Tag Archives: Sam

Microfinance Focus partners with Microcredit Summit Campaign s forthcoming Africa conference

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Bengaluru, Karnataka, December 1, 2009 /India PRwire/ — The Microfinance Focus, a global microfinance news portal with a monthly magazine, announced today that it has signed a media partnership with the Global Microcredit Summit Campaign for its forthcoming Africa/Middle East Regional Microcredit Summit (AMERMS) to be held in Nairobi, Kenya from April 7 to 10, 2010.

Microfinance Focus is a global knowledge centre for Microfinance, serving 60,000 microfinance professionals worldwide. It publishes a monthly magazine, daily news stories, articles and write-ups written by experts who are practitioners in the field.

The Global Micro Credit Summit Campaign, based in Washington DC, is an annual conference and event that brings together a wide range of financial and development experts from all over the world to learn and share developments in the micro credit sector. It is a project of the RESULTS Educational Fund, a U.S.-based grassroots advocacy organization.

Microfinance gained world-wide prominence when Dr. Muhammed Yunus and The Grameen Bank won the Nobel Prize for peace in 2006.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Vikash Kumar, publisher of Microfinance Focus, said, This is an important alliance for us as it recognizes the contribution our magazine has made to the field. To be selected as a partner with The Global Micro Credit Summit Campaign demonstrates the importance of the magazine as a key communication channel within the financial sector.

Jerome Peloquin, Managing Editor in the US, negotiated the relationship and is working closely with the Global Microcredit Summit Campaign and Sam Daley Harris, founder and principal spokesperson. Peloquin further explained, This is the fifteenth year the Global Summit has been held. It has become the premier annual meeting of micro credit development. This years theme will be microUP as a means to create sustainable lives free from poverty for every person on the planet.

The conference host in Nairobi, Kenya will be Jamii Bora, a proponent of microUP and the most successful urban based program in Kenya.

Notes to Editor

About Microfinance Focus:

Microfinance Focus is a global knowledge centre for Microfinance, focused on serving the international microfinance sector. It publishes a monthly magazine, daily news stories, articles and write-ups written by experts who are practitioners in the field. Microfinance Focus is also accessible from Google News and other prominent search engines. Its reach in the microfinance sector is vast and truly global. Its endeavor is to make it better and brighter for the microfinance community all over the world. To know more visit www.microfinancefocus.com

About The Microcredit Summit Campaign

The Microcredit Summit Campaign is a project of the RESULTS Educational Fund, a U.S.-based grassroots advocacy organization committed to ending hunger and poverty. The Campaign brings together microcredit practitioners, advocates, educational institutions, donor agencies, international financial institutions, non-governmental organizations and others involved with microcredit to promote best practices in the field, to stimulate the interchanging of knowledge, and to work towards reaching bold measurable goals. For more information please visit: http://www.microcreditsummit.org

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Source: India PR Wire

University Boat Club enjoys another winning weekend

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Held at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, the British Indoor Rowing Championships attracts the very best rowers from around the country. RUBC returned home with an amazing eight medals, winning four gold and four bronze. This tally made Reading by far the most successful university competing at the event and confirmed its reputation as an institution that not only attracts talented rowers, but has the facilities and expertise to produce world-class athletes.

Wins from Sam Townsend and John Preston in the heavyweight and lightweight division respectively, as well as Ally Brooks first place in the lightweight womens event, were just some of the fantastic results achieved by the Club. Dave Smith also won gold with in the adaptive ( paralympic ) boat class, another terrific performance.

RUBC also had over 20 crews competing in the Kingston Small Boats Head of the River Race in London. Despite the gusty conditions RUBC stayed on their winning course to record a series of stunning results, coming first in six races. Special mentions go to the mens senior quad who were the fastest crew at the whole event and also the womens intermediate 3 coxed 4 boat, the fastest ladies coxed 4 crew of the day.

RUBC Director of Rowing Will Rand said: This weekend has been a truly memorable one for the Club. All the squads have worked extremely hard and these results are testament to their efforts. The Club is continuing to grow in stature and as always extremely grateful to the University for its generous support. Everyone involved with RUBC should be very proud of the results and we look forward to more success throughout the season.

Next up for RUBC are the GB trials in Boston, Lincolnshire just before Christmas. This gives the top performers at RUBC the chance to either make their way into, or confirm their position in the GB team heading towards the London 2012 Olympics.

For more information about RUBC, contact Will Rand, the Director of Rowing at the University of Reading on 07989 972 594 or email [email protected]

Ends

For all University of Reading media enquiries please contact James Barr, Press Officer tel 0118 378 7115 or email [email protected]

Source: Media Newswire

Rio Tinto partners with WA Government to develop vibrant communities in the Pilbara

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Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Sam Walsh today signed an memorandum of understanding with the Premier of Western Australian, Colin Barnett, and the Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls, as the first step towards a town redevelopment strategy in the Pilbara.
The MoU will lead to the formalising of a co-operative partnership between the State Government and Rio Tinto.
Mr Walsh said: Rio Tinto is committed to providing our Pilbara communities with new opportunities to have a sustainable future and to plan for the longer term
Together with the state and local governments, we will examine opportunities to plan, develop and implement a town and community development strategy for the Pilbara, with an initial focus on the revitalisation of Dampier
The Pilbara towns of Dampier, Wickham, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Pannawonica were all built by Rio Tinto subsidiaries in the 1960s and 1970s.
Rio Tinto continues to have a role in providing infrastructure and services to these towns in partnership with government.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto’s business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.

