Google Loses Domain Name Dispute

30 Dec 2009 09:01 Africa/Lagos

Google Loses Domain Name Dispute

Internet giant Google loses domain name trademark arbitration. Small and 'groovy' Canadian start-up claims victory.

TORONTO, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Internet giant Google has lost an arbitration over the domain name, Groovle.com. In a decision released today, The National Arbitration Forum, dismissed Google's complaint (Claim Number: FA0911001293500) that it was entitled to the domain name, Groovle.com. Google had claimed that the domain name Groovle.com, is "confusingly similar" to its trademark for "Google." The National Arbitration Forum is an international arbitration service accredited by ICANN, the international agency that oversees the Internet, to provide resolution services for domain name disputes around the world.


The unanimous three person panel composed of two retired American judges and one American law professor, ruled that Groovle.com "is not confusingly similar" to Google's trademark, "Google." To-date, Google has commenced 65 domain name disputes and this is only the second time that it has ever lost.


Young Canadian entrepreneurs Jacob Fuller and Ryan Fitzgibbon, who have been friends since high school, launched the innovative Groovle.com web site in 2007, and it has proven immensely popular with young Internet users. As Fuller explains, "Groovle was created to provide users the ability to upload photos and customize their Internet start page. We thought it would be a cool feature to have a nice photo of friends, family etc., every time you launch your web browser, instead of the very plain Google.com and Yahoo.com page." Says Fitzgibbon, "Since we launched Groovle in 2007, Google, Bing and Ask.com have each come out with something similar."


Groovle's young creators are elated with the decision. "We were stunned when Google launched the domain name dispute as we have great respect for Google and have always had a good relationship with them," said Ryan Fitzgibbon. Jacob Fuller added that, "Google never had anything to fear from our web site. The arbitrators' decision that the two domain names are sufficiently different should put Google at ease and we look forward to a renewed positive relationship with Google."


Groovle was successfully defended by renowned domain name lawyer and Internet law expert, Zak Muscovitch, who says, "Google clearly miscalculated here, however, my clients are prepared to put this behind them."


The Decision: http://domains.adrforum.com/domains/decisions/1293500.htm



More Information:
Jacob Fuller, Groovle.com
TEL: 905-399-0024
EMAIL: Jacob@groovle.com
WEB: Groovle.com

Zak Muscovitch
The Muscovitch Law Firm
TEL: 416-924-5084
EMAIL: zak@DNattorney.com
WEB: DNattorney.com

Source: Groovle.com

CONTACT: Jacob Fuller of Groovle.com, +1-905-399-0024,
Jacob@groovle.com; or Zak Muscovitch of The Muscovitch Law Firm,
+1-416-924-5084, zak@DNattorney.com


Web Site: http://www.groovle.com/

U.S. News Autos Names 'Best Car for the Money' 2010 Award Winners

23 Dec 2009 16:11 Africa/Lagos

U.S. News Autos Names 'Best Car for the Money' 2010 Award Winners

-- Over 300 models evaluated based on U.S. News car rankings, and IntelliChoice.com cost analysis --

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News Autos today released its second annual Best Car for the Money awards, available online at http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-truck/best-cars-for-the-money/.


The U.S. News Best Car for the Money awards recognize 23 vehicles that earn the highest marks for overall value and appeal within their respective categories. To select the award winners, U.S. News has combined its newly released 2010 car rankings with total cost of ownership data provided by IntelliChoice.com.


"While car shoppers are starting to come back to the showrooms, they are looking for a good value more than ever before," said Jamie Page Deaton, Lead Automotive Editor for U.S. News. "But 'good value' does not simply mean 'cheap'. The Best Car for the Money awards recognize vehicles that can be the most rewarding to own - namely those that win the most praise and offer the most compelling overall value."


The U.S. News car rankings provide an unbiased comparison of each vehicle to its competitors, helping shoppers identify the best cars in each category. Rankings are based primarily on the balanced, diverse opinions of hundreds of professional auto critics, which are analyzed and scored to create a consensus opinion about each car.


With a 22-year history of providing consumers with reliable information about vehicle costs, IntelliChoice.com measures both the target price that consumers can expect to pay for a vehicle as well as its 5-year total cost of ownership. Combining this data with U.S. News car rankings allows different models to be compared on a very useful metric - overall appeal for the money.


"There is no question that car shoppers are now paying more attention to total ownership costs such as resale value, fuel economy, and other factors," said Charlie Vogelheim, Executive Editor of IntelliChoice.com. "Taking into account these real world costs as well as U.S. News's unbiased car rankings, the Best Car for the Money awards identify vehicles that should make any car shopper's short list."


