Canvas4Life is the global leader in personalized canvas printing. The company recently unveiled its new Facebook upload feature which enables their customers to upload pictures directly from their personal Facebook accounts.

The company encourages customers to use this feature, enhancing their link with social media. This new feature opens up a wider array of pictures accessible to Canvas4Life’s customers. Many users upload pictures to Facebook from their computers. A good portion of a person’s pictures on Facebook are those in which they were “tagged”. These are the photos taken by friends and/or family that want to share you in their pictures.

“The Facebook Uploader was a long time coming. One of the most popular trends today is being able to share photos with friends and family through social networks such as Twitter and more prominently, Facebook. It?s a great avenue that has become an integral part of our society and the way people communicate. No matter whose camera was snapping pictures the day before, people can be assured that they’ll see those pictures on Facebook. The new Facebook Uploader will allow our customers to be able to capture these moments and get them printed onto canvas easier,” says Tim Wickham, Canvas4Life CEO.

Facebook houses millions of photos and more are added everyday by their users. Since most, if not all, companies are on the Internet and a large percentage of business is transacted there, business owners know that accommodating online buyers is a huge benefit. Facebook is a way that businesses announce contests and other important company updates. Canvas4Life is no stranger to this concept as an E-Commerce company. Canvas4Life updates their website regularly to better serve their customers, which was the driving force behind the Facebook Uploader feature.

“This new feature is very exciting for us here at Canvas4Life. We receive many requests from our customers on a daily basis asking us about uploading pictures from Facebook, and we listened. We hope our customers really like this new feature because we did this all for them. We made it as easy as possible to upload photos from Facebook. Adding this to our website opens up a whole new range of pictures that our customers can choose from,” says Jillian Stewman, Customer Happiness Team.

About the company – Canvas4Life.com is the global leader in the custom canvas prints market. With state of the art production centers throughout North America and Europe, the company is experiencing exponential growth. Canvas4Life developed a unique site feature, “Preview Before You Buy” enabling customers to print their photos on to canvas exactly as they see it. “Making moments last a lifetime.”

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Mecum Auctions welcomes the Spring auction season as it fills the Kansas City Convention Center/Bartle Hall in beautiful downtown Kansas City, Missouri with a full slate of collector cars on March 29-31, 2012.

With nearly 750 collector vehicles expected to cross the block, the auction action promises to be intense and exciting during the first of two visits to the ?City of Fountains? in 2012. All of the auction cars will be on display indoors, giving Buyers, Sellers and Spectators an ideal environment to inspect the gleaming metal. This year?s auction has been expanded from 2 to 3 days, and Discovery?s Velocity Network will be broadcasting live for 15 hours during all three days of the auction, bringing the action home to those unable to attend in person.

The Mecum Auctions in Kansas City have always seen a diverse range of vehicles falling under the hammer, and the 2012 auction is lining up to continue this trend with a wide variety of machines rolling across the block. From a 1949 Divco Model 49N Milk Truck (Lot S125) to a 2007 Dodge Charger SRT/8 (Lot F215), this auction will offer something for everyone?s taste, style, and budget.

The auction is open to the general public with tickets available in advance or at the door for just $ 15 per day. For information about bidder registration or to consign a vehicle for this event, visit http://www.Mecum.com or call 262.275.5050.

About Mecum Auctions:

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 25 years, and is the world leader of collector car, classic motorcycle, vintage wooden boat and road art sales. Auctions are held throughout the United States and broadcast live on Discovery?s Velocity Network.

Schedule:

Mecum Kansas City Spring Auction

Kansas City Convention Center – Bartle Hall

301 West 13th Street

Kansas City, MO 64105

March 29-31, 2012

Preview: Gates Open Daily at 8:00 a.m.

Auction: Starts at 11:00 a.m. Thursday ? Saturday

Live TV Times: Thursday, 5-8 p.m. Friday, 3-9 p.m. Saturday, 1-7 p.m.

(All Times Central)

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In January GM announced it regained the title of number one automaker worldwide. Explanations for the news range from improved vehicle design and economy to new features that run the range from safety features to luxury interior comforts. The team at Scott McCorkle?s Liberty Buick GMC Trucks believes the GMC Terrain is a perfect example of the way GM is leading the way.

Greg Mongelli of Liberty Buick GMC Trucks says, ?The Terrain has 13 new features!?

The Terrain?s features are so state-of-the-art that drivers are giving it rave reviews across the board. The Terrain provides a super sophisticated ride with a quiet and attractive cabin. The crash test scores on the Terrain are outstanding. There are plenty of the standard features, tons of options, good fuel economy and the ultimate roomy backseat. Edmunds gives the Terrain top scores and quotes reviewers who say, ?I love everything about this car!? They go on to add that the Terrain has, ?Great design, interior and exterior, comfortable and great handling.

The Terrain offers best-in-class second row leg room, adjustable second row with 8? travel fore and aft. Not to mention that Terrain comes with standard rearview camera system and available audio system with navigation and rear entertainment. The Terrain also has available remote vehicle start and available programmable power liftgate. Of course, the Terrain also has Stabiltrack with Traction Control.

GM has consistently proven it?s commitment to regaining position as number one in the U.S. and abroad in auto manufacturing, sales and service. The Terrain perfectly demonstrates that commitment. With vehicles like the Terrain, GM keeps raising the bar for all automobile manufacturers.

GM also introduced the new Buick 2012 Verano which reviles other similar vehicles and keeps to the same high standards as the Terrain and other GM products.

Scott McCorkle says, ?We continue to be proud to sell GMC.? McCorkle, who?s dealership has a great reputation for sales and continued service says, ?We give our customers red carpet treatment and we sell great products. The Terrain is just another great product from GM.?

If you?re in the market for a great vehicle or just need great service, call Scott McCorkle?s Liberty Buick GMC Trucks today at 866-442-0871 or visit the website at http://www.clickliberty.com.

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Considered until recently to be mostly an advertising tool, the poster has become an art form in its own right in home decor, gifts, and commercial work. For the first time ever, Jessica Sprague will be teaching students the art and design techniques behind creating posters and flyers that create a big, bold statement.

Renowned online digital scrapbooking website JessicaSprague.com is currently registering for the new Art of Poster Design class that will begin Monday, February 13th, 2012. The class will feature Jessica?s signature teaching style which includes step by step video education, PDF instructions, a private class message board, and all digital supplies will be provided, including a downloadable sample and source kit.

During the four week course, participants will learn to manipulate photos, blend elements together, extract items, add texture and brushwork, and more. In addition, students will be taught to develop color schemes that work, create dynamic and eye-catching type effects, create files for both digital and four-color presses, and navigate the ins and outs of copyright for commercial posters.

Jessica Sprague has been teaching others to use their computers and Photoshop to create unique artwork and scrapbook layouts since creating JessicaSprague.com in 2006.

Participants may register for The Art of Poster Design class by visiting goo.gl/EAatj. The class will be available for 20% off through Sunday night, February 12th, 2012. A copy of Photoshop Elements or Photoshop will be required to complete the lessons. Trial versions of both programs can be downloaded at http://www.adobe.com. Intermediate skill level of Photoshop or Elements is recommended for all participants.

For digital scrapbooking online classes, digital printable scrapbooking supplies, and free tutorials, visit http://www.jessicasprague.com.

About JessicaSprague.com:

JessicaSprague.com is the leading website offering online classes and products for digital crafters. Founded in 2006 by world-renowned crafter, scrapbooker, instructor and author Jessica Sprague, JessicaSprague.com provides professionally designed, video-based online classes in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements for customers interested in learning about digital scrapbooking, photo editing, mouse-and-paper crafting, and more. The site’s mission is to provide instruction, inspiration, and products to help people grow their skills, beautify their lives, and enhance their relationships with the people that matter most to them. The Web site?s offerings include digital scrapbooking paper, digital brushes, digital element packs, lesson packs, weekly tutorials, and online classes in digital scrapbooking, mouse-and-papercrafting, photo editing, and more.

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The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania today announced the official grand opening of its new West Coast campus home, Wharton | San Francisco, in the historic Hills Plaza building on San Francisco?s Embarcadero. Commemorated by a Grand Opening celebration this evening, February 9th, the new, larger campus will accommodate the school?s growing west coast MBA for Executives program and a range of additional school activities.

Wharton | San Francisco initially opened its doors in San Francisco in 2001; in response to rising interest in its west coast offerings, Wharton decided to increase its commitment to the region with a new, expanded campus. The new facility touts 30% more space than the School?s previous home in the Folger building, and is equipped with state-of-the-art HD, amphitheater classrooms, a host of group study rooms plus stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. The new campus and its features will serve as a hub for the School?s international activities, new offerings from Wharton Entrepreneurial Programs (WEP), alumni events and more.

?As business and entrepreneurial activities proliferate in San Francisco and across the West coast, companies are increasingly demanding skilled, mature leaders. The education provided at Wharton | San Francisco is a key factor in the development of capable leaders to helm the businesses at the forefront of the regional – and global – economy,? said Doug Collom, vice dean of Wharton | San Francisco.

?The University of Pennsylvania?s Wharton School is a premiere institution that is making a tremendous investment in San Francisco,? said San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee. ?Wharton graduates will join a talented group of employees here in our City who are attracting businesses from around the world looking for the best talent.?

For images of the Hills Plaza campus for media purposes, please contact LEWIS PR at whartonsf(at)lewispr.(dot)com. Images may also be found in Wharton?s Flickr account here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thewhartonschool/sets/72157626870018642

Members of the media may RSVP to the Grand Opening celebration by emailing WhartonSF(at)lewispr(dot)com.

About the Wharton School

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania ? founded in 1881 as the first collegiate business school ? is recognized globally for intellectual leadership and ongoing innovation across every major discipline of business education. The most comprehensive source of business knowledge in the world, Wharton bridges research and practice through its broad engagement with the global business community. The School has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students; more than 9,000 annual participants in executive education programs; and an alumni network of 88,000 graduates. For more information: http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/sanfrancisco/


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CereScan, Denver-based brain imaging center and DaTscan Center of Excellence is the Rocky Mountain Region?s first approved site for DaTscan, an FDA approved visual imaging agent that helps doctors differentiate tremors associated with Parkinsonian Syndromes from Essential Tremor. Using DaTscan, CereScan provides doctors with imaging results that substantiate or negate the existence of Parkinsonian Syndromes in their patients.

Parkinson?s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder behind Alzheimer?s disease. Movement disorders like Parkinson?s often have similar symptoms but treatments can vary significantly. As treatment for patients experiencing tremors due to Parkinsonian Syndromes, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy, are different than treatments for Essential Tremor, DaTscan provides physicians with a diagnostic tool to assist in timely diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be delivered.

?CereScan provided me with a comprehensive diagnostic imaging report that allowed me to better diagnose and treat my patient,? said Rajeev Kumar, MD, Medical Director of the Colorado Neurological Institute Movement Disorders Center in Denver, President of the CNI Medical Advisory Board and one of the country?s foremost movement disorders specialists. ?As each patient is different, CereScan?s diagnostic imaging helps doctors determine the most effective treatment plan, one patient at a time.?

About the Colorado Neurological Institute

Colorado Neurological Institute was founded in 1988 and is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving those touched by neurological conditions. CNI arose from a significant community need that we continue to address to this day: Patients with neurological conditions often find that they do not have access to the comprehensive care, support, and resources they need. Today, CNI is the largest, most comprehensive neuroscience center in the Rocky Mountain region, with nearly 50 member physicians specializing in the neurosciences. Located on the campus of Swedish Medical Center, CNI offers programs in nearly every neurological condition, including movement disorders, brain and spinal tumors, stroke, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, hearing disorders, multiple sclerosis, head pain, neuromuscular disorders, and more. At CNI, patients benefit from clinical research, education, neuro-rehabilitation (speech, occupational and physical therapy), navigation and social work assistance, and other services designed to meet their full range of needs. Visit http://www.TheCNI.org for more information.

About the CNI Movement Disorders Center

The CNI Movement Disorders Center is the busiest, most comprehensive movement disorders practice in the Rocky Mountain region. The center utilizes a team approach to the diagnosis and personalized treatment of movement disorders, including Parkinson?s disease, Huntington?s disease, essential tremor, spasticity and many other movement disorders. The Center integrates the services of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, nurse practitioners, physical therapists and occupational therapists to provide coordinated and comprehensive patient care every step of the way. For more information visit http://www.TheCNI.org/movementdisorders.

About CereScan Corp.

CereScan combines state-of-the-art SPECT brain imaging technology with a patient centered model of care to provide the highest level of neurodiagnostics available. Using high definition functional brain imaging, industry leading image reconstruction software, and an extensive library of clinical data, the CereScan medical team provides physicians with unmatched objective diagnostic information. CereScan helps patients and their physicians, counselors and families to better understand the biological basis of their conditions and disorders. For more information visit http://www.cerescanimaging.com.

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Stonehenge, a New York City-based real estate owner and manager, today announced it has hired Luciana Francese as Director of Retail Leasing. In her new position, Ms. Francese will be responsible for overseeing the company?s commercial portfolio which consists of over 750,000 square feet of retail, office and garage space in Manhattan. Some of the high profile projects Stonehenge is currently marketing include 12,000 square feet of ground floor space at 555 Sixth Avenue, 8,000 square feet of ground floor space at 1143 Second Avenue and 30,000 square feet at 1619 Broadway.

Luciana joins Stonehenge with tremendous experience in the New York real estate industry with particular expertise in the retail leasing business. Previously, Luciana held the position of Director of Leasing at G&S Investors where she oversaw the leasing and marketing of a commercial portfolio that included over 1 million square feet of space in New York and New Jersey. Prior to that, Luciana spent 4 years at The Blumenfeld Development Group where she worked closely on the lease-up of the Tanger Outlet Center at The Arches in Long Island.

?Luciana is a very talented real estate professional who comes to Stonehenge with a great reputation and track record in successfully repositioning commercial properties. She will be a great addition to the Stonehenge team and help us maximize the value of the commercial component of our portfolio,? said Ofer Yardeni, a Managing Partner of Stonehenge.

In the last 12 months, Stonehenge has acquired over $ 500 million of properties in Manhattan having recently closed on the acquisition of the DFR Portfolio which includes 7 properties encompassing over 400 residential units and prime retail space along First Avenue and in Midtown.

?Stonehenge presented a great opportunity and I look forward to helping make important contributions as the firm continues to expand its portfolio and seek new opportunities in Manhattan,? said Luciana Francese.

Ms. Francese earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture & Urban Planning and Journalism at New York University.

About Stonehenge

Stonehenge Partners is a fully integrated real estate company which was founded in the early 1990s. The Company owns and manages residential apartments as well as commercial property, primarily in the borough of Manhattan in the City of New York. With 27 properties in the portfolio Stonehenge has become one of the dominant landlords in New York City. The Company employs over 55 professionals at its head office located at 888 Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, New York.

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IdentityLogix, an innovator in continuous security intelligence and real-time data actualization, announces a strategic partnership with A&I Solutions, a leading provider of IT consulting and managed services specializing in solutions based on CA Technologies software. A&I Solutions, today announced it has selected SpyLogix Enterprise to be its platform for cloud security offerings. A&I Solutions? Advanced Continuous Monitoring System (ACMS) for SiteMinder will be the first in a series of cloud security services by A&I Solutions and powered by SpyLogix technologies.

This partnership will enable customers to efficiently manage support costs, bring web applications online faster, and improve responsiveness when upward or downward scalability is needed.

?Our companies have invested in certifying a team of expert practitioners on SpyLogix Enterprise and CA SiteMinder technologies to better assist clients in improving security, web application uptime and people resource management,? said Michael Hlebasko, president and founder at IdentityLogix. ?This cloud service can reduce operational costs and enhance an organization?s ability to re-invest precious capital.?

?At A&I Solutions we understand the challenges facing our customers face securing business data using web based technologies, especially web access management using SiteMinder,? said John Balsavage, president and founder at A&I Solutions. ?Our ACMS solution includes assessment, design, development, delivery, and support ? a comprehensive bundle that can help accelerate web application service delivery.?

ACMS cloud service provides security intelligence to simplify management of CA SiteMinder. ACMS employs continuous situational awareness, enhanced visibility and real-time data analysis features to assist support staffs with operations by monitoring key native SiteMinder security data, including: policies, user store, performance metrics, and activity.

About IdentityLogix

IdentityLogix is an innovative software company offering products that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of people, process and technologies that secure business information. It?s SpyLogix? Enterprise software is state-of-the-art security middleware, which allows for continuous monitoring and comprehensive automated real-time visibility of enterprise digital assets across IT infrastructures users, networks, identity systems, applications, mainframe systems and cloud services. Corporate and government entities utilize SpyLogix to be proactive for enterprise situational awareness, data analysis and real-time actualization to support issue resolution. They benefit from increased IT staff productivity, stream-lined audit support, enhanced overall security and improved governance, risk and compliance posture.

For more information please visit http://www.identitylogix.com.

About A & I Solutions

A&I Solutions is North America’s premier provider of integrated enterprise solutions, dedicated to implementing solutions from CA technologies. A&I Solutions provides enterprise products and services to help companies achieve the highest level of performance. We focus on the best rated products and extensive experience to deliver comprehensive integrated Enterprise Solutions. Working with enterprise management, resource planning, service assurance, security and infrastructure monitoring, A&I helps organizations achieve their full potential by driving consistency and maximizing efficiency. Our proven methodologies, innovative best practices and deep technical experience produce better business results for our Customers. A&I has expertise across all IT environments – physical, distributed, cloud, virtual and heterogeneous platforms. We specialize in the following: CA Security Suite, CA Clarity, CA Wily – Introscope, CEM, SOI, NetQoS, Reporting – Business Objects, Crystal Reports, Actuate Reporting, Enterprise Integration.

For more information please visit http://www.anisolutions.com.

IdentityLogix and SpyLogix are either registered trademarks or trademarks of IdentityLogix in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks or trade names are property of the respective holder.

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http://www.storyopolisart.com Storyopolis Entertainment Congratulates its artists Chris Raschka on his newest Caldecott Medal and Anna & Elena Balbusso on the 2012 Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators

Congratulations to Chris Raschka for the 2012 Caldecott Medal. Chris won the award for his book ?A Ball for Daisy? published by Schwartz & Wade Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

In a wordless book with huge children?s appeal, Chris Raschka gives us the story of an irrepressible little dog whose most prized possession is accidently destroyed. With brilliant economy of line and color, Raschka captures Daisy?s total (yet temporary) devastation. A buoyant tale of loss, recovery and friendship.

