One Week. 5000 Animals. A Lofty Goal for Pilots N Paws

LANDRUM, S.C., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- More often than we realize, private pilots across the country fill their planes with unlikely passengers, transporting them to safe new homes. And during the week of September 12-20, 2009, these good Samaritans have committed to flying off into the horizon for the sake of saving 5000 of these special passengers.


Who are these passengers? They are our animal friends who need homes and are being flown to safe havens and out of shelters that can no longer house them and in which the pets are most often facing euthanasia.


Pilots N Paws, an online forum for animal rescue groups and pilots to coordinate animal transports around the country, has dubbed the event The Pilots N Paws 5000, and is currently seeking volunteers to join the crusade to rescue shelter pets and get them to safety and adoptive homes.


"The goal of The Pilots N Paws 5000 is to increase awareness among pilots and aircraft owners across the country of the dire need for animal transports," says Jon Wehrenberg, co-founder of Pilots N Paws. "Pilots' involvement can help to save thousands of animals from euthanasia. We are committed to increasing the number of pilots and plane owners involved in Pilots N Paws so that no request for transport goes unanswered."


Of course, this event cannot take place without strong support from pilots, animal shelters, rescues, and fosters. If a shelter or rescue is from an area that has high rates of euthanasia, Pilots N Paws would like that shelter or rescue to pencil in the week of September 12-20, and commit to making an animal or multiple animals available to an animal shelter or rescue in an area where these animals can be placed in forever homes.


Rescues and fosters will need to locate their counterparts in areas of the country where high kill rates are not the rule, and have them find fosters and make space available for the animals that will be rescued. Ideally the distance between the sending and receiving parties should be approximately 300 miles, which is an average distance for general aviation pilots. The sending and receiving pair will then team up with a pilot volunteer who will provide the transportation during this special rescue week. The process is made easy through the use of the Pilots N Paws website, which is designed to bring the parties together and facilitate the making of all necessary transport arrangements.


Pilots, plane owners, animal rescues and shelters are currently being sought out to be a part of this important countrywide humanitarian event in September. Pilots N Paws is a 501(c)3 organization so pilots' expenses relating to transports are tax deductible. For more information on Pilots N Paws, visit http://www.pilotsnpaws.org


If you'd like to be involved in The Pilots N Paws 5000, register on our website or contact Debi Boies at pilotsnpaws@gmail.com


The Pilots N Paws 5000 logo:


http://www.ereleases.com/pr/Pilots-N-Paws-5000.jpg


Contact:

Deborah Boies
Co-Founder, Pilots N Paws
864-895-5234
pilotsnpaws@gmail.com

http://www.pilotsnpaws.org



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





SOURCE Pilots N Paws

SeaTacPark.com Parking Lot Goes Green

So how does an off-airport parking lot go green?


SEATAC, Wash., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- SeaTacPark.com, located just south of Seattle Tacoma International Airport, has implemented four strategies to reduce air and water pollution, paper waste and energy consumption.


Water Filtration System Ask SeaTacPark.com Manager Dave Bass, and he'll tell you, "To begin with, before parking a single car, it is necessary to install a system that will separate out contaminants such as sediment and oil from lot runoff before the water is released into the city's storm water system. The Vortechs Model 7000 Stormwater Treatment system installed at SeaTacPark is a high-performance system which uses a combination of swirl-concentrator and flow-control technologies to maximize treatment even during peak flows so that the quality of water released from the site will sustain the rich wildlife of the Puget Sound area."


Natural Gas Shuttle Bus Then the lot added a 2009 Champion 14 passenger Natural Gas (NGS) Shuttle Bus. SeaTacPark.com's shuttle was literally the first of the 2009 shuttles converted to use compressed natural gas in a BAF Technologies engine system. In fact, SeaTacPark.com's shuttle is featured on the cover picture of the manual that is issued to maintenance companies.


Electric Vehicle Outlets Next the lot began to offer parking spaces with electrical outlets to accommodate electric vehicles. SeaTacPark.com has 4 spaces which are available on a first come first served basis. Electric vehicle drivers are encouraged to phone 206.824.2544 or email info@SeaTacPark.com the day that their parking episode is to begin to ask whether outlet spaces are available.


Paperless Reservations The most recent step has been to offer the best rates without requiring hardcopy paper reservations. SeaTacPark.com's online reservation system recently has been updated so that it is clear that the parker need not print and bring in a hardcopy of the reservation form. While those that prefer a hard copy may still print and bring it in, those that wish to reduce their ecological footprint can simply tell the lot attendant at checkout the name under which the reservation was made. The lot attendant will look up the name in the reservation system and offer the parker the best rate (daily, weekly or monthly) for the actual period parked.





SOURCE SeaTacPark.com

Billings Students Learn Driving Safety From American Trucking Associations' High-Tech Image Trailer

BILLINGS, Mont., June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to teach new teen drivers how to safely travel on Montana highways, elite million-mile professional truck drivers today brought ATA's new high-tech image trailer to Senior High School in Billings, Mont.


An estimated 12.6 million new drivers will receive licenses this year nationally, indicating the necessity of teaching good driving skills early. America's Road team Captains, elite professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free driving miles, demonstrated techniques that teens, and all motorists, should utilize when driving near large trucks.


The American Trucking Associations and the Montana Motor Carriers Association joined the Captains to discuss highway safety with Montana students. In addition to today's event, the truck visited Skyview High School Monday and will continue the safety demonstrations at West High School Wednesday.


"Teenagers are more likely to be involved in an accident than any other demographic," said Ron VanBibber, a professional truck driver from Roadway. "I'm a parent, so I know what we're doing here today is very important. Getting the students into our truck and demonstrating the technology in this trailer - you can tell it's a much greater impact than a book or video."


Featured at today's event were America's Road Team Captains Rich Ewing (Yellow Transportation), Steve Fields (Yellow Transportation) and Ron VanBibber (Roadway). These drivers are members of an elite team of million-mile, accident-free truck drivers who deliver the trucking industry's safety messages across the country.


Montana Motor Carriers Association Executive Vice President Barry "Spook" Stang told reporters, "This is an important tool for the trucking industry. Bringing the high-tech tractor-trailer to Billings-area high schools gives the students a unique perspective on what these drivers do in terms of safety, and also may get them interested in a rewarding career in trucking."


The America's Road Team, sponsored by Volvo Trucks North America, is a national public outreach program led by a small group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway. www.americasroadteam.com


The Image Trailer, which was donated to ATA by GE Trailer Fleet Services, travels the United States visiting State Capitols, high schools, community events and more. The 53-foot custom drop deck show trailer, fully wrapped in an American flag themed graphic, features a mobile conference room with seven projection screens, educational displays and room for interactive trucking demonstrations. The trailer is pulled by a Volvo VN780 tractor, donated by Volvo Trucks North America.


The Montana Motor Carriers Association is committed to safety on our state's highways. With over 500 companies, MMCA represents the unified trucking industry of Montana. As an industry, trucking is a vital part of our state's economy. We carry millions of dollars worth of cargo every day, and service every community in the state. Many communities in Montana are served exclusively by trucks, and couldn't exist without the trucking industry. www.mttrucking.org


The American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carrier in the United States. www.truckline.com






SOURCE American Trucking Associations

Four More States Renew Contracts for Digital Ally In-Car Video Systems

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN ORDER ILLUSTRATES APPEAL OF DVM-750 SYSTEM TO LARGE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENTS


OVERLAND PARK, Kan., June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Digital Ally, Inc. (Nasdaq: DGLY), which develops, manufactures and markets advanced video surveillance products for law enforcement, homeland security and commercial security applications, today announced that Mississippi, New Mexico, Utah and Wisconsin have renewed their statewide contracts with Digital Ally, Inc. The renewals are for one-year periods and allow for all state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies to purchase the Company's digital in-car video systems under the terms and conditions specified in each state's contract.


In addition to the contract renewal by the State of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Patrol has ordered 145 DVM-500 Plus In-Car Rearview Mirror Systems, most of which will be shipped in the second quarter of 2009.


The Company also announced receipt of an order for 43 DVM-750 In-Car Rearview Mirror Systems, with the wireless uploading feature, from the Green Bay Police Department in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The DVM-750, Digital Ally's most advanced digital in-car video system, incorporates significant upgrades and enhancements to the Company's legacy DVM-500 model. These new features include the ability to connect up to four cameras and then select two cameras plus three audio channels for simultaneous recording, improved security features, a higher-resolution LCD screen, and an advanced wireless microphone (the VoiceVault(TM)) with a range of up to one mile and on-board memory that can record audio evidence when the law enforcement officer is beyond the range of the in-car recording device. Digital Ally began shipping the DVM-750 to customers earlier this quarter.


"We continue to be pleased with the renewal of statewide contracts, which illustrates a high level of customer satisfaction with our advanced surveillance products among law enforcement agencies throughout the United States," stated Stanton E. Ross, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Ally, Inc. "The combination of contract renewals with a sizeable order for DVM-500 Plus systems from the State of Wisconsin is particularly encouraging. Furthermore, the number of DVM-500 Plus systems that we have in inventory will allow us to ship the majority of this order in the quarter ending June 30, 2009."


"Meanwhile, the interest in our new feature-rich DVM-750 continues to grow among existing customers and larger law enforcement agencies that we were unable to effectively target with our DVM-500 series. Metropolitan law enforcement agencies, such as the Green Bay Police Department, typically require a greater level of sophistication and capabilities when selecting surveillance systems than is the case with smaller cities and towns, and the number of contract opportunities available to Digital Ally has expanded significantly since the introduction of the DVM-750," concluded Ross.


About Digital Ally, Inc.

Digital Ally, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets advanced technology products for law enforcement, homeland security and commercial security applications. The Company's primary focus is digital video imaging and storage. For additional information, visit www.digitalallyinc.com


The Company is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, and its shares are traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "DGLY".


This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations or forecasts of future events, can be affected by inaccurate assumptions, and are subject to various business risks and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which are beyond the control of management. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. A wide variety of factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the Company's ability to deliver its new product offerings as scheduled and have them perform as planned or advertised; its ability to produce and ship DVM-750's to satisfy its $2.0 million order backlog in the second quarter of 2009; the degree to which the interest in the Company's DVM-750 will translate into sales; the Company's ability to increase revenue and return to profitability in the current economic climate; the impact that the various government stimulus programs will have on equipment purchases by law enforcement agencies; its ability to expand its share of the in-car video market in the domestic and international law enforcement communities; uncertainties regarding market acceptance, domestically and internationally, for one or more of its new products; its ability to commercialize its products and production processes, including increasing its production capabilities to satisfy orders in a cost-effective manner; competition; patent protection on its products; the effect of changing economic conditions; and changes in government regulations, tax rates and similar matters. These cautionary statements should not be construed as exhaustive or as any admission as to the adequacy of the Company's disclosures. The Company cannot predict or determine after the fact what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements or other statements. The reader should consider statements that include the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "should", or other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends, to be uncertain and forward-looking. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information respecting risk factors that could materially affect the Company and its operations are contained in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and its report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


For Additional Information, Please Contact:

Stanton E. Ross, CEO at (913) 814-7774
or
RJ Falkner & Company, Inc., Investor Relations Counsel at
(800) 377-9893 or via email at info@rjfalkner.com







SOURCE Digital Ally, Inc.

While Business Isn't Better, The Worsening Has Slowed

Carolinas AGC Construction Barometer(TM)


CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For first quarter 2009, the Carolinas AGC Construction Barometer(TM) posted a modest 3.3% gain due to growing empirical evidence of a slowing rate of economic deterioration in Carolinas commercial construction. The rate of downward change in first quarter was much less severe than the drop in activity experienced in latter 2008.


In particular, the Business & Economic Trends segment on the Barometer's quantitative side advanced 17.6%, posting its strongest gain in 2 years on modestly rising business activity and contractor expectations that the worst of the recession is likely behind us. Contractors reported a small increase in highway and utility project activity; and private sector work-in-process is holding steady where developers can obtain financing to continue work.


The Carolinas' construction labor market also reflects a slowing rate of deterioration, with little change in the number of new positions anticipated by contractors, stable wage rates and a constant (albeit abnormally high) rate of construction unemployment. Quantitative trends in the financing arena also reflect a slow-down in the downward movement of business activity, with stable interest rates, a steady level of financing activity compared with last quarter and unchanged lender attitudes with respect to new loan approvals.


While these trends are somewhat encouraging, it is important to point out that financial market activity and contractor borrowing requests remained at unprecedented low levels in first quarter. The Barometer's quantitative indicators aren't falling nearly as fast as in 2008, but we're still at rock-bottom levels of business activity compared with the last ten years. It's clear that the recession is not yet over, with materials costs continuing to fall on weak demand, falling contractor orders for heavy equipment and other capital purchases, and flat federal spending on highway construction.


The Barometer's qualitative side mirrors the results shown across the quantitative indicators. Contractors' opinions of business conditions included a slight rise in volume in early 2009, but not sufficient enough to push up labor or materials costs. Construction materials costs are expected to remain stable throughout the rest of 2009 in all categories except petroleum-derivative building products, where contractors are concerned that prices may unexpectedly accelerate. Rising fuel costs continue to be a concern as well.


Panelists reported that modest improvement in the demand for new capital equipment is likely to emerge in the middle of 2010 as business conditions improve in the coming year. However, contractors plan to defer practically all major equipment expenditures for at least a year.


This weak demand for capital equipment is reflected in financial market activity where little change in funding occurred between the last few months of 2008 and early 2009. This marks a trend change as the drop-off in commercial construction financing observed last year didn't appear to continue into the early months of 2009. Consistent with expectations for an improving business climate in 2010, contractors expect financing activity to rise in mid-year 2010.


State vs. State: Labor Market a Bit Stronger in North Carolina

(NC: Up 3.6%; SC: Up 2.6% )


Business conditions were quite similar across both Carolinas in first quarter, with the real substantive difference occurring in the labor market, where North Carolina contractors reported greater optimism regarding future hiring plans in 2010. South Carolina contractors reported less current demand for skilled workers and stronger expectations that hiring plans won't accelerate in 2010 despite increased business activity.


Both states experienced an upturn in construction activity in early 2009, and contractors in both states expect this trend toward modest business expansion to continue into late 2009. Highway and utility spending advanced marginally in both states, although the trend was a bit more pronounced in North Carolina. Materials costs were practically flat in North Carolina, while South Carolina reported lower costs. Contractors in both states reported a small improvement in regional credit market conditions from last year's low point in lender confidence, although neither the presence of record-low interest rates nor strengthening lender led to an increase in contractor borrowing activity in the first quarter. Until business activity improves significantly from current levels, panelists report virtually no appetite for new commercial borrowing.


Regional Economic Highlights


Heartland NC: Business & Growth on the Distant Horizon (Up 3.4%)


In Heartland North Carolina, the Barometer advanced 3.4% on stronger hiring plans for the coming year and strengthening business activity, particularly in the highway and utility spending categories. Expanding construction activity, and the expectation that the expansion will continue, led contractors to anticipate a greater number of new hires in late 2009 and early 2010, and more planned purchases of capital equipment.


Increasing labor demand also led panelists to predict modest labor cost increases and a general tightening in the availability of skilled labor over the next several months, sending the Barometer's qualitative side down slightly for the quarter. However, strengthening business activity in the region influenced panelist perception that business conditions are on the rebound for the first time in nearly 2 years; and the trend toward recovery will likely continue, albeit at a very slow pace, into 2010. These expectations led panelists to expect a greater volume of borrowing toward the end of 2009.


Eastern NC: Business Volume Rises but Not Employment (Up 3.9%)


Eastern NC contractors reported an increase in business volume, but paradoxically they reported significantly reduced demand for new labor, a reduction in new positions anticipated for the coming year, and a greater availability of skilled labor in the region. Falling materials costs, rising highway and utility spending, and almost no change in the demand for credit from late 2008 also contributed to the rise in the region's Barometer score.


A concern for Eastern contractors is the overhanging inventory of commercial real estate clogging the market, and the rate at which multifamily real estate prices have dropped in the past year combined with developers defaulting on loan agreements. As falling real estate values continue, it will likely lead to a longer period of time until stronger business activity materializes.


Western NC: Looking Up, But... (Up 3.8%)


While Western North Carolina posted Barometer gains principally on rising business activity-- with little, if any, labor market change. Western contractors reported a strong pick-up in business activity, but no change in planned hiring for 2009 and 2010, little change in regional labor costs, and tightening in the regional labor market.


Western contractors also reported falling materials costs, rising highway and utility spending and almost no change in the demand for credit from 2008. However, because the western region isn't overbuilt, contractors are planning for a stronger growth in business conditions in 2010.


Upstate and Lowcountry SC: Modest Improvement

(USC: Up 2.3%; LSC - Up 3.2%)


Both the Upstate and Lowcountry regions of South Carolina reported modest improvement in construction activity for first quarter, with the uptick in business slightly stronger in the Lowcountry. Interestingly, both regions reported strengthened business activity and similar expectations for continuing economic improvement in 2010, and fewer new skilled positions anticipated over the course of the coming year. While labor costs in both regions fell from year-end 2008, contractors all over the state reported tightening labor conditions resulting from skilled workers searching out better employment opportunities elsewhere in the Southeast.


Looking ahead to 2010, contractors in both regions expect stable-to-falling building materials prices, modest improvements in business activity, and slightly higher amounts of public spending for highway and utility projects. Business conditions in the Lowcountry are expected to improve at a slightly stronger pace than in the Upstate; surprising considering the downturn in commercial real estate values along the SC coast and the rate of developer loan defaults currently plaguing the Lowcountry. In both South Carolina areas, financial market activity is advancing, with contractors reporting lower borrowing costs and an increasing willingness to take on new debt to finance capital expansion plans pegged for 2010.


Carolinas AGC builds its 2,800 members' businesses through workforce development, business development, profit management, and workers' compensation insurance. More than 75% of commercial and industrial construction (buildings, highways/bridges, utility facilities) in both North and South Carolina is performed or supported by CAGC members.


For additional information or names of local Barometer panelists contact:
Lori Tharp, Carolinas AGC
(704) 372-1450, ext. 5227; ltharp@carolinasagc.org; www.cagc.org







SOURCE Carolinas AGC

Ford Motor Company Fund and Governors Highway Safety Association Bring Teen Driving Summer Camp to Minnesota

Summer is the deadliest time for teen drivers


ST. PAUL, Minn., June 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to reduce teen crashes and fatalities in Minnesota, the Ford Motor Company Fund, the Governors Highway Safety Association, Westfield Insurance and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety are hosting Twin Cities' teens at the Ford Driving Skills for Life teen driving summer camp. This free, once-in-a-lifetime driving experience is being held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, June 26-28.


Vehicle crashes are the number-one killer of teens in Minnesota and nationwide. In Minnesota 2006-2008, teen drivers (16-19) were involved in 48,799 traffic crashes, resulting in 226 deaths. In all, 137 teens ages 16-19 were killed in crashes.


Students will receive hands-on advanced training by some of the nation's top professional driving instructors. Participants will learn techniques in four key skill areas: speed management, space management, vehicle handling and hazard recognition. Experts have identified the lack of these skills to be the cause of approximately 60 percent of vehicle crashes for newly licensed drivers ages 16 to 19.


Through the training camp, teens will gain valuable driving experience and improve their driving safety skills; parents are welcome to attend as well.


"We are looking forward to bringing the Ford Driving Skills for Life program to Minnesota," said Jim Graham, community relations manager of the Ford Motor Company Fund. "The Ford Driving Skills for Life program is designed to help teens learn important lessons in road safety that are often not discovered until it is too late. The Ford Motor Company Fund is committed to combating the alarming rate of teen crashes and fatalities."


Cheri Marti, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety and a member of GHSA's executive board, says this event is important to give new teen drivers hands-on experience. She adds the program encourages parents to stay involved in continuing to train and monitor their teen drivers.


"Teen drivers pose a threat to themselves, their passengers and other drivers due to their inexperience and risk-taking behind the wheel," says Marti, noting summer is the deadliest period on the road for teen drivers. "This program is a great opportunity to teach teens valuable skills they need to avoid tragedy on the road."


Ford Driving Skills for Life was created in 2003 in partnership with the GHSA. It is one of the nation's most comprehensive teen driver safety programs. In addition to hands-on events such as the event being held in St. Paul, it consists of learning tools such as an interactive Web site (www.drivingskillsforlife.com) that includes a learning module, quizzes, car care videos, driving tip videos, interactive games and an enhanced eco-driving curriculum. Free educator packets are available for students and parents, as well as teachers and community programs. Additionally, individual programs can be created to meet the specific needs of communities and schools.







SOURCE Governors Highway Safety Association

Bankrate: Mortgage Rates Post Mixed Resul

NEW YORK, June 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was slightly higher this week, rising to 5.80 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.45 discount and origination points.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040122/FLTHLOGO )


The average 15-year fixed rate mortgage inched lower to 5.16 percent, while the average jumbo 30-year fixed rate pushed above the 7 percent mark to 7.03 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were generally lower, with the average 3-year ARM falling to 5.32 percent and the 5-year ARM dropping to 5.26 percent.


Mortgage rates have settled down following a hefty run-up in late May and early June that had 30-year fixed mortgage rates flirting with the 6 percent mark. Conforming fixed mortgage rates have been relatively subdued the past two weeks in comparison. Spurts of volatility are common with mortgage rates, especially given the uncertain economic and financial climate. The performance of the economy and the outlook for inflation are likely to be the key drivers of Treasury yields and mortgage rates in the coming months. Mortgage rates are closely related to yields on long-term government debt.


Mortgage rates, though higher than in recent months, remain much lower than one year ago. This time last year, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.62 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,279.96. With the average rate now 5.80 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,173.51, a savings of $107 per month for a homeowner refinancing now.



SURVEY RESULTS


30-year fixed: 5.8% -- up from 5.76% last week (avg. points: 0.45)


15-year fixed: 5.16% -- down from 5.19% last week (avg. points: 0.37)


5/1 ARM: 5.26% -- down from 5.37% last week (avg. points: 0.54)



Bankrate's national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.


For a full analysis of this week's move in mortgage rates, go to http://www.bankrate.com/mortgagerates


The survey is complemented by Bankrate's weekly forward-looking Rate Trend Index, in which a panel of mortgage experts predicts which way the rates are headed over the next 30 to 45 days. The good news is that a majority of panelists don't expect an increase in rates, with only 23 percent voting that way. The panelists say mortgage rates are more likely to decline, with 46 percent forecasting a drop in mortgage rates. Nearly one in three, or 31 percent, say mortgage rates will be more or less unchanged over the next 30 to 45 days.


For the full mortgage Rate Trend Index, go to http://www.bankrate.com/RTI


About Bankrate, Inc.

The Bankrate network of companies includes Bankrate.com, Interest.com, Mortgage-calc.com, Nationwide Card Services, Savingforcollege.com, Fee Disclosure, InsureMe, CreditCardGuide.com and Bankaholic.com. Each of these businesses helps consumers make informed decisions about their personal finance matters. The company's flagship brand, Bankrate.com is a destination site of personal finance channels, including banking, investing, taxes, debt management and college finance. Bankrate.com is the leading aggregator of rates and other information on more than 300 financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used auto loans, money market accounts and CDs, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees. Bankrate.com reviews more than 4,800 financial institutions in 575 markets in 50 states. In 2008, Bankrate.com had nearly 72 million unique visitors. Bankrate.com provides financial applications and information to a network of more than 75 partners, including Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO), America Online (NYSE: TWX), The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times (NYSE: NYT). Bankrate.com's information is also distributed through more than 500 newspapers.


For more information contact:
Kayleen Keneally
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
kkeneally@bankrate.com
917-368-8677



NOTE TO EDITORS: The information contained in this release is available for print or broadcast with attribution to Bankrate.com




SOURCE Bankrate, Inc.

Pew Will Push Shark Conservation at World Fisheries Meeting; New Report Indicates Half of Oceanic Shark and Ray Species Are Threatened With Extinction

WASHINGTON, June 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pew Environment Group today called for stronger shark conservation measures worldwide as a new report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies 35 out of 64 known pelagic shark and related ray species around the world as threatened or near threatened with extinction.


