Profile America -- Monday, March 2nd. Thousands of movies have been made since the introduction of talking pictures -- but one remains a source of fascination, "King Kong." The movie was released on this day in 1933 and became an immediate hit. King Kong was a 50-foot tall gorilla, actually an 18-inch model filmed in stop-motion. Kong clutching actress Fay Wray and climbing the Empire State building as biplanes shoot at him became one of the most famous scenes in movie history. When "King Kong" opened 76 years ago, there were well over 10,000 movie theaters in the U.S., generating revenues of $415 million. Now, there are just under half that number of theaters and they make $11 billion annually. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at www.census.gov .
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events, p. 155
Historical Statistics, p. 855
NAICS 512131
Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at www.census.gov (look under the "Newsroom" button).
NEW YORK, March 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC), one of the world's leading advertising and marketing services groups, is launching through its agencies an executive training program on digital marketing in partnership with Fudan University in Shanghai. The program, digital:works, is geared to help agencies and brand marketers train their staff to gain professional digital marketing skills. The course is designed, managed and run by Omnicom agencies and Fudan University's School of Journalism.
Omnicom Group has a long track record of leadership in the digital space in China and around the world, and its agencies' digital teams deliver award-winning digital solutions for a wide range of clients. Omnicom Group ranks number one in the world for digital marketing and media services revenues according to Advertising Age.
Fudan University, located in Shanghai, is one of China's most prestigious universities and is ranked among the top three institutions of advanced learning in the country. Its School of Journalism is noted for producing many of the leading professionals in the Chinese journalism and communications industry.
The combination of Omnicom agencies' years of broad practical experience in digital marketing and the Fudan University School of Journalism's research on the impact of new media technology on market and marketing communications make digital:works a unique and invaluable experience for executives of any organization seeking to build their understanding and capabilities in digital marketing.
The digital:works program is appropriate for anyone aiming to learn about digital marketing in China to improve their contribution to either a marketer or agency organization. The program is divided into three modules: an introduction to the Internet, including an overview of China's new media history; in-depth training on digital marketing tactics; and finally a perspective on the way the Internet and digital marketing are changing the business and communications industry.
Classes will be taught by senior digital professionals with practical in-depth experience from Omnicom agencies as well as professors and scholars from Fudan University and other leading Chinese universities, and top-level executives from marketers. Participants will receive a Professional Training Certificate from Fudan University upon successful completion of the program.
"As the online audience grows and digital becomes an increasingly larger part of marketing plans, it is essential for clients and agencies in China to become fluent in new media," commented Serge Dumont, Omnicom Senior Vice President and President Asia Pacific. "Omnicom is known for its commitment to professional development and education. Through conversations with Fudan, we saw the opportunity to create a very innovative executive training program that leverages Omnicom agencies' unparalleled digital expertise and Fudan's academic excellence to help marketing professionals understand the evolving media and marketing landscape," he added.
Professor Yu Zhenwei, the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Journalism College, Fudan University, commented, "New media is becoming the key communication tool for Chinese consumers; they use it to exchange their viewpoints on issues, brands and products. We believe the Chinese digital marketing industry will greatly benefit through this training program."
"All agencies and clients should look to digital marketing as essential to their success today and in the future," said Jason Kuperman, Vice President, Omnicom Asia Pacific Digital Development. "This program is a unique opportunity for marketing communications executives to benefit from Omnicom Group's extensive experience in digital marketing and Fudan's School of Journalism's expertise in the impact of new media technology on marketing communications," he added.
For further information on digital:works, please visit www.digitalworkschina.com.
About Omnicom Group Inc.
Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) is a leading global marketing and communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.
For further information on Omnicom and its brands, please visit www.omnicomgroup.com.
About the Fudan University School of Journalism
Fudan University's School of Journalism was founded in 1929 and is China's oldest Chinese journalism and communications institution. Since its establishment, Fudan University has trained nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree students, many of whom have become pillars of Chinese journalism and communications. Because of its contribution to the profession, the college has been called "the cradle of journalists."
