Entertainment & Media News: June 2003

Monday, June 30, 2003

Glubble and Highlights Magazine Partnership Promotes Parental Involvement With Young Children Online

Glubble (www. glubble. com) and Highlights magazine are partnering to encourage parents to get more involved in the online lives of their children 12 and under. Starting October 16th, parents can to take a survey exploring their children's online activities and parental involvement at http://www. highlights. com/mt/parents/. Results will be published early November.

San Francisco (PRWEB) October 15, 2008

Glubble (www. glubble. com), the leading online activity center for families with children under 12, and Highlights magazine, the best-read children's magazine in the nation, are partnering to encourage parents to get more involved in the online lives of their children 12 and under.

Starting October 16th, Highlights and Glubble will invite parents to take a survey exploring their children's online activities and parental involvement at http://www. highlights. com/mt/parents/ (http://www. highlights. com/mt/parents/). Results will be published early November. Information on safe surfing will also be shared with Highlights subscribers and Glubble users, and be made available to the public at large.

Christine French Clark, editor in chief of Highlights magazine and Highlights High Five magazine, said: "The Internet, which opens up worlds of information, fun and skill-building activities for kids, isn't a safe place in which to simply turn young kids loose. Parental involvement is key in helping our kids grow to be wise users of technology."

Willem-Jan Schutte, CEO of Glubble added: "Just as responsible parents select which books to read to their children and decide which TV shows their children can watch, Glubble encourages parents to extend that level of parental involvement to the Web."

Glubble turns playing and surfing on the Internet into an experience that is fun for the entire family, and makes it easy for parents to be involved with their kids' online learning and discovery. With Glubble, parents with children under 12 can create a personal Kids Page for each child and pre-approve the Web sites their children can access from thousands of games, kids-safe and fun Web sites, printable coloring pages, downloadable Play Art toys and educational exercises. And parents can easily add more Web sites at any time, from the Glubble content library or any site on the Internet, so Glubble grows with the interests of children.

Glubble's new social networking features include secure chat and message posting, picture sharing, and a family events organizer. These tools teach children best practices for social networking in a safe environment and serve to enrich the most important relationship of all - family.

Highlights for Children launched their first web page for children - HighlightsKids. com - in 2003. The site, which offers interactive Hidden Pictures, games, puzzles and Highlights articles, was the first recipient of CARU's Safe Harbor Seal.

About Highlights for Children, Inc. (www. Highlights. com)
Devoted to "Fun with a Purpose®," Highlights for Children, Inc. has helped children become their best selves for generations. Its flagship publication, Highlights magazine, the most recognizable and widely-read children's magazine in the nation, printed its one-billionth copy in June 2006. Other Highlights offerings include Highlights for Children Book Clubs and the Highlights Catalog, a selection of gifts children will love and parents can trust. Online, children can visit www. HighlightsKids. com for interactive content related to each issue of the magazine, and parents can visit www. HighlightsParents. com for informative articles and suggestions for additional family activities. Corporate offices are in Columbus, Ohio, and editorial offices are in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.

About Glubble
Glubble is an online activity center that turns playing and surfing on the Internet into an experience for the entire family. Developed for families with children under 12, kids can play thousands of games, watch cartoons, print coloring pages, download Play Art toys, learn their ABCs, arithmetic and foreign languages and surf Web sites that have been pre-approved by their parents.

Parents create the family's private homepage where they can send messages to their kids, add family members--including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins--send messages to their kids, upload family photo albums and organize the family's busy calendar of events. Glubble provides parents with easy-to-use tools and a family social network to support their children's play, learning and discovery on the Web.

Fun, free and safe, Glubble is where families play! Become a member today at: http://www. Glubble. com (http://www. Glubble. com).

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Gays in the Pews: Documentary Comes to Life with Spong, White, Campolo to Converge in Nashville, TN, for the Highly Anticipated God & Gays Gathering

Based on hit documentary, God & Gays: Bridging the Gap, this event looks to stop the suicides and put sex and religion on the table. Featuring controversial progressive Christian speakers Bishop John Shelby Spong, Rev. Dr. Mel White, Peggy Campolo (disagreeing wife of evangelical Tony Campolo) plus hear an amazing story from an Arkansas mother who "wished her daughter was dead than be gay" and soon got her wish. Break out groups include ex-gay survivors support, youth alliance workshops, straight ally support, healing the sense of separation for GLBTQ adults and transgender education. www. godandgaysthemovie. com/conference

San Francisco, Calif. (PRWEB) June 21, 2007

"I rather she be dead than gay," confesses a mother who, unfortunately, got her wish. She lost her daughter to suicide and openly talks about it in the heart-wrenching and yet unifying feature documentary, God and Gays: Bridging the Gap.

Filmmakers, Gathering founders and life partners, Luane Beck and Kim Clark, created God and Gays: Bridging the Gap to offer an intimate look into the lives of people raised in Christian homes and who struggle, knowing -- or fearing -- their homosexual path. Now, they host the largest, most impressive line-up of qualified speakers on the country's most non-discussed topic, can you be Christian and be gay? With the religious right and mainstream Christianity teaching emotionally traumatizing ex-gay therapies, celibacy or subtle and equally as harmful forms of tolerance, it's the perfect time in history for the God & Gays Gathering.

The God & Gays Gathering features progressive Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong, previous ghost writer to Jerry Falwell Rev. Dr. Mel White, evangelical minister's wife Peggy Campolo and ex-Exodus group leader Darlene Bogle plus many more together to Nashville, TN. Considered a central location for people all around the Bible belt area to attend, Gathering founder Kim Clark hopes, "Anyone who is tired of being asked to vote on marriage equality and hearing only fear as the reason to keep people divided and are ready to deal with the human side of the debate around homosexuality and religion in a safe, accepting environment is welcome. We are ready for the parents and friends of gays, lesbians and transgender people to come so we can support them as they will and do get flack from society for not disowning their loved one. We are ready for the gay person with nowhere to go safely, who has contemplated or attempted suicide to instead invest time in him or herself, in what they're going through and how to work with their faith to be the solution, not the problem. We're ready for the church leader, the teacher, the therapist, to give them support in leading their groups to learning more on what it's like to be gay and religious. The goal is empowerment. Get people out of victim status and they become more of who they are, how God made them." Clark is best known for her quote, "Comfort zones are slow dream killers" and lives by it on a daily basis, which is what got her through making God & Gays: Bridging the Gap and creating several support services like the Gathering. Her partner, Luane Beck, originally made the film based on Clark's own personal struggle with being gay and Christian. Since premiering, they've toured the country speaking to large groups, showing the movie, receiving thousands of emails, letters of support and stories about changed lives.

God and Gays: Bridging the Gap is a rare opportunity to get questions answered, challenge the myths about gay people, and to put a human face on a hot political issue. The story is uniquely told by the people who live the struggle, judgment, fear and ignorance of others every day. "This is about real human beings, contributors to society, educated, kind, God-loving people. This is for real and people deserve to see and hear the stories of the people whose lives they will affect," says Producer Kim Clark.

God and Gays: Bridging the Gap unifies Christianity and sexual preference in a time where church denominations are on the verge of dividing, in an era where history doesn't repeat itself, but people repeat history.

Editors: For an EPK and free viewing of the movie trailer, go online to http://www. godandgaysthemovie. com (http://www. godandgaysthemovie. com). To schedule an interview with the filmmakers and people featured in the movie, call (718) 351-9599.

About Zernus Productions: Writer, Director and Actor Luane Beck started Zernus Productions to produce her first feature-length narrative drama Intentions in 2001. Award winning documentary producer Kim Clark joined in 2003 and together they focus their true-to-life stories with social integrity and unification in mind, heart and soul. Learn more about the nationally distributed Intentions at http://www. zernusproductions. com (http://www. zernusproductions. com)

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Sunday, June 29, 2003

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation Brings Asthma Game, 'Quest for the Code&#174;,' Online

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation Brings Asthma Game, 'Quest for the Code®,' Online

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation has made its interactive educational asthma game, Quest for the Code®, formerly on CD-ROM, available online www. starlight. org/asthma. Game can decrease school absenteeism among children with asthma. Study shows improvements in children's self efficacy, knowledge, quality of life, improved asthma symptoms, medication adherence, and avoidance of asthma triggers

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 13, 2007

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation has made its interactive educational asthma game, Quest for the Code®, formerly on CD-ROM, available online www. starlight. org/asthma (http://www. starlight. org/asthma). Featuring voice-over talent of Cuba Gooding Jr., Whoopi Goldberg, Kelsey Grammer, Gwyneth Paltrow, Glenn Close, Shaquille O'Neal and other celebrities, Quest is a fun and engaging way for children, and their parents, to learn to manage a child's asthma, find coping tips and get advice. Anecdotal evidence from school nurses indicates that children's use of this game, a psycho-educational intervention, can reduce school absenteeism.

"Quest for the Code" was developed with the input of an advisory team of national pediatric asthma experts. According to Quest for the Code's lead medical advisor, Gary S. Rachelefsky, MD, Professor of Allergy and Immunology, University of California Los Angeles, Director of Center for Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Diseases at UCLA School of Medicine:

"Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in childhood, currently affecting an estimated 9 million children under 18 years. It is the leading cause of school absenteeism, one of the leading reasons for emergency room visits, and a major reason that parents miss work. I worked with Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation on the development of Quest for the Code because there is a huge need to educate children and parents about how to manage asthma and reduce asthma attacks, which can be deadly."

"Many people don't realize that asthma can be a life-threatening disease if it's not properly managed," said Paula Van Ness, Chief Executive Officer of Starlight Starbright. "Now that Quest for the Code is available to everyone through the Internet, we expect to reach millions more children and parents with this game and continue to lessen the impact that asthma has on our school-aged population."

