According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million U.S. adults and children have diabetes, and an additional 79 million people are considered pre-diabetic. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to grow, a few simple screening tests can easily and proactively expose the status of your diabetic health. On Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Sam’s Club that has a pharmacy will be offering free diabetes health screenings for Members and the public, available to both adults and children.*

“Diabetes is fast becoming an epidemic in this country and it’s important that concerned Sam’s Club Members ‘know their numbers’ – blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, etc. – to seek out solutions for maintaining good health,” said Jill Turner-Mitchael, senior vice president, Sam’s Club Health and Wellness. “At Sam’s Club, our free diabetic health screenings raise awareness, help families identify their risks for diabetes and educate the communities we serve on ways to treat, prevent and delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.”

The free screenings will include glucose, A1C, blood pressure and BMI tests, typically valued at more than $150. Early detection and treatment for diabetes can help people lower their risk of serious complications that can include stroke, heart disease, blindness, amputation and kidney failure.

To further support our communities’ diabetes health prevention needs, Sam’s Club pharmacy is offering free samples of Glucerna Shakes by Abbott Laboratories and Zeiss Wipes plus Zeiss liquid spectacle lens cleaner by Carl Zeiss Vision.

The free health screening events at Sam’s Club help our members take charge of their health. With more than 250,000 free screenings provided in U.S. Clubs this year, Sam’s Club continues to serve our communities on Oct. 8, 2011 with free women’s health screenings, including TSH (thyroid testing), blood pressure and BMI tests. Additionally, Sam’s Club licensed professional pharmacists, serving members and the public, are always available to support their communities with preventative health and wellness solutions, the Sam’s Club $4/$10 generic prescription savings program and fast, personal assistance.

For more information, times and locations of free health screenings in participating Sam’s Club locations, visit SamsClub.com/healthyliving.

*While supplies last. Glucose tests are not available in states of Tennessee, Maryland and Hawaii.

About Sam’s Club®

Sam’s Club®, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation’s eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 30 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple(SM), visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam’s Club on Twitter and Facebook.

Gainesville, GA  (Profitable.com)  With the cost of an out-of-country adoption reaching over $30,000 in many cases, one Georgia family has turned to the internet for help with funding. Their “Hope for Yuliya” blog chronicles their decision to adopt a child, their experiences hosting a girl from the Ukraine and videos and photos of the family meeting their newest member. Rhonda and Don McAndrew, along with their three children, are embarking on a journey to adopt a 15 year old girl from the Ukraine. The family has completed almost all of the steps they can in America to prepare, including their home study to ensure their home is a safe and nurturing place and the $900 I 600A form. However, the most expensive part of the project is yet to come, and they are asking for online donations from anyone who feels touched by their story.

Rhonda and Don’s decision to adopt the 15 year old Yuliya was determined by their faith. Even though they have 3 children currently living at home, they wanted to help the girl as soon as they read her story. Girls in Ukrainian orphanages are at serious risk as they reach their teenage years. At 16 children must leave the orphanages and try to make it on their own. Unfortunately, poor education leaves them without the skills they need to find work. This means that most children turn to crime or prostitution in order to survive. Yuliya will turn 16, and age out of the orphanage, this October. She has only 2^nd or 3^rd grade reading and math skills. Without help she’ll become another exploited child on the streets of the struggling East European country.

While they can’t help all of the millions of abandoned and orphaned children in countries like China, Russia and the Ukraine, the McAndrews family wants to help Yuliya. Rhonda has turned to blogging as a way to record her thoughts and feelings throughout the process, but also to share the story. She’s also hoping that at least a few of the readers who come are inspired to give a donation. The family is preparing for the trip to the Ukraine to finalize the adoption. It will involve weeks of air and train travel, hotel stays, and payments for facilitators and translators. The adoption fee itself is also expensive. Without help, this final step of the adoption process won’t be completed.

The family has set up a donation page through Eli Project, a Christian-based adoption website. The page allows them to collect tax-deductible donations and ensures that all of the money goes to the adoption. They’re hoping to fill in the gaps between donations with more car washes, bake sales and other fund raisers like the ones they used to earn the $4000 they’ve already put into the adoption process. While the McAndrews aren’t the only family blogging about their adoption experience, they hope that the documentation encourages other families to consider adopting or at least help them with their goal.

For more information, please visit the Hope for Yuliya blog at http://bringingyuliyahome.blogspot.com/.

You don’t have to be a great chef to get a well-paying restaurant job. If you’re better at managing workers, coordinating the efforts of multiple departments and handling sticky situations than chopping carrots, consider taking on the role of the restaurant manager. Restaurant or food service managers need to have all of the same management skills as other industries require but must also have knowledge and experience in how a kitchen and dining room should run.

Restaurant management jobs involve all of the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. As the manager you’ll be responsible for ensuring the staff is properly trained, treats each other with respect and keeps on task. You will hire new employees and fire those that aren’t doing their job correctly. The restaurant manager is who coordinates shifts and fills in when the flu keeps half of the kitchen staff at home. On top of this restaurant management jobs also require you to do the basic paperwork of writing out schedules, handling some accountancy responsibilities and signing payroll checks.

Large, full-service restaurants may have a hierarchy of restaurant management. This usually consists of a general manager at the top, followed by a kitchen manager and a dining room manager. The kitchen manager is usually the executive chef, and a dining room manager may also be called a shift manager. Fast food or smaller establishments may just have a general manager and an assistant manager so that all shifts are covered.

Managers may also be responsible for helping the chef set menu items or ordering food supplies and equipment. This is the main part of this restaurant career that makes actual food service experience and training mandatory. If you don’t know how many pounds of chicken the restaurant needs or the differences between a grill and a stove top you’ll need more training before you can manage a restaurant.

The hours that restaurant management jobs require are balanced out by a fair salary. In May of 2008 the average annual salary was $46,000, with a top cap of about $75,000. Positions are constantly opening up across the country. If you can handle the heat of the kitchen you may find restaurant management to be the ideal career for you.

To search or post restaurant management jobs, please visit RestaurantRecruiter.com.

Metrix, LLC , the field service software company, is proud to announce the availability of its latest service automation software release, Metrix 5.3, with enhanced features that help companies increase call center productivity and service business profitability.

One key new feature in Metrix 5.3, the Call Center Wizard, increases ease and consistency of data capture on incoming service requests through intelligent question and answer. This step-by-step guide helps service agents capture caller details, select the right parts, schedule appointments and collect payments up front.

“Metrix customers spearheaded this product release and already implemented many of these enhancements with significant payback,” said Tom Bowe, VP Engineering of Metrix. “For example, the ability to process a credit card immediately after booking an appointment has improved customer cash flow and reduced the number of reschedules.”

The new release of Metrix Service offers a variety of additional features, including:

• Repair Board – enhanced drag-and-drop repair scheduling and repair tag tracking
• Quote Wizard – provides real-time quotes for time and materials work
• Real-Time Dispatch – GPS location mapping and dispatch of closest technician
• Escalations Queue – for rapid issue resolution and approvals
• Technician & Repair Analytics – real-time dashboard of key performance indicators
• Ad Hoc Reporting – an easy-to-use wizard for creation of reports on-the-fly
• Roster Management – resource planning and shift scheduling for field workforce

“The deployment of Metrix 5.3 opened the door for us to build more robust business intelligence tools,” said one customer in the technology services field. “The new graphical elements, combined with intelligent Q&A and automated report generation, strengthened our ability to meet service level agreements and deliver information that is both intuitive and predictive.”

About Metrix

Metrix creates full suite software applications for field service, scheduling, warranty management, reverse logistics and mobile solutions and is available as an enterprise or cloud-based platform. Metrix software delivers competitive advantage to its clients by helping increase customer satisfaction, service response times, real-time warranty management, customer support, and overall service center profitability. Because Metrix has over 30 years of experience, innovative companies with critical service requirements like Ingenico, Olympus, Cubic, Ericsson and IMAX, count on Metrix to automate their complex service processes. From total end-to-end service management solutions to individual components, Metrix has the right application for virtually any sized service automation requirement. For more information, visit http://www.metrix.com.

The hotspot market continues to surge forward with phenomenal growth in footprint and usage. Over the past several years, growth in the hotspot market has largely been driven by wireless and broadband providers embracing Wi-Fi as both a competitive differentiator, and an enhancement to core services. New In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com) research forecasts that this trend will continue as usage will increase to nearly 120 billion connects in 2015.

“The hotspot market is in a continuous state of flux. Now over a decade old, the market is still undergoing significant changes in usage and business models,” says Amy Cravens, Senior Analyst. “Wi-Fi hotspots have become a service used to attract customers to other product offerings, rather than a standalone offering. Whether the product is broadband, mobile service, or a cup of coffee, Wi-Fi is being layered on top of core offerings as a competitive differentiator.”

Some of the research findings include:

• Hotspots will continue to be a key factor in mobile operators’ data offload strategy.
• Worldwide hotspot venues will increase to over 1 million in 2013.
• While transportation and convention centers only account for a small percent of venues, they account for nearly 30% of total connects.
• Asia Pacific has emerged as the preeminent hotspot market, largely due to recent renewed investment in venue deployment.
• Notebooks continue to account for the majority of connects in the hotspot market; however, the rate of smartphone and tablet access is increasing rapidly.

Recent In-Stat research, Wi-Fi Hotspots: The Mobile Operator’s 3G Offload Alternative (#IN1105002WS), covers how hotspots are being used, the frequency, and the occasion for usage. These all continue to transition due to a variety of factors, including:

• Wide-scale adoption of Wi-Fi-enabled handsets and a blending of mobile and Wi-Fi experiences
• Further integration of Wi-Fi into mobile operator strategies
• A promise of automatic login and seamless access as Next Generation Hotspot (NGH) technologies are implemented in coming years
• Revised payment models shifting to free and bundled access
• New application potential, including mobile video and location-based services

The report also provides:

• Venue and usage forecast by venue, category, and region
• In-Stat TAP survey results on hotspot usage and perceptions
• Analysis of hotspot access devices, and usage distinctions between laptop and non-laptop devices
• Classification of venue types and related usage trends
• Analysis of market growth opportunities and barriers
• Evaluation of hotspot business models and the transition to “free access”

About In-Stat

In-Stat’s market intelligence combines technical, market and end-user research and database models to analyze the Mobile Internet and Digital Entertainment ecosystems. Our insights are derived from a deep understanding of technology impacts, nearly 30 years of history in research and consulting, and direct relationships with leading players in each of our core markets. In-Stat provides its research through reports, annual subscriptions, consulting and advisory services to inform critical decisions. Technology vendors, equipment manufacturers, service providers and media companies worldwide rely on In-Stat to support critical business, product and technology decisions.