The Design Studio of Somerville, NJ Celebrates 20th Anniversary - Open House Party on May 15
The Design Studio of Somerville, NJ announces that the company is celebrating its 20th anniversary as of April 2009. Tom Sfisco, Founder and Creative Director, is holding an open house party at the showroom located at 67 West Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876 on May 15, 2009. In addition to serving complimentary beverages and culinary delights from morning to night, all furniture and accessories will be discounted 20%.
Somerville, NJ (PRWEB) May 6, 2009
The Design Studio of Somerville announces that the company is celebrating its 20th anniversary as of April 2009. For Tom Sfisco, company founder and creative director, it has been a long, enjoyable journey on Main Street in downtown Somerville, New Jersey.
Owning an interior design firm and working with fabrics and furniture may have been Tom's destiny from the beginning. Tom's Grandfather, Charles Aller, was the general manager of the Somerville Redfern Laceworks and built a beautiful house in town. Tom now lives in that house built in 1904. Today, 105 years later, his personal kitchen in that historic home will soon be featured in Better Homes and Gardens®.
In 1989, Tom launched a small window and shade business that also offered painting and wall treatments. It grew quickly as he built a loyal customer base through a philosophy that he believes in to this day: "Most people know what they want. They simply need the input of a professional designer to help express their creative ideas."
Tom built a reputation in the community by visiting clients' homes and helping with furnishings and accessories in addition to his core business. It wasn't long before he opened the doors to his first retail space and showroom in 1991. In 1995, The Design Studio of Somerville relocated to its current location at the center of town. Featuring over 3,000 square feet, the store showcases an array of furniture, drapery displays, and a unique, eclectic mix of accessories and decorative home items. There is a large workspace for design clients to mix and match a myriad of possibilities.
Tom has many fond memories of working with clients over the years. "Working for the Doris Duke Estate located in Somerville was an amazing experience. Upon entering the front hall of the mansion and discovering rooms of timeless elegance, I realized classic design could stand the test of 40+ years. I was hired by Ms. Duke to utilize my fresh approach to interior design for an already beautiful home."
Tom's work for the Duke Estate opened many doors for his thriving business including assignments for Drumthwacket, the Governor's Mansion in Princeton. He also designed a charming nursery for the TLC Network television show, Baby Story.
The Design Studio of Somerville approach to interior design is about matching design with a homeowner's lifestyle. "Anyone can do a beautiful room," Tom points out. "We like to make sure that there is something about your life in there. We'll work off one or two existing pieces and involve our customers in order to decorate for how they live."
Tom credits his long-tenured team for much of the company's success. Linda Graziano creates a warm inviting retail space. Karen Srouji serves as Tom's design assistant. Cindy Stabile is a very knowledgeable, senior designer with an education from the New York School of Interior Design. Gail Weber is the firm's senior buyer and works with clients placing accessories in their home. Gail also has a knack for sourcing unique items unavailable elsewhere. Paula Yusem specializes in unique window treatments and creating gracious interiors. All have been with Tom for years and the team prides itself on a strong combination of creativity and customer service.
"We really bring the service into our customers' homes at very affordable pricing," adds Tom. "We're listening to them, hearing their needs, and fulfilling their visions. We look for things that are beautiful, yet functional and practical because that is the way people live today. No one wants to live in a place that is unapproachable. Whether it's one room in a modest house or a six-bedroom estate, nobody wants to make a costly mistake. If something is just not right, we do everything we can to work it out."
Today the showroom is the best it has ever been according to Tom. "When we go to a show, we really work it nine, ten hours a day, seeking out new vendors and styles," he says. "That's how we are able to feature a fresh product line you cannot find in other places. We always have something new for everyone to see."
Indeed, the showroom is loaded with an abundance of wonderful items for the entire home. It creates an atmosphere that appeals to all senses. Exotic teas, scented candles, and adorable hostess gifts are sprinkled around billowy curtains, rich wood furnishings, an endless library of fabric books, wallpaper, trimmings, fringes, and yes, in honor of Tom's Grandfather's lace factory, there is also imported French lace.
To celebrate its 20th Anniversary, The Design Studio of Somerville is holding an all day open house party on Friday, May 15 from 10:00am to 9:00pm. In addition to serving complimentary beverages and culinary delights from morning to night, all furniture and accessories will be discounted 20%.
