Cyber Monday Deals at Amazon, Toys'R'Us, Lowe's and More

Black Friday has come and gone, but that does not mean that it is the end of the holiday shopping season. Cyber Monday kicks off yet another great week of holiday sales, and there are plenty to choose from. Cyber Monday offers shoppers a completely different approach to holiday shopping. With Cyber Monday there is less holiday shopping madness, and more savings. Shoppers will not have to wait in lines, fight traffic or look for a place to park. They can expect to find the best deals from the comfort of their bed, or the convenience of their work computers as long as the boss is not looking. Here is a small sampling of what shoppers can expect to find.

Amazon kicks off Cyber Monday Deals Week

Online giant Amazon has pulled out all of the stops for Cyber Monday by starting things a little early. The deals began on Sunday and they will continue all through the week. Shoppers will find huge discounts on items across all categories. There is bound to be something for everyone.

• Shoppers will enjoy 50% of select Hasbro games.
• The popular video game system, the Xbox 360 can be bought for $100.00 off. It includes two best selling games, a controller and a 250GB hard drive.
• Shoppers can get that perfect gift for dad, and enjoy $25 off $100 or more on Dewalt tools.
• Save $150.00 on a Mercer Cutlery 6 Piece knife set for just $99.95.
• Keep warm and save up to 60% on all sweaters and fleece for the entire family.

Toys’R’Us offers us to 70% off with Super Cyber Savings

Toy giant Toys’R’Us is offering some deep discounts to cyber shoppers as well. There will be no fighting over the hottest toys this holiday season when shoppers don’t even have to leave their homes to get them. These deals are only good while supplies last.

• Shoppers will save up to 30% on select holiday toy bundles. Bundles range from play toys for boys and girls, to educational toys that will stimulate young minds.
• Get a free $69.00 game when you purchase a Nintendo 3DS Holiday Bundle with Super Mario Land.
• Outdoor play toys are up to 30% cheaper on Cyber Monday. Savings on hundreds of toys that are for outdoor play.
• Save up to 40% on all Nerf Blasters. There are enough savings to start a small scale war in this department.
• Shoppers will save big on video games with discounts like free games and buy one get one free deals that will satisfy any gamer.

Walmart adding new items daily through Friday

Walmart is starting Cyber Monday off with a bang, and continuing the savings all the way until Friday.   Many items can be shipped for free to your local store. You will still have to pick them up, but you will not have to fight the long lines to get them. The discounts are store wide.

• Shoppers can put an Xbox 360 with a Kinect motion sensor, two games, a controller and 3 months of Xbox live for just $319.00.
• Save $10.00 on the FujiFilm FinePix AX330 14MP digital camera bundle.
• Step into a new HDTV with the Samsung 32” LCD 720P HDTV that has a price tag of $278.00
• The Fisher-Price Power Wheels Hot Wheels Jeep can be purchased for just $99.00.

Target offering online doorbusters

Retail store Target is also giving shoppers what they want with their huge Cyber Monday sale. Shoppers can save on household goods, toys, and more.

• The popular Pillow Pets toys are buy one get one free. One Pillow Pet is just not enough. Kids always want more.
• The Oster Stainless Steel 22 Qt Roaster is $30.00 cheaper with a price tag of only $29.99.
• The Xbox 360 video game system with 2 top selling games is just $299.00.
• The Keurig Special Edition Home Brewing System comes with a $30 gift card. No Christmas morning would be complete without a nice cup of specialty coffee.
• The Polaroid 300 Instant Camera has $20.00 slashed from its price tag.

Lowe’s has 200+ Cyber Monday Values to help improve your home

The savings can be found everywhere. Home Improvement Retail store, Lowe’s is offering 200 plus values, but shoppers had better hurry because these sales are while supplies last.

• Dewalt 18-Volt NiCd Drill is only $99.00. It has been reduced from $189.00.
• Stay warm with a Garden Treasures 35” Black Steel wood burning firepit for only $39.00.
• Huge savings on kitchen appliances. Shoppers can save up to $1200.00 on select Kitchen Suites.
• Save $100.00 on the Frigidaire 12.9 Cu Ft chest freezer.

Kohl’s Cyber Saving Days offers over 200 specials

Kohl’s is having a huge two day sale that has deep discounts on over 200 items. The sale starts on Sunday so rabid shoppers can get a head start. It ends on Cyber Monday.

• Shoppers can take an additional 20% off everything by using the special promo code CYBER20.
• Free standard shipping with no minimum purchases required.
• Croft & Barrow fleece pants are only $9.99. They have been marked down from $26.00.
• Shoppers can save up to 50 – 60% on all fine jewelry.
• Selected Outerwear is on sale for up to 40-50% off.

Kmart deals come with free shipping  on qualifying orders

Kmart is offering sales in just about every department on Cyber Monday. Their sale only lasts for 24 hours, but lucky shoppers can grab the great discounts and put them on layaway if they choose.

• Shoppers can save up to $100.00 on select electronics. The exact prices are not shown until a shopper reaches checkout.
• Select Sing-A-Ma-Jigs are on sale for $6.99. They are regularly $12.75.
• Shoppers can save $43.50 on the Sweet Pea Pocket Mod Euro-Style Electric Scooter.
• Men’s and Women’s Pacific Mountain Bikes are on sale for only $69.99.
• Women will love the $20.00 savings on the Glo Women’s Tribeca Wedge Buckle Boot.

Sears offers “Top 100 Hottest Deals”

Sears joins in the savings by offering hundreds of online sales on Cyber Monday. With 100 of the hottest deals, free shipping, and extra savings, shoppers have nothing to lose with the Sear’s Cyber Monday sale.

• Buy the GE X500 Power Pro Series Digital Camera and get the GE C1233 10.1 MP Camera for free.
• Shoppers can step up to HD and save $600.00 with the WD-73640 73 Inch 3D 1080P TV.
• The Xbox 360 video game console is just $199.00. It comes with a controller, built in wi-fi and 4 GB of storage.
• Save over $900.00 on the 24.7 Cu Ft French-Door Botton Freezer by Kenmore. Regularly $1959.99, on Cyber Monday it is only $999.99.

With all of these great deals for Cyber Monday, there really is no sense for shoppers to leave the house. Most of the sales include free shipping, or free shipping to a local store where shoppers can then pick up their orders and smile at the savings. These sales are limited and some may already be sold-out. If shoppers want to get the best deals, then they had better hurry, because these deals are going quick.

Amazon.com has opened its Cyber Monday Deals Store, and will be adding new deals on the season’s most popular products all week long at www.amazon.com/cybermonday. Along with the new $79 Kindle, $99 Kindle Touch, $149 Kindle Touch 3G and $199 Kindle Fire, customers will find hundreds of great deals with free shipping on millions of eligible items.

Cyber Monday was Amazon’s peak day last year, with more than 13.7 million items ordered worldwide –a record-breaking 158 items per second.

“Our customers love Cyber Monday – it was our peak day last year. Great deals don’t end on Black Friday,” said Sally Fouts, Amazon.com. “Amazon customers have made the Kindle Fire one of their favorite holiday deals already this season. At just $199, Kindle Fire is already the best-selling item across all of Amazon.”

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the deals that will be available at various times starting at midnight on Sunday, Nov. 27 through the end of the week in the Cyber Monday Deals Store:

• Sony Cybershot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP Digital Camera: $199 (save $150)
• Pentax K-5 Digital SLR (Body Only): $999 (save $200)
• Microsoft Xbox 360 250GB Holiday Bundle (includes Fable III and Halo Reach): $199 (save $100)
• Nokia N8 (Unlocked): $299.99 (save $249)
• Monster Diddybeats Headphones: $59.99 (save $89)
• Save 50% off select Hasbro games
• Save up to 50% off select VTech electronic toys
• $25 off purchase of $100 or more on DEWALT tools
• Save more than 40% off select TechnoMarine watches
• Freshwater Cultured Pearl Button Stud Earrings, Set of 3: $16.99 (save $63)
• Save 25% off orders of $75 or more on select brands in Shoes & Accessories
• Save up to 60% off sweaters and fleece for Women, Men, Kids and Baby
• Bodum Bistro Electric Handheld Immersion Stick Blender (Orange): $49.99 (save $50)
• Mercer Cutlery Genesis 6-Piece Knife Set: $99.95 (save $150)
• Panasonic Linear Vortex Shaving System: $78.99 (save $171)
• Bissell PowerEdge Hard Floor Vacuum: $29.99 (save $20)
• Popular album titles including “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson, “Metals” by Feist and “Bon Iver” by Bon Iver (MP3 Downloads): $4.99 each
• Twilight” series DVDs: $6.99 each

Mobile Shopping

Shoppers who want to ensure they’re getting competitive prices when they’re shopping in physical retail stores should use the Price Check by Amazon App for iPhone and Android. Price Check users can easily scan a barcode, snap a picture, or say or type a product name to see Customer Reviews and prices from Amazon.com and its other online merchants. Customers can then make purchases using 1-Click ordering and with delivery directly to their doorstep.

The savings listed above are based upon list price.

Nest Cases: Essential iPhone Gear this Holiday Season

Santa Monica, CA  (Profitable.com)  Nest Cases, makers of multi tasking protective cases, tweaks the world of smartphone cases with an all-new approach to the built-in stand. Thanks to a pair of smartly engineered slots, users of iPhones® and iPod® Touches can easily enjoy hands-free viewing in both portrait and landscape orientation.

The Nest’s features make it great for reading Dickens over lunch on a train, Netflix® or YouTube® video streaming on a one-horse sleigh or long-distance chats with elves via FaceTime®. Unlike other cases, there’s no bulky easel arm to accidentally break or separate stand to forget at home. Plus, the slim design packs away in any number of tight-fitting locations from skinny jeans to carry on luggage to gift bags. It even stuffs into stockings!

“Smart devices are great for their ability to provide instant entertainment virtually anywhere” says creator and company founder, Del Necessary. “For me, I wanted a stand that was always with me but didn’t turn the phone into a chunky block. After an unsuccessful search for the perfect case/stand combo I decided to go my own way. Nest Cases is the result.”

Designed in California and engineered in Detroit, Nest is made from strong ABS plastic. It incorporates automotive grade NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) fabric to protect the back of your iPhone or iPod Touch from scratches as well as a front lip to protect the screen. Priced at $24.95 Nest Cases are available for the latest iPhone and iPod Touch at http://www.nestcases.com and Amazon.