Source: WEBWIRE

The Next Generation of Talk Radio: HotTalkLA.com

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From the ashes of the once dominant FM Talk format rises the next generation of Talk Radio Entertainment…online and in your face at www.HotTalkLA.com.
HotTalkLA is a Los Angeles based group of variety and entertainment talk shows that gleaned their experience in the hallways and on the airwaves at CBS radio’s popular KLSX-FM.
Randy Wang and Gina Grad (formerly partners with Tim Conway, Jr.) present “The Pretty Good Podcast,” a daily journey into the wacky world of life in LA.
“The Single Life™ Podcast with Sam Phillips™” continues from its days at KLSX and its current TV syndication in 33 million homes on the premium HD cable network Mav TV!
The line-up also includes “The Film Freak Movie Talk Show with Leo Quinones,” “The Kerri Kasem Podcast with Ashley Marriott,” Hollywood gossip queens “Lynn and Alex,” and many more unique, strange, humorous and interesting shows…all packaged in beautiful 128Kbps MP3 audio. And that means delicious to the audiophile out there.
HotTalkLA’s first week, an unpublicized “soft launch,” was an unmitigated success with 19,405 total visits, 16,259 podcast downloads and a bounce rate of just 26%, which means 74% of all visitors stick around and window shop.
“Podcasting is the future of all communications” – Michael Harrison, founder of Talkers Magazine.
HotTalkLA Founder and CEO Jack Sullivan also created the web presence for KLSX-FM that garnered up to 30 million minutes a week of Internet listening in 2008. “People in the business say this is the media model of the future. That future is happening now,” says Sullivan.
HotTalkLA plans to sell traditional and non-traditional advertising. According to HTLA President Rich Boerner, “We will never provide a disservice to a client or a listener by lumping ads into long clusters. Everyone will get custom care to make this a positive experience for listener and advertiser.”
HotTalkLA plans on adding full-time streaming and humorous video segments in early 2010.
For more information contact HTLA President Rich Boerner at rich.boerner@hottalkla.com.

Source: WEBWIRE

Photos: Nine West Gives Props to St. Jude with a Donation, in Lieu of Holiday Decor!

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To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/ninewest/41330/

In addition to participating in the St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital Thanks and Giving° campaign in which dollars will be collected from customers who shop the brand from 11.22.09 through 12.31.09, Nine West wanted to do even more for the cause.

We are thrilled that Nine West is once again a part of our annual Thanks and Giving campaign, said Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director. Their dedication to the campaign has an enormous impact on the lives of countless children and their families in communities across the country. I know their customers will be inspired by their caring and generous decision to give the boot to holiday decorations so that they can give those much-needed funds to St. Jude.

Jay Friedman, CEO of Jones Retail Corporation, explained it this way: We know customers will appreciate any extra efforts we can make for a charitable cause, especially one that touches most of us, across the board at every level. Of all years to do this, we feel strongly that our consumers will understand and support this decision to give back!

Nine West has 190 Specialty Retail Stores across the U.S. To find out how to join Nine West in giving to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, visit the closest location, or http://www.ninewest.com.

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (www.jonesapparel.com) is a leading designer, marketer and wholesaler of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company also markets directly to consumers through its chain of specialty retail and value-based stores and through its e-commerce web sites. The Companys nationally recognized brands include Jones New York, Nine West, Anne Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Kasper, Bandolino, Easy Spirit, Evan-Picone, l.e.i., Energie, Enzo Angiolini, Joan & David, Mootsies Tootsies, Sam & Libby, Napier, Judith Jack, Albert Nipon and Le Suit. The Company also markets costume jewelry under the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation, womens footwear under the Dockers° and Dockers° Women brands and infants, toddlers and boys footwear (excluding girls footwear) under the Dockers° and Dockers° Premium brands, licensed from Levi Strauss & Co. and apparel under the Rachel Roy brand licensed from Rachel Roy IP Company, LLC. Each brand is differentiated by its own distinctive styling, pricing strategy, distribution channel and target consumer. The Company contracts for the manufacture of its products through a worldwide network of quality manufacturers. The Company has capitalized on its nationally known brand names by entering into various licenses for several of its trademarks, including Jones New York, Anne Klein New York, Nine West, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i. and Evan-Picone, with select manufacturers of womens and mens products which the Company does not manufacture. For more than 30 years, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.