For complete information about this year's Best Car for the Money winners and the awards methodology, visit http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-truck/best-cars-for-the-money/. For more information about the Total Cost of Ownership and other related data, visit http://www.intellichoice.com/. The 23 winners of the 2010 Best Car for the Money awards are listed below:


Subcompact Cars Nissan Versa
Compact Cars Hyundai Elantra
Hatchbacks Honda Fit
Midsize Cars Toyota Camry
Family Sedans Ford Taurus
Upscale Compact Cars Volkswagen GTI
Upscale Sedans Hyundai Genesis
Luxury Sedans Acura RL
Hybrid Cars Toyota Prius
Affordable Sports Cars Mazda MX-5 Miata
Luxury Sports Cars Chevrolet Corvette
Compact Crossover/SUVs Honda CR-V
Midsize Crossover/SUVs Toyota Venza
Full Size SUVs Toyota Sequoia
Luxury Compact Crossover/SUVs Infiniti EX
Luxury Midsize Crossover/SUVs Lexus RX 350
Luxury Full Size SUVs Toyota Land Cruiser
Hybrid SUVs Lexus RX Hybrid
Off-Road SUVs Toyota FJ Cruiser
Minivans Honda Odyssey
Wagons Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
Compact Pickup Trucks Toyota Tacoma
Full Size Pickup Trucks Ford F-150



About the U.S. News Media Group

The U.S. News Media Group is a multi-platform digital publisher of news and analysis, which includes the monthly U.S. News & World Report magazine, the digital-only U.S. News Weekly magazine, www.usnews.com, and www.rankingsandreviews.com. Focusing on Health, Money, Education, Politics & Policy and Automotive, the U.S. News Media Group has earned a reputation as the leading provider of service news and information that improves the quality of life of its readers. The U.S. News Media Group's signature franchises include its News You Can Use® brand of journalism and its "America's Best" series of consumer guides that include rankings of colleges, graduate schools, automobiles, hospitals, health plans, and more.


About IntelliChoice.com and Source Interlink Companies, Inc.


IntelliChoice.com, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and car values analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice.com is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice.com web site (www.intellichoice.com), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price new cars. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and an online car buying guide. Source Interlink Media LLC is a subsidiary of Source Interlink Companies, Inc., a recognized provider of targeted media and marketing services, a leading U.S. distributor of home entertainment products and services and one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences.


Source: U.S. News Media Group

CONTACT: Liz Putze for U.S.News Media Group, pr@usnews.com, or Jocelyn
Johnson, +1-212-924-9500, jjohnson@gravitas-pr.com, or Brian Posnanski,
+1-314-968-7712, Bposnanski@gravitas-pr.com, both for IntelliChoice


Web Site: U.S. News Media Group

Best and Worst of 2009

Best & Worst of 2009
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Mystery Writers of America Announces the 2010 Grand Master, Raven and Ellery Queen Award Recipients
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Stupid.com Unveils the 'Stupidest' Holiday Gifts for 2009
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U.S. News Autos Names 'Best Car for the Money' 2010 Award Winners
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Third-Generation Movie Kiosks Usher in Era of Everywhere Entertainment

22 Dec 2009 14:20 Africa/Lagos


Third-Generation Movie Kiosks Usher in Era of Everywhere Entertainment

XONA Media DVD+Digital kiosks deliver most advanced movie rental capabilities at 1/3 the cost

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- XONA Media, an innovative media technology company, announced today the immediate availability of the MK3 DVD+Digital Kiosk, the world's most advanced and cost-effective entertainment kiosk platform. With an unprecedented combination of power and price, the MK3 kiosk creates new retail markets and disrupts the economics of today's entertainment kiosks, which are limited to only the highest-traffic retail locations.


3X the Capabilities, 1/3 the Cost


With unmatched capabilities, the MK3 DVD+Digital Kiosk is the only system capable of renting DVDs, Blu-ray discs and disc-based games; supporting secure, instant movie downloads to flash-based storage or burning on-demand to recordable DVD; and even enabling Netflix-type subscription rental programs including online reservations and the capability to rent-at-kiosk and return-by-mail.


The MK3 also sets an important new price point - with systems starting under $5,000. Much like "Moore's Law" has driven down computing costs year after year, this third-generation technology platform utilizes cutting-edge advancements to dramatically reduce costs from the $15,000-25,000 range of older legacy systems.


New Markets


"DVD rental kiosks have quickly gone from novelty to necessity, but with more than 300,000 ATMs in the US, it's easy to see that today's 30,000 DVD kiosks are just the tip of the iceberg," remarked Pete Popcke, Chief Operating Officer of XONA Media. "With years of experience from Hollywood Video, Sonic Solutions, DVD Play, Premier Retail Networks and Zoom Systems, our team set out to engineer a new platform, built from the ground up to deliver the lower costs and increased flexibility that the next wave of movie retailers require."