?Chris Raschka?s deceptively simple paintings of watercolor, gouache and ink explore universal themes of love and loss that permit thousands of possible variants,? said Caldecott Medal Committee Chair Steven L. Herb. ?A Ball for Daisy? holds as many unique stories as there will be young readers and re-readers. (American Library Association)

The ALA awards the prestigious annual prize “for the most distinguished American picture book for children.” Raschka?s illustration of The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster won the medal in 2006, and he also earned a Caldecott Honor in 1994 for Yo! Yes?

Congratulations also go out to Anna and Elena Balbusso who have been awarded a Gold Medal in the book category of the Society of Illustrators, ILLUSTRATORS 54 Annual exhibition 2012 for the illustration “Pregnant”, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, The Folio Society 2012.

The Handmaid?s Tale by Margaret Atwood is their latest science fiction illustrated book for The Folio Society Publisher, UK. They designed the cover in two colors and 7 color illustrations full-page inside. The book was printed in December 2011 and is already on sale on Foliosociety.com. “The Handmaid’s Tale” was written by the celebrated Canadian author Margaret Atwood in 1985. It’s a dystopian novel set in the near future, in a totalitarian theocracy

Storyopolis Entertainment definitely has an eye for amazing art and the ALA?s award to Chris Raschka as well as the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal to Anna & Elena Balbusso brings that point home. Storyopolis Entertainment owner, Matt Abramowitz has over 10 years in representing some of the world?s most sought after artists. Matt Abramowitz exclaims, ?We pride ourselves in representing the Best of The Best and these recent awards to our artists say it all! Congratulations to Chris, Anna and Elena ? may you continue to inspire us and fill our eyes and minds with awe!?

Chris Raschka?s art and that of Anna and Elena Balbusso can be viewed for purchase at http://www.storyopolisentertainment.com Call 214-890-4080 to make an appointment and for inquiries.

Storyopolis Entertainment, 10000 N. Central Expressway, 4th floor, Dallas, TX 75231

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Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has partnered with internationally renowned, Robert Sorby Tools of England, to present a unique demonstration on woodturning. Woodturning differs from most other forms of woodworking in that the wood is moving while a stationary tool is used to cut and shape it. Many intricate shapes and designs can be made by turning wood and this artful form of woodworking has experienced a recent surge in popularity in the United States. The woodturning demonstration held at Rockler will be a rare opportunity for the general public to hear directly from an internationally acclaimed woodturning expert, and is a great event for all skill levels. Rockler is underwriting this event so there will be no charge to attend.

Participating Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Stores:

Tukwila, WA – Wed. 2/1/2012

Beaverton, OR – Thur. 2/2/2012

Pleasant Hill, CA – Sat. 2/4/2012

Phoenix, AZ – Mon. 2/6/2012

Denver, CO – Wed. 2/8/2012

Houston, TX – Fri. 2/10/2012

Richardson, TX – Sat. 2/11/2012

Schaumburg, IL – Mon 2/13/2012

Milwaukee, WI????- Wed 2/15/2012

Cincinnati, OH????- Mon 2/20/2012

Buffalo, NY – Wed 2/22/2012

S Portland, ME – Sat 2/25/2012

S Portland, ME – Sun 2/26/2012

Indianapollis, IN – Fri 3/2/2012

Minnetonka, MN – Mon 3/5/2012

SPECIAL:

20% off of ALL Sorby turning tools on demo day!

?We?re thrilled to have a Robert Sorby woodturning expert visit us,” says Rockler Retail Marketing Director, Glenn Snyder. ?Having a chance to see and learn from a turner of this caliber is a special opportunity. Our staff and our customers are always eager to pick up new tips and techniques. And for those who haven?t tried woodturning before, it?s a great opportunity to see what it?s all about.?

According to Snyder, woodturning is a growing hobby. ?Access to the specialized tools and supplies needed to get into turning has vastly improved in terms of both availability and cost,? says Snyder. ?We?re seeing many more new customers coming in to buy lathes and other turning supplies. We?ve responded by increasing our assortments and we now carry hundreds of turning blanks, hardware, tools and supplies to make everything from bowls to pens.?

About Rockler Woodworking and Hardware:

Celebrating its 58th anniversary as a family-run business, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is the nation?s premier supplier of specialty hardware, tools, lumber and other high quality woodworking products. Rockler has 29 retail locations in AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, IN, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, TX, WA, and WI ? plus 60 independent reseller locations nationwide, as well as extensive catalog and internet operations.

To learn more about Rockler, please visit http://www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER.

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After being shuttered for more than six years, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Hyatt Regency New Orleans recently reopened following a $ 275 million redesign and revitalization.

The 1,193-room hotel offers the city?s largest hotel event space, doubled to 200,000 square feet and features Schindler Elevator Corporation?s award-winning PORT (Personal Occupant Requirement Terminal) Technology to help move the thousands of guests who pass through the building?s 32 floors every day faster and more efficiently.

Schindler recently completed the installation of its PORT destination-dispatch system on eight high-rise passenger elevators at Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Unique to the hotel is that each guest?s room key is programmed automatically upon check-in to provide customized elevator access. When guests swipe their room key at the PORT device, an elevator is automatically called to take them to the hotel floor where they will be staying. Due to the PORT system?s advanced access control, guests receive customized mobility throughout the hotel from the moment they first reach the elevator bank. It is the first building in Louisiana to benefit from the power of Schindler?s PORT Technology and the first hotel in the United States with a building security system seamlessly integrated with elevator access control at every floor.

Best understood as the central nervous system of a building, PORT Technology functions as a two-way communication interface between the occupants and the hotel?s environment. The system?s visible aspect is a sleek, futuristic interface positioned at access points and elevators around the building. Behind the stylish touch screen is a powerful software system, capable not only of calculating the optimum route to any destination within the building, but also of ?learning? how its occupants typically move around. With this information, PORT Technology primes the elevators to direct and transport people quickly and safely to their individual destinations. Furthermore, Schindler?s patented technology works with RFID badges to identify passengers and call elevators for personal service.

?The PORT Technology makes possible a truly networked environment at Hyatt Regency New Orleans that recognizes occupants and responds to their individual needs,? says Michael Landis, vice president, Marketing for Schindler. ?What makes the system special is the ease with which the hotel?s managers can design applications to accommodate a wide range of needs in real time. Whether it?s helping to meet new energy-efficiency goals, updating security, scheduling maintenance or adapting to people with special needs, unprecedented levels of customization can be achieved.?

?The revitalized Hyatt Regency New Orleans offers guests the latest in technology and the new PORT Technology represents the advances that we have made to provide our guests with an optimal experience.? noted Michael Smith, general manager, Hyatt Regency New Orleans. ?This system is innovative and efficient which are both key in providing great customer service.?

PORT Technology Energy-Saving Features

o????Each PORT terminal?s proximity sensor tells it when to be active and at all other times puts it into low energy consumption mode.

o????When the terminal screen illuminates, an ambient light sensor determines only the brightness level required, again optimizing energy usage.

o????The PORT Technology helps ensure elevator trips are as efficient as possible. This produces a very resourceful use of energy even during heavy traffic.

About Hyatt Regency New Orleans

Hyatt Regency New Orleans re-opened on October 19, 2011 after a $ 275 million redesign and revitalization featuring 1,193 guest rooms and suites, 200,000 square feet of meeting and event space, expansive food and beverage offerings, and unprecedented service. Located downtown on Loyola Avenue, the hotel is adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and anchors the vibrant Sports and Entertainment District. Hyatt Regency New Orleans borders the new Medical District, the Arts & Entertainment District and is just blocks from the French Quarter, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the Mississippi Riverfront. For reservations and additional information, please call 888.591.1234 or visit http://www.neworleans.hyatt.com.

About Schindler Elevator Corporation

Schindler Elevator Corporation is the North American operation of the Switzerland-based Schindler Group, a leading global mobility provider with approximately 43,000 employees operating in more than 100 countries. Schindler supports sustainable urban development with safe, reliable and ecologically sound mobility solutions and its equipment moves one billion people every day all over the world. In 2011, Schindler was named one of Forbes Magazine?s 100 Most Innovative Companies, and two of the company?s products received the 2011Architectural Products? Product Innovation Award. For additional information about Schindler Elevator Corporation, visit the company?s Web site at http://www.us.schindler.com.

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Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida International University (FIU) are hosting their 11th Annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival, a 4-day event starting February 23rd to February 26th 2012 in South Beach, Miami, just steps away from the Beacon Hotel on Ocean Drive.

Known as America?s most prestigious gourmet gathering featuring the best chefs, winemakers, culinary personalities, and wine & spirits experts, the 2012 Festival will keep its long-standing tradition of honoring the world?s greatest wine and culinary talent by paying tribute to esteemed chef Charlie Trotter and celebrated winemaker Piero Antinori.

“Celebrating the milestone of our 10th year at the 2011 Festival was truly extraordinary,? says Schrager, who also serves as Vice President of Corporate Communications & National Events at Southern Wine & Spirits of America, which hosts the Festival. ?I believe the 2012 program features a number of fresh and exciting changes as well as those events that have become fan-favorites over the years.”

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival 2012 offers yet another food extravaganza for food lovers and features returning fan-favorite events. The festival will kick-off with Mo?t Hennessy’s The Q presented by Allen Brothers. For those who wish to take part in a late-night experience, The Q will also feature its own after-party, The Q After Dark! Dedicated foodies will get an exclusive opportunity to savor all of famed chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Bobby Flay?s restaurant concepts in one evening at the casual dinner The Flavors of Flay.

The best way guests can enjoy each day at this food festival would probably be to dive right in and hang out while they can. If guests want to take it slow, they can try going to one of the many different seminars going on.

In addition, the Festival?s signature Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village, featuring the American Express Grand Tasting Tents, returns with winning blends of tastings, superstar chefs and fun.

The fun doesn?t end here. There is lot more to view and experience at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. To buy tickets or to find out more, visit: http://2012.sobefest.com

In order to make the most of this event, visitors shouldn?t forget to make their travel arrangements and hotel bookings in advance. Locate the best hotels at levelheaded prices. The Beacon South Beach Hotel offers lavish comforts at affordable prices. Get a comfortably and luxurious stay while enjoying the 2012 South Beach Wine and Food Festival.

Beacon South Beach Hotel in South Beach Miami is offering a number of extra perks for both domestic and international guests. Guests should book their hotel reservations before January 31st, 2012 to take advantage of their PERK promotion which offers, 5 American Airlines AAdvantage Miles per $ 1 spent on the room, Complimentary Ocean Front Upgrade (if available), Full Breakfast, Welcome Mojitos plus, a Welcome Gift. Guests should use Promo Code: PERK when making reservations online.

About Beacon South Beach Hotel

With its seven miles of sand and surf, unrivaled nightlife, premier shopping and exquisite cuisine, Beacon South Beach Hotel is a premier vacation destination in South Florida. This beach front Property is located on 720 Ocean Drive; the Beacon South Beach Hotel blends timeless elegance of the Art Deco era with the modern chic decor of South Beach and offers luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, deluxe spa amenities and personalized concierge services to each of its guests.

For more information, visit: http://www.beaconsouthbeach.com

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Freddy’s Frozen Custard was named the largest growing chain in the United States and Canada by Chain Store Guide in 2010, and was recently included in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500. With over 50 franchises, 30 to open in 2012, and 152 more that have sold development rights, Freddy’s opened business in a down economy, but has managed to rapidly expand. So are compelling brands made or born? In Freddy?s experience, the answer is both, mixed with careful planning and execution to create a concept that relates in an uncanny way with consumers.

Freddy?s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers? growth, sales, and customer studies show that the founders created a brand which guests not only appreciate, but enjoy with strong affinity. Where and how did the rapidly growing chain of more than 50 stores get its inspiration for such a compelling brand? Family. And perhaps this strong family background and inspiration is what enables it to tell great stories and serve up high-quality, era-anchored food to families today.

The success of Freddy?s started with two founding brothers, Bill and Randy Simon, who grew up in the 1950s and enjoyed a childhood centered on family life and home-cooked meals that filled their souls as well as their stomachs. Their family values and the man who instilled them, their dad, Freddy Simon, became the inspiration for the successful franchise chain. Their partnership with Scott Redler, a successful restaurateur in his own right, became the foundation for the outstanding growth of the Freddy?s concept.

The three men worked together to create a brand that reflects the values of an era focused on quality and timeless traditions. Inspired by Freddy, the Simon brothers met frequently in Redler?s home kitchen to develop the recipes, atmosphere and service blueprint that would reflect an establishment centered on those themes. Freddy?s founders grasped the power of a brand reminiscent of the 1940s and 50s. . . simpler times. . . featuring a key brand icon and touch point: Freddy. Patrons appreciate Freddy?s story. He brings real humanity and Americana to the brand. The Simons? father was, after all, a ?regular guy? who served his country in uniform, receiving a Purple Heart during his service and then becoming a family man who liked to throw a ball, fish with his boys, and spent his entire professional career in hospitality. ?Being able to bring the genuine ?Freddy? into the brand has been a phenomenal part of authenticating the brand for our staff and guests,? said co-founder Bill Simon. ?He embodies the values and era that our brand was born to personify.?

Black and white photos posted in the restaurant follow Freddy from infancy, showcase his adolescent years on the farm feeding chickens and driving a tractor, and highlight his time of service in the military as a WWII infantryman. Pictures of his growing family in the post-WWII era feature his small children who grew up to launch the concept bearing his name and a more recent color photo shows Freddy?s visit to the Philippines and WWII Memorial. Freddy?s brand is built around memories and values many families share, whether remembered from earlier times or being built today. It?s all included in the structured ?FreducationTM? training learned right along with the restaurant skills by every employee.

The Simons and Redler tinkered assiduously at the grill in Redler’s home kitchen to recreate their memories of 50s-inspired steakburgers, ensuring Freddy?s menu lived up to the brand. Freddy?s focuses on high-quality menu offerings that work together and epitomize era classics that stand the test of time. The founders? insistence on quality made-to-order menu items led the concept from its origination and continues at its core today. The 85%-lean ground steakburger (single, double or triple and California-style), the premium Vienna Beef Freddy?s Style Chicago Dog, Freddy?s Original Double Patty Melt (with grilled onions served on butter-toasted rye), Freddy?s Shoe String Fries complete with Freddy?s Seasoning (and made even tastier by dipping in Freddy?s Fry Sauce), and custom, found-only-at-Freddy?s frozen custards churned fresh throughout the day (to be eaten plain or as a sundae or concrete.

And true to Freddy?s brand of building stories together, even today specialty custards and other new food ideas are created and tested in Redler’s home kitchen with the Simons, family and friends gathering to enjoy the newest from Freddy?s. ?We spend a lot of time getting the food just right. It is the physical representation of the brand promise and ranks right at the top of the reasons why our customers return again and again. Equally important is what isn?t on the menu. Keeping the menu true to the era means leaving out many items that sometimes make modern restaurants? menus confusing or inconsistent,? said Redler.

Thus, the Freddy?s brand was born, not from marketing plans and executive boardrooms, but from real family history, exciting tastes, loving memories, and strong relationships. All of which are supported by cleanliness standards that lead the industry and an over-arching commitment to hospitality. The founders? experience in previous restaurant ventures confirmed their belief that general managers who are also operating partners make a critical difference in the success of the concept. Their commitment is felt by every employee in the restaurant and is a key element to the atmosphere built on hospitality.

Consumers know the real thing when they encounter it. While Freddy?s brand is in many ways more complex and deeply embedded than other strong brands in casual dining, Freddy?s senior team believes it is the honesty, personal involvement and passion with the brand that unifies its execution in a strong, simple and sustainable direction. Through the totality of brand touch points, Freddy?s has become a brand that is felt, in stomach and in heart, by its franchisees and patrons who demonstrate a strong affinity no matter their demographic. Stop in a Freddy?s today and you will find tables full of teenagers wearing letter jackets and swapping stories over a basket of fries, senior couples sharing a custard sundae together, and families who appreciate the short wait time and quality cooked-to-order food they can afford.

Freddy?s delicious food, coupled with family values and a strong emphasis on hospitality, combine to set the concept apart. Freddy?s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers gives families a place to gather, reminisce on favorite pastimes, and create their own treasured family memories, just as the founders intended and as inspired by Freddy himself.

(Freddy?s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers was founded in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas and now has more than 50 stores operating in nine states. Photos are available for this story.)

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Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy-efficient new homes, today announced the opening of their VIP Presales Interest List; offering first choice of exclusive home sites in the Vina Solana community in Chandler, Arizona.

Headquartered in Atlanta Georgia, Ashton Woods builds high-performance new homes in growth communities in Phoenix, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Raleigh and Tampa. Close to jobs, schools, shopping and transportation, Ashton Woods effectively balances healthy-house features with energy efficiency in their Power House Green homes ? which can save families as much as 45% per year on utility bills.

The Vina Solana VIP Presales Interest List enables interested homebuyers to get first selection of home sites prior to opening to the public

The 11 planned sites for Vina Solana include large 115 x 124 square feet average lots sizes. Buyers can also select from an impressive list of state-of-the-art floorplans; including two single level plans at 3,250 and 3,600 square feet and four two story models ranging from 3,700 up to 5,400 square feet.

Families looking at homes for sale in Chandler, Phoenix area new homes, or Chandler new homes will find Vina Solana located in a geographically desirable area of Chandler; just minutes away from the 202 and 10 freeways. Residents of Vina Solana are close to the Chandler Fashion Center and the Hohokam Pima National Monument

Interested homebuyers should contact Cheryl Kelley at Ashton Woods Homes, directly at this link: http://goo.gl/J7JxX.

For additional information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com/phoenix.

About Ashton Woods Homes

Ashton Woods Homes is one of the nation?s largest private homebuilding companies, with operations in Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Raleigh, Dallas, Houston, Austin and Phoenix. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.

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Over the past few nights, eager crowds have gathered at the Bay Area industrial art complex The Crucible, located in West Oakland, to experience the wonder of MACHINE: A World Premiere Fire Opera. The audience is transported to an underground world of toil and flame, sweat and dirt, lust and anger. A show like no other, the fire opera has remaining performances scheduled for January 14, 18, 19 and 20, with a closing night gala on January 21.

?Saw ?Machine? last night at The Crucible. What a bunch of imaginative, creative, daring, talented artists! Visceral, eye-grabbing, thoughtful, sexy and HOT (literally),? said a fan on The Crucible?s Facebook page.

