In his debut novel, "The Travelers" (published by iUniverse), Keith Wayne McCoy strengthens the mysterious, haunting link between the past and present by telling the story of how an errant radio signal from the 1947 luxury liner Queen Mary is intercepted by an extraterrestrial intelligence - not to mention a mother - who inadvertently causes the deterioration of one couple in the past and ultimately sends melancholy filmmaker Guy Turner on a journey of self-discovery in the present.

Living in the post-World War II era and emigrating across the Atlantic Ocean from war-ravaged London, soldier James Bennett and young bride Jess Bennett unexpectedly encounter an otherworldly, yet desperate mother and her two alien children. Little did the couple know that this brief encounter so early in their lives would affect the very course they would take both as a family and as separate individuals. After their supernatural encounter aboard ship, however, the couple and the two small children (given to them by the alien mother) settle in pastoral southern Illinois as a family. For a time, happiness actually seemed achievable, near.

Back in the present, Guy produces movies in Los Angeles, meanwhile enduring the constant groans of his wife about having children. Coincidently, he soon finds himself caught in the middle of a supernatural mystery after encountering the alien mother in Long Beach aboard the retired Queen Mary that the Bennetts used to come to America all those years ago. Now, jaded Jess and her heartbroken ex-husband, James, must voyage together in order to make certain that history unfolds as it should, ensuring the present for everyone living today.

Testing the limits of the travelers' anxieties, despairs, regrets and memories, this unlikely trio must redeem themselves by unraveling the mystery of this supernatural thriller. Join the elderly Jess, the suffering James and the Hollywood Guy on this exciting, heartbreaking quest of enlightenment and self-discovery in McCoy's visionary science fiction drama, "The Travelers."

McCoy majored in creative writing at the University of Southern Indiana. Although he has published short stories, "The Travelers" is his first novel. He was also awarded full scholarships to writer's retreats headed by authors, including John Hawkes, Amy Hempel, Bob Shacochis and Sigrid Nunez. In addition to being a writer, McCoy is a collector of memorabilia from the 1930s luxury liner Queen Mary. He currently lives in southern Illinois.

"The Travelers"

Available from: http://www.iUniverse.com, http://www.bn.com, and http://www.amazon.com

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

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

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

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

SOURCE iUniverse

*** POST EVENT ALERT *** POST EVENT ALERT ***

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091028/NY01437-a)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091028/NY01437-b)

    WHO:    Saks Fifth Avenue's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steve
            Sadove and Town & Country editor-in-chief Pamela Fiori mingled
            with guests that included a surprise visit from designers
            Valentino and Vera Wang, who came to get books.

            Other notable attendees included: Leonard and Evelyn Lauder,
            Roberto Faraone Mennella & Amedeo Scognamiglio, Olivia
            Chantecaille, Josie Natori, Cathie Black, Kelly Bensimon, Bryant
            and Hilary Gumbel, Barbara Cirkva, Carmen Dell'Orefice, Michele
            Oka Doner.


    WHAT:   Saks Fifth Avenue and Proper Assouline hosted a party to celebrate
            the launch of Pamela Fiori's latest book, In the Spirit of Capri.
            Guests at the party on Saks' new designer third floor enjoyed
            Capri-themed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and were entertained by
            an authentic mandolin player.

            Over 100 copies of the book were sold with Pamela personalizing
            all of them.

SOURCE Saks Fifth Avenue

Chemical Market Associates, Inc. (CMAI) announces the completion of the 2010 World Styrene Analysis, an annual global study in its twenty-third year that covers the future outlook for supply, demand, production, capacity, trade, pricing and profitability of the global Styrene industry for the period 2004 to 2014. Included with each analysis is 12 months access to CMAI's online capacity and supply/demand databases with a mid-term supply/demand update incorporating the latest economic and market outlook. This well- established analysis is a necessary resource for business managers and planning professionals who need to make strategic business decisions based on the recent unpredictability in the global financial markets and fluctuations in energy prices.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061109/CMALOGO)

Current Market Situation

CMAI projects that world styrene demand in 2009 will contract for the second consecutive year, bringing the total loss in demand to well over two million tons from the peak in 2007. Other issues facing the industry are record low operating rates (below 80 percent in 2009) as capacity additions have continued in tandem with the drop in demand. There is a record high capacity surplus, despite fairly extensive capacity rationalization. The oversupply is expected to grow even further next year as more capacity comes on stream. Again, this surplus takes into account further monomer plant closures.

Styrene margins in 2009 have not been as bad as suggested by the low operating rates. A very weak propylene oxide market has curtailed styrene production via the POSM route, which created a tight market in the early part of 2009. As propylene oxide demand improves, so does styrene availability, having a negative impact on styrene margins as evident in the second half of 2009.

Overall, market conditions are tough due to the weak demand and overcapacity. The industry has been diligently scrapping capacity in the last couple of years, but a demand decrease of this magnitude has created an even wider output gap. As a result, more producers are heading for the exits or reducing their exposure to their "toxic assets."

Market Outlook

World average operating rates for styrene are not forecast to surpass even the mid 80s percent level in the coming years, despite our projections that styrene demand growth will resume at levels near GDP.Without further capacity closures, operating rates throughout the forecast period are projected to remain below the rates recorded during the last trough in 2001. This scenario will unfold even without any confirmed capacity expansions after 2012. Even more likely, however, is there will be additional capacity closures. The world market leaders in the styrene and styrenics industry are now simply leading the way out.

Growth across the board in terms of derivatives is expected in 2010. Geographically, all the significant markets are expected to see growth in styrene demand. The average annual growth rates for styrene consumption into its derivatives during the 2009-2014 period are fairly reasonable, but originate from a low base year, and are consistent with history. As with the world economy, we can expect growth rates for styrene to resume "pre- crisis" levels, but without the global market regaining the lost ground quickly. In fact, the world styrene market is not forecast to reach the 2007 peak consumption level until 2012.

To find out more about the current market issues and CMAI's outlook for this industry, order this analysis now at http://www.cmaiglobal.com. The analysis is available in book and CD-ROM format, with access to CMAI's Online Capacity and Supply/Demand databases. With updates to the Capacity database as changes in the marketplace occur, and an annual mid-year update to the Supply/Demand database, clients find this database access to be a necessary tool for their strategic business decisions.

CMAI is the premier provider of Market, Planning and Business Advisory services offering a unique combination of consulting analytics and expertise for the global chemical, plastics, fibers and chlor-alkali industries. With offices in Houston, New York, London, Dubai, Düsseldorf, Singapore and Shanghai, CMAI has provided expert business advisory services to a broad base of companies across multiple value chains and geographies since 1979. Clients to CMAI services include chemical and oil companies, technology & EPC companies, banking and financial institutions, plastic converters, textile & apparel manufacturers, brand-owners, grocers/retailers, government agencies and trading companies.

For more information on the 2010 World Styrene Analysis, visit CMAI's website at www.cmaiglobal.com or contact:

                                             Susan Beury
                                                 CMAI
                                   11757 Katy Freeway, Suite 700
                                      Houston, TX 77079 U.S.A.
                              Tel: 1-281-531-4660 Fax: 1-281-531-9966
                                   Email: sbeury@cmaiglobal.com

SOURCE Chemical Market Associates, Inc.

WestBow Press, the strategic self-publishing alliance of Thomas Nelson and Author Solutions, has unveiled five unique book publishing packages to help inspirational authors publish and bring their books to market according to their specific goals and budgets.

All packages include softcover formatting, ISBN assignment, retail channel distribution, Library of Congress Control Number, copyright registration, ten free image insertions, ten copies of the completed book, and marketing by sales representatives to Christian book buyers. The five packages available to WestBow authors include:

• Essential Access - An economical publishing option for emerging authors, it provides all of the basics necessary for a professional, high-quality publishing experience.
  

• Pro Format - This package includes all the unique benefits of the Essential Access package, as well as hardcover formatting and multiple distribution options. Books also are included in the prestigious WestBow Press catalog.
  

• Bookstore Advantage - This option provides all the essentials needed to increase a book's chances of commercial success, including a detailed manuscript assessment by a professional editor and the high-value Booksellers Return program - a must-have for authors seeking retail distribution.
  

• Online Platform - Perfect for authors who strive to increase readership through Internet book marketing, which has grown in popularity with the emergence of Twitter, MySpace, and Facebook. Easily tap into this growing marketplace of online community networks and powerful book-browsing services for dynamic book marketing.
  

• Video Plus+ - Authors gain a promotional advantage over the competition through the power of video. We create and distribute a professional book trailer that boldly presents the book's vision to the world. This publishing package includes all of the benefits of the Online Platform, with a powerful mix of additional promotional materials key to a successful book launch.
  

To learn more about WestBow Press and its industry-leading publishing packages, log on to http://www.westbowpress.com, complete the form and receive a free Guide for Success. To begin publishing today with WestBow Press, call 1-866-928-1240 to speak with a publishing consultant.

About WestBow Press

WestBow Press is a strategic self-publishing alliance of Thomas Nelson, the world's premier Christian publisher, and Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI) - the world leader in the fastest-growing segment of publishing. Through this partnership, authors benefit from the rich publishing heritage of Thomas Nelson and the speed-to-market advantages of the ASI self-publishing model. Titles published through WestBow Press will be evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication under the Thomas Nelson imprint. For more information, visit http://www.westbowpress.com.

    CONTACT:

    Kevin A. Gray
    WestBow Press
    317.246.9348
    kgray@westbowpress.com

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

SOURCE WestBow Press

ECTACO Inc., a New York based company best known for their budget series of jetBook eBook readers, hand-held electronic translators, and translating software have launched the most affordable eBook reader available on the market -- the ECTACO jetBook-Lite, with an MSRP of $149. The product was unveiled to the public at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany earlier this month.

According to the company's CEO David Lubinitsky, "The idea behind this new product was to offer the lowest price without risking quality and functionality. We've listened to our customers' feedback and modeled the jetBook-Lite after its predecessor by stripping all the unnecessary additions and leaving the most essential reading options. By user's demand we incorporated four AA batteries to add flexibility wherever the eBook reader is used. They can be replaced with rechargeable batteries if necessary. The other breakthrough is an option to download and read books from the Barnes and Noble website using the new built-in eReader DRM."

With virtually no limit in formats, and now Barnes and Noble's backing, the jetBook-Lite supports eReader DRM, ePub, Mobi, PRC, RTF, .txt, .pdf, .fb2, .jpg, .gif, .png, and .bmp, along with support for many languages including English, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Chinese and others. The pocket size, low-power crisp TFT screen with fast refresh rate, universal power source, multilingual interface, built-in dictionaries, and thousands of books downloadable directly from www.barnesandnoble.com and www.jetBook.net allow this eBook reader to be highly useful for public schools, college students, travelers, and your everyday avid reader.

jetBook-Lite is expected to appear in US retail stores later this month. European release is scheduled for spring 2010.

To find out more about the new jetBook-Lite and the latest innovations to the modern library of the 21st century visit www.jetBook.net

    Contact:
    Greg Stetson
    718-728-6110 Ext. 212
    greg@ectaco.com

SOURCE ECTACO Inc.

The annual L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest and anthology series now in its 26th year may be producing more successful, best-selling authors in speculative fiction than any similar publishing vehicle for new and aspiring writers, it was announced today in Hollywood.

At least seven of the 300 winning writers have made the New York Times (NYT) best-sellers' list -- Dave Wolverton (Star Wars: The Courtship of Princess Leah), Nancy Farmer (The Ear, the Eye and the Arm), Jo Beverley (A Lady's Secret), Sean Williams (Star Wars: Force Unleashed), Tim Myers (Basho and the Fox), Karen Joy Fowler (The Jane Austen Book Club) and Patrick Rothfuss (Name of the Wind).

"Each of these amazing writers got their first big publishing break after being chosen by our blue ribbon panel of writers and appearing in the annual L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future anthology," Joni Labaqui, Director of the contest, said. "No other contest is providing such a successful vehicle for future writers anywhere."

Sponsored by Author Services Inc., the literary agency that represents all of Hubbard's works, the annual Writers of the Future contest draws entrants from around the globe and is free to enter. Winners receive cash awards, qualify for a $5,000 grand prize, receive airfare to and accommodations at the contest venue, participate in a week-long professional writing workshop, and are professionally-published (often for the first time) in the annual anthology.

The Writers of the Future Contest has been honored with "The Publishers Weekly Outstanding Achievement Award" and the "Library Journal Award of Excellence" for continued work in discovering, fostering and nurturing careers of aspiring writers.

For more information on the Contest visit www.writersofthefuture.com.

SOURCE Writers of the Future Contest

Avery Books, a division of Penguin Group USA, releases today, October 27, 2009, an updated edition of Recetas Nutritivas Que Curan, 4th Edition: Guia practica de la A hasta la Z para dfrutar de una burna salud convitaminas, minerales, hierbas y suplementos alimentariosis (Avery, $30.00) by Phyllis Balch. This is the first time the 4th edition of this best-selling health guide is available to the Spanish speaking community.

With over five million copies of the English version sold, the Spanish version will break new barriers in natural health. As healthcare debates continue in Congress, alternative health choices are becoming more popular. Recetas Nutritivas Que Curan is the most trusted, comprehensive source on dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, and herbs. Its availability to over 45 million Spanish-speaking readers is groundbreaking.

"Phyllis Balch was a pioneer in the field of nutritional healing and her meticulous research is the basis for this book. She stressed the importance of consuming fresh foods, avoiding processed foods and those high in saturated fat, and optimizing your intake of essential nutrients with the right supplements," said Megan Newman, Vice President and Director of Avery Editorial. "Recetas Nutritivas Que Curan incorporates the latest findings with her proven research to create the most complete alternative health resource available in the Spanish language."

To help make sense of the mind-numbing array of choices available to the Spanish community, readers of Recetas Nutritivas Que Curan will:

• learn the basics of good nutrition
• learn to balance vitamins and minerals so the body can properly absorb both
• determine how best to treat 250 problems -- from abscesses to wrinkles -- using herbs, nutrition, and supplements
• get the facts on complementary therapies, like ayurveda, biofeedback, chiropractic care, and more.
  

About Avery:

Avery, an imprint focusing on health, wellness, fitness, psychology, and popular science, is best known for publishing cutting-edge, accessible books from top experts in their fields. Leading the backlist is one of the best-selling health books of all time, Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis Balch

Founded in 1976, Avery quickly established itself as the most successful independent publisher of health books in the market. Penguin Group (USA) Inc. acquired it as an imprint in 1999 with a strong commitment to continue publishing respected, up-to-the-minute books with a clear focus on helping people make the most of their lives.

SOURCE Avery Books

Tor Books is proud to announce the release of The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson, Book Twelve of The Wheel of Time and the first of three novels to conclude the beloved and international bestselling fantasy series.

The Wheel of Time series has sold over 14 million copies in North America and over 30 million copies worldwide with translations into 28 languages. The last four books in the series were #1 New York Times bestsellers, and readers have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the epic story that first began in 1990.

The release of The Gathering Storm is especially memorable, as it honors the legacy of the late great Robert Jordan. The conclusion to the series was partially written by Jordan before his untimely passing in 2007. Brandon Sanderson, the bestselling author of the Mistborn trilogy, was then chosen by Jordan's editor -- his wife, Harriet McDougal -- to complete the series based on the notes and materials left behind.

Brandon Sanderson begins a 25-city national author tour with special appearance by Harriet McDougal at select events. Events kicked off with a lively midnight release party in Provo, UT with several hundred people in attendance and continue later today with a special launch event in Charleston, SC, the home of Robert Jordan. This year also marks the inaugural Storm Leader program, for which the largest Wheel of Time site hand-selected a dedicated team of fans to head up community outreach in each tour city.

The Wheel of Time comic books debuted this year from the Dabel Brothers, and the comics will later be collected and published as graphic novels by Tor books. A New Spring graphic novel with bonus material is scheduled to release next year.

Universal Pictures acquired the movie rights to the Wheel of Time in August 2008 and plan to adapt The Eye of the World as the first movie. A video game is in progress and a documentary on Robert Jordan is in post-production.

The final two books in the Wheel of Time series will be titled Towers of Midnight and A Memory of Light. The Gathering Storm marks the beginning of the dramatic conclusion to an amazing series, one whose journey began almost twenty years ago.