"First-generation DVD kiosks were really just modified VHS-tape systems developed in the 80's," noted John Osborne, founding President of kiosk leader The New Release (now Blockbuster Express). "At TNR, we began with these first-generation kiosks and then added second-generation systems from NCR. We quickly learned that these large, cumbersome systems were very profitable, but only in the largest grocery stores. The industry needs to embrace next-generation technology to reach its potential 100,000+ US kiosk locations, and ultimately deliver the convenience consumers expect."


MK3 DVD+Digital Capabilities

-- 300 disc capacity, expandable to 700 discs, in four square feet of
space.
-- Instant Movie Download (XIMD) capabilities protect the kiosk
investment by enabling DVD and digital distribution from a single
machine.
-- Engaging, 22" high ultra-definition touch screen interface and support
for additional digital advertising screens.
-- Configuration options which allow the MK3 DVD+Digital kiosk to be
optimized for a wide variety of store locations - placed on a standard
retail counter without disrupting sight lines, or converted into a
free-standing system complete with integrated light box, digital sign,
and retail racking.

About XONA Media


XONA Media is a privately held media technology and services company providing innovative systems to link brick-and-mortar retailers to the web, and bridge physical media and digital delivery formats. With a team of retail and media distribution experts, XONA Media leverages consumer insights and future-forward technology to dramatically reduce the costs of retail operations while creating transformative consumer experiences. Additional information is available at http://www.xonamedia.com/.


Brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.




XONA Media Contact:

Pete Popcke
888-966-9662
media@xonamedia.com





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


Source: XONA Media

CONTACT: Pete Popcke of XONA Media, +1-888-966-9662,
media@xonamedia.com


Web Site: http://www.xonamedia.com/

Twitter is for Closers: EchoSign Launches First Twitter Competition / Integration for Salespeople

22 Dec 2009 12:00 Africa/Lagos


Twitter is for Closers: EchoSign Launches First Twitter Competition / Integration for Salespeople

Novel use of Twitter to enable Sales Teams to Benchmark Performance

PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- EchoSign, the leading Web-based provider of electronic signatures and signature automation with over 1.2 million users worldwide, today launched a novel Twitter integration that allows sales teams worldwide to "ring the bell" on Twitter the moment a deal is signed and closed.


Good natured competition, and bragging rights about closed deals, have long been part of the fun, and hunt, of the sales rep. EchoSign-for-Twitter takes that to the next level by allowing sales reps and sales teams to auto-tweet the moment a deal is signed, and to auto-tweet how quickly they've closed a deal.


EchoSign's 15,000 customers have on average brought their send-to-sign time down from over a week to under 42 minutes, by signing on the web.


Each month, the Top Closer, and the Quickest Closer -- as tracked on Twitter -- in each category will each be awarded a $50 Peet's Card ... Coffee is For Closers.


"We don't all have time to keep up with the Mafia Wars," says Jason Lemkin, CEO & co-founder of EchoSign. "We've got something better for busy sales teams. Coffee, golf, and other prizes, and the glory of being the Top Closer - just by clicking on 'Twitter Integration' on their Account Tab"


Twitter has generally been seen as a consumer tool, and a business intelligence tool. EchoSign-for-Twitter enables a novel use case in between, sharing anonymized sales success across thousands of organizations worldwide using the Twitter API.


EchoSign-for-Twitter contains no customer or personal data, is "opt-in", and on group/team/enterprise accounts, can be enabled or disabled by administrators at any time.


About EchoSign


In just one click, the EchoSign electronic signature solution automates the entire signature process from the request for signature to the distribution and filing of the executed agreement or form. With nothing to download, learn or install, there is simply no faster or secure way to get your contracts signed, tracked and filed. EchoSign customers close over $300M in contracts each month with an average 'quote to close' time of 42 minutes. EchoSign has won numerous awards including a 2009 WizKids Award from Beagle Research Group, LLC, Red Herring Top 100 Private Company, and has twice been named by Salesforce.com as an AppExchange Essential and JMP Securities in the "Hot 100 Report". Over 1.2 million users at organizations such as British Telecom, Comcast, Delta Airlines, GE Capital, Qualcomm, and Time Warner Cable use EchoSign everyday to get contracts signed, tracked and filed in the most efficient and effective way possible. For more information and access to web service, visit the website.


For more information, sign up for a free trial of EchoSign, or register for a weekly webinar.


Click here for a video demo of EchoSign.


Source: EchoSign

CONTACT: Dan Wire of Horn Group Inc., +1-415-685-3132,
dan.wire@horngroup.com, for EchoSign


Web Site: http://www.echosign.com/

Fast Success System

By Omari Taylor Web Development, Web Design, Internet Marketing, SEO Tampa Full service web development and Internet Marketing company. Providing web site design, ...