The Starlight Starbright Asthma game, Quest for the Code®, weaves education about asthma management into an engaging adventure with rich graphics. In its original CD-ROM version, more than 700,000 copies of Quest for the Code have been distributed to schools, hospitals, ERs, clinics and doctors' offices reaching more than 2 million children with asthma so far. Quest for the Code helps kids and teens ages 7 to 15 find out more about:

-Early warning signs and symptoms

-Identifying and avoiding asthma triggers

-Myths about asthma

-How asthma affects the lungs

-Proper use of asthma medication devices

-Long-term control medicine and quick-relief medicine

-Measuring and monitoring peak flow

-How to answer questions from peers about asthma

According to school nurse Charla Dunham who hosts an asthma group every other week for children with asthma and uses Quest for the Code to teach her children about their illness, "Quest for the Code has helped keep two frequently hospitalized children from my school out of the hospital. One student missed a large portion of the school year last year, but since we have introduced him to the game, his medical care has improved, and he has not been hospitalized since."

Study: Efficacy of Quest for the Code

A team of researches from the University of Miami School of Medicine, led by Alan Delamater, PhD, conducted a study designed to investigate whether use of the asthma game: Quest for the Code can help families improve illness management, quality of life, asthma self-efficacy, and asthma knowledge. The study targeted children ages 8 to 12 from ethnic minority background (African-American, Afro-Caribbean, and Hispanic/Latino) with moderate to severe asthma. Results showed significant improvements in child-reported asthma self-efficacy and quality of life at one month, and improvements in self-efficacy, responsibilities, and knowledge at three months; parents reported improved asthma symptoms at one month, and increased child responsibilities, knowledge, medication-taking, and child avoidance of triggers at three months. The 6-month assessment showed sustained improvements in self-efficacy, adherence, knowledge, child responsibilities, and symptoms. Consumer satisfaction ratings from both children and parents were very high.

About Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation is a nonprofit organization that transforms the lives of seriously ill children and their families through imaginative programs that educate, uplift their spirits, foster a sense of community, and help alleviate the pain and fear of prolonged illness. Starlight Starbright offers an impressive array of in-hospital, outpatient, school and home-based programs and services that touch the lives of more than 180,000 children and families each month. To learn more visit www. starlight. org.

Supporters can use PayPal's Text to Give program to donate to Starlight Starbright today. Learn more at www. starlight. org/t2g (http://www. starlight. org/t2g).

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Jobing. com Announces 2005 Calendar Dates for Successful Career Expo Job Fairs - Local Employment Leader Releases Dates and Call for Sponsors

Jobing. com has finalized the calendar dates for its Career Expo job fair events to be held in Denver in 2005.

(PRWEB) November 3, 2004

Denver, Colorado - November 3, 2004 Â– Jobing. com has finalized the calendar dates for its Career Expo job fair events to be held in Denver in 2005. Jobing. com Career Expo events are scheduled once per quarter on the following dates: Tuesday, January 25, Thursday, April 28, Wednesday, August 10 and Thursday, October 27. Throughout 2004, the Jobing. com Career Expo events have grown in attendance by both job seekers and employers making them one of the highest attended and successful job fairs in the Denver metro-area.

The Jobing. com Career Expo experienced great success in 2004 and has already set plans in motion to expand the events greatly in 2005 with increased marketing for each of the four events. A change in venue to the Colorado Convention Center will offer more space for increased attendance by employers. Currently, Jobing. com is offering sponsorship opportunities for those employers interested in establishing a larger community presence. Sponsors of the Career Expo events receive name branded recognition in Jobing. comÂ’s event marketing in print, online and broadcast communications. Companies interested in sponsorships are encouraged to contact Brent Grube at 303-227-3377 for more information.

The Jobing. com Career Expo events, presented by the Colorado Human Resource Association, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Westword, The Employment Guide, NRC Broadcasting and Crawford Broadcasting, will continue to host valuable workshops for job seekers on the most up-to-date resume and job searching techniques.

For additional details on 2005 Jobing. com Career Expo events, visit http://dce. jobing. com (http://dce. jobing. com) or call 303-227-3377.

About Jobing. com

Jobing. com is one of the nationÂ’s leading, locally focused employment products. Currently serving the states of Arizona, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, and Rhode Island, Jobing. com provides online solutions for local employers for recruitment (online job postings and resume database searching) and provides additional services including Career Expos (public job fairs), Online Job Fairs (including employer video streaming), an Educational Resource Center (highlighting schools of higher education and developmental programs), and HR Websites (corporate career center hosting and applicant tracking system) among others. For more information about Jobing. com, visit http://www. jobing. com (http://www. jobing. com).

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Saturday, June 28, 2003

Environmental Group Seeks Donations of Surplus Real Estate, Brownfield Areas, Suspected Polluted Lands and Property

IRS 501(c)3 tax-exempt educational and scientific organization is soliciting for donations of real estate in furthering its charitable environmental research purposes.

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) January 20, 2005

Earth Preservation Funds, Inc., incorporated in 1993, is seeking to acquire donations of sensitive, seized, surplus, blighted, condemned, unwanted land and real estate including those bearing habitable or uninhabitable homes, buildings or abandoned businesses or industries.

Such properties may be refurbished, remediated, utilized directly to advance our research and educational goals or conserved for the benefit of wildlife or future generations. Such properties could bear encumbrances or deed restrictions to limit future development, use or activities conducted on them. Property donated by businesses or individual owners is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Earth Preservation Funds, Inc. may offer a nominal bid to facilitate the transfer.

As an Internal Revenue Service recognized 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization your contributions, bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts are tax deductible per relevant code sections.

If you are in a position to dispose of real property in this manner, or if you know of anyone that is, please contact Earth Preservation Funds, Inc. to discuss the specifics. Please also feel free to forward this notice to any other potential concerns.

Your care and attention are appreciated.

Alternate Keywords: superfund, donation, bequeath, habitat, education, environment, conservation, restoration, remediation, donate, contribute, bequest, redevelopment, zoning, district, legal, due, diligence, site, assessment, cercla, nepa, rcra

Terry L. Lambert MSE PE
Environmental Research Engineer
Earth Preservation Funds, Inc.
1103 Bay Club Cir
Tampa, FL 33607-1492
(813)282-7264

Friday, June 27, 2003

American Society of Plastic Surgeons Offers Members Medical Spa Success System Published by Beautiful Forever Medical Spa Business Consulting Firm

Beautiful Forever Medical Spa Consulting Firm today announced that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS®) now offers the Beautiful Forever Medical Spa Success System (MSSS) to its members. It is available for both ASPS members and non-members.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ (PRWEB) October 2, 2006

The Beautiful Forever Medical Spa Success System is an educational tool that provides a do-it-yourself business supported approach to creating a successful medical spa.

Cheryl Whitman, president of Beautiful Forever, says, “We are very proud that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons now offers the Beautiful Forever Medical Spa Success System to its members at a special rate on their website. We have received amazing feedback from the physicians who have used our educational system since it was first launched last year, and we are excited to extend this proven success system to ASPS members.”

The Medical Spa Success System is a complete resource for opening a medical spa. It includes a 400-plus page manual that walks you through the phases of medical spa development and operations. It contains a customizable CD Rom that includes employee handbook, operating manual, marketing and business plan templates, treatment protocols, project timeline, and job descriptions. Also included in the system is a complimentary 30 minutes phone consultation, One-on-one consultant time with Beautiful Forever’s Executive Consultants is available.

ABOUT BEAUTIFUL FOREVER

Beautiful Forever brings a balanced team of expert consultants to the field of medical spa business development. Their goal is to help physicians, investors and entrepreneurs, succeed in the medical spa business in the shortest possible time.

Beautiful Forever also collaborates with physicians and chemists to create winning skin care formulas for private label distribution.

For more information, please call 1-877-SPA-MEDI or visit our websites: www. medicalspaconsultant. com, www. medicalspasuccess. com.

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Poll Shows Large-Panel TVs More Popular than Ever This Holiday Season; Prices Cut on Many Models

One-fifth of Americans are planning to buy a flat-panel television during this year's holidays or soon after, states a Consumer Reports shopping poll. In recognition of this demand prices have been slashed on many large flat-screen models this season, including a 50-inch Panasonic Plasma Display now available through Visual Apex. Visual Apex is a volume buyer and direct seller of TVs that has led to it becoming a leader in the display technology industry.

Bainbridge Island, WA (PRWEB) December 12, 2006

Consumer Reports, the acknowledged leader among consumer research organizations, has put out a holiday shopping poll indicating, among other things that nearly a fifth of Americans plan to buy flat-panel television sets for the holidays or soon after.

In recognition of this holiday demand, Visual Apex (http://www. visualapex. com/redirects/default. asp? SE=PR&KW=Pan_50) has slashed prices on many of its large flat-screen models this season, including a 50-inch Panasonic Plasma display and other Panasonic models. Based in Washington State, Visual Apex is a volume buyer and direct seller of TVs that has led to it becoming a leader in the display technology industry.

Panasonic, the market and technology leader in Plasma TV, is turning the dreams of many consumers into reality this holiday season with a dramatic drop in the price of select professional plasma displays through Dec. 31, announces Visual Apex Product Manager Matt Tucker, and Visual Apex is passing that savings on to customers. Purchasers receive the company’s one year limited warranty plus an extended warranty for the following four years on the purchase of any display in its professional line of plasma displays: the 37inch TH-37PH9UK, 42-inch TH-42PS9UK, 50-inch TH-50PH9UK, 50-inch TH-50PF9UK, and 65-inch TH-65PF9UK

“The price of the country’s favorite plasma, the 50-inch Panasonic is now at the level consumers might expect for a 42-inch model," Tucker adds. “The response has been extraordinary as it is common knowledge that year after year the Panasonic line remains the most highly regarded in the industry.”