The IUCN report was released just days before a joint meeting of the world's fishery managers in San Sebastian, Spain. The regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), which mostly focus on managing tuna fisheries, agreed at their first joint meeting two years ago that the problem of declining shark populations urgently needed to be addressed. To date, however, none have set limits on the number of sharks that can be caught in their jurisdictions.


"Up to 70 million sharks are killed around the world every year for the shark fin market, virtually all of which are caught in areas where there is no management regime in place to ensure their sustainability," said Joshua Reichert, managing director of the Pew Environment Group. "This is a staggering number. Unless this situation is soon reversed, large numbers of shark species will disappear altogether."


The shark fin trade is a driving force in the overfishing of sharks. Shark fins are highly valued for use in the Asian delicacy shark fin soup. Often, shark meat is worth much less and takes up more cargo space. As a result, the practice of shark finning has evolved: the shark is brought on board a fishing vessel, the fins are sliced off, and the body is dumped back into the ocean.


According to the IUCN report, overfishing is the primary reason why a number of sharks in U.S. waters are threatened, including two species of thresher sharks, basking sharks, great whites, shortfin and longfin makos, porbeagles, oceanic whitetip sharks, dusky sharks, sandbar sharks, and three species of hammerheads.


At the San Sebastian meeting of the world's fisheries managers, Pew is joining other conservation groups in calling for precautionary, science-based management plans for sharks, starting with the immediate adoption of binding measures to:


Prohibit retention of particularly vulnerable and/or depleted shark species taken in tuna fisheries, including hammerheads, threshers, porbeagles and oceanic whitetips;
Establish catch limits that significantly reduce fishing pressure on globally vulnerable shortfin mako sharks;
Cap catches of near-threatened blue and silky sharks until safe catch levels are determined;
Close off areas of high shark concentration to commercial fishing; and
Prohibit removal of shark fins at sea.



To improve enforcement of the U.S. finning ban and enhance understanding of dwindling shark populations, the Pew Environment Group supports the Shark Conservation Act of 2009 (S. 850/H.R. 81), introduced by Senator John Kerry (D-MA). The legislation, which passed the House unanimously in March, would require that all sharks be landed with their fins naturally attached, eliminate loopholes and strengthen enforcement in the current U.S. shark-finning law and promote the conservation of sharks internationally.


The Pew Environment Group is the conservation arm of The Pew Charitable Trusts, a non-governmental organization that applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improving public policy, informing the public and stimulating civic life.


The report can be found at http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/ssg_pelagic_report_final.pdf. For more information, please visit www.pewsharks.org.


CONTACT: Dan Klotz, 202.887.8855






SOURCE Pew Environment Group

SC&H Group Gives Back to the Community with 3rd Annual Day of Service

Accounting firm to provide employees with paid time while performing volunteer service projects across the metro area


SPARKS, Md., June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- SC&H Group, LLC - one of the fastest-growing accounting and consulting firms in the nation - will host their 3rd Annual Day of Service on Friday, June 26, 2009.


The SC&H Group offices in Sparks, Md. and McLean, Va. will be closing this Friday so that all firm employees can work on various community projects throughout the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas. The firm will be sending volunteers out to assist ten different organizations in their service endeavors; these include organizations focused on humanitarian efforts, animal rescue, education and the environment.


"We feel it is especially important during this challenging economic time to give back to non-profit organizations in our community. These organizations depend upon contributions of time and money. As non-profits feel the effects of the economy, their resources - both financial and non-financial - become more strained than ever," says Tom Stout, President and CEO. "Our firm is eager to help these organizations accomplish their missions."


SC&H Group participates in and sponsors numerous local philanthropic events, and many of its employees sit on the boards of leading non-profit organizations. Also, the firm gives generous donations to local charities each year under the direction of the employee-led SC&H Group Charitable Foundation.


About SC&H Group, LLC


SC&H Group, LLC is a highly acclaimed CPA and management consulting firm serving a large client base from emerging businesses to the largest Fortune 500 companies. SC&H Group, LLC consists of specialized practices, each with dedicated professionals serving focused client needs. Specific services offered include: audit, tax compliance and consulting, state & local tax consulting, financial and internal control consulting (including Sarbanes-Oxley and IT audit services), mergers and acquisitions assistance, and business performance management solutions. SC&H Group has offices in Maryland, Georgia, and Virginia. Additional information is available at www.scandh.com.


Contact:
Katie Lochte
Marketing Manager
410-785-8052
klochte@scandh.com





SOURCE SC&H Group, LLC

NASA Selects Proposals to Enhance Science Education and Outreach

WASHINGTON, June 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA has selected four organizations to share approximately $18 million over five years for education and public outreach activities to help inspire the next generation of science leaders and explorers. The cooperative agreements support the astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary and Earth divisions of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, which is providing the funding for the activities.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO )


"NASA seeks to work with the best of the nation's science and educational communities to help champion and elevate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics," said Paul Hertz, chief scientist of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Stimulating and informative activities, along with experiences created and executed by experts, inspire our future scientists. This provides a productive return on the public's investment for future scientific research."


These activities contribute to NASA's overall education and outreach efforts through development and dissemination of new educational and outreach products that use the directorate's science discoveries. The agreements provide opportunities for students and educators, citizen scientists and the public to engage in authentic experiences working with NASA and research communities. Activities will include comprehensive public awareness and engagement plans coordinated with NASA, the selected proposers and other institutions nationwide.


Selected proposals are:



"Astrophysics Science Education and Public Outreach Forum," Denise Smith, principal investigator, Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy
Planetary Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "Extending the Coherence and Reach of NASA Planetary Science and SMD Education and Public Outreach," Stephanie Shipp, principal investigator, Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, a division of the University Space Research Association
Heliophysics Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "A Forum to Support Excellence in Heliophysics Education and Public Outreach through Sustained Collaboration," Bryan Mendez, principal investigator, University of California, Berkeley
Earth Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "Building a Cohesive and Effective Community," Theresa Schwerin, principal investigator, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies in Arlington, Va.



Each selected proposer will receive approximately $850,000 per year. Further funding will be provided after NASA review and subsequent approval of progress reports.


This opportunity was open to U.S. organizations, including NASA centers, industry, educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, federally funded research and development centers, and other government agencies. Fourteen proposals were received in response to the January 2009 announcement. A peer review panel of education and public outreach professionals evaluated each proposal.


NASA's Science Mission Directorate has a diverse portfolio of education and public outreach investments and activities in higher education, elementary and secondary education, informal education, and outreach. For information about NASA science programs and activities, visit:


http://nasascience.nasa.gov


For information about NASA's Education programs, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/education







SOURCE NASA

National Day of Health Care Service

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- In order to promote awareness of the issue and gain support for creating and passing legislation this year, Organizing for America is conducting a national Health Care Day of Service on Saturday, June 27.


A group of local volunteers will host a booth at the Royal Oak Farmers' Market this Saturday to provide information on no/low cost health services in Oakland County.


They will distribute literature and applications and provide direction on obtaining some health care services. Guest experts on healthcare topics will lead small group discussions at various times during the day. There will also be free blood pressure testing.


The booth will be open from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and offer balloons for kids and healthy refreshments.


For more information, please contact Healthcare for Everyone - Yes we Can! at 248-515-7695.


For More Information Contact:
Mike Galle
Executive Producer & Creative Director
Special D Events, Inc.
248-336-8604 (office)
248-515-7695 (cell)
248-554-0806 (home)
mgalle@specialdevents.com






SOURCE Organizing for America

Suzuki Congratulates Congress, President Obama on Approval of 'Car Allowance Rebate System' (CARS) Law

American Suzuki Motor Corp. logo. (PRNewsFoto/American Suzuki Motor Corp.)

BREA, CA UNITED STATES




BREA, Calif., June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- With a rich history of producing affordable, fuel-efficient products that fulfill its brand promise of "Travel Light, Live Fully," American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) looks forward to the implementation of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), formerly referred to as the "Cash for Clunkers" initiative signed into law by President Obama today.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090624/138234LOGO)


"We applaud President Obama on signing this extraordinary bill, which will help provide financial relief for Americans across the country and further assist with the economic recovery of the automotive marketplace," said Kevin Saito, president of American Suzuki. "With an added incentive for new car buyers to focus on fuel-efficient vehicles, Suzuki is poised for an increase in dealer traffic thanks to the CARS program. Better yet, we not only offer these people more efficient vehicles, we offer cars, trucks and SUVs that are fun to drive and look great on the road."


The new CARS law allows consumers to receive up to a $4,500 voucher to trade in their old gas guzzlers for a more fuel-efficient new vehicle. Qualifying vehicles are considered passenger cars, mini vans, SUVs and small light-duty trucks that get less than 18 mpg, and large light-duty trucks that get less than 15 mpg city/highway combined. For passenger cars, if the new vehicle is at least four mpg more fuel efficient than the old vehicle, consumers will receive a $3,500 voucher toward a new vehicle. If the new vehicle is at least 10 mpg more fuel efficient than the old vehicle, the voucher is good for $4,500.


Suzuki offers a full lineup of new vehicles that readily qualify for the CARS initiative. Beyond its designation as America's most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle(1), the five-door SX4 Crossover is the lowest priced automobile to offer a fully integrated standard touch-screen navigation system as standard equipment. For current SUV owners looking to trade-in their gas guzzler, the Grand Vitara offers fuel economy comparable to some crossover-type SUVs (up to 26 mpg highway), along with true 4X4 capability, via a two-speed transfer case. Other vehicles that qualify under the CARS program include the fun-to-drive four-door SX4 sedan (and Sport) and four-cylinder version of the all-new Equator pickup truck. In fact, all of Suzuki's 2009 model year automotive sales have come from vehicles that qualify for the CARS program with the requisite trade in.


The following Suzuki models are eligible for the CARS incentive:


All SX4 Crossover models
All SX4 Sedan models
All Grand Vitara models
All XL7 models
All Equator models (4-cyl and 6-cyl)




In addition to its fuel-efficient automobiles, Suzuki offers an assortment of motorcycles that meet the criteria under the new legislation, including Suzuki's new TU250X (82 miles per gallon) and Gladius (58 mpg).


For more information on obtaining a CARS voucher during your purchase of a new Suzuki vehicle, consumers can visit www.cars.gov or http://suzukiauto.com/cars.


About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 400 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2008, SMC sold more than two million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.


(1) Excludes hybrids and premium-brand lineups.






SOURCE American Suzuki

New White Paper Uncovers Link Between M2M & Social Networking

The integration of Enterprise 2.0 with M2M communication will revolutionize the way companies interact with their products and customers.


SAN FRANCISCO, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- A new white paper by Harbor Research explains how the two major technological trends of the 21st Century- "The Internet of Things" and "Web 2.0"-are on the cusp of coming together. This white paper, titled "Shared Destinies: How The Internet Of Things, Social Networks, & Creative Collaboration Will Shape Future Market Structure" illustrates how the unification of M2M technologies with social networking will revolutionize the way companies interact with their products and their customers.


As the popularity of collaboration and social networking technologies has grown, it has attracted a great deal of attention in the enterprise realm. Many business organizations are aggressively embracing Enterprise 2.0 by using social networks for business development.


But while the consumer world is still wrestling with how to turn Twitter and Facebook into a profitable enterprise, some businesses are turning to social networks in order to interact with their customers on an unprecedented level. Companies like P&G and Peugeot are drawing customers directly into their product and service definition and development processes. Even heavy equipment manufacturers such as ABB are finding these new tools more than just useful methods for communication between and among employees and customers.


Meanwhile, intelligent device networking sometimes referred to as "Pervasive Computing" or the "The Internet of Things" is upon us. But beyond machine-to-machine communication, however, lies the real revolution. The next phase of connectivity and integration of content will be one of placing communities of humans in context with objects and devices and visa versa. Devices need to be better able to understand where they are and the role they play, and adjust according to human needs and desires.


Enter Collaborative Device Communities. Collaborative device communities connects intelligent devices to a social networking system. In a collaborative device community, devices themselves can blog, send & receive messages, report status, share files, and interact on a peer-to-peer basis along with humans.


An example device integration package for such a community includes the ability to "chat" with the device to request status and execute commands, the ability to share files, the ability for the device to "blog" to its community home page or send updates to a feed, and the ability to establish a direct peer-to-peer (P2P) connection to a device for remote desktop or more specialized diagnostics. Harbor Research's "Shared Destinies" white paper elaborates on the enormous value that will be created by Collaborative Device Communities. It was inspired by a recently introduced platform from Palantiri Systems.


Glen Allmendinger, President of Harbor Research, notes, "In today's cutthroat market environment, companies must obtain an intimate relationship with their customers to sustain long-term value creation. Collaborative Device Communities will allow companies to provide the highest level of service while obtaining the critical information about their customers and products that drives cutting edge innovation."


To read the "Shared Destinies" white paper, please visit Harbor Research's website at : http://www.harborresearch.com/HarborContent/whitepapers.html


About Harbor Research, Inc.

For over 20 years, Harbor Research has been providing consulting and research services to leading product manufacturers, services organizations and core technology clients. Harbor's market research and consulting services are organized around emergent and disruptive opportunities, with a unique focus on the impact of the Pervasive Internet-the use of the Internet to accomplish global device networking.


For more information about Harbor Research, please visit http://www.harborresearch.com






SOURCE Harbor Research

Pets are People Too! AP-Petside.com Poll Reveals that American Pets are Often Treated Like Humans

Half Of Pet Owners Value Animals As Much As People In The Family


43% Believe Their Dog Or Cat Has Their Own Sense Of Style


Many Pets Eat People Food


Singles More Likely To Allow Pets To Share Their Bed


NEW YORK, June 23, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- With the downturn in the economy and people seeking more comfort from their pets than ever, the popular pet care and news site Petside.com (http://www.petside.com) recently partnered with The Associated Press (http://www.ap.org) to poll Americans on their attitudes towards their furry friends. The survey revealed that half (50%) of American pet owners truly consider their pets to be as much a part of the family as any other person in the household.


Single people of both genders, but especially single women (66%), were more likely to say that their pet is a full member of the family. Only 46 percent of married women shared the same viewpoint. In comparison, 52 percent of single men said so, compared to 43 percent of married men.


A great percentage (43%) of pet owners think their pooch or kitty has their own sense of style, with 1 in 5 dressing them up in fashionable attire. That said, results show that "Fido" is the more likely to be fashion forward, with almost a quarter (23 percent) of dog owners saying they've purchased an outfit for their pet, compared with 12 percent of cat owners.


In addition human tastes also reach pet tastebuds, with 43 percent of respondents admitting to feeding their pets people food at least sometimes, with more dog owners doing so (48%) than cat owners (40%).


In some respects, the AP-Petside.com Poll reveals that dog owners treat their pets more like members of the family, in that they're more likely to have taken their pet to a family vacation than cat owners (50 % vs. 39%). They are also more likely to have included their pet in a holiday card (37% vs. 33%) or family portrait (38% vs. 32%). Canines are also more likely to be taken to work as opposed to felines (21% vs. 14%).


Still, more cat owners (36%) allow their furry friends to sleep in the same bed with them, as opposed to dog owners (29%), with married people more likely to relegate their pets to its own bed than singles. And, birthday celebrations cut across the playing field, with 29 percent of dog owners marking the occasion in comparison to 26 percent of cat owners.


They say a "rose is a rose" by any name, but almost half (49 percent) of respondents have given at least one of their current pets a human-like name, including 51 percent of dog owners and 50 percent of cat owners. What is the most common name? None stood out, but "Max" got a few more mentions than any other though not enough to give it any broad claim to popularity (even it got less than two percent of all mentions).


For more information go to: www.petside.com/petspoll


Methodology:

The AP-Petside.com Poll was conducted May 28 to June 1, 2009 by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media. It involved landline and cell phone interviews with 1,110 pet owners nationwide, and had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.


About Petside:

Part of iVillage Networks, Petside.com (www.petside.com) was created by NBC Digital Networks, in partnership with Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc., as a comprehensive source of information and services that helps pets and their owners get the most out of life. Offering customized content and a highly personalized experience, Petside.com is ranked among the top 10 pet Web sites and offers unique editorial features, expert Q&A's, tools and how-to videos.


About The AP:

The Associated Press is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, AP today is the largest and most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from AP.


On the Net: www.ap.org





SOURCE Petside

Zero Vehicle Emissions, All-Electric Vehicle Now Commercially Available

Baltimore leads nation with all-electric car program



BALTIMORE, June 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Baltimore today became one of the nation's first cities to feature an electric car share and rental program using advanced lithium ion battery technology developed by ExxonMobil. The Maryland Science Center with sponsors Electrovaya and ExxonMobil announced the program, called Altcar, which will raise awareness among Baltimore residents and visitors of the future of energy efficient transportation.


The Maryland Science Center also opened a new energy efficiency exhibit, sponsored by ExxonMobil, which includes hands-on activities for children and a full-scale car that showcases the numerous energy saving technologies currently being used by the auto industry.


"The Maryland Science Center is proud to play a central role in today's historic announcement. The launch of this program fits perfectly with our mission to educate the public on scientific advancement," said Van Reiner, CEO of the science center. "Consumers have shown a demand for car sharing programs around the U.S., and it is a logical next step to utilize this business model to demonstrate the growing desire and need for energy efficient transportation that is key to addressing environmental concerns. The new exhibit also will be crucial to helping expand the knowledge of our visitors on this critical and important topic."


The electric car being used in the science center's Altcar program is the new Maya 300. This vehicle can be fueled using a standard household electrical outlet and can drive up to 60 or 120 miles before recharging. The five-door, five passenger urban vehicle, is equipped with the safety, performance, and convenience features common to gasoline-powered cars. Starting June 24, under the program, Baltimore residents and tourists can rent these vehicles at the science center in the Baltimore Inner Harbor during the day to drive around the city to experience the feel of an electric vehicle.


"With our friends at the Maryland Science Center and ExxonMobil, we are demonstrating that creative collaborations are essential to finding innovative solutions that will help meet our future energy needs, create new jobs and protect our environment," said Sankar Das Gupta, president and chairman, Electrovaya.


A public company based in North America, Electrovaya's mission is to accelerate clean transportation as a commercial reality using its advanced power systems for all classes of zero-emission electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The Maya-300's advanced lithium ion battery uses separator film developed by ExxonMobil that significantly enhances the power, safety, strength and reliability of the lithium ion battery.


The lithium-ion battery separator film is one of the many innovative technologies that ExxonMobil has developed to increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles.


"ExxonMobil has a long, rich history of developing energy resources in an environmentally, socially and economically beneficial manner and we are proud to be a part of this program that supports innovative new technologies," said Jim Harris, senior vice president, ExxonMobil Chemical. "This program, coupled with the state-of-the-art exhibit, demonstrates our commitment to improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the globe."


The ceremony today took place at the science center and was attended by Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon and Malcolm Wolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration. Both expressed their gratitude for the science center's leadership, as well as their support for innovative collaborations - such as that between Maryland Science Center, Electrovaya and ExxonMobil - that introduce clean energy choices that dramatically reduce environmental impacts.


For more information, go to www.mayamobility.com or www.mdsci.org.






SOURCE Electrovaya

National Green Energy Council Endorses Their First Green Apparel Company - Bay Area Based A Lot To Say, Inc.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Francisco Bay Area, recently voted one of the "greenest" areas in the nation, is also the home of the National Green Energy Council's newest endorsement. The environmentally respectful t-shirt line, A Lot To Say, Inc., has just been given an exclusive and unprecedented endorsement from the notable non-profit organization.


The National Green Energy Council (GEC) is one of the largest and most distinguished non-profit organizations committed to educating adults and children about the importance of energy efficiency, environmental awareness, global warming and the responsibilities that we bear in order to save our planet and our future.


Some of their ambassadors include: Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Rudy Giuliani, Ted Turner and Mariel Hemingway.


Green Energy Council President and CEO, Ralph Avallone notes:


"In a time where green awareness is imperative but not always followed, we find a lot of fact and fiction between what is really green and helpful to the planet, and what we call 'green washers' -- not actually green. Our program only gives endorsements to truly outstanding green technologies such as the A Lot To Say, Inc. apparel brand. They are making a difference by educating children and the public through their message and manufacturing process. Their shirts are the ultimate in environmental wear because of these distinctions, and because they are made and manufactured here in the USA with a portion of all profits going directly back into reversing the effects of global warming. This product absolutely stands head and shoulders above its competitors and previous technologies."


A Lot To Say, Inc. co-founders and sisters Jennifer Stanich Banmiller and Alison Stanich Power said in response to the coveted endorsement:


"We are both pleased and honored by this endorsement from such a well-known and respected national organization. It's been our goal to create messages of substance on products using the greenest applications possible. It proves that we can make popular products with great messages using responsible technologies."


Here are the facts:



The garments are made from recycled plastic bottles instead of harvested and processed raw materials, which helps conserve our planets limited resources while also removing material from our landfills.
The shirts are colored and printed with a revolutionary AirDye process so it uses NO water. Dying one basic t-shirt takes approximately 15-25 gallons of water, which is often taken from critically scarce sources and released back into the environment after being polluted with the dye products. A Lot to Say, Inc.'s sustainable option replaces the traditional dye and print process with an AirDye method, which uses NO WATER, requires 70% LESS energy and produces NO hazardous by-products.
This revolutionary process reduces water consumption by up to 95%, energy consumption up to 86%, green house emissions by up to 84% and eliminates PVS products by 100% (PVS is a highly carcinogenic plastic with a lifespan of hundreds of years which inhabits landfills for generations).
All of the t-shirts are made in the USA, meaning no sweatshop labor.
The entire line demonstrates sustainability on all fronts - from what it's made of and how it's made, to the longevity of the product and the cost of the shirt (a fraction of what you'd see it for in retail).
The environmental savings are remarkable. For every 25,000 t-shirts sold, the planet will save:
Energy - 1,132,500 MJ (mega-joules)
Water - 157,500 gallons
Green House Emissions - 57,500 (kg CO2 equiv. emissions)
Aside from being environmentally conscious, these cult status t-shirts are chic and stylish and everyone from Hollywood Blvd. to Haight St. are being seen in them.




To purchase these t-shirts and help reverse global warming, go to www.alottosay.com. Every sale counts! Even something as simple as buying a shirt and spreading the message will help you do your part.


For more information on this issue or more about A Lot To Say, Inc., please email us at info@alottosay.com.


For further information on the Green Energy Council (GEC) please visit their website at www.greenenergycouncil.com.







SOURCE A Lot To Say, Inc.

National Fireworks Safety Council Urges Parents to Be Mindful of Sparklers

Sparklers Are Safe When Used Correctly


WASHINGTON, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Using sparklers on our nation's birthday is as traditional as cookouts and swimming and is equally safe if a few common sense rules are followed. But according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC"), approximately 16% of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, with the majority of sparkler injuries occurring to young children. These are injuries that would not have occurred if there had been close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety steps for sparklers, in the hopes that sparkler injuries to young children can be greatly reduced.



Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
Always remain standing while using sparklers.
Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.
Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.
Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
Never throw sparklers.
Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm's length.
Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.



The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to be Sparkler Smart this Fourth of July in their holiday celebrations.


The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks. For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visithttp://www.FireworksSafety.org.


Contact:

Ralph Apel, President
(913) 579-4529
ralph@wincofireworks.com



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




SOURCE National Council on Fireworks Safety

Top 15 Ranking for Supply Chain Management & Marketing Sciences Department at Rutgers Business School

Newly established department bridges gap between academia, business


NEWARK, N.J., June 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The department of Supply Chain Management and Marketing Sciences (SCMMS) at Rutgers Business School (RBS) was recognized as a top 15 program in a report issued by AMR Research Inc. (www.amrresearch.com), which assessed leading U.S.-based university supply chain programs in 2009. In the report, which looked to match industry needs with a university program's capability to deliver the quality and quantity of supply chain management professionals, Rutgers Business School was ranked 8th in "depth of program" and 10th in "industry value." Overall the strength of SCMMS's program was ranked 11th, comparing similarly to programs at Syracuse University and the University of Michigan.


