BUSINESS

National Hockey League and the New Jersey Devils enter into landmark partnerships with Fanduel


New Jersey Devils vs. Winnipeg Jets 2018.
photo: Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images

 FanDuel Becomes An Official Sports Betting Partner & Official Daily Fantasy Partner of the NHL

NHL (BUSINESS WIRE) NEW YORK, November 9, 2018 - FanDuel and the National Hockey League (NHL) today announced a multi-year partnership, making FanDuel the exclusive official daily fantasy partner and an official sports betting partner of the NHL.

FanDuel also signed a partnership with the New Jersey Devils, marking FanDuel’s first agreement in the sports betting category with an NHL team. The new NHL agreement will provide FanDuel with opportunities to offer its daily fantasy customers access to exclusive NHL content and special prizing, such as VIP experiences to NHL tentpole events like the NHL Winter Classic and the NHL All-Star Game.

FanDuel plans to promote free-to-enter single-game fantasy contests for the NHL Winter Classic, NHL Stadium Series and other marquee matchups throughout the NHL season. FanDuel will also leverage its relationship with the NHL in the sports betting category, including use of official category designations, in a variety of ways to appeal to sports betting customers in legal jurisdictions.

“Our approach to sports betting is to continue to be progressive as we work directly with the industry and focus on innovative opportunities for fan engagement,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Teaming up with FanDuel furthers our strategy of aligning with leading brands that share our vision of using new platforms and technology to drive innovation and engage and excite hockey fans.”

“Joining forces with the National Hockey League was the perfect next step for us as both our sports betting and fantasy sports businesses continue to grow,” said Matt King, CEO of FanDuel Group. “The League’s clear vision for these categories and this partnership marks an exciting time for both organizations.” To “drop the puck” on the new NHL partnership, FanDuel will soon introduce a “Skate to the NHL Winter Classic” contest, where eligible fans can enter daily fantasy contests on FanDuel to win a VIP trip to the 2019 NHL Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins at Notre Dame Stadium on New Year’s Day.

 In a separate agreement with the New Jersey Devils, FanDuel will receive brand exposure during all Devils’ regular-season home games via a prominent, in-ice logo utilizing one of the newly available advertising positions introduced earlier this year by the NHL. The partnership with the Devils will support FanDuel’s connection with the team’s fans and guests of the No. 8 Most Played Arena in the World via integrated social, digital and in-game activation platforms. This will allow FanDuel to highlight its popular “Live In-Play” betting options available on the company’s new FanDuel Sportsbook app, among other branding and messaging.

 “The FanDuel Sportsbook user is an educated consumer interested in engaging with multiple sports teams and events in dynamic and interactive ways,” said Adam Davis, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment CRO. “Their emphasis on creating innovative platforms and promotions to connect with and galvanize their consumers parallels the fan first mentality at the New Jersey Devils.” “We will continue to be at the forefront of the action for hockey fans, whether they’re watching sports from a seat in the arena or at home on TV,” said Kip Levin, COO of FanDuel Group.

  “Our partnership with the New Jersey Devils allows us to be on the ice during the action and in-game messaging is the perfect way to reach hockey fans during the games.” FanDuel Group is an innovative sports-tech entertainment company that is changing the way consumers engage with their favorite sports, teams, and leagues.

The premier gaming destination in the United States, FanDuel Group consists of a portfolio of leading brands across gaming, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, advance-deposit wagering, and TV/media, including FanDuel, Betfair US, DRAFT, and TVG. FanDuel Group has a presence across 45 states and 8 million customers.

The company is based in New York with offices in California, New Jersey, Florida, Oregon, and Scotland. FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Paddy Power Betfair plc, a leading international sports betting and gaming operator and a constituent of the FTSE 100 index of the London Stock Exchange.

The National Hockey League (NHL®), founded in 1917, consists of 31 Member Clubs, each reflecting the League’s international makeup with players from more than 20 countries represented on team rosters, vying for the most cherished and historic trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup®. For information about Responsible Play on FanDuel, please visit https://www.fanduel.com/responsibleplay.

 Every year, the NHL entertains more than 670 million fans in-arena and through its partners on national television and radio; more than 151 million followers - league, team and player accounts combined - across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube; and more than 100 million fans online at NHL.com.

The League broadcasts games in more than 160 countries and territories through its rightsholders including NBC/NBCSN and the NHL Network in the U.S., Sportsnet and TVA in Canada, Viasat in the Nordic Region and CCTV and Tencent in China. The NHL reaches fans worldwide with games available online in every country including via its live and on-demand streaming service NHL.TV™.

Fans are engaged across the League’s digital assets on mobile devices via the free NHL® App; across nine social media platforms; on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio; and on NHL.com, available in eight languages and featuring unprecedented access to player and team statistics as well as every regular-season and playoff game box score dating back to the League’s inception, powered by SAP.

The NHL is committed to building healthy and vibrant communities through the sport of hockey by increasing youth participation and engagement; fostering positive family experiences; promoting inclusion, positive culture and leadership; and supporting sustainable community impact. The New Jersey Devils are part of the 31-team National Hockey League, with teams throughout the United States and Canada. Established in 1982, they are currently in their 36th season in the Garden State. During that time, the team has won three Stanley Cup Championships: 1995, 2000 and 2003. Follow the Devils at www.newjerseydevils.com, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The New Jersey Devils organization is a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property.

LA Kings and Blue Shield of California partner with Grades of Green to launch G.O.A.L.S. program



(BUSINESS WIRE) LOS ANGELES, November 8, 2017 - The Los Angeles Kings and Blue Shield of California partnered with Grades of Green today for a kick-off event to celebrate the official launch of G.O.A.L.S., a digital platform that helps to equip children in Los Angeles with resources to be more eco-friendly, inclusive, healthy, socially responsible and knowledgeable.

The event comes in recognition of the efforts of St. Anthony Parish School related to Grades of Green’s Trash Free Lunch Challenge, which empowers students to reduce their waste by applying eco-lessons available through the G.O.A.L.S. program.

 “The Kings and the Kings Care Foundation are thrilled to partner with BSC on this important platform and engage community partners throughout LA. A big thank you to Grades of Green for helping us lead the charge to empower and inspire students to care for the environment,” said Kings President and Hockey Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille.

 Students at St. Anthony spent the morning reviewing how to properly sort waste before getting first access to the LA Kings and Blue Shield of California G.O.A.L.S. platform and playing trash sorting hockey games with LA Kings forward Kyle Clifford as well as Bailey, the club’s mascot, and members of the LA Kings Ice Crew.

“Blue Shield of California is committed to empowering kids across the Los Angeles area to take charge of their health, a goal we share with the LA Kings,” said Kimball Wilkins, senior director, Blue Shield of California. “One of the reasons this is so urgent today is because nearly one in three school-aged children in the country are overweight or obese. We know when kids and adults feel their best, they can live up to their full potential.

The G.O.A.L.S. program is designed to help kids do just that.” For more information on the G.O.A.L.S. program, visit lakings.com/goals.

The Kings Care Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing health, educational and recreational opportunities for youth throughout Greater Los Angeles. Since its inception in 1996 the Kings Care Foundation has donated more than $11 million in monetary and in-kind support to the local community.

G.O.A.L.S. is an umbrella program encompassing all LA Kings- and Blue Shield of California-sponsored character building and wellness activities. By championing Green solutions, Open outlooks, Active bodies, Local leaders, and Sharp minds, G.O.A.L.S. equips children in Los Angeles with the practical skills and tools they need to lead healthy lives and make a positive impact in their communities.