About The NPD Group, Inc.

The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,800 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit http://www.npd.com and http://www.npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter at @npdtech and @npdgroup.

A homeopathic, herbal weight loss product, called “180,” is achieving the fastest growing sales of any item ever introduced by Dynamite Specialty Products.

The basis of the weight loss program is a proprietary combination of homeopathics and herbal extracts that have been credited with breaking the cycle of food addiction, cleansing the body of food toxins and making it easier to reintroduce a clean, healthy diet. The formula is designed to help the body burn stubborn fat reserves that have been resistant to traditional weight loss programs.

Why did Dynamite decide to add a product that stimulates weight loss, a field that some might consider overcrowded?

The most important consideration was customer demand. “People wanted an all-natural weight loss product that works,” said Callie Novak, Dynamite CEO. “Even though there is a lot of competition, most weight loss products don’t work well and most contain harmful ingredients. Because we work with people who already know and trust our products, we had an automatic audience. All we had to do was to make sure the product works.”

Dynamite is a fourth-generation, family-owned network marketing company that long has made vitamins and nutritional supplements. In addition to products intended for human consumption, it makes food and nutritional supplements for horses, dogs, cats and most members of the animal kingdom.

Dynamite followed its usual procedure of first testing the products on the owners, employees and their families, just as employees volunteer to try animal products first on their own beloved pets.

Chief Executive Officer Callie Novak and Chief Operating Officer Jos Zamzow each lost 30 pounds. Roger Glave, a Dynamite distributor from Caldwell, Idaho, lost 65 pounds in a three-month period. All three have kept the weight off.

“Once we had tested several formulas, we decided on the one that worked best,” Novak said.

“Sales have increased about 11 percent a month during the eight months we have sold 180,” Novak said. “Once people lose the weight, they don’t need the product any more. So we attribute the increase in sales to word-of-mouth success stories inspiring new people to start a weight-loss program.

“Our 180 helps stave off hunger pangs that a restricted diet may cause and it helps create a feeling of well being,” Novak said. “With the introduction of 180, thousands of extra calories begin to flood the system from the abnormal fat being metabolized.

“We chose the name ‘180’ because we realize that people with excess weight need to change their lifestyle and eating habits on an ongoing basis,” Novak said. “It’s a 180-degree turnaround. In addition, 180 helps break the cycle by resetting the hypothalamus, which controls appetite.

“Adding a weight-loss product was a natural fit for us,” she continued. “We are all about promoting health, yet many of our distributors and customers were finding it hard to maintain a healthy weight.”

Dynamite differs from other weight-loss programs because of the additional herbs included to help the body cleanse itself. Among them are the following:

• Larch flower essence supports a feeling of greater potential, confidence and a release from self-limiting behavior and beliefs.
• Borage flower essence enhances feelings of encouragement and balance.
• Eleuthero root assists in reducing inflammation and supports the liver as it eliminates toxins.
• Burdock root aids the body’s filtering organs: liver, kidneys, and lungs.
• Red clover herb supports the heart, lungs, liver and blood.
• Guggal gum aids the thyroid in overall function, and with respect to metabolism. In Ayurvedic medicine, its uses consist of aiding in cleansing blood vessels, reducing inflammation, avoiding obesity and digestive disorders, and easing joint pain.
• L-carnitine has been proposed as a therapeutic treatment for many conditions because it helps reduce oxidative stress. In addition, L-carnitine also is a nutrient that helps the body turn fat into energy.

All Dynamite products use only natural ingredients, made in the United States for better quality control. Throughout its history, Dynamite has always looked at alternatives to animal by-products, antibiotics, chemical preservatives, fumigants, artificial coloring and other additives that have later caused health problems. Its manufacturing processes for animal feed are so stringently controlled that Dynamite has a separate mill to produce feed for herbivores, such as horses and poultry that are especially sensitive to contamination from meat needed by other species. Mills are located in Idaho and Iowa.

Additional information on weight-loss programs and other products is available at DynamiteSpecialty.com or by calling 800-697-7434.

Bryan Quintanilla and Tony Robino , two young 22-year-old entrepreneurs’ who look more likely to be playing the videogame Modern Warfare than doing surgery with the inner guts of an iPhone, have opened a new business front this year repairing broken smartphones, an idea potentially worth millions. It’s called “The SmartPhone Clinic”.

Beginning this week, SmartPhone Clinic is opening their second location in less than one year of being in business, just one block north of the famous and upscale Aventura Mall. Not even fully open a week, they’re already taking orders for a new service in fashion conscience Miami, FL called “iColors” for the iPhone. Not only can they convert a regular Black iPhone 4 to the trendy “White”,they are now offering a new array of colors, Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow and more. And no it’s not a case or sticker you attach to the iPhone but the actual glass that is custom. This makes them one of the first to offer a unique customization service for the iPhone that makes the ordinary colored, black or white iPhone, a little more extraordinary.

The SmartPhone Clinic has lowered the cost of the service and now offers a DIY kit for $129.99 or the iColors conversion service for $149.99, which includes parts and labor. Cheaper than the $200.00 Apple charges for standard iPhone 4 Repair. In addition, they offer different back covers with options of different color glass, leather, carbon fiber, metal, wood and other designs, fitted for the iPhone 4 that are replacements for the back cover. Hopefully they can do the same for the iPhone 5 rumored to debut in October.

Since opening day their business has been rapidly growing, opening 2 stores in less than a year. Pretty impressive for 22 year olds. With numerous 5 star ratings, a hefty facebook fan base, and consumer demand, the company has expanded their product line to include iPhone Repair, Blackberry Repair, HTC EVO Repair, PC Repair , Laptop Repair and XBOX/PS3/Wii Repair and Customization. They also expanded to sell services like AT&T U-verse, Xfinity, CLEAR, DIRECTV and Simple Mobile Wireless in their retail stores.

The SmartPhone Clinic offers mail-in orders online but also offers more convenient walk-in locations in Fort Lauderdale and Miami FL

“Shockingly, everything has worked out accordingly to our initial idea,” said Tony Robino. Business has been so well that they are opening another location in Palm Beach County in November and soon after expand to Texas and California. “Our goal is to be a one-stop-shop for smart device users and open The SmartPhone Clinic in every major market by 2013.”

To purchase “iColors” conversions for the iPhone visit http://www.thesmartphoneclinic.com

Retail Locations:

1639 S University Dr
Fort Lauderdale FL 33324
954-514-9295

20614 Biscayne Blvd
Miami FL 33180
305-814-9295

Protective and sustainable, the Bionic iPad Case is Brenthaven’s newest case for the iPad 2. This case is created using the cutting-edge Bionic Yarn™material, an innovative fabric made from recycled plastic beverage containers.

Scott Armstrong, CEO of Brenthaven says, “As part of our mission to achieve Zero Impact on the environment, we’ve been searching for a way to use recycled materials in our products without compromising the durability and Lifetime Guarantee our customers expect. Bionic Yarn™ is the perfect fit for us because it is made using recycled water bottles but is also extremely durable. I’m proud to stamp this product with our legendary 100% lifetime guarantee.”

Tyson Toussant and Tim Coombs, CEO’s of Return Textiles and Bionic Yarn says, “As a team that is constantly on the move, Return Textiles truly appreciates Brenthaven’s commitment to creating the most protective cases for mobile technology. We’re excited to partner up with a company that shares similar ideals and values as the Bionic® brand; which stands for innovation, durability, and sustainability.”

The Bionic Case for iPad 2 is custom fit for the Apple iPad 2. Available in Black or Charcoal, this case is stylish, protective and functional. The folio design allows for full coverage of the iPad 2 while giving users versatility with multiple viewing angles and a convenient typing stand.

The Bionic Yarn™ material provides the durability of nylon and recycled polyester in one. Combined with the Brenthaven Legendary Lifetime Guarantee, the Bionic iPad Case is a protective, innovative and sustainable case offering. For more information on Bionic Yarn™, see their website at: http://www.bionicyarn.com

Price and Availability

The Bionic iPad Case for iPad 2 is now available for pre-order, shipping mid September 2011 for $59.95. For additional information, please see the following link: http://www.brenthaven.com/landing-page/bionic-ipad-case-charcoal

Follow us on Twitter.com/brenthavennews and become a fan on Facebook.com/brenthavennews for access to special deals on Brenthaven products.

About Brenthaven ®

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Brenthaven is the leader in the design and manufacture of premium protective cases for mobile technology. All Brenthaven products come with a 100% lifetime guarantee and feature superior protection systems that keep you connected to your digital lifestyle. Visit http://www.brenthaven.com for more information or check us out on Facebook and Twitter. For Customer Service call (800) 803-7225 or email info(at)brenthaven(dot)com.

About Bionic Yarn

Returns Textiles is a manufacturer of sustainable materials and the innovators of Bionic® yarn technology. Bionic® is a high-quality yarn produced by using fibers collected from recycled plastic bottles. The process used to create Bionic® yarn is a patented spinning method that combines PET plastic with both performance and natural fibers to create stronger yarn than competing brands. Bionic® yarn can be integrated into most fabrics including: canvas, rip-stop, denim, jersey, and fleece to name a few.

Las Vegas performers, television stars, recording artists, and international icons Donny & Marie Osmond, announced today that fall early booking discounts are available for Donny & Marie Cruisin’ With Friends, a special cruise travel event featuring entertainment, special events and fun for the entire family. Departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida on February 28, 2012 for 4 days and nights of fun and entertainment, this unique voyage will visit the Bahamas, exploring the pristine beaches of Nassau and the enchanting private island experience of CocoCay.

For one, all-inclusive price, Donny & Marie guests will enjoy a myriad of special activities and events. While Donny & Marie will perform in An Evening With Donny & Marie, this cruise is much more than a “concert” event…it’s an interactive experience for fans, joining Donny & Marie for some well deserved rest and relaxation with a lot of family fun mixed in for good measure. Passengers can select from an assortment of exciting complimentary offerings, including, a Bon Voyage Party, Donny & Marie Q & A, “Osmondakoake”, 70s Theme Sock Hop, Passenger Talent Show, Wedding Vow Renewal and much more to be announced. Every event has been designed to give fans the rare opportunity to interact with Donny and Marie in an intimate, up close and personal setting.

As Donny stated, “I have many life-long, devoted friends from all over the globe and I look forward to seeing many of them aboard. This will be an unprecedented event with something for everyone.” Marie commented, “This is truly an international celebration and I expect to see a diversity of countries and cultures represented. This will be a once in a lifetime experience for me!”