SOURCE Tor Books

Evergreen Films announced today that the company has signed a development deal with New York Times bestselling author Dana Stabenow to bring her popular Kate Shugak, Alaska P.I. mystery series to television.

Through cutting edge production techniques previously reserved for theatrical films, Evergreen promises to show Alaska, the setting for the Shugak stories, as it has never been seen before. "The ability to create a realistic portrayal of Alaska will be critical to communicating the unique Alaska mindset that Kate Shugak embodies," explains Mike Devlin, a partner in Evergreen Films, which has state-of-the-art digital/3D studios in both Los Angeles and Anchorage.

The development deal between Stabenow and Evergreen Films guarantees the majority of the filming and production work on any series will take place in Alaska, where Evergreen Films has established a multi-million dollar post-production facility. "I've been approached in the past to option my stories for television," said Dana Stabenow, "but prior to Evergreen, there were no assurances the production would be filmed in Alaska. My stories are Alaska stories and they need to be told in Alaska. Evergreen Films is located in Alaska, the company does amazing work, and I am thrilled at the prospect of working together."

While Alaska has seemingly been the setting for many popular television and film productions - such as Northern Exposure, Men in Trees and, most recently, The Proposal - none of these productions have actually been filmed in Alaska. Recent tax incentives of up to 44% of a producer's budget, and a growing film community, have worked to reverse this trend by providing ample incentive for Evergreen and other filmmakers to consider Alaska as a prime destination for filming.

Devlin's partner, Pierre de Lespinois, adds, "Through our Anchorage studio, advanced digital filmmaking technology and supporting infrastructure within the state, Evergreen is uniquely positioned to produce films in Alaska. Given their aggressive incentives, we expect this will be the first of many Alaska based projects for our company."

About Evergreen Films, Inc.

The story of Kate Shugak, Alaska P.I. will be brought to life for television using digital production techniques previously reserved for theatrical films - delivering on Evergreen's promise to take each production to an entirely new level of imagination. Through its Anchorage studio, Evergreen Films will employ live action, special effects, virtual sets and compositing to create a television series that shows Alaska as it has never been seen before.

Evergreen likes to think of their work as integrating the vision of the artist with the ingenuity of the engineer: great stories brought to life with the help of breakthrough technology.

Evergreen's team of industry pioneers (in digital filmmaking, CGI animation and 3D) is backed by the best digital technology in the business. Fully equipped production studios in Anchorage and Los Angeles put Evergreen in the heart of Hollywood, while simultaneously allowing the company to grow the film industry in Alaska, which recently passed a top tier film incentive program.

With its own 2D and 3D digital camera systems, insert stage and full service post-production facilities, Evergreen Films is uniquely positioned to produce stories that raise the bar on innovation, character development and audience engagement.

SOURCE Evergreen Films

University Games has acquired the rights to create products based on children's books by award-winning author Mo Willems. University Games plans to design a broad range of games, puzzles, and other merchandise inspired by the fresh illustrations and humorous dialogue of the Mo Willems' "Pigeon" series, published by Hyperion Books for Children.

Beginning with the New York Times bestseller, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Willems' series follows the caprices of the demanding Pigeon. As The New York Times has pointed out, "The Pigeon is one of this decade's contributions to the pantheon of great children's book characters." University Games is excited to embrace the character of the Pigeon as well as the uncluttered and childlike illustrations by Willems, which they see as ideal material for children's games and merchandise.

"We are thrilled to have the Pigeon join our line-up of outstanding learning games for kids," says University Games' CEO Bob Moog of the licensing deal. "University Games has specialized in bringing books to play for young children since the introduction of the Green Eggs and Ham game in 1995. Mo Willems' work will translate wonderfully into our style of game and puzzle."

Mo Willems began his career as a writer and animator for television, where he won six Emmy Awards for his writing on Sesame Street. His first children's book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, was awarded a Caldecott Honor, has been translated into many languages, spawned theatrical musical productions, and an animated film. He has since garnered two more Caldecott Honors for his Knuffle Bunny books and two Theodor Seuss Geisel Awards for his Elephant and Piggie early-reader series.

University Games, a division of University Games Corporation, was founded by Bob Moog and Cris Lehman in 1985. Focused on quality components and creative gameplay, University Games has devised games from many book series, the likes of Eric Carle to Five Little Monkeys books to The Worst-Case Scenario series. With mainstays such as 20-Questions and the Murder Mystery Party line, University Games has created over 200 games over the last 24 years and has won numerous awards from magazines such as Parent's Choice and Child Magazine.

SOURCE University Games

ECTACO Inc., a New York based company best known for their budget series of jetBook eBook readers, hand-held electronic translators, and translating software have launched the most affordable eBook reader available on the market -- the ECTACO jetBook-Lite, with an MSRP of $149. The product was unveiled to the public at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany earlier this month.

According to the company's CEO David Lubinitsky, "The idea behind this new product was to offer the lowest price without risking quality and functionality. We've listened to our customers' feedback and modeled the jetBook-Lite after its predecessor by stripping all the unnecessary additions and leaving the most essential reading options. By user's demand we incorporated four AA batteries to add flexibility wherever the eBook reader is used. They can be replaced with rechargeable batteries if necessary. The other breakthrough is an option to download and read books from the Barnes and Noble website using the new built-in eReader DRM."

With virtually no limit in formats, and now Barnes and Noble's backing, the jetBook-Lite supports eReader DRM, ePub, Mobi, PRC, RTF, .txt, .pdf, .fb2, .jpg, .gif, .png, and .bmp, along with support for many languages including English, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Chinese and others. The pocket size, low-power crisp TFT screen with fast refresh rate, universal power source, multilingual interface, built-in dictionaries, and thousands of books downloadable directly from www.barnesandnoble.com and www.jetBook.net allow this eBook reader to be highly useful for public schools, college students, travelers, and your everyday avid reader.

jetBook-Lite is expected to appear in US retail stores later this month. European release is scheduled for spring 2010.

To find out more about the new jetBook-Lite and the latest innovations to the modern library of the 21st century visit www.jetBook.net

    Contact:
    Greg Stetson
    718-728-6110 Ext. 212
    greg@ectaco.com

SOURCE ECTACO Inc.

Borders® has something for every "Twilight" fan in its "New Moon" collection, now in stores and online at Borders.com. Inspired by the upcoming feature film "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," items range from exclusive T-shirts and pajamas for passionate fans who want to proudly show their allegiance to "Team Edward" (or "Team Jacob") to necklaces and bracelets for those who want a subtle yet powerful reminder of the captivating love story--and everything in between! Importantly, each item is value priced so fans know that when they are purchasing a "New Moon" or "Twilight"-themed product from Borders, they're getting a high-quality item at a great price.

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

The following is an overview of some of the many items in Borders' "New Moon" and "Twilight" collections:

For the fashionista fan

Borders is offering four exclusive "New Moon" T-shirts. The "love trio" T-shirt features images of Bella, Jacob and Edward on a rich brown background. Also available are shirts that include individual images of Edward and Jacob, both of which are available in black. The favorite among Borders' staff is a silky thin T-shirt -- perfect for layering -- that depicts the "Wolf Pack" tattoo Jacob sports in the movie, superimposed on a background that cascades in color from gold to chocolate brown. There's also a knit "Wolf Pack" tattoo hoodie just right for cool nights and temperate days. And, for "Twilight"-inspired dreams, there's the "Wolf Pack" tattoo pajamas in soft 100 percent cotton. Both the hoodie and the pajamas are also Borders exclusives.

For moms who love "Twilight" as much as their daughters

Borders knows that there are many moms who love the "Twilight" Saga as much as their daughters, so the retailer offers a number of pieces of jewelry with a high cool factor that moms and daughters alike can share and trade. Fans can choose from dangly earrings inspired by Jacob's Quileute Tribe, a turquoise necklace and turquoise bracelet -- the latter, a replica of the one worn by Alice in "The Twilight Saga: New Moon." For those who can't choose between Edward and Jacob there's a charm bracelet which includes "E" (for Edward) and "J" (for Jacob) charms as well as other symbols emblematic of their characters.

For fans who love utility -- with a "Twilight" twist

Borders is carrying a variety of bags to help "Twilight" fans get to all of their destinations in style. Options include a black canvas tote bag featuring the "love trio" image, a reversible hobo bag, as well as a heavy duty Edward messenger bag in the "New Moon" colors.

Something for everyone else...

In addition to these many items, Borders also carries an exclusive "love trio" poster, exclusive wall scrolls in a variety of designs, as well as bookmarks, magnets, journals and more. For additional information and to order select items online, visit the Borders Twilight Shop at www.borders.com/twilightshop.

About Borders Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) is a leading specialty retailer of books as well as other educational and entertainment items. The company employs approximately 25,000 throughout the U.S., primarily in its Borders® and Waldenbooks® stores. Online shopping is offered through borders.com. Find author interviews and vibrant discussions of the products we and our customers are passionate about online at facebook.com/borders, twitter.com/bordersmedia and youtube.com/bordersmedia. For more information about the company, visit borders.com/media.

SOURCE Borders

Dr. Michael Gordon, a successful and prominent Canadian geriatrician, ethicist, educator, speaker, and author, presents "Brooklyn Beginnings," a memoir examining his quest from humble beginnings in Brooklyn to his current renowned medical status in Toronto.

"Brooklyn Beginnings" is a unique memoir tracing Dr. Gordon's path to becoming a prominent and highly respected academic geriatrician. It is not a typical autobiography: it pieces together numerous connected anecdotes that helped form the foundation of who he is today. This book inspires readers to educate themselves in some way -- no matter how seemingly insignificant -- everyday. He considers education, broad experience and exploration to be vital tools for success in any area of one's life. The book explores Dr. Gordon's desire and commitment to be the best physician and educator possible, and shows exactly how this philosophy played out in his life and successful career.

In "Brooklyn Beginnings," Dr. Gordon tells how his own trying personal experiences help him to reach out to his patients, their families, and medical trainees. He experienced Israel's Six Day War in an Arab Country and spent time as a physician for the Israeli Air Force. During his time living and training in Israel, Gordon followed his passion and true calling to help others, engaging in clinical and educational activities within the Israeli and Arab cultures to help better the communities and citizens he encountered.

Dr. Gordon regularly contributes to the field of elder care, commentating on TV programs, radio shows, newspapers, and magazines across North America and internationally. Dr. Gordon has helped thousands of people with his research, writings, and teachings and has published many articles and a number of medical guides on caring for the elderly.

About the Author

Dr. Michael Gordon was born in Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Brooklyn College, receiving his undergraduate degree before traveling overseas to the University of St. Andrews, Queens College in Dundee, Scotland. Dr. Gordon works as an academic geriatric medical specialist at the Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System and the University of Toronto. In his free time, he enjoys cycling and photography. Dr. Gordon is married with four children and resides in Toronto, Canada.

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

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
    Elizabeth Friedland
    Tel: 317.926.1727
    Fax: 317.926.1728
    Email: efriedland@trendyminds.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 iUniverse

The global authority on record-breaking achievement, Guinness World Records, today launched an exact replica of the very first "Guinness Book of Records" in a limited and individually-numbered facsimile edition available exclusively for purchase at the company's website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com).

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091022/NY97264)

The phenomenon of Guinness World Records began in September 1955 when the Chairman of the Guinness Brewery, Sir Hugh Beaver, decided to publish a volume of definite facts, in hopes that such a book would put an end to pub arguments. The very first Guinness Book of Records was printed in 1,000 copies with a plastic cover to protect it from beer stains and despite an initial skepticism from retailers (WHSmith ordered five copies), the book became an instant hit, was reprinted and reached bestseller status by Christmas the same year.

55 years later, the current Guinness World Records 2010 edition is published in 26 languages, 3 million copies and sold in 100 countries around the world. Although the popularity of Guinness World Records has remained steady for half a century the world that the record-keeping company measures has certainly seen some changes.

Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records, Craig Glenday, said: "The world is moving at a dizzying pace and we've been there documenting and celebrating the changes for half a century. By reproducing our very first edition, we can offer a snapshot of the world in the 1950s and a true sense of how our planet and its inhabitants have changed in the past 55 years."

"Guinness Book of Records" will take today's readers back to a time when the most expensive bottle of perfume was Jean Patou's "joy" from Paris retailing at 103 s. 6d. per 1/4 oz (225 pounds Sterling per pint), compared to the current record attributed to the limited edition of Clive Christian No.1 Collection priced at 115,000 pounds ($205,000) per 500 ml (17 fl oz); and the tallest building was the Empire State Building in New York at 448.7 m (1,472 ft), which is nearly half the size of the Burj Dubai, "Dubai Tower," which today tops out at a record breaking 818 m (2,648 ft).

Readers will also notice that a category such as "uncontrolled drinking," which is no longer monitored by Guinness World Records, appears in the very first edition with record holders Auguste Maffrey (France) and Spaniard Dionsio Sanchez (Spain), who consumed 24 pints of beer in 52 minutes and 40 pints of wine in 59 minutes, respectively. Other records remain unbroken until this day, including the largest diamond (a 3106 carat diamond found in 1905 in South Africa) and the tallest man ever (American Robert Pershing Wadlow 2.72 m - 8 ft 11.1 in). Not to mention the largest pandemic (Black Death in 1347 eradicating around a quarter of the population of Europe and some 75 million worldwide) -- a record which thankfully has not been surpassed in modern times.

"The Guinness Book of Records" facsimile edition is available exclusively on the Guinness World Records website www.guinnessworldrecords.com at 25 pounds in a strictly-limited print-run of 5,000 copies. Each copy is individually numbered as a collector's item.

About Guinness World Records

Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer's Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements. The Guinness World Records website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com) receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Guinness World Records is part of the Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada's largest privately owned companies which is a conglomerate of interests, including advertising, broadcasting, grocery stores and automotive retailing.

SOURCE Guinness World Records

AuthorHouse, the leading provider of self publishing and marketing services for authors around the globe, will host the world's foremost mentalist, The Amazing Kreskin, for a free signing of his latest book Kreskin Confidential: The World's Greatest Mentalist Speaks Out, Friday, Oct. 23 from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. PDT in booth 824 at the AARP Vegas@50+ convention at the Sands Expo Center.

Kreskin Confidential, which was released by AuthorHouse in April 2009, is Kreskin's reflection upon his nearly fifty-year career, during which he's entertained literally millions of people, in virtually every medium, all over the world. A regular on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in the 1970s and 1980s, Kreskin has made a recent return to late night with several appearances on NBC's Late Night hosted by Jimmy Fallon.

In March 2009, the film The Great Buck Howard, based on Kreskin's career, debuted in North American theaters. Kreskin, the author of more than 15 previous books, chose to self publish Kreskin Confidential to complement the release of the film.

"The reason for my self publishing was initially that of time pressure. I've had many publishers through the years, some of which have taken my books around the world, but the impetus of writing my book was the awareness that the Tom Hanks movie (The Great Buck Howard) was being released within months," Kreskin said. "I finally decided that the movie would open a lot of questions that I could not answer on all the talk shows and scores upon scores of newspaper interviews that I would do related to the movie. It made me make a decision, with only a few weeks' timeframe to publish the book on my own, release it, and promote the book in my own way for my media appearances and live concerts around the world."

For more information on Kreskin Confidential, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=61046. To start publishing your book today, log on to http://www.authorhouse.com or call 888-519-5121.

About AuthorHouse

AuthorHouse, an author services brand of Author Solutions, Inc., is the leading provider of self publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse released its 60,000th title in spring 2009. For more information, or to publish your book, visit http://www.authorhouse.com, or call 1-888-519-5121.

    CONTACT:

    Kevin A. Gray
    AuthorHouse
    317-246-9348
    kgray@authorhouse.com

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

SOURCE AuthorHouse

In her debut nonfiction book, "Intersection between Slavery and the Military in Haiti: Justice and Peace are the Right Balance of Power" (published by iUniverse), Yonie Richard explores the many dimensions of the Haitian complex psychological and sociological impacts that plague her people and consequently stunt their development into free-thinking, democratic citizens, a fate Richard believes she must illuminate in order to help her brothers and sisters' future.