SunPower and Freedom Solar bring clean energy to Sustainable Food Center in Austin



(PR NEWSWIRE) AUSTIN, TEXAS, August. 8, 2015 - SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWR), a leading solar technology and global energy services provider, and SunPower Elite Dealer Freedom Solar announced today the completion of a 14 kilowatt solar power system for Austin's Sustainable Food Center at a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Steve Adler.

Sustainable Food Center cultivates a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. The nonprofit organization hosts four farmers markets, provides organic food gardening classes, interactive cooking classes and nutrition education, and supports area farmers', all in the Austin area.

"Through our programs we work to get local, sustainably grown food into the hands of more people every day, which improves individual, environmental and economic health, and provides critical support for local family farms," said Ronda Rutledge, executive director of Sustainable Food Center.

 "We're grateful to SunPower and Freedom Solar for their generous donation, and expect the system to offset about 25 percent of our electrical usage and reduce our electricity costs by 40 percent or more. This will allow us to use those savings to enhance programs that the community has come to rely on for access to healthy and affordable food."

The donated solar power system is composed of 36 high-efficiency SunPower® solar panels, the most efficient and reliable solar panels available on the market today.

Freedom Solar employees volunteered their time to design and install the system.
Operating since 2007, Freedom Solar, a SunPower Elite Dealer, has installed over 11 megawatts of solar panels for residential and corporate customers in the Austin area including Whole Foods, Office Depot and the University of Texas.

"We believe in providing a healthy environment across Texas," said Adrian Buck of Freedom Solar. "We're proud to partner with SunPower to give back to the community and provide a healthy, clean environment across Central Texas."

"SunPower leads the industry in environmental sustainability, and we're pleased to help the Sustainable Food Center continue cultivating a healthy community and supporting sustainable farming here in our own backyard," said Mike Kienitz, vice president supply chain operations at SunPower. "We look forward to this donation having a long-lasting impact in Austin, which more than 250 SunPower employees are proud to live and work."

SunPower, a global solar technology and services company, has had offices in Austin since 2011.
To learn more about Sustainable Food Center's sustainability efforts and programs available visit their website at sustainablefoodcenter.org.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Sustainable Food Center cultivates a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. SFC envisions a food secure community where all children and adults grow, share and prepare healthy, local food. For more information, visit www.sustainablefoodcenter.org or call 512-236-0074.

Freedom Solar offers SunPower's financing options and works directly with customers to design customized energy and financing plans, and solar systems to fit each family's needs.

Austin homeowners interested in buying or financing a SunPower system should visit www.freedomsolarpower.com

SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) designs, manufactures and delivers the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar panels and systems available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on SunPower's 30 years of experience and guaranteed performance to provide maximum return on investment throughout the life of the solar system. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpower.com.

Capture the world from a dog's point of view with GoPro's Fetch

Fetch Dog Mount. Photo:  prnews/GoPro, Inc.

(PRN) SAN MATEO, CA., August 25, 2014 - Digging, running, swimming, hunting and exploring – dogs can now showcase their world using the new Fetch mount from GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRO), the company's first pet accessory.

The Fetch dog harness has two mount locations for HERO cameras – one on the back for over-the-head shots and another on the chest for a field of view closer to all the action. The fully adjustable mount is designed to fit small dogs of 15 pounds (7 kilograms) to large breeds up to 120 pounds (54 kilograms).

"The adaptability and versatility of GoPro cameras make them the perfect device to document life from a dog's point of view," said Paul Osborne, GoPro's senior director of product management. "We designed Fetch to meet the unique needs and usage for pets and can't wait to see the images and videos that owners will capture and share now that they have a mount specifically for their dog."

The Fetch harness and HERO cameras in appropriate housings enable dog owners to document a range of pet activities on land or in water. Mud, snow, water and woods are no match for Fetch – the water-friendly mount holds up to the elements and can be machine or hand-washed to keep it clean. An included camera tether ensures that the GoPro stays attached, no matter what type of play the dog engages in.

To learn more about the Fetch dog harness and see the mount in action, check out the new GoPro video. Please also visit GoPro animal channels including Furry Friends and Wild Animals on GoPro.com to view more playful and entertaining dog content.

GoPro, Inc. is transforming the way consumers capture, manage, share and enjoy meaningful life experiences. We do this by enabling people to capture compelling, immersive photo and video content of themselves participating in their favorite activities. Our customers include some of the world's most active and passionate people. The volume and quality of their shared GoPro content, coupled with their enthusiasm for our brand, are virally driving awareness and demand for our products.

What began as an idea to help athletes document themselves engaged in their sport has become a widely adopted solution for people to document themselves engaged in their interests, whatever they may be. From extreme to mainstream, professional to consumer, GoPro has enabled the world to capture and share its passions, and the world, in turn, is enabling GoPro to become one of the most exciting and aspirational companies of our time.  For more information, visit www.gopro.com or connect with GoPro on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or LinkedIn.

David Yurman debuts Enduring Style Fall 2014 campaign with Kate Moss

 
Kate Moss/ photo: prnewsfoto/david yurman

NEW YORK, August 11, 2014 - David Yurman, America's premier jewelry and timepiece designer, debuts Enduring Style, the fall 2014 campaign with Kate Moss.

Shot by world-famous photographer Peter Lindbergh, the campaign celebrates the ten-year collaboration between the supermodel, the photographer, and David Yurman.

Shot by world-famous photographer Peter Lindbergh, the campaign celebrates the ten-year collaboration between the supermodel, the photographer, and David Yurman.

Enduring Style shows Kate in black and white images shot from 2004 to today, wearing David Yurman pieces that are still iconic favorites. New styles are also featured, including the Cable Buckle Collection®, the Hampton Cable Collection®, and the Venetian Quatrefoil Collection, as well as pieces from the recently introduced Starburst and Petite Pave collections. In combining past and present, the brand illustrates its timeless sophistication and ageless elegance.

The David Yurman Fall 2014 Campaign will debut this month in print and online outlets worldwide.

The featured assortment is available now at David Yurman retail locations, select wholesale accounts, and online at www.davidyurman.com.

David Yurman was founded in New York in 1980, and quickly became known as America's leading fine jewelry and luxury timepiece designer for men, women, and children.

The signature gold and silver designs; diamond, pearl, and gemstone jewelry; and Swiss-crafted timepieces are renowned for capturing the essence of relaxed American luxury. David Yurman collections are available at 30 retail locations throughout the United States, Canada, France and China, and at authorized fine jewelry and timepiece retailers worldwide.

Follow David on: Twitter.com/davidyurman, Instagram.com/davidyurman, Pinterest.com/davidyurman, Youtube.com/davidyurman, Facebook.com/davidyurman.

U.S. Postal Service records second quarter loss of $1.9
billion


Postal worker seen on the job making daily mail delivery.
photo: usps

(PRN/USN) WASHINGTON, May 9, 2014 - The U.S. Postal Service ended the second quarter of its 2014 fiscal year (Jan. 1, 2014 – March 31, 2014) with a net loss of $1.9 billion. This marks the 20th of the last 22 quarters it has sustained a loss.

"The Postal Service is working diligently to improve its finances by streamlining our network to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and increase revenue, which was up $379 million over the same period last year — the third straight quarter of revenue increase," said Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Donahoe. 

"Despite aggressive cost-cutting actions, however, we will still incur annual inflationary cost increases of approximately $1.2 billion each year, and First-Class Mail volume continues to decline," added Donahoe.

The Postal Service also is working to increase its package delivery business by offering greater customer benefits such as improved tracking and Sunday and day-specific delivery. Shipping and Package revenue increased $252 million or 8 percent over 2013 second quarter results, fueled by the growth of ecommerce. The Postal Service continues to capitalize on its competitive advantage in providing "last mile" service, resulting in a 26.4 percent increase in revenue from Parcel Return and Parcel Select Service over the same period last year.