Established in 2010, Nest Cases designs and engineers smartphone, PDA and tablet protective cases. The company launched with its release for Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch. Additional products based on our patent-pending design are in development.

Great Deals on the Best Microscopes This Holiday Season

(Profitable.com) Microscopes have literally changed the way people see the world around them. A simple drop of water becomes a whole world that is filled with microscopic life, and it can only be observed with an easy to use tool like a microscope. Without microscopes the world would be a much different place. They are excellent tools for discovery, and they go great in a lab, the classroom, and even the living room. Scientists, students, and curious children can all benefit from the microscopic world that can only be properly explored with a good microscope.

What can people expect to see with a microscope? That all depends on which model is being used to magnify the microscopic world. There are high powered digital microscopes with color LCD screens that are great for introducing children to that tiny world around us. It can be difficult for small children to close just one eye, and try to focus with the other. The color LCD screen brings a tiny world to life in vivid color. Take the smaller world into a high definition wonderland with the GSI High definition digital LED microscope. This one plugs directly into any laptop or computer that has a USB port.

With the holidays right around the corner, many Christmas lists are packed full of toys, dolls and games. Put a microscope under the tree, and provide some education to curious little minds. Best-microscope.com gives consumers an excellent selection of choices when it comes to microscopes. Consumers can think of the website as a microscope itself, because it zeros in on the small details that will help them choose the perfect microscope. They will be able to read in depth product reviews on many of the best microscopes on the market. Find out which microscope performs the best for your situation with Best-Microscope.com.

Everett, WA  (Profitable.com)  Boeing (NYSE: BA) soon will begin a six-month Dream Tour with its all-new 787 Dreamliner. Customers and partners around the world will experience the revolutionary technology and passenger innovation offered on the first new airplane of the 21st century.

“The 787 Dreamliner is a game-changing airplane and we’re delighted to be able to bring this innovative product to our customers who will soon be receiving their own 787s,” said Ray Conner, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This airplane is now changing the way the world flies, and we want to share that excitement with as many people as we can.”

The December schedule for the 787 Dream Tour includes six stops in Asia, Africa and the Middle East:

Dec. 4-11: China with stops in Beijing, Guangzhou and Haikou to visit customers, partners, and government officials including representatives from Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Air China, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Aviation Industries of China (AVIC) and Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Co. (CAC).

Dec. 11-16: Africa with stops in Addis Ababba, Ethiopia and Nairobi, Kenya to visit Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways.

Dec. 16-19: Middle East stop in Doha to visit Qatar Airways.

Specific dates for the subsequent segments of the tour will be announced about one month prior to the events. Additional tour stops are being planned for January through April 2012 and will be detailed in future announcements.

Many of the stops will include opportunities for local media to tour the airplane and talk with Boeing executives and pilots.

Aviation enthusiasts can follow the progress of the 787 tour at www.newairplane.com. Videos, photos and reports from the tour stops as well as an inside look at the airplane, will be featured beginning with the first stop next week.

Dream Tour Airplane

The Dream Tour airplane, ZA003, has been retrofitted with special interior features designed to highlight the unique cabin features and performance capabilities of the Dreamliner. The flight test equipment on board ZA003, the third 787 to be built, has been removed and a stunning new interior has been installed. The airplane also has received a refreshed Boeing livery.

“Our flight test airplane has turned into a show piece,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “Anyone who has seen the inside of a flight test airplane will be amazed at the transformation. All of the 787 passenger features are here.”

Visitors will be greeted by the spacious signature 787 entryway sky light and gathering area. The LED lighting, standard on all 787s, will be demonstrated throughout the tour airplane. Visitors will experience the dynamic affect of this new technology to make meal time more enjoyable, sooth passengers during restful periods and gently wake them following a long flight.

Visitors also will find a luxurious business-class cabin with a dozen lay-flat seats, an overhead crew rest compartment and an economy class section. A large open space between the two economy class sections allows Boeing to spotlight the features of the 787 with displays and demonstrations. The exterior of the airplane has been repainted in the standard Boeing livery.

Contact:
Lori Gunter
787 Communications
+1 206-931-5919

Paris  (Profitable.com)  Gameloft, a leading publisher of digital and social games, has announced a lineup of 12 pre-loaded games for iPads available to the Australian air carrier Jetstar passengers as part of their new in-flight entertainment program. 5 titles will be available from December onwards : Real Football, Shrek Kart, Avatar, UNO™ and N.O.V.A.: Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance.

The remaining 7 titles, GT Racing: MotorAcademy, Brain Challenge, Blokus, Ironman 2, Let’s Golf 2, The Settlers and Asphalt 5will follow in the first quarter of 2012.

“Gameloft’s philosophy is to make video games accessible to the widest audience possible byconstantly seeking new avenues to reach and interact with consumers,” said Michel Guillemot, President and Founder of Gameloft. ”As Jetstar uses some of the most innovative technology available to enhance its customers in-flight experience, we look forward to partnering with them to offer one of the mostimmersive gaming experience to ever appear onboardan aircraft.”

“Jetstar is proud to be the first airline in the world to entertain its customers with cutting-edge iPad technology revolutionizing the in-flight entertainment experience for its customers.” added Bruce Buchanan, Jetstar Group Chief Executive Officer.

As the new in-flight entertainment program is rolled out over the coming weeks on selected Jetstar flights, including Australian domestic, trans Tasman and short-haul international flights between Australia and New Zealand, passengers will have the option to rent iPads when flying longer than 2 hours for A$10 to A$15 per flight.

For more information, please visit our company website at http://www.gameloft.com.

About Gameloft

A leading global publisher of digital and social games, Gameloft® has established itself as one of the top innovators in its field since 2000. Gameloft creates games for all digital platforms, including mobile phones, smartphones and tablets (including Apple® iOS and Android® devices), set top box, connected TVs and consoles. Gameloft partners with leading international brands such as UNO®, Spider-Man®, James Cameron’s Avatar™, Ferrari® and Sonic Unleashed®. Gameloft also operates its own established franchises, such as Real Football, Asphalt™, Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus and N.O.V.A Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance®. Gameloft is present in all continents, distributes its games in 100 countries and employs over 4,500 developers.

Gameloft is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN: FR0000079600, Bloomberg: GFT FP, Reuters: GLFT.PA).

Press Contact:

Jessica W. Lewinstein
+1-415-265-5725
Jessica.Lewinstein@gameloft.com

Phoenix, AZ  (Profitable.com)  This holiday season Best Western International will thank its nearly 13 million Best Western Rewards® (BWR) members with a special Cyber Monday promotion – purchase a $100 Best Western Travel Card online and receive a bonus $20gift card reward for yourself.

Cyber Monday shoppers who purchase a $100 (CAD) or Best Western Travel Card online here can choose a $20 Best Western Travel Card, or a $20 gift card from participating retail partners. The Best Western Travel Card can be used like cash to pay for accommodations at more than 4,000 Best Western hotels worldwide. BWR members will be able to take advantage of this special offer now, through Monday, Nov. 28 at 11:59 p.m MST.

“A Best Western Travel Card makes a great gift for friends and family planning getaways in the New Year, and now you can earn bonuses at popular retailers while shopping for your loved ones,” said Dorothy Dowling, Best Western’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “Holiday shoppers are becoming increasingly savvy in looking for deals, and our Cyber Monday promotion will allow Rewards members to get even more bang for their buck while giving the universally loved gift of travel this holiday season.”

To receive the bonus, visit http://www.travelcard.bestwestern.com/cmca11.

Best Western Rewards is one of the industry’s most generous rewards programs and one of few that is truly international. With over 4,000 locations in more than 90 countries, Best Western makes it easy for members to earn points that can be redeemed for global free room nights with no blackout dates, the Best Western Travel Card, dining, shopping and entertainment gift cards, gas cards, airline/partner rewards and more.

About Best Western International, Inc.

Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY(SM), providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER® hotels in more than 90* countries and territories worldwide. Each Best Western-branded hotel is independently owned and operated. Now celebrating 65 years of hospitality, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts hundreds of thousands each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western has embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world’s biggest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing™ and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night globally, join Best Western Rewards®. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.

Houston, TX  (Profitable.com)  Shell Lubricants announced the recent arrival of its first shipment of gas-to-liquid (GTL) base oil at the Port of Houston. The high-quality product, the first from the Qatar-based Pearl GTL plant to reach the Americas, will be stored at a hub in Houston and routed to Shell Lubricants’ GTL-enabled blending facilities throughout the United States.

Shell Lubricants will use Pearl GTL base oil, a high-quality Group III base oil, in the manufacture of its premium motor oils.  Group III base oils are the foundation for formulating next-generation oils that address needs for improved energy efficiency, longer equipment life and reduced maintenance costs.

“The arrival of the first shipment of GTL base oil to the Americas is an extremely exciting event for Shell Lubricants and our customers,” said Lisa Davis, president, Shell Commercial Fuels and Lubricants, Americas.  ”This new base oil is another clear example of Shell Lubricants’ commitment to using technology and innovation to meet the growing demand for premium motor oils and to sustain our position as the world’s leading marketer of finished lubricants.”

Pearl GTL, a partnership between Royal Dutch Shell (“Shell”) and Qatar Petroleum, has built the world’s largest gas-to-liquids plant in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar. The plant uses natural gas from Qatar’s North Field to manufacture high-quality base oils and other GTL products. Once the Pearl GTL plant is operating at full capacity, it will be one of the world’s largest sources of lubricant base oils with the capacity to produce about 30,000 barrels per day, enough to fill 225 million cars per year. Shell will be the only oil major capable of meeting all of its Group III base oil needs from internal sources.

Compared to typical base oils, which are refined from crude oil, GTL base oils represent an alternative starting point for the manufacture of finished lubricants. Within the range of commercially available base oils, Group III oils have high viscosity index, low volatility and good low-temperature fluidity and are often used to make synthetic motor oils. Shell GTL base oil usage will be an essentially invisible change to Shell Lubricants’ existing premium formulations, although in some cases lubricants using GTL base oil may appear lighter in color.

About Pearl GTL

Pearl GTL is a partnership between Qatar Petroleum and Royal Dutch Shell launched in July 2006.  Pearl comprises two offshore platforms, 60 km off the Qatar coast connected by pipeline to the largest gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant ever built.  Shell operates the Pearl GTL plant, which was developed under a Development and Production Sharing Agreement with the Government of the State of Qatar.  The plant was brought into production in May 2011 and converts the gas and oxygen to GTL wax. In the last step of the process, the waxes are cracked and distilled into finished GTL products.

