Tag Archives: Canada

E-Freight – DHL partners with IATA in global initiative to streamline airfreight processes

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• Level of customer experience increased
• Further contribution to group’s Go Green initiative

Mumbai, December 3, 2009: DHL Global Forwarding, the leading air and ocean freight forwarder of Deutsche Post DHL, is once again taking the lead by partnering with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in its global e-freight campaign. Intended to take the paper out of air cargo, e-freight will continuously reduce the number of paper documents that DHL Global Forwarding has to handle with every air cargo shipment. Of the 30 documents required, 16 are currently being replaced by electronic messages and the number will rise to 20 by 2010. Airlines will benefit considerably from this simplification.

DHL Global Forwarding handles more than a third of all international forwarder-issued e-freight shipments worldwide and introduced E-freight shipments already in 21 countries, covering 108 Airport locations. This shows the company’s strong commitment to this important industry initiative that will drastically reduce the paper trail and speed up transit times of airfreight shipments. E-Freight allows a shipment to be created by the manufacturer, transmitted to DHL Global Forwarding via EDI, processed, transmitted to the air carrier, to destination operations and to customs authorities, de-consolidated and cleared for delivery in a secure electronic environment, without the need to produce a single piece of paper. Despite the current downturn in global shipping activity, DHL Global Forwarding has invested considerable knowledge, manpower and monetary resources to be ahead of the learning curve. “This is a future-oriented project,” Michael Schaecher, Global Head Air Freight DHL Global Forwarding, explains. “We are fully aware that in five to six years’ time the airfreight business will be very different from today, with electronic messages replacing the multiple handling of documents. E-Freight offers major advantages for our organization, our service partners, our highly valued customers and, last but not least, the environment.”

Benefits of the initiative include lower costs, faster service with reduced cycle times of 24 hours on average, greater reliability and accuracy due to one-time data entry at the point of origin and much better visibility in the online track on account of electronic documentation, which allows for online track and trace functionality. It also protects the environment by eliminating more than 7,800 tons of paper documents worldwide – the equivalent of eighty Boeing 747 freighters per year. This will allow DHL Global Forwarding, which has already taken substantial steps to reduce its carbon footprint as part of the Deutsche Post DHL GoGreen initiative, to further deliver on its environmental commitments.

“The International Air Transport Association welcomes the willingness of DHL Global Forwarding, as the market leader, to fully embrace and contribute to the success of this groundbreaking initiative”, says Aleks Popovich, Senior Vice President Industry Distribution and Financial Services, IATA. IATA is an international airline industry trade group based in Montreal, Canada. Representing over 230 airlines comprising 93% of scheduled international air traffic, its mission is to represent, lead and serve the airline industry.

Blink Communications Deploys Juniper Networks MX Series Universal Edge Routers throughout Southern Ontario

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Juniper’s MX Series Routers and Junos Operating System Provide Service-Enabling Platform for Blink’s Next Generation Network
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Juniper Networks® (NYSE: JNPR) today announced that Blink Communications, a data communications service provider that delivers fiber-based, high-bandwidth services for some of the largest organizations in North America, has deployed Juniper Networks MX Series Universal Edge Routers for their next generation network. This new service-enabling infrastructure is allowing Blink Communications to build out new, cost-effective, network-based services, creating a foundation for next-generation Ethernet service offerings throughout Blink’s client base.
Blink Communications selected Juniper’s MX240 and MX960 routers to upgrade its legacy systems in order to more reliably deliver Virtual Private Network (VPN) services at both Layer 2 (data) and Layer 3 (network) levels of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model of networking protocols.
To enhance the exceptional level of service our customers have come to expect, Blink Communications chose a cost-effective, long-term, carrier-grade platform said Troy Hare, president and COO, Blink Communications. Juniper Networks routers and the Junos operating system allow us to effectively scale and grow our business and services offerings, while continuing to differentiate ourselves from our competitors. The MX Series routers improve our network performance dramatically, and we’re gaining operational simplicity and reduced network management costs with Junos running across our service delivery network
The Juniper Networks MX Series routers not only enable Blink to meet exponential growth in client bandwidth requirements and Layer 2 and 3 service demands, Hare notes, but also reduce energy and space costs. We estimate the MX Series to be 30 percent more power efficient and to consume 40 percent less rack space than its nearest competitors, which helps Blink make a positive impact on the environment
Blink required a long term platform for services deployment, one that would protect their network investments and cater to the growing needs of their customers in Canada and throughout North America said Colin Wymes, director of Service Provider Sales/Canada. With a new Juniper infrastructure, Blink can seamlessly grow its customer base and service offerings while delivering consistent levels of performance, security and reliability
The Juniper Networks MX Series is a family of Ethernet Services Routers with powerful switching and security features designed for high-performance enterprises. The MX Series routers are optimized for Ethernet and provide high-performance and high port-density routing and switching in campus core and aggregation, data center core and aggregation, and WAN edge configurations. The MX Series provides advanced routing features such as MPLS network virtualization, full Level 2 and Level 3 VPN support, low-latency multicast, QoS, IPv6 and high-availability.

Source: WEBWIRE

Incipio and Simms International Form Strategic Partnership to Expand Business in Australia

