Books

HarperCollins Inks Deal With No. 1 Bestselling Rock Band Bon Jovi

2009-03-03T14:00:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- HarperCollins Publishers today announced a deal to publish the first ever official Bon Jovi book, Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful. Celebrating the band's 25th anniversary, the book contains never-before-seen photographs and exclusive text from the band and will be published next October by the Collins Design imprint. Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful will also serve as a companion to a major documentary about the band being released at the same time.

The story of Bon Jovi's career -- spanning three decades, countless hits, sold-out stadiums -- reads like a timeline of popular culture and has earned them legendary status. But for all their acclaim, fans have been offered very few up-close-and-personal glimpses of the band members. To commemorate their 25th anniversary, the band gave filmmaker and photographer Phil Griffin unprecedented access to their lives, onstage and off, during 2008. The Lost Highway tour became the #1 tour in the world last year, according to Billboard Magazine. This insider portrait of one of the world's best-loved rock bands is the subject of a major documentary and this extraordinary book is a must-have for all Bon Jovi fans.

The public face of Bon Jovi -- band of brothers, hitmakers, rock stars -- is well known, but in Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful, gorgeous, exclusive photographs and revealing text from Jon, Richie, David and Tico themselves tell the behind-the-scenes story. From intimate moments to basking in the limelight, the book offers fans an honest, unposed and unscripted portrait of this legendary band at work and at home.

"We are honored to be collaborating with one of the most successful bands in Rock history," said Marta Schooler, Publisher of Collins Design. "Bon Jovi's continuing success has been no less than remarkable and we are thrilled to be publishing the must-have book for all their fans."

The book offers unprecedented insights into the members' lives on stage, on the road, and at home, as well as intimate reflections on the highs and lows of their 25 years together. Bon Jovi is responsible for some of popular music's biggest anthems over the last twenty-five years. Since Bon Jovi's eponymous album release in 1984, their songs have propelled their albums and tours to stratospheric success with precision consistency. From rock songs ("You Give Love A Bad Name," "Living On A Prayer," "It's My Life," "Who Says You Can't Go Home,") to ballads ("Bed of Roses," "I'll Be There For You," "Always,"), to outlaw-themed anthems ("Wanted Dead or Alive," "Blaze of Glory"), their arsenal of All-American songs have repeatedly found a reception on a global stage. Bon Jovi has sold over 120 million records worldwide and charted seven #1 singles and countless Top Ten hits.

About HarperCollins Publishers

HarperCollins, one of the largest English-language publishers in the world, is a subsidiary of News Corporation (NYSE: NWS, NWS.A; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). Headquartered in New York, HarperCollins has publishing groups around the world including the HarperCollins General Books Group, HarperCollins Children's Books Group, Zondervan, HarperCollins UK, HarperCollins Canada, HarperCollins Australia/New Zealand and HarperCollins India. HarperCollins is a broad-based publisher with strengths in literary and commercial fiction, business books, children's books, cookbooks, mystery, romance, reference, religious and spiritual books. With nearly 200 years of history HarperCollins has published some of the world's foremost authors and has won numerous awards including the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, the Newbery Medal and the Caldecott. Consistently at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement HarperCollins is the first publisher to digitize its content and create a global digital warehouse to protect the rights of its authors, meet consumer demand and generate additional business opportunities. You can visit HarperCollins Publishers on the Internet at http://www.harpercollins.com.

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New Book Challenges America's Leadership to Uphold the Principles of Justice, Truth and Compassion

2009-03-03T12:50:00.000+02:00

TAMPA, Fla., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- As a new Administration and America face economic, social, and political uncertainties, social commentator, keynote speaker and diversity consultant Dr. Melvin James presents solutions for restructuring the social, economic, legal, religious and political sectors of America. In "God Bless America: Contemporary Analyses of Truth, Justice and Compassion," he provides authoritative and compelling analyses of American governance and society.

Dr. James examines societal foundations that need to be restructured. On race relations, he calls for more open dialogue on racism which "is deeply etched in the societal blanket." On the statement that we are "a nation of laws," he reminds us that "America when it disenfranchised women was also 'a nation of laws.'" On democracy, he states, "In Special Interests Democracy, the masses select the national players; the lobbyists ... set the agenda and outcomes." On the economic crisis he notes, "Minimally regulated capitalism is not just another economic model; it is premised on a self-centered philosophy of life." He also indicates that a compassionate America is grounded in the belief of the intrinsic dignity of every American regardless of his/her economic or social condition.

The genesis of the book followed the deadly 9/11 attack and the outburst of national solidarity embodied in the song, "God Bless America." Consequently, the portrait of a blessed America where greater levels of Justice, Truth and Compassion prevail is presented. As a diversity consultant and theologian, James brings new perspectives to this discourse.

To depict what America should be, James rewrites the discourse of "A City on a Hill" given by Governor Winthrop in 1630. In the call for a national ethic of truth he reminds us that, "A nation that manipulates truth for its own ends, will one day discover that it has lost control over those desired ends." On foreign policy, we are cautioned that as stereoscopic vision is necessary for human survival, stereoscopic comprehension of the socio-political history of nations is indispensable for planetary survival.

This book is intended for persons in leadership in all sectors of society. Topics include: Where was God on September 11?; Who is an American?; Truth and Political Correctness; Legal Injustice by Design; A Message to African Americans; Hurricane Katrina and Moral Visual Impairment; Compassionate Political Leadership; America and Democracy; America and the World. A series of chapter questions are designed to stimulate group discussions. The book can serve as a supplementary text for college courses in the social sciences, education and religion. Copies of the book are available from http://www.amazon.com or http://www.godblessamw.com.

Dr. Melvin James is a diversity consultant and psychotherapist and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Florida. He is an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida and Argosy University.

    MEDIA CONTACT

    Melvin James, Ph.D.
    God Bless America And The World
    P.O. Box 291488
    Tampa, FL 33687
    Phone: (877) 524-6325
    Email: drmwjames@godblessamw.com
    Website: www.godblessamw.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

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Hannah Montana Fans Get Key to Online Secrets With New Book and Interactive Website

2009-03-03T10:30:00.000+02:00

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Kids get the key to hours of fun and entertainment with Hannah Montana Secrets Unlocked Online, new this spring from Reader's Digest. Fans will covet the collectible charm with secret password that comes with the book. It enables readers to access a special website, www.hannahwebpass.com, that's chock-full of fun online activities. Kids can read about Hannah, her friends Lily and Oliver, and even heartthrob Jake Ryan, then log on to the website, plug in the secret code, and discover a treasure chest full of pictures, posters, printables and interactive activities.

The book and website each include three separate sections -- "Fashion Focus," "School, Friends, and More," and "Family Rocks" -- that not only show what makes Hannah so cool, but also give kids a chance to explore their own fashion style, relationships, and more. Fans will want to share with each other the book's familiar Hannah Montana moments -- silly, goofy, funky, and, of course, romantic. The website extends the fun.

Online, kids can design a room, guitar, bulletin board, birthday card, or concert t-shirt, choose outfits for Hannah, edit a magazine cover or yearbook, and print out a fashion calendar or a birthday keeper. Whether fans want to read Miley's diary, find out their "crush style," or create a Hannah Montana family scrapbook, it's all there at www.hannahwebpass.com. A special bonus page even allows kids to download and print posters and stickers.

The Hannah Montana Secrets Unlocked Online book and secret website are the ultimate key to fun for Hannah Montana fans.

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Power and Responsibility: Building International Order in an Era of Transnational Threats

2009-03-02T23:38:00.000+02:00

"The vision, ideas, and solutions they put forward in this book have the potential to redeem American foreign policy." -- Brent Scowcroft

"I salute the Managing Global Insecurity (MGI) project and this book, Power and Responsibility, for undertaking the challenging endeavor of strengthening and improving our current means of international cooperation. This book sets a platform from which to take forward the vital agenda of restoring American leadership and creating a more effective international system." -- Madeleine K. Albright

"Power and Responsibility offers timely, relevant, and responsible advice on America's future foreign policy. The authors address our need to strengthen our alliances and forge relationships based on common interests. Addressing twenty-first century challenges will require engaging the world with strong leadership and a twenty-first century frame of reference." -- Chuck Hagel

WASHINGTON, March 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As soon as he was sworn into office on January 20, 2009, President Barack Obama was immediately faced with security threats unconstrained by borders. From climate change, nuclear proliferation and terrorism to conflict, poverty, disease and economic instability, these threats overwhelm an outdated and unrepresentative post-World War II international security system. In their important and timely new book, Power and Responsibility: Building International Order in an Era of Transnational Threats (Brookings Institution Press; March 3, 2009; $32.95), Bruce Jones, Carlos Pascual, and Stephen John Stedman argue that, in order to advance its own interests, the United States must learn to govern in an interdependent world, exercise leadership through cooperation and forge a new compact with the world's traditional and emerging powers.

With a new approach to sovereignty and cooperation, Power and Responsibility outlines a vision for an international order that can promote global security and prosperity for the next 50 years. The authors argue that international cooperation must be built on the principle of responsible sovereignty--the idea that in an interconnected world, sovereignty entails obligations and duties toward other states as well as to one's own citizens. The first step in strengthening international relations will be the restoration of American credibility and leadership, particularly American re-commitment to a rule-based international system. In addition, the U.S. must institutionalize cooperation with rising powers and promote effective international institutions that will provide legitimacy, mobilize resources and deliver on top global challenges.

The result of a collaborative project on Managing Global Insecurity, Power and Responsibility also draws its findings from the project's Advisory Group, composed of prominent figures from the United States and abroad, including Madeleine Albright, John Podesta, Richard Armitage, EU High Representative Javier Solana, former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, and one-time Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov.

As President Obama takes his first steps into his term, the time has arrived for a serious rethinking of American global leadership for the 21st century.

About the Authors

Bruce Jones is director of the Center for International Cooperation at New York University and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. He recently served as deputy research director for the United Nations High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change.

Carlos Pascual is vice president and director of Foreign Policy Studies at Brookings. He previously served as coordinator for reconstruction and stabilization at the State Department and as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine.

Stephen John Stedman is a senior fellow at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University and a nonresident senior fellow at Brookings. He recently served as assistant secretary-general and special advisor to the UN secretary-general.

The Brookings Institution is a private nonprofit organization devoted to independent research and innovative policy solutions. For more than 90 years, Brookings has analyzed current and emerging issues and produced new ideas that matter -- for the nation and the world.

Power and Responsibility: Building International Order in an Era of Transnational Threats

By Bruce Jones, Carlos Pascual, and Stephen John Stedman

Brookings Institution Press

Pub date: March 3, 2009

6 x 9 ¿ 360 pages

cloth, ISBN 978-0-8157-4706-2, $32.95/22.99 pounds Sterling

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John Gray Will Discuss His New Book Why Mars and Venus Collide

2009-03-02T16:15:00.000+02:00

PHILADELPHIA, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Join Jacqueline Foreman, host of Your Mental Health Talk Radio www.blogtalkradio.com/yourmentalhealth when she interviews national best-selling author John Gray whose first book Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus sold millions of copies worldwide. They will discuss his new book When Mars and Venus Collide: Improving Relationships by Understanding How Men and Women Cope Differently with Stress on Thursday, March 5th at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST.

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(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090302/NY76774LOGO-b )

Over the last fifteen years, a new trend in relationships has emerged linked to increasing stress. Both couples and singles believe they are too busy or too exhausted to resolve their relationship issues, and often think their partners are either too demanding or just too different to understand. Attempting to cope with the increasing stress of working for a living, both men and women feel neglected at home. While some couples experience increasing tension, others have just given up, sweeping their emotional needs under the carpet. They may get along, but the passion is gone.

John Gray, PhD, the best selling relationship author of all time - is the author of 16 best-selling books including Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: one of the best-selling books of the last decade. In the past fifteen years, over 40 million Mars Venus books have been sold in over 45 languages throughout the world. An expert in the field of communication, John Gray's focus is to help men and women understand, respect and appreciate their differences in both personal and professional relationships. In his many books, CD's, DVD's, tapes, workshops and seminars, he provides practical tools and insights to effectively manage stress and improve relationships at all stages and ages by creating the brain chemistry of health, happiness and lasting romance. His latest book, Why Mars & Venus Collide - which recently reached the Amazon top one hundred - reveals how men and women can improve relationships by understanding how they cope differently with stress. John Gray has appeared on Oprah, The Today Show, CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America, The Early Show, The View, Politically Incorrect, Larry King and others. He has been profiled in Newsweek, Time, Forbes, USA Today, TV Guide, People and New Age Journal, among others.

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New Book on American Pinot Noir Inspires Twitter Taste Live Online/Offline Wine Tasting March 14, 2009

2009-03-02T15:15:00.000+02:00

SAN FRANCISCO, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Jordan Mackay, dynamic wine writer and author of "Passion for Pinot: A Journey Through America's Pinot Noir Country," will host a Twitter Taste Live online wine tasting of American Pinot Noirs on Saturday, March 14, 2009, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Wine lovers are encouraged to join this interactive, educational wine tasting event at http://www.twittertastelive.com/events/twitter-taste-live-a-passion.

A live video stream at Twitter Taste Live will allow tasting attendees to follow Mackay's educational tour through the finest Pinot Noir regions of California and Oregon. Participants can also ask questions through the Web site's real-time Twitter feed. For Pinot lovers who'd prefer to meet the author in person, The Jug Shop will host a simultaneous in-store tasting with Mackay live from 5 to 7 p.m. PT. The Jug Shop is located at 1590 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109. Phone: (415) 885-2922. Jug Shop tasting fee is $5. Please RSVP by e-mail only at info@jugshop.com.

Twitter Taste Live (TTL), the premier forum for real-time wine tasting via the Web, is a ground-breaking tasting format that utilizes the popular social networking tool Twitter to connect passionate consumers with people that share their passion. TTL began as a series of online wine tastings bringing the world's top winemakers, importers and bloggers directly to consumers all over the world. It is an open platform driven by the users and launched in September 2008 by Bin Ends, a wine retailer in Braintree, Mass. Tasters must have a Twitter account in order to actively exchange questions and comments about the wines.

Consumers can purchase the TTL featured wines through official partner retailers a few weeks prior to the event: Bin Ends, The Jug Shop and The Wine Spies. Orders will be processed and wines shipped to consumers' residences in states where legal. Consumers located outside of partner retailer areas can also visit www.vinquire.com to find retailers in their neighborhoods that sell the featured wines.

TTL Passion for Pinot will feature three wines, including those from regions that are Pinot's greatest expressions in the New World: Sonoma Coast Vineyards Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast; WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir Estate Cuvee, Willamette Valley; and Gainey Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills. (Additional Pinots served at The Jug Shop tasting.)

In "Passion for Pinot," award-winning photographers Robert Holmes and Andrea Johnson and wine writer Jordan Mackay capture the grape's allure by showcasing top Pinot producers and terroirs. Officially released in late February, "Passion for Pinot" (hardcover, $30) is now available for purchase at www.amazon.com. The book beautifully illustrates the poetry of the vineyard landscapes, the life cycle of the vineyards and the atmospheres of the wineries. The engaging narrative chronicles the different stylistic approaches to growing and vinifying Pinot and tells the story of the dedicated winemakers responsible for elevating the grape to its exalted status. Jordan Mackay is wine-and-spirits editor for 7x7 magazine in San Francisco and is a contributing writer to Wine & Spirits. He has also written for Food & Wine, Gourmet, Drinks, New York Times, Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle.

For more information about Twitter Taste Live, please visit www.twittertastelive.com. For more information about the Wilson Daniels Ltd. portfolio of wines, please visit www.wilsondaniels.com. For more information about "Passion for Pinot," visit www.pinotbook.com.

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EQAL, 'CSI' Franchise Creator Join Forces to Launch Cutting-Edge Digital Novel Experience

2009-03-02T14:00:00.000+02:00

Anthony E. Zuiker Taps Social Entertainment Pioneers Behind lonelygirl15 to Create Multiplatform Interactive Experience for DARK CHRONICLES Novel

LOS ANGELES, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- EQAL, the social entertainment company behind the Web's two most successful interactive drama series, lonelygirl15 and KateModern, and 'CSI' franchise creator, Anthony E. Zuiker, today announced a partnership to launch a multiplatform 'Digi-novel' series that will expand traditional book reading into a multimedia experience.

DARK CHRONICLES, the first in a series of crime novels published by Dutton, will revolutionize modern storytelling by allowing readers to move seamlessly from books to film to the Web, an unprecedented undertaking in the publishing industry.

Under the terms of the partnership, EQAL will develop a destination Web site for DARK CHRONICLES, www.darkchronicles.com, which will launch in July, featuring a blog and a rich social network. Cyber bridges will be added to the site with the release of the novel on Sept. 8, 2009. Readers will be able to access cyber bridges every five chapters, which will allow them to view videos, audio files and photos by registering and entering a code from the book. All cyber bridges were written, produced and directed by Zuiker.

"EQAL is the ideal partner for the debut of the 'digi-novel'. Our collective passion to tell stories on multiple platforms will honor the authenticity of community while at the same time appeal to the commercial masses," said Anthony E. Zuiker.

EQAL, founded by Miles Beckett and Greg Goodfried, will run the Web site's community and will build and provide the entire technology infrastructure to host the online components. As the world's leading producer of online interactive shows, EQAL has a proven record in building online communities having paved the way with lonelygirl15 and KateModern, which collectively have attracted more than 150 million views and hundreds of thousands of fans around the world.

"We're very excited about our partnership with Anthony," said Miles Beckett, co-founder and CEO, EQAL. "A Web site dedicated to DARK CHRONICLES is a great way to further engage readers by offering additional content and an interactive experience. EQAL is thrilled to be working with Anthony to expand his fan base online."

Blog content will be updated daily with information related to novel, as well as a combination of behind-the-scenes footage and bonus material from DARK CHRONICLES. The Web site's social network will allow Zuiker's fans to set up profile pages, friend other members, send private messages, upload photos and videos, write blogs and chat with each other in a dedicated forum.

DARK CHRONICLES will be available in stores on September 8. The cyber bridges will go live September 8 as well.

About EQAL

EQAL (pronounced "Equal") is a social entertainment company dedicated to changing the way content is consumed. Merging technology with creative development and production expertise, EQAL is a leader in the creation of truly interactive shows. Formerly known as LG15 Studios/Telegraph Ave. Productions, the company produces the two most successful online interactive dramas: lonelygirl15 and KateModern. Through partnerships with independent producers, traditional media companies, and multi-national brands, EQAL is dedicated to building online communities that engage users like never before. EQAL is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in London. For more information: http://www.eqal.com.

About Anthony E. Zuiker

Anthony E. Zuiker is one of the most creative and multifaceted individuals working in Hollywood today. He is the creator of television's successful CSI franchise, which now includes CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami and CSI: New York. In 2002, CSI became the most-watched show on television reaching 75 million viewers per week and has accumulated an astounding 28 Emmy Award Nominations, four Emmy Awards and one Screen Actors Guild Award. In addition to expanding on his film and television efforts, Zuiker continues to delve into the worlds of gaming, publishing and cross-platform storytelling. He has created the industry redefining multi-platform media property being coined a 'Digi-Novel.' Published by Dutton, the first 'Digi-Novel' in this crime series is titled 'Dark Chronicles' which will be in stores on September 8, 2009. Zuiker also closed a deal with publisher HarperCollins for his memoir tentatively titled 'Mr. CSI.'

About Dutton

Dutton is a U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Dutton is home to many bestselling crime and thriller authors such as Harlan Coben, Ken Follett, John Lescroart, Stephen White, Raymond Khoury, T. Jefferson Parker, and Marcus Sakey. In 2007, one quarter of the books Dutton published hit the New York Times bestseller list, including books by Eckhart Tolle, Eric Jerome Dickey, and Jenny McCarthy. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Penguin Press, Berkley Books, Penguin, Gotham Books, G.P. Putnam's Sons, Plume, New American Library, Viking, Philomel, and Riverhead Books, among others. The Penguin Group is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.

    Contact:    Amy Gubman/Stacy Schlicht
                Rogers & Cowan
                310-854-8194/310-854-8226
                agubman@rogersandcowan.com/sschlicht@rogersandcowan.com

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Korn/Ferry Institute Announces New Edition of Classic Leadership Development Book

2009-03-02T11:00:00.000+02:00

- Fifth Edition of Lominger's FYI For Your Improvement(TM) Introduces New Research-Based Content to Identify Leadership Development Needs -

LOS ANGELES, March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Korn/Ferry Institute today announced that Lominger, a Korn/Ferry company, has released the fifth edition of its popular FYI For Your Improvement book series. The FYI For Your Improvement(TM) books offer a set of easy-to-use development and coaching tools for executives looking to cultivate their leadership skills. Korn/Ferry International (NYSE: KFY) is a premier global provider of talent management solutions.

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The fifth edition introduces new content that makes it even easier to identify development needs and create targeted development plans. The book is a result of more than 50 years of research and experience and provides easy-to-follow chapters and tips for lifelong improvement in leadership.

"We are excited to offer the fifth edition of FYI as the latest product in our book series," said Kim Ruyle, vice president of product development for Korn/Ferry International. "The step-by-step guide to development planning and sample development plans featured in the book are beneficial for anyone from line managers and corporate supervisors to career coaches and mentors, while the leadership competencies really offer a common language for leadership and development."

Notable additions to FYI's fifth edition include:

Remedy questions written as diagnostic questions and action statements so it is easy to identify a development need and transfer a remedy directly onto the development plan.
Develop-in-place assignments added to competencies, stallers and stoppers, and global focus areas that allow individuals to develop without having to change jobs.
Developmental difficulty ratings that show how difficult it would be for a typical professional person to develop any of the 67 competencies as well as the average skill rating of the general population for each competency.
Development planning templates that lets learners organize their plan on an easy-to-use two-page template.
Updated suggested reading lists, new quotes and an easy-to-use index that helps learners and coaches look up common development themes or development needs.

FYI's fifth edition also follows the series theme with a deep-dive look at the 67 Leadership Competencies developed by Lominger, in addition to providing an overview of 19 Career Stallers and Stoppers and 7 Global Focus Areas.

For more information or to order a copy of the latest edition of FYI For Your Improvement, please visit http://www.lominger.com/fyi.php. A sample chapter is also available at http://view.vcab.com/showvcab.aspx?vcabID=cnlSpepcSeepcg.

About The Korn/Ferry Institute

The Korn/Ferry Institute was founded to serve as a premier global voice on a range of talent management and leadership issues. The Institute commissions, originates and publishes groundbreaking research utilizing Korn/Ferry's unparalleled expertise in executive recruitment and talent development combined with its preeminent behavioral research library. The Institute is dedicated to improving the state of global human capital for businesses of all sizes around the world.

About Lominger

Founded in 1991 by Robert W. Eichinger, Ph.D. and Michael M. Lombardo, Ed.D., Lominger produces a suite of competency-based leadership development resources for individuals, teams, and organizations. In August 2006, Lominger joined the Korn/Ferry International family of companies.

About Korn/Ferry International

Korn/Ferry International (NYSE: KFY), with more than 90 offices in 40 countries, is a premier global provider of talent management solutions. Based in Los Angeles, the firm delivers an array of solutions that help clients to identify, deploy, develop, retain and reward their talent. For more information on the Korn/Ferry International family of companies, visit www.kornferry.com.

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Obama's Speech Filled with Rhetoric, Wishful Thinking, According to Fitzgerald Griffin Foundation Columnist, Robert Hale

2009-02-28T00:00:00.000+02:00

VIENNA, Va., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fitzgerald Griffin Foundation website, http://www.fgfBooks.com, released a column today critiquing 14 points from President Obama's speech on Tuesday. North Dakota attorney and builder, Robert L. Hale, takes the President to task for "wishful rhetoric" and his "clear misunderstanding of how markets work."

Some of Hale's 14 points include:

--The President said: "In order to save our children from a future of debt, we will also end the tax breaks for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans." Hale comments: "Does it seem a realistic that two percent of Americans are going to pay off a federal debt estimated to be between $12 trillion and $19 trillion?"

--The President said: "We have done more to advance the cause of health care reform in the last thirty days than we have in the last decade." Hale replies: "What has been provided is health care insurance -- not health care reform. Nothing has been done to reform a health care system that is bloated by massive Medicare and Medicaid mismanagement.

--The President said: "...we will put Americans to work making our homes and buildings more efficient so that we can save billions of dollars on our energy bills." Hale replies: "As a builder for more than 30 years, I can state unequivocally this is a fiction. It is simply cannot be done.

--The President said: "I'm proud that we passed a recovery plan free of earmarks." Hale comments: "Yet news reports identified up to 9,000 earmarks in Congress' $410 billion omnibus spending bill."

--The President said: "The ability to get a loan is how you finance the purchase of everything... and [how] businesses make payroll." Hale responds: "Businesses do not make payrolls with loans. Those that do, don't stay in business; they fail."

For more than three decades, Mr. Hale has been involved in drafting proposed laws and counseling elected officials in ways to remove burdensome and unnecessary rules and regulations.

"For those who listened carefully and understand how sustainable jobs and prosperity happen, the President's speech was a terrible disappointment," Mr. Hale said.

The full column can be read at the Fitzgerald Griffin Foundation's website, www.fgfBooks.com, which posts articles of commentary on current events, the culture, and society.

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The Red Wine Pill

2009-02-27T16:00:00.000+02:00

TORONTO, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The following was written by W. Gifford-Jones M.D., a medical journalist.

How do the French differ from North Americans? They eat fat-rich, calorie-packed baked goodies which are not heart healthy. Yet they're less likely to die from cardiovascular disease than North Americans. It's called "The French Paradox", believed to be linked to resveratrol, a substance found in red wine. Now, a study shows that a red wine pill provides more health benefits than drinking hundreds of glasses of the sweet nectar of the gods.

Dr. David Sinclair, at The Harvard Medical School, has developed a concentrated form of resveratrol. He's tested the effects on mice and believes it will help to offset the effect of high fat diets, decrease the chance of diabetes and slow down aging in humans.

Middle-aged mice were fed a diet in which 60 percent of calories came from fat. They developed signs of diabetes and died much sooner than mice fed on a regular diet.

Another group of middle aged mice were fed the same diet along with resveratrol. This prevented the onset of diabetes and even though obese, they lived as long as those fed a regular diet. It showed mice could be gluttons at mealtime without paying the price later on.

Dr. Johan Auwerx, at the Institute of Molecular Biolgy in Illkirch, France showed that an ordinary mouse could run one kilometer on a treadmill. But mice given resveratrol ran twice as far and had a slower heart rate, similar to trained athletes. As Dr. Auwerx remarked, "Resveratrol makes you look like a trained athlete without the training."

Auwerx believes resveratrol generates energy in the body's cells thereby burning more fat and avoiding weight gain. Examination of muscle fibers of the mice revealed they had been remodeled by resveratrol into a type prevalent in trained human athletes.

Other scientists believe that enzymes, such as sirtuin, keep the body healthful in youth, but become less powerful with age. They claim that resveratrol restores the activity of these enzymes.

At this point I'm ready to pour myself a glass or two of Cabernet Sauvignon. But according to Dr. Sinclair I would have to drink 1,500 bottles of red wine daily to get the same amount of resveratrol that was given to mice. The alternative is the Red Wine Pill.

Sinclair's research is driven by his own desire to slow down aging. As he told me, "This is the Holy Grail of Aging Research." And he says he, his wife, parents and half of his research staff take the red wine pill.

So what is the choice? If you're a moderate drinker you can continue to enjoy a frequent glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Many studies show you will live longer. But Dr. Sinclair stresses his research is not about red wine which provides miniscule amounts of resveratrol. Rather, it's about getting a concentrated dose of resveratrol in the Red Wine Pill.

For years doctors have feared promoting the health benefits of wine because of social problems associated with excessive use of alcohol. Now the Red Wine Pill allows teetotalers the health benefits of wine without the alcohol or calories.

Since 50 percent of patients with diabetes die from heart attack, the Red Wine Pill will hopefully help decrease this complication in years ahead. And if Dr. Auwex's and Dr. Sinclair's research is right, the Red Wine Pill should help to decrease the chance of cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, and give energy to those who are tired all the time.

Several red wine pills are available, but studies show some brands provide only small amounts of resveratrol. I've relied on the work of seven international nutritionists and their book "The Comparative Guide To Nutritional Supplements." They analyzed and rated 500 vitamin products. No company hit the perfect score 100. One company Vitamin Research Products was 93.1. Their product, "Extension Resveratrol", also contains red wine polyphenols which act synergistically with resveratrol and quercetin which prolongs the action of resveratrol in the body.

The Comparative Guide To Nutritional Supplements is loaded with vitamin information. See the web site www.comparativeguide.com. And for the red wine pill see the web site www.vrp.com or the toll free number 1-800-877-2447.

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Journey into the Dark Recesses of the Subconscious Mind

2009-02-27T13:40:00.000+02:00

"Dark Currents" shares poetry author's two-year period of severe depression

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- During a two-year time period, author Arthur F. Temple kept a journal, in which the basic underlying quality of his life on all levels had become intolerable, and the result is this fascinating book of poetry, "Dark Currents" (published by iUniverse).

In nearly 100 poems, Temple shares his heartfelt feelings of extremely difficult times in his life, from an abusive childhood, being laid off from his job, having his friendships and marriage severely strained, followed by a time period of great physical suffering. The physical suffering was the result of multiple serious health issues. Due to his deteriorating health, he was "holed up" in an apartment for nearly the entire two years with the exception of hospital room visits and subsequent visits to several specialists.

A friend suggested that writing might help him through his depression and even be cathartic for him. With most of the selections written in prose poetry, Temple's thoughts are divided into four chapters: Memories, Proverbs, Society and Abyss.

"Memories" deals with abhorrent childhood and young adult memories. "Proverbs" is the result of his daily observations since childhood. "Society" reflects on his thoughts of daily current events. "Abyss" was written at the height of his depression and moments when he was not even lucid.

As in "Responsibility" from the "Proverbs" chapter:

It is easier for mankind to deny truth to shed itself from responsibility.

What would transpire if the listless masses woke from their slumber?

Temple is also an artist, as each piece of poetry comes with an abstract piece of art related to the subject matter.

About the Author

Arthur F. Temple was born and raised in New York City. Although he has lived in several states across America, he currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. Temple has suffered from multiple health issues since receiving mass amounts of radiation treatment as a teenager. The long-term side effects of this treatment came about simultaneously, which affected most of his major organs, and spun his asthma out of control. Currently, he is healthy, stable and proud of his debut book of poetry. Visit him online at www.arthurftemple.com.

iUniverse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.iuniverse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 1-800-AUTHORS
    Fax: 812-355-4078
    Email: promotions@iuniverse.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

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Our Need to Remember: Growing Up with Faith and Family During Wartime in America

2009-02-26T13:50:00.000+02:00

HAGERSTOWN, Ind., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Set in a middle-class neighborhood on the east side of Indianapolis during World War II, "Me and Howard: Surviving the '40s in Indianapolis" (published by iUniverse) is a non-fiction work about simpler times in a smaller America.

This nostalgic memoir, written by Raymond N. Armstrong, details how Raymond and older brother Howard grew up together, explored together and learned from each other, and from friends and family, what it meant to be boys. They grew up in an ordinary neighborhood, with playmates like themselves who learned out of necessity to be creative and inventive with their time. They climbed trees, invented games on bicycles, explored the creek, and told each other stories under spirea bushes in the backyard, often with close buddies "Doc" and "Mildew" who shared many of their adventures.

The boys learned to work, to study, to follow their hobbies, and eventually to take their place in the community as productive citizens. For this they credit their devoted schoolteachers, members of their church, and persons in the neighborhood. The Armstrong brothers especially credit their loving parents who gave them a legacy of hard work, hope, and a life based on faith in God. Together, the family pursued gardening, canning, walks in the woods, Christmas traditions at home and with grandparents, and a reliance on Christian faith that took form in the context of a congregation of German-American churchmen.