To read more about Pearl GTL, please click here.

About Shell Lubricants

The term ‘Shell Lubricants’ collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying more than 13% of global lubricants volume.(a) The companies manufacture and blend products for use in consumer, heavy industrial and commercial transport applications. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX® and Jiffy Lube®.

(a) Kline & Company, “Global Lubricants Industry 2010: Market Analysis and Assessment.”

Cautionary Note:

The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release “Shell”, “Shell group” and “Royal Dutch Shell” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made toRoyal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. ”Subsidiaries”, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this press release refer to companies in which Royal Dutch Shell either directly or indirectly has control, by having either a majority of the voting rights or the right to exercise a controlling influence. The companies in which Shell has significant influence but not control are referred to as “associated companies” or “associates” and companies in which Shell has joint control are referred to as “jointly controlled entities”. In this press release, associates and jointly controlled entities are also referred to as “equity-accounted investments”. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect (for example, through our 34% shareholding in Woodside Petroleum Ltd.) ownership interest held by Shell in a venture, partnership or company, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ”anticipate”, ”believe”, ”could”, ”estimate”, ”expect”, ”intend”, ”may”, ”plan”, ”objectives”, ”outlook”, ”probably”, ”project”, ”will”, ”seek”, ”target”, ”risks”, ”goals”, ”should” and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for the Group’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserve estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including potential litigation and regulatory effects arising from recategorisation of reserves; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell’s 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 (available at www.shell.com/investor and www.sec.gov).  These factors also should be considered by the reader.  Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, November 23, 2011. Neither Royal Dutch Shell nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions.  We use certain terms in this press release that SEC’s guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC.  U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov. You can also obtain these forms from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Santa Barbara, CA  (Profitable.com)  Cyber Monday is just days away and so are huge discounts on popular electronics from HD-TVs and tablets to smartphones, e-Readers, laptop computers and netbooks.  Before you hit the virtual queues, make sure you have all the un-biased facts on the products of interest to you.

The Electronics section on FindTheBest-a data-driven comparison engine-offers consumers the ability to find the unbiased stats on electronic gadgets, provides smart filters for narrowing options and helps users compare their choices before making a decision.

FindTheBest’s buying guides on electronics can help users find out what to look for and what to look out for.  For those with questions-like, which tablet computer has the highest rating or which smartphone has the best camera resolution-FindTheBest’s Q&A section has all the data-driven answers. Finally, if you want to find a list of the top rated products in a particular category, FindTheBest’s Smart Rating-a single rating that reflects a weighted compilation of scores from the most trusted, expert sources-offers a great way for consumers to quickly find the top rated products on the market.

Thinking about getting a new HD-TV for the family?  With hundreds of options to choose from, FindTheBest’s HD-TV comparison can help you compare your options.  Users can sort through listings by manufacturer, model, MSRP, display technology and screen size.  Users can also read buyers guides on how to choose the best HD-TV and get the answers to common questions about HD-TVs.  FindTheBest’s “Best Of” feature offers consumers a look at the top, Smart Rated HD-TVs.  Unclear about a common term you’ve heard or feature description related to high definition TVs?  FindTheBest’s HD-TVs glossary can help.

Laptops are another popular item on shopping lists this holiday season, and FindTheBest’s laptop computer comparison can help you choose between more than one hundred listings, from the MacBook Air to the HP Envy.  The comparison has details on stats from price and manufacturer to MSRP and processor speed, and also shows how the computer you’re interested in stacks up to the competition.

As new electronic products flood the market, the process of narrowing down options to decide the best one for you is becoming overwhelming-but FindTheBest can help simplify the process.

New York, NY  (Profitable.com)  Pryor Cashman LLP is pleased to announce that its client, Castillo Grand LLC, has obtained a $44 million award against Starwood Hotels’ subsidiary Sheraton Operating Corp.  The substantial ruling was a result of Sheraton’s multiple breaches of its management contract with the owners and developers of the former St. Regis Hotel and Resorts. The parties had entered into a contract to bring New York’s famed St. Regis Hotel brand to Ft. Lauderdale’s Gold Coast, making it one of the first high-end, luxury hotel and condominium resorts in the beachside community at the time.

At the crux of the dispute was the absence of  “St. Regis-style” brand standards in the design and construction of the hotel, caused in large part by the revolving door of senior leadership within the Starwood organization.  There were four St. Regis regime changes during the design and construction of the hotel and with each change Starwood leadership imposed a new direction in the design for almost every facet of the hotel.  The disorganization created ever-evolving interior building specs for the St. Regis brand and a moving design and construction standard that led directly to extensive construction delays and vast cost overruns for Castillo Grand. By the time the hotel opened in 2007, it was millions of dollars over budget, two years behind schedule, and the Florida real estate market was cratering to historic lows.

“This case is a cautionary tale for the hospitality industry. Without clear and precise plans, design guidance and corporate infrastructure and coordination in bringing a brand to life, hotel companies risk sustained delays and difficulties in rolling out their new brands.  Poor planning can be devastating to a brand launch, can cause delays to particularized projects and result in multimillion-dollar problems. This process must be carefully managed as massive profits are at risk.  Sheraton learned the hard way,” said Todd E. Soloway, lead trial counsel and chairman of Pryor Cashman’s Real Estate Litigation Group.  ”This fair and just award also sets a new precedent for developers who may feel victimized by large and influential hotel chains who may impose unrealistic demands-they can win in the David vs. Goliath battle.”

In the case, Castillo Grand LLC v Sheraton Operating Corp., decided in New York State Supreme Court, Justice Alan Scheinkman found that Sheraton committed multiple breaches of its contract with the owners (Castillo) and engaged in a series of actions that depicted Sheraton’s leadership as acting in bad faith.  Most notably, the absence of brand standards for the design and construction of the hotel at the time Starwood was rolling out its St. Regis brand, as well as changes in senior leadership within the St. Regis organization were central to the failure of the project. The Court also found that, in a contrived attempt to coerce Castillo into paying a $3 million license fee, Sheraton plotted a surprise attack by sending a notice terminating the management contract unless the fee was paid within five days.  Sheraton walked off of the property, Castillo brought in Ritz Carlton, and the Court found Sheraton’s termination to be wrongful and held them liable as such.

Castillo Grand is optimistic that it will also prevail on its application for attorneys’ fees, which matter is now before the court.

The Castillo Grand LLC v Sheraton Operating Corp. decision is available at: http://www.pryorcashman.com/news-829.html

Beijing  (Profitable.com)  Aiseesoft, one of the professional developers of digital multimedia software, has garnered long-time support from their loyal customers. In order to serve them better, Aiseesoft Studio upgraded their popular iPad Converter, and now it highly supports iOS 5, iPhone 4S, and iPad 2.

On the basis of transferring music, movie, pictures, TV shows, Podcasts, iTunes U, eBooks, Camera Roll, voice memos, camera shots from iPad to PC or from PC to iPad, this upgrade enables Aiseesoft iPad Transfer to highly support the latest iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and iOS 5. Besides, it brings users 6x faster converting speed due to the application of AMD APP and NVIDIA® CUDA™ GPU processing acceleration technology in DVD to iPad Converter and iPad Video Converter software.

As for iPad Converter Suite, it is composed of DVD to iPad Converter, iPad Video Converter and iPad Transfer. Thus, it should be your best choice to convert any DVD file or video to general output formats such as MPEG-4, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, MOV, and M4V for iPad in fast speed and excellent qualities and transfer files between PC and iPad to share or backup whilst saving money. Besides, this iPad Converter Suite supports all versions of iPod/iPhone/iPad.

To conclude, the Aiseesoft iPad Converter Suite is an extremely useful tool to convert DVD / video to all video and audio formats supported by Apple Devices as you like. It is also the best assistant to manage your iPad files well. Give it a try it today!

Price and Availability 

iPad Converter Suite is now priced at $ 35.00
For more information, you can visit http://www.ipadconverters.net/

System Requirements

OS Supported: Windows NT4/2000/2003/XP and Windows Vista, Windows 7
Hardware Requirements: 800MHz Intel or AMD CPU, or above; 512MB RAM or more

Boston, MD  (Profitable.com)  Phillips Candy House, http://www.phillipschocolate.com, offers free shipping on online orders placed on Monday, November 28th. Select from a wide variety of holiday chocolate gifts, including handcrafted chocolates, chocolate turtles, gourmet fudge gifts, hot chocolate and hand-roasted premium nuts made by hand in small batches with only the freshest ingredients.

Best-selling Chocolate Turtle Basket

Phillips award-winning chocolate turtles are made exactly as they were 86 years ago. Rich, smooth caramel is combined with hand-roasted premium nuts and topped with luscious milk, deep dark, or white chocolate with pecans, cashews or almonds. Phillips popular Chocolate Turtle Basket makes a great gift for family, friends and co-workers. One-pound Chocolate Turtle Basket is available for $41.95. Order online at http://www.phillipsturtles.com.

Gourmet Fudge Gifts

A delightful holiday gift or stocking stuffer, Phillips Candy House offers old fashioned, handmade fudge in a variety of flavors for$12.50 per pound. Favorites include chocolate fudge, chocolate fudge with walnuts, penuche fudge, penuche fudge with walnuts, chocolate marshmallow fudge, chocolate turtle fudge with caramel and pecans, peanut butter fudge and chocolate peanut butter fudge.

Gourmet fudge makes a great business gift. Order online http://www.phillipsfudge.com/.

Phillips Signature Hot Chocolate

Sold in a 12 oz. tin for $7.00, or in a holiday gift package for $13.95 with mini-marshmallows, chocolate shavings and handmade peppermint sticks, Phillips signature hot cocoa can be prepared with any milk – even rice or soy – to create a nice, rich hot chocolate to be savored on a cold winter’s night. Order online at http://www.phillipschocolate.com.

Phillips Candy House

Since 1925, family-owned and operated, Phillips Candy House, has delighted generations with New England’s finest selection of hand-dipped milk and dark chocolates, sugar-free chocolates, old fashioned fudge, chocolate truffles and hand roasted premium nuts. Phillips Candy House has two Massachusetts locations – 818 Morrissey Blvd. in Boston and at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree. All products are available by ordering online at http://www.phillipschocolate.com or calling (800) 722-0905. Phillips Candy House ships to locations around the world.