The venue for this unique at-sea experience is the elegant MSC Poesia (Italian for “Poetry”), one of the most beautiful cruise ships built in the last decade. Exuding her Italian roots, the Poesia features include the luxurious Aqua Spa, two pools, four Jacuzzis, a state-of-the-art gym, salon, sushi bar, wine tasting bar and Teatro Carlo Felice, a state-of-the-art, 3-level, Broadway-style theater.

Early Booking Rates for the cruise are available until August 15, 2011, starting at $799 per person (double occupancy). For family travelers, children 11 years of age and under cruise free when accompanied by two full-fare paying adults (while supplies last.)

Tickets for Donny & Marie Cruisin’ With Friends will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and will only be available at http://www.DonnyAndMarieCruise.com.

New York Blood Center (NYBC), serving more than 20 million people in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New Jersey, is following the emergency declarations of Mayor Bloomberg and other tri-state public officials with an emergency appeal for blood donors.  The supply of several blood types, including O-negative (“universal donor”) blood, which is normally maintained at the three-to-five-day inventory level, has dropped below the two-day minimum level.

“We anticipated the potential effects of Irene, and delivered extra blood in advance to our 200 partner hospitals,” said NYBC Vice President Rob Purvis. “Our first priority remains getting them whatever they need for the care of trauma and cancer patients.”  Due to concerns for the safety of its donors and staff, NYBC closed its donor centers and cancelled all blood drives on Sunday, August 28. “With Labor Day right around the corner, we’re between a rock and a hard place,” Purvis added.  ”We need the help of our communities to replenish the blood supply.”

The need for blood is constant, whatever the weather or holiday.  The shelf life of platelets is only five days; the shelf life of red blood cells is 42 days.  About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood.

“We faced a similar situation after the Christmas Blizzard and January’s constant snowstorms, when cancellations meant the loss of 8,000 units of blood.” Purvis said.  ”Our neighbors came through for hospital patients then, and replenished the blood supply.  We need them to step up again, and schedule an appointment to donate life-saving blood.”

To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive,
Please call Toll Free: 1-800-933-2566
Visit: www.nybloodcenter.org

If you cannot donate but still wish to participate in bringing crucial blood products to patients in need, please ask someone to donate for you, or consider volunteering at a local blood drive.

Any company, community organization, place of worship, or individual may host a blood drive. NYBC also offers special community service scholarships for students who organize community blood drives during summer and winter months. Blood donors receive free mini-medical exams on site including information about their temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level. Eligible donors include those people at least age 16 (with parental permission or consent), who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all Food & Drug Administration and NY or NJ State Department of Health donor criteria. People over 75 may donate with a doctor’s note.

About New York Blood Center:

New York Blood Center (NYBC) is one of the nation’s largest non-profit, community-based blood centers. NYBC has been providing blood, transfusion products and services to hospitals serving more than 20 million people in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. NYBC is also home to the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute and the National Cord Blood Program at the Howard P. Milstein National Cord Blood Center, the world’s largest public cord blood bank. NYBC provides medical services and programs (Clinical, Transfusion, and Hemophilia Services) through our medical professionals along with consultative services in transfusion medicine. Please visit us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/newyorkbloodcenter. Follow us on Twitter: @NY_BloodCenter.

The National Restaurant Association (www.restaurant.org) today announced a month-long initiative to encourage restaurant and foodservice operators to participate in the 17^th Annual National Food Safety Education Month (NFSEM) this September. The campaign focuses on the importance of food safety education and training, while continuing to raise awareness of the industry’s commitment to food safety.

This year’s theme, “Lessons Learned from the Health Inspection,” is sponsored by SCA, a global hygiene company and makers of the Tork® brand of away-from-home paper products. The National Restaurant Association selected SCA as the sponsor of the campaign due to the company’s commitment to food safety education and dedication to hygiene product solutions.

“There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our guests at restaurants around the country, and National Food Safety Education Month highlights our industry’s commitment to serving healthful, delicious and safe meals every day,” saidDawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “Our industry serves 130 million guests daily, and we know that it’s critical to train our employees in safe food handling practices. Through our national campaign, we encourage the nation’s nearly one million restaurants to demonstrate their dedication to food safety.”

As part of this educational campaign, free weekly training activities, food safety tips and free posters are now available for download at www.ServSafe.com/nfsem. All NFSEM materials are based on the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe® food safety training and certification program. ServSafe is the nation’s most widely accepted food protection manager program, with more than 4.6 million certifications awarded to date.

“Hygiene and food safety are key imperatives in our customers’ day-to-day business,” said Suzanne Cohen, Foodservice Segment Director for SCA Tissue North America. “Partnering with the National Restaurant Association for NFSEM to further educate the industry on these important topics ultimately creates a healthier environment for operators, employees and patrons nationwide.”

The curriculum for National Food Safety Education Month is broken down into five weekly sessions, each stressing different food safety basics and how they apply to the health inspection process. The sessions cover:

• How to work with a health inspector
• Handling food
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• Proper food storage techniques
• Handling utensils and equipment

Restaurant and hospitality industry professionals are encouraged to use these materials and participate in this national awareness campaign. The weekly training activities, food safety daily tips and posters can be used to supplement existing in-store food safety training. They communicate food safety concepts efficiently, and the weekly activities can be completed in less than 10 minutes.

The National Restaurant Association also provides a toolkit for restaurant operators to communicate their participation in National Food Safety Education Month to their guests. This toolkit includes the initiative’s logo, a news release for restaurants, sample tweets and email templates that promote involvement in the program. All these items are available for download at www.ServSafe.com/NFSEM. Participating restaurants are also encouraged to visit www.talktork.com to receive a consultation from a Tork Solutions Expert, in addition to a free trial of Tork products in honor of NFSEM.

While National Food Safety Education Month is celebrated in September, food safety is a priority year-round. ServSafe offers classroom and online training options in a variety of languages aimed at both managers and employees. The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is nationally recognized and accredited. Visit www.ServSafe.com or call (800) ServSafe (800-737-8723) for more information.

For more information about SCA, the Tork brand and its solutions for the foodservice industry, visit www.torkusa.com.

About the National Restaurant Association

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 960,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of nearly 13 million employees. We represent the industry in Washington, D.C., and advocate on its behalf. We operate the industry’s largest trade show (NRA Show May 5-8, 2012, in Chicago); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF’s ProStart, including the National ProStart Invitational April 27-29, 2012, in Baltimore, Md.) and college-level management program (ManageFirst); as well as the Kids LiveWell program promoting healthful kids’ menu options. For more information, visit www.restaurant.org and find us on Twitter @WeRRestaurants, Facebook and YouTube.

About Tork

The Tork brand offers a complete range of products and services within hygiene and cleaning for professional washrooms, healthcare, food service and industry. Through customer understanding and particular expertise in hygiene and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader in many segments and a committed partner to businesses in over 80 countries. Tork is a global brand in the SCA hygiene portfolio. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit: www.torkusa.com.

About SCA

SCA is a global hygiene and paper company that develops and produces personal-care products, tissue, packaging solutions, publication papers and solid-wood products.  Sales are conducted in some 100 countries. SCA has many well-known brands, including the global brands TENA and Tork. Sales in 2010 amounted to $14.5 billion (USD). SCA has about 45,000 employees. For more information about SCA, please visit: www.sca.com

About SCA in North America

SCA’s North American tissue division is one of the three largest producers of away-from-home tissue products in North America, supplying paper napkins, tissues, towels, specialty wipers, dispensers and soap used in commercial settings such as restaurants, office buildings, schools and healthcare facilities. Tork® products are made from 100-percent recycled content. SCA recycles more than 750,000 tons of paper a year; on average, more than 60 percent of those tons are post-consumer waste. The first American papermaker to earn EcoLogo™ certification, SCA also has earned Green Seal™ certification on many of its products. The company has more than 2,200 employees in the United States and Canada. More information is available at www.torkusa.com.

Build your dream paradise vacation on Dominican Republic (DR) Ministry of Tourism’s award-wining website: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. Since its launch in January 2011, the social media-friendly site is impressing visitors and tourism marketers and has earned prestigious ADDY® and Summit awards for its clever design and function. The global, interactive website showcases key selling points of the destination, providing site visitors with in-depth information about the country, its alluring destinations, diverse activities, luxurious accommodations and travel information, and includes a dynamic event calendar to help travelers plan their next trip to the top Caribbean travel destination.

Among the most prominent features, the site’s “My Paradise” allows users to create their own personal itinerary by adding elements to their paradise section, including cities or towns of interest, activities, events, images they discover in the country while they browse the site. They can write their own notes and even share their paradise on 200+ social media platforms. The site also features a sophisticated “Interactive Map” that adds geo-location and mapping capabilities throughout the website, making it a true, state-of-the-art trip planning tool.

“Dominican Republic is a charismatic and unforgettable island nation boasting intricate architecture, rich culture, amazing accommodations, world-class golf courses, pristine beauty and unlimited eco adventures. Dominican Republic’s official and innovative new website has become the primary source for Dominican Republic travel information, consumer engagement and booking for travelers from around the world,” said Magaly Toribio, DR Ministry of Tourism’s Vice Minister of International Promotion.

The site also has a media center where more than 1,000 high resolution images, 25 videos of the country, a calendar of events, press materials, brochures and more can all be downloaded. And, with the click of a button, the site can be translated into six different languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian.

According to Evelyn Paiewonsky, DR Ministry of Tourism’s E-Marketing Director, “GoDominicanRepublic.com satisfies the need in the online market for visitor interaction and appeal. The dynamic website achieves our objectives connected to promoting the country’s tantalizing regions, which have a lot to offer both residents and visitors alike. GoDominicanRepublic.com continues to be the number one source of comprehensive tourism information about Dominican Republic, and therefore we ensure that the site is fresh, dynamic and innovative for our global audience.”

GoDominicanRepublic.com was developed by BVKmeka with special emphasis on cross-platform interoperability and open standards; the vibrant, multi-lingual site was built using the latest Web technologies such as dynamic HTML, CSS3, jQuery and Ajax, along with Joomla, one of the world’s leading Content Management Systems (CMS), in order to make it work seamlessly across computers, iPhones, iPads and other mobile devices.

Dominican Republic’s first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, Dominican Republic has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to more than one million U.S. visitors each year. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Dominican Republicboasts 25+ designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people.  Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike.  Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

Follett Higher Education Group is doubling the number of textbook titles available through its Rent-A-Text program this fall and launching a new version of CafeScribe® that gives students access to smarter digital textbooks. Through both programs, students across the country can save 50 percent or more when they purchase rental or digital books from Follett’s online or on campus bookstores.

“Student loans are now the largest category of unsecured debt in America, even surpassing credit cards,” said Tom Christopher, President of Follett Higher Education Group. “To help reduce the costs associated with higher education, we’re focused on delivering a spectrum of affordable choices so every student can be successful in the classroom.”