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IRVINE, CA United States and SYDNEY, NSW Australia – December 2, 2009 – Today, Incipio and Simms International jointly announce their new partnership to expand both companies product offering in Australia. With this exciting new partnership, Simms will become the sole distributor of Incipio’s award winning product line in Australia, which includes accessories for the Apple iPhone, iPod and Mac. The direct connection between Incipio and Simms will be mutually beneficial to both companies by offering exclusive representation, excellent service and prompt distribution, in hopes of expanding business in Australia.
“We’re thrilled to be in this partnership with Simms. I look forward to working with Simms exclusively, as they are a leading supplier of IT products and services to many of our customers” said Andy Fathollahi, President of Incipio Technologies.
“This is one category where Simms has been looking for the right partner, and Incipio is that partner.” said Gavin Troxler, Product Marketing Director. “The brand fits in with our mantra of representing high quality, premium brand products. The Incipio product range compliments our Apple business, and Simms will be marketing the product range through our Apple reseller channel and retail customers.”
“We are looking forward to partnering with Incipio to develop the brand in Australia, providing high quality products backed up by Simms’ high levels of customer service.”
ABOUT INCIPIO: Continually fusing fashion with function, Incipio was established in 1999 by a group of gadget-obsessed designers; Incipio was founded upon the premise that quality and value should go hand in hand. Incipio’s primary focus is to deliver exceptional products through superior engineering. The company’s credo–The Art of Protection–signifies the delicate balance of style and creativity while delivering unparalleled protection and function. Incipio’s product line includes iPhone, iPod, BlackBerry, and laptop accessories. The company’s commitment to provide innovative products at the highest level of craftsmanship combined with maintaining an affordable price makes it a leader in this industry. Incipio’s team members challenge themselves to develop the highest quality accessories by continuously seeking opportunities to improve and enhance the user experience. Incipio products are available directly online and in dozens of countries around the globe with distributors and retailers in the US, Canada, Asia, UK, Europe, Australia and Latin America. Incipio Technologies, Inc is a privately held firm based out of Irvine CA., with offices in Asia.
ABOUT SIMMS: Since their beginnings in 1995, Simms has established themselves as a trusted member of the IT channel, forging relationships with world-leading vendors, including Apple, Kingston, Cisco, VMware, Motion Computing, Powertraveller and Western Digital.. The company see’s themselves as an extension of their vendors, constantly seeking innovative ways to develop the market and create more opportunities for their channel partners. It is this specialised focus which affords their people the knowledge and expertise to deliver a unique range of services, extending from consultative selling, tailored marketing programs and comprehensive technical support through to product management, and advanced inventory and logistics management. Simms also invests heavily in quality programs such as ISO 9001:2000 and other initiatives to improve service levels. Their on-going investment in reliable, flexible infrastructure and systems is a critical component of their service delivery, but Simms biggest strength is their people – dedicated specialists who are enthusiastic about what they do and how they embody their corporate values of innovation, laughter, passion, courage, caring and professionalism. Simms International was the first Australian IT company to achieve Investors in People accreditation in 2003, enabling them to attract and retain talented people who share a common purpose. The success of Simms approach can be seen in their solid reputation for outstanding service and support, demonstrated through long-term relationships with high-profile vendors, their strong financial position and the satisfaction levels of their vendors, channel partners and staff.

Source: WEBWIRE

GLOBE 2010 Announces Star Speaker Line-up

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Business leaders from international companies including Dell, AMEC, Fedex, Barrick Gold and Interface will join NGO directors, government and intergovernmental officials and thousands of delegates for three days of engaging and topical conference sessions on business and the environment.

GLOBE 2010 confirmed speakers include Samir Brikho, Chief Executive Officer of AMEC plc, Ray Anderson, Chairman of Interface Inc., Paul Clements-Hunt, Head of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, Tony Manwaring, Chief Executive Officer of Tomorrows Company, Tod Arbogast, Director of Sustainable Business of Dell Inc., Suzanne Stormer, Vice-President and Chief of Staff at Novo Nordisk, Caroline Waters, director of people and policy at BT Group, Liesbeth van der Pol, Chief Government Architect of the Government of the Netherlands, Jim Prentice, Ministry of the Environment of the Government of Canada, and Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Speakers

Samir Brikho, Chief Executive Officer, AMEC plc, has led the London-based engineering company into the prestigious FTSE 100 index while promoting environmental sustainability. In March, the Times of London reported that AMEC seemed to be defying the recession and had reported a 66-per-cent increase in profits. Mr. Brikho has used business to promote peace in the Middle East and is a recipient of the Medal of Honour for Industrial Service from South Korean President Myung-bak Lee.

Ray Anderson, Founder and Chairman, Interface Inc., pledged his company to sustainability long before environmentalism became trendy. In 1994, Mr. Anderson dedicated his Interface, which manufactures carpet, to completely eliminating its environmental impact by 2020. The company has since remade its corporate structure and drastically reduced its waste output. Interface, which in 2008 won a Queens Awards for Enterprise Sustainable Development, has gone so far as to study geckos to learn how to adhere carpets to floors without using glue.

Paul Clements-Hunt, Head of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, (UNEP FI), oversees a partnership between the United Nations Environment Programme and the global financial sector. UNEP FI works with more than 170 financial institutions to develop links between the environment and business. Mr. Clements-Hunt founded Thailands first environmental consultancy. He also directed the International Chamber of Commerces energy, environmental and sustainable development policy work.

Tod Arbogast, Director, Sustainable Business, Dell Inc., is responsible for matching Dells growth strategies with sustainable development practices. Mr. Arbogast aims to minimize Dells environmental impact while sustaining its robust growth and status as a leading technological innovator. By creating more energy efficient products, Dell hopes to save customers operating costs while reducing the environmental impact of the companys products.

Tony Manwaring, Chief Executive Officer, Tomorrows Company, aims to improve the relationship between business, employees and society at large. The London-based research and education non-profit advocates holistic thinking that can promote decisions to enable sustainable business success. Mr. Manwaring previously worked as head of The General Secretarys Office for the Labour Party as it transformed into Tony Blairs New Labour.

Jim Prentice, Minister of Environment, Government of Canada, was first elected to Parliament in 2006. He has also served as Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. As a lawyer, Mr. Prentice specialized in property rights and served as a commissioner on the Indian Specific Claims Commission.

Caroline Waters, Director of People and Policy, BT Group, was named HR director of the year by HR magazine. Ms. Waters has been an outspoken advocate of work-life balance and a strong employee-employer relationship for BT Group, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. She has provided advice to government and serves on a number of boards.

Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia, was elected in 2008 and will speak just weeks after his city hosts the world during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Mr. Robertson has also served in the British Columbia legislature as the New Democratic small business critic. He is co-founder of Happy Planet, an organic juice producer that received the Ethics in Action Award in 2004.

2010 Conference Themes

Water: Potential Impacts + Issues for Business NEW

Clean(er) Technology: Changing the World of Business NEW

Corporate Sustainability Toolkit

Climate Change + Carbon Management

Energy and the Future

Financing the Green Economy

The Urban Infrastructure Revolution

For more information visit www.globe2010.com

About GLOBE

GLOBE 2010 is produced by the GLOBE Foundation, an international consultancy organization in the business of the environment. GLOBEs expertise lies in project management, event development, and management and consulting in the fields of environment and energy, urban development, and corporate responsibility. The GLOBE Foundation is North Americas longest operating producer of environmental events, having produced the GLOBE series since 1993.

Bombardier Releases Second Company-wide Corporate Social Responsibility Report

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- Enhanced role of corporate social responsibility in business

strategy

- Achieved 10% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions between fiscal

2004 and 2009 and aims to reduce emissions by additional 10% by 2015

Today Bombardier Inc. released its second company-wide corporate social responsibility report entitled Moving Forward Responsibly. The report captures the companys commitment to act responsibly as a public company, employer, neighbour and partner. It also details how corporate social responsibility is one of the top priorities of Our Way Forward, Bombardiers corporate strategy.