Contact:

Lori Moretti or Mindy Valone
CM Communications
(617) 536-3400
mvalone@cmcommunications.com

Aliso Viejo, CA  (Profitable.com)  Buy.com, The Internet Superstore™, today debuted its new Android™ and iPhone® apps with a unique consumer rewards program for simply using the mobile apps. To address the increased popularity of mobile shopping, Buy.com continues to make shopping easier and more rewarding with these new platforms designed to deliver an improved mobile shopping experience.

In addition to the minimum of one percent cash back through the Buy.com Super Points program, which consumers automatically earn from every purchase, shoppers also can earn rewards by using various functions on the Buy.com Android and iPhone apps.  Rewards are given for creating an account, viewing daily deals and comparing products by scanning the bar codes. Additional ways to earn Super Points by using the Buy.com mobile app will continue to be added throughout the holidays and into 2012.

“With the rapid growth in mobility, the shopping experience is continuous and should be seamless – whether online or offline, in a store or at home — consumers want shopping convenience any place and any time,” said Buy.com CEO and President Neel Grover.  “To show consumers the convenient ways they can use the Buy.com mobile app, we are literally paying people to try our mobile shopping experience. Consumers can see how competitive Buy.com is with pricing and selection this holiday season.”

In addition to the increased rewards opportunities, the new Buy.com app sports a new design that seamlessly integrates checkout and order tracking into mobile purchases. To help cross off everything on the mobile holiday shopping list, consumers now can save items for shopping later and search by text, voice and image, simplifying shopping on the go.

Enhanced functionality for the Buy.com app builds on its existing mobile success with industry-leading features, such as:

• Advanced voice recognition and barcode scanning to check out the best deals online
• Price comparison and purchase options for nearly 12 million products including items from third-party retailers, via the extensive Buy.com Marketplace
• Community product reviews, weekly top product countdowns and BuyTV videos
• Access to “Today’s Deals”
• Additional “Top Sellers” lists will be available soon

Buy.com also updated its mobile site to allow customers to load data faster with full search and checkout capabilities. Buy.com is dedicated to ongoing updates to provide the best mobile shopping experience possible.

For more information on how to go mobile with Buy.com, visit http://www.buy.com/loc/buy-com-mobile-apps/69544.html.

About Buy.com

With more than 18 million customers, Buy.com is a leading retail marketplace, focused on providing its customers with a great shopping experience and a broad selection of retail goods at everyday low prices.  Buy.com offers millions of products in a range of categories, including consumer electronics, computer hardware and software, cell phones, books, music, DVDs, games, toys, bags, fragrance, home and outdoor, baby, jewelry, shoes, apparel and sporting goods.  Founded in June 1997, Buy.com is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., and owned by Rakuten, Japan’s leading Internet Company.  Together, Rakuten and Buy.com represent one of the world’s largest online retail marketplaces, offering consumers more than 70 million products from nearly 35,000 merchants around the globe.

Buy.com® and The Internet Superstore™ are trademarks of Buy.com Inc.

Quality Chef Knives a Great Gift Idea for Professional Chefs

(Profitable.com)  Professional restaurant chefs know that you need a top quality set of chef’s knives to prepare the best food. Trying to cut meats or vegetables with a dull knife is frustrating, a waste of time and ruins the presentation of your dish. If you need to choose a new set of knives for your kitchen, you need the indispensable information displayed on Best Chef Knives. This website gathers all of the information you need about the most popular knife brands like Victorinox, Wusthof and Shun. Whether you prefer the light, springy and super sharp Japanese-made blades or the heavy and dependable European style, Best Chef Knives will help you choose the best set for your needs.

Your professional chef knife kit must begin with a basic 6 to 8 inch chef’s knife. This is the backbone of all knife sets and is the most versatile blade in the kitchen. Not all chef’s knives are created equally – some are made of poorly tempered steel and are prone to rusting or chipping during use. Others have weak handles that break if you accidentally drop them in the sink or on the cutting board. If you don’t want to end up with a poorly made knife that is a waste of money, you need to spend some time reading the reviews collected on Best Chef Knives.

A 3 or 5 piece knife set will outfit any kitchen with the right tools for every cutting job. You’ll also know that every knife you use is durable and sharp because all of them will be from the same reliable brand. Best Chef Knives tells you which sets are worth the hundreds of dollars a quality kit costs, and which are simply unworthy of your purchase. By visiting this website you’ll be a better prepared consumer.

For more information, please visit Best Chef Knives at http://www.bestchefknives.net.

Silver Spring, MD  (Profitable.com)  The FDA has taken legal action against a dietary supplement maker and owner for substituting ingredients and products without noting the changes on the final product labels. The permanent injunction, filed on behalf of the FDA by the U.S. Department of Justice, would stop the defendants from making and distributing more than 400 products for being in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

This is the first time FDA has taken legal action against a dietary supplement manufacturer of this size for failure to comply with the dietary supplement current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations. The cGMPs for dietary supplements went into effect in 2007, in a stepped process based on company size. This company’s compliance date came into effect in 2010, and they did not meet the relevant cGMP requirements after that date.

The FDA requested the permanent injunction against ATF Fitness Products Inc. (ATF), Manufacturing ATF Dedicated Excellence, Inc. (MADE), and James G. Vercellotti of Oakmont, Pa., owner and operator of both companies. The cGMP regulations require manufacturers to ensure quality in their dietary supplements by controlling all aspects of their processes and procedures. MADE makes more than 400 dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals, under the brands “Sci-Fit,” “Nature’s Science” and “For Store Only.” ATF purchases dietary supplements exclusively from MADE and distributes them throughout the United States.

“Dietary supplements have a significant role in the public’s health,” said Dara Corrigan, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs.  “Today’s injunction reinforces our commitment to ensuring that these supplements meet the cGMP requirements the law establishes.”

The government’s complaint, filed Nov. 23, 2011, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleges that in addition to “adulterating” and “misbranding” their final products, the manufacturer and its owner failed to report serious adverse events associated with their products.  In one case an individual who consumed one of the products reported experiencing a spike in blood pressure, hospitalization and a subsequent mild heart attack.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

For more information:
Warning Letter, March 11, 2004
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm170182.htm

Warning Letter, November 19, 2004
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2004/ucm146681.htm

Seizure, January 12, 2006
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2006/ucm108577.htm

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

Visit the FDA on Facebook and Flickr.
RSS Feed for FDA News Releases [what is RSS?]

Media Inquiries: 

Pat El-Hinnawy
301-796-4763 or 202-557-6531
patricia.el-hinnawy@fda.hhs.gov

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

Restaurant Gift Cards Expected to be Hot Holiday Gift Option

(Profitable.com)  The weather is becoming colder and the colors of autumn are fading, signaling the start of the holiday gift giving season. Each year millions of shoppers struggle to pick the perfect gift without going over their budget. Trying to juggle gift buying with the other responsibilities of life makes the process stressful and irritating instead of enjoyable. Picking out just the right gift that each person in your life would love makes the process repetitive as well. Instead of struggling this year, take the easy route to a perfect gift and choose a restaurant gift card.

Restaurant gift cards have been growing steadily each year in popularity for the winter holiday season. A gift card is a flexible present that honors the recipient’s ability to pick their own perfect item. This has made it one of the most given and most wanted items. While gift cards were once limited to relationships that weren’t very close, you can now give these cards or certificates to spouses and children. Instead of trying to guess what they need based on their interests, you can simply hand over a pre-paid card that allows them to make the choice.

According to the National Restaurant Association, about 32 percent of consumers received a gift card for a restaurant last year. Restaurant gift cards are one of the most popular types to give. Since the recession has had a freezing effect on the dining habits of many Americans, a restaurant gift card allows the recipient to enjoy a nice dinner without worrying about picking up the tab. This is part of a greater trend of interest in experience based gifts rather than giving goods. Experiences have a longer effect on your mood, and can be far less expensive than a new watch or television set for the buyer.

Almost all major chains offer a gift certificate or prepaid card option, including Red Lobster, T.G.I. Friday’s and Outback Steakhouse. Local, independent restaurants also offer these options because they know that it brings in guaranteed business. Many diners first experience their new favorite restaurant through a gift. They dine out at a place they would have never tried otherwise, but end up enjoying the experience.

With the online options for shopping for restaurant gift cards you don’t even have to leave your home to finish your shopping this season. Even if you do want to pick it up yourself, a restaurant is usually a lot less packed and hectic than a large retail store on Black Friday. Instead of buying your grandmother another knitted scarf, or trying to guess the gift preferences of a co-worker you hardly know, stick with a gift card. The thanks you get from the recipient will be far more authentic.

Yonkers, NY  (Profitable.com)  Next to the Saturday before Christmas, Black Friday ranks as the seminal shopping day of the season. Yet a recent analysis by Consumer Reports’ and Decide.com, a website that tracks electronics products and pricing, reveals that the day after Thanksgiving isn’t necessarily the optimal time to get the best deals on many products.

A recent analysis of prices from the mid-November to mid-December period in 2010, conducted with  Decide.com, showed that in a significant proportion of cases, the lowest prices of the season on the included items were not on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, the day following the Thanksgiving weekend. For example, more than a quarter of the recommended TVs and cameras were at least 5 per cent cheaper between Cyber Monday and December 13 than they were earlier, including during the Black Friday weekend. With laptops, the resulting data indicated that consumers would have been at least as likely as with TVs and cameras to save on recommended models by waiting.

“There’s no doubt you can score some incredible bargains by getting up extra early or staying up past your bedtime to take in the midnight madness sales,” says Consumer Reports’ senior editor and shopping expert Tod Marks. “But retailing trends suggest that the opportunity to score a great deal won’t end this weekend. So there’s no need to panic.”

But if you plan to shop at a store or from the comfort of home, here are five Black Friday tips that can help save your money and sanity.  The full list can be found at www.ConsumerReports.org.