Panasonic further separates itself from its competitors by forming partnership relations with its most highly regarded direct dealers such as Visual Apex. com, Tucker adds. These plasma display partners have actively responded to the data suggesting that consumers are overwhelmed by the lingo of new TV technology and are looking for easy and coherent ways to understand selection criteria unique to their own situation. Manning the phones at Visual Apex are highly trained and specialized Plasma TV consultants who can resolve issues live and provide expert advice on set-up, operation and troubleshooting, as well as integration of the Plasma TV with other home entertainment components.

“A great price means nothing without product support,” says VA’s Tucker. “You must go online to find the deals and when you find them you must be certain you are buying from an authorized direct dealer with a long chain of positive customer reviews.”

If a consumer follows those guidelines it becomes clear that from very attractive pricing and incentives to superior image quality and customer service, consumers who purchase Panasonic Plasma from a trusted Panasonic partner will not be disappointed.

About Visual Apex

Founded in 2001, Visual Apex has been a leader is the display technology industry and is based in Bainbridge Island, WA. Its customers embody the spectrum of presenting professionals including those in the business, government, education and home theater sectors. Buying in volume and selling direct, Visual Apex offers competitive prices and immediate delivery. Its operation is the culmination of thirty years shared experience listening, advising, questioning critiquing, and actually using the digital presentation systems it represents. For more information, visit the company's Web site at VisualApex. com (http://www. visualapex. com/redirects/default. asp? SE=PR&KW=Pan_50) or call 1-800-883-7495.

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Orv / Otv Bosnia and Herzegovina Selects HaiVision hai1000 for Broadcast Distribution / Backhaul

HaiVision Systems Inc. (Montreal, Canada), the world leader in performance video encoding technology, today announces that Obiteljski radio i televizija Valentino (orv / otv) has deployed HaiVision's hai1000 H.264 high performance encoders and decoder to distribute radio and television broadcasts from origination studios to different transmission points.

(PRWEB) October 11, 2007

September 24, 2007 - HaiVision Systems Inc. (Montreal, Canada), the world leader in performance video encoding technology, today announces that Obiteljski radio i televizija Valentino (orv / otv) has deployed HaiVision's hai1000 H.264 high performance encoders and decoder to distribute radio and television broadcasts from origination studios to different transmission points. The system was designed, integrated, and commissioned by Institute for technical sciences WMC-DIGITAL based in Zagreb/Croatia.

"HaiVision's systems provide excellent 2 stereo audio and video quality within the 2 Mbps bandwidth budget that we have defined," explains Vlado Petrovic, president of WMC-DIGITAL. "What is really perfect is that within that bandwidth each stream has one television with stereo audio and one stereo radio channel. As well, HaiVision systems are natively bi-directional (encode/decode) so ultimately we can broadcast / backhaul in either direction."

"WMC-DIGITAL is an integrator of the highest caliber," adds Mirko Wicha, HaiVision's CEO. "They had an aggressive vision for the project and executed flawlessly."

HaiVision's H.264 products are gaining broad acceptance within the broadcaster community because of their price / performance; HaiVision products typically provide over twice the performance (measured in latency) at half the price of tradition broadcast encoders. As well, broadcasters are now looking to move from high latency satellite contribution towards interactive media infrastructures that take advantage of low cost terrestrial bandwidth. Within these next generation contribution networks, broadcasters can eliminate the inherent latency of remote interviews while at the same time reducing their costs dramatically.

HaiVision is a leader in the development of H.264 encoding platforms, and has 4 levels of H.264 hardware solutions:
OSCAR - for the most cost effective QuickTime compatible streaming TASMAN - for performance oriented streaming and communications hai1000 - for carrier grade multi stream interactive applications such as telepresence MAKO-HD - the fastest codec for interactive high definition (up to 1080p) achieving a remarkable 60 millisecond end to end latency

About HaiVision Systems Inc.
HaiVision Systems Inc. is a private company dedicated to improving the way people live and work through the use of advanced network video technology. HaiVision's interactive products are used in the foremost telepresence suites, boardrooms, and continuous presence distance education systems worldwide. They are used as well in the medical field supporting information and service delivery within hospital campuses and across nations. HaiVision's streaming products are also used extensively for video backhaul and distribution in broadcast and IPTV applications. Please have a look at the product information, case studies, videos, and file samples available in the file download area of our web site (www. haivision. com/account/downloads (http://www. haivision. com/account/downloads)).

For further information, please contact:

Ceicy Tsui
HaiVision Systems Inc.
Tel: (514) 334-5445, ext. 251
Email: ctsui (at) haivision. com
Web: www. haivision. com

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Control Concepts Team Reaches Crestron's Silver Level Master Programmer Designation

Independent programming firm Control Concepts, Inc. (www. controlconcepts. net) announced this week that three key members of their team had completed Silver Level in Crestron's Masters training program.

Fair Lawn, NJ (PRWEB) July 8, 2009

Crestron offers exclusive, specialized Masters Classes to recognize the commitment of Crestron programmers who attend these invitation-only classes. Masters Classes are an invaluable opportunity for programmers to train on the latest Crestron software and hardware and network and share knowledge with other programmers. Those who attend three annual Masters Classes receive a "Silver" designation.

Control Concepts President Steve Greenblatt and Senior Programmers Mike Korinko and Ken Danner have attended Masters Classes since the offering began in 2002 at the Crestron Technical Institute (CTI) located at the company headquarters in Rockleigh, NJ.

"Crestron is a key partner for us, and we are very happy to reach this level of certification," noted Steve Greenblatt. "As a Crestron Authorized Independent Programming Company (CAIP), it's important that we bring the best possible level of programming support to our mutual customers. Continuing education is a key piece of our company's ongoing efforts to develop our staff and bring the optimal skills and knowledge to our clients."
"Control Concepts continues to demonstrate their dedication to Crestron and the audiovisual industry with their involvement with the Masters training program," said Steve Samson, Director of Business Development at Crestron. "Attaining the Silver designation is only a small sign of their commitment to Crestron. They have been active members in the CAIP program since its inception in 2001 and have been successfully serving our customers for over 12 years."

About Control Concepts, Inc. http://www. controlconcepts. net/aboutus. php (http://www. controlconcepts. net/aboutus. php)

Control Concepts, Inc. is a leader in audiovisual control system programming and interface design. With a team of experienced professionals that posses diverse quantifiable knowledge, Control Concepts combines elements of automation, data communications, and audiovisual science to make technology easy to use in boardrooms, classrooms, and entertainment venues. Established in 1997 based on the principles of quality and customer relations, CCI is dedicated to servicing consultants, integrators, and end users throughout the Northeast US and the world.

About Crestron http://www. crestron. com/ (http://www. crestron. com/)
For nearly 40 years Crestron has been the world's leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology to simplify and enhance modern lifestyles and businesses. Offering integrated solutions to control audio, video, computer, and environmental systems, Crestron streamlines technology, improving quality of life in commercial buildings, universities, hotels, hospitals and homes. In addition to its World Headquarters in Rockleigh, New Jersey, Crestron has sales and support offices throughout the U. S., Canada, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Australia.

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Thursday, June 26, 2003

Lone Star Expeditions Celebrates Five Years of Helping Teens through Wilderness Therapy

Unique Texas program uses ropes courses and a base camp model to augment wilderness experience.

Groveton, TX (PRWEB) September 17, 2007

Lone Star Expeditions, a licensed outdoor treatment program for troubled teens, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this month. Based in east Texas, the program offers students outdoor experiential therapy as they navigate through ropes courses, learn wilderness skills, and periodically return to a permanent base camp that allows the program's licensed therapists a more effective means of assessment, intervention and aftercare.

"Lone Star is thrilled to be celebrating our five year anniversary of helping kids discover their potential," says Mike Bednarz, executive director of Lone Star. "We remain focused on reuniting families and helping teens succeed in leading more positive lives, and look forward to continuing in this great tradition."

Wilderness programs like Lone Star afford teens who are struggling with emotional, behavioral, attention, or learning problems an opportunity to be free from modern distractions, allowing them to simplify choices, gain insight into their values, and learn to accept responsibility for their decisions. As they progress through the program's level system, students experience success and develop healthy self-esteem.

Lone Star is often considered the alternative to boot camps. Students, whose ages range from 13-17 years, spend their time hiking and camping, and participating in high and low ropes course activities with trained facilitators. The program emphasizes keeping parents connected and involved through weekly telephone planning sessions with their child's therapist, parent therapy and reading assignments, contact with their child through the exchange of letters, and progression through Lone Star's four Family Expedition Phases that mirror their child's progress. The program's flexible length of stay allows students and families to fully prepare for the next step in the therapeutic process whether transitioning to a residential boarding school or returning home.

Lone Star Expeditions is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The program is a member of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) and recently received Woodbury Reports' "Excellence in Education Award" for their outstanding reputation for producing positive and consistent results with at-risk children and their families.

Lone Star Expeditions is a proud member of Aspen Education Group, recognized nationwide as the largest and most comprehensive network of therapeutic schools and programs. Aspen Education Group offers professionals and families the opportunity to choose from a variety of therapeutic settings in order to best meet a student's unique academic and emotional needs. Aspen Education Group has been profiled by major news and television organizations around the world, including U. S. News and World Report, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today and People magazine, as well as on CNN, ABC's 20/20 and Good Morning America, NBC's The Today Show and Dateline NBC, and National Public Radio. Aspen is a division of CRC Health Group, the nation's largest chemical dependency and related behavioral health organization. For more information about Aspen Education Group, visit www. aspeneducation. com or call (888) 972-7736. To learn more about Lone Star Expeditions visit www. lonestarexpeditions. com or call (866) 573-2002.