A sharper focus on corporate social responsibility augurs well for all of our stakeholders. It underscores our commitment to leverage our industry-leading innovation, talents, products and resources to increase our positive contribution to the communities where we are present around the world, said Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc.

The report highlights recent achievements and details how Bombardier is laying the foundation to continuously improve its corporate social responsibility performance in the years to come. The report is organized into six sections, reflecting both stakeholder feedback and the areas where Bombardier has the greatest responsibilities: governance, employees, products, operations, suppliers and responsible citizenship.

To improve access and minimize its environmental footprint, Bombardiers complete 2009 Corporate Social Responsibility Report is available exclusively online at www.bombardier.com/en/corporate/corporate-responsibility.

Highlights include:

- Listing on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and Dow Jones Sustainability North America Indexes for the third consecutive year

- Ongoing and active promotion of the UN Global Compacts principles of social responsibility and embedding of these principles in Bombardiers Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

- Enhanced approach to health and safety to reach the objective of zero accidents and occupational illnesses

- Expansion of the ECO4 portfolio of breakthrough energy-saving rail solutions, which can reduce overall energy consumption by up to 50%

- Continued development of the environmentally focused CSeries aircraft program, which will contribute to the commercial aviation industrys commitment to achieve carbon-neutral growth by 2020

- Recognition as one of the 10 Canadian Climate Disclosure Leaders in the Carbon Disclosure Project 2009 – Canada 200 Report

- Obtained commitment to respect Bombardiers Supplier Code of Conduct from 83 suppliers in Aerospace and over 120 in Transportation to date

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2009, were $19.7 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

CSeries and ECO4 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its

subsidiaries.

Advanced Bioremediation Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy Use While Saving Cities Money

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- facilitate oxygenation of water to reduce aeration and energy

requirements,

- eliminate habitat for methane producing bacteria in sewers,

- digest sludge to reduce or eliminate sludge handling,

transportation to land fills (resting the pollution elsewhere),

- biodegrade pharmaceuticals and hydrocarbons,

- reduce use and costs of toxic chemicals,

- protect and extend infrastructure life,

- prevent sewer overflows and associated contamination of communities

and water bodies,

- expand treatment capacity of wastewater treatment plants,

- eliminate toxic ammonia – even under ice,

- save cities money,

- make tax dollars go further,

- and more…

Advanced Bioremediation, with the purely biological Bacta-Pur(R) System, uses optimal natural and beneficial biological communities to digest pollutants in water. Results from both open and closed gravity sewers and ponds, from Asia to Africa to Europe to the Americas, show that water borne pollutants can be biodegraded even before reaching a wastewater treatment facility. Pollutant reductions exceeding 40% have been recorded in gravity sewers, and water bodies have been restored without electrical input for aeration.

Advanced Bioremediation is a key to sustainable ecosystems: environment, economies and societies. Greenhouse gases can be reduced now while costs of environmental protection are simultaneously reduced. Affordable environmental restoration, what can be better?

IET-Aquaresearch Ltd is a Canadian company whose headquarters are near North Hatley, Quebec, Canada. The companys website is www.bactapur.com. Bacta-Pur(R) is a registered trademark of Aquaresearch Canada Ltd used under license.

Toronto Humane Society Hires Criminal Lawyer Frank Addario

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/CNW/ – Frank Addario, criminal lawyer has been retained to represent several directors of the Toronto Humane Society and contest charges laid by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA), Bob Hambley, President announced today.

Mr Addario immediately identified several troubling issues with the conduct of the investigation to date.

Quotes:

Bob Hambley, President of the Toronto Humane Society

We are disappointed that we continue to be denied access to our facility. We vehemently disagree with the tactics and assertions of the OSPCA and are now working with our counsel to address this situation so that we can return to providing the highest standards of care to the animals entrusted to us.

Joan Milne, Board Member and Vice President of the THS

For more than 30 years I have worked to better the lives of sick, injured and abandoned animals. During this time I have served both the OSPCA and the Toronto Humane Society. For anyone to suggest we would be involved in, or allow there to be neglect of animals is preposterous, I have spent my life caring for animals.

Frank Addario, Criminal Lawyer

It is well known in the animal-care industry that the OSPCA and the THS have been at odds for several decades. The dispute is jurisdictional, professional and philosophical. This chapter is the latest in a series of disagreements between the parties. The raid needs to be seen in the context of that dispute.

These charges relate to allegations that are 6 months old and have already been litigated before the Animal Care Review Board. That Board is currently deciding the outcome of a dispute initiated by the OSPCA. The current investigation side-steps that process. We respect the Board and the process so we will not comment on that issue until the ACRB rules.

The activities of the Toronto Humane Society are regularly reviewed by several independent and unquestionably authoritative bodies. For example:

The College of Veterinarians of Ontario conducted a thorough site accreditation investigation last month as part of normal practices. The Toronto Humane Society received its Certificate of Accreditation for the Companion Animal Hospital November 19, 2009.

Revenue Canada conducted an audit of the Societys finances in September 2009 and raised no issues regarding the organizations finances.

KPMG annually reviews the financial accounts of the Toronto Humane Society. Audited financial statements are presented to and approved by members each year at the annual general meeting.

There are reasonable arguments on both sides of the euthanasia debate. There is no right and wrong but only reasonable opinions held by people on both sides. The THS has been unfairly demonized in the last 5 days. The OSPCA does not have a monopoly on caring for animals. We think that when the matter gets before a judge that the reasonableness of our approach will be shown.

The THS board is occupied by people of good faith with a long-standing and proud history in animal welfare. The claims about their conduct, made in the last week, are extremely unfortunate and not accurate. We will fight the charges vigorously.

BMW Canada November Sales up 11 per cent

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/CNW/ – BMW Group Canada (BMW and MINI Brands combined) reported November sales of 2,429 vehicles, an increase of 11 per cent compared to November 2008. Year-to-date sales for BMW Group Canada are 26,830 units, up 3 per cent compared to the same period last year.

BMW Brand: November Sales up 14%.

The BMW brand retailed 2,083 units, an increase of 14 per cent over November 2008. Year-to-date, 22,876 BMWs have been retailed, an increase in sales of 6 per cent from last years same period.

The success of the BMW X3 and X5 models, as we head into the winter months, are piloting the sales increase. BMW X3 sales showed an increase of 58 per cent and BMW X5 sales increased by 46% compared to the month of November in the previous year.