The author recalls the shared conflicts and joys of boyhood during a time of war and rationing, anchored by the values of their parents. Their neighborhood still maintained family life, school discipline, ethics in business and relationships, and time for boys to explore the world around them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raymond Armstrong is a retired United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ minister. He and wife Deena, a Speech/Language Pathologist, live in Hagerstown, Indiana. They have four children and six grandchildren. Besides writing, Ray pursues photography, painting, cooking, and building muzzle-loading rifles. Occasionally, he still preaches. This is his first book.

iUniverse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.iuniverse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 1-800-AUTHORS
    Fax: 812-355-4085
    Email: publicity@iuniverse.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

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'Probable Cause': Provocative New Book Seeks to Shed New Light, Offer Alternative Theories on JFK's Assassination

2009-02-26T13:20:00.000+02:00

WINCHESTER, Va., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- In her compelling, controversial new book, "Probable Cause: ReThinking of the JFK Plot" (published by AuthorHouse), Robin Haines seeks to deliver a powerful message to the American people about the circumstances surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Taking a radical departure from the Warren Report theories, Haines distances herself from the idea that JFK's death was the result of a criminal conspiracy. Instead of seeing it as a crime plotted against the president by others, she claims the assassination was a massive deception staged from within the government as a means of civil defense.

According to Haines, the president was fully aware of the government's plot and fully cooperated with intelligence officers, giving authorization to proceed. "He signed a direct Presidential Executive Order, and personally arranged for the security precautions normally in effect to be removed," she writes.

"Probable Cause" names three men Haines believes are responsible for the assassination. At the time the book was first written, all three men were still living, but are now deceased. Although Haines believes she had enough evidence compiled to have them arrested, she "really doesn't think they did anything wrong," she writes, asserting that the assassination was carried out legally according to the laws in place in 1963.

Haines goes on to discuss the controversy surrounding the identity of Maurice Bishop, the testimony presented to the State Intelligence Committee in 1979, and E. Howard Hunt's lawsuit with the now-defunct Liberty Lobby. Haines also writes in depth about the mystery novels and spy thrillers written and published by Hunt and his colleague, David Atlee Phillips.

A must-read for any JFK conspiracy theorist, "Probable Cause" emerges with new evidence and compelling arguments. "The possibility does exist that JFK had to die in order to save America," Haines writes. "The 'Deception in Dallas' may have been the only alternative to nuclear war." Find out more in the compelling pages of "Probable Cause: ReThinking of the JFK Plot."

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.authorhouse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 888-728-8467
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

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The Great Rock & Roll Kindle - Free Speech in America Has a Revival

2009-02-26T05:25:00.000+02:00

MARIN COUNTY, Calif., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- When Someone hears that a new product is "endorsed by Oprah," such as Amazon's revolutionary Kindle eBook reading Device, people sometimes automatically assume that a giant Publishing Company is behind the content, and all the works available are only those already selling millions of copies.

One need not be a Bestseller (yet) to join the Ranks of those Who Are.

Thanks to IT companies like the Supremus Group, Independent Writers and publishers can make their Works available on Kindle, in a very simple and affordable fashion.

Free Speech is having a Revival.

Even dead rockstars like Kurt Cobain of Nirvana are being Resurrected on Kindle, in a book being Released by Eternal Youth Empire. The Book, titled

    "220: S I F T I N G
    The Alien Battle Royale
    or
    How we met the Spirit of Kurt Cobain"
    is now available on Kindle
    (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TK3GXI )
    since 2/20/09, Kurt Cobain's birthday.

"220" is a Non-Fiction True Account which deals with the themes of Spiritual Contact, alien encounters, unexplained phenomena such as Stigmata; telepathy, Remote Viewing, and Remote Influencing. It is written by Veronica Grey (aka Fysche) - a credible author who would pass a Lie Detector Test at the not-for-profit Organization Eternal Youth Empire, and an Independent UK based Publishing House Turner Maxwell Books

(http://www.turnermaxwellbooks.com/220.htm.)

With the old business model of Publishing Monopolies, such an unusual title with a niche following would have had a Challenge to find Its way onto the Mainstream Book Market.

Now, many companies, such as Supremus Group, make It as Easy as "Point, Click, and Pay". All an Interested Writer or Publisher has to do after Registering their company on Amazon's digital platform http://dtp.amazon.com is contact someone like Bob Mehta of

    Supremus Group
    515-865-4591
   http://www.itglobalsolution.com

and Bob would simply have the eBook e-mailed over or uploaded to an ftp server, depending on the size of the File. Then Bob would return with a Quote based on the number of pages, graphics, etc of the book. Once payment is made, the eBook is converted to formats compatible with Kindle and Mobipocket et Voila! Within days an otherwise obscure title is available to the masses in the most Cutting Edge manner.

The added bonus is that eBook conversion rates start at only $69 on ITGlobalSolution.com, making It an affordable Option for the Independent Artist, such as Eternal Youth Empire, a not-for-profit Organization helmed by motocross hotshot Von Launius, dedicated to bringing wellness and viable age-reversal techniques to the Forefront, with Its Guidebook, "6 Newly Discovered and Never Before Published Secrets to Eternal Youth and Immortality." For more information on these works and / or to find out how You can get Your Work on Kindle, visit the Contact or Links Page on http://www.EternalYouthEmpire.com.

Other musicians Referenced in the work include Paul Bubbo of the Star Chemists, and JA$*N.!3; actor Jason Lewis and numerous Other Celebrities.

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What the Billion Dollar Beauty Industry Does Not Want Leaked: That One Can Actually Reverse Aging for Free by Moving Only to the Right. We Smell a Nobel.

2009-02-26T01:05:00.000+02:00

Tired of Putting Money in the Hands of Beauty Corporations for Botox, Pills, Creams, unused Gym Memberships, Plastic Surgery, and / or Counseling to Remain Youthful? Now one does not have to. New Book '6 Newly Discovered and Never Before Published Secrets to Eternal Youth and Immortality' gives FREE and Simple solutions that Truly Reverse the Aging Process so that folks can attain and maintain the Age they Intend to Look and Feel Forever - Guaranteed! Because the Secrets are Free to Test, people only have Health and Vitality to Gain, as the Beauty Industry stands to lose Billions.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Often times Simplicity is the Best Path. Eternal Youth Empire, a California Based not-for-profit Organization dedicated to health and vitality for the masses, may have Stumbled Upon the Key to Reverse Your Aging Process. Best of all, It is FREE to test the Key, to See that It works. http://www.EternalYouthEmpire.com Aside from the low cost of obtaining the Book from their Website, one never has to pay for anything for the Rest of one's Life, to stay Forever Young.

The following Key is the mind-blowing Secret that has never been publicly revealed before in Print, for Free: It is generally accepted that tiny particles called Atoms "make-up" Everything, and that electrons revolve around atoms in a rather Haphazard manner. Eternal Youth Empire discovered over 10 years ago that for some Reason, whenever anything organic decomposes or ages, the Electrons that once rotated Randomly quite suddenly organize Themselves in an orderly fashion and begin Rotating in a leftward, Counter-clockwise motion.

Therefore, aging and Decomposing is a matter of revolving to the left. If you believe that simplicity and elegance are common sense and that nature displays the macrocosm of the microcosm, therefore, if one never rotates to the left, one puts off aging Indefinitely. Basically, if one only moves in rightward clockwise motions, one will stay Youthful Forever.

Members of Eternal Youth Empire have only gone right for over 10 years and their Youthfulness is Credible. Whirling Dervishes and Yogis for centuries have advocated right twirls to stave off aging. A Physical Immortality Interest Group in Orange County, CA led by Lynn and Leo Youngblood have their own set of testimonials from only moving to the Right. Dr. Janni Lloyd of Australia concurs. Her blog on Oprah's website is titled, "Do You Choose Life" and the public is welcome to comment: http://www.oprah.com/community/thread/95436 .

Even UPS has now implemented only Right Turns for their Drivers. Time and gas spent by waiting to turn left is assuaged by going around the entire block by making 3 rights.

The Buck Institute of Aging in Marin County, CA, only one of three such Laboratories in the World and the Only One in the United States, is aware of Eternal Youth Empire's Guide, and have Invited the members of Eternal Youth Empire to visit with Them, which may be an Indication of Endorsement. Nobel can only be Close Behind.

Eternal Youth Empire says, "Try It for Yourself. It is 100% free!" If You ever have to turn left, instead, make a 270 degree turn to the right, like a twirl or pirouette. You will end up facing left as Intended and literally stave off aging forever. You may hear a short Interview for Free regarding this one Key by clicking on This Link: http://www.myspace.com/eyelipstongue where You can also get In Touch with this not-for-profit Organization.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Christophers to Honor Outstanding Work in Books, Film, TV at Diamond Anniversary Awards Gala in April

2009-02-25T19:15:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The 60th annual Christopher Awards in April will celebrate feature films, books for children and adults, broadcast and cable television programs, adding to the list of 1,336 authors, illustrators, screenwriters, producers and directors honored to date.

"The Christophers recognize media that remind audiences and readers of all ages and faiths, and of no particular faith, of their power to make a difference in their communities and the world-at-large," said Judith Trojan, director of the Awards, which will be presented at a gala on April 16th at the McGraw-Hill Building in New York City.

"There has been a lot of fine work to choose from this past year," added Trojan. "In the Books for Young People category alone, more than 500 books were submitted for consideration, an increase of 15 percent over last year." The Christophers also recognize special accomplishments in work with or for young people, and outstanding examples of leadership and life achievement.

The 2008 Christopher Life Achievement Award-winner, author/historian David McCullough, was immensely proud of his Award, which he now displays proudly in his library. "It gives me the chance to talk about the bedrock values The Christophers stand for and why having my work so honored means worlds to me," he noted.

Along with McCullough, other special Christopher Award-winning literary and media icons have included Dave Brubeck, Eli Wiesel, Mary Higgins Clark, Carroll O'Connor, Dr. Robert Coles, master puppeteer Caroll "Big Bird" Spinney, dance educator Jacques d'Amboise, and Children's Television Workshop creator Joan Ganz Cooney, as well as such landmark programming as "Masterpiece Theatre," "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," "American Masters," "Face the Nation," and NBC's "The More You Know" public service spots.

The Christophers, a nonprofit organization founded in 1945 by Maryknoll priest Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. The ancient Chinese proverb -- "It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness" -- guides its publishing, radio and awards programs. Visit www.christophers.org to learn more about The Christophers.

Contact David Reich, 212-573-6000

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Monday Smiles Asks Are You Suffering From Sombereconitis? Take This Quiz & Find Out!

2009-02-25T18:25:00.000+02:00

Do you read about the current economic crisis and feel despondent or depressed?

Do you only see the negative side of the current financial turmoil?

Do most of your conversations revolve around the gloom of the current market?

Are you fearful that the worst is yet to come?

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from Sombereconitis. At least according to Chappale Linn Burton, author of How to Choose Happiness...Most of the Time: 30 Ways in 30 Days. Burton coined the term Sombereconitis to describe anyone who is overly worried, stressed out or negatively consumed with anxiety over the present economic situation.

"Most people don't realize that what you focus on expands and that each of us has the power to control our thoughts, which in turn affect our attitudes," states Burton. He has several suggestions for dealing with Sombereconitis.

1) Balance. You can be informed without being inundated. If you read an article and allow it to negatively affect your state of mind, balance that feeling by feeding your mind with some inspirational material.

2) Change your focus. Instead of focusing on the negative side of the financial turmoil, focus on things that you are passionate about (family, friends, hobbies or volunteering).

3) Gratefulness. The next time you find yourself talking about the market in a negative way, stop yourself and talk about something or someone you are grateful for.

4) Ask yourself better questions. What can I be doing right now to improve my current situation?

These are a few ways Burton suggests to get you well on to your road to recovery. To learn more about Chappale Linn Burton's strategies and techniques you can find his well received book, How to Choose Happiness... at www.Amazon.com. World renowned author and speaker Brian Tracy said, "Wow! This fast-moving inspirational book shows you how to be happy and joyous under any conditions."

Burton has a degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. He has been a milieu therapist at a leading psychiatric hospital and is the co-founder of Monday Smiles, a self development company based in Los Angeles, CA. He tours the country speaking to students, corporations, and associations on self leadership and mindset management.

www.MondaySmiles.com

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America Needs Power of Factory, Says Harbour in 'Factory Man'

2009-02-25T15:00:00.000+02:00

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Manufacturing is suffering because America has lost its focus on manufacturing and our belief in the factory life," says industry analyst James E. Harbour in his new autobiography, "Factory Man" available today and published by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

Recognized worldwide as a leading automotive industry analyst and founder of The Harbour Report, a study of OEM's manufacturing performance, Harbour has co-authored this factual, non-technical book with James V. Higgins, an award-winning automotive reporter, columnist and editor who covered the industry for most of his career at The Detroit News.

"Factory Man" presents the insights of an automotive "insider" who became one of the industry's main critics. The book is a brutally honest assessment of what was wrong with U.S. automakers from the 1950s into the early 21st century. Harbour's views are as relevant to the auto industry today, as they were in 1981, when he issued his first Harbour Report.

His work experience while at Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Corp. mainly in manufacturing, takes readers on a personal trip leading to his landmark discovery and evaluation of the Toyota Production System. That study helped persuade the Big Three that massive changes in their production systems were necessary in being more competitive with Japanese car companies.

In "Factory Man," Harbour also details the ramifications of fuel economy standards, trade and energy policies, and service and financial institutions being able to maintain our standard of living. He says we seem to think that by shifting low-cost manufacturing overseas we would better be able to focus on innovation and other futuristic pursuits. Financial institutions are not the creators of wealth but rather the consequence of it. Historically, if industrial development is lost, we can expect financial institutions to follow trade to the countries more successful than we are, writes Harbour.

"You can make things in a factory. That's where Detroit comes in and that's what America needs right now - a good jolt of the power of the factory," says Harbour, "allowing America's manufacturing industry to create wealth and put money in people's pockets."

Book Purchase: To purchase a copy of "Factory Man," available February 2009, visit http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.sme.org/factoryman.

Available Topic Expert: For information on the listed expert, click appropriate link:

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=84967

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Author Claims to 'Channel' Stories and Characters

2009-02-25T13:05:00.000+02:00

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The author JL Julius is about to release his first novel, Widow's Leap, a paranormal love story of sorts. The story tells of two lovers that were separated by death; one has reincarnated and the other remains in the "gap" trying to reach her beloved. It is an emotional tale that ponders the question of love after death and if true love can reach beyond the grave.

According to Julius, this tale came unexpectedly when he walked over a bridge in North Carolina. He paused a moment, when suddenly a feeling of grief and great loss came over him. At that moment, the story appeared in his mind, a complete story, not a notion or idea for a story. Years later, he commits this experience to writing. The initial story remains intact, save the addition of a few characters to help tell the tale and the fleshing out of the main ones.

None of this seems strange to him, Julius says, since he has experienced strange things all his life. Although Widow's Leap can be considered a light romance, he also writes under the pseudonym of Dwayne Keegan for his darker stories. This is where it gets weird ....

A friend asked him if he would write a vampire novel, so he pulled out an old plot that went nowhere, just notes he scribbled down a year prior. When he reviewed the pages, it happened again: An entire story exploded in his mind. He wrote everything he saw and heard and realized that this story will run about three books or more. However, this wasn't the weird part; Julius had two of the minor characters approach him and ask for bigger roles. It felt a little strange at first, he remembers, but the one character moved herself into center stage and completed the dynamics of the first book of this trilogy.

The funniest incident happened while he was walking in his "mind's movie set," where he noticed a pile of rags. Before he could ask why they where there, he chuckles, a lady pops her head from beneath the pile and asks to be in the story. Naturally, he was thrilled and included her.

His friends really freaked out, when a coworker with "the gift" inquired about a lady and what connection she had with him. She described the rag lady in detail and said, "She could only see her from the neck up and she wore a bunch of blankets." Julius informed her that was Margo, a character in his book. He inquired why she should ask or even knew about her. His coworker replied, "Because she is here standing next to you. She has been here for some time now, hovering around us." Julius thought this experience was exciting and wonderful; his friends disagreed as they tried to rub away their goose bumps ....

Widow's Leap (Bookworm Publishing; ISBN 978-1-60264-310-9; $22.95; hardcover) will be available early March of 2009. More info at http://www.jljulius.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

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Dimension Data Launches Free eBook Showcasing eProcurement Best Practices for a Cost-Effective Green Purchasing Program

2009-02-24T16:47:00.000+02:00

Company Also Unveils First Online Calculator to Quantify the Overall Environmental Benefits of the eProcurement Process

NEW YORK, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Dimension Data, a $4.5 billion IT solutions and services provider, today announced the launch of an eBook intended to help organizations of all sizes bridge the gap between environmentally sustainable procurement practices and cost containment. Titled Overcoming the Challenges of Green Procurement Through eProcurement, the free online eBook highlights nine eProcurement best practices designed to help organizations implement and manage green purchasing programs, reduce environmental waste and control costs.

Along with the eBook, Dimension Data is also launching a free online green procurement calculator - the first calculator to quantify the overall environmental benefits of the eProcurement process for a given organization. The calculator allows users to enter in the average number of requisitions and purchase orders processed each month and then calculate the environmental benefits -- in terms of paper, energy, carbon emissions and more -- that could be realized by switching to a paperless eProcurement process.

"An increasing number of organizations are examining ways to factor environmental criteria into their buying decisions," said Ettienne Reinecke, CTO of Dimension Data. "However, in today's economic climate, organizations face the added challenge of balancing sustainable purchasing with cost savings. Our eBook outlines nine tested and proven best practices that will help organizations implement and manage green procurement programs, while simultaneously achieving the cost and efficiency savings that have long been associated with eProcurement.

"The benefits of a well-planned and executed eProcurement program can be significant. Consider this: The production of just one ream of paper uses 6% of a tree, 27.8 kilowatt-hours of energy, 6.4 kilograms of greenhouse gas, 180 liters of water waste and 2.6 kilograms of solid waste - and that's without printing or faxing. To fax or print requires an additional 10 kilowatt-hours of electricity and 5 kilograms of carbon emissions. Over the course of a year, this adds up to an alarming amount of unnecessary paper consumption and carbon emissions."

The nine best practices highlighted in Dimension Data's eBook each map to at least one of four green procurement program enablers: knowledge transfer and training, selection and control of suppliers (enforcing green suppliers), measurement and compliance, and a paperless workflow. The eBook also provides tips for organizations without existing eProcurement programs on how they can still leverage the same best practices and assist their green procurement implementation. In addition, the eBook outlines the important criteria to look for when choosing vendors and suppliers.

Overcoming the Challenges of Green Procurement Through eProcurement and the green calculator can be obtained by visiting http://www.dimensiondata.com/Services/eProcurement/GreenProcurement.htm

About Dimension Data

Dimension Data (LSE: DDT), a specialist IT services and solutions provider, helps clients plan, build, support and manage their network and IT infrastructures. Dimension Data applies its expertise in networking, security, operating environments, storage and contact center technologies and its unique skills in consulting, integration and managed services to create customized client services. For more information: Call 866-DIDATA-US or visit www.dimensiondata.com/na.

About Dimension Data Direct

Dimension Data Direct is Dimension Data's B2B eProcurement solution that allows clients to purchase IT products and services electronically via either punch-out from the clients' existing eProcurement system or by utilizing our hosted procurement solution. In 2008 we helped our clients eliminate the need to print more than 1.8 million sheets of paper with Dimension Data Direct. That means we've helped our clients save 219 trees, approximately 69,134 kg of carbon emissions, and about 138,268 kWh of energy - the same amount of energy used by the average American household for 13 years!

For more information about Dimension Data Direct's eProcurement system go to: http://www.dimensiondata.com/Services/eProcurement/eProcurement.htm

    Media Contacts:
    Lisa Grimes                         Laura Sexton
    Dimension Data                      Davies Murphy Group
    (703) 217-2692                      (781) 418-2417
    lisa.grimes@us.didata.com           ddna@daviesmurphy.com

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Joy Berry's Five Musts for Raising Responsible Children

2009-02-24T15:00:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Joy Berry, the highly successful, pioneering educator and child development specialist says that if you follow the "Five Musts for Raising Responsible Children" you have armed your children for life. With more than 250 titles and 85 million copies of her living skills books sold, Joy Berry's message has always been the same: Help children help themselves so they can become responsible for their own lives.

Joy Berry's five musts for raising responsible children are:

Parents need to begin transferring control to their children on day two of their lives.
A child's happiness and success belong to the child, not to his or her parents.
It is essential that parents empower their child with the proper living skills.
Never use punishment with children; it doesn't work.
One of the most important goals for a parent is to have their child 100% responsible for making their own decisions by age 12.

Joy Berry's tried and true approach to raising responsible children is focused on helping parents and directing children in the right direction. "Formal education cannot do it all. As parents we must help our children become independent," says Joy Berry. "As children become teenagers, they begin to pull away from their parents and want to begin living their own lives. It is imperative that several years before a child leaves the home, that they are fully responsible and are making good decisions. Following these basic steps can really provide children the tools they need for making all the right choices."

About Joy Berry

Joy Berry holds advanced degrees in education and human development. She received her BA with a major in Biological Science and a minor in music from Upland College and Laverne College in California. She received her teaching credentials from Laverne majoring in Education. She received her MA in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena. Along with her academic credentials she holds the distinguished honor of being a parent, grandparent, adoptive parent and step parent. Joy Berry lives in New York.

Joy Berry is available for interviews.

About Joy Berry Enterprises

Joy Berry Enterprises (JBE) represents the world's largest collection of living skills products for children that teach responsibility and behavior through stories, music and multimedia. Joy Berry, pioneering educator, bestselling author and child development expert, has partnered with some of the best media minds today to launch a vast collection of books, music and media into today's markets, through traditional distribution platforms as well as through digital and online delivery formats. The product line is the largest created by a single author and comprises the only comprehensive living skills program for children ages 1-14. This timeless, "classic" collection includes more than 175 living skills books, 100 activity and novelty books, over 500 children's songs and read-alongs, toddler-to-teen curriculum for the classroom, and world outreach projects with Amnesty International, the United Nations and The Red Cross. In addition to Joy Berry Classics, JBE is developing a new series with Joy Berry that includes animated television shows, online programming and character-driven books and merchandise. With more than 85 million copies sold of Joy Berry books, JBE will continue to develop multimedia products for children and their parents based on Joy's enduring theories about growing up and learning how to be responsible. Joy Berry Enterprises is a privately held company based in New York City. http://www.joyberryenterprises.com.

For information, contact:

Maryann Palumbo

718 680 6483 or mpmarkcon@aol.com

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David Bach Demystifies the Language of Commerce

2009-02-24T14:00:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Do you know what a depositary share is? How about a load fund? A market-timer? Most people do not know these, or other common, important financial terms the politicos and experts bandy about in the media during this economic crisis. Now more than ever, it is important to be attentive not only to personal finances, but to national market shifts and economics, and understand how those changes will affect individual financial futures.

In The Finish Rich Dictionary, finance guru David Bach defines and demystifies the language of commerce, giving readers the power to understand and manage their money more effectively. In addition to the 1001 essential words and terms like: leverage, latte factor, narrow money, rack rent, stagflation, tiger economy, white goods.

This compact volume also includes essays on topics such as

buying a home
determining credit card problems
retirement planning

Bach also includes a list of the top ten money mistakes people make, common financial equations, and an interest rate calculator table. The Finish Rich Dictionary is a user-friendly guide to the language of money, and whether the reader is a business student, a new homeowner, or an eager investor, this book will surely be a welcome companion when tackling the complex world of money and finance.

David Bach is one of the best known and bestselling financial writers of all time. He is the author of the top-selling Finish Rich series that includes eight consecutive national bestsellers, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers, The Automatic Millionaire and Start Late, Finish Rich. There are over five million copies of his books in print worldwide, translated into fifteen languages. Bach is regularly featured in the media, including The Oprah Winfrey Show as well as regular appearances on Larry King Live, Live with Regis and Kelly, NBC's Today Show, Fox and CNN. He is a regular contributor to Yahoo! Finance and Redbook Magazine. David Bach lives in New York City.

THE FINISH RICH DICTIONARY

1001 Financial Words You Need to Know

By David Bach will be published by Oxford University Press on January 29, 2009

$12.95 | 237 pages | Paperback | ISBN13: 9780195375589

Visit: www.finishrich.com

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CDMdata, Inc. Recognized as Crucial to Online Success

2009-02-24T10:00:00.000+02:00

National Car Sales Named Used Car Dealer of the Year with Company's Products and Services as Platform

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- CDMdata, Inc., a Kelley Blue Book company, today announces that National Car Sales, named DealerRater.com's Used Car Dealer of the Year for 2009, has recognized the company for its support in receiving this award through CDMdata products and services. CDMdata provides National Car Sales with its DigitalLot(R) Solution, allowing dealerships to more effectively manage and market its pre-owned car inventories, and hosts National Car Sales' Web site inventory display with its DigitalLot Web product. In addition, National Car Sales integrated trusted Kelley Blue Book(R) Suggested Retail and Trade-In Values to its Web site to instill consumer confidence when purchasing a vehicle.

"We know how imperative it is to provide extensive information to customers researching inventories online. Considering the volume of monthly retail sales, we searched for vendor partners that provide products and services with the level of quality and automation that allow us to control our own destiny and success," said David Pilcher, executive vice president of National Car Sales. "CDMdata has been at the core of this strategy for more than seven years. Their technology and support has enabled us to achieve success and provide award winning customer service."

CDMdata's DigitalLot Solution captures and displays photos, creates videos, provides Kelley Blue Book(R) Digital Window Stickers and values, and promotes dealership inventories online faster, resulting in more sales. Consumers benefit from enhanced, accurate vehicle information while dealerships leverage a decreased time to market for their Web site and online classifieds.

"CDMdata is thrilled National Car Sales has been recognized as DealerRater.com's Used Car Dealer of the Year for 2009," said Mike Romano, chief operating officer for CDMdata, Inc., and senior vice president of dealer strategy for Kelley Blue Book. "We continuously strive to provide dealers with the most efficient marketing tools for selling cars. We are proud to be part of National Cars Sales' success."

For more information about Kelley Blue Book and CDMdata, dealer products, services and solutions, please visit www.800bluebook.com. For more information about DealerRater, please visit www.DealerRater.com.

About CDM Dealer Services and CDMdata, Inc. (www.cdmdata.com)

CDMdata, Inc. provides unparalleled technology and industry-leading service to the automotive industry. CDMdata, Inc. solutions increase client revenues by increasing productivity and data accuracy. CDM provides proprietary hardware and software solutions that streamline inspection, valuation, distribution, marketing and Internet sales processes. CDM's flagship product is the DigitalLot Solution, which provides automotive dealers with the hardware and software they need to manage the collection and distribution of automotive information over the Internet. CDMdata, Inc. is a Kelley Blue Book company. CDM Dealer Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CDMdata, Inc.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. - 2008 Spring Automotive Web Site Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, car reviews and news, used car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.

About DealerRater.com

DealerRater.com was founded in 2002 as the first car dealer review website worldwide. DealerRater.com is committed to providing a central collection point for informative reviews. The site currently features more than 24,000 US and International car dealers and more than 65,000 user reviews. DealerRater.com provides the opportunity for users to search for car dealerships, read current reviews, write their own review, and find car deals - all for free. Car dealers are rated on the criteria of customer service, quality of work, friendliness, price and overall experience. DealerRater.com users also have the option to recommend the dealer to other users and provide a descriptive review. Website users and car dealerships may post free auto classified ads. DealerRater.com visitors may request vehicle quotes and Certified Dealers receive free vehicle leads.

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Bersin & Associates' Impact Measurement Framework Incorporated into KnowledgeAdvisors' Metrics That Matter(R)

2009-02-23T18:24:00.000+02:00

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Bersin & Associates, the only research and advisory firm focused on enterprise learning and talent management, announced today that its Impact Measurement Framework(TM) is now supported by KnowledgeAdvisors' Metrics That Matter, a web-based talent & performance evaluation and analytics system that allows users to cost- effectively measure the impact of learning processes and improve performance.

The Impact Measurement Framework is the centerpiece of Josh Bersin's The Training Measurement Book (http://www.bersin.com/Store/Details.aspx?docid=10337118&books=1), published in 2008 and recently recognized by Amazon.com as one of its top 10 business books in 2008. The framework offers a roadmap and set of methodologies for implementing a practical, business-based measurement program for corporate learning. The framework covers nine critical measurement areas: learner satisfaction, learning outcomes, program adoption, program utility, program efficiency, business alignment, attainment of customer objectives, individual performance improvement, and organizational performance improvement.

KnowledgeAdvisors' Metrics That Matter system will offer organizations technology support for implementing this framework and for ongoing measurement and analysis.

"While most executives recognize the importance of measuring corporate learning, fewer than 20% of all organizations have end-to-end measurement programs in place," said President Josh Bersin, who will also be joining KnowledgeAdvisors' advisory board. "Practitioners are typically frustrated by a lack of efficient and easy-to-use methodologies and measurement tools and minimal -- if any -- executive support. The Impact Measurement Framework offers a practical way to implement a training measurement program that yields information relevant to the business. Metrics That Matter will help organizations put the framework into action."

According to Bob Danna, executive vice president of strategic services for Bersin & Associates, the Metrics That Matter system will complement the company's strategic services offerings which help organizations implement learning and talent measurement strategies. Bersin & Associates measurement services assist organizations in building a comprehensive, business-focused measurement strategy, including assessment of measurement needs and system resources, identification and prioritization of critical measures, building cross-organizational support, and creation of an implementation plan.

"Metrics That Matter is an excellent option for those organizations that need a system to support their measurement strategy," said Danna.

"We are proud to be working with Bersin & Associates. They share our objective approach and our emphasis on business relevance and practicality," said Kent D. Barnett, founder and CEO of KnowledgeAdvisors.

Bersin will deliver a keynote presentation on learning and talent analytics at KnowledgeAdvisors' Analytics Symposium on Wednesday, March 4, at the Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ.

For more information about Bersin & Associates research and services related to corporate learning measurement, call Julie Duda at 330 604 8567 or email julie.duda@bersin.com.

About Bersin & Associates

Bersin & Associates is the only research and advisory consulting firm focused solely on research in enterprise learning and talent management. Bersin & Associates' WhatWorks(R) research and research-based services are designed to deliver actionable direction and to help improve operational effectiveness and business impact.

Bersin & Associates research members gain access to a comprehensive library of best practices, case studies, benchmarks, and in-depth market analyses designed to guide professionals in making fast and confident decisions. Research areas include planning and strategy, learning programs and delivery, talent management, technology and infrastructure, and measurement and analytics. Member benefits include in-depth advisory services, access to proprietary webcasts, on-site analyst visits, and strategic workshops. More than 4,000 organizations have used Bersin & Associates' research to guide talent and corporate learning strategies.

Bersin & Associates is the host of the only research conference on enterprise learning and talent management, IMPACT 2009: The Business of Talent(R) (http://impact2009.bersin.com/), scheduled for April 14 - 16 in St Petersburg, Florida. This year's conference features more than 60 senior HR and learning leaders; many sessions will highlight cost-cutting strategies and ways to improve business impact through innovative approaches.

For more information, go to http://www.bersin.com or call 561 455 0622, ext. 223.

About KnowledgeAdvisors

KnowledgeAdvisors is the world's largest provider of learning and talent measurement solutions. Leading organizations access its measurement expertise and on-demand software to ensure a high-performing workforce. As thought leader in Human Capital Analytics, KnowledgeAdvisors provides the most comprehensive analytics solutions on the market. By combining measurement expertise, on-demand evaluation software, and integrated analytics solutions with benchmarking, organizations gain the necessary insights on how to best develop their workforce. http://www.knowledgeadvisors.com


Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click
appropriate link.
Josh Bersin
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=82304

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Borders Has Exclusive 18-Month 'Twilight' Movie Calendar

2009-02-23T17:18:00.000+02:00

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- To the delight of legions of "Twilight" fans everywhere, just a few weeks remain until the "Twilight" movie is released on DVD March 20. Borders has locked in a U.S. exclusive on the 18-month "Twilight" movie calendar. Borders and Waldenbooks stores, as well as Borders.com, are taking pre-orders for the exclusive calendar, which officially goes on sale March 17. The calendar, which retails for $16.99, includes 17 different gorgeous color movie stills of Bella, Edward, Jacob and their friends from Forks, Wash. Notably, the pages of this exclusive calendar are laid out horizontally like a book, with two months featured on one page and lush, full-color photos of the cast members in scenes from the movie on the opposite page. At 11-inches-by-12-inches, the calendar is compact enough to carry in a backpack or bag, or it can be displayed on a wall at home. To pre-order the exclusive calendar, customers can visit their neighborhood Borders or Waldenbooks store, or they can visit Borders.com and pre-order their copy at www.borders.com/twilightcalendar .