1. It’s not always worth breaking down the ‘door.’ There is no doubt that manufacturers offer some deep discounts on Black Friday. Generally, the very best “doorbuster” deals are only available in limited quantities, and perhaps only for a short duration. Since early October, there has been a flurry of doorbuster promotions promising items such as a $200laptop or TV. Black Friday earned its reputation as a bargain-hunter’s paradise because retailers feature a few of these high-profile items as loss leaders, which are sold at- or below-cost to draw shoppers in. But consumers shouldn’t bother to show up unless they are willing to wait on line, sometimes for hours before the store opens, and should be prepared for possible disappointment. There are no guarantees, and usually no rain checks.
2. Sniff out the most appealing specials in advance. Numerous websites, such as FatWallet, Gottadeal, and TheBlackFriday.com obtain and publish Black Friday deals, often weeks before they’re officially released. You can also find out which products come with rebates and which merchants offer free shipping. “Like” your favorite retailers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for advance notice of special sales. You can also follow @DealCyberMonday on Twitter.
3. Try to get it for less online. If a circular features an eye-popping deal, consumers should visit a price-comparison Web site to see if another reliable seller is offering it cheaper. Some sources worth checking: Bizrate, Nextag and Pricegrabber. Shoppers might want to try Amazon, too, as Consumer Reports’ reader surveys have cited Amazon as a good merchant for appliances, electronics, and books. And don’t shop without first checking for coupons at sites such as Coupons.com and RetailMeNot.com.
4. Request a price guarantee. Ask if the retailer has a low-price guarantee – which entitles shoppers to a refund of the difference between the new price and the original price paid if the item goes on sale or if it’s offered cheaper elsewhere. Walmart recently announced that it’s beefing up its price-matching policy for the holidays. Note that most price-matching policies apply to the price charged by a “local” competitor, not websites like Amazon.com or even warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s.
5. Eye return policies carefully. The blanket policy for most products at big-box stores is 90 days, but may be shorter for electronics.  Some merchants extend the return period for holiday purchases, but they reserve the right to refuse to take back anything without an original or gift receipt, especially if the item was bought with cash. Even if a store agrees to take an item back without a receipt, they may only issue you a gift card or store credit slip in exchange. And shoppers will get back the value of the lowest price the item actually sold for, not necessarily the value of the price paid for it. Receipts are needed to take advantage of warranty services. Make sure there are no restocking fees for returned goods

To help shoppers make the best purchasing choices this holiday season, check out www.ConsumerReports.org/holiday.  The site will be updated frequently throughout this Hanukah and Christmas holiday season with new postings to ensure that people are prepared for the holidays with the latest information.

NOVEMBER 2011

The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves.  We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports®,ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent commercial use of its materials, its name, or the name of Consumer Reports®.

The best waffle has a crispy, golden brown exterior while remaining light and fluffy inside. Even though waffles use basically the same batter as pancakes or crepes, a special tool called a waffle iron produces the signature texture and shape of a waffle. If you buy the right waffle maker for use at home, you won’t have to go to a restaurant just to enjoy a perfect waffle. However, choosing the right waffle maker can be more difficult than you think. You need the important information and reviews that BestWaffleIrons.com can provide.

Not all waffle makers are created equal. Some don’t provide enough heat to the metal plates of the iron. This leaves you with a floppy, pale waffle that does not taste as good. Others blast the waffle with too much heat while it is cooking and burn it or make the interior tough. The Best Waffle Irons website will tell you which waffle irons provide just the right amount of heat to make your breakfast perfect. You also need an appliance that will hold up to years of regular use. Waffle irons feature a crucial hinge between the two heated plates that allows you to open the waffle maker when your waffle is done, and keeps it closed while the waffle is cooking. Inferior quality waffle makers will break at this hinge after just a few months of breakfast use.

BestWaffleIrons.com provides you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying a new waffle maker. With one visit, you can find out exactly which waffle makers will produce a crispy golden waffle, and which are not capable of doing the job. Don’t waste your time and money on inferior appliances or spend all day combing through hundreds of review sites.

For more information, please visit http://www.bestwaffleirons.com.

Restaurant Owners Can Benefit from Black Friday and Holiday Efforts

Athens, GA (Profitable.com) Black Friday has become a truly massive national event, with retailers pulling in millions of dollars in just one day. Shoppers have come to expect deep discounts and amazing deals in exchange for waking up in the early hours of the morning. With all of the money being spent on this one day, many restaurant chains are getting in on the business with Thanksgiving hours and special holiday menus.

IHOP is catching travelers and shoppers with their Thanksgiving Day hours, which vary by location. The chain is also serving up its festive Holiday Hotcakes throughout the season. The twin chains of Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes are offering 15 new take-home dishes for diners who prefer to eat their delicious cobblers and salads instead of cooking. Popeyes is also appealing to the family looking for a way to make holiday dinners quicker by selling fully cooked Cajun Style Fried Turkeys. Other chains serving a special holiday meal or offering discounts include Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Cracker Barrel, Boston Market and many more.

The economy has hit the restaurant industry hard, with most of the burden falling on independent restaurant owners and operators, and rising food costs have eaten into the profit margins on almost every menu item.

RestaurantNews.com is offering a special holiday deal on press releases to help restaurants advertise like a national chain without the budget of one. For only $49.95, restaurant owners can advertise just like the large restaurant chains, and reel in those hungry shoppers with their tasty deals and savings.

The press release format is perfect for advertising your restaurant without spending a lot on direct mail, website ads or social media management. For those who haven’t taken advantage of the power of a press release in the past, it basically begins with a snappy, attention grabbing headline to hook viewers.  Next, include your location so the search engines and news sites can pick it up for locals looking for information in your city and state.  The opening paragraph sums up the press release so readers quickly understand what your restaurant has to offer and what makes it unique. The rest of the press release outlines your restaurant’s menu and special holiday offerings, your hours, any special promotions or deals you have going on and other important information. Your contact information, including any website or social media addresses you have, is included at the bottom of the release.

RestaurantNews.com wants to help you grow your restaurant’s business by taking advantage of the holiday spending season. As shoppers gather gifts and hunt down bargains they’ll get hungry, and they won’t be returning home just to get a sandwich. By offering press release services for only $49.95, RestaurantNews.com is helping restaurants make the holidays a success.

For more information, please contact:
Troy Brackett
troy@restaurantnews.com
http://www.restaurantnews.com/press-release/

Shop Macy's at Midnight on Black Friday Plus Get Unbelievable Cyber Monday Savings a Day Early!

New York, NY  (Profitable.com)  In addition to its midnight opening and great deals for Black Friday, Macy’s (NYSE:M) today announced special Cyber Monday online offers on hundreds of items for macys.com customers, all available at the touch of your fingertips. For the first time this season, the retailer will lower its free shipping threshold on all online purchases made on Cyber Monday to $75 ($75 minimum order – promo code CYBER; excludes furniture, mattresses and rugs) beginning Sunday, Nov. 27 through Monday, Nov. 28.

“This Cyber Monday, we want to extend the convenience of shopping from home by providing additional savings a day early with offers starting on Sunday,” said Peter Sachse, chairman and chief executive officer of macys.com. “The ability to shop earlier for even more incredible deals is another way Macy’s provides its customers with ways to save time and money during the busiest shopping season of the year.”

Whether shopping from a computer or venturing into your local Macy’s store this holiday season, customers can take advantage of hot deals no matter where and when.

On Cyber Monday, customers shopping on macys.com can search for online holiday specials, including:

• BUY ONE GET ONE FREE ON SELECT WOMEN’S SWEATERS
• $69.99 CLUB ROOM CASHMERE V-NECK SWEATERS
• $199 ½ CT DIAMOND STUD EARRINGS IN 14K WHITE GOLD
• $199 1-1/3 CT AQUAMARINE RING IN 14K WHITE GOLD WITH DIAMOND ACCENTS
• $99.99 SELECT 24-PIECE ROOM-IN-A-BAG SETS
• $349.99 DYSON DC-17 TOTAL CLEAN VACUUM
• $69.99 KENNETH COLE REACTION WOOL CAR COAT
• SAVE 50 PERCENT ON SELECT WOMEN’S COATS
• 50 PERCENT OFF CHARTER CLUB LEATHER GLOVES AND CASHMERE SCARVES
• 25-40 PERCENT OFF DESIGNER AND TREND HANDBAGS
• $59.99 SELECT MEN’S BOOTS
• $50 OFF HOLIDAY DRESSES
• $79.99 BILL BLASS PREMIER 4-PIECE LUGGAGE SET
• $29.99 TDK PERFORMANCE HEADPHONES, EB-900 IN-EAR HEADPHONES

For the first time, Macy’s customers will rush to find Black Friday specials even earlier this year beginning at midnight at stores across the country (12 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25; the midnight of Thanksgiving night). Save time and take a sneak peek at some of the items that Macy’s will offer to kick-off the holiday gift giving season:

• 50 PERCENT OFF SHARPER IMAGE IPHONE/IPOD DOCKING STATIONS
• $19.99 RAMPAGE BOOTS
• $99.99 KENNETH COLE NY & NAUTICA OVERCOATS
• WITH ANY $65 FRAGRANCE PURCHASE, RECEIVE A DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA FREE (ONE PER CUSTOMER, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)
• BUY ONE AMERICAN RAG SWEATER ($34-$49), GET ONE PAIR OF AMERICAN RAG JEANS FREE
• EXTRA 20 PERCENT OFF DRESSES
• $199 ½ CT DIAMOND STUDS IN 14K WHITE GOLD
• $79.99 DESIGNER DOWN COAT FROM DKNY, LAUNDRY, CALVIN KLEIN AND MORE
• $99.99 YOUNG CONTEMPORARY WOOL COAT FROM ESPRIT, STEVE MADDEN AND MORE
• $16.99 PUFFER JACKET (BOYS 2-20, GIRLS 2-16, INFANTS)
• 40 PERCENT OFF SELECT REGULAR PRICE COFFEE MAKERS, TEA KETTLES AND ESPRESSO MAKERS
• $68.99 CUISINART 7-CUP FOOD PROCESSOR
• $179.99 KITCHENAID CLASSIC STAND MIXER (AFTER $20 MAIL-IN-REBATE)
• $49.99 TAG FAIRFIELD 5-PIECE LUGGAGE SET
• $65 JUSTIN BIEBER LIMITED-EDITION HOLIDAY FRAGRANCE GIFT SET (INCLUDES 3.4 OZ. EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY AND JUSTIN BIEBER’S NEW HOLIDAY CD WITH AN EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOADABLE BONUS TRACK. ALSO, RECEIVE A FREE SCENTED POSTER, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.) PLUS, MACY’S WILL DONATE $2 FROM EVERY PURCHASE TO THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION, UP TO $100,000.