Qualcomm’s New Gobi2000 Technology to Deliver 3G Connectivity in Lenovo ThinkPad Laptops

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Embedded Gobi Solution Will Allow PC Users to Access Multiple Operators Worldwide
SAN DIEGO and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) and Lenovo Group (HKSE: 0992) today announced that Lenovo will incorporate Qualcomm’s new Gobi2000™ technology into upcoming ThinkPad laptops in the X, T and W Series beginning in 2010 to enable global 3G connectivity. The Gobi-equipped laptops will provide business users with extensive wireless broadband access both domestically and internationally by leveraging the wide availability of both EV-DO and HSPA wireless networks around the world.
“Gobi mobile Internet connectivity will give our business PC users the convenience of using one simple, built-in device to provide mobile broadband access around the world,” said Sam Dusi, vice president, worldwide ThinkPad product marketing, Lenovo. “This flexible, multi-carrier solution allows mobile workers to seamlessly connect to new broadband networks as they change locations, while simplifying the work of IT managers, to support users around the globe with a single laptop model.”
“We are pleased that Lenovo will be adopting Gobi technology for the popular ThinkPad laptops,” said Barry Matsumori, vice president of product management at Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. “Embedded wireless connectivity is becoming widely recognized for its inherent benefits for both users and enterprises, and Gobi provides unparalleled flexibility for mobile workforces that need to stay connected.”
Businesses deploying ThinkPad laptops with Gobi technology will be able to standardize on a single hardware platform that can be deployed globally. Each region has the flexibility to provision 3G connectivity on an as-needed basis and to their preferred carrier based on the coverage and pricing plans available in their area. If an employee relocates to a different region or is traveling outside the home coverage area, Gobi technology supports the ability to switch carriers without having to swap data cards and/or reinvest in a new laptop, reducing the costs to deploy 3G. Gobi technology also includes an integrated GPS receiver for enabling location-based services such as asset tracking, real-time data protection, geo-fencing and navigation.
Qualcomm’s embedded Gobi solutions for laptops and netbooks deliver support for the world’s leading 3G technologies as well as for integrated GPS. For more information about Gobi technology, please visit www.gobianywhere.com.
For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook .
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Qualcomm is included in the S&P 100 Index, the S&P 500 Index and is a 2009 FORTUNE 500® company. For more information, please visit www.qualcomm.com.

Source: WEBWIRE

NAB Outlines Negative Impact of Performance Fee

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– Congressional opposition to RIAA-backed bill grows –
WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives from the National Association of Broadcasters met with members of Congress and representatives from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to reiterate the negative impact an additional performance fee would have on local radio stations and its 235 million weekly listeners.
NAB Joint Board Chairman Steve Newberry, president and CEO of Kentucky-based Commonwealth Broadcasting, and NAB Radio Board Chairman Charles Warfield, president and COO of ICBC Broadcast Holdings, along with representatives from the National Association of Black-owned Broadcasters and the Spanish Broadcasters Association attended the meeting. Rep. Mike Conaway (TX-11), an original co-sponsor of a countering resolution known as The Local Radio Freedom Act, also participated in today’s meeting.
Commenting on today’s meeting, NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton issued the following statement:
Out of deference to key members of Congress, NAB representatives met today with representatives of RIAA and the music industry to discuss pending performance tax legislation. NAB representatives, along with representatives of minority-owned radio stations, reiterated our strong concerns over the negative impact that the bill would have on the ability of free and local radio stations to continue serving our listeners
Meanwhile Utah Democrat Jim Matheson (UT-2) became the 253rd member of House of Representatives to cosponsor the Local Radio Freedom Act, a bipartisan resolution that opposes any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge on local radio stations for music aired free to listeners. To date a bipartisan group of 253 House lawmakers and 27 U.S. Senators have publicly expressed opposition to the RIAA-backed legislation.
The 253 House cosponsors of the Local Radio Freedom Act include:
Robert Aderholt (AL-4)
John Adler (NJ-3)
Rob Andrews (NJ-1)
Todd Akin (MO-2)
Rodney Alexander (LA-5)
Jason Altmire (PA-4)
Mike Arcuri (NY-24)
Steve Austria (OH-7)
Michele Bachmann (MN-6)
Spencer Bachus (AL-6)
Brian Baird (WA-3)
Gresham Barrett (SC-3)
John Barrow (GA-12)
Roscoe Bartlett (MD-6)
Melissa Bean (IL-8)
Shelley Berkley (NV-1)
Marion Berry (AR-1)
Judy Biggert (IL-13)
Brian Bilbray (CA-50)
Gus Bilirakis(FL-9)
Sanford Bishop (GA-2)
Roy Blunt (MO-7)
John Boccieri (OH-16)
Jo Bonner (AL-1)
John Boozman (AR-3)
Dan Boren (OK-2)
Leonard Boswell (IA-3)
Charles Boustany (LA-7)
Allen Boyd (FL-2)
Kevin Brady (TX-8)
Robert Brady (PA-1)
Bruce Braley (IA-1)
Bobby Bright (AL-2)
Paul Broun (GA-10)
Corrine Brown (FL-3)
Henry Brown (SC-1)
Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-5)
Vern Buchanan (FL-13)
Michael Burgess (TX-26)
Dan Burton (IN-5)
Steve Buyer (IN-4)
John Campbell (CA-48)
Shelly Moore Capito (WV-2)
Ken Calvert (CA-44)
Anh Joseph Cao (LA-2)
Mike Capuano (MA-8)
Dennis Cardoza (CA-18)
Russ Carnahan (MO-3)
Christopher Carney (PA-10)
Andre Carson (IN-7)
John Carter (TX-31)
Bill Cassidy (LA-6)
Michael Castle (DE-AL)
Ben Chandler (KY-6)
William Lacy Clay (MO-1)
Mike Coffman (CO-6)
Tom Cole (OK-4)
Mike Conaway (TX-11)
Jerry Costello (IL-12)
Joseph Courtney (CT-2)
Ander Crenshaw (FL-4)
Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
John Culberson (TX-7)
Elijah Cummings (MD-7)
Artur Davis (AL-7)
Danny Davis (IL-7)
Geoff Davis (KY-4)
Lincoln Davis (TN-4)
Charles Dent (PA-15)
Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL-21)
Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25)
Norm Dicks (WA-6)
Joe Donnelly (IN-2)
Steve Driehaus (OH-1)
John Duncan (TN-2)
Chet Edwards (TX-17)
Vernon Ehlers (MI-3)
Brad Ellsworth (IN-8)
Jo Ann Emerson (MO-8)
Bob Etheridge (NC-2)
Mary Fallin (OK-5)
Chaka Fattah (PA-2)
John Fleming (LA-4)
Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1)