Rental is King for Savings

Follett’s Rent-A-Text provides savings of 50 percent or more compared to new textbook prices and has already saved students more than $130 million in just one academic year. By making more titles available, Follett expects to save students more than$200 million across its rental offerings during the 2011 academic year.

The program gives students the freedom to highlight and take notes all within the normal wear and tear associated with course work. It also allows students to apply their extra savings to other supplies and materials they need to be successful in the classroom.

Since launching Rent-A-Text in fall 2010, the company successfully implemented the program at more than 800 Follett-managed bookstores and its entire network of Canadian partners. The company’s strong footprint makes it the largest in-store and online rental provider in the industry. Students have expressed strong support for the program with 99 percent saying they would rent again from the bookstore.

CafeScribe Digital Textbooks

This fall, Follett announced a new version of its CafeScribe platform that makes digital textbooks smarter with better study tools, more accessibility on different types of devices and more book titles than ever before. CafeScribe digital textbooks are typically 40-60 percent less than the cost of a new textbook.

The enhanced product makes it easier to read, take notes, highlight and search within the digital textbooks. Students aren’t tied to a specific device and can read and study on Macs, PCs and most web-enabled devices like tablets and smartphones. Additionally, students have access to innovative technology for social note sharing, which allows them to swap their notes with peers and professors all within their textbooks.

CafeScribe digital textbooks are available at CafeScribe.com, Follett campus stores, independently managed bookstores and through efollett.com, the most visited-collegiate ecommerce site. To provide students the opportunity to experiment with digital for free, Follett is offering three day trials for most CafeScribe titles. The company created the Try Now, Buy Later program because it found that after using digital textbooks, two-thirds of students prefer the option to print.

Range of Purchasing Options

Follett also gives students more choices when it comes to how they pay for their course materials. The company allows students to pay for their books and supplies with financial aid and campus cards, which many online retailers do not. Follett’s network of campus stores offer greater convenience and reliability because students can either purchase their materials in-store or on efollett.com with store pick-up.

“By creating additional savings opportunities for students, rental and digital options are bringing customers back to campus stores,” said Christopher. “Our sell-through data tells us that this strategy is working and we’re optimistic it will continue to increase sales.”

“must have that STASH”

Follett is offering another opportunity for students to save even more on textbooks this fall with a text-to-win promotion called “must have that STASH.” Drawing on college student and pop culture’s rekindled love of all-things mustached, the contest asks students to text message a unique keyword, found on mustache game pieces available at Follett’s U.S. campus bookstores that offer Rent-A-Text, to TEXTBK. Participants will receive a text back with a game code which can be entered at musthavethatstash.com for a chance to instantly win $1,000 in cash, or a semester of textbooks from Follett, plus over 2,500 instant win gift cards to popular retailers, restaurants, and airlines.

For another chance to win, students can take photos of themselves sporting a mustache including the wearable mustache decal found on the game piece and post their photos to Facebook.com/Rent-A-Text. Visitors to the Rent-A-Text Facebook page will vote on their favorites, and the winner will receive $500 bookstore gift card to any bookstore operated by Follett. The second place runner up will receive a $250 bookstore gift card and the next 50 runner-ups will receive a “I ‘mustache’ you a question?” t-shirt. The contest runs until Sept. 30, 2011.

For the most up-to-date list of Follett-managed campuses and virtual bookstores offering Rent-A-Text, visit www.rent-a-text.com. For more information on CafeScribe, visit www.cafescribe.com.

About Follett Higher Education Group

Follett Higher Education Group of Oak Brook, Illinois, is the leading provider of bookstore services and the foremost supplier of used books in North America. Follett services five million students and over 400,000 faculty members through more than 850 stores. Follett also services more than 1,600 independent campus stores with its wholesale services, and has the most visited ecommerce collegiate website, efollett.com, that provides services and products through a network of more than 900 campus stores.

About Follett Corporation

Follett Corporation is a $2.7 billion, privately-held company that provides products, services and solutions to the educational marketplace. Follett Corporation was founded in 1873, and today is headquartered in River Grove, Illinois.

LogicBay’s Performance Center unifies all facets of distribution channel development into a single, easy-to-use portal. The Performance Center’s unified suite of core technologies includes Marketing Communications Management, Learning Management, Performance Management, Content Management and Social Management. The portal capabilities of the system allow easy, single sign-on to other dealer and customer-facing systems both inside and outside the firewall. Additionally, the Performance Center can be customized and expanded through the use of a growing stable of unique widgets and apps.

DTNA deployed LogicBay’s original Performance Center in 2000 and has been upgrading to newer versions as they become available. The latest version, 7.2, adds enhanced functionality including application/API support, a collaboration dashboard, a manage organizations dashboard, MyLinks updates and support for Qualified Instructors. Performance Center 7.2 also adds enhanced administrative capabilities such as a new HTML editor, HTML versioning, improved licensed management and an improved, tabbed user interface.

The Daimler deployment currently provides five partner portals to its dealers, including Freightliner and Western Star New Truck Sales, Used Truck Sales, Detroit Diesel Engines, and Daimler Truck Financial. The system includes over 200 active courses and over a half-million records. The deployment is hosted and supported by LogicBay through their SaaS (Software as a Service) channel management software.

“We rely on LogicBay’s Performance Center to bring our dealers the training and certification, marketing communications, and collaboration they need to perform effectively. LogicBay’s oversight, monitoring and functionality enhancements have allowed us to continually offer a top-of-the-line solution. This latest upgrade is just one more example of their commitment to us and our dealers. That’s why we’ve used their Performance Center for over ten years now, and why we’ll be adding three more centers soon.” – Tom Zielke, Sales Training Manager, Freightliner Trucks

About LogicBay

LogicBay provides technology-enabled Partner Relationship Management (PRM) solutions enabling organizations to engage, manage and develop their dealer networks, leveraging shared knowledge and best practices. With a focus on the key elements of engagement including collaboration, marketing/communications effectiveness, training and certification and performance management LogicBay deploys powerful on-line communities that empower and connect the extended networks of a dispersed sales function to be able to sell and service products more effectively.

About Daimler Trucks North America

Daimler Trucks North America LLC is the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America and a leading manufacturer of Class 4-8 vehicles. Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.

Bonavitas announced today that it will enter the sports and recovery drink industry this fall with exceptional ingredients and featuring high-quality protein, but also providing carbohydrates designed to be absorbed at a steady rate – thus avoiding the “crash” that is common to lesser quality carbohydrate sources such as sugar.

“Prior to the late 1960s, trainers and coaches actually discouraged athletes from drinking fluids during physical activity. Today, we know that proper hydration is not only essential for solid performance – but it’s also vital for recovery and good health in general,” said Tommy Wilson, President of Bonavitas.

Water alone provides adequate hydration for most daily activities. However, it does not provide the nutrients necessary for recovery during and after more intense physical activity, such as team sports or a rigorous workout.

Most sports drinks contain sodium and other electrolytes to replenish what is lost during extreme perspiration. This makes them a better choice than water. Sports drinks that contain carbohydrates in addition to sodium go a step further, in that they provide fuel for muscles recovery, in addition to hydration.

There is an abundance of sports drinks on the market – many of them containing sodium only, or a combination of sodium and carbohydrates. But, the difference between being just a sports drink and being a true recovery drink lies mainly in the presence of a third ingredient – protein.

Protein, when combined with carbohydrates, appears to increase muscle glycogen and muscle protein – both essential for effective muscle recovery. Very few sports and recovery drinks on the market include protein, and even fewer provide it in conjunction with slow-release carbohydrates.

For a chance to sample products, share opinion and write reviews, please subscribe to the Good Life Fitness blog.

Headquartered in Provo, Utah, Bonavitas is a nutraceutical company that provides healthy lifestyle functional food and supplement options for those interested in products that do not contain artificial, colors, sweeteners or flavors. Our products are designed to meet the needs of tired people. Bonavitas proposes to enter the natural dietary supplement and functional beverage channels by offering consumers a suite of products that address both the immediate need for a specific product function such as hydration or energy as we begin to tackle the underlying causes for the consumer’s tiredness. Our goal is to offer consumers products that work today but offer them a better future as well. http://www.bonavitas.com

Mena Travel International, a Miami-based affiliate of American Express Travel, which specializes in leisure, corporate, cruise and wholesale travel since1943 has partnered with JetUs to provide its extensive list of clients with an option for private charter. JetUs technology is a direct correlation and joint venture between JetUs, LLC and Sabre Travel Network, the world’s leading travel and collaboration management solution. Mena Travel is recognized for its leading industry experience, rates and superior service to destinations worldwide.

JetUs is a web-based reservation tool that provides a fully integrated system, and works with only the highest safety rated operators that have been vetted by independent 3rd party safety auditors. This system allows booking a charter to be a much more efficient and less time consuming process. With so many commercial airline routes being cut, an option that once seemed so expensive will actually save executive’s time and money and allow them to fly in and out of their destinations with ease.

Mena Travel customers will now be able to shop the charter market and instantly find, book, and manage private charter services through the use of this secure web-based tool. This partnership is a very exciting new venture for both companies to open their doors to the Hispanic community to introduce the luxury of chartering a private jet. This relationship will introduce charter as a viable option to an untapped customer base and change the way people view and purchase charter services.

About Mena Travel International

A family-owned and operated business now in its fourth generation, Mena Travel International has played an integral part in the Hispanic travel industry for over 65 years. Mena Travel started off as a small retail operation and has since evolved into a major tour operator well known throughout the community. Since 2009, Mena Travel has been an American Express Travel Representative accepting membership rewards points for card holders and the offering the full-range of American Express travel services. Mena Travel International originated in Havana, Cuba in 1943 and in 1962 moved its offices to Miami, Florida. Most recently they relocated to 3907 SW 67 Avenue in Miami, FL 33155.

About JetUs, LLC.

JetUs LLC, headquartered in Miami Beach, Florida, is a full-service online marketplace where best-in-class, safety-rated operators are matched with qualified private aviation customers. Launched in 2010, JetUs provides passengers with a dynamic reservation search engine tool for global private air travel, allowing users to instantly receive multiple price quotes from multiple private jet operators for any type of trip around the world.

Designed specifically with corporate travel in mind, JetUs uses the most sophisticated search and booking technology, providing travel managers with the ability to review aircraft photos, access safety/quality ratings, purchase and manage every detail of the trip – all in one place. The JetUs solution only delivers quality private aircraft that have been audited by third-party expert safety organizations such as ARGUS and Wyvern. Supporting the organization are experienced JetUs travel advisors and customer advocates that are available to assist 24/7/365.

The 2011 Chevrolet Fireball Run Adventurally announces a first-of-its-kind program to increase awareness, fan participation & consumer engagement.