Covering subjects ranging from military training to educational standards to the violence of Voodoo religious rites, Richard is no stranger to the many facets of the Haitian Government, nor is she a voice that will be silenced. She passionately speaks out against the deplorable education system and food supply issues in Haiti that only serve to turn her brothers and sisters into obedient officers for an unjust government. As an emigrant from Haiti herself, Richard calls for reform and offers clear solutions that will undoubtedly help with the rehabilitation of her nation.

Nowhere in her new book does Richard better state her call to action than in her very first chapter, "Slave and the Military," where she states:

        Without a reform in both education and health care, it will be
        impossible for Haiti to become a democratic country. They really are
        not aware of it. They are so innocent that they have no clue what
        causes them to act so badly. Today, they are becoming the worst
        criminals and the worst slaves. I ask for a pardon for the nation;
        please give Haiti a chance, the country that was placed next to
        heaven, but today is actually one exit before hell.

Through "Intersection between Slavery and the Military in Haiti," both Haitian and American readers can now learn about the nationwide violence weakening the strong spirit of Haiti and the leading causes of that violence, which according to Richards, stems from poor education, food regulations, military mindsets, lack of democratic communication, criminal behavior justified by religious practices, among many others.

Now free from psychological abuse for more than 25 years, Richards became a civil engineer before she immigrated to the U.S. in July 1982. Armed with her newfound freedom, she finished high school and earned numerous degrees. She is currently working as a health care professional and attending Kaplan University in order to make the most of her ability (and desire) to educate herself. "Intersection between Slavery and the Military in Haiti" is her first publication.

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

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

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

SOURCE iUniverse

In an age when some parents will pay more than $45,000 for college admissions counseling, and even some elementary schools host college fairs, one noted guidance counselor has made a national reputation by flouting the conventions of the application ritual. As a guidance counselor at Oyster Bay High in Long Island, NY, Gwyeth "Smitty" Smith encourages "his" kids to view college not as an admissions prize, but a path to becoming a pediatrician, teacher, YouTube engineer - whatever their dreams may be. Smitty's unorthodox approach is grounded in the principle that applying to college shouldn't just be about getting in; it should be a kid's first moment of self-discovery.

In ACCEPTANCE: A Legendary Guidance Counselor Helps Seven Kids Find the Right Colleges and Find Themselves (The Penguin Press; on-sale now), David L. Marcus, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former education writer for U.S. News & World Report, now at Newsday, watches Smitty work his unique magic on students' applications and their lives. Smitty can find the perfect school for the most quirky kid, coax a sensitive essay from the toughest jock, and induce the nerdiest student to exude poise in an interview. He shows his students - and their parents - that their best chance of getting in is not to package themselves, but to reveal themselves.

ACCEPTANCE has garnered rave reviews and national attention for revealing how to play the admissions game in a way that charts the right course for one's whole life. While Smitty excels at easing the pressure of the college hunt, his success comes from imposing a deeper challenge. He makes kids articulate their profoundest fears, their mistakes, their secret hopes. In short, he makes them figure out who they are. Smitty deals in his own ingenious way with almost every complication that can afflict the application process - even offering innovative ways for paying for college, as family budgets are tightening. Smitty uses his savant's knowledge of America's 3,600 colleges and universities to pair each student with the right one, from the sweet but perpetually disorganized boy next door to the valedictorian who applies to 28 programs. Smitty brings to the college search counterintuitive insight and wisdom that students and parents, frustrated with the application process, will find useful and inspiring.

Admissions expert Dave Marcus is available for interviews.

www.DaveMarcus.com

SOURCE The Penguin Press

Despite a slow economy, 2008 saw $308 billion in charitable giving, with almost 75 percent coming from individual donors.* At a time when people are being forced to stretch their philanthropic dollar, renowned philanthropists Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon have written the definitive guide to getting the most out of one's giving. Part "how to" and part memoir, The Art of Giving: Where the Soul Meets a Business Plan (November, 2009) is a must-read book for aspiring philanthropists, wealth managers, nonprofit professionals, and anyone who simply wants to make his or her philanthropic effort the most meaningful and impactful that it can be.

Bronfman and Solomon (Chairman and President of The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies respectively) show through sound argument and a wealth of personal stories that truly impactful philanthropy can only be achieved when donors are fully aware of their personal motivations, and combine them with smart, technical business plans. The authors then thoroughly and systematically offer step-by-step instructions for developing both sides of that equation.

"There are thousands of books that teach us how to make money, but very few that teach us how to give effectively," said Charles Bronfman. "Giving is easy, but giving effectively and strategically requires both self-awareness and a solid business sense. It has taken me a lifetime to acquire the knowledge in this book, and while I've been fortunate to experience the fruits of philanthropic success, I've also on occasion seen what happens when projects fail. Together with my co-author, our aim is to accelerate this very steep learning curve for a new generation of philanthropists and the vast networks with whom they intersect."

The Art of Giving is divided into three parts, covering the essential elements that a donor needs to understand to make the most effective and satisfying gifts. Part One, "The Donor," begins by asking readers to take a critical look inside themselves. The authors state clearly and unapologetically that "philanthropy is not altruism." They go on to say that philanthropy is about finding satisfaction, fulfillment, connection, meaning, and purpose. Only through intense self-examination will an aspiring philanthropist be equipped to make the many other difficult business and financial decisions that inevitably follow.

James Wolfensohn, former president of the World Bank writes in the book's forward: "...the element of the book that is most inspiring is the one that is possibly the most daring, and that is the authors' wise observation that philanthropy starts with you. Your feelings. Your dreams. Your values ... The act of giving is in fact a gift to oneself. Too many donors feel ashamed, or are made to feel ashamed, if they feel any personal gratification for the gifts they make. They are supposed to be selfless, a very odd notion if you think about it."

Part two, "The Partner," focuses on organizational structures and potential partners that will help donors extend their philanthropic impact. This section teaches how to identify and approach the right nonprofit agencies; how to navigate the waters of board politics; and when and how to establish a family foundation that unites several generations in a common cause. In section three, "The Gift," the authors address the many complexities of the donation itself, providing an overview of the various types of donations, as well as the legal, financial, tax, and practical implications associated with each.

"In an age where giving has become big business, grantmakers, wealth managers, and aspiring philanthropists often focus on the technical side of giving, without ever considering their personal motivations, fears, and dreams," said Jeffery Solomon. "The Art of Giving is the first book to look at philanthropy's personal and technical components together. It shows how if we don't know ourselves, giving can be a wasteful endeavor and giving big can be outright harmful."

Bronfman and Solomon together bring a rare and powerful insider's perspective to philanthropy, built on their respective areas of individual expertise and the insights garnered from twelve years of successful collaboration. As a member of the Seagram's corporate family, the first chairman of the United Jewish Committee, and a member of numerous boards including Mount Sinai Hospital and Brandeis University, billionaire Charles Bronfman has amassed a trove of insights and anecdotes about the pleasures and pitfalls of giving. Jeffrey Solomon, president of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies and recognized expert on philanthropy, has written eighty articles on the subject for professional and popular audiences, and has taught it at New York University. For over a decade, Bronfman and Solomon have together led successful philanthropic efforts on a global scale, while teaching countless others how to get the most out of their giving. This is their first book together on the subject.

Art of Giving: Where the Soul Meets a Business Plan is available online at www.artofgivingbook.com, Amazon.com, Borders, and Barnes & Noble, and in major bookstores nationwide. Cost is $29.95 in the U.S. and $35.95 in Canada.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Charles Bronfman spent fifty years with the Seagram's corporation, most recently as Co-chairman. In 1986, he along with his late-wife founded the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies in Montreal. The Foundation moved to the United States in 1996, and now engages in $220 million worth of programmatic activities, and has been hailed as a model foundation by the Philanthropy Roundtable. Mr. Bronfman has held many communal voluntary positions, including President of the Montreal Federation and inaugural Chair of United Jewish Communities. Currently, he sits on the Boards of Mount Sinai Medical Center and Brandeis University.

Jeffrey Solomon has been the president of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies for the past twelve years. A widely recognized expert on philanthropy, he has written extensively on the subject for professional and popular audiences, and has taught it at New York University. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Council on Foundations, where he chairs the Committee on Ethics and Practice; been chief operations officer of the United Jewish Appeal Federation in New York; and he is a founding trustee of the World Faiths Development Dialogue.

    ABOUT THE BOOK:
    THE ART OF GIVING:
    Where the Soul Meets a Business Plan
    By Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon
    Published by Jossey-Bass
    November 2009
    U.S. $29.95
    Canada $35.95
    ISBN 978-0470501467
    www.artofgivingbook.com

*Giving USA 2009: See June 10, 2009 press release for details.

SOURCE The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies

Best-selling Tuesdays with Morrie author Mitch Albom will speak at the opening banquet of Religion Communication Congress 2010 next April 7-10 at the Chicago Marriott.

Albom's new book, have a little faith, debuted in the No. 1 spot on the Oct. 16 New York Times nonfiction best-sellers list. The book describes his own journey of faith, influenced by a Jewish rabbi and a Christian pastor. Albom will speak at the Congress on April 7.

The inspirational novelist and dedicated sports writer will address an audience of more than 1,000 communication professionals from a variety of faith backgrounds at the once-a-decade event. Participants include local congregational leaders, national and international religion correspondents, webmasters, bloggers, professors and students.

"Faith should be a subject that unites us, not divides us," said Albom.

"We are delighted to have Mitch join our line-up of interfaith communicators," said Shirley Struchen, executive director of the event. "His wonderfully dynamic religious background personifies this year's theme of 'Embracing Change.'"

The four-day conference is a unique time of fellowship, networking and instruction for many of today's faith-based communicators. Now in its forth decade, the Congress will hold to its tradition of discerning information about conventional media, while looking ahead at what's in-store for current and rising media professionals.

Among other RCCongress speakers are: Diana Eck, founder of Harvard University's pluralism project; columnist and distinguished authority on American religion, Martin Marty; Ingrid Mattson, first female president of the Islamic Society of North America; Otis Moss III, pastor of Chicago Trinity Church; musician, composer and storyteller Ken Medema, and Barbara Bradley Hagerty, National Public Radio's religion correspondent.

Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), the movement that teaches young leaders to look beyond diversity and build relationships of mutual respect and shared values will be at the closing banquet.

A pre-congress seminar, 'Global Media, Global Religion: Research in Popular Media and the Remaking of Religions' will be led by Stewart Hoover and Nabil Echchaibi, from the Center for Media, Religion and Culture, University of Colorado at Boulder.

"Today's religious communicators boast new opportunities and challenges," said Struchen. "The speakers at RCCongress are experts in the use of modern technology, like social media and blogging."

RCCongress 2010 will be held from April 7-10 in Chicago. To register or get more information, visit www.RCCongress2010.org.

SOURCE Religion Communication Congress 2010

Dr. Michael Gordon, a successful and prominent Canadian geriatrician, ethicist, educator, speaker, and author, presents "Brooklyn Beginnings," a memoir examining his quest from humble beginnings in Brooklyn to his current renowned medical status in Toronto.

"Brooklyn Beginnings" is a unique memoir tracing Dr. Gordon's path to becoming a prominent and highly respected academic geriatrician. It is not a typical autobiography: it pieces together numerous connected anecdotes that helped form the foundation of who he is today. This book inspires readers to educate themselves in some way -- no matter how seemingly insignificant -- everyday. He considers education, broad experience and exploration to be vital tools for success in any area of one's life. The book explores Dr. Gordon's desire and commitment to be the best physician and educator possible, and shows exactly how this philosophy played out in his life and successful career.

In "Brooklyn Beginnings," Dr. Gordon tells how his own trying personal experiences help him to reach out to his patients, their families, and medical trainees. He experienced Israel's Six Day War in an Arab Country and spent time as a physician for the Israeli Air Force. During his time living and training in Israel, Gordon followed his passion and true calling to help others, engaging in clinical and educational activities within the Israeli and Arab cultures to help better the communities and citizens he encountered.

Dr. Gordon regularly contributes to the field of elder care, commentating on TV programs, radio shows, newspapers, and magazines across North America and internationally. Dr. Gordon has helped thousands of people with his research, writings, and teachings and has published many articles and a number of medical guides on caring for the elderly.

About the Author

Dr. Michael Gordon was born in Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Brooklyn College, receiving his undergraduate degree before traveling overseas to the University of St. Andrews, Queens College in Dundee, Scotland. Dr. Gordon works as an academic geriatric medical specialist at the Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System and the University of Toronto. In his free time, he enjoys cycling and photography. Dr. Gordon is married with four children and resides in Toronto, Canada.

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

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
    Elizabeth Friedland
    Tel: 317.926.1727
    Fax: 317.926.1728
    Email: efriedland@trendyminds.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 iUniverse

Carla Zilka, Founder and Principal Advisor of NexGen Advisors, a global business restructuring and transformation firm, has published her first book - "Business Restructuring: An Action Template for Reducing Cost and Growing Profit" (Wiley, October 2009). The book provides an effective strategy for immediate and long-term results to drive cost out while positioning the company for growth, profit and a competitive edge.

Depicting a progressive emergent framework for long-term growth, profitability and success, "Business Restructuring" employs an integrated approach using proprietary processes and tools Ms. Zilka developed, using her experience as an executive at GE. These methodologies have demonstrated incredible results for NexGen's clients. With "Business Restructuring," Ms. Zilka provides a "step-by-step" roadmap for the reader to implement themselves.

Beginning with an overview of restructuring and what is needed up-front to be successful, this "how-to" handbook helps you:

• Understand business restructuring and cost reduction techniques
• Transform any organization into one that is high performing
• Realize efficiencies through the reorganization of resources, improving processes and identifying outsourcing opportunities
• Sustain results and achieve continued efficiency, profitability and growth
• Identify the right leadership team dynamics to ensure success
  

Whether you are a CEO, business leader or manager, "Business Restructuring" takes you through a logical series of steps that will provide useful tactics you can apply on a regular basis to achieve immediate results, as well as helps you develop a long-term roadmap to deliver performance excellence and increase shareholder value.

About Carla Zilka and NexGen Advisors

Carla Zilka is the Founder and Principal Advisor of NexGen Advisors, a global business restructuring and transformation firm. As the Principal Advisor, Ms. Zilka partners with Fortune 1000 CEOs, hedge funds and private equity firms to deliver a vision, strategy and plan for how to effectively restructure and prepare for growth. To date, Ms. Zilka and her team have been responsible for cost reductions totaling over $1.5 billion and revenue growth opportunities over $2 billion in under three years.

For more information or to order the book, please visit www.nexgenadvisors.com

SOURCE NexGen Advisors

Best-selling Tuesdays with Morrie author Mitch Albom will speak at the opening banquet of Religion Communication Congress 2010 next April 7-10 at the Chicago Marriott.

Albom's new book, have a little faith, debuted in the No. 1 spot on the Oct. 16 New York Times nonfiction best-sellers list. The book describes his own journey of faith, influenced by a Jewish rabbi and a Christian pastor. Albom will speak at the Congress on April 7.

The inspirational novelist and dedicated sports writer will address an audience of more than 1,000 communication professionals from a variety of faith backgrounds at the once-a-decade event. Participants include local congregational leaders, national and international religion correspondents, webmasters, bloggers, professors and students.

"Faith should be a subject that unites us, not divides us," said Albom.

"We are delighted to have Mitch join our line-up of interfaith communicators," said Shirley Struchen, executive director of the event. "His wonderfully dynamic religious background personifies this year's theme of 'Embracing Change.'"

The four-day conference is a unique time of fellowship, networking and instruction for many of today's faith-based communicators. Now in its forth decade, the Congress will hold to its tradition of discerning information about conventional media, while looking ahead at what's in-store for current and rising media professionals.

Among other RCCongress speakers are: Diana Eck, founder of Harvard University's pluralism project; columnist and distinguished authority on American religion, Martin Marty; Ingrid Mattson, first female president of the Islamic Society of North America; Otis Moss III, pastor of Chicago Trinity Church; musician, composer and storyteller Ken Medema, and Barbara Bradley Hagerty, National Public Radio's religion correspondent.

Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), the movement that teaches young leaders to look beyond diversity and build relationships of mutual respect and shared values will be at the closing banquet.

A pre-congress seminar, 'Global Media, Global Religion: Research in Popular Media and the Remaking of Religions' will be led by Stewart Hoover and Nabil Echchaibi, from the Center for Media, Religion and Culture, University of Colorado at Boulder.