Contact Us

GUARANTY SUCCESS
International Digital Post Network (IDPN) LLC,
C/O Supple Communications Limited
1, Bajulaiye Road,
Shomolu, Lagos,
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Tel: 234 7066379246
E-mail:publisher@guarantysuccess.com

About

Guaranty Success is the most syndicated Nigerian blog for Success in Business, Advice and Tips on SEO, Niche Business, Finance, Education and Scholarships and so much more. It has been syndicated over 228, 000 times. The Publisher/Editor is Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, the CEO of International Digital Post Network (IDPN)LLC, the largest Nigerian online media network for news and information. He started Guaranty Success in 2007 and got a franchise partnership with Startup Weekend in 2009, to promote startups in Nigeria.

2010 Best Resale Value Award Winners Named by Kelley Blue Book

2010 BEST RESALE VALUE AWARD WINNERS NAMED BY KELLEY BLUE BOOK

Kbb.com Offers Money-Saving Advice for Finding New Vehicles with Minimal Depreciation Ahead

IRVINE, Calif., December 21, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, names the all-new 2010 model-year vehicle winners of its annual Best Resale Value Awards, www.kbb.com/BRVA2010, which recognize current and forthcoming vehicles for their projected retained value five years from now. Since depreciation (or loss of value) is typically a car-buyer’s primary expense during ownership, these awards, like all of kbb.com’s new- and used-vehicle information, are designed to help consumers make more informed car-buying decisions.

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book® Official Residual Value Guide determined by an expert staff of automotive analysts. These prestigious awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership. Low-volume vehicles and vehicles with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of more than $60,000 are excluded from award consideration, except in the luxury and high-performance categories.

2010 BEST RESALE VALUE: BRAND
Toyota
2010 BEST RESALE VALUE: LUXURY BRAND
Lexus

2010 BEST RESALE VALUE: BY VEHICLE CATEGORY
MID-SIZE PICKUP:
Toyota Tacoma HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR:
Chevrolet Camaro SS
FULL-SIZE PICKUP:
Ford F-Series Super Duty HYBRID/ALT. FUEL CAR:
Toyota Prius
COMPACT UTILITY VEHICLE:
Honda CR-V COMPACT CAR:
MINI Cooper Clubman
MID-SIZE UTILITY VEHICLE:
Toyota Highlander MID-SIZE CAR:
Honda Accord
FULL-SIZE UTILITY VEHICLE:
Honda Pilot FULL-SIZE CAR:
Ford Taurus
LUXURY UTILITY VEHICLE:
Lexus RX 350 NEAR-LUXURY CAR:
Lexus IS
HYBRID/ALT. FUEL UTILITY VEHICLE:
BMW X5 Turbo Diesel LUXURY CAR:
Audi A5
VAN:
Toyota Sienna SPORTS CAR:
Nissan 370Z

2010 BEST RESALE VALUE: TOP 10 MODELS
Audi A5 MINI Cooper
BMW M3 MINI Cooper Clubman
Chevrolet Camaro SS Toyota Prius
Chevrolet Corvette Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V Toyota Tacoma


(All values based on the November/December 2009 Kelley Blue Book® Residual Value Guide.
Top 10 models appear in alphabetical order).

While most car buyers today consider sticker price one of the most significant numbers when choosing a new vehicle, the editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com recommend that shoppers consider a number they won’t find on any window sticker: its resale value. Depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership. An average vehicle will only retain about 35 percent of its original value after a five-year ownership period, meaning that a $50,000 new car today will only be worth somewhere close to $17,500 after five years. Vehicles with average or below-average resale values are generally plentiful in the marketplace and easy to find. But certain vehicles are projected to hold their value better than others. While much of a vehicle’s resale value is based on supply and demand as well as current and projected future market conditions, vehicles that maintain their value best are rarely heavily discounted and tend to generate consumer enthusiasm.

“Especially in today’s difficult economy, when every penny counts for the typical American shopper, consumers should take a good look at the projected resale value of a car when choosing their next new-vehicle purchase,” said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Vehicle depreciation is a new-car buyer’s biggest expense, yet many shoppers don’t realize that resale value information is available for free on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. Taking the time to research and choose vehicle makes, models and options wisely now can help new-car shoppers keep additional money in their pocket down the road when they go to sell or trade-in the vehicle.”

Vehicle shoppers should take several factors into consideration when buying a new car to ensure as much future value as possible. Just because a car is expensive or from a luxury brand does not necessarily mean it will hold its value better than an inexpensive car down the road. In fact, because resale values are calculated as a percent of original list price, an expensive vehicle has to command a relatively high price later as a used car to maintain its residual value. For example, an $80,000 vehicle has to be worth $24,000 three years later to have a residual value of 30 percent. Meanwhile, a $12,000 vehicle only needs to be worth $3,600 to have the same 30 percent residual value.

In addition, most options and packages added to a vehicle do not necessarily increase its resale value. However, there are exceptions to the rule, such as a navigation system in a luxury vehicle or a performance package in a sports car. Finally, regional preferences can significantly impact the value of a vehicle. In the colder sections of the country, a two-wheel drive vehicle’s resale value will not be as high as a four-wheel or all-wheel drive option of that same model. At the other end of the thermometer, in warmer climates black (or dark-colored) cars will not have as high resale value as light-colored cars, which tend to be in greater demand in those regions.