The production will be filmed and aired “live” on Fireball Run Live via LiveStream to a potential 7 Million viewers; to get an idea of how many viewers that represents, it is roughly the same number who watch Oprah Winfrey or caught the NBA playoffs.

All rally team vehicles will be equipped with GPS-tracking devices provided by RealTrack GPS; allowing fans to follow the rally and their favorite teams online as the numbered icons travel across real-time satellite photos. Fans can also engage in discussions with teams and each other via “livechat” on the Fireball Run website.

QR codes, short for Quick Response, are square matrix codes that can be scanned by smart phones to launch digital content; text and photos to websites and videos- in this case access to sponsor and destination websites with incentives.

Fans who participate in “Follow the Fireball” Scan, Track and Win! and Register, Track and Win! will be eligible for prizes, including a spot in next year’s rally. Product incentives and discounts provided by sponsors will be distributed to fans who participate in the program by signing up to track the rally on FireballRun.com/LIVE -Additional prizes will be awarded to those who scan vehicle QR’s or participate in social media discussions. A complimentary entry in 2012 Rally, a $7500 value, will be awarded to one correct prediction on this year’s winning team.
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The 2011 Chevrolet Fireball Run Adventurally starts September 23rd on Florida’s Space Coast and concludes October 1st on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The 2011 rally themed “Southern Excursion” is positioned to be the most interesting and successful so far. Nearly 40 teams will compete in the 2,500 miles, 8 day adventure, including NASCAR legend Geoff Bodine, former NASA Shuttle Astronaut Winston Scott, and Actor/Activist, Kevyn Major Howard and his non-profit Fueled by the Fallen.

The Fireball Run’s signature cause; the Race to Recover America’s Missing Children is the largest active recovery effort for missing and exploited children in the country. To date, the effort has assisted in the recovery of 36 missing children.

Contact:    David Hickman
Tel:            407.224.5403
E-Mail:     media(at)fireballrun(dot)com
Website: http://www.FireballRun.com

The Hilton Lisle/Naperville, located just west of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois, was recently named a winner of Meetings MidAmerica “Best Of’ Award for 2011. This marks the second consecutive year to earn this prestigious honor.

Hundreds of meeting planners and subscribers of Meetings MidAmerica Magazine voted for their top hotel choices across the country, by region, based on the quality of meeting space, guest rooms, guest services and amenities, food and beverage service, high-tech services and equipment, recreational facilities and activities, the efficiency and helpfulness of staff; and overall value and experience.

“We are so proud to have been chosen by our clients for this coveted award! It is one thing to win awards from Hilton Hotels and our peers but to be recognized from our clients as a “Best Of” Hotel is as good as it gets!” says Richard Brink, the hotel general manager. “Our staff works very hard and receives continuous training in order to insure the ultimate in hospitality and service,” adds Brink. The hotel was also ranked in Top 10 of all Hilton Hotels in the U.S. for Service and Hospitality! The hotel’s awards continue for the restaurant as well. In March, 2011, OpenTable announced that Allgauer’s Restaurant at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville won the 2011 Diners’ Choice Award – Top 50 Best Brunch in the U.S.!

For additional information, contact: Meg McArdle, Director of Marketing at 630.584.0081 or email Meg.McArdle(at)Hilton(dot)com

The Hilton Lisle/Naperville hotel and Allgauer’s Restaurant with its banquet facility, catering, conference rooms and world class cuisine, is the perfect place for your business meeting, convention, board meeting, family reunion, wedding, social event or just for a romantic weekend getaway. Just west of Chicago, the Hilton Lisle/Naperville near Naperville, Illinois offers something for everyone. Convenient to downtown Chicago and O’Hare Airport, this hotel is ideally located at I-88 and Naperville Road.

To plan your event or for more information, please call 800-552-2599, email Joni.Augustine(at)Hilton(dot)com or visit http://www.HiltonLisleNaperville.com.

Contact:
Meg McArdle, Director of Marketing
Hilton Lisle/Naperville
630.584.0081
Meg.McArdle(at)Hilton(dot)com
http://www.HiltonLisleNaperville.com

It makes for great and frightening TV, and now it’s a real-world lesson in physics. Scientists and engineers regularly hurtle new vehicles head-on into barriers and thrust heavy battering rams into driver’s side doors. We’ve all seen the scary results on news programs and TV commercials.

But today, students everywhere are getting a “crash course” in the science of physics, with controlled car collisions a dramatic and inescapably instructional part of the new curriculum. It was developed by The JASON Project in partnership with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

IIHS crash tests are the jumping-off point for 4th-10th grade students to learn concepts such as velocity, acceleration, and momentum. To help create the curriculum, a team of internationally selected students and teachers from The JASON Project traveled to the IIHS test facility in Ruckersville, Va. to witness crash tests and work with research engineers who are applying the laws of physics to better understand – and mitigate – what happens in collisions.

IIHS provided senior research engineer Matt Brumbelow and others to help develop the science unit. Brumbelow and the JASON students and teachers who participated in the research are featured in the curriculum, Terminal Velocity, which was released worldwide in August.

The JASON Project, named for the mythological Greek explorer, is the only program that links students – inside the classroom and out – directly to leading scientists engaged in cutting-edge research. Its rigorous, standards-based classroom curricula are developed in collaboration with IIHS as well as National Geographic Society, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), NASA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories, Smithsonian Institution and others.

“The most exciting part for me was the roof crush test, where a huge pressure source pushed on the corner of a gleaming new sedan until the car crumpled,” said Aubrey Gonzalez, a high school junior from Harvest, Ala.

“You could hear a crackling sound like little explosions, and then the back window blew out and the side windows ruptured, spraying glass everywhere. It was awe-inspiring and frightening to see something so strong crumple like that.”

“The JASON Project brings science alive for young people,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. “We wanted to be a part of the program because of its fundamental goal of demonstrating how scientific principles can be applied to real-world problems like motor vehicle crashes to make a difference and save lives.”

“JASON’s success is achieved through partnerships, and we are grateful to IIHS for helping us make physics engaging, meaningful, and accessible for millions of students,” said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, CEO of The JASON Project. “The focus on driver safety only heightens the importance of this curriculum, and we look forward to continuing our work with IIHS in the months and years ahead.”

JASON’s nationally acclaimed curricula feature year-round interactions with scientists; online simulations, games, videos and social media; and hands-on labs and field assignments. Its Immersion Learning program creates complementary academic enrichment programs for youth in after school, mentoring, and summer science camps in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Air Force, Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, as well as museums and aquariums throughout the world.

Together, JASON and Immersion reach over 1.5 million students and teachers annually, and general audiences of six million. Independent evaluations show that the programs have a significant impact on student academic achievement and teacher effectiveness.

About The JASON Project

The JASON Project is an independent 501(c)(3) managed by National Geographic Society in association with Sea Research Foundation, Inc. More than 11 million students and teachers have participated in the program since its founding in 1989 by Dr. Robert D. Ballard, the renowned oceanographer, explorer and scientist. JASON is based at The George Washington University Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, Va.

About the Insurance for Institute for Highway Safety

IIHS is a nonprofit organization funded wholly by automobile insurance companies dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage that result from crashes on the nation’s roads. Its research focuses on three main areas: human factors, or preventing crashes by changing driver behavior; vehicle factors, or reducing deaths and injuries by improving vehicle safety engineering; and environmental factors, or changing roadway design to reduce crashes.

DinoDirect.com has announced a new promotion that car lovers can’t refuse. This time, the promotion is all about upgrading and updating the looks and resources of the cars. The product range is very wide here and includes Car DVD, Car Audio Video, Car GPS, Car navigation, Car Diagnostic, OBD2 Scanner and Car Radar. Speaking on the occasion, Marketing Manager, DinoDirect.com, said, “This is yet another endeavor from us to provide our valued customers the best value for their money. We are sure that our clients will benefit highly from this offer.”

All the car accessories offered are quite different from each other in terms of their purpose. Some are meant to provide quality audio and video and some will help to know about the various problems of automobiles. All these accessories are of excellent quality and very durable to be an integral part of a car’s support system for a very long time.

Now going through the accessories, different types of Car DVD players with multiple features are a part of this promotion. The SL-6766-GT-2 is one of the most appropriate and easy to use DVD player for cars. It has a 7-inch touch screen with which one can perform all the functions that it has. Other players like SL-6735-2-002 and 6731-GD-2-002 also have similar features. The range in this category of products is very wide.

The Car GPS systems available at this promotional event are one of the most perfect accessories for the cars. They make driving safe and help users not to lose direction while moving in unknown places by offering excellent Car Navigation. The map card equipped GPS navigator and the HD touch screen navigator are some of the very useful and durable ones that can be bought to ease driving.

They have superior quality screen that offers a very clear display. Other features like bluetooth, USB and multimedia support make them a very potent accessory for all types of cars. One can also go for other GPS Navigators that are on show in this offer.

No one can see the below-eye-level objects while reversing in their car. For this reason a Car Radar is a must-have product for driver’s and passengers’ safety. It easily avoids the hidden accidents that can happen unnecessarily. The 4 sensor fitted radar system is an excellent option that one can have. With 4 parking sensors drivers are sure to park the car at the right place without having much trouble. Similarly there are many more radars to explore in this promotion. Knowing about the technical wellness of the car is another important aspect to make sure that the vehicle is in good health.

Car Diagnostic devices are very helpful in giving a full report about the current state of a car. Some of the devices in this category include MaxiScan MS509, T300 and Spanish SC05, etc.

All are OBD2 Scanner products that are fully made from advanced technology and have superior features so that they are able to offer the most accurate information about the automobiles.

Having strong multimedia resources in the car is always good. Therefore a Car Audio Video player with multiple features is just what one wants. There are number of durable and attractive mp3, mp4 and DVD players on display in this promotional offer. All are having clear display screen, offer quality audio and FM assistance and support for different types of data transfer is also there.

About DinoDirect.com

DinoDirect China Limited (http://www.dinodirect.com) is one of the biggest global online retailers. It offers a great quantity of products at competitive prices by cutting the middleman and offering products directly to the terminal consumers.

DinoDirect.com possesses a great many software products with proprietary intellectual property rights, owns technological superiority and is an efficient marketing team among similar industries.

In an extraordinary, inspirational, and three-night-only appearance, iconic Hollywood actors and brothers, Dick and Jerry Van Dyke will be in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas this September to perform Neil Simon’s comedy “The Sunshine Boys.”

