolipolysis) that reduces the number of living fat cells.
Unlike liposuction, the Zeltiq procedure is non-invasive, and does not
require incisions or injections. No anesthesia is required for the Zeltiq
procedure.
Zeltiq was inspired by the observation that children who habitually sucked
on popsicles developed cheek dimples, presumably due to loss of fatty
tissue from their cheeks.
Zeltiq works by controlled cooling which induces fat cells in the treatment
area to die. The skin covering the treatment area is not harmed because
skin cells are more cold resistant than the underlying layer of fat. The
result is visible reduction of the fat layer in the treated area, which is
typically seen within a couple of months.
The Zeltiq device utilizes a suction cup that uses constant vacuum to suck
in a fold of fat. Each fold of fat is cooled for a 60-minute cycle that
cools the fat cells to a low enough temperature to cause them to die.
During the treatment, you can relax, read, use a computer, or watch a movie
while Zeltiq gently cools your treatment area.
Zeltiq is being offered only in select highly reputable plastic surgery and
cosmetic surgery offices in the United States and Canada, and Naficy
Plastic Surgery Rejuvenation Center is the only clinic in the
Northwestern United States to offer the Zeltiq procedure.
SHOAIB AKHTAR was once one of the worlds fastest bowlers – now hes in danger of wasting his talent after liposuction ruled him out of Pakistans tour to Australia. Akhtar was hoping to make his international return this winter but his latest medical debacle has ruled him out – which caps a miserable year for Akhtar.
Here are some ways to share your time and talents with others provided by 2-1-1 Information and Referral, Heart Change Ministries — The charity needs a volunteer handyman, organizer for kitchen, mentors, lunch workers and people who like working with children. Catholic Community Services — Ongoing food-pantry volunteers are needed to assemble food boxes, sort and organize food and other duties. May have to lift up to 40 pounds.
1. ancestral barn and Church farm Cottage, derbyshire
Its no shock that the wounds still run deep for Dexter Jackson after the most coveted prize in the game, the Sandow, slipped from his grasp at the 2009 Mr. Olympia. But The Blade isnt stewing over his loss. Instead, he has opted to embark on a mission to reclaim Olympia glory in a journey that starts–and ends–in his Jacksonville, Florida, kitchen. Jackson understands that a fine-tuned offseason diet is a key ingredient for once again climbing to the top of the IFBB Pro League. But how do you create a meal plan for someone who has a lukewarm relationship with food? Simple. You shake things up with a little help from your friends. This hybrid method has given The Blade the edge to become one of this generations most decorated athletes without negating the necessity for Jackson to shovel down the grub. Why? Because thats what it takes to be a champion. We tailed 2008 Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson to document his offseason eating habits. Senior Science Editor Jim Stoppani, PhD, weighs in on The Blades food choices. 8 AM
Motor vehicle versus pedestrian crashes are a leading cause of injury and death among children. Because attending school is a major focal point of a childs daily activity, many pedestrian-related injuries among children occur on the way to or from school. Research on this topic has shown a number of factors to be related to motor vehicle versus pedestrian crashes, some of which include: school travel times, season, neighborhood characteristics and the number of schools in the area. School zones have been created in many areas, aimed to reduce the risk of pedestrian-related injuries to children and are meant to be safe places for children to walk during school travel times. However, the question remains as to how effective these zones are and if more should be done to protect our youth. Our study used pedestrian collision data from the City of Torontos Traffic Data Centre and Safety Bureau. The study included all police-reported motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians with a recorded age less than 18 years that occurred in Toronto, Canada between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2005. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) provided a list of all 1,050 schools registered in Metropolitan Toronto. School zones, established by the Toronto Transport Operations, are defined as a 150-meter radius around a school. For the purpose of this study, additional zones were designated around schools at increasing distances of 150, 150-300, 300-450 and 450 meters. Frequency of vehicle-pedestrian collisions around schools in each zone was determined. We found that there were a total of 2,717 collisions in Toronto between 2000 and 2005 that involved children under the age of 18. The largest proportion of collisions was in the 10-14 year age group (37%). Almost 50% of collisions occurred during the hours defined as school travel times (7-9 am, 12-1 pm, and 3-5pm). When considering the rate per hour, there was 3.3 times greater rate of injury during school travel time. Furthermore, higher numbers of child pedestrian collisions occurred during the school year (from September to June), with a drop in the summer (July and August). School zones were found to be less than 10% of the surface area of the city, but had a much higher risk of child pedestrian collisions than other areas. The absolute density of injuries (collisions divided by units of area [m2]) and fatalities (fatalities dived by units of area [m2]) were 5.7 and 9.4 times higher in the school zones as compared to the largest zone (450m or more away from the school).
Getting to the airport on time, finding reasonably priced airport parking, and departing as scheduled are some of todays toughest challenges. People who flew frequently just a decade ago today would rather avoid hassles like heightened airport security, missed flights, and new amenities fees. Many find it hard to afford increasing air travel expenses. Some delay their trips or defer them altogether as a new frugality sets in.
Jack Lambert, managing partner of ParkSleepFly.com, Inc., would like people to be confident about traveling by air within their budgets. “Rather than cut back or eliminate business or leisure travel, there are ways for companies and individuals to effectively manage their travel costs in a challenging economic environment,” he said. Lambert suggested these steps be taken to curb air travel spending:
Get the best value in airfares
Go online to compare a vast array of ticket prices. Dont be rigid about the time of day you want to travel. Its better to have a general time (morning, afternoon, or evening) in mind and investigate departures offered during that period. Moving your departure or return time by just an hour can save on your ticket price.
Be flexible on days, routes
Check if a flight may be cheaper on Tuesday than Monday or Saturday instead of Sunday. Savings can give you what amounts to a free one-day “vacation” stay at an airport hotel. The route you choose can make a difference, too. Resist the non-stop routes most airline websites show you and opt for connecting flights instead, which may save hundreds of dollars.
Reduce luggage, in-flight amenities and standby fees
Do research to understand and compare which airlines offer what amenities for free or at cost, including luggage checks, in-flight entertainment, meals, snacks, pillows. Limit yourself to carry-on baggage, and bring your own comfort items. Last minute changes in your flight plans on the day of your scheduled departure could cost you $50.
The City of Burbank, located north of downtown Los Angeles, has a population of 105,000 and is home to several major Hollywood studios such as ABC, NBC, Nickelodeon, The Walt Disney Company, and Warner Bros. The Bob Hope Airport, which services 4.9 million travelers per year, is also located in the City of Burbank.
The order was placed in the wake of independent congressional report admonishing the U.S. government for failing to respond to the growing, serious threat of bioterrorism.
The report, issued in January by the bipartisan Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism, gave the government a “F” letter grade for failure to “enhance the nations capabilities for rapid response to prevent biological attacks from inflicting mass casualties.”
“The order from the Burbank Fire Department and the recent order from the U.S. Army indicate the growing awareness of the threat of bioterrorism within the first responder community,” said Jacques Tizabi, CEO of Universal Detection Technology. “Our goal is to continue to supply first responders and the military with the most advanced, high-performance bioagent detection equipment available in the market,” continued Tizabi.
AUSTIN, Texas — Fitch Ratings assigns an AA- rating to the following Huntsville, Texas
(the city) general obligation (GO) bonds:
The bonds are expected to sell via negotiation as early as March 11,
2010.
In addition, Fitch affirms the following ratings:
–$11.7 million in outstanding GOs at AA-;
Supply Demand Chain Executive Magazine, the
executives user manual for successful supply and demand chain
transformation, has named Steve W. Martin, Ryders (NYSE: R) Vice President
of Supply Chain Excellence, as one of the 2010 “Provider Pros to Know.”
The Provider Pros to Know is a listing of supply chain industry
professionals who have helped customers address the challenges of the
recession and prepare for the recovery ahead. Mr. Martin was specifically
recognized for helping to develop innovative solutions that improve the
supply chain decision process and mitigate risks associated with managing
complex global supply chains.
“This years Provider Pros to Know have shown themselves to be
thought-leaders in the Supply Chain industry,” said Andrew K. Reese, editor
of Supply Demand Chain Executive. “Highlighting the learnings that the
Provider Pros to Know have taken out of the Great Recession provides our
readers with a wealth of best practices that they can apply in their own
supply chains, as well as insights into how leading organizations are
positioning themselves for competitive advantage in the Great Recovery
ahead.”
Mr. Martin is responsible for leading Ryders supply chain engineering,
quality, program management, and Lean Six Sigma teams that support
customers within Ryders Supply Chain Solutions and
Dedicated
Contract Carriage business units. He has been instrumental in helping
customers analyze total landed costs and risk based on changing supply
chain variables, and then optimizing their supply chains according to real
market conditions. In addition, Mr. Martin is helping customers better
model and develop operating plans related to inventory deployment and
transportation optimization initiatives.