Bringing together the worlds of opera and industrial art, MACHINE is set in a fiery industrial universe in which workers have sold themselves into a lifetime of servitude. When one worker regains his power of self-determination, the story ignites into an explosive brew of escape plots, alliances, and unlikely love interests.

The spectacular performance features five opera singers, a rock singer and percussionists who “play” the scaffolding-like set. With a live molten metal pour, glass blowing, and blacksmiths, MACHINE delivers the kind of awe-inspiring performance that audiences have come to expect from The Crucible.

?Hot damn! This one heck of an opera,? wrote one Yelp reviewer.

Conceived and directed for The Crucible stage by Mark Streshinsky?who previously collaborated on Dracul and Firebird?MACHINE is based on the short story “Deus Ex Machina” by science fiction author Derek J. Goodman.

The music of MACHINE was composed by Clark Suprynowicz, who is well known in the Bay area for his rock- and jazz-infused opera and symphonic compositions. Suprynowicz’s riveting score features seven percussionists alongside both classical and rock instrumentalists. Barnaby Palmer provides musical direction.

Audiences have been blown away by the shows so far. ?I laughed, I stared, I gasped…. I was in awe during the whole opera performance,? one attendee posted on Yelp.

MACHINE will run for a total of eight evenings: January 11 to 14 and January 18 to 21, 2012. To purchase tickets online, visit: http://www.thecrucible.org/events/fire-operas-ballets/366. For more information about Crucible corporate and individual event sponsorships, visit: http://www.thecrucible.org/join-give/machine-sponsorship-opportunities.

About The Crucible

The Crucible is an educational facility that offers Bay Area art classes in the fine and industrial arts to people at all skill levels and original Bay Area team building events. What started in 1999 in an empty 6,000 square-foot warehouse in Berkeley has now grown to a 56,000 square-foot building in the heart of West Oakland.

The Crucible offers instruction in industrial and fine art for every level from beginning and intermediate to advanced levels in formats ranging from three-hour tasters to ten-week programs. Prices vary by course and duration. Class fees include tuition, studio fees, materials, tool access and safety training. There are no shopping lists for supplies or hidden costs.

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The future of retail store data collection technologies has arrived and will be on hand at the Datalogic ADC booth #1661 during this year?s NRF Annual Convention and EXPO, January 15 ? 18 in New York City. Datalogic ADC will give retailers the opportunity to see leading imaging technologies designed to enhance the automatic data capture experience from the POS to the back room.

On display, the Magellan? 8500Xt bioptic scanner will once again demonstrate why Datalogic ADC leads the world in fixed retail scanning. The Magellan 800i, 1100i and 1400i imagers will prove that great technological ability can be found in a small footprint. The single plane Magellan 3200i and Magellan 3300i imaged based readers will be available to show the easy handling of today?s fast paced mobile marketing needs.

The LaneHawk? bottom-of-the-basket (BOB) visual scanner and the LaneHawk? InCart image processor use patented Visual Pattern Recognition (ViPR) technologies to provide loss-prevention solutions that help secure the front end and transform a store?s losses back into profits. Attendees visiting the Datalogic booth will have a chance to see these unique and inventive systems in action.

Visitors will also be able to sample the new frontier of self-shopping through the demonstration of Datalogic?s Joya? self-shopping devices, as well as an iPhone application, powered by Datalogic?s ShopEvolution? software solution. Managing front and back room inventories, communicating with the field and keeping real time records will be easy to imagine through the use of Datalogic mobile computers (PDAs and PDTS) such as the Falcon? X3, Kyman?, Skorpio?, Memor? and Elf? mobile computer units.

Flexibility, mobility, snappy performance and compact designs will be on display in the Gryphon? and QuickScan? series of general purpose handheld corded and cordless scanners. The variety of laser based scanners and 1D and 2D imaging technologies offered by Datalogic will surely answer the many needs demanding solutions in the retail store. The PowerScan? series of industrial handheld readers are a great choice for back room scanning, and will be on display during the show.

Datalogic ADC ? where innovation is boundless!

About Datalogic ADC ?

Datalogic ADC is the world leader in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection industry, offering state of the art solutions with fixed position retail scanners, handheld scanners and mobile computers. Datalogic ADC?s range includes in-counter and on-counter point of sale scanners, general purpose and ruggedized handheld scanners, rugged mobile computers, industrial PDAs and vehicle mount computers. The Solutions business unit of Datalogic ADC is a leader in the development of solutions for the retail industry. Stores can benefit from the latest in vision-based technology solutions, analytical tools, self-shopping solutions and consumer relationship technologies.

A division of the Datalogic Group, Datalogic ADC is headquartered in the US with a presence in over 120 countries. The company provides solutions for applications in several sectors, including healthcare, hospitality/entertainment, manufacturing, retail, services and transportation & logistics.

For more news and information on Datalogic ADC, please visit http://www.adc.datalogic.com.

Datalogic Group is a global leader in Automatic Data Capture and Industrial Automation. As a world-class total solutions provider and producer of bar code readers, data collection mobile computers, RFID and vision systems, Datalogic offers innovative solutions for a full range of applications in the manufacturing, retail and transportation & logistics industries. Datalogic S.p.A. is quoted on the STAR segment of the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001 as DAL.MI, and is headquartered in Lippo di Calderara di Reno (Bologna). It employs over 2,000 staff members worldwide, distributed in 30 countries across Europe, Americas, Asia, and Oceania. The Group invests over 26 million Euro each year in Research and Development and has a large and growing portfolio of 898 patents across the world.

For more news and information on Datalogic, please visit http://www.datalogic.com.

Datalogic and the Datalogic logo are registered trademarks of Datalogic S.p.A. in many countries, including the U.S.A. and the E.U. The Joya logo is a registered trademark of Datalogic Mobile S.r.l. in the U.S. and the E.U. Shopevolution and the Elf logo are registered trademarks of Datalogic Mobile S.r.l. in the E.U. Elf, Joya, Kyman, Kyman-Gun, Memor, Skorpio, are trademarks of Datalogic Mobile S.r.l.

Falcon, the Falcon logo, Magellan, PowerScan, and QuickScan are registered trademarks of Datalogic ADC, Inc. in many countries, including the U.S. and the E.U. Gryphon is a trademark of Datalogic ADC, Inc. LaneHawk is a registered trademark of Evolution Robotics Retail, Inc., a Datalogic ADC, Inc. company.

For additional information about Datalogic Scanning products, please visit our web site, email pr(at)datalogic(dot)com, or call +1-800-695-5700 (toll-free in the USA only) or +1-541-683-5700.

Contact:

Pam McQueen

Pam.mcqueen(at)datalogic(dot)com

541-302-2012

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Dynotag, Inc. announced an industry first – Internet-Enabled Smart Labeling solution that is affordable, easy to use and built for consumers. Traditionally, the use of QR Codes has been restricted to marketing companies and large organizations ? leaving the consumers without any solutions that meet their needs. Now, Dynotag answers this need with free web based dynotag labeling capability as well as offering a variety of ready-to use dynotag products that can be purchased today.

Dynotag has made a short introductory ?Telestration? cartoon video available, featuring embedded dynotags with real use examples.

Featuring a unique QR Code and a corresponding unique short web address usable on any computer, every dynotag Smart Tag leads to a cloud-hosted private information page linked to that dynotag.

Users can pick from a variety of ready tag templates or upload a file ? or just point to a web address, such as LinkedIn page, Facebook page, YouTube video, etc. The information can be updated anytime over the web, and is hosted by Dynotag in a secure and private manner using industrial strength cloud storage.

?What makes Dynotag unique is users can create a free account and create as many free dynotags they need with that account. Dynotags are kept forever unless their owner deletes them.? Said Murat Divringi, Founder and CEO of Dynotag.

?Dynotag is the first company with solutions that are geared for consumers, answering real world needs for real people. We have designed a simple, easy to use yet powerful user interface that makes dynotags accessible to individuals anywhere on the planet – for uses ranging from simple property labeling to emergency aid and sophisticated object hyperlinking projects? added Divringi.

Consumers can make their own free dynotags and use them in any way the want. If they want to use a quality, ready-made dynotag-powered product, they can simply buy one from Dynotag?s web store or a retail partner.

All ready-to-use Dynotag products leverage the inherent power of dynotags ? and feature additional ?premium? capabilities, giving them extra storage, security and notification features.

????Ready-to use sticker kits offer weatherproof stickers suitable for labeling all types of gadgets, books and property.

????Ready-to-use, weatherproof Luggage Tags and Mini Tags can be attached to bags, luggage, sporting equipment and outdoor gear.

????ECI (Emergency Contact Information) Card kit provides a wallet and shoelace/keychain card, specially designed to be weatherproof, visible and recognizable by EMS (Emergency Medical Service) personnel ? who can access the vital information stored in the dynotag.

????Emergency Contact Info Pendant is a specially designed military style metal pendant that has the features of the EIC card ? but can be worn continuously at all times.

????Round Metal Pet Tags are useful for storing vital information to recover pets.

?What is amazingly useful is the fact that you can update the contents of a dynotag even after you lose the tagged property!? added Divringi. ?That way, the information can be kept up to date and relevant. For example, if you misplace your tablet computer ? and if it has a dynotag on it ? you can post a reward for its return ? after you lose it!?

Dynotag makes its products available through their Amazon Store at store.dynotag.com, ready for Amazon Prime delivery everywhere.

About Dynotag:

Founded by experienced technology entrepreneurs from the Seattle area, Dynotag is a Technology Company based in Seattle, Washington. Dynotag, Inc. specializes in offering state-of-the art, capable yet easy to use labeling/ tagging solutions for consumers and businesses. Dynotag’s retail products are available direct on-line as well as through partners and licensors.

Dynotag – “There is a Tag for That” ™

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Sharon Kleyne, host of the Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water syndicated radio talk show, recently interviewed Traci Coker of the World Vision Gift Catalogue regarding the catalogue’s wide selection of life-changing gifts that donors may give to impoverished families and children in developing countries, to improve heath and enrich lives.

World Vision representatives have previously appeared on the show several times and reflect Sharon Kleyne’s message about proactive self-help. World Vision also reflects the mission of the charity Mrs. Kleyne founded, the Save-a-Child’s Life Foundation. The interview with Traci Coker may be heard on-demand on World Talk Radio, Voice America, Green Talk Network, Apple iTunes and Twitter.

Traci Coker has been with World Vision International for four years, and works at their world headquarters in Federal Way, Washington, where they have been for over 60 years.

Sharon Kleyne and Ms. Coker agreed that the primary need in developing or third world countries is access to safe and abundant water. Water releases women and children to other activities besides carrying water and drastically reduces infant and child mortality, and preventable blindness. In India, according to Ms. Coker, 4,000 children a day die from dehydration and sanitation diseases, all of which are preventable. Many more are blinded or disabled.

The catalogue began in 1996 as a way to help children, their families and orphans. The gift of a goat ($ 25), which requires very little maintenance, can provide up to 16 cups of milk a day to feed an undernourished child, with milk left over to sell in the marketplace.

Other gifts include: cows, chickens, ducks, art supplies, water, water wells, bed nets, seeds, water pumps, school books, clothing, bicycles, stocking for a fish pond, Bibles, computers, small business loans, and yes?toys.

It is possible to purchase part of a larger gift, such as a tractor.

According to Traci Coker, these are all the same gift ? the gift of hope, opportunity and self-worth.

Everyone who gives a gift receives a small token such as a Christmas ornament, identifying them as a World Vision donor.

World Vision International operates in over 100 countries. When they become involved in assisting a community, they remain for at least 15 years and set up local committees to develop indigenous leaders. They also work with other agencies and organizations to help the community develop and maintain safe water wells, schools, community projects, etc.

Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water is sponsored by Bio-Logic Aqua Research, whose Nature’s Tears? EyeMist? product naturally soothes and humidifies dry eyes. Nature?s Tears? EyeMist? is available at http://www.BioLogicAqua.com, Amazon.com, drugstore.com and selected drugstores nationwide.

Listen to the Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water Mondays, 10 a.m., PST/PDT. The syndicated radio talk show is heard on Voice America/World Talk Radio, Green Talk Network and Apple iTunes. Go to http://www.SharonKleyneHour.com for written summaries and on-demand replays. Also visit http://www.naturestears.com, http://whatistheeye.wordpress.com, “Nature’s Tears EyeMist” on Facebook and “Bio-Logic Aqua” on Twitter.

Adetutu’ Ijose’s website is http://www.foodsthathealdaily.com. .

? 2011 Bio-Logic Aqua Research

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CyberCity 3D, Inc.?, a leader in the creation of 3D GIS city models with roof features, today announced its membership in the Esri Partner Network.

CyberCity 3D?s main products, 3D Multipatch and Shapefile buildings, use the geo-database file format to combine 3D building data with Esri technology.

“The Esri Partner Network provides us the opportunity to merge our authoritative GIS data with sophisticated users,” states CyberCity 3D CEO Kevin DeVito. ?We’re looking forward to growing this new relationship and leveraging our Esri partner status in ways that will benefit both our customers and Esri clients, while also improving the burgeoning 3D data analysis and mapping user base.”

CyberCity 3D deploys sophisticated modeling methods with Photogrammetry to create highly detailed 3D buildings and offer complete city area data sets. The Company?s models have been seen by millions of mobile device owners. Hundreds of direct users have made use of this 3D data for built environment analysis in renewable energy, telecom, planning, mapping, and visualization worldwide.

Esri users, visit HERE to download small portions of CyberCity 3D?s larger city model areas free of cost.

About Esri?

Since 1969, Esri has been giving customers around the world the power to think and plan geographically. The market leader in geographic information system (GIS) technology, Esri software is used in more than 300,000 organizations worldwide including each of the 200 largest cities in the United States, most national governments, over two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. Esri applications, running on one million plus desktops and thousands of Web and enterprise servers, provide the backbone for the world’s mapping and spatial analysis. Esri is the only vendor that provides complete technical solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms. Visit Esri at esri.com/news.

About CyberCity 3D, Inc.?

CyberCity 3D, Inc.? is a state-of-the-art, 3D geospatial modeling company specializing in emerging 3D GIS and GeoWeb solutions including 3D Multipatch Building Footprints, 3D GIS Buildings for Esri Software Users, 3D for Planimetrics Mapping, 3D/2D Mobile Geo-Location Applications, 3D Modeling Services Using Satellite and Aerial Imagery, and an Off-the-Shelf Library of over 48 cities. Contact CyberCity 3D at sales@cybercity3d.com or call (877) 607-2233.

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In-memory analytics pioneer Kognitio today named Michael Hiskey the new Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, bringing a wealth of strategic and marketing expertise to the company.

As the VP, Marketing and Business Development, Mr. Hiskey will be responsible for messaging, strategy, marketing operations and business development on a global scale. He will drive the strategic marketing direction for the company?s proven in-memory analytical data warehousing platform, as well its industry-leading Cloud solution, both of which enable clients to tackle Big Data problems and leverage analytics to gain business insight from complex data sets.

Mr. Hiskey joined Kognitio as Business Development Director from IBM Corporation, where he managed a global team of data warehouse and business analytics subject matter experts and played a pivotal role positioning the IBM acquisition and integration with Netezza. During his time at IBM, Mr. Hiskey held numerous executive and managerial marketing and business development positions. Prior to his successful career at IBM, Mr. Hiskey was Business Development Manager at Informix Software, where he worked closely with sales and management teams to drive marketing programs and sales initiatives.

?Michael has deep global domain expertise in the data warehouse business and an outstanding background in strategic marketing and business development,? said Steve Millard, COO of Kognitio. ?He is well-connected and has deep ties to the data warehouse space crucial to the success of Kognitio. He?ll be a great asset as he heads up the marketing and business development operations.?

?Kognitio has a proven analytic product that works ? a marketer?s dream. As VP, Marketing and Business Development, I look forward to progressing Kognitio?s global marketing strategy and pushing it to the next level,? said Mr. Hiskey. ?Kognitio has an impressive senior management team and I am proud to be a part of that; I intend to push the boundaries and generate more business for an already established and successful company within the data warehouse and analytics space.?

Mr. Hiskey holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in marketing and management from Columbia Business School. Previously, he completed a Bachelor of Science: Business Administration in finance and marketing at the University at Albany, State University of New York and has completed an extensive amount of leadership and management courses.

Kognitio is a long-standing innovator in data warehousing and business analytics. The company pioneered many of the technologies now employed by state-of-the-art data warehouse and business intelligence systems including the first in-memory analytic database, the original data warehouse appliance and the world?s first cloud-based solution: Data Warehousing as a Service. Kognitio?s award-winning analytical accelerator is the fastest and most scalable analytical data warehouse. It runs alongside any enterprise data store or Hadoop cluster to enable firms to turn massive amounts of raw, complex data into valuable business insight. Kognitio clients span industries including customer loyalty, market research, CPG, retail, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, gaming, media and utilities. Kognitio does its primary software development in the UK with headquarters there and in the U.S.

To learn more about Kognitio, visit http://www.kognitio.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

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Cuban writers are often as famous for their politics as they are for their writing. Reinaldo Arenas, one of the most famous Cuban writers, has received acclaim for his novels and his critiques of the Cuban government. This interesting intersection of art and politics is also apparent in the new novel by Er?lides E. Cabrera, Let the Breeze Blow (published by AuthorHouse).

In Let the Breeze Blow, Cabrera tells the story of Carlos Garcia, a Miami entrepreneur. Carlos is a shrewd businessman who runs a chain of markets and provides a comfortable living for his family. His wife and daughter mean the world to him, and he will do anything for them. But when his teenage daughter contrives a plan to visit her parents? homeland, Carlos balks. His sour childhood experiences during the Castro regime will not allow him to return to Cuba. Under pressure by his wife, he obtains the best trip arrangement for her and his daughter, which unbeknownst to him will lead them straight into the arms of a Mexican gang.

While Cabrera weaves a solid, compelling story (his experience as an attorney lends to his minimalist writing approach), his most engaging scenes happen during the book?s critiquing moments.

?I was inspired to write this story by the obvious disarray that exists between two cultures that have the same root ? the Cuban ?migr?s who reside all over the country, exceeding 1.5 million, and the Cuban population on the island.?

The collision of these two cultures has resulted in unexpected consequences, says Cabrera, who draws moving parallels to the current Mexican drug cartel slayings.

?It does not hold back the discussion,? Cabrera says of Let the Breeze Blow. ?It does not mince words when it comes to the tragedy of the U.S.-Mexican border, our own failings in dealing with the problem and our lack of commitment. I want readers to think about reality when talking about the border and the Cuban situation. Both themes are current problems that are discussed daily but not with the right amount of candor as in this book.?