"Some comments in recent news reports suggest that all we need from Congress is help with restructuring our retiree health benefit plan," said Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Joseph Corbett. "Nothing can be further from the truth. Our liabilities exceed our assets by $42 billion and we have a need for more than $10 billion to invest in new delivery vehicles, package sortation equipment, and other deferred investments.

"We haven't been making the retiree health benefit prefunding payments because we can't," added Corbett. "If legislation reduced the required retiree health benefit prefunding payment, it doesn't provide us with any more cash to pay down our debt or put much needed capital into our business. Only comprehensive postal legislation that includes a smarter delivery schedule, greater control over our personnel and benefit costs, and more flexibility in pricing and products will provide the necessary cash flows."

As recorded in the Postal Service's second quarter results, the volume of high-margin First-Class Mail continued to decline, a major contributor to the Postal Service's precarious financial position. If a downturn in the economy or other circumstance should further stress the Postal Service's cash flow, the agency would implement contingency plans to ensure that all mail and package deliveries are completed and that employees and suppliers are paid ahead of the federal government.

Regardless of the state of the country's economy, without comprehensive legislative reform, the Postal Service will be unable to make the required $5.7 billion retiree health benefit prefunding payment to the U.S. Treasury, due by Sept. 30, 2014.

Second quarter results of operations compared to same period last year

• Total mail volume of 38.1 billion pieces compared to 38.8 billion pieces
• First-Class Mail volume declined 4.1 percent.
• Standard Mail volume increased 0.5 percent.
• Shipping and Package volume increased 7.3 percent.
• Operating revenue of $16.7 billion, an increase of $379 million or 2.3 percent, including the impact of the price change effective Jan. 26, 2014.
• Operating expenses before non-cash Workers' Compensation expenses of $17.9 billion declined from $18.1 billion, a 1.1 percent improvement.

Complete financial results are available in the form10-Q.

U.S. Arab Chamber welcomes new Qatari Ambassador


US President Barack Obama pictured with H.E. Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari, Qatar's Ambassador to the United States. photo: nusacc

(BMLTV) WASHINGTON, DC., March 29, 2013 - The National U.S. - Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) hosted a welcome luncheon this week for H.E. Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari, Qatar's Ambassador to the United States.

Upwards of 200 private sector and government leaders attended the event, held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, to introduce the new ambassador to the U.S. business community.

Ambassador Al Kuwari, who arrived in Washington after serving for a decade as Qatar's Ambassador to France, presented his credentials to President Barack Obama on March 10, 2014.

"Our Chamber has a rich history of introducing new Arab ambassadors to the American business community, and we were pleased to continue that tradition," said David Hamod, President & CEO of NUSACC. "

Ambassador Al Kuwari has been a good friend of the United States for more than three decades, and I'm confident that he will be very well received by U.S. business and the American people."

In his remarks, Ambassador Al Kuwari noted, "It is a privilege to be able to say that Qatar's existing commercial, financial, and economic relations with the United States have been constant, productive and mutually enforcing.

We believe that investment and shared stakes in each other's economies provide a strong foundation on which to further develop the quality and scope of our relationship."

"Through Education, Art, Culture, and Science," Says H.E. Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari, "Qatar strives to create an atmosphere of understanding".

With a new investment office in Washington and plans to invest $200 billion at home and abroad, Qatar is working to ensure that non-hydrocarbon, sectors will make up more than half of the nation's GDP by 2015.

by admin

Facebook to acquire WhatsApp mobile messaging company

Facebook's office in Menlo Park, California. photo: peter daSilva/epa/lanodv. facebook inc.

Acquisition accelerates Facebook's ability to bring connectivity and utility to the world

(PRN) MENLO PARK, Calif., February 23, 2014  Facebook today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire WhatsApp, a rapidly growing cross-platform mobile messaging company, for a total of approximately $16 billion, including $4 billion in cash and approximately $12 billion worth of Facebook shares.

The agreement also provides for an additional $3 billion in restricted stock units to be granted to WhatsApp's founders and employees that will vest over four years subsequent to closing. 

WhatsApp has built a leading and rapidly growing real-time mobile messaging service, with:

• Over 450 million people using the service each month;
• 70% of those people active on a given day;
• Messaging volume approaching the entire global telecom SMS volume; and
• Continued strong growth, currently adding more than 1 million new registered users per day.

The acquisition supports Facebook and WhatsApp's shared mission to bring more connectivity and utility to the world by delivering core internet services efficiently and affordably.  The combination will help accelerate growth and user engagement across both companies.
  

"WhatsApp is on a path to connect 1 billion people.
The services that reach that milestone are all incredibly valuable," said Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and CEO. "I've known Jan for a long time and I'm excited to partner with him and his team to make the world more open and connected."

Jan Koum, WhatsApp co-founder and CEO, said, "WhatsApp's extremely high user engagement and rapid growth are driven by the simple, powerful and instantaneous messaging capabilities we provide.

We're excited and honored to partner with Mark and Facebook as we continue to bring our product to more people around the world."

Facebook fosters an environment where independent-minded entrepreneurs can build companies, set their own direction and focus on growth while also benefiting from Facebook's expertise, resources and scale.  This approach is working well with Instagram, and WhatsApp will operate in this manner.

WhatsApp's brand will be maintained; its headquarters will remain in Mountain View, CA; Jan Koum will join Facebook's Board of Directors; and WhatsApp's core messaging product and Facebook's existing Messenger app will continue to operate as standalone applications.
   

Upon closing of the deal, all outstanding shares of WhatsApp capital stock and options to purchase WhatsApp capital stock will be cancelled in exchange for $4 billion in cash and 183,865,778 shares of Facebook Class A common stock (worth $12 billion based on the average closing price of the six trading days preceding February 18, 2014 of $65.2650 per share).

 In addition, upon closing, Facebook will grant 45,966,444 restricted stock units to WhatsApp employees (worth $3 billion based on the average closing price of the six trading days preceding February 18, 2014 of $65.2650 per share).

As of February 17, 2014, Facebook had 2,551,654,996 Class A and B shares outstanding plus approximately 139 million dilutive securities primarily consisting of unvested  RSUs.

The Class A common stock and RSUs issued to WhatsApp shareholders and employees upon closing will represent 7.9% of Facebook shares based on current shares and RSUs outstanding.

In the event of termination of the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances principally related to a failure to obtain required regulatory approvals, the Merger Agreement provides for Facebook to pay WhatsApp a fee of $1 billion in cash and to issue to WhatsApp a number of shares of Facebook's Class A common stock equal to $1 billion based on the average closing price of the ten trading days preceding such termination date.

Facebook was advised by Allen & Company LLC and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP; and WhatsApp was advised by Morgan Stanley and Fenwick & West, LLP.

Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Habitat for Humanity expand mutual support for responsibly built affordable homes

PHOENIX: Homeowner Monica Echevarria and daughter Alondra read together on the front porch of their Habitat home. © habitat for humanity international/steffan hacker

(PRN/USN) WASHINGTON, February 6, 2014 -  In an agreement of support between the two organizations, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Inc., and Habitat for Humanity International have signed an MOU and pledged to expand the cooperation between the two groups by encouraging the use of wood products certified to the SFI Standard on Habitat construction sites.

"SFI and Habitat for Humanity International share common values: an equally strong commitment to communities of North America and the sourcing of certified building materials from responsibly managed forests," said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO  of SFI Inc. "I look forward to working together to build a better future for our forests and our communities for years to come."