In a rare collaborative performance, Dick and Jerry Van Dyke share the remarkable level of chemistry and on-stage bravado that only brothers share, showcasing their combined energies this September through the timeless hilarity of “The Sunshine Boys” at 8:00 p.m. on September 8-9, 2011 at the Eisemann Center, in the beautiful Dallas suburb of Richardson, and on September 10, 2011 at Casa Manana in the heart of Fort Worth’s vibrant Arts District.

With more than a century of performance between the two, Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Van Dyke are true testaments to the importance of continuously living an active lifestyle, with the pair remaining as sharp, engaging, and entertaining as ever. Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys” has never been so magical as to see it performed by two of Hollywood’s most treasured and timeless stars.

Their longevity in the profession and years of success have rarely intersected beyond brief stints together, making this rare collaborative performance all the more momentous and unforgettable.

A portion of the proceeds for the Dallas shows will benefit the Children’s Cancer Fund. Tickets for the Dallas showings can be purchased by going to www.eisemanncenter.com or by calling 972.744.4650.

A portion of the proceeds for the Fort Worth show will benefit the educational programming of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. Tickets for the Fort Worth showing can be purchased by going to www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 817.332.2272.

Do not miss out on these truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson, TX 75082, and Casa Manana, 3101 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107, with legends Dick and Jerry Van Dykebrought to you by Five Star Productions.

Attention Media: Dick and Jerry are available for select interviews. Contact: Carrie Bay, 214.525.6788, carrie.bay@fivestarinstitute.com.

At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination or other filth held at the Durham, North Carolina, warehouse of CFSD, Inc., which does business as Chan’s Food Service.  The products were seized under a warrant issued by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

According to the government’s complaint, the products are adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, because they have been held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated by filth.

An FDA inspection from July 25, 2011 through Aug. 3, 2011 found evidence of an active and widespread rodent infestation in CFSD, Inc.’s warehouse. FDA investigators observed rodent nesting sites, numerous rodent excreta pellets on and around food products, rodent gnawed containers of food, as well as one live and eight dead rodents in the vicinity of food product storage. They also observed food product spills, open boxes of food, rotten food items, trash throughout the facility, and noted many potential entryways for pests, including open doors, gaps in doors, broken windows and a hole in the outside wall.

“The FDA remains vigilant in protecting consumers from unacceptable sources of food,” said Dara A. Corrigan, the FDA’s associate commissioner for regulatory affairs.  ”Today’s action reinforces that commitment. And we will continue to take actions against companies that do not meet federal standards for food safety, wholesomeness, sanitation and proper labeling.”

FDA is responsible for overseeing more than $2 trillion worth of foods, drugs, biologics, medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, tobacco products and consumer goods annually.

Have you ever considered attending a bartending school? Contrary to popular belief, bartending schools are still regarded as one of the most useful processes for upcoming bartenders. These bartending schools, despite what some bartenders may state, are considered by those hiring and do in fact make quite the difference. A 100 person survey done by BeABartender.com claims an astonishing 86% job placement rate within 45 days of completing the course. BeABartender.com conducted the survey following a spike in online registrations.

Bartending school will not only help you get confidence needed to get a job, but anyone can use them, at any time. According to BeABartender.com, recreational use has also increased. Over 25% of those who took the survey claim the reason for signing up was for personal interest rather than a new job or career choice. One of these graduates, John Paige, stated, “I originally took the course because I wanted to make drinks for friends during our parties, but soon after graduating I also needed to find employment. Using the knowledge I had learned I aced an interview, which included making a few drinks. I had a new, fun and well paying job behind the bar before the college semester even started.”

An issue with a hands on bartending school, especially for college students, is the cost and flexible schedules.Online bartending school, like BeABartender.com, offer an option to complete the course “at your own pace”. This allows anyone to complete the course, chapter by chapter. The cost for online schools is dramatically lower than the in person counterparts. In-class courses cost upwards of $500 whereas an bartending school online such as BeABartender.com is a fraction of the cost. BeABartender.com offers job placement within the users area, a plethora of tutorial videos and an online store to purchase any utensils that help expedite the learning process. This helps ensure that taking the class online is far more convenient, yet offers the same education as in-class options.

Just like many colleges are now allowing courses online, many trade and certification courses are doing the same. This online bartending school is refining their services and allow participants to feel the entire experience in a cost effective way. With their offerings, you can receive everything a normal brick and mortar class offers – minus the high cost and inconvenient hours.

Check out BeABartender.com if you’ve ever considered an online course to help you brush up on skills or get a new full or part-time job. Alternatively, as Taylor Davis said, “When I was done I was able to get a bartending job and do what I enjoyed doing most, make money and impress my friends.”

Summer is dying down but that doesn’t mean the jobs are. With holidays around the corner, experience is what you need, school is about to start, college students need jobs, and everyone needs cash. The economy may be down- but bartending jobs are on the rise and have historically been a steady job in all types of economic situations with high pay nights and great atmospheres for most people. Look into bartending courses online and let the money and fun roll in.

Parents will pack thousands of lunches this year as they send their children off to school. By signing up for free “Lunch Box Notes” from Adventures in Wisdom, the fun life coaching program for kids, they can mentor their kids with every meal.

Each week parents receive an email containing five inspirational messages that they can print and personalize for each day’s lunch. Or, they can opt to send the messages via email, text or voicemail.

“Lunch time is a great opportunity for parents to impart important life lessons in less than a minute each day,” said Renaye Thornborrow, a certified coach, former marketing executive in the K-12 industry and mother of twins. “The conversation that parents spark with their kids during lunch can easily be continued at home while unpacking the lunch boxes – it’s a great way for parents to connect with their kids and share their own wisdom as well.”

Here are just a few examples of “Lunch Box Notes” that parents can sign up to receive for free every week.

1) “Limited expectations produce limited results. Expect great things of yourself and you will soar! – Wyatt the Wise Wizard (“Character Mentor” from the Adventures in Wisdom Program)….Fly baby fly!

2) “Every time you are with someone, you leave a mark – a ‘gold heart’ or a ‘grungy mark’ -based on how you treat them. Treat others as you would like to be treated!” – Wyatt the Wise Wizard….What type of mark will you make today?

3) ” You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar….On your mark….get set…….GGGGOOOOOOOOOOO!

4) “If you ever need a zipadeedooo to lift a yucky mood, use gratitude! It will shift you right out of the grungies and into the smileys! – Wyatt the Wise Wizard….Are ya smiling?

Parents can sign up for Lunch Box Notes for free at http://www.AdventuresInWisdom.com/lunch-box and start empowering their kids one message at a time.

About Adventures in Wisdom

Based in Austin, Texas, Adventures in Wisdom is a breakthrough life coaching program for kids that uses short stories and activities to teach children ages 6-12 how to develop powerful self-esteem and self-confidence; achieve their goals; handle challenges in life such as fear, failure, and peer pressure; and create happy fulfilling lives. Kids learn over 25 critical life skills via ebooks or audio programs which can be completed while at home or in the car. For more information call 860-580-WISE or visit http://www.AdventuresInWisdom.com.

AutoBuying101.com, the essential consumer guide on how to get the best deal, today announced its 2011 selections of the top 10 autos for football tailgating; including car, truck, van, SUV, and hybrid options. The list includes a variety of vehicles that cater to the unique needs and features that loyal fans need for the upcoming football tailgating season.

“With professional and college football seasons getting underway, loyal football fans in the market for a new vehicle should consider those models that compliment their tailgating activities. Americans love football and their vehicles, so it’s important to make a smart selection in order to maximize your game day experience,” said Steve Moretti, executive editor of AutoBuying101.com. “A key factor in making a smart auto buying decision is purchasing a vehicle that you will enjoy using for years to come. Whether your idea of a good tailgating party is a fully catered spread with a big screen TV, or a few lawn chairs with a small cooler, our top 10 picks have fans covered.”

2011 Top 10 Autos For Football Tailgating Picks:

“Is That A Player?” Pick: 2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
All eyes will be straining to catch a glimpse of their favorite player…and this tailgater is a player, just not a football player.
Stats: Base MSRP = $181,200, MPG = 18 highway/11 city

In & Out Pick: 2011 Porsche 911
Entry and exit into stadium parking will be quick, and the 911 hits an opening in traffic like a downhill running back.
Stats: Base MSRP = $77,800, MPG = 26 highway/18 city

High Rollers Pick: 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
A favorite of many athletes and celebrities, drivers will get the attention they desire while tailgating in luxury and saving money on gas.
Stats: Base MSRP = $74,135, MPG = 23 highway/20 city

Best Seats In The House Pick: 2011 Ford Flex
With the push of a button, the Powerfold 3rd Row Seat option with the Flex’s Titanium Wagon trim transforms the back row into a rear facing love seat.
Stats: Base MSRP = $42,525, MPG = 22 highway/16 city

Party Bus Pick: 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
No other SUV can bring the party and all the necessary supplies to the game like the 9-seat Suburban.
Stats: Base MSRP = $41,335, MPG = 21 highway/15 city

BBQ Island Pick: 2011 Ram 1500 Crew Cab
Combining the optional “Rambox” units over the wheel wells with an aftermarket trailer hitch BBQ grill keeps the beverages cold and the food hot.
Stats: Base MSRP = $29,585, MPG = 19 highway/14 city

Living Room on Wheels Pick: 2011 Honda Odyssey
With seating for 7, great audio sound, an all-digital HDMI video port, and electrical outlets; it’s easy setup a complete parking lot entertainment center.
Stats: Base MSRP = $28,075, MPG = 27 highway/18 city

Concrete Jungle Pick: 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Curb? What Curb? With 10.2 inches of ground clearance Jeep tailgaters can make their own parking spot, and put the top down to make new friends.
Stats: Base MSRP = $25,545, MPG = 19 highway/15 city

Going the Distance Pick: 2011 Toyota Prius
Traveling hundreds of miles, without stopping, to support a team on one tank of gas is easy with the most reliable hybrid on the market.
Stats: Base MSRP = $23,520, MPG = 48 highway/51 city

Got Parking? Pick: 2011 Smart fortwo
Most fans have a pair of tickets for the game, so when parking is tough, the short wheelbase of just over 6 feet provides the ability to sneak into any tight spot.
Stats: Base MSRP = $12,490, MPG = 41 highway/33 city

Joni Gray, senior analyst of AutoBuying101.com adds, “Whether your budget is targeting the low cost models or the fantasy picks, this list is the cheat sheet for the tailgate aficionados looking to maximize their game day experience.”