Another notable performer this year is the 7 Series. With the introduction of the new generation year-to-date sales are boosted a dramatic 51 per cent compared to the same period in 2008.

BMW Pre-Owned: Best November on record.

The BMW Pre-Owned division experienced the best November sales on record. There were 783 units retailed in November, up 3.3 per cent over November 2008. With 9,868 units sold year-to-date, total pre-owned sales are up 15.8 percent over the same period last year.

BMW Motorrad: Year-to-date motorcycle sales up 7.2 per cent.

BMW Motorrad Canada sold 37 units in November, down 38.3 per cent over November 2008. Year-to-date results are encouraging as Motorrad retail figures hit 1,764 a 7.2 per cent increase over the same period last year.

MINI Brand.

November sales indicate 346 units sold this past month, down 12 units from November 2008 sales, a decrease in sales of 3 per cent. MINI year-to-date sales were 3,954 a 14 per cent decline from sales numbers from the same period in 2008.

MINI NEXT: Best November on record.

A strong performance by MINI NEXT Certified Pre-Owned brings vehicle sales up by 16.4 per cent over November 2008. Total year-to-date MINI NEXT pre-owned sales totaled 715 units, a 17 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2008.

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

The BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of more than 1.43 million automobiles and over 101,000 motorcycles for the 2008 financial year. Revenues for 2008 totalled EUR 53.2 billion, with earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 921 million. The company employed a global workforce of approximately 98,000 associates on 30 September 2009.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last five years.

BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 40 BMW automobile retail centres, 19 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 25 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

VIZ Media Announces New DVD Releases For January 2010

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San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in January 2010. This includes the first box set of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN in regular and special editions, the next installments in POKÉMON ELEMENTS, as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.
SHONEN JUMP releases include:
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Special Edition Box Set 1 • Rated ’T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN • Available January 26
Naruto Uzumaki is back! After two and a half years of training on the road with Jiraiya of the Sannin, Naruto is back in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, and he’s ready to show off his new skills. He and Sakura team up to take on their old master Kakashi, who’s pretty impressed with their progress. They’ll have plenty of opportunity to put it into action when news arrives from the Sand Village that Gaara, Naruto’s former rival and now Kazekage of the Sand, has been kidnapped! And the culprits are the very same group who are after Naruto–the Akatsuki! The Special Edition Box Set features 13 episodes on 3 discs and also includes a collectible NARUTO Shippuden Mininja figure.
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Box Set 1 Standard Edition • Rated ’T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN • Available January 26
DVD-only collection featuring 13 episodes from the hit series on 3 discs; (collectible figure is not included.)
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 5 • Rated ’T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available January 12
Team Guy and Team Kakashi finally reach the Akatsuki hideout, only to encounter a tricky five-seal barrier that triggers an even stranger trap. While Team Guy face some pretty tough opponents–themselves!–Kakashi and Naruto must take off after Deidara who has absconded with Gaara. Sakura and Granny Chiyo are left behind to confront Sasori of the Red Sand. Granny Chiyo may be the only one with the ability to see through his many complex traps and skilled puppetry, but even one scratch from his poisoned weapons could mean instant death!
BLEACH Volume 24 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available January 19
Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya is assigned to lead the defense of the Soul Society and mobilize the Soul Reapers to find and kill the intruding Bounts. But the Bount leader Jin Kariya has gathered a huge mob of ruffians and plans to use them in his quest for revenge. Meanwhile, it is discovered that Maki Ichinose, the banished Soul Reaper helping the Bounts, has infiltrated the Seireitei and has been secretly manipulating their data. What strategies will play out, and how can Ichigo and his allies stop them?
New POKÉMON Releases Include:
POKÉMON ELEMENTS, Volume 7: Psychic • Rated ’A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $9.98 US/ $14.99 CAN • Available January 26
POKÉMON ELEMENTS, Volume 8: Dragon • Rated ’A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN • Available January 26
Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages.
Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Source: WEBWIRE

Everest Launches Mobile Website To Enhance User Experience

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Mobile website optimized for more than just smart phones

SANTA ANA, Calif. (December 1, 2009) – Now mobile visitors to Everest’s website can access campus and course information or begin the enrollment process to become a student from virtually any web-enabled cell phone, smart phone or other mobile Internet device.
With the launch of its mobile-optimized version of the website, http://m.everest.edu/, visitors can locate a nearby campus complete with map links and directions, review career training programs, check out online classes, see financial aid options, view frequently asked questions, request more information, as well as learn about student services, student resources, accreditation information, and the admissions and enrollment processes. There’s even a Call Us Now option that integrates the mobile browser with the user’s phone’s dialer, allowing for easy, safe dialing.
We noticed that over the past 12 months, mobile traffic has been the fastest growing segment of our web properties said Teresa M. O’Sullivan, Vice President of Marketing. People want information right at their fingertips. We felt it was important to provide an excellent mobile browsing experience for these users
When researching mobile website options, Everest developers felt it was important to optimize for more than just the smart phone device. They tested for a variety of mobile handsets and non-standard Internet devices in an effort to make the mobile browser experience much more user friendly and to better serve the schools’ increasing mobile traffic.
It’s all about the engaging our mobile visitors and creating a positive mobile user experience said O’Sullivan.
About Everest
Everest Universities, Colleges and Institutes and provide career-oriented diploma and degree programs in the fields of healthcare, criminal justice, skilled trades, business, paralegal and information technology. Everest is owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America, and has 100 schools in the U.S. and Canada. For more information about programs, visit the Everest main site, http://www.everest.edu, or the Everest mobile website, http://m.everest.edu/. Join the Everest conversation at http://www.facebook.com/Everest, http://www.youtube.com/everest/, and http://www.twitter.com/everest_college.