While the company’s Residual Value Guide has been published since 1981, Kelley Blue Book established its annual Best Resale Value Awards in 2003. Kelley Blue Book reports projections based on current vehicle data, sales data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition within vehicle segments, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book’s team of market and pricing analysts. Values reflect projected future auction values for vehicles in average condition with 75,000 miles at the end of a five-year lease or ownership period. Kelley Blue Book’s residual values are used by manufacturers, banks, financial institutions, governmental agencies and the automotive leasing industry.

For more information about Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards, please visit www.kbb.com/BRVA2010.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company’s top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book® Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book® Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. — 2009 Spring Automotive Web Site Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com also is a W3 Gold Award winner, sanctioned by the International Academy of Visual Arts. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, car reviews and news, used car Blue Book Values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.


Media Contacts:
Robyn Eckard
949-268-3049
reckard@kbb.com
Joanna McNally
949-268-3079
jmcnally@kbb.com
Brenna Robinson
949-267-4781
berobinson@kbb.com



Copyright © 2009

No More Starving Artists: The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship Shows Artists How to Become Successful Entrepreneurs

17 Dec 2009 23:54 Africa/Lagos



No More Starving Artists: The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship Shows Artists How to Become Successful Entrepreneurs

CHICAGO, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- A Chicago-based program, set to launch in September 2010, is designed to eliminate the long-held "starving artist" stereotype and, instead, will teach artists how to become successful entrepreneurs.


The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship(TM) is a two-year program with a curriculum that combines experiential learning, mentorship and a personalized classroom environment that provides one-on-one time with the faculty of successful artist-entrepreneurs.


Founded by 25-year business veteran and serial artistic entrepreneur Lisa Canning, The Institute is based on her enthusiasm for the new wave of whole-brain thinking and the firm belief that the arts -and artists--can and must be allowed to contribute to the world's financial recovery.


"There is simply no reason whatsoever that artists cannot be relevant and earn a living. And now, more than ever, society is not only willing but must innovate," she says. "The arts hold many key ingredients that can help fuel economic growth. The time has come for artists to financially benefit from what the world now most needs--their creativity."


Faculty at The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship includes entrepreneurial artists and artistic educational leaders. Among them: Dennis Rich, former chair of the Columbia College Arts, Entertainment & Media Program and Martin Atkins, serial artistic entrepreneur and renowned drummer; part-time faculty members include interdisciplinary arts leader John Cimino of Creative Leaps International, New York; musician, author, composer and educator David Cutler, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA; Gary Beckman, visiting professor at the University of South Carolina School of Music and Francois Kloc, vice president of sales and marketing for fine musical instrument maker Buffet Crampon & Cie., Paris.


The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship(TM) makes its home at Flourish Studios, a collaborative art studio and community center located at 3020 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.


Enrollment is limited to 45 students. Applications are available online to apply for the institute. There is no age limit for enrollment and the requirements to apply simply include artistic excellence. For more information about the school, go to http://www.theiae.com/


For a free Starving Artist button, visit http://www.instituteforartsentrepreneurship.com/IAE_-_Free_Button.html


Source: The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship

CONTACT: Toni Antonetti, +1-847-949-0097, toni@prchicago.com; or Marcy
Manning, +1-847-398-1388, marcy@prchicago.com, both of PR Chicago, for The
Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship


Web Site: http://www.theiae.com/

Can Office Design Really Motivate Staff? We Asked the Survey. The Survey Said YES!

21 Dec 2009 09:00 Africa/Lagos

Can Office Design Really Motivate Staff? We Asked the Survey. The Survey Said YES!

POOLE, England, December 21/PRNewswire/ -- Forget Maslow and Herzberg, what you really require is some funky (and comfortable) office furniture ( http://www.btoffice.com ) and your employees should reach optimum productivity. At least that is what a recent survey commissioned by The Office Exhibition in the UAE suggests!


The survey results released this week show that almost 90% of office workers questioned reported that the design and layout of their office affected their level of motivation.


The survey also revealed that despite the importance of office design, over 50% of employers were failing to assess their employees' satisfaction with their working environment. The areas highlighted as causing most discomfort at work were; room temperature, back pain and damaged eyesight.


Back pain is one of the biggest health complaints in the UK for millions of employees, and is often accounted to poorly designed office chairs and seating. A new EU-wide study by The Work Foundation which was also released this week, found that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain, neck pain and RSI-type conditions, account for nearly half (49%) of all absences from work.


Remember that as of 2008 Employers can now be liable for a GBP20,000 fine for breaking the Health and Safety (Offences) Act. So remember to carry out some work station assessments on all your staff to check whether you have got your ergonomics right.