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Wednesday, June 25, 2003

Photographs by Lena Johnson in Fine Art Auction to Benefit IVN

Museum quality landscape and architectural photographs by Lena Johnson will be sold at silent auction to benefit Idaho Votes No Campaign to defeat Amendment HJR2.

Boise, ID (PRWEB) October 14, 2006

Piazza di Vino Art Gallery and Wine Bar is hosting a Silent Auction and Fundraiser on October 27 to benefit the Idaho Votes No organization which opposes Amendment HJR2. At auction will be twelve fine art photographs by Lena Johnson who will donate 50% of her profits from the sale to IVN. “I became involved with Idaho Votes No because I am opposed to the social injustice that the passage of Amendment HJR2 will bring to ALL unmarried couples regardless of sexual orientation. This amendment will hurt so many families and children and I encourage everyone to vote NO for HJR2,” states Lena Johnson. The auction and program will begin at 6:00 pm at Piazza di Vino at 212 N 9th St in downtown Boise and the public is invited to attend. Lena’s fine art photographs can be seen at http://www. LenaJohnsonStudio. com (http://www. LenaJohnsonStudio. com) website.

The program will begin at 6pm with speaker Michael Mitchell, Marriage Campaign Manager for the ACLU’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender Project based in New York City. Mitchell has nearly two decades of experience as a community activist, especially around LGBT and HIV/AIDS issues. In 2003, he was given the “Voice of Reason Award” by the Salt Lake County Democratic Party for his role as spokesperson for democratic and progressive issues. Mitchell joined the ACLU in June 2005 after having spent four years as executive director of Equality Utah, the state’s LGBT political advocacy group. He was a senior advisor to Donald Dunn’s 2000 run for Congress in Utah. Representatives from Idaho Votes No will be on hand to answer questions about Amendment HJR2 that will come before the voters on November 7th. Idaho Votes No is a coalition of individual Idahoans and non-profit organizations dedicated to stopping the proposed Idaho constitutional ban on gay marriage and civil unions or domestic partnerships of any kind, including those between heterosexual couples.

Lena Johnson’s diverse background as an architect, fine artist and professional photographer began in 1974 when she worked as a photojournalist at the University of Georgia. Her education includes the Master of Architecture program at the University of Kansas where she studied fine art watercolor painting with Curtis Besinger, a Taliesin Fellow. Her Masters work also included studies in Siena, Italy. Lena’s fine art photographs can be seen at the http://www. LenaJohnsonStudio. com (http://www. LenaJohnsonStudio. com) website. For more information, contact Lena Johnson at 208.424.8115 or Contact@LenaJohnsonStudio. com

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Leonardo Academy Staff Member Participates in Pre-Release Pilot Testing of LEED&#174; Operations and Maintenance Accreditation Exam

Leonardo Academy Staff Member Participates in Pre-Release Pilot Testing of LEED® Operations and Maintenance Accreditation Exam

Leonardo Academy employee Kara Edmonson one of the first recipients of the LEED® AP O+M credentials.

Madison, WI (PRWEB) April 16, 2009

Leonardo Academy employee Kara Edmonson was selected to participate as a Subject Matter Expert in a Green Building Certification Institute event to beta test the soon-to-be-released Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional Operations and Maintenance (LEED® AP O+M) exam. As part of a select group of participants in this process, Ms. Edmonson took the new exam and earned a passing score, thus becoming one of the first recipients of the LEED® AP O+M credentials.

Under the new credentialing system, LEED® Accredited Professionals (LEED® APs) are distinguished from Green Associates by demonstrating a thorough knowledge of green building practices and principles and of the LEED® Green Building Rating System™ and its application in practice. LEED® APs are building professionals who have the knowledge and skills to successfully steward applicants through the LEED® Certification Process. LEED® APs facilitate the integrated design process and streamline the LEED® Certification process for clients.

Leonardo Academy has formally congratulated Kara Edmonson on this accomplishment.

Leonardo Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability and putting the competitive market to work on improving the environment. Leonardo Academy is a Think and Do Tank. Leonardo Academy develops and distributes strategies, guidance, metrics, standards, education, and information on how to increase sustainability. Leonardo Academy also helps companies, organizations, families, and individuals successfully promote, encourage, and implement sustainability. Leonardo Academy's integrated approach makes sustainability very practical. Leonardo Academy provides a full range of sustainability services including enterprise sustainability, emissions, supply chain and green buildings. For greening buildings, Leonardo Academy supports implementation and certification under the LEED® Green Building Rating System™. For additional information about Leonardo Academy, visit www. leonardoacademy. org.

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) was established as a separately incorporated entity with the support of the U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC). GBCI administers credentialing programs related to green building practice. These programs support the application of proven strategies for increasing and measuring the performance of buildings and communities as defined by industry systems such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating Systems™. For additional information about the GBCI visit www. gbci. org.

The LEED® Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED®-EB is a USGBC-sponsored program for owners who address sustainable operations and maintenance for existing buildings. The USGBC is the nation's leading coalition of corporations, builders, universities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations working together to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. For additional information about the USGBC visit www. usgbc. org.

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Bare Escentuals and Independent Research Firm to Share Merchandising Best Practices in June 20 "Merchandising Essentials" Webinar Hosted by Demandware

Demandware (www. demandware. com), developer of the breakthrough On-Demand eCommerce Platform+, is hosting a free Merchandising Essentials webinar featuring Bare Escentuals and Forrester Research scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EDT. Tamara Mendelsohn, senior research analyst at Forrester Research will join Sarah Veit, director of web marketing at Bare Escentuals to discuss the latest techniques that help to achieve effective multi-channel product display, pricing and promotions.

Woburn, Mass. (PRWEB) June 19, 2007

Demandware (www. demandware. com), developer of the breakthrough On-Demand eCommerce Platform+, is hosting a free Merchandising Essentials webinar with Bare Escentuals and Forrester Research scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EDT. Tamara Mendelsohn, senior research analyst at Forrester Research will join Sarah Veit, director of web marketing at Bare Escentuals to discuss the latest techniques that help to achieve effective multi-channel product display, pricing and promotions. Veit will share her experience with successfully launching the bareMinerals. com site on the Demandware e-Commerce Platform+ in Fall 2006 and the current initiative underway to re-launch the entire BareEscentuals. com site on Demandware in 2007. To register for the webinar, please visit https://www. gotomeeting. com/register/860530032 (https://www. gotomeeting. com/register/860530032).

Topics to be covered during the free Merchandising Essentials webinar include:
How merchandising is evolving Three top priorities that create effective merchandising Best practices for categorizing, pricing, displaying, and promoting products How to approach multi-channel merchandising

Veit will also discuss best practices she learned during the Demandware e-Commerce Platform+ bareMinerals. com implementation, which added a number of site upgrades and new merchandising features and upsell capabilities that present customers with additional complementary products. The new site offers a richer user experience for customers and an improved information display with additional content and graphics.

"Demandware has enabled us to easily modify and extend the same in-store merchandising to customers who prefer to engage with us over the Internet," said Veit. "Their merchandising capabilities and services allow us to sell products online in innovative new ways."

Bare Escentuals' beauty line includes i. d. bareMinerals and more than 1,000 other products in a complete line of color cosmetics, skin preps, lotions, application brushes and essential oils. Bare Escentuals products are sold in company-owned Bare Escentuals retail boutiques, on QVC and through TV infomercial, mail order, select specialty retailers like Sephora, Ulta and Nordstrom, plus high-end spas and international channels.

About Sarah Veit, Director of Web Marketing at Bare Escentuals:
Sarah is a Stanford University (BS) graduate in Quantitative Economics and launched her career at Boston Consulting Group. She completed her formal education at Stanford Business School in 1999. Seeing a trend for the resurgence of high end crafts, she founded e-Knitting. com by pulling together angel funding. From this successful venture, she was enticed to work for the national brand, Gymboree as an e-commerce manager where she marketed Janie and Jack. Today Sarah leads the charge of e-commerce growth at Bare Escentuals. Working closely with Leslie Blodgett, Bare Escentuals' CEO and make up industry iconoclast, Sarah makes all key decisions relative to the public-facing e-commerce suite and the online marketing communications that are driving sales and fulfillment.

About Forrester Research Senior Analyst Tamara Mendelsohn:
Tamara is a senior analyst whose focus is on commerce platforms and other online selling tools. She is also responsible for covering retail technologies like in-store kiosks and loyalty programs that enable and support multichannel sales strategies. Tamara began her career at Forrester as a research associate on Forrester's TechRankings team. In this role, she supported Forrester's TechRankings product evaluation research on a range of topics, including enterprise content management, portal technologies, consumer marketing platforms, and business process management tools. Tamara is a graduate of Wellesley College with a B. A. in comparative literature and economics.

About Demandware, Inc.
Demandware drives the success of high-growth brands with its breakthrough On-Demand eCommerce Platform+ that empowers merchandising and marketing talent with total control over the shopping experience and continuous competitive differentiation. Leading brands such as Bare Escentuals, Playmobil, and Playboy leverage Demandware's best-in-class eCommerce functionality and automatic upgrades to help achieve higher conversion rates, increase average order size, and improve customer retention. Demandware is the only on-demand eCommerce solution that enables the rapid rollout of new sites, provides ubiquitous access to business and technical users, and is backed by a patented grid computing architecture that delivers capacity as needed for performance and reliability that exceeds industry standards. For more information about Demandware, visit www. demandware. com, call 888 553 9216 or contact via email.