Source: WEBWIRE

Deaths related to narcotic pain relievers have doubled since 1991: study

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Introduction of OxyContin linked to a five-fold increase in deaths
Toronto, Deaths from opioid use in Ontario have doubled—from 13.7 deaths per million residents in 1991 to 27.2 deaths per million residents in 2004—according to a new study led by physicians at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) in Toronto.
Researchers also found that the addition of a long-acting form of oxycodone (OxyContin) to the province’s drug formulary in January 2000 corresponded with a five-fold increase in oxycodone-related deaths.
“Many doctors are aware that prescription opioids can have fatal side effects by depressing breathing and decreasing level of consciousness,” explains lead author Dr. Irfan Dhalla, a physician at St. Michael’s Hospital. “But we suspect most will be surprised to learn just how many deaths occur each year in Ontario from prescription opioids.”
Opioids, also known as narcotic pain relievers, are among the most commonly prescribed medications in Canada. They are used to treat people with moderate-to-severe acute or chronic pain.
The researchers manually reviewed nearly 7,100 files at the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario. They then linked these files with provincial data on physician visits and medication prescribing. They also analyzed data from IMS Health Canada—an organization that tracks the sales of prescription drugs.
Here are the researchers’ key findings:
* Prescriptions for oxycodone rose by more than 850 per cent during the study period. This increase was much larger than for any other opioid. Oxycodone accounted for about one-third of the almost 7.2 million prescriptions for opioids dispensed in Ontario in 2006.
* The increase in deaths was especially pronounced after OxyContin was added to the provincial drug benefit plan in 2000. Over the next five years, deaths related to any opioid increased by 41 per cent, and the number of deaths related to oxycodone (the active ingredient in OxyContin) rose fivefold.
* Deaths from prescription opioids in Ontario far outnumbered those from heroin.
* Most opioid-related fatalities (54 per cent) were accidental. The manner of death was undetermined in 22 per cent of cases and deemed to be suicide in 24 per cent.
* Most people whose deaths involved an opioid had visited a doctor and received a prescription for the drug in the month before they died.
These findings highlight the tremendous societal burden of opioid-related morbidity and mortality and morbidity says the study’s co-author Dr. David Juurlink, a senior scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) and a staff physician at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. Patients and doctors may not fully appreciate the potential danger of these drugs, particularly when they are taken in combination with other sedating drugs or alcohol
Based on the study findings for Ontario, the estimated annual national incidence of opioid-related deaths in 2004 (27.2 deaths per million population) came somewhere between the incidence of death from HIV infection (12 deaths per million) and the incidence of death from sepsis, or severe infection (40 deaths per million).
To reduce the number of deaths related to opioid prescriptions, the researchers suggest the creation of real-time electronic databases accessible to physicians and pharmacists. This would make it harder for people to obtain opioids improperly from multiple doctors or pharmacies and easier for health care providers to predict and prevent potentially dangerous drug interactions. The researchers also call for more and better education about the risks of opioid use and suggest greater restrictions on opioid prescribing.
About opioids and oxycodone
Opioids, also known as narcotic pain relievers, are among the most commonly prescribed medications in Canada. They are used to treat people with moderate-to-severe acute or chronic pain. Opioids have many side effects, and can cause death by depressing breathing and decreasing consciousness.
OxyContin was introduced onto the public drug formulary in Ontario in 2000. The public formulary lists drugs that the province has agreed to pay for under its drug benefits plan.
About St. Michael’s Hospital
St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who walk through its doors. The Hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 23 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, and care of the homeless are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research at St. Michael’s Hospital is recognized and put into practice around the world. Founded in 1892, the Hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Source: WEBWIRE

Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales and Export Figures for October 2009

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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced global production, as well as domestic sales and export figures for October 2009.

Production: Global total and Japan

Total global production for October came in at 85,080 units, a decline of 29.6 percent over the same month last year and the fifteenth consecutive monthly decrease since August 2008. Production volume in Japan at 46,416 units was 43.0 percent down year-on-year, the twelfth consecutive decline, with passenger car output at 40,580 units down 45.4 percent year-on-year and commercial vehicle output at 5,836 units down 17.8 percent year-on-year.

Sales in Japan

Vehicle sales in Japan in October totaled 12,550 units, 12.5 percent down on the same month last year and the first year-on-year decrease in three months. Sales of passenger cars at 9,421 units were 16.1 percent down year-on-year while sales of commercial vehicles at 3,129 units were 0.2 percent up year-on-year. Registered vehicle sales volume at 4,875 units was 29.1 percent up on the same month last year, bolstered primarily by 126.9 percent and 117.1 percent increases respectively in year-on-year sales of Colt and Colt Plus models. Minicar sales volume at 7,675 units was 27.4 percent down year-on-year despite a 20.1 percent rise in Minica sales driven by the introduction of the Black series.

Production overseas

Overseas production volume totaled 38,666 units, 2.1 percent down over October last year and returned to the string of year-on-year decreases that had been interrupted by the first rise in 15 months in September. By region, output in North America at 2,524 units was 52.5 percent down year-on-year. In Europe, output at 2,077 units was 77.2 percent down year-on-year as the ending of scrap incentives in Germany impacted the market. In Asia, output at 31,168 units was 34.5 percent up year-on-year helped by 96.4 percent and 261.0 percent increases respectively at China Motor Corp. in Taiwan and South East (Fujian) Motor in China.

Export shipments from Japan

Total exports from Japan of 24,857 units were 53.1 percent down in October 2008 and marked the twelfth consecutive year-on-year decrease. Exports to Asia at 3,730 units were 24.6 percent up year-on-year on the back of stronger sales in China and Malaysia. Export shipments to North America at 5,272 units rose by 17.7 percent over the same month last year helped by strong sales of the Outlander in both the U.S. and Canada. Exports to Europe at 3,529 units were 86.0 percent down year-on-year, again due mainly to very slow sales in Russia.

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE: 7211) was established in 1970 and is one of the few automobile companies in the world that produces a full line of automotive products ranging from 660-cc mini cars and passenger cars to commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks and buses. The company also operates consumer financing services and provides this to its customer base. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com .

Source: JCN Newswire

The TJX Companies, Inc. Announces Quarterly Common Stock Dividend

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The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX) today announced the declaration of a
quarterly dividend on its common stock of $.12 per share, payable March
4, 2010, to shareholders of record on February 11, 2010.
The TJX Companies, Inc. is the leading off-price retailer of apparel and
home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. The Company operates 889 T.J.
Maxx, 820 Marshalls, 324 HomeGoods, and 148 A.J. Wright stores in the
United States. In Canada, the Company operates 208 Winners, 79 HomeSense
and 3 STYLESENSE stores, and in Europe, 262 T.K. Maxx and 14 HomeSense
stores. TJX’s press releases and financial information are also
available on the Internet at www.tjx.com.
The Company routinely posts information that may be important to
investors in the Investor Information section at www.tjx.com.
The Company encourages investors to consult that section of its website
regul

Source: Business Wire

Xerox Canada appoints VP Sustainability and External Affairs

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/CNW/ – Xerox Canada Inc. today announced the appointment of Emechete (Eme) Onuoha to vice president, Sustainability and External Affairs.