La Naci?n describes Let the Breeze Blow as ?a bold story that leaves nothing untold.?

The book is available at major booksellers and online at http://www.authorhouse.com.

About the Author

Er?lides E. Cabrera is an attorney and author who resides and practices law in New Jersey. He was born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States as a child. He has written numerous fiction books, love stories and mystery tales. He is a graduate of Fordham University and Brooklyn Law School.

AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industry?s only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrated 15 years of service to authors in Sept. 2011.For more information or to publish a book visit authorhouse.com or call 1-888-519-5121. For the latest, follow @authorhouse on Twitter.

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AirMass, LLC, a Lenexa-based facility management technology company that specializes in web-based facilities management software, is pleased to present this review of its progress during 2011.

Founded in 2009, AirMass is the creator of PropertyTRAK, a web-based facilities management software suite that provides internal staff and vendor work flow efficiencies and safety management tools to improve building operations. In 2011, AirMass celebrated its second year in business with a significant growth in their client base, numerous product enhancements to their software product suite, and an office expansion in Johnson County.

?Overall, I couldn?t be happier with the successes of the past twelve months,? said John Massey, CEO of AirMass. ?In February, we officially opened our offices at the Enterprise Center of Johnson County. In July, we established a hosting agreement with CoSentry to provide the secure, resilient IT infrastructure necessary to host PropertyTRAK for our growing client list.

?We had a great year. We grew our customer base by approximately fifty percent, with some great new clients, including the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Swope Community Healthcare, United Way of Greater Kansas City, K-State Olathe, and the Kansas Children?s Discovery Center in Topeka. In addition, we?re going into 2012 with numerous additional prospective customers currently in a trial of our software.?

Over the 2011 year, the PropertyTRAK software product enhancements included:

????Work Order Departments: allowing multiple work teams able to work within silo-separated departments for equipment preventive maintenance management and work orders, securely accessed by departmental staff.
????Equipment subcomponents: where multi-subcomponents can now be associated with a ?Parent? equipment item that separately tracks ?Child? subcomponents for preventive maintenance, equipment parts replacement and warranties but can be reported on as a total system.
????Preventive Maintenance Equipment Rescheduling: an option at completion time that enables the resetting of ongoing PM schedules.
????Full Name Search that enables management to quickly find any PropertyTRAK user based on any name, word or number within the user?s profile.

?Going into 2012, we have some additional PropertyTRAK product enhancements to announce, including more services and new partnerships,? said Massey. ?One feature we?re presently testing will allow project users access to a shared document repository for check lists, progress reports, photos and a live group-only blog to exchange comments and questions regarding the project.?

To close the year, AirMass/PropertyTRAK would like to thank its employees, clients and business partners for their support and wish everyone a happy holiday season.

About PropertyTRAK:

PropertyTRAK implements web-based Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) and Computerized Maintenance Management systems (CMMS) that deliver cost effective facility management automation. As a highly-secure hosted solution, PropertyTRAK maintains service-based relationships with its clients. PropertyTRAK sets high standards for security, data redundancy, financial integrity, audit tracking and quality operations.

Visit PropertyTRAK.com for more information or call (866) 780-8725 to reach AirMass/PropertyTRAK directly.

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More Art Press Releases

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian today announced that two new medical chairs have been created in order to further advance Hoag as a leader in cardiovascular surgery and gastrointestinal cancer. Renowned cardiovascular surgeon Aidan Raney, M.D., Hoag medical director of cardiovascular surgery, has been named The James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery and digestive disease expert John C. Lipham, M.D., Hoag Foregut Cancer Program Director and Chief of USC Affiliated Academic Programs has been named the James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair in Gastrointestinal Cancer.

?The funds from the endowed chairs will allow Hoag to stay on the leading edge of improving technology and programs for our patients in cardiovascular surgery and gastrointestinal cancer,? said Richard Afable, M.D., Hoag president and chief executive officer. ?The concept of endowed chairs puts Hoag on the same playing field as leading academic institutions and we look forward to developing these world class programs in order to provide the highest quality care to the community we serve.?

Dr. Raney, in collaboration with his colleagues at Hoag Heart & Vascular Institute, has built a team of surgeons, nurses and technicians that have been consistently ranked number one in overall heart patient outcomes in Orange County and one of the top heart surgery programs in California. Dr. Lipham is a recognized expert in digestive diseases, specializing in complicated disorders of the esophagus and stomach. He completed a fellowship in esophageal surgery under nationally renowned physician Tom DeMeester, and brings to Hoag the minimally invasive techniques he pioneered at USC.

Dr. Raney and Dr. Lipham were honored for their appointments at the inaugural Hoag Hospital Foundation?s Endowed Chair Investiture Ceremony on December 7. Jim and Pam Muzzy, the generous donors who made the endowed chair positions possible, were also present at the ceremony.

?We are very thankful for Jim and Pam Muzzy?s commitment to Hoag?s growth and advancement in these important areas,? said Flynn A. Andrizzi, Ph. D., president, Hoag Hospital Foundation and senior vice president for development at Hoag.

Long-time Hoag benefactors, the Muzzys are generous and committed supporters of the arts, education and healthcare as well as other philanthropic causes.

?Hoag Hospital is one of the nation?s finest medical centers, and Pam and I are honored to be able to invest in the future technology and treatment for these diseases,? says Jim Muzzy, one of the founding partners of PIMCO, a groundbreaking global bond management firm. ?From its physicians to its nurses to its administrators, Hoag combines leading health care with genuine compassion for everyone it treats, we?re excited to watch Hoag grow and provide the most advanced medical care available to Orange County residents.?

There are now six endowed chair positions at Hoag, enabling Hoag to expand and improve programs in cancer, cardiac care, memory loss and cognitive impairment, neurosciences and now cardiovascular surgery and gastrointestinal disease.

List of Endowed Chairs to Date:

????Grace E. Hoag Executive Medical Director Chair, The Hoag Family Cancer Institute? Dr. Robert O. Dillman
????Judy and Richard Voltmer Chair in Memory Loss and Cognitive Disorders, Hoag Neurosciences Institute? Dr. Rodham Shankle
????Robert and Georgia Roth Chair for Excellence in Cardiac Care? Dr. Dipti Itchhaporia
????Ron and Sandi Simon Executive Medical Director Chair, Hoag Neurosciences Institute ? Dr. Michael Brant-Zawadzki
????The James and Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery ? Dr. Aidan Raney
????The James and Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair in GI Cancer ? Dr. John Lipham

About Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian

Hoag is a not-for-profit regional healthcare delivery network in Orange County, California that treats nearly 30,000 inpatients and 350,000 outpatients annually. Hoag consists of two acute-care hospitals, seven health centers and five urgent care centers. Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, which has served Orange County since 1952, and Hoag Hospital Irvine, which opened in 2010, are designated Magnet hospitals by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that include five institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, heart and vascular, neurosciences, women?s health and orthopedics through Hoag?s affiliate Hoag Orthopedic Institute. Hoag has been named one of the Best Regional Hospitals in the U.S. News & World Report Metro Edition. National Research Corporation has endorsed Hoag as Orange County?s most preferred hospital for the past 15 consecutive years and for an unprecedented 15 years, residents of Orange County have chosen Hoag as the county?s best hospital in a local newspaper survey. Visit http://www.hoag.org for more information.

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Find More Art Press Releases

It’s this year’s hot gift for the person who has everything: Telescopes of Vermont?s masterful remake of the 1923 Porter Garden Telescope is this year?s top pick in the Wall Street Journal?s Holiday Gift Guide 2011. The Porter Garden Telescope, a magnificent garden sculpture and optically superb instrument, is cast in bronze and bears a hand applied verdigris patina. This artistic landscape art installation is worth every dollar of its $ 76,000 price tag. Last minute shoppers can find the Holiday Gift Guide 2011 online at the Wall Street Journal?s website, or go straight to the source at http://www.GardenTelescopes.com for information on both The Porter Garden Telescope and the recently released customizable bronze Birdbath Sundial.

Telescopes of Vermont is a small family company founded by Fred Schleipman, an inventor and engineer from Norwich, Vermont. He was driven by a passion to reintroduce to the world a most unusual telescope. Originally designed in 1923 by Russell Porter of MIT and Springfield, Vermont, the Porter Garden Telescope was conceived as both a superb optical instrument and a beautiful Art Nouveau botanical sculpture. An original resides in the Smithsonian Institution.

George Manacek, whose work is the scholarly study of antique scientific instruments, claims that it is the most pure marriage of art and science he has ever witnessed, and that neither role is compromised by the other. Its beauty compelled Schleipman to convince a small museum in Vermont that he could improve on the telescope and reintroduce it to the world. That effort took twenty-five years of cajoling, but Schleipman’s track record of design and fabrication convinced the museum he was equal to the task. After five years of engineering and the integration of many refinements, he has done so. Hence the little telescope that inspired the design of the 200-inch Hale telescope was reborn. Schleipman, a spry 92, is still very involved in the production of each unit, along with a team of gifted individuals who are masters of their respective crafts.

The Porter Garden Telescope is the clever and sculptural reconfiguration of the more familiar reflecting telescope, which is housed in a tube with an eyepiece projecting from the top. In the case of the Porter Garden Telescope, the tube has become a bronze ginger leaf, which holds the optics in place. The optics lift out in seconds, leaving a graceful installation that can reside outdoors permanently as a distinctive centerpiece to a garden. With the optics removed, it is also a novel sundial and as such is a wonderful educational tool for demonstrating the relationship of time and solar position.

Serial numbered and limited to 200 pieces, it has the cachet of rarity, and is an heirloom imbued with hand wrought craftsmanship. Over four hundred hours of custom work are lavished on each telescope. It will appeal to those who desire a singular piece of functional art, it will spark conversations and delight owners and their guests and it will instill a certain awe when trained on the moon, the moons of Jupiter or the rings of Saturn. Currently there are only twenty-five in the world.

?We?re thrilled to have been featured in this year?s Wall Street Journal Gift Guide,? comments Russ Schleipman of Telescopes of Vermont. ?The Telescope is a beautiful piece of sculpture. It makes the perfect gift for someone seeking a singular addition to a garden, roof deck or amateur observatory. It is a milestone acquisition for the art collector, garden lover and astronomy buff.”

About Telescopes of Vermont

Telescopes of Vermont has lavishly and faithfully recreated The Porter Garden Telescope. Schleipman?s highly specialized team is made up of world-class machinists, optical engineers, foundrymen and pattern makers. They have also recently released the Birdbath Sundial, based on the design of The Porter Garden Telescope. They finish these superlative garden ornaments in their workshop, high on a hill in Norwich, Vermont.

GardenTelescopes.com features two didactic videos on the production of these unparalleled pieces, along with detailed specifications and information on how to purchase.

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ONTILITY, the nation?s leading solar training company, proudly announces that major solar manufacturers have agreed to sponsor the second annual Solar Training and Continuing Education Conference. The conference is scheduled for January 25-27, 2012 at the Renaissance New Orleans Arts Hotel in New Orleans and will feature advanced training from leading solar industry manufacturers and the ONTILITY Training team. Workshops will provide NABCEP credit for those working toward PV Installer certification and Certified PV Installers who need continuing education credits.

Canadian Solar, one of the world?s largest solar module producers, is a leading vertically integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules, solar power systems and specialized solar products. Canadian Solar has agreed to be a platinum level sponsor the ONTILITY Solar Training Conference.

Sun Edison, a pioneer of solar energy services models, develops, finances, operates and monitors solar plants across the globe. In close collaboration with ONTILITY, Sun Edison is offering a solar energy system leasing program for residential customers. The program is available in several states now and, according to ONTILITY, is expanding with the addition of new states every month. Sun Edison has also agreed to support the ONTILITY Solar Training and Continuing Education Conference at the platinum level.

Other manufactures have also stepped up to support this important event with their sponsorships. Gold Level Sponsors include: Fronius, Legrand and Unirac. Silver level sponsors include: Cooper, Graybar Electric, Power-One, Quick Mount PV, Schuco and UNI-SOLAR.

These sponsors recognize the importance of training and continuing education for success of solar professionals and the health of the solar industry. They understand the need to go beyond the product demonstration workshops typical of training conferences. Through their generous support these companies demonstrating a commitment to industry growth and are helping to ensure that conference attendees will receive very high return for their investment of time and money.

Conference Participants are also eligible to earn NABCEP Continuing Education Credits for all sessions. Accredited workshops are scheduled to make it possible for full conference attendees to earn NABCEP credits in all three NABCEP categories, NEC and building codes, Job Task Analysis-related and general business topics. NABCEP certified installers and technical sales professionals are encouraged to attend.

About ONTILITY

ONTILITY is committed to Connecting the Last Mile of the Solar Industry. In just over one year, ONTILITY has grown from a start up to an 80M solar business success leader featuring Solar Distribution, Solar Training, Solar Business and Project Support Services and Solar Solutions. Learn Solar design & installation through our professional solar training. Buy Solar from our stocking warehouse of superior solar products at competitive prices. Enjoy Solar Business Success with our full range of partner support services including engineering and design consulting, proposal support, sales and marketing programs, technology solutions, due diligence and financial support, lease programs, custom training and project consulting. Team with us on residential, commercial and large scale Solar Solutions. ONTILITY brings you best-in-class solar business and project training, products, support, services and solutions.

?Solar Products and Supplies ? Over 120 Manufacturers / Maintains over 20M in Monthly Inventory

?Solar Training ? NABCEP and IREC Training Courses and Certification Programs

?Design Support ? End-to-End Design and Engineering Support Services

?Proposal Support ?The Latest Web-based Virtual Technology for World-Class Solar Proposals

?Consulting Support ? NABCEP Certified Installation Consultants to Support Your Projects

?Financial Support ? Financial and Lease Solutions for Your Business and Customers

?Rebate Support ? Rebate Assistance and Coverage Solutions

?Lease Business Support ? Complete Platform to Support Residential Leasing Programs

?Logistics Support ? Remote, Field, Project Site and Rooftop Delivery Solutions

?Marketing Support ? Websites, Collateral, Business Cards, Co-branding

?Sales Support ? Lead Demand, Call Center/Inside Sales Center, Web Lead and One Call Closed Virtual Sales Proposal Programs

?Strategic Solar Support Programs ? Homebuilder, Retail Electric and Utility Provider, Corporate Employee and Community Solar Programs

More Information, Please Call or Visit Us: 877.558.7479 or http://www.ontility.com.

Media contact:

Alexandra Harrison

Marketing and Strategic Accounts

Tel: 281-854-1400

Email: alexandra(dot)harrison(at)ontility(dot)com

Website: http://www.ontility.com

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Cerion Optimization Services Inc., a Texas-based engineering firm, announces the use of their software platform by a Tier 1 UK operator, to plan and design vendor swap from one major equipment vendor to another in the North part of the UK.

With increased focus on expenses, wireless operators are undertaking vendor swaps across the world. This poses a challenge to accurately predict the capacity profile of the new vendor equipment, which is vital for precise network dimensioning. Cerion provides the capability to plan the vendor swap accurately, by modeling the new vendor design, using traffic profile data from the old vendor network design. Precise vendor equipment experience from around the world, coupled with state of the art AI algorithm based Cerion Optimizer software, enables the operators to predict and plan the network for the new vendor equipment.

Cerion?s integrated software platform is the only solution proven to deliver optimal network planning across multiple functional groups, while overcoming the complexities associated with multiple technologies, multiple vendors, multiple network layers, and multiple configurations.

?We are currently working with several of our global customers helping with their network design and optimization initiatives. The ?design, plan, and optimize? process is extremely complex and requires state-of-the art methods and tools to mitigate the risks. That is what Cerion has been providing to its customers for almost a decade now,? added Shahzad Nadeem, Cerion’s head of technical sales in EMEA.

Call Cerion now to learn about the service guarantee.

For further information, please contact:

http://www.cerioninc.com

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Related Art Press Releases

Elsevier, the world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, congratulates John L. Hennessy on being named the 2012 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Medal of Honor recipient. Hennessy is a pioneer in computer architecture, president of Stanford University and co-author of Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach and Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface, published under the Morgan Kaufmann imprint.

The IEEE Medal of Honor is bestowed upon an individual for an exceptional contribution or an extraordinary career in the IEEE fields of interest. The IEEE specifically noted Hennessy?s role in ?pioneering the RISC processor architecture and for leadership in computer engineering and higher education.?

John L. Hennessy has been a member of the Stanford University faculty since 1977 in the departments of electrical engineering and computer science. Hennessy is a fellow of the IEEE and the ACM, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Science, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Spanish Royal Academy of Engineering. He received the 2001 Eckert-Mauchly Award for his contributions to RISC technology, the 2001 Seymour Cray Computer Engineering Award, and shared the John von Neumann award in 2000 with David Patterson.

Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach, which Hennessy co-authored with David A. Patterson, the Pardee Professor of Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, is considered the ?bible? of computer architecture. In his foreword to the 5th Edition, published September 2011, Luiz Andr? Barroso said, ?What has made this book an enduring classic is that each edition is not an update, but an extensive revision that presents the most current information and unparalleled insight into this fascinating and fast changing field. For me, after over twenty years in this profession, it is also another opportunity to experience that student-grade admiration for two remarkable teachers.”

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier?s online solutions include SciVerse ScienceDirect, SciVerse Scopus, Reaxys, MD Consult and Nursing Consult, which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite and MEDai?s Pinpoint Review, which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.

A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC, a world-leading publisher and information provider, which is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).

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Speed, value, and good science are three of the qualities that forged a new working partnership between AIT Bioscience, a bioanalytical contract research organization and PreClinOmics, a preclinical contract research company, both headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind.

The partnership between the two life sciences companies allows a pharmaceutical or biotech company investigating new drug candidates or existing products the ability to have their compounds dosed in rodent models in about seven days after the first client meeting. ?Our resources and processes are built around speed because clients need their data quicker to make their decisions which also provides cost efficiencies,? said PreClinOmics Chairman and CEO Joe Pesek.

To understand drug disposition, new methods must also be developed to track the drug in biological fluids, and AIT Bioscience provides complementary expertise in mass spectrometry to create the assay procedures. AIT Bioscience was built as the first paperless laboratory in the industry, enabling QA?d data delivery in 10 business days or less, a much shorter timeframe than the typical data delivery of one to two months. ?Our two companies provide an unmatched convenience to a customer due to the fact we are located about a mile from each other, we have complementary expertise, and we can work concurrently rather than serially to save the customer time. A client can visit both companies in the same day,? said AIT Bioscience Executive Director Ronald Shoup, Ph.D.