About Bare Escentuals
Since its founding in 1976, Bare Escentuals has focused on using only the finest ingredients in our products. This commitment led to the creation of our revolutionary mineral makeup called bareMinerals®. Made with crushed minerals from the earth, 100% pure bareMinerals are free of preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and other potential skin irritants. All ages and skin types can benefit from our feather-light 100% pure bareMinerals, but especially those concerned with skin sensitivities, allergies, scars, blemishes, rosacea, wrinkles and pigmentation. For more information about Bare Escentuals, please visit www. bareescentuals. com.

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Tuesday, June 24, 2003

247Learn Introduces Online Learning at a Revolutionary Price

247Learn announced the introduction of several online course packages which offers individuals access for six months for only $60 each.

Brecksville, OH (PRWEB) July 30, 2007

247Learn (http://www.247learn. com (http://www.247learn. com)), a new online learning service, announced the introduction of several comprehensive online course packages each of which offers individuals access for six months for only $60. Each course package is designed to make high-quality web-based courses available to the general public at a low cost.

The packages available include:
Office Computing (258 Courses) Web Development (311 Courses) IT Professional (399 Courses) Technical Microsoft (379 Courses) Business Skills (104 Courses) Home and Small Business (62 Courses) Project Management (45 Courses) Business Skill Videos: Essentials (61 Courses) Business Skill Videos: Management (76 Courses) Business Skill Videos: Personal Development (44 Courses) Business Skill Videos: Intro to Six Sigma (4 Courses) Technical Mainframe (79 Courses).

The packages from 247Learn provides a variety of courses on business, technical and software application topics. Courses in the package include titles such as:

Word 2007- Getting Started Project Management Overview Dreamweaver 8 - New Design Tools Photoshop 7 - The Application and its Elements Guerilla Marketing Six Sigma: Fundamentals Raising Financing Building Customer Loyalty 401K Basics. A complete list of courses for each package and a demo (with 20 complete courses) is available at the 247Learn web site.

Also available with each package, for an additional $30 fee, is an Instant Mentoring service which provides 247Learn subscribers with online access to experts who can assist in the learning process by answering questions about the course materials.

With a 247Learn subscription an individual can get access to a library of learning materials to build new business or personal skills, learn a new computer application or prepare for an IT certification exam such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or any of the various software certifications including offerings from Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco.

Online learning has become a major source of training and education for individuals at all levels, from K-12 student to college student to working professional and its usage is growing:

An American Digital Schools 2006 survey found that online learning is currently used by only 4 percent of K-12 students but that this number is expected to grow to 15% by 2011. In 2006, there were 3.2 million postsecondary students in the United States that took at least one online course, according to the Sloan Consortium. This represents a 25% increase over the previous year. According to a Bersin and Associates research report, budgets for corporate training are averaging 7% growth and companies spend an average of $1,273 annually to train each of their employees.

Joe Jurczyk, president of 247Learn, says, "With web-based learning, individuals can enhance their education at their convenience, anytime and anywhere. We are proud to offer these web-based packages at a low cost so that people and organizations who otherwise would not be able to afford such training will be able to take advantage of the offering."

The 247Learn course packages were developed through a partnership with CyberLearning, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides online learning to schools. "As the national nonprofit leader in bridging the digital divide through digital education, CyberLearning provides 2,500 high quality online courses in IT and business topics, with or without 24/7 instant live mentoring, to organizations serving the disadvantaged at a very affordable fee", states Dr. Appu Kuttan, founder and chairman of CyberLearning. "Our partnership with 247Learn will enable us to reach a larger audience to help fulfill that mission."

Individuals can sign up for a 247Learn course package directly on the web at http://www.247learn. com (http://www.247learn. com). Additional discounts are available to nonprofit organizations and for group purchases by corporations and other organizations.

For more information, contact:
Joe Jurczyk
247Learn
P. O. Box 41064
Brecksville, OH 44141 USA
Http://www.247learn. com (http://www.247learn. com)
P: 440-546-0183
F: 440-550-6262

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Monday, June 23, 2003

WestLake Training and Development Features Suite of New Project Management Training Courses

Company also offers mentoring, conferences and information technology training for the project management professional.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 29, 2008

WestLake Training and Development (http://www. westlaketraining. com), a premier information technology training company, is now offering a suite of project management training courses for those wishing to further their education. The courses are geared toward the project management professional and include "Practical Project Management for Today's Complex World," "Project Triage: Rescuing Troubled Projects," "Become a Great Negotiator," and "Advanced & Applied Project Management."

As with its information technology training courses, each of the project management training courses offered by WestLake is instructor-led and taught by an expert. These classes cover processes and practices related to project management and are worth between 14 and 21 PDUs or hours of contract training and are beneficial for those seeking a PMP (Project Management Professional) designation. Courses can be taken in conjunction with WestLake's Mentor Program to give a complete project management education. Additionally, WestLake offers instructor-led PMP Exam Prep courses in a traditional classroom setting and via the Virtual Classroom.

"WestLake has set itself apart as a leader in information technology training by offering instructor-led courses taught by industry experts," said Mark Rogers, president of WestLake Training and Development. "We believe that our suite of project management training courses, combined with our Mentor Program and our project management conferences, can give participants an edge in their industry."

Students can choose to attend in-person project management classes, held in one of WestLake's training facilities or customized to be held on a business's campus. Students can also elect to enroll in live classes presented in WestLake's Virtual Classroom setting. For more information about project management training or information technology training from WestLake, please visit www. westlaketraining. com.

About WestLake Training and Development:
WestLake Training and Development was founded in 1995 and is dedicated to delivering instructor-led training courses with a strong emphasis on hands-on exercises. The company offers a variety of technical, Web development classes (http://www. westlaketraining. com/about/index. html) and Project Management and Leadership classes at its training facilities in New York, NY; Atlanta, GA; San Jose, CA; Chicago, IL; Dulles, VA, with its headquarters just blocks away from the White House in downtown Washington, DC. Additionally, WestLake offers dedicated private development and project management training to corporations, government agencies, and not-for-profits throughout the country and around the world. For more information, visit www. westlaketraining. com.

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Saturday, June 21, 2003

Live Easter Presents of Baby Animals Can Be Deadly - IBRRC Is Urging the Media to Increase Stories About the Dangers of Buying Live Baby Animals at Easter

Every year, children become ill with Salmonella poisoning from handling baby ducks and chicks, typically sold only during Easter. International Bird Rescue Research center is appealing to the media to perform a tremendous public benefit by reporting on the serious consequences that can occur when baby animals are purchased on impulse.Â”

Fairfield, CA (PRWEB) March 24, 2005

Every year, children become ill with Salmonella poisoning from handling baby ducks and chicks, typically sold only during Easter. Not only is there potential harm to children from this tradition, but environmental havoc as well. Domestic ducks released into public parks, can transmit diseases to wild flocks. Animal shelters, stretched to their limits with unwanted dogs and cats, become overwhelmed with rabbits when the novelty wears off and reality sets in.

Â“Not only is cruel for these baby animals to be sold without any regard for proper care, but it creates tremendous problems later, when the animals that do survive are either Â“dumpedÂ” in public parks or dropped off at local animal sheltersÂ”, said Karen Benzel, Public Affairs Director for International Bird Rescue Research Center. Â“This is a public education issue, and the media can perform a tremendous public benefit by reporting on the serious consequences that can occur when baby animals are purchased on impulse.Â”

The ducklings that are sold at Easter are domestic ducks that cannot fly, and cannot Â“fend for themselves.Â” They can and do carry diseases that endanger wild ducks and geese. In 1993, an outbreak of duck plague, duck virus enteritis (DVE), occurred when an infected domestic duck was released into the canals in Venice, California. Hundreds of birds were killed by wildlife authorities to prevent the virus from spreading. Domestic ducks also mate with wild ducks, creating hybrids. Wildlife rescue centers donÂ’t typically take these hybrids, and animal shelters are not equipped to handle waterfowl.

The CDC has issued an alert warning that Â“bacteria carried in the chicks and ducklingÂ’s intestine contaminates their environment and the entire surface of the animal. Children can be exposed to the bacteria by simply holding, cuddling, or kissing the birds. Others at increased risk include persons with HIV/AIDS, pregnant women, the elderly and other immunocompromised persons.Â”

For the complete article Â“No Escape From Harsh Reality,Â” which explains in detail the differences between domestic and wild ducks and the issues domestic ducks face when forced to Â“fend for themselvesÂ” please visit IBRRCÂ’s website at www. ibrrc. org.

DVE outbreak details at: http://home. att. net/%7Ecgbraggjr/v17n7.htm (http://home. att. net/%7Ecgbraggjr/v17n7.htm)
CDC complete alert: http://communitydispatch. com/artman/publish/article_598.shtml (http://communitydispatch. com/artman/publish/article_598.shtml)

IBRRC is a proud member of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) a legislatively mandated program within The California Fish and Game, Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) which strives to ensure that wildlife exposed to petroleum products in the environment receive the best achievable treatment by providing access to permanent wildlife rehabilitation facilities and trained personnel for oil spill response within California.

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Friday, June 20, 2003

MuttShack Animal Rescue's Lifeline Call to Save Dogs About to be Euthanized at Los Angeles' North Central LA Pound

The shelters are overflowing because of the holiday "dumping" season. Several dogs are at risk of euthanazia in the North Central Los Angeles Pound.