The research cited Rutgers Business School (http://business.rutgers.edu/) as one of the bright spots in the next tier of programs after the top five: "Rutgers University is another growing program, with an undergraduate program being added this summer to build upon a strong group of professors." The report also highlighted the strength of RBS's research in risk management and sustainability.


One of the keys to the department's success is the high regard the industry has for professor Lei Lei, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Supply Chain Management and Marketing Sciences. "Professor Lei has developed a vision for the supply-chain management program that drives a high level of competency, generates employment success for the students, impactful results for the hiring companies and builds upon the reputation of Rutgers University," said Roy Anderson, vice president of Global Procurement at MetLife.


"In addition to being a supply chain subject matter expert, Professor Lei is a consummate professional and a leader who is well respected by students, academics, administrators and business professionals in every interaction," added William D. McLaury, CPIM, Executive Director, North American Pharma Supply Chain, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. "She is one of the main reasons that Novartis Pharmaceuticals continues to actively support the RBS Center for Supply Chain Management."


As the results of AMR Research's rankings demonstrated, RBS is becoming a nationally ranked, top-rated supply chain department. "We are accomplishing this goal through our excellence and unique strength in world-class research, innovative teaching, and high quality service in supply chain management to client companies and industry," said Rutgers Business School Dean Michael R. Cooper, Ph.D. "The new Supply Chain Management and Marketing Sciences department plays an important role in delivering to students the business, science, and technology credentials demanded by today's leading corporate employers," added Cooper.


Companies are taking notice, recruiting more RBS MBA graduates for jobs in supply chain management. According to AMR Research on the top recruited graduate programs, RBS tied for 6th. The undergraduate program starts in the fall 2009 semester.


Excellence in industry collaboration


The newly established Supply Chain Management and Marketing Sciences department exemplifies the mutual advantage of collaboration between Rutgers Business School, private companies, and public entities that bridges the gap between academic and business practices. Rutgers SCMMS is conveniently located in the middle of the nation's major air, sea, and rail transportation hubs. Nationally recognized as a leader in industry collaboration, the SCMMS department fills a crucial need for businesses competing in a global economy that face rising logistics, outsourcing, and security challenges. This collaboration is helping companies with complex logistics to succeed by improving efficiencies and effectiveness in the end-to-end supply chain cycle.


SCMMS's mission is threefold. First, to disseminate knowledge through leading-edge research in three focused areas:


1) Supply Chain Optimization

2) Global Procurement Sourcing

3) Marketing Science that interfaces with the Supply Chain and the business


The second goal is to excel in classroom teaching of comprehensive and well-rounded programs, which offer high-quality education that focuses on end-to-end Supply Chain Management and balances both theory and practice.


Third, to continue to link industry through close collaboration with industry and government, with the goal of bridging the gap between academic and business practices, and creating new synergies across disciplines that promote economic development and drive leading-edge research teaching.


The Supply Chain Management and Marketing Sciences department already cooperates with important global companies.


Corporate Partners:

AstraZeneca

Bayer HealthCare

Becton, Dickinson & Company

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Colgate-Palmolive

Deloitte Consulting

Exelon Corporation

Hoffmann-La Roche

ITOCHU International

J. Crew

Johnson & Johnson

Merck & Co., Inc.

MetLife

Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Panasonic

PSEG

Sciele Pharma


About Rutgers Business School

Rutgers Business School-Newark and New Brunswick (RBS) is an integral part of one of the nation's oldest, largest, and most distinguished institutions of higher learning: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, founded in 1766. Rutgers Business School has been accredited since 1941 by AACSB International -- the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business -- a distinction that represents the hallmark of excellence in management education. Today, with a focus on Business, Science, and Technology, Rutgers Business School is educating more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students at two main campuses in New Jersey as well as six satellite locations in New Jersey, China, and Singapore. Full-time MBA and part-time MBA programs give excellent options for people looking to boost their careers.


Steeped in academic excellence, with a distinguished faculty and a corps of over 30,000 successful alumni, Rutgers Business School is highly ranked by the Financial Times, U.S. News & World Report, Business Week, and The Wall Street Journal. It is recognized as one of the top three business schools in the greater New York metropolitan area; is ranked #6 nationwide for "Most Competitive Students" by The Princeton Review; and is part of the campus that is ranked #1 in diversity nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, for 12 straight years.


Contact: Daniel Stoll
dstoll@rutgers.business.edu
http://www.business.rutgers.edu/default.aspx








SOURCE Rutgers Business School

The Co-operative Bank Donates pounds Sterling 28,000 to community groups across the UK

MANCHESTER, England, June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Co-operative Bank is donating pounds 28,358 to help community groups across the UK carry on making a positive difference, through its Community Directplus account.


The Community Directplus account gives community groups a bank account with free banking, with the added bonus of being able to gain additional financial support for their community projects.


As a benefit of the account, The Customer Donation Fund makes twice yearly donations to Community Directplus customers. Since the account was launched in 2003, it has given over pounds 220,000 to 266 groups that undertake important work within local communities.


The projects which will benefit from funding include, a project to build a wildlife garden in a school, the building of a skate park, the setting up of a parent and toddler group and the purchasing of computer equipment to help an isolated community.


John Barker, Head of Business Banking at The Co-operative Bank comments: "In the difficult economic times we have had over the past year, these donations will really help to support community groups across the UK to fund projects that reach to the heart of their communities."


At The Co-operative Bank community involvement is an integral part of the business and the Customer Donation fund helps us to support other organisations that carry out exemplary work at a local level.


For further information contact:
Alejandra Solis / Catherine Laycock
The Co-operative Financial Services Press Office
Tel: 0161 903 3808 / 3833
Fax: 0161 903 2751


Notes to editors:


ISDN facilities are available for broadcast media interviews.


Case studies available on request


Community Directplus is the leading bank account for community organizations, charities and social groups. In addition to providing the opportunity to apply for financial support via the customer donation fund, other benefits include free banking, credit interest on balances over pounds 2,000 and a choice of easy ways to manage the account, from online and telephone to branch and the Post Office.


More information on The Co-operative Bank Community Direct plus Account can be found at http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk


The Co-operative Financial Services is part of The Co-operative Group, which is the world's largest consumer co-operative with over 3 million members. CFS currently has 5.5m customers and employs over 8,000 staff. It has 116 retail and corporate branches/centres and over 1,000 face to face financial advisers. It has pounds 38bn of assets under management across its retail and corporate business areas. This includes the Co-operative insurance, leading home insurance and car insurance providers.







SOURCE The Co-operative Bank

Engineering News-Record Assesses Construction of NASA's New Space Launch Facilities

Troubled economy and government review question $100-billion shuttle replacement plan


NEW YORK, June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- With a $100-billion price tag, NASA's space shuttle replacement program, Constellation, aims to return astronauts to the Moon in 2020, followed by a Moon base and missions to Mars. An article in next week's June 22 Engineering News-Record (ENR), published by McGraw-Hill Construction and now online at ENR.com, reviews the impact of the economy on NASA's plans as well as the new facilities, systems and launch structures currently under development and under construction at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL, and other sites throughout the U.S.


The Constellation program includes the development and production of the new Ares rocket system as well as the Altair lunar module and engineering and infrastructure components. Major changes to the launch pads, including demolition of old fixed structures and the construction of new ones, are the first steps currently underway at Cape Canaveral. Modifications to the Launch Control Center are in progress, and the Vehicle Assembly Building also will be modified for the program. Construction is expected to ramp up further in 2010-2011, and the first crew launch is scheduled for 2015, while the first Ares V equipment launch is planned by 2020. Other large facilities include the Ares I test stand at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, currently under construction, and a 3-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Michoud Parish, LA, now in the early design stage. Collectively, these projects will infuse billions of dollars into the economically battered construction industry.


Despite these concrete plans, "NASA's history of poor fiscal and contract management is likely to come under committee review," says the article. Indeed, an independent financial review by Obama-appointee Norman Augustine could lead to budget shortfalls for NASA if alternatives to the Constellation program are recommended as the best trajectory for the future of human space flight.


The full article is available online at http://enr.ecnext.com/coms2/article_tect090617NASALaunchPa-1. For further commentary, contact ENR reporters Thomas F. Armistead at Tom_Armistead@mcgraw-hill.com and Steve Setzer at setzer.enr@gmail.com.


About McGraw-Hill Construction

McGraw-Hill Construction connects people, projects and products across the design and construction industry. For more than a century, the Company has remained North America's leading provider of construction project information, plans and specifications, product information, industry news, and industry trends and forecasts. In print and online, the Company offers a variety of tools, applications, and resources that easily integrate with its customers' workflows. Backed by the power of Dodge, Sweets, Architectural Record, Engineering News-Record (ENR), GreenSource, HQ, SNAP and 11 regional publications, McGraw-Hill Construction serves more than one million customers within the $5.6 trillion global construction community. To learn more, visit www.construction.com.


About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.






SOURCE McGraw-Hill Construction

City of Santa Monica Continues Its 'Clean Leadership'

ORDERS FIRST US BUILT COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC ZEROTRUCK


LOS ANGELES, June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Santa Monica has purchased the first ZeroTruck all-electric zero emission medium duty truck. The vehicle will be equipped with a Scelzi utility body for use in the City of Santa Monica. Fleet Superintendent Rick Sikes explains what this means for the City's fleet: "This truck meets the needs of our Water Division and the goals of our Sustainable City Plan to reduce emissions and reduce our use of petroleum. A zero emission medium-duty truck is something that has never been available to us until now."


The ZeroTruck is an all-electric zero emission medium duty truck based on the Isuzu N series chassis and is the only US built electric truck offered for sale in the United States in 2009. The ZeroTruck offers a low cab forward design, a fully automated transmission, up to 100-mile range with full highway capability, advanced lithium batteries, an onboard battery charger, regenerative braking, and powered by a UQM(R) PowerPhase(R) 100 advanced electric motor. Delivery will be through South Bay Truck Center of Carson, CA (a ZeroTruck dealer).


Electrorides CEO Tedd Abramson states, "The vehicle is a realistic solution for fleets to go "zero emission" and will be used for evaluation and demonstration to other state and local governments who are expected to continue to reduce emissions with the number one choice, electric. By encouraging fleets to go zero-emission with future vehicle purchases makes sense and we commend the SCAQMD and Santa Monica for taking leadership positions with the plug-in electric/zero emission approach."


Electrorides electric drive integration system (EDIS) converts class (3-5) trucks to run on electric power with a highway speed of 55 mph, and up to 100 miles per battery charge using lithium polymer battery technology. This range is ideal for the medium-duty market, as most usage for this type of vehicle is less than 100 miles/day using dozens of body configurations.


The ZeroTruck is currently listed on the GSA buy list under alternative fueled vehicles.


ELECTRORIDES, INC., based in Southern California, is a developer and producer of commercial electric trucks for public and private fleet operators.







SOURCE Electrorides, Inc.

Portland Fish Exchange Welcomes 'Fishing for Energy' Partnership

Innovative fishing gear disposal program hosts inaugural event in Maine


PORTLAND, Maine, June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Fishing for Energy is hooking up the City of Portland to facilitate the disposal of unusable fishing gear from the area's fishermen serviced by the Portland Fish Exchange.


Portland is the first fishing community in Maine to partner with Fishing for Energy, an innovative partnership that provides a no-cost solution for fishermen to dispose of old fishing gear which is then turned into energy. A bin has been placed at 6 Portland Fish Pier and will provide a cost-free method for fishing gear to be collected and subsequently converted into clean, renewable energy at a Covanta Energy-from-Waste facility.


The Fishing for Energy partnership is an initiative between Covanta Energy (Covanta), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, and Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. It provides a cost-free solution for fishermen to dispose of old, derelict or unusable fishing gear. Fishing equipment, if it becomes derelict, can threaten marine life, impair navigational safety, and have serious economic repercussions on shipping enterprises and, most importantly, coastal communities. The program has collected more than 180 tons of old fishing gear since launching in 2008, a significant portion of which has been retrieved, in some areas, directly from the marine environment by helpful fishermen.


"Improving the environment of our harbor and sea coast is a critical priority for the city and in keeping with our sustainability objectives," said Mayor Jill Duson. "This project is an excellent example of how the city, state, and federal government can successfully partner with local industry to reach common goals -- improve the environment, reduce energy dependency and support the local economy."


The Fishing for Energy partnership thrives on immense cooperation between local organizations and fishermen to collect or retrieve derelict fishing gear and dispose of it properly in the cost-free Covanta collection bin. In Portland, the agencies, local organizations and fishermen groups making the cleanup effort possible are the City of Portland and the Maine Coastal Program. These groups have worked collaboratively with the partnership to implement the disposal of the collected gear at Portland Fish Pier in the hopes of reducing any financial and environmental burdens that may be realized by the need to dispose of this gear.


"Marine debris is a significant problem for our coastal waters, affecting commercial fisherman and fishing companies, as well as marine wildlife habitats," said Colin Kelly, of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. "On behalf of Schnitzer Steel, NOAA, Covanta Energy, and NFWF, we are all pleased to be partnering with the marine community of Maine to work towards the disposal of this gear as a source of energy to power the region's homes and businesses. We as a leader in the recycling business look for opportunities like this program while always believing our strength and success are directly related to our focus on sustainability."


In 2009, the Fishing for Energy partnership will expand to work with ports on both the east and west coasts of the United States, hosting a series of launch events which aim to promote retired or derelict fishing gear collection through community education and outreach, and will promote this through a small grants program later in the year. For more information on the partnership visit: www.nfwf.org/fishingforenergy.


About the Portland Fish Exchange

The Portland Fish Exchange is America's first all-display fresh seafood auction. A non-profit organization owned by the City of Portland, the Exchange opened in 1986. The Exchange is managed by a Board of Directors representing seafood buyers and sellers, and City residents and government leaders. The Exchange supports Maine's seafood industry by providing buyers and sellers with impartial grading and weighing services to the commercial fishing industry, and advocating for sustainable fisheries and Maine's seafood industry at the state, regional, and federal levels.


About Covanta

Covanta Energy is an internationally recognized owner and operator of large-scale Energy-from-Waste and renewable energy projects and a recipient of the Energy Innovator Award from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Covanta's 38 Energy-from-Waste facilities provide communities with an environmentally sound solution to their solid waste disposal needs by using that municipal solid waste to generate clean, renewable energy. Annually, Covanta's modern Energy-from-Waste facilities safely and securely convert more than 17 million tons of waste into more than 8 million megawatt hours of clean renewable electricity and create 10 billion pounds of steam that are sold to a variety of industries. For more information, visit www.covantaenergy.com.


About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

A nonprofit established by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation sustains, restores and enhances the Nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Through leadership conservation investments with public and private partners, NFWF is dedicated to achieving maximum conservation impact by developing and applying best practices and innovative methods for measurable outcomes. Since its establishment, NFWF has awarded nearly 9,500 grants to over 3,000 organizations in the United States and abroad and leveraged -- with its partners -- more than $400 million in federal funds into more than $1.3 billion for on-the-ground conservation. For more information, visit www.nfwf.org.


About NOAA

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.


The NOAA Marine Debris Program, housed within the Office of Response & Restoration, coordinates, strengthens, and increases the visibility of marine debris issues and efforts within the agency, its partners, and the public. The program supports activities at both a national and international level focused on identifying, reducing and preventing debris from entering the marine environment. NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R) protects coastal and marine resources, mitigates threats, reduces harm, and restores ecological function. The Office provides comprehensive solutions to environmental hazards caused by oil, chemicals, and marine debris. For more information, visit: www.noaa.gov.


About Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.

Schnitzer Steel, Inc. was founded in 1906 as a one-man scrap recovery operation and has evolved into one of the country's leading providers of used and recycled auto parts and a manufacturer of finished steel products. Our strength and success is directly related to our focus on sustainability. All of our businesses are constantly working on reducing our environmental footprint. Over the years, we've improved our processes and controls, invested capital to increase our efficiency and decrease our energy use, and fostered a culture of resourcefulness and accountability. We've worked hard over the years to integrate that focus into every layer of our culture. Recycling metal instead of using virgin ore to create new steel products saves energy and natural resources. www.schnitzersteel.com




SOURCE Fishing for Energy

Lutheran World Relief Brings Urgent Aid to Sri Lanka

BALTIMORE, June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lutheran World Relief (LWR) announced today a $500,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support its emergency response to the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka. The grant will fund half of LWR's response with local partners to supply food and water, establish community kitchens, and provide hygiene supplies, and educational and other services to children.


By providing for the immediate needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the grant allows LWR to expand the scope of its response and focus on the variety of medium- to long-term challenges facing Sri Lankans affected by armed conflict. Two LWR partner organizations will be supported by the grant: the Federation of Social Development Organization (FOSDO) and Social Economical and Environmental Developers (SEED).


The most urgent priority is providing food and clean water to IDPs in the Vavuniya district of Sri Lanka. LWR's partners will assist in developing community kitchens in the camps, which will provide nearly 20,000 people with food for at least 45 days. LWR's partners will also provide cooking supplies, including pots and utensils, to community kitchens in 10 locations. SEED will supply hygiene packs - containing items such as diapers, soap, towels, and toothbrushes - for 4,000 children.


"With funding from the Gates Foundation, LWR will be able to scale up the work we have been doing to provide lifesaving food and water to Sri Lankans displaced by the conflict. The needs are urgent, so this grant is very well-timed," said Joanne Fairley, LWR Regional Director for Asia and the Middle East.


Armed conflict between the government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has killed and injured thousands of people since the war began in 1983, with fighting intensifying this past spring. Although the government of Sri Lanka declared victory on May 18, approximately 265,000 people still remain in, or continue to arrive at, government-run IDP camps. Many people in the crowded camps are sick, injured, malnourished, and dehydrated. In addition, many are separated from their families and traumatized by the impact of the fighting.


"People wait in long lines hoping to receive limited food, so LWR is prioritizing this in our relief work" Fairley said. "Our staff members in Sri Lanka have actually seen people die while waiting in line for food and water. The situation is extremely dire," she added.


While the foundation's grant is an essential piece of LWR's emergency response in Sri Lanka, more funding is necessary to meet the urgent needs of people in the camps. Lutheran World Relief needs to raise an additional $500,000 to ensure that displaced Sri Lankans are able to feed their families, maintain a healthy environment, and educate their children. LWR accepts donations online at lwr.org or by phone at 1-800-LWR-LWR-2 (597-5972).


INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS:

Editors: When listing organizations receiving donations for aid to survivors of major disasters outside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:

Lutheran World Relief, www.lwr.org, 1-800-597-5972


For information contact:

Emily Sollie, 410-230-2802, 443-220-3269 cell, esollie@lwr.org


WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.


Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.






SOURCE Lutheran World Relief

Oncology Care Quality Improvement Program Introduced by Bipartisan Coalition Dedicated to Better Cancer Care Nationwide

Legislators proud to introduce "Oncology Care Quality Improvement Program of 2009" to ensure that patients, doctors and families have the best health care tools available


Bill is endorsed by National Patient Advocate Foundation and US Oncology


WASHINGTON, June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A bipartisan group of members from the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a bill late yesterday aimed at improving oncology care in the United States by refocusing efforts towards patient-centered cancer care delivery and studying the best methods to coordinate care and extend quality of life. The "Oncology Care Quality Improvement Program of 2009" will establish a voluntary pilot program to identify major areas of potential improvement to oncology care, including error reduction, increased patient education and care coordination, and expansion of end-of-life planning and counseling services.


This groundbreaking oncology legislation, led by U.S. Representative Joseph Crowley (NY-7), has 18 original cosponsors, including lead sponsors Reps. Mike Rogers (MI-08), Lois Capps (CA-23), Anna Eshoo (CA-14) and Paul Ryan (WI-01). The bill has been endorsed by National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF), US Oncology, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO), Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) and UPMC Cancer Centers.


"Fighting cancer is a fight we must win," said Rep. Joseph Crowley (NY-7). "This innovative demonstration project will ensure that patients and doctors have the best tools and information at their disposal. By providing our health care providers with most-up-to date information on best practices, we will ensure cancer patients are given the best and most cost-effective care. I thank Rep. Rogers, Capps, Eshoo and Ryan and colleagues from both sides of the aisle for joining me in leading this fight for oncology patients, doctors and families. We are proud to have the endorsement of the National Patient Advocate Foundation and US Oncology, our partners in working to get this program enacted swiftly."


"Cancer is one of the great health care challenges of our time," said Rep. Mike Rogers (MI-08). "Half of all men and one third of women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives and these figures are expected to skyrocket as the Baby Boom generation ages. That's why I'm proud to join Rep. Crowley to introduce this legislation, which will improve the quality of care for seniors with cancer while also creating a more efficient Medicare system."


"As researchers and clinicians work to improve cancer care in innovative ways, I'm proud to be part of this effort by Congress and CMS to evaluate the innovative use of health information technology in order to improve cancer care overall," said Rep. Lois Capps (CA-23). "The standard for oncology care in the 21st Century is about comprehensive care planning and coordination. By providing incentives to use the newest health information technology tools available, we can assist providers and patients in achieving optimal information sharing on best practices and better coordination among clinicians."


"As we begin to work on health care reform in the House, it's more important than ever that we look at every option available to help increase the quality of care while decreasing the overall cost of health care," said Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-14). "This pilot program gives participating oncology groups the flexibility and incentives necessary to explore cost-saving measures without sacrificing the quality care their patients receive."


"Like most Americans, my family has been personally touched by cancer and personally motivated in our fight against cancer," said Rep. Paul Ryan (WI-01). "I remain committed to doing all that I can to find a cure for this disease, while working to promote innovate and compassionate improvements to oncology care. I am a proud to help introduce the Oncology Care Quality Improvement Program, and thank Rep. Crowley and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working on this important piece of legislation and for their leadership in the fight against cancer."


"Finally, we have a thoughtful, progressive, quality-driven program that achieves patient-centric cancer care delivery, while reducing costs at the same time. It is a win for the patient, the taxpayer and the physician," said Dr. Roy Beveridge, Chief Medical Officer, US Oncology.


National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) continued, "NPAF is pleased to offer its strong support for the Oncology Care Quality Improvement Program of 2009. This legislation calls for adherence to evidence-based guidelines which will reduce variation in care for patients and help physicians make clinical decisions with evidence of proven treatment regimens. In addition, NPAF commends Rep. Crowley for addressing the importance of an adequate medical workforce as well as appropriate reimbursement which are critical in order for education and care coordination to have a meaningful impact on patients and our health care system."


Background on the Oncology Care Quality Improvement Program of 2009:


The oncology care quality improvement (OCQI) program is a cost-saving, voluntary pilot program, to be led by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in consultation with an advisory committee of expert oncology community physician, nurse, patient organizations and industry leaders. The OCQI will evaluate the impact of provider-led approaches to improve care quality and outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with cancer while creating greater care efficiencies to reduce costs. The OCQI aims to foster evidence-based guideline adherence to minimize variation and reduce errors in care, offers patient education and care coordination services to help patients avoid and/or address common effects of their cancers and treatments, and provides end-of-life planning and counseling services that aims to improve quality of life.


The OCQI will provide payments to participating oncology groups - based on their meeting of defined performance goals as well as per capita expenditure targets created by CMS - to be allocated from half of the program savings generated by the participating group. The other half of the program savings will be retained by the Medicare program.