SFI and many of its program participants have sponsored Habitat builds by supplying building materials certified to the SFI Standard to Habitat affiliates in the U.S. and Canada. SFI has also worked with the National Association of Home Builders and Built Green Canada to support green building certification of Habitat homes.

"Habitat for Humanity supports environmentally responsible construction of durable, healthy and sustainable homes," said Larry Gluth, Senior Vice President, U.S. and Canada, Habitat for Humanity International. "As part of Habitat's efforts to enhance the environmental footprint of each Habitat home, we are pleased to partner with SFI to encourage Habitat affiliates' use of wood products from organizations certified to the SFI Standard."

There are many green building rating systems that recognize the value of multiple forest certification standards and offer credits for products certified to these forest certification standards. Green building rating tools like the ANSI/ICC 700-2012: National Green Building Standard and Built Green Canada recognize wood certified to the SFI standard. SFI works with those organizations that support multiple forest certification standards including SFI.

SFI Inc. is an independent, nonprofit organization that is solely responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving the internationally recognized Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program. Across the United States and Canada, about 250 million acres are certified to the SFI forest management standard. In addition, the SFI program's unique fiber sourcing requirements promote responsible forest management on all suppliers' lands. SFI chain-of-custody (COC) certification tracks the percentage of fiber from certified forests, certified sourcing and post-consumer recycled content.

SFI on-product labels identify both certified sourcing and COC claims to help consumers make responsible purchasing decisions. SFI Inc. is governed by a three-chamber board of directors representing environmental, social and economic sectors equally.

You can learn more at http://www.sfiprogram.org/ 
 
Habitat for Humanity International's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976.

Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission.

To learn more, donate or volunteer visit habitat.org.

Leahy reaction to State Department's final EIS on Keystone XL Pipeline

The proposed route of the Keystone XL (in yellow) would pass through the Ogallala Aquifer (in light blue).  Map credit: nrdc
 
(PRN/USN) MONTPELIER, Vt., January 31, 2014 - Following is the reaction of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senate President Pro Tempore and chairman of the Appropriations Committee's State Department And Foreign Operations Subcommittee, on the State Department's final EIS On The Proposed Keystone XL Pipeline:

"I look forward to reviewing the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Keystone XL Pipeline.

"While this process has included more than 1.5 million public comments and several years of analysis, I am concerned that it may not fully take into account the overwhelming evidence that this project will greatly accelerate the release of greenhouse gas pollution and further worsen climate change. 

This process was fraught with earlier missteps, and now a further review will occur, which is intended to evaluate this project in terms of our own national interests.

"I hope that Secretary Kerry and President Obama will closely review this, and the subsequent national interest evaluation. 

I hope that, in the end, the United States will not green-light this misguided project, which would put our farms, fresh water, homes, and future generations in danger.  The United States should not be a willing and active partner in an environmental travesty."

U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce launches High Tech Road Show in Salt Lake City

More than 40 Delegates attend from 7 Arab Nations, including the largest Libyan Tech Delegation ever to visit the U.S.

(BMLTV) Salt Lake City, UT, January 15, 2014 - The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) 2014 "High Tech Road Show" was launched this week in Salt Lake City, Utah - home of some of America's best-known information technology (IT) start-ups.

The seventh annual High Tech Road Show (HTRS) drew more than 40 delegates this year from seven nations: Bahrain, Jordan, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. The Libyan contingent represents the largest tech delegation ever to visit the United States from that nation.

This year's HTRS encompasses three locations: Salt Lake City (Utah), Las Vegas (Nevada), and Silicon Valley (California). The HTRS tour has developed a reputation as the premier annual event dedicated to technology and knowledge transfer between the United States and the Arab world.

"The composition of the delegation changes from one year to the next, especially since the onset of the Arab Spring, but there is remarkable continuity in the high quality of the Arab entities that the HTRS attracts and the U.S. companies that meet with these delegates," said David Hamod, President & CEO of the National U.S. - Arab Chamber of Commerce.

"Over the past seven years, our Chamber has been privileged to play an instrumental role in bringing both sides to the table with a view to promoting innovation, capacity-building, employment, and economic development."

 admin

Yellow Jacket brings safety to Smartphones: World's only Smartphone Stun Gun Case


photo: prnewsfoto/yellow jacket/ LLC

(PRN) LAS VEGAS, January 10, 2014 Yellow Jacket, LLC, creators of the world's first stun gun smartphone case, announced its Yellow Jacket™ for iPhone 5/5S model at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Demonstrations of the new case were held during an invite-only press conference on January 7th .

The latest case features multiple upgrades, including:

• Ambidextrous triggers – Equipped left and right-handed triggers allow consumers to quickly deploy their personal protection device from either hand. 

• Dual safety mechanism – A swiveling electrode cap and safety switch protects users from accidentally discharging.

• Detachable stun gun pack – The removable stun gun pack provides users with the flexibility to attach or detach the stun gun pack, depending on their environment.

• LED battery indicators – Five LED power lights indicate the current battery level and notify users when it is charging and when it is fully charged. 

• TPE protective case – The TPE soft plastic protects the phone from damage caused by drops and daily wear and tear. 

• Twice the power – Packing a 1800mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery, the Yellow Jacket doubles the battery life of the iPhone. 

• Increase Amperage/Voltage – Includes a 30 percent increase in stun gun voltage and amperage. 

"We are committed to the issue of personal protection. By improving our Yellow Jacket case, we increase peace of mind for smartphone owners, making it easier and more effective for anyone to use during unsettling situations," said Sean Simone, CEO of Yellow Jacket.

"Krav Maga expert Donavin Britt will aid us in demonstrating the most effective ways to use Yellow Jacket and protect yourself in a violent situation."

Yellow Jacket case for the iPhone 5/5S will be available in February 2014, starting at $149, while the 4/4S case can now be purchased for $99.

Yellow Jacket, LLC is a Louisiana-based startup company and inventor of the world's first stun gun smartphone case. Its mission is to provide an accessible means of personal protection, while promoting safety-conscious decision making.

For more information on Yellow Jacket and its products, visit the company's website at www.yellowjacketcase.com, or follow them on on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Northrop Grumman names Charles W. "Charlie" Lyon Corporate Lead Executive for Hampton, Virginia 


Charles W. "Charlie" Lyon, Northrop Grumman corporate lead executive, Hampton, Virginia.
photo: northrop grumman corp 

(PRN) FALLS CHURCH, Va., December 23, 2013 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced today that it has appointed Charles W. "Charlie" Lyon corporate lead executive for company business in Hampton, Va.

Lyon reports to Timothy C. Jones, vice president, aviation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Lyon will replace the retiring Timothy A. Peppe.

"I am pleased to welcome Charlie Lyon as our new lead executive in Hampton," said Jones.

 "His extensive military leadership experience, particularly leading Air Force combat operations, will be a great asset in helping Northrop Grumman provide its broad range of capabilities in support of our customers.

"Tim Peppe has been a superb executive for the corporation over the past ten years," Jones added. "We wish Tim and his family the very best in retirement."

In his new role, Lyon represents the company to customers in the eastern region including joint and Air Force commands across the continental United States and Europe, such as European Command, Africa Command, Air Combat Command, Global Strike Command, Air & Education Training Command and U.S. Air Forces Europe.

Lyon joins Northrop Grumman after retiring from the Air Force with more than 32 years of service. His final assignment was director of Operations, Headquarters, Air Combat Command, Hampton, Va.

He was promoted to major general in 2010. During his Air Force career Lyon commanded at the squadron, group, wing and task force levels, leading airmen in Operations Iraqi Freedom/Northern Watch/Southern Watch/Provide Comfort (Iraq) and Allied Force (Serbia).