If your employees work stations and office chairs are found to be unsatisfactory why not update your furniture selection in the New Year. BT Office specialises in adjustable ergonomic office furniture including a selection of over 60 different styles of ergonomic office chairs to suit all tastes. Take a look at the selection on the website and be on your way to reducing those back pain absences in 2010!


Visit the BT Office Furniture blog:


http://www.btoffice.com/blog/2009/12/motivation/


About BT Office Furniture


BT Office Furniture is a national, privately owned company founded in 1994 which supplies and installs office furniture in the UK. BT Office has concentrated on providing great value for money without compromise on quality and service. Their furniture portfolio includes executive ranges that cover both contemporary and classic designs. For orders and queries please call 0800-298-7033 or visit the website to find out more.


Press Information


For further information on BT Office Furniture, its products and services please contact Derek Flood, Unit 9 Benridge Park, Holy Rood Close, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BD


Tel: +44-(0)1202-699-900, Email: mail@btoffice.com


Source: BT Office

For further information on BT Office Furniture, its products and services please contact Derek Flood, Unit 9 Benridge Park, Holy Rood Close, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BD, Tel: +44-(0)1202-699-900, Email: mail@btoffice.com



Financial Highlights
Investing in Troubled Times? Best to Bet on Entrepreneurs
Tetragon Financial Group Limited (TFG) Announces Update On Its Share Repurchase Program
The Next Stimulus Program 'Cash for Caulkers' Intended to Improve Energy Efficiency in Homes
Charitable Giving at Christmas
Bankrate: Mortgage Rates Rise Again


Academe Highlights
Dr. Michael S. Bruno Appointed to the U.S. Naval Research Advisory Committee
When The Recession Hits Santa
LMU Expert: Avatar Could Be 'Game-Changer' for Internet
Northern Trust Named Global Custodian for University of San Diego

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
18 Dec 2009
20:53
Aggressive Infection Control Program Protects Cancer Patients from Acquiring Clinic-Based H1N1 Influenza
19:52
Dr. Michael S. Bruno Appointed to the U.S. Naval Research Advisory Committee
19:52
When The Recession Hits Santa
19:19
LMU Expert: Avatar Could Be 'Game-Changer' for Internet
18:16
Northern Trust Named Global Custodian for University of San Diego
17:33
Career Colleges Announce Scholarship Opportunities
17:33
OEA Applauds Bipartisan Budget Compromise
17:21
Walbridge Awarded Construction Manager Contract for Eastern Michigan University Pray-Harrold Building Renovation
15:00
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The Smartest and Dumbest College Towns in America

7 Dec 2009 20:46 Africa/Lagos

The Daily Beast Ranks The Smartest and Dumbest College Towns in America; Chapel Hill, NC Ranks At Top, Athens, Georgia at Bottom

NEW YORK, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Daily Beast today released its ranking of the twenty five smartest (and dumbest) college towns in America.


The story is available at: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-12-07/smartest-and-dumbest -college-towns.


The towns are, from smartest to dumbest:


1. Chapel Hill, North Carolina(Grade: A)
2. Ann Arbor, Michigan(Grade: A)
3. Boulder, Colorado(Grade: A)
4. Cambridge, Massachusetts(Grade: A)
5. Berkeley, California(Grade: A)
6. Madison, Wisconsin(Grade: B)
7. East Lansing, Michigan(Grade: B)
8. State College, Pennsylvania(Grade: B)
9. Ames, Iowa(Grade: B)
10. Amherst, Massachusetts(Grade: B)
11. Ithaca, New York(Grade: B)
12. Columbia, Missouri(Grade: B)
13. Charlottesville, Virginia(Grade: B)
14. Davis, California(Grade: B)
15. Corvallis, Oregon(Grade: B)
16. College Station, Texas(Grade: C)
17. Gainesville, Florida(Grade: C)
18. Auburn, Alabama(Grade: C)
19. College Park, Maryland(Grade: C)
20. Lawrence, Kansas(Grade: C)
21. Champaign-Urbana, Illinois(Grade: D)
22. Norman, Oklahoma(Grade: D)
23. South Bend, Indiana(Grade: D)
24. Kent, Ohio(Grade: D)
25. Athens, Georgia(Grade: F)


Methodology:


After choosing towns where the college or colleges define the community that have a population minimum of 25,000 as of the 2008 Census, The Daily Beast ranked them based on the following four criteria:


1. Bachelor's degrees per capita for the over-25 population: this measured the relative education of permanent residents.


2. Graduate degrees per capita for the over-25 population: similar to above, but more stratified.


3. Median SAT score for the town's student population.


4. Voter turnout in the 2008 election: political engagement, whether left or right, has repeatedly correlated with higher intelligence; the one criteria that measures behavior, rather than achievement.