SOURCE U.S. House of Representatives

Chemstar Corporation Introduces Safe and Effective Liquid Fruit and Vegetable Wash Composed Entirely of Food-Grade Ingredients

ATLANTA, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Chemstar Corporation, a global leader in food safety and sanitation solutions, has developed a liquid fruit and vegetable wash that is safer to store, handle, and use than products that contain peroxyacetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorine. Specially formulated with generally recognized as safe (GRAS) ingredients, Chemstar Liquid Fruit and Vegetable Wash reflects the company's GREENSTAR Commitment(TM) to create products that are environmentally friendly.
"The citric acid formulation removes wax, dirt, soil, and residues that are not removed by simply rinsing with water," said Jim Schurman, president of Chemstar. "Produce can be cleaned quickly and safely without sacrificing quality."
Chemstar Liquid Fruit and Vegetable Wash is effective on all fresh produce and does not require rinsing. It will not affect the taste, color, or aroma of treated produce.
"Food safety continues to be Chemstar's top priority," said Schurman. "Our products are designed specifically to address the unique challenges faced by food retailers and processors."
For nearly 30 years, Chemstar Corporation has been providing comprehensive food safety, sanitation, and hygiene solutions for companies worldwide in industries such as retail supermarkets, foodservice, restaurants, hospitality, food processing, and healthcare institutions. Chemstar provides modern technology platforms to support auditing, data collection, analysis, and reporting of safety and quality assurance data. For more information about their innovative food safety and sanitation solutions, visit www.chemstarcorp.com.
SOURCE Chemstar Corporation

SIX FLAGS LAUNCHES GREEN INITIATIVE

World's Largest Theme Park Company Committed to Protecting the Environment
NEW YORK, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Six Flags, Inc., (OTC Bulletin Board: SIXF) announced today a company-wide green initiative to reduce electricity, fuel use and waste while helping to protect the watersheds and ecosystems across theme park and water park locations.
Already undertaking several innovative efforts to improve the energy performance of park operations, Six Flags is embarking on a groundbreaking pilot program at four parks. All vehicles and trains that operate on diesel fuel will instead be powered by used vegetable oil generated in Six Flags kitchens. Additional proactive savings in energy consumption will be achieved through the use of LED lamps and lights throughout each park resulting in reduced indirect green house gas emissions from electricity consumption.
"Six Flags is taking aggressive steps to help protect and preserve the environment for future generations," said Mark Shapiro, Six Flags President and CEO. "These programs will help safeguard the planet and create lasting partnerships with the communities where we live and work."
Six Flags is also committed to dramatic recycling and waste handling. Collaborating with corporate partner, Coca-Cola, over 3,000 recycle bins have already been placed in all Six Flags parks.
"We envision a world where our packaging is not seen as trash, but as a valuable resource that can be re-used to produce a number of products, from new beverage containers to shirts and bags," said John Burgess, President and CEO, Coca-Cola Recycling. "This extensive recycling program is a great way for Six Flags guests and Team Members to help support the environment."
Other initiatives include:
The installation of low-flow, high efficiency water fixtures throughout the parks
The purchase of fuel efficient vehicles to replace older models
The use of water saving plants and groundcover at all parks
Paper recycling programs at all parks
In addition, Six Flags is launching a comprehensive review of a new solar energy strategy. By using existing available land surrounding a number of parks, Six Flags would be able to create solar panel farms to supply the parks with clean energy and reduce the amount of electricity purchased.
About Six Flags:
Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: SIXF) headquartered in New York City and is the world's largest regional theme park company with 20 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
SIX FLAGS and all related indicia are trademarks of Six Flags Theme Parks Inc. (R), TM and (C) 2009.
SOURCE Six Flags, Inc.

Western Governors University Announces Scholarship for Aspiring School Principals

Western Governors University (WGU) www.wgu.edu. (PRNewsFoto/Western Governors University)SALT LAKE CITY, UT UNITED STATES

Up to $2,000 Available for Students Enrolling in WGU's Master's in Educational Leadership Program
SALT LAKE CITY, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Western Governors University, www.wgu.edu, is helping to ease the financial burden for teachers who want to become principals with a new scholarship program. The WGU Aspiring Principals Scholarship Program awards up to $2,000 to selected students who enroll in the online university's NCATE-approved M.S. in Educational Leadership program.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081030/DC42901LOGO)
Western Governors University's M.S. in Educational Leadership prepares licensed teachers for certification to become a principal, vice principal, or assistant principal. The course of study focuses on the principal as the school's instructional team leader, or chief learning officer. The program uses a case study format and includes a six-month practicum during which the student works closely with a school administrator at the practicum site. Like all WGU degrees, the M.S. in Educational Leadership program is competency-based, which means that students advance by demonstrating their competence through carefully designed assessments and completion of a capstone project.
WGU is planning to award 10 Aspiring Principals Scholarships. The program is competitive, and awards will be based on the candidate's academic record, readiness for online study at WGU, and current competency. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must possess a bachelor's degree and a valid teaching license. Scholarships will be awarded at the rate of $500 per six-month term for up to four terms. For more information, go to www.wgu.edu/principal or call 1-866-225-5948 (866-CALL-WGU).
About Western Governors University (WGU)
"[WGU is] the best relatively cheap university you've never heard of."
- TIME magazine (Nov. 2008)
WGU is the only exclusively online teacher education institution in the nation to receive NCATE accreditation. The private, non-profit university has been a leader in online education for more than 10 years. The recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, WGU has been honored as one of 2008's Top 20 Military Friendly Colleges and Universities by Military Advanced Education magazine. WGU sponsors the Online Student Survival Guide, a blog that addresses many of the questions and daily concerns students attending any online college or university may face.
Now serving more than 14,000 students in all 50 states, WGU was founded by 19 U.S. governors, and is supported by more than 20 leading corporations and foundations. They include institutions such as AT&T, BearingPoint, Dell, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, HCA, Microsoft, Oracle, Qwest, SunGard Higher Education, Sun Microsystems, and Zions Bank. WGU offers bachelor's and master's degrees in business, information technology, teacher education, and health professions. More information is available at www.wgu.edu.
Contact for enrollment information:
866-225-5948
SOURCE Western Governors University

New WiFi communicating CO2 transmitter delivers energy savings in buildings

DELTA, BC, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - AirTest Technologies (TSXV: AAT) announced today that it has introduced the TR9294-WF wireless CO(2) and temperature sensor that significantly reduces the cost of installation of this energy savings control technology into existing buildings. This proprietary sensor technology is designed to communicate using WiFi (IEEE 802.11), currently the most widespread, inexpensive and robust wireless network available for homes and buildings.
The new wall mounted wireless CO(2) sensor is designed to take advantage of existing WiFi voice/data networks that are already installed in millions of office buildings, health facilities, university campuses, hospitality venues and public assembly areas worldwide. According to George Graham, President of AirTest "The cost of wiring CO(2) sensors into buildings is often many times the cost of the sensor. By tapping into this already widely deployed method of wireless communication, the total installed cost of our sensor system can be reduced by 50 to 70% resulting in energy paybacks that will occur in a matter of months for many types of buildings."
The signal from the sensor can be directed over a local network to a building control system and/or over the Internet to any remote monitoring/data collection location. It can be used for temporary or permanent deployment. The TR9294-WF is also very secure and supports major wireless encryption protocols (WEP128 and WPA2=PSK) and will support DHCP or a static IP address. The device is self-calibrating and maintenance free. The cost and nuisance of battery replacement is eliminated because the device uses 24VAC low-voltage power, which is readily available throughout most buildings. "This sensor offers simple installation and immediate activation" said Graham, "Attach the TR9294-WF to the wall, power it up and it will start communicating instantly with the building's local wireless network to monitor and/or control both temperature and building ventilation".
The unit has been designed with the highly popular LEED green building certification program in mind. This program, initiated by the US Green Building Council, provides certification points for including CO(2) measurement and control in new and existing buildings. As required by this program, the TR9294-WF transmitter can provide an audible and visual indicator of elevated levels indicating a possible malfunction of the building control system.
AirTest's self-calibrating CO(2) sensors save energy in buildings by regulating outside air ventilation based on the actual number of people in a space. This ensures that only enough outside air is heated or cooled to meet the immediate needs of occupants. Much of the demand for this type of sensor is driven by the growing interest in making buildings energy efficient, an important contribution to the creation of green and sustainable buildings. CO(2) ventilation control can represent a simple but highly effective way for almost all buildings to reduce energy use while ensuring good indoor air quality for occupants.
About AirTest: AirTest Technologies (www.airtesttechnologies.com) is a Green-Tech company specializing in sensors that improve commercial building operating efficiency and at the same time create energy savings. These sensors are all based on technical innovations developed in the last ten years, and comprise a growing second wave of energy saving technologies that will make a significant contribution to the Sustainable Buildings Program. AirTest offers its products to leading-edge building owners, contractors and energy service companies targeting the buildings market. AirTest also provides energy cost reduction solutions to building equipment and controls manufacturers who incorporate AirTest sensor components in their products.
Statements about the Company's future expectations and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are "forward looking statements". The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbours created thereby. Since these statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company's actual results may differ materially from the expected results.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as
that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE AirTest Technologies Inc.

Online Course at The Wharton School Reaches More Than 50,000 Students and Alumni via Mediasite

Online course on Economic and Financial Crisis delivered to desktops around the world
MADISON, Wis., June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonic Foundry, Inc. (Nasdaq: SOFO), the recognized market leader for rich media webcasting and knowledge management, today announced The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania used Mediasite to deliver its online course, Economic and Financial Crisis: Causes, Consequences, and Policy Options, to students and alumni worldwide, creating a series of real-time expert lectures addressing the financial crisis.
The 16-week online course was designed in late 2008 by Professor Mauro F. Guillen, to speak to the many facets of the downturned economy, and featured experts in finance and economics who offered their insights on a weekly basis.
"The instructors were so deeply immersed in their areas of expertise that it was just a stunning reaction, in near real-time, to one of the most incredible financial events of the last 100 years. Mediasite was very valuable in delivering that information," said Alex Milne, senior director of public technologies at The Wharton School. "The professor was happy to open the content up to students in other areas. We adjusted quickly because we knew the information would lend itself nicely to the rich media format."
The Wharton School had just deployed its Mediasite program at its Pennsylvania location, but went into full production when the School received a request from a student in the Executive MBA program at the Wharton San Francisco campus asking for access to the lectures. Milne's team viewed this as the perfect opportunity to initiate a multimedia course, originally streaming to about 1,000 students between the Pennsylvania and California campuses. When word about the course spread to alumni, the School opened it to a worldwide audience culminating in more than 50,000 viewers.
"People were just clamoring for any insight into the financial crisis. Once they heard about this course, and then especially when they looked at it and they found this really compelling format, they were intrigued," said Milne. "We can present lectures in a way that didn't exist before, in a way that allows the end-user to interact with compelling information. No technology can save a bad presentation, but combining this content with Mediasite's technology produced results we never expected."
The Wharton School has installed Mediasite permanently in 12 rooms and plans to be in full production in the fall.
"The Wharton School's quick deployment to an international audience exemplifies Mediasite's ability to offer information with unprecedented reaction-time," said Rimas Buinevicius, chairman and CEO of Sonic Foundry. "The professors and experts who provided insight throughout this course deserve the credit for the huge success. Mediasite made the global broadcast possible, but their knowledge and experience provided an unparalleled understanding of a unique situation."
The patented Mediasite webcasting and content management system quickly and cost-effectively automates the capture, management, delivery and search of rich media presentations that combine audio, video and accompanying graphics for live or on-demand viewing.
This announcement is part of Sonic Foundry's next-gen education initiative. With its higher education Mediasite community now topping 600 colleges and universities, the company is highlighting customer stories that exemplify the convergence of technology and education. Through webinars, news and speaking engagements, Mediasite users around the globe are sharing their best practices for using lecture capture to bridge time and distance, accelerate research and improve academic performance.
About Sonic Foundry(R), Inc.
Sonic Foundry (Nasdaq: SOFO, www.sonicfoundry.com) is the global leader for rich media webcasting and knowledge management, providing enterprise communication solutions for more than 1,500 customers in education, business and government. Powered by Mediasite, the patented webcasting platform which automates the capture, management, delivery and search of lectures, online training and briefings, Sonic Foundry empowers people to transform the way they communicate. Through the Mediasite platform and its Events Services group, the company helps customers connect a dynamic, evolving world of shared knowledge and envisions a future where learners and workers around the globe use webcasting to bridge time and distance, accelerate research and improve performance.
Product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of Sonic Foundry, Inc. or their respective owners.
Certain statements contained in this news release regarding matters that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Because such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, uncertainties pertaining to continued market acceptance for Sonic Foundry's products, its ability to succeed in capturing significant revenues from media services and/or systems, the effect of new competitors in its market, integration of acquired business and other risk factors identified from time to time in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE Sonic Foundry, Inc.

Blue Is the New Green: Four Ways to Make Your Pool More Eco-Friendly This Summer

CARLSBAD, Calif., June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Looking to make waves this summer by transforming your pool into a lean, green, energy-saving machine?
According to Randy Mendioroz, principal of Aquatic Design Group (ADG), annual operating costs for an outdoor pool can cost thousands with natural gas (71% of total cost), electricity (14%), pool chemicals (10%), and water (5%).
Following are four ways to "green up" pool operations from ADG, a nationally renowned pool and aquatic design and consulting firm. These tips will help the environment and save significant money for pool owners - from consumers to commercial pool operators and municipalities:
Warm Up to Thermal Blankets:
One daily task that yields major savings: thermal blankets.
While some pool owners may grumble about removing and replacing covers each day, a well-insulated set of thermal blankets on a pool (even indoors) saves more costs than just about anything else. Studies on outdoor pools have shown natural gas cost savings of up to 40% for operators who dutifully replace pool blankets every evening. At an average capital cost of $2.50 per square foot of water surface area, thermal blankets can pay for themselves in six to 12 months.
Harness the Power of the Sun:
Interested in solar heating, especially with utility rates spiking? When natural gas had a unit price of $0.55 per thermal unit (therm), proposing solar was an exercise in political correctness since the payback averaged eight to 10 years and the average life of most systems was 12 years. Today, however, with natural gas prices hovering in the vicinity of $0.85-$1.00 per therm, more pool operators are going solar.
Installation cost for passive solar systems (assuming suitable mounting space with proper solar orientation) runs approximately $18-$22 per square foot of solar panel. The amount of solar panel required varies by region, but an average of 80% of water surface area is common. With a potential annual operating cost savings of $65,000-$75,000 (e.g. for 50-meter pool) and an expected full return on investment within four to six years, solar heating may be attractive to the average pool operator.
Lighten Up with LEDs:
Replacing energy-consuming incandescent underwater lights with high-efficiency LED fixtures can dramatically reduce expenses. A 70-watt LED fixture produces approximately the same amount of light as a 450-watt incandescent fixture, but saves nearly 85% in the amount of energy consumed. Initial capital costs for LEDs are approximately double that of incandescent: $500 per LED fixture, as opposed to $250 for an incandescent. However, LED lights will provide 55,000 hours of light compared to 3,800 hours of incandescent light. The changeover is well worth the investment.
Bye Bye Red Eyes:
Chlorine may be the most popular pool sanitizer, but when managed improperly may cause high levels of chloramines - the true culprit behind the obtrusive "chlorine" odor. By combining an adequate chemical control system - equipped with total water balance control and a part-per-million residual analyzer - and properly sized chlorine feed systems, such problems can be eliminated.
A healthy, virtually chemical-free alternative is an on-site salt water chlorine generation system. Non-iodized table salt (sodium chloride) is added directly into a swimming pool. Salt dosing levels typically range from 3,000 parts per million (ppm) to 5,000 ppm. Human tears have a salinity of 7,200 ppm (sea water: salinity of 36,000 ppm), so the concentration in the pool is relatively low: no salty smell, taste or feel.
As saline water passes through a chlorine generating cell, low electrical currents transform salt into chlorine. Once the chlorine has killed bacteria and other organic compounds, it reverts back to salt, and the process begins again.
Despite relatively high capital and maintenance costs, the advantages of salt water chlorine generation include reducing or eliminating the storage and handling of chlorine and other chemicals, eliminating the cost of purchasing liquid chlorine, and producing water with a more natural, smooth and silky "soft water" feel, akin to a European spa treatment.
Founded in 1984, Aquatic Design Group specializes in the design and engineering of innovative swimming pools and water features. For more information: (760) 438-8400, http://www.aquaticdesigngroup.com.
Contact:
Jean Walcher / Robert Arends, (619) 295-7140
jean@jwalcher.com / robert@jwalcher.com
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.
SOURCE Aquatic Design Group

Charlottesville to be First City in Dominion Virginia Power's 'Smart Grid' Network

- Innovative program opens doors to wide range of energy conservation options
- "Smart grid" uses "smart meters" to offer customers more control over electric bills
- Improved efficiency would save money, reduce environmental impact
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Charlottesville has been selected as the first city in Virginia and one of the first in the nation to benefit from "smart grid" technology that will make the delivery of electricity more efficient and less costly while improving customer service. Smart grid capabilities also will promote energy conservation and environmental responsibility.
Dominion Virginia Power executives joined Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, University of Virginia President John Casteen, state and local officials, and private industry partners today to unveil SmartGrid Charlottesville. The $20 million program begins with the installation of about 46,500 "smart meters" in the city of Charlottesville and Albermarle County. More than half of the meters have been installed, with completion scheduled by the end of this year.
"This program launches a new era in energy efficiency and customer empowerment for Virginia," said Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dominion. "As the smart grid develops, energy conservation capabilities and programs will grow and provide additional benefits for our customers, the environment and our company."
Pending regulatory approval where required, the highlights ultimately are expected to include:
Automatic energy usage reduction of about 4 percent or more annually for typical residential customers through more-efficient management of energy delivery by Dominion. That will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 12,000 tons annually, equal to removing 2,100 cars from the road.
A demonstration project providing customers Web access, through www.Dom.com, for energy usage and billing information.
The option of time-based rates that give customers the opportunities to shift electricity use to off-peak times for additional savings.
A demonstration project with Arlington, Va.- based Positive Energy to provide periodic reports that show customers how their energy usage compares with other customers.
A demonstration project to test battery storage systems that could promote renewable electricity generation such as solar.
Automatic reporting of outages, allowing for quicker restoration of service.
Increased customer convenience through remote turn-on and turn-off of service and remote meter readings.
A demonstration program for light-emitting diode (LED) street lights.
Assistance for Charlottesville to evaluate an electric transportation program.
The SmartGrid Charlottesville project is in addition to 12 energy conservation programs that Dominion Virginia Power plans to offer across its service area pending approval of the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The company expects to seek SCC approval for those programs in a filing early in July.
The Charlottesville-Albermarle County area was chosen for the project for several reasons. Its varied, hilly terrain provides a test of the two-way wireless communications capabilities of smart meters. It also has a mix of residential, business and institutional customers, and customers have expressed a high interest in actively managing their energy use.
"SmartGrid Charlottesville is a major leap forward in reducing energy consumption in our households and sets a great example for the rest of the Commonwealth," said Gov. Kaine. "As Virginia continues to invest in industries of the future, innovative tools like smart meters will help households save money on their utility bills while reducing our impact on the environment overall."
U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th, said, "Smart grid technology is our gateway to the frontiers of the new energy economy, and I'm proud that Charlottesville will be leading the way with this demonstration program. I believe our area can be a catalyst for new technologies that will lower
costs for consumers while also reducing our carbon footprint.
"This initiative gives consumers new tools to make smarter choices in how -- and when -- they use energy," said U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner. "I salute Dominion Virginia Power and Charlottesville and Albemarle County officials for blazing the trail in Virginia with this next-generation energy conservation program."
Pending regulatory approval, the company plans to install smart meters and equipment throughout its service area over the next few years. The $600 million program is part of a plan the company announced in June 2008 that is expected to save customers more than $1 billion over the next 15 years through fuel savings and by potentially avoiding the need for two future power stations and delaying the need for two others.
SmartGrid Charlottesville is in addition to Dominion Virginia Power's green power program and its other energy conservation programs.
Even with conservation, however, Virginia's demand for electricity will continue growing by an estimated 4,600 megawatts by 2019. In addition to improving the infrastructure for transmitting power, the company will meet the growth in demand by pursuing a balanced mix of new generating facilities, including wind, biomass and other forms of renewable energy, emissions-free nuclear, natural gas and clean coal technology.
Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion (NYSE: D), one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a portfolio of more than 27,400 megawatts of generation. Dominion serves retail energy customers in 12 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.
Note to editors: Video and audio clips to accompany this news release are available at http://www.dom.com/about/media-downloads.jsp.
SOURCE Dominion Virginia Power

Nonprofit Goes RVing to Promote Pet and Human Health

The Companion Animal Parasite Council heads West, driving home the importance of year-round parasite prevention to protect pets and people
BEL AIR, Md., June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Temperate climates, high pet populations and a regional love of the outdoors make the Western United States an ideal location for the upcoming second annual Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) Education Road Show, June 27 - July 11.
During eight stops in four states - Colorado, California, Oregon and Washington - parasitologists and veterinarians with the nonprofit CAPC (www.petsandparasites.org) will educate pet owners and families about zoonotic diseases, also known as parasitic diseases that are transmitted from pets to people, and how to prevent them. The key to prevention, experts say, is year-round parasite protection for dogs and cats.
Parasites a growing problem in the West
"There are parasites and zoonotic disease, sometimes a higher-than-expected incidence, in every Western city on our Road Show schedule," said Michael Paul, DVM, executive director of the CAPC. "Parasites can be found in all 50 states, every day of the year, regardless of the weather."
Heartworm and other common parasitic diseases were virtually non-existent in the West 50 years ago. Now, these diseases are spreading rapidly due to a changing landscape and influx of people from different parts of the country. With increasing acreage under irrigation, climates are less arid. And, more moisture means more parasites.
Another reason that parasites and the diseases they carry are on the rise in the West is because large numbers of people - and their pets - continue to relocate to this part of the United States, known as a desirable place to live. Many of these new residents bring with them dogs and cats that already have parasites.
The CAPC recommends that pet owners use easy-to-administer preventive medicines year-round to control internal and external parasites - such as roundworms, heartworms, fleas and ticks for the life of their dog or cat, no matter where they live.
"If you prevent parasitic infections in companion animals, you greatly reduce the chances of zoonotic transmission to people," said Paul.
The CAPC Road Show
The CAPC is touring the West in a 33-foot-long RV wrapped in vivid images of children with dogs and cats to drive home the point that pet owners should administer year-round parasite preventives, because parasites pose potential risk in every geographic region of the country. The vehicle will make stops in eight cities, with free events open to the public in each:
Denver at Denver Dumb Friends League, an animal welfare nonprofit, on Saturday, June 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. People and their pets are welcome at "Ask-a-Vet" and "Ask-a-Pet-Expert" booths. Pet adoption opportunities and free prize giveaways, including iPods, will also be featured.
San Diego at the PetCo Park Dog Park on Wednesday, July 1, where veterinarians will be available to answer questions and pet owners can win free prizes such as iPods. Pets and humans are invited to attend anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
In Long Beach, Calif., a CAPC "Ask-a-Vet" event will be held at the Long Beach Dog Park from noon to 5:30 p.m., on Friday, July 3.
In San Francisco, the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Maddie Center will host the CAPC parasite education event, which will include iPod giveaways. CAPC experts will answer questions from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.
Another San Francisco "Ask-a-Vet" event, complete with iPod giveaways, will be held at Justin Herman Plaza from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 6.
In Sacramento, Calif., CAPC experts will be on hand at I Street in Old Sacramento from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7.
In Eugene, OR, the CAPC will host another "Ask-a-Pet-Expert" event on Thursday, July 9, at Alton Baker Park from noon to 4 p.m. Don't forget to register to win a free iPod!
The Road Show will wrap up in Seattle on Saturday, July 11, at Pike Place Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The CAPC will distribute information about parasites, parasite control and how to prevent zoonotic disease at all of the events. The complete 2009 CAPC Road Show schedule and more information can be found at www.petsandparasites.org.
About the CAPC
The nonprofit CAPC (www.petsandparasites.org) is an independent council of veterinarians and other animal health care professionals established to foster animal and human health, while preserving the human-animal bond, through recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of parasitic infections. The CAPC brings together broad expertise in parasitology, internal medicine, public health, veterinary law, private practice and association leadership.
For more information, contact:
Robyn Caulfield at (913) 663-4200 or
Robyn@bcsthinktank.com
SOURCE Companion Animal Parasite Council

U.N. Expert Calls on U.S. to Address Ongoing Issues of Racism

Special Rapporteur Presents Findings Before U.N. Human Rights Council
NEW YORK, June 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Nations special rapporteur on racism offered recommendations for the U.S. to address ongoing issues of discrimination in a presentation before the U.N. Human Rights Council (UNHRC) today. At the invitation of the United States government, former special rapporteur Doudou Diene toured the U.S. in May and June 2008 to conduct an analysis of ongoing racism and ethnic discrimination. Today, current special rapporteur Githu Muigai presented Diene's findings. This is the first session of the UNHRC in which the U.S. is participating as a member.
"For the U.S. to lead by example, it should heed the recommendations of this international expert and do more to address ongoing issues of racism and ethnic discrimination in this country," said Chandra Bhatnagar, staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union Human Rights Program. "The rapporteur's report offers the Obama administration a path forward on justice, equality and human rights."
While in the U.S., the special rapporteur met with representatives of the ACLU and other non-governmental organizations, government officials, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and members of local communities. The resulting report highlights racism in the criminal justice system, the disparity between sentencing for crack and powder cocaine, abuses facing immigrant and African-American workers in the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the overall vulnerability of immigrant workers and the need to meaningfully address the "school-to-prison pipeline." The report also calls on Congress to pass the End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA) and create a bipartisan commission to evaluate the on-going fight against racism.
"The special rapporteur's visits in Los Angeles with Arab, Sikh, Middle Eastern, South Asian and Native American communities, and his review of the ACLU's recent work on racial profiling at the Los Angeles Police Department, helped to inform his conclusions about the ongoing and urgent need for racial justice reform in this country," said Catherine Lhamon, Racial Justice Director for the ACLU of Southern California. "We hope the rapporteur's report will push us locally and as a nation to take concrete steps toward creating meaningful justice for all Americans."
"Mr. Diene's report highlights the persistence of racism in the U.S. It focuses on many issues that permeate the lives of so many people who live and work in Florida, including racial profiling, the lack of legal protections for immigrant workers, the housing crisis and homelessness, and the school-to-prison pipeline phenomenon," said Muslima Lewis, Director of the ACLU of Florida's Racial Justice Project. "We are hopeful that the recommendations in the rapporteur's report will be the impetus for meaningful and systemic racial justice reform in Miami, Florida and the entire country."
The rapporteur's report is available online at: www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/11session/A.HRC.11.36.Add.3.pdf.
More information about the ACLU's work with the special rapporteur is available online at: www.aclu.org/racialjustice/gen/sr_racism.html.
SOURCE American Civil Liberties Union

AJC on Ahmadinejad 'Electoral Victory' in Iran

NEW YORK, June 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC expressed grave concern, if not surprise, at the victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the Iranian presidential elections.