"Today's religious communicators boast new opportunities and challenges," said Struchen. "The speakers at RCCongress are experts in the use of modern technology, like social media and blogging."

RCCongress 2010 will be held from April 7-10 in Chicago. To register or get more information, visit www.RCCongress2010.org.

SOURCE Religion Communication Congress 2010

Trafford Publishing, the pioneer in on-demand self publishing, is hosting up-and-coming indie authors in exclusive book-signing events Thursday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 24 in booth 824 at AARP Vegas@50+ at the Sands Expo Center.

The following Trafford Publishing authors will be signing at booth 824:

• Oct. 22, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.: DAVID STEWART, author of Psychic Redemption
• Oct. 22, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: MARY GALLINGER, author of Strategies for Transitions to Retirement
• Oct. 23, 10:30 - 11:30 p.m.: DR. MACKIE RAMSEY, author of Discover the Secrets of Reading with Creative Phonics
• Oct. 24, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.: MICKEY R. MULLEN, author of The Way The Truth and The Life
  

Festival attendees who stop at the signings at booth 824 will receive signed complimentary copies of the books directly from the authors. Don't miss this opportunity to meet these up-and-coming Trafford Publishing authors in person and receive free books!

For more information, including directions to the Festival, please visit http://www.aarp.org/aarp/events/Life_at_50_Las_Vegas/.

For more information on Trafford Publishing, or to begin publishing your book today, log on to http://www.trafford.com or call 1-888-232-4444.

About Trafford Publishing

Trafford Publishing, an Author Solutions author services brand, was the first company in the world to offer an "on-demand publishing service," and has led the independent publishing revolution since its establishment in 1995. Trafford also was one of the earliest publishers to utilize the Internet for selling books. More than 10,000 authors from over 120 countries have utilized Trafford's experience for self publishing their books. For more information about Trafford Publishing, or to publish your book today, call 1-888-232-4444 or visit http://www.trafford.com.

    CONTACT:

    Kevin A. Gray
    Trafford Publishing
    317-246-9348
    kgray@authorsolutions.com

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

SOURCE Trafford Publishing

A new booklet by author and business expert Marty Niedelman, "Rx For Success" (www.martivation.com), is a clear concise manuscript to help anyone achieve their goals and aspirations. Many people work hard and struggle to survive. Others do things in a certain way and have all the wealth and fame.

Marty has combined the knowledge of many motivational books, tapes, courses, and lectures. He feels in essence, everyone is saying the same thing in different ways. By reading his booklet in thirty minutes or less, people will reap the benefit of reading many books which could amount to thousands of pages.

By using this concise, easy to read booklet, individuals will learn how to discover and accomplish anything and everything they desire.

According to Marty, it is said that only five percent of the world population is motivated and working toward achieving their goals. This means that ninety-five percent of the population does not have a plan. It is also said that the high achievers who comprise that top five percent, have ninety-five percent of the world's wealth. Marty wants to put the reader in this five percent by allowing him or her to read this "Recipe For Success." If enough people can transform their way of thinking, it is our hope and dream that we can increase the elite five percent to ten.

Marty has done research for the past thirty years in order to write this booklet for the benefit of mankind. He can teach people how to set and accomplish their goals, solve everyday problems, overcome procrastination by using perseverance, and to truly become successful.

At the end of this booklet, he made it possible for the reader to write their living legacy by answering a few pointed questions which will change and improve their lives. It will spell out exactly who they are, what they feel inside, and where they want to go. After they take a little time to fill in the blanks, one of the great secrets of life will become evident. In fact, their entire life will change.

It is his goal that everyone who reads this "Rx For Success," will undergo a life altering change. He wants to help individuals help themselves to achieve their goals and elevate their position in life.

For more information, to download at $9.99 (eBook), or order online at $9.99 plus $5.00 S&H, visit www.martivation.com.

*(PHOTO 72dpi: www.Send2Press.com/mediaboom/09-1021-RXsuccess_72dpi.jpg)

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

SOURCE Author Marty Niedelman

Best-selling Tuesdays with Morrie author Mitch Albom will speak at the opening banquet of Religion Communication Congress 2010 next April 7-10 at the Chicago Marriott.

Albom's new book, have a little faith, debuted in the No. 1 spot on the Oct. 16 New York Times nonfiction best-sellers list. The book describes his own journey of faith, influenced by a Jewish rabbi and a Christian pastor. Albom will speak at the Congress on April 7.

The inspirational novelist and dedicated sports writer will address an audience of more than 1,000 communication professionals from a variety of faith backgrounds at the once-a-decade event. Participants include local congregational leaders, national and international religion correspondents, webmasters, bloggers, professors and students.

"Faith should be a subject that unites us, not divides us," said Albom.

"We are delighted to have Mitch join our line-up of interfaith communicators," said Shirley Struchen, executive director of the event. "His wonderfully dynamic religious background personifies this year's theme of 'Embracing Change.'"

The four-day conference is a unique time of fellowship, networking and instruction for many of today's faith-based communicators. Now in its forth decade, the Congress will hold to its tradition of discerning information about conventional media, while looking ahead at what's in-store for current and rising media professionals.

Among other RCCongress speakers are: Diana Eck, founder of Harvard University's pluralism project; columnist and distinguished authority on American religion, Martin Marty; Ingrid Mattson, first female president of the Islamic Society of North America; Otis Moss III, pastor of Chicago Trinity Church; musician, composer and storyteller Ken Medema, and Barbara Bradley Hagerty, National Public Radio's religion correspondent.

Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), the movement that teaches young leaders to look beyond diversity and build relationships of mutual respect and shared values will be at the closing banquet.

A pre-congress seminar, 'Global Media, Global Religion: Research in Popular Media and the Remaking of Religions' will be led by Stewart Hoover and Nabil Echchaibi, from the Center for Media, Religion and Culture, University of Colorado at Boulder.

"Today's religious communicators boast new opportunities and challenges," said Struchen. "The speakers at RCCongress are experts in the use of modern technology, like social media and blogging."

RCCongress 2010 will be held from April 7-10 in Chicago. To register or get more information, visit www.RCCongress2010.org.

SOURCE Religion Communication Congress 2010

When Henry Morales was orphaned at six years of age, he left home carrying sneakers and a bag of toy guns. Little did he know this scene would foreshadow his troubled and violent youth -- that he would be funneled through institutions and have to fight to make his way on the streets of Brooklyn. In his memoir, "Journey of a Man: Packing Sneakers and a Gun" (published by iUniverse), Morales narrates the horrors of his childhood and criminal past, and describes how he overcame them to find peace.

A true story of abandonment, abuse, robbery, and murder, "Journey of a Man" follows Morales as he loses his family, fights for survival, and evolves into manhood without love or conscience. Born a "New York Rican," Morales is sent to a convent after his mother dies. Stripped of his identity, he begins a quest of self-discovery as a black-Latino.

Without personal affection and attention, he turns his institutional homes and the streets of America upside-down, inciting terrible atrocities and experiencing vengeful joys. The pain of his youth creates a monster; Morales inflicts pain and suffering and commits horrific crimes, all while blaming everyone for his own shortcomings. Morales writes:

        There was a pool hall on Fulton Street and Bedford Avenue called St.
        John's Pool Hall, where we'd meet and exchange information on
        possible places that were ready to be held up in different boroughs.
        Although we all came from parts of Brooklyn that were usually at war
        with each other, stick-up kids stayed above the fray. We understood
        that there was no money in fighting, unless you were a boxer...Things
        started to change and become a little more serious as some of our
        crew started getting busted, or as in Scottie's case, killed during a
        stick-up. He was shot in the head by a store manager while making a
        getaway.

After over 20 years of incarceration, Morales is finally led to a path devoid of violence in which he finally finds peace. An urban survival story, "Journey of a Man" records triumph of the human spirit after spending years floundering on the edge of society's throwaways.

About the Author

Henry Morales currently lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., and works as a print model. He encourages others to focus on troubled youth, as they are "always evolving." Morales says he was consumed with the urge to write "Journey of a Man." "This is my truth as I remember it," Morales says, and adds that readers should "keep an open mind." He is also a member of the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio (AFTRA).

"Journey of a Man: Packing Sneakers and a Gun"

Available from: http://www.iuniverse.com, http://www.barnesandnoble.com, and http://www.amazon.com.

ISBN: 9781440168864 - 5 x 8 - Paperback - 184 pages - $16.95

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
    Sandra Dunwoody, Publicist
    Tel: 1-800-AUTHORS ext. 5507
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: sdunwoody@authorsolutions.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

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

SOURCE iUniverse

AuthorHouse, the leading provider of self publishing and marketing services for authors around the globe, is hosting up-and-coming indie authors in exclusive book-signing events Thursday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 24 in booth 824 at AARP Vegas@50+ at the Sands Expo Center.

The following AuthorHouse authors will be signing at booth 824:

• Oct. 22, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: HENRY T. CONSERVA, author of Propaganda: A Question and Answer Approach
• Oct. 22, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: SANDI SPAUGH, author of Ladies League Front Nine
• Oct. 22, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.: LEA HOPE BECKER, author of I Promise To Keep Quiet (After I'm Dead)*
• Oct. 22, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: MILDER ASEP, author of Injustice to the Elderly: Experiences in a Labyrinth for Aunt Lena
• Oct. 22, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.: C. J. KIRWIN, author of Triumphs of the Greatest Persian: Cyrus the Great Molds a New Persia
• Oct. 22, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.: JOSEPH SORGE, author of I Survived and Thrived: The Great Depression, WWII, Discrimination
• Oct. 23, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.: JILLIAN WRIGHT, author of The Man Under the Bridge
• Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: CLAIRE POWER MURPHY, author of Preserved to Serve
• Oct. 23, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.: AMELIE DIAMANT-HOLMSTROM, author of The Courtship of Life
• Oct. 23, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: MARCELETT C HENRY, author of Handbook on Multicultural Child Development
• Oct. 23, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.: DARLENE MCCORD, author of Living Well at One Hundred
• Oct. 24, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: NORMA ROTH, author of Aging Gracefully with Dignity, Integrity & Spunk Intact: Aging Defiantly: Including Ten Tips to Keep People Off Your Back
• Oct. 24, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.: SOFIA ROSE MUSACCHIA, author of A Dog's Tail Will Not Wag
• Oct. 24, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.: DEVON MITCHELL, author of The Candy Dragon: Torchy's Adventures of Starting School
• Oct. 24, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.: LUCETTE WALTERS, author of Light of the Desert
• Oct. 24, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.: GLENN W. MORGAN, author of Tour de Fore!: Gold and History in 50 States
  

Festival attendees who stop at the signings at booth 824 will receive signed complimentary copies of the books directly from the authors. Don't miss this opportunity to meet these up-and-coming AuthorHouse authors in person and receive free books!

For more information, including directions to the Festival, please visit http://www.aarp.org/aarp/events/Life_at_50_Las_Vegas/.

To start publishing your book today, log on to http://www.authorhouse.com or call 888-519-5121.

About AuthorHouse

AuthorHouse, an author services brand of Author Solutions, Inc., is the leading provider of self publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse released its 60,000th title in spring 2009. For more information, or to publish your book, visit http://www.authorhouse.com, or call 1-888-519-5121.

    CONTACT:

    Kevin A. Gray
    AuthorHouse
    317-246-9348
    kgray@authorhouse.com

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

SOURCE AuthorHouse

In an age when some parents will pay more than $45,000 for college admissions counseling, and even some elementary schools host college fairs, one noted guidance counselor has made a national reputation by flouting the conventions of the application ritual. As a guidance counselor at Oyster Bay High in Long Island, NY, Gwyeth "Smitty" Smith encourages "his" kids to view college not as an admissions prize, but a path to becoming a pediatrician, teacher, YouTube engineer - whatever their dreams may be. Smitty's unorthodox approach is grounded in the principle that applying to college shouldn't just be about getting in; it should be a kid's first moment of self-discovery.

In ACCEPTANCE: A Legendary Guidance Counselor Helps Seven Kids Find the Right Colleges and Find Themselves (The Penguin Press; on-sale now), David L. Marcus, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former education writer for U.S. News & World Report, now at Newsday, watches Smitty work his unique magic on students' applications and their lives. Smitty can find the perfect school for the most quirky kid, coax a sensitive essay from the toughest jock, and induce the nerdiest student to exude poise in an interview. He shows his students - and their parents - that their best chance of getting in is not to package themselves, but to reveal themselves.

ACCEPTANCE has garnered rave reviews and national attention for revealing how to play the admissions game in a way that charts the right course for one's whole life. While Smitty excels at easing the pressure of the college hunt, his success comes from imposing a deeper challenge. He makes kids articulate their profoundest fears, their mistakes, their secret hopes. In short, he makes them figure out who they are. Smitty deals in his own ingenious way with almost every complication that can afflict the application process - even offering innovative ways for paying for college, as family budgets are tightening. Smitty uses his savant's knowledge of America's 3,600 colleges and universities to pair each student with the right one, from the sweet but perpetually disorganized boy next door to the valedictorian who applies to 28 programs. Smitty brings to the college search counterintuitive insight and wisdom that students and parents, frustrated with the application process, will find useful and inspiring.

Admissions expert Dave Marcus is available for interviews.

www.DaveMarcus.com

SOURCE The Penguin Press

October 25 is a going to be a big day for fans of Food Network favorite Sandra Lee: It is the release of not one, but three new cookbooks; by day the of the popular Food Network series Sandra's Money Saving Meals premieres; and by night, she's on ABC's Emmy-award winning program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Whether you tune in to the television shows, or turn into your local bookstore, consumers will be able to find Sandra Lee's time-saving and money-saving techniques to have more money in their pocket and more time to enjoy their day.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091020/LA94987)

This fall, Sandra Lee, a New York Times best-selling author adds three more cookbook titles to her successful "Semi-Homemade" collection, making it 20 books strong. These new books continue the work she's known for, helping people take ordinary into extraordinary. Semi-Homemade Money Saving Slow Cooking is the third cookbook, focused on flavorful, slow-cooked meals that save both time and money. Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Weeknight Wonders has 150 fix-it-fast recipes for enticing easy entrees, scrumptious sides and decadent desserts; it promises to be a busy cook's best friend. Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cocktail Time, the much anticipated magnum opus dedicated to easy at-home entertaining during everyone's favorite part of the day - happy hour. It also champions Sandra's Cocktailing for a Cause initiative.

On October 25 at 8 PM approximately 12 million viewers will be watching Sandra Lee help a deserving family on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC. She "gets on the bus" and travels to Champaign County IL to meet a family where the father gave up a lucrative engineering career to start a charity that feeds hundreds of hungry families in his community - only to lose the means of safely maintaining his own family home. Sandra Lee along with Ty Pennington and team, helped rebuild their crumbling home in seven days.

What football? Noon EDT/ nine AM PDT on Sunday October 25 will see viewers tuning into Food Network to see the season two premiere of Sandra's Money Saving Meals, where 2.5 million viewers tune in weekly. The timely, budget-conscious show is based on Sandra's new "Triple A Factor," which guarantees the meals are accessible and affordable yet still aspirational. The second season of will feature even more crucial content, helping American consumers save 39-50 percent on every grocery bill. Expect mouth-watering but reasonably priced recipes for Blackened Catfish with sauteed vegetables, a tasty BBQ Beef Stir-Fry and a refreshing Orange Fizz cocktail.

Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade:

Sandra Lee has a passion for simple solutions that create dramatic results in all areas of home life. She is editor-in-chief of Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade magazine, the host of Sandra Lee Celebrates, a series of primetime specials on HGTV and two highly rated television shows on Food Network (the multi-Emmy-nominated Semi-Homemade Cooking and Sandra's Money Saving Meals). Sandra Lee is also the New York Times bestselling author of twenty books

An internationally-acclaimed home and food expert, Sandra has revolutionized the way people think about traditional, time-consuming, "from-scratch" methods. With her trademark 70/30 Semi-Homemade philosophy, which combines 70% ready-made products with 30% fresh touches, Sandra creates delicious meals and aspirational home environments that are affordable and attainable.