As a result of their expertise and collaboration, the two companies are able to provide a client with an earlier impression as to whether their compound is being absorbed and distributed as expected. ?A customer may have only worked with their compound in chemical tests which would give them no idea as to the absorption rate of the drug or if it is reaching its intended target,? said Shoup. ?PreClinOmics is able to design the experiments and offer consultation on the study design, while AIT Bioscience works on the kind of analyses that must be done.?

In September, AIT Bioscience opened a new 18,000 square foot state-of-the-art laboratory built for both small molecule and protein bioanalysis. PreClinOmics has more than 20 years of experience in live phase research and develops models that are genetically selected for specific characteristics. The company also holds an AAALAC accreditation that relates to animal care and facility quality and is supported by AALAS-certified technicians.

?Bringing the two companies together not only demonstrates the strength of the life sciences in Indiana but also shows customers a spirit of collaboration that can provide the expertise and value they may be looking for in this challenging economy,? added Pesek.

About AIT Bioscience:

AIT Bioscience, LLC, headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., is a bioanalytical contract research organization supporting pre-clinical and phase I-III clinical trials. AIT Bioscience provides robust analytical methods, painless sample logistics, and rapid sample analyses that support programs through to the investigational new drug and new drug applications. AIT Bioscience has created a new standard for quantitative bioanalytical analysis and drug development in support of small biotech and large pharmaceutical companies. Learn more about AIT Bioscience at http://www.AITBioscience.com.

About PreClinOmics:

PreClinOmics, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind. is an established preclinical contract research company primarily focused in supporting drug discovery and development research in the therapeutic areas of metabolic syndrome, its related complications and polycystic kidney disease. Incorporated in 2001, the Company is AAALAC accredited and has extensive technical and analytical capabilities to support PK/PD, screening and efficacy studies and related analysis. Learn more about PreClinOmics at c.

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Related Art Press Releases

As the ?Occupy? movement has captured international attention, photographer Vance Petrunoff brings the true essence to the world with spot-on images that capture the raw spirit of the movement. His photographic essays document ?Occupy? from New York to Hawaii, covering Wall Street, Oakland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, University of California Davis, the city of Davis, Sonoma, Honolulu, and even radical Berkeley. Petrunoff offers a raw, ground level view of what was actually happening. His images depict the participants, their purity and their devotion to the movement, contrary to what appears in the media. He has purposely not focused on any violence or police involvement.

Petrunoff was in Oakland both before and after the police raids. His pictures serve insight to the media?s depiction of this event, and he clearly gives photographic proof to differ.

?I read a story on AP that said that the Oakland ?Occupy? was dirty and rat-infested,? reports Petrunoff. ?That was one reason for the raid. It wasn?t my experience at all. I documented a well-organized, clean event with well-thought waste collection and recycling centers. I saw no rats.?

Petrunoff?s images may be seen at http://vancepetrunoff.zenfolio.com/featured.html.

?It?s amazing how the national media is depicting these events,? says Petrunoff, who is no stranger to censorship. ?It?s like they weren?t even there.?

Petrunoff?s images capture the core of ?Occupy.? He has elected not to focus on the oddities, but the mainstream of the movement. His pictures show the people and their daily lives as well as their signs, banners and messages. His art has been extremely well received by participants and the media.

The ?Occupy? events hit very close to Petrunoff, who defected from Bulgaria in 1985. He witnessed the fall of Communism and the Berlin Wall, and continues his work in America.

Petrunoff is planning a national exhibition of his work, displayed in select cities around America.

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Related Art Press Releases

A U.S. Congressman invites a select group of people to a dinner party for his 18 year old autistic son. With his campaign manager at his side, the plan is to use this occasion to better ascertain ?the pulse of the people? in preparation for his forthcoming reelection bid.

The movie describes the twenty-first century political paradigm shift as manifest by the Arab Spring and Occupy movement, and outlines a participatory plan for America?s involvement. This plan includes a proven pathway to the actualized creation of world peace.

Check out the trailer here!

?The Congressman?s Dinner was made in the hopes that the will of a greater populace might become part of the present day political discussion,? says Writer/Producer Bob Di Cerbo.

?We designed the movie as a dinner with a US congressman who is running for reelection. The thinking being that this could provide the platform to present what might be a more sensible, non-partisan and less costly present day adjustment in terms of governmental thinking and planning.?

The hope is that such recognition of this ?shift,? including the work of the Global Peace Initiative for example, could perhaps be addressed as part of any collectively governing body’s decision making and something also for each of us to individually consider.

Read the Congressman?s Blog for ongoing discussion on topics related to the film!

One of the dinner guests looks to convince the Congressman that the actual physics of peace – using examples of quantum physics as seen in plant growth, water experiments and in particular what scientists refer to as the Field Effect – proves and provides for now, a definable pathway to world peace. This proven science presents an exciting understanding of how we may individually and collectively help establish an even better world.

Among the topics presented is America’s spending on foreign aid, to whom it goes and with what results. This is compared to what a more strategically applied review might provide as to America being of greater service in contributing to that better world (and thereby more dynamically benefitting itself).

This strategically applied review suggests that such money is most likely better spent on trade vs. aid initiatives. Additional applications include how the US can complete a more comprehensive defense strategy and a direct pathway to how we can successfully end the war on terror.

About the Director – Omar Chraibi (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0159599/)

Directed by Omar Chraibi, whose movies have won numerous international awards, The Congressman’s Dinner marks his North American directorial debut.

Originally from Morocco and with a Master?s Degree in Cinema from the Sorbonne University, Mr. Chraibi?s movies have won ten awards internationally including three Best Feature Film awards. His ability to bring out the best in his actors is illustrated by the five Best Actor/Actress awards his actors have won, and his expertise in the comedy genre is seen by the two Best Comedy Program awards his has won for Moroccan Television.

Additionally he has served as a Unit Production Manager for The Bourne Ultimatum, Syriana, Body of Lies and Green Zone.

Executive Producer/Writer – Robert Di Cerbo

Robert Di Cerbo has been working professionally for thirty years in the entertainment industry, as an actor, director, writer, and producer. He has worked with directors Woody Allen, Peter Weir, Ivan Reitman and Martin Scorsese. He was an Associate Producer of The Karaoke King feature film, which has been an official selection at various film festivals and has secured a distribution offer, an Executive Producer for the horror film feature The Tenant, which has also secured distribution and Writer/Executive Producer and Producer for the feature film The Congressman?s Dinner now completed as of October, 2011. Robert has served locally on the Central Florida Performing Arts Board of Directors and the (Orlando) Downtown Arts District commission, is a founding member of the Orlando Professional Filmmakers Group, worked for the World Marketing Alliance where he held a NASD series 7 license and for sixteen years owned and operated a highly successful promotional travel business.

Filmed in Florida using Florida?s Entertainment Industry Financial Incentive

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World Wide Art, Inc., a renowned art gallery and custom conservation framing company, has announced that “Alice” by artist Morgan Weistling is now available at its shop.

The oil painting, which depicts a young, mischievous looking girl clutching a small white rabbit in her arms as she gazes out at the viewer, features deep pinks and glowing highlights that create somewhat of a dreamlike quality. Weistling’s gentle brushstrokes achieve a host of subtle nuances and color harmonies that result in an intense depth in “Alice.”

“We are very happy to carry this truly wonderful piece, as I think it really displays the imagination of a child,” said David Wilfong, spokesperson for World-Wide-Art.com. “Weistling is known for his mesmerizing oil paintings and his use of color, and ‘Alice’ is definitely one of those memorable pieces.”

Before he was even two, Morgan Weistling was experimenting with art, learning to draw from the lap of his father, who was a comic artist. His youthful imagination brought his art to life by weaving narrative stories into the things he drew. Weistling got his big break into the world of professional art at a young age, landing a gig with the top movie poster agency in Hollywood at the age of 19. His clients included Universal/Amblin Entertainment, Disney, MGM, Paramount, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures and TriStar, and his works were used to promote the stories of dozens of feature films.

Weistling has since shifted the focus of his career to fine art, and his success in this space has been equally impressive. The artist is inspired by the ordinary scenes around him and brings his subjects to life with the attention to detail of a skilled movie director. As he did in his paintings as a child and at the movie poster company, he incorporates a story in each of his paintings, treating art as his method of communication.

“Alice” speaks to the imagination and fun spirit of children and their pets, something that everyone has known and witnessed for themselves. The power of this timeless message has been reflected by the public?s reaction to this painting, as “Alice” was a featured work at the 2011 Jackson Hole Art Auction, selling for over $ 86,000. This by far exceeded the estimated sale price.

“‘Alice’ perfectly bridges the divide between modern art and classic oil painting,” said Wilfong. “The simplicity of the subject coupled with the complexity of Weistling?s technique makes this work a joy to behold.”

In addition to Weistling?s “Alice” painting, World-Wide-Art.com offers countless other new releases, limited editions and honored collections by today’s top artists. For more information, please visit http://www.world-wide-art.com.

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The International Music Festival Conference (IMFCON) announced the speakers for their panel session entitled, ?In the Trenches: Festival War Stories? for the annual IMFCON taking place December 4-6, 2011 in Austin, Texas at the Omni Hotel & Resort Downtown Austin.

Moderating the panel will be Howard Sapper, Chief Executive Officer, Harmony Festival, and speaking will be: Doug Cox, Executive Director, Vancouver Island Music Festival; Louis Meyers, Executive Director, Folk Alliance International, and co-founder SXSW Music & Media Conference; Stephen Ruffo, Executive Director, Wintergrass Festival; Brandy Johnson, Promoter Rep & Production Manager, AEG Live; and James Burke, Director, Arts & Cultural Programs, City Parks Foundation & SummerStage.

This panel will provide a discussion of the best and worst of festival war stories. Panelists and the audience will share stories from decades of dealing with musicians, sponsors, and audiences.

?In this changing landscape of Festival Production, it becomes more important for all of us to work together to enhance the Festival experience for all types of music and gatherings,? said Stephen Ruffo.

The 2011 IMFCON will feature top music festival industry leaders discussing the latest trends in operations & management, ticketing, sponsorship, programming, marketing & public relations, dealing with talent, agents, and managers, negotiating contracts with venues, digital technology solutions, long term planning and sustainable growth, greening your music festival, and executive management.

Sponsors and Partners for the 2011 IMFCON include: K2 Imaging, InTicketing, Fairplex, Tessitura Network, Eventbrite, Brown Paper Tickets, Ticketfly, Zevia, Heffernan Insurance, N?Take, Open Air Cinema, Greencopper Publishing, XOMO Digital, Creative Communications, Sound Mind Events, Karl?s Event Rental, CineCause, Doodson Insurance, The Emblem Source, Skytics, Weldon, Williams, and Lick, Hertz Entertainment Services, National Event Services, Front Gate Tickets, Tribeca Cinema ? the Works, Southern Outdoor Cinema, Refreshing Ideas, Royal Restrooms, Worldwide Ticketcraft, Brown Distributing Co, Volunteer Local, Tour Tech Support, FFJ Marketing, Qube Digital Cinema, Cinedigm, Festival Genius, TRS The Registration System, Vendini, Gibson, Film Festival App, Music Lab, Cinematransformer, Fleming?s Steakhouse, Texas Film Office, Robertson Taylor, Steelbridges Insurance, Aggreko, Ticketbiscuit, Print Mafia, Dataflow, Shiftboard, AAA Flag & Banner, Celebrity Access, Festival Network Online, The Hollywood Reporter, and more.

About International Music Festival Conference:

The International Music Festival Conference is the only conference addressing the issues facing the music festival industry. The IMFCON mission is to promote and strengthen the global music festival industry through education, networking, dissemination of information, and the cultivation of high standards for the industry. The IMFCON was founded in 2007 and provides the only annual conference & symposium for music festival professionals and entertainment executives to network, learn from one another, establish partnerships, and understand the latest trends in festivals and music. http://www.imfcon.com

For those interested in learning more about the International Music Festival Conference please contact Laurie Kirby at laurie(dot)kirby(at)michaelbass(dot)com or 626-470-6043.

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With the economy down, most families are struggling to provide Christmas for their families, let alone give to Charities. Christmas is the largest benevolent giving time of the year and charities count on the Holiday Season to provide their annual budgets for the following year. TheBenevolentShopper.com provides a way for shoppers to purchase gifts AND be benevolent with no extra cash out of pocket.

The owners of TheBenevolentShopper.com are also the Founders of Orphan?s Lifeline of Hope International who is responsible for the daily needs of 20,000 children in 9 countries. These children depend on this 11 year old non profit to provide everything for them. Food, Education, Medicine, Clothes and Shelter. So far the organization is maintaining donors but the Founders are preparing for 2012 by offering creative ways to keep the charities budget up.

The Founders of Orphan?s Lifeline of Hope International, Dave Board, CEO and Greg Timmons, COO have started two sister companies that will provide finances to Orphan?s Lifeline by shopping.

Hope Art Greetings & Gifts, features Greeting Cards with artwork designed by the orphan children. Having been in the printing business for 20+ years, Mr. Board and Mr. Timmons saw an opportunity to raise funds through a product that everyone purchases year around. A % of the greeting card sales is donated to Orphan?s Lifeline of Hope International each quarter.

TheBenevolentShopper.com is an online affiliate program featuring most popular companies such as; Target, Sears, Cabellas, Kmart & Walgreens, just to name a few. TheBenevolentShopper.com receives a commission for all sales completed at these top rated department stores and again donates proceeds to Orphan?s Lifeline of Hope International.

For those folks who normally give to charity but have fallen on hard times due to job loss or other financial hardship, they can still be benevolent by purchasing their normal holiday items and stay within their 2011 Holiday budget.

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Fortune Favors The Bold, a sharp and smart comic book by the founder and CEO of SmarterComics, is now available on the Kindle reading device. Originally written to inspire his daughter to success, Franco Arda crafted this book with illustrator Anjin Anhut, bringing his text to vibrant life. The creation of this book was the start of SmarterComics, which is now responsible for turning 14 full length best seller business books into easily digestible and visually appealing reads.

With so many of today’s generations being short on time, and desiring instant knowledge download, SmarterComics decided to release Fortune Favors The Bold on the Kindle reading device. The 80-page comic gives readers detailed and targeted advice on how to use boldness to achieve dreams and goals, including a number of rarely-seen but highly impactful quotes. The result is an inspirational and informational download that takes less than an hour to read.

“I’ve learned that if we want to achieve our dreams in life, we need to be bold and take that confident first step. Without pushing ourselves, we will never live up to our own potential. Being able to reach young adults by launching my book on the Kindle will allow them to absorb the concepts both mentally and visually,” said Franco Arda, CEO of SmarterComics (http://www.smartercomics.com.)

Fortune Favors The Bold guides the Kindle reader down the road to success, showing a road map of the steps needed to be bold and take charge of their destiny. Available on the Kindle for $ 6.99, readers can also download Sun Tzu’s The Art of War for free, as an added bonus. Both of these best seller business books can help launch a career or life path by leaps and bounds.

“We really aim to give people information in the style and format that they want it in, and these days, that’s on their Kindle reader. The graphical nature of SmarterComics titles translate beautifully onto the handheld devices, and we look forward to sharing Fortune Favors The Bold in this format,” concluded Arda.

About SmarterComics:

SmarterComics is a technology driven publishing company based in the Silicon Valley that turns bestselling books into comic books – comics that make you smarter! The company’s award winning illustrators bring talent from prestigious comic companies including Marvel and DC Comics, lending a rich graphical style to the SmarterComics library. Many of their scriptwriters and editors have won awards that are equivalent to the Oscars in the comic genre: the Eisenhower and the Harvey Awards

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Vaultas, a premier provider of collaborative, vendor-neutral data center, collocation, and BCDR (business continuity and disaster recovery) facilities in the Upper Midwest, today announced a collaborative partnership with Lakes PC Help based in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

With the growth of virtualization technology, Lakes Area PC Help has experienced considerable growth over their 13 years in business; evolving from a provider of residential computer repair services to a robust offering that includes innovative technology solutions for the B2B market. The company was built on a reputation for excellent customer service and continually providing affordable, in-demand technology solutions to the local community. As a result of its partnership with Vaultas, Lakes Area PC Help is expanding its offering and its business operations with the creation of Wireless Data Systems, LLC. Currently in beta, Wireless Data Systems will provide web design, wireless access, web hosting and cloud computing to both residential and business customers in and around Alexandria, MN.

?The opportunity to significantly expand our geographic and product footprint to customers in both Detroit Lakes and Alexandria is largely driven by our new partnership with Vaultas,? said Lakes Area PC Help owner Tim Schacher. ?With Vaultas? state-of-the art data center facility, their 800 gigabit fiber-optic network, and access to many other network providers, combined with their team?s collaborative, can-do attitude, I?m now empowered to grow my business while providing the community with more-affordable wireless internet access. My critical data was previously stored in Texas, but now Vaultas gives me peace of mind with servers one hour away in Alexandria, and soon in St. Cloud?all providing my business complete control over my data and uptime.?

Vaultas develops, owns and operates vendor-neutral IT data centers and business continuity and disaster recovery facilities that provide customers with secure, strategically located, private and semiprivate data center solutions that meet even the most stringent strategic and technical requirements. Vaultas? vendor-neutral environments reduce the TCO (total cost of ownership) for clients through effective use of infrastructure, energy conservation, vendor collaboration, network consolidation and strategic partnering.

?Vaultas is delighted to play a role in empowering the Alexandria business community with much-needed economic development and the most advanced colocation data center,? said Vaultas President John Unger. ?Our new Alexandria data center facility is completed, bringing the local business community collocation solutions, data storage and backup solutions, web and application hosting, and high-speed internet access that scale to meet their requirements. We are pleased to play a role in the impressive growth and success of Lakes PC Help and their founders, and we look forward to many more such initiatives that drive economic growth throughout Minnesota.?

About Lakes PC Help:

For over 13 years, Lakes PC Help, based in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, has provided honest, reliable, and cost-effective computer repair services to both residential and international businesses. Our proven and responsive solutions repeatedly lead to reduced cost, improved system stability and enhanced customer satisfaction. Launching in January 2012, Wireless Data Systems, LLC, will provide wireless access, web design, web hosting, and cloud computing to both residential and business community in Alexandria, MN. To learn more, visit http://www.lakespchelp.com.