Macys.com Cyber Monday deals will be available online starting Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. Visit www.macys.com for more information on special store hours, in-store deals and online sales to find the best value and savings this holiday season.

For Macy’s Black Friday media materials, including hi-res images, please visit: http://www.magicbulletmedia.com/MNR/MacysHolidayGifts2011/BlackFriday/.

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy’s stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks^® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy’s media materials, images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.

Contacts

Macy’s, Inc.
Holly Thomas, 646-429-5250
holly.thomas@macys.com
or
Julie Strider, 646-429-5213
julie.strider@macys.com

SamsClub.com Reveals Incredible Savings for Cyber Week Shopping Event

Bentonville, AR  (Profitable.com)  Sam’s Club, the nation’s eighth largest retailer, today revealed its incredible deals for the annual Cyber Week shopping event. Sam’s Club members can stay home and “cybernate” while shopping from the comfort of their home at SamsClub.com — and via the Sam’s Club iPad® app and mobile app — for exclusive savings on top holiday gifts ranging from big screen HDTVs and electronics to stunning diamond jewelry and toys for kids. The shopping event begins at 10:00 p.m. CST on Sunday, Nov. 27 and runs through Friday, Dec. 2.

SamsClub.com will also offer free shipping on select items* during the week-long holiday savings event. Members can shop for those must-have items on their gift lists like the Vizio 37″ 1080p LED HDTV for an impressive value at $498, including free shipping.** Other select free-shipping items** include the Highlander Deluxe Cedar Play Set with Slide and Swings for $899.00, the Kobe Beef of Texas 14oz Strip Steaks 6-pack for $132.46 and the 10-Kt. Gold-Filled Cross Classic Century Pen Set for $79.68.

“With the holiday season upon us, Sam’s Club is proud to offer our members online-exclusive values for all their entertaining, gift-giving and decorating needs,” said Fred Quandt, vice president of eCommerce at Sam’s Club. “And just in time for Cyber Week deals, we’re excited to announce the launch of our brand-new iPad^® app that will revolutionize the Sam’s Club shopping experience with features like one-tap checkout, interactive recipe finder and customizable shopping lists.”

Holiday Savings Made Simple with Cyber Week Shopping Event:

Sam’s Club members can take advantage of numerous holiday savings from the comfort of their home with online-exclusive deals* starting Sunday night. Top items will include:

• Vizio 37″ LED 1080p HDTV – $498, including free shipping**
• Serta Mattress Set (King or Queen) & Cuisinart K-Cup Brewing System
• Diamond Heart Pendant with 1/2 Carat Diamond – $299
• Asus i5 Notebook – $479, including free shipping**
• Kobe Beef of Texas 14oz Strip Steaks (6-pack) – $132.46
• Skylanders with Exclusive Drill Sergeant Character Pack
• Dell Berry 4GB/640GB with AMD Processor and 15.6″ screen in choice of Pink, Red, Blue or Black – $429, including free shipping**
• eZip TrailZ Electric Bike
• 14′ Round Trampoline
• Magnavox 32″ LCD 720p HDTV – $248.88, including free shipping**
• Canon T2i Digital SLR Bundle – $849, including free shipping**

Simplifying the Season with New Sam’s Club iPad® App:

Just in time for the busiest shopping season of the year, Sam’s Club announced the launch of its brand new mobile app exclusively designed for the iPad®. For the first time, members will be able to shop Cyber Week deals from their iPad® tablet. The browse-friendly application will allow members to engage in a unique and interactive shopping experience and explore new areas of the club. Top features include:

• Create customized shopping lists that automatically sync with the Sam’s Club app on any iPhone®, Android or Blackberry and SamsClub.com
• Shop products available both in-Club and online
• Join, upgrade and renew memberships
• View personalized eValues for Plus Members
• Explore new recipes using Sam’s Club food brands and other gourmet offerings

As the only warehouse club that offers an iPad® app for both online and in-club items, Sam’s Club makes it even easier to shop for those last-minute holiday purchases. Additionally, members can sign up for the Sam’s Club daily “Holiday Value of the Day” — now through Dec. 24, 2011 — to receive online exclusives, gifts with free shipping and instant savings. Visit SamsClub.com/holiday or download the Sam’s Club mobile application to your iPad®, iPhone®, Android or BlackBerry.

* While supplies last

** Free shipping available while supplies last for select items purchased from 10:00 p.m. CST , Sunday, Nov. 27 through Friday, Dec. 2 

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®, visit SamsClub.com and look for Sam’s Club on Twitter, Facebook and our mobile app.

Dodgeville, WI  (Profitable.com)  Calling all Cyber Shoppers!  Back by popular demand are Lands’ End’s St. Nick’s Picks beginning on Black Friday, Nov. 25, and 12 Hours of Twitter on Cyber Monday, Nov. 28.  Holiday shoppers can get great deals of up to 50 percent off on an expanded selection of daily St. Nick’s Picks through Tuesday, Dec. 20.  To get into the holiday spirit, on Cyber Monday, Nov. 28, Lands’ End is also hosting the 12 Hours of Twitter event from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. EST and a Facebook sweeps.

St. Nick’s Picks . . . Even Better!

On Black Friday Lands’ End will kick off its annual St. Nick’s Picks program, offering exceptional values on Lands’ End favorites for a limited time.  Holiday gift gatherers can visit Landsend.com to purchase St. Nick’s Picks, consisting of everything from outerwear and boots to cashmere, flannel and fleece, as well as items for the home and favorite pets.  Each day, new St. Nick’s Picks will be unveiled – so shoppers should check back daily.

“Our St. Nick’s Picks are our gift to customers.  We love giving as much as our customers.  St. Nick’s Picks makes it easy to give high-quality gifts at an incredible value,” said Michele Casper, Lands’ End spokesperson.  ”The daily picks add a rewarding element of surprise to shopping for gifts – or even for customers shopping for themselves.”  According to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Holiday Survey, nearly six in 10 holiday shoppers (59.9%) say they plan to take advantage of retailers’ sales and discounts to make additional non-gift purchases for themselves and their families during the holiday season.

12 Hours of Twitter and Facebook Contest

Get ready for a social Santa!  Join the fun at #landsend and follow @LandsEndPR for 12 Hours of Twitter on Cyber Monday, featuring giveaways, offers and advice.  HGTV’s “Secrets From a Stylist” host, Emily Henderson, will be on hand from 5-6 p.m. EST to share her sage advice for holiday decorating.  Look for new topics, clever trivia and gift ideas to get every social Santa in the holiday spirit.

“From sidewalks and storefronts to Twitter and Facebook, the holiday spirit is everywhere,” Casper said.  ”We invite all those shopping on Cyber Monday to join the excitement and be ‘in the know’ by meeting up with us on Twitter.  It’ll be a fabulous time with great deals and giveaways – and certainly the place to jump-start holiday shopping for the entire family.”

Lands’ End will also host the Facebook Shop Wish List Sweeps on Cyber Monday.  Facebook fans will be encouraged to fill out the sweeps entry form on the Lands’ End Facebook page and create a Wish List featuring their favorite items from the Lands’ End Facebook Shop.  Fans who share their Wish List with their friends and family by posting it on their Facebook wall will have a chance to win their Wish List items – up to a value of $1,000.

Digital Initiatives:  Social Shopping

This holiday season Lands’ End is making shopping convenient and social with a variety of digital  solutions through its Facebook and Mobile Shops.  The Lands’ End Facebook Shop offers a great selection of hand-picked gift items while the Mobile Shops are perfect for those on the go.  Mobile shoppers can stay in the know with text alerts from the Lands’ End mobile club.  To join the club, simply text LANDSEND to 41963.

Digital editions of Lands’ End catalogs will be available for the iPad® from the iTunes® App Store and via the Google Catalogs app.  The digital edition will contain exclusive content, including festive, heart-warming stories penned by Lands’ End employees.

About Lands’ End

Lands’ End® is a classic American lifestyle brand with a passion for quality, legendary service, real value and a simple two-word promise to stand behind everything it sells: Guaranteed. Period.®  Lands’ End delivers timeless style for Men, Women, Kids and the Home at landsend.com, 1-800-800-5800, the Lands’ End Shops at Sears and around the world.  Lands’ End is a proud member of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD).

Aliso Viejo, CA  (Profitable.com)  Just in time for the holidays, Buy.com®, the Internet Superstore introduces an all new Holiday Superstore, featuring “The Gift Finder,” an online holiday shopping guide to help customers find hot deals on more than 11 million products. The top 5 Holiday Gift Picks for 2011 on Buy.com’s Holiday Superstore include Let’s Rock Elmo, Blackberry Playbook Tablet, Samsung 55″ LED HDTV, Xbox Kinect Holiday Bundles and Leapfrog Leapad Explorer Tablet for Kids.

Finding the perfect gift has never been easier or more affordable in Buy.com’s Holiday Superstore. The store is a one-stop online destination offering buying guides and top picks including:

• Cameras – featuring a variety of models from point-and-click cameras to HD video to entry-level SLRs
• TV’s – offering 3D, LED and LCD models in every price range
• Computers – from laptops to desktops to tablets for everyone in the household
• Toys – a greatly expanded selection for 2011, featuring toy selections for all ages
• Gadgets – every imaginable gadget to satisfy the techiest person on the holiday gift list

Additionally, the Holiday Superstore features a never ending supply of gift ideas in “The Gift Finder” section searchable by type:

• For Her – find jewelry, handbags and beauty sure to make her happy this holiday
• For Him – clothing, electronics and watches
• For Kids – the latest toys, dolls and video games for every age
• For Everyone – stocking stuffers, gift cards and everything for decorating the house
• Budget Gifts – in every price range from under $25 to under $500
• Trendsetters – the latest looks in scarfs, sunglasses and boots
• Sports-Seekers – golf clubs, skateboards and basketballs for the sports enthusiast
• Gadget Geeks – tablets, smartphones and home theatre equipment for all the techies
• Foodies – wine, cheeses and chocolates to satisfy any craving
• Children at Heart – games, DVD’s and books for endless hours of playing
• Executives – gift sets, pens and cigars for the busiest person on the holiday list

“Buy.com is a top destination for holiday shopping, and this year’s Holiday Superstore is even more robust with new offerings such as “The Gift Finder,’” said Neel Grover, CEO and president of Buy.com. “We are continuing to provide our customers with a unique shopping experience and the best selection of products at the most competitive prices.”