    (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090223/CLM025A )
    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060208/BORDERSLOGO )

"Twilight" DVD midnight release parties

As the headquarters for all things "Twilight," Borders is going all out to celebrate the release of the hotly anticipated DVD by hosting midnight parties in most Borders stores nationwide March 20. Parties begin at 10 p.m. and culminate at 12:01 a.m.March 21 when the DVD officially goes on sale. More details about the parties will be announced in the coming days, but suffice it to say, that attendees will enjoy a night they'll remember for years to come, including the unique opportunity to honor what they loved most about the movie. Borders will also announce the additional "Twilight" products it will add to its extensive inventory of "Twilight"-themed items which already includes T-shirts, jewelry, posters, magnets, pens, bookmarks, an Edward action figure and, of course, the Stephenie Meyer books that sparked the phenomenon -- "Twilight," "New Moon," "Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn."

Exclusive "Twilight" DVD with special features

Party attendees will have first dibs at exclusive limited-edition memorabilia available only at Borders. While supplies last, customers will be able to purchase Borders' exclusive edition of the DVD -- a two-disc limited-edition of the movie that includes bonus special features such as exclusive cast interviews with Robert Pattinson (Edward), Kristen Stewart (Bella), Cam Gigandet (James), Edi Gathegi (Laurent) and Rachelle Lefevre (Victoria) that were recorded during Comic-Con in San Diego. The DVD also features exclusive red-carpet footage from the global movie premiere in Los Angeles, and a re-edited version of the Borders Book Club episode that features author Stephenie Meyer discussing the phenomenon behind the "Twilight" saga. The two-disc special edition also includes a set of 10 exclusive photo cards, which feature images of the cast. The 7-1/4-inch-by-5-3/8-inch photo cards are printed on a heavy pearlescent stock, giving the cards a rich, beautiful shimmer. The DVDs and photo cards will be elegantly presented in a deluxe tri-fold rigid case that is exclusive to Borders. The front cover features a pattern of tree branches foil-stamped on the matte finish packaging, creating a beautiful tone-on-tone image that highlights the movie's logo. Upon its release, the Borders-exclusive two-disc "Twilight" DVD will be $29.99, a savings of 25% off the retail price of $39.99.

"Clearly, we're the only place for 'Twilight' fans to celebrate the release of 'Twilight' on DVD," said Borders Group Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing Anne Kubek. "Not only are nearly all Borders stores hosting the best 'Twilight' DVD release parties, but we are also the only retailer to have the 18-month movie calendar for 'Twilight,' which fans can get at the same time as our exclusive edition of the DVD. So, real 'Twilight' fans should plan to spend the evening with us at Borders!"

About Borders Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) is a leading retailer of books, music and movies with approximately 27,000 employees. Through its subsidiaries, the company operates more than 1,000 stores primarily under the Borders(R) and Waldenbooks(R) brand names and offers online shopping through Borders.com. For more information about the company, visit www.borders.com/aboutus .

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getAbstract Donates Business Book Collection to the FIU Library Foundation

2009-02-23T16:20:00.000+02:00

MIAMI, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- getAbstract, the world's leading book summary company, is very pleased to announce a new, ongoing charitable program to donate a large collection of top-caliber, up-to-date business books to the Florida International University Library Foundation.

Rolf Dobelli, co-founder and chairman of getAbstract, will present a symbolic, gift-wrapped book to Antonie Downs, Executive Associate Director of Libraries for FIU, on Thursday, February 26, at 3:30 p.m. in the lobby of the main library on the North Miami campus of FIU at 3000 NE 151 Street, North Miami.

"getAbstract is a company founded by book lovers," Dobelli said. "At our home office in Lucerne, Switzerland, we maintain a master library of each book we have ever summarized. However, we often receive duplicate copies from our publishing partners for the use of our writers and editors, so we are pleased to establish this on-going donation program to give these outstanding books a second life in the service of FIU's students and faculty."

getAbstract, which publishes an online library of more than 5,000 book summaries in English, German and Spanish at getAbstract.com, is launching this new charitable program by donating approximately 400 books to the FIU Library Foundation for use in its main libraries on the Biscayne Bay and University Park campuses. The company plans to donate approximately 250 more books a year on an ongoing basis.

"Our library's purpose is to support the University's mission of teaching, research, and service by providing the means for the discovery and the pursuit of knowledge," Mrs. Downs explained. "We are grateful for the generosity and support of getAbstract as we pursue our vision of becoming a top, urban, public university research library."

"As an international company, we are glad to support Florida's International University," Dobelli said. "Its stellar work in education, particularly in business, journalism, the environment and international scholarship, makes us particularly pleased to support its Library Foundation."

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Industry's First Low Power Verification Methodology Manual, Authored by ARM, Renesas Technology and Synopsys, is Now Available

2009-02-23T14:00:00.000+02:00

Newly Published Book Documents Best Practices by Experts from More Than 30 Companies

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS), a world leader in software and IP for semiconductor design and manufacturing, today announced the availability of the Verification Methodology Manual for Low Power (VMM-LP), the culmination of a collaborative effort between ARM, Renesas Technology and Synopsys to document a proven methodology for the comprehensive verification of low power designs. The VMM-LP book enables broad deployment of industry best practices to accelerate the verification of low power designs. Leveraging the collective verification and IP experience of more than 30 companies with real-world low power verification experience, the new book builds on the methodology originally published in the proven Verification Methodology Manual for SystemVerilog book developed by ARM and Synopsys. A tutorial on the methodology described in the VMM-LP book will be presented at DVCon in San Jose on February 24, 2009.

"The task of verifying low power designs presents a significant challenge for today's verification engineers, as most are not yet well-trained on low power concepts," said Jianfeng Liu, senior low power verification methodology engineer at Samsung Electronics. "The Verification Methodology Manual for Low Power is a timely and valuable resource that addresses all aspects of low power verification, providing detailed rules and guidelines."

"Being able to create a power control architecture is more than just having something that looks pretty on paper and, theoretically, meets your power targets," said David Wheelock, SOC power architect at Seagate Technology. "The VMM-LP provides clear insight into the pitfalls and practicality issues for both the design and verification of low power systems. This handy volume comes with specific examples of design and verification issues that have been seen in actual chips. Its rules and recommendations will help move the electronics industry into a much greener future."

Low power design techniques have become increasingly complex and have led to an explosion in verification complexity, creating a need for a well-understood, robust, and reusable verification environment to achieve power goals and first-pass silicon success. The VMM-LP book documents the common causes of low power bugs, provides rules and guidelines for low power verification, specifies a SystemVerilog base class library facilitating the setup of a reusable verification environment, and recommends assertions and coverage techniques to accomplish comprehensive low power verification.

"Low power verification is the key challenge in low power design," said the K3 LP group at HiSilicon. "The VMM-LP helps create a reusable verification environment for low power that can leverage best practices from industry experts. It helps find low power bugs and finds them early in the design cycle rather than waiting for silicon - savings in terms of mask costs and engineering debug time can be huge."

The methodology described in the VMM-LP book allows verification teams to attain coverage closure and pinpoint bugs using assertions. It can be implemented using voltage-aware static and dynamic verification tools, such as MVSIM with the VCS(R) simulator and MVRC, which are part of the Ecylpse(TM) low power solution from Synopsys. These tools are capable of checking low power designs for the rules documented in the VMM-LP book. The base classes will enable the infrastructure to create a structured and reusable verification environment based on the VMM-LP.

"Because power consumption is one of the most critical factors of today's SoCs for mobile applications, the ability to accurately verify low power functionality is essential to achieving first-pass silicon success," said Ying-Chih Yang, technical director of Home Entertainment Products at Sunplus Technology. "The Verification Methodology Manual for Low Power is a comprehensive collection of necessary and reliable techniques that should help simplify and accelerate the complex task of verifying power-managed designs."

"We see a prevalence of low power designs in Japan and a strong need for a comprehensive verification methodology to tape out such designs with confidence," said Nobuyuki Nishiguchi, vice president and general manager, Development Department 1 at Semiconductor Technology Academic Research Center (STARC). "VMM-LP is the answer to this market need and completely and elegantly addresses all aspects of low power verification. The book covers what is needed to verify low power designs and get it right - the first time around."

"Low power requirements have caused a paradigm shift for the entire semiconductor ecosystem," said Dr. Ed Huijbregts, vice president of Product Development at Magma Design Automation. "Lacking an open, codified and documented methodology, accurate and comprehensive verification of low power designs has been a black art and a productivity drain. With its methodical and guidebook style approach, the VMM-LP provides a clear blueprint for successful verification of low-power designs - this one is a keeper."

About the VMM for Low Power

The lead authors of the VMM-LP book are Srikanth Jadcherla, group director of Research and Development at Synopsys and founder of ArchPro Design Automation, Inc., which Synopsys acquired in 2007; Janick Bergeron, Synopsys Fellow and moderator of the Verification Guild web site; Yoshio Inoue, chief engineer, Design Technology Division, Renesas Technology Corp.; and David Flynn, ARM fellow and co-author of the Low Power Methodology Manual (LPMM) [Springer].

The VMM-LP book defines a robust and scalable verification architecture that can be used to quickly setup and complete verification of low power designs. The methodology addresses all aspects of functional verification of power management functions, including suggestions for static versus dynamic verification, design-for-verification techniques, and use of assertions and coverage metrics to achieve rapid verification closure.

Availability

The VMM-LP book is available today for purchase through the VMM Central web site (www.vmmcentral.org/vmmlp). Additionally, customers can download a PDF version of the book and register to receive notification about the availability of the source code for the VMM-LP SystemVerilog base classes from VMM Central. To learn more about the VMM-LP, please attend the tutorial entitled A Structured Methodology for Verifying Low Power Designs at DVCon 2009 in San Jose on February 24, 2009.

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNPS) is the world leader in electronic design automation (EDA), supplying the global electronics market with the software, intellectual property (IP) and services used in semiconductor design and manufacturing. Synopsys' comprehensive, integrated portfolio of implementation, verification, IP, manufacturing and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) solutions helps address the key challenges designers and manufacturers face today, such as power and yield management, software-to-silicon verification and time-to-results. These technology-leading solutions help give Synopsys customers a competitive edge in bringing the best products to market quickly while reducing costs and schedule risk. Synopsys is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and has more than 60 offices located throughout North America, Europe, Japan, Asia and India. Visit Synopsys online at http://www.synopsys.com/.

Synopsys, Eclypse and VCS are registered trademarks or trademarks of Synopsys, Inc. Any other trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned in this release are the intellectual property of their respective owners.

    Editorial Contacts:
    Sheryl Gulizia
    Synopsys, Inc.
    650-584-8635
    sgulizia@synopsys.com

    Stephen Brennan
    MCA, Inc.
    650-968-8900 x114
    sbrennan@macpr.com

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New Book Offers Evolution Skeptics Comic Relief

2009-02-20T13:20:00.000+02:00

Author Presents Irreverent, Funny Commentary on Evolutionists' Top Ideas

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- In a new book for anyone scratching their head at the theory of evolution and the Big Bang, Alvin Allison offers a dose of humor to go along with the absurdity. "From Monkeys to Men and Back: A Preposterously Essential Science Lesson According to a Darn Good Ex Chicken Farmer" (published by AuthorHouse) is a laugh-out-loud take on the theory of evolution and the supposedly solid proof modern science offers about human origins.

With irreverent, clever humor, Allison dissects evolutionists' theories about how species evolved into the creatures of today. He analyzes scientific evidence and direct arguments from some of the world's leading scientists. He offers thought-provoking, witty counterpoints, which in themselves illustrate evolution theory's flimsy foundation: Even an "ex-chicken farmer who never paid a minute's attention in science class has surely found the very reason evolution could never have happened," he jokes.

Among these funny and provocative critiques is Allison's perspective on the strange fact that humanoid apes evolved so quickly into humans: "And what's even more tragic than this is that according to the fossil record, that one particular monkey's offspring didn't actually evolve gradually into a human as most evolutionists would have us believe, but made a rapid jump from monkey to man. According to Stephen Jay Gould, professor of geology at Harvard University, 'the fossil record still proclaims [gradualism] false after more than a century of diligent search for gradual change.' So since the fossil record doesn't lie, it's proof that if humans really did come from monkeys, then some monkey had to have given direct birth to a human!

"Could this phenomenon continue on into the human race? Do you think any of our offspring could possibly end up giving birth to a brand new species as evolutionists insinuate some monkey did? If any of you were considering having more children, is this not reason enough to want to reconsider? I would think it is, but then again, some people enjoy having pets in their home. Of course, they usually know what kind of pet they're getting."

"From Monkeys to Men and Back: A Preposterously Essential Science Lesson According to a Darn Good Ex Chicken Farmer" is an invitation to those who find the theory and teaching of evolution a jaw-dropping sham to chuckle at the reasoning behind some of evolution theorists' claims.

Raised on a chicken farm just outside the small town of Hayesville, N.C., Alvin Allison spent many of his younger years wondering about confusing lessons in science class. He writes that although he was a career truck driver and not a scientist, "I'm sure those who don't believe in evolution will see that I do have enough scientific knowledge to know that humans, or any other mammal for that matter, are not the result of some primitive reptile accidentally growing mammary." More information is available at www.monkeystomen.com.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.authorhouse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 888-728-8467
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

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PeaceJam and The Pearson Foundation's Global Call to Action Challenge: Winning School Welcomes Nobel Peace Laureate Rigoberta Menchu Tum

2009-02-20T05:01:00.000+02:00

Young People Across the U.S. Documenting Service Projects

DENVER, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Nobel Peace Laureate Rigoberta Menchu Tum, the world famous advocate for peace and human rights, will visit the Grand Prize winning team of the Global Call to Action Challenge, co-sponsored by PeaceJam and The Pearson Foundation. The Global Call to Action encourages young people to commit themselves to 1 billion projects to serve their communities in the next 10 years.

Open to youth volunteers in North America who are working on service projects, the Global Call to Action Challenge encourages young people to document their projects in digital film and in video, writing, or PowerPoint. Rigoberta Menchu Tum will visit the Grand Prize winners in their community or at their school on Nov. 17, 2009, and accompany them the next day to Denver to attend PeaceJam's Annual Awards Luncheon.

Submissions to the Challenge are due June 30, 2009. For more information and entry details, visit www.GCAChallenge.org, www.globalcalltoaction.org, and www.peacejam.org.

In 1992, Rigoberta Menchu Tum was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her work for the rights of the Maya of Guatemala and native people everywhere. She was the first Native American ever to receive the award and one of only a handful of women. In 1996, all of Rigoberta Menchu Tum's nonviolent work, along with the struggles of so many other activists, helped lead to a peace accord in Guatemala. This agreement ended Guatemala's 36-year civil war and gave many rights back to the Mayan people.

"PeaceJam has seen first-hand the power and drive of young people to act in the interest of the world we all share. With the right encouragement, guidance, and support, we know that there's nothing that young people cannot do," said Dawn Engle, PeaceJam co-founder. "The Global Call to Action Challenge is a natural extension of PeaceJam's commitment to action, and bringing young people together with Nobel Laureates like Rigoberta Menchu Tum can be a transformative experience."

Mark Nieker, President of the Pearson Foundation, added, "PeaceJam is about what you can do as a young person to address problems you witness in the world, and the Global Call to Action Challenge provides a great forum for ideas and solutions."

The Global Call to Action Challenge is an extension of the Penguin Young Readers book, PEACEJAM: A Billion Simple Acts of Peace by Dawn Gifford Engle and Ivan Suvanjieff (Puffin, September 2008, $16.99, Paperback, Non-fiction, ISBN: 9780142412343, 197 pages, ages 12 and up).

About PeaceJam

PeaceJam is a nonprofit organization with its international headquarters located in Arvada, Colorado. Since its inception in 1996, over 600,000 youth have participated in the PeaceJam program, engaging in one million service projects in their communities. PeaceJam has ten U.S. affiliate offices and international affiliate offices in South Africa, Costa Rica, India, Guatemala, Argentina, and the United Kingdom, with plans to expand to Canada and East Timor.

About the Pearson Foundation

The Pearson Foundation extends Pearson's commitment to education by partnering with leading nonprofit, civic, and business organizations to provide financial, organizational, and publishing assistance across the globe. The foundation aims to make a difference by sponsoring innovative educational programs and extending its educational expertise to help in classrooms and in local communities. More information on the Pearson Foundation can be found at www.pearsonfoundation.org.

    Contact:

    Pearson Foundation
    Rod Granger
    212-641-6114
    rod.granger@pearson.com

    PeaceJam Foundation
    Jes Ward
    303-455-2099
    jes@peacejam.org

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

100 Funniest Words in English

2009-02-19T23:16:00.000+02:00

LEWISBURG, Pa., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lexiteria has announced the publication of The 100 Funniest Words in English by Dr. Robert Beard, AKA Dr. Goodword on the alphaDictionary.com website. This book examines what Dr. Beard considers the funniest of the 2500 words he has described and e-mailed daily to 200,000 people over the past 8 years.

After a short essay on what makes words funny, Dr. Beard examines the pronunciation, meaning, usage, and history of each funny word, giving several creative examples of its use. Dr. Beard's selection of the funniest words includes the likes of "absquatulate," "bowyangs," "collywobbles," "gongoozle," "hemidemisemiquaver," and "snollygoster."

"This was what I was born to do," Dr. Beard said in connection with the publication of his first trade book. "After 40 years of scientific research in the workings of words, I finally felt that I was ready to take my thoughts and ideas to a world-wide general audience."

Dr. Beard taught Russian language and Linguistics at Bucknell University for 35 years after completing his PhD in linguistics at the University of Michigan in 1966. "I feel that teaching linguistics at an introductory level for all those years put me in a position to talk about the intricacies of words on an authoritative but jovial level anyone can understand and enjoy," he added.

The book not only discusses funny words, it does so in a funny style. The examples given for each word rely on a cast of characters developed by Dr. Beard in the alphaDictionary "So, What's the Good Word?" series. They include the lady's man Phil Anders, Robin Banks (who works for the accounting firm of Cooke, Books & Hyde), a clothes horse, Maude Lynn Dresser, her friend, Lucinda Head, not to mention their overly expensive lawyer, Susan Liddy-Gates.

The book is available now in paperback and in electronic form on line at Amazon.com in the US and UK, as well as at the websites of Alibris and AbeBooks. Lexiteria promises a sequel to The 100 Funniest Words in English titled The 100 Most Beautiful Words in English later this year.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Investigation Discovery Announces Exclusive Talent and Production Deal With Journalist and Bestselling Author Aphrodite Jones

2009-02-19T20:06:00.000+02:00

SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Investigation Discovery (ID) announced today that Aphrodite Jones, bestselling author and journalist, is joining the network in 2009. The two-part agreement, creating an exclusive talent relationship between Jones and ID for nonfiction hosting and content, also includes the creation of a new series, APHRODITE JONES FILES(wt), in 2009.

An expert on high-profile trials with extensive experience covering cases that make headlines, Jones will also provide content and commentary on InvestigationDiscovery.com.

"Aphrodite Jones' passion for uncovering people's true motivation is the heart of every episode of APHRODITE JONES FILES," said Deborah Myers, senior vice president of production. "As the source for fact-based investigative content, Investigation Discovery is proud to be the on-air and online home for Aphrodite and her exceptional story-telling techniques that we know our audience craves."

"I'm excited to work with Investigation Discovery, the top television channel for viewers who are serious about getting to the truth," said Aphrodite Jones. "Using investigative work and never-before-seen interviews, my new series will break down the deception strategies of notorious and previously unknown perpetrators. In every episode, viewers will get to the bottom of the million dollar question: Why?"

While she began her career as a journalist, Aphrodite Jones has diversified her workload to include covering famous trials for cable news outlets and publishing eight meticulously researched true-crime books, including three that have been turned into films. Most notably, Aphrodite's book "All She Wanted" was transformed into the Academy Award winning film, "Boys Don't Cry." Her other books include "The FBI Killer," which was subsequently made into the ABC movie, "Betrayed By Love," as well as "A Perfect Husband," the story of Michael Peterson that was the basis for the critically-acclaimed Lifetime movie, "The Staircase Murders." Jones has also authored "Cruel Sacrifice," "Della's Web," "The Embrace: A True Vampire Story," "Red Zone: The Behind-the-Scenes Story of the San Francisco Dog Mauling," and her latest work, "Michael Jackson Conspiracy," which examines the media's role in the court of public opinion, using evidence and exhibits from the highly-charged molestation trial against Michael Jackson.

In addition, Jones has regularly contributed television commentary about the psychological profiles involved in newsworthy trials including those involving O.J. Simpson, Michael Jackson, Scott Peterson, the BTK serial Killer, the Menendez Brothers, Charles Manson, Robert Blake and JonBenet Ramsey. A reporter and contributor for Fox News, Jones also hosted her own series, The Justice Hunters for USA, and began her career as a national columnist for United Features Syndicate.

The deal was negotiated by Chris Nassif at Diverse Talent Group. APHRODITE JONES FILES (wt) will be produced for Investigation Discovery by Tom Jennings Productions in association with Rive Gauche Television. For Tom Jennings Productions, Tom Jennings is executive producer; for Rive Gauche Television, Mark Rafalowski is executive producer. Aphrodite Jones is co-executive producer for the series. For ID, Jane Latman is executive producer.

About Investigation Discovery

Investigation Discovery (ID) is the source for fact-based investigative content about culture, history and the human condition. ID, the new authority in real investigations, is expanding partnerships with leading news organizations and production companies to bring the strongest analytic, factual investigative programming to more than 52 million U.S. households. Providing fascinating stories of human nature from the past to the present, Investigation Discovery's in-depth documentaries and series challenge viewers on important issues shaping our culture and defining our world. For more information, please visit InvestigationDiscovery.com.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Mystery Writers of America Elect Lee Child National President; Board Elects Others for Leadership Positions

2009-02-19T17:45:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Mystery Writers of America (MWA) announced that international bestselling author Lee Child has been elected president and will serve a one-year term beginning in February 2009. Child will succeed Harlan Coben.

Child is a NY Times best-selling author of the Jack Reacher series, published in 43 countries and 30 languages worldwide. His short stories have appeared in 9 collections, including the 2006 Mystery Writers of America Presents Death Do Us Part anthology.

The MWA Board of Directors also elected Frankie Y. Bailey to serve as Executive Vice President and Larry Light as Treasurer. Each will serve a one year term ending in February 2010.

Mystery Writers of America comprises over 3,000 members in three categories of membership that include publishers, editors, literary agents, and screen and television writers, as well as authors of fiction and non-fiction books. Further information: MWA, 1140 Broadway, New York, NY 10001; phone: 212.888.8171; fax: 212.888.8107; www.mysterywriters.org.

The EDGAR (and logo) are Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by the Mystery Writers of America, Inc.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Author and Activist Wayne Besen to Discuss the Harm Caused by 'Pray Away the Gay' Programs

2009-02-18T17:53:00.000+02:00

Thursday Evening Talk Will Dispel False Claims Made By Focus on the Family's Love Won Out Conference

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was issued today by Truth Wins Out:

What: Wayne Besen, Executive Director of Truth Wins Out (TWO), will discuss the damage caused by programs that teach people to "pray away the gay." The presentation will take place prior to Focus on the Family's "ex-gay" road show, Love Won Out, which rolls into Charlotte on Saturday. Besen will address the history of ex-gay ministries; what the mental health experts say; the bizarre techniques used by these programs; why they are harmful and the political machine behind these dangerous groups.

Besen is the author of Lambda Literary Award nominated, "Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth." In 2001, he photographed Love Won Out's "ex-gay" founder, John Paulk, inside a Washington, D.C. gay bar.

In 2006, Besen was recognized in the Advocate Magazine's "People of the Year" issue. Besen has appeared as a guest on leading news and political talk shows including: the NBC Nightly News, CNN, Fox's O'Reilly Factor and Hannity and Colmes, MSNBC News and Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Where: Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 820 Hamilton St., Charlotte NC

When: Thursday, Feb. 19, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Background: The Charlotte Rainbow Action Network for Equality (CRANE) is sponsoring the lecture. CRANE is a grassroots coalition of activists and community members working toward civil and social equality for Charlotte's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) community.

To educate the community about the harmful message of Love Won Out, CRANE will hold a press conference on Friday, Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m. It will take place at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Charlotte (234 N Sharon Amity Rd.) At the event, Truth Wins Out and Lambda Legal will unveil their new publication, "Ex-Gay & the Law," which offers practical legal advice for victims of "ex-gay" therapies.

On Feb. 21, there will be a non-violent protest of Love Won Out, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., in front of Central Church of God (5301 Sardis Road). The demonstration is open to all people and supporters of equality are encouraged to participate.

Zipcar Partners with Open Books to Help Promote Literacy in Chicago

2009-02-18T17:22:00.000+02:00

Company donates use of vehicles to help organization reduce costs while collecting funds

CHICAGO, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Zipcar, the world's largest provider of cars on demand by the hour or day, and Open Books, Chicago's nonprofit literacy bookstore, today announced a partnership under which Zipcar will serve as the nonprofit's transportation partner. To help raise awareness about illiteracy in the Chicago area, Zipcar will also provide committed volunteers and help drive donations of used books.

By teaming up with Zipcar, Open Books will gain the priceless resource of members looking for volunteer opportunities and a fleet of vehicles for events and book drives, as well as promotional support. The partnership continues Zipcar's commitment to provide area nonprofits with a resource for their transportation needs and a pool of volunteers dedicated to the community.

"This partnership provides us with volunteers and vehicles, which is invaluable, as they are both essential needs to fulfilling our core mission," says Stacy Ratner, Executive Director, Open Books.

Open Books commenced operations in 2006 with a dream of opening a flagship bookstore and literacy center in Chicago. After three years, the organization will open its doors in 2009. The partnership with Zipcar enables Open Books to reduce costs associated with the operations of their literacy programs and gives them the option to consider additional programs.

"Zipcar is proud to support Open Book's vital mission, and to help our members give back to their community," said Steve Bishop, general manager for Zipcar Chicago. "Their program shares our goal of creating a better Chicago, and we always welcome the opportunity to connect our cars and members with volunteer opportunities."

About Zipcar

Zipcar is the world's leading car-sharing service with 250,000 members and 5,500 vehicles in urban areas and college campuses throughout 28 North American states and provinces as well as in London, England. As a leader in urban transportation, Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to savvy city residents and businesses looking for an alternative to the high costs and hassles of owning a car in the city. For more information, visit Zipcar.com.

About Open Books

Open Books is a nonprofit social venture that operates an extraordinary bookstore, provides community programs, and mobilizes passionate volunteers to promote literacy in Chicago and beyond. Open Books enriches lives through reading, writing, and the employable power of used books. For more information, please visit www.open-books.org.

    CONTACT:
    Maria Martinez
    CooperKatz for Zipcar
    917-595-3059
    mmartinez@cooperkatz.com

Gloria Steinem, Women's Rights Activist, Speaks on Tuesday, February 24th at Bunker Hill Community College

2009-02-18T15:22:00.000+02:00

BOSTON, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gloria Steinem, renowned feminist, writer and lecturer will speak at Bunker Hill Community College on Tuesday, February 24th. Steinem will be this year's second speaker in the College's "Compelling Conversations" speaker series, which is free and open to the public. Her lecture will take place at 1:00 p.m. in the A 300 Auditorium, and is followed by a book signing and reception. Steinem will be signing two of her bestsellers - Revolution from Within: A Book of Self-Esteem and Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions - as well as her most recent book, titled Doing Sixty and Seventy.

Gloria Steinem has played a major role in the modern women's movement. Well known as the co-founder of Ms. magazine, Steinem helped establish the Women's Action Alliance, the National Women's Political Caucus, and Choice USA. She is the founding president of the Ms. Foundation for Women, and the co-founder of the Women's Media Center. She has received numerous journalism awards, including the Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Society of Writers Award from the United Nations, and the University of Missouri School of Journalism Award for Distinguished Service in Journalism. She has also received the National Gay Rights Advocates Award and the Liberty Award of the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. Parenting magazine selected her for its Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995 for her work in promoting girls' self-esteem, and Biography magazine listed her as one of the 25 most influential women in America.

"We are privileged and honored to welcome Ms. Steinem to our campus, where more than half of our students are women," said Bunker Hill Community College President Mary L. Fifield. "Her tireless advocacy of women's rights is a beacon of hope for all women - and men - who care deeply about gender equality."

BHCC's "Compelling Conversations" speaker series has brought both national and international intellectual celebrities to its campus. Past speakers have included journalist and political commentator Juan Williams, best-selling author Bob Woodward, and world renowned peace activist Jehan Sadat.

Limited seating is still available. To RSVP, please call 617-228-2386.

Bunker Hill Community College is the largest community college in Massachusetts. The College enrolls more than 9,500 students on two campuses and at five satellite locations each semester. Some 2,000 students take classes online. BHCC is one of the most diverse institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth. Six in ten students are people of color and more than half of BHCC's students are women. The College also enrolls more than 690 international students who represent 103 countries and speak 75 different languages.

Chicago Area Public Libraries Now Have Access to Gale's Science Resource Center

2009-02-18T14:00:00.000+02:00

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Gale, part of Cengage Learning, has enabled free usage of Science Resource Center for patrons of select public libraries in Chicago and the surrounding area. With extensive coverage in the areas of earth science, life science, space, science and technology and other subjects, Science Resource Center is an in-depth curriculum-oriented science online research.

"In observance of our long-standing relationship with these libraries, Gale is pleased to provide Science Resource Center as well as science-related eBooks free of charge through March," announced Nader Qaimari, Gale's vice president of market strategy. "These resources are being provided at a time when students and libraries need them most."

The fully updated, intuitive interface of Science Resource Center provides multiple pathways to key information, allowing researchers of all levels to find accurate information quickly. With millions of full-text, peer-reviewed articles, Gale is offering the usage of Science Resource Center with no authentication required, meaning patrons can access the resource from any computer at any time. Participating libraries will place a specially created Science Resource Center search box "widget" on their homepage to provide instant access.

Users can read about science experiments from various sources including Experiment Central, an acclaimed reference set from Gale's UXL line of titles. Designed to meet the specific needs of students, Science Resource Center provides tools to help students who are writing papers. In addition, ReadSpeaker technology allows users to hear and download articles in MP3 format.

Beyond supporting the study of science through the library, these resources support Science Chicago and the upcoming Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair. "Given these initiatives, Science Resource Center and the related eBooks will be of even greater use," said Qaimari.

For more information, please contact Linda Busse at linda.busse@cengage.com.

About Cengage Learning and Gale

Cengage Learning delivers highly customized learning solutions for colleges, universities, professors, students, libraries, government agencies, corporations and professionals around the world. Gale, part of Cengage Learning, serves the world's information and education needs through its vast and dynamic content pools, which are used by students and consumers in their libraries, schools and on the Internet. It is best known for the accuracy, breadth and convenience of its data, addressing all types of information needs - from homework help to health questions to business profiles - in a variety of formats. For more information, visit www.cengage.com or www.gale.com

WOMEN-omics Founder Avivah Wittenberg-Cox to Deliver Keynote Address at INSEAD in Singapore: 'The Emergence of Our Next Economic Revolution'

2009-02-17T19:23:00.000+02:00

"WHY WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS" Co-author Leads INSEAD Asia Campus Seminar March 11, 2009

SINGAPORE, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- "No region has such extreme differences in the participation of women in the economy as Asia," says Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Founder and Publisher of the Website, WOMEN-omics.com. "Countries and businesses are realizing that the participation of women as consumers, employees, and leaders is a measure of health, maturity, and economic viability. Amid the current financial crisis, we can ill afford to ignore the economic contribution that women can offer."

Ms. Wittenberg-Cox, a leading gender consultant to corporations and co-author of "Why Women Mean Business: Understanding the Emergence of Our Next Economic Revolution" (Wiley, 2008), will speak in Singapore at the Asia Campus of INSEAD, one of the world's largest and leading graduate business schools. The seminar, "The Emergence of Our Next Economic Revolution," will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2009. Her address will open the seminar, which includes other distinguished business leaders from the region.