Iranian state media are reporting that Ahmadinejad won over 60 percent of the vote. His principal rival for the post, Mir Hossen Moussavi, claimed that there were "irregularities" in the tallying of the vote. Protesters gathering in Tehran have been severely beaten by the police.

"The result is a triumph for fanaticism which may well have been enforced upon the Iranian people," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "Since he became president in 2005, Ahmadinejad has demonstrated time and again that he is a world-class thug, serial human rights violator, and Holocaust denier. He has brought nothing but misery upon the Iranian people - and it appears that he will continue to do so, by fair means or foul."

Harris reiterated that Iran's nuclear program poses a major threat to regional and global security, noting that the program was championed by all candidates in the election, as well by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has denounced Israel as a "cancerous tumor."

"Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons," said Harris. "Ahmadinejad believes that nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles are the ways to project Iran's influence and reach -- and his zealous religious outlook. In doing so, Iran has repeatedly violated binding UN Security Council resolutions and International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines. The re-election of Ahmadinejad underscores why the international community must do all it can to deny the Iranian regime the means to carry out its dangerous and destabilizing ambitions."


SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Anna Julia Cooper Immortalized on Postage

32nd Inductee into Black Heritage Series

WASHINGTON, June 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Educator, scholar, feminist and activist Anna Julia Cooper (c.1858-1964), who gave voice to the African-American community during the 19th and 20th centuries -- from the end of slavery to the beginning of the Civil Rights movement -- was immortalized on postage today.

Cooper, best known for her groundbreaking collection of essays and speeches, A Voice from the South by a Black Woman of the South, also exhibited educational leadership, most notably challenging the racist notion that African Americans were naturally inferior.

The U.S. Postal Service dedicated the stamp today at Washington, DC's Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (previously M Street High School and the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth), where Cooper taught math and science and ultimately served as principal.

"Anna Julia Cooper once said, 'The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class -- it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity.' Her actions to support these memorable words during her life are the reason the Postal Service has chosen Ms. Cooper as the subject of the 32nd stamp in the Black Heritage series," said Delores Killette, vice president and Consumer Advocate.

"Cooper wasn't subdued by the color of her skin, her gender, her lack of opportunity, or lack of wealth," Killette added. "She held an instinctive awareness that by virtue of being human, she was entitled to freely know the world and participate in everything it had to offer. This is what ignited the cause of freedom in Anna Julia Cooper."

Joining Killette in dedicating the stamp were Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, (D) District of Columbia, University of Maryland English Professor Carla L. Peterson, 2009 Dunbar High School graduate Malik Shabaazz, Dunbar High School Principal Gerald Austin and Washington, DC, Postmaster Yverne "Pat" Moore.

The 44-cent First-Class Anna Julia Cooper commemorative stamp features a portrait of her created by Kadir Nelson of San Diego, CA, who based his painting on an undated photograph. Nelson worked under the direction of Art Director Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD. All 125 million stamps, available in sheets of 20, are available nationwide today.

Anna Julia Cooper Background

Cooper -- who once described her vocation as "the education of neglected people" -- viewed learning as a means of true liberation.

Anna Julia Haywood was born into slavery around 1858 in Raleigh, NC. As a child, she developed a love of learning and wanted to become a teacher. In 1868, she received a scholarship to enter the inaugural class at St. Augustine's Normal School and Collegiate Institute (now St. Augustine's College), a local school for African Americans created by the Episcopal Church and the Freedmen's Bureau, where she earned part of her tuition by tutoring fellow students. She continued to teach at St. Augustine's after completing her studies in 1877. That year she married George A.C. Cooper, who was studying for the ministry at St. Augustine's.

Two years after her husband's unexpected death in 1879, Cooper enrolled at Oberlin College in Ohio. In 1884 she graduated with a degree in mathematics, becoming one of the first African American women to graduate from the school. Cooper returned to Raleigh and taught math, Greek and Latin at St. Augustine's until 1887, when she was invited to teach math and science at the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth (later known as M Street and today as Dunbar High School) in Washington, DC, the largest and most prestigious public high school for African Americans in the nation.

In 1892, Cooper published A Voice from the South by a Black Woman of the South, the first book-length volume of black feminist analysis in the United States. Cooper explored a variety of topics including race relations, poverty, and gender inequality. Across the contexts of religion, education, and literature, she examined the place of African Americans, especially women, in American society. "The time is ripe for action," she wrote, urging all readers to assume an active role in liberating themselves and others from both racism and sexism in order to realize their fullest potential. She encouraged the African American community to take advantage of education and to develop and promote its own folklore, literature, and artistic culture. Well received by black and white critics alike, the collection was regarded as "one of the most readable books on the race question of the South" by the Kingsley Times of Iowa.

Because white women routinely excluded them from the growing feminist movement, Cooper and other black women across the nation began to create clubs and associations in the late 19th century that were dedicated to the interests and well-being of the African American community. In Washington, DC, Cooper helped establish local organizations for women, young people, and the poor that addressed a range of issues including education, housing, and unemployment. Cooper also used public speaking as a platform for change. In 1893, she spoke about the needs of African American women at the Chicago World's Fair, and she was one of only two African American women to address the first Pan-African Conference in London in 1900.

In 1902, Cooper became principal of the M Street High School and immediately worked to strengthen the curriculum, which stressed both liberal arts and vocational training. "We are not just educating heads and hands," she stated, "we are educating the men and women of a race." Refusing to use inferior textbooks, Cooper sought to better prepare students for admission to some of the nation's top colleges and universities, including the Ivy League. Four years later, she was removed from her position under allegations of incompetence and misconduct, but more likely because of her steadfast resistance to the racist notion of African Americans' intellectual inferiority. Cooper then taught languages at Lincoln University in Missouri until 1910, when she was invited to return to the M Street High School to teach Latin.

Noted for the breadth of her education, Cooper studied French literature and history for several years before enrolling as a doctoral student at Columbia University in 1914 while also remaining a full-time teacher. As part of her graduate work, she translated Le Pelerinage de Charlemagne (The Pilgrimage of Charlemagne), a medieval epic poem, from Old French into modern French. However, because of her race, the translation -- which was published in Paris in 1925 -- was never published in the U.S. despite the professional recognition it garnered. In 1924, Cooper transferred to the University of Paris, Sorbonne, in France and, in 1925, successfully defended her doctoral dissertation, which explored the attitudes of the French toward slavery during the late-18th-century revolutions in France and Haiti. She was only the fourth African American woman in the U.S. to earn a Ph.D. and the first black woman from any country to do so at the Sorbonne.

Cooper retired from teaching at Dunbar High School in 1930 but continued to give lectures, publish essays, and be active in community affairs. During this time, she also served as president of Frelinghuysen University, which offered affordable liberal arts and professional courses for working African Americans in Washington, DC. She retired from her role as president in 1940 but continued to serve Frelinghuysen, which was partly located in Cooper's own home for several years. She privately published her memoir, The Third Step, around 1945.

Cooper died in her home at 201 T Street in Washington, DC, on Feb. 27, 1964. She is buried next to her husband in Raleigh, NC.

Ordering the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at the Postal Store website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Anna Julia Cooper Stamp

Special Cancellations

PO Box 92282

Washington, DC 20090-2282

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by Aug. 13, 2009.

Ordering First-Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

Information Fulfillment

Dept. T 6270

U.S. Postal Service

PO Box 219014

Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products

Anna Julia Cooper Cultural Diary Page (Item 463876, $13.95) comes with a maxi card with the Anna Julia Cooper stamp affixed and cancelled, plus a pane of 20 stamps.

Other Philatelic products area available through this link: http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10152&langId=-1&pageSize=8&beginIndex=0&sType=AdvancedSearch&resultType=2&searchTerm=anna+julia+cooper&searchTermScope=4

Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at www.usps.com/news.

An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 149 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes, six days a week. It has 34,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services, not tax dollars, to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world's mail. To learn about the history of the Postal Service visit the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum: www.postalmuseum.si.edu.


SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

NASA Postpones Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour

NASA Logo. (PRNewsFoto/NASA)

WASHINGTON, DC UNITED STATES

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., June 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA postponed space shuttle Endeavour's launch to the International Space Station on Saturday because of a leak associated with the gaseous hydrogen venting system outside the shuttle's external fuel tank. The system is used to carry excess hydrogen safely away from the launch pad. Managers scrubbed the launch for at least 96 hours.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO )

The earliest the shuttle could be ready to launch is June 17. However, there is a conflict on the Eastern Range that date with the scheduled launch of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter/Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite.

Mission managers will hold a meeting at 2 p.m. EDT Sunday to discuss the repair options and Endeavour's launch opportunities. A news conference will follow the meeting and air on NASA Television and the agency's Web site.

The 16-day mission will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Astronauts will attach a platform to the outside of the Japanese module that will allow experiments to be exposed to space.

The STS-127 crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Dave Wolf, Christopher Cassidy, Tom Marshburn, Tim Kopra and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette. Kopra will join the space station crew and replace Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. Wakata will return to Earth on Endeavour to conclude a three-month stay at the station.

Polansky, who has a Twitter account named Astro_127, can be followed online at:

http://www.twitter.com/Astro_127

For information about NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For the latest information about the STS-127 mission and its crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

For information about the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station


SOURCE NASA

Committee for Economic Development Announces Summit to Address Sustainability of America's Economic Policies

Peter G. Peterson to Welcome Nation's Top Economic Thinkers to First Annual CED Summit

WASHINGTON, June 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Committee for Economic Development (CED) today announced that it will hold its first summit on the sustainability of America's economic policies on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. CED will bring together some of the most well-respected economists and thinkers in America to discuss the sustainability of our country's economic policies, the roots of the current economic crisis and how to ensure long-term economic growth for the global economy.

"Are America's Economic Policies Sustainable? A Business Leaders' Summit on Our Future" will feature keynote speaker Gillian Tett, Global Markets Editor for the Financial Times and author of Fool's Gold: How Unrestrained Greed Corrupted a Dream, Shattered Global Markets and Unleashed a Catastrophe; Joseph Kasputys, Founder and Chairman, IHS Global Insight; William H. Donaldson, Chairman, Donaldson Enterprises, and former Chairman, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; William J. McDonough, Vice Chairman and Special Advisor to the Chairman, Merrill Lynch, and former President of the New York Federal Reserve Bank; and Robert D. Hormats, Vice President, Goldman Sachs (International). Peter G. Peterson, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, co-founder of the Blackstone Group and Founder of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation will deliver the welcoming address.

Facing the most challenging recession since the 1930s, the Obama Administration has taken unprecedented steps to spur economic recovery. From the auto industry to banking and finance, the federal government is more directly involved in the economy than at any time since World War II.

Are these policies sustainable? Will our economy begin to see improvement over the summer? Or will even more government assistance be needed to pull us out of this recession by 2010?

"The Committee for Economic Development has always been committed to supporting policies that foster long-term economic growth for America. We need to have restored trust and confidence in our corporations, their leaders, and especially our financial-services sector," said Charles E.M. Kolb, CED President. "We believe that a summit bringing together some of the top executives from a wide range of fields to discuss, analyze and critique our country's economic policies will elevate the level of discussion and create new or alternative solutions to certain issues that are still unresolved by the federal government," Mr. Kolb said.

About CED

CED is a non-profit, non-partisan organization of more than 200 business leaders and university presidents. Since 1942, its research and policy programs have addressed many of the nation's most pressing economic and social issues, including education reform, workforce competitiveness, campaign finance, health care, and global trade and finance. CED promotes policies to produce increased productivity and living standards, greater and more equal opportunity for every citizen, and an improved quality of life for all.

CONTACT: Morgan Broman of CED, +1-202-296-5860, ext. 14, morgan.broman@ced.org


SOURCE The Committee for Economic Development

Pelosi: Enabling the FDA to Regulate Tobacco a Giant Step Toward Making America Healthier

WASHINGTON, June 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor this morning in strong support of H.R. 1256, which will provide the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with authority to regulate tobacco products. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 307 to 97. It passed the Senate yesterday and now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature into law. Below are the Speaker's remarks.

"It's really a great day. It's momentous -- it's historic. We can't say that all the time about the legislation that we pass here, but it would be impossible to exaggerate the importance of what is happening here today.

"Today, we have an opportunity to protect public health and prevent disease. And today, we have an opportunity to honor our responsibility to our children to protect them from the harm that can come to them from the use of tobacco.

"Madam Speaker, tobacco is the number one cause of preventable deaths in the United States -- according to the Centers for Disease Control, it is responsible for about one in five, or 443,000, deaths annually.

"I want to acknowledge the great work of Chairman Waxman, Chairman Dingell, and Chairman Pallone. We passed this bill before Easter. Happily, yesterday, it passed the Senate, so that we can now pass the bill again and send it to the President's desk for his signature.

"There is so much support outside of the Congress as well. Thousands of organizations -- everyone from the American Cancer Society, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the AARP, and the Presbyterian Church -- just to name a few. They believe that passing this bill will save lives.

"Today, Americans benefit from the oversight of the FDA on foods that we eat, and medicines we take. Yet, despite the fact that tobacco is one of the deadliest products in America, the FDA has had no authority to regulate it. This is just not right. And today, we can correct that wrong.

"Right now, tobacco is exempt from standards that apply to a can of soda or a box of pasta. Tobacco makers are exempt from the critical and basic consumer protections, such as ingredient disclosure, product testing, and restrictions -- and restrictions on marketing to children.

"This legislation grants the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products. It also requires detailed disclosures of tobacco product ingredients and restricts tobacco marketing and sales to young people, among other things.

"And this legislation does all of this in a fiscally responsible way -- funding the FDA tobacco activity through a user fee on tobacco manufacturers.

"Because of lost productivity and health care expenditures, cigarette smoking costs our nation more than $193 billion a year -- almost $200 billion a year. By reducing the number of smokers, not only will this legislation save lives and reduce chronic disease, it will also reduce health care costs.

"Today, approximately 3,500 young people will try a cigarette for the first time, and another 1,000 will become addicted and be new, regular, daily smokers. One-third of those children will eventually die prematurely because of smoking. We must do all that we can to prevent premature death from smoking. And today, we have that opportunity.

"Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the aptly named Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. I hope that the children of America will see a strong, bipartisan vote. This legislation deserves it. And then we can send it onto the President Obama to be signed into law, hopefully no later than next week.

"Today in passing this legislation -- enabling the FDA to regulate tobacco, we are taking a giant step toward making America healthier.

"Thank you all for your leadership."


SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House

NADA Welcomes Congressional Oversight of Dealership Closures

Dealer Group Acknowledges GM's Improvements to Participation Agreement

WASHINGTON, June 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following his testimony before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, John McEleney, Chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and a multi-franchise dealer from Iowa, issued the following statement:

"NADA welcomes the engagement of this subcommittee which has a long history of aggressive congressional oversight. Oversight is exactly what is needed due to the lack of transparency and the harsh treatment of dealers during the government-sponsored restructuring of both Chrysler and General Motors.

"GM is closing 1,350 dealerships. Chrysler, through the bankruptcy courts, just shuttered 789 franchises. Between them, these closings put more than 100,000 jobs at risk, in communities throughout the country. With unemployment at its highest rate in more than 25 years, eliminating jobs and closing community businesses is not the way to help a struggling economy.

"Everyone agrees that both Chrysler and GM need to decrease costs and increase revenue to survive, but eliminating dealerships does neither. Dealers cost an automaker almost nothing. They are independent entrepreneurs who risk millions of dollars to buy the land, build the buildings and purchase the vehicles and parts from the automaker. Terminating dealerships only cuts into an automakers' revenue, jeopardizes market share without making either company any stronger.

"We learned recently that it was the federal government that required these closures. Ron Bloom of the Automotive Task Force acknowledged to the Senate this week that the Task Force required both Chrysler and GM to be "more aggressive" regarding dealers.

"We do not see how cutting dealerships and jobs makes economic sense -- not for Chrysler, not for General Motors, not for local communities and certainly not for the struggling U.S. economy.

"I would also like to comment on the status of the GM agreements, both the Participation Agreements for those dealers going forward and the "Wind-Down" Agreements for closing franchises. During the Senate Commerce Committee hearing last week, NADA voiced serious concerns about the extremely one-sided Participation Agreements delivered to the 4,000 dealers of the new GM. General Motors executives responded to these concerns promptly and, after a very frank discussion, made significant improvements to the Participation Agreement. Additionally, the company has committed to clarify some of the terms of the Wind-Down Agreements for the terminated dealerships. Furthermore, we appreciate GM's willingness to continue to work with NADA on these crucial matters.

"We remain concerned, however, because these government-negotiated bankruptcies continue to threaten dealer rights under state motor vehicle franchise laws. These laws inject balance in the inherently unbalanced economic relationship between a dealer and the manufacturer. To fix this problem, Congress should insist that the franchise laws of the 50 states apply with full force and effect by passing H.R. 2743, the Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act of 2009."

Click here for McEleney's full oral testimony.

http://www.nada.org/NR/rdonlyres/570C5392-FECF-46E0-8160-3D93C6B31571/0/McEleney_Oral_Testimony_061209_Final.pdf


SOURCE National Automobile Dealers Association

New Nonfiction Illuminates Realities of Public Education System

Dan Golarz Shares Experience as First-time Teacher in At-risk Schools in New Book

BLOOMINGTON, Ind., June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- It is said time and time again that the key to improving public education programs is to recruit better, more capable, passionate teachers. And thousands upon thousands of would-be teachers take up the challenge every year, seeking out at-risk students with the altruistic notion of bettering society. And yet, a disparity still exists between those passionate teachers willing to lend their knowledge and the dire state of public education today. In his new nonfiction book, "Eight Days In An Inner City School" (published by AuthorHouse), Dan Golarz sheds light upon the situation by sharing his own experience at Native American reservations and inner city schools, exposing not only the bureaucracy, hypocrisy and incompetence that lies behind US school systems, but also the insufficient preparation given at the collegiate level for those students wishing to teach at-risk students.

Writes Golarz, "['Eight Days In An Inner City School'] also exposes a system that has been slammed to the ground by policies, practices, and court decisions that protect the rights of everyone except those who teach and those who desire to learn, but leave these dedicated individuals constantly vulnerable to the violence, anger, hostility, and hopelessness that seem to be a hallmark of so many of our inner-city schools."

Honest and thought-provoking, "Eight Days In An Inner City School" is written from the point of view of a bright, enthusiastic, if not naive, Golarz as he ventures from the School of Education at Monlovia State University to complete his student training at a Native American reservation in Arizona and then his first teaching experience at a public school in Los Angeles. Golarz indicts not only the public school system, to which he was delivered, but also the college and student training courses that inadequately prepared him for the challenges that lay ahead. Citing daily difficulties with classroom management, grading systems, discipline policies, erratic scheduling and ill-conceived curriculum plans, Golarz paints a dismal, frustrating picture of the reality of teaching within the public school system.

"Eight Days In An Inner City School" recounts the combination of events and interactions that compelled Golarz to finally give up his dream and abruptly leave his first teaching assignment with a profound sense of confusion, self-doubt and betrayal. Within this decision and the emotional aftermath lies the plea for education reform in public schools and on the collegiate level. Cut from the same mold as memorable motion-pictures such as "Stand and Deliver," "Eight Days In An Inner City School" offers a heart-wrenching, poignant look at the reality of one teacher's first brush with the US public education system.

Dan Golarz graduated from college with a degree in mathematics education. He has taught mathematics at the high school and middle school levels and taught English in South Korea.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit http://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.


SOURCE AuthorHouse

Governor Rendell Reviews Economic Recovery Progress During Vice President Biden's Visit

CARLISLE, Pa., June 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania has already invested $1 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act putting people to work on roads and bridges, upgrading water systems, investing in alternative energy and providing health care, Governor Edward G. Rendell today told Vice President Joseph R. Biden.

"We are making good on our promise to put people to work rebuilding the state's economy with wise and efficient use of recovery dollars," Governor Rendell said during a return trip to the Route 34 bridge near Carlisle on the first day of its reconstruction. "There will be 30 people working on this bridge in the coming months, including some workers who had been laid off."

Pennsylvania beat by a month the Recovery Act June 29 deadline for obligating a significant portion of its transportation funding.

"I have directed PennDOT to have all of these critically needed Recovery Act contracts in place by the end of August -- again far exceeding the federal deadlines.

"The $1 billion in Recovery Act money we've invested so far is doing much more than funding bridge and road repairs. We've invested that money in upgrading water systems in 26 counties, extending unemployment benefits for 100,000 people, training workers, providing child care to 4,000 more kids, funding cutting-edge alternative energy projects, and providing health care," Governor Rendell said.


"Yesterday, I announced that we would use stimulus funds to create more than 3,580 affordable rental units and, combined with other federal funds for neighborhood stabilization, put 3,000 people to work in construction and related jobs."

Pennsylvania is the first state to take the Recovery Act-funded First Time Homebuyer Tax Rebates and convert them into immediate cash to help families make the down payments on their homes.

The Recovery Act road and bridge funding, combined with Governor Rendell's "Rebuild Pennsylvania" initiative, which started last year, means Pennsylvania will be investing nearly $3 billion this year putting people to work -- more than any other single-year investment.