Buy.com’s extensive product list spans more than 22 product categories, including games, apparel and shoes, books, bags and luggage, fragrance, home and outdoor, software, sporting goods, jewelry and watches, toys and baby goods, and more. Buy.com will offer holiday promotions throughout the remainder of 2011 on virtually every product, plus a minimum of one percent cash back through the Super Points program on every order. Consumers also can access thousands of up-to-the-minute product reviews and other entertainment offerings exclusively on the BuyTV channel.

In addition to delivering one of the widest selections of products on the web, Buy.com is a leader in customer service, featuring free shipping on millions of products and an A+ rating for customer service from the Better Business Bureau. Buy.com makes shopping easier and more rewarding with new easy-to-use mobile apps and site, which are debuting before the Thanksgiving holiday, making millions of products accessible by fingertips – anywhere, anytime.

To start shopping unbeatable deals, visit: http://www.buy.com/loc/holiday-superstore/16125.html.

About Buy.com

With more than 18 million customers, Buy.com is a leading retail marketplace, focused on providing its customers with a great shopping experience and a broad selection of retail goods at everyday low prices.  Buy.com offers millions of products in a range of categories, including consumer electronics, computer hardware and software, cell phones, books, music, DVDs, games, toys, bags, fragrance, home and outdoor, baby, jewelry, shoes, apparel and sporting goods. Founded in June 1997, Buy.com is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., and owned by Rakuten, Japan’s leading Internet Company. Together, Rakuten and Buy.com represent one of the world’s largest online retail marketplaces, offering consumers more than 70 million products from nearly 37,000 merchants around the globe.

Buy.com® and The Internet Superstore™ are trademarks of Buy.com Inc.

Washington  (Profitable.com)  Postal Service customers will be able ship a box for overnight delivery anywhere in the country for one price regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs) starting Jan. 22, 2012. That’s when the Express Mail Flat Rate Box debuts and new Shipping Services prices take effect.

“The introduction of the Express Mail Flat Rate Box leverages the success of our Priority Mail Flat Rate advertising campaign and further positions the Postal Service as the best value in the shipping business,” said Paul Vogel, president and chief marketing/sales officer. The new box, priced at $39.95, for domestic mailing, will be available for customers who need overnight service for items larger than what can be placed in an Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope.

Other Express Mail changes include lower retail prices for half- and one-pound packages and commercial packages to local and close-in areas. The new retail price for the Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope is $18.95.

The overall price change for all Shipping Services is 4.6 percent, with Priority Mail prices increasing an average 3.1 percent and Express Mail prices increasing an average 3.3 percent. The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) will review the prices before they become effective Jan. 22, 2012, the same day Postal Service Mailing Services prices take effect. Today’s Shipping Services price filing will be available on the PRC website at www.prc.gov and the new Mailing Services prices are available at http://pe.usps.com.

New domestic retail pricing for Priority Mail Flat Rate products include:

• Small box — $5.35
• Medium box — $11.35
• Large box — $15.45
• Large APO/FPO/DPO box — $13.45
• Regular envelope — $5.15
• Legal-size and Padded envelope — $5.30

Commercial base Priority Mail pricing will offer an average 6.8 percent discount off retail prices for customers using online and other authorized postage payment methods. A new, larger Regional Rate Box C (12″ x 12″ x 15″) will be added to the existing two sizes. If any of the three Regional Rate Boxes is entered at retail, a 75-cent additional charge will be applied.

Also new for 2012 is Package Intercept for commercial mailers, available through a customer interface on Business Customer Gateway. For $10.95 plus Priority Mail postage, customers can request mail be intercepted before final delivery is attempted to the initial delivery address. The shipment can be returned to sender, held for pick up at a Post Office, or redirected to an alternate address. Intercepted packages are shipped using Priority Mail.

First-Class Package Service (formerly known as First-Class Mail commercial parcels and now a Shipping Services product) will see an overall price increase of 3.7 percent. The Intelligent Mail package barcode will provide free visibility to these parcels.

Prices will also be adjusted for other Shipping Services products and services, including Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service, International Mail, Premium Forwarding Service and Post Office Box Service.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. With 32,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, usps.com, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $65 billion and delivers nearly 40 percent of the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 29th in the 2010 Fortune 500. Black Enterprise and Hispanic Business magazines ranked the Postal Service as a leader in workforce diversity. The Postal Service has been named the Most Trusted Government Agency six consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute.

Fairfield, OH  (Profitable.com)  Paternity has been pushed into the national spotlight by the recent allegations toward teen pop star Justin Bieber. While tabloids buzz with celebrity paternity stories, thousands of men across the country face the same issue daily and turn to DNA paternity testing to either confirm or refute their relationship to children.  According to DDC (DNA Diagnostics Center), the largest provider of private paternity testing worldwide, questions about paternity testing from men have increased annually and now account for about 40% of all inquiries.

“As one of the leading companies in DNA testing, we’re seeing an increase in calls by men seeking paternity answers, especially for cases where there are disputes or where chain of custody is important,” said Dr. Michael Baird, chief science officer for DDC. “In the case of DDC, we’re an accredited AABB laboratory that maintains a chain of custody reporting structure to ensure results of a test can be presented in court, if needed.”

About 500,000 paternity cases were performed in the United States last year, according to the AABB (aabb.org), the professional society that accredits paternity testing laboratories, in its latest annual report. Establishing paternity is important for the child to have access to legal and social benefits (including social security, veterans and inheritance benefits), provides an accurate medical history and strengthens the bond between father and child. In fact, most state laws require an unmarried couple to complete an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) at the hospital to establish parental rights.

“If there are any questions about who the father is, a DNA test is recommended,” Dr. Baird states.  “About 1 out of every 3 tested alleged fathers is found to not be the biological father of a child.  After an AOP is provided to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, couples have the option of amending the document with a DNA paternity test to confirm parental rights or fathers have the option of securing a DNA test to establish paternity. However, there is a limited time for the validation to take place. Until that time, parental rights are not fully protected.”

In addition to paternity testing services, DDC also provides expert DNA testing for family relationship, adoption, immigration, forensics and ancestry. For more information on DDC visit online at dnacenter.com or call 800-362-2368.

About DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC)

For 16 years, DDC has been the largest provider of private DNA paternity and other DNA tests in the U.S. and worldwide, offering comprehensive DNA testing services for paternity and other family relationships, forensics, cell line authentication, and ancestry. The Company is also known for its groundbreaking technologies, including an exclusive license for the most innovative and accurate non-invasive prenatal paternity test using SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) Microarray Technology, which only requires a simple blood draw from the mother and alleged father. Other services provided by DDC include DDC Veterinary, the animal DNA testing division, which provides innovative, quality DNA testing for companion and sport animals. DDC was the first to adopt robotics technology in its laboratory processes, ensuring highly stringent and efficient handling of DNA samples. DDC’s unique Dual Process™ ensures all professionally collected DNA samples are independently tested twice producing legal results of unmatched quality and reliability. DDC is recognized through a number of accreditations nationally and internationally achieving perfect ratings in its past 16 inspections including those performed by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). DDC is also accredited by ACLASS to meet the standards of ISO 17025 and the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board International and follows the DNA Advisory Board (DAB) guidelines, which attests to DDC’s superior forensic testing service. For more information: www.dnacenter.com or 1-800-362-2368.

San Francisco, CA  (Profitable.com)  A new study shows that doing brain training exercises is more effective at improving cognitive function than performing knowledge games, like crossword puzzles. This is the preliminary analysis of the results from Iowa Healthy and Active Minds Study (IHAMS) presented yesterday at Gerontological Society of America (GSA) 64th Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston.

The study will be completed in January and its interim results were published this week in BMJ Open. It found that 10 hours of using brain training software improved cognitive function on several standard neuropsychological tests. This is the case whether used in a supervised clinical setting, or self-administered at home. This study included younger (ages 50-64) and older (ages 65-87) participants, and the brain training software worked equally well for both groups.

IHAMS is a follow up to Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH). In past medical journal articles the ACTIVE study showed brain plasticity software improved visual processing speed, among other factors. IHAMS was designed to overcome limitations in the ACTIVE study by including younger participants.

Early results are that participants who used brain training software significantly improved their cognitive capabilities on several standard neuropsychological tests of cognitive functioning than did participants who trained on crossword puzzles. The improvements in cognitive function were the same whether the brain exercises were done in the monitored clinical setting or in the participant’s home. These positive changes were observed within 8 weeks, and were sustained over 12 months. The improvements for younger participants were just as large as those for the older participants, indicating benefits to beginning brain training early.

“There’s been debate in the scientific community regarding how well brain training works versus other recreational mental activities, such as learning a new language or doing crossword puzzles,” said Dr. Fred Wolinsky, John W. Colloton Chair in Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa. “This study clearly demonstrates that specially constructed exercises for brain fitness – such as the speed-of-processing core of DriveSharp and InSight – work, and are more effective at improving cognitive function than games or recreational activities.”

The Road Tour brain training exercise used in IHAMS is one of five exercises in Posit Science InSight brain fitness software, and part of DriveSharp, a shorter cognitive training program focused around driving safety.

Posit Science is the leading provider of scientifically proven brain fitness programs. www.PositScience.com, 1-800-599-6463.

Honolulu, HI  (Profitable.com)  This year when the weather outside gets frightful, there’s an opportunity to fly south (and maybe a little west) to the sunny shores of Hawaii, where the weather and water are always warm.  Castle’s Waistdeep Winter Savings offers rates up to 50% off and the best the islands have to offer across five enchanting Hawaiian paradises.  With accommodations ranging from full-service hotels to resort and luxury condominiums, there is no reason to look further than Castle when booking a white sand winter getaway. These special winter rates are available for sale immediately for stays between January 3 and April 8, 2012.  To learn more, visit www.castleresorts.com or call toll-free 1-800-367-5004 to learn more.

“Waistdeep Winter Savings at Castle make it easy for everyone to find a perfect destination and island getaway, whether it’s a secluded tropical garden retreat on Kauai or a luxury oceanfront condominium on the Waikoloa coast,” said President and COO Alan Mattson. “‘Waistdeep’ means value is abound in Castle’s 50%-off special, while still offering the incredibly diverse benefits Castle guests have come to expect at our properties that can include full-kitchens, washer/dryers, oceanfront swimming pools, restaurants, fitness centers, and more,” he continued.

Castle’s Waistdeep Winter Savings are available on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Hawaii’s Big Island and include many Hawaii favorites:

Poipu Beach, Kauai – Castle Kiahuna Plantation &The Beach Bungalows, resort style condos situated on stunning landscape and famous Poipu Beach, 1-bedroom Garden View Suite, from $175/night.

Waikiki Beach, Oahu – Waikiki Shore, the only condominiums located directly on famous Waikiki Beach, Studio Deluxe Ocean View, from $185/night.

Waikoloa, Hawaii – Castle Halii Kai at Waikoloa, luxury villas and townhomes in world renowned Waikoloa Beach Resort, 2-bedroom Garden View Villa, from $335/night.

Kihei, Maui–Castle Kamaole Sands, overlooking Kamaole Beach Park III, one of the best swimming beaches on Maui, 1-bedroom Standard Suite, from $205/night.

These rates won’t last! Pick your island to go waistdeep and book your condo or hotel room today.  Visit www.castleresorts.com or call 1-800-367-5004 to learn more and book your holiday at Waistdeep Winter rates.

About Castle Resorts & Hotels

Castle Resorts & Hotels was founded in 1993 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Castle Group, Inc. Headquartered in Honolulu, Castle manages a broad portfolio of guest accommodations including value/economy hotels, full-service hotels and spacious all-suite condominium resorts and luxury villas in the Hawaiian Islands on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Kauai and Hawaii; in Micronesia on Saipan; and in New Zealand on the North Island. To learn more or to make a reservation, visit www.castleresorts.com or call (800) 367-5004. Join us and keep up with current events at www.twitter.com/castleresorts and www.facebook.com/CastleResortsAndHotels.

A Power Drill Makes a Great Deal for the Holidays

(Profitable.com)  Holiday shopping is not just about finding the best deals for children. Adults appreciate gifts too. Grown men are kids at heart, and dads and husbands all over the world deserve some more power this holiday season. A dad or a husband can never have enough tools, and power drills are just right for the guy that already has a garage full of tools.

Cordless power drills make an excellent gift for the man in your life, and finding that perfect one can be a challenge if you do not know where to look. Smart shoppers will avoid all of the long lines that are inevitable during the holiday shopping season, and shop online. This can save time and money for even the busiest shopper.

BestPowerDrill.net is ready to help holiday shoppers by highlighting the most popular power drills on the market today. Shoppers will be able to choose from Litium-Ion cordless ½ inch hammer drills, or a smaller Black & Decker 7.2 volt cordless drill with keyless chuck. There is something for every budget no matter how big or small, and the shopping can be done without ever leaving the house.

Kids can get involved with the entire shopping process. Children love to help pick out presents for daddy, and BestPowerDill.net makes shopping for power drills as easy as child’s play. While dad is busy watching the game, the rest of the family can be quietly shopping for that perfect power drill. Guys love any excuse to break out the tools, and having a power drill just gives them one more reason.

Shoppers won’t have to pick through all of the power drills that might be a good choice, because only the best power drills are highlighted on the website. Get the facts up front without having to read through a bunch of sales hype with BestPowerDrill.net.

New York, NY  (Profitable.com)  For the first time, a Pinot Noir from California has been named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year. The Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2009 was chosen from among the more than 16,000 wines reviewed by Wine Spectator in blind tastings in 2011, for its classic score, its reasonable price and the role the winery has played in the rapid rise of Pinot Noir in the pantheon of California wines.

“Part of Kosta Browne’s appeal is its unique history,” explains Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator. “This small Sonoma winery was founded just over a decade ago by two waiters who pooled their tips so they could make wine. Since 2002, Dan Kosta and Michael Browne have made 66 wines that have earned 90 points or higher—though they don’t own a single vine and make wine in a rented warehouse. In 2009, the greatest vintage yet for California Pinot, the team made 11 outstanding Pinots, including our Wine of the Year for 2011, which scored 95 points and was released at $52.”

The full list of the Top 100 will be published in the Dec. 31, 2011-Jan. 15, 2012, issue of Wine Spectator, available on newsstands beginning on Dec. 6. It is also available at WineSpectator.com. The 2011 list includes wines from 12 countries, with an average score of 93 points and an average price of $44. The complete list of Top 10 wines is detailed below.

Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Wines of 2011

1. Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2009 (95 points, $52, 5,818 cases made)
2. Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Kathryn Hall 2008 (96 points, $90, 2,450 cases made)
3. Domaine Huët Vouvray Moelleux Clos du Bourg Première Trie 2009 (96 points, $69, 760 cases made)
4. Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino 2006 (96 points, $50, 7,000 cases made)
5. Dehlinger Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2008 (95 points, $50, 1,050 cases made)
6. Baer Ursa Columbia Valley 2008 (95 points, $35, 1,095 cases made)
7. Quinta do Vallado Touriga Nacional Douro 2008 (95 points, $55, 2,188 cases made)
8. Domenico Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra 2006 (96 points, $90, 1,500 cases made)
9. Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude 2009 (94 points, $55, 650 cases made)
10. Château de St.-Cosme Gigondas Valbelle 2009 (94 points, $58, 1,175 cases made)

In 2011, Wine Spectator editors blind-tasted more than 16,000 new releases. To determine the Top 100, the editors apply four criteria: quality (as represented by score); value (as reflected by release price); availability (measured by case production, or, for international wines, the number of cases imported); and an X-factor the editors call excitement. No equation determines the final selections; these choices reflect the editors’ judgment and passion about the wines tasted by Wine Spectator in 2011.

For more information about Wine Spectator and its Top 100 wines of 2011, please contact Thomas Matthews, executive editor, at tmatthews@mshanken.com.

About Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a publication that reaches more than 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses a web portal (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms, and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of more than 16,000 wines each year. Parent company M. Shanken Communications also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Food Arts, Market Watch, Whisky Advocate and Impact Newsletter.

Cincinnati, OH  (Profitable.com)  Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS), today announced its professional mat program is now available for retailers. A recent Harris Interactive survey revealed dirty floors negatively impact 86 percent of U.S. adults’ perception of a retail store, so Cintas has designed a customized mat program for retailers to maintain safe, clean and attractive floors. To reduce slips, trips and falls, all of Cintas’ rental mats are certified “High Traction” by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI).

“Studies show that shoppers pay attention to the floors in a retail establishment and that dirty floors negatively impact their perception of the store,” said Mike Thompson, Senior Vice President, Cintas Facility Services. “Cintas’ mat program is customized to ensure retailers maintain a safe environment while elevating their brand’s image.”

The cost-effective matting program provides retailers with two options that can be combined to meet the changing needs of any retail facility:

• Rental. Cintas provides retailers with NFSI-certified mats to protect floors from contaminants by capturing them before they hit the ground. On a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis, trained Cintas employees remove the contaminants by replacing soiled mats with professionally cleaned mats. With flexible scheduling, this provides the best solution for retailers with changing needs and busy stores.
• Direct Purchase. To provide a solution for areas that require mats larger than standard rental sizes or custom sizes and shapes, Cintas offers a direct purchase option. Retailers can also customize specific solutions for areas surrounding revolving doors and entryways with custom installation of quality mats that are directly installed into the ground.

In addition to traditional walk-off matting, Cintas’ retail mat program offers several solutions designed to directly benefit the unique needs of retail facilities. Scraper mats act as a first line of defense and capture dirt, debris and particulates before they enter the facility to keep entrance zones clean and safe. In addition, anti-fatigue mats reduce discomfort for employees who stand for long periods at a time to increase productivity and employee satisfaction.

“We are proud to offer retailers with a viable way to stay competitive,” said Richard Doggett, Sr. Director of Strategic Markets, Cintas. “With flexible purchasing options and programs available, retailers are armed with the tools to develop a mat program that is aesthetically pleasing, affordable and creates a safe environment to boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.”

For more information about Cintas Facility Services, visit www.cintas.com/facilityservices.

About Cintas

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid and safety products, fire protection services and document management services to approximately 900,000 businesses. Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CTAS, and is a component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.

Camp Hill, PA  (Profitable.com)  Rite Aid shoppers won’t have to give up a good night’s sleep to get the best deals this holiday season. Holiday savings at Rite Aid begin on Thanksgiving Day.

Additionally, the 44 million members of Rite Aid’s free wellness+ loyalty program will have Three Days to Save (Nov. 24-26) on great gifts and just about everything they need to get ready for the holidays. Select deals during the event include boxed holiday gift cards, wrapping paper, Christmas lights, small appliances, digital cameras, iTower speakers that dock with an iPhone or iPod and more. For sale details, see the special Nov. 24 advertising circular in newspapers nationwide or online at www.riteaid.com/savenow/. On Thanksgiving Day, nearly all of Rite Aid’s stores will be open. On Black Friday, stores open at 7 a.m. Store hours are at www.riteaid.com/stores.

“With 4,700 convenient locations and regular Thanksgiving hours, Rite Aid wants to help customers get a great start on their holiday shopping,” said John Learish, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Rite Aid. “Our shoppers will also find great deals on some hot holiday gifts, including some fun finds they may not have expected to see at the neighborhood drugstore.”

Hot holiday items this year include tried-and-true toy favorites – such as Pillow Pets in new licensed characters – and new toys including Lalaloopsy dolls and Wuggles, the pets that kids bring to life with stuffing. Electronics include wireless netbooks and e-tablets from Craig Electronics, plus a throw-back Atari game system featuring 60 classic games including Asteroids and Missile Command. Returning Rite Aid favorites include the Record-A-Story books, which allow long-distance relatives to send a personalized reading of a favorite story, practical hostess gifts such as Hershey’s Pot of Gold boxed chocolates, and fragrance gift sets including Heidi Klum’s new “Shine” fragrance in a three-piece set.

Rite Aid is also issuing Black Friday Survival Guides this week via e-mail to wellness+ members and to Rite Aid’s more than 200,000 Facebook fans. Guides offer fun holiday shopping “survival tips” and special prices on products to help deal-seekers stay energized, focused and ready for some serious shopping. Guides contain deals for both the big day itself – water, snacks, gel shoe inserts and energy drinks – and after – headache relief products and neck pillows.

Rite Aid has long held hours on Thanksgiving Day, when customers frequently travel and may need to fill unplanned prescriptions or require temporary supplies of medications that were left at home. In the past several years, Rite Aid has also seen growing demand for its expanded selection of grocery staple foods, which include last-minute holiday meal items such as green beans, stove-top stuffing and baking supplies.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with approximately 4,700 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2011 annual revenues of $25.2 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.