Bill Foster (IL-14)
Virginia Foxx (NC-5)
Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11)
Scott Garrett (NJ-5)
Elton Gallegly (CA-24)
Jim Gerlach (PA-6)
Phil Gingrey (GA-11)
Kay Granger (TX-12)
Sam Graves (MO-6)
Al Green (TX-9)
Gene Green (TX-29)
Parker Griffith (AL-5)
Brett Guthrie (KY-2)
Ralph Hall (TX-4)
Deborah Halvorson (IL-11)
Phil Hare (IL-17)
Gregg Harper (MS-3)
Alcee Hastings (FL-23)
Doc Hastings (WA-4)
Dean Heller (NV-2)
Wally Herger (CA-2)
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD-AL)
Baron Hill (IN-9)
Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15)
Pete Hoekstra (MI-2)
Tim Holden (PA-17)
Duncan Hunter (CA-52)
Bob Inglis (SC-4)
Lynn Jenkins (KS-2)
Timothy Johnson (IL-15)
Walter Jones (NC-3)
Jim Jordan (OH-4)
Steve Kagen (WI-8)
Marcy Kaptur (OH-9)
Dale Kildee (MI-5)
Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15)
Ron Kind (WI-3)
Jack Kingston (GA-1)
Mark Kirk (IL-10)
Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-1)
Larry Kissell (NC-8)
John Kline (MN-2)
Frank Kratovil (MD-1)
Doug Lamborn (CO-5)
Leonard Lance (NJ-7)
Rick Larsen (WA-2)
Tom Latham (IA-4)
Steve LaTourette (OH-14)
Robert Latta (OH-5)
Jerry Lewis (CA-41)
John Lewis (GA-5)
John Linder (GA-7)
Chris Lee (NY-26)
Frank Lucas (OK-3)
Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2)
Dave Loebsack (IA-2)
Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9)
Ben Ray Lujan (NM-3)
Cynthia Lummis (WY-AL)
Daniel Lungren (CA-3)
Don Manzullo (IL-16)
Kenny Marchant (TX-24)
Betsy Markey (CO-4)
Jim Matheson (UT-2)
Carolyn McCarthy (NY-4)
Michael McCaul (TX-10)
Tom McClintock (CA-4)
Patrick McHenry (NC-10)
John McHugh (NY-23)
Mike McIntyre (NC-7)
Howard McKeon (CA-25)
Cathy McMorris Rogers (WA-5)
Kendrick Meek (FL-17)
Charlie Melancon (LA-3)
Michael Michaud (ME-2)
Brad Miller (NC-13)
Candice Miller (MI-10)
Gary Miller (CA-42)
Jeff Miller (FL-1)
Walt Minnick (ID-1)
Harry Mitchell (AZ-5)
Alan Mollohan (WV-1)
Dennis Moore (KS-3)
Jerry Moran (KS-1)
Sue Myrick (NC-9)