“Steve and his team are doing a great job creating value for our customers
by developing proactive, flexible solutions that improve supply chain
speed, reliability, and effectiveness,” said John Williford, President of
Global Supply Chain Solutions for Ryder. “We are proud that Supply
Demand Chain Executive editors are recognizing Steve in this years
listing.”
The full listing of the 2010 Pros to Know will be available in the
February/March 2010 issue of Supply Demand Chain Executive magazine and
e-book beginning in the third week of March and on the Supply Demand
Chain Executive Web site at SDCExec.com/2010Prostoknow.
DANVILLE, Ky. — CKF Bancorp, Inc. (OTCBB:CKFB), parent company of Central Kentucky
Federal Savings Bank, reported a consolidated net loss of $130,844 for
the three months ended December 31, 2009 compared to a loss of $203,512
for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The diluted loss per share
was $.10 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 compared to a
diluted loss per share of $.16 for the three months ended December 31,
2008. The losses in the three month periods ended December 31, 2009 and
2008 were related to provisions for loan losses.
CKF Bancorp, Inc.’s consolidated net earnings for the twelve months
ending December 31, 2009 were $130,605 compared to a net loss of
$839,993 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. The diluted
earnings per share was $.11 for the twelve months ended December 31,
2009 compared to a diluted loss per share of $.66 for the twelve months
ended December 31, 2008. The twelve months ended December 31, 2008
included a one-time after-tax loss of $1,050,124, or $.82 diluted loss
per share, related to an other-than-temporary impairment of the
subsidiary Bank’s investment in common stock of the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation.
Total assets of CKF Bancorp, Inc. at December 31, 2009 were $130.8
million compared to $140.9 million at December 31, 2008. Loans
receivable at December 31, 2009 were $110.5 million compared to $119.5
million at December 31, 2008. Deposits were $95.5 million at December
31, 2009 and were $98.7 million at December 31, 2008.
Central Kentucky Federal Savings Banks main office is located at 340 W.
Main Street, Danville, Kentucky. The Bank also operates two full service
branch offices, located in Danville and in Lancaster, Kentucky.
First Gold Exploration Inc. (TSX VENTURE: EFG) (FRANKFURT: F12) and Conway Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: CWY) have signed an $800,000 loan agreement that will enable Conway Resources to finalize the transaction for the acquisition of the Belleterre Mine and meet the TSX Venture Exchange minimum working capital requirements. The loan bears monthly interest at 1% and matures in one year. It is also secured by all the assets of Conway.
First Gold has transferred an amount of $800,000 to its In Trust account for the purpose of this transaction.
First Gold and Conway have also initiated discussions for First Gold to sell its 50% interest in the Croinor property for $5 million, which would be paid in units (shares and warrants) of Conway, cash or a combination of both.
The goal of these transactions is to create a gold producing company in the prolific Abitibi-Temiscamingue area.
The two companies have until March 31, 2010, to conclude a firm letter of intent for the above-mentioned acquisition.
The First Marblehead Corporation (NYSE: FMD) today announced that it has been notified by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) that the OTS has terminated the Order to Cease and Desist issued by the OTS on July 2, 2009 to Union Federal Savings Bank (Union Federal), a wholly owned subsidiary of First Marblehead.
As previously announced, First Marblehead is examining strategic alternatives for Union Federal, including a potential sale.
Motor vehicle versus pedestrian crashes are a leading cause of injury and death among children. Because attending school is a major focal point of a childs daily activity, many pedestrian-related injuries among children occur on the way to or from school. Research on this topic has shown a number of factors to be related to motor vehicle versus pedestrian crashes, some of which include: school travel times, season, neighborhood characteristics and the number of schools in the area. School zones have been created in many areas, aimed to reduce the risk of pedestrian-related injuries to children and are meant to be safe places for children to walk during school travel times. However, the question remains as to how effective these zones are and if more should be done to protect our youth. Our study used pedestrian collision data from the City of Torontos Traffic Data Centre and Safety Bureau. The study included all police-reported motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians with a recorded age less than 18 years that occurred in Toronto, Canada between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2005. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) provided a list of all 1,050 schools registered in Metropolitan Toronto. School zones, established by the Toronto Transport Operations, are defined as a 150-meter radius around a school. For the purpose of this study, additional zones were designated around schools at increasing distances of 150, 150-300, 300-450 and 450 meters. Frequency of vehicle-pedestrian collisions around schools in each zone was determined. We found that there were a total of 2,717 collisions in Toronto between 2000 and 2005 that involved children under the age of 18. The largest proportion of collisions was in the 10-14 year age group (37%). Almost 50% of collisions occurred during the hours defined as school travel times (7-9 am, 12-1 pm, and 3-5pm). When considering the rate per hour, there was 3.3 times greater rate of injury during school travel time. Furthermore, higher numbers of child pedestrian collisions occurred during the school year (from September to June), with a drop in the summer (July and August). School zones were found to be less than 10% of the surface area of the city, but had a much higher risk of child pedestrian collisions than other areas. The absolute density of injuries (collisions divided by units of area [m2]) and fatalities (fatalities dived by units of area [m2]) were 5.7 and 9.4 times higher in the school zones as compared to the largest zone (450m or more away from the school).
Crypto-Gram Editor Bruce Schneier coined the term security theater to describe intrusive but pointless rituals that provide the illusion of safety. After the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) unveiled new travel regulations in response to the failed bombing of Northwest Flight 253 in December, we asked Schneier, a consistently persuasive voice when it comes to rationally assessing relative risks, to list three things that would make Americans genuinely safer from terrorist plots. 1 Reduce the TSAS budget, and spend the money on intelligence. Security measures that focus on specific tactics or targets are a waste of money unless we guess correctly, and the terrorists choose plots that deliberately avoid our guesses. Security that just forces the terrorists to make a minor change in their tactic or target is not money well spent. 2 Reduce the TSAS budget even further, and spend the money on investigation. Since the terrorists deliberately choose plots that were not looking for–and we cant keep weapons out of prisons, let alone airports–the best way to secure airplanes is to stop them before they get to the airport. Remember the arrest of the London liquid bombers.
Custom Air Products and Services, Inc. (CAPS), a noted heating and HVAC equipment manufacturer was selected as an Olympic vendor and supplied over 200 heaters to the Olympic Village and venues for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.
Athletes and spectators from around the world traveled to Vancouver for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The city made a spectacular setting for the Opening Ceremonies and competitive sports including ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, skiing and snowboarding.
The games commenced on February 12 and concluded on February 28, 2010 from the host city of Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler Host Mountain Resort. From the athlete housing to the various venues and media centers, heaters played an essential role for the comfort of all the athletes, staff and spectators.
Custom Air Products Services, Inc. began work on the custom heaters in late June 2009 and shipped the units to Canada and the various venues on October 24, 2009, one week ahead of deadline. This was one of the biggest projects in the history of the industrial and commercial air conditioning company, which was founded by John Boger in 1996 and began doing business as Custom Air Products and Services, Inc. in 2003.
“We were honored to have been selected as a provider of custom heaters for the 2010 Olympic Games,” said Taylor Norris , CEO of CAPS. “The production and shipping of over 200 units was a project of enormous magnitude for our company. We hit our deadline as a result of an outstanding team effort from each employee in our organization.”
“TripIt helps business travelers manage their travel information,” commented Gregg Brockway, TripIt co-founder and president. “And by integrating our new Groups feature into Google Apps, the TripIt app helps travelers at companies to collaborate on their travel plans.”
At the heart of the TripIt app for Google is the new TripIt Groups feature that gives business travelers an easy way to see where and when other employees in their company are traveling. With TripIt Groups, an employee simply joins their companys group on TripIt and can instantly see other employees on their companys travel map. By providing better travel visibility, Groups helps business travelers get more out of their trips and companies get more out of their travel programs.
“We are very excited to have TripIt in the Google Apps Marketplace,” adds Scott McMullan, Google Apps Partner Lead for Google Enterprise. “Through the Google Apps Marketplace, companies like TripIt are helping us build a rich ecosystem of integrated business apps that work seamlessly with Google Apps, allowing IT administrators to leverage the benefits of cloud computing and extend Google Apps to meet more of their business needs.”
Skytap Inc. today announced it has added the Skytap Cloud to the Google Apps Marketplace, Googles recently launched online storefront for Google Apps products and services. Skytap enables organizations to deploy enterprise applications unchanged in the cloud and collaborate securely with global teams. Using the Skytap Cloud, customers can reduce total cost by up to 70 percent while enforcing corporate security and policies for cloud environments. Through this integration, Google Apps customers or any user with a Google Account can use their existing Google credentials as a single sign-on mechanism, and access their Skytap Cloud environments within the context of Google Apps.