This marked the second visit to the Route 34 bridge by Governor Rendell and Vice President Biden. On Feb. 11, they inspected the 80-year-old bridge to highlight the need for the then-pending American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $1.7 million contract for the bridge's replacement was awarded April 9 and new concrete bridge beams were ordered shortly afterwards.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter and a representative from the general contractor, J.D. Eckman of Chester County, participated in today's construction kick-off event.

The bridge closing was delayed until today to avoid disrupting local school bus routes. The new bridge will be opened to traffic in late November and the entire project is expected to be completed by spring of 2010.

"Recovery Act funding is making a difference in these tough economic times, and Pennsylvania has moved quickly to invest these dollars to put people to work on road and bridge repair projects," Governor Rendell said."

He outlined Pennsylvania's progress on recovery-funded transportation investments. To date, PennDOT has:

obligated $384 million for road and bridge projects;
opened bids on 131 Recovery contracts worth more than $300 million;
awarded 108 Recovery contracts worth more than $200 million; and
started work on 78 projects worth $168 million.

"Already, these efforts are paying off," the Governor said. "We have hundreds of people working and for the first time in memory, we saw a reduction in the number of structurally deficient bridges this year - from a peak of 6,034 late last year to 5,911 in March."

To learn more about how the federal Recovery Act will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his newsletter, visit: www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT:
Chuck Ardo
717-783-1116


SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

PA Realtors(R) Laud Gov. Rendell and PHFA for Creating Initiative to Benefit Homebuyers

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS(R) (PAR) today commended Gov. Edward G. Rendell's plan to award a portion of the $380 million in federal economic recovery funds to assist Pennsylvania homebuyers.

According to the governor, nearly 1,000 families will receive thousands of dollars to help make down payments on new homes, more than 5,000 families across Pennsylvania will find affordable housing and jobs will be created for some 3,000 workers.

"By initiating this program, the governor and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) are making significant strides in helping reinvigorate the real estate market and the economy in Pennsylvania," said Greg Herb, PAR president.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) is administering $5 million for the Keystone First Program, a down-payment assistance initiative that will provide up to $6,000 in down payment funding to at least 1,000 first-time homebuyers.

"The governor's decision to use the federal economic recovery funds for housing will greatly assist first-time homebuyers and help more Pennsylvanians achieve the American dream of homeownership," added Herb.

In addition, the Neighborhood Stabilization program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will assist families throughout Pennsylvania. The program will provide $57 million to local governments across the state to acquire, rehabilitate and resell blighted and foreclosed properties.

"With these funds and programs in place, we may be able to see a faster recovery of the housing market in Pennsylvania," said Herb.

The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS(R) (PAR) is a 34,500-member trade association that serves as the "voice for real estate" in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A member organization of the National Association of REALTORS(R), PAR comprises residential and commercial REALTORS(R) who subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.


SOURCE Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS

United States Resettles Four Uighur Detainees From Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Bermuda

WASHINGTON, June 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Justice today announced that four detainees, Chinese nationals of Uighur ethnicity who had been held at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, have been resettled in Bermuda. These detainees, who were subject to release as a result of court orders, had been cleared for release by the prior administration, which determined they would no longer treat them as enemy combatants. The detainees were again cleared for release this year after review by the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force.

As directed by the President's January 22, 2009, Executive Order, the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of the four, including a threat evaluation, and approved them for resettlement. The detainees left Guantanamo Bay today pursuant to an arrangement between the United States and the Government of Bermuda.

The Uighurs are a Turkic Muslim minority from the Xinjiang province of far-west China. The Uighurs currently at Guantanamo Bay left China and made their way to Afghanistan, where most eventually settled in a camp with other Uighurs opposed to the Chinese government. After the United States conducted aerial strikes in the area in October 2001, the Uighurs from that camp fled to Pakistan and were later apprehended. According to available information, these individuals did not travel to Afghanistan with the intent to take any hostile action against the United States.

This marks the first time since 2006 that the U.S. government has successfully resettled any of the Guantanamo Uighur population. In 2006, five Uighurs were transferred to Albania; there have been no reports of post-resettlement engagement in criminal behavior or terrorist activities.

"By helping accomplish the President's objective of closing Guantanamo, the transfer of these detainees will make America safer," said Attorney General Eric Holder. "We are extremely grateful to the government of Bermuda for its assistance in the successful resettlement of these four detainees, and we commend the leadership they have demonstrated on this important issue."

Since 2002, more than 540 detainees have departed Guantanamo for other countries including Albania, Algeria, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, France, Great Britain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.


SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice

NASA Announces Climate Change Education Funding Opportunity

NASA Logo. (PRNewsFoto/NASA)

WASHINGTON, DC UNITED STATES

WASHINGTON, June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA has announced a new funding opportunity that could result in the award of cooperative agreements for projects designed to educate students, teachers and lifelong learners about global climate change.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)

Proposals for Global Climate Change Education: Research Experiences, Teaching and Learning are expected to leverage NASA's unique contributions in climate and Earth system science to enhance students' academic experiences and improve educators' abilities to engage and stimulate their students. A particular emphasis is placed on providing opportunities for students to investigate the climate system using NASA Earth observation data and NASA Earth system models.

Notices of Intent to propose to this announcement are strongly encouraged and due by July 2. Full proposals are due Aug. 3. The anticipated total amount of funds available for new awards is approximately $8 million.

This funding opportunity supports NASA's goal to engage students in the critical disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Proposals that offer innovative approaches for using NASA resources in support of elementary, secondary, undergraduate and lifelong teaching and learning are sought.

Proposals will be accepted under three funding categories:

- Improving teacher competency for global climate change education

- Using NASA Earth system data and models to strengthen teaching and learning about global climate change

- Enabling global climate change science research experiences for undergraduate or community college students and pre- or in-service teachers, including those in nontraditional teacher licensure programs

Proposals will be accepted from higher education institutions, state agencies, local agencies, or federally recognized tribal government agencies; public school districts; and nonprofit organizations. NASA centers, federal agencies, federally funded research and development centers, education-related companies, and other institutions may apply through partnership with a qualifying lead organization.

This is the second competitive announcement for NASA's Global Climate Change Education project, which was initiated in fiscal year 2008.

For detailed information about the opportunity, click on "Open Solicitations" and look for "Global Climate Change Education (GGCE): Research Experiences, Teaching & Learning" or solicitation NNL09ZB1005C at:

http://nspires.nasaprs.com

For more information about NASA's education programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education


SOURCE NASA

Pelosi: Congressman Ralph Regula's Leadership Benefited Our Entire Nation

WASHINGTON, June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor yesterday evening in support of legislation to designate the federal building and United States courthouse in Canton, Ohio, as the "Ralph Regula Federal Building and United States Courthouse." The House will vote on the legislation later today. Below are the Speaker's remarks.

"Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and thank him for giving us this opportunity to come to the floor to sing the praises of our former colleague--we always will have him as a colleague in our hearts, but former colleague on the floor, Congressman Ralph Regula of Ohio.

"As many of you know, Ralph Regula served in the House with great distinction for 38 years of service, 38 years of service and not only service, great leadership. Last year, we sadly said good-bye to him, but now tonight we will honor him by creating a longstanding testament to his leadership, designating the courthouse and federal building in his hometown of Canton as the Ralph Regula Federal Building and United States Courthouse.

"I want to acknowledge Congressman John Boccieri for his work in shepherding this legislation through Congress and for doing an exceptional job, I believe, following in the footsteps of Ralph Regula in representing Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

"Congressman Regula's entire life was devoted to public service and still is. He was a distinguished Navy veteran of World War II. He served our country in that way, and he served in both the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives as well as the State Board of Education. And aren't we fortunate that when he came to Congress, he was already an experienced legislator with a strong commitment to educating our children?

"Thirty-eight years. Imagine that. Some of our Members weren't even born when Ralph Regula came to the Congress. Thirty-eight years in the House of Representatives, earning the distinction of being the second-longest-serving Republican in the Congress.

"Congressman Regula's leadership benefited our entire nation. It was a personal privilege for me to work with him on the Appropriations Committee. I saw firsthand his leadership, his knowledge of the issues, the respect that he commanded for all who came before him and the respect he had from both sides of the aisle.

"I personally am grateful to him for transforming San Francisco's former Army base -- he was very much a part of doing that -- the Presidio, into one of our nation's premier parks. We have honored him on many occasions in San Francisco, most recently at Fort Baker.

"None of us can come together and talk about Ralph Regula without talking about Mary Regula, because they served here in Congress as a team. Ralph would be the first to say that it was the love of Mary and their three children and four grandchildren that made his leadership possible. And we all know that Mary is the one who made a decision that we would have a National First Ladies' Library in Canton, Ohio, to honor the contribution to our nation of the first ladies of America. It's a phenomenal thing. She had an idea, she executed it, and now people can visit and see that important part of American history thanks to Mary Regula.

"Today we honor a great congressional leader, a great friend to all of us, and a great man. I urge all of my colleagues to understand the privilege that we have of expressing our appreciation for Ralph Regula's leadership by supporting this legislation, and I join my colleagues from Ohio on both sides of the aisle for the honor that we are paying to Ralph Regula tonight. And I again thank John Boccieri for shepherding this through the Congress."


SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House

NSTA Issues Statement on THE OPPORTUNITY EQUATION: Transforming Mathematics and Science Education for Citizenship and the Global Economy

ARLINGTON, Va., June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning, released the following statement in response to the Carnegie Corporations of New York-Institute for Advanced Study Commission on Mathematics and Science Education report issued today.

"The National Science Teachers Association commends the Carnegie Commission for its groundbreaking and detailed report THE OPPORTUNITY EQUATION: Transforming Mathematics and Science Education for Citizenship and the Global Economy and its call for a national movement to transform science and math education.

We strongly agree with the Commission that excellent science and mathematics learning for all American students will be possible if we place science and math 'more squarely at the center of the educational enterprise.' In the last eight years, science in the elementary grades has been virtually eliminated in many schools. Other schools have been forced to reduce funding for teacher training and science classroom resources. To realize the reforms outlined in this report we must commit the necessary resources to science teaching and learning, and we must ensure that teachers are actively engaged in all reform efforts.

For years NSTA has been at the forefront of advocating for stronger science education for all students. Currently NSTA is leading discussions with the National Research Council, Achieve, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Project 2061 about current science standards and the need to build toward common content standards in science, as mentioned in the Carnegie report.

NSTA looks forward to working with the Carnegie Commission to ensure that all stakeholders will read and take action to immediately implement many of the recommendations put forth in this report."

THE OPPORTUNITY EQUATION: Transforming Mathematics and Science Education for Citizenship and the Global Economy calls for higher levels of mathematics and science learning for all students; common standards in math and science that are fewer, clearer, and higher, coupled with aligned assessments; improved teaching and professional learning, supported by better school and system management; and new designs for schools and systems to deliver math and science learning more effectively. For more information on the report, visit http://www.carnegie.org/index.html.

About NSTA

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), www.nsta.org, is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 60,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.


SOURCE National Science Teachers Association

World Family Prayer Candle Light Vigil for the Love of Children and Their Human Rights Represented by the German American Jewish African 6-Year Old "L

Citizen of two countries, but only one defends her human rights... Why?

Weekend, 12-14 June 2009

WASHINGTON, June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ariana-Leilani, "The Little Ambassador" is a 6-year old German Jewish African American, whom like President Barack Obama is multi-racial, has visited 10 countries and has lived and attended school in Hawaii, several other counties, and is both a German and American citizen. Yet only Germany defends her human rights. Why? The Little Ambassador promotes World Peace and Children's Human Rights, recognized by 192 countries with the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child UN-CRC. The USA and Somalia do not. In Germany the Little Ambassador's human rights are actively protected under the UN-CRC, but not in the United States. The Ariana-Leilani Children's Foundation International (www.Ariana-LeilaniFoundation.org) educates and advocates for Children's Human Rights through the USA's adoption of the UN Convention on the rights of the Child. In January 2009, on Marin Luther King Day, children made art about their human rights, and in May 2009 the Ariana-Leilani Children's Foundation and Ariel Foundation International celebrated International Children's Day at the National Harbor.

Ariana-Leilani "Little Ambassador's" bid for recognition of her human rights (now life-threatening) has gained the local and international press and support from Congressman Stony Hoyer, and Congressman Van Hollen, former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Alfonso Lenhardt and Maryland Delegate Brian Feldman, and Washington, DC Council Tommy Wells and various German Representatives and Institutions, including the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

The 20th Anniversary, the 51 Session on the UN Committee of the Rights of the Child was held in Geneva, Switzerland (25 May to 12 June). The members of the committee are from Ghana, Syria Arab Republic, Italy, Algeria, Slovenia, Hungary, Egypt, Thailand, Tunisia, Germany, Republic of Korea, Chile, Paraguay, Uganda, Lithuania, Mauritius, Peru and Switzerland.

The "Little Ambassador" is currently fighting for her human rights in the USA, is represented the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child by her mother, Dr. Ariel King, President of the Ariel Foundation International.

The World Family Prayer and Candle Light Vigil, will start in Geneva after the closing ceremony by the Madam Ynghee Lee (Republic of Korea), the Chair of the Committee on the Rights of the Child and Dr. Ariel King. The candlelight will be lit throughout the world. The candles will light the path from darkness to light for the USA and its' moral obligation to adopt Children's Human Rights, CRC. Participants will light a candle and take photos, videos, and/or make art. The world's children will lead, and we will follow.

"The Little Ambassador" has met Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General, Queen Noor of Jordan, Ambassador Williams of Kitts & Nevis, Ambassador Huggins former to Botswana, Ambassador Radifera of Madagascar, Ambassador Chidisiku Zimbabwe to UN, Jonathan B. Majiyagbe, the first African Rotary International President, Gaddi Vasquez, the first Hispanic Peace Corp Director, and Congresswoman Eleanor Norton Holms (DC). Ariana-Leilani as an active "Little Ambassador" has, attended meetings at Rotary, the White House, the United Nations (New York) including The Council on the Status of Women, Rotary International UN Day, and the World Health Assembly in Geneva. She has volunteered in community service projects alongside adults, befriended and played with AIDS orphans in Zambia, Lesotho and South Africa, all before the age of five.

World wide we light the path for President Barack Hussein Obama to actively promote children's human rights in the USA with the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Sponsors: The Ariana-Leilani Children's Foundation and Ariel Foundation International and the Victims Rights Foundation, Links: www.Ariana-LeilaniFoundation.org , www.ArielFoundation.org, www.VictimsRightsFoundation.org, www.childrightscampaign.org


SOURCE Ariel Foundation

Pedal Power: Bike Donations Give a Boost to South Dakota Children

RICHMOND, Va., June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dozens of children on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota are pedaling their way to new adventures and a healthier lifestyle thanks to a recent bike donation from Unity North Church in Coon Rapids, Minn.

The church's youth group gathered donated bikes and purchased used bikes to give to the Christian Children's Fund program in the Cherry Creek community on the reservation. About 40 bikes were given to CCF.

The bike donation is part of CCF's staff work in that area to combat childhood obesity. Almost half the youth on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation have health concerns, such as diabetes, due to obesity.

The children simply see the bikes as fun.

"I love my bike," said 6-year-old Jayla. "My bike takes me everywhere."

Like Jayla, 9-year-old Esperonza enjoys the new-found freedom a bike offers.

"Me and my bike can go anywhere we want to now," she said.

CCF's U.S. National Director Raquel Oliva said children in the small village previously had to "check out" one of the four bikes in the program if they wanted to ride. Now, Oliva said, "the whole community is very excited" about having more bikes.

"Every time I think about the children that day, I get all happy inside," Oliva said of the day the bikes arrived.

"I don't care if I don't get anything else," 11-year-old Angelo said about the donation.

CCF staff is currently working on programs that address bike safety. The church's youth group, Youth of Unity, is currently collecting more bikes to donate to CCF's programs in South Dakota, said Unity North Church Pastor Carol Kniskern.

"They know they can make a difference in people's lives," Kniskern said about the youth group.

The CCF program on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota began in July 2008. The reservation is home to the Lakota tribe. The CCF program seeks to provide a nurturing and protective environment for children in the communities of Eagle Butte, Cherry Creek and LaPlant.

CCF programs there include youth leadership, early childhood development, health promotion, reading readiness and life skills.

For more information about CCF visit www.christianchildrensfund.org. CCF will begin operating as ChildFund International on July 1.


SOURCE Christian Children's Fund

Families, Consumers of Home Care Impacted by Budget Cuts to Hold Noon Vigil Outside Fresno Board of Supervisors Meeting as Clock Ticks Down to July 1s

FRESNO, Calif., June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Representatives and supporters, including SEIU UHW, of the more than 12,000 families who rely on In-Home Support Services to care for elderly or disabled loved ones will hold a vigil on Tuesday at noon outside of the Fresno Board of Supervisors meeting as the clock ticks down to the July 1st deadline for dangerous home care cuts to go into effect. Clients and family members fear that the lower wages will force workers to find new jobs forcing their loved ones into institutions.

Carlos Martinez whose 29-year-old wife is recovering from a diabetic coma, said in court filings, "I am very concerned that I will be unable to replace my wife's IHSS providers if they quit. I do not know how I would provide the care that she needs in order to remain at home if I could not find IHSS providers for all of my wife's authorized hours. I am very worried about the possibility that I might have to put my wife in some kind of institutional care if I could not replace her IHSS providers."

In Sacramento County, unlike Fresno, officials chose to work with the union to offset losses in local revenue with federal stimulus funds to assure no loss of pay for home care workers. SEIU UHW and Sacramento County reached an agreement in May to sustain current wages and healthcare benefits.

Last week SEIU filed for a emergency injunction to stop the cuts from going into effect on July 1st. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of individual consumers and SEIU, and argues that the planned cuts put seniors and people with disabilities at risk and violate the American with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and federal Medicaid Law.

WHO: Consumer, clients and family members of the elderly and disabled

WHERE: Fresno County Hall of Records, 2281 Tulare, Fresno

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9 at NOON

VISUALS: Participants signing a large-size postcard to County Board of Supervisors, signs, banners

SEIU UHW represents more than 150,000 healthcare workers across California and our members provide first-rate care to millions of Californians. We are a proud affiliate of the 2 million+ member Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org


SOURCE SEIU UHW

NASA Announces STS-127 Prelaunch and Mission Web Coverage

NASA Logo. (PRNewsFoto/NASA)

WASHINGTON, DC UNITED STATES

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A prelaunch webcast, live blogs, podcast, pictures and videos will highlight NASA's Web coverage of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour is scheduled to lift off Saturday, June 13, at 7:17 a.m. EDT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA will provide online updates at:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)

A webcast June 12 at 10 a.m. will start the in-depth online coverage of the mission. Host Damon Talley of NASA's Digital Learning Network will preview the flight, and payload mission manager Scott Higginbotham will describe the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex and the elements to be installed during Endeavour's mission.

A blog will provide launch countdown updates beginning at 2 a.m. on June 13. Originating from the Launch Control Center at Kennedy, the blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to launch.

During the STS-127 mission, visitors to NASA's shuttle Web site can read about the astronauts' progress and watch their five spacewalks live. Also, updates will be provided to the NASA News Twitter feed. To access the feed, visit:

http://www.twitter.com/nasa

As Endeavour's flight wraps up, NASA will update a blog detailing the spacecraft's return to Earth.


SOURCE NASA

Pennsylvania State Parks Hosting 'Get Outdoors Day' Observances

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources acting Secretary John Quigley announced today that six state parks across Pennsylvania have been selected to host a day-long series of special events as part of a nationwide Get Outdoors Day celebration on Saturday, June 13.

"Living in a state blessed with 117 state parks and 2.1 million acres of state forestland, it's not hard to step outside and enjoy the great outdoors, but many people are working to make that experience even easier," Quigley said. "The second annual Get Outdoors Day celebration gives us a chance to showcase what is offered from Bucks to Erie counties."

The secretary noted Governor Edward G. Rendell gave the effort strong momentum in late May when he joined other state governors, a consortium of federal agencies and nonprofit organizations, and the recreation industry in proclaiming June as Great Outdoors Month.

"This upcoming special day is geared to first-time visitors to our parks," Quigley said. "DCNR has pitched in by urging state residents to visit their area state parks and state forestlands and see what they have been missing."

Daylong, special Get Outdoors activities are planned at the following state parks:

Nockamixon, Bucks County; Nescopeck, Luzerne County; Parker Dam, Clearfield County; Keystone, Westmoreland County; Moraine, Butler County; and Presque Isle, Erie County.

All six state parks are showcasing what Pennsylvania's world of the outdoors have to offer, while, at the same time, embracing the philosophy of the American Recreation Coalition, an extensive network of outdoors-oriented, governmental agencies, conservation groups, and related businesses, committed to bucking a very disturbing trend -- a trend highlighted by Governor Rendell in his proclamation:

"Great Outdoors Month is a significant opportunity to help reconnect our children to nature and reverse the troubling nationwide trends of children spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago and spending six and a half hours each day 'plugged into' electronic media," the Governor said. "Outdoor recreation is vital to the economy of the Commonwealth, and the health and well-being of its residents; and this worthy pursuit will be showcased in Pennsylvania on Saturday, June 13."

Increased involvement in outdoors-based activities was the driving force that drew hundreds to the 2007 Governor's Outdoor Conference, and has been the impetus of state planning and strategy sessions to reverse what has become a national trend away from outdoor activities.

Get Outdoors Day will feature kayaking demonstrations, birds-of-prey exhibits, hiking and biking, special tips for first-time campers at the six participating state parks. Details including contacts and registration information can be found at www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org/locations/.

Complete details on the nationwide observances of Great Outdoors Month and its get Outdoors Day can be found at www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org.

Editor's Note: The text of Governor Rendell's May 20, 2009, proclamation follows:

PENNSYLVANIA GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH - June 2009

WHEREAS, Great Outdoors Month is an opportunity for Pennsylvanians to celebrate and experience our great Commonwealth's natural splendor and renew our commitment to conserve our air, water, and land; and

WHEREAS, through biking, swimming, skiing, hiking, hunting, fishing and many other activities, we are able to enjoy the healthy benefits of outdoor recreation and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Great Outdoors Month is a significant opportunity to help reconnect our children to nature and reverse the troubling nationwide trends of children spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago and spending six and a half hours each day "plugged into" electronic media; and

WHEREAS, conserving our natural resources and enhancing our legacy of environmental stewardship and enjoyment of the great outdoors by protecting open space, restoring wildlife habitats, educating young people about the environment, planting trees and maintaining recreational trails is critical; and

WHEREAS, outdoor recreation is vital to the economy of the Commonwealth, and the health and well-being of its residents; and this worthy pursuit will be showcased Saturday, June 13, in National Get Outdoors Day events at Keystone, Moraine, Presque Isle, Parker Dam, Nescopeck and Nockamixon state parks; and

WHEREAS, through the 2007 Governor's Outdoor Conference and the subsequent public meetings held throughout the Commonwealth, we understand that our future quality of life depends on our ability to understand, appreciate and enjoy Pennsylvania's natural bounties; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's resource agencies, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Game Commission and the Fish & Boat Commission, provide the public with detailed information on outdoor opportunities in Pennsylvania and help connect people to nature.

THEREFORE, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim June 2009 "Great Outdoors Month" in the Commonwealth. I urge all Pennsylvanians to reaffirm their commitment to enjoying, protecting and conserving the quality of our outdoors.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this 20th day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and nine, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-third.

Edward G. Rendell, Governor


CONTACT: Terry Brady
(717) 772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Joint Statement on Atypical Antipsychotic Use in Children

WASHINGTON, June 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The below listed groups issued the following statement regarding the upcoming FDA Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee Meeting on June 9-10:

As advocates for people living with mental illnesses, we strongly urge the FDA to carefully consider the importance of viable treatment options for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in pediatric and adolescent populations. Access to safe and effective treatments, including more information about all treatment options, is crucial to treating these serious and complex conditions in children and adolescents.