About Vaultas:

Vaultas is a leading-edge Minnesota data center company that develops, builds, and operates collaborative, vendor-neutral, data centers and BCDR complexes to support the fast-growing demand placed on today?s data storage and IT application requirements, coupled with the complex disaster-recovery needs of any business. Vaultas has built a secure, high-capacity fiber-optic network from Minneapolis to Fargo, with plans to build multiple data centers along the route. Vaultas has completed construction of its most recent data center and BCDR complex facility in Alexandria, Minnesota where the company is based. To learn more about Vaultas, visit http://www.vaultas.com.

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Follow us on LinkedIn – The remarkable growth of computer networks since introduction of the Internet and the subsequent development of new technologies to enhance network functionality have triggered off demand for network test equipment worldwide. Designed to monitor and troubleshoot network related issues, LAN/WAN test equipment has become a major part of network operations, and gained wide acceptance among private enterprises, service providers, and network equipment manufacturers. Demand for network test equipment has increased with private enterprises need to continuously monitor network integrity, and service providers? requirement for optimal network performance. LAN/WAN test equipment checks network reliability, throughput, and quality of service, and also ensure network stability needed by both service providers and private enterprises.

Demand for LAN/WAN test equipment in the recent years is highly supported by the latest developments in communication technologies, including VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), 10GbE (Ten Gigabit Ethernet), VPN (Virtual Private Network), and PON (Passive Optical Network). Further, the demand is influenced by the initiation of 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) deployments, wireless networks, Gigabit PON (GPON), and triple play services, including video, voice, and data. Development of FTTH (Fiber-To-The-Home), and enhancing bandwidth needs are further expected to support the growth of network test equipment market in the next few years.

The recent global economic meltdown, which sent ripples of unrest in most business sectors during 2008 and 2009, not surprisingly left the worldwide LAN/WAN Test Equipment market hurting. With the financial crisis led economic slowdown negatively impacting every company?s IT structure, world market for LAN/WAN Test equipment stood significantly weakened during the period. Budgetary constraints, lack of capital for investments in IT assets and the general strategy of ?doing more with less? took its toll on LAN/WAN test equipment as spending on network infrastructure witnessed a significant fall. With several companies throwing plans to deploy expensive wireless network infrastructure and endpoints for regional offices onto the backburner until signs of an economic recovery, new orders for LAN/WAN test equipment took a severe blow during 2009. Lack of strong budgets to fund equipment replacements also forced companies to focus on optimally utilizing their existing test equipment rather than investing in replacements or upgradation, thereby dragging down growth further in the market.

Another major factor that squeezed revenues for the market during the recession was the rise in demand for pre-owned as well as rental LAN/WAN test equipment. Affordable and available with same warranty and product support as in newer equipment, these products have been safe bet for end-users during weak economy. Cost wary end-users, especially those keen on surviving the crisis, mostly preferred rental or pre-owned equipment, thus squeezing revenues for LAN/WAN test equipment manufacturers.

Following drastic slowdown in revenue growth during 2009, the global market for LAN/WAN testing equipment staged a healthy comeback in the year 2010, primarily driven by resurgence in growth fundamentals such as improvement in global economy, and subsequent improvement in spending power among end-users and resurgence in network infrastructure investments. Going further, growth in the LAN/WAN test equipment market will be primarily driven by mass proliferation of advanced technologies and applications such as WiMax, and 3G/3.5G, especially in relatively large untapped markets in Asia Pacific such as Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Pakistan, South Korea and Singapore. Increase in global number of wireless subscribers and cell site constructions, addition of new global as well as regional frequency bands, such as WiMax bands of 2700MHz and 2500 MHz internationally and AWS in Canada and the US, and the increasing shift towards all-IP networks, particularly the use of IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) technology will boost market prospects for LAN/WAN Test equipment over the next few years.

With enterprises fast migrating their valuable data from traditional TDM based networks to advanced IP based LAN/WAN networks, its opportunities galore for LAN/WAN Test equipment. The need for business continuity and increasing deployment of Wireless Networks in enterprises will also create tremendous market opportunities for advanced LAN/WAN test equipment in the enterprise segment. The market will also be driven by continued advancements in telecom sector. Heavy investments being made by telecom carriers on new IP technology, wireless infrastructure and fiber for providing state-of-the-art video, voice, and data services will create significant demand for LAN/WAN test equipment in the telecom industry. The ever-increasing proliferation of triple play services and complexity of networks demand high bandwidth speeds, fostering the demand for technologically advanced testing solutions.

As stated by the new market research report on LAN/WAN Test Equipment, the US continues to remain the largest regional market worldwide. Asia-Pacific represents the fastest growing regional market displaying a CAGR of about 6.5% over the analysis period. Performance Analyzers & Stress Testers represents the fastest growing market segment, by product type. Growth in this segment will be especially driven by technology developments and introduction of products with advanced features such as those capable of checking entire OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) layers into one system.

Major players in the marketplace include Agilent Technologies Inc., Anritsu Corporation, AOIP SAS, Digital Lightwave Inc., EXFO Inc., Fluke Networks, Harris Corporation, Ixia, JDS Uniphase Corporation, LeCroy Corporation, Network Instruments LLC, RADCOM Equipment Inc., Spirent Communications Plc., Sunrise Telecom Inc., Tektronix Inc., Wilcom Inc., and Yokogawa Electric Corporation.

The research report titled “LAN/WAN Test Equipment: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a comprehensive review of trends, issues, strategic industry activities, and profiles of major companies worldwide. The report provides market estimates and projections (US$ Million) for product segments Protocol Analyzers; Performance Analyzers & Stress Testers; and Conformance & Interoperability Test Systems, across all major geographic markets such as the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World. The report also analyzes market by application type Research & Development, Production Process, and Installation & Maintenance.

For more details about this comprehensive market research report, please visit ? http://www.strategyr.com/LAN_WAN_Test_Equipment_Market_Report.asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a leading publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company currently employs over 800 people worldwide. Annually, GIA publishes more than 1300 full-scale research reports and analyzes 40,000+ market and technology trends while monitoring more than 126,000 Companies worldwide. Serving over 9500 clients in 27 countries, GIA is recognized today, as one of the world’s largest and reputed market research firms.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Telephone: 408-528-9966

Fax: 408-528-9977

Email: press(at)StrategyR(dot)com

Web Site: http://www.StrategyR.com/

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Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) today announced that BERTL? Inc (BERTL) has awarded multiple Fall 2011 BERTL’s Best Awards to Konica Minolta, including the following:

Best Production Line of the Year – bizhub PRESS C8000, bizhub PRESS C7000, bizhub PRO 1200
Best Professional MFP Security Service ? Konica Minolta bizhub SECURE

Since 1995, the “BERTL’s Best” Award recognizes the best device, software and product lines in the digital imaging marketplace that were launched during the year. The categories are based on desktop, workgroup, departmental and production work environments. BERTL’s analysts review them to identify the select group of devices and software that stand apart from the others. Keeping with the times and the demands of its end users BERTL left behind the simple speed and feed productivity, artificial reliability tests and theoretical SRP pricing lists and focused on the user and the business dynamics when putting together the “Best of the Best.”

“In the Fall 2011 voting session, BERTL?s expert analysts were tremendously impressed with how Konica Minolta?s production print systems performed during testing and the overall superiority of the company?s security offerings,? said Art Wynne, President, BERTL Inc. “The bizhub PRESS series continues to impress us, earning Konica Minolta the Best Production Line of the Year distinction and with the introduction of bizhub SECURE, the company has further strengthened its security offerings to be among the best in the industry.”

This is the fourth time in 2011 that Konica Minolta has received accolades from BERTL on behalf of their award-winning production print portfolio. Earlier this year, BERTL awarded multiple Spring 2011 BERTL’s Best Awards to Konica Minolta, including the ?Best Color Production System? for the bizhub PRESS C8000; ?Best Color Light Production System? for the bizhub PRESS C7000; and ?Best Monochrome Production System? for the bizhub PRO 1200.

“The BERTL’s Best awards are a validation to Konica Minolta?s ongoing innovation and market-leading technologies, and earning these most recent awards highlights how our customers can count on Konica Minolta for all their document management needs,? said Kevin Kern, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. “We will continue to respond to the demands of our customers as driving factors for advancing our products, solutions and services so that we are always meeting superior testing standards and earning these important industry accolades.”

About Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. delivers an award-winning portfolio of digital printing technologies and Business Intelligence Services for print professionals and graphic communications firms of any size. In the past two years, Konica Minolta has been recognized as a leading supplier by the Allegra Network, International Center for Entrepreneurial Development (ICED), Mail Boxes Etc., Inc., and National Association of Quick Printers (NAQP). Konica Minolta’s innovative bizhub PRESS C8000 is the first digital press to receive the G7 Digital Press Certification from the IDEAlliance?. For more information, please visit http://www.CountOnKonicaMinolta.com and follow Konica Minolta on Facebook (@Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A), YouTube (@KonicaMinoltaUS), and Twitter (@KonicaMinoltaUS).

About BERTL

The Business Equipment Research and Test Laboratories Inc., (BERTL) is an independent testing laboratory whose purpose is to provide objective, independent product evaluation reports and comparative analyses on imaging devices and software solutions. BERTL prohibits any manufacturer-control over its product evaluations, and bases its opinions, ratings and awards on a combination of rigorous analysis and worldwide customer satisfaction research.

At all times, BERTL’s primary focus is the end user. BERTL’s evaluation reports, customer satisfaction research, awards and product ratings are undertaken entirely at BERTL’s expense for the benefit of its worldwide subscriber base. Covering all major digital imaging manufacturers, BERTL publishes the world’s most extensive Web site of evaluation reports, comparisons data, vertical market research, news and more on copiers, printers, MFPs, production and workgroup scanners, fax machines, color and production equipment and wide format devices. BERTL reports, research and other industry informative services are available in a range of specialized subscription services. To learn more about BERTL, visit http://www.BERTL.com or telephone 1.973.882.0200.

Konica Minolta Contact

James Norberto

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.

+1 201.825.4000

PR(at)kmbs(dot)konicaminolta(dot)us

Konica Minolta is a registered trademark of Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. bizhub is a registered trademark of Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

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The San Francisco SPCA has confirmed the presence of parvovirus in the Occupy SF camp. Parvo is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that mostly affects young dogs and puppies under the age of six months. A dog named “Hope” contracted the disease at Occupy SF and is currently receiving medical attention in the SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital at the Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center.

According the the SF SPCA, puppies need a series of vaccines to be immune from parvo. Until they reach 16-weeks of age and have received the complete series of shots, puppies are not immune and should not be allowed to walk on grassy areas or be near other dogs that have not been vaccinated. Parvo can live on the ground for many months, and unvaccinated puppies can easily catch parvo from contact with an infected dog or area. The symptoms of parvo are vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

Several suspected cases of kennel cough have also been reported at Occupy SF. Kennel cough is highly contagious especially in crowded, stressful conditions, as they are at Occupy SF. Symptoms include dry, “honking” cough, nasal discharge and general malaise that may progress to pneumonia. The SF SPCA is very concerned about the spread of kennel cough throughout Occupy SF.

In an effort to help keep the animals at Occupy SF healthy, the SF SPCA will be partnering with the San Francisco Animal Care and Control to host a veterinary clinic at no charge to Occupiers on Monday, November 14th from 1 to 4 pm.

In light of these very serious outbreaks, the SFSPCA strongly discourages new protesters from bringing their animals to the SF Occupy camp, and for current protesters to look for stable housing for their pets outside of the camp. If that is not an option, the SF SPCA asks that pet owners take advantage of the free veterinary services being offered to reduce the risk of illness. For more information on the clinic, call (415) 912-1742.

The San Francisco SPCA

The San Francisco SPCA is a community-supported, non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving, protecting and providing immediate care for cats and dogs who are homeless, ill or in need of an advocate. The SF SPCA also works long-term to educate the community, reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies through spaying and neutering, and improve the quality of life for animals and their human companions.

Support the San Francisco SPCA by adopting, donating, volunteering and becoming a client of the state-of-the-art SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital at the Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center. SF SPCA has San Francisco volunteer opportunities to care for shelter dogs and cats, conduct adoption counseling, assist clients and veterinary staff at the Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center, provide foster care, help with the Community Cats Program, and enrich the lives of people in the community through animal-assisted therapy.

For more information about San Francisco pet adoption, call the San Francisco SPCA at (415) 912-1742 or visit sfspca.org.

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Following a successful debut at the EAS show in London, Qendix will showcase CueHoo, a breakthrough Time Navigaton? mobile app service, at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011, November 14-18, Orlando. Applying state of the art mathematical research in the mobile apps world, Qendix?s patented visit optimisation technology is set to revolutionise the theme park visitor experience.

?We were delighted with the response we received at the EAS, and, in line with our strategy, we have formed design partnerships and initiated the beta process with potential clients,? says Nir Zohar, founder and CEO of Qendix. ?We are also happy to announce that Mr. Danny Siegel has accepted its offer and has chosen to join Qendix?s Advisory Board.?

Mr Siegel is the Founder and CEO of Comfy Edutainment Centers; Comfy Edutainment Centers is the IAAPA 2007 Impact Award winner in recognition of the first place product determined to be the ultimate new product for 2007 – The Comfyland Experience. Mr Siegel is also the Founder and CEO of Discovery Zone Ltd. He is a 20 year veteran in the world-wide Amusement and Entertainment industry with extensive experience in the Middle East and Eastern European markets in the conceptual design, planning and fitting of indoor Family Entertainment Centers.

Joining Qendix, Mr Siegel said, “I am honored to join Qendix’s board and believe that its innovative service has the potential to make a significant impact on the way visitors will walk around in an amusement park, wait less and derive the utmost from their day?s experience. Another noteworthy fact is that the entrance barrier for the park to operate Qendix’s service is quite low and the service can be up and running fairly quickly without the hassle of purchasing additional capital equipment. The immediate result is improvement in the visitor?s experience and increase in the park?s revenue. “

With Qendix?s innovative mobile app, theme park visitors can optimize their experience by simply choosing their preferred attractions. The app then uses a patented algorithm to create an optimized visit plan and real-time recommendations for the next attraction to visit, based on the visitor?s location and the current and forecasted crowd loads.

Qendix?s mobile app offers two significant advantages over similar technologies currently on offer. There is no queue virtualisation and therefore no ?second class guests?; Qendix users are sharing the same queues as all the other visitors, it?s just that they are using their time so much more efficiently. In addition, the app does not require any operational changes for theme parks; Qendix technology is simply an add-on feature to the operator?s current mobile app offering.

Qendix plan to announce other revolutionary tools for attractions operators, including the world-first active crowd management system, in the near future. Please visit booth 4282 at IAAPA or contact us to find out more.

About Qendix

Qendix is a technological start up company dedicated to the development of revolutionary queue optimization and crowd steering services for the global attractions industry. The Qendix team have over 20 years of experience in R&D, Product Management, Project Delivery, Operations and Sales.

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Just in time for the holidays, Nero? has added a new service to design and print beautiful custom photo books, 2012 calendars and greeting cards to its free Nero Kwik Media software.

?If you?re a PC user, making a high-quality photo book, calendar or greeting card with other services can be time-consuming and cumbersome,? said Martin Stein, senior vice president of global products at Nero. ?Nero Kwik Media streamlines the whole process so you can get started faster and spend more time having fun being creative,? he added. ?It provides everything you need to import and edit photos and create high-quality photo gifts and keepsakes, all in one application.?

With Nero Kwik Media, consumers can complete a high-quality, ready-to-order photo book, 2012 calendar or greeting card in mere minutes. Photos in the Nero Kwik Media library can be tagged and filtered using facial recognition technology so they can be located quickly. Once the preferred photos, cover materials and background theme are selected, the software pre-populates the entire project.

Best of all, everything in Nero Kwik Media photo products can be customized so consumers have complete creative control. Pre-configured background themes and layouts can be edited and changed. A huge selection of themed clip art images, image masks and photo book styles can easily be applied to give every project a personal touch.

Create one-of-a-kind keepsakes to show grandparents how their grandchildren have grown throughout the year

Keep family traditions alive with pictures of relatives cooking their favorite dishes; include hand-written recipes to make a personalized cook book

Make bed time fun by creating customized children?s books with pictures of the kids and your own story lines

Let a serviceman know you are thinking of him at the holidays; send him a hardcopy book of fun family photos he can share with his buddies

The free Nero Kwik Media software enables consumers to manage, sync and share their photos, videos and music across PCs, Android smart phones and tablet devices. It also contains easy-to-use tools to edit and enhance photos, create entertaining slide shows, burn content to DVD and Blu-ray discs, and post photos and videos to Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and other online social networks with just one click.

Photo products ordered through Nero Kwik Media are printed regionally with the highest quality materials. They typically ship within five to 10 business days.

Visit http://kwikmedia.nero.com for details.

About Nero

Nero creates software applications and platforms that help consumers simply enjoy their photos, videos and music. Its free Nero Kwik Media platform enables consumers to access, enhance and share their digital content across PCs, smart phones, tablets and online social networks. Nero also produces a top-selling multimedia software suite, which contains powerful applications for media management, video editing, video converting, file back-up, content syncing and disc burning.

Nero has offices in Karlsbad, Germany; Glendale, Calif., USA; Yokohama, Japan; and Hangzhou, China.

Nero and its product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nero AG. Other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and do not imply affiliation with, sponsorship or endorsement by owners.

? 2011 Nero. All rights reserved.

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More Art Press Releases

A partnership between Exhibitor Invites and MarketArt was announced recently. The joint solution is an integration of the Exhibitor Invites core product into the MarketArt Exhibitor Dashboard which enables exhibitors to easily execute email marketing campaigns targeted to their own prospects and customers. The Exhibitor Dashboard joint solution also serves as a complete event marketing platform that exhibitors use to coordinate all of their pre-show, on-site and post-show marketing. Exhibitors can see the results of those efforts and keep track of activities they have completed and those tasks they still need to do.

Event organizers are already enthusiastic about this new partnership. ?We?ve been long-time customers of both MarketArt and Exhibitor Invites,? said Mark Bogdansky, Senior Director, Exhibit Services at National Retail Federation. ?We love both companies, and we agree that the integration will offer even more benefits to our exhibitors than the two stand-alone solutions. We?re excited to offer this integrated solution to exhibitors at our January 2012 event.?

MarketArt?s You Are Here solution enhances the attendee experience, creates ROI for exhibitors, and generates revenues for event managers by creating interactive maps and directories as well as targeted digital media sponsorships and advertising opportunities. MarketArt solutions help build floor plans, manage booth sales, schedule sessions, create maps, and build directories and advertising solutions ? all in one system. These tools can be accessed online, on the show floor, or on your favorite mobile device.