(PRWEB) June 30, 2005

Los Angeles Animal Services North Central scheduled five dogs to be euthanized on Wednesday 6/29/05, between 9 am and 5 pm and on Thursday 6/30/05 fifteen more dogs are scheduled to be euthanized.

Amongst the dogs are purebreds, like Dalmatians, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. Many are young dogs, some only a couple of months old. One yellow lab, rescuers described as Â“a stunningly gorgeous Yellow Labrador RetrieverÂ—who appears to be pure... just a youngster, in the prime of his life, ... cute, and seems to be sweet, gentle, calm yet energetic, good natured, good with other dogs, docile, well behaved and such a gentleman, a perfect pet, in perfect shape, and so very adoptable.Â”

Many are dumped at the pounds for what seem trivial reasons. A Dalmatian owner turned her dog in because she said the dog got too big. Another said he landlord had changed his mind about allowing a pet that he had already had for many years. Another family simply found that having a dog was too much trouble, and that they didnÂ’t have enough time for it anymore. Many hope that the shelter will place their dogs somewhere else, but Los Angeles Animal Services are advising owners that they cannot guarantee that they will be able to find another home for an abandoned pet.

This disposable mindset has rescue organizations scrambling to get the dogs adopted from the shelters. They are given twenty-four hours notice, then, if they have the funds to rescue a dog, and a foster home, or the space to hold him in a kennel, they call the pound to ask for an "adopt alert" which will hold the dogs till they get there. Because of the heavy inflow of animals to the pounds, the shelters are filled to capacity. Cages that normally hold one, are holding up to five animals.

MuttShack Animal Rescue and Animal Adoption have made a Â“LifeLineÂ” slideshow available, which can be forwarded by e-mail as a grassroots campaign to anyone who may wish to rescue a dog. It is only a slim chance for pound dogs that have to find available homes in the highly competitive pets for sale market. MuttShack recommends that in order to adopt a dog, rescuers call the pound and place the dog under an "adopt alert" and to speak to a Supervisor about more time for pick-up if they cannot make it right away.

Anyone willing to adopt can call the shelter directly, at 213/485-5767, 213/485-8855 OR 213/485-9241. Phones are answered 24/7. (To view all photos go to http://www. photochains. com/view/MuttShack_LifeLine_LA_No_Central (http://www. photochains. com/view/MuttShack_LifeLine_LA_No_Central))

About Muttshack:

Muttshack Foundation is a 501((c)3) non-profit, a project of the National Heritage Foundation, established in 1968. MuttShack Foster and Animal Rescue promotes the education and creation of foster homes for abandoned and abused animals.

Muttshackers rescue animals from shelters, and from the streets, rehabilitate and nurture them to health in homes (MuttShacks) and find them quality, permanent new families.

By intervening and rescuing shelter animals about to be put to sleep, MuttShack fostering stops the killing of healthy animals in overcrowded shelters.

Donations Saves Lives. Visit animals online that are in danger of being put to sleep:

Support Muttshack Animal Rescue. DONATE [https://www. registrationfactory. com/v3/?EventUUID=B47421FD (https://www. registrationfactory. com/v3/?EventUUID=B47421FD)]

Donate by Paypal to payments at muttshack. org.

Thursday, June 19, 2003

PTGTV Offers Special Outdoor Adventure Series

Competitive Edge will highlight many sporting goods equipment products and bring their qualities to light in a special series on outdoor adventures

Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) April 23, 2006

PTGTV is pleased to announce a special Outdoor Adventure Series for its innovative, educational television series, Competitive Edge.

An adventure can involve anything different from one’s ordinary routine—but add words to it, and it may mean much more: adventure travel, or outdoor adventure, for example. It can entail going on safari, hang gliding, sky diving, bungee jumping, mountain scaling, shooting the rapids, hot air ballooning, deep sea diving, jet skiing, rock climbing, snowboarding or sailing, or even participating in triathalons, to name a few. They can make the blood boil or the hairs stand on end in a chill.

And while all these adventures differ tremendously in scope, location, and type of activity, there are certain aspects they have in common. One is the type of person who generally pursues an adventure: daring, fearless, usually well educated, disciplined, in good physical condition. Their human spirits need to push their own limits and break through boundaries to soar and triumph. Although at one time participating in these types of adventures was primarily for males, in today’s world women are just as active and adventurous in many cases.

The other uniting factor is the equipment necessary to use—certainly choosing the proper and suitable gear is the basis for participation in any adventure. Talent and ability are part of these activities, but having the correct equipment is vital, and can make the difference not only between winning and losing in a competitive sport, but between safety and survival in many others. One wouldn’t dangle from a rope or trust a parachute without knowing that it was the best quality for that particular adventure, that it had been tested and qualified and approved. Being daring does not mean being foolhardy.

From sports drinks to sophisticated backpacks, a multitude of products can improve one’s performance and experience in adventurous activities. Competitive Edge will highlight many of these and bring their qualities to light in a special series on outdoor adventures. The show will air on local and national cable stations throughout the country.

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Wednesday, June 18, 2003

National Pigeon Day in New York -- a Celebration of New York Pigeons

The New York Bird Club and United Poultry Concerns will hold National Pigeon Day in New York City to take place on Saturday, June 13th from Noon to 4 pm at Pilgrim Hill in Central Park. The free event will include speakers, political activism, entertainment and materials distribution. The National Pigeon Day Mistress of Ceremonies will be Christine L. Mott, Esq., member of the New York City Bar Association's Committee on Legal Issues Pertaining to Animals.

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 4, 2009

Ongoing issues revolving around New York pigeons are potential feeding bans, unlawful poaching and pigeon trafficking into Pennsylvania state for the purpose of holding pigeon shoots (http://www. hsus. org/wildlife_abuse/campaigns/contests/pennsylvania_pigeon_shoots. html (http://www. hsus. org/wildlife_abuse/campaigns/contests/pennsylvania_pigeon_shoots. html)), unecessary, cruel pigeon control methods, pending pigeon birth contraceptive -- Ovo Control P, and the harassing of citizens in their own homes for feeding pigeons, all with the goal of eradicating and reducing pigeons populations as their population steadily declines.

Information presented by pest control business indicate that pigeons pose a health risk, while the New York City Health Department and avian exotic veterinarians do not consider pigeons to be a major health risk at all. (http://peopleforpigeons. blogspot. com/2007/11/understanding-zoonotic-diseases-of. html (http://peopleforpigeons. blogspot. com/2007/11/understanding-zoonotic-diseases-of. html)). Pigeons are highly intelligence as indicated by their use by the military in wartimes as messengers as reliable communication. Pigeons had a 95 percent success rate in WWI delivering their messages and proved to be a lifeline for the troops on the front line. WWI was the height of homing pigeons used for military purposes. There were many pigeon heroes and several war birds received medals such as Cher Ami who is on display at the Smithsonian Institute. White pigeons are routinely released during celebrations and ceremonies, and street pigeons clean up litter left behind by humans.

Participants for National Pigeon Day are as follows:

Patrick Kwan is New York state director for The Humane Society of the United States (www. humanesociety. org) and spearheads the organization's humane policy & campaigns in the Empire State. Backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28, including over 800,000 New Yorkers, The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization. Prior to joining The HSUS, he was a field organizer for Amnesty International and an advisory board member of the Center for Environmental Citizenship (now the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund), and managed media relations & communications efforts for corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations including the Mayor's Alliance's for NYC's Animals, The September 11th Fund, and NYC & Company.

Amos Latteier - a Toronto-based artist whose recent public art projects include a location-specific haiku by sms project, a pigeon condo, cell phone-operated nature tour, a 500lb potato battery, and a chainsaw-powered walking machine.

Karen Davis, Ph. D. of United Poultry Concerns, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the compassionate and respectful treatment of domestic fowl.

Norene Leddy - an award winning video, installation and new media artis. She holds a class about pigeons at the New School for Design.

Charles Patterson, author of Eternal Treblinka: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust. Patterson will talk about the memory of his neighbor, the writer Isaac Bashevis Singer, who loved pigeons (and loved to feed them). Singer was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1978.

Fiona Walsh, writer and performer.

The Vivian Girls Experience band performing "Pigeons on Parade," and "Pigeon Goes to a Party" .

Mark Caponigro of Montclair State University, NJ: How a Pigeon Saved the Human Race: Doves in Ancient Religious Traditions (the role pigeons played in biblical and classic literature).

Jenny Bower will talk about the role of pigeons in America, from cultural to environmental: their influence in the arts as well as the environmental niches they fill.

Raghav Goyal, Oberlin '12.

Sam Hack will donate 100 copies of her book "Pigeon Woman and the Snagged Bag", a children's picture book. Ms. Sam is the art teacher at PS 11 in Chelsea.

Johanna Clearfield, Director of the Urban Wildlife Coalition - NYC, a New York State licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Don Jenner, New York State licensed rehabilitator and founding trustee of Wildlife in Tribeca.

Rachel Hirschfeld, Esq., nationally recognized pet trust attorney and advocate for people with pets will speak about "Feeding Laws in New York".

Author-illustrator Ted Enik has worked with a variety of contemporary and classic children's book characters and titles, including Magic Schoolbus, Harry Potter, and Eloise. He is currently an artist for the popular Fancy Nancy series where pigeons can be spotted.

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InfoValue Announces New Release of InfoValue QuickVideo 2005 Broadband Video Streaming Software Platform

InfoValue Computing, Inc. (Â“InfoValueÂ”), experts in providing innovative, high-performance video streaming platforms and solutions, today announced that it has begun shipping a major new release of InfoValue QuickVideo software, a full-feature platform for streaming video over cable and IP networks. The new release, InfoValue QuickVideo 2005, includes video on demand, multicasting, Network PVR for instant replay, recording/archiving/publishing, and content distribution. InfoValue QuickVideo 2005 is the first broadband video streaming platform to deliver advanced trick play and Network Personal Video Recorder (Network PVR) capabilities for MPEG-4 and MPEG-2 High Definition.