SOURCE Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Enterprises

On the 80th Anniversary of the Stock Market Crash of 1929 (October 24-29th), regardless of the gyrations in the current stock market, there will be hope for anyone who loved the movie TITANIC and enjoyed reading THE GREAT GATSBY. Beginning in the last decadent days of the roaring twenties, 1929 AN UPPER CLASS AFFAIR is a riveting love story that poignantly recreates the Stock Market Crash and ends as America emerges from the Great Depression.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091021/SF96169)

"Whether you are looking for a book to read on the subway, train, bus, or airplane, in the bathroom, or even under the covers with a flashlight, once you get into the story, you will find it hard to put down," states Alice Jacobs, Founder and CEO of IntelligentMDx.

Given the economic turmoil of the past year and comparisons to the 1929 Crash and ensuing depression, after doing significant research that involved conducting oral histories as well as going through traditional documented accounts and published works, Margaret Chai Maloney wrote 1929 AN UPPER CLASS AFFAIR primarily for a female audience in the hope of generating interest in the period while providing light entertainment and strong role models.

According to Terrence Yang, who has had 15 years experience as a Wall Street bulge bracket investment bank officer, "If you work in the financial services sector, 1929 AN UPPER CLASS is the perfect gift for your girlfriend, wife, mother or any family member who you'd like to understand more of what happened. It's a light, fun read but also explains what happened financially." He adds, "Even for finance people, there are some little known fascinating facts."

Chai Maloney, who studied history at Mount Holyoke College and Oxford University, meticulously remains true to the period in terms of the lifestyles, attitudes, events, places, music, books, movies, stores, clothes and of course people. The fictional main characters interact effortlessly with the famous real people of the period. The heroine watches the Stock Market Crash from the New York Stock Exchange with Winston Churchill, who did in fact witness the first day of the carnage. Readers also get a chance to mingle with the famous at Texas Guinan's New York City speakeasy and meet the infamous cross-dressing prohibition agents Izzy Einstein and Mo Smith, watch Helena Rubinstein, the beauty industry doyenne, lose millions on board Cunard Liner's Berengaria, which had the first online brokerage and was steered by Captain Ronston, who had rescued surviving TITANIC passengers and see Joseph Kennedy slighted by Jack Morgan and then wisely pull out of the market before the crash.

"This is a must read, especially if you're a fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jane Austen. You'll be completely enraptured by Josie and her feisty and engaging personality as you follow her through her various adventures and love triangles that are a behind-the-scenes look into a New York socialite's life during the roaring 20s and Crash of 1929. You'll get an insider's view into the differences between the greed and naivety that fueled that period which also happens to be rather pertinent to today's environment. In addition to the character complexities, I particularly enjoyed the New York architectural references and the level of detail behind the Crash itself and those who saw it coming (e.g., JP Morgan, Joe Kennedy)," states Suzanne Messere, Director of Investor Relations, at Organogenesis and former investment banker.

Chai Maloney has also developed a website with resources for those interested in learning more about the period as well as the opportunity to document one's own family histories from the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and Great Depression. The author is most interested in encouraging everyone to record their family stories before they are forgotten or lost.

For more information visit: www.1929anupperclassaffair.com or pre-order "1929 AN UPPER CLASS AFFAIR" at amazon.com or via Kindle.

For more information contact: Justine Tang - 1929 Productions, www.1929anupperclassaffair.com

SOURCE 1929 Productions

Reading is important, regardless of where the book is purchased. That's why today, Sears Holdings is announcing that it will reward customers for qualifying book purchases on Sears.com, Target.com, Walmart.com and Amazon.com.

Sears.com's new, innovative program is both simple and rewarding:

1. Buy an eligible book* on Sears.com, Target.com, Amazon.com or Walmart.com;
2. Email the receipt to us at readamerica@customerservice.sears.com; and
3. Get an online credit equal to the purchase price (up to $9) to use towards a purchase of $45 or more on Sears.com.**
   

"The $9 credit can be used at Sears.com on the purchase of any items so it's like getting the books for free," said Imran Jooma, senior vice president for Online at Sears Holdings. "We believe this program will benefit the thousands of customers who buy books every day by putting more money into their pockets."

Sears.com is simple and easy to use. The Web site offers the option to create a helpful profile that allows customers to keep track of their purchases, lists and addresses. Creating a profile makes returning to shop at Sears.com easy and worry free, particularly with the holidays right around the corner.

The award-winning*** Sears.com has not only dramatically increased its online product offering, but has also added other unique benefits to better help customers with their busy schedules and lives. "We want to help our customers keep their homes and families running smoothly, which is why we recently created ShopYourWay(TM)," said Jooma.

ShopYourWay(TM) gives customers the ability shop how they want, when they want. Highlights of the program include:

• Choice to Get It Today - Sears offers "Buy Online. Pick up in Store," backed by its READY IN 5-GUARANTEED promise. For added convenience, customers can take advantage of curbside pickup at select locations where the item will be delivered to their car by a store associate. Sears is also the leader in providing a seamless and secure way for someone else to pick up their purchase at a store.
• Shopping Choices - Customers can shop in store, online, via phone or through the industry leading Sears2go mobile site.
• Product Assortment - Find millions of products on Sears.com, ranging from books to electronics to jewelry to appliances, clothing, shoes, tools and power lawn & garden equipment.
• Choice to Ask for Help - If customers can't find what they are looking for online, they can utilize Sears' FREE Personal Shopper Program. All they have to do is e-mail or call us and we will do the rest of the work and find the product the customer is looking for - even if it isn't carried by Sears.
• Payment Choices - Pay your way with Online layaway, Express Checkout, PayPal or eBillme.
  

"Sears.com offers our customers choice through a broad range of products and services, all designed to meet consumer needs," added Jooma.

For more information on Sears.com book rewards, please visit www.sears.com/readamerica.

*As cited on sears.com/readamerica

**Program terms are subject to change at any time. Customer must have or create a profile on Sears.com to qualify.

***Sears.com is recognized as a leader in online and mobile commerce: Number-one rated site by e-Tailing Group's Annual e-Commerce Gauge Top Customer Experience and overall Best-in-Class in Mobile Commerce by the Acquity Group.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered exclusively by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation

Last season, break out hit "VH1 Tough Love" averaged 1.9 million total viewers per episode. Throughout the course of the season, professional matchmakers Steve Ward and his mother JoAnn Ward transformed the lives of eight women. Viewers tuned in regularly to witness the struggles each woman went through to find a healthy, loving relationship. This fall, VH1 along with High Noon Entertainment and Flower Films, are bringing back "VH1 Tough Love" for a second season. The latest installment will focus on a new group of unlucky-in-love women who are willing to do whatever it takes to find Mr. Right. Along the way, Steve will share his unique male perspective in attempt to reform each of their "destructive" dating habits. Catch the second season of "VH1 Tough Love" premiering on Sunday, November 15 at 9:00 PM*.

Over the course of 10, hour-long episodes, Steve will put a new set of single women through his "tough love boot camp." These ladies are attractive, successful and intelligent, but they just can't seem to figure out why they are still single. What they don't realize is they all make very typical dating mistakes that Steve will quickly help to correct. Throughout the season, Steve will also share his bold and insightful rules to help these ladies find their perfect match. In fact, Steve guarantees that if the ladies follow his rules, at the end of "tough love boot camp" they will each be prepared for a loving and lasting relationship.

"We are thrilled with the latest installment of "VH1 Tough Love" said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production, VH1. "The series, and Steve Ward's very unique take on dating advice, continues to speak directly to our audience in a heartfelt, straightforward and entertaining voice. The fact that over 20,000 women applied for the 8 spots on this season clearly demonstrates that Steve and JoAnn's brand of "tough love" is truly resonating with our viewers."

This season, Steve, along with help from his mom JoAnn, will tackle an array of issues using a variety of new methods. From ex-boyfriends and intimacy to communication and dressing to impress, the women will be forced to address topics outside their comfort zone. At the end of the lesson, the ladies will be sent on dates with eligible men hand-picked by Steve. Over the course of 10 weeks, viewers will see these women put to the test and hopefully come out the other side transformed. Some of the women will graduate with new found relationships while others will struggle to break their bad dating habits. Although they may not like Steve's rules, they've got to listen to his "tough love" if they want to find true love. The second season of "VH1 Tough Love" premieres on Sunday, November 15 at 9:00 PM*.

Beginning Friday, November 13 fans can catch a sneak peek of the season's first episode on VH1.com -- two days before the on-air premiere. Subsequent episodes will be available on VH1.com the morning after they air. Additional video content from "VH1 Tough Love" including extras from each episode will be available on VH1.com and on VH1 Mobile throughout the season.

On November 3, "VH1 Tough Love" fans can pick up a copy of Steve and JoAnn Ward's new book titled, "Crash Course in Love." The book is a refreshingly honest and handy resource for all women, whether they are looking for love and companionship or hoping to hold onto it. Steve and JoAnn's dating principles are organized into different stages in the relationship life cycle, from first impressions to maintaining and developing a deeper connection. Readers will learn how to flirt with a purpose, how to set up a date, when to get intimate, the best way to bounce back from rejection, and much more. Each rule will be followed by a clear and concise passage illuminating the truth of each rule, with anecdotes and other helpful information. "Crash Course in Love" is published by Pocket Books.

"VH1 Tough Love" is executive produced by Jim Berger and Pamela Healey for High Noon Entertainment, while Nancy Juvonen, Drew Barrymore, Ember Truesdell and Chris Miller executive produce for Flower Films. Richard Hall also serves as executive producer. Jeff Olde, Alex Demyanenko, Jill Holmes and Noah Pollack are executive producers for VH1.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

*All times ET/PT

SOURCE VH1

Salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM), the enterprise cloud computing company (www.salesforce.com/cloudcomputing), today announced the availability of "Behind the Cloud," a new book by Founder and CEO Marc Benioff and published by Jossey-Bass, an imprint of Wiley.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050216/SFW105LOGO)

"Behind the Cloud" will, for the first time, offer a personal insider's view of the creation of a cloud computing giant and tell the story of how salesforce.com brought businesses into the cloud in an era dominated by mass consumer cloud services like Facebook, Google and Twitter. Benioff shares personal stories of the pivotal situations that salesforce.com encountered on its ascent.

"Behind the Cloud" provides readers with a practical, how-to guide, including 10 playbooks with 111 plays that are packaged as case studies so entrepreneurs and existing business executives may employ the secrets to salesforce.com's success. Readers will uncover the plays used to take salesforce.com from idea to billion-dollar company in just 10 years, all while revolutionizing the technology industry. But "Behind the Cloud" is about more than just technology. Benioff details the company's innovative integrated philanthropy model that has generated $14 million in grants, 150,000 hours of donated employee service and 6,000 successful nonprofit organizations running on salesforce.com's service. For every entrepreneur, and anyone interested in cloud computing, this is a must-read.

"In 'Behind the Cloud,' I offer an insider's guide on how to replicate our success, including how to build a business that's not just profitable, but inspiring: good for your employees, good for your customers, and good for your community," said Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO, salesforce.com. "At a time when more entrepreneurs are starting companies faster and cheaper than ever before, the simple, accessible, and unconventional advice offered here will help you stand out, innovate better, and grow faster in any economic climate."

Coauthored by Carlye Adler, "Behind the Cloud" includes a foreword by Michael Dell, chairman and CEO of Dell, and 10 playbooks with 111 plays to guide readers to on a path to their own success. Playbooks include:

• The Start-Up Playbook: How to Turn a Simple Idea into a High-Growth Company
• The Marketing Playbook: How to Cut Through the Noise and Pitch the Bigger Picture
• The Events Playbook: How to Use Events to Build Buzz and Drive Business
• The Sales Playbook: How to Energize Your Customer into a Million-Member Sales Team
• The Technology Playbook: How to Develop Products Users Love
• The Corporate Philanthropy Playbook: How to Make Your Company About More Than Just the Bottom Line
• The Global Playbook: How to Launch Your Product and Introduce Your Model to New Markets
• The Finance Playbook: How to Raise Capital, Create a Return, and Never Sell Your Soul
• The Leadership Playbook: How to Create Alignment -- the Key to Organizational Success
• The Final Play: Make Everyone Successful
  

Leaders from every Industry Lauding "Behind the Cloud"

• "Cisco and salesforce.com share a vision of how the network is the platform to transform business. In his book, Benioff outlines how salesforce.com has used cloud computing to disrupt and reshape the enterprise software space. It is clear that we are just beginning to understand the potential of networked business and the future benefits and productivity gains of the next phase of the Internet." --John Chambers, chairman and CEO, Cisco
• "A great guide for any aspiring entrepreneur or CEO navigating the landscape of the future. It's the playbook for Enterprise 2.0." --Michael Dell, founder, chairman and CEO, Dell
• "'Behind the Cloud' demonstrates what happens when companies act as good citizens. Everyone--from employees to shareholders to the company--wins. Get ready to be inspired and make a difference." --Charles Moore, executive director, Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy
• "In 'Behind the Cloud,' Marc Benioff takes us through the ups and downs of building one of the most extraordinary businesses of our time and reveals the tactics that gave salesforce.com its amazing edge. This book will show you how to focus your vision, think differently, align your organization--and transform your business and your life." --Anthony Robbins, author of "Awaken the Giant Within and Unlimited Power," and professional speaker
• "Salesforce.com and Google share a vision for how the cloud will revolutionize computing. 'Behind the Cloud' gives us a rare glimpse at the development of one of the most important trends in business today." --Eric Schmidt, CEO, Google
• "Reading, but also afterwards, practicing the 111 plays described by Marc Benioff opens the door for entrepreneurial success much better than any MBA Program." --Klaus Schwab, founder, World Economic Forum and co-founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
• "Reading this book, I laughed out loud many times as Marc told his story, a story of great ideas, thunder-stealing pranks, and a world consciousness that is at the heart of salesforce.com." --Neil Young, musician
  

Additional Resources

• "Behind the Cloud" (http://www.salesforce.com/behindthecloud/)
• Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BehindTheCloud)
• Salesforce.com Foundation (http://www.salesforcefoundation.org)
• YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvXe9_ikY-A)
• YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qndFluemy9Q)
• YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoBgW1fb6xM)
  

Pricing and Availability

"Behind the Cloud" is available beginning today for $27.95 at a variety of retailers, including:

• Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Behind-Cloud-Salesforce-com-Billion-Dollar-Company/dp/0470521163/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255378694&sr=8-1)
• Barnes & Noble (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Behind-the-Cloud/Marc-Benioff/e/9780470521168/?itm=1&USRI=behind+the+cloud)
• Borders (http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0470521163)
• CEORead (http://800ceoread.com/book/show/9780470521168-Behind_the_Cloud)
• Wiley (http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470535903.html)
  

All of Benioff's proceeds from the book will go toward the Salesforce.com Foundation.

About the Authors

In 2000, Marc Benioff launched the Salesforce.com Foundation--now a multimillion-dollar global organization--establishing the ''1-1-1 model,'' whereby the company contributes one percent of profits, one percent of equity, and one percent of employee hours back to the communities it serves. The World Economic Forum named Benioff as one of its Young Global Leaders, and in 2007 the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy presented Benioff with the coveted Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy Award. Salesforce.com has been voted one of the world's most ethical companies by Business Ethics Magazine, one of the best companies to work for by Fortune, and in 2008, Benioff was awarded CEO of the Year Award by CRO Magazine. Benioff is also the author of The Business of Changing the World and Compassionate Capitalism. Prior to launching salesforce.com, Benioff spent 13 years at Oracle Corporation. He founded his first company, Liberty Software, when he was 15 years old. He lives in San Francisco, California.

Carlye Adler is an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in BusinessWeek, Condé Nast Portfolio, Fast Company, Fortune, Time, Wired, and many other publications. She co-wrote, with salesforce.com chairman and CEO Marc Benioff, The Business of Changing the World: Twenty Great Leaders on Strategic Corporate Philanthropy. She has been twice named one of the most influential business journalists under the age of 30 by The Journalist & Financial Reporting (TJFR) Group. Her story on the hefty price of investing in a Krispy Kreme franchise was selected for inclusion in The Best Business Stories of the Year, 2003 Edition. She lives in New York City.

About salesforce.com

Salesforce.com is the enterprise cloud computing company. The company's portfolio of Salesforce CRM applications, available at http://www.salesforce.com/products/, has revolutionized the ways that companies collaborate and communicate with their customers across sales, marketing and service. The company's Force.com platform (http://www.salesforce.com/platform/) helps customers, partners and developers to quickly build powerful business applications to run every part of the enterprise in the cloud. Based on salesforce.com's real-time, multitenant architecture, Salesforce CRM and Force.com offer the fastest path to customer success with cloud computing.