“More enterprises are relying on Skytap as a preferred solution to create virtual private clouds based on our ability to support existing application workloads in the cloud for development, test, migration, training and demonstration purposes,” said Sundar Raghavan, chief product and marketing officer at Skytap, Inc. “We share Googles vision of providing a greater, end-to-end experience to customers in the cloud for all applications through open standards. With our OpenID integration we are bringing the power of the Skytap Cloud to Google Apps users.”
With this integration, functional users such as IT developers and testers, trainers and sales professionals using Google Apps can now purchase Skytap from the Google Apps Marketplace. Once they subscribe, customers can use Google Account credentials to automatically access the Skytap Cloud from universal navigation within Google Apps.
By using Skytap and Google Apps together, a sales engineer can instantly toggle between an enterprise application demo running in the Skytap Cloud to a Google Calendar application that contains necessary information to complete a task. Application developers and testers can move enterprise resource (ERP) applications to the Skytap Cloud without any code changes, migrate to a newer version, create application snapshots, maintain project milestones in Google Calendar, and multi-task between Skytap and Google Docs to de-bug, track, take notes and collaborate with business analysts. Training Managers can use Google Apps to create a learning portal and provide access to a Skytap Cloud training environment for enterprise applications, while shifting between applications like Google Calendar which can be used for scheduling.
Skytap was the first cloud vendor to enable on-demand virtual data centers for ad-hoc IT requirements such as application development, ERP testing, consulting and training. These ad hoc use cases constantly compete for resources and consume 30 percent or more of a typical IT infrastructure. Additionally, they are costly to provision and manage, and often underutilized once deployed. With Skytap, companies can securely scale their enterprise infrastructure, enabling applications to run unchanged across internal and external cloud resources. This provides users with self-service access to external cloud resources and reduces costs through a pay-as-you-go model while adhering to corporate policies and control.
AUSTIN, Texas — Houston-based Wonmore Ltd. announces they are investing nearly $2
million to renovate and repair the Endeavour Clear Lake luxury
high-rise. Wonmore, a single purpose entity and partnership created for
the acquisition of the property, purchased the remaining 44 condominiums
in the Endeavour luxury high-rise on Clear Lake, located at 4821 NASA
Parkway in Pasadena, Texas, for $9.5 million on December 16, 2009.
“We have thoroughly assessed the Clear Lake luxury condominium
high-rise, including any remaining damage from Hurricane Ike. The
building is soundly engineered and of the highest quality. Our
investment is focused on exceeding market standards and delivering a
high-end offering that homeowners can feel confident about,” said John
Gilmore, co-founder and managing principal of Richmore Properties,
L.L.C, the general partner managing Wonmore’s investment.
The developer of the tower, Endeavour Highrise L.P., filed for
bankruptcy in May of 2009. In addition to the $9.5 million paid for the
remaining condominiums, Wonmore has also covered the existing 2010
homeowner assessments, as well as the outstanding taxes owed on the
building for 2008 and 2009.
Nearly 60 percent of the $2 million invested in the property will go
toward re-skinning the building with a G.E. Elastomeric paint designed
to expand up to 400 percent and seal the structure. The roof is being
upgraded and covered with a rubberized coating to repair damage from
Hurricane Ike and provide additional protection against outdoor
elements. A variety of upgrades are being made to all of the common
areas inside the building, including the movie theater, hallways and
lobby in addition to other interior architecture-related improvements.
For the exterior, plans include adding security cameras, improving the
landscape and hard-scape features, repairing the lighting system, and
making upgrades to the docks and marina. Wonmore will also finish-out
the penthouse and the other remaining units.
“The vast majority of the funds will be allocated to repairing the
common areas and exterior in addition to other upgrades to the building.
We are also excited to complete the penthouse – it offers magnificent
views and will be a spectacular home,” continued Gilmore.
ITASCA, Ill. — IFS, the global enterprise applications company, announced today that
Sabreliner Corp., of St. Louis, Missouri, selected IFS Applications to
support its aviation services organization, which is recognized
worldwide for aircraft manufacturing support and for the maintenance,
repair and overhaul (MRO) of existing aircraft.
As a diversified aviation services company, Sabreliner supplies other
aviation organizations and the U.S. military with aircraft MRO services.
Sabreliner also manufactures airframe assemblies, parts, components and
tooling for use in new fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft production.
Some of Sabreliner’s customers include Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing,
Bombardier Aerospace, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Northrop
Grumman and Sikorsky Aircraft.
Sabreliner plans to implement IFS Applications components for
Financials, Distribution, Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Sales
and Support, and Human Resources.
IFS Applications was selected to consolidate several ancillary,
stand-alone systems at Sabreliner into one enterprise solution. It was
also chosen to provide management with timely information to ensure
informed decisions are made regarding staffing, working capital
management, and future planning.
“We were looking for an ERP solution which would position us for future
growth and provide Sabreliner with the infrastructure needed to better
support our work on behalf of both prime contractors and directly for
the military services,” Sabreliner CIO Steve DeBarry said. “We needed a
system that provides management with information quickly, easily, and in
a timely fashion. IFS Applications offers Sabreliner the additional
tools to meet our current and growing program management needs.”
NO ONE EVER ASPIRES to be one-dimensional. Just as youd never want to be known for having a huge upper body and no leg development, you probably dont want big muscles that arent strong and powerful, or strong and powerful muscles that cant endure a set of more than 15-20 reps. We dont want you to be a one-trick pony, either. After all, having functional muscles means being strong, powerful and built to last, not just big. Enter the MF DO-IT-ALL PROGRAM, which combines all the benefits of power and strength training, muscle-building and endurance into one routine. This six-week plan will help improve your overall conditioning, so no one aspect of your training is a weak link. In your checklist of physical attributes, this program does it all. * Each workout starts with dynamic stretching, not the static variety in which you hold a stretch for 20-30 seconds. Dynamic stretching has you perform rapid movements through an exaggerated range of motion (ROM). Think arm circles, arm swings, running butt kicks and other rapid moves that your high school football coach had you do at the beginning of practice. Therell be no traditional hurdler stretches or other stretch-and-hold exercises for a couple of key reasons: For one, static stretching has been shown to reduce strength by up to 15% when done preworkout; and two, dynamic stretching can enhance strength and power when performed at the beginning of a training session. But dont just go through the motions on these stretches. Do each rep through a full ROM and in an explosive manner. For example, dont let momentum do all the work during arm swings. Rather, initiate each circle by explosively contracting your pecs, shoulders and back. Think of these exercises as working sets, not just a warm-up that you breeze through with little focus.
“TripIt helps business travelers manage their travel information,” commented Gregg Brockway, TripIt co-founder and president. “And by integrating our new Groups feature into Google Apps, the TripIt app helps travelers at companies to collaborate on their travel plans.”
At the heart of the TripIt app for Google is the new TripIt Groups feature that gives business travelers an easy way to see where and when other employees in their company are traveling. With TripIt Groups, an employee simply joins their companys group on TripIt and can instantly see other employees on their companys travel map. By providing better travel visibility, Groups helps business travelers get more out of their trips and companies get more out of their travel programs.
“We are very excited to have TripIt in the Google Apps Marketplace,” adds Scott McMullan, Google Apps Partner Lead for Google Enterprise. “Through the Google Apps Marketplace, companies like TripIt are helping us build a rich ecosystem of integrated business apps that work seamlessly with Google Apps, allowing IT administrators to leverage the benefits of cloud computing and extend Google Apps to meet more of their business needs.”
Ive been a fan of fitness for as long as I can remember. Ive always been motivated to care for my body in pursuit of achieving my personal best. When my brother brought home an issue of MF my senior year of high school, I took one look at Dexter Jacksons symmetry and knew thats what Id strive for. Ever since, Ive looked to you for insight on improving myself. Even though I wont be giving Dexter a run for his money anytime soon, MF has helped me reach heights that otherwise I may not have been able to push myself to.
In the popular press, grape extracts have been touted as miracle compounds that can do everything from cure cancer to reverse aging. These claims may be a little premature, but beneficial substances within grapes have been found to provide a variety of benefits for overall health and wellness. Sports scientists are now starting to demonstrate that grape components can benefit physical performance and recovery, as well. Grapes contain a multitude of beneficial substances classified as polyphenols. One you may have heard a lot about is resveratrol. This phytochemical, found mainly in the skins and seeds of the grape, has been shown to help prevent certain types of cancer and heart disease, as well as extend lifespan, bolster muscle endurance and even help with fat loss. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. During exercise, free radical formation can result in excessive muscle damage that can impede performance and recovery. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which may help reduce muscle damage while maintaining strength. Grapes are considered to be one of the most concentrated sources of antioxidants among all fruits and vegetables. THE STUDY French researchers conducted a study in which 20 elite male athletes from various sports received a grape extract or a placebo every day for one month. Following the one-month treatment, each subject had a two-week break, and then received the alternative treatment for another month. During the entire study, all athletes continued with their normal intensive training routines. Several tests were conducted during each study period to measure changes in overall power, antioxidant status and muscle damage. THE RESULTS When subjects took the grape extract their antioxidant levels were much higher compared to when they received the placebo treatment. Muscle damage was also found to be significantly lower during the grape extract treatment. The improvements in antioxidant status and muscle damage didnt translate into improved muscle power in all of the athletes tested, but a subgroup of handball players (10 of the 20 subjects) did gain increased overall power. The researchers also found that the subjects who experienced the least muscle damage due to grape supplementation had the greatest overall improvements in muscle power. THE DOSAGE Take 200-500 milligrams of grape extract, or grape-seed extract (Vitis vinifera) standardized for at least 80% polyphenols, in the morning and about 30-60 minutes before workouts.