Randy Neugebauer (TX-19)
Devin Nunes (CA-21)
Glenn Nye (VA-2)
James Oberstar (MN-8)
Pete Olson (TX-22)
Solomon Ortiz (TX-27)
Frank Pallone (NJ-6)
Erik Paulson (MN-3)
Bill Pascrell (NJ-8)
Ron Paul (TX-14)
Mike Pence (IN-6)
Tom Perriello (VA-5)
Tom Petri (WI-6)
Pedro Pierluisi (PR-At Large)
Joe Pitts (PA-16)
Todd Platts (PA-19)
Ted Poe (TX-2)
Earl Pomeroy (ND-AL)
Bill Posey (FL-15)
David Price (NC-4)
Tom Price (GA-6)
Adam Putnam (FL-12)
George Radanovich (CA-19)
Nick Rahall (WV-3)
Charles Rangel (NY-15)
Dennis Rehberg (MT-AL)
Dave Reichert (WA-8)
Silvestre Reyes (TX-16)
Phil Roe (TN-1)
Harold Rogers (KY-5)
Mike Rogers (AL-3)
Mike Rogers (MI-8)
Dana Rohrabacher (CA-46)
Peter Roskam (IL-6)
Mike Ross (AR-4)
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18)
Edward Royce (CA-40)
Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-2)
Bobby Rush (IL-1)
Paul Ryan (WI-1)
Tim Ryan (OH-17)
John Sarbanes (MD-3)
Steve Scalise (LA-1)
Jean Schmidt (OH-2)
Aaron Schock (IL-18)
Allyson Schwartz (PA-13)
David Scott (GA-13)
Pete Sessions (TX-32)
Joe Sestak (PA-7)
John Shimkus (IL-19)
Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1)
Heath Shuler (NC-11)
Bill Shuster (PA-9)
Mike Simpson (ID-2)
Albio Sires (NJ-13)
Ike Skelton (MO-4)
Adrian Smith (NE-3)
Christopher Smith (NJ-4)
Zack Space (OH-18)
Mark Souder (IN-3)
John Spratt (SC-5)
Cliff Stearns (FL-6)
Bart Stupak (MI-1)
John Sullivan (OK-1)
Harry Teague (NM-2)
Lee Terry (NE-2)
Mike Thompson (CA-1)
Glenn Thompson (PA-5)
Mac Thornberry (TX-13)
Todd Tiahrt (KS-4)
Pat Tiberi (OH-12)
Dina Titus (NV-3)
Mike Turner (OH-3)
Fred Upton (MI-6)
Peter Visclosky (IN-1)
Greg Walden (OR-2)
Timothy Walz (MN-1)
Lynn Westmoreland (GA-3)
Ed Whitfield (KY-1)
Charlie Wilson (OH-6)
Joe Wilson (SC-2)
Rob Wittman (VA-1)
Frank Wolf (VA-10)
Don Young (AK-At Large)
The Local Radio Freedom Act’s 27 Senate cosponsors are:
John Barrasso (WY)
Max Baucus (MT)
Jeff Bingaman (NM)
Christopher Bond (MO)
Sam Brownback (KS)
Richard Burr (NC)
Thad Cochran (MS)
Susan Collins (ME)
Mike Crapo (ID)

Michael Enzi (WY)
Judd Gregg (NH)
Kay Hagan (NC)
James Inhofe (OK)
Johnny Isakson (GA)
Mike Johanns (NE)
Tim Johnson (SD)
Mary Landrieu (LA)
Joseph Lieberman (CT)

Blanche Lincoln (AR)
Benjamin Nelson (NE)
Jim Risch (ID)
Pat Roberts (KS)
Olympia Snowe (ME)
Jon Tester (MT)
John Thune (SD)
David Vitter (LA)
Roger Wicker (MS)

Source: WEBWIRE

Holiday Money Transfer Pricing Upholds Continued Commitment to Walmart Customers

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$7 fee for domestic and international transfers applies to more than 190 countries
BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Just in time for the holidays, Walmart (NYSE: WMT) announces another significant savings to customers: $7 money transfers. Starting today, customers can send up to $200 anywhere in the U.S. or internationally at a Walmart MoneyCenter or customer service desk for the new low price of $7. Transferring money at Walmart is a quick and secure way to send money to loved ones during the busy holiday season with funds available for pick up in just 10 minutes.*
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year to send money. According to Walmart’s internal research, during the month of December the number of transfers typically increases by 14 percent over the previous 11 month average.
“Saving our customers money is one of our highest priorities at Walmart. This new $7 fee for both U.S. and international money transfers is continuing our commitment to provide low prices for our customers,” said Jane Thompson, president of Walmart Financial Services. “Customers will on average save more than 40 percent when they send money transfers for up to $200 from Walmart.”
Walmart offers convenient and secure money transfer services through MoneyGram®. Money transfers can be sent and received at the Walmart MoneyCenter or customer service desk in more than 3,500 Walmart stores across the U.S. Sending a money transfer at Walmart is easy because it does not require a bank account or credit card and Walmart offers the extended hours of its stores to add to the convenience.
With our strong and growing worldwide agent network of more than 186,000 locations across the globe, we are well positioned to continue to offer great value and convenience to our customers in the U.S. and internationally,” said Dan O’Malley, president of the Americas at MoneyGram International.
“Now more than ever before, Americans are searching for alternatives to high priced money services,” said Thompson. “We’re particularly pleased to offer our lowest money transfer price ever to our customers during these challenging economic times.”
Everyday ways to save on financial services
As families across the nation look for ways to save during the holidays, Walmart’s $7 money transfer will bring a low-cost option to millions of shoppers. Walmart is a leading provider of accessible and affordable financial services that help customers manage their money throughout the year, including check cashing, bill payment and the Walmart MoneyCard.
* Check Cashing — With Walmart check cashing, customers can conveniently cash payroll or government checks, including tax checks, starting at $3.
* Bill Payment — Walmart offers three-day, next-day and same-day bill payment delivery options, with prices starting at 88 cents.
* Walmart MoneyCard – The Walmart MoneyCard is a leading reloadable, pre-paid Visa debit card, available for the low price of only $3. American families underserved by traditional financial institutions can have many of the advantages of a checking account, including depositing their paychecks on a safe and secure card, checking their balances, paying bills and shopping anywhere Visa debit is accepted. The Walmart MoneyCard has no overdraft fees.
*Subject to agent hours and availability.
About Walmart
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart stores, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $378 million to local communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com.
About MoneyGram®
MoneyGram International offers more control and more choices for people separated from friends and family by distance or those with limited bank relationships to meet their financial needs. A leading global payment services company, MoneyGram International helps consumers to pay bills quickly and safely send money around the world with funds arriving in as little as 10 minutes. Its global network is comprised of 186,000 agent locations in 190 countries and territories. To learn more about money transfer or bill payment at an agent location or online, visit www.moneygram.com.