As of July 31, 2009, salesforce.com manages customer information for approximately 63,200 customers including Allianz Commercial, Dell, Dow Jones Newswires, Japan Post, Kaiser Permanente, KONE, and SunTrust Banks. Any unreleased services or features referenced in this or other press releases or public statements are not currently available and may not be delivered on time or at all. Customers who purchase salesforce.com applications should make their purchase decisions based upon features that are currently available. Salesforce.com has headquarters in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and Asia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CRM". For more information please visit http://www.salesforce.com, or call 1-800-NO-SOFTWARE.

Copyright (c) 2009 salesforce.com, inc. All rights reserved. Salesforce and the "no software" logo are registered trademarks of salesforce.com, inc., and salesforce.com owns other registered and unregistered trademarks. Other names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE salesforce.com

With an estimated one in five corporate workers experiencing a merger or acquisition in their working life, the aftermath of receiving that dreaded pink slip is something Americans know all too well. In "Pink Slips and Parting Gifts," author Deb Hosey White provides an intimate -- and sometimes humorous -- look at the human fallout of business decisions.

Ed Easton, founder of the fictional Easton Company, rules his business with American dream ideals: produce a profit yet provide fair salaries and working conditions for his dedicated employees. The businessman's businessman, Easton treats each worker with respect and dignity and his unique business model even pulls a rural Virginian town out of decline.

Yet Easton's successors don't hold the same regard for the simple worker. In an attempt to expand the company in a cutthroat business environment, the new CEO sells the empire to the highest bidder without regard to management style, laying off hundreds of loyal employees and slashing benefits to retirees.

"'Pink Slips and Parting Gifts' is a peek behind the curtain - the joys, the pains, the absurdities, the excesses, the disbelief, and the rejection," says Hosey White. "It is a human portrayal of how a merger affected the everyday people -- not just the millionaires -- whose lives and livelihoods were dependent on one corporation."

The memorable cast of characters in the Easton Company drama includes an obsessive-compulsive germaphobe CEO, a marketing vice-president with an intense love for Elvis Presley and security guards running naked in the fountains of the headquarters.

Especially relevant in light of the recent economic climate, "Pink Slips and Parting Gifts" is the perfect read for anyone who has experienced the loss of a job due to a corporate merger or company acquisition.

Approximately 343 pages, 5 x 8

ISBN: 9781440158049

Available from http://www.iuniverse.com, http://www.barnesandnoble.com and http://www.amazon.com.

About the Author

Deb Hosey White is a management consultant and retirement coach. With more than 30 years experience working for Fortune 1000 companies, she has lived mergers and acquisitions from inside the conference rooms, cubicles and executive suites of corporate America. As a business communications specialist, she has written thousands of pages of corporate policy. No doubt those who toil inside corporate America will find her first full-length novel much more entertaining.

A long-time Baltimore-Washington area resident, Deb White now lives and writes in beautiful North Carolina with her husband David.

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

    CONTACT:

    Elizabeth Friedland
    efriedland@trendyminds.com
    317.926.1727

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

SOURCE iUniverse

It was on October 27, 1934 when the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society (LASFS) first opened its doors to fans of a new genre, "scientific fiction," later to be known simply as "Sci-Fi."

Those doors have never closed - admitting such popular science fiction writers as Ray Bradbury, Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, David Gerrold, Ray Harryhausen, John DeChancie, Tim Powers and Steven Barnes, while in its formative years it had been visited by several of science fiction's greats, such as A.E. van Vogt, L. Ron Hubbard and Robert Heinlein - making LASFS the world's oldest and continuously-meeting science fiction and fantasy club.

In part to honor its 75th anniversary, LASFS will host LosCon 36, the club's annual Los Angeles Regional Science Fantasy Convention on Thanksgiving weekend from Friday, November 27th - Sunday, November 29th at the Los Angeles Marriott Hotel (5855 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles).

"All fans throughout Los Angeles and beyond are invited," said Christian McGuire, LASFS President. "We are continuing this great tradition and share with all fans the joy and wonder of science fiction and fantasy that has captivated Hollywood films for decades."

Several of today's top writers and illustrators of science fiction and fantasy will be on hand to speak to fans and autograph books. Discussion panels on the subjects of science fiction and fantasy writing and illustration, movie, anime and TV take place throughout the weekend.

For more information on the convention and how to get tickets, go to www.loscon.org.

Since 1934, the Society has hosted club members and the general public every Thursday to discuss relevant trends and topics in the worlds of science, fiction and fantasy. The meetings are free to first-time visitors.

The Society maintains the largest private lending library of science fiction books, fantasy books, magazines, and videos, which are available for check out by the membership.

For more information on the club go to www.lasfsinc.info.

SOURCE Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society

BNA Books, a division of BNA, a specialized news and information publisher, announced today the publication of Preserving Electronically Stored Information: A Practical Approach, the third in the Portfolio Series written specifically to provide the answers lawyers need on the subject of electronically stored information.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090529/DC24463LOGO)

This book offers the most up-to-date material on the preservation of electronic evidence, covering the subject from start to finish and addressing the when, where, and how of a party's preservation options. Delving into this complicated topic in a truly functional manner, this handbook provides in-depth examples and scenarios, along with incisive legal and practical pointers for key preservation issues, including:

• Anticipating legislation
• Spoliation
• Determining the scope of preservation
• Sanctions when preservation efforts fail
  

The portfolio includes worksheets such as a sample litigation hold notice, sample discovery requests, and sample agreements governing preservation of electronically stored information, as well as a glossary. Preserving Electronically Stored Information: A Practical Approach also summarizes recent case law and trends in the world of electronic discovery to provide a quick reference for all litigators.

The book is co-authored by Mr. Jeffrey Fowler, Esq., the co-founder of O'Melveny & Myers Electronic Discovery and Document Retention Practice, and a member of O'Melveny & Myers Class Action, Mass Torts, and Aggregated Litigation Practice. Mr. Fowler is one of the few litigators in the country whose entire practice is dedicated to preservation and electronic discovery issues. His co-author, Mr. William Dance, Esq., is also a member of O'Melveny & Myers Electronic Discovery and Document Retention Practice and O'Melveny & Myers Class Action, Mass Torts, and Aggregated Litigation Practice.

The previous two portfolios in the series are Electronic Discovery Practice Under the Federal Rules, 2008 Edition and Privilege Issues in the Age of Electronic Discovery.

BNA is a leading private publisher of news and information products for professionals in law and business. In addition to Preserving Electronically Stored Information: A Practical Approach, BNA's Book Division publishes Discovery of Electronically Stored Information: Surveying the Legal Landscape; The Sedona Principles, Second Edition; Best Practices Recommendations & Principles for Addressing Electronic Document Production, 2007 Annotated Version, as well as other titles in legal specialties. The BNA Books website, including an online catalog, can be found at bnabooks.com.

Preserving Electronically Stored Information: A Practical Approach (225 pp., Softcover, Order #1852-PRY9/$205.00, plus tax, shipping, and handling) may be purchased from BNA Books, PO Box 7814, Edison, NJ 08818-7814. Telephone orders: 1-800-960-1220. Fax orders: 1-732-346-1624. For a free BNA Books catalog, call 1-800-960-1220 or send an e-mail request to books@bna.com. A 10% discount is available when ordering from the website at bnabooks.com. Please note that discounts cannot be combined.

SOURCE BNA Books

The Democrats have introduced a resolution for the Equal Rights Amendment for Women during every session of Congress since 1982. Each time it has been sent to die in committee. But Congresswoman Shiloh Catherine Giles isn't going to let that happen this time. In addition to being a member of Congress, Giles is also an Episcopal minister, which gives her a unique view on the battles on Capitol Hill.

"The Giles Amendment" (published by iUniverse) is the fictional story of Shiloh Giles' fight for gender equity and the cultural war waged by the religious right and the dominance and contempt of the Republican Party. Giles is a staunch champion for women's rights, and she knows that passing this resolution is paramount to her cause. Rather than follow the resolution route, Shiloh introduces the ERA as an amendment to the defense appropriations bill, ensuring that it will be debated on the floor of Congress. Shiloh and her husband gather a grassroots constituency to work for passage, ratification and approval of the amendment. But many don't want her to succeed. The zealous religious right and higher powers at the White House are against her every move. When her crusade takes a dangerous turn, Shiloh must fight for her life. A gripping tale of politics, prejudice and greed, "The Giles Amendment" explores one woman's dedication and spirit against overwhelming odds.

About the Author

Stirling Scruggs was born in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., and spent his formative years in Chattanooga, Tenn. He served in the military after high school and in the Peace Corps after finishing his bachelor's degree (political science, Illinois State University). The poverty he experienced living in a small village during his Peace Corps service and the plight of women who had no access to family planning and maternal health set him on a career in international development. Instead of heading to law school after the Peace Corps, he acquired his master's in health (University of Memphis) and went to work at Memphis Planned Parenthood where he became Executive Director. He was later recruited by the UN Population Fund where he worked for 23 years. After serving in several countries during his first 12 years at UNFPA he spent the last 11 as Director of Information, External Relations and Resource Mobilization at UNFPA headquarters in New York City. He is married to Harumi Kodama, who works at the Asian Development Bank in Manila, and is the father of twin boys and an older son from a previous marriage. Now retired, his goals are to enjoy his family, survive typhoons and to continue writing. For more information, visit http://thegilesamendment.com/.

"The Giles Amendment"

Available from: http://www.iUniverse.com, http://www.bn.com and http://www.amazon.com.

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

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

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

SOURCE iUniverse

Media advisory: Domtar Corporation third quarter 2009 financial results

    TICKER SYMBOL
    UFS (NYSE, TSX)

MONTREAL, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Domtar Corporation (NYSE/TSX: UFS) will release its third quarter 2009 financial results before markets open on Friday, October 30, 2009. A conference call will be held to discuss the results at 11:00 a.m. (ET) the same day. Financial analysts are invited to participate in the call by dialing 1-866-321-8231 (North America) or 1-416-642-5213 (International). Media and other interested individuals are invited to listen to the live webcast at www.domtar.com. A replay will be available by dialing 1-888-203-1112 (North America) or 1-647-436-0148 (International) using access code 4459913 until November 13, 2009.

About Domtar

Domtar Corporation (NYSE/TSX:UFS) is the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity, and is also a manufacturer of papergrade, fluff and specialty pulp. The Company designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of business, commercial printing and publishing as well as converting and specialty papers including recognized brands such as Cougar(R), Lynx(R) Opaque, Husky(R) Offset, First Choice(R) and Domtar EarthChoice(R) Office Paper, part of a family of environmentally and socially responsible papers. Domtar owns and operates Domtar Distribution Group, an extensive network of strategically located paper distribution facilities. Domtar also produces lumber and other specialty and industrial wood products. The Company employs nearly 10,500 people. To learn more, visit www.domtar.com.

SOURCE DOMTAR CORPORATION

"The major theme of this book is life in general, or, more precisely, what we run into along our journey," says Bud Gilham of his new book, "It's a Buddy's World" (published by AuthorHouse).

"It's a Buddy's World" is a collection of Gilham's short stories, essays and articles, many of which have been published in newspapers and magazines. Writing articles on specific topics led him to draw from his personal experiences for inspiration, and he added his own details, along with those of other people he knew, to create material that all readers can relate to.

Gilham has divided "It's a Buddy's World" into two halves. The first half contains stories and articles that deal with relationships, family and love. The material is optimistic and hopeful. "The running theme is to laugh as often as you can, and worry as little as possible," Gilham says. The second half's subject matter is more dark and complicated, detailing various traumatic life events, their impact and their consequences. Gilham writes about the loss of a loved one, aging, depression and suicidal thoughts. "The message is, you will survive even though at times it seems you will not," Gilham says of the second half of "It's a Buddy's World."

One of Gilham's favorite essays in "It's a Buddy's World" is "Spiral to Hell," which details a downward spiral of emotions into hopelessness, despair and suicide, as captured in this excerpt:

        I have nothing left now, nothing. I slip and slip deeper and
        deeper into the black hole before me. "No," I whisper with raspy
        voice and aching lungs, lungs that no longer work a heart that
        has stopped and forsaken the body. "No," I plead in a whisper.
        Why? Why did the word not come? What did I do that was so wrong?
        Eyes fog over, mouth fills with bitterness, soul begins to die,
        and the spirit is gone. "Oh God, I am so sorry." The words are
        barely audible as my being slips into a dark cold nothingness.
        "Sorry?" The hot breath in the place my spirit once lived. "Ha,
        you are sorry! When were you ever sorry you pompous, little
        weasel of a creature! You conceited, self-righteous imbecilic
        sack of flesh!" My mouth cannot move to answer, my throat closed
        with a slimy foulness of retched bile. I have lost, I have lost.

Bud Gilham was born in the small coastal community of Powell River in western Canada. As a young man he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and then worked in the forest industry. After completing his university education, he worked several jobs including counseling, teaching and sales. He currently lives in Vancouver, British Columbia and teaches English as a second language.

For more information, visit http://www.51635.authorworld.com.

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

Media advisory: Domtar Corporation third quarter 2009 financial results

    TICKER SYMBOL
    UFS (NYSE, TSX)

MONTREAL, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Domtar Corporation (NYSE/TSX: UFS) will release its third quarter 2009 financial results before markets open on Friday, October 30, 2009. A conference call will be held to discuss the results at 11:00 a.m. (ET) the same day. Financial analysts are invited to participate in the call by dialing 1-866-321-8231 (North America) or 1-416-642-5213 (International). Media and other interested individuals are invited to listen to the live webcast at www.domtar.com. A replay will be available by dialing 1-888-203-1112 (North America) or 1-647-436-0148 (International) using access code 4459913 until November 13, 2009.

About Domtar

Domtar Corporation (NYSE/TSX:UFS) is the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity, and is also a manufacturer of papergrade, fluff and specialty pulp. The Company designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of business, commercial printing and publishing as well as converting and specialty papers including recognized brands such as Cougar(R), Lynx(R) Opaque, Husky(R) Offset, First Choice(R) and Domtar EarthChoice(R) Office Paper, part of a family of environmentally and socially responsible papers. Domtar owns and operates Domtar Distribution Group, an extensive network of strategically located paper distribution facilities. Domtar also produces lumber and other specialty and industrial wood products. The Company employs nearly 10,500 people. To learn more, visit www.domtar.com.

SOURCE DOMTAR CORPORATION

In his groundbreaking new book, "Your Better Self: A Simple Guide To Where You Want To Be" (published by AuthorHouse), Ken Wallace offers readers a resource designed to help them cultivate fulfilling lives of significance and positive attitudes.

"This book helps you answer the question, 'What do I want most?'" Wallace writes. "It's about achieving more than you ever thought you could and having more than you ever thought you should by guiding you to manifest your worthy aspirations in your daily life. It will make you unstoppable in living the life you've always wanted."

Focused on helping readers integrate their perspectives on their past, present and future into a peaceful wholeness, "Your Better Self" is filled with useful, immediately applicable tips, techniques and strategies. But rather than providing an inflexible set of directions, the book guides readers to make their own decisions about what is most important to them now and how to use these tools to quickly improve their lives.

Wallace also warns readers of the challenges that they will encounter on the journey to their better selves. Self concern, unfocused thinking, procrastination, perfectionism, rushing, poor planning, misunderstandings, unhealthy desires and lack of empathy are just a few of the barriers that can stand in the way. "Your Better Self" examines these obstacles, and many others, and offers practical ways to deal with them so that the resources of your better self quickly emerge to help you live your "whole" life.

Full of seasoned advice, fresh ideas and inspirational stories, "Your Better Self" is sure to motivate readers to realize their full potential and not only find the answer to "What do I want most?" but also know precisely how to experience everything they are truly worthy of.

About the Author: Ken Wallace is a professional speaker, consultant and executive coach specializing in personal and organizational development. For more than 20 years, Wallace has spoken and consulted in various industries, helping his clients improve their performance, productivity and profitability. Since 2000, he has been one of only nine certified business process and systems coaches for General Motors worldwide. A professional member of the National Speakers Association since 1989, Wallace is also a member of the International Federation for Professional Speaking and is an ordained United Methodist minister.