In his new position, Onuoha will be responsible for coordinating and advancing all aspects of Xerox Canadas environmental sustainability agenda as well as public policy advocacy and related stakeholder engagement.

Xeroxs commitment to the environment has been embedded in our corporate culture for more than 30 years, so creating this role was a natural progression, said Kevin Warren, president and CEO, Xerox Canada. Eme brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to the position, making him the ideal candidate for leading Xerox Canadas environmental strategy.

Onuoha joined Xerox Canada in 2007 as director of sustainability. Prior to that, he spent 12 years in the federal public sector, holding several senior positions, including: director of operations at the Privy Council Office; vice president of the Canadian Commercial Corporation; chief of staff in the office of the minister of National Defence; and adviser on trade and consultation policy in the office of the Minister of International Trade.

Onuoha holds an honours degree in international relations from McMaster University and an MBA from Queens University. He is a member of the McMaster University Board of Governors and serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council.

Note to Editors: For more information on Xerox, visit http://www.xerox.com or http://www.xerox.com/news. For open commentary and industry perspectives, visit http://www.xerox.com/blogs or http://www.xerox.com/podcasts

UPS Canada Opens New “Door To The World” Through Expanded Toronto Hub

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/CNW/ – UPS Canada today formally opened a $72 million expansion of its Toronto distribution centre, once again demonstrating its commitment to boosting Canadian trade by simplifying the import and export of goods.

Scott Davis, chairman and CEO of UPS, and Mike Tierney, president of UPS Canada, presided over the official opening of the newly expanded 463,024-square-foot facility, the equivalent to about eight football fields. The expanded door to the world more than doubles UPSs package processing capacity to facilitate international commerce between Canadian businesses and their overseas counterparts.

In opening the expanded facility, Davis noted it might seem strange that UPS would invest $72 million in the middle of the worst recession in recent history.

But theres a simple answer, the CEO continued. UPS sees the same kind of possibilities in Canada that we saw more than 30 years ago when it began UPS operations. We see amazing potential – a strong and resilient Canadian economy, the unstoppable force of global commerce and a nation of companies ready to emerge stronger from the recession into a new era of global growth.

UPS broke ground on the expansion of the Toronto hub in 2007, recognizing a growing demand among businesses in Toronto – and Canada as a whole – to ship goods within the country and to destinations around the world.

You cant look at this building as a stand-alone facility, Davis added. Its part of a global web of air and ground facilities, freight and airline fleets, warehouses and retail stores connecting each business to more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

The expanded Toronto hub is located on Torontos northern border within the rapidly growing city of Vaughan, where UPS is the second largest employer. It will process freight shipments in addition to small package volume.

This newly expanded facility will serve as a local economic driver, creating several hundred jobs for local and regional residents, said Mike Tierney. In addition, it will contribute to the tax base and offer the city a state-of-the-art building in line with environmental standards.

The building includes numerous eco-features, including skylights for more natural light; an energy management system for climate control that automatically detects the amount of sunlight in the building and adjusts the internal temperature accordingly; the expansion of the propane fueling area to facilitate a broader use of propane fuel, and a comprehensive storm water management system.

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is the worlds largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. With more than a century of experience in transportation and logistics, UPS is a leading global trade expert equipped with a broad portfolio of solutions. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

CH2M HILL Calgary Operations Move Into New Offices in the Keynote Building

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/CNW/ – CH2M HILL has moved its Calgary operations into new offices in the Keynote Building, located in the Beltline area. The new space, with over 150,000 square feet, comprises the top seven floors of the newly constructed office tower.

All of CH2M HILLs Calgary operations are now co-located in this new space including CH2M HILL Canada Limited, CH2M HILL Energy Canada Ltd., and CH2M HILL Construction Ltd.

Were excited about the new building and about the opportunity to house our staff under one roof, said President and Director of Operations, René Massinon. Its a beautifully designed building and the location is perfect for us, allowing for increased efficiencies with our clients and staff.

The new building offers a number of amenities including easy access to the LRT, a landscaped penthouse terrace with views of the downtown core and the Rocky Mountains, ground-floor retail spaces, and environmentally-responsible green roofs.

CH2M HILL Calgary
1100 – 1st Street S.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1B1
Tel: 403-407-6000
Fax: 403-407-6001

About CH2M HILL Canada
———————-

CH2M HILL Canada is a leader in engineering, procurement, construction, management, and operations for government, civil, industrial, and energy clients. We are committed to the principles of world-class safety, sustainable development, client-focused value creation, and targeted recruitment and retention. CH2M HILL Canada and its operating entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of CH2M HILL Companies, Limited. CH2M HILL, an employee-owned firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., generates $6.4 billion in annual revenue and employs more than 25,000 professionals worldwide. Visit www.CH2MHILL.com/canada.

Canadian M&A options improving, but acquirers feel unprepared: Ernst & Young

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/CNW/ – A new global Ernst & Young survey finds the stage is set for mergers and acquisitions activity to heat up, with 57% of respondents classifying the current M&A environment as favourable for their businesses.

History has shown us that the period following a downturn often polarizes markets, as some companies struggle to keep up with those moving full-steam ahead, says Aroon Sequeira, transactions partner at Ernst & Young in Edmonton. We expect Canada will be no exception, particularly with respect to oil and gas, oilfield services in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and construction in British Columbia.

But despite the number of distressed and well-priced assets, many feel restricted from realizing acquisition opportunities. Obstacles identified include valuation uncertainty and complexity (65%); insufficient financing (62%); investor caution (60%); and increased transaction risk (57%).

Were seeing businesses place an increased emphasis on capital in order to leverage these appealing but limited time prospects, says Sequeira. Those who have the organizational flexibility to adapt and respond as the market changes will be able to take advantage of opportunities – those who dont will miss them, or become targets of a takeover.

The strength of Canadas banking sector and the return of private equity is slowly starting to make financing for small and mid-size transactions more readily available. However, only 36% of businesses feel they are positioned to act quickly and exploit acquisition opportunities. This implies that a sizable portion of businesses will be able to acquire distressed assets with limited competition for at least the next six months.

Sequeira says readiness to execute in a distressed situation is key to gaining a competitive advantage. Companies should conduct ongoing proactive screening of distressed targets and establish corporate governance tailored for accelerated acquisitions. They should also look at joint venture, strategic alliance and alternative deal structures to more effectively manage scarce capital and increased risk.

On the positive side, many companies are already taking action to become more nimble. In response to scarcity of capital from traditional sources, 24% of companies looking to divest assets cite their ability to fund new investments or invest cash as the main reason for the sale.