Exhibitor Invites provides an easy ? and confidential – way for exhibitors to invite their customers and prospects to the show. By making it easy to invite their own customers and prospects to the show, Exhibitor Invites has proven to be one of the most cost effective ways for event organizers to leverage that broad outreach to increase event attendance. Here are the key benefits:

????Exposure to huge numbers of brand-new attendee prospects (tens of thousands);
????Significant numbers of first-time registrants (hundreds – often thousands);
????Value-added benefit to exhibitors that boosts their own event ROI;
????Personalized telephone outreach to exhibitors offering top-notch customer service and assistance in using the system successfully.

?We?ve always experienced high usage on our map and directory solutions, and our clients are very interested in ways to leverage that participation to add even greater value for both attendees and exhibitors,? said Rob Hamlin, President of MarketArt. ?Exhibitor Invites is proven to increase event attendance and increase ROI for exhibitors, and when more exhibitors participate, these benefits grow. The two systems are an outstanding fit and powerful combination.?

Both solutions have separately been proven to significantly impact a show?s success, and the combination of the two represents the best available option for taking a show to the next level, in terms of increasing attendance, improving the attendee experience, increasing exhibitor ROI, and increasing the overall ?buzz? before, during and after the event.

?We have always been impressed by MarketArt?s products and their positive impact on the show experience for exhibitors, attendees, and show owners,? said Evan Shubin, President of Exhibitor Invites. ?This partnership will result in an increase in the positive impact and results that each of our companies has delivered to our customers.?

Exhibitor Invites and MarketArt products will still be offered separately, as well.

Exhibitor Invites and MarketArt will have side-by-side booths at IAEE?s Expo! Expo! in Las Vegas in December and show managers will be able to see demos of each product line, as well as the new integrated solution.

About MarketArt

MarketArt?s You Are Here solutions enhance the attendee experience, create ROI for exhibitors in the form of new leads and sales opportunities, and generate revenues for event managers through targeted digital media sponsorships and advertising. MarketArt solutions help build floor plans, manage booth sales, schedule sessions, create maps, and build directories and advertising solutions ? all in one system. These tools can be accessed online, on the show floor, or on your favorite mobile device. The system can replace traditional printed materials and is significantly important to environmentally green shows. Get insight into industry issues at MarketArt?s blog and follow @X_Youarehere on Twitter.

About Exhibitor Invites

Exhibitor Invites? is a proven system for increasing attendance at trade shows. It makes it free and easy for exhibitors to upload their lists with a third-party bonded email distribution service, and send out up to three nicely designed, customized invitations to their customers and prospects. The Exhibitor Invites program is being offered by nearly 70 different shows in 2011.

For more information, contact:

Rob Hamlin????????????????????????????????????

President????????????????????????????????????

MarketArt, Inc.????????????????????????????

703 299 9151????????????????????????????????

rob(at)marketart(dot)com????????????????????????

Booth # 922 at Expo! Expo!????

Evan Shubin

President

Exhibitor Invites LLC

301 983 1200

eshubin(at)exhibitorinvitesteam(dot)com

Booth # 928 at Expo! Expo!

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More Art Press Releases

With this winter fast approaching, most curly hairstylists would never believe somebody if they said they only use one product that solves all their frizzy hair winter curl problems. But for over 10 years, Curly Hair Solutions? and Jonathan Torch have spread their secret of frizz-free curly hair products to the curly hair community.????

Curly Hair Solutions? Curl Keeper? has become an industry favourite and is best known for its proven ability to control frizz for all sorts of curl types. Founder of the Curly Hair Solutions? hair care line and its number one selling product, Curl Keeper?, Jonathan Torch has created a product that is therapeutically effective in strengthening, softening and controlling frizz and helps protect textured hair with high performance results in any climate condition.

Curl Keeper? stands the test of time, not only by loyal users but also by industry professionals like NaturallyCurly.com. At NaturallyCurly.com an online user explains how she applies the Curl Keeper? during the winter months ?The BEST product I have ever used. In the past I have layered on so many products to get the look I wanted and then I tried Curl Keeper?. Most days now I wash and condition my hair, add Curl Keeper to soaking wet hair, blot, add a little more to the ends and leave it to air dry.?

Best Results for Winter Frizz-Free Curly Hair:

To combat frizzy hair and flyways, Jonathan Torch and Curly Hair Solutions? recommends using a generous amount of Curl Keeper?. Comb Curl Keeper? through wet hair from roots to ends for an even application. The less movement that occurs during the first fifteen minutes, the more control there is over frizz. Once the hair dries, easily soften the look by simply moving hair around. The more movement with the hair the more volume will be achieved. The Curl Keeper? formula re-activates with water, so simply re-wet frizzy areas with wet hands and play with your curls.

This November, Curly Hair Solutions? is giving away a free 3.38oz/100ml size Curl Keeper? with any Curl Category Starter Kit purchase. Curl Keeper? retails for $ 17.50 for 8oz/240mL bottles and can be found in salons across North America, online at NaturallyCurly.com and http://www.frizzoff.com.

Go to http://www.frizzoff.com/How-To-Styling-Video.htm to see a video on how to use Curl Keeper? and obtain frizz-free curly hairstyles.

About Curly Hair Solutions: Curly Hair Solutions? products perform 100% of the time, on every curly head, in all weather conditions, without the use of silicones. Our ingredients are natural, biodegradable and are not tested on animals. Our products have been perfectly pH balanced to match our environment to our bodies resulting in healthier, shinier, and a more controllable result every time.

The Jonathan Torch Curly Hair Institute is the first of its kind in North America. This groundbreaking endeavor is devoted exclusively to curly hair care, cutting, curly hair color, frizz control, curly hair treatment, styling and conditioning every unique curl condition. This dedication to the art of curly hair continues to motivate Jonathan to continue developing more products for people with every curl type.

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The Mill Valley Philharmonic

Gustav Mahler?s Symphony No. 1 in D Major

Sun, Nov. 13 @ 4pm

Free ? limited seating, Advance Tickets recommended

An incredible afternoon of free live music, presented to the community, right here in Marin.

Mahler originally conceived the symphony as a tone poem, loosely connected to the 1801 novel, Titan, by Jean Paul Richter. Contrary to popular belief, ?Titan? does not refer to the size of the orchestra. Rather, it had a literary connection to Richter?s Romantic ideal that man is condemned to endure an earthly life but whose real home is a higher, unselfish world.

The Kanbar Center is proud to present this award-winning community orchestra that has provided dedicated volunteer musicians the opportunity to rehearse and perform orchestral repertoire.

The program will begin with an introductory talk by Mill Valley Philharmonic Director, Laurie Cohen, followed by performance.

Please stay and join us for a chance to meet the musicians in the lobby directly following the symphony.

There will be no intermission.

Feee ? limited seating, Advance Tickets recommended – register on line only

Table seating limited to Advance Registered patrons only.

All other tickets available at the door, limited seating.

More about MVP

Musicians come from all walks of life ? from housekeeper to astrophysicist, from student to senior. MVP is committed to presenting innovative programming, from masterworks to world premieres. We are based on a model of community engagement that reflects our belief that experiencing music as a community unites our spirits and our voices. MVP brings free, live orchestral music to people in their own communities to Marin and beyond.

Director Laurie Cohen started Mill Valley Philharmonic in the fall of 2000 as a small string ensemble. Now beginning our second decade, MVP includes a music director/conductor and sixty talented and dedicated volunteer musicians playing strings, winds, brass, timpani and percussion. We present masterworks and world premieres, engaging both local composers and soloists in our programs. Innovative programming is a hallmark of Mill Valley Philharmonic’s vision; audience education in an integral component of all our performances.

The Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts is the Performing Arts Department within the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center in San Rafael, California. For over 20 years we have spread the power of music, voice, humor, taste, culture, movement and words throughout the community by presenting classical music, club style dancing events, comedy, musical concerts, theater and performance in the grand Hoytt Theater, lectures. chats and demonstrations in the Kurland lounge and great world music & dancing for all ages outdoors under summer skies on Swig Field.

The Osher Marin JCC

200 N San Pedro Rd.

San Rafael, CA

Centrally located in Marin County and just 1/4 mile east off Hwy 101

Affordable pricing and free parking.

The Osher Marin JCC

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KCET, the nation?s largest independent public television station serving Southern and Central California, is pleased to announce that today its online documentary series Departures was awarded the prestigious Japan Foundation President?s Prize by the Japan Prize International Contest for Educational Media for innovation in media.

The Japan Prize was established in 1965 by NHK as an International Educational Program Contest that aims to improve the quality of educational programs around the world, as well as contribute to the development and fostering of international understanding and cooperation.

Receiving recognition for its 360-degree people-centric experience, KCET?s Departures was awarded the prestigious Japan Foundation President?s Prize for ?an excellent work that encourages mutual understanding among nations and races, or contributes to cultural change.?

Since its debut in 2009, Departures has served as a central nexus for sharing, commenting, collaborating, and finding ways for residents to be involved in their communities. Departures fosters relationships between cultures offline and on by engaging community residents, non-profit organizations, schools and students in the creation and procurement of relevant and relatable content for the series.

?We are honored that Departures is being recognized internationally for its efforts to help our community appreciate and engage with other cultures through visually dynamic and enlightening experiences,? said Juan Devis, executive producer of Departures.

The Japan Foundation President?s Prize is just one of several awards Departures has won, including honors at the National Arts Journalism Summit, the Summit Creative Awards, and the ADDY Creative Show Award to name a few. For more information on Departures visit kcet.org.

About KCET

On-air, online and in the community, KCET plays a vital role in the cultural and educational enrichment of Southern and Central California. KCET currently produces the Emmy?, duPont-Columbia and Peabody Award-winning SoCal Connected, a hard-hitting prime-time weekly television news program that examines the issues and people of Southern California. Throughout its 47-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and documentary productions, its quality educational family and children’s programs, its outreach and community services and its website, kcet.org. KCET is a donor-supported community institution. More than half of the funds raised to support KCET’s operating budget come from individual support. For additional information about KCET productions, Web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org.

About KCET Departures

KCET Departures provides a 360? people-centric experience; is participatory in nature; and serves as a central nexus in people sharing, commenting, collaborating, and finding ways to be involved in their communities. These relationships are fostered offline and on by engaging community residents, non-profit organizations, schools and students, in the creation and procurement of relevant and relatable content. From development to production, the neighborhood and its community (the stake holders) are involved in the process of production, resulting in a tight knit between the aspirations of the local community and the station. Departures is a participatory platform, a series, and a network where people can convene information and ideas about our city and its people, and engage in the interpretation of the city that we live in. Departures is funded by The Boeing Company, California Council for the Humanities and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

About Japan Prize

The JAPAN PRIZE was established in 1965 by NHK as International Educational Program Contest with the aims of improving the quality of educational programs around the world and contributing to the development and fostering of international understanding and cooperation?

For more information, please visit http://www.nhk.or.jp/jp-prize/english/what_is/index.html

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Related Art Press Releases

A Muslim perspective on the role of faith in identity formation will be the topic of a George Fox Evangelical Seminary seminar on Friday, Nov. 11, at the seminary?s Portland Center location.

Maria Ebrahimji, executive editorial producer for CNN and the director of CNN?s booking department, will share her perspective as a Muslim woman working for a major news agency in the United States. The presentation runs from 9 a.m. to noon in Room 155 at the Portland Center near Tigard, located at 12753 S.W. 68th Ave., in Portland.

The event, titled ?Who Am I? Who Are You? A Muslim Perspective on the Role of Faith in Identity Formation,? is the latest installment of the Oregon seminary?s Ministry in Contemporary Culture Seminar series and seeks to find shared experiences between the two different faiths.

The cost is $ 30 for individual registration, $ 25 for groups of two or more, and $ 20 for alumni or students. An optional lunch will be made available for $ 10 per person.

Registration is available at seminars.georgefox.edu.

Joining Ebrahimji are three Oregon Muslim women: Fatemeh Fakhraie, Muna Idow and Manar Alattar. Together they will present three sessions: ?Personal Faith Journeys? (9 a.m.), ?Perceptions of People of Faith? (10 a.m.) and ?Faith and Conversion? (11 a.m.). The event tagline is ?Our self-perception is to a large extent shaped by our core convictions ? the effects of which can lay hidden for a lifetime.?

As the director of network booking and executive editorial producer for CNN, Ebrahimji manages a team responsible for guest coverage and story planning for all of the network?s special events and breaking news programming. She is a member of the South Asian Journalists Association and Southern Center for International Studies, and serves on the board of the Emory Development Institute. She is the editor of ?I Speak for Myself: American Women on Being Muslim,? in which 40 American women under the age of 40 share their experiences of their lives as Muslim women in America.

Fakhraie contributed to the book ?I Speak of Myself? and is the founder of Muslimah Media Watch, an online forum for Muslim women to discuss how their images appear in media and popular culture. She is an emerging voice in the Muslim feminist perspective.

In her role as the manager for the City of Portland?s Community Education and Peace Building programs, Idow is experienced in facilitating difficult conversations. Originally from Somalia, Idow settled in the Pacific Northwest as a refugee 14 years ago. She is the recipient of the 2006 International Peace and Understanding Award from the Washington Education Network and the 2006 Excellence in Leadership Award from One America.

Alattar is a graduate student at Portland State University, where she is past president of the Muslim Student Association. Born to a Palestinian father and a Baptist mother, Alattar?s unique perspective is informed by family heritage containing both Islam and Christianity.

More information about the seminar is available by contacting Jean Oehm Miller at 503-554-6150.

George Fox Evangelical Seminary offers a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree in leadership and spiritual formation, global missional leadership, and semiotics and future studies. Also offered is a Master of Divinity degree and Master of Arts degrees in theological studies, spiritual formation and ministry leadership. Students also may earn a certificate in spiritual formation and discipleship.

George Fox University is ranked by Forbes and Kiplinger?s among the top Christian colleges in the country and is a Christian university classified by U.S. News & World Report as a first tier regional university and a ?Best Value? school. More than 3,500 students attend classes on the university?s campus in Newberg, Ore., and at teaching centers in Portland, Salem, and Redmond, Ore., and Boise, Idaho. George Fox offers bachelor?s degrees in more than 40 majors, degree-completion programs for working adults, five seminary degrees, and 11 master?s and doctoral degrees.

Contact:

Jean Oehm Miller

George Fox Evangelical Seminary

503-554-6150

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Henry Horenstein: Animalia

November 19 ? January 14, 2012

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 19, 6:00 to 8:00pm

?In some ways animals do resemble humans, no doubt. After all, they are our forebearers. Still, I believe animals are their very own creatures, with unique, often surprising and altogether amazing characteristics. And that’s what I’ve tried to capture in these pictures.? ?Henry Horenstein

In collaboration with Austin Center for Photography (ACP), B. Hollyman Gallery will be exhibiting Henry Horenstein?s series Animalia, a collection of intimate and intriguing portraits of land and sea creatures made between 1995 and 2001. These portraits are at once abstract and telling. Horenstein shoots with a balanced uniqueness, experimenting with view, angle, and perspective. Each photograph is different, yet with a similar underlying mood. Some captivate the viewer with a macro look at scales, texture and animal skin. Others unveil the deeper nuances of personality and mystery. Some are simply quiet and beautiful. Horenstein worked in zoos and aquariums, not underwater or in the wild. He says, ?I could almost always find my subjects; they couldn’t get too far away. The other advantage was that I could isolate and freeze them in a constrained space, almost as though they were models, posing for me in a studio.? Shot with black and white film, and printed in sepia duotones, these works are a reminder to stop and explore the world around us. The Animalia prints are Chromogenic prints on Fuji Crystal Archive paper. They will be signed by the artist and available for purchase at the gallery. This collection can also be found in Horenstein?s book, Animalia, published in 2009 by Pond Press of Brooklyn, NY. Books will also be available for purchase at the gallery.

Austin Center for Photography?s Icons of Photography No.12 lecture series brings Horenstein to Austin on Friday, November 18 at 7:00pm. He will speak at the Blanton Museum of Art Auditorium on the UT campus. To purchase tickets, go to http://www.visitacp.org/events B. Hollyman Gallery is pleased to host a coinciding exhibit, and bring Austin the opportunity to view Horenstein?s photographs in person.

Horenstein?s diverse photographic career includes documentary work of various American sub-cultures, portraiture, abstraction, and landscape. Originally set to accomplish a PhD in history and embark on an academic career, the documentary work of photography greats Robert Frank and Brassai guided him to the camera. Horenstein entered in the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and studied under Harry Callahan and Aaron Siskind, completing his MFA in 1973. He has authored over 30 books, many on his own art but also several photography textbooks and teaching manuals that have been used by many colleges and universities throughout the past four decades. Horenstein currently lives in Boston and is a professor of photography at RISD.

Horenstein speaks of the influence Callahan had on him; ?Harry encouraged me to ?shoot what you love,? and to pay no attention to what others are doing. ?Even if you make bad pictures,? he said, ?you?ll have a good time.? Thank you for that, Harry.?

1202-A West Sixth Street, Austin, Texas 78703 (Located adjacent to Wally Workman Gallery)

Gallery hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, or by appointment.

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The Web Surgery has been commended Best New Start Up by the judges of the Richmond Business Awards 2011.

The Awards were held in London and given by the Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith. The CEO of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Anne Newton, hosted the evening.

CEO Grant Brookes added: ?The Web Surgery are delighted to have been commended for Best New Start Up in our first year of trading. We?ve all worked so hard at getting the business to where it is today and it?s encouraging to work with so many clients who realise the importance of investing in professional websites and digital solutions for their businesses.?

The category for best New Start Up was heavily subscribed and there were eight businesses shortlisted for the Best New Start Up Award comprising of:

Conrad Merrin

Duncan Accounting

Graphictank

Guide 2 Richmond

HomeXperts

Sweet Memories of Twickenham

Sweetie Pies Boutique Bakery

The Web Surgery

The Web Surgery creates affordable and professional websites for businesses and offers bespoke solutions for client?s products or services. All our websites are tailor made to the client?s specifications and designed to generate real leads rather that just look good. The solutions we offer include:

Website Design & Development

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Ecommerce Websites with credit card functionality

Apps For Mobiles

Social Media Integration

Blogging

Video

Radioplayer

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

Google Adwords

The Web Surgery have a wide range of clients in many different industries from: radio, TV, corporate, business clubs, film, construction, executive education, fashion, photography and art. Visit The Web Surgery at http://www.thewebsurgery.com/

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Valcom, Inc., an industry leader in design and development of IP Loudspeaker Paging Systems and Mass Notification Systems, today announced that their IP One-Way Speakers, IP Talkback Speakers and PagePro IP Gateways are all compliant with key Internet Protocol (IP) telephony solutions from Avaya, a global provider of business collaboration systems, software and services.