Each category was ranked and weighted equally, with more points given for the best and fewer points for the worst, and then tallied. The Daily Beast then handed out grades on a curve; the top 20 percent got As, the next 40 percent got Bs, the following 20 percent got Cs, and then the bottom fifth got Ds, with the exception of the very last town, which got an F.


Source: The Daily Beast

CONTACT: Andrew Kirk, The Daily Beast, +1-212-524-8856,
andrew.kirk@thedailybeast.com


Web Site: The Daily Beast

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Audi A3 TDI Named 2010 Green Car of the Year

Audi A3 TDI Named 2010 Green Car of the Year


EPA-estimated 42 MPG highway is highest of any luxury car sold in the U.S.
Audi TDI clean diesel 2.0 engine delivers optimal power with uniquely low emissions
The Green Car of the Year® award is the industry measure of environmental innovation

HERNDON, Va., December 3, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Green and performance luxury needn't be mutually exclusive concepts. That's a core belief at Audi. Today, that philosophy paid off with the all-new A3 TDI earning the prestigious title of 2010 Green Car of the Year®.

The announcement came this morning during the Los Angeles Auto Show as Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com presented the award to Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. The Audi A3 TDI was among five model finalists nominated for the award, which began in 2005.

The 2010 Audi A3 TDI arrived at U.S. dealerships last month and initial sales have been promising. The A3 TDI is the latest example of the fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions benefits provided by the critically acclaimed TDI clean diesel product line, following the wildly popular Q7 TDI, which launched in June 2009. TDI clean diesel technology was first developed by Audi 20 years ago and has come to signify the brand's commitment to trailblazing automotive performance executed in an environmentally responsible way.

The groundbreaking TDI 2.0 engine available in the A3 delivers 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, yet achieves an EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway fuel economy that is the best of any luxury car sold in America. That means the Audi A3 TDI achieve 50% better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine.

"We consider the Green Car of the Year® title one of the most important industry accolades," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "It is of paramount importance for us to develop vehicles that achieve the very touchstones this award stands for – fuel efficiency and environmental impact. Rather than novelty features, we consider these attributes imperative to the future of automobile design. We are honored with this recognition for the Audi A3 TDI."

In addition to setting the new industry standard in fuel efficiency, the 2010 A3 TDI remains a stylistic pacesetter as well. All new A3 models now come standard with S line exterior equipment. In addition the wheels have been upgraded and standard Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are available on Premium Plus models. "The Audi A3 TDI really defines what a 'green' car should be," said Cogan. "At 42 mpg, it sets the bar for highway fuel efficiency in the luxury car segment. Its 50-state certified clean diesel engine is quiet, responsive, and achieves its mission without the need for exotic technologies. Plus, it's sporty and just plain fun to drive."

Indeed, the TDI technology in the A3 has a strong performance heritage. Audi was the first automaker to find success with diesel engines in motorsports, winning several times at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring, among other competitions. That same fundamental technology is found in the A3 TDI, meaning motorists do not have to sacrifice performance for efficiency.

For more information on the Audi A3 TDI, please visit www.audiusanews.com.

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi lineup is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales growth. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.


Audi of America Communications
Jeff Kuhlman
Tel.: +1 703 364 7423
Mob.: +1 248 622 3703
jeff.kuhlman@audi.com

Brad Stertz
Tel.: +1 703 364 7440
Mob.: +1 703 344 1320
brad.stertz@audi.com

U.S. College Students Gain Edge in Global Job Market

2 Dec 2009 14:00 Africa/Lagos

U.S. College Students Gain Edge in Global Job Market

Parents Say Study Abroad Experience Increases Maturity and Self-Confidence

CHICAGO, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Parents of returning study abroad college students found the experience initiated a sea-change in their willingness to be more responsible, act independently, and take on the world by themselves, a survey by IES Abroad revealed. More than 1,000 parents responded to the survey.


"This newly-acquired maturity and independence will serve college students well as they enter the job market, pursue careers, and make important life choices," said Dr. Mary Dwyer, CEO and president of IES Abroad.


Maturity, self-confidence, appreciation for other cultures, and independence are the four most significant qualities students acquired while participating in an IES Abroad program, according to parents of U.S. college and university students who studied abroad in spring 2009. The survey had an approximate 40% response rate.


American college students who have studied abroad may have an important edge in today's highly competitive job market. Responsibility, adaptability and independence, coupled with living in another culture, help provide vital skills prospective employers demand: adaptability within multicultural work teams, sensitivity to and appreciation for multicultural perspectives, and creative problem-solving.


For full survey results go to: https://www.iesabroad.org/IES/Parents/parents.html


Parents' Comments and Advice


According to one parent, "The experience confirmed for my daughter that she can handle a wide range of challenges independently and that she understands how to conduct herself in the wider world."


Other comments from parents included:
-- "Long term, my son's study abroad experience helped to reinforce his
plans for his future career."
-- "Best thing is that her sights have now been set far beyond her
college years and she is much more confident about rapidly becoming
independent post-college."