Other survey highlights from Why capital matters include the following:

– Twenty-five percent of global businesses are likely or highly likely
to acquire in the next six months, rising to 33% in the next 12
months and up to 41% over the next 12 to 24 months.
– Forty-five percent of executives expect to see an increase in the
number of distressed asset sales in the next 12 months.
– Sixty-three percent of respondents saw the most attractive
acquisition opportunities within their own national or domestic
markets.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 144,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

For more information, please visit ey.com/ca.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.

The Ernst & Young organization is divided into five geographic areas and firms may be members of the following entities: Ernst & Young Americas LLC, Ernst & Young EMEIA Limited, Ernst & Young Far East Area Limited and Ernst & Young Oceania Limited. These entities do not provide services to clients.

North Shore commercial real estate sales and leasing transactions on the rise as average land prices rank among the highest in Metro Vancouver

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/CNW/ – North Shore commercial real estate market activity is expected to increase in most sectors in 2010, says a new Avison Young Metro Vancouver submarket report released today.

Sales and leasing deals in the office, retail, industrial and multi-family sectors are on the rise, comments Avison Young North Shore specialist Matt Thomas. Cautious optimism has replaced the unprecedented uncertainty that accompanied the global financial meltdown of 2008.

According to the report, North Shore industrial vacancy remains below 3% and ranks among the lowest in Metro Vancouver. Meanwhile, Avison Young data shows the North Shore average industrial land price of $2 million per acre ranks as the second highest in the region, next to Vancouver itself.

The North Shores tight industrial sector, in particular, shows underlying strength. Diminishing land availability is going to keep North Shore industrial vacancy low, and lease rates and sale prices will remain relatively high in the long run, says Thomas. With mountains to the north and water to the south and west, there is minimal room for development of new industrial properties.

Although North Shore industrial vacancy is expected to increase marginally in 2010, the lack of available quality product, coupled with ongoing strong demand, is expected to hold vacancy in the 3% range through 2010, according to Thomas.

Lease rates have held up surprisingly well, adds Avison Young sales associate Kyle Blyth. However, inducements have become an important part of landlord-tenant relations.

Meanwhile, North Shore office vacancy continues to increase slightly due to new inventory and corporate downsizing. Most activity is occurring in North Vancouver, with a number of mid-sized projects due to come on stream in 2010.

North Shore retail vacancy remains in the 1% to 2% range while the multi-family market continues to display strength as the global market recovers, states the report, which was compiled by Avison Youngs North Shore team of Thomas and Blyth.

Overall, the North Shore market remains resilient after 12 to 18 months of considerable uncertainty, says Blyth.

Founded in 1978, Avison Young is Canadas largest independently-owned commercial real estate services company and the only national, Canadian-owned, principal-managed real estate brokerage firm in the country. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and ranked among Canadas leading national commercial real estate organizations, Avison Young is a full-service commercial real estate company comprising more than 500 real estate professionals in 14 offices across Canada and in the U.S. The company provides value-added, client-centric investment sales, leasing, advisory, management and financial services to owners and users of commercial, industrial and multi-residential real estate properties.

Editors/Reporters:

- Avison Youngs Fall/Winter 2009 North Shore, BC commercial report:

http://www.avisonyoung.com/library/pdf/Van_Research/NVNewsWEB.pdf

If you are unable to open the link, please contact Monte Stewart for PDF version to be emailed. Thank you.

Editors/Reporters can now follow Avison Young on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/AvisonYoung

Samsung Mobile Beefs-Up Touch Line with Forever

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/CNW/ – Samsung Mobile, the leading mobile phone brand in Canada, today announced the arrival of Forever, a premium touchscreen device offering users an instant connection to social networking, messaging and multimedia features.

The Forever features multiple messaging options such as Mobile Email, IM and MMS and comes equipped with a 2.0 megapixel camera with camcorder, perfect for capturing those spontaneous moments. Users experience a tactile response with haptic feedback and know when they accurately press a virtual button. The full virtual QWERTY keyboard, with sensitivity adjustment, is easy-to-use with clear letters, numbers and symbols.

Forever is a great mobile companion for the design conscious consumer who wants a stylish device for snapping photos, watching videos, listening to music and, of course, staying in touch with their friends, said Paul Brannen, General Manager, Mobile Communications, Samsung Electronics Canada. Forever is another great example of how Samsung Mobile is creating premium devices that offer big functionality and connectivity without a big price tag.

The Forever is designed for the customer who desires an enhanced and convenient multimedia experience without paying extra for features that wont be used. Boasting a large display at 3.0 inches, the Forever offers larger icons and a simpler structure, making navigation a snap. The devices innovative TouchWiz 1.5 touch-optimized User Interface ensures convenient, high-speed multi-tasking and users can customize their home screen with downloadable drag and drop widgets.

The Samsung Forever offers a wide range of multimedia features:

– 3-inch full touch screen (resolution of 240 x 400)
– Touch screen with Samsungs TouchWIZ user interface
– Landscape QWERTY keypad
– 2.0 megapixel camera with digital zoom and video capabilities
– Up to 32GB with a microSD card
– Full HTML browsing
– Stereo Bluetooth
– GPS
– Mobile email/IM/MMS

Availability and Pricing
————————

The Samsung Forever currently sells for $79.99 based on any three-year activation on a Voice plan. It is available for purchase at Rogers Wireless dealers and retail locations across Canada or online at www.rogers.com.

About Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. (SECA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., markets a broad range of award-winning digital consumer electronics, information systems, telecommunications and home appliance products. SECA upholds Samsungs mission to provide consumers with innovative digital convergence products that possess exceptional technology, quality, features, performance and value.

Samsung has been a global TOP sponsor of the Olympic Games since 1998 and has been a presenting sponsor of the Olympic Torch Relay from 2004 to 2008. Also through Samsungs Four Seasons of Hope charity, Samsung helps athletes and celebrities raise funds for their respective charities, including the Wayne Gretzky Foundation in Canada. Samsung is also a proud sponsor of Hockey Canada and the Toronto Football Club.