Source: WEBWIRE

John Deere’s Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown Takes a &D-Tour&

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MOLINE, Illinois. The Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown takes a D-Tour with the launch of John Deere’s new D-Series skid steers and compact track loaders (CTLs), including stops at trade shows and real job sites so operators can check out the company’s hottest pieces of compact iron.
Video from the tour’s first stop, the ICUEE Demo Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, is now up on www.skidsteersmackdown.com. In it, contractors give their impressions of the new units right after tackling a Smackdown-type course.
There’s no substitute for getting in the cab and experiencing what a machine’s all about said Sam Norwood, manager, John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. That’s why we’re taking Smackdown on the road with these new units. Plus, contractors literally told us what they wanted in these new models, so follow the D-Tour and find out how we responded
John Deere’s smash-hit www.skidsteersmackdown.com Web site, entering its third season, has featured real contractors using Deere machines to complete various tasks and competitions inspired by real job site conditions, as well as battles pitting Deere units vs. competitors.
The site also offers a chance to blog about the videos, a Prove It section that details machine specs and conditions behind each battle, and a dealer locator to help viewers find their nearest John Deere dealer.
Visitors can also share the videos with friends and request a quote on Deere skid steer and compact track loader models. The videos from Smackdown’s legendary Season One are now available in Spanish.
Be sure to look for new videos on www.skidsteersmackdown.com as the D-Tour continues across the country.
New John Deere D-Series skid steer models are the 318D, 320D, 326D, 328D and 332D, joining the existing small-frame, radial lift 313 and 315. For the CTL line, the new 319D, 323D, 329D and a 90-hp 333D join the small-frame, radial lift CT315.

Source: WEBWIRE

Direct Response Industry Veterans Launch Suite of Services

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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 11, 2009 – Today, the people behind some of the direct response television industry’s most successful campaigns, launch a suite of service companies for savvy makers and marketers of direct-to-consumer goods and services.
Considered industry thought leaders when bridging Brand and Demand marketing, Jim Warren, Lane Robertson and Lonnie Summers have once again teamed up to launch www.direct2brand.com, www.nationalmedia.com and www.infomercial.com.
The announcement capitalizes on the industry trend by marketers to deliver integrated direct response and branding to deliver maximum ROI. The collective suite of services provides the ability to launch products and services using these best of breed services a la carte or as a completely integrated solution.
Direct to Brand (D2B) – is a full service direct response agency that specializes in DRTV campaigns. Our team has 25 years of experience developing effective creative strategy and implementation of direct response programs that drive consumer response. In turn, you get your product or service in front of the right viewer who will make the call.
NM Direct, LLC (dba National Media) NationalMedia.com is an integrated direct response media agency housing short form and long form TV planners and buyers under one roof. The depth of expertise and breadth of media services offered provide clientele with distinct advantages of flexibility in media placement driven by their specific campaign objectives. National Media plans and buys direct response Print, Radio, and Internet Media in stand-alone or integrated campaigns.
Infomercial.com – Infomercial.com combines state-of-the-art internet retailing practices and direct-to-consumer sales expertise with best-in-class social networking and has become the television shoppers’ online solution. Infomercial.com provides an online solution benefiting those selling (merchants) and those buying (customers) infomercial products and services.
This announcement is great news for companies tasked with bringing more accountability to brand efforts, and those currently using direct response, but continue to struggle to find the perfect balance of image and action based marketing and advertising.
Clients best serviced by this group of direct response advertising and marketing veterans include:
• Fast growth companies looking to build their brand and retain value as they ride their newfound direct-to-consumer success.
• Establish brands that continue to launch new products and/or campaigns to acquire base line customers for long-term value.
• Blue chip companies that have seen erosion in their customer base due to competitors leveraging forms of direct response and until now have not figured out how to leverage the direct effort without risking their brand.
We have a record of successfully providing an integrated approach to complex marketing efforts said Jim Warren, Founder & CEO of Direct2Brand. This group of individuals has had great success on behalf of various clients including AT&T, Kinko’s, Debt Free, CTCA, Sam’s Club, SBC, Charles Schwab, Hamilton Beach, Express Med, Invacare and many others. We found that in working as a team in the past on some of our industries most successful campaigns our combined efforts have provided exponential results.
About Us
To reach Direct2Brand for the free brochure, The Science of Cha-Ching you can call (512) 334-6110 or visit their website at www.direct2brand.com.