Valcom?s IP Loudspeaker Paging and Mass Notification Systems provide solutions to help businesses communicate more effectively and efficiently by utilizing the IP network and are now compliance-tested by Avaya for compatibility with Avaya IP Office 6.0, Avaya Aura Session Manager 6.0 SP1 and Avaya Aura Communication Manager 6.0.

?Providing a compliance-tested solution for Avaya?s standards-based systems demonstrates Valcom?s commitment to the Avaya community?, said John Mason, president of Valcom. ?IP technology on standards-based systems from Avaya provides the flexibility to design mass notification and loudspeaker paging systems that can be adapted to almost any situation.?

Valcom is a member of the Avaya DevConnect program?an initiative to develop, market and sell innovative third-party products that interoperate with Avaya technology and extend the value of a company?s investment in its network.

As a Gold member of the program, Valcom is eligible to submit products for compatibility testing by the Avaya Solution Interoperability and Test Lab. There, a team of Avaya engineers develops a comprehensive test plan for each application to verify whether it is Avaya compliant. Doing so enables businesses to confidently add best-in-class capabilities to their network without having to replace their existing infrastructure?speeding deployment of new applications and reducing both network complexity and implementation costs.

?Valcom?s product offerings enable Avaya customers to augment their telecom system with additional state-of-the-art mass communication capabilities,? said Eric Rossman, vice president, developer relations, Avaya. ?Testing through our DevConnect program gives Avaya customers the assurance that these solutions are compatible with Avaya technology.?????

About Valcom

Since 1977, Valcom has been the leader in high quality loudspeaker paging and mass notification systems along with telecommunication system enhancement products providing solutions for the most sophisticated communication requirements. Valcom’s extensive offerings are manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities in Roanoke, Virginia and include page control interfaces, VoIP LAN/WAN connectivity, ceiling/wall speakers, paging horns, analog/digital clocks (wired, wireless and IP PoE) and door entry systems.

Valcom is the standard product offering for major telephone companies and the overwhelming choice of Fortune 500 Companies. Valcom’s pre-engineered technology uses existing infrastructure (CAT 5/6 cable or existing networks) eliminating costs associated with additional wiring. For more information, visit http://www.valcom.com or contact Valcom at 1-800-825-2661.

About Avaya

Avaya is a global provider of business collaboration and communications solutions, providing unified communications, contact centers, data solutions and related services to companies of all sizes around the world. For more information please visit http://www.avaya.com. For more information on the Avaya DevConnect program, visit http://www.avaya.com/devconnect


Media Inquiries:????????????

Linda Bishop, Valcom, Inc.????????

540-563-2000????????????

lbishop(at)valcom(dot)com????

DevConnect PR, Avaya

908-953-6432

devconnectpr(at)avaya(dot)com

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Up and coming musician Anthony Tedesco released his first solo studio album “Exordium” on October 25, 2011. An experienced session player on other studio releases, Tedesco sees this new release as a pivotal launch to his solo musical career. Along with the many solid tracks, the album features the heartfelt rock ballad, “Long Until Gone.” Shot entirely on Long Island, New York, the music video that supports the lyrics brings home the personal cost of the hardships U.S. military personnel experience in the performance of their duties.

Tedesco is taking this recognition of the contributions of military personnel to our collective freedom a big step further through his commitment to donate a portion of the album’s proceeds to Treat Any Soldier (website: http://www.treatanysoldier.com). This charitable organization provides welcome “care” packages to active military personnel at home and abroad.

It isn’t often that a musician with a burgeoning career offers to donate to charity some of the proceeds from a brand-new album. This is usually the path taken by established names in the entertainment world, if taken at all. For Tedesco, however, there was never any question about what he wanted to do.

Coming from a family where members of several generations have served in the military, Tedesco feels he is in the right position to bring awareness to the sometimes unrecognized sacrifices made by all branches of military personnel. Tedesco says, “Much of my family has been in the service. My grandfather was in the Air Force during World War II and my uncle served in the Vietnam War. Both recently passed away. My uncle was exposed to Agent Orange during his tour of duty in Vietnam. It was long after his discharge that the dangers of Agent Orange became well known. He unknowingly brought home a souvenir from active duty that eventually shortened his life.”

Tedesco hopes that “Long Until Gone” brings home to listeners the often hidden costs military personnel pay in the execution of their duties and how much we all owe those who serve. Tedesco adds that he wants to show support to “?those who keep our country safe so that we have a place to live, and thrive and do what we love.?

Tedesco’s altruism has been honed through several other charitable endeavors including headlining a benefit concert for victims of the 2009 L’Aquila, Italy earthquake that raised $ 30,000. His family has been actively involved with a school for autistic children on Long Island, NY and Tedesco has participated in many fundraisers for the school that have resulted in over $ 500,000 in donations.

As a songwriter and musician, Tedesco incorporates much of who he is in his art. Raised on the classic sounds of the Beatles and The Beach Boys, Tedesco started writing and playing music by the age of eight and he’s never looked back. Music always has been, and will continue to be, the framework within which he lives his life. Using that music to bring awareness to important issues is also a part of that life.

Anthony Tedesco chose the name of his first album with the usual care he brings to all of his work. “Exordium” is defined as “the beginning of something.” To Tedesco, this album is the beginning of the communication he hopes to establish with listeners through his music and lyrics as well as the beginning of his solo musical career.

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The Feast of Little Italy in Jupiter, Florida is a “must attend” event for any lovers of Italian music, Italian food or Italian gift shopping. Starting Friday, Nov. 4 at 3 pm the fun begins! And continuing throughout the weekend you can stroll through the charming creation of Little Italy with booths offering Italian pastries, Italian sausage and peppers and everyone’s favorite: Zeppoles.????Relax with a glass of wine from Banfi, one of the Feast sponsors, while listening to live music performed by 60?s teen idol, Lou Christie, performing his hits, ?The Gypsy Cried?, ?I?m Gonna Make You Mine?, ?Lightning Strikes? and more along with Tre Bella and the amazing Tommy Mara – The Pavarotti of Doo Wop. While the Feast only costs $ 5 admission, the opportunity to listen to them live is priceless! Strolling around the Feast is Peppino, the Italian accordion player serenading with all the Italian classics. The smells of roasted peppers, homemade pizza and Pasta Fagioli… will fill the air as the music fills your ears. That?s amore!

A Feast of Little Italy sponsor, Al Pisano of Piazza Pisano, will be selling his uniquely crafted Italian art. “We are one of the sponsors of this Festival because it brings together so many people who love Italian culture–from the vendors to the guests and the entertainers–we are all there because we love our Italian heritage.”????

Jerry Somma, the producer of the Feast of Little Italy says that ?the Feast is for everyone. It doesn?t matter if you?re Italian or not, everyone gets to be Italian this weekend. It’s about celebrating Italian heritage and all the great contributions of Italians and Italian-Americans; it?s about family and friends coming together – and family and friends is what Italians are all about.”

What makes the Italian culture so engaging? Perhaps it is ?Sempre Famiglia? and ?Sempre Amici? – Family Forever and Friends Forever. These are two sentiments that define Italian culture, along with another hallmark of Italian culture: “Mangia Mangia” or “Eat Eat”. The Event Producer, Jerry Somma says” As you stroll through the Feast of Little Italy you will feel all this Italian culture, and you can enjoy it through the eating and listening to music and gift buying.” .

These wonderful Italian feelings for Home, Family and Food will also be on display in the work of Al Pisano, one of the Festival sponsors. Al will be offering all of his unique Italian art at the Feast of Little Italy. The collection of Pisano’s art includes plaques that say “Mangia Mangia” or “Mangia Statti e Zitto”. He has handcrafted vintage plaques with the words “Sempre Famiglia” and “Sempre Amici”. Pisano will be offering a new selection of Buon Natale plaques and his best selling series of Bella Cucina signs. All of Mr. Pisano’s artwork is locally made-Made in America!- and inspired by his Italian American heritage. The uniqueness and high quality of the Italian art make Pisano’s artwork distinctive in today’s marketplace. Mr. Pisano will also sign the art you purchase at the Feast.

Al Pisano is an artist originally from The Bronx NY and spent years working in art and design in New York City. He founded his company Piazza Pisano 20 years ago to create art for home decor and restaurant and business decor. Al’s specializes in wood carvings and plaster sculptures. He has developed a line of Italian wall plaques, Italian signs and other Italian and Tuscan wall decor that is very popular with not only Italian Americans, but people everywhere who love Italian culture.

The Feast of Italy is in its 9th year and gets better every year! This year?s Feast will be one for the senses and for all generations to enjoy. There will be the familiar Italian traditions; and the opportunity to create new family memories too. The Feast will include many favorite activities such as: the Sorrento Cheese La Cuccina Cooking Pavilion, Banfi wine seminars, Bocce Ball tournaments and some new additions as well. The focus this year will be on the Arts and contributions made by Italy to the world of Art.

Feast Schedule:

Friday, November 4, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 6, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Admissions $ 5.00 and children 12 and under are free.

About Al Pisano:

For more information about Al Pisano’s Made in America artwork, visit his website http://www.piazzapisano.com or call him 800.766.5051.

About Feast of Little Italy

Feast of Little Italy was established in 2003 to create an experience rich in Italian culture that celebrates the contributions of great Italians through food, music, art and tradition within the community for the entire family to enjoy. For the latest updates on Feast activities please visit feastoflittleitaly.com or by calling the Feast office.

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As MMA or mixed martial arts has exploded in popularity and prominence, so has the need for certified MMA conditioning coaches. The trainer of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz, Doug Balzarini credits his Certified MMA Conditioning Coach (CMMACC) training for giving him the skills to train a champion.

A certified coach and member of the Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Association, Balzarini has trained all types of individuals ranging from general fitness enthusiasts to the top athletes in the world. He currently coaches about 15 fighters, using the principles specific to MMA strength and conditioning.

“The MMA Conditioning Coach Certification program is a game-changer,? said Balzarini. ?Many business opportunities have come my way through the connections and resources that have become available since completing this certification. From the ongoing web content to the tele-classes to the CEU opportunities, it really is a great resource for strength coaches of any level looking to get involved in the world of MMA.”

Appropriate for personal trainers, coaches, traditional martial artists and MMA participants, the online training includes over 70 hours of comprehensive training. Delivery of curriculum includes video demonstrations and lectures, a digital manual, test prep and self-paced learning for those interested in developing the business and athletic skills required to coach MMA. In addition to the business of MMA training, the Certified MMA Conditioning Coach program focuses on combat conditioning drills, plyometrics, mental training, TRX, Kettlebells, aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, sports nutrition, sports psychology, explosive power, balance, dynamic flexibility and more.

?We are dedicated to creating the best MMA conditioning coaches and trainers in the world, so we?re very proud of Doug?s success,? said Dr. John Spencer Ellis, founder of the MMA Conditioning Association and John Spencer Ellis Enterprises, a leading national fitness and personal development solutions company. ?This program helps coaches train everyone from top-level UFC athletes to weekend warriors who want to train just like a MMA champion, work on cross-training and increase their overall fitness level.?

(more)

About MMACA

The Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Association (MMACA) was developed to bridge the gap between sports conditioning science, MMA training methods and direct application from the ring, octagon, mat or cage. The MMA Conditioning Association is the MMA certification division of the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), a leader in innovative solutions for fitness, nutrition and wellness professionals, as well as club owners since 1992. Founded by John Spencer Ellis, NESTA now has more than 55,000 members in 55 countries, and it is one of the largest fitness associations in the world, and the fastest growing association of its kind in the United States. The MMACA and its staff of educators, exercise physiologists, dietitians, biomechanists, strength coaches, sports psychologists, physical therapists, massage therapists, kinesiologists and business professionals have joined with the world’s top boxers, wrestlers, BJJ fighters, Muay Thai fighters, American kickboxers, MMA fighters and coaches to develop a comprehensive MMA conditioning program. For more information, please visit http://www.mixedmartialartsconditioningassociation.com/

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Africa.comDEALS and Heritage Link Brands are pleased to announce an extraordinary collaboration. Members of the fast-growing, Africa-focused social coupon website have until November 2nd to sign up for a coupon, good for 68 percent off a special case of wine, imported by the preeminent importer of indigenous African wine.

Said Africa.com CEO Teresa Clarke, ?We are thrilled to be able to introduce our Africa.comDEALS members to South African wines imported by Heritage Link Brands, LLC. As sophisticated travelers and epicureans know, South Africa is gaining in reputation as a wine destination. Our newest DEAL is as spectacular as the wine itself.?

Heritage Link Brands’ award-winning portfolio has been honored around the world, winning medals from the London International Wine Challenge, Decanter Magazine World Wine Awards, and the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Members who purchase a case of wine through Africa.comDEALS will get more than a tasty bargain. They will have the chance to receive four bottles of three different wines for just $ 49.95. The wines will include Seven Sisters “June” Merlot, Seven Sisters “Vivian” Sauvignon Blanc and M’hudi iSong Sauvignon Blanc.

In addition, a portion of the proceeds of the DEAL will be donated to the International Society of Africans in Wine to support their work in South Africa and across the continent. Heritage Link Brands is helping to ?link? the roots of winemaking back to families and communities in South Africa.

Founded in 2005 by husband-and-wife team Khary and Selena Cuffe, Mrs. Cuffe first came upon the idea of Heritage Link Brands after visiting the inaugural Soweto Wine Festival in South Africa. There, she learned that black winemakers were underrepresented, in land ownership, management, and in marketing efforts by local and global industry leaders. Together, the Cuffes set out to spotlight black-owned wineries.

Included within their portfolio are M?hudi, owned by the Rangaka family and a winner of the 2010 Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Seven Sisters, owned by a family of seven sisters. Both wineries have vineyards located in Stellenbosch, South Africa?s most celebrated winelands. By showcasing these brands in particular, an emphasis has been placed on family-owned wine production, a slowly waning trend that?s being outsized by mass-producers. Heritage Link Brands also proudly imports One World, fair-trade certified wines produced by the Koopmanskloof winery.

Africa.comDEALS first offering featured an unprecedented discount on airline tickets from the United States to Nigeria aboard Arik Air. Upcoming DEALS will feature Rwandan arts and crafts and adventure travel packages. In the words of Frank Webb, Africa.com?s Director of Business Development, ?Our deal with Heritage Link Brands is a great example of the African dynamism, entrepreneurship, and quality product that we actively promote through Africa.comDEALS.

About Africa.com: Africa.com is the fastest growing Africa-related internet site with 1 million+ unique visitors each month from around the world. Visitors have access to financial, political and cultural news, maps, information about world-wide events and non-profit organizations related to Africa as well as views from opinion-leaders.

Africa.com has partnered with a number of best-in-class content providers including the Council on Foreign Relations, Foreign Affairs and HAND/EYE Magazine, McKinsey and Co., Harvard University?s Committee on African Studies, the Brookings Institution?s Africa Growth Initiative, Freedom House and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Additional partnerships will be announced shortly.

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When actor/impressionist Jim Meskimen put up a YouTube video of himself reciting a speech from Shakespeare’s Richard III in July, he didn’t expect it to become a web sensation; he was just trying to promote his one man show to a broader audience. Currently, it has over 700K views.

And when his follow-up to Shakespeare Impressions, Celebrity Alphabet hit two weeks ago, he didn?t expect it to go viral… in Australia.

With the majority of the viral traffic coming from ?down under?, Meskimen has tapped into a whole new ?Aussie-ence?, which comes conveniently at the same time as a trip to Sydney next month, where Jim will appear on the Australian version of The Today Show, in between corporate gigs.

Meskimen wraps up his season of live JIMPRESSIONS shows in Hollywood on the 4th & 5th of November at The Acting Center, where his one-man presentation of 75 celebrity voices, with a journey through the actor?s unusual career, has been met with acclaim and sold out houses.

Gather.com said, ?Not since Rich Little has there been such a talented and hilarious impressionist?, and Entertainment Weekly.com concurred, calling Meskimen ?one side-splitting, hyper-observant impersonator.?

Calling himself the “Man of an Infinity of Voices”, Meskimen has been performing impressions for years on television, for Parks & Recreation, Whose Line is It, Anyway? and most recently for the comedy Community, and on animated projects including one of the quintessential viral videos of 2004, Jibjab.com’s This Land, which lampooned then president George W. Bush and John Kerry, among others (Meskimen did all the voices, including Bill Clinton’s forlorn “Whud ah DO?”)

His latest stage show, JIMPRESSIONS, takes a retro, 70′s look at the art of celebrity impressions, and features over 75 different well known celebrity voices, some in song, like Frank Sinatra, who Meskimen presents singing a medley from the Beatle’s rarely covered (and with good reason) White Album.

What is it about impressions that captures the imaginations of audiences worldwide?

“I don’t really know,” says Meskimen, who is the real life son of actress Marion Ross of Happy Days and Brooklyn Bridge fame, “but when my Shakespeare Impressions went viral, it became very clear that a LOT of people are really attracted to seeing someone change before their eyes into someone else. I guess it’s a kind of fundamental amazement at changing identity. I?m a sucker for it, too! I loved the old school impressionists like Rich Little and Frank Gorshin who were on TV when I was a kid.”

He followed up the popular Shakespeare video (did we mention he also imitates Ricky Gervais and Ron Howard?) with Celebrity Alphabet, a salute, in alphabetical order, to 26 other celebrities, in rhyming couplets, again, performed all in one take.

Tommy Lee Jones fans, or fans of Jim’s version of Tommy Lee Jones, may enjoy his tribute to The Fugitive star in Tommy Lee Jones Recites Hamlet, also on Jim’s YouTube channel.

On the strength of his YouTube success, Meskimen brought his show to audiences in England, Canada, Chicago and Tampa, and heads down to Australia in November. “The Aussies have really been passing my latest video around a lot” said Meskimen.

Any other plans for his Jimpressions?

“Maybe a kind of American Idol for impressionists… there’s clearly an audience for it.”

See JIMPRESSIONS Friday November 4 & Saturday November 5 at The Acting Center, 5514 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood CA 90028. Tickets and info at http://www.theactingcenterla.com/on-the-stage-2/

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