A command pilot, Lyon has 3,800 hours in F-16, B-1, KC-135, E-8C, RC-135, RQ-1 and HH-60 aircraft, including more than 1,100 combat flying hours. As the 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force commander, he commanded Air Force forces in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011.

Lyon earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from The Citadel, Charleston, S.C. and a master's degree in national security strategy from the National War College. He also attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

Boeing icing problems may lead to forced landings: U.S. FAA 

(Reuters) November 27, 2013 - Icing problems that have occurred on Boeing Co 787 Dreamliner and 747-8 aircraft using engines made by General Electric Co could lead to forced landings, the U.S. aviation regulator said on Wednesday.

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QVC, Inc. unveils second solar farm in North Carolina

17,244 solar panels on two farms generate 5.8 million kilowatt-hours annually

(PRN) ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., October 22, 2013 - QVC, Inc. (NASDAQ: LINTA, LINTB), the global leader in video and eCommerce retail, announced today the completion of a solar farm comprising 11,564 panels on 11 acres at the Rocky Mount Distribution Center owned by QVC Rocky Mount, Inc.

Now generating 5.8 million kilowatt-hours per year, this latest addition brings the combined total number of panels at the site to 17,244 over 18 acres. The first field of 5,680 solar panels on seven acres of land was completed in November 2008.

"QVC will conserve enough kilowatt-hours of energy to reduce CO2 emissions that are equivalent to 458,766 gallons of gasoline," said Bill Stanulis, QVC Rocky Mount Distribution Center General Manager .

"As one of the largest employers in Edgecombe County, we are committed to conserving energy by implementing sustainable solutions and reducing waste."

Other QVC sustainability initiatives at the site include:

• A recycling program that salvages 4,000,000 pounds of corrugate and 100,000 pounds of plastic recycling per year
• Warehouse lighting using energy-efficient T5 fluorescent fixtures and motion lighting sensors
• High efficiency HVAC units and LED lighting installed in all dock lights.
• A "white roof" which reduces cooling costs
• A community garden created for employees to grow fresh vegetables for local food banks
• Sheep on the premises that have reduced the need for gas-powered lawn mowers

"QVC is a valued retailer and is a huge asset to the Rocky Mount region," said North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. "They continue to increase their value to the area by exploring and implementing sustainable energy options. We applaud their leadership and appreciate their contribution to the community."

QVC Rocky Mount has been in Edgecombe County since 2000 and currently employs more than 1,000 people. During peak seasons, the company employs as many as 1,500 people.

QVC, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ:LINTA, LINTB), is the world's leading video and ecommerce retailer. 

QVC is committed to providing its customers with thousands of the most innovative and contemporary beauty, fashion, jewelry and home products. Its programming is distributed to approximately 290 million homes worldwide through operations in the U.S., Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and a joint venture in China.

West Chester, Pa.-based QVC has shipped more than a billion packages in its 26-year history and the company's website, QVC.com, is ranked among the top general merchant Internet sites. QVC, Q, and the Q Ribbon Logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc.

Finalists announced for 2014 "Green Car of the Year(R)"

 (PRNewswire) LOS ANGELES, October, 17, 2013  - Green Car Journal has identified its five finalists for the magazine's high-profile 2014 Green Car of the Year(R) program. The five 2014 models include the Audi A6 TDI, BMW 328d, Honda Accord, Mazda3, and Toyota Corolla. These five finalists are also honored as Green Car Journal's "Top 5 Green Cars for 2014" and earn the magazine's "Green Car Product of Excellence" honors.

An increasing number of vehicle models are considered for the Green Car of the Year(R)program each year, a reflection of the auto industry's expanding efforts in offering new vehicles with higher efficiency and improved environmental impact.

Green Car Journal has been honoring the most important "green" vehicles every year at the LA Auto Show, since its inaugural award announced at the show in 2005.

"The diversity of this field of finalists illustrates not only that 'green' has gone mainstream, but also that there is no single approach to achieving ever higher levels of fuel efficiency and environmental performance," says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and carsofchange.com "There's something for everyone in this year's field of finalists, including clean diesel, high efficiency gasoline, and hybrid/plug-in hybrid power featured in mainstream, sporty, and executive models."

Finalists are selected for their achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance. Availability to the mass market is a factor to ensure honored models have the potential to make a real difference in environmental impact, and finalists must be available for sale by January 1st of the award year.

Green Car of the Year(R) jurors include auto enthusiast and Tonight Show host Jay Leno, plus leaders of the nation's major environmental organizations including Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club; and Matt Petersen, board member of Global Green USA. Green Car Journal editors round out the 2014 Green Car of the Year(R) jury.

The Finalists:

Audi A6 TDI

Audi's 2014 A6 TDI blends excellent "green" credentials with unexpected levels of performance in a high efficiency vehicle. Its 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine with tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive provides 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. A start-stop system aids efficiency, as does a lightweight body that makes extensive use of aluminum body panels. This sedan features an EPA estimated 38 highway mpg that enables over 700 miles of highway driving range.

BMW 328d

Featuring the first 4-cylinder BMW diesel engine in the U.S., the new 328d combines exceptionally high fuel efficiency with the performance expected of BMW models. EPA estimated 45 mpg highway fuel economy is achieved with this sedan's 2.0-liter TwinPower clean diesel powerplant, which produces 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft torque. Efficiency is enhanced with engine auto start-stop and brake energy regeneration. A 328d Sports Wagon is also available. The models are offered in rear wheel drive or with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Honda Accord

Honda's popular Accord sedan aims to lead in the efficiency space with an array of efficient powerplant choices including four-cylinder, V-6, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. Even the V-6, the largest engine option, nets 34 highway mpg with the four-cylinder rated at up to 36 highway mpg. The bar raises considerably with the Accord Hybrid at 50 city and 47 highway mpg, and the Accord Plug-In with its 47 city and 46 highway mpg on hybrid power. The Plug-In also offers an EPA rating of 115 MPGe, the highest of any mid-size hybrid sedan in the country.

Mazda3

The all-new third generation Mazda3, this automaker's best-selling model worldwide, is lighter, more efficient, and packed with advanced electronics. The 2014 Mazda3 features an appealing new design and has been built from the ground-up with Mazda's award-winning SKYACTIV technology. The 2.0-liter powered Mazda3 four-door sedan offers best-in-class 41 mpg highway fuel economy, with the five-door hatch coming in at up to 40 mpg. A more powerful 2.5-liter engine with an i-ELOOP capacitor-based regenerative engine braking system gets 38 mpg.

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla has long been a best-seller due to its blend of efficiency and affordability. With the all-new 2014 Corolla, Toyota adds visual excitement, improved driving dynamics, and even greater efficiency to its popular compact sedan, achieving up to 42 highway mpg delivered by the model's Eco version. This level of efficiency is achieved with a 1.8-liter, 140 horsepower engine featuring the first use of Toyota's Valvematic technology in this country. A driver selectable ECO function moderates acceleration and optimizes on-board systems to enhance mpg.

The GCOY award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. carsofchange.com presents 'green car' articles online along with a focus on infotainment and connectivity. Green Car of the Year(R) is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show is the first major North American auto show of the season each year. Press Days for the 2013 LA Auto Show(R) will be held on Nov. 20 and 21. The show will be open to the public Nov. 22 - Dec. 1. The Connected Car Expo (CCE) will be the first expo to unite automotive and technology professionals in an effort to increase development and foster relationship-building in the connected car industry, providing attendees with access to the key players and top media constructing the future of the connected car. CCE will debut on Nov. 19, and continue in conjunction with the 2013 LA Auto Show Press Days. The LA Auto Show is endorsed by the Greater L.A. New Car Dealer Association and is operated by ANSA Productions. 