Survey respondents advised families to develop a communications plan that makes use of an online service for voice and video calls. They also advised other parents to be supportive of their students while encouraging their self-reliance.


IES Abroad, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2010, is a global, not-for-profit organization offering study abroad programs to more than 5,000 U.S. college students each year who participate in 90 programs at more than 30 international locations. IES Abroad offers programs in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand and South America. https://www.iesabroad.org/IES/home.html


Source: IES Abroad

CONTACT: Carol Jambor-Smith, +1-312-264-5137, cjambors@iesabroad.org


Web Site: http://www.iesabroad.org/


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10 Best Cars for 2010

2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe

2 Dec 2009 13:00 Africa/Lagos

Car and Driver Announces '10Best' Cars for 2010

Imports Continue to Reign Supreme

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- As the most tumultuous year in the history of the automotive industry draws to a close, Car and Driver magazine, the world's No. 1 automotive enthusiast publication, this week announced its 28th annual list of 10 Best cars sold in America. With only two of the ten cars included on this year's list manufactured by US car companies, evidence continues to mount that American manufacturers still have a ways to go to catch up with many of the imports.


A positive sign of the times for an US car manufacturer is the fact the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid made the coveted list as only the second hybrid ever to be included. The Toyota Prius made the list in 2004.


Following are the 2010 Car and Driver 10Best winners (in alphabetical order), followed by the number of times each model has made the list:


-- 2010 Audi S4 (2)
-- 2010 BMW 3-series / M3 (19)
-- 2010 Cadillac CTS / CTS-V (2)
-- 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (1)
-- 2010 Honda Accord (24)
-- 2010 Honda Fit (3)
-- 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (11)
-- 2010 Mazda 3 / Mazdaspeed 3 (3)
-- 2010 Porsche Boxster / Cayman (3)
-- 2010 Volkswagen GTI (7)


The list is not in a ranked order. A panel of 18 Car and Driver editors determined the winners by rating them on a scale of 1-100 with a focus on functional performance, driving satisfaction and value. Vehicles considered for the award must be available in the United States by January 2009 and priced below the cap of $80,000, or 2.5 times the average transaction price as of summer 2009. Winners from the previous year are re-nominated if they are still available under the price cap.


For additional information, visit www.caranddriver.com.


Source: Car and Driver

CONTACT: John Casey, +1-248-935-2911, jcasey@caseypr.com, for Car and
Driver


Web Site: Car and Driver


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Highly Skilled Spouses Want To Work During Assignments Abroad

Highly skilled spouses want to work during assignments abroad

Global survey sharpens focus on partner employment needs

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, November 30 /PRNewswire/ — A lack of spouse employment opportunities adversely affects global mobility of highly skilled international staff.

This is the key finding of a survey of 3300 expatriate partners of highly skilled staff on foreign postings with 200 companies, embassies and international organisations.

Permits Foundation, which conducted the survey among partners of 120 nationalities in as many host countries, says that granting work permits for partners can create a "triple win" for employers, families and host countries.

Almost 60 per cent of partners said that they would be unlikely to relocate in future to a country where it is difficult to get a work permit. By contrast, countries that enable partners to work were attractive destinations for 96% of respondents.

Permits Foundation advocates improvement of work permit regulations for partners of expatriate employees worldwide. It wants legally resident partners to have an open permission to work during an assignment. The foundation has set up employer networks in India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Russia to progress discussions in these countries.

"This new evidence sends an important signal to governments that want to attract top international talent", says Gill Gordon, Director of Executive Compensation for Schlumberger. "Partners are also highly educated, with diverse professional backgrounds. If permitted to work, they too contribute to the local economy."

The survey also provides insight into partner aspirations and the positive effects of having a job. Almost 90% of partners in the survey were employed before expatriation. This figure fell to 35% during the posting. Three quarters of those who were not working want to work. This is particularly so among the younger age groups, men, graduates and unmarried partners. Most partners who work said that this had a positive impact on adjustment to the host location and willingness to complete the assignment.

"This is the first large-scale survey to look at employment and work permit issues from the partner perspective." said Siobhan Cummins, Managing Director of ORC's Operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Acknowledging partner employment needs will enhance international mobility. The survey is a welcome addition to resources that employers can consult when developing policies to support dual career couples."

More information: http://permitsfoundation.com/docs/permits_survey_summary.pdf and http://www.permitsfoundation.com/docs/permits_survey_final_report.pdf.

Press Contact:
Permits Foundation
P.O. Box 162
2501 AN The Hague
The Netherlands


Mrs. Kathleen van der Wilk-Carlton
Board Member Permits Foundation
Tel: +31 (0) 70 319 19 30


Mrs. Françoise van Roosmalen
Co-ordinator Permits Foundation
Tel: +31 (0) 70 331 84 66


PermitsFoundation@shell.com


www.permitsfoundation.com