Im 47, and Ive been lifting weights and reading MF for 3V2 years. Theyve become such a part of my life that I dont think Ill ever put either of them down. I use the magazine for inspiration to get out and lift, tips on health and nutrition, and new exercises. A monthly comprehensive guide like MF keeps me pumped up.
SAN DIEGO, March 5 /PRNewswire/ — Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that results from the first OraVerse dental practice survey will be presented today by Richard Ghalie, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for Novalar at the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Dental Research (AADR) in Washington, D.C. taking place March 3-6, 2010 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The survey was conducted with 49 dentists and 370 patients. Participating dentists were provided with 10 cartridges of OraVerse and a survey to provide to their patients to record their experience with the product. Of those patients that participated in the survey: 86% reported that OraVerse improved their dental experience 82% would recommend OraVerse to their friends and family
Low-income residents in the San Fernando Valley, Calif., will receive improved access to dental care, thanks to a new telemedicine project created by the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. The groundbreaking, four-year pilot project will address the access-to-care crisis in California by connecting patients in need with critical dental services. Known as the Virtual Dental Home, the project will give participating dentists a simple yet secure means to electronically review patients dental records remotely with help from dental hygienists and dental assistants in underserved communities. After the review of records, the dentist will be able to recommend a plan for addressing the patients dental needs. “This care-delivery model provides a much-needed community-based virtual dental home for the states most vulnerable people,” said the projects director, Dr. Paul Glassman, professor of dental practice at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. “As a result, these patients in need will be able to conveniently access dental services in their own communities and remove some of the barriers to receiving care in a traditional dental office setting.” The California Dental Association Foundation, the California HealthCare Foundation, Verizon and MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity), a nonprofit organization that provides services to the neediest residents of the San Fernando Valley, collaborated on the project. The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, awarded a $100,000 grant to support the first year of the Virtual Dental Home at MENDs Pacoima facility, the projects Southern California site, and at another site in Northern California. State Sen. Alex Padilla, who was among the officials on hand for the projects demonstration Friday (Feb. 26) at MEND, said, “This collaboration will improve access to dental care in the San Fernando Valley. I applaud the efforts of all who have committed to this partnership.”
CON “I dont do free-weight deadlifts. They grow things I dont want to grow–my hips and my waist. My obliques get into it too much. When I do deads, I do em in a Smith machine. That way. I dont have to stabilize the bar. I know it wont move from side to side; itll go straight up.”
4 EXERCISES PER BODYPART “Although free-weight, compound movements are still part of the program, the emphasis will shift to machine and cable movements, making drop sets easier. Isolation movements will be used to focus on specific areas of the muscle to enhance shape.” “Start with one or two warm-up sets for your first exercise. Youll still pyramid up in weight, but youll do one extra working set to increase the volume.”
The front delts typically are not an area most trainers have trouble bringing up. After all, the front delts get hammered on incline presses. But that doesnt mean you should skip training them altogether. A great mass-building shoulder exercise that hits the front delts-not to mention the middle delts, and even the upper pecs-is the barbell shoulder press performed with the bar in front of your head. This is a great way to build up the delt/pec tie-ins. * Alternatives Smith machine shoulder presses, machine shoulder presses
Ground-Breaking Project Will Grow Customer Bases and Increase ROI for
Content Providers and Advertisers
AMSTERDAM — Irdeto,
a leading expert in content and business model protection solutions and
services, today announced that middleware and interactive TV technology
provider Selevision has selected Irdeto’s middleware solution and
conditional access system (CAS) for its new High Definition Personal
Video Recorders (HD PVRs). The HD PVRs, currently in field testing in
Saudi Arabia, will enable content providers to run highly tailored
advertisements – a market first in the Middle East. In addition,
Selevisions HD PVRs will be protected by Irdetos CAS and secure chip
set – another first for the region – to allow the company to
comprehensively secure premium content, while delivering a personalized
experience for consumers, through uniquely selected programs and
commercials.
“Irdeto’s technology meets our needs for a flexible solution that
enables us to deliver targeted content to consumers, while protecting it
against piracy, which continues to be rife in this region,” said Dr.
Raed Khusheim, CEO and founder of Selevision. “Irdetos solution allows
us to constantly enhance our targeted advertising capabilities. Irdeto
was a natural choice for us, given the company’s proven track record of
delivering industry-leading conditional access solutions in the Middle
East. We look forward to expanding our services to other regions, and to
continuing to work with Irdeto.”
According to Informa,
at the end of 2014, the Middle East and North Africa region will have
approximately 50 million multichannel TV homes. This means that more
than 70 percent of households will have either cable or satellite
television. In response to this growth as well as the need to
differentiate themselves to both advertisers and viewers, Selevision
selected Irdeto’s industry-leading middleware technology to empower
advertisers to effectively reach a wide range of viewers with ads that
are directly relevant to consumers.
“The advanced features and functionality that the Selevision HD PVR
offers to consumers and advertisers is a testimony to the maturity that
Irdeto middleware has reached,” stated David Canellos, senior vice
president, sales and marketing for Irdeto. “The Middle Eastern market is
ripe for innovation, and the ability to reach viewers with targeted
advertising is increasingly important, as audiences are progressively
looking for content that is personalized and relevant.”
“Consumer network storage (CNS) devices increase the content that can be
stored and distributed via the home network,” says Norm Bogen, In-Stat
analyst. “This increases the value of the entire home network to its
users, as well as enabling new applications and capabilities.”
Recent research by In-Stat found the following:
A FREAK hailstorm hit the Australian city Melbourne yesterday causing widespread damage and floods. Horse-racing was cancelled as hail buried the course. And in the city centre shoppers waded knee deep in water as 25mm of rain fell in an hour. A train station had to be evacuated after the storm tore a hole in its roof. “It was a very dangerous thunderstorm,” said fore- caster Richard Carlyon.
Does God cause natural disasters? They are questions that have troubled human beings since long before the Flood. Last week, in the “Voices of Faith” feature in the Kansas City Star, two prominent spiritual leaders took a run at dealing with the questions. Raymond Davis Jr., Greater Corinthian Church of the Christ, Kansas City, Mo.:
Q My boyfriend keeps requesting we do it in random places. Last week it was in his hatchback in a public parking lot. How do I avoid these uncomfortable situations without losing my guy? A: If its a serious relationship, you should be able A to talk about it. Just be honest. The thing is, I like that kind of stuff! Im usually the one who is like, “Get yer ass in the back seat!” However, if thats not your thing, maybe he needs a bigger car. Tell him to rent a minivan with tinted windows! Q: Whats the best, noninsulting way to encourage my old lady to drop a few dress sizes?–Donovan K., Hampton, VA
DS V6 PLM Solution Support Car Manufacturers Adapting to Profound
Changes in the Automotive Industry
Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Paris:DSY), a world leader in 3D and Product
Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, announced today that BMW and DS
have signed a strategic 5-year global agreement to pave the way to meet
the automotive market’s new challenges. Through this agreement, the
companies will establish a close link between their research
development centers that will not only improve the DS automotive product
offering but also the BMW development and production process. Dassault
Systèmes software solutions support BMW in core areas for design and
manufacturing process planning with CATIA as the backbone for product
development.
The necessity to reduce C02 emission levels has forced automotive
manufacturers to reshape their business processes to deliver greener
cars. Fully embracing the cause of leaving a minimum carbon footprint on
the planet, the implementation of the DS solutions will help automakers
conceive, analyze and simulate eco-friendly low-emission vehicles like
the Project I, a new Megacity vehicle, optimized for better performance
and low energy consumption.
By consolidating design in a single PLM software platform BMW can tap
into “proven design” concepts and re-use them across all product lines
achieving time savings in the design and manufacturing of new cars. The
single platform also enables all designers, including development
partners in the supply chain, to collaborate, which is another factor in
streamlining the design process. SIMULIA realistic simulation solutions
combined with CATIA further allow BMW to virtually test their vehicle’s
real-world performance early in the development cycle which helps
improve product quality, while reducing time and cost of physical
testing.
SHOCKED neighbours last night paid tribute to a woman knifed to death at Bradley. They described Mrs Carol Berry, 66, as “a lovely woman” and said she lived for her family. Tragically, Mrs Berry died of multiple stab wounds on Friday night after her daughter Claires jilted lover turned up at the family home in Bradley Road. The 40-year-old man attacked Mrs Berry and her 36-year-old son Andrew before driving to Manchester and killing himself by leaping from a car park roof.