"The West can learn from Asia, and vice-versa. At one extreme, the Philippines has a female President, the world's highest percentage of women in management (58%), and also one of the highest birth rates in the world," says Ms. Wittenberg-Cox. "At the other extreme, in Japan, you see one of the lowest percentages of women in management (6.9%), and also one of the lowest birth rates in the world. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has found a positive correlation between high participation rates of women in the economy and high birth rates. The bottom line is that women are central to the challenges of an aging workforce, falling birth rates, and skill shortages."

While public policy is a huge lever in facilitating and supporting the economic contribution that women can offer, the Website WOMEN-omics.com and the book Why Women Mean Business take the economic arguments for change to the heart of the corporate world. "Women today are a majority of the talent coming out of business schools - and they make up to 80% of consumer purchases," says Ms. Wittenberg-Cox. "No company or country can afford not to tap into that potential."

Other participants in the INSEAD program include:

Piyush Gupta, Citibank CEO of South East Asia Pacific;
Rhodora Palomar-Fresnedi, Unilever Global Vice President of Diversity;
Gary Tiernan, Standard Chartered Bank Global Head of Investment Advisory & Fiduciary and Managing Director;
Claudia Zeisberger, INSEAD Professor of Decision Sciences; and
Christina Pantin, Reuters Asia Editor for South East Asia and Pacific.

For press attendance, or if you would like to speak with Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, please contact Davia Temin, Suzanne Oaks, or Trang Mar of Temin and Company at +1 212-588-8788 or news@teminandco.com.

About WOMEN-omics

WOMEN-omics (www.WOMEN-omics.com) is the first Website making the business case for gender balance and exploring the economic impact of women on companies and countries. Providing exclusive global reporting, updated daily, on women's growing economic impact on companies and countries, WOMEN-omics aggregates the best information, ideas, and insight in the field. The site is designed for corporate leaders, top executives, policymakers, journalists, researchers, business schools, and women in the workplace.

About Avivah Wittenberg-Cox

Avivah Wittenberg-Cox is Founder and Publisher of WOMEN-omics. She is an expert in corporate gender bilingualism (getting companies to speak the language of both men and women), CEO of 20-first, one of Europe's leading gender consultancies, and co-author of the bestselling "Why Women Mean Business: Understanding the Emergence of Our Next Economic Revolution" (Wiley,

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

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'AL-KIAMA: The Life After': Sequence Leading to Armageddon Battle and Commencement of Judgment Day

2009-02-17T13:40:00.000+02:00

HOUSTON, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- "AL-KIAMA: The Life After" (published by AuthorHouse), by Moustafa F. Moukarim, is a novel describing the events leading to Armageddon and Judgment Day as visualized by Hasib F. Moukarim.

"The novel is timely because it deals with security and current issues, especially in the Middle East between Arabs and Jews, and particularly between the East and West -- that is Christianity and Islam," explains Moustafa. "'AL-KIAMA' is a disclosure of prophecies that many people of the Middle East believe in -- and are expecting to materialize very soon. It is a prophecy of what is in store for the world religions and humanity."

In "AL-KIAMA," following the destruction of Islam's holiest of shrines, world leaders convene in Amman, Jordan to forestall a devastating global conflict. About five hundred diplomats from all over the world gather for a concluding banquet to celebrate the apparent achievement of peace, but they are stunned when a group of Islamic revolutionists disguised as the Royal Guard open fire and take the entire assembly hostage.

As demands escalate, Moustafa graphically describes the mounting tension and struggles that ensue. Can such a conflict be overcome by anything short of heavenly intervention? Will angelic armies have to accomplish this task?

Readers concerned with today's real-life episodes of hostage-taking, blackmail, and world terrorism will be intrigued with "AL-KIAMA's" treatment of news and current events and their relationship to the end times.

About the Author:

Of Lebanese descent, Moustafa F. Moukarim was born in Kano, Nigeria. After studying in Lebanon, Egypt and England, he returned to Kano to manage a family business. Since 1980, he has managed his own real estate business in Houston, where he currently lives with his family.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.authorhouse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 888-728-8467
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

AJWS and AVODAH Launch Contemporary Passover Sourcebook

2009-02-17T13:00:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In time for Passover, American Jewish World Service (AJWS) and AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps have launched the Exodus and Revolution Sourcebook, a comprehensive teaching guide to Exodus and Revolution, Michael Walzer's book on the Exodus narrative and its enduring impact on Jewish contemporary life and global politics.

Both AJWS, an international development organization, and AVODAH, an organization that engages young people in direct work on poverty in the United States, seek to encourage American Jews to think critically about global issues and actively participate in the pursuit of justice internationally and in their communities. Thus, AJWS and AVODAH jointly produced the Sourcebook for rabbis and educators seeking an interactive and enlightening tool to teach Walzer's concepts during the Passover season.

As Walzer explains in Exodus and Revolution, the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt stands at the core of the biblical conception of justice. The Exodus narrative articulates a vision of justice which prioritizes liberation from oppression, a covenanted community and an unending aspiration for a better future. It has served as the basis of millions of efforts towards justice from social and political revolutions in Latin America to Russia, and it stands at the center of AJWS's and AVODAH's work to empower the disenfranchised throughout the world.

"To read the story of the Exodus in the light of politics and justice is to understand that the Jewish textual tradition is not now, nor was it ever, concerned exclusively with ritual observance or devotional prayer," says AJWS Rabbi in Residence & Director of Jewish Communal Relations Brent Chaim Spodek. "In line with this tradition, the Exodus and Revolution Sourcebook invites people to uncover and reflect on Judaism's fundamental building blocks and apply those ideas to modern day challenges."

The Sourcebook helps users introduce students to the complexities of this Jewish narrative and the movements that have drawn inspiration from it. It asks students to explore what this liberation narrative means to them and how it can inform their social justice work.

The idea for the Sourcebook came from a spring 2008 course -- led by the AJWS/AVODAH Alumni Partnership together with Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, in New York -- that invited thinkers and activists from innovative Jewish institutions (Encounter, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, Just Congregations, Mechon Hadar, MyJewishLearning.com and Uri l'Tzedek) to discuss the implications of the Exodus narrative in the weeks leading up to Passover. Over the course of six weeks, nearly 100 people studied the Exodus story using Walzer's book. That series of classes, and the conversations that emerged from it, form the basis of the Sourcebook.

The Sourcebook includes introductory essays, lesson plans and source sheets for each of the six chapters of Exodus and Revolution. The material is adaptable for various class sizes, as well as sermons and Passover seders (the holiday meal). For a copy of the Sourcebook, visit: http://action.ajws.org/site/PageNavigator/exodus_revolution . AJWS and AVODAH will offer an overview of the Sourcebook during a conference call on February 24th at 3 p.m. (EST). Contact Adina Mermelstein Konikoff at akonikoff@ajws.org or 212-792-2818 to RSVP for the call.

About American Jewish World Service

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is an international development organization motivated by Judaism's imperative to pursue justice. AJWS is dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality. Through grants to grassroots organizations, volunteer service, advocacy and education, AJWS fosters civil society, sustainable development and human rights for all people, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship within the Jewish community.

From Hard Knocks to Opportunity Knocking

2009-02-17T11:00:00.000+02:00

Entrepreneur Shows How a Layoff Can Be the Doorway to Business Ownership

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- While no time is ever a good time for a layoff, with the right plan and attitude, Entrepreneur knows any time can be a good time to start a business. In a special report in the February issue, three former corporate employees share how their pink slips eventually led to new businesses. For those already working to grow their companies, a complementary report takes a look at how to innovate during the recession in order to emerge even stronger when the economy recovers.

The SBA reports that an estimated 637,100 number of business were started in just 2007, and this number could rise dramatically considering the unemployment rate is up to 7.6% (January figure from the Department of Labor). From startup dos and don'ts to examples of how a passion can turn into a business, anyone looking for a new career path can learn more about whether business ownership is right for them with Entrepreneur.

"For those with the entrepreneurial spirit," says Amy Cosper, VP/editor-in-chief at Entrepreneur, "losing a job can serve as motivation to explore new ventures outside of corporate employment. We offer sound advice on what to consider before getting started and arm aspiring entrepreneurs with the lessons others like themselves have learned--helping them get off on the right foot as business owners."

At the same time, entrepreneurs working hard to drive their established businesses forward can find new ways to innovate--even within a recession--in a secondary special report. After all, some of the most innovative ideas from Campbell's, GE, McDonald's, 3M, and Coca Cola emerged during times of economic duress. Smaller businesses can emerge just as triumphant by learning from other industries, testing ideas, and going where consumers go.

"Inspiration for innovation is everywhere," says Cosper, "from books to websites, events and everyday life." Indeed, Entrepreneur's own list of "2009 Trends to Watch," available at www.entrepreneur.com/hottrends, depicts countless areas ripe with business potential, including the green movement, digital opportunities, ideas on health, and products and services for both boomers and millennials.

To read the two special reports in the February issue of Entrepreneur, pick up a copy on newsstands today or visit Entrepreneur.com. For "Laid Off in 2008? Start a Business in 2009," go to www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/february/199706.html. For the "Special Report: Innovate in a Recession," visit www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/february/199724.html.

You can also hear Amy Cosper, Entrepreneur's editor-in-chief, discuss how layoffs are leading to business startups in a radio interview from Market Watch with Moe Ansari at www.entrepreneur.com/uploadedFiles/images/mm/l/MktWrap_CosperItvw_020309.mp3.

About Entrepreneur Media Inc.

Entrepreneur Media Inc. is the premier content provider for and about entrepreneurs. Our products engage and inspire every day with the advice, solutions and resources that fuel the bold and independent way entrepreneurs think.

After 31 years, nobody reaches more growing businesses. As the original magazine for the small and midsize business community, Entrepreneur continues to be the definitive guide to all the diverse challenges of business ownership. Entrepreneur.com is the most widely used website by entrepreneurs and emerging businesses worldwide. Entrepreneur Press publishes the books that turn entrepreneurial skills into business success.

To learn more, visit www.entrepreneur.com.

To advertise, please contact us at www.entrepreneur.com/mediakit.

Barack Obama Inauguration Stories Published on President's Day

2009-02-16T16:23:00.000+02:00

Authors, Entertainers and Citizens Sound Off

Jan 20 2009: True Stories, Real People, One Day

NEW YORK, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- WEbook (www.webook.com), a Web-enabled community-sourced publishing company, announced today the publication of Jan 20 2009: True Stories, Real People, One Day, an on-the-ground account of Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th president of the United States. The essay collection is available beginning President's Day, February 16, which also falls in the heart of perhaps the most historic Black History Month of our time.

Jan 20, 2009 is a commemorative collection of essays and accounts written by a mix of 58 citizen journalists and a number of bestselling authors. Contributors include American Book Award-winner and 2009 NAACP Image Award-winner Tananarive Due, Washington Wizards' NBA player/poet Etan Thomas, Malinda Williams, a star of Showtime's hit series Soul Food, a Ugandan journalist, a volunteer who spearheaded an important, grassroots Obama campaign office in the critical state of Florida, and a 15-year-old high school student and star debater from Maryland.

Jan 20, 2009 is a collection of writing as immediate as the moment it chronicles--it is history written by the real people who make it. Leveraging the speed and agility of the internet, the printed book is available less than a month after the inauguration, making it the first published book capturing this historic moment in American history.

"It's just a wonderfully varied and poignant eyewitness chronicle of a watershed day in American history," said WEbook President Sue Heilbronner. "We were astonished to see the breadth of the submissions; from high-school students to senior citizens, well-known people to everyday people, Americans to Africans, Europeans and Central Americans--a variety representative of not just the American experience but the global spirit."

Jan 20, 2009 is available now for $9.99 at WEbook.com (http://www.webook.com/Store/jan20-book) and Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Jan-20-2009-Stories-Inauguration/dp/1935003062/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234565459&sr=8-1)

Excerpts:

Monday, on Martin Luther King Day, my sister and I walked along that same Mall with my father and saw excerpts from a Barack Obama speech on Jumbotrons with other eager attendees. Obama's voice rang from end to end, but we could all hear Dr. King beneath him. In the crowd around us, race had vanished in the wonder-filled eyes and shining faces.

Home. It felt like coming Home.

-Tananarive Due, American Book Award winner, co-author of Freedom in the Family and NAACP Image Award winning author of Blood Colony.

In my lifetime, the walls of separatism, racism and hatred have slowly begun to tumble. This is by no means a post-racial America; it is, however, a progressive America. It is a country that has opened its heart to change.

-Victoria Christopher Murray, best-selling novelist, author of JOY, Truth be Told, and Grown Folks Business.

I never imagined it could happen in my lifetime

As my mind turns back the hands of crimes to a time when we were rattled in chains

Captured in segregation's pain

But we've climbed our way up the mountainside and claimed our prize

Our eyes refused to lose focus

-Etan Thomas, published poet and the center for the NBA's Washington Wizards. He was extremely active in the Obama campaign.

I think about the New Deal that helped my great grandfather pave highways. I wonder if Mr. Obama has something bold in store for us. But even if he doesn't have that New Deal spirit, it doesn't matter. Ultimately, change has to be inside of each of us.

-Dave Malone, poet, vegetarian, and aspiring marathoner.

Our eyes expressed a spirit of determination, energy, and light. We were a varied group with faces that were wrinkled and smooth, multi-hued, work-weary, and even a few stress-free. Initially strangers, we bonded with the shared belief that the ship of our union was in peril.

- Susan Skolfield, who funded and ran a grassroots Obama campaign office in Winter Park, Florida.

At about 5 p.m., my 18-year-old son Cory called in a panic. "It's been five hours, and there's been no change. Where's the change? I expected rocket jet packs and robot maids. But I still have to walk three blocks to the grocery store to buy my macaroni and cheese, and I had to cook it myself."

-Larry King, postal worker from Montana.

About WEbook

WEbook hopes to do for publishing what Linux did for software, what American Idol did for music, and what Wikipedia did for information. WEbook is leading the convergence between the Internet and publishing by creating a new category, Community-Sourced Books. WEbook was founded by Itai Kohavi and is backed by Greylock Partners Israel, and Vertex. The company is based in New York City. For more information on WEbook, visit http://www.WEbook.com.

A Nudist for All Seasons ... or ... He Travels REALLY Light!

2009-02-16T13:15:00.000+02:00

SARASOTA, Fla., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- HALLELUIAH! There IS entertainment after football season! "I'll Catch the Sun" captures the delightful, worldwide adventures of author, and former Englishman, Richard Langdon Cook, a retired Fortune 500 business Exec ... and practicing nudist. (The author will wear clothing to your sunless studio.)

Mr. Cook brings sunshine to the bleak and dreary winter days, and will amuse with what he has to say about the "Textiles" ... those strange people who wear clothes ...

"I'll Catch the Sun" was published by AUDIE-nominated (for best Original Work, 2009) CoolBeat Audiobooks. Author Cook, who had a stint doing voice-over work in NYC, wrote and narrated memoirs of his experiences (sans clothing) as he "limoed" and "rickshawed" around the globe.

Cover: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2009-CoolBeat-Cover.png

STOP SHOVELING THAT SNOW! "I'll Catch the Sun" is a travelog, with Richard visiting many of the great sunspots on the planet: France, South Africa, Cyprus, the Caribbean and Hawaii, to name but a few. The nuns at a certain seaside school still talk about the day businessman Cook "disturbed their peace." A wonderful time was had by the author in Phuket, Thailand, afterwards engulfed by the 2004 Tsunami. Richard wonders if his friend survived the horror.

Listen to (or read) "I'll Catch the Sun" (ISBN: 978-1-4401-0091-8) for the author's thoughts on the hazards of cooking in the nude! Other tidbits? Thoughts on the morality and spirituality of nudism, and, very importantly, what NOT to do in a public bath house in Japan, are informative, but never stuffy.

Richard's adorable wife, Mary, joins her husband on many of his current escapades from their home base in Sarasota, Florida. She adds just the right pizzazz to CoolBeat's audio version, recreating the radio interview that divulged her 'first-time' disrobement at a New Jersey nudist retreat. (Where else but Jersey?)

Richard and Mary are standing by -- dressed -- and prepared to do interviews.

Photo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2009-CoolBeat-Photo.gif

CoolBeat Audiobooks, attests that Richard brought his wit AND his shorts with him when he recorded "I'll Catch the Sun," available for download at http://www.coolbeat.biz.

CoolBeat Audiobooks -- "We want to give YOU a voice."

Contact the Author:

Richard Cook at happycook@verizon.net

or call Sunny Florida to chat: 941-366-1638

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

New Guide to Geothermal Energy Available to Download Free!

2009-02-15T13:00:00.000+02:00

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If you have questions about geothermal energy, the Geothermal Energy Association has issued a new report that will provide you with answers. Geothermal 101: Basics of Geothermal Energy Production and Use, edited by Leslie Blodgett and Kara Slack of GEA, covers the essentials of geothermal energy from electric power to residential heat pumps. "Whether you are an educator, student, policymaker, or industry specialist, this report will serve as a guide for your geothermal education," noted Leslie Blodgett, co-editor of the report.

Ever wonder how a geothermal power plant works? Want to know more about how geothermal energy can help reduce global warming? Curious about where geothermal resources are located? This 50-page guide will help you find the answers to these and many other questions. It includes 30 charts, tables, maps, and pictures to help the reader understand the power behind one of the fastest growing renewable technologies -- the power of the earth's heat.

Today the U.S. has about 3,000 MW of geothermal electricity connected to the grid. In addition, as of August 2008, almost 4,000 MW of new geothermal power plant capacity is under development. Worldwide, geothermal energy supplies more than 10,000 MW to 24 countries and now produces enough electricity to meet the needs of 60 million people.

"There is a tremendous interest in geothermal energy and its largely untapped potential to help address our energy and climate problems," noted Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director. "GEA hopes that making this report available will help tap the creativity and imagination of thousands of people to help expand the use of this natural energy source."

"We have worked hard to make the report readable, while still being thoroughly researched and reviewed," commented co-editor Kara Slack. The report includes simple definitions, descriptions, and figures and cites key national reports that provide further information. Information and references have been updated with the most recent materials. "Whether you are new to the basics or have been working in the field for years, this report provides valuable information," she added.

The report is currently available on GEA's Web site in parts at http://www.geo-energy.org/aboutGE.asp and is available to download in PDF format at http://www.geo-energy.org/publications/reports.asp.

Baker & Taylor Mourns the Loss of SVP of Merchandising Jean Srnecz

2009-02-13T23:01:00.000+02:00

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker & Taylor, Inc., the world's largest wholesale distributor of books and entertainment products, today mourns the loss of SVP of Merchandising Jean Srnecz. Srnecz was among the passengers of Continental Flight 3407, which crashed late Thursday night outside the Buffalo airport.

"We are all tremendously shocked and saddened at this terrible loss," said CEO Tom Morgan. "Jean was extremely highly regarded throughout the industry. She had tremendous industry expertise and was integral to Baker & Taylor's strategic growth, but was also valued as a kind and good person by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by scores of people throughout our industry, and especially throughout our company. Our thoughts and prayers remain with her family."

Srnecz held many positions during her 33-year career at Baker & Taylor, ascending to SVP of Merchandising in 2001. She served on the boards of the Book Industry Study Group and Educational Paperback Association.

"I worked alongside Jean for 30 years and there was no one more knowledgeable and respected, as a professional and a person," said Baker & Taylor President Arnie Wight. "Jean truly loved this business and was loved by many in it. She will be sorely missed."

In her most recent position, Srnecz was responsible for all buying and inventory management activities, including Children's, General Interest, Adult, Academic, Professional, Higher Education, Mass Market and Audio. She was also responsible for Publisher Services, Publisher Sales Reporting, Inventory Analysis, Publisher Relations, and Advertising in B&T publications.

About Baker & Taylor, Inc.

Baker & Taylor, Inc. (www.btol.com) is a global information and entertainment services company that offers books, videos, music, games and services to libraries, educational institutions, and retailers. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the company has been in existence for over 180 years, developing long-term relationships with major suppliers, including book publishers, movie studios, and music labels. Baker & Taylor maintains one of the largest combined in-stock book, video and music inventories in the United States, and services the broadest customer base in the industry. Baker & Taylor is majority owned by Castle Harlan Partners IV, L.P., a leading private equity investment firm.

About Castle Harlan

Castle Harlan, a leading private equity investment firm founded in 1987, acquired Baker & Taylor in July 2006. It invests in controlling interests in the buyout and development of middle-market companies in North America, Europe, and, together with CHAMP Private Equity, Australasia. Since inception, Castle Harlan has invested in 49 companies representing more than $9 billion in enterprise value. Castle Harlan's current portfolio companies, which employ more than 42,000 people, include Ames True Temper, a leading manufacturer of lawn and garden tools and accessories; and Anchor Drilling Fluids USA, Inc., the nation's largest independent provider of drilling fluids and fluid- handling services for onshore oil and gas drilling.

'The Secret of the Sacred Scarab': The Story of Two Young Boys Whose Fun Trip to Egypt Turns into a Dangerously Exciting Quest

2009-02-13T13:50:00.000+02:00

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Sitting in history class studying ancient Egypt, cousins Justin and Adam Sinclair never could have imagined in their wildest dreams the adventure they would find themselves on together while vacationing in Egypt.

Author Fiona Ingram is proud to announce the release of her new action-packed adventure novel, "The Secret of the Sacred Scarab" (published by iUniverse). From the moment Justin and Adam's plane lands, strange things begin to happen to the boys. From a scruffy peddler in the city of Memphis handing them three ancient scarabs to meeting Dr. Faisal Khalid, the sinister head of the Egyptian Museum who seems a little too interested in the boys' newfound relics. The boys have a sense that not everything around them is normal after stumbling into a secret room beneath the museum to find men feverishly packing what look to be ancient artifacts into wooden crates:

        The men were packing what looked like statuettes and pottery into a
        straw-filled box. They seemed to be in a hurry because they kept
        looking at their watches and whispering to each other. Suddenly, the
        sound of sharp footsteps, boot heels clicking on the stone floor,
        approached the boys from behind. They just had time to duck behind
        some boxes on either side of the false doors, where they could hear,
        but not see, the newcomer. He snapped at the men in Arabic. There was
        no mistaking that voice -- it was Dr. Khalid.

What would happen in the days following would be a whirlwind of events that would prove daunting for both boys as they travel down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler.

Join Justin and Adam as they evade their captors and unravel the secrets of the Scarab King. Relying on their wits, courage, and each other, the boys must solve the mystery of the sacred scarab while rescuing James Kinnard, the missing archaeologist, before their time in Egypt comes to a screeching halt.

About the Author

Fiona Ingram was born and educated in South Africa, and has worked as a full-time journalist and magazine editor. Never imagining that she would be a published author at any time in her life, Ingram is elated to have completed one of her lifelong dreams through the publishing of her first book. Ingram's interest in ancient history, mystery, and legends, and her enjoyment of travel resulted in the writing and publishing of "The Secret of the Sacred Scarab," the first book in her exciting children's adventure series -- Chronicles of the Stone.

iUniverse offers a variety of publishing services to help individuals publish, market and sell fiction, poetry and nonfiction books. The company utilizes print-on-demand technology, and is one of the largest self-publishing companies in the U.S. iUniverse is based in Bloomington, Indiana.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Tom Hudock
    Tel: 800-288-4677 ext. 5553
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: thudock@authorsolutions.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

Examining the Meaning of the Election: Spiritual Significance of the Obama Presidency

2009-02-13T13:20:00.000+02:00

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The election of Barack Obama as the first African-American president of the United States has interested and excited people throughout the world, and the people most directly affected by Obama's election are other African-Americans. Dr. Tino W. Smith, an African-American minister in Terre Haute, Ind., in his new book, "The Reproach Is Lifted: Barack Obama Presidency" (published by AuthorHouse), explains that the election is not only of political and social significance, but also has spiritual implications.

For Dr. Smith, the Obama presidency ended a period in his life during which the rage within him caused him to stop reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and standing to honor the American flag. Living in a country in which animosity between the races was such a prevalent force in his life caused him great resentment. But on January 20, 2009, when he watched Barack Obama being sworn into office as our nation's first black president, he found his rage being replaced by pride and honor. "I was finally proud to be an American," he writes.

The election of a black president, Dr. Smith proclaims in "The Reproach Is Lifted," carries great spiritual significance for African-Americans. Many black believers felt that the Bible passage appearing in Genesis 9:24-25 meant that the black race was cursed to be servants. Dr. Smith describes that interpretation of the passage as "The curse that never was," and he believes that any doubt that the curse was false was laid to rest by the election of Barack Obama. There is no longer any reason for African-Americans to resign themselves to second-class status or to accept that their only paths to success are sports and entertainment. Now they may aspire to be lawyers, CEOs, or engineers -- "The Reproach Is Lifted."

It was never God's purpose, Dr. Smith declares, for the races to be divided or used to define who we are. Now that the reproach of the black race has been lifted, we can all see the importance of recognizing one another as the offspring of God. According to Dr. Smith, God has used Barack Obama in the natural world so that we can all come together in our spiritual thinking and not be divided by our isms.

About the Author: Dr. Tino W. Smith is the senior pastor of the Greater Kingdom International Ministries, Terre Haute, Ind. He is considered a trailblazer in the field of nonprofit ministries and organizations and has founded a private academy, two day care facilities, and a residential group home. Dr. Smith is the author of four prior books and resides in Westfield, Ind., with his wife, Nicole Smith, and their children, BreAnna and Tino II.

For more information, please visit: www.ReproachLifted.com.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.authorhouse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 888-728-8467
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

Author-Supported Publishing Flourishes As Writers Pay the Tab

2009-02-13T11:30:00.000+02:00

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Automakers and banks aren't the only big businesses suffering in today's grim economy. Declining sales have forced major book publishers to severely cut back on staffing and drop many of their regular authors. Once considered a dirty little secret of the publishing industry, vanity presses and self-publishers like Nautilus Press, a division of the Nautilus Works, (www.thenautilusworks.com) are undergoing a renaissance as authors search for new homes and alternatives to large, corporate-owned publishing houses.

Offering a broader range of services and using new technologies that make self-publishing more economically feasible than in the past, Nautilus Press has seen a large increase in business in today's rapidly changing and unsettled bookselling environment.

"Almost everyone thinks they have a book or two in them," says Sarah Ryan, vice president of Nautilus Press. Industry experts estimate that over two million Americans will write a book this year. Less than 100,000 of these books will be published by traditional publishers, according to various reports. "We are lucky to have a current backlog of worthy projects and a mile-long waiting list. Even in today's difficult economy, we haven't seen a decrease in the number of people who are interested in writing," says Ryan. "In addition to already-published writers who have been abandoned by their current publisher, author-supported publishing is attractive to professionals who want to use their book as an enhanced business card or promotional piece and to people who are creating books as gifts for family and friends," Ryan added.

"Because of the growing number of unemployed publishing professionals, we are able to offer our authors the services of editors who have worked with Pulitzer Prize-winning authors and designers who have won every award in the business," Ryan states. "We can also get books to the marketplace much faster than traditional publishers."

In explaining the rise in sales of self-published books, some industry experts think that books tailored to narrower audiences might fare better during an economic downturn than titles from traditional publishers that depend on a more general appeal. "A lot of this niche content is doing fairly well relative to the rest of the economy because it's very useful to people who have a very specific need," said Aaron Martin, director of self-publishing and manufacturing-on-demand at Amazon.

This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.Send2Press.com

National Federation of the Blind Responds to Authors Guild Statement on the Amazon Kindle 2

2009-02-13T00:27:00.000+02:00

BALTIMORE, Md., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Federation of the Blind, the largest organization of blind people in the United States, today responded to a statement put out by the Authors Guild advising its members to consider negotiating contracts prohibiting e-books to be read aloud by the new Amazon Kindle 2, which incorporates text-to-speech technology. The Authors Guild argues that the reading of a book out loud by a machine is a copyright infringement unless the copyright holder has specifically granted permission for the book to be read aloud.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind supports all technologies that allow blind people to have better access to the printed word, including the ability of devices like the Kindle 2 to read commercial e-books aloud using text-to-speech technology. Although the Authors Guild claims that it supports making books accessible to the blind, its position on the inclusion of text-to-speech technology in the Kindle 2 is harmful to blind people. The Authors Guild says that having a book read aloud by a machine in the privacy of one's home or vehicle is a copyright infringement. But blind people routinely use readers, either human or machine, to access books that are not available in alternative formats like Braille or audio. Up until now, no one has argued that this is illegal, but now the Authors Guild says that it is. This is absolutely wrong. The blind and other readers have the right for books to be presented to us in the format that is most useful to us, and we are not violating copyright law as long as we use readers, either human or machine, for private rather than public listening. The key point is that reading aloud in private is the same whether done by a person or a machine, and reading aloud in private is never an infringement of copyright.

"Amazon has taken a step in the right direction by including text-to-speech technology for reading e-books aloud on its new Kindle 2," Dr. Maurer continued. "We note, however, that the device itself cannot be used independently by a blind reader because the controls to download a book and begin reading it aloud are visual and therefore inaccessible to the blind. We urge Amazon to rectify this situation as soon as possible in order to make the Kindle 2 a device that truly can be used both by blind and sighted readers. By doing so, Amazon will make it possible for blind people to purchase a new book and begin reading it immediately, just as sighted people do."

About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.

12 Steps to Jump-Start Economy by Robert L. Hale

2009-02-12T21:48:00.000+02:00

MINOT, N.D., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- North Dakota attorney and successful commercial developer, Robert L. Hale, proposes 12 Steps to jump-start the economy in a column being published today at www.fgfBooks.com by the Fitzgerald Griffin Foundation. His proposals are:

    1.  Immediately stop deficit spending -- no matter how painful.

    2.  Cut 15 percent from the federal budget (not 15 percent from the
        growth but 15 percent of what was budgeted last year).

    3.  Begin to repeal every federal rule or regulation that does not
        prohibit or punish a common law crime.

    4.  Abolish the U. S. Department of Education (education belongs in
        the hands of local school boards and not federal bureaucrats).

    5.  Adopt no-nonsense zero-based budgeting for the entire federal
        government.

    6.  Abolish all campaign finance laws and replace them with a single
        requirement -- all campaign contributions (hard and soft money)
        must be reported within 72 hours of an election.

    7.  Close 90 percent of our foreign military bases.

    8.  Limit the number of federal employees to the current number.

    9.  Reduce federal employment 25 percent over the next eight years.

    10. Give the president the line-item veto.

    11. Impose a mandatory three-year prison term on any elected
        official or government employee (federal, state, or local)
        who takes a bribe or extorts from a citizen in exchange for
        performing his duty or responsibility.

    12. Prohibit the federal government from engaging in anything
        it is not specifically permitted to do constitutionally.

"Nearly 40 years of unabated federal growth initiated by the 'Great Society,' foolish programs, rules, and regulations got us into this mess," Mr. Hale writes. "The American public, with few exceptions, has elected representatives incapable, inexperienced, and ill-equipped to provide the leadership this country needs and deserves. Instead, we have elected people who pander to polls and special interest groups and who lack the background, experience, and courage to make responsible management and leadership decisions."

Unless we act now, Hale says, "we can expect 20-percent unemployment, hyperinflation, a further devalued dollar, street riots, and a dramatic decline in our standard of living."

Read the entire column at www.fgfbooks.com/Hale/2009/Hale090212.html

www.fgfBooks.com, the website of the Fitzgerald Griffin Foundation, posts articles on current events, the state of the culture, and other topical issues. See website to subscribe to receive the columns via email.

Carkhuff Releases Miracle of 'Generativity' Stimulus

2009-02-12T20:53:00.000+02:00

Generativity Solution: Necessary for Building Wealth in the New Economy

MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- If you are in search of a "bold and compelling paradigm" which confronts the potentially "schizophrenic obstacles to recovery" in our new economy, ask the father of the Science of Human Relations and Freedomblog.com founder, Robert R. (Bob) Carkhuff, PhD. His new groundbreaking work, The Generativity Solution series spells it out. Through the Science of Possibilities (HRD Press, 2000) and his lifelong studies, Carkhuff showed us that we have the potential at our fingertips. And this time, he says he has the architecture to prove it. "We have left out the source of our prosperity -- Human Capital. If we use it properly and continue drawing on this vital human potential to generate wealth and not just jobs, we'll be creating that vital piece of the pie that will resonate and will stimulate our economy. How do you stimulate wealth that is contagious and not just jobs that go away when the job is done?