ELMSFORD, NY (PRWEB) February 24, 2005

InfoValue QuickVideo 2005 achieves a new level of interoperability by providing support for more video formats including ISMA MPEG-4, MPEG-2 High Definition, Windows Media Video, QuickTime, MPEG-1 over MPEG-2 Transport Stream, and MP3 multicast. InfoValue QuickVideo 2005 also now supports simultaneous streaming using Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), Lightweight Streaming Control Protocol (LSCP) and QuickVideo STreaming Protocol (QVSTP). Player support has been expanded beyond the InfoValue QuickVideoÂ™ Player to include Microsoft Media Player, Apple QuickTime Player, and others.

InfoValue QuickVideo 2005 adds to already feature rich interactivity with new advanced trick play for MPEG-4 and MPEG-2 High Definition to allow continuous, smooth fast forward and fast rewind. With the support of Network PVR, a viewer can instantly play back previous video regardless of whether it was broadcast a few seconds ago, a few hours ago, or even further in the past.

InfoValue QuickVideo 2005 provides expanded intelligence in content and system management, including automatic media type and packet type detection, encryption support, statistics tracking, rich media synchronization, and comprehensive and web friendly remote system management.

"In response to requests from the market and in anticipation of expansions of our customersÂ’ deployments, we have provided greater interoperability and functionality for new media formats such as MPEG-4 and MPEG-2 HD" said Monsong Chen, President and CEO of InfoValue. "The new InfoValue QuickVideo 2005 release provides a whole new level of performance, scalability and intelligence, making it even easier to deploy with a more attractive total cost of ownership than any competing system on the market today."

About InfoValue Computing, Inc.

Founded in 1994, InfoValue are experts in providing comprehensive broadband streaming platforms and solutions. An industry pioneer, InfoValue is recognized for its innovations in advancing the video streaming technology that has set the pace in performance, scalability, and intelligence. The InfoValue QuickVideo broadband video streaming platform is based on a standards-compliant, open architecture that is optimized with innovative, patented technologies. InfoValue QuickVideo streaming software, currently being used by telecommunication carriers, corporations, governments, educational institutions, hospitality providers, and broadcasters around the world, offers interactive video-on-demand and video multicast capabilities as well as integrated video indexing, distributed video caching, server clustering, and video service management capabilities. InfoValue's corporate headquarters are located at 4 Westchester Plaza, Elmsford, NY 10523.

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Tuesday, June 17, 2003

African Conservancy Announces Traveler's Legacy Program

The Vista, Calif.- based nonprofit has announced an innovative traveler's philanthropy program that enables people to experience the untouched wildlife and culture of Southern Africa while giving back to the towns, villages and national parks they visit. In addition to broadening their global horizons, travelers will be helping to preserve the country's natural resources for future generations.

(PRWEB) February 22, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFRICAN CONSERVANCY ANNOUNCES TRAVELERÂ’S LEGACY PROGRAM

Â— Innovative program provides traveler-originated funding for conservation and rehabilitation of African wilderness Â—

Vista, Calif., Feb. 18, 2003Â— The African Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving African wildlife and traditional cultures, today announced the TravelerÂ’s Legacy Program, which allows travelers to broaden their global horizons and experience the country of Zambia while making a positive contribution to the national parks, game management areas, towns and villages they visit.

In partnership with select hospitality providers in Zambia, the African Conservancy will allocate a portion of each travelerÂ’s tour cost to conservation and socioeconomic projects being undertaken in host communities. This concept of Â“travelers philanthropyÂ” provides the systematic assistance needed to sustain charitable activities in areas of the country where natural resources are in danger of being depleted.

Â“The TravelerÂ’s Legacy program services the vanguard of a new breed of travelers who seek not only to benefit from destinations they visit, but contribute to their well-being and authenticity,Â” said Michael Seltzer, director of Business Enterprises for Sustainable Travel (BEST). Â“An increasing number of todayÂ’s travelers, when experiencing the fragility of local wildlife and culture, will be motivated to ensure those precious resources will be protected for generations to come,Â” said Seltzer. Â“They look for opportunities to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. The TravelerÂ’s Legacy program is an excellent example of the type of value that todayÂ’s travelers are seeking.Â”

The African Conservancy selected Zambia as its travel headquarters because it offers many territories still unspoiled by Western influence, a wealth of cultural convergence, and unparalleled wildlife viewing. During the tour, travelers may visit any number of exotic locations including:

--Lusaka, Zambia's capital city, with its history, art, and urban contemporary African culture

--Livingstone, site of the magnificent Victoria Falls and one of Zambia's most outstanding cultural museums

--Songwe Gorge, the Zambian Grand Canyon, where travelers spend an unforgettable night high above the mighty Zambezi River

--The Luangwa Valley, which contains some of the highest concentrations of game in Africa

--Kafue National Park --a. k.a. the Lion House, famed for its abundance of predators and unique swamp/flood plain ecology

--Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest fresh water lake in the world

Tours are all-inclusive and undertaken by private aircraft and four-wheel drive vehicles. 14-day and 17-day itineraries are available, and prices range from $5,995.00 to $7,495. Dates are customizable beginning June 2003 through October 2003. To increase the authenticity and intimacy of the African encounter, group size is limited to eight people. Single supplements apply.

Since the TravelerÂ’s Legacy program is intended to engage people in the welfare of the destinations they visit, travelers will learn about several different grassroots projects before ultimately selecting where their funding will be allocated. Beneficiary organizations and projects for 2003 include the Luangwa Safari Association and Nsefu Food program, Conservation Lower Zambezi, the Tongabezi Trust School and the Mukinge Mission Hospital.

Â“Our goal is to expand the consciousness of global travelers to include a gift to the country they are visiting,Â” said Corinne Waldenmayer, president and executive director of the African Conservancy. Â“Knowing that a portion of the cost of their trip will help conserve and rehabilitate the African wilderness creates a sense of ownership and engages people to have a broader vision.Â”

About the African Conservancy:

The African Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving African wildlife and traditional cultures. This is a mission of extreme urgency because AfricaÂ’s bio-diversity is being destroyed faster than nature can replace it. The African ConservancyÂ’s portfolio of programs includes wildlife, environmental, and cultural education; cultural preservation and empowerment; and wildlife protection and rehabilitation. All programs are conceived, designed, and implemented in Africa with local staff, government and community partners, and all programs contribute to economic development and promote self-sufficiency. The African Conservancy is headquartered in Vista, Calif. and maintains a base of operations in Lusaka, Zambia. More information about the African Conservancy is available at http://www. africanconservancy. org (http://www. africanconservancy. org).

Editors Note: Photos available at http://www. africanconservancy. org/member/travelimages. html (http://www. africanconservancy. org/member/travelimages. html)

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Sunday, June 15, 2003

San Diego Business Leaders Honored by Freedoms Foundation

(PRWEB) February 27, 2000

VALLEY FORGE, PA -- Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge will honor three prominent San Diego corporate leaders as recipients of its Next Millennium Award. The award honors strategic investment in the educational future of the recipient's community.

J. Robert Beyster, founder and chief executive officer of Science Applications International Corp., William Geppert, Vice President and General Manager of Cox Communications-San Diego, and John Hawkins, CEO of Cloud 9 Shuttle will receive the recognition as part of the 23rd annual Leavey Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education.

Sally B. Thornton, La Jolla, a member of the board of directors of many distinguished organizations including the San Diego Museum of Art, will be the honorary chair for the event scheduled for March 31 at the US Grant Hotel in San Diego.

"Each of these individuals has displayed a commitment to the education of future generations and as entrepreneurs themselves they know firsthand the value and the role education plays within their communities," said Lt. General Robert E. Kelley, USAF (Ret), president of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.

The Next Millennium Award, Kelley said, identifies and recognizes business leaders who demonstrate the pioneering entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to education, and a continuing dedication to the betterment of their communities.

"Receiving the Next Millennium Award from Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is a great honor for me and for SAIC. The efforts of our educators to teach future generations about topics like free enterprise and citizenship rights and responsibilities are the lifeline to our continued economic success. To be honored along with the teachers receiving the Leavey Awards makes it even more special," said Beyster, who founded SAIC as a scientific consulting firm with a handful of employees in 1969.

Since then, the employee-owned company has grown to become an international high technology research and engineering corporation with more than 39,000 employees and revenues that top $4.7 billion. Beyster is the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the University of California, San DiegoÂ’s CONNECT program for providing 25 years of outstanding service to the community. He is a member of the Scientific Advisory Group to the Director, Strategic Target Planning Staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He also serves as Chairman of the board of the University of California at San Diego Foundation.

"I am honored to even be considered for the Next Millennium Award. Too often we lose focus on what is important to our growth as individuals and as a nation but it always comes back to education and the efforts of our teachers. I commend Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge and the Leavey family for offering inspiration to our educators and our students and I am proud to be a part of it," Geppert said.

Geppert, as vice president and general manager of Cox Communications San Diego, oversees the largest cable system in California, one that serves more than 500,000 customers. Under his leadership, the company formed Cox Kids Foundation, which recognizes outstanding education by awarding grants and scholarships to local schools and students. Cox Communications has provided free cable television and modems to 450 San Diego schools, and for 10 years has produced and broadcast the Emmy-winning "A Salute to Teachers."