AutoBuying101.com strives to simplify the auto buying experience and help buyers get the best possible deal using all of the data, details, and resources available on the Web. For more detailed information on the 2011 Top 10 Autos For Football Tailgating visit:  http://www.autobuying101.com/reports

About AutoBuying101.com

AutoBuying101.com is an independent online resource for automotive shoppers to find helpful information and tips on how to get the best deals on any new auto or used auto (including cars, trucks, SUVs, and hybrids). Founded by automotive industry veterans, AutoBuying101.com provides a simple step by step process on how to buy a car, that arms each shopper with the critical information and resources needed to make a confident purchase. The information, resources, and tools provided on the site cover all major aspects of the process including financial planning, researching and comparing vehicles, and products and services that help consumers get the best deal. In addition, consumers can shop for vehicles directly using the Dealer Select Pricing Tool™ to get free auto price quotes from local dealers, and view real time inventory on more than 2,000,000 cars for sale nationwide. Resources listed on the site are carefully vetted by automotive analysts and only the top rated Websites are recommended to consumers.

AutoBuying101.com is owned and operated by Condurre Media, headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Connect with AutoBuying101™ via twitter.com/autobuying101, facebook.com/autobuying101, and youtube.com/autobuying101.

Media Contact:

AutoBuying101.com Media Inquiries: media(at)autobuying101(dot)com, 858-345-5644

OnFast launched its service to the Restaurant industry today. Their suite of social media tools help restaurants market themselves across social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Additionally, OnFast’s Painless Blogging tool supplies professionally written documents containing search engine optimized keywords for the restaurant industry, which makes it easier to create blog posts and automatically update social networks.

“Most restaurant owners don’t have a lot of time to keep their social networks up to date. OnFast is a simple way to quickly manage social networks, including blogs, all from one easy to use dashboard,” remarked OnFast President Christopher Shepherd.

OnFast’s Social Coupon tool provides restaurants the ability to offer discount and promotional coupons to their customers, without any per coupon charges. These coupons are automatically posted to social networks and blogs, or can be exported for email campaigns. Current daily deals can also be listed directly on the restaurant’s website or Facebook page using OnFast’s proprietary coupon feed and Facebook Coupon App. OnFast’s easy to use Campaign Planning Calendar allows restaurants to quickly plan and schedule their future marketing efforts. Tracking the results of marketing campaigns is straight-forward, helping restaurants achieve their visibility goals at a glance. These features allow restaurants to efficiently leverage social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, in just a few minutes a week.

OnFast is accessible world wide via a web browser or mobile device at http://www.onfast.com/restaurant.html. OnFast offers its innovative social media tools as an affordable flat-fee monthly subscription, with no contracts, no per-coupon charges, and a no-risk 30-day free trial.

Founded in 2010 by serial Internet and travel technology entrepreneur Aaron Shepherd, OnFast is a cloud-based software as a service (SAAS) provider for the online coupon and social network marketing space. OnFast’s management team brings more than 30 years of experience in the software and Internet industries to provide customers with innovative and effective technologies. OnFast is headquartered in Naples, on Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. OnFast customers can learn more and sign up for the service at http://www.onfast.com/restaurant.html.

For more information contact Christopher Shepherd christopher(dot)shepherd(at)onfast(dot)com at 866-MYONFAST (866.696.6327). Follow us on Twitter: @OnFast. Connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/onfast. Check out our blogs at http://blog.onfast.com and http://tech.onfast.com.

OnFast is a registered trademark and other OnFast product names, service names, slogans or logos referenced in this document are registered trademarks of OnFast, LLC. All other company, product or service names referenced in this website are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Nearly 1.2 million Michiganians will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Labor Day holiday weekend, about 1 percent less than those who traveled one year ago.  They join the 31.5 million Americans who will travel, a 2.4 percent decrease from last year.  This year’s Labor Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, Sept. 1 to Monday, Sept. 5.

Most state travelers – an estimated 98 percent – will go by vehicle to enjoy “summer’s last hurrah,” with campgrounds, resort areas and lakes among the popular destinations.  They join the 87 percent of travelers nationally who will go by vehicle.  Travelers will find higher gas prices this holiday — in Michigan, gas averages $3.71 per gallon (as of Aug. 24), $1.02 more than last year.

“While travel will likely be down slightly because of economic uncertainty, we may see a last-minute increase in travel if recent drops in gas prices continue through Labor Day,” said Steve Wagner, AAA Michigan President.  Based on a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans this holiday weekend is expected to be 608 miles, slightly less than one year ago (635 miles), while median spending is expected to be $702, largely unchanged from last year’s $697.  Fuel and transportation costs combine for the largest share of holiday spending (27 percent), followed by accommodations (22 percent) and food and beverage costs (21 percent).  Shopping, entertainment and recreation make up the remaining costs.

Air leisure travelers will account for some 1 percent of all travel in Michigan during the holiday weekend.  Nationally, that number increases to eight percent.  Trips by other modes, including rail, bus and watercraft, will be taken by the remaining one percent of Michigan travelers, and five percent of travelers nationwide.

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, weekend daily car rental rates are down seven percent with consumers paying an average of $43.  Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase six percent from a year ago, with travelers spending an average of $148 per night compared to $139 last year. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels will pay eight percent more at an average cost of $110 per night.

Michigan State Police report during last year’s Labor Day holiday period, 21 people died in 17 fatal crashes on roads across the state.  Eleven of last year’s deaths were alcohol-related.

To help make this year’s Labor Day holiday period a safe one, AAA Michigan will once again partner with the Michigan State Police in supporting Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort).  Bright banners will be posted at various rest areas statewide, with many sites offering complimentary coffee and refreshments.  In addition,  Operation C.A.R.E. volunteers will provide information about some of the major causes of deadly crashes and how to avoid them.

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays.  AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA/IHS Global Insight 2011 Labor Day holiday forecast can be found at AAA.com/news.

AAA Michigan offers travel, insurance and financial services to more than 1.6 million members in Michigan.  It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with approximately 4.1 million members in eight states.  ACG belongs to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization with more than 51 million members in the United States and Canada.

Scholastic encouraged kids around the world to read more this summer by joining the Scholastic Summer Challenge — a free reading program dedicated to stopping the ‘Summer Slide,’ the common loss of skills due to being out of school during the summer.  Kids logged their minutes spent reading to Read for the World Record. Last year, kids read 52,710,368 minutes, and this year, more than 100,000 children from 4,176 schools in 22 countries smashed the world record, by reading 53,409,988 minutes…and counting!

“Congratulations to all the readers out there who took the summer challenge and read together to set a new world record for summer reading,” said Francie Alexander, Chief Academic Officer, Scholastic. “In addition to being fun, reading during the summer is extremely important for kids, allowing kids to exercise the power of choice to read the books that they want to read while helping prepare them for the challenges in the next school year.”

Research continues to show that when kids have access to books and choose the books they want to read, they are more likely to read in the summer and throughout the year:

• Ninety-one percent of kids ages 6 to 17 agree with the statement, “I am more likely to finish reading a book that I have picked out myself.” (2010 Kids & Family Reading Report)
• Studies also show that making sure there are always interesting books at home can increase the likelihood of a child being a frequent reader, especially among ages 9-11 and 15-17. (2010 Kids & Family Reading Report)

While logging their minutes on the Scholastic Summer Challenge website, kids earned virtual rewards, won prizes, joined book chats with other readers and contributed toward their school’s total number of reading minutes.  At the end of the summer, the top 20 schools with the most minutes logged will be recognized in the 2012 edition of the Scholastic Book of World Records, which will be available at retail outlets and through Scholastic Book Fairs and Scholastic Book Clubs later this fall.

To further the message about the importance of summer reading, 44 Governors’ Spouses across the country joined the Scholastic Summer Challenge as Reading Ambassadors to promote literacy in their states. On behalf of the Spouse’s participation, Scholastic donated 500 books to a school selected by each First Spouse, for kids to take home and read over summer vacation — totaling 22,000 books.  Reading Ambassadors also hosted summer reading kick-off events at local schools and libraries.

Scholastic also worked with teachers and schools across the country to launch the Scholastic Summer Challenge through school-based Book Clubs and spring Book Fairs.  More than 125 school districts purchased Scholastic take-home book packsto distribute to their students with messages encouraging parents to keep their kids reading all summer long — distributing more than 2 million books in total.

Visit www.scholastic.com/summer to learn more about the Scholastic Summer Challenge. For more information about Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), visit our Media Room.

K-NFB Reading Technology announced today that Blio, a leading interactive and flexible e-reading application, is now available for download from the Android Marketplace onto any tablet or smartphone running Android  2.2 and higher. Baker & Taylor, the world’s largest distributor of print and digital books powers Blio’s Android digital storefront, which includes millions of paid and free titles directly from the application, offering a seamless buying and reading experience.

“With Blio, people don’t just read books, they experience books. Now more readers can immerse themselves in the topics they love and see their books come to life,” said Ray Kurzweil, inventor and founder of K-NFB Reading Technology. “Blio offers the most versatility for readers, and making Blio available on Android devices lets many more readers take their library wherever they go.”

Readers with an existing Blio account can now read all their books on their Android device by downloading the app from the Android Marketplace and entering their Blio username and password. Books that have been previously purchased through Blio will be automatically available.

“Because of our unique relationship with both large and specialty publishers, Blio offers one of the most robust digital libraries available to consumers,” said Bob Nelson, President of Baker & Taylor’s Digital Group. “One of the greatest advantages of Blio is that consumers can access the reading application, a full store and their virtual library from whatever device they want to use at any given moment.  It doesn’t require a dedicated reading device, and it doesn’t tie your library to a single device.  That’s the kind of flexibility consumers want.”

Connect with Blio and Baker & Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/Blioreader and twitter.com/BakerandTaylor.

About K-NFB Reading Technology Inc.

A joint venture between Kurzweil Technology and the National Federation of the Blind, K-NFB Reading Technology Inc. has propelled reading technology forward for the last 30 years through the invention of omnifont OCR, flatbed scanners, text-to-speech technology and reading machines for the blind. K-NFB once again is redefining the boundaries of the printed word through Blio, which promises to set the standard for digital reading. This free application works across platforms and presents books as they were intended – in full color and as laid out by the publisher. K-NFB is headed by CEO Ray Kurzweil, a 30-year innovator and pioneer in assistive technologies. The National Federation of the Blind is the largest, most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States.

About Baker & Taylor

Baker & Taylor Inc. (www.baker-taylor.com) is the world’s largest distributor of books, digital content and entertainment products. The company leverages its unsurpassed worldwide distribution network to deliver rich content in multiple formats, anytime and anywhere. Baker & Taylor offers cutting-edge digital media services and innovative technology platforms to thousands of publishers, libraries and retailers worldwide.  Baker & Taylor also offers industry-leading customized library services and retail merchandising solutions. Baker & Taylor is proud to power Blio (blioreader.com), the world’s most flexible, engaging and revolutionary e-reading application. Charlotte, N.C.-based Baker & Taylor is majority owned by Castle Harlan Partners IV, L.P., an institutional private equity fund managed by Castle Harlan, Inc., a leading private equity investment firm.