For customer service inquiries, please call 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864), and for more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Lifeboat to Distribute Liquidware Labs’ Assessment and User Experience Management Solutions

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Alpharetta, Ga – November 30, 2009 – Liquidware Labs, the leader in User Experience Management for next generation desktops, today announced an agreement with Lifeboat Distribution, an international specialty software distributor for virtualization, security, application lifecycle, and network infrastructure products.
Lifeboat will offer Liquidware Labs Stratusphere and Liquidware Labs ProfileUnity through its network of value added resellers and solution providers in North America, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.
Stratusphere and ProfileUnity speed adoption and lower the cost of rolling-out new desktop technologies such as VMware View, Citrix XenDesktop, and Microsoft Windows 7. Together the solutions provide assessment, migration, configuration, and user service level assurance, giving integrators and administrators an “On-Ramp” and ongoing user management of new desktop platforms.
“The benefits of moving an organization to new desktop platforms such as VDI have been proven,” said Patrick Clark, chief revenue officer for Liquidware Labs. “The only pieces that have been missing until now are solutions like Stratusphere and ProfileUnity which enable solution providers and administrators to easily right-size existing infrastructure and provide a migration and management path forward. We’re pleased to make our solutions available to Lifeboat’s entire channel. Integrators will immediately find value in Stratusphere’s ability to assess customers for new desktop technologies such as VMware View 4. They will also have ProfileUnity as a clear solution for user migration and management of the environment.”
“Virtual desktops are a significant business opportunity for solution providers, and Liquidware Labs’ assessment and user experience management solutions are an ideal line extension, in combination with leading VDI technologies,” said Dan Jamieson, Vice President and General Manager at Lifeboat Distribution. “Our resellers will see great value in using Stratusphere and ProfileUnity to drive their services business, as well as to help customers speed adoption and ease management of virtual and next generation desktop projects.”
VARs and solution providers interested in reselling Liquidware Labs’ assessment and user experience management solutions may contact Lifeboat by phone at +1-800-847-7078 (USA)/ +1-905-828-2052 (Canada)/ +1-732-389-0037 ext 7240 (International), by email via sales@lifeboatdistribution.com, or on the web at www.lifeboatdistribution.com.
About Liquidware Labs
Liquidware Labs™ (LWL) is the leader in Assessment and User Experience Management for next generation desktops including VMware View, Citrix XenDesktop, and Microsoft Windows 7. The company’s Stratusphere™ and ProfileUnity™ solutions have been described by analysts as the industry’s first “On-Ramp to VDI” by providing complete methodology and software that enable organizations to cost-effectively plan, migrate, and manage their next generation desktop infrastructure with best practices in mind. LWL’s comprehensive solutions provide Assessment, Personalization Management, User Configuration, and Service Level Assurance. LWL products are VMware and Citrix certified, and are available through a global network of certified partners. Visit www.liquidwarelabs.com for further information.
About Lifeboat Distribution
Lifeboat Distribution, a subsidiary of Wayside Technology Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSTG), is an international specialty software distributor for virtualization, security, application and network infrastructure, business continuity/disaster recovery, database infrastructure and management, application lifecycle management, science/engineering, and other technically sophisticated products. The company helps software publishers recruit and build multinational solution provider networks, power their networks, and drive incremental sales revenues that complement existing sales channels. Lifeboat Distribution services thousands of solution providers, VARs, systems integrators, corporate resellers, and consultants worldwide, helping them power a rich opportunity stream, expand their margin+ services revenues, and build profitable product and service businesses.

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Source: WEBWIRE

Pioneer Hi-Bred Helps Growers Tackle Aphids

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Expert research team provides aphid tolerance scores, continues research
DES MOINES, Iowa, Soybean aphids plagued many fields across the United States U.S. this season, leaving growers to find more effective management strategies for next year. According to researchers at Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, growers can choose varieties based on aphid resistance – or antibiosis – scores. This is thanks to a designated Pioneer research team that evaluates aphid antibiosis and continues to improve aphid resistance in soybean varieties.
Pioneer researchers score soybean varieties by the plant’s antibiosis properties, or inherent characteristics that discourage aphids from feeding and reproducing. Researchers score soybean varieties exceptional (E), above average (AA), average (A) and below average (BA) which allows growers to prioritize field scouting and insecticide application.
Scouting for aphids is a common way to detect aphid infestations, a practice Jessie Alt, Pioneer research scientist, and fellow researchers promote.
“Pioneer is helping growers prioritize scouting by providing these antibiosis ratings,” Alt says. “Varieties with below-average antibiosis scores need to be managed differently than those with above-average scores. It’s important to keep a close check on field conditions because aphids can cause damage rapidly. If left untreated, aphids can destroy 50 percent of the potential yield.”
First appearing in the Great Lakes area in 2000, aphids quickly have become a major soybean pest in North America, spanning to almost all soybean-growing areas in the U.S. and Canada. In recent years, aphids are no longer an every-other-year issue, but instead can be a significant yield-robbing pest any season.
Currently, the most effective management strategies include selecting soybean varieties with native antibiosis and timely application of insecticides.
“Aphids are a major issue right now, so we’re addressing the problem with a special soybean team comprised of breeders, research scientists and an entomologist,” Alt says. “We conduct controlled screenings to develop stronger antibiosis scores in different soybean varieties.”
Pioneer research teams expect to unveil new products with improved soybean antibiosis scores that incorporate the best new or novel genes conferring resistance. The level of resistance acts as a type of insurance to growers by protecting their crop from this pest while reducing the number of insecticide applications, Alt says.
“Growers can manage soybean aphids by planting resistant soybeans as the first line of defense,” she says. “And they can back that up with insecticide applications if necessary.” To find resistance to multiple aphid biotypes, Pioneer researchers draw from many different sources.
“Our research includes screening multiple areas to give us a broad idea of how Pioneer varieties will respond to soybean aphids,” Alt says. “We screen aphid collections from several different sites around the Midwest. For example, aphids in Indiana or Ohio may behave differently than those in South Dakota. Having multiple research sites throughout North America is a significant benefit to help us determine which products work best in specific soybean-growing areas.”
Antibiosis research involves trapping aphids into the sticky cages on leaves of the soybean then observing whether the insects can reproduce or colonize. The Pioneer research team performs various testing in controlled growth centers.
“Our research shows the Pioneer antibiosis rating system is working,” Alt says. “We test soybean varieties for their aphid tolerance level in fields ranging from those treated with varied levels of insecticide to untreated fields. It’s evident how devastating aphid damage can be on fields of varieties with low tolerance to aphids.”
Moving forward, growers likely will see continued improvements in the area of soybean aphid antibiosis as well as resistant varieties.
“There’s a lot of research being done with resistant lines,” Alt says. “We’re stacking genes to create a higher level of resistance in the future. On-farm product advancement trials in 2010 will continue to help us determine what’s working best.”

Source: WEBWIRE