The Design Studio of Somerville is located at 67 West Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. The showroom is open Monday-Friday 10:00am - 5:30pm and Saturday Noon - 5:30pm. Visit The Design Studio of Somerville (http://www. design-sos. com) to learn more.
TORONTO, March 1 /PRNewswire/ - TD Canada Trust is leading the charge in consumer online banking services, according to the recently released Surviscor Online Banking scorCard. Close behind was RBC Royal Bank, followed by Scotiabank, while BMO Bank of Montreal ranked the lowest of the 'big six' banks. The complete rankings the firms can be found at http://surviscor.com/ScorView/Reviews/OnlineBanking/2009Winter/
Surviscor's Online Banking scorCard is a comprehensive, impartial audit of online features and functionality at major Canadian banking institutions. This simulated-usage study measures over a thousand objective criteria within multiple service categories that are weighted according to industry-defined importance. The scorCard was powered by CorbinPartners Inc., a leading business intelligence provider and gold-seal member of the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association (MRIA).
"Online banking is much more than simply paying a bill" said Glenn LaCoste, President of Surviscor. "To compete in today's business, financial institutions need to offer a wide range of features and functionality tied to specific customer needs. The scores indicate that no firm hit a 'home run'. Clearly there are significant differences between banks and credit unions. It is evident that there is room for improvement".
TD Canada Trust swept past the competition in both the 'Web Design' and 'Customer Support' categories. This included a strong showing in areas of Navigation, Customization and Integration. RBC Royal Bank attained top spot in the all-important 'Getting Started' category which measured website features for existing and potential customers prior to actual login, such as enrollment for online banking and online calculators. Vancity, Canada's largest credit union scored fourth overall with high marks in both 'Web Design' and 'Service Rates/Fees' proving that credit unions can be every bit as competitive as the big Canadian banks. BMO Bank of Montreal scored no higher than sixth in every single category.
Surviscor also conducted a complementary study on the visitor websites of twenty-six Canadian financial institutions, including the top-10 Canadian credit unions. The results of this study will be released in early March 2009.
About Surviscor
Surviscor Inc. is a Canadian firm that analyzes and ranks Canadian online services offered to retail consumers. Surviscor produces seasonal feature and functionality scorCards and email responsiveness studies, including its prominent 'Online Discount Brokerage scorCard'. All studies and analyses serve as industry benchmarks for consumers and firms by identifying firms considered to be leading-edge solution providers and those whose online offerings are well below industry standards.
About CorbinPartners Inc.
CorbinPartners Inc (www.corbinpartners.com) is an established provider of corporate business intelligence, statistical measurement and forensic market research. It conducts service, brand and customer experience audits in many retail areas, and has Canada's leading specialty practice in research support for risk analysis, regulatory matters, and litigation.
Fareed Zakaria Writes, "It is crucial that we adopt a more sophisticated strategy toward radical Islam"
Not All Islamic Fundamentalists Support Jihad or are Potential Terrorists
NEW YORK, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In the March 9 Newsweek cover, "Radical Islam Is a Fact of Life. How to Live With It" (on newsstands Monday, March 2), Newsweek International Editor Fareed Zakaria argues that radical Islam is a fact of life, which we must learn to deal with. He emphatically does not say that we should accept the medieval values of the Islamists, or that we should not continue trying to destroy Al Qaeda. But to prevail in a generational cultural struggle, the West must learn to distinguish between those who have nihilistic philosophies and expansionist aims and those looking to apply their values at home.
Reports from Nigeria to Bosnia to Indonesia show that Islamic fundamentalists are finding support within their communities for their agenda, which usually involves the introduction of some form of Sharia-Islamic law--reflecting a puritanical interpretation of Islam. No music, no liquor, no smoking, no female emancipation. "The groups that advocate these policies are ugly, reactionary forces that will stunt their countries and bring dishonor to their religion. But not all these Islamists advocate global jihad, host terrorists or launch operations against the outside world--in fact, most do not," Zakaria writes. "Consider, for example, the most difficult example, the Taliban. The Taliban have done all kinds of terrible things in Afghanistan. But so far, no Afghan Taliban has participated at any significant level in a global terrorist attack over the past 10 years--including 9/11." Zakaria also points out that while some elements of the Taliban are closely associated with Al Qaeda, "the Taliban is large, and many factions have little connection to Osama bin Laden. Most Taliban want Islamic rule locally, not violent jihad globally," he writes.