In April, Carkhuff released his popular blog series, "The Generativity Stimulus Package." It was presented as a viable alternative to enhance "The Financial Stimulus Package" which focused strictly on dollar figures disregarding human resources and potential. He was right on target and left his audience wanting more. His new work, The Generativity Solution: Building the New Economy, a 32-page booklet, brings the "best of" his great paradigms for architecture and introduces his five-volume series of the same name. Community Generativity (Volume III), Cultural Generativy (Volume IV) and Economic Generativity (Volume V) will be available via HRD Press in March and are a must-read for communities, leaders and anyone trying to build.

After 50 years of generating The Science of Processing Systems, the foundation for addressing all crises, Bob cautions that the time is now. Through his Generativity Paradigms he has generated the formulas for individual, organizational, community, cultural, and global economic growth. His critically acclaimed books of the 20th century [Helping and Human Relations (Holt, Rinehart and Winston) and The Art of Helping (HRD Press)] provide the foundation for his 21st century works [The New Science of Possibilities and The Science of Freedom (HRD Press)] and more are in development. For Bob, "Anything that can be conceived can be achieved -- provided it is generatively defined and passionately pursued."

For more information or to access the complete new series, go to www.generativitysolution.com

For Books: Contact rwc@hrdpress.com

Contact: Press Room at Freedomblog.com

Essential Reading for Students: New Publication 'Ethics & International Affairs'

2009-02-12T15:54:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Carnegie Council is pleased to announce the publication of the third edition of Ethics & International Affairs: A Reader, edited by Carnegie Council President Joel H. Rosenthal and Christian Barry, Australian National University. This volume provides a fresh selection of classroom resources, ideal for courses in international relations, ethics, foreign policy, and related fields.

Published by Georgetown University Press in cooperation with the Carnegie Council, the book contains some of the best contemporary scholarship on international ethics, written by a group of distinguished political scientists, political theorists, philosophers, applied ethicists, and economic development specialists.

Each contributor explores how moral theory can inform policy choices regarding topics such as war and intervention, international organizations, human rights, and global economic justice. This book provides an entry point into these key debates and offers a platform for further discussion.

"This extensively revised edition of a well-known collection of essays more than meets the already high standard of earlier versions," says Chris Brown, professor of international relations, London School of Economics. "The seventeen essays collected here bring expert focus on the key ethical issues of the day, with contributions from most of the major authorities in the field. This is an essential teaching collection for courses on ethics and international affairs and international political theory more generally."

To purchase the book, go to Georgetown University Press: http://press.georgetown.edu/detail.html?id=9781589012721.

To read a Carnegie Council Online Book Companion, which includes discussion questions, abstracts, additional resources, and suggestions for further reading, go to: www.eiareader.org.

The Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs (www.cceia.org), established in 1914 by Andrew Carnegie, is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing understanding of the relationship between ethics and international affairs. The Carnegie Council convenes agenda-setting forums and creates educational opportunities and information resources for a worldwide audience of teachers and students, journalists, international affairs professionals, and concerned citizens.

Photos: Will Your Words Linger?

2009-02-12T14:00:00.000+02:00

New anthology captures stories from real life, told in the authentic voices of the storyteller

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The passion for sharing personal stories is not only the most powerful way to pass on the experiences, wisdom and voices of one generation to the next -- it's an expression of a deep human need to shout to the future, "Do not forget me! I was here!"

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/personalhistorians/36871/

A new anthology, My Words Are Gonna Linger: The Art of Personal History, celebrates the preservation of stories to ensure that our eyewitness accounts of history endure. Available February 1 from Personal History Press, the publishing arm of the Association of Personal Historians, the book differs from other anthologies by providing insight into the memoir-writing process and practical tips on how to start writing your own or someone else's life story.

This rich collection of forty-nine true stories -- gathered or written by members of the Association of Personal Historians Inc. -- breathes life into history, places, and cultural differences. My Words Are Gonna Linger shows how personal history can convert experience into wisdom and growth for both the storyteller and those who listen. In the foreword, best-selling author Rick Bragg (All Over but the Shoutin', Ava's Man and The Prince of Frog Town) shares a riveting tale passed down in his family. My Words Are Gonna Linger explores and explains various ways of presenting life stories, including thematic memoirs, linear autobiographies, and reminiscence about food and possessions. Legacy letters and ethical wills show how personal values and beliefs can be passed to future generations.

"Each story in My Words Are Gonna Linger shares a unique insight," says anthology editor Paula Stallings Yost. "When we realize the challenges others endured, we discover new strength within ourselves. We learn that contentment and wisdom come as much from our small daily achievements as from grand deeds."

To order: www.personalhistorians.org/anthology.php

Or e-mail storemanager@personalhistorians.org

Association of Personal Historians Inc.

The Association of Personal Historians is a nonprofit international trade association whose members preserve memoirs, life stories and community histories in an ever-increasing number of formats.

Walmart to Add 'Twilight Shops' in All Stores in March With Arrival of Movie DVD

2009-02-12T13:00:00.000+02:00

Fans can pre-order Summit Entertainment's Twilight DVD today from Walmart.com

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fans bitten by Twilight mania will soon find much more than the popular vampire book series at Walmart as the retailer becomes a new nationwide Twilight destination. In conjunction with Summit Entertainment's DVD release of this box office smash launching next month, all Walmart stores and Walmart.com will offer unique "Twilight store" areas containing a wide array of crowd-pleasing merchandise at affordable Walmart values.

Today Twilight fans can go to www.walmart.com/twilight to pre-order the new Walmart-exclusive standard DVD movie or special edition DVD, both to release nationwide March 21. As the countdown to the DVD release begins, the Web site will host discussions and post news about exciting fan events and activities to come. Today fans can go to Walmart.com/twilight to watch exclusive behind-the-scenes movie footage. In a few days, they also will find special features on the site to upload and enhance their digital photo to send an "eBite" to a friend. As teens, moms and friends prepare for Twilight "viewing parties" around the country, the site will continue to add special announcements and new material over the coming weeks.

Committed to bringing customers more affordable access to Twilight items than ever before, Walmart will dedicate a special area in each of its 3,500 stores to Twilight beginning mid-March - just days before the DVD movie release is available - to offer items including:

The Twilight DVD movie - standard and special edition
The Twilight CD soundtrack*
The Twilight book series* Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn
Twilight apparel
Twilight messenger bags and totes
Twilight posters*
Assorted Twilight licensed jewelry, key chains and accessories

"Twilight is a cultural phenomenon that has gripped both teens and adults across the country," said Greg Hall, vice president, Merchandising. "From the popularity we've already witnessed in books and music, we believe 'Twilighters' will be very excited about the items and values Walmart will bring together in a new in-store and online experience."

"We're delighted to partner with Walmart in bringing the highly anticipated Twilight DVD to the millions of enthusiastic fans who made the film such a groundbreaking success in its theatrical release," said Steve Nickerson, President of Summit Home Entertainment. "By creating specially-dedicated Twilight stores, both in their brick-and-mortar locations and on their website, Walmart is creating a unique home for this beloved franchise's passionate fan base."

Walmart will host these dedicated Twilight areas in stores through April, and continue to carry Twilight merchandise through the year, some items for a limited period only.

Twilight was the bestselling book of 2008 across all genres and the movie's November 21, 2008 opening weekend was one of the biggest in Hollywood history, grossing $70.6 million.

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)

Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart Stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $296 million to local communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com.

*Available now in stores and online at www.walmart.com.

Students Rack Up Reading Passages on Voyager Ticket to Read Program

2009-02-11T21:30:00.000+02:00

DALLAS, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Students using Ticket to Read(TM), the online reading program created by Voyager Expanded Learning(R), set a new record last week by reading one million reading passages in only 19 days. The previous record held was one million passages in 20 days. Students also reached a huge milestone and read the nine millionth reading passage. They are expected to hit 10 million sometime next week.

A record number of students log on to Ticket to Read each week because the highly motivating content helps them increase their reading skills in a fun and exciting way. Last week, more than 200,000 students logged on to the program and on Thursday alone, 97,000 students were using the program.

Louisiana second graders using Ticket to Read were so excited about the program they wrote to T.J. Ticket (the Ticket to Read reading mascot) and told him why they like the program.

        "I love Ticket to Read because it has quizzes."
        "I like Ticket to Read because it teaches you to read."
        "Ticket to Read teaches me how to read. Ticket to Read is awesome."
        "I like Ticket to Read so much I could do it all day."

Ticket to Read, is an easy-to-access and easy-to-use website designed to increase phonics skills, reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary through increased practice at home and at school. Designed for all students, including struggling and proficient readers, the embedded reward system motivates students to spend more time reading.

Ticket to Read provides students with different options as they practice their reading skills. They can participate in phonics activities, read high-interest passages at increasing levels of difficulty, take passage quizzes and also earn points to use in building virtual toys and customizing their personal clubhouse. Students can independently practice important reading skills at school, home, library or anywhere there is Internet access. The program is targeted to students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

To request a free trial password or purchase Ticket to Read, visit: www.tickettoread.com.

Voyager Expanded Learning

Voyager Expanded Learning provides core, intervention, and supplemental reading programs, as well as math intervention and ongoing professional development programs, for school districts throughout the United States. Founded in 1994, Voyager has delivered extended-time reading and basic skills intervention programs, as well as large-scale reading and math programs, to more than 1,000 school districts in cities such as Buffalo, N.Y.; Miami; New York City; Richmond, Va.; El Paso, Texas; and Los Angeles, resulting in dramatically improved student performance. Voyager Expanded Learning, Inc. is a business unit of Voyager Learning Company (OTC: VLCY.PK) and based in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit www.voyagerlearning.com or call 1-888-399-1995.

Audio Publishers Association Nominates Two Stories From Golden Age Audiobooks for Prestigious Audies Award

2009-02-11T19:12:00.000+02:00

Hubbard Selections Chosen from Record Field of 1,000 Audio Entries Representing $200+ Million Industry

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- In what amounts to another publishing milestone for Hollywood-based Galaxy Press, two of its Stories from the Golden Age audiobooks (www.goldenagestories.com) have received nominations for the highly-coveted 2009 Audies Award by the Audio Publishers Association (APA), it was announced (http://www.audiopub.org/press-releases.asp).

Audio versions of L. Ron Hubbard's classic pulp fiction stories, Branded Outlaw and Under the Black Ensign, were selected out of a record field of 1,000 entries from audio publishers to compete for the prizes given out in late May, the only award program in the United States devoted entirely to honoring spoken word entertainment. The Association of American Publishers reports that the audiobook industry tops $200 million in the U.S. alone.

Branded Outlaw (L. Ron Hubbard, Galaxy Audio) --a story that Audiofile Magazine says, "has it all for fans of the pulp Western" --was nominated in the category of Audiobook Adaptation. It was performed by R.F. Daley, David O'Donnell, Bob Caso, Jim Meskimen and Tamra Meskimen.

Under the Black Ensign (L. Ron Hubbard, Galaxy Audio) --called "a gem in American pulp fiction" by Audiofile Magazine--was nominated in the category of Package Design and was performed by a full cast featuring R.F. Daley, Marisol Nichols, Jim Meskimen, Phil Proctor, Thomas Silcott and Michael Yurchak.

"We've only just started rolling out these stories to the public," said Meskimen, who also serves as senior director of the entire 80-book line of Golden Age Stories audiobooks. "We're excited that people can share in the adventure."

Two of the Golden Age audiobooks--Spy Killer (mystery) and The Great Secret (science fiction)--were already acknowledged by Publishers Weekly as the best of 2008, while The Iron Duke (general fiction) was awarded Audiofile Magazine's Earphone Award.

"All this attention has come from only our first six audiobooks in the 80-book line," added John Goodwin, Galaxy Press president. "I think that our focus on detail in the audiobook series and the sheer genius of Mr. Hubbard's writing and characters have a lot to do with our success."

Go to www.goldenagestories.com/html/podcasts.php#6 for a video presentation on how the Golden Age Stories audiobooks were created. For more information about the Golden Age line of audiobooks, go to www.goldenagestories.com.

Official Notification of Authors and Publishers About Google Book Search Copyright Settlement in Progress

2009-02-11T16:00:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Court-ordered process of officially notifying authors, publishers, and other copyright-holders about the landmark Google Book Search class-action settlement is underway.

Authors and publishers throughout the world are receiving detailed information about their legal rights and options by email and postal mail. A Summary Notice is being published in 218 countries and 72 languages, which complements the mailed notice program. Class members should visit http://www.googlebooksettlement.com for complete information, including the Notice of Class Action Settlement, and key dates.

The Authors Guild, the Association of American Publishers, and Google announced the proposed settlement in late October 2008. The settlement, if Court-approved, will authorize Google to scan in-copyright Books and Inserts in the United States, maintain an electronic database of Books, and make various uses of the Books as specified in the settlement. For out-of-print Books and, if permitted by Rightsholders of in-print Books, Google will be able to sell access to individual Books and institutional subscriptions to the database, place advertisements on any page dedicated to a Book, and make other commercial uses of Books. At any time, Rightsholders can change instructions to Google regarding any of those uses. Through a Book Rights Registry ("Registry") established by the settlement, Google will pay Rightsholders 63% of all revenues from these uses. The settlement also provides for cash payments to Rightsholders of Books and Inserts that Google scans prior to May 5, 2009.

Class members' rights may be affected by the settlement even if they do not act. Those who wish to opt out of or object to the settlement must do so by May 5, 2009. Claims for cash payments for Books and Inserts scanned by May 5, 2009 must be filed by January 5, 2010. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York will consider whether to grant final approval of the settlement at a hearing on June 11, 2009.

Complete information about the settlement is available at http://www.googlebooksettlement.com, which is available in 36 languages.

START> Becoming A Good Samaritan

2009-02-11T15:19:00.000+02:00

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite many victories, the world is still besieged by poverty, pandemic diseases, social injustice, racism, gender inequality and political oppression.

In fact, over half of the world, more than three billion people, live on less than $2.50 a day according to Global Issues. More than 33 million people were estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS in 2007 world-wide, and over 25 million people have died from AIDS since 1981, according to Avert. Adding to these shattering figures, there are 300 to 500 million clinical cases of malaria each year resulting in 1.5 to 2.7 million deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

What impact could 77 million American Christians have on these problems? How different would the world be if the Church became the leading responder to these issues? Why don't more Christians get personally involved?

"Mother Teresa said it best," says Michael Seaton, the creator of start> Becoming A Good Samaritan. "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin. For most of us caught up in the hectic demands on our lives the biggest problem is not desiring to be the Good Samaritan, it's acting on that desire! It's starting!" he adds.

Hosted by John Ortberg, and featuring some of the most important voices in Christianity today, start> Becoming A Good Samaritan is designed to help Churches, small groups and outreach organizations of all shapes and sizes inform, train and inspire individuals-to start> putting their faith into action!

start> Becoming A Good Samaritan was developed in partnership with Zondervan, The C2 Group, World Vision and more than 50 leading social justice voices from around the world. In six dynamic sessions, start> Becoming a Good Samaritan is in a video-interview format and will explore the critical needs facing the world.

    Following is a list of voices committed to this ground-breaking project:

    Amy Sherman                Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
    Bishop Horace E. Smith     Bishop James Jones
    Bishop John Rucyahana      Brenda Salter McNeil
    Bryant Myers               Christo Greyling
    Christopher Crane          Chuck Colson
    David Anderson             David Batstone
    David Beckman              Dean Hirsch
    Denver Moore               Dolphus Weary
    Eugene Peterson            Francis Collins
    Gary Haugen                Gerald Durley
    Heidi Unruh                Jason Russell
    Jayakumar Christian        Jim Cymbala
    Jim Wallis                 Joe Mettimano
    John M. Perkins            John Ortberg
    Joni Eareckson Tada        Kay Warren
    Mary Nelson                Matthew Sleeth
    Mike Yankoski              Miles McPherson
    Noel Castellanos           Philip Yancey
    Philippa Lei               Princess Zulu
    Rich Stearns               Rob Bell
    Romanita Hairston          Ron Hall
    Ron Nikkel                 Ron Sider
    Sandra Thurman             Scott Sabin
    Shane Claiborne            Shirley Mullen
    Stanley Green              Star Parker
    Steve Chalke               Steve Haas
    Steve Stirling             Tri Robinson
    Zach Hunter

With sessions titles like The Church and Social Responsibility, The World's Pandemic but Preventable Diseases, Social Justice & Race Reconciliation, The Poor & Poverty, The Environment: Stewardship of God's Creation, and The Disenfranchised: The Least of These and the Lost, the goal of start> Becoming A Good Samaritan is to empower participants to get out of the pews and seize "Good Samaritan" opportunities in real world applications.

The curriculum is formatted in a video-interview format, offering a complete set of teaching tools including; a 6-session DVD, a leader's guide and a participant's guide. The leader's guide and the participant's guide will serve to facilitate group discussions as well as offer practical ways to get involved. There is also a website, www.JustStart.org with additional interview segments, in-depth white papers on session topics and links to a variety of charitable organizations, which will provide individuals, small groups and other organizations with ideas and ways to implement Good Samaritan activities.

About The C2 Group

For twenty years, The C2 Group has provided strategic communication services for local, regional and international clients. The last five years The C2 Group has focused on Christian Curriculum and enterprise-wide web solutions for Christian organizations. The company has worked with Zondervan, The Moody Bible Institute, Assemblies of God, Willow Creek, The Dove Foundation, and many others. The passion is to create powerful experiences through storytelling in both the video and web mediums. With capabilities that offer discreet solutions for video and web initiatives, The C2 Group leverages strengths to provide completely integrated solutions.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision provides hope and assistance to approximately 100 million people in nearly 100 countries. In communities around the world, World Vision joins with local people to find lasting ways to improve the lives of poor children and families. In 2008, 87 percent of World Vision's total revenue was designated for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need.

About Zondervan

Zondervan, a HarperCollins company, is a world leader in Christian communications. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has produced bestselling, award-winning and life-changing products by some of the most relevant Christian leaders and emerging voices of the day. The company produces Bibles, including the bestselling NIV Bible translation, books and new media products as well as children's products from its Zonderkidz group. Visit Zondervan on the Web at www.zondervan.com.

'Hidden in Plain Sight' to Receive Best Book of the Year in Marketing Award

2009-02-10T19:56:00.000+02:00

The Berry-AMA Book Prize award ceremony to take place at The Harvard Club, New York City

NEW YORK, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Marketing Association Foundation (AMAF) is hosting the Berry-AMA Book Prize award ceremony at The Harvard Club, New York City on February 25, 2009. The event honors Hidden in Plain Sight: How to find and execute your company's next big growth strategy, written by Erich Joachimsthaler, founder and CEO of Vivaldi Partners, a strategic management consulting firm specialized on innovation, growth, and marketing. This award from the American Marketing Association, the leading professional association of marketers in the USA recognizes the book for its innovative ideas having had a significant impact on marketing and related fields.

The event will feature a discussion on how to innovate and grow your company in turbulent times. Speakers will include: Kristen Sandberg, Executive Editor, Harvard Press; Royce Johnson, Research Fellow, Kinetic Concepts; Beverly Anderson, Vice President, American Express; and Dawn Lesh, Chairperson Elect, AMA Foundation.

For more information on this event, or to inquire about attending, please contact Tiwana at (212)-965-0900 or e-mail info@vivaldipartners.com.

About Vivaldi Partners:

Vivaldi Partners is a strategic consulting firm specialized on innovation, growth, and marketing. Founder and CEO, Erich Joachimsthaler, is a renowned international marketing expert and Visiting Professor of Business Administration at IESE Business School, the leading global executive and MBA program. He is also author of over 60 academic articles and other books including the best-selling books "Brand Leadership: The Next Revolution in Branding". At Vivaldi Partners, experienced consultants, ethnographers, and innovation experts work with well-known clients to help solve their toughest growth strategy problems. Clients range from financial services, consumer goods, automotive, utility and telecommunication and technology industries. Headquartered in New York, Vivaldi Partners has offices in Buenos Aires, Zurich, London, Duesseldorf, Munich, and Hamburg.

Western Writers of America to Honor Elmore Leonard for Lifetime Contribution

2009-02-09T18:53:00.000+02:00

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Elmore Leonard, who mastered the Western in novels such as HOMBRE and short stories like "The Boy Who Smiled" and "The Tonto Woman," will receive the Owen Wister Award for lifetime contribution to Western literature, Western Writers of America has announced.

Leonard will be honored June 20 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City during the annual convention of Western Writers of America, a nonprofit organization founded in 1953 to promote and recognize literature of the American West.

Leonard, who lives in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, said he was surprised but thrilled at receiving the Owen Wister Award.

"I love the Western genre," he said, "and writing them was a great way to learn to write."

Before turning to crime novels such as BANDITS, GET SHORTY and TOSHOMINGO BLUES, Leonard honed his craft with edgy Westerns. Argosy published his first short story in 1951. Other tales followed in magazines such as Dime Western, 10 Story Western and Zane Grey's Western. His story "The Captives" became THE TALL T, a highly regarded movie starring Randolph Scott in 1957. That same year, Leonard's "Three-Ten to Yuma" was turned into 3:10 TO YUMA, starring Glenn Ford and Van Heflin, and was remade in 2007 with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale in the lead roles.

Leonard's first novel was THE BOUNTY HUNTERS in 1953. Other titles followed, including THE LAW AT RANDADO, ESCAPE FROM FIVE SHADOWS, FORTY LASHES LESS ONE and GUNSIGHTS. HOMBRE became a hit movie starring Paul Newman in 1967. VALDEZ IS COMING and LAST STAND AT SABER RIVER also were turned into movies, the latter a TV film with Tom Selleck.

"Elmore Leonard has had a tremendous impact on the Western and crime genres," WWA president Johnny D. Boggs said. "He has always been a gifted storyteller, and never afraid to take chances. That's why his Westerns remain in print decades after they were first published, and why anthologies of his short Western fiction fill bookshelves. Recognition from Western Writers of America is long overdue."

Past winners of the Owen Wister Award, previously called the Levi Strauss Saddleman Award, include A.B. Guthrie Jr., John Jakes, Dorothy M. Johnson, Elmer Kelton, Louis L'Amour, Mari Sandoz and Tony Hillerman.

For more information on WWA, log on to www.westernwriters.org, or write WWA, MSC06 3770, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001.

Harlequin Celebrates Its 60th Birthday by Giving Away Free Downloadable Books

2009-02-09T15:26:00.000+02:00

Harlequin Offers 16 Free Downloadable Books to Every Woman in America

NEW YORK, and TORONTO, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Harlequin Enterprises is celebrating its 60th birthday by offering free downloadable books to everybody in America. As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, the women's fiction publisher is inverting the tradition of receiving gifts on one's birthday by offering 16 free of its titles free of charge.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090209/NY68266LOGO)

The 16 titles, written by some of Harlequin's top-selling and most popular authors, are available for digital download throughout 2009 at www.Harlequincelebrates.com. The total approximate retail value of the free books is $60.00.

In addition to giving away free books, Harlequin will be celebrating 60 years of pure reading pleasure through a number of events and commemorative programs.

In May, Harlequin hosts an exhibition of original cover art entitled The Heart of a Woman: Harlequin Cover Art 1949-2009, which includes some pieces that have not been seen in close to 60 years. Opening at the Openhouse Gallery in New York City on May 29, 2009, the display will feature more than a hundred original works of art and will include cover art from Harlequin's beginnings in 1949 to the present day. The exhibition offers a unique insight into the profound changes that have occurred in women's lives over the past six decades--changes that have been captured and reflected on the front of Harlequin novels--from shifts in private desires to shifts in the politics of gender.

The romance publishing giant will also be highlighting some of its most popular series in retail stores across the country in 2009. In March, June and September the Harlequin Famous Firsts Collection reissues some of the first books ever written for Harlequin by some of today's New York Times bestselling authors. Every month in 2009 the Series Spotlight program will highlight a different series from the wide variety of stories, authors, classic themes and returning families for which Harlequin readers clamor. Harlequin will also be presenting appearances by more than 70 New York Timesand USA TODAY bestselling authors over its series all year long.

Harlequin was founded by Richard Bonnycastle in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1949. In the early years, the small firm published a wide variety of American and British paperbacks--from mysteries and Westerns to classics and cookbooks. Harlequin began publishing romance fiction in 1957. By 1964, Harlequin was publishing romances exclusively. The publisher is, today, synonymous with romance fiction.

Harlequin is also a leading digital publisher and the first major house to make its entire frontlist available in eBook simultaneously with print. Harlequin titles are frequent residents on eBook bestseller lists.

More information on Harlequin's 60th Anniversary and Harlequin's goal of giving a free romance novel to every woman in America can be found at www.HarlequinCelebrates.com.

About Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, with titles issued worldwide in 26 languages and sold in 109 international markets. The company releases 120 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,300 authors from around the world. Harlequin Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.nv.b). Harlequin's Web site is located at www.eHarlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 17 countries, including offices in Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit www.eHarlequin.com or press.eHarlequin.com.

Borders(R) Offers Exclusive Two-Disc 'Twilight' DVD with Special Features, Photo Cards and Deluxe Packaging

2009-02-09T14:00:00.000+02:00

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Die-hard vampire fans bitten by the "Twilight" phenomenon will be flocking to midnight release parties at Borders stores nationwide this spring to celebrate the highly anticipated release of the "Twilight" feature film on DVD. To commemorate the occasion, Borders is collaborating with Summit Entertainment to create a special two-disc limited-edition of the movie that will be available while supplies last exclusively at Borders, as well as on Borders.com. The DVD set, which goes on sale Saturday, March 21, includes bonus special features, unique photo cards and luxurious packaging -- all of which are exclusive to the Borders special edition.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060208/BORDERSLOGO )

Borders has pulled out all the stops to make its exclusive two-disc edition the ultimate must-have for "Twilight" fans. In addition to the standard special features that will be available widely, such as audio commentary, the movie's trailers and promotional reels, extended and deleted scenes and more, the Borders-exclusive special edition is jam-packed with over one hour of additional content produced by Borders, including:

-- Exclusive cast interviews with Robert Pattinson (Edward), Kristen Stewart (Bella), Cam Gigandet (James), Edi Gathegi (Laurent) and Rachelle Lefevre (Victoria) that were recorded during Comic-Con in San Diego.

-- Exclusive red-carpet footage from the global movie premiere in Los Angeles, including a never-before-seen segment that contains interviews with Kellan Lutz (Emmett); Ashley Greene (Alice); Nikki Reed (Rosalie); rock band Paramore, who contributed to the movie's soundtrack, and much more.

-- A re-edited version of the Borders Book Club episode that features author Stephenie Meyer discussing the phenomenon behind the "Twilight" saga.

Borders' two-disc special edition also includes a set of 10 exclusive photo cards, which feature images of the cast. The 7-1/4-inch-by-5-3/8-inch photo cards are printed on a heavy pearlescent stock, giving the cards a rich, beautiful shimmer. The DVDs and photo cards will be elegantly presented in a deluxe tri-fold rigid case that is exclusive to Borders. The front cover features a pattern of tree branches foil-stamped on the matte finish packaging, creating a beautiful tone-on-tone image that highlights the movie's logo.

Upon its release, the Borders-exclusive two-disc "Twilight" DVD will be $29.99, a savings of 25% off the retail price of $39.99. The DVD set is available for pre-order now at Borders, as well as on Borders.com. To find a store near you, go to Borders.com and click the Store Locator tab.

To celebrate the release of "Twilight" on DVD, most Borders stores nationwide will host midnight parties. On Friday night, March 20, passionate fans of all ages will gather in stores for vampire-themed games, activities and lively discussions, together counting down the final minutes until the DVD officially goes on sale at midnight on Saturday, March 21. More details about the parties will be announced in the coming weeks.

"No retailer understands the passion 'Twilight' fans have for Bella and Edward's story quite like Borders. We've been with this series from the very beginning and share fans' enthusiasm as we've watched it explode into a full- blown cultural phenomenon. To celebrate the release of the film on DVD, we wanted to go above and beyond to create something truly special that can't be found anywhere else. We're thrilled with our exclusive two-disc special edition and are looking forward to our midnight release parties, where loyal fans can to come together and celebrate their shared passion for all things 'Twilight,'" said Anne Kubek, executive vice president of Merchandising and Marketing.

In addition to the DVDs, Borders offers an incredible selection of "Twilight"-themed items, including T-shirts, jewelry, posters, bookmarks, an Edward action figure and -- of course -- the Stephenie Meyer books that sparked the phenomenon -- "Twilight," "New Moon," "Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn." All of this "Twilight" related product is assembled on one sweeping display at the front of store that is sure to attract shoppers thirsty for vampire memorabilia at all price points.

About Borders Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) is a leading retailer of books, music and movies with approximately 27,000 employees. Through its subsidiaries, the company operates more than 1,000 stores worldwide primarily under the Borders(R) and Waldenbooks(R) brand names. For online shopping, visit Borders.com. For more information about the company, visit www.borders.com/aboutus.

'Confessions of a Rogue Teacher': New Novel Uses Plot to Highlight Issues in Inner-city Schools

2009-02-09T13:45:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- There have been many movies and TV shows that attempt to highlight, through drama or comedy, the issues that exist in America's inner-city schools. But what is it like, really? "Confessions of a Rogue Teacher" (published by iUniverse), by novelist and retired teacher George Colon, employs plot as a vehicle to communicate the realities of life for an inner-city teacher.

"Confessions of a Rogue Teacher" opens with English teacher Manny Quesada hurrying back to his classroom from the restroom. He has just had what the reader finds out in Chapter 2, an altercation with one of his students, Wilson Contreras. In the course of this altercation things turned physical and Manny had hit Wilson in self-defense. This fateful event will drive the entire plot of "Confessions of a Rogue Teacher," not only for Manny but for the people around him as well.

As one would expect, as a result of Manny's altercation there is an inquiry. As a result, Manny is removed from the classroom pending a full review. This is a great blow to a man who had dedicated his life to teaching and at one time held to the ideal that he could help his fellow Puerto Ricans rise up from poverty through education. Now, after 20 years of teaching, Manny is felled by an altercation resulting in a momentary act of anger and impulse. As a result of the altercation, Manny is instructed to report to the superintendent's office. Unsure of where he stands or if he will even be allowed to return to the classroom, Manny is faced with a new reality; what comes next?

"I've been here three days now and don't know why," I complained. "I have union rights." I'd called Peter Goldstein, who told me Joseph Arimet, roving troubleshooter, would contact me, but he hadn't yet.

"You've been placed in this office," he twiddled his moustache. "I didn't send for you." While he let these words sink in, his eyes bore down on me with the sneer of command. "Don't know what you've done - don't care."

"I do."

His eyes softened, though not his tone, "When Minerva returns, she'll talk to you. For now, man a desk, file papers, and handle the phone. Take messages and complaints. Give information. No opinions. Tell callers they'll be contacted. Mario will break you in. He's got a problem, too."

George Colon is a native of Puerto Rico and grew up in the South Bronx neighborhoods. After earning a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's of Secondary Education, Colon returned to the South Bronx. He was a teacher there for 30 years. Upon retiring, he began writing. This is his first published novel. Colon has a wife and daughter and still resides in the Bronx.

iUniverse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.iuniverse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 800-288-4677
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: pj.rutar@iuniverse.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

'Beyond the Grail': New Novel Explores an Irish Family's Fracturing and Unification

2009-02-09T13:40:00.000+02:00

HAMPTON ROADS, Va., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout history, families have fractured for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it happens over politics, sometimes money. Sometimes the reasons are far less concrete or mundane. "Beyond the Grail" (published by iUniverse) by Andrew Shankland tells the story of one such family from Ireland and how the quest for healing can cross generations.

As "Beyond the Grail" opens, readers find a typical early 20th-century rural Irish family in the midst of an atypical day. Mathew Baird, the family's patriarch, lies on his deathbed receiving last rites. With Mr. Baird gone, control of the family's land will fall to the family's eldest son, Matt. The Baird family now faces an uncertain future, for Matthew Baird the younger is a man of cold, even spiteful manners. He sees emotion as a weakness and displays a rare arrogance that manifests itself in the cruelest ways. In a display of callous superciliousness, young Matt moves his mother out of the Baird home's master bedroom and into the carriage house.