Geppert currently serves as chair of the San Diego State University International Communications Council Smart Community Initiative for Schools, and chairman of the board for the California Cable Television Association. He is a first vice chair of the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego International Sports Council, the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and the Youth Education Town. He also serves as chairman of the CEO Roundtable.

"Receiving the Next Millennium Award from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is a tremendous honor for me but to share the recognition with individuals like Dr. Beyster and Mr. Geppert, as well as the Leavey Award winners, makes it extra special. Our future is secure with people like them working on our behalf," Hawkins said.

Hawkins, a Southern California native, helped lead a SupperShuttle franchise in San Diego out of trouble and into Cloud 9, which launched in late 1994. Today Cloud 9 is San Diego's largest airport ground transportation company with a diverse workforce of more than 400. It provides more than 75 percent of "shared-ride" transportation to and from Lindbergh Field. Cloud 9 Shuttle was recognized in 1995 as "San Diego's Most Enterprising Business" and named "Enterprise Award for Best Practices" in 1997 and 1998.

Hawkins currently is a member of the Board of the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, the Holiday Bowl Committee, the Corporate Finance Council, the San Diego International Sports Council, the Port Tenants Association, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, and Accessible San Diego.

Through its educational component -- America's School for Citizenship Education -- Freedoms Foundation sponsors diverse education and awards programs and derives support from nearly 4,000 volunteers in 29 local chapters as well as corporations, foundations, and civic organizations from across the nation.

Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, with chapters in 17 states, is among the nationÂ’s premier organizations devoted to citizenship-based education and the promotion of responsible citizenship. Founded in 1949 by prominent American business leaders Freedoms Foundation continues to conduct national awards programs that recognize excellence in education and civic involvement. The FoundationÂ’s National Awards, Leavey Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education, and Distinguished Awards programs have recognized more than 55,000 individuals and organizations since the FoundationÂ’s inception.

With headquarters on an historic 105-acre campus adjacent to Valley Forge National Historical Park, it conducts educational programs for elementary, intermediate and high school students that focus on the balance of rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship in 21st Century America. Freedoms Foundation also conducts graduate seminars and workshops for educators that study issues relating history to todayÂ’s problems, responsible citizenship, and the benefits of the free enterprise system. Graduate programs are fully accredited by many of the nationÂ’s major colleges and universities.

For more information on Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, visit the web site at www. ffvf. org, or contact the Foundation at 1-800-896-5488.

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Saturday, June 14, 2003

Computing Options Unveils Regent Express, the First ASP-Hosted Financial Aid Management System for Higher Education

Small colleges that depend on Federal Title IV funding to attract and retain students must comply with the same strict Federal requirements as large colleges. Until now, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on Financial Aid Management software to manage this process was out of the question for small colleges. Computing Options has addressed this critical need by offering Regent Express, an ASP version of Regent Enterprise, the robust Financial Aid Software that Computing Options has been providing for 25 years.

Frederick, MD (PRWEB) October 8, 2005

Computing Options, a leading provider of financial aid management solutions to the post-secondary education market for over 25 years, announced today the market’s first ASP-hosted financial aid management solution, Regent Express. The solution, which is based on the company’s category-leading financial aid management software, Regent, will be generally available in October of 2005. The solution will be sold on an annual subscription basis and requires no hardware, software or IT resources and is available at a fraction of the cost of traditional enterprise software.

Regent Express will provide thousands of colleges with an affordable, enterprise-grade solution who cannot afford costly competitive alternatives. For colleges with up to 1000 full-time enrollments (FTE’s), Regent Express addresses a major innovation gap in the market and enables financial aid automation and reporting previously enjoyed only by large institutions with multi-million dollar ERP systems. Clients can "go-live" with the system within 72 hours of purchase.

“Small schools have the same financial aid issues and needs that the large institutions have: federal compliance, reporting, packaging, etc., but don’t have the budget for an expensive financial aid management system,” says Bryan Chaney, Vice President of Sales for Computing Options. “Because our system is purely web-based, is easy to use and learn, and can be installed quickly, offering Regent Express as a service was a simple decision for us.”

Computing Options will offer Regent Express starting at $1,900 per month, billed annually, to colleges with fewer than 500 students and $2,500 per month for colleges up to 1000 students. Private 2 year colleges and career colleges are expected to be major takers of the new Regent Express. Full phone and online support will be available to Regent Express clients as well.

About Computing Options

Founded in 1979, Computing Options provides software solutions exclusively for higher education institutions, where it is a leading provider of financial aid management solutions. Acquired and operated by the current management team in 2003, Computing Options has spent over 2 years retooling its products and business operations. The web-based, open-standards architecture combines the benefits of 25 years of financial aid knowledge experience with today's flexible, interoperable web-based technologies. Computing Options is committed to developing administrative systems which allow institutions to utilize best-of-breed applications which integrate seamlessly with existing systems for maximum return on investment.

Computing Options is headquartered at: 4650 Wedgewood Blvd., Suite 104, Frederick, MD, 21703. Telephone: (800) 639-0927 www. computingoptions. com

For more information, please contact Bryan Chaney, VP of Sales at bryan. chaney@computingoptions. com, 240-215-6125

To see an online demo immediately, click the "view demo now" link on our website.

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Friday, June 13, 2003

City of San Jose Selects MobileFrame&#194;’s Business SuiteTM

City of San Jose Selects MobileFrameÂ’s Business SuiteTM

MobileFrame software delivers significant benefits that improve efficiency and cut costs.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) September 14, 2004 -

Â– MobileFrame, LLC (www. mobileframe. com ), the leading provider of Configurable Mobile ApplicationsTM, announced that The City of San Jose Department of Transportation has selected MobileFrameÂ’s Business SuiteTM software to dramatically enhance Department productivity by completely automating the data collected by its field inspection staff.

MobileFrameÂ’s unique mobile software platform allows business users with no IT background to create and deploy sophisticated mobile applications, enabling data collection and managed workflow to be seamlessly integrated from the field to backend systems. Previously, City sidewalk inspections for construction and/or repair required inspectors to use paper forms and digital cameras to capture field data, which was then manually keyed into a Microsoft Access Database.

MobileFrame approached the City and offered its innovative Business Suite software as part of the MayorÂ’s initiative to forge new business-community relationships with City government. The IT Department selected the Department of TransportationÂ’s Sidewalk Section for this pilot, based on the DepartmentÂ’s history of innovation and a strongly motivated workforce.

In addition to unparalleled ease of use, MobileFrameÂ’s technology consists of some very compelling features, including connection to backend enterprise systems in real-time and capture of rich data types such as documents, photos, sound, bar code scans, etc., while in the field. MobileFrame's smart architecture integrates intelligent networking with a thick client so inspectors always have complete workflow available whether or not network connectivity is continuously available.

The MobileFrame pilot project demonstrated many tangible benefits of automating the Sidewalk Inspection process:

1. Inspectors spend more time in the field collecting accurate data and little or no time in the office entering data.

2. Reduced clerical costs.

3. Cost reduction by stopping repetitive manual data collection and data entry (first onto paper, then into computer) by either clerical staff or inspectors.

4. Photographs will now be linked to the database records automatically, instead of requiring someone to physically rename and correlate them to an address or record.

5. Automation of work scheduling and assignment.

6. Mobile applications require minimal administration and support.

7. Ease of deployment for additional business units.

8. Ease of deployment for additional users within business units.

9. Ability to leverage mobile application development and deployment from one business unit to the next business unit.

10. Reduction of errors and time spent fixing them.

One of the key benefits of MobileFrameÂ’s software is the ability to create entirely new mobile applications for deployment to different departmentsÂ’ on-the-fly using point and click features, without the need for custom coding or programming. Based on the benefits demonstrated in the Sidewalk Inspection Section, the City of San Jose purchased MobileFrameÂ’s software and is now deploying it in the Pavement, Trees, and Streetlights Inspection Sections, as well as the Environmental Services Department.

"The use of cutting edge technology is an effective way to improve our departmentÂ’s productivity," says Assistant City Manager Mark Linder. "The City always tries to engage technically innovative solutions to help us achieve better efficiency." Ron Gonzales, City of San Jose Mayor echoÂ’s that sentiment, Â“We are always pleased when business and government can work together successfully to provide better services to our residents. MobileFrameÂ’s participation in our Â‘Doing Business in San JoseÂ’ Initiative is an excellent example of the results that can be achieved through automation of government processes in collaboration with innovative business solutions.Â”

Â“MobileFrame is pleased to be selected by the City of San Jose,Â” said Lonny Oswalt, MobileFrameÂ’s CEO and President. Â“Our software provides the City a robust mobility platform that can be used across many departments, enabling automation of any mobile applications.Â”

About MobileFrame:

MobileFrame has established a new category of user driven smart mobile computing, with integrated intelligent networking and synchronization. The companyÂ’s pioneering software significantly streamlines the process of developing, deploying and administering mobile enterprise applications. MobileFrame is a privately held company headquartered in San Jose, California. For more information, customers may contact MobileFrame directly at 1-408-885-1200 or visit our Web site at www. mobileframe. com

San JosÃ© has a world-renowned quality of life. The area offers a wide variety of exciting cultural, recreational, educational and entertainment opportunities. In addition, the City of San JosÃ© has the nation's best public safety record of any large metropolitan area, a marvelous ethnic diversity and a beautiful climate. San JosÃ© is the third largest city in California, following Los Angeles and San Diego. It is the 11th largest city in the U. S. and often referred to as the "Capital of Silicon Valley."

Contact:

Thomas J. Laughlin

MobileFrame LLC

(408) 885-1200

Tlaughlin@mobileframe. com

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Monday, June 30, 2003

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