This is why "it is crucial that we adopt a more sophisticated strategy toward radical Islam," Zakaria writes. "This should come naturally to President Obama, who spoke often on the campaign trail of the need for just such a differentiated approach toward Muslim countries." The Washington Institute, a think tank often associated with conservatives, also agrees with this view. Its report due to be released this week recommends that the United States use more "nuanced, noncombative rhetoric" that avoids sweeping declarations like "war on terror," "global insurgency," even "the Muslim world."
"Anything that emphasizes the variety of groups, movements and motives within that world strengthens the case that this is not a battle between Islam and the West," Zakaria writes. "Bin Laden constantly argues that all these different groups are part of the same global movement. We should not play into his hands, and emphasize instead that many of these forces are local, have specific grievances and don't have much in common. That does not mean we should accept the burning of girls' schools, or the stoning of criminals. Recognizing the reality of radical Islam is entirely different from accepting its ideas. We should mount a spirited defense of our views and values. We should pursue aggressively policies that will make these values succeed. Such efforts are often difficult and take time--rebuilding state structures, providing secular education, reducing corruption--but we should help societies making these efforts. The mere fact that we are working in these countries on these issues--and not simply bombing, killing and capturing--might change the atmosphere surrounding the U.S. involvement in this struggle."
Conference to Showcase Innovations from Companies around the Globe, Broadcasts Event Live on DEMO.com
FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The DEMO conference, known for launching some of the technology industry's biggest innovators, announced today that there will be 39 new products launched at DEMO 09. In its 19th year, the DEMO conference has hand selected the 39 companies that will be demonstrating their new products in six-minute live stage demonstrations to an audience of media, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs from around the globe. DEMO 09 will be hosted by Chris Shipley who will be joined on-stage for the first time ever by new co-executive producer, VentureBeat's founder and CEO Matt Marshall. The conference kicks off on March 1-3 in Palm Desert, California. Register to attend at http://www.demo.com.
DEMO is about innovative products that bring new ideas and business models to the market, or that challenge existing players in the market. DEMO continues to serve as the launch pad for emerging technology while providing insight to an audience of powerful influencers.
Various products launching at DEMO 09 include:
a portable device that works as both a netbook and a touchscreen tablet;
a network of small, battery powered wireless cameras that stream video directly to the Internet;
a commerce-based networking solution that allows subscribers to send various forms of content via Bluetooth;
a personal email assistant to initiate and sort through emails and parse conversations, files, images, media, dates and places;
a next-generation community management application;
an intelligent, Web-based mortgage buying subscription service;
a ubiquitous public forum for sharing information side-by-side on any Web page;
the first voice-to-text SMS application for the iPhone;
a full-featured clinical application that gives transplant organizations the tools to manage an active and scalable program;
products from all over the world including Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, and Taiwan.
DEMO 09 will be broadcast live over the Web through a partnership with former DEMO 08 demonstrator and DEMOgod award winner, BitGravity (http://www.bitgravity.com). Through BG Live(TM), their highly-scalable flash-based video stream service, BitGravity will delivers an unmatched user-experience to viewers around the globe. In an effort to make DEMO even more social and interactive this year, both the live broadcast and portions of the conference will feature Facebook(R) Live Feed technology, allowing conference participants and those viewing the live stream across the Web to share and view Facebook status updates about the event in real time.
DEMO will broadcast live beginning at 8:30 AM PST on March 2 and March 3 and can be seen at: http://www.demo.com/live.