As time rolls on, Matt Baird's cruel indifference to the rest of his family continues to increase. Matt's arrogance reaches a new height when he throws his brothers off of the family's farm. The younger brothers had no way of knowing that Matt's actions would have consequences spanning generations:

"What changes ye be talking about?" asks David.

"Yous two can'ta expect to be living off me land forever," replies Matt.

"What do you mean, yous land?" asks John defiantly.

"Just what I say," answers Matt. "This land belongs to me and the time be now for yous to leave and make ye own way. There be too many responsibilities to worry about; taking care of Mum and paying yous way as well."

An argument ensues, with John yelling and swearing that he will never be put off the land that is rightfully his home, no matter what some papers say or what Matt says.

Matt turns to David saying, "And you; I guess ye be challenging me. Hah, thinking yous a better man."

"A better man, I be for certain," replies David resolutely. "That be why I have no intention being around a scoundrel like you. I be gone with my things in short order."

Andrew Shankland is a native of Newport News, Virginia. After graduating from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia he began a career in heavy marine industry. His career took him from one coast to another, landing him in the San Francisco Bay area. Shankland's business required frequent trips abroad. In doing so he fulfilled the wish of family members to travel to Ireland and meet his extended family still living there. This historical epic was written much to the credit of his family who urged him to do so. Shankland is also the author of "THE DAY OF."

iUniverse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.iuniverse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 800-288-4677
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: pj.rutar@iuniverse.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

Best-Selling Author Leads Revolution Against the Recession

2009-02-09T13:06:00.000+02:00

Want to achieve bigger goals in 2009 despite the recession? Jack Canfield, co-founder of the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul empire and teacher from 'The Secret,' launches nationwide seminar tour to reveal the most important success principles entrepreneurs, sales professionals and other success-minded people need to thrive.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Every day brings more bad news about the economy. Most Americans naturally react by becoming anxious and fearful.

Instead, they should be optimistic.

So claims leading success coach Jack Canfield, founder of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" empire, contributing author of "The Secret," and host of PBS's "The Secret Law of Attraction."

"It's normal to feel fear in dire economic times," Canfield says. "But to thrive despite the recession - or any other challenge, for that matter - you have to shift into gratitude. By maintaining a joyous emotional state and laser-like focus on what you want to attract, you're practically guaranteed to achieve your goals."

To help success-minded people in all walks of life (especially those who are currently unemployed) master the new skills they need to succeed in 2009, Canfield is touring the country with a one-day training program, the Success Principles Workshop.

Canfield has spent more than 30 years studying universal success principles. During the workshop, he'll teach transformational processes that will help attendees increase their clarity, focus and power. He'll also discuss breakthroughs about how the power of intention and thought help create physical and financial results.

During the Success Principles Workshop, attendees will learn - and practice - the skills they need to double their results, income, and free time; achieve greater balance in all areas of their lives; and have more fun.

The Success Principles Workshop will be held on February 28 in Anaheim, Calif.; on March 7 in Chicago, Ill.; and on April 4 in the New York City area. For more information and a free preview audio training, visit http://www.thesuccessprinciplesworkshop.com.

About Jack Canfield: Canfield holds a BA from Harvard University, a Masters degree in Psychological Education from the University of Massachusetts, and Honorary Doctorates from the University of Santa Monica, Parker College of Chiropractic and St. Ambrose University. Over the past 30 years, he's been a psychotherapist, educational consultant, trainer and leading authority in the areas of self-esteem, achievement motivation and peak performance.

BowTie Press Author, Bo Bengtson, Honored by The Alliance of Purebred Dog Writers

2009-02-09T13:00:00.000+02:00

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- BowTie, Inc., the world's largest publisher of pet and animal magazines and websites, is proud to announce that Bo Bengtson, editor-at-large of Dogs in Review and author of Best In Show, published by Kennel Club Books, a division of BowTie Press, received the Alliance of Purebred Dog Writers (APDW) Stonehenge Award at its annual awards luncheon held February 8, 2009, in New York City.

The Stonehenge Award, given to an individual who has contributed significantly to the dog sport over the years, recognizes a lifetime of achievement for Bengtson, who has been an influence in the fancy for more than 50 years.

"Our publishing house is rightly proud of Bengtson and this history-making volume that has been called the most important book ever published about the international sport of showing dogs," says Andrew DePrisco, editor-in-chief and vice-president of Kennel Club Books.

Bengtson is regarded as the foremost international authority on show dogs both past and present. Born and educated in Sweden, he has spent several decades studying dogs worldwide. While maintaining a selective kennel, primarily of Whippets, Bengtson has bred or owned more than 100 champions, including many Best in Show winners. As a judge, he has officiated at the world's top dog shows: Westminster, Crufts and the World Show.

Bengtson is also the recipient of the American Whippet Club's Certificate of Achievement, the Swedish Kennel Club's Hamilton plaquette, and the Dog Writers Association of America's Maxwell and Elsworth S. Howell awards. He is the author of several critically acclaimed books about dogs in the United States and abroad, including Dogs of the World, The Whippet, Dogs and Dog Shows Around the World, and most recently, the highly celebrated Best In Show. He also founded and published award-winning publications, including Sighthound Review and Dogs in Review.

"Bo's dedication to the sport and his global vision have raised the bar among both the fancy and American dog publications," says Allan Reznik, editor-in-chief of Dogs in Review and editor at large of Dog Fancy and Dog World.

To schedule an interview with Bengtson, contact Lisa MacDonald, marketing director, at 949-855-8822, ext. 3345.

About BowTie, Inc.

BowTie, Inc. is the leader in special interest pet magazines, trade magazines, books and websites dedicated to pet-loving consumers, pet-supply retailers, veterinarians, breeders and pet professionals worldwide. Divisions of BowTie, Inc. include BowTie Magazines, BowTie Press, BowTie News, Thoroughbred Times Company, Global Distribution Services and www.AnimalNetwork.com.

Wisconsin-Based SOHO Publishing LLC Launches Business-to-Business Social Networking Site SOHOBiztube.com to Help Businesses Grow

2009-02-06T15:19:00.000+02:00

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, businesses and individuals are utilizing social media and social networking to make connections, find jobs and create awareness. The social web is becoming an integral part of today's business process. However there has been a gap for businesses looking to connect with other businesses in meaningful ways. On Friday, February 6th, SOHOBiztube.com, a business-to-business social networking site, will launch to help businesses leverage the many powerful social media tools to promote their business, connect with other businesses and grow.

"SOHOBiztube.com emerges today from the beta testing phase of development and will be launched in a public event at The Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee," said Cd Vann owner and managing partner of SOHO Publishing LLC. "We have received tremendous engagement during testing and over 200 businesses signed up in last three weeks with no promotion."

SOHOBiztube.com is a social networking site that is dedicated to creating opportunities for "Growing Your Business Using Social Media and Connections" by helping growing businesses utilize social media tools and social networking to effectively brand and enhance their visibility.

The site helps member businesses use social web tools like video, audio, blogs, podcasts, Twitter, feeds and distribute press releases in one seamless location. Recommendations and referrals also help businesses gain credibility to network and find new clients and vendors.

Unlike other business-type social networking sites like LinkedIn.com, SOHOBiztube offers an organization-focused structure by which businesses can showcase their team and demonstrate strength, cohesiveness, shared mission and commitment to the delivery of quality products, services and customer attention on behalf of the company.

Nationwide, member businesses will have an affordable opportunity to communicate with internal and external partners, strategic alliances, customers, clients and peers using one company membership. Connections will be held by the business even if team members change, creating greater value for the company itself.

The site can be described as one part interactive online business directory, one part LinkedIn with a heavy flavoring of YouTube, but with a B2B focus. SOHOBiztube.com also offers exclusive expert business content from the monthly contributors to MagazineSOHO, an international sister publication. Content areas include Web Design, IT, Business Growth 2.0, Marketing, Advertising, Branding, Public Relations, Business Travel, Life Coaching, Mobile Consulting, Recruitment, Finance, Legal Advice, Sales and Business Coaching.

About SOHO Publishing LLC. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, SOHO Publishing is owned by Cd Vann, Jim Schlesing and Steve Ball Jr. The firm owns and operates MagazineSOHO, SOHOBiztube and the Naked Biz Growth seminar. MagazineSOHO is an international niche business-focused publication that is dedicated to helping growing businesses grow by providing expert content and profiles of people doing it right; SOHOBiztube.com is a social networking site that is dedicated to "Growing Your Business Using Social Media & Connections" by helping growing businesses utilize social media tools and social networking to effectively brand and enhance their visibility. Visit http://www.SOHOBiztube.com for more.

Harvest Time Partners, Inc. Introduces Abundant Harvest(TM), a One of a Kind Board Game to Help Individuals, Families and Educators Address the Complexity of Life Today

2009-02-06T11:00:00.000+02:00

Life is No Longer Simple and Predictable

Is Your Family Ready? Are Your Students Ready?

BUCKINGHAM, Pa., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Decisions based on principles such as honesty, courage and responsibility serve as the foundation for actions of success and distinction in the home, the community and the marketplace.

Life is no longer simple and predictable. Unforeseen events in our home, our community and the world cause us significant uncertainty in reaching our hopes and dreams. During times of uncertainty, making decisions and taking action based on correct principles, not emotion or impulse, are critical to ensuring lasting success and distinction for individuals and families.

Abundant Harvest(TM) can help! The intent of Abundant Harvest(TM) is to provide families, friends and educators the opportunity to openly discuss the often difficult and complex issues of the real world for the purpose of preparing individuals to make more effective decisions along the journey of life. In addition, Abundant Harvest(TM) can open the door to more effective communication between spouses and between parents and children and can serve as a supportive tool for educators and counselors who seek to provide guidance and direction to others as they face the complexity of life today.

Board games provide a great platform for teaching and instructing. Abundant Harvest(TM) takes players on a fun-filled learning journey through various real world scenarios. There are two versions of Abundant Harvest(TM).

        Abundant Harvest(TM)           Abundant Harvest(TM) for Kids
        for ages 12 to Adult             for ages 5 to Adult

    The situations presented in      The situations presented in this
    this version of the game are     version of the game are directed
    directed towards teenage and     towards children who are learning the
    adult groups.  Many of the       importance of making decisions that
    situations deal with the         are based on principle.  The
    difficult issues of drugs,       scenarios provide parents, caregivers
    family conflicts, peer           and educators the opportunity to
    pressure and the complex and     teach children, and allow children to
    unpredictable nature of being    begin to develop and apply
    an adolescent and/or adult in    principle-based reasoning skills as
    today's world.                   they work their way through
                                     situations common in today's world.

The games are currently being well received in the marketplace by families, educators and faith-based organizations.

The Felician Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Province (Lodi, NJ) have reviewed and used the games and believe Abundant Harvest(TM) is "a wonderful tool to reinforce the Church's support of marriage and family in addition to supporting more effective decision making among our youth." Debbie Stevens, Children's Pastor at Family Worship Center in Lansdale, PA, commented that, "Abundant Harvest(TM) creates a much needed opportunity for parents, educators and counselors to talk with children and teenagers about making more effective decisions in an increasingly complex world and helps to reinforce the principle that 'you reap what you sow' in every aspect of life."

The games are currently available at www.AMAZON.com in the toys/games section and directly from Harvest Time Partners at www.harvesttimepartners.com .

For more information or to discuss additional products and services from Harvest Time Partners, Inc., please visit the company website at www.harvesttimepartners.com or contact David at 267-885-5715 or email at david@harvesttimepartners.com .

About Harvest Time Partners, Inc:

Harvest Time Partners, Inc. was formed over a decade ago to help individuals, families and organizations reach their full potential in an increasingly complex world. During times of uncertainty, the discipline to remain steadfast on making decisions and taking actions based on eternally correct principles, such as honesty, courage and responsibility is critical to ensure lasting success and distinction for individuals, families and organizations.

The managing partners at Harvest Time Partners, Inc. are accomplished professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Collectively, they have decades of experience leading both large and small organizations and developing programs to support individuals, families and organizations.

The managing partners are committed to bringing relevant, supportive materials and programs to meet a wide range of needs. If you would like one of the partners to contact you for a review of our capabilities, please contact us via our website at www.harvesttimepartners.com or contact David directly at 267-885-5715 or david@harvesttimepartners.com

ILLUSTRATING THE WORLD'S END: Acclaimed Comic Book Artist Rob Liefeld Depicts Global Disaster in Original Graphic Novel, 'Armageddon Now: World War 3'

2009-02-05T23:01:00.000+02:00

YORBA LINDA, Calif., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned comic book artist Rob Liefeld uses fresh, vivid illustrations to bring an adventurous story of the global apocalypse to the pages of the graphic novel, "Armageddon Now: World War 3."

"We've incorporated bold, engaging graphics and a compelling story to intrigue readers of mankind's future," said Liefeld, known for his work with Marvel Comics and Image Comics. "This book merges superheroes with current events in a plot originating from biblical stories of adventure, mystery and bloodshed."

"Armageddon Now: World War 3" is the first of seven books in the "Armageddon Now" graphic novel series, created by 12 Gates Productions. With stories by Phil Hotsenpiller, a pastor and theological expert, each book in the series is one more piece in the apocalyptic puzzle.

The first book takes readers on a catastrophic ride of terrorist attacks and brutal combat. Readers meet John Corbin, a soldier who leads Israeli defense forces to overcome a confederacy of nations in World War 3. Throughout the series, Corbin and a team of heroes unveil the mystery of the constellation Orion as it relates to humanity's future.

"With war in the Middle East, climate change and an increased occurrence of natural disasters, many people are speculating if the end of the world is near," said Hotsenpiller. "This fictional story correlates with these same events in our headline news."

Graphic novels have been steadily rising in popularity among audiences thanks to the movie industry's frequent adaptations of stories rooted in new and classic comic books. Many superhero and villain movies like "The Dark Knight," "Spider-Man," "The Incredibles" and the upcoming "Watchmen," originated from these picture books.

"The graphic novel, distinctive for its detailed art, is a stimulating way to portray the disaster described in biblical prophecy," said Hotsenpiller. "Many people may not realize the parallels with some of the same suffering in our world today."

"Armageddon Now: World War 3," a 120-page hard-cover book, is available at specialty comic book stores for $24.99. The next book is expected to release in summer 2009.

12 Gates Productions is an entertainment company that produces graphic novels, lithographs, DVDs and video games. For information, visit www.armageddonnow.net.

    FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
    Jodi Phillip          972.267.1111
                   jodi@alarryross.com

Franklin Electronic Publishers Reports Profitable Third Quarter Results

2009-02-05T13:00:00.000+02:00

BURLINGTON, N.J., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Franklin Electronic Publishers, Incorporated (NYSE Alternext US: FEP), a world leader in electronic handheld information, today reported a net income of $733,000 or $.09 per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 compared with net income of $741,000 or $.09 per share in the same quarter last year. Sales for the third fiscal quarter of 2009 decreased 21% to $13,535,000 from $17,044,000 for the same quarter in the prior year.

Sales into the global retail markets across all regional segments declined primarily due to the worldwide economic crisis and its impact on consumer spending during the holiday season. Despite these pressures, overall margins improved primarily due to increased technology licensing revenue from the Company's Proximity Division, while margins from the retail markets were consistent quarter on quarter.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2008, total sales decreased 17% to $37,962,000 from $45,698,000 for the same period last year. Net loss for the nine months was $663,000 or $.08 per share, compared to a net income of $3,592,000 or $.44 per share in the prior period. The prior year results included a $2,400,000 benefit to net income from Seiko Instruments, Inc. (SII) in consideration for the elimination of minimum purchase commitments in the agreements under which SII distributed Franklin products in Japan and Franklin distributed SII products in the United States and Germany. Excluding the impact of the SII payment, net income for the nine months ended December 31, 2007 would have been $1,192,000 or $.14 per share.

Barry Lipsky, Franklin's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated "I am pleased that we are able to report a modest profit while being in the worst economic recession most of us can remember. These external pressures continue to underscore our diligence in maintaining strong margins and operating cost reduction initiatives to preserve our strong cash balance sheet. We continue to cautiously execute our strategic initiatives to capitalize on our strong distribution and consumer reach to reverse the top line trend. However, we expect revenue to continue to decline during our current fourth fiscal quarter."

About Franklin

Franklin Electronic Publishers, Incorporated (NYSE Alternext US: FEP) is a world leader in electronic handheld information, having sold approximately 41,000,000 electronic books. Current titles available directly or through partners number more than 52,000 in sixteen languages under license from world class publishers, such as Merriam-Webster and HarperCollins, focused in five genres: Learning, Language Learning, Travel, Spiritual, and Leisure. The Company also licenses its underlying technology to an array of partners including Adobe, Sun Microsystems and Ademco (a division of Honeywell). Franklin distributes ROLODEX(R) Electronics branded organizers worldwide and SEIKO branded reference products in Oceania and the European Community. Franklin's products are available at 49,000 retail outlets worldwide, through catalogs, and online at http://www.franklin.com.

ROLODEX(R) is a registered trademark of Berol Corporation, a subsidiary of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. SEIKO is a registered trademark of SEIKO Corporation.

Except for the historical information contained in this news release, the matters addressed are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, written, oral or otherwise made, represent the Company's expectation or belief concerning future events. Without limiting the foregoing, these statements are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "expects" or similar expressions. In addition, expressions of our strategies, intentions or plans are also forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond our control. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties as included in Franklin's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                          FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS INC.
                           (in thousands, except share data)

                                  Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                                      December 31,          December 31,
                                    2008       2007        2008      2007

    SALES                         $13,535    $17,044     $37,962   $45,698
    OTHER REVENUE                       -          -           -     3,000
    TOTAL REVENUE                  13,535     17,044      37,962    48,698

    GROSS MARGIN                    7,154      8,524      18,992    25,389

    INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME
     TAXES                            723        999        (600)    3,914

    NET INCOME (LOSS)                 733        741        (663)    3,592

    INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

        Basic                       $0.09      $0.09      $(0.08)    $0.44

        Diluted                     $0.09      $0.09      $(0.08)    $0.42

    WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES:

        Basic                       8,277      8,235       8,269     8,225

        Diluted                     8,277      8,563       8,269     8,477

fruITion Delivers a Novel Approach to IT Strategy

2009-02-05T12:55:00.000+02:00

Around the world, an extraordinary new book about IT's relationship with business strategy is being passed around IT departments, and beyond

WESTFIELD, N.J., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Technics Publications is proud to announce that the readership of Chris Potts's groundbreaking business novel fruITion continues to expand around the globe. From the USA to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia, and most likely everywhere else, people are exploring this remarkable story about a Chief Information Officer (CIO) called Ian, told in his own words, of one life-changing week both in his career and in those of the people around him.

Offering something very different from the run-of-the-mill IT textbook, fruITion explores what happens when corporate strategists take over the IT agenda, ignore all the IT Strategy orthodoxies and use it in ways that the IT specialists never intended. The result has profound implications for relationships between people in "the business" and "IT," even challenging the very existence of the much-maligned divide between these two, apparently, entirely separate communities.

Jeremy Hall, Managing Director for IRM UK Strategic IT Training, called it "Part entertaining novel and part enlightening textbook - fruITion takes the reader through a discovery process revealing indispensable messages about the next generation of strategies for IT." CIO.com observed that "Few CIOs today are wholly business strategists, but the role is changing. Potts's narrative spells out how you might change with the times."

The author, who is a hands-on corporate IT strategist, says that "I'm getting accustomed to people telling me that they've read fruITion and passed it around their colleagues in IT and beyond, or even bought copies for their colleagues to keep. It seems to be the kind of book that people want to share." Chris also reveals one of the book's underlying messages: "the CIO role is destined to become an executive leader of a business's investments in change, whether these involve IT or not. For a role that's historically been seen as technology-centric, moving towards this destiny is a journey of change both for CIOs themselves, and their executive colleagues."

Like fruITion itself, it seems that the ongoing evolution of IT specialists within businesses is a journey that is best shared with the people around them.

fruITion: Creating the Ultimate Corporate Strategy for Information Technology is published by Technics Publications as part of their Take IT With You(R) series. The book is available at bookstores, through Amazon, and through the publisher's website at http://www.technicspub.com/books.htm.

About Chris Potts

Chris is a corporate strategist specializing in IT exploitation and investing in change. He has a consulting Brand, Dominic Barrow, through which he works with industry-leading companies around the world. He is also a writer and an award-winning speaker.

    Contact:

    Steve Hoberman, President
    Company: Technics Publications, LLC
    Email: me@stevehoberman.com
    Website:http://www.technicspub.com/books.htm

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

Domtar to permanently reduce paper manufacturing capacity at its Plymouth, North Carolina mill

2009-02-05T12:15:00.000+02:00

TICKER SYMBOL

UFS (NYSE, TSX)

MONTREAL, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Domtar Corporation (NYSE/TSX: UFS) announced today that it will permanently reduce its fine paper manufacturing at its Plymouth, North Carolina mill, by shutting down one of the two paper machines comprising the mill's fine paper production unit. This will result in the curtailment, at the end of February 2009, of 293,000 short tons of the mill's uncoated freesheet production capacity. Domtar plans to reduce staff across various parts of the mill by approximately 185 employees.

"Continued adverse economic conditions and the decline of fine paper orders require that we reduce our uncoated freesheet manufacturing capacity," said John D. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Domtar. "Plymouth employees have made commendable efforts over the years to keep their facility operating efficiently and I want to thank all affected employees for their hard work and dedication," concluded Mr. Williams.

The Plymouth mill will continue to operate two pulp lines, one pulp dryer and one paper machine.

From a financial perspective, the closure will result in pre-tax charges to earnings of approximately $51 million, of which an estimated $41 million is non-cash relating to the write-down of the paper machine and a sheeter. Of the pre-tax cash charges, $9 million relate to severance and employee benefits and $1 million to other items. Pre-tax impact on earnings is expected to be incurred in the first quarter of 2009.

As a result of this decision, the carrying amount of the remaining assets is currently being tested for impairment and may result in a write-down during the first quarter of 2009. The carrying amount of these assets was approximately $350 million at December 31, 2008.

Domtar will take appropriate measures to assist employees affected by these decisions in accordance with its policies.

About Domtar

Domtar Corporation (NYSE/TSX:UFS) is the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity, and is also a manufacturer of papergrade, fluff and specialty pulp. The Company designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of business, commercial printing and publication as well as converting and specialty papers including recognized brands such as Cougar(R), Lynx(R) Opaque, Husky(R) Offset, First Choice(R) and Domtar EarthChoice(R) Office Paper, part of a family of environmentally and socially responsible papers. Domtar owns and operates Domtar Distribution Group, an extensive network of strategically located paper distribution facilities. Domtar also produces lumber and other specialty and industrial wood products. The Company employs nearly 11,500 people. To learn more, visit www.domtar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this news release that are not based on historical fact are "forward-looking statements." While management has based any forward-looking statements contained herein on its current expectations, the information on which such expectations were based may change. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of our control that could cause actual results to materially differ from such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not necessarily limited to, those set forth under the captions "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" of the latest Form 10-K filed with the SEC as periodically updated by subsequently filed Form 10-Q's. Unless specifically required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances.

Travel Within (Travelwithin.com) and the '7 Steps to Wisdom and Inner Peace'

2009-02-05T11:00:00.000+02:00

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Jamshid Hosseini writes, "Travel Within: 7 Steps to Wisdom and Inner Peace;" a spiritual self-help book written to appeal both to dreamers and doubters. A near-death experience triggered a change in the author that led him to these steps, which are supported by research in science, religion and philosophy.

Mr. Hosseini's goal is to elevate human consciousness enough so that we may avoid the cataclysmic disaster that lies ahead in one of our possible futures - a disaster that has been predicted by scientists, politicians, authors, futurists and, of course, most major religions.

Do we really need to find ourselves up to our knees in blood before salvation arrives? And is it really necessary for us to rely on an outside power to save us, like Jesus, Buddha or the 12th Imam? What if the answer were actually within ourselves? What if the physical and metaphysical paths of inquiry - science and faith - led to the same place? What if God, love, heart, brain, man, woman, matter and void were really all just different expressions of the same force?

Mr. Hosseini has been both rich and poor, Persian and American, Hindu and Buddhist, alive and dead. He practiced Baha'i Faith in Iran and was beaten by Muslims for it. He begged for his food in India, lived on a hill overlooking a king's palace in Iran and toiled for a monk in Katmandu. He took counsel from the famous Rajneesh in Pune and built his own successful business in California. He was nearly killed twice during the Iran-Iraq war, and to conquer fear of death, he was asked by his master in India to drink cobra venom tea so that he would die. He did it. (And survived)

Travel Within was ghost-written by Dave Cunningham, author and/or editor of seven non-fiction books and novels. He is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in magazines and newspapers worldwide. Cunningham's inspirational novel, "Messages," was released in 2001, and he taught creative writing for the California State University, Fullerton, and Extended Education program.

     Travel Within
     22425 Ventura Blvd #189
     Woodland Hills, CA 91364
     O: 818-324-0498
    http://www.Travelwithin.com

    PR submitted byhttp://www.parsnational.com

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

HISTORY BOOK CLUB Honors Obama's Inspiration, Lincoln, and Another Trailblazer, Charles Darwin

2009-02-05T10:08:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the bicentennial of two men who changed history forever with their ideas about emancipation and evolution. Born only hours and an ocean apart on February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin would become pioneers for change, promoting new and different ways of thinking. Often during his campaign, President Barack Obama made reference to his inspiration, Abraham Lincoln. And as a passionate reader, Obama is keenly aware of the lessons to be learned from history. HISTORY BOOK CLUB is excited to offer three new releases that take a revealing look into the lives and work of both Lincoln and Darwin. Almost two hundred years later, their work is still as relevant and important as the day it was written, continuing to inspire new generations.

ANGELS AND AGES (Adam Gopnik, Knopf/Random House) proposes that Lincoln and Darwin changed the world through the power of their rhetoric. Their simple but revolutionary ideas, based on the twin foundations of scientific reasoning and democratic politics, helped bring forth our modern society.

This year also marks the 150-year anniversary of Charles Darwin's world-shattering book on evolution -- ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES (Charles Darwin, Sterling Publishing). This illustrated, newly released edition features Darwin's personal sketches, letters and diaries. Photographs of his home in England as well as the island and its inhabitants who made him so famous are included throughout his original text.

Barack Obama's eloquent speeches propelled him into the media spotlight early in his political career. Motivated and inspired by the life story of Abraham Lincoln, it is easy to see Lincoln's influence throughout Obama's speeches. IN LINCOLN'S HAND (ed. Harold Holzer & Joshua Wolf Shenk, Bantam Books, Inc) provides an insider view to Lincoln's writing process. Over forty speeches are included, some following the speech from conception, through editing, up to the final product. Commentaries by such notable figures as John Updike, Sandra Day O'Connor and former President Bill Clinton are provided throughout.

HISTORY BOOK CLUB is proud to offer these great new titles as well as hundreds of others at www.historybookclub.com. Right now you can choose 4 books for $1 each when you join HISTORY BOOK CLUB. Visit www.historybookclub.com for all the details today.

ANGELS AND AGES http://www.historybookclub.com/doc/full_site_enrollment/detail/fse_product_detail.jhtml;?repositoryId=257437B205&_requestid=5043

ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES http://www.historybookclub.com/doc/full_site_enrollment/detail/fse_product_detail.jhtml?repositoryId=556846B205

IN LINCOLN'S HAND http://www.historybookclub.com/doc/full_site_enrollment/detail/fse_product_detail.jhtml;?repositoryId=162517B205&_requestid=5259

Leeds Mattress CEO Praises Billionaire Investor Warren Buffet for His Powerful Business Mentorship

2009-02-05T02:37:00.000+02:00

While the wisdom of Warren Buffet cuts across all industries, the Oracle from Omaha has invested in furniture stores around the country

SUN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- What does Warren Buffet have in common with a Southern California entrepreneur and now legendary TV commercial personality, Neil Leeds? More than you might think.

According to Neil Leeds, CEO and Founder of the Leeds Mattress Company: "I owe the success of my 25-store chain of Leeds Mattress Stores to the teachings of Warren Buffet, and these times demand more attention and adherence to his wisdom. I'm a life-long alumni of the school of hard knocks and grew up in foster homes and poverty ...quitting school in the 9th grade." For Buffet, there are no shortcuts. No free passes or passive acceptance of mediocrity. "Pick yourself up or nobody will - that was my first lesson from the most famous billionaire in America."

Selling mattresses or computers or paperclips, the business community should heed the advice of the most successful value investor of all time: Invest when others are running for cover; think long-term, re-energize and capitalize solid companies while others make excuses, lose focus and settle for second best. That was the second lesson I learned: Continue to invest in your company's value to customers, build your community, and be consistent in marketing the company's core values to its customers.

Leeds has always been inspired by Buffet's words and has followed his actions without the benefits of formal higher education: "For me, there was no Ivy League parking spot with my name on it. At various tough times over the past 12 years, my reading of Buffet's teachings has been instrumental in staying the course as my company grew from 1 to 25 stores - reaching beyond 100 million in sales since inception - concentrating on value, management, community, customer service, reinvestment, ethics and discipline. And, these principals are in the larger plan to reach 1 billion in sales."

My third lesson was to shut out the naysayers in the public forum: "With negative headlines bombarding the media daily, it's voices like Warren Buffet who continue to hammer away at those timeless core values that has allowed our company, and its employees and brand ambassadors, to thrive. And clearly Berkshire Hathaway numbers speak for themselves over the decades."

Alice Schroeder's book, "Snowball: Warren Buffet and The Business of Life," the only biography ever written with the full approval of Mr. Buffett, is imperative reading for entrepreneurs and college students embarking on their business careers. The lessons in this book have never been more important for this country's future.

For Neil, another lesson learned was the importance Buffet placed on money as a means to a greater end, that companies are really just ways to give back to the community, and to build something bigger than the entrepreneurs who founded them: "Warren Buffet has consistently discussed the importance of building a profitable business by concentrating on value, frugality, community, charity and personal character."

These days, it's easy to lose faith and go negative, to take the easy, unethical way out. It would be wise to ask the single most successful investor in American history: 'What Would Buffet Do?'

For more background information, please visit http://www.leedsmattress.com/default.html.

About Leeds Mattress Stores, Inc.

With more than 25 stores throughout Southern California, Neil G. Leeds has become an iconic figure through his TV commercials, has earned an untarnished reputation as an ethical and successful entrepreneur, and has demonstrated his commitment to dozens of charitable causes and community projects over the years - including Toys for Tots, Mayor of L.A. City Clean Up Day, The American Cancer Society, The American Red Cross and many others. The company continues to emphasize his original core values: providing the best value for customers; keeping the best employees and rewarding them for their efforts; and, treating every customer with respect and fairness.

    Media Contacts:

    Darren Shuster
    Media Representative
    Neil G. Leeds and Leeds Mattress Company, Inc.
    Phone: (818) 744-1851
    E-mail: darren@popculturepr.com

Ray Comfort, Kirk Cameron, Challenge Darwin on 200th Birthday, Feb. 12

2009-02-04T16:30:00.000+02:00

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Award winning television host, Ray Comfort, who stars with Kirk Cameron, challenges Darwin's theory of Evolution and compares it with Creationism in his new book to come out on Darwin's 200th birthday (Feb 12). You Can Lead an Atheist to Evidence, But You Can't Make Him Think

Over 425 birthday celebrations have been planned worldwide in honor of Darwin. Ray Comfort is available for interviews.

New Book Proves God Exists

In this entertaining and enlightening new book, Ray Comfort, author of the million-selling Atheist Test, talks to atheists and reveals the weakness of their arguments.

Using a lively Q&A format, featuring questions from atheists sent to Comfort's blog at Atheist Central, You Can Lead an Atheist to Evidence, But You Can't Make Him Think, shows that God's existence can be proven, and that anyone can do it.

Ray Comfort is the author of more than 60 books, including The Atheist Bible and Evolution: The Fairy Tale for Grownups. Comfort co-hosts the award-winning television program "The Way of the Master" with Kirk Cameron, which airs in 70 countries.

    You Can Lead an Atheist to Evidence, But You Can't Make Him Think
    Answers to Questions From Angry Skeptics
    Ray Comfort
    WND Books
    ISBN-13: 978-1-935071-06-8
    ISBN-10: 1-935071-06-8
    HC, 6 x 9, $22.95, 160 pages, Religion/Christianity/General
    Publication Date: February 12, 2009

Available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, LifeWay Christian Stores, WorldNetDaily.com, and other retailers nationwide.

MEDIA CONTACT: M. Sliwa Public Relations, 973-272-2861, 212-202-4453, media@msliwa.com

Websites: WNDBooks.com and PullthePlugonAtheism.com

'The Health Captains - The Tooth Galaxy Mission': A Story of Two Heroes' Journey to Fend Off Damaging Tooth Elements While Sharing Proper Oral Care

2009-02-04T13:45:00.000+02:00

BAY HARBOR, Fla., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Xavier Azar is proud to present his new release, "The Health Captains - The Tooth Galaxy Mission" (published by AuthorHouse). Venture into a universe rich with fluoride ions, galactic toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss as superheroes Sammy Smile and Ginger Grin travel across the galaxy educating the youth about proper oral care.

Join Sammy and Ginger on their amazing journey navigating through a galaxy filled with Astro-Plaque, Astro-Germ and many other enamel-damaging elements as they fight off Astro-Monsters and secret enemies who are at work attacking and destroying the teeth of the galactic youth.

Learn about many common misconceptions along the way like how chewing hard objects such as candy and ice can damage teeth. Also learn why it is imperative to get any suspicious-looking teeth looked at by Dr. Astrodent to see if in fact a cavity has landed and imbedded itself into your teeth.

Driven by a consistent call by parents in his daily practice to have a universal tool that could both entertain and educate their children about the need to properly care for their teeth, Dr. Azar found it highly engaging to be able to share his passion for pediatric dental care with the youth of the world in a fun and entertaining way.

"Everyday I come across parents wishing there was a fun way their children could learn about oral care. Oral health has a great incidence on a child's overall health and the best way to encourage children to adopt good, healthy eating habits and good overall oral hygiene is to make it fun and enjoyable for them," says Dr. Azar.

Grab a copy of "The Health Captains" today and create your own adventure as you fight off bad foods and drinks to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and ready for a long life of use.

About the Author

Dr. Xavier Azar is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. After graduating from Columbia University School of Dental & Oral Surgery and the School of Public Health, Dr. Azar completed two years of advanced pediatric training and education. As a leading pediatric dentist, Dr. Azar provides both primary and specialty comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through their adolescent years. In 1998, Dr. Azar established his private practice in Bay Harbor Islands, Miami. With "The Health Captains - The Tooth Galaxy Mission," Dr. Azar wishes to offer young patients a smart and fun way to learn about oral care. (Watch out for "When the Tooth Fairy Is Not Enough," also by Dr. Azar, available from AuthorHouse).

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.authorhouse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Tom Hudock
    Tel: 800-288-4677
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: thudock@@authorsolutions.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

'When the Tooth Fairy is Not Enough': A Collection of the Most Common Misconceptions in Oral Health Care Set in a Parent-Friendly Book

2009-02-04T13:40:00.000+02:00

BAY HARBOR, Fla., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Xavier Azar is proud to present his new release, "When the Tooth Fairy Is Not Enough" (published by AuthorHouse), a highly educational book for parents that teaches all the importance of daily dental care beginning after birth and continuing on through one's adult life.

"When the Tooth Fairy Is Not Enough" explores many basic oral dental care preventive therapies as well as informing the masses about several common misconceptions relating to pediatric oral health. One common misconception parents tend to believe is that since they will end up falling out, baby teeth do not require much care or attention. Truth is, cavities and infections in baby teeth can directly affect children's permanent dentition resulting in prolonged and expensive treatments.

Driven by a consistent call by parents in his daily practice to have a universal tool that could educate them about their children's proper oral care, Dr. Azar found it highly engaging to be able to share his passion for pediatric dental care. "Parents may not realize the impact of improper oral care and its consequences. Parents cannot and should not leave children's dentition in the hands of a fairy tale character. Children's teeth need professional care. The sooner the better," says Azar.

Here are a few eye-opening facts about pediatric oral care Dr. Azar shares with his readers in "When the Tooth Fairy Is Not Enough":

Cavities are easily passed from mother to child by sharing food and utensils.
Dental visits for the first twelve months of life are very important!
Never allow babies and toddlers to finish a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices, sports drinks, or other sweetened drinks while napping or sleeping at night. This includes "on-demand" breast feeding.

About the Author

Dr. Xavier Azar is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. After graduating from Columbia University School of Dental & Oral Surgery and the School of Public Health, Dr. Azar completed two years of advanced pediatric training and education. As a leading pediatric dentist, Dr. Azar provides both primary and specialty comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through their adolescent years. In 1998, Dr. Azar established his private practice in Bay Harbor Islands, Miami. (If you enjoy "When the Tooth Fairy Is Not Enough" be sure to pick up "The Health Captains - The Tooth Galaxy Mission" also by Dr. Azar, available from AuthorHouse).

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.authorhouse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Tom Hudock
    Tel: 800-288-4677
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: thudock@@authorsolutions.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

Faculty Sign On With Flat World Knowledge to Use Free and Open Textbooks in College Classrooms

2009-02-04T13:00:00.000+02:00

NYACK, N.Y., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Flat World Knowledge, a publisher of expert-authored, free and open college textbooks, today announced it has signed 30 U.S. universities and colleges to be part of an in-classroom trial for the Spring 2009 school session. Instructors from business disciplines ranging from marketing to economics are offering their students affordable online textbooks instead of traditional, high cost hardcopy textbooks. This in-classroom trial is a follow-up to its 15-school beta test last fall and serves as an opportunity for Flat World to fine-tune its offering for large- scale usage in Fall 2009 courses.

Instructors participating this session took action to address the high cost of textbooks, which have become unaffordable for many students. For instructors, Flat World's open textbooks offer new flexibility in developing courses to their own teaching needs and style.

"Flat World fits my needs for my class by providing content from a first class author at an affordable price and flexible formats for students," said Dr. Marc Weinberger, Professor of Marketing in the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. "Flat World's business model has the potential to be a truly disruptive entry into the traditional publishing world."

Flat World's entrance into the open textbook market came amid a growing outcry from students, educators, parents and government regulators who are demanding a halt to the unsustainable textbook price increases of the last decade. Expensive college textbooks, which routinely run students over $1,000 per year, threaten to make higher education unaffordable for many students.

Flat World Knowledge's textbooks, written by leading academics and authors, are available online for free. Flat World generates revenue by selling options to students in addition to the free online book, from low- priced soft covers, to audio versions by-the-chapter, to digital study aids such as podcast study guides and mobile flash cards. Faculty choose the book, and students choose the optimal format and price.

Flat World Knowledge Plans for Expanded Service in 2009

Flat World's 2009 Roadmap begins with the formal launch of its platform and service to the academic community in February, and then plans for enhancing and expanding its service to bring its free textbooks to a broader audience and to expand flexibility for instructors. Flat World plans to unveil a textbook customization feature which will empower instructors to revise the online textbook to meet their exact needs for their class. Students will then get their professor's customized version, whether they use the free online version or purchase print or other options.

Until now, Flat World focused purposely and solely on business course textbooks as means to test the effectiveness of online textbooks in the classroom. The company is currently branching out to include general education courses by acquiring authors and beginning the development of those textbooks.

"Branching into general education courses will have a tremendous impact on community colleges in particular," noted Eric Frank, Flat World Knowledge co- founder and chief marketing officer. "Not only are general education courses the bread and butter of community colleges, community college students are feeling the greatest pinch from the high cost of traditional textbooks. With 40 percent of students sitting in a general education course at any given time, we know that expanding our offering will help a greater population of students."

Flat World's 2009 Roadmap also includes plans to partner with a leading education assessment software company, one that assists professors in generating assignments and managing grade books. The company also plans to support integration with campus learning management systems (LMS), such as Blackboard, ANGEL, and others, by offering LMS-ready versions of textbooks. The company is also working to expand its operations to support international colleges and universities,

"We wanted to share our roadmap so professors and students can see how free and open textbooks can positively impact their teaching and learning experience," added Eric Frank. "We expect 2009 to be a big year for us as we further our commitment to offering alternatives to the high-cost traditional textbook."

About Flat World Knowledge, LLC.

Founded in 2007 by textbook publishing industry veterans Jeff Shelstad and Eric Frank, privately held Flat World Knowledge is a leading publisher of open textbooks for higher education. Flat World's textbooks are written by the world's leading subject matter experts. The books are peer reviewed, professionally edited and developed, and made available for free online to educators and students. Educators have the freedom to use the books as-is, or to modify them to suit their unique classroom requirements. Students can access the books for free, or purchase alternatives from print-on-demand versions of the books, to audio versions, to downloadable versions and more at a fraction of the cost of traditional textbooks. Flat World Knowledge backs its textbooks with an online social learning platform that allows students to learn from each other as well as from the book. More information about Flat World Knowledge is available on the Web at http://www.flatworldknowledge.com.

     Media Contact:
     Bryan Ferraro or Joeline Boulware
     Dovetail Public Relations
     408.395.3600
     fwk at dovetailpr.com

Harlequin Giving Away Free Books to Celebrate 60th Anniversary

2009-02-04T11:00:00.000+02:00

Harlequin Offers 16 Free Romance Novels to iPhone and iPod Touch Users

TORONTO, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Harlequin Enterprises Limited, the global leader in series romance, and Lexcycle Stanza, developer of the most popular electronic book reader for the iPhone and iPod Touch, today announced the release of 16 completely free romance novels available for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090204/NY66365 )

"Harlequin is celebrating 60 years of pure reading pleasure," said Brent Lewis, VP Digital & Internet. "We've had such tremendous success not only because of our exceptional editorial but by innovating and responding to the changing needs of our readers. We know she values the convenience of reading on her mobile device during her busy day."

The free Harlequin titles will be available beginning today to all iPhone and iPod Touch Stanza users. Stanza for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch is available as a free download from the iTunes App Store or from www.lexcycle.com.

At the 2009 MacWorld Conference and Expo, Stanza was named the Best Free or Ad Supported App by the 2008 Best App Ever Awards. More than one million users have downloaded Stanza since the Apple App Store opened in mid-July. Stanza owes its explosive growth to the exceptional reading experience it provides, including the ability to completely customize the reading experience from 20+ font types, nearly limitless font sizing and a choice of more than 125 background and text colors.

"Some of the most voracious readers on Stanza are women, and we are proud to team up with Harlequin to introduce Stanza to iPhone-enabled romance fans around the world," said Neelan Choksi, Chief Operating Officer of Lexcycle. "We anticipate that there are a lot of iPhones and iPod Touches that will be purchased as Valentine's Day gifts this year. Offering free books from the world's leading romance publisher is our way of spreading the love to our existing fans as well as the new iPhone users."

Harlequin is a leading digital publisher and the first major house to make its entire frontlist available in eBook simultaneously with print. Harlequin also publishes several original digital-only programs, including Spice Briefs, Silhouette Nocturne Bites and Harlequin Historical Undone. Its titles frequent the eBook bestseller lists.

More information on Harlequin's 60th Anniversary and Harlequin's goal of giving a free romance novel to every woman in America can be found at www.HarlequinCelebrates.com. The total approximate retail value of the free books is $60.00.

About Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, with titles issued worldwide in 29 languages and sold in 107 international markets. The company produces more than 120 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,200 authors from around the world. Harlequin Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.B). Harlequin's Web site is located at www.eHarlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 19 countries, including offices in Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit www.eHarlequin.com or www.press.eHarlequin.com.

About Lexcycle and Stanza

Lexcycle is a private company that strives to bring the digital reading revolution to readers around the world. With over one million users in 50 countries, Lexcycle Stanza is the highest rated and the most popular free electronic book reader for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch. To learn more, visit www.lexcycle.com.

List of Free Titles (one from every Harlequin series)

Harlequin American Romance, Once a Cowboy by Linda Warren

Harlequin Blaze, Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly

Harlequin Historical, His Lady Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls

Harlequin Intrigue, Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels

Harlequin Presents, Price of Passion by Susan Napier

Harlequin Romance, The Bride's Baby by Liz Fielding

Harlequin Superromance, Snowbound by Janice Kay Johnson

Silhouette Desire, Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child

Silhouette Nocturne, Kiss Me Deadly by Michele Hauf

Silhouette Romantic Suspense, Stranded with a Spy by Merline Lovelace

Silhouette Special Edition, Dancing in the Moonlight by RaeAnne Thayne

Love Inspired, A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight

Love Inspired Historical, Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart

Love Inspired Suspense, Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry

Kimani Romance, Irresistible Forces by Brenda Jackson

NASCAR, Speed Dating by Nancy Warren

The Video Game Bible Returns With Launch of Guinness World Records(R) 2009 Gamer's Edition

2009-02-04T09:00:00.000+02:00

Amazing Guitar Hero Attempt in New York City Kicks Off International Release of New Book

NEW YORK, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The globally-recognized authority on record-breaking achievements, Guinness World Records, reveals the latest and greatest in video gaming with the publication of Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition on February 4th for $21.95 (15 UK pounds Sterling). The so-called "video game bible" is back with all new records, facts and trivia sure to keep any gamer occupied when they're not playing on the latest game system. To celebrate the US launch of the new book, the world's greatest gamers will attempt to shatter some of the most amazing video game records. Meanwhile, as Great Britain experiences the heaviest snowfall in eighteen years, launch celebrations for the UK version are postponed until 11th February.

Now in its second year of publishing, Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition is a unique companion volume to Guinness World Records - the world's bestselling copyright book - dedicated solely to video games and gaming records. The book is a comprehensive guide to record-breaking video games on all consoles, and also offers a broad range of features ranging from the history of gaming to interviews with key figures in the industry, designed to appeal to gamers at every level.

In this year's book, readers will find everything from a special section on banned and controversial games (pinball machines were banned in the U.S. for 34 years) to the First Superhero Game of All-Time (Superman), the Longest Drum Marathon On Rock Band (26 hrs, 40 min) and much, much more. Other special sections in the book include War Games (Metal Gear, Call of Duty, Medal of Honor), Superhero Games (Batman, Spider-Man, Superman), Space Games (Star Trek, Wing Commander, Star Wars) as well as a feature on the development of healthy gaming.

Record-breaking video game feats in New York and London will commemorate the release of the new book. Guinness World Record-holder Danny Johnson will attempt to reclaim his "Guitar God" status on Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock in New York City. Johnson will try to best the previous record of 899,703 points on Guitar Hero's toughest song - "Through the Fire and Flames". New York's Comic Con convention will also play host to several record-breaking attempts including The Largest Gathering of Cosplayers, which currently stands at 342.

To celebrate the UK launch on the 11th of February, British eccentric motoring inventor Edd China will unveil his latest wacky creation on four wheels - the Fastest Mobile Gaming Rig. Complete with all three "current generation" consoles and monitors, this unique piece of mobile furniture will tour the streets of London with three gamers onboard after setting a speed record on the A40. Also as part of the UK celebrations, the world's Youngest Professional Gamer; Lil Poison (Victor De Leon III), is due to visit London for the very first time and receive his official Guinness World Records certificate. 10-year old, Long Island (NY) native, Lil Poison, claimed the title after signing with MLG recruiters as a Pro Gamer at the age of six.

"The idea was for Gamer's Edition to be more than a compendium of high scores and bestselling games - although of course they're in there," said Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief. "While the book contains thousands of unique facts and records, it also presents the world of gaming through uniquely Guinness World Records eyes. Gamer's Edition is as suitable for casual and hardcore gamers as it is for anybody who is interested in a snapshot of the evolution of video games."

Video game sales in the US totalled more than $16 billion in 2008 as the gaming world continues to solidify its stake within the entertainment industry. In one of the year's biggest successes, Grand Theft Auto boasted $500 million in worldwide sales in its first week of release, surpassing box office receipts for "Spider-Man 3" by more than $100 million. Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition is on the frontlines to capture these records as and when they happen.

The first edition of Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition was published in February 2008, and received critical accolade from gaming industry reviewers. PC World said: "If you truly want to prove your mettle in the gaming arena...your name in the Guinness World Records Gamer's edition is the only way to go about it," while critics from Popular Science praised: "If you care about gaming, something here is going to fascinate you."

About Guinness World Records

Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is one of the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer's Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements. The Guinness World Records website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com) receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Guinness World Records is part of the Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada's largest privately owned companies which is a conglomerate of interests, including advertising, broadcasting, grocery stores and automotive retailing.

She-Fan Chronicles the New York Yankees in New Book

2009-02-03T18:25:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- It all started with a column in the New York Times titled "To Love and to Cherish for All Eternity, or Not" by novelist Jane Heller. She was sick over how the Yankees were playing in the first two months of 2007 and in this article announced her intention to divorce the team on the grounds of mental cruelty. Sports fans from across the country were incensed and wrote in stating she was not a true fan, she was a bandwagon, a traitor. The notorious "divorce essay" became the newspaper's most emailed and talked-about article in the week it ran.

Jane decided to prove to these sports fans she was a true Yankee fan. So with her husband as a traveling partner she set about the country to watch every game in every city. CONFESSIONS OF A SHE-FAN: The Course of True Love with the New York Yankees by Jane Heller (February 2009; Hardcover; $24.95) is her story about attending these games, interviewing members of the sports media, and trying to score interviews with the Yankees players - all while hoping to inject some excitement into her marriage.

Jane was surprised by the life lessons she learned about competition, loyalty, and acceptance - and about why baseball, like any truly romantic relationship, requires commitment, patience, and a deep, abiding love. Did she ever land an interview with a Yankee? Was she able to rejuvenate her marriage? How did she cope with her team's loss in the postseason? Her "confessions" reveal all....

About the Author

Jane Heller after nearly a decade of promoting writers, she launched her own career as a successful novelist www.janeheller.com. She is the best-selling author of 13 books and currently resides in Santa Barbara, California.

                                Confessions of a She-Fan:
                     The Course of True Love with the New York Yankees
                                         Jane Heller
                               Rodale Books/Hardcover/$24.95
                                   On Sale: February 2009
                                   ISBN 10: 1-59486-898-0
                                 ISBN 13: 978-1-59486-898-6

Kahn Releases Second Edition of 'Information Nation'

2009-02-03T14:55:00.000+02:00

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- With the current economic downturn, most organizations are trying to cut back. However in a world fueled by information, to ensure you remain "faster, better, cheaper and legally compliant," it is more important than ever to have a comprehensive plan for information management compliance.

Internationally acclaimed author, industry expert and two-time Britt Literary Award winner Randolph Kahn has released the updated second edition of "Information Nation: Seven Keys to Information Management Compliance."

Published by John W. Wiley and Sons, the book explains why this is not the time to minimize costs in information management programs. It demonstrates how to succeed in this new environment by incorporating an information management compliance philosophy into the business processes and corporate governance structure.

The book is already receiving positive reviews from other industry experts.

"Who would have thought that Information Nation -- the information management compliance 'bible' -- could be improved?" said Jay Cohen, chief compliance officer at Assurant. "The second edition of this book is a must read for any person who cares about information management or litigation readiness."

Kahn, founder of Kahn Consulting, Inc., shares this proven methodology that adopts the principles, controls and discipline necessary to build a solid corporate compliance program.

"Information Nation" details:

New developments regarding the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Substantive changes were made to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines after the publication of the first edition. The book addresses the impact of recent case law upon the guidelines.

The electronic discovery amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The Federal Rules amendments have significantly changed the legal landscape for information management compliance. The second edition of "Information Nation" integrates the resulting changes into the content to provide the same kind of common-sense guidance which made the first edition a success.

New material incorporating information compliance news, legal decisions and regulatory updates. The field of information management compliance changes as quickly as the information technology field itself. The second edition of "Information Nation" includes new material encompassing these events and explaining how they affect the information management compliance environment.

Kahn is an internationally acclaimed speaker, consultant and award-winning author of dozens of published works including "Privacy Nation," "Information Nation Warrior," "Information Nation: Seven Keys to Information Management Compliance" and "E-Mail Rules." He is an internationally recognized authority on the legal, compliance, and policy issues of information and a trusted advisor and consultant to Fortune 500 companies, governmental agencies and court systems.

As founder of Kahn Consulting, Inc., Kahn leads a team of information management, regulatory, compliance and technology professionals who serve as consultants and advisors to major world-wide institutions.

The book is available now from John. W. Wiley & Sons at http://www.wiley.com and can be purchased from most major book sellers.

Book Teaches How to Trade - and Prosper - in Foreign Currency Markets

2009-02-03T13:20:00.000+02:00

Author explains how an initial investment as low as $200 can earn up to $1,000 a day

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Most economists and politicians refer to America's economic crisis as a recession, but author J.J. Glenellis sees it as a depression -- and isn't afraid to say so. In fact, his recent book calls it "the Great Depression of 2009-2012." While he is very blunt about the situation, his book also offers a solution to struggling Americans.

Survive and Prosper in the Great Depression of 2009-2012 teaches individuals how to trade the foreign currency markets, known as Forex, starting with as little as $200 and eventually earning $200 to $1,000 a day.

"For far less than the cost of a night out on the town," says Glenellis, "you can learn everything you need to know about foreign currency trading and immediately start earning $200 to $1,000 using your home computer."

The book explains everything an individual needs to know to begin prospering as a Forex trader, from finding a broker and setting up an initial set of charts, to learning how to easily spot certain trade set-ups that instantly become profitable. Survive and Prosper in the Great Depression of 2009-2012 features resources on:

How to obtain free, long-term access to charts and indicators
Over 100 questions you need to answer to create a personalized trading plan
Where to find an almost unlimited, free supply of trading methods, tested by experts
How to set up every trade so that you never risk more than two percent of your account if the trade moves against you

Trading foreign currencies once was the private playground of the super-rich, says Glenellis. Now, however, he says Forex is open to anyone with a little knowledge and at least $200 to open a trading account.

In addition to imparting knowledge and tools to traders through his authored works, Glenellis offers a service providing access to the Live Trade Call Room, where Glenellis trades alongside several other professional traders every morning. Subscribers may gain full access to the Live Trade Call Room for a reasonable annual fee of $149. "We are averaging more than 100 pips profit every day we trade, and now you can place the same trades we take," he says.

"Pip" is an abbreviation for "percentage in point," which refers to the smallest movement that a price could make in the Forex trading market. Although pips have infinitesimal values, trading is based on thousands of dollars at a time, which greatly increases the magnitude of profits.

Survive and Prosper in the Great Depression of 2009-2012 is available for $39 at Amazon.com. For more information, visit http://www.simple4xsystem.net or http://www.snp2009.com.

About the Author

J.J. Glenellis is a full-time trader and a part-time author and teacher of Forex methodology. His book A Simple 4X Trading Plan and Money Management System has garnered rave reviews from readers who found that the secret to trading the Forex Markets profitably wasn't as hard as they suspected.

    Contact:

    J.J. Glenellis
    813-401-9475
    jeff@simple4xsystem.net

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

Revelatory New Book Reveals Identity of French Heir and Moshiach

2009-02-03T13:10:00.000+02:00

Wordclay Releases Pierre-Brieu Hoareau de Bourbon d'Orleans' 'Moshiach'

BLOOMINGTON, Ind., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a host of prophecies linked together by the author, including the prophecies of Nostradamus, papal prophecies of the 16th century, and the Jewish prophecies on Moshiach, the prince Pierre-Brieu Hoareau is the heir to the throne of France and the king from the House of David. Furthermore, the author reveals himself to be this man, Pierre-Brieu Hoareau de Bourbon d'Orleans, in his revolutionary, controversial new book, "Moshiach: A hidden Hebrew Prince, great grandson of the Count of Paris, and true heir to the throne of France" (published by Wordclay).

After completing his studies at the Sciences Po in Paris, Hoareau claims to have discovered his French royalty origins based on family revelations and a confirmation from President Nicolas Sarkozy. From there, Hoareau connected the dots of disparate prophecies and conducted thorough research and analysis, concluding that there exists detailed identification through various details -- astrological indications, birth, names and origins -- that point to his royal and spiritual identity.

"'Moshiach: A hidden Hebrew Prince, great grandson of the Count of Paris, and true heir to the throne of France' is a revelation of great religious and political importance. Many religions have been waiting for revelation of the identity of the anointed one," writes Hoareau. "The anointed one reveals himself thanks to this book and proves who he is with very accurate prophecies. He is the only one to be backed by many prophecies and signs. Pierre-Brieu Hoareau de Bourbon d'Orleans wants to establish the Royal House in Jerusalem and bring a long lasting peace to the world."

"Moshiach" establishes Hoareau's lineage and destiny with myriad sources and analysis. Ideal for those interested or waiting for Moshiach and other religious issues, "Moshiach" promises to be a surprising, revelatory read.

Pierre-Brieu Hoareau de Bourbon d'Orleans was born on October 7, 1982 in Saint-Denis, Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean close to Mauritius. "Moshiach" is Hoareau's first published work.

For more information on Moshiach, please visit www.wordclay.com.

Wordclay.com is a free DIY self-publisher focused on providing a simple and independent Internet publishing experience for authors. The Wordclay DIY self-publishing wizard formats manuscripts for e-publishing and digital printing. Authors who publish their work via the Wordclay publishing wizard have their books available for purchase in Wordclay's online Bookstore. Authors who select Channel Book Distribution have their books available for sale at more than 25,000 retailers worldwide including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Wordclay is an Author Solutions company. Business partners interested in monetizing their communities with an ASI DIY publishing solution contact Scott Walters at bizdev@authorsolutions.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Promotional Services Department
    Tel:  877.655.1720
    Fax: 812.349.0687
    Email: pressreleases@wordclay.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

Vroman's Bookstore Launches Vroman's Events

2009-02-03T12:15:00.000+02:00

Never Miss Your Favorite Author Again!

PASADENA, Calif., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Vroman's Bookstore, Southern California's oldest and largest independent bookstore has partnered with NearU Search (http://qpons.nearu.us) to provide text message alerts for Vroman's in-store events.

"Our customers will never miss their favorite author again," Promotional Director Jennifer Ramos said. "We have so many great events that it can be challenging to keep track of them all. Text messaging is a powerful way to promote our events to our customers with a modern, mobile lifestyle," Ramos said.

Customers can text VROMANS to 63278 to get weekly text message alerts at no charge. Every Monday, subscribers get a list of the week's events, with times and locations. The new service also has a feature that schedules a reminder alert for each event.

"As a long time customer and independent bookstore supporter, I am thrilled to work with Vroman's," said Heather Mlodinow, NearU's CEO. "Their innovative use of NearU's text messaging to increase customer participation in readings, signings and workshops demonstrates the creative thinking and marketing savvy that has kept them in business 114 years."

Text messaging is an efficient and low-cost way for businesses to communicate with their customers. Text messages are powerful bites of information, and typically read within 15 minutes of receipt. They're like wake-up calls without all the noisy ringing!

About Vroman's Bookstore

Founded in 1894, Vroman's Bookstore is Southern California's oldest and largest independent bookstore. Located in Pasadena, California, Vroman's was awarded 2008 Bookseller of the Year from Publisher's Weekly.

About NearU Search

NearU Search is a leading mobile marketing company based in Pasadena, California. Qpons (http://qpons.nearu.us), NearU's mobile coupon product, provides an affordable and powerful turn-key solution for mobile coupons and subscriber updates. It is available on all major U.S. carriers.

For more information, contact Cliff Kamida at 626.497.6279 or ck@nearusearch.com.

Stevens Center for Science Writings Honors Economist Jeffrey Sachs with Green Book Award

2009-02-02T21:38:00.000+02:00

Director of Columbia's Earth Institute selected for 'Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet'

HOBOKEN, N.J., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economist renowned for his international poverty-fighting efforts, has won the 2009 Green Book Award from Stevens Institute of Technology's Center for Science Writings.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020717/NYW107LOGO)

Sachs won for his 2008 book "Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet." A follow-up to his acclaimed 2005 bestseller "The End of Poverty," "Common Wealth" proposes detailed solutions not only for extreme poverty but also for related global problems such as overpopulation and environmental degradation. The book has been praised by Nobel laureate Al Gore; former UN General Secretary Kofi Annan; and Harvard biologist Edward Wilson, winner of the 2007 Green Book Award. In the preface to "Common Wealth," Wilson calls it "a state of the world report of immediate and enormous practical value."

Sachs is Director of The Earth Institute, Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development, and Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University; Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General; and a columnist for Scientific American and other publications. TIME has named him one of the most influential people in the world, and The Economist calls him "brilliant, passionate, optimistic, impatient."

John Horgan, Director of the Center for Science Writings, will present Sachs with the Green Book Award at Stevens on Monday, April 20, 2009. The event will be free and open to the public. The exact time and place of the event will be announced soon.

The Center for Science Writings created the Green Book Award in 2006 to draw attention to books that raise awareness of environmental issues. The award includes a prize of $5,000, which is underwritten by Turner Construction Company. Turner is the nation's largest general builder and is recognized as a leader in "green buildings."

Judges include the staff of the CSW in consultation with "Friends of the CSW," a group of leading science journalists. Edward Wilson received the first Green Book Award for his book "The Creation." Environmental activists Ted Nordhaus and Michael Shellenberger won last year's award for their book "Break Through: From the Death of Environmentalism to the Politics of Possibility."

For more information, contact John Horgan at jhorgan@stevens.edu, 201-216-5057, or check the Center's website www.stevens.edu/csw.

About Stevens Institute of Technology

Founded in 1870, Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the leading technological universities in the world dedicated to learning and research. Through its broad-based curricula, nurturing of creative inventiveness, and cross disciplinary research, the Institute is at the forefront of global challenges in engineering, science, and technology management. Partnerships and collaboration between, and among, business, industry, government and other universities contribute to the enriched environment of the Institute. A new model for technology commercialization in academe, known as Technogenesis(R), involves external partners in launching business enterprises to create broad opportunities and shared value. Stevens offers baccalaureates, master's and doctoral degrees in engineering, science, computer science and management, in addition to a baccalaureate degree in the humanities and liberal arts, and in business and technology. The university has a total enrollment of 2,150 undergraduate and 3,500 graduate students with about 250 full-time faculty. Stevens' graduate programs have attracted international participation from China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America. Additional information may be obtained from its web page at www.stevens.edu.

For the latest news about Stevens, please visit www.StevensNewsService.com.

The Real Reasons Men Commit: Why He Will-or Won't-Love, Honor, and Marry You This Valentine's Day

2009-02-02T20:24:00.000+02:00

BOSTON, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- With nearly half of the male population never making the big commitment to the women in their lives, how can women looking for marriage this Valentine's Day weed out the men that aren't going to commit?

A controversial new book from Adams Media by award-winning couples and relationship therapist Joel Block, Ph.D. and relationship expert, Kimberly Dawn Neumann breaks it down. The Real Reasons Men Commit: Why He Will-or Won't-Love, Honor, and Marry Yougets women to stop wasting time on men that have no interest in marriage. According to TV/stage star and People magazine's Hottest Bachelor of the Year, Mario Lopez, "This book does a great job of explaining to women what goes on in the minds of men when it comes to commitment."

Single women have heard all the creative -- and not so creative excuses -- from the commitment-phobic men in their lives--and, too often they've been taken in by these excuses and helped perpetuate them. "Accepting his excuses and making excuses for him is disastrous," states Block and Neumann, "the key is to learn why he hesitates, and what you can do about it."

This book goes beyond the standard dos and don'ts as it teaches women how spot a man who is interested in marriage from the first date. The secrets contained in this book are priceless for women looking for a commitment-ready man. From strategies to persuade commitment-phobic men to take the chance on love and marriage to learning what factors influence a man's decision to commit, Block and Neumann teach the difference between cold feet and an intractable single-forever stance. Women who follow their lead will be sporting a ring by next Valentine's Day!

http://www.realreasonsmencommit.com/

Coverleaf.com Welcomes Rodale Titles to Growing Stable of Digital Magazine Editions

2009-02-02T15:25:00.000+02:00

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Coverleaf.com, the service from Texterity, Inc. that gives magazine publishers new digital tools to build reader engagement, today announced the addition of all Domestic and Canadian Rodale digital magazine titles. Rodale's Prevention, Men's Health, Women's Health, Runner's World, Best Life, Bicycling, Running Times, and Organic Gardening will be available on http://www.coverleaf.com beginning in early February.

In addition to Rodale, Coverleaf.com also recently welcomed Future US's Pregnancy, Mac|Life and Maximum PC, and Discover Media's Discover Magazine.

Jan Ehrlich, Director of Publisher Relations for Coverleaf.com, said, "We're proud to offer Coverleaf.com visitors the opportunity to interact and engage with Rodale's superb editorial, advertising, and marketing content as never before. Since inception, our #1 goal has been to add value to print publishers by extending their magazine's brand experience in new and exciting ways, and to make enjoying a favorite magazine easier for the reader. By joining Coverleaf.com, more people are exposed to Rodale's message and product, and those who advertise in Rodale titles."

"Investing online and finding new and meaningful ways to connect with our customers are two key priorities for Rodale, so we are very pleased to bring our exceptional magazines to life digitally with Coverleaf.com," said John McCarthy, VP, Rodale Direct. "We are confident that adding this capability to our mix will help us maintain the strong position we are holding as we head further into 2009."

Visitors to Coverleaf.com can explore the Rodale and 40+ other titles available to clip and save their favorite pages, which they can then organize and share with friends and social networking sites including Facebook. There are also one-click options to subscribe to the print or digital versions of a magazine, or purchase single copies of current or back issues. Coverleaf.com's value is multi-faceted -- publishers can deepen brand engagement, increase interaction, build communities and strengthen brands with their title; Coverleaf.com's digital tools empower print publications, help boost renewals, and add advertising value. For a full list of titles available, please visit http://www.coverleaf.com

About Rodale Inc.

Rodale Inc. is the authoritative source for trusted content in health, fitness and wellness around the world, reaching more than 70 million people globally. The company publishes some of the best-known health and wellness lifestyle magazines, including Men's Health, Prevention, Women's Health, Runner's World, Best Life, Bicycling, Mountain Bike and Organic Gardening, and is also the largest independent book publisher in America with a collection of international titles, including The South Beach Diet and The Abs Diet franchises, and most recently Al Gore's New York Times bestseller An Inconvenient Truth. Rodale's broad range of media platforms includes magazines, books, videos and extensive websites. The company is also a leader in direct-response marketing and has more than 26 million active customers in its database. www.rodale.com

About Texterity

Texterity, Inc. is the leading provider of digital publishing solutions, headquartered in Southborough, MA. The privately held company, which was founded in 1991, provides a competitive edge for publishers by offering the expertise and turnkey service necessary to drive circulation, increase revenue and generate tangible metrics. With a collaborative approach to sales and service -- and by using its patented Published Web Format, integrated circulation systems, and "look inside" technology -- Texterity functions as a publishing partner to over 1000 digital publications, including more than 770 consumer and B2B magazines; all digital publications are available on the iPhone and iPod touch via the first specifically-created magazine delivery system for Apple. Texterity was named a "Top 100 Company" by EContent magazine. More on Texterity, Inc. can be found at http://www.texterity.com

Photo: Taber's 21 Brings Meanings to Life in Words, Images, and Sound

2009-02-02T15:00:00.002+02:00

Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 21st Edition publishes February 2009 in print, electronic, web, and mobile formats.

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The 21st Edition of Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, published by F.A. Davis Company, breaks new ground by defining the language and practice of health care in words, images, and sounds. For nearly 70 years, health care students, educators, and practitioners have been turning to Taber's. Now they can turn to Taber's 21 in print, electronic, web, and mobile formats.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/fadavis/36858/

"In today's technology-driven world, students and clinicians expect to be able to retrieve the information they need when and where they need it," said Robert H. Craven, Jr., President of F.A. Davis Company. "Taber's 21 responds with the Taber'sPlus DVD, DavisPlus resources on the web, and free one-year subscriptions to Taber's Mobile and Taber's Online. Now, our customers will be able to access the authoritative content of Taber's in the medium of their choice."

Taber's 21 is today's most comprehensive health science dictionary. Under the editorial direction of Donald Venes, MD, MSJ, a team of expert consulting editors and consultants representing every branch of health care, work with the Taber's in-house editorial staff to ensure that the content is current, comprehensive, and concise.

Readers will find cyclopedic entries, more than 60,000 reader-friendly definitions, detailed illustrations, patient care statements, appendices with nursing and allied health-specific resources, and so much more.

Every print copy of Taber's 21 features the brand-new Taber'sPlus DVD. This bonus resource is a multi-media toolkit that offers a wealth of interactive learning experiences, practical clinical tools, and links to versatile electronic resources, all designed to help users expand their knowledge of health care. Users will be able to Explore through Sight and Sound more than 1,000 images and hundreds of terms with definitions and pronunciations; listen to clear pronunciations for 30,000 terms with Taber's Audio; engage their minds with Brain Teasers; and take a Taber's World Tour to discover everything the dictionary has to offer.

The Taber'sPlus DVD is also the link to FREE one-year subscriptions to web and mobile access to all of the content of the print version. Taber's Online, powered by Unbound Medicine(R), provides web-based access from a desktop or laptop computer. Taber's Mobile powered by Skyscape(R), puts the power of Taber's on a PDA, SmartPhone, or specialty mobile device.

Taber's 21 has new teaching resources for instructors and learning tools for students available on the DavisPlus website at http://davisplus.fadavis.com, F.A. Davis's online source for educational materials. When instructors adopt Taber's 21 for their classes, they can also tap into a 1,100-question test bank, a scavenger hunt, and an image bank. Students and clinicians have password-free access to animations, videos, and Taber's Word-of-the Day.

Taber's 21 is available in multiple media formats to meet multiple needs. Taber's 21 and many of F.A. Davis's most popular textbooks are also available in special money-saving packages.

Print Versions

-- Thumb-indexed + Taber'sPlus DVD

$41.95 (US)|$53.50 (CAN)

ISBN-13: 978-0-8036-1559-5

--Non thumb-indexed + Taber'sPlus DVD

$37.95 (US)|$48.50 (CAN)

ISBN-13: 978-0-8036-1560-1

Desktop and Laptop Version

-- Electronic Version 4.0 on DVD

MAC and PC Compatible

$59.95 (US)|$76.50 (CAN)

ISBN-13: 978-0-8036-1945-6

Mobile & Web Version

--On CD-ROM powered by Unbound Medicine(R)

$49.95 (US)|$63.50 (CAN)

ISBN-13: 978-0-8036-2190-9

(Downloadable version available at www.fadavis.com.)

Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 21st Edition is available at bookstores or directly from F.A.Davis.

For more information, call 800-323-3555 or visit www.fadavis.com.

About F.A. Davis Company

F.A. Davis Company, an independent publisher since 1879, has been publishing titles to meet the needs of generations of health care providers. Today, F.A. Davis carries on that tradition through its catalogue of books and electronic and online products for students, educators, and clinicians in Nursing, Medicine, and the Health Sciences.

Its flagship titles, Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary and Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses, are among the most trusted names in health care publishing.

'Winter's Tail,' a Picture Book About the Famous Dolphin With Prosthetic Tail Written by Bestselling Children's Authors Craig Hatkoff and Daughters to be Released by Turtle Pond Publications, Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Scholastic

2009-02-02T15:00:00.001+02:00

"Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again" In Bookstores October 2009

NEW YORK, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Turtle Pond Publications, the private media and entertainment company based in New York, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) and Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, today announced the fall release of "Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again," the newest children's book by #1 New York Times bestselling children's authors, Craig Hatkoff and his daughters Juliana and Isabella Hatkoff. Written in collaboration with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, this inspiring account chronicles the amazing true story of Winter, who as a two-month old dolphin lost her tail after becoming entangled in a crab trap. Winter was rescued off the coast of Cape Canaveral and brought to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where she was treated and had to learn to swim again, but without her natural tail. The book is scheduled to hit bookstores in October of 2009.

"Winter's Tail" is the official version of Winter's story authorized by Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The book uses stunning photography that chronicles Winter's dramatic rescue and the subsequent heroic efforts and dedication by doctors, CMA staff, engineers and scientists to help Winter by fitting her with a breakthrough prosthetic tail, designed to be flexible enough for movement and durable enough for swimming. Beyond all expectations, Winter has thrived at her home at CMA and has become an inspiration to the disabled and able-bodied alike. "Winter's Tail" will deliver an important message of hope, friendship and universal acceptance.

"My daughters and I were mesmerized by Winter's amazing story and wanted to share it not only as a source of inspiration for those who struggle with and overcome all kinds of disabilities, but also as a way to introduce a difficult topic to a wide range of young audiences in an accessible way that encourages discussion, compassion and understanding. The truly loveable Winter puts everyone at ease through her sheer resilience," said Craig Hatkoff. "The heroic dedication and collaborative solution to her dilemma using state of the art prosthetic technology has captured the world's imagination that anything is possible."

"We are thrilled that our Winter is the first U.S.-based subject of the Hatkoff's collection of true animal stories from around the world," said David Yates, CEO of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. "Winter has already touched the lives of so many and we look forward to welcoming new friends at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium who will learn about her story through the book."

"Winter's story is an inspiration to children and adults around the world who face everyday challenges. This incredible tale of a 'little dolphin that could' will resonate with readers of all ages," said Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade Publishing. "Scholastic is thrilled to collaborate with the Hatkoff family and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on this amazing and stunning picture book."

"Winter's Tail" marks the fifth installment in the critically-acclaimed Turtle Pond Collection of non-fiction picture books about remarkable animals overcoming adversity, all published by Scholastic. The books by Craig Hatkoff, and his daughters Juliana (14) and Isabella (10), include Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship (2006), Owen and Mzee: The Language of Friendship (2007), Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Changed the World (2007), and most recently, Looking for Miza: The True Story of the Mountain Gorilla Family Who Rescued One of Their Own (2008). The book series introduces kids to real world issues and empowers them to effect change on our planet.

About Turtle Pond Publications

Turtle Pond Publications is a private entertainment and media company based in New York. Its interests include a variety of children's publishing ventures and other media investments including the Tribeca Film Festival; the company's principals, Craig Hatkoff and Jane Rosenthal, are co-founders of the festival along with Robert De Niro.

About Scholastic

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology and children's media. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, television networks and the Company's Internet Site, www.scholastic.com.

About The Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release, and environmental education. For additional information, visit www.SeeWinter.com.

New Book Prescribes Quality Guidance for Pharma Industry as Criticism of FDA and Consumer Safety Concerns Surge

2009-02-02T15:00:00.000+02:00

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Risky Business: Managing the Quality of America's Medicines has been released in its Second Edition by FDAnews. Authored by Robert A. Rhoades, Practice Director, Pharmaceutical Quality & Compliance at Becker & Associates Consulting (Washington, DC), the book offers insights from more than 30 years in the industry. The update for the Second Edition is timely in light of significant events in the industry throughout 2008. With a new administration, an embattled FDA under scrutiny from Congress, and an industry under fire for insufficient controls in the supply chain from foreign manufacturing sites, Mr. Rhoades provides clear and actionable guidance for executives responsible for risk management, both here and abroad.

Laurence Downey, MD, retired President and CEO of Solvay Pharmaceuticals, says in the book's foreword: "One deliverable that should be assured for all of our customers is the quality of our products. The future credibility and reputation of our industry, already compromised, is at stake ... This book offers a hard-hitting message to help us avoid the temptation to cut corners and so keep our companies off the front-page -- at least for the wrong reasons. After all, this industry is about putting patients first."

"We are at the start of a hyper-vigilant period when it comes to the inspection and enforcement of quality systems both nationally and internationally," said Ron Ginor, MD, president of Becker & Associates Consulting in Washington, DC. "Given recent events, consumers and regulators have little tolerance for system failures, and corporations will have to proactively redouble their efforts in order to protect their consumers and their reputation in this context."

The book is available now through FDAnews at www.fdanews.com, and at www.amazon.com.

About Becker & Associates Consulting, Inc.

Becker & Associates Consulting, Inc. is a strategic consulting firm specializing in clinical, regulatory, and compliance issues. Based in Washington DC, the firm provides sophisticated consulting skills, unique scientific and business experience, and excellent relationships with regulators, subject matter experts, counsel, and policy leaders to support the development and stewardship of innovative healthcare products.

MacArthur Fellow Peter Gleick Discusses 'Peak Water,' China's Water Crisis, Climate Change Impacts at Wilson Center

2009-02-02T14:21:00.000+02:00

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Is there such a thing as 'peak water'? There is a vast amount of water on the planet -- but we are facing a crisis of running out of sustainably managed water," said Peter Gleick, president of the Pacific Institute. "Humans already appropriate over 50 percent of all renewable and accessible freshwater flows, and yet billions still lack the most basic water services."

On February 4 at the Woodrow Wilson Center, Gleick will answer these urgent questions:

Have we passed a peak in the availability of freshwater for human use?
How grave are the impacts of climate change on water, and what can we do about it?
Has China's dramatic economic growth irreparably damaged the country's water supply?

Gleick, one of the world's leading authorities on water and a recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, has for the past decade co-authored and edited the biennial series The World's Water. The much-anticipated sixth volume addresses topics from "peak water" to climate change impacts to China's water crisis. With 20 data tables on global water situations and a newly updated Water Conflict Chronology, The World's Water 2008-2009 brings the urgency of the global water crisis to the fore.

RSVP/Watch Live Webcast: http://tinyurl.com/cgwnb6

What: The World's Water (Book Discussion)

Who: Peter Gleick, President, Pacific Institute

When: Wednesday, February 4, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.(reception to follow)

Where: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 6th Floor Auditorium

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.

Media planning to cover the event should contact Sharon McCarter at sharon.mccarter@wilsoncenter.org or (202) 691-4016.

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is the living, national memorial to President Wilson established by Congress in 1968 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. It is a nonpartisan institution, supported by public and private funds, engaged in the study of national and world affairs. http://www.wilsoncenter.org

Since 1994, the Wilson Center's Environmental Change and Security Program has explored the connections among environmental challenges and their links to conflict and security. http://www.wilsoncenter.org/ecsp

    CONTACT: Sharon McCarter, Outreach and Communications
    Phone: 202-691-4016
    Email: sharon.mccarter@wilsoncenter.org

Scholastic Media Launches National Clifford The Big Red Dog(R) BE BIG(TM) Campaign to Support Civic Engagement Based on Clifford's BIG Ideas

2009-02-02T13:00:00.000+02:00

It only takes a little....to BE BIG!

BE BIG! to be Supported by Extensive Multi Year Marketing Program and a BIG Launch at the World's BIGgest Toy Store: FAO Schwarz

NEW YORK, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic Media (Nasdaq: SCHL) announced today, in anticipation of Valentine's Day, the launch of Clifford The Big Red Dog's own cause campaign, BE BIG!(TM) and the creation of the BE BIG Fund. (www.scholastic.com/cliffordbebig) The national program invites everyone, big and small, to raise awareness for how Clifford's BIG Ideas (Share, Help Others, Be Kind, Be Responsible, Play Fair, Be a Good Friend, Believe in Yourself, Respect Others, Work Together and Be Truthful) can make the world a better place. Scholastic and Clifford, in establishing the BE BIG Fund, will support community engagement opportunities that will recognize and reward others for their BE BIG actions, catalyze change in local communities and provide resources to share BIG ideas.

Scholastic has joined with specialty retailer FAO SCHWARZ for the launch of the BE BIG program and is currently carrying exclusive BE BIG tagged Clifford Plush in its flagship locations as well as in its FAO SCHWARZ boutiques in Macy's stores nationwide. Beginning February 5th, the New York City flagship store will display BIG windows highlighting the promotion. FAO SCHWARZ will host an official BE BIG celebration in New York City on February 11th and Scholastic will donate 10% of the net proceeds from the sale of designated FAO SCHWARZ CLIFFORD BE BIG! products to the BE BIG Fund at HandsOn Network.

"The Clifford BE BIG campaign is an exciting and timely extension of what has established Clifford as an icon for families and an embodiment of the Big Ideas for character education," said Deborah Forte, President of Scholastic Media and Executive Vice President of Scholastic Inc, the global publishing, education and media company. "Clifford's Big Ideas exemplify Scholastic's longtime commitment to good citizenship and reinforces how small, simple actions make a BIG difference." It only takes a little to BE BIG!

Scholastic is working with HandsOn Network to activate the BE BIG campaign in local communities through the BE BIG fund. HandsOn Network (www.handsonnetwork.org), a key operating arm of Points of Light Institute, is the largest volunteer management organization in the nation. The organization equips, mobilizes and inspires people to take action that change the world.

"Being big is about being big-hearted; it's about having a big spirit. Being big is something we should all do more often" said Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light Institute and co-founder of HandsOn Network. "HandsOn Network is thrilled to have the opportunity to help people take action in support of Clifford's Big Ideas to make a difference."

The campaign, under the umbrella tagline of "It only takes a little....to BE BIG!" will be supported by a national print, online and outdoor advertising program. The official BE BIG! website includes a chance for users to create and send a virtual Valentine's Day card to Clifford. For every card delivered through February 28th, Scholastic will donate one dollar to the BE BIG Fund*. Beginning in the fall, Scholastic will launch a PSA campaign showcasing Clifford's Big Ideas and mount a large-scale volunteer program to execute BE BIG ideas.

The BE BIG campaign was informed by a research study commissioned by Scholastic Media assessing the relevance of a Clifford cause campaign. This study found that 70% of parents believe the BE BIG campaign would meet a current community need, and found the BE BIG campaign highly appealing. The large majority of respondents felt the BE BIG campaign would not only be meaningful to children because it would reinforce the values and lessons that parents strive to impart, but that it would also be relevant to adults - both as parents and individuals.

The big ideas were borne out of the curriculum developed for the award winning animated television series, currently airing on PBS KIDS(R). (www.pbskids.org/clifford) Now in its ninth season, Clifford consistently ranks in the top ten shows for kids 2-5 and scores high ratings with moms. Clifford enjoys 96% brand awareness among parents. The brand continues to perform well internationally with television episodes sold to more than 110 countries worldwide.

With more than 125 million books in print, Clifford is a literary classic that is embraced by parents, teachers and kids. Scholastic will release Clifford The Champion, a new hardcover by Norman Bridwell, in September 2009.

About Scholastic Media

Scholastic Media (SM), the entertainment and media division of Scholastic, is a leading producer of quality, family-oriented content across multiple platforms, including feature films, television programming, videos, interactive and audio products, and web sites, and is a major developer and marketer of children's brands worldwide.

About Scholastic

Scholastic Corporation (Nasdaq: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology and children's media. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, television networks and the Company's Internet Site, www.scholastic.com.

About Points of Light Institute

Points of Light Institute was created by the merger of the Points of Light Foundation and Hands On Network in August 2007. The result is a powerful, integrated national organization with a global focus to redefine volunteerism and civic engagement for the 21st century, putting people at the center of community problem solving. Points of Light Institute is now the largest volunteer management and civic engagement organization in the nation. Its mission is to equip, mobilize and inspire people to take action that changes the world.

About HandsOn Network

HandsOn Network, a business unit of Points of Light Institute, creates opportunities for people to apply their interests and passions to make a difference in communities. The Network is leading people from impulse to action turning their ideas for change into real projects like building wheel chair ramps, watershed protection projects and tutoring programs. 250 plus affiliates help nonprofits, community and government organizations manage and develop the leadership capacity of volunteers. In 2007 alone, these HandsOn Action Centers helped to deliver more than 33 million hours of volunteer service valued at $1.2 billion dollars.

About PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO!

PBS KIDS, for preschoolers, and PBS KIDS GO!, for early elementary school kids, offer all children - from every walk of life - the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and outreach programs. With positive character role models and content designed to nurture a child's total well-being, PBS's online and community resources - including PBS KIDS online (pbskids.org), PBS KIDS GO! online (pbskidsgo.org), PBS Parents (pbsparents.org), PBS Teachers (pbsteachers.org), PBS KIDS Raising Readers and literacy events across the country - leverage the full spectrum of media, technology and community to build knowledge, critical thinking, imagination and curiosity. Empowering children for success in school and in life, only PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! have earned the unanimous endorsement of parents, children, industry leaders and teachers. PBS is a nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation's 356 public television stations, serving more than 115 million people on-air and online each month and reaching 99% of American homes.

About FAO Schwarz

Since 1862, FAO Schwarz has enchanted and inspired generations of families with its unparalleled selection of unique toys, unmatched customer service, and dedication to offering quality products. FAO Schwarz offers wonderful toys that help children develop their imagination, gain rich play-based experiences and physical well-being through good play. The iconic flagship store in Manhattan attracts nearly four million visitors annually and the Las Vegas shop at The Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace, open since 1997, continues to be a destination for locals and travelers alike. In 2008 FAO Schwarz partnered with Macy's to open nearly 700 shops inside select Macy's across the country by 2010. One of the best-known brands in the United States, FAO Schwarz is a trusted name for quality toys to families everywhere.

* Up to $20,000

All-Star Super Bowl Party

2009-02-01T09:00:00.000+02:00

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Publisher Phoenix Books will host its 4th annual Super Bowl event at Wolfgang Puck's Spago, Beverly Hills. A tradition once started by Pierre Cossette, this event is guaranteed to be the hottest Super Bowl party in the country.

The Super Bowl bash will celebrate Phoenix Books' relationship with its predominantly high-profile authors and narrators, including Robert Evans, Larry King, Bill Maher, Omarosa, Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed, Carl Reiner and Eliot Tiegel, all of whom have accepted to attend. Also expected at the event are Robert Blake, Susan Estrich, Buzz Aldrin, Rosey Grier and Alexandra Ambrosio.

Phoenix's upcoming and recent releases include: Breakshot by Matthew Randazzo and Kenny "Kenji" Gallo, Duchess of Death: The Biography of Agatha Christie by best-selling author Richard Hack, Gallo Be Thy Name by Jerome Tuccille, Just Desserts by Carl Reiner, Overexposed: The Price of Fame by Eliot Tiegel and Shattered Dreams by Michael Viner.

In the last year, Phoenix Books has seen considerable growth under the ownership and leadership of Chairman Dwight D. Opperman, CEO and President Michael Viner and Executive Vice President Julie Chrystyn.

In June 2008, Phoenix was pleased to announce the arrival of publishing veteran, Gray Peterson, VP of Sales and Marketing. Since his addition to the company, Peterson has spearheaded several innovative and lucrative projects, introducing a children's division currently in development and content-friendly Dove Books, Inc., which will feature two releases this March, The Secret to Life Transformation by Julie Chrystyn and Life Between the Keys by classical music's newest phenomenon, The 5 Browns.

In March, Phoenix will release a new book and audio about two of the biggest headline-grabbing figures in today's news: Catastrophe: The Story of Bernard L. Madoff, The Man Who Swindled the World, which will be the first of five competing biographies about the notorious Ponzi-scheme mastermind to hit stores, and The Obama Revolution, an in-the-trenches look at Obama's campaign, ascent to power, and plans for the future, which offers a "Generation Change"-inspired take on how Obama will bring hope and change to America.

Nebraska Book Company Obtains Approval for Revised Credit Agreement

2009-01-31T19:03:00.000+02:00

LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Nebraska Book Company, Inc., a Kansas corporation (the "Company"), announced that it has received required lender approval for amendments to its current Senior Credit Facility. The Company indicated that it expects to close on the amendments within days.

The amendments, as previously announced by the Company in early January, include an extension of the term of its Revolving Credit Facility (the "Revolver") until May 31, 2010 and changes in certain financial ratios and definitions under the Senior Credit Facility. The Company indicated that in connection with the closing of the extension and amendments, its majority equity holder, Weston Presidio will invest $10 million into the Company.

Mark Oppegard, the Company's CEO, said, "We are gratified that, even in arguably the most difficult financing environment in many, many years, we are able to access the capital needed to help us continue to grow our business. We think that is a testament to the durability of our business model and the dedication of our workforce."

The Company also announced that it expects to report a low-single-digit percentage increase in total company consolidated revenue when it releases full results for its quarter ended December 31, 2008 in mid-February.

ABOUT NEBRASKA BOOK COMPANY

Nebraska Book Company began in 1915 with a single bookstore near the University of Nebraska campus but now serves more than 2.1 million students through its network of over 270 stores located across the country. Our Textbook Division serves more than 2,500 bookstores through the sale of almost seven million textbooks, and our Complementary Services Division has installed more than 1,200 technology platforms and e-commerce sites. Additional information about Nebraska Book Company can be found at the company's website: www.nebook.com.

SAFE HARBOR REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release which are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning the Company's expectation of closing the amendment within days, its ability to continue to grow its business, the durability of its business model and its expectation as to its consolidated revenue for its quarter ended December 31, 2008 constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, that Nebraska Book will be unable to close on the amendment, that it will be unable to continue to grow revenue and EBITDA, that the business model will fail to be applicable to the changing economy, that consolidated revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 will deviate from current expectations when finalized, that the general economic slowdown and credit crisis will cause long-term revenue and EBITDA to decline, and that the overall state of the college bookstore industry will be impacted by the continued general economic slowdown and the credit crisis. More information about potential factors that could affect the Company's business and financial results are included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at the Security and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release.

'The Adventures of Andreux': The Story of a Young Man as He Traverses Several Kingdoms While Fighting the Forces of Evil from Within and Beyond

2009-01-30T18:23:00.000+02:00

CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine yourself in a time and place where both ordinary and magical dragons fly in the sky, where time is measured in hogashes instead of years and the mysterious past of one young man is lost in a sea of secrecy. In this time lives a character named Andreux who studies the mystical powers of magic at an academy in Aranya. As Andreux grows older and wiser, he begins to ask his mother questions about his past, especially those pertaining to the mystery behind his father's death. Avoiding direct responses to his inquiring mind, Andreux's mother is overheard one evening speaking in hushed tones about her son's curiosity to the master. Although very quiet in their conversation, Andreux is able to make out a name: Veritus.

Srinivas Pabbaraju is proud to introduce his new release, "The Adventures of Andreux: Book One-Aranya" (published by iUniverse). Written as the first in a series of books, "The Adventures of Andreux: Book One-Aranya" is a story filled with dangers of all sorts from ruthless predators, cunning magic folk, evil sorcerers, spiteful foes and back stabbing friends.

Try as he may, the young wizard can do little to unravel the mystery of his ancestry or learn the identity of the one they call Veritus. One day while continuing to investigate answers to his looming questions, Andreux's world is turned upside down when strange occurrences begin to happen around him. Secrets hidden hitherto are revealed and he, along with his best friend Senfred, set out on an all-encompassing mission to reclaim his true identity once and for all.

"The people of Vauns have suffered enough. It's time for justice to prevail. Let us waste no more time. The time to avenge is upon is," he declared. "I want revenge, not just for myself, but for everyone who suffered under the new king."

About the Author

Srinivas Pabbaraju lives with his family in Calgary, Alberta where he works as a chartered accountant. "The Adventures of Andreux: Book One-Aranya" was first conceptualized in 1988 yet remained unpenned until 2004, when one night, the exciting adventures were narrated as a bed time story to his daughter. The story is dedicated to every child at heart. "The Adventures of Andreux: Book One-Aranya" is Pabbaraju's first book.

"The Adventures of Andreux" is available at: http://www.iUniverse.com, http://www.bn.com, and http://www.amazon.com

ISBN: 9780595409648 - 6 x 9 - Paperback - 176 pages - $13.95

ISBN: 9781440100758 - 6 x 9 - Hardcover - 176 pages - $23.95

    Contact:

    Tom Hudock
    Personal Media Publicist
    thudock@authorsolutions.com
    Toll-free: 1-800-AUTHORS (288-4677) ext.5553
    Fax: 812-961-3133

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

'Collective Bargaining': NBA Team Owners Conspire to Lower Player Salaries in New Novel

2009-01-30T13:15:00.000+02:00

CARLYLE, Ill., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Many people express the opinion that professional athletes believe less in the spirit of the sport than in the multimillion dollar price tag attached to player status. In her new book, "Collective Bargaining: Taking Control Away From the Players!" (published by AuthorHouse) Kelly Wilken offers a fictional account of what happens when NBA team owners decide to strike back against this perceived greed by hitting season draft picks where it hurts -- the wallet.

The story begins in the office of James Mitchum IV, owner of the Houston Tornados. Astounded by the 20 million dollar salary he is expected to pay his number-one draft pick, Mitchum formulates a plan that will involve every NBA team owner and shake the foundation of professional basketball.

After the season's draft picks enjoy their night in the spotlight at Casey Center in New York, the agents step in to begin the annual bargaining ritual that brings big bucks to their clients. This year, they are in for a shock. Unbeknownst to them, Mitchum has convinced every team owner to support him in revamping the pay structure for incoming players. Every rookie receives a certain amount, no matter their place in the pick. Negotiations are out. The agents cry foul and embark on a mission to fight the conspiracy. In the middle are the players, who must decide what is more important -- playing the game they love or making the millions they expected to be part of the package.

Wilken centers her story around two young athletes, Marcus Wilkerson, the number-one draft pick, and Tyson Williams, the number-four pick. The young men come from two different worlds, but they both believe one thing: the NBA owes them millions of dollars.

"Collective Bargaining" also explores the differences between American athletes and those from other countries. For the international draft picks, the unfolding drama about players' salaries has an entirely different meaning, and Wilken delves into how cultural backgrounds may impact the response to such drastic changes to player contracts.

As the story unfolds, Wilken takes readers from state to state, following the choices each player must make. In the final chapter, decisions come to light and readers discover what wins out -- passion for sport or lust for money.

About the Author

Kelly Wilken was born in Youngstown, Ohio. She served more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy, working in London, England, as an administrative specialist. She also lived in Stuttgart, Germany, and Misawa, Japan. Her service in the military included work in intelligence, security and aviation administration. Serving aboard two military ships, the Steamship PFC Eugene A. Obregon and the Motor Vessel 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo, Wilken visited foreign ports around the world. She retired from the Navy in 2000 and now works as a classification specialist for the federal government. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in business administration, Bachelor of Science Degree in management, and a Master of Science degree in human resource management. Wilken lives in Carlyle, Ill., with her husband, retired Master Sgt. Alan Wilken of the U.S. Air Force. They have one daughter, Jessica. "Collective Bargaining" is her first novel.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com.

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    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 888-728-8467 ext. 5192
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This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

Island Def Jam Music Group Forms Strategic Partnership With Author Tina Wells to Launch Mackenzie Blue

2009-01-29T20:04:00.000+02:00

FIRST HARPERCOLLINS CHILDREN'S BOOK IN THE SERIES ARRIVES MAY 5th

IDJ announces talent search to discover the REAL Mackenzie Blue

Mackenzie Blue series created and written by Tina Wells of Buzz Marketing

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Tweens everywhere will discover a new heroine this spring with the May 5th appearance of Mackenzie Blue, the first in the series of HarperCollins Children's Books about the many adventures of seventh-grader and aspiring pop star Mackenzie Blue.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080402/LAW018LOGO)

Island Def Jam Music Group and author Tina Wells have formed a strategic partnership to launch a major talent search and discover the REAL Mackenzie Blue, it was announced today by Antonio 'L.A.' Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group. This forward-looking '360' arrangement will bring the fictional Mackenzie Blue to life as the leader of her own recording and touring pop band. The talent search will be the prelude to Mackenzie Blue's first EP release on Island Def Jam coinciding with the publication of the debut book in May.

"I am thrilled with the opportunities that are presented by this partnership with Island Def Jam and L.A. Reid," said Ms. Wells. "The company truly understands the world of Mackenzie Blue and the potential of following her young character's aspirations to become a music star as the books develop. The sky is the limit for IDJ and Mackenzie Blue as other new and exciting branding options arise in the future."

12-year old seventh grader Mackenzie Blue ('Zee') is the charismatic, fashionable, pop culture savvy, and down-to-earth star of the new series of books that chronicle the adventures of a diverse crew of friends trying to survive middle school at prestigious Brookdale Academy. Mackenzie Blue is upbeat and promotes positive messages to tweens about making good choices. Dynamic black-and-white illustrations, diary entries, instant messages, and emails make Zee's world and friends come alive.

Mackenzie Blue marks the writing debut of youth expert Tina Wells, CEO and founder of Buzz Marketing Group (BuzzMG), and its newly formed division, Buzz Publishing Group. BuzzMG is America's premiere by-youth-for-youth marketing and communications agency. It has created innovative marketing strategies for numerous clients within the music, beauty, entertainment, fashion, financial, and lifestyle sectors, along them Sony BMG, Sesame Workshop, Johnson & Johnson, Verizon Wireless, and Procter + Gamble.