For more information, visit http://www.YourBetterSelfBook.com, http://www.KenWallaceCompany.com or http://www.BetterThanYourBest.com.

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

Today, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed copies of a new book for young readers published by Candlewick Press that tells the true-life stories of Habitat for Humanity volunteers and homeowners working to build simple, decent and affordable housing.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050501/NYSU020LOGO)

If I Had a Hammer: Building Homes and Hope with Habitat for Humanity by David Rubel, with a foreword by Carter and an afterword by Habitat CEO Jonathan Reckford, is now available nationally wherever books are sold.

Fans, both young and young at heart, gathered for the book signing at The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum at The Carter Center in Atlanta.

Carter, who is often referred to as Habitat's most famous volunteer, writes in the book's foreword, "There is no question that helping to create a decent home for a partner family is a significant act of giving, but volunteers typically find that they receive something in return that is even more valuable: a feeling of satisfaction and a connection to other people. Knowing that you worked alongside other volunteers to change a family's life is a powerful feeling that you will want to experience again and again."

The 160-page hardcover book is divided into eight chapters featuring stories of Habitat homeowners and volunteers at build sites in the United States and around the world, and is stunningly illustrated with full-color photos. If I Had a Hammer also tells the story of Habitat's early beginnings in rural Georgia and explores topics from interesting home design (like using window bars in India to keep monkeys out of houses) to the emotional rewards of helping to build a house from the ground up.

"We are immensely grateful to President Carter for his dedicated service and the inspiration he and Mrs. Carter have provided to volunteers," said Reckford. "It is our hope that 'If I Had A Hammer' will inspire a new generation of volunteers to get involved and help create better and safer communities."

Rubel, who authored the book, also has written the Scholastic Encyclopedia of the Presidents and Their Times, the Scholastic Atlas of the United States, and The Coming Free, a book for adults about the civil right movement. Rubel is a graduate of Columbia University and lives in Chatham, N.Y.

"At the heart of this book are the stories that people--homeowners, volunteers, staff-- shared with me about their experiences with Habitat for Humanity and, in particular, the Carter Work Projects. I know these stories will move young readers, because they certainly moved me," said Rubel.

"Candlewick Press is so proud to be the publisher of David Rubel's fascinating and moving tribute to the extraordinary accomplishments, history, and people of Habitat for Humanity. We hope the book helps inspire volunteers of all ages for years to come," said Karen Lotz, President and Publisher of Candlewick Press.

Habitat for Humanity's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project began in 1984 when the former president and former first lady led a work group to New York City to help renovate a six-story building with 19 families in need of decent, affordable shelter. Each year since, the Carters have given a week of their time--along with their construction skills--to build homes and raise awareness of the critical need for affordable housing. The Carter Work Project is held at a different location each year and attracts volunteers from around the world.

This year, from Nov. 15-20, 2009, Habitat's Carter Work Project will take place in the Mekong region of Southeast Asia. Volunteers will build 166 homes in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and China.

To find out more about "If I Had A Hammer," visit www.habitat.org/partnerships/media_entertainment/hammer.aspx or www.candlewick.com.

About Candlewick Press

Candlewick Press is an independent, employee-owned publisher based in Somerville, MA. Candlewick publishes outstanding children's books for readers of all ages; including books by award-winning authors Kate DiCamillo, M. T. Anderson, and Laura Amy Schlitz; the widely acclaimed 'Ologies and Judy Moody series; and favorites such as the Where's Waldo and Maisy books. Candlewick's parent company is Walker Books Ltd., of London, England, with additional offices in Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International, Inc.

In his groundbreaking new book, "Your Better Self: A Simple Guide To Where You Want To Be" (published by AuthorHouse), Ken Wallace offers readers a resource designed to help them cultivate fulfilling lives of significance and positive attitudes.

"This book helps you answer the question, 'What do I want most?'" Wallace writes. "It's about achieving more than you ever thought you could and having more than you ever thought you should by guiding you to manifest your worthy aspirations in your daily life. It will make you unstoppable in living the life you've always wanted."

Focused on helping readers integrate their perspectives on their past, present and future into a peaceful wholeness, "Your Better Self" is filled with useful, immediately applicable tips, techniques and strategies. But rather than providing an inflexible set of directions, the book guides readers to make their own decisions about what is most important to them now and how to use these tools to quickly improve their lives.

Wallace also warns readers of the challenges that they will encounter on the journey to their better selves. Self concern, unfocused thinking, procrastination, perfectionism, rushing, poor planning, misunderstandings, unhealthy desires and lack of empathy are just a few of the barriers that can stand in the way. "Your Better Self" examines these obstacles, and many others, and offers practical ways to deal with them so that the resources of your better self quickly emerge to help you live your "whole" life.

Full of seasoned advice, fresh ideas and inspirational stories, "Your Better Self" is sure to motivate readers to realize their full potential and not only find the answer to "What do I want most?" but also know precisely how to experience everything they are truly worthy of.

About the Author: Ken Wallace is a professional speaker, consultant and executive coach specializing in personal and organizational development. For more than 20 years, Wallace has spoken and consulted in various industries, helping his clients improve their performance, productivity and profitability. Since 2000, he has been one of only nine certified business process and systems coaches for General Motors worldwide. A professional member of the National Speakers Association since 1989, Wallace is also a member of the International Federation for Professional Speaking and is an ordained United Methodist minister.

For more information, visit http://www.YourBetterSelfBook.com, http://www.KenWallaceCompany.com or http://www.BetterThanYourBest.com.

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

McGraw-Hill School Education Group, a leading provider of print and digital educational materials for students in Grades PreK-12, is helping Texas literature teachers make lesson planning easier and efficient with an all-in-one resource, the Texas Instructional Planner.

The Instructional Planner is a component of Glencoe Literature: Texas Treasures, a comprehensive collection of exceptional literature and engaging nonfiction with integrated skill development and targeted differentiated instruction for Grades 6-12.

Glencoe recognizes that many teachers would like to have more time for planning. The Instructional Planner addresses this need through four comprehensive sections including: Preparing, Differentiating, Teaching the TEKS, and Lesson Plans.

The Preparing section offers teachers mini-lesson activities and graphic organizers to help with teaching specific language arts skills and strategies.

The Differentiating section helps teachers with one of the biggest challenges educators have: reaching all levels of learners in the classroom. This section provides tips and techniques to help teachers provide appropriate instruction for Approaching-level, On-level, Gifted and Talented/Advanced/Pre-AP, and English language learners.

The section, Teaching the TEKS, provides teachers with an easy-to-follow roadmap to ensure the class is covering all the TEKS. The section includes tracking charts, which help teachers easily create reports indicating how each student is progressing toward mastery of the TEKS.

Finally, the Lesson Plans section includes the print and technology resources associated with each lesson. The lesson plans provide teachers with the TEKS coverage at point-of-use and the reading level of the selection.

"We know that teachers are increasingly time challenged," said Steve Mico, senior vice president of the McGraw-Hill Literacy & Humanities Learning Solutions Center. "That's why we built our Instructional Planner with the needs of Texas teachers in mind. Our goal is to help teachers help their students be more successful and this tool is one way we can do that."

Glencoe Literature: Texas Treasures has been specifically designed to help teachers teach and students master the new TEKS, TAKS, EOC, ELPS, and College and Career Readiness Standards. The program connects all Language Arts skills, including writing in a variety of modes, to provide students with the foundation necessary to be successful in the classroom, in college, and in the workforce.

For more information about the Instructional Planner and Glencoe Literature: Texas Treasures, please visit connected.mcgraw-hill.com.

About McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, is a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 65 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com.

SOURCE McGraw-Hill Education

PricewaterhouseCoopers today released its 13th Annual Guide to Tax and Wealth Management, 2010. This year, in light of the current economy and pending tax law changes under the Obama Administration, the Guide was restructured to focus broadly on the wealth management strategies and tools that are most instrumental to building an effective plan. Available for free download for the first time at www.pwc.com/pfs, the new Guide offers strategies and guidance on how the new economic environment impacts wealth management planning for individuals, families and business owners.

Also for the first time, the Guide is supported by an online resource center, which allows users to download specific chapters or the full book, view video interviews with partners on important financial planning topics and gain access to other PricewaterhouseCoopers resources on personal finance and wealth management. Together, the Guide and online resource center serve as a reference for overall financial planning, including:

• Strategic tax planning
• Managing your portfolio
• Charitable giving
• Estate and gift planning
• Business succession planning
• Choosing entities for businesses/investments
• Family limited partnerships
• Insurance
• Family offices
• Working with financial advisers
  

"Certainly, in the last year, much has changed, and the economic landscape continues to evolve. But opportunity is inherent in times of change," says Richard Kohan, lead personal financial services principal with PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Company Services and co-author of this year's Guide. "Within this context, many individuals and businesses may want to reconsider their short- and long-term plans. Our goal is to describe the pertinent concepts and strategies so individuals and business-owners can discuss these topics knowledgeably with their advisors."

Written in easy-to-understand language, the Guide avoids complicated tax jargon while clearly explaining complicated wealth management strategies, including a four step process to successfully build an effective estate plan.

With the Obama Administration expected to affect further changes -- likely, increases -- in the tax environment, the time to review existing financial plans and strategies is now. "This year, perhaps more than any in recent memory, calls for an in-depth review of one's financial approach. Tax planning and wealth management are undertakings that should be actively overseen throughout the year, but year's end is a logical time to step back and take a fresh look at both your goals and the ways you plan to reach them," adds Brittney Saks, personal financial services partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Company Services and co-author of this year's Guide. "We write the Guide to Tax and Wealth Management each year to educate people on financial and wealth management opportunities that should be considered during year-end planning. Of course, our 2010 Guide is a good place to start, but we have always recommended speaking with a qualified adviser to plan financial strategies for the future."

In addition to personal wealth management, the Guide also looks at strategies for business owners, including succession planning, choosing entities for businesses/investments and insurance. Since many business owners do not begin to plan for the succession of the business early enough, they fail to identify the person who will take over leadership of the business. This failure prevents critical planning that is essential for an orderly transition of the business. "At the same time they're reviewing their personal year-end wealth strategies, it's important that business owners also contemplate the eventual transfer of their businesses, whether to family members, other shareholders, key employees, or a third party," adds Saks.

"Preparation is the best plan in uncertain times, and between slowed economic growth at home and the coming tax reform, uncertainty seems plentiful," adds Kohan. "Individuals who take the time now to develop and fine-tune a proactive tax and financial plan will be best positioned to take advantage of opportunities as they arise."

About PricewaterhouseCoopers

The PricewaterhouseCoopers Personal Financial Services practice comprises a national network of experienced personal tax and financial advisors who help high net worth individuals effectively preserve and enhance their wealth. Our professionals provide a wide range of independent financial planning advice, including family office services, personal investment advisory services, wealth transfer solutions, business succession planning, personal tax services, charitable planning, lifestyle planning, and executive and employee financial program services. For more information about our personal financial services, please visit www.pwc.com/pfs.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Company Services works with a majority of the leading private companies in the U.S. Our 2,000 private company individuals focus on understanding the strategy and business objectives of private companies and their owners, working together to add value while reducing risk. Our professionals are provided with cross training to enable them to connect the dots across a number of private company issues such as compliance, controls, access to cash flow, expansion, exit strategies, succession, wealth management and the many areas that can help build or diminish long term success and value. For more information about PwC's private companies services please visit www.pwc.com/pcs.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 155,000 people in 153 countries across out network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

"PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (a Delaware limited liability partnership) or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

About the Authors

Richard Kohan is a Personal Financial Services Principal in PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Company Services practice in New York. Rich serves as the national strategic leader of the PCS focus on high-net-worth-individual (HNWI) clients and as a trusted adviser to HNWI clients. He is the client engagement partner on several HNWI client relationships. As their personal trusted adviser, Rich addresses many tax, wealth management, and transfer matters for such clients and their families. In addition, Rich speaks on leading-edge financial planning topics such as executive wealth transfer techniques, investment strategies, employee benefits, stock options, and retirement planning. He leads seminars on various aspects of financial planning for PricewaterhouseCoopers professionals, as well as top executives in a number of Fortune 1000 companies. Rich received a BS in political science from Syracuse University, a JD from Western New England School of Law, and an LLM in tax from Boston University School of Law. Rich is a member of both the American and Connecticut bar associations.

Brittney B. Saks is a Personal Financial Services Partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Company Services practice in Chicago. Brittney has provided income, trust, and estate tax consulting and compliance services -- which include compensation, investment, business succession, charitable giving, and retirement planning strategies -- or business owners, corporate executives, and wealthy families for the past 18 years. Most of Brittney's time is spent working with high-net-worth family tax and financial planning issues, both from consulting and compliance perspectives. She is the lead engagement partner on some of the largest and most complex family office clients in Chicago. Brittney has received the Personal Financial Specialist designation and is a certified public accountant. She has a BS in accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she graduated with highest honors, and a master's in taxation from DePaul University, where she earned special distinction. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society.

SOURCE PricewaterhouseCoopers

Everyone, at one time or another, endeavors to find their place in the world. Written in the best tradition of American story telling, "SCRAPS" by David Luck, (published by iUniverse), is a collection of short stories exploring the search for love, lust and longing, and the quest to discover an invaluable sense of place. In one way or another, as the assortment of characters spills forth their lives in an array of everyday settings, they learn how to compromise with a sense of value, either of their life or with the space surrounding them.

In "SCRAPS'" opening vignette, "Angelica and Carlos," readers are introduced to Angelica as she waits for her son to be returned from a weekend visit with his father, Carlos. Through remembrances, the story unfolds of a romance between a teenaged Angelica and the much older Carlos. Like a voyeur, the reader watches the two meet, fall in love and then eventually consummate their love which results in the birth of their son, Roberto. As Angelica waits for Carlos to return with Roberto, the young, unwed mother questions whether Carlos should be a part of her life.

"SCRAPS'" story, "Growing Up Ordinary in Idaho," portrays Havel Joe Wickers as he finds difficulty coming of age in a small town. Sandwiched between two sisters, one smart and one beautiful, he struggles with being completely average. Havel Joe discovers himself in a place where there is often not much else to do but listen to the tree leaves tickle the metal sides of the family trailer. Havel Joe stretches through more confusion while attending college in Moscow, only to find his niche in some very peculiar ways.

As I closed my eyes, I felt a light, warm touch on my arm. Opening my eyes, the redhead was motioning me toward the back of the bus. She smiled as she pulled out a large, rainbow colored Afghan from her backpack and headed down the aisle. I got up and followed her, not knowing what she wanted.

About the Author

David Luck was born in rural Wyoming during a June snowstorm. The wide-open spaces of Wyoming's high plains provided the perfect place for a young boy to grow and develop a keen imagination. It was along the Laramie River that Luck developed the ability to write from a cowboy perspective: sparse, direct and from the heart. While he played football and basketball in his early years at Colorado State University, he gave up sports and focused on veterinary medicine. Luck lives in Denver with his wife Shirley. Together, they have four children and six grandchildren. Luck has written two other books: "Ghosts of Leadville," a book of poetry and photography about Leadville, Colorado, from the mining days, and "Men Are," short story fiction about the loves, lives, and feelings of men as they age.

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

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 800-288-4677
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: prutar@authorsolutions.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

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

SOURCE iUniverse

Everyone has asked, "Why me?" Whether it's from carrying a large debt, having a chronic illness, losing a loved one, getting a divorce, or for other reasons, we have felt "Why me?" Now there is something to take your troubles away!

Wanda Argersinger, founder of L-BOW, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and Executive Director of the Lupus Support Network Northwest Florida, has created the "Y-MEE" doll and written Y-MEE'S A-B-C BOOK OF EMOTIONS for those who need to feel comfort in times of illness, struggle, or depression. Young or old, male or female -- cuddle Y-MEE; tell it your woes, or stick pins into it. Y-MEE is designed to make you smile while reading Y-MEE'S A-B-C BOOK OF EMOTIONS. These are the first products developed by Argersinger.