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are very real, life-threatening diseases which can appear in childhood and adolescence. For example, federally funded research (STEP-BD) found that, of 3,658 adult patients studied, 68% reported bipolar disease onset in childhood or adolescence. Patients with child onset had, on average, fewer days of euthymia (or neutral mood), greater impairment in functioning and poorer quality of life. Those with adolescent onset have better outcomes than those with child onset, but were still worse off than those who did not suffer from bipolar disorder until adulthood. These alarming statistics highlight the need for early recognition and treatment, which offers children and adolescents their best chance to achieve and maintain wellness.

We encourage an open and transparent scientific discourse about all pharmacologic treatments that come before the Advisory Committee and urge the Committee to carefully weigh the available evidence regarding safety and efficacy. No one treatment option works for all children. In order for physicians and families to make informed treatment decisions they need access to a full range of medications and treatment options and to the research regarding the risks and benefits of these treatments. More long-term clinical research in children and adolescents is also needed to better understand the risks and benefits of these medications when used over an extended period.

As we know, these medications can also have serious side effects, which is why it is crucial that parents and physicians have as much information as possible in order to make informed decisions and weigh the risk of side effects and adverse reactions against the risk of not treating these very serious diseases. Other treatments for grave childhood illnesses such as cancer can cause hair loss, nausea, compromised immune systems and even death. However, few people question the necessity of these aggressive forms of treatment. Like cancer, aggressive treatment may be needed for some patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, diseases with a higher risk of death than some forms of cancer.

The best way to protect the health of our nation's children and adolescents is to increase access to treatment options and communicate accurate, scientific information that helps parents and physicians cope with and properly treat these devastating illnesses.

Our non-profit national mental health advocacy and medical professional organizations represent consumers, physicians, researchers and the top experts in the field of mental health and neuroscience. For more information about mental illness and treatment, we recommend that you talk to your health care provider or visit our organization websites.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - www.aacap.org

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - www.afsp.org

American Psychiatric Association - www.psych.org

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation - www.bpkids.org

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - www.chadd.org

Families for Depression Awareness - www.familyaware.org

Mental Health America - www.mentalhealthamerica.net

National Alliance on Mental Illness - www.nami.org

National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare - http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/


SOURCE Mental Health America

CSCMP Conference Session to Focus on How Supply Chains Positively Influence Health Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa

LOMBARD, Ill., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- A major session at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals' (CSCMP) 2009 Annual Global Conference will focus on how supply chains are helping to improve health and living conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. The conference will be held September 20-23 in Chicago, Illinois.

At the center of the international issue of improving delivery of drugs, vaccines, and other remedies to needy populations is the role of the supply chain. The session, entitled Improving Health in the World and Saving Lives with More Effective Supply Chains, will reveal how supply chains have positively impacted health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Opportunities for attendees to contribute their knowledge and expertise to saving lives and improving health around the world will also be discussed.

The session will be presented by Dr. Prashant Yadav, Professor of Supply Chain Management at the MIT-Zaragoza International Logistics Program in Spain and Research Affiliate at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics. He currently serves as a consultant and adviser in the area of global health supply chains to the World Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Roll Back Malaria Partnership, Medicines for Malaria Venture, and other global health organizations.

Attendees who register before June 30 will receive $280.00 US off the on-site rate.

Founded in 1963, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) is the leading worldwide professional association dedicated to education, research, and the advancement of the supply chain management profession. With over 9,000 members globally, representing business, government, and academia from 63 countries, CSCMP members are the leading practitioners and authorities in the fields of logistics and supply chain management.


SOURCE Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals

2009 Catholic Health Assembly to Focus on Hope in a Time of Hardship and Adapting for the Future in a Time of Health Reform

News Media Invited to Attend

NEW ORLEANS, June 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic health ministry leaders will gather June 7-9 in New Orleans for the 2009 Catholic Health Assembly, "In Our Hands: Changing Ourselves, Our Communities, Our Nation."

The assembly, hosted by the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), is the largest annual gathering of Catholic health care leaders from across the nation. They come together to share their wisdom, celebrate heroes and prepare for the possibility that the ministry's decades-long commitment to bring about a just health care system could be realized through reform that assures access and coverage for everyone.

The assembly's roster of general session speakers includes:

Nancy Brinker, founder, Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R), World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control, former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, former U.S. Chief of Protocol and one of TIME's "100 Most Influential People" in 2008. (Sunday, June 7, 1:30 p.m. CDT)

Daniel P. Sulmasy, OFM, MD, Ph.D., a Franciscan Friar, holds the Sisters of Charity Chair in Ethics at St. Vincent's Hospital, Manhattan, and serves as professor of medicine and director of the Bioethics Institute of New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. (Sunday, June 7, 3:00 p.m. CDT)

Stan Brock, founder, Remote Area Medical(R) (RAM) Volunteer Corps, a non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief corps dedicated to providing free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world. (Monday, June 8, 9:00 a.m. CDT)

Bob Schieffer, Chief Washington Correspondent, CBS News, anchor and moderator of Face The Nation, CBS News' Sunday public affairs broadcast, and author of Bob Schieffer's America. (Monday, June 8, Noon CDT)

In addition, there will be an interactive general session to address the dilemmas faced in providing charity care, as well as Innovation Forum sessions providing insight on issues ranging from community benefit, palliative care, environmental responsibilities and senior care. Complete assembly program information is available online at www.chausa.org/assembly.

The assembly will contribute to the rebuilding of New Orleans. Through Catholic Charities' Operation Helping Hands, volunteers will participate in a rehabilitation project on Saturday, June 6. On Tuesday, June 9, some attendees will take a bus tour to view areas devastated by Katrina and the rebuilding projects underway.

CHA is reducing the environmental impact of the assembly. Efforts focus on: reduced paper waste, increased recycling opportunities, not serving bottled water and attendees will receive tote bags made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled materials (discarded water bottles and food containers).

The assembly headquarters hotel is the Sheraton New Orleans, 500 Canal St., New Orleans. Representatives of news organizations interested in attending are asked to contact Fred Caesar at (504) 681-5451 or (202) 256-2952 or fcaesar@chausa.org.

The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), founded in 1915, supports the Catholic health ministry's pursuit of the strategic directions of mission, ethics, and advocacy. As the nation's largest group of not-for-profit sponsors, systems, and facilities, the ministry is committed to improving the health status of communities and creating quality and compassionate health care that works for everyone. For more information, visit the CHA website at www.chausa.org .


SOURCE Catholic Health Association of the United States

'Parents Speak Up' National Campaign Encourages Parent-Child Communication About Sex

WASHINGTON, June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Advertising can be an effective way to encourage parents to talk with their children about sex, according to a new study by researchers at The George Washington University and RTI International.

The study, published in the June issue of Journal of Adolescent Health, found that the "Parents Speak Up National Campaign," successfully encouraged parents to initiate conversations about sex with their children.

"The study adds a new dimension to the larger debate on abstinence education and intervention programs," said Doug Evans, Ph.D., director of public health communication and marketing at The George Washington University and the study's lead author. "We found that abstinence messaging delivered to parents through mass media is efficacious in promoting parenting-child communication about sex and thus may be an effective public health strategy."

The results showed that four weeks after exposure to the ad campaign, fathers initiated more conversations with their children than they had previously. And after six months, both fathers and mothers who were exposed to the campaign were more likely to specifically recommend to their children to wait to become sexually active.

"The pattern of initiation of conversations about sex at four weeks post-baseline and then recommendations to their child to wait at six months post-baseline among fathers" is significant, said Kevin Davis, M.A., a senior researcher at RTI and the study's co-author. "This suggests the campaign succeeded in communicating its 'call to action,' particularly among fathers."

The campaign, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, launched in June 2007 and uses primarily public service announcements as well as paid television, radio, print and outdoor announcements.

The study included nearly 1,500 parents of children 10 to 14 years old, selected from the Knowledge Networks, an online panel based on a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Participants were randomly assigned to experiment conditions, receiving exposure or no exposure to campaign ads and materials. All participants completed a baseline survey prior to exposure and then two follow-up surveys four weeks and six months later.

Provided by Newswise, online resource for knowledge-based news at www.newswise.com


SOURCE George Washington University

Statement of U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis on May 2009 employment numbers

WASHINGTON, June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the May 2009 Employment Situation report released today:

"This past May, our economy lost 345,000 jobs, bringing the total number of jobs lost since this recession began to 6 million. The overall unemployment rate increased to 9.4 percent.

"Americans all across the country continue to face adversity during this economic downturn. Today's findings continue to illustrate and underscore the needs of working families. That struggle is the single-most important focus of this administration.

"We continue to move swiftly and aggressively to protect workers who have lost their jobs, to provide new training opportunities, to assist workers in upgrading their skills and to open new employment in emerging sectors such as green jobs and health information technology.

"To underscore our commitment, the Department of Labor has moved aggressively to implement the Recovery Act by providing nearly $3 billion in formula grants to states and local governments for employment and training activities directed to adults, youth and dislocated workers; $1.3 billion in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to 18 states and the District of Columbia; and $120 million in funds for services to low-income seniors. We have provided states with funds to pay extra weeks of unemployment benefits for an extended period of time; increased benefits checks by an extra $25 per week; and given $500 million to states to help them administer unemployment insurance benefits and re-employment services.

"We are beginning to see signs of the recovery taking hold as the comprehensive plan of the Obama Administration continues to reach more and more Americans. There are signs in this report that Recovery Act programs are beginning to moderate the fall in jobs. For example, the stimulus tax cuts seem to be helping to stabilize employment in the retail and service sectors.

"We continue to be concerned about the high level of unemployment, especially for those who have been out of work an extended period of time. We are working to make sure these workers continue to have access to unemployment insurance benefits and job training opportunities. These efforts underscore our top priority to rebuild the economy to get people back to work.

"We are facing extraordinary challenges, but Americans are resilient and no stranger to adversity. After meeting with workers all across this country, I am even more confident that we can meet these challenges with the same resilient attitude and commitment to innovation that has characterized our country throughout its history."

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.


SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor

NASA Exploration Exhibit to Visit Ocean City Air Show, June 13-14

NASA Logo. (PRNewsFoto/NASA)

WASHINGTON, DC UNITED STATES

OCEAN CITY, Md., June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- America's plans for opening the space frontier - including new human exploration of Earth's moon and future voyages into the solar system beyond - are featured in an interactive exhibit scheduled to visit the Ocean City (Md.) Air Show June 13-14.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)

The NASA Exploration Experience traveling exhibit gives visitors a vivid glimpse into the nation's ambitious future in space.

"We hope the multimedia experience helps people better understand how the country plans to explore the moon and journey beyond in the next decade or so," said outreach coordinator Kirk Pierce from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.

While in Ocean City the exhibit will be on display at Seventeenth Street and Broadway and will be open both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Ocean City, the exhibit moves to the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar - Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., June 19-21, before moving on to Harbor Fest in Charleston, S.C., June 26-29.

The exhibit simulates a breathtaking visit to the first destination on America's new journey into the solar system: Earth's moon. "Interactive control panels and activity station, immersive 3D imagery and audio effects will plunge visitors into a not-too-distant future on the moon," Pierce added. "They'll discover what it will be like to live and work on the surfaces of other worlds - and how it will benefit life back home on Earth."

NASA staffers will be available to answer questions and discuss some of the thousands of technologies used on Earth as a result of years of space-based research and development by the agency and its partners.

"Exhibit visitors can learn how our quality of life improves when America's space exploration activities refine existing technologies and develop new breakthroughs in areas such as power generation, computer technology, communications, networking and robotics," said Pierce. Visitors also can learn how other advanced technologies are increasing the safety and reliability of space transportation systems, while also reducing costs.

Touring the NASA Exploration Experience exhibit takes approximately 10 minutes. The exhibit is wheelchair-accessible. Exhibit visitors also can see what they would look like on the Moon by having their photo taken in a space suit against a lunar landscape.

NASA's Aerospace Education Services Project (AESP), a NASA resource that delivers education programs in all 50 states and US territories, will support the exhibit. NASA's Marshall Center manages the traveling exhibit for the agency's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate in Washington.

In addition in to the traveling exhibit, AESP education specialists Rick Varner and Sonya Williams of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center will present educational workshops for teachers called "Physics through Rocketry" at Stephen Decatur High School, Berlin, Md., on July 24 and at North Caroline High School, Ridgely, Md., on July 31.

For more information about the traveling exhibit, visit:

http://exploration.nasa.gov

NASA Langley news releases are available automatically by sending an e-mail message to langley-news-request@lists.nasa.gov with the word Subscribe in the subject line. You will receive an e-mail instructing you to reply to confirm the action. To unsubscribe, send an e-mail message to langley-news-request@lists.nasa.gov with the word Unsubscribe in the subject line.


SOURCE NASA

Three in Every One Thousand U.S. Children Diagnosed With Tourette Syndrome

ATLANTA, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The first-ever national estimate among a nationally representative sample of U.S. children revealed that 3 out of every 1,000 children between the age of 6 and 17 in the United States have been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS), according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The study, "Prevalence of Diagnosed Tourette Syndrome in Children in the United States, 2007," found that a TS diagnosis is three times more common in boys than in girls, and approximately twice as common in children between 12-17 years as those aged 6-12 years. Among children with TS, 27% were reported as having moderate or severe TS and 79% of children had also been diagnosed with at least one additional mental health or neurodevelopmental condition.

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that typically begins during early childhood, with symptoms being most severe between the ages of 10 and 12 years. TS is characterized by recurring multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic. Tics are involuntary, repetitive, stereotyped, usually sudden and rapid movements or vocalizations that may be suppressed for short periods of time.

"TS and tic disorders have been linked to higher rates of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and impairments associated with these conditions, such as learning disabilities and problems with peer relations," said Dr. Rebecca Bitsko, Health Scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Given the high number of children diagnosed with TS who have another mental health or neurodevelopmental condition, it is necessary to further study the relation between these conditions."

Further, the data showed that non-Hispanic white children were more than twice as likely as non-Hispanic black children or Hispanic children to have a parent-reported TS diagnosis.

"Having an estimate of the number of U.S. children who are diagnosed with TS is a first step toward understanding the overall impact of this condition in the population," said Dr. Bitsko. "Further research must examine differences in access to health care for children with TS in different population groups, the impact of TS on the quality of life, long term outcomes for children with TS, and strategies for reducing the impact of conditions associated with TS."

The study analyzed data from interviews with parents (or guardians) from 91,642 households from April 2007 through July 2008 collected through the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). The NSCH is the first large, national, population-based survey of U.S. children up to 18 years old that included questions on TS. This random-digit-dialed telephone survey is sponsored and directed by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau and conducted by CDC through the State and Local Area Integrated Telephone Survey program. Interviews were completed in 66.0% of identified households with children which represents a 46.7% response of all possible eligible households.

For more information about Tourette Syndrome and other birth defects please call toll free 1-800 CDC-INFO or visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/default.htm.


SOURCE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Detroit Metro Airport Welcomes New Non-Stop Service to Rome

Daily flight is Delta's second major route launched this week from Detroit

DETROIT, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) welcomes the return of non-stop flights between Southeast Michigan and Rome, Italy, today as Delta Air Lines begins daily service between Motown and the Eternal City. The launch of this new Rome flight comes just three days after Delta, which operates its second-largest hub at Detroit Metro Airport, inaugurated new non-stop service between Detroit and Shanghai, China.

"In what has otherwise been a very difficult week for Detroit, the launch of two major international routes by Delta is a much needed vote of confidence in Southeast Michigan and further evidence of our airports' leading role in our region's future," said Lester Robinson, CEO of Wayne County Airport Authority, which operates DTW. "We congratulate Delta on the launch of this new service and look forward to more great things to come for Detroit as a result of the Delta/Northwest merger."

The new Rome flight will depart DTW daily at 7:45 p.m., arriving into Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) at 10:45 a.m. local time the next day. The return flight departs FCO at 12:45 p.m. with a scheduled arrival time at DTW of 5:20 p.m. The route will be operated by Delta's Northwest Airlines subsidiary.

Serving more than 35 million passengers in 2008, DTW is the largest airport in Michigan and among the 20 busiest air transportation hubs in the world. Following Delta's merger with Northwest Airlines, Delta became the world's largest airline and DTW its second-largest hub. DTW's award-winning McNamara Terminal, home exclusively to Delta and its SkyTeam alliance partners, continues to rank among the most loved air transportation facilities in the world by travelers for its convenient layout, modern amenities and wide selection of more than 90 shops and restaurants. Altogether, DTW offers more than 1,200 daily flights to over 160 destinations worldwide.


SOURCE Wayne County Airport Authority

Consumers Should Not Stress Out If Their Dealership Closes

130,000 Independent Repair Shops Positioned to Meet Service & Repair Needs

BETHESDA, Md., June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Vehicle owners should not stress out about where they will get service and repair if their local new car dealership closes, advises the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). More than 130,000 independent repair shops, conveniently located in most every community nationwide, have access to the parts for all vehicles, as well as the required professional technicians, tools and equipment.

Independent repair businesses account for more than 70 percent of vehicle service and repair, compared to 28 percent of non-warranty repairs by new car dealerships. Even before the rash of dealership closings, the number of dealerships and their share of the service and repair market have gradually declined each year since 2000, according to AAIA.

"There is a lot of confusion and anxiety among consumers these days about seeking quality service and repair for their vehicle," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "Vehicle owners need to look no further than their own community to find a reputable repair shop to care for their vehicle and protect the warranty."

The Car Care Council reported recently that, "It's a myth that only new car dealers can service vehicles under warranty." Consumers are protected by a law -- the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act -- that prohibits a vehicle manufacturer from voiding the vehicle warranty because service was done by a non-dealer.

In April, Consumer Reports stated, "Legally, you can have maintenance performed by any mechanic without affecting your warranty. Just keep thorough records in case of a warranty claim. The only services that need to be performed at a dealership are warranty repairs, recalls or post-warranty work that you want the manufacturer to pay for."

About AAIA

AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 member and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tool, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.


SOURCE Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

Three New Programs Confer Degrees at MSPP Graduation on June 7, 2009

Sister Judith Brun, fierce mental health advocate for hurricane-traumatized children, is commencement speaker

BOSTON, June 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sister Judith Brun, CSJ, who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of thousands of families and children still suffering hurricane-induced trauma in Louisiana, will address the audience at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (MSPP) Commencement on June 7.

Brun's remarks will inspire not only 39 new doctors of clinical psychology, but also the first graduates of two new master's degree programs -- 12 in organizational psychology and nine in counseling psychology. Her words will also reach ten recipients of the school's first Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in School Psychology.

"As MSPP graduates students from three new degree programs, it moves another step forward to becoming a 'college of psychology.' MSPP's learning model that emphasizes experiential education allows these graduates to begin their professional lives with years of supervised work experience on their resumes," says Dr. Nicholas Covino, president of MSPP.

He adds: "Sister Judith Brun is an inspirational community organizer, healer and teacher. She reminds us that the work is far from done in helping Katrina victims to recover from the trauma of that hurricane. If our 2009 grads begin their professional lives with a small percentage of her compassion, organizational skills and dedication to those in need, the world will be an extraordinarily better place. MSPP is honored to be able to recognize Sr. Judith and her work."

What: MSPP's 2009 Commencement

When: Sunday, June 7, 2009, 1 pm

Where: Four Points Sheraton Tiffany Ballroom (link directions)

Committed to community mental health and public service as a core part of its mission, MSPP chose Brun as keynote speaker because she has spent her entire life advocating for and caring for the underserved. That dedication is exemplified by her creation of the Community Initiatives Foundation (CIF) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which is devoted to meeting the mental health needs of children who have experienced multiple and complex trauma, particularly through disasters such as hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (learn more at http://www.katrinaexhibit.org/commInitiatives.htm)

Prior to her advocacy for hurricane victims, she was the Initial Director for Advance Baton Rouge, an organization sponsored by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the Regional Chamber of Commerce and 100 Black Men to promote systemic change in public education.

In addition to speaking that day, Brun will be one of three distinguished public servants to receive the school's honorary doctor of letters degree. Dr. Stephen D. Hayes, founding director of the Lynn Community Mental Health Service at the Lynn Community Health Center, and Dr. Mary Louise Sudders, the president of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and former commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, will also be accepting the degree.

According to Dr. Covino, the evolution of MSPP to train mental health professionals who can work in a variety of settings with a range of people in need fulfills its mission to become a "college of psychology." "The art and science of psychology allows MSPP to train a diverse group of professionals to work in multiple contexts and serve multiple roles as mental health caregivers. In addition to the traditional work performed in consulting rooms, our graduates now will bring mental health expertise to classrooms, courtrooms, and boardrooms to serve children, adults and families with a variety of needs."

As with all programs of instruction at MSPP, these three new degree programs integrate rigorous academic training with closely supervised field experience from the start of the student's learning program. This allows close attention to be paid to the student's personal and professional growth. Further, the school's commitment to Social Responsibility brings culturally sensitive and invested professionals to serve the community.

The Master's in Counseling Psychology Program prepares its graduates to function as professional mental health counselors and help meet the need for clinicians to work with traditionally underserved and disenfranchised populations. "Our students are already making a difference in their fieldwork and in their service to the community, which for some has included volunteer work with children and families in West Roxbury and neighboring communities and in New Orleans with survivors of the Katrina disaster," says Dr. Modesto Hevia, the program director.

The Master's Degree in Organizational Psychology is designed for professionals interested in using psychological skills and principles to improve the environment, increase productivity and enhance the lives of individuals in a modern, rapidly changing workplace. "This program instills a critical skill -- the ability to understand human behavior in the context of how things get done in an organization," says Program Director Dr. Mariquita Mullan, who believes the MSPP MA in Organizational Psychology is the only area program that truly marries theory and practice in its curriculum.

The MSPP School Psychology Program trains students to apply expertise in education, human development, and personal-social relationships to promote the healthy development of children in educational settings where they spend most of their time, while also fostering the healthy functioning of families, schools, and communities. "We want our graduates to be able to provide a comprehensive range of services that ultimately promote positive educational outcomes for kids, including academic skills, success in the workplace, healthy emotional development, and personal well-being," says Dr. Bob Lichtenstein, director of the program.

To learn more about MSPP's programs, go to www.MSPP.edu

The Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology strives to be a preeminent school of psychology that integrates rigorous academic instruction with extensive field education and close attention to professional development. We assume an ongoing social responsibility to create programs to educate specialists of many disciplines to meet the evolving mental health needs of society.


SOURCE Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology

Northwest Indiana Businessman Who Used Sham Trusts Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud on Eve of Trial

WASHINGTON, June 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Donald Sikma, a businessman from Dyer, Ind., has pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced. Sikma, whose trial was scheduled to begin today, entered his guilty plea Monday before Judge Theresa L. Springmann in Fort Wayne, Ind.

According to the superseding indictment and statements made during the guilty plea, Sikma sheltered millions of dollars of income using a tax avoidance scheme promoted by the now-defunct Aegis Company. As part of this scheme, Sikma transferred portions of his income to an offshore trust. Sikma failed to report this income on his individual income tax returns. Using the offshore Aegis trust and other sham trusts, Sikma fraudulently avoided paying at least $1.13 million in federal income taxes.

Sikma pleaded guilty to one count of filing false tax returns for the 1998 tax year. This charge carries a statutory maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Donald Sikma further agreed to cooperate with the IRS and to pay his outstanding tax liabilities. Judge Springmann scheduled Sikma's sentencing for Aug. 31, 2009.

The six principal promoters of the Aegis trust scheme were convicted of a tax fraud conspiracy and other tax crimes following a jury trial in May 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. These Aegis promoters have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from ten to eighteen years.

Acting Assistant Attorney General John A. DiCicco of the Justice Department's Tax Division commended the IRS-Criminal Investigation special agents who investigated the case, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Berkowitz from the Northern District of Indiana and Tax Division trial attorney Joseph Rillotta who prosecuted the case.


SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice

Do You Pay Taxes? Tax.com is for You

Tax Analysts logo. (PRNewsFoto/TAX ANALYSTS)

FALLS CHURCH, VA UNITED STATES

New website is sponsored by Tax Analysts, the global provider of tax news and analysis

FALLS CHURCH, Va., June 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Major tax increases are in America's future" to address surging budget deficits, and the only questions are whether they will come before or after the 2012 presidential elections and whether Obama or a Republican successor will enact them, Martin Sullivan writes today at the new website, Tax.com.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060914/TALOGO)

Along with hard-hitting blogs by Sullivan and other tax experts, Tax.com provides recent news about tax policy in Washington and the states, tax advice for average Americans, and even tax forms from the IRS.

Tax.com is for you -- whether you're a CPA, a small business owner, a homemaker, or a student. For a tax professional, it brings you relevant and provocative opinions on today's tax issues and provides a forum to discuss the practical impact of tax policy decisions. For the citizen taxpayer, it offers useful information on the tax implications of life events and on how to minimize your tax burden -- all in a way that keeps you entertained as well as educated.

Do you want to know what taxes Congress may raise to finance health care reform? Are you interested in the taxes that states are raising to balance their budgets? Do you want a peak at the tax returns of recent Presidents, including Barack Obama? If there's a conversation taking place on the latest developments in tax policy, you'll find it on Tax.com.

Tax.com is part of Tax Analysts, the global provider of tax news and analysis for the last 40 years. Tax Analysts publishes Tax Notes, Tax Notes Today, State Tax Notes, State Tax Today, Tax Notes International, and Worldwide Tax Daily, and it offers research products for tax professionals.

Along with Sullivan, a leading economist and contributing editor for Tax Analysts, bloggers include Joseph Thorndike, a noted tax historian and another contributing editor, as well as the organization's president and publisher, Chris Bergin.

To join the conversation, please go to www.tax.com.

CONTACT:
Wendy Lewis, 703 533-4404
Wendy_Lewis@tax.org

Lawrence Haas, 202 257-9592
larry@larryhaasonline.com


SOURCE Tax Analysts

Pelosi Remarks at Ronald Reagan Statue Unveiling

WASHINGTON, June 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Congressional leaders spoke at a ceremony this morning in the Capitol Rotunda to unveil a statue of former President Ronald Reagan. The statue will become part of the National Statuary Hall Collection, which is comprised of two statues from each state to honor notable men and women. Below are the Speaker's remarks:

"It is a distinct honor for my colleagues as well as for myself to welcome so many distinguished guests on this very special day in the Capitol.

"The unveiling of a statue in the Capitol is always exciting. But rarely are we able to do it in the presence of an immediate family member. It's usually about history. Today, it is a great privilege for all of us to be joined by the former First Lady, Mrs. Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan. We're honored by your presence.

"President Reagan and Mrs. Reagan had one of the great love stories of all time and the American people benefited from that. The support, the love, that Mrs. Reagan gave the President were a source of joy to the American people and of strength to the President of the United States.

"Mrs. Reagan, with your presence here today, I hope you know that we honor you. Not only for your support of the President, but for turning that support and love into action. Your support for stem cell research has made a significant difference in the lives of many American people. It has saved lives, it has found cures, it has given hope to people.

"It is appropriate that we gather here with leaders from both sides of the aisle and both chambers of the House and I'm pleased that my predecessor Dennis Hastert is here. Thank you, Dennis, for joining us. We're also joined by the former governor of California and Mrs. Wilson, Pete Wilson. Thank you, Governor, for joining us.

"President Reagan understood that bipartisanship and civility were important in all our debates. Ever a gentleman, he never questioned the motives of the person because he knew people in public office loved our country and acted on behalf of the American people. His friendship with another Speaker, Speaker Tip O'Neill, is legendary and that friendship was based on, among other things, their shared Irish heritage. It was characterized by grace, by charm, and by good humor.

"And in the good humor department, I'd like to share as a Californian, the special pride that we take as Californians, in the unveiling of this statue today, to tell you this story.

"When President Reagan was governor of California, he went over to the chamber, the Assembly Chamber, to deliver the State of the State address. It happened to be around the time of his birthday, so the legislators wheeled in a birthday cake. The President -- then governor -- proceeded to blow out the candles and then someone called out to him and said, 'Governor, did you make a wish?' Without missing a beat, he said, 'Yes, but it didn't come true.'

Jesse Unruh was the Speaker of the Assembly. He was someone who did not share, shall we say, much political ground with Ronald Reagan. So Governor Reagan said: 'Yes, I made a wish, but it didn't come true. He's still there,' as he looked at Jesse Unruh.

"In August 2006, that same state legislature voted overwhelmingly and in a bipartisan way to establish Ronald Reagan's statue as our second California statue in the Capitol of the United States.

"And so here we are today -- standing next to this statue of President Eisenhower over here. When we dedicated this statue not that long ago, members of President Eisenhower's family were here, and they told us that he wanted to be depicted in his general's uniform as he was addressing the troops before D-Day.

"President Eisenhower, President Reagan, and all of us who take the oath of office know that our first responsibility is to protect and defend the American people. And that's why it's so appropriate that President Reagan's statue has contained in it chunks of the Berlin Wall, as a symbol of his commitment to national security and his success.

"President Reagan said, we must 'not only preserve the flame of freedom, but we must cast its warmth and light further than those who came before us.' That is our responsibility.

"With the unveiling of this statue today, we know that all who come after us will forever know -- all visitors to this Capitol will know -- the respect and the esteem and the admiration that California, this Congress, and the American people had for President Ronald Reagan."


SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House

Message From Illinois to Obama and Washington Lawmakers: Approval Process for Railroad Acquisitions Need Improvement

Lawmakers ask for stronger emphasis on community impact and funding reform for Railroad Transactions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., June 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dozen of communities represented by The Regional Answer to Canadian National (TRAC) applaud the Illinois General Assembly for passing two important resolutions that they hope will lead to a shift in the way railroad transactions are approved in Washington.

The Illinois Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution (SR) 273, which asks that infrastructure improvement projects with private funding be given priority by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The STB mandated a series of mitigation measures, including two grade separations in high-traffic intersections. SR 273 further asks President Obama to appoint a community-minded member to a vacant Surface Transportation Board (STB) seat. SR 273 reads in part, "We state our belief that this STB member should be someone who will take into consideration significant community impacts related to public safety, noise, vibration, traffic congestion, and other environmental concerns when evaluating railroad acquisitions and mergers." The Chief Sponsor of SR 273 is Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), who represents communities that will be adversely impacted by the STB's decision last December to allow Canadian National Railroad to purchase the EJ&E Railway.

House Resolution (HR) 68 urges President Obama to support H.R. 693, The Reaching for the Star Act, which would fund a commuter rail line (STAR line) connecting nearly 100 suburban communities from Joliet to O'Hare. H.R. 68 further states that the "federal government should help fund infrastructure upgrades for communities impacted by mergers, such as the CN and EJ&E merger, that cause significant fluctuation in rail traffic for the health and safety of both the employees of the rail carrier and the local communities such as improvements to State, municipal, and county streets, grade crossings and commuter rail."

HR 68, sponsored by State Representative Darlene Senger (R-Naperville), overwhelmingly passed the Illinois House with a vote of 115-1 further signaling bipartisan solidarity to protect the interests of Illinois communities impacted by railroad transactions.

TRAC officials say the passage of these resolutions in a bipartisan fashion should send a strong message to Washington the current STB approval process for railroad transactions needs to be examined and amended to level the playing field on behalf of the residents who must deal with the 400% increase in traffic every day.

"We commend Senator Holmes and Representative Senger for elevating our cause in Springfield to ensure that our federal lawmakers continue to hear our concerns loud and clear," says Aurora Mayor and TRAC co-chair Tom Weisner. "This complements all of the work we have been doing over the past year and a half to raise awareness in Washington about the inequities with the current STB approval process."

"There is a serious disconnect between Washington and the states related to railroad acquisitions which is why we are pleased to see our state lawmakers reaching out to President Obama to try and fix a broken system," says Karen Darch, Barrington Village President and TRAC co-chair. "We are hopeful that President Obama and members of Congress openly receive these resolutions and begin taking steps to put communities on a level playing field."

SR 273 was co-sponsored by Senators Dan Duffy (R-Barrington), Randy Hultgren (R-Naperville), Chris Lauzen, (R-Aurora) and Pam Althoff (R-Crystal Lake). HR 68 was co-sponsored by Representatives Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein), Patricia Bellock (R-Westmont), Renee Kosel (R-Mokena), Randy Ramey, (R-West Chicago), Bob Biggins (R-Elmhurst), Suzanne Bassi (R-Palatine), Linda Chapa LaVia, (D-Aurora), Fred Crespo (R-Streamwood), Mike Connelly, (R-Naperville), Mike Fortner (R-Chicago), and House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego.

In December, the STB approved Canadian National Railroad's application to purchase the nearly dormant Elgin Joliet and Eastern Railway (which loops around Chicago) despite an unprecedented amount of opposition to the transaction. TRAC (The Regional Answer to Canadian National) is a coalition of suburban leaders that have joined forces to ensure the quality of life of more than one million residents in numerous Chicagoland communities is not adversely impacted by the CN/EJ&E acquisition. TRAC includes municipal and county leaders from Lake, Cook, McHenry, Kane, DuPage and Will Counties. For more information, visit www.fightrailcongestion.com


SOURCE TRAC (The Regional Answer to Canadian National)

Walmart Workers, Community and Labor Supporters Demand Right to Union Representation

Seek to Organize Washington, D.C., Area Stores

Efforts Will Raise Standard of Living, Help Lift Workers Out of Recession

LANDOVER HILLS, Md., June 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Calling it a crusade to uphold their rights, gain a voice in the workplace, raise their living standards and help lift the economy and workers out of the recession, a group of Walmart employees today announced that their campaign to organize Washington, D.C., area stores of the retailing giant is gaining momentum.

Though Walmart earned nearly $13.5 billion in profits in 2007, making it the most profitable company in the world, and is the world's largest private employer, the company pays low wages and prices health benefits out of reach for nearly half its workforce.

"Because Walmart has 1.4 million employees across the U.S., its poor treatment of workers has driven down the American standard of living, helped shrink the middle class, and contributed to the reduced consumer purchasing power that is hurting the economy," said Jim Lowthers, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400. "By empowering themselves through union representation, Walmart employees will give themselves better lives and give all Americans a more prosperous economy."

"Walmart disrespects and mistreats its employees," said Cindy Murray, who works at the Laurel, Md., store. "I can tell you first-hand that most of my colleagues want union representation because they know it's the only way they can earn a living wage and gain dignity on the job, but management is trying to intimidate and threaten us. Eventually, I am confident that our hopes will triumph over the fears Walmart is trying to stoke and we will overcome."

"These employees are important members of our community," said Edmonston Mayor Adam Ortiz. "They work hard, pay taxes, and follow the rules. They deserve a chance to improve their lives through their constitutionally protected right to organize. Good wages are a good thing -- for everybody. Unionized employees produce more, earn better wages and benefits, and therefore make our towns and cities stronger. Also, more money earned means more money spent in our area businesses, including Walmart. I urge Walmart to continue working with our local community here and make this the first unionized Walmart in the nation."

"All employees should have the right to organize, free from intimidation and harassment," said Maryland State Sen. Paul G. Pinsky (D-22nd). "Bargaining collectively ... is a key factor in expanding our middle class and should be applauded, not resisted. It is indeed unfortunate that the Walmart corporation has not welcomed labor-management cooperation and employee empowerment. I remain hopeful that Walmart stores in the Maryland-D.C.-Virginia area could be a beacon in unionization efforts and that improved wages, health care and working conditions result in benefits to our communities. They should be supported."

Walmart employees are trying to organize unions throughout the Washington, D.C., area and across the U.S. UFCW Local Unions, including Local 400, are working to assist them and protect them from unlawful management retaliation. In the past, workers who have called for union representation have been harassed and intimidated; stores where workers voted for a voice on the job have been closed. Nevertheless, a growing number of Walmart employees have decided it is time for change.

"Every Walmart employee should know that we're standing by their side every step of the way and that we've always got their back," Lowthers said. "They should also know that whether through passage of the Employee Free Choice Act or through our unrelenting persistence and tenacity, we will create a climate where their right to collective bargaining will be upheld and made a reality, no matter how hard Walmart tries to resist the march of progress."

Speakers said that the Walmart workers' efforts to organize are especially timely. They noted that they have the backing of President Obama, who has said, "I don't mind standing up for workers, and letting Walmart know they need to pay a decent wage and let folks organize."

In addition to speaking out today, Walmart workers and their supporters distributed handbills informing neighbors of their struggle for union representation, and how the company is trying to deny them rights available to all workers under the law. Allies of the Walmart employees also pledged to make the company's treatment of its workers a major issue at its June 5, 2009, shareholders meeting in Arkansas.

UFCW Local 400 represents 35,000 members working in the retail food, retail, health care, food processing, service and other industries in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky.


SOURCE UFCW Local 400

Edward Diehl Receives Outstanding Achievement Award From the American College of Addiction Treatment Administrators (ACATA)

Annual Award for outstanding contributions in the field of addiction treatment administration and management presented to Edward Diehl during the annual conference of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The recently held National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers annual leadership conference in Palm Beach Gardens, FL was the occasion where the American College of Addiction Treatment Administrators presented their annual recognition award. This award recognizes administrators who have made outstanding contributions in the field of addiction treatment administration and management. The award is presented annually by the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers at its annual conference.

This award has grown out of the efforts of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers to nurture excellence in addiction treatment administration and to develop professional collegiality among addiction treatment administrators. It is often the administrator who creates and sustains the vision of a treatment center. In recognizing the administrator of the year the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers recognizes the vision creators and sustainers of our field.

Edward Diehl, the President/CEO of Seabrook House in Seabrook, NJ was presented the 2009 ACATA Administrator of the Year award on May 19, 2009 at the Awards Luncheon which was part of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers Annual Leadership Conference in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

Mr. Diehl has worked for over 25 years in counseling, marketing, and administration in the healthcare specialty field of chemical dependency treatment. He began his career in 1976 with the establishment of a social detoxification program (social setting) for indigents in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 1977, Mr. Diehl joined Seabrook House, the largest private non-profit chemical dependency treatment organization in southern New Jersey.

Working first as a Certified Alcoholism Counselor, he then shifted to the Community Relations Department establishing outreach programs, developing operations manuals and becoming a liaison between Seabrook House and licensing and accreditation authorities. In 1986 he became Vice-President of Clinical Services and Community Relations, overseeing all treatment activities and relations with the community.

Mr. Diehl was appointed President of Seabrook House in August 1989, a position he holds today. He is an expert in healthcare financing, public policy and surviving successfully in the world of managed healthcare.

Beyond Seabrook House, Mr. Diehl has devoted his career to advocating for the fair treatment of America's families with addiction. Serving on a variety of boards and commissions in New Jersey, he values most his service as a member of the board of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). Ed has served as Chairperson of the NAATP board since 2007 through the 2009 NAATP Annual Meeting.

In accepting the award, Mr. Diehl thanked all of his colleagues who have supported him, mentored him and encouraged him in so many different ways. Mr. Diehl also indicated that he was accepting this on behalf of all those that were committed to improving the leadership and management of addiction treatment.

The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers is a trade association representing over 300 of the best known providers of addiction treatment both in this country and internationally. The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers' office and executive Dr. Ronald J. Hunsicker are located in Lancaster, PA and NAATP is governed by a Board of Directors from across the country. Additional information on this award or on the work of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers may be obtained by contacting the NAATP office at 717-392-8480.

About Seabrook House:

Seabrook House has been helping families find the courage to recover from alcoholism and drug addiction since 1974. The non-profit, New Jersey based facility assists patients in restoring their lives by embracing a way of life based on the 12-Step principles of recovery. Seabrook House provides detoxification and inpatient rehabilitation for adults. In addition, Seabrook House offers professional Family Intervention services to those attempting to help a loved one who does not want help. The family education and counseling services of Seabrook House have been internationally recognized. Seabrook West provides a transitional living opportunity for up to 28 male residents ages twenty-one (21) or older. Seabrook East provides a transitional living opportunity for up to six female residents ages twenty-one (21) or older, who completed their 30 day treatment at Seabrook House. Both programs provide a minimum 90 day, 3 phase step-down for independent living and immersion into a 12 step recovery process. To contact Seabrook House, please visit the organization's web site at www.SeabrookHouse.org, or call the 24-hour help line at 1-800-761-7575.


SOURCE Seabrook House

AmeriDream: Downpayment Assistance Programs Shouldn't Burden the U.S. Taxpayer

GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ann Ashburn, President of AmeriDream, Inc., today responded to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development's announcement that certain organizations may use the federal $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit to offer government-subsidized downpayment assistance (DPA) to first-time homebuyers in need of a downpayment.

"We firmly believe in providing downpayment assistance to creditworthy homebuyers, however HUD's policy saddles the U.S. taxpayer with an unnecessary fiscal burden and saddles first-time homebuyers with more debt. It is difficult to rationalize how homeowners are better off borrowing potentially more than 100% of the purchase price of their homes rather than using DPA funded in part by sellers to create immediate equity in their homes that does not have to be paid back. In addition, HUD's plan proposes no underwriting standards, no appraisal standards, and has no provisions to prevent borrowers from taking on debt beyond their means. Lastly, this taxpayer-funded subsidy will last only a few months, when the housing market needs a long-term DPA solution.

"We believe there is a better alternative in Congress. H.R. 600 establishes a privately-administered DPA program that provides safeguards for homebuyers and that strengthens the housing market. Unlike HUD's proposal, DPA gifts under H.R. 600 do not have to be paid back. This legislation encourages responsible homeownership by requiring that DPA recipients be offered homebuyer education courses, implements tougher credit requirements for DPA recipients, strict FHA underwriting guidelines, and stiff penalties for improper home appraisals.

Finally, homebuyers using DPA under H.R. 600 could use their $8,000 tax credit to bolster their financial security through, for example, paying off high interest credit card debt.

"HUD's criticisms of DPA funded in part by sellers refer to a program that no longer exists and that no one seeks to reinstate. H.R. 600 would replace that program with one that makes responsible homeownership a reality for millions more qualified homebuyers."

H.R. 600 is sponsored by Reps. Al Green, Maxine Waters, and Gary Miller. A broad coalition of organizations H.R. 600, including the National Association of Homebuilders, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. Learn more about H.R. 600 at www.ameridream.org.

BACKGROUND: AmeriDream, a 501(c)(3) charity, was established in 1999 to provide housing-related programs to low and moderate income individuals and families. AmeriDream provides a wide range of programs, including homebuyer education, loss mitigation counseling, community development, and privately-funded down payment assistance. These programs are provided at no cost to the taxpayer. AmeriDream not only seeks to help families purchase homes, but also provide them with the education and other resources needed to be responsible homeowners.


SOURCE AmeriDream

BayCare Named CIO 100 Award Winner by CIO Magazine

CLEARWATER, Fla., June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- BayCare Health System has been recognized by IDG's CIO magazine as a recipient of the 2009 CIO 100 award. The 22nd annual award program acknowledges organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT).

BayCare was honored for implementing a revolutionary new biometric technology for hospitals that scans patients' palms and immediately identifies them at most BayCare testing or treatment facilities (e.g., hospital, outpatient or laboratory center). Called Patient Secure Identity, the technology is able to recognize special features of the veins in the palm that are unique identifiers for each individual. The company was the second organization in the United States and the first in the State of Florida to implement this technology in a health care environment in an effort to improve patient safety.

"It is a great honor for BayCare to receive the CIO 100 award," said Lindsey Jarrell, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at BayCare Health System. "There are a number of business and clinical benefits that we recognize from having implemented the palm scanning system. Ultimately, this innovation streamlines patient identification and helps prevent the misuse of Social Security numbers and insurance cards of our patients across our entire health system."

"Once a patient is initially enrolled with Patient Secure Identity, he or she can be identified at registration within a matter of seconds," said Jim Schwamb, Vice President, Financial Services, BayCare Health System. "In addition to improving the speed of patient registration, biometric palm scanning can minimize the amount of personal information a patient needs to communicate either verbally or through written forms during registration. It also helps to minimize duplication of patient records and improve the accuracy of patient identification."

"This year's CIO 100 awards draws well-deserved attention to companies that are both innovating and creating business value with IT despite the economic downturn," said Maryfran Johnson, Editor in Chief of CIO magazine & Events. "These winners are an inspiration to businesses everywhere."

The recipients of this year's CIO 100 award were selected through a three-step process. First, companies filled out an online application form detailing their innovative practices in both business and IT. Next, a team of judges reviewed the applications in depth, looking for unique practices and substantial results. Finally, CIO editors reviewed the judges' recommendations and voted on the final 100. Once the top 100 honorees were selected, several honorees were chosen to receive an additional special award.

The 2009 CIO 100 awards will be presented at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on August 25 at the conclusion of the eleventh annual CIO 100 Symposium(R) and Awards Ceremony.

About BayCare Health System

BayCare Health System is the largest community-based health system in the region, providing expert medical care for a patient's lifetime. Composed of hospitals and numerous affiliated services, the system connects patients to a complete range of services throughout the Tampa Bay area. Together, BayCare organizations seek to advance the health of their patients and their communities.

Member hospitals are Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, Morton Plant North Bay, St. Anthony's, St. Joseph's, St. Joseph's Children's, St. Joseph's Women's, St. Joseph's Hospital North (opening 2010) and South Florida Baptist. On the web: www.baycare.org.

About CIO Magazine

CIO produces award-winning content and community resources for information technology executives thriving and prospering in this fast-paced era of business, as well as create opportunities for information technology and consumer marketers to reach them. The CIO portfolio includes CIO.com, CIO magazine (launched in 1987), CIO Executive Programs and the CIO Executive Council. CIO properties provide business technology leaders with analysis and insight on information technology trends and a keen understanding of IT's role in achieving business goals. The U.S. edition of the magazine and website are recipients of more than 200 awards to date, including three Grand Neals from the Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Awards and two Magazine of the Year awards from the National Society of Business Publication Editors. CIO websites and magazines appear in more than 25 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, France and Germany. CIO, and sister brand CSO, are produced by CXO Media a subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading technology media, research and event company.


SOURCE BayCare Health System

Grassroots Campaign Targets Plain Language at IRS: Potential to Recover Millions of Tax Dollars

WASHINGTON, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- PlainTaxTalk, a grassroots group announced it has launched a campaign to urge the IRS to use plain language in all its public documents and forms to help the average American taxpayer comply with the tax laws.

"The idea behind our movement is simple," says the group's founder John Klotsche, a former Senior Advisor to the IRS Commissioner, "vastly improve American taxpayers understanding of their tax reporting responsibilities."

"The IRS needs to jettison its archaic habits of obfuscation and substandard communication and embrace the principles of plain language, recognized as the universal gold standard for all written communications," said Klotsche.

The 'tax gap' -- the taxes Americans owe but don't pay -- is estimated by the IRS to be north of $300 billion each year. Deliberate evasion causes some of this but most results from unintentional behavior. This is because taxpayers simply don't understand, or won't take the time to understand, their tax responsibilities. For every 1% increase in tax compliance levels, tax revenues would increase $20 billion.

"Plain language is much more than wordsmithing documents," said Klotsche. "It is reader-focused writing that uses document design techniques to produce clear and understandable information including planning the document, designing it, organizing it and writing clear instructions using plain English."

Tax simplification can come about legislatively, administratively, or both. The Congress endlessly talks about doing something but never does. Will Rogers' contemptuous quip is a reminder of this gridlock: "The difference between death and taxes is death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets." PlainTaxTalk would not bet the farm on a legislative fix and believes the IRS should step forward and take the lead on tax simplification.

PlainTaxTalk believes the IRS should take the complicated mess the Congress has created and using tested, modern-day plain language principles and techniques tell the American taxpayers in simple, understandable words how to go about quickly and accurately reporting their fair share of the taxes they rightly owe. That's what PlainTaxTalk is all about--in plain language.

The cover article published today in Tax Notes magazine, PlainTaxTalk: The Yellow Brick Road to Tax Simplification, presents the case for plain language at the IRS. The group's Blog site at http://www.PlainTaxTalk.org provides a forum for comment.


SOURCE PlainTaxTalk