Baker & Taylor and the Baker & Taylor logo are trademarks of Baker & Taylor Inc. Blio is a trademark of K-NFB Reading Technology, Inc. Other company and product names mentioned for identification purposes may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Walt Disney World Resort and Arnold Palmer Golf Management have signed a 20-year strategic alliance to create even more magic for Disney golfers. Beginning Sept. 25, Arnold Palmer Golf Management will operate, manage, maintain and help promote all five Disney courses including Disney’s Palm and Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista, Osprey Ridge and Oak Trail golf courses.

As part of this long-term alliance agreement, golf legend Arnold Palmer and his golf course design team will be actively engaged in implementing strategic and innovative design features to several of the golf courses. Future enhancements include plans for a full renovation of Disney’s Palm under his direction to become an Arnold Palmer designed course.

“After 40 years as a golf course architect, I’m looking forward to this opportunity to contribute to Disney’s rich and storied golf legacy,” said Arnold Palmer. “I’ve enjoyed a lifetime of memories playing golf and it will be a great reward to pass that on to those who share a passion both for Disney and the game of golf.”

With an extensive following of serious golf enthusiasts, Arnold Palmer Golf Management is known for its excellent course conditions, pace of play, service standards and player development. In addition to course operation, the company also manages  “Palmer Advantage,” a reciprocal club and concierge service program, that provides members with unique travel benefits and access to more than 250 private clubs, resorts and golf courses around the world.

“Drawing on Arnold Palmer Golf Management’s expertise and experience enables us to build on our mutual strengths and extend our appeal both among leisure players and avid golfers,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. “We’re excited about this new collaboration, which will benefit Disney guests and Palmer Advantage club members wanting a destination golf experience.”

The agreement gives Arnold Palmer Golf Management an opportunity to add a uniquely Disney, family-friendly golf destination to its portfolio of more than 70 private clubs and championship golf courses. Disney Golf will be promoted within the Palmer Advantage network of golf devotees, through a dedicated website and featured within the exclusive publication, “Kingdom Magazine,” which celebrates Mr. Palmer’s contributions to the game of golf and extensive philanthropic ambassadorship.

“With a reputation for service excellence and exceptional family entertainment, Walt Disney World is an ideal complement to our member offerings,” said Jim Hinckley, president of Arnold Palmer Golf Management. “This collaboration will give our members both a superior golf experience and a one-of-a-kind family golf vacation.”

Since Walt Disney World opened with two 18-hole courses in 1971, golf has been a key component of the resort. Over the past four decades, Disney World has hosted professional and amateur golf tournaments, including one of the longest-running events in PGA Tour history – the PGA Tour’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. Disney has also hosted the LPGA Tour, NCAA golf championships and dozens of celebrity golf tournaments.

About Disney Golf

Walt Disney World Resort is one of the largest golf resorts in the country with a total of 81 holes on four 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole family-play course. All five courses are certified by Audubon International as cooperative wildlife sanctuaries. The resort includes:

• Disney’s Magnolia course – Named for its 1500 magnolia trees, this course is one of the two original golf courses that opened with Walt Disney World Resort forty years ago. Designed by Joe Lee, the course has hosted final round play for PGA Tour events since 1971.
• Disney’s Palm course –Designed to accentuate the natural beauty of the land, the course opened in 1971 near Magic Kingdom. Recognized as one of America’s premier resort courses, Disney’s Palm will be renovated to earn the designation of an Arnold Palmer designed course.
• Lake Buena Vista course – Built in 1972, the course adjacent to Downtown Disney and Saratoga Springs Resort stretches to 6,829 yards from the championship tees. As a past host for PGA, LPGA and USGA tour stops, the beautifully conditioned course is a challenge for pros and amateurs alike.
• Osprey Ridge course – Designed by Tom Fazio in 1992, the course will transition to Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort as part of their new luxury resort anticipated to open in 2013-14.
• Oak Trail course – one of Disney’s most popular courses, this nine hole walking course is ideal for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

About Arnold Palmer Golf Management

Arnold Palmer Golf Management is owned by Dallas based Century Golf Partners, one of the leading and most experienced companies in the golf industry. Established to acquire and manage country clubs, resorts, and daily fee golf courses, Century has become one of the most respected companies in the country. Century’s business approach is to be a business partner, not just an operator. They have a successful track record of partnering with owners, members, and communities to help clubs and golf courses succeed. Their business philosophy has served them well as the portfolio under Century’s management has steadily increased over the past several years. Today, Century operates more than 70 courses and clubs. Century offers its club members unique traveling and local membership benefits called the “Palmer Advantage”, which provides access to clubs, resorts and daily fee courses throughout the Arnold Palmer Golf Management network. For more information visit Century’s websites at www.centurygolf.com or www.palmergolf.com.

This September, nationally syndicated television personality Art Ginsburg, A.K.A. Mr. Food, will share footage from his travels to Kennett Square, PA —the Mushroom Capital of the World—and five of his favorite ways to celebrate National Mushroom Month.

“I sampled lots of mushroom dishes during my visit and saw first-hand how versatile mushrooms are—they pair with just about everything, no matter how you cook ‘em,” said Mr. Food.

Inspired by the festivities in town, Mr. Food, the king of quick and easy, whipped up a simple grilling recipe for Mushroom Sliders featuring meaty portabellas. “The portabella’s hearty texture gives any burger a run for its money,” he said of the delicious dish.

Try this recipe at home and stay tuned to Mr. Food in September for more mouthwatering mushroom recipes.

Join the festivities! Follow Mr. Food’s five tips to celebrate mushrooms every day, every way throughout September:

1. Vote in the “Mushroom Masters” Competition: Visit Tastespotting.com once a week in September to cheer on top American food bloggers in a global mushroom photo recipe contest.
2. Discover Nature’s Hidden Treasure: Mushrooms are the star of the produce aisle thanks to their nutritional benefits – a natural source of vitamin D, B vitamins and antioxidants – value and versatility.
3. Go Pink to Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Look for mushrooms in pink packages in support of breast cancer research at City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading cancer research institutions.
4. Devote a Day to Mushroom Meals: Mushrooms are kitchen staples that bring flavor and volume to any dish without adding significant calories, fat, cholesterol or sodium. Pick a day to add mushrooms to every meal. Make a frittata for breakfast. Fold them into a sandwich for lunch. Serve savory mushroom pasta for dinner. The possibilities are endless!
5. Cook Mushrooms Like a Pro: Click here to check out a collection of the best mushroom recipes and videos from the Mr. Food Test Kitchen.

The United States Department of Agriculture has officially proclaimed September to be National Mushroom Month. Follow the Mushroom Channel on Twitter and Facebook and visit www.mushroominfo.com for the latest news, recipes and ways to celebrate.

Mushroom Sliders

Yields: 4

Ingredients

2 large portabella mushrooms, stems remove
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup garlic herb spread
8 small slider rolls, split and toasted
8 tomato slices
8 red onion slices

Directions

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine mushrooms and vinaigrette. Close bag and gently toss until evenly coated. Marinate 30 to 60 minutes. Remove mushrooms to a plate and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat a grill pan over medium heat then coat with cooking spray. Place mushrooms on grill pan and cook 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, or until mushrooms are heated through.

Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Cut each mushroom into quarters. Spread garlic herb spread evenly on both sides of rolls. Top with mushrooms, tomato, and onion. Serve immediately.

About The Mushroom Council:

The Mushroom Council is composed of fresh market producers or importers who average more than 500,000 pounds of mushrooms produced or imported annually. The mushroom program is authorized by the Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990 and is administered by the Mushroom Council under the supervision of the Agricultural Marketing Service. Research and promotion programs help to expand, maintain and develop markets for individual agricultural commodities in the United States and abroad. These industry self-help programs are requested and funded by the industry groups that they serve. For more information on the Mushroom Council, visit mushroomcouncil.org.

Australian-based Group Buying Platform, OfferMe, best known for integrating group buying and online stores, reported its retailers’ online stores are now generating more sales than their daily group buying deals. Retailers can sell group buying deals at a loss or lower profit margin while making money on sales of other products in their online stores.

By having a personalized online shop front -“Me Store” in the OfferMe virtual shopping centre, retailers can use group buying deals as a marketing tool to promote their “MeStore” and promote and sell the full range of their goods and services 24/7 for as little as $35 per month.

“Organic sales growth and visits have doubled compared to 2 months ago before the launch of the online store service,” said Mr. James Wang, Managing Director of OfferMe. “It has exceeded our expectations and a couple of our retailers’ daily sales have increased to $3,000-$5,000.”

“Retailers who join OfferMe are supplied with all the tools, support and strategic marketing advice they need from our dedicated team, our goal is to aggregate not only buyers but also the right knowledge for all our retailers in order to help them stay ahead of the game all the time,” said Mr. Wang.

“We are also in discussions with a number of Australian retail chains who see values in our platform. By having them on board, OfferMe will have a wider range of products and brands and we will create more choice and convenience,” Mr. Wang said. “Customers have different behaviour when they go online, they react to the same brand differently. Australian retailers can win their customers back from sellers overseas, they just need to think more as a consumer and understand why they buy online, it’s more than buying from overseas and saving 10% on GST.”

”Australian consumers are happy to buy from Australian retailers, as long as they are treated as equally important if not more as sellers from other countries,” Mr. Wang added.

Morefun.com.au, one of the retailers on OfferMe, has just broken its own record with 1,100 iPad/iPhone’s USB cable sold in half a day. Morefun.com.au joined OfferMe’s “Make It Happen” ROI driven Group Buy campaign featuring a special deal for one week to secure a minimum number of 999 people to express interest to purchase the deal.

“We were impressed by over 1,000 people registering interest for our deal and therefore we agreed to slash the price,” Mr. Larry Wong, Marketing Manager of Morefun.com.au. “It also significantly drove up overall sales for our online store on OfferMe. We are only a small business but OfferMe optimizes our limited budget and helps us produce a good return in sales.”

Offerme.com.au, one of Australia’s earliest group buying sites, was launched in 2008 to gather the power of online communities to enjoy hassle-free bulk discount deals on products and services. It launched “Me Store” its virtual shopping centre platform in May this year and specialises in delivering a broad range of merchandise including electronics, computers & accessories, bike & accessories, musical instruments, sporting goods, toys, home wares, wines and event tickets. It has recently been short listed as one of the eight finalists for the 2011 Sydney Business Awards, the final winner will be announced in mid Sept.

To find out more information about OfferMe, visit http://www.offerme.com.au

For further media information, contact Daisy Ng at OfferMe on 02 9268 0268, ext. 106 or daisy.n@iwanttobuy.com.au