Been scheming to kick up the conjugal-visit quota with your significant other? Heres a simple solution: Do more housework. Montclair State University [New Jersey] researchers had access to data on almost 7,000 married couples from the National Survey of Families and Households, and found that married couples who share chores tend to have more sex.
Outsell Forecasts Advertising/Marketing Spending to Grow, But Only
1.2 Percent
BURLINGAME, Calif. and LONDON — For the first time, spending on digital/online advertising and marketing
will overtake print in 2010, according to new projections from Outsell,
Inc. In an industry crossover event, companies will spend $119.6
billion on online and digital strategies, from search engine keywords to
webinars, while committing $111.5 billion to print methods such as
newspaper and magazine ads. Overall, U.S. spending on advertising and
marketing will increase in 2010, but by just 1.2 percent to $368 billion.
Outsell’s “Marketing and Ad Spending Study 2010: Total US and B2B
Advertising,” forecasts spending, share, and growth for five media
types—online, events, print, TV/radio, and PR/other—and methods used
within each, from social networking to mobile/wireless marketing.
“Advertisers are directing dollars toward the channels which generate
the most qualified leads and most effective branding. As they emerge
from the recession, they need more accountability, and they’re spreading
their spending over a widening set of options,” said Chuck Richard, Vice
President and Lead Analyst, Outsell.
Among findings:
Company Celebrates Ten Years of Memory Sharing with New Line of Party
Invitations and Birthday Celebration Contest;
Post Your Best Birthday Photo/Video to Receive 25 Free Prints and More
“Your birthday is the one day of the year that’s all about you, so make
the most of it with a party invitation that reflects your style,” said
Stephanie Roeder, Shutterfly’s Card Stylist. “Our new party
invitations incorporate fresh color pairings and designs from
Shutterfly’s collection of world-class designers that will make you feel
like royalty on your special day.”
Featuring photo and non photo cards, adult
party invitations, baby’s
first birthday invitations and kids’ styles to suit any theme,
Shutterfly’s line of birthday
invitations offer something for every fete. From “Red Zebra” for
your best friend’s 30th and “Spring Mums” for Mom, to “You
Rock” or “Surfer Dudes”, perfect for teens, Shutterfly’s invitations
help you kick off the celebration in style. Printed on quality 5×7 or
4×5 cardstock and packaged with matching envelopes, an invitation from
Shutterfly says “birthday done right”.
Enhanced Asset Management and Workflow, Dynamically Customized
Videos, and Personalized Print Using Web-based Templates Extend
Data-driven Publishing
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced a major update
to the leading hosted cross-media publishing platform for e-commerce and
multi-channel marketing companies. The Adobe® Scene7® platform has been
expanded to further automate the production, management, and delivery of
dynamic creative media by providing businesses tighter desktop
integration as well as unique editing and template-based production
capabilities including new user-facing real-time authoring and Web
preview.
This major Scene7 platform update includes a new AIR desktop application
that mirrors the Web-based publishing platform to further streamline
asset management with easy drag and drop upload of files and folders
from the desktop and connected network resources. In addition, the
platform has support for Adobe XMP metadata standards, which allows
users to efficiently administer, browse/filter, and search for assets.
Also, rules-based batch automation of multi-media sets now eliminates
the need for custom scripts or technical support for non-technical users.
“Businesses are constantly being challenged to deliver richer, more
personalized experiences with the same or fewer creative and technical
resources, making automation and cost-savings critical components of
their strategies,” said Doug Mack, vice president and general manager of
Digital Imaging and Rich Media Solutions for Adobe. “This latest update
to the Adobe Scene7 platform helps users stay connected to desktop tools
and extends the data-driven template approach to provide
high-performing, easy-to-use services for delivering personalized and
targeted dynamic content.”
The new template enhancements allow users to dynamically compile
templated video clips, enabling cost-effective personalized promotional
videos, targeted video ads, and standardized corporate videos. In
addition, the update supports the design, delivery and Web preview of
print templates that dynamically flow text within and across pages
including inline variables. This template enhancement enables a broader
range of multi-page, text-intensive personalized publications.
Revenstorf, D. Peter, B. (Eds.) (2008). Hypnose in psychotherapie, psychosomatik und medizin [Hypnosis in psychotherapy, psychosomatics and medicine]. Heidelberg and New York: Springer Publishers. Reviewed by Bjorn Riegel, Diplom. Psychologe, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany. The first edition of Hypnose in Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Medizin was a major success and sold some 8,000 copies. It thereby facilitated the spread of hypnotherapy methodology in German-speaking areas. This second revised edition is divided into 11 sections with 67 chapters on 862 pages, plus a comprehensive appendix. The introduction is followed by a chapter on general principles. This covers the description and explanation of different trance states, the construction of reality through hypnosis, and the special relationship between client and therapist. In addition, it discusses me basics of Ericksonian hypnotherapy, the nature of suggestion, and the concept of suggestibility. The contradictions for the use of stage-hypnosis are also given appropriate attention. Finally, there is discussion regarding die use of humor and provocation in treatment. The second part describes various methods of creating the hypnotic state. This is followed by a third section describing the use of therapeutic stories or fairy tales, age regression, hypnoanalysis, and self-hypnosis. The fourth part is dedicated to behavioral disorders and illustrates treatments for addictions, adiposity, sexual disorders, sleeping disorders, and stress. The last chapter is concerned with mental training.
There is, however, a population of patients in whom the outcome of therapy and its permanency can be relatively immediately determined. I have assisted with hypnotherapy for 36 patients undergoing a variety of major surgical interventions and have had essentially complete success in all but one. Not only was the surgery completed without significant discomfort, but the amount of bleeding, and the duration of the hospital stay, was appreciably reduced. These procedures have ranged from breast biopsies to hysterectomies, caesarian sections, and even bilateral jaw resection with bilateral coronoidectomies. The latter procedure lasted 4 Vi hours. Naturally, these patients were well motivated to succeed and differed from the customary mix of hypnotherapy patients. All were very pleased with their accomplishment. In regards to survey instruments attempting to evaluate the success or failure of therapy I have attempted to utilize them in the past, particularly in regard to smoking cessation, and have been skeptical of their reliability. I find that patients are reluctant to report failure of the intervention lest they hurt the feelings of the therapist or his or her reputation. On the other hand close relatives or fellow employees are less reluctant to reveal the truth and I have found it prudent to arrange to make private inquiry of them as well. I would have preferred to obtain urinary cotinine levels, to prove abstinence, on all patients but this was not practical. Nevertheless, my success rate was approximately 45% permanent cessation of smoking at one year utilizing as many methods to validate results as possible. Lastly let me point out that there are varying degrees of success, any of which can be meaningful to the client I have worked with chemotherapy patients who although they were not completely able to prevent vomiting after receiving emetogenic therapy were well pleased by not having to feel as if “all of their insides were about to come out.” I second the suggestion that valid studies be undertaken to evaluate the true results of our hypnotherapeutic interventions, but I also suggest that we not throw the baby out with the bath water..
ROCKVILLE, Md. — Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE Amex: RNN), a clinical stage
pharmaceutical company commercializing potential best in class oncology
and CNS therapeutics, today announced that the Japanese Patent Office
has issued a patent for its novel anti-cancer compound, Archexin®.
“The Japanese patent award is another step forward in the development of
one of our lead clinical drug candidates, Archexin,” said Dr. Chang Ahn,
Rexahns Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to
strengthening our intellectual property portfolio, we are pleased with
the progress of Archexin’s ongoing Phase II clinical trial for the
treatment of pancreatic cancer. Patient enrollment continues at multiple
sites in the US and abroad and we expect to have preliminary results in
the fourth quarter of 2010.”
Archexin is a first in class, potent inhibitor of Akt protein kinase in
the treatment of cancer. Akt regulates signal processes of cell
proliferation and survival, angiogenesis, and drug resistance in cancer.
Archexin is being developed to treat solid tumors and has FDA Orphan
drug designation for RCC, pancreatic, stomach, glioblastoma, and ovarian
cancers. Archexin is in Phase II clinical development for pancreatic
cancer as lead indication.
STAFF at Kirklees Council raised pounds 685.39 for the British Heart Foundation by organising a brunch and raffle. The staff at Civic Centre III got involved by baking cakes and buns, cooking curry dishes and donating prizes for the raffle. Lots of local organisations also supported the charity appeal by donating some fantastic prizes. The money will be used by BHF towards further research into preventative treatment and will help to identify causes of genetic conditions much sooner and will allow people to live a more fulfilled life for longer.