Source: WEBWIRE

Northwest Retailers Anticipate Consumer Demand for Energy-Efficient Electronics

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A difficult economy coupled with rising energy costs are likely to
impact holiday purchases this year, with many shoppers choosing
energy-efficient electronics to reduce household energy bills. In
partnership with supporting retailers and utilities throughout the
region, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) brings an
energy-efficient electronics program to regional consumers, making the
most energy-efficient televisions on the market available this holiday
shopping season.
“Recognizing that numerous television models are now more energy
efficient than the ENERGY STAR standard, Best Buy is proud to partner
with NEEA and the consumer electronics program to assist our customers
in identifying super energy-efficient television models,” says Thad
Carlson, Sr. Manager, Environmental Affairs, Best Buy.
According to the International Energy Agency, consumer electronics
represent the largest growing category of household power demand in the
world, a trend reflected in northwest regional power consumption
patterns.
“Here in the Northwest, there are now more televisions per home than
people. This, combined with the fact that technology is available to
reduce their electricity consumption by 30 to 50%, makes efficiency
improvements in televisions among the largest single sources of
conservation potential in the region,” says Tom Eckman, NW Power and
Conservation Council.
In addition to household energy savings, an energy-efficient TV purchase
brings significant collective benefits for regional energy use,
resources and ecosystems. “If all consumers in the Pacific Northwest
purchased more energy-efficient TVs over other models, we could save
enough electricity to power all the homes in Seattle for one year,” says
Stephanie Fleming, senior manager of the NEEA residential sector.
“Northwest consumers would save an estimated $60 million in annual
energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of
removing 60,000 cars from the road,” she added.
Shoppers should look for their local utility and ENERGY STAR° logos on
products at major retailers, including: Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Costco,
Sears, Sam’s Club and Kmart. Independent community retailers will also
soon begin to participate in the energy-efficient electronics program,
so customers should inquire about the availability of these TVs.
“We believe the simple, in-store messaging adjacent to qualifying
televisions and carrying the ‘Save More’ message will allow our
customers a choice of several top-tier energy-efficient television
models as energy efficiency becomes a more relevant consideration in
their purchase experience,” notes Carlson.
All televisions promoted through this program meet and exceed the
stringent ENERGY STAR° specifications. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of
Energy helping consumers save money and protect the environment through
energy-efficient products and practices. The consumer energy-efficiency
program is the result of a multi-state, multi-partner collaboration
initially launched by California-based utilities, Pacific Gas and
Electric Company (PG&E) and Sacramento Municipal Utility District, which
have collaborated with NEEA to support the Northwest launch.
For more information about the program and products, please visit: www.energyefficientelectronics.org.
The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is a private non-profit
organization funded by Northwest utilities, the Energy Trust of Oregon
and the Bonneville Power Administration. NEEA works in collaboration
with its stakeholders and strategic market partners to accelerate the
sustained market adoption of energy-efficient products, technologies and
practices. NEEA’s market transformation efforts address energy
efficiency in homes, businesses and industry.For more information about
NEEA, please visit: www.nwalliance.org.
Interview with local retailer and utility representatives
available upon request.
Please contact: Stephanie Swanson, 971-246–1732 or [email protected].
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Source: Business Wire

BAE Systems Wins $20 Million Contract for Air Force Nuclear Treaty Monitoring

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MELBOURNE, Florida — BAE Systems has received a contract worth up to $20 million to support U.S. Air Force global monitoring for nuclear treaty compliance. The company will provide engineering, research, and program management services for the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) at Patrick Air Force Base.
“This award demonstrates our long-running commitment to serving our Florida Space Coast customers,” said Sam Cole, vice president and general manager of aerospace solutions for BAE Systems. “We’ve been supporting AFTAC for more than 15 years, and we’ll continue to make significant contributions to the Air Force’s critical role in protecting national security.”
The five-year contract will be managed from BAE Systems’ new facility in Melbourne, Florida, recently opened to accommodate the company’s growing presence along the Space Coast. The new contract includes an initial one-year award of $4 million, plus four option years. Work will be performed on-site at the Air Force base. The company currently employs 80 people at the facility and expects to hire up to 40 network design engineers and installation technicians over the next year.
BAE Systems’ Melbourne facility also supports the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Source: WEBWIRE

Indie Developer Cipher Prime Signs Multi-Platform Publishing Deal for Auditorium with Zoo Games

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“Playing Auditorium is an experience anyone can enjoy, so we wanted this truly independent and homegrown game to be available on multiple platforms, reaching a wide range of gamers,” said Mark Seremet, CEO, Zoo Games. “A game with the creativity and ingenuity of Auditorium doesn’t come around very often and we’re proud to have signed this project through our 2BeeGames Indie Game Competition.”

Auditorium is really all about the experience, both visually and aurally. There are no instructions to teach you how to play. The game is about exploration and discovery. Each level is a unique puzzle with several possible solutions. You play the game by manipulating “the Flow,” a constant stream of moving particles of light and sound. The goal is to manipulate various controls in order to guide the Flow into Audio Containers. As you fill the containers, light transforms into sound. Given enough light, the containers will begin to sing together in a symphony, providing the ultimate Harmony of Flow.

“We always knew we wanted to create games professionally, but we never expected our first game to take off like this,” said Dain Saint, half of the two-man team at Cipher Prime. ”For us to be in a position to publish our first title on all these platforms is like a dream come true.”

“Auditorium is our baby and we’re so happy to see it growing up,” says Will Stallwood, the other half of Cipher Prime. “Auditorium in HD will be a beautiful and breathtaking experience.”

The full PC version is available now for $10.99 by visiting www.playauditorium.com.

Auditorium can be played by visiting www.2BeeGames.com.

Auditorium for consoles will be available beginning early in 2010.

About Zoo Games, Inc.
Zoo Games, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zoo Entertainment, Inc. Run by industry veterans, the company is focused on licensing, developing, and publishing a wide variety of casual and family-friendly video games for Wii™, Nintendo DS™, Playstation®2 system, PSP ( PlayStation®Portable ) system, iPhone™, and PC through their wholly owned subsidiary, Zoo Publishing, Inc. Product highlights include Order Up! and Deal or No Deal for Wii™, and multi-platform releases of titles for Showtime, Chrysler, and Jeep. Zoo Games, Inc. is headquartered in New York, NY and Zoo Publishing, Inc. is based in Cincinnati, OH. European publishing is through Zoo Entertainment Europe Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Zoo Games, Inc. More information on Zoo products can be found at zoogamesinc.com.

Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 about Zoo Entertainment, Inc. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements, based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Zoo Entertainment, Inc.s management, are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: general economic conditions; geopolitical events and regulatory changes; requirements or changes adversely affecting the businesses in which Zoo Games is engaged; demand for the products and services that Zoo Games provides, as well as other relevant risks detailed in Zoo Entertainment, Inc.s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. Zoo Entertainment, Inc. assumes no obligation to update the information contained in this press release.

Sam Dalsimer, TriplePoint for Zoo/2BeeGames
212.730.9744
[email protected]

Source: Media Newswire

Hazy Lights Mean Risky Nights: Dim Headlights Haunt America’s Cars, Reducing Visibility and Increasing Risks of Accidents

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National Headlight Safety Month in October to Help Educate Drivers about the Risks of, Solutions for Headlight Safety
ST. PAUL, MN (October 1, 2009) — There is a safety issue on America’s roads that rarely comes to light — reduced visibility, which is a factor in 2.8 million accidents, 23,000 fatal crashes and 2,300 pedestrian deaths. As Daylight Savings Time ends, and kids hit the streets trick-or-treating, the importance of clear nighttime visibility increases.
The AAIA Car Care Council found that 26 percent of the cars it inspected had issues with their lighting system. The culprits — headlight bulbs that dim over time and hazed headlight lens. When one bulb burns out, both bulbs should be replaced, a commonly ignored automotive maintenance step.
Millions of cars on the road today have plastic headlight lenses. As cars age and are exposed to weather, they may become hazed and yellowed, reducing the light output from the headlamp. With the average age of cars on the road about 10 years old, the problem is growing. This is a common issue on many domestic and foreign automobiles, from economy to luxury vehicles.
Automotive experts Sam Memmolo and Courtney Hansen are recommending that car owners conduct their vehicle visibility safety check this fall to determine their risks and take steps to correct their visibility problems. They are offering safety tips, project ideas and how-to videos to help consumers address this issue on www.3MCarCare.com, YouTube 3M Car Care Channel and the Facebook 3M-US Car Care group.
“When you walk through a parking lot or drive in traffic today, you see a number of cars with hazed headlights, non-working lights, streaky windshield wipers and broken sideview mirrors,” said Sam Memmolo, host of “Sam’s Garage” radio show and longtime expert on car repair and restoration. “Every one of these cars may create a danger to the driver and other people on the road. But with some basic education about car care and maintenance, all car owners can take care of these problems before they cause accidents.”

Source: WEBWIRE