A woman of many talents and unlimited energy, and a lupus patient herself, Argersinger is an advocate for Lupus patients and others who deal with chronic illness. She has spent over 10 years writing, speaking, consulting, and consoling on the subject of Lupus. Argersinger developed a Health Journal used by patients as a personal medical reference. She gave all rights for sale and profits of these journals to LSNNWF.

Wanda's award-winning articles on life and Lupus have been published in journals and newspapers. She writes a blog for EverydayHealth.com (http://www.everydayhealth.com/profile/WandaLivingWithLupus).

When hurricane Ivan hit Pensacola, it damaged the Lupus Support Network offices. Argersinger, with her family by her side, came to aid in rebuilding and replenishing the things that had been ruined in the water-damaged mess that Ivan left behind. She has written all new literature and books for teens and adults.

Argersinger has far-reaching plans to develop "L-BOW," with more products from dolls to games, and greeting cards to books, in the works. She is constantly creating and thinking about new ways to educate, help, and encourage patients to grow and build strength instead of submitting themselves to their illness. This is L-BOW's mission: to help those dealing with any kind of chronic illness or depression.

If you know someone who is asking, "Why me," get a "Y-MEE" doll and book! For ordering and other information, reach "L-BOW" at www.LBOWonline.com or www.wandaargersinger.com.

    Contact: Camryn Oliver-Lemmon, APR, CPRC
    Oliver Consulting Group
    www.camrynoliverconsultinggroup.com
    (205) 637-1995

SOURCE Y-MEE

In a first-time collaboration, Blurb®, the creative publishing and marketing platform, and Entertainment Tonight co-anchor Mark Steines, today announced the launch of a new book, "See the Light - A Passage to Sierra Leone." The 120-page book, a photographic journey by Mark Steines, is available for purchase in the Blurb Bookstore as a 10x8 Standard Landscape book for $64.95 or as an 11x13 Large Landscape book for $99.95. All profits from sales of the book will go directly to Lighthouse Medical Missions.

"See the Light - A Passage to Sierra Leone" features dramatic photography and descriptions from Steines' journey to Sierra Leone in April 2009. Steines traveled with a group of doctors, nurses and volunteers through Lighthouse Medical Missions to photograph the needs of the people in Sierra Leone, and the hope this team provided. The team saw unbelievable poverty, heartbreaking sickness, and desperation. They also saw inexplicable joy and sincere gratitude. More information about the trip can be found at Mark Steines' website.

"My life changed forever when I landed on African soil in the country of Sierra Leone this past April," said Mark Steines, co-anchor, Entertainment Tonight. "The level of need and the amount of suffering we found in the country was overwhelming. In just over a week, I took nearly 10,000 pictures - capturing not only our team's journey, but the spirit of a nation. It was essential that I had the creative control over this project to choose the most telling images for the book. The Blurb platform enabled me to do this, and to sell the book and pass all the profits directly to Lighthouse Medical Missions. This book is a way for me to share powerful stories while helping to raise funds for future medical mission trips to Sierra Leone, building projects, and much-needed medical supplies."

Steines, Entertainment Tonight, and Lighthouse Medical Missions are hosting an event on Entertainment Tonight's Soundstage on Thursday, October 22, 2009 to raise awareness and funds for the need in Sierra Leone, and to celebrate the work already being done there. Guests will experience the heartbreak and hope in Sierra Leone through a photography exhibition showcasing Steines' work. All guests will receive a copy of "See the Light - A Passage to Sierra Leone." To purchase tickets, please visit www.seethelight.com.

"See the Light - A Passage to Sierra Leone" features photography and writing by Mark Steines. BlurbNation designer Samira Kordestani collaborated with Steines to design the book. The team published the book using Blurb's creative publishing and marketing platform. Using Blurb's PDF to Book workflow, they had complete creative control over the layout and design of the book. By selling the book in the Blurb Bookstore, Steines was able to set the price of his book, donating the entire mark-up to Lighthouse Medical Missions rather than distributing a large percentage of the profits among middlemen.

To create and publish a Blurb book, start by downloading Blurb BookSmart®, Blurb's free bookmaking software, or use Blurb's PDF to Book workflow and create your book using the design tool of your choice. Blurb BookSmart and PDF to Book elevate the bookmaking experience and offer extended flexibility for advanced users and consumers alike. Find more details on the Blurb website.

This year, Emmy Award-winning journalist Mark Steines begins his 15th season with ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, the No. 1 syndicated entertainment newsmagazine in the world. It also marks his sixth season as co-anchor alongside anchor Mary Hart.

About Blurb

Blurb® is a creative publishing and marketing platform that unleashes the creative genius inside everyone. Blurb's platform makes it easy to design, publish, market and sell professional-quality books, using Blurb's free, award-winning Blurb BookSmart® software, or the design tool of your choice. Use Blurb's bookstore and online marketing tools to market and sell your books, and keep 100% of your profit. Use Blurb's social and community features to create and share Blurb books with your friends and colleagues with ease.

Blurb was founded by Eileen Gittins in 2005, and includes a team of design, Internet and media veterans who share a passion for helping people bring their stories to life. Blurb is based in San Francisco with offices in London, and is funded by Canaan Partners and Anthem Venture Partners. For more info, visit http://www.blurb.com.

About Lighthouse Medical Missions

The vision of Lighthouse Medical Missions is to bring the love of God to the sick and dying in the poorer nations of the world. Our teams consist of volunteers who freely give of their time and finances to reach the forgotten and neglected with the truth of the Gospel through medicine. In 1998 the first Lighthouse team went to The Gambia, Western Africa. The needs of the people were clear immediately, but their warmth and appreciation were evident as well. This made an impact on our hearts and our relationships with the African people has kept us coming back.

Since then, Lighthouse Medical Missions, working with the Door Christian Fellowship in Africa, has organized medical missions to Sierra Leone, Liberia, Burundi, The Democratic Republic of the Congo and The Gambia. We have also built churches, schools, constructed water projects and dug wells. For more information, visit http://www.lighthousemedicalmissions.com.

About ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT

Currently in its 29th season, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT is produced and distributed by CBS Television Distribution and is taped in Studio City, Calif. Linda Bell Blue is executive producer. Mary Hart is anchor; Mark Steines is co-anchor. Kevin Frazier is weekend anchor and correspondent. Leonard Maltin is film historian/correspondent.

CBS Television Distribution is a unit of CBS Corp.

SOURCE Blurb

Whether you are interested in rebooting your career, improving your "creative flow," or coming up with ways to solve problems in your community -- the principles of design can be successfully applied to everyday situations and challenges. With its compelling narrative and eye-opening anecdotes, Warren Berger's ambitious new book, GLIMMER: How Design Can Transform Your Life and Maybe Even the World (The Penguin Press; Publication date: October 15, 2009), is for anyone who wants to bring more originality, ingenuity, and intelligence to his or her work, personal life, and even the world.

As the book shows, the "glimmer moment" is the moment when a new solution to an old problem comes into view and a world of possibilities opens up before you. Great designers have learned to maximize such moments, turning ideas into innovative new products (the iPhone, the Mini Cooper) and social networks tools (Twitter, Facebook). And today the best "design thinking" is helping to reinvent social services (education, healthcare, and senior care) while finding fresh ideas on how to meet basic needs (drinkable water, shelter) of people in developing countries.

Such "glimmer moments" can happen in everyone's life. The world of professional design in fact can teach each of us -- businessperson, student, parent, social activist -- how to have more of these breakthroughs just by learning how designers think. GLIMMER features the insights of design visionary Bruce Mau, one of the brightest design minds working today, and zeroes in on the thinking behind the groundbreaking and efficient ways he and a number of other great designers tackle intractable problems and engineer solutions.

The overall message of GLIMMER is one of optimism. It says: Yes, we've got all these challenges in front of us -- but the designers in this book show us that if you approach entrenched problems with radically fresh insights and solid design principles, you create progress. It's a hopeful message that speaks to everyone.

www.warrenberger.com

SOURCE The Penguin Press

Today, Taylor Crichton filed papers in the Los Angeles Superior Court to challenge the paternity of Michael Crichton's eight-month old son, John Michael Todd Crichton, in order to block him from obtaining his rightful inheritance from his father. Michael Crichton was in the process of updating his estate plan to include John Michael but was unable to complete revisions before he passed away. As a matter of public policy, the law provides for a child when this situation occurs.

Regarding the objections filed by Taylor Crichton to the petition to determine John Michael's legal rights to his share of his father's estate, Adam Streisand, partner of Loeb & Loeb and Mrs. Sherri Crichton's attorney, commented: "John Michael is Michael Crichton's son, and Taylor knows it, because her father told her so, and she was provided with DNA evidence proving it." Michael Crichton died while his wife Sherri was pregnant with their son. Shortly after Mrs. Crichton lost her husband, Taylor demanded proof of John Michael's paternity. Mr. Streisand said: "Mrs. Crichton agreed to DNA testing, which she was under no obligation to do, in the hope of avoiding a public spectacle." Loeb & Loeb engaged the leading paternity testing experts in the country, DNA Diagnostics Center, to perform genetic testing. Mr. Streisand commented: "We showed Taylor and her attorneys that it is one hundred percent certain that John Michael is Michael Crichton's son. Sadly that wasn't enough for her."

Michael and Sherri Crichton were married in May 2005. In June 2008, Michael and Sherri each underwent fertility procedures at the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at the New York Presbyterian Hospital -Weill Medical College of Cornell University to become pregnant with their son, John Michael, by in vitro fertilization. In an effort to keep this private family matter out of the public eye, when Taylor Crichton demanded proof of her brother's paternity in connection with the legal proceeding to determine John Michael's right to inherit from their father's estate - information Taylor Crichton is not entitled to as a matter of law - Loeb & Loeb engaged the services of DNA Diagnostics Center, the leading expert in paternity testing in the country, who determined with certainty that John Michael is the biological son of Michael Crichton. The testing process and results were shared with Taylor's counsel on September 30, 2009. Apparently, neither the law nor conclusive scientific proof of paternity will stop Taylor Crichton from trying to prevent her brother from receiving his rightful share of Michael Crichton's estate.

To confirm John Michael's rights as an heir of his father's estate, Mrs. Crichton filed a routine petition with the court to determine John Michael's right to a share of his father's estate as an "omitted heir." Michael died before his revised estate plan, which included John Michael, was completed. Taylor Crichton's litigation will unfortunately and unnecessarily delay distributions from Michael Crichton's estate to all the beneficiaries.

    Media Contact:
    Sallie Olmsted/Jason Magner
    Rogers & Cowan
    310-854-8124 / 310-854-8128

SOURCE Loeb & Loeb

Oxford University Press will publish the Historical Thesaurus of the OED (HTOED) this week. The HTOED boasts two claims to fame -- it's the world's largest thesaurus and it's the first of its kind in any language. Based on the 2nd edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, the HTOED contains almost every word in the 20 volume dictionary, plus a considerable amount of Old English vocabulary, sourced from A Thesaurus of Old English.

The HTOED is organized in a similar way to a Roget's-style thesaurus, where the words are grouped together in sections according to their meanings. But its structure, developed specially for HTOED, is far more detailed than those found in other thesauruses, allowing for shades of meaning to be fully documented.

• At just under 4,000 pages, the HTOED is the largest thesaurus in the world. It covers more than 920,000 words and meanings from Old English to the present day.
• The HTOED is the first historic thesaurus ever created. It shows the earliest recorded use of each word, lists synonyms in chronological order (with the earliest synonyms first), and details the change and development of the English language in breathtaking detail.
• The HTOED provides a breadth of knowledge that is found in no other work, and has more synonyms than any other thesaurus. The word immediately, for example, has 264 synonyms, ranging from aedre, which entered the language in Old English, to yesterday, which is first recorded as being used in 1974.
• It uses an entirely new thematic system of classification, with a detailed semantic hierarchy that distinguishes between true synonyms and closely related words.
• Comprehensive index enables complete cross-referencing of nearly one million words and meanings.
• A fold-out color chart for reference is enclosed, which shows the top levels of the classification structure.
  

For those who think that finding the right word is of inestimable value, the Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary is an embarrassment of riches.

Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary

With Additional Material from A Thesaurus of Old English

Christian Kay, Jane Roberts, Michael Samuels, Irene Wotherspoon

October 22, 2009 / $395.00 / Hardback / ISBN13: 9780199208999

SOURCE Oxford University Press

Coinciding with the official opening of the first Happy Science temple in New York City, prolific author and 'living Buddha' Master Ryuho Okawa has penned The Science of Happiness: 10 Principles for Manifesting Your Divine Nature (Destiny Books, an imprint of Inner Traditions, October, 2009 - http://www.innertraditions.com/ryuhookawablog).

The Science of Happiness offers readers the 10 principles Okawa says can serve as their compass for a spiritual life. These are Happiness, Love, Mind, Enlightenment, Progress, Wisdom, Utopia, Salvation, Reflection and Prayer. Okawa shows how following these principles can bring happiness and spiritual growth not only to ourselves but to all those around us. He provides the tools necessary to transform one's inner world to be receptive to true happiness and enlightenment--and to find one's true purpose in life.

Okawa's Happy Science has also recently opened its newest temple at 79 Franklin St. in TriBeCa. Yuki Oikawa, CEO of the Happy Science Movement in the US and primary US spokesperson for Okawa, says that at a time when the city's happiness seems to be at an all-time low, the temple's programs are designed to help New Yorkers discover the 10 principles and how to apply them in order to have more joy in their lives. "My parents named me Yuki, meaning Happiness, and that is what I am here now to bring to New Yorkers," he says.

For more information about The Science of Happiness and to request a copy or schedule an interview with Yuki Oikawa, please contact Judy Katz, Katz Creative, at 212-580-8833 or Judy@KatzCreative.com.

About The Science of Happiness

The Science of Happiness presents Master Ryuho Okawa's 10 essential principles that can serve as a compass for a spiritual life: Happiness, Love, Mind, Enlightenment, Progress, Wisdom, Utopia, Salvation, Reflection, and Prayer. Okawa shows how following these principles can bring happiness and spiritual growth not only to ourselves, but to all those around us. He provides the tools necessary to transform one's inner world to be more receptive to true happiness and enlightenment--and in the process find one's true purpose in life. He also reveals other extraordinary spiritual truths, such as the secrets of the ancient continents of Mu and Atlantis and the structure of the spirit world.

SOURCE Inner Traditions Publishing Group

Hastings Entertainment Inc. - Discover Your Entertainment (Nasdaq: HAST), a leading multimedia superstore retailer, announced its plans for a chain-wide after school party celebrating, Dog Days, the newest addition to the New York Times best selling young reader's book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. Festivities for the after school parties will take place at all Hastings locations starting at 3:00 pm the afternoon of Monday, October 12th, and will end at 6:00pm.

Dog Days is the fourth book written by Kinney for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and tells the tale of main character, Greg's, "dog days" of summer. The after school launch party at Hastings will include trivia games with a chance to win prizes, along with a Hastings Kids Fall Journal highlighting Dog Days and other top children's releases for the fall. The journal will include Dog Days puzzles, games and artwork from the book.

To find out more about the after school party in your area, visit or contact your local Hastings superstore.

About Hastings

Founded in 1968, Hastings Entertainment, Inc. is a leading multimedia entertainment retailer that combines the sale of new and used books, videos, video games and CDs, as well as trends merchandise, with the rental of videos and video games in a superstore format. We currently operate 149 superstores, averaging approximately 21,000 square feet, primarily in medium-sized markets throughout the United States.

We also operate www.goHastings.com, an e-commerce Internet Web site that makes available to our customers new and used entertainment products and unique, contemporary gifts and toys. The site features exceptional product and pricing offers. The Investor Relations section of our web site contains press releases, a link to request financial and other literature and access our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Hastings Entertainment, Inc.

Oxford University Press will publish the Historical Thesaurus of the OED (HTOED) this week. The HTOED boasts two claims to fame -- it's the world's largest thesaurus and it's the first of its kind in any language. Based on the 2nd edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, the HTOED contains almost every word in the 20 volume dictionary, plus a considerable amount of Old English vocabulary, sourced from A Thesaurus of Old English.

The HTOED is organized in a similar way to a Roget's-style thesaurus, where the words are grouped together in sections according to their meanings. But its structure, developed specially for HTOED, is far more detailed than those found in other thesauruses, allowing for shades of meaning to be fully documented.

• At just under 4,000 pages, the HTOED is the largest thesaