Uncategorized

Sunshine State News Heats up with ‘Covering Florida’

Author: Kay B. Day
Dateline: Fri, 15 Dec 2006

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Dec. 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A new online blog 'Covering Florida' will focus on news, commentary and features written by journalist Kay B. Day about the fourth largest state in the nation. Day says a central news forum for information about elections, crime, and neighborhoods in Florida will give a more unified impression of a state that is often viewed as fragmented because of politics.”



A R T I C L E:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Dec. 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A new online site "Covering Florida" will focus on news, commentary and features written by journalist Kay B. Day about the fourth largest state in the nation. Day says a central news forum for information about elections, crime, and neighborhoods in Florida will give a more unified impression of a state that is often viewed as fragmented because of politics.

"During the midterm elections," says Day. "There was so much useful information out there. But there wasn't a central location for Floridians."

She wrote about the election, providing links to sites offering information about candidates and issues. "We had an amendment related to eminent domain," Day says. "But there was little information out there your average person could understand. I'm a writer and I had to read and re-read the 'legalese' on the official government sites." She saw that amendment as critical, because it specified regulations for seizure of personal property by developers and others.

But the focus goes beyond nuts and bolts news. "I like writing features too, and I do a recurring 'First Person' at least once a month. This essay deals with subjects ranging from holiday celebrations to wildlife like the great egret."

She had come home from covering an event for one of the newspapers she writes for. "And there in my driveway was a great egret picking lizards off the shrubbery," she says. Grabbing her camera, she tracked the egret. "The Florida Times Union published one of the photos," she says. "But I had several, and I wanted to let others know about the habits of these birds." So she featured a photo and story at "Covering Florida."

The space shuttle offered another opportunity. Day planned to cover the STS-116 launch. "Then it was postponed because of the low cloud cover." She got the shot anyway, when it launched days later. "My daughter was with her boyfriend. She saw the huge light in the sky and grabbed her digital camera. She got a great photo.

One of the most heavily read stories is a column she did about gangs. Day read an article about the MS-13 gang at the online site Family Security Matters (familysecuritymatters.org). She writes a monthly column about global politics for the site. When she saw another writer's story about this dangerous gang, she looked up additional information. "Sure enough, MS-13 has a presence in Florida, even in my home city," she says.

A self-confessed news junkie, Day writes for newspapers, magazines and Net sites. "I write on for our daily newspaper, and also have essays in publications like the Christian Science Monitor. I do a bi-weekly column about poetry for the Web site of The Writer magazine." She also strings for UPI and freelances "one-ups" for other magazines. She's been an independent journalist for over 20 years.

Author of two books, with two more in the works, Day is an award-winning poet in what she calls her "other life." She just returned from reading in a program, "Florida Poets Arrive," at the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C.

With "Covering Florida" she says she hopes to "expand the great news coverage we already have here." She uses blogging software to produce content.

Days says most bloggers write personal journal entries, but the blog tools offer a perfect format for a column about the Sunshine State. "And we're not only a big state, we are a very interesting state. Florida has hot news!"

More information: http://coveringflorida.blogspot.com



###


Copyright © 2006 by Kay B. Day and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Sunshine State News Heats up with 'Covering Florida'
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: journalist Kay Day, , , Covering Florida, Blogs and Forums, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (Kay B. Day); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Fri, 15 Dec 2006 18:30:00 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Uncategorized

Wildfire Moves Corporate and Manufacturing Headquarters to New State-of-the-Art Facility

Author: Wildfire, Inc.
Dateline: Thu, 14 Dec 2006

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “TORRANCE, Calif. - Dec. 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Wildfire, Inc., the industry leader in providing UV effects solutions and creative ideas through sales and rentals of its proprietary line of high intensity black light fixtures, fluorescent paints & other expendable products, today announced the move of its corporate offices and manufacturing facility to a new headquarters located at 2908 Oregon Court, Suite GI, Torrance, CA 90503.”



A R T I C L E:

Customers & Creative Community to Benefit from Cutting Edge Technology

TORRANCE, Calif. - Dec. 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Wildfire, Inc., the industry leader in providing UV effects solutions and creative ideas through sales and rentals of its proprietary line of high intensity black light fixtures, fluorescent paints & other expendable products, today announced the move of its corporate offices and manufacturing facility to a new headquarters located at 2908 Oregon Court, Suite GI, Torrance, CA 90503.

Wildfire's new contact numbers are: phone (310) 755-6780 or (800) 937-8065, fax (310) 755-6781. The company's website remains www.wildfirefx.com.

Wildefire Inc"Wildfire is more than ever dedicated to meeting our customers' needs. This is an exciting milestone for us that directly translates into benefits for our customers and partners," said John Berardi, Vice President of Wildfire. "The operating efficiencies, improved customer service and reduced shipping times we're committed to achieving is an investment in our strategic position in the marketplace and will solidify Wildfire as the leading provider of UV visual effects."

Located in the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan area, Wildfire's new location accommodates current space needs, and allows room for future growth. The facility will house corporate functions including research and development, manufacturing, marketing, sales and customer support.

Designed to foster creativity, efficiency and collaboration, the headquarters optimizes space and resources and features:
    * A streamlined operations floor plan,

    * A computer-integrated communications system,

    * A new software infrastructure designed to increase operational efficiency and improve customer service

    * State-of-the-art manufacturing, product development and diagnostics technology.

From creative executives to lighting designers and contractors Wildfire customers will benefit from the efficiencies and flow of information that will help them create or purchase the brightest possible UV visual effect.

About Wildfire, Inc.
Established in 1989, Wildfire has since become the leading provider of dynamic UV lighting effects to the entertainment industry, manufacturing for sale or rental a proprietary line of very-high output (VHO) UV lighting fixtures, special effects paints, creative materials, and scenic services for the creation of stunning ultraviolet visual effects. Wildfire's special magic of light and color can be seen at attractions around the world including Caesar's Palace, Lucky Strike Lanes, Sea World, Universal Studios and Walt Disney attractions on three continents.

For more information about Wildfire products, sales opportunities and UV effect development consulting services, contact Aaron Stanley at (310) 755-6780 ext. 104, or visit www.wildfirefx.com.

Text provided by the news source.


###


Copyright © 2006 by Wildfire, Inc. and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Wildfire Moves Corporate and Manufacturing Headquarters to New State-of-the-Art Facility
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: UV lighting products, , , Wildfire fx, Industry Services, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (Wildfire, Inc.); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Thu, 14 Dec 2006 22:54:00 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Online Shopping Sites

CheapBooks(TM) Finds Word-of-Mouth Advertising Proves Successful

Author: CheapBooks Inc
Dateline: Thu, 14 Dec 2006

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “SYRACUSE, N.Y., Dec. 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A survey conducted by CheapBooks(TM) to find out how people learned of their business shows that the best form of advertising is word-of-mouth; 37 percent of respondents selected word-of-mouth advertising as how they heard about CheapBooks.”



A R T I C L E:

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Dec. 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A survey conducted by CheapBooks(TM) to find out how people learned of their business shows that the best form of advertising is word-of-mouth; 37 percent of respondents selected word-of-mouth advertising as how they heard about CheapBooks(TM). "I've tried advertising in almost every ad medium," David Tiberio, president, said, "and, word-of-mouth is extremely effective. I was also one of the first to use Internet advertising on PPC sites such as goto.com which is now Yahoo Search Marketing."

According to Tiberio, one of his least-successful campaigns was a radio campaign in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La. that was held a few days before Hurricane Katrina. After an initial sharp rise, sales immediately dropped off.

Other statistics from the survey reported that 17 percent of people who had learned about CheapBooks(TM) saw banner ads; 10 percent discovered them through search engines.

In addition to word-of-mouth, CheapBooks(TM) has discovered that hosting promotional events and giving out free items is effective for increased business recognition.

CheapBooks(TM) recently hosted an event at Syracuse University with Reality TV star, Syrus Yarbrough, of MTV's Real World Boston; 150 people attended. Students had a chance to speak with Syrus, have their pictures taken, and also received free t-shirts, coffee, and dessert.

Photos will be available for viewing the event on community Web sites such as www.Flickr.com. This week, portions of the event filmed by World's Greatest, will be televised, nationwide, on the ION and PAX networks.

"Last year, a 15-member, all-nurse tennis team was in town for a competition on the same day that I was handing out free t-shirts," Tiberio said. "The nurses wore the t-shirts during their tennis tournament."

Tiberio's favorite non-traditional advertising story involves a 14-year old Nigerian boy. The boy posted a message on the pen-pal forum at CheapBooks(TM) explaining that he could not afford to use the local Internet Cafe's e-mail service; Tiberio mailed him two t-shirts. A week later, another posting appeared from another Nigerian asking about free t-shirts.

CheapBooks(TM) has been well-known on college campuses for almost nine years. The company provides consumers access to low-cost books over the Internet. It compares the prices of many major online bookstores such as BarnesandNoble.com, and Half.com.

For more information, visit: www.CheapBooks.com.



###


Copyright © 2006 by CheapBooks Inc and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: CheapBooks(TM) Finds Word-of-Mouth Advertising Proves Successful
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: cheapbooks advertising, , , David Tiberio, Online Shopping Sites, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (CheapBooks Inc); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Thu, 14 Dec 2006 20:48:00 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Electronics

KIC Products Revolutionizes Removal of Damaging Electrostatic Discharge Plaguing Card Readers and POS Terminals

Author: KIC Products
Dateline: Wed, 13 Dec 2006

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “AUBURN, Maine - Dec. 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- KIC Products Waffletechnology engineers in cooperation with NCR have created a product to protect Magnetic stripe readers from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) that can cause MSR failures and system lockups. ESD issues are more common in low humidity environments when customers use the new Debit/Credit cards with holographic images.”



A R T I C L E:

ESD Plagues Card Readers and POS Terminals Found in Retail, Banking, and Throughout the Credit Card Industry

AUBURN, Maine - Dec. 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- KIC Products Waffletechnology engineers in cooperation with NCR have created a product to protect Magnetic stripe readers from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) that can cause MSR failures and system lockups. ESD issues are more common in low humidity environments when customers use the new Debit/Credit cards with holographic images. A two step process was developed to clean the readers then treat the magnetic heads with a solution to prevent ESD discharge. This process should be performed on all readers at least once per month.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is a significant factor in the premature failure of electronic equipment. ESD has become a common cause of circuit failure with many devices now sensitive to less than 30 volts.

Visa contends an electrostatic discharge is causing problems at some credit card terminals.

According to the Visa website,
( http://usa.visa.com/about_visa/ask_visa/index.html )

Based on information and reports received, it is clear that the probable cause of these problems is Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) resulting from a combination of factors including:
    * Low humidity at the point-of-sale, causing higher-than-normal electrostatic voltages

    * Point-of-sale equipment with a relatively low tolerance for ESD, usually at the magnetic read heads

    * Use of payment cards with holographic magnetic stripes, which have higher electrostatic conductivity than conventional magnetic stripes.

For additional information please contact: KIC Products by e-mail sales @kicproducts.com. or by calling 800-818-1932. for marketing information from KIC Products contact Jimmy Timmins at ext 211 or by e-mail info @kicproducts.com.

About KIC Products
KIC Products manufactures cleaning cards including Waffletechnology products for magnetic card readers, bill acceptors, optical readers, "Smart Card" readers, thermal printers, ID card printers, ATMs, and POS terminal credit and check readers. With over 25 years experience KIC Products utilizes the latest technology to custom engineer quality products to clean today's highly sensitive and technical equipment. KIC Products provides products and services built on integrity and quality to a diverse marketplace.

Please visit: www.kicproducts.com or www.waffletechnology.com.



###


Copyright © 2006 by KIC Products and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: KIC Products Revolutionizes Removal of Damaging Electrostatic Discharge Plaguing Card Readers and POS Terminals
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: KIC Products, , , protect Magnetic stripe readers, Electronics, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (KIC Products); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Wed, 13 Dec 2006 21:07:00 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Insurance

Agents Keep Flocking to LTC Financial Partners, the Fast-Growing Long Term Care Insurance Brokerage; 239 Have Joined So Far

Author: LTC Financial Partners LLC
Dateline: Wed, 13 Dec 2006

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “KIRKLAND, Wash. - Dec. 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- As 77 million soon-to-retire baby boomers promise to explode the long term care industry, one company is exploding already: LTC Financial Partners LLC, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance brokerage. The firm has grown from 85 agents two years ago to 239 today, an impressive 281% increase.”



A R T I C L E:

KIRKLAND, Wash. - Dec. 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- As 77 million soon-to-retire baby boomers promise to explode the long term care industry, one company is exploding already: LTC Financial Partners LLC, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance brokerage. The firm has grown from 85 agents two years ago to 239 today, an impressive 281% increase.

What's the big draw? "We think it's two things," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO. "First, the best agents want to rub shoulders with others who are also best in class. Working with top colleagues can help them perform at their peak." (Photo Caption: LTC Financial CEO Cameron Truesdell.)

Truesdell's 239 Partners include many of the nation's leading experts on long term care insurance and its impact on one's financial security, estate protection, and lifestyle.

The second reason for the influx of agents is monetary. "We provide ownership and a second income stream," Truesdell explains. "We're the only large national brokerage where agents own shares in the business and get a piece of the action. This is over and above their regular income from premiums and renewals." Truesdell says that ownership carries more than the allure of money. "There's a special status that goes with it. It's like being in a law firm as a full partner; you're a respected member of a professional fraternity."

Details of the ownership plan are available in a "Partner Package," which may be requested at www.ltcfp.us/own.

Other factors also help to explain the rapid influx of top agents. One is the organization's alliances with other professional organizations including banks, financial advisory firms, in-home care providers, and associations such as the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys. Another factor is central support for marketing, public relations, and lead generation "so agents don't have to make so many cold calls," says Truesdell.



###


Copyright © 2006 by LTC Financial Partners LLC and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Agents Keep Flocking to LTC Financial Partners, the Fast-Growing Long Term Care Insurance Brokerage; 239 Have Joined So Far
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: long term care insurance, , , LTC Financial Partners, Insurance, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (LTC Financial Partners LLC); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Wed, 13 Dec 2006 19:32:00 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Patent and Trademark

Authernative Granted Patent in China for Private and Secure Financial Transactions Method

Author: Authernative, Inc.
Dateline: Wed, 13 Dec 2006

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - Dec. 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Authernative, Inc., the developer of innovative user and transaction authentication and identity management technologies, announced today that the People's Republic of China Patent Office has granted the company its patent for a private and secure financial transactions method.”



A R T I C L E:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - Dec. 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Authernative, Inc., the developer of innovative user and transaction authentication and identity management technologies, announced today that the People's Republic of China Patent Office has granted the company its patent for a private and secure financial transactions method. The newly issued patent number 01143367.1, entitled "System and Method For Private and Secure Financial Transactions," adds to similar patent issuances in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

AuthernativeThe patent describes an enhanced security and fraud protection system which enables financial account holders to perform secure financial transactions with or without disclosing private personal information to merchants. The method describes a transaction-processing architecture for secure online and offline transactions that are initiated and authenticated directly through the financial institutions where the consumers' accounts reside. The patent introduces for the first time a random partial PIN/password recognition algorithm to authenticate the account holder.

Electronic payments represent a significant growth opportunity for banks, payment processors and retailers, as the focus shifts from replacing paper instruments to the next generation of electronic payment solutions. According to ACI Worldwide and Global Insight research in May 2006, the annual number of electronic payment transactions, currently at approximately 210 billion worldwide, is expected to double by 2010.

As credit card payments and other types of offline and online electronic payments continue to grow, so does the fraud which undermines consumers' trust in the financial system, and constitutes billions of dollars in losses for financial institutions, businesses and consumers. The methods of committing fraud are also growing in sophistication, including card theft, skimming devices, counterfeiting, mail interception, spoof sites, mass financial database breaches, and consumer identity theft. The increasing involvement of organized criminals, driven by a profit motive, further exacerbates the fraud trends which are expected to continue.

Authernative patented method's key capabilities allow preventing fraud, giving the account holder control over the transaction, securely authenticating an account holder along with the transaction authentication, and protecting the account holder's private personal information from merchants and other transaction counterparts.

The issued patents solidify the company's ability to provide and license secure and private electronic payment solutions.

About Authernative:
Authernative develops, markets, and sells innovative patented software security solutions offering identity and access management capabilities including strong authentication, authorization, administration, and auditing. The company's products are used to prevent unauthorized access to confidential data, protected resources and financial transactions. They allow businesses to lower the cost of providing, deploying and managing strong user authentication for enabling e-commerce and regulatory compliance with customers, suppliers, and employees.

More Information: www.Authernative.com.



###


Copyright © 2006 by Authernative, Inc. and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Authernative Granted Patent in China for Private and Secure Financial Transactions Method
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: Authernative patents, , , private electronic payment solutions, Patent and Trademark, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (Authernative, Inc.); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Wed, 13 Dec 2006 16:34:00 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Fashion

Dreams of Africa – Diamonds for Life: Not Blood

Author: Whiteflash.com
Dateline: Tue, 12 Dec 2006

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “HOUSTON, Texas - Dec. 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The movie 'Blood Diamond' opened last week, shocking holiday shoppers with explicit violence. Set amidst chaos and civil war in 1990s Africa, it will raise questions about diamonds being purchased this holiday season. One Texas company has answers. Whiteflash.com, an Internet boutique specializing in top quality diamonds, has established a program called Dreams of Africa, where 100 percent of the profit from sales of a conflict-free line of jewelry is going to help victims of conflict diamonds. ”



A R T I C L E:

HOUSTON, Texas - Dec. 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The movie "Blood Diamond" opened last week, shocking holiday shoppers with explicit violence. Set amidst chaos and civil war in 1990s Africa, it will raise questions about diamonds being purchased this holiday season. One Texas company has answers. Whiteflash.com (www.whiteflash.com), an Internet boutique specializing in top quality diamonds, has established a program called Dreams of Africa (www.dreamsofafrica.org), where 100 percent of the profit from sales of a conflict-free line of jewelry is going to help victims of conflict diamonds.

Unlike other retailers who stop at conflict-free, Whiteflash seeks to address the real problem, the people suffering in Africa. Co-Founder Brian Gavin, born and raised in South Africa, says a boycott of diamonds as suggested by some would hurt, not help, the African people: "These people are among the world's poorest. Diamonds are vital to their economic stability. We must stop the exploitation by those in charge, not boycott innocent people into further poverty."

Gavin reacted angrily when told Leonardo DiCaprio once said that he would not let any date of his wear diamonds. "With respect to Mr. DiCaprio; he acted it, I lived it and that's the wrong message," Gavin said. DiCaprio later recanted the statement, saying consumers should verify that diamonds they are purchasing are conflict-free. Gavin agrees, but says it is not enough: "Buying conflict-free protects consumers," he says, "but it doesn't stop the pain of those still suffering. Jewelry companies and consumers can't change governments or politics, but we can turn diamonds into a gift for life."

Whiteflash CEO Debi Wexler introduced the Dreams of Africa program to such luminaries as the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu in September at the largest-ever gathering of Nobel Peace Prize winners on American soil. Betty Williams' charity, the "World Centers of Compassion for Children International" was selected as the Whiteflash Dreams of Africa charity partner.

Though dramatically reduced in recent years, hot spots of conflict and suffering remain in Africa. Whiteflash initiated the Dreams of Africa(TM) program as a way for shoppers to be proactive. You can visit the website at www.dreamsofafrica.org.

Brian Gavin's comments can be seen at www.dreamsofafrica.org/blog.


###


Copyright © 2006 by Whiteflash.com and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Dreams of Africa - Diamonds for Life: Not Blood
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: Dreams of Africa diamond, , , Diamonds for Life, Fashion, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (Whiteflash.com); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Tue, 12 Dec 2006 21:34:00 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Health, Diet and Fitness

Rogue Chemist Dictates What Oprah Should Do!

Author: Shane Ellison - HealthFX Nutrition
Dateline: Tue, 12 Dec 2006

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “SANTA FE, N.M. - Dec. 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- As noted by Shane Ellison, M.Sc, Oprah Magazine recently declared that 5 million people in the USA suffer from 'sugar shock' - and don't even know it! Sugar shock is best defined as obesity, depression, type II diabetes and heart disease. These pandemic killers creep up on people as a result of eating too much sugar - a habit, according to a Reuters story, that is associated with affluence. Medically it is known as insulin resistance. ”



A R T I C L E:

SANTA FE, N.M. - Dec. 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- As noted by Shane Ellison, M.Sc, Oprah Magazine recently declared that 5 million people in the USA suffer from "sugar shock" - and don't even know it! Sugar shock is best defined as obesity, depression, type II diabetes and heart disease. These pandemic killers creep up on people as a result of eating too much sugar - a habit, according to a Reuters story, that is associated with "affluence." Medically it is known as insulin resistance.

Shane EllisonTwo decades ago, insulin resistance affected a mere 30 million people worldwide, but as of 2006, it is a whopping 380 million - children being most at risk. The prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) warned that one in five born in the year 2000 will become slaves to sugar, disease and Big Pharma.

Insulin resistance is one of the chief public health challenges of the 21st Century and the leading cause of obesity in America; killing far more people than so-called AIDS/HIV. Sadly, we don't see any "pink ribbon campaigns" or educational promotions about this imminent health disaster. Nope. Thanks to the food and beverage industries slick advertising, all we see is more sugar shoved down our helpless children's throats - about 160lbs per year! Their healthier and happier ancestors only consumed 4lbs per year.

In an attempt to help people overcome insulin resistance, organic chemist and author Shane Ellison now offers a free fact sheet entitled "10 Habits for Automatic Fat Loss." See the shocking photos of sugar shock survivors as well as his own "fat and after" photos here: www.health-fx.net/ampm.html

So effective and simple, he brazenly declares that if Oprah follows his "10 Habits for Automatic Fat Loss" that they will protect her from sugar shock and ongoing obesity caused by years of yo-yo dieting and blind faith in self-appointed "weight" loss gurus. Further, she can stop using her "Boot Camp" program to push Splenda(TM) - the drug disguised as a sweetener - on her followers and begin using safe and natural stevia instead!

An added bonus to his 10 habits, older men and women will obtain a libido akin to that of a 25 year old!

A pharmaceutical chemist by education and trade, Shane reluctantly admitted his outrage concerning an article featured in Oprah magazine by Lisa Kogan. Her doctor simply masked her symptoms of insulin resistance by injecting her with insulin, which is something that those who suffer from sugar shock already have too much of. It's like adding gasoline to a raging fire!

He insists that commonly used prescription drugs for those who suffer from insulin resistance are NOT the answer! In fact 9 out 10 anti-diabetic drugs such as Glucophage(TM) (metformin) exacerbate the problem of obesity, including insulin! The underlying message of the article is that faulty genetics are at work among type II diabetics and people don't have to take responsibility for their illness. Instead, they should let Western Medicine mask their symptoms. This is suicide in slow motion according to this rogue chemist. Type II diabetes can be reversed with select habits while Western Medicine has proven woefully inadequate and deadly!

Reckless use of prescription drugs is exactly why Shane abandoned medicinal chemistry. Prescription drugs kill and estimated 200,000 per year according to JAMA. Recently, MSNBC highlighted that 700,000 people are rushed to the ER annually due to side-effects of commonly used drugs like insulin! Today, Shane teaches people how to break the prescription drug addiction and is an internationally renowned expert in type II diabetes and therapeutic nutrition.

Avoid insulin resistance forever and reverse the indiscriminate damage caused by sugar NOW! Read his free fact sheet at http://www.health-fx.net/ampm.html.

No more fad diets, no more calorie counting, no more disease and best of all no more prescription drugs!

If he can do it so can Oprah and anyone else!

Shane Ellison is a graduate of Fort Lewis College and earned a masters degree from Northern Arizona University in organic chemistry. After graduating he pursued a career in drug design for Array BioPharma via collaborations with Eli Lilly. He founded HealthFX Nutraceuticals (www.health-fx.net) and is author of "Health Myths Exposed" and others. His biggest achievement: a proud husband and father of two children.

Get his "Life Saving Health Briefs and Real Natural Cures" FREE at http://www.healthmyths.net*

*Editorial Note: Webpage does not contain privacy policy when collecting information.

All trademarks acknowledged.


###


Copyright © 2006 by Shane Ellison - HealthFX Nutrition and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Rogue Chemist Dictates What Oprah Should Do!
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: Sugar shock, , , public health challenges, Health, Diet and Fitness, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (Shane Ellison - HealthFX Nutrition); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Tue, 12 Dec 2006 20:10:00 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Pop Culture and Cool Stuff

Friedman Predicts 2007 with Documented 71% Accuracy on the Line

Author: Sidney Friedman Productions
Dateline: Tue, 12 Dec 2006

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “CHICAGO, Ill. - Dec. 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- It's December and this time of year prognosticators appear everywhere feasting on the public's fascination about the future. However, 'psychic' and corporate mind power speaker SIDNEY FRIEDMAN (has established his credibility with a publicly accountable track record of 71% accuracy over the last nine years.”



A R T I C L E:

Middle East Nuke Accident; Nehru Jackets Return; Cubs in World Series

CHICAGO, Ill. - Dec. 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- It's December and this time of year prognosticators appear everywhere feasting on the public's fascination about the future. However, "psychic" and corporate mind power speaker SIDNEY FRIEDMAN (www.SidneyFriedman.com) has established his credibility with a publicly accountable track record of 71% accuracy over the last nine years. Friedman's prediction success has been documented on a number of TV and radio shows, primarily Chicago's CBS-TV Morning News and Chicago's FOX-TV Morning News. Says FOX News anchor David Novarro, "I have to admit, a few years ago I was quite skeptical, but I'm starting to believe."

Sidney Friedman now releases eight of his nineteen predictions for 2007, with more predictions to be announced on his website (www.SidneyFriedman.com/predictions.htm) over the next two weeks. This coincides with the paperback release of Friedman's book YOUR MIND KNOWS MORE THAN YOU DO (Blue Dolphin, 181 pages), which was an amazon best-seller (reaching #11) as a hardcover back in 2000. The book delves into the workings of the subconscious mind and teaches how to foretell and positively affect one's own future.

Here are the first eight of Sidney Friedman's 2007 predictions:

1) In the U.S. markets, the tech sectors will show a remarkable gain of about 20%. 2) The Dow will flirt with 13,000 but then will retreat to approximately where it began, perhaps even lose some ground. 3) Nehru jackets will return to fashion. 4) Krazy Glue(tm) will save lives. 5) A female assasin will stalk Washington D.C. 6) There will be a major scandal in Mutual Funds, causing resignations and perhaps even suicide. 7) There will be a deadly nuclear accident in the middle east. 8) The Chicago Cubs will make it to the World Series.

Friedman says, "I truly hope numbers 5, 6 and 7 don't occur. These are certainly tragic. And for fashion's sake, let's hope the Nehru jacket thing doesn't happen either. But I call them the way I envision them." As for the Chicago Cubs in the World Series, Cub fan Friedman remarks, "I predict that one every year, and I'm going to keep predicting it until it happens."

Background
Over nine years Friedman has achieved a 71% accuracy, and he has never been lower than 63%. These predictions even include the improbable rise of the stock market to 12,000 a few weeks ago (against many analysts' forecasts), the Mississippi River "reversing course" (re: the levees breaking from Hurricane Katrina), the first successful around-the-world balloon flight in 1999, and Martha Stewart's legal troubles.

Even major corporations like HP, Deloitte, Bartlit Beck, Synnex, Transwestern, Glenkirk, Campbell's Soup and hundreds more hire Friedman to speak about intuition and to perform his demonstrations of extrasensory perception and mind power. Friedman, also a gifted musician and mathematician, has done these corporate presentations for almost 15 years.

Is he psychic? Is he intuitive? Or what? Friedman states, "The name doesn't matter. What I do comes primarily from what I call The Pendulum Principle combined with dreams and a meditation technique. Plus, I always add to the equation that most of the future is UNPREDICTABLE. That is the way it should be; otherwise, the present would be meaningless. Much of the future is what we make of it, but once in a while the curtain parts ever-so-slightly and I get a glimpse onto the theater of tomorrow."

More information on Friedman, his book, and his predictions is at www.SidneyFriedman.com.


###


Copyright © 2006 by Sidney Friedman Productions and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Friedman Predicts 2007 with Documented 71% Accuracy on the Line
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: Sidney Friedman Productions, , , psychic predictions for 2007, Pop Culture and Cool Stuff, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (Sidney Friedman Productions); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Tue, 12 Dec 2006 18:03:00 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Medical

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy appoints Dr. Giovanna Spinella, former NIH official, as Medical Director

Author: Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Dateline: Tue, 12 Dec 2006

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “MIDDLETOWN, Ohio - Dec. 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), the largest grassroots organization in the U.S. that is entirely focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), announced today the hiring of Dr. Giovanna M. Spinella as its medical director and its plans to create a systematic approach to the clinical management of boys with DMD.”



A R T I C L E:

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio - Dec. 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), the largest grassroots organization in the U.S. that is entirely focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), announced today the hiring of Dr. Giovanna M. Spinella as its medical director and its plans to create a systematic approach to the clinical management of boys with DMD.

PPMD"Dr. Spinella's appointment comes at a critical time," said Pat Furlong, PPMD's Founder and Executive Director. "There has been a growth in the expertise and experience of doctors at clinical centers for boys with DMD, and a growth in the potential for discovery of new compounds and treatments; there are more tools now than ever before to look at Duchenne and to make new discoveries."

Dr. Spinella is a pediatric neurologist with 16 years of experience at the National Institutes of Health, the country's leading medical research agency. She is currently a consultant for the Office of Rare Diseases at the NIH and spent four years as the science program director for this office. Dr. Spinella is a resident of Falls Church, Virginia, and until this year served as staff neurologist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

"Trying to create programs where one can offer the highest quality clinical care is a challenging and exciting opportunity," said Dr. Spinella. "I think we can raise the bar on the care, health, and quality of life for the boys with Duchenne."

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common lethal genetic disorder diagnosed during childhood and affects approximately 1 in 3,500 boys. It is a progressive muscle disorder that causes loss of muscle function and independence. Each year, an estimated 20,000 children worldwide are born with DMD. To date, there is no cure.

"Because care for these boys is now irregular and inconsistent, a standard approach is needed to get accurate data," said Dr. Spinella. "With that data, the medical community will be in a better position to determine which potential treatments will work."

The appointment marks a significant evolution for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. From its roots as a patient advocacy group, PPMD has grown into an organization that is leading medical advances, and investing in research, education, and advocacy to improve the lives of those affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

To set up an interview with Dr. Spinella and Pat Furlong, please contact Sharon Lewis at slewis @douglasgould.com or 914-833-7093.

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 by parents of children with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. The organization's mission is to improve the treatment, quality of life and long-term outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy through research, advocacy, education and compassion. PPMD is headquartered in Middletown, Ohio with offices in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

For more information, visit www.parentprojectmd.org.



###


Copyright © 2006 by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy appoints Dr. Giovanna Spinella, former NIH official, as Medical Director
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, , , Giovanna Spinella, Medical, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Tue, 12 Dec 2006 17:24:00 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.