Green Mustache Organic Juice Smoothies launches for children  in New York City

Green Mustache Organic Juice Smoothies product line. photo: (PRNewsFoto/green mustache)

(PRN) NEW YORK, October 10, 2013 - Green Mustache's founder and CEO, VanTrang Manges, announced that her new line of organic fruit and green veggie juice smoothies for children will be available in all five New York City locations of Gourmet Garage starting today.

Gourmet Garage is New York City's premier specialty food retailer known for offering the finest, freshest and highest quality food items. Made with real fruits and vegetables, each 10-ounce bottle of Green Mustache provides one serving of fruits and one serving of vegetables from spinach and kale, as well as super ingredients chia and coconut water.

All four "kid tested" flavors—Strawberry Banana, Orange Mango, Tropical Twist and Mixed Berry—are also USDA-certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan and gluten-free. "We are thrilled that Green Mustache will be available at Gourmet Garage—they are an ideal retailer for us given their commitment to high quality products.

 Gourmet Garage is also so well-regarded in the New York City area where many families are on-the-go and looking for ways to help ensure their children maintain a healthy, nutritious diet," said VanTrang Manges, founder and CEO, Green Mustache.

 "Gourmet Garage has become known as the place where 'the chef's shop' and we are very selective about the products we carry in our stores," said Andy Arons, Owner, Gourmet Garage. "We are very pleased to be the first retailer in the U.S. to offer Green Mustache—a wonderfully delicious and organic line of juice smoothies for children because we believe they will be popular with our very food savvy and health conscious customer base."

 Research shows that only 22% of children ages two to five meet government recommendations for vegetable consumption1 and two-thirds of U.S. mothers surveyed reported having a picky eater at home.2 VanTrang was one of those mothers who had a picky eater. "I struggled getting my now five-year-old daughter to eat anything that wasn't beige.

When I introduced green smoothies into her diet, I saw first-hand what an incredible impact they had on her health and behavior," said Manges. "My hope is that Green Mustache helps make it easier for parents to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their children's diets and to promote life-long healthy eating habits."

In addition to focusing on the ingredients included in the product, Manges placed equal importance on what was not in the bottle: no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. Green Mustache also contains 20% to 35% less sugar per ounce compared to competing products and only contains those sugars naturally found in the fruits inside the bottle.

Manges has also made it a part of the Green Mustache mission to improve the lives of children everywhere by committing a percentage of sales to support non-profit organizations working to prevent childhood hunger and malnutrition.

"This all started in my kitchen in an attempt to make healthy eating more fun at home, but it has led to an even larger goal" said Manges. "But, my vision is serious. Every child deserves a healthy start, and I truly hope Green Mustache grows into a company that can help create that reality." For more information  visit:

 www.getgreenmustache.com.

Consumer Reports judges Heidi Klum Stroller A "Don't Buy" safety risk

(PRNUSN) YONKERS, N.Y., October. 10, 2013 - A Heidi Klum Truly Scrumptious Travel System stroller has been judged a "Don't Buy" Safety Risk by Consumer Reports after its safety harness failed to stay securely latched during tests.

 Of the more than 100 strollers in Consumer Reports' Ratings, the Truly Scrumptious Travel System is the only one with this problem. Falls are the biggest stroller risk by far: Roughly 75 percent of the estimated 46,200 stroller-related emergency-room visits between January 2008 and December 2011 happened because children tumbled out of their stroller, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

A stroller's harness is supposed to prevent falls by staying securely latched when in use, according to the voluntary industry safety standard. But on the Truly Scrumptious Travel System TR252BQR by Heidi Klum, $220, one side of the buckle released intermittently on three samples in Consumer Reports' latest stroller tests.

The Truly Scrumptious Travel System TR252BQR by Heidi Klum is part of a line of strollers and other baby products marketed by the supermodel and TV star and sold exclusively at Babies "R" Us. Like other travel systems designed to accommodate children from birth up to four years, this one includes the stroller and a detachable infant car seat with its own restraint system and base. Consumer Reports tested the product as part of its regular travel system tests.

The car seat and its restraint system performed well in its separate car-seat tests. For the stroller seat restraint, CR applied 45 pounds of force at each harness attachment point based on the voluntary safety standard for strollers. Its tests found no issues with the attachment points that don't involve the buckle. But when Consumer Reports testers applied force where the harness attaches to the buckle itself, the buckle's right side released 10 out of 15 times on three separate samples—three times during five tests with one sample, in two of five tests with a second sample, and in all five tests with a third sample.

The buckle also released in Consumer Reports' impact test. Patterned after the voluntary standard, this test simulates a stroller hitting a curb and is designed to evaluate the stroller's frame and its folding, locking, and latching mechanisms—not its restraint system.

This time, the buckle's right side released one out of five times on each of two samples, and five out of five times on a third sample. Consumer Reports doesn't know of any injuries associated with the Truly Scrumptious Travel System. But the organization believes it poses a safety concern and has designated the Truly Scrumptious Travel System TR252BQR by Heidi Klum a Don't Buy: Safety Risk as a result of its tests.

Consumer Reports contacted the Dorel Juvenile Group, which makes the stroller. Dorel said it disagrees with Consumer Reports' conclusions, based on its own internal and outside testing, and has had no reports or complaints about buckle releases. (CR didn't find a problem with a similar buckle on other strollers made by Dorel that were tested, including the Safety 1st SleekRide Premier Travel System, Disney Saunter Luxe Travel System, and Cosco Commuter Travel System.

 If you already own the Truly Scrumptious Travel System TR252BQR by Heidi Klum, you can continue using the car seat in the car and on the stroller, since it doesn't rely on the stroller's restraint system. But don't use the stroller on its own. Consider asking Babies "R" Us for a refund on the entire travel system.

Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

State Rep. Larry Taylor releases startling TWIA litigation summary


New records reveal staggering $1.2 billion spent on hurricane Ike litigated claims; excessive costs still climbing

(PRN) AUSTIN, Texas, October 29, 2012 -  Since Hurricane Ike struck the Texas Gulf Coast over 4 years ago, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) has paid out over $1.2 billion dollars on individually litigated claims related to the disaster.

The information released today by Rep. Larry Taylor (R – Friendswood) reveals troubling legal settlement patterns and staggering litigation expenses on the part of TWIA.  Rep. Taylor requested the information from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) in preparation for an upcoming hearing of the TWIA Legislative Oversight Board on November 1, 2012.

The information provided by TDI reveals an additional $1.2 billion dollars spent on Hurricane Ike litigated claims since the previously reported class action settlement for slab claims.  This figure represents almost half of the $2.5 billion total estimated loss.

 Rep. Taylor, the Co-Chairman of the Oversight Board, said, "September 13, 2012 marked the 4 year anniversary of Hurricane Ike, yet TWIA continues to pay out tens of millions of dollars and plaintiff attorneys continue to solicit additional lawsuits.  Coastal residents deserve to know how their dollars are being spent.  I intend to get answers at the upcoming hearing because this natural disaster has turned into a man-made disaster with serious repercussions."

The damage from Hurricane Ike resulted in an estimated 93,000 claims along the Gulf Coast.  However, the $1.2 billion paid out to date only represents approximately 10% of all claims.  To add insult to injury, on October 26, 2012, TWIA management announced a reduction in their expected contribution to the reserve fund by $100 million dollars due to ongoing lawsuits associated with Hurricane Ike.  This announcement leaves TWIA with only $25 million dollars to be deposited into the Association's reserve fund to pay future catastrophic claims.

The records also reveal a troubling and problematic settlement pattern between TWIA and the plaintiff attorneys involved in the litigation.  There are extremely high settlement amounts above and beyond prior payouts made by TWIA for claims resulting in litigation.  For example, TWIA paid out on average 7.2% of all policy limits on the initial claims by policyholders.  But, after litigation, TWIA paid out an additional 43% of policy limits on average.  This represents a combined average payout of 50% of policy limits on 9,622 claims (10%).  In addition, TWIA has spent approximately $70 million dollars on defense costs since 2008, an additional $69 million on expense costs and $1.3 million on mediation related to Hurricane Ike settlements.

A summary of the Top 10 Plaintiff Law Firms handling TWIA litigation reveals an astounding settlement payout over $600 million dollars.  There are over 300 plaintiff law firms with Hurricane Ike litigation claims in Texas, but a small cadre of 10 law firms has handled over 74% of TWIA litigated claims.

These firms are on track to handle over 800 additional claims in the coming months.  Last session, the Texas Legislature passed legislation to reform the claims settlement process and litigation practices of TWIA.  However, the legislation affects future events, not past events like Hurricane Ike.

Rep. Taylor added, "the bleeding of TWIA ratepayers has got to stop and it's time TWIA management explain exactly how they've been running their business since Hurricane Ike devastated Texas.  The payout patterns don't make sense, the exorbitant costs are atrocious and the abuse of the public trust is at an end."

Local Boston designers to take part in landmark EuraMedia 2012 Summit's e-fashion Show

photo: matt wright

(PRN) BOSTON , May 21, - EuraMedia 2012 is excited to announce four local Boston designers will be featured in an e-fashion show hosted by Leighton Meester. The show to take place on June 15 th from 10pm-2am at the Seaport Hotel Headhouse will also feature Boston based e-businesses, Karmaloop and Ruelala.

EuraMedia will celebrate both the innovators of this industry, both American and Russian, and showcase what it considers to be the new Russian and international business elite, the people who will shape finance markets, the technology industry, the media and entertainment industry, and, thereby, world politics in general over the next several decades.

Featured designers include Pavlina Gilson and Nirva Debekyan, who says, "It's exciting to be part of an event that has drawn in international talent to the city of Boston."

Designer Candance Wu www.candicewudesign.com agrees, "... excited to participate because it's an international event with a mix of cultural exchanges... to represent Boston fashion designers, as we have many cultures and a sophistication here, that is just as great as any high fashion city."

The show will also feature jewelry design by Russian born team and owners of Persona Jewelry+ www.personastyle.com, Margarita Druker and custom designer, Gary Shteyman.

Design comes in all forms which couture dog coat designer Jane Given of Scarlett Dream Coats www.scarlettdreamcoats.com will prove.

As the new Russian elite is significantly more interested in philanthropy than the old guard, EuraMedia has added a charity to the fashion show meant to raise money for children suffering from cancer and AIDS. EuraMedia believes that each and every person who possesses the drive and intelligence to one day change the future in a positive way is worth being protected and given the chance to develop his/her potential.

The EuraMedia Summit, to take place at Boston's luxurious waterfront Seaport Hotel and World Trade Pavilion between June 13-16, 2012, is dedicated to capitalizing on Russia's current tech and media boom, one that is only gaining strength according to companies such as Price Waterhouse Coopers, in order to give broader public access to US investors and businesses seeking access to these markets, as well as providing Russian companies with the ability to promote themselves and expand internationally.

The show will include a creative agenda that features sessions on IT, new media, social media, a trade show on media buying and selling across markets, and "how to" market entry sessions. The show will also feature a co-branded trade expo, Biopharmology, dedicated to the fields of nano, solar, and biotechnology.

Networking-style events will include a very exclusive VIP awards show, hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker and featuring a plethora of A-list Russian and US musical acts who have contributed to breaking borders in the market and a tribute to the leaders and icons, otherwise referred to as the "New Elite", of Russia. Learn more at: www.euramedia2012.com.

Is your car tornado ready?

 (PRN) DALLAS, April 13, 2012 - Although the National Climatic Data Center says there is no clear-cut "tornado season" in the U.S., data from 1991-2010 show that tornadoes touch down most frequently in April, May and June. Considering the damage that can be wrought by these tornadoes and accompanying weather events like hail, drivers living in areas where tornadoes frequently occur may want to make a timely review of their policies, says onlineautoinsurance.com.

Drivers shouldn't assume that their cars are covered for damage from weather-related events like tornadoes and hail. They're frequently not. That's because the only type of policy that covers these damages is one that includes comprehensive coverage.

No state in the nation requires drivers to include this coverage type on their policies, although many lenders who provide loans for car purchases will require the new vehicle owner to buy it.

Those who don't have this type of coverage and are weighing the costs and benefits of adding it can get car insurance quotes online for free to see how much extra it would cost.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average cost for comprehensive insurance in the U.S. in 2009 was $132, although the price for an individual will vary widely depending on the insurer, the type of car to be insured, the area that the policyholder lives in and the deductible the policyholder chooses.

If the price of comprehensive seems prohibitively high, shoppers should run another comparison with a higher deductible to see how that affects the end price. Though this will most likely bring down the cost of coverage, doing so also means the policyholder will have to pay more out of pocket following an accident.

The Insurance Information Institute (III) says that going from a $200 deductible to a $500 deductible could cut comprehensive costs by 15 to 30 percent, and going all the way to a $1,000 deductible could save the policyholder around 40 percent.

The III advises consumers that getting collision and/or comprehensive coverage may not be cost-effective if the car is worth less than 10 times the premium.

71st Annual Peabody Awards Winners announced

(PRN/USN) ATHENS, GA., April 4, 2012 - Thirty-eight recipients of the 71st Annual Peabody Awards were announced today by the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The winners, chosen by the Peabody board as the best in electronic media for the year 2011, were named in a ceremony in the Peabody Gallery on the University of Georgia Campus.

"The range of the Peabody Awards' search for excellence has never been wider or deeper than this year," said Horace Newcomb, Director of the Peabody Awards. "Local news organizations covered stories with international import as well as those significant within their communities. Documentaries and news reports on issues missed or overlooked by big organizations were available on websites. Comedians engaged in political actions. Radio proved again the power of the individual human voice. Drama took on issues of power and control. Images of disaster appeared alongside images of hope and freedom."

The latest Peabody recipients reflect variety in content, genre and sources of origination.

The winners included Homeland, Showtime's psychologically intense anti-terrorist drama; the classic game show Jeopardy!; TED.com, a website devoted to making creative thinkers' ideas available to one and all; remembrances of 9/11 collected by StoryCorps and broadcast on National Public Radio; and Toxic Secrets, a powerful series of reports by Phoenix's KPHO-TV about American soldiers and South Korean children exposed to Agent Orange three decades ago.

My Perestroika, a POV documentary that examined Russia's difficult transition from communism through the prism of five schoolmates who lived through it, was honored with a Peabody, as was Intersexions, a South African public-service drama aimed at curbing the spread of AIDS.

Other international recipients included A Year in the Clouds, a Taiwanese documentary about life in a remote mountain village; People's Republic of Cheating and Misjudged Cases, a pair of investigative reports from Hong Kong's TVB; Fuji Television's The Untold Stories of the Tsunami in Japan, which emphasized human interest as much as gob smacking flood footage; Somalia: Land of Anarchy, a BBC1 report from deep inside a country decimated by never-ending war; and NHK's Surviving the Tsunami, a meticulous post-mortem of the tidal wave and nuclear disaster with an eye to lessons for the future.

The anti-tyranny demonstrations in the Middle East, flaring up like wildfire, inspired some of the most impressive news reporting of the year. CNN earned a Peabody with comprehensive "Arab Spring" coverage that included the reports Egypt – Wave of Discontent and Uprising in Libya. National Public Radio's Arab Spring from Egypt to Libya , vividly reported by Lourdes Garcia-Navarro, was cited for its excellence as was Inside Syria , a trio of enterprising undercover reports by Clarissa Ward for the CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley. Al Jazeera English was cited for its wide-ranging coverage of the escalating wave of protests it labeled the "Arab Awakening."

The Peabody board also noted CNN's GPS series, citing Fareed Zakaria's commentary and analysis regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions as well as a special report, Fixing the American Dream, addressing problems with the U.S. educational system.

Other entertainment programs receiving Peabodys for 2011 include HBO's Game of Thrones, a fantasy-drama that immerses viewers in a richly imagined dark-ages society, and Treme, a note-perfect evocation of everyday life, love and music in post-Katrina New Orleans. NBC's Parks and Recreation was cited for its sweet and prickly take on friendship and rivalry within a small town's parks department, and Portlandia, shown on IFC, was recognized for the freshness and amiability of its send-ups of Oregon's trendy city.

Austin City Limits, public television's venerable showcase for roots, rock, country and pop music, was voted an institutional Peabody for its eclectic taste and unflagging commitment to quality. And Comedy Central's The Colbert Report won its second Peabody for its deadpan anchor's "Super PAC" segments lampooning the rise of megabucks politics.

Along with TED.com, the Internet winners for 2011 were BBC.com, a news site that draws on reports from the BBC's 72 overseas news bureaus; the On Location posts on www.globalpost.com, a site devoted to world events neglected by other media outlets; and a pair of online reports created under the banner of Human Rights Watch, Acting Up: Russia's Civil Society (www.newyorker.com) and Gold's Costly Dividend: The Porgera Joint Venture (www.hrw.org).

The documentary honorees underlined the robust, kaleidoscopic state of the non-fiction form. They included Triangle Fire, Freedom Riders and Stonewall Uprising, a trio of historical documentaries presented under the banner of American Experience; Showtime's Rebirth, a poignant film about five different people who experienced and rebounded from the 9/11 attacks; and Earth Made of Glass, an HBO documentary that examined the painful legacy of Rwanda's genocide. Bhutto, a comprehensive Independent Lens biography of martyred Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto, was awarded a Peabody, as was Charles and Ray Eames – The Architect and the Painter, an appropriately creative American Masters portrait of the great designing couple.

Other news programs cited by the Peabody board included Operation Deep Freeze, a report by Cleveland's WEWS-TV about Navy personnel unknowingly exposed to atomic radiation while on duty in Antarctica; Their Crime, Your Dime, a high-impact investigation of food stamp and welfare fraud by Seattle's KING-TV; and Desert Underwater, a thorough, comprehensible examination of why the housing bubble burst hit Las Vegas so hard by KLAS-TV.

ABC News Brian Ross Investigates was cited for Peace Corps – A Trust Betrayed, a stunning expose of widespread sexual abuse and official cover-ups within the esteemed humanitarian agency. Who Killed Chea Vichea?, from Denver's KBDI-TV, didn't let a limited budget or official resistance derail its investigation of the murder of a top labor leader in Cambodia, a major producer of low-cost clothing. A Peabody also went to Native Foster Care: Lost Children, Shattered Families, a three-part NPR investigation that found more than 30 states flaunting federal laws that forbid the separation of Native American children from their families or tribes.

In the realm of public service, a Peabody was awarded to CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute, the program that caps a year-round program created to identify and reward people around the world who affected the lives of others in a significant way.

"As media systems continue to expand and intensify, the Peabody Award will continue its search for excellence and significance," Newcomb said. "Programs such as those honored this year will always be noted for outstanding achievement and they will always serve as models for the best work yet to come."

The awards announced today will be formally presented at a luncheon ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on May 21. Sir Patrick Stewart, star of two Peabody winners, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Macbeth, will be the host. For ticket information, contact Sandy Friedman at 917-281-4718 or sfriedman@nbmedia.com

The Peabodys, the oldest awards in broadcasting, are considered among the most prestigious and selective prizes in electronic media. The Peabody Awards recognize excellence and meritorious work by radio and television stations, networks, webcasters, producing organizations and individuals. The 16-member Peabody Board is a distinguished panel of television critics, industry practitioners and experts in culture and the arts. Selection is made by the Board following review by special screening committees of UGA faculty, students, and staff.

All entries become a permanent part of the Peabody Archive in the University of Georgia Libraries. The collection is one of the nation's oldest, largest and most respected moving-image archives. For more information about the Peabody Archive or the Peabody Awards, visit www.peabody.uga.edu.

Established in 1915, the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication offers undergraduate majors in advertising, digital and broadcast journalism, magazines, newspapers, public relations, publication management and mass media arts. The college offers two graduate degrees, and is home to the Knight Chair in Health and Medical Journalism and the Peabody Awards, internationally recognized as one of the most prestigious prizes for excellence in electronic media. For more information, see www.grady.uga.edu or follow @UGAGrady on Twitter.

US Departments of Labor, Interior and Agriculture jointly announce new federal partnership to provide support for youth to work in the great outdoors

(BMLTV) NEW YORK, June 21, 2010 - Leaders from the U.S. Departments of Labor, Interior and Agriculture joined in New York City at the Outdoor Nation Youth Summit on June 20 to announce the launch of a $20 million federal grant opportunity and implementation of an initiative designed to help disadvantaged youth prepare for jobs in the outdoors. Through a national grant competition, funds will be awarded to enable ex-offenders ages 18 to 24 to give back to their communities through service and conservation work, while simultaneously acquiring solid employment skills. The grant competition is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2010.

The program was unveiled by Assistant Secretary Jane Oates of the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration; the U.S. Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget Rhea Suh; and U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Harris Sherman. At the Outdoor Nation Youth Summit, administration officials conducted two "listening sessions" with the 500 youth participants in the event to hear their perspectives on the president's America's Great Outdoors Initiative and the challenges and opportunities for youth engaging in outdoor activities and pursuing employment in green jobs.

"This multi-agency partnership will allow disadvantaged youth to prepare for lucrative green jobs and outdoor careers, including federal employment with public land management agencies," said Oates. "Our joint initiative also will provide support for meaningful service projects on public lands currently experiencing a backlog."

"We are always looking for opportunities to bring disadvantaged youth onto our forests and grasslands, and this project will provide resource protection, training and jobs while instilling in the corps members a lifelong connection and appreciation for our country's amazing lands," said Sherman. "We look forward to working on this rewarding and important partnership."

"This initiative provides young people an opportunity to get their lives on the right track while serving their communities and gaining a love for America's great outdoors," said Suh. "It is a win for everyone."

Prior to the grant competition, the three agencies will begin their partnership by implementing a pilot program this summer to increase outdoor employment opportunities for youth. The pilot will target local workforce areas to place youth in Youth Conservation Corps and other summer employment opportunities on public lands. Some of those opportunities will include working at national parks and forests, conservation areas, historic sites and tribal lands.

The partnership provides bureaus at the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture with the ability to engage youth looking to work and learn about outdoor occupations. At the same time, local workforce areas are provided with expanded support for their worksites where youth can receive work experience, supervision and an education about natural resources, conservation and becoming good stewards of public lands and resources. For more information on Department of Labor training programs, visit http://www.doleta.gov.

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