Dyslipidemia Experts Jerry Wisler and Michael Davidson, M.D. Co-Found
New Pharmaceutical Company Developing a Prescription Omega 3 Treatment
of High Triglycerides
NEW YORK — Omthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an emerging specialty pharmaceutical
company focusing on the clinical development of new dyslipidemia
therapies, today announced commencement of operations in Bedminster, New
Jersey. Omthera’s lead product candidate, Epanova™, an Omega 3 fatty
acid containing a novel formulation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has shown promising results in lowering
triglycerides in earlier clinical trials, as well as an excellent safety
and tolerability profile. The Omthera management team includes drug
development and commercialization expert Jerry Wisler, president and
chief executive officer, and cardiologist and clinical expert Michael
Davidson, M.D., chief medical officer.
“Under the leadership of Mr. Wisler and Dr. Davidson, Omthera
Pharmaceuticals is poised to elevate the treatment of dyslipidemia,
beginning with its lead product candidate Epanova for the treatment of
very high triglycerides,” said Graziano Seghezzi, member of Omthera’s
board of directors and partner at Sofinnova Partners, a leading European
venture capital firm who led the initial financing for Omthera. “Dr.
Davidson’s clinical expertise in cardiovascular disease treatment along
with Mr. Wisler’s track record of commercialization of cardiovascular
therapies will help Omthera bring new and innovative therapies to the
patients who need them.”
Jerry Wisler brings 25 years of pharmaceutical industry experience to
Omthera, including his most recent role as co-founder, president and CEO
of Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused
on the development and commercialization of pharmaceuticals to treat
dyslipidemia. While at Aegerion he was actively involved in clinical
trial design, fundraising, business development and general management.
Prior to his role at Aegerion, Mr. Wisler served as vice president of
marketing for Novartis. Mr. Wisler held numerous positions during his 20
years with Merck, including vice president of marketing with
responsibility for the atherosclerosis franchise. He led Merck’s Zocor®
team during a period of robust growth, with annual revenues growing from
$1.8 billion in 1997 to $5.3 billion in 2002. Mr. Wisler was also
involved in various lifecycle management activities for Zocor, providing
commercial input into the decision to enter into a Joint Venture with
Schering-Plough for Zetia® and Vytorin®.
“The prescription Omega 3 market is already over $1.5 billion in annual
worldwide revenues and is positioned for tremendous growth,” said Mr.
Wisler. “I am excited to be working with Dr. Davidson, whom I have
collaborated with over the past 12 years. We are assembling a strong
team of employees and external consultants to develop Epanova and bring
it to market over the next few years.”
STAFF at Kirklees Council raised pounds 685.39 for the British Heart Foundation by organising a brunch and raffle. The staff at Civic Centre III got involved by baking cakes and buns, cooking curry dishes and donating prizes for the raffle. Lots of local organisations also supported the charity appeal by donating some fantastic prizes. The money will be used by BHF towards further research into preventative treatment and will help to identify causes of genetic conditions much sooner and will allow people to live a more fulfilled life for longer.
Data Suggest Short-Course Imiquimod 3.75% Produced Statistically
Significant Outcomes
BRISTOL, Tenn. — The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) has
published Phase III data evaluating the safety and efficacy of imiquimod
cream at two doses – 2.5% and 3.75% – administered daily on either
2-week or 3-week treatment cycles. While all study arms met the primary
endpoint of complete clearance versus placebo, data suggest that, of the
regimens studied, imiquimod 3.75% on a 2-week cycle is superior in
treating actinic keratosis (AK) on a large surface area – the full face
or balding scalp. AKs are considered to be the earliest stage in the
development of skin cancer and have the potential to progress to
squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
The Phase III clinical trial program evaluated the safety and efficacy
of imiquimod in patients averaging between five to 20 AKs at baseline.
Imiquimod cream 3.75% administered once daily for two 2-week treatment
cycles, separated by a 2-week non-treatment period, reduced total AK
lesions by 82 percent as compared to a 25 percent lesion reduction in
patients treated with placebo. Complete clearance, defined as the number
of patients with zero AKs after treatment, was 36 percent with imiquimod
3.75% versus 6 percent with placebo. Additionally, partial clearance,
defined as at least 75 percent or greater reduction in total AKs, was
achieved in 59 percent of patients treated with imiquimod 3.75% versus
only 23 percent with placebo.
“These studies evaluated convenient dosing of imiquimod over a short
duration of treatment,” said Neil Swanson, M.D., lead investigator of
the 2-week study and Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology,
Oregon Health and Science University. “The lower concentrations of
imiquimod allowed patients to use it daily on large areas of the skin
over the face or balding scalp, ultimately treating more AKs – both
lesions present at baseline, as well as lesions revealed during
treatment. This may change the way physicians treat AK.”
Ground-Breaking Project Will Grow Customer Bases and Increase ROI for
Content Providers and Advertisers
AMSTERDAM — Irdeto,
a leading expert in content and business model protection solutions and
services, today announced that middleware and interactive TV technology
provider Selevision has selected Irdeto’s middleware solution and
conditional access system (CAS) for its new High Definition Personal
Video Recorders (HD PVRs). The HD PVRs, currently in field testing in
Saudi Arabia, will enable content providers to run highly tailored
advertisements – a market first in the Middle East. In addition,
Selevisions HD PVRs will be protected by Irdetos CAS and secure chip
set – another first for the region – to allow the company to
comprehensively secure premium content, while delivering a personalized
experience for consumers, through uniquely selected programs and
commercials.
“Irdeto’s technology meets our needs for a flexible solution that
enables us to deliver targeted content to consumers, while protecting it
against piracy, which continues to be rife in this region,” said Dr.
Raed Khusheim, CEO and founder of Selevision. “Irdetos solution allows
us to constantly enhance our targeted advertising capabilities. Irdeto
was a natural choice for us, given the company’s proven track record of
delivering industry-leading conditional access solutions in the Middle
East. We look forward to expanding our services to other regions, and to
continuing to work with Irdeto.”
According to Informa,
at the end of 2014, the Middle East and North Africa region will have
approximately 50 million multichannel TV homes. This means that more
than 70 percent of households will have either cable or satellite
television. In response to this growth as well as the need to
differentiate themselves to both advertisers and viewers, Selevision
selected Irdeto’s industry-leading middleware technology to empower
advertisers to effectively reach a wide range of viewers with ads that
are directly relevant to consumers.
“The advanced features and functionality that the Selevision HD PVR
offers to consumers and advertisers is a testimony to the maturity that
Irdeto middleware has reached,” stated David Canellos, senior vice
president, sales and marketing for Irdeto. “The Middle Eastern market is
ripe for innovation, and the ability to reach viewers with targeted
advertising is increasingly important, as audiences are progressively
looking for content that is personalized and relevant.”
Lending Stream Ltd, a leading payday loans company in the UK, wishes to draw the attention of its customers and members of the general public to the prevalence of fraudulent activity being perpetuated by fraudsters aiming to defame the company and mislead its customers. It has been noticed that the name of the company, its logo as well as its address are being misused in attempts to defraud the public through false correspondence and other scams. This type of fraud may be via email, letters, text messages, facsimile or by using a website claiming to be that of Lending Stream Limited.
The customers of Lending Stream are being supplied with false, unscrupulous and misleading information by the scammers. The information includes business deals or non-existent products, as well as false payday loan products and product lines through anonymous letters. In order to provide legitimacy to their mails, the scammers send their letters on imitation Lending Stream Limited letterheads or through anonymous letters.
“We believe in responsible lending and it is a matter of grave concern that some of our customers are being misled with false information. We strongly advise customers to exercise caution while providing personal information, sending money or disclosing bank details to any person claiming to represent Lending Stream or to have a relationship with the company,” a spokesperson from Lending Stream commented.
Lending Stream is leaving no stone unturned to trace and curb such unsolicited correspondence and is working closely with all regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies to bring such fraudsters to Justice.
“It is our constant endeavour to provide the best and unparalleled support to our esteemed customers, while working earnestly to protect them from falling prey to certain scammers evil motives. We will do all we can to uphold our strong values, goodwill and clean reputation that we have built in this business for around two years,” the spokesperson stated.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — The TriZetto Group, Inc. today announced the appointment of Jeffrey
Rideout, M.D., as senior vice president, care and cost management and as
chief medical officer. Dr. Rideout will lead the systematic expansion of
TriZetto’s cost and quality of care solutions sets, including
value-based benefits, value-based reimbursement and pharmacy utilization
management, to help the company’s payer customers drive greater value in
care for members and providers.
A 15-year veteran of the healthcare industry, Rideout offers TriZetto
extensive experience in care and disease management, in healthcare I.T.
and in managing healthcare-focused strategic investments. “Only rarely
is an organization both positioned and committed to driving meaningful
change in healthcare,” said Rideout. “TriZetto’s Integrated Healthcare
Management vision encompasses three areas for payers — administrative
costs, supply-driven costs and demand-driven costs. TriZetto has become
well recognized as having the leading administrative solutions that
increase efficiency for payers and their employer customers and members.
Our new Systematic Health Management effort focuses on the supply and
demand drivers to address clinical cost and quality challenges that
primarily manifest themselves in unwarranted variations in care, which
create significant waste.”
Rideout supplies a unique blend of experience to this important
position. As former chief medical officer for Blue Shield of California
and Cisco Systems, and as the head of quality management for Blue Cross
of California/WellPoint and UCSF Stanford Healthcare, Rideout brings
broad perspective on how to systematically optimize the coordination of
care for consumers in cooperation with their healthcare providers and
payers. Dr. Rideout’s additional experience in strategic investments,
partnerships, early-stage companies and consulting includes work with
RelayHealth (now a part of McKesson), Resolution Health (now a part of
WellPoint), Certify Data Systems, the HealthVest Fund, Tenet Ventures,
APM, and Booz, Allen and Hamilton.
Rideout holds an M.D. from the Harvard Medical School, an M.A. in
philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford University, a B.S. in
biology from Stanford University and is a former Rhodes Scholar. He is a
faculty member at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business where he
teaches a course on healthcare innovation, Stanford University and
University of California, San Francisco. Rideout is a fellow of the
American College of Physicians and board-certified by the American Board
of Internal Medicine. He also serves on the board of directors of
Medical Teams International, an international medical relief
organization that commissions more than 150 volunteer teams a year for
global disaster relief and health improvement.
MELVILLE, N.Y. — Bovie Medical Corporation (the “Company”) (NYSE-AMEX Symbol: BVX), a
manufacturer and marketer of electrosurgical products, today announced
that it has employed Mr. Leonard Keen, Esq. as Vice President and
General Counsel, effective March 2, 2010. Mr. Keen is responsible for
managing the Company’s legal and strategic affairs, and working as a
member of the executive management team to strengthen operations for
growth and competitiveness.
“We are pleased that Mr. Keen has joined Bovie at this time. He is
multi-skilled and will be involved in areas of the Company’s business
development requiring his legal and technical advice,” stated Andrew
Makrides, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bovie Medical.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Keen has worked as an attorney,
business executive, entrepreneur and technologist. He served as a
partner with Kaplan, Ward Patel, an associate with Allen Dyer Doppelt
Milbrath Gilchrist and a solo practitioner where he specialized in
intellectual property and business law. He also served as Vice President
of Legal and Strategic Affairs at Kinetics, Inc. (a NCR Subsidiary) and
as Chief Information Officer at Payroll Transfers, Inc.
Mr. Keen received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry/Mathematics
from the University of Miami and a Juris Doctor, with honors, from the
University of Florida Levin College of Law. In addition to being a U.S.
registered patent attorney and member of the Florida Bar, Mr. Keen has
extensive experience in the technical, business and executive management
fields.
An employment agreement with Mr. Keen was entered into on March 2, 2010,
and as part thereof, he was awarded a restricted non-qualified stock
option for an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock, exercisable
at the closing price on that date. The option has a ten year term and
vests over seven years, or at the rate of 14.29 percent per annum. This
press release is issued in accordance with the exemption afforded under
Section 711(a) of the NYSE AMEX Company Guide which exempts certain
stock option grants made as an inducement to employment from the
stockholder approval requirement.
The Principal Financial Group offers comprehensive care, competitive
price
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Principal Financial Group® introduces Principal Edge
NetworkSM, a proprietary health care provider network now
available in Atlanta. The network helps employers achieve competitive
discounts while providing extensive access to local physicians and
hospitals.
“Everyone is watching their health care dollars more closely these days,
which is why we’re excited to introduce Principal Edge Network to
Atlanta. By building our own network, we’re able to give our members
quick and easy access to many of the area’s most prominent physicians
and facilities,” said Don Weitzel, president Principal Edge Network,
Georgia.
Principal Edge Network is available in the Atlanta, Albany, Columbus,
Macon, Augusta, Savannah and Dalton areas to current and future health
insurance customers. Competitive discounts with physicians, specialists
and facilities allow Principal Edge Network to offer cost-effective
access to a complete range of health care services and levels of care.
“The network is an extension of our commitment to providing quality
health insurance and excellent service for members, employers and health
care providers. We look forward to expanding the network to new areas
throughout the state,” said Weitzel.
User group meeting to feature presentations by 4 leading cardiac
experts: Dr. Nirat Beohar,
Northwestern Memorial Hospital; Dr. Alan
Gass, Westchester Medical Center; Dr.
Navin Kapur, Tufts Medical Center; and Dr.
Roy Small, Lancaster General Hospital
PITTSBURGH — CardiacAssist
Inc. announced today that it will exhibit
its TandemHeart®
System (Booth 356) in Atlanta at the American College of
Cardiology (ACC) 59th Annual Scientific Session that begins on Sunday,
March 14th, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
“Nearly two thousand of the most difficult-to-treat cardiac patients at
nearly all of the finest hospitals across the United States have
benefited from TandemHeart availability—because it continues to be the
most flexible and the most powerful percutaneous device
for temporary circulatory support. We are very excited about our ACC
symposium, where clinician-attendees will hear presentations of
cutting-edge applications of the TandemHeart that have helped patients
worldwide. Indeed, this symposium is a ‘must see’ event for those
clinicians who wish to treat seriously ill Cardiac Cath lab and OR
patients with the utmost safety. We look forward to sharing why
TandemHeart is designed to become the standard of care in extracorporeal
circulatory support,” said Michael Garippa, CEO and President of
CardiacAssist.
FDA-cleared TandemHeart can be placed rapidly by both
interventional cardiologists in a cath lab and by cardiac
surgeons in an operating room, providing the most flexible and the most
powerful percutaneous device for temporary circulatory support of
critically ill patients. Hemodynamic support includes a high net
blood-flow rate of up to five liters per minute in the catheterization
lab or up to eight liters per minute in the OR—more than twice the
amount of other available technologies—and is fully reimbursed by
Medicare under existing DRG codes. TandemHeart is now being used in
about 90% of the “Best U.S.
Heart Heart Surgery Hospitals” as ranked by U.S. News
World Report—with more than 1,900
TandemHeart procedures performed to date at some 150 hospitals across
the U.S.
“The EOS ultra-low-dose imager along with the sterEOS 3D workstation
is a major advance for pediatric imaging because it dramatically
reduces radiation exposure for children and adolescents while also
making possible the first weight-bearing 3D images for better
surgical planning.”
Peter Newton, M.D.Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego
EOS can capture head-to-toe images of children and adults in a standing,
weight-bearing position with a dramatic reduction in radiation
dosage—up to 10 times less than a conventional x-ray and up to 1000
times less than a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. And, the
full-length, weight-bearing imaging capabilities of EOS provide
physicians with a global vision of balance and posture. Now, with
additional 3D bone-modeling made possible by sterEOS, the
relative positions of each vertebra are established, thereby enabling
better preoperative and postoperative assessment for surgical-planning
purposes.
Three years on from the introduction of tougher in-car mobile phone rules, many motorists are still flouting the law, according to figures published today.
Swinton, the UKs leading high street retailer of car insurance , has seen a 42% increase from 2008 to 2009 in the number of quotes for people convicted of using a mobile phone while driving (CU80 conviction code).
Following official RoSPA statistics showing that 78% of crashes were caused by driver inattention Swinton is warning motorists to beware of the potentially dangerous effects of using a mobile while driving.
Steve Chelton, Insurer development manager at Swinton, said: “We are seeing more and more motorists using mobiles phones while driving, not only to make or receive calls, but also to text, surf the internet and even check messages on Facebook and Twitter. We would like to advise all of our car insurance customers that this is illegal, even when in stationary traffic or stopped at traffic lights.
“We urge all motorists to adhere to the rules by not using a hand-held mobile phone while driving. There are plenty of alternative options, including hands-free kits and Bluetooth headphones.
As stated by MCC Chairman Mr. Liu Benren, “The selection of MCC as a constituent stock of Hang Seng China Enterprises Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index fully embodies the markets recognition of the Companys overall performance. The Company is pleased to learn that it has been selected as a constituent stock of Hang Seng China Enterprises Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index, and would like to extend its sincere gratitude to investors and the public for their long term support. The incorporation of the Company into Hang Seng China Enterprises Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index would help cement the Companys position in the international capital market, prop up investors confidence in the Company, and attract more international investors. Meanwhile, the Company will fully leverage on its own resources and further enhance its market competitiveness and profitability to strive for better returns for its investors.” Hang Seng China Enterprises Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index are compiled and published by HSI Services Limited. Hang Seng China Enterprises Index tracks the performance of all state-owned enterprises listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Only H shares that are of the largest market capitalization andthat have become constituent stocks of Hang Seng Composite Index will be selected as constituents of Hang Seng China Enterprises Index. The Hang Seng China 50 Index measures the overall performance of the 50 largest China companies listed on Hong Kong and / or mainland China stock exchanges. It is a cross-market, multi-share class index which has a broad coverage that includes Mainland-listed A and B shares, Hong Kong-listed H shares, Red Chips and other Mainland companies. Enterprises that areselected as a constituent stock of Hang Seng China Enterprises Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index will not only enjoy enhanced investor awareness and an enlarged investor basis, but will also attract more index funds and other issuers of “index-based investment products”, which in turn boost liquidity in the Company”s shares. The selection of MCC as a constituent of the indexes reflects the outstanding performance of the Company and its sound financial background, which are widely recognized among investors in Hong Kong and overseas alike.
EDWARDS have takes to hand of testament to ODriscolls talent and durability, but mostly it is statistical confirmation of a strength of character openly recognised and appreciated by Wales defence coach Edwards. ODriscoll – Ireland and Dublin w i l l b e as a member The former Wigan rugby league hero once played through an entire Wembley cup final with a broken cheekbone. ODriscoll will John Hayes the only player to make century of Test appearances for the Irish, Edwards, who coached the Ireland centre on last summers Lions tour to South Africa, says: “He has to be among the very few greatest Irish rugby players of all time, if not the greatest. although the skipper will up to 106 if Lions caps are two ahead Hayes. “I loved working with him on the Lions tour in South Africa. He understands the game and hes a coachs dream.
Bob Jeffrey , Worldwide Chairman and CEO, JWT , today announced the creation of a new Global Task Force that will be led by Jean-Louis Roche, Alex Pallete and Facundo Goldaracena.
The trio, all hailing from Lowe Madrids office, LOLA (Lowe Latina), the award-winning creative agency with a Latin spirit and Global Vision created by JWTs own Fernando Vega-Olmos, will be responsible for the creation and development of global ideas across the JWT network.
Commenting on the new structure and hires, Bob Jeffrey said: “In order to make JWT the most successful network in global brand building, the JWT GTF will act as a SWAT team deployed to help tackle issues or opportunities on existing or potential global clients.”
The Global Task Force will report directly to Bob Jeffrey and Fernando Vega-Olmos, Creative Chairman, Continental Europe and Latin America, Worldwide Creative Council Chairman, JWT, and will be based in Madrid.
Jean-Louis Roche, former CEO of LOLA, will hold the title of International Head of Business Development, JWT Global Task Force. Roche was also leading Unilever Global brands Rexona, Oral Care brands, and Ice Cream brands.
ANOTHER week and another freedom of information (FOI) request triggers a political controversy. Admittedly, it was the UK legislation which led to Lord Ashcroft confessing his “non-dom” tax status, but that act, together with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act, have become vitally important weapons with which the public can hold to account those in authority. As the architect of the Scottish legislation, my main objectives were to make the act user-friendly and help create a better climate of openness within government. The act simply requires that a request should be in writing. It doesnt stipulate any particular form, and it places a duty on public bodies to assist those who seek specific information. To date, I believe that it has been a success. Media inquiries about guest lists at Bute House dinners and use of ministerial cars were inevitable. But the father who used FOI requests to persuade a health board to change its policy on eye tests for pre-school children, and the work of Inclusion Scotland, using information obtained under the act to strengthen the case for better accessible housing for disabled people, are just two examples of FOI being used by concerned citizens campaigning for just outcomes in public policy- making.
Colin Fleming has waited several years to make an impression in the Davis Cup but yesterday he made up for lost time as he and Ken Skupski put Britain in a winning position in their Europe/Africa Group II tie in Vilnius. Flemski, as the pair are affectionately known on the tour, survived a courageous challenge from Dovydas Sakinis and Laurynas Grigelis to win 6-0, 6-7, 7-5, 6-3 and put Britain 2-1 up. Having most of his family, plus a travelling brigade of fans from Linlithgow who did their best to drown out the locals inside the Vitus Gerulaitis Memorial Tennis Centre, to support the AEGON GB team clearly helped their cause. But they were fully deserving of their win, even if it took longer than they might have expected. When they raced through the first set it looked as if they would cruise to victory but in the end, the way they shrugged off the loss of the second set to eventually clinch a convincing triumph gave captain John Lloyd more pleasure than if they had breezed home.
Westland Insurance Group Ltd. today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Thunderbird Insurance Services Ltd., an independent insurance agency located in Port Alberni, BC. The transaction marks the continuation of Westlands acquisition strategy of insurance agencies through out British Columbia. The purchase will complete on March 31st, 2010. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1973, Thunderbird Insurance has served the communities of Port Alberni, Ucluelet and Tofino for over 35 years. The firm specializes in automobile, house, condo, tenant, travel and business insurance. Located in the heart of Port Alberni, Thunderbird Insurance generates over $1,000,000 in annual commissions and has 13 employees.
Alan Anderson, president of Thunderbird Insurance Services, said, “We look at this acquisition as very positive for the staff and community. We see it as a great fit as well as a great opportunity for the community to benefit from the products, markets and value a company like Westland can bring.”
Jason Wubs, president and CEO of Westland Insurance, said, “Im delighted to welcome the employees of Thunderbird Insurance Services to our firm. As a well-managed firm with highly qualified professionals and a reputation for excellent service, Thunderbird Insurance fits perfectly with the type of organization we have worked hard to build at Westland Insurance.”
HEALTH Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has been criticised by a powerful trade union over her call to scrap lavish bonuses for doctors. The British Medical Association said that ending the distinction awards scheme for consultants would damage the NHS. However, the BMAs comments have been undermined by the Health Minister in the Welsh Assembly backing the Scottish Governments position. The row comes amid increasing public scrutiny of an awards system that provides year-on-year income top-ups to hospital doctors who can already earn around pound(s)100,000.
BENEFITS cheat Peter Ollerton-Wright claimed thousands of pounds in England – while relaxing in Thailand.
WHEREVER I went last week for a bite to eat I seemed to bump into a celebrity. Nicky Hilton sat next to me one day at the Fred Segal caf, while Geri Halliwells former movie producer lover Sacha Gervasi (and the father of Geris baby Bluebell) brought along an extremely attractive girl to eat on the other side of me. Then I was alongside Groundhog Day star Bill Murray at Cecconis the day before. KENDRA Wilkinson seems like a sensible lass. The former girlfriend of Hugh Hefner whose reality show Kendra is on E! Entertainment, says she doesnt want her newborn son Hank growing up in front of the cameras. She told me: “People already ask if I think hes going to be a sports star like my husband or an actor or something. I want him to decide what he wants to be. The reality show will stop – I dont want him growing up for everyone to see.”
TOKYO — Four leading companies — Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Thomson
Licensing, Toshiba Corporation and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
(collectively, the “BD4C Licensing Group”) — today announced that they
have commenced a worldwide joint licensing program beginning on March 1,
2010 for Blu-ray (”BD”) and DVD patents essential for BD decoders, BD
encoders, BD players, BD read-only discs, BD recordable discs, BD
drives, BD/DVD hybrid discs and BD recorders (”BD Products”), including
BD Products that incorporate DVD functionality.
The potential licensees will benefit from one-stop shopping for the
essential patents owned or controlled by the four companies, which will
facilitate the development of the BD market.
The license portfolio consists of BD and DVD patents, owned or
controlled by the four companies, that are essential for BD Products.
Licenses for the portfolio will be available for products that comply
with the specifications for the BD formats promulgated by the Blu-ray
Disc Association.
Interested parties are also free to negotiate separate license
agreements, rather than taking a single portfolio license, with each of
the four companies, which have committed to provide such licenses for
their respective essential patents under fair, reasonable and
nondiscriminatory terms and conditions.
The companies have authorized Toshiba to act as licensor for the BD4C
Licensing Group in licensing their essential BD patents for this joint
licensing program.
Dear Dr Cath, MY mate is very cut up after being ditched by his girlfriend. He told me he is thinking of putting a video of himself having kinky sex with her on the internet as revenge if she doesnt take him back. My wife knows his ex and says theres no hope of reconciliation. I feel I should warn her about the video but dont want to betray my friend. Dear reader, ITS completely out of order to put this video on the internet. You need to trust your lover if youre going to make a movie with them – and trust them not to misuse it if you break up.
PARIS — VINCI, the worlds leading concession and construction group, reports
results for the full year 2009. Vinci CEO Xavier Huillard comments on
results and outlook.
Use these links to watch the video interview in the format of your
choice:
John McGlynn claimed Ross Countys winning penalty was awarded for an “invented” foul as the Dingwall side gained vital ground on leaders Dundee. With the Dens Park side drawing at home to Inverness Caley Thistle, Ross County moved to within five points of top spot, with two games in hand. But the raging Rovers manager wants to study video footage of the controversial incident involving Scott Boyd that led to Richard Brittains 75th-minute winner. Countys resilience in a remarkable season of progress continued with this win. Raith proved capable opponents but Countys reward for second-half superiority came from that questionable penalty award.