Stay connected with DEMO through our communities on:
Facebook: http://www.demo.com/fbdemo
LinkedIn: http://www.demo.com/linkedin
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/demotweets
Plus, follow the DEMO 09 audience through an aggregated Twitter Feed at: http://www.twitter.com/demochatter
DEMO 09 Sponsors and Partners
Platinum sponsors of DEMO 09 are Canson, Inc., The Institute for Information Industry, Microsoft Corporation, Porter Novelli and Qualcomm. Angelsoft, Comerica Bank - Technology & Life Sciences Division, Connect Public Relations, Inc, Cooley Godward Kronish LLP, NEC Corporation of America, New York Stock Exchange, Nokia, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Silicon Valley Bank. Symantec, The Bogart Group, UBS, VCNetwork and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati are gold sponsors.
Strategic Partners include Guidewire Group and VentureBeat. Media partners include VCJ, Pulse2.com, Mashable, PR Newswire, ReadWriteWeb, and Ubergizmo. Marketing partners include Astia, Atlanta Venture Forum, Band of Angels, Boogar Lists, Conference Guru, Eye-To-Eye Communications, Golden Capital Network, IDG Ventures, Industry Standard, Keiretsu Forum - Northern CA, Keiretsu Forum - Southern CA, National Science Foundation, Rocky Mountain Venture Capital Association, SD Forum, San Diego Venture Group, Tech Coast Angels, VentureChoice, VentureDeal, and Wireless Industry Partnership.
About the DEMO Conferences
Produced by Network World Events and Executive Forums, the DEMO conferences in the United States and China introduces a wide spectrum of emerging technology products and services to the market for the very first time. Each innovation is hand selected from across the spectrum of the technology marketplace. The DEMO conferences have earned their reputation for consistently identifying tomorrow's cutting-edge technologies, and have served as launch pad events for companies such as Palm, Java, TiVo, E*TRADE Salesforce.com, VMware, Six Apart, OddPost, IronPort, GrandCentral and Glam Media helping them to secure venture funding, establish critical business relationships, and influence early adopters. Each DEMO conference features only the most innovative new companies, products and technologies. For more information on the DEMO conferences, visit http://www.demo.com.
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About Network World
Network World, Inc., the Leader in Network Knowledge, empowers network IT executives through education, information and community. Network World, an IDG company, is the leading provider of news, analysis, reviews, events and education on information technology. Network World publishes the leading newsweekly, Network World, hosts the most active online communities (www.networkworld.com, www.javaworld.com, www.linuxworld.com, and www.demo.com), and produces educational seminars and events worldwide. Network World's portfolio of strategic marketing programs provides marketing and agency professionals with the tools to generate high - quality leads, optimize marketing campaigns, and create new revenue opportunities. Additionally, Network World is the event organizer of DEMO and DEMOfall, the leading events for new technology innovation. For more information on Network World, visit http://www.networkworld.com
About International Data Group (IDG)
International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, events, and research company. IDG's online network includes more than 450 Web sites spanning business technology, consumer technology, digital entertainment and video games worldwide. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers in 85 countries including CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Macworld, Network World, and PC World. IDG's lead-generation service, IDG Connect, matches technology companies with an audience of engaged, high-quality IT professionals, influencers, and decision makers.
IDG is a leading producer of more than 750 technology-related events including Macworld Conference & Expo, LinuxWorld Conference & Expo, Entertainment for All Expo (E for All), DEMO, and IDC Directions. IDC, a subsidiary of IDG, is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events. Over 900 IDC analysts in more than 90 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends.
Additional information about IDG, a privately held company, is available at http://www.idg.com/.
All product and company names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Contact:
Lisa Peterson
Porter Novelli for DEMO
(512) 241-2233
Lisa.Peterson@porternovelli.com
DALLAS, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from Jim Robinson, President of ABC Radio Networks, on the passing of Paul Harvey:
Paul Harvey was one of the most gifted and beloved broadcasters in our nation's history. As he delivered the news each day with his own unique style and commentary, his voice became a trusted friend in American households. His career in radio spanned more than seven decades, during which time countless millions of listeners were both informed and entertained by his "News & Comment" and "Rest of the Story" features. Even after the passing of his loving wife Angel in May 2008, Paul would not slip quietly into retirement as he continued to take the microphone and reach out to his audience. We will miss our dear friend tremendously and are grateful for the many years we were so fortunate to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are now with his son Paul Jr. and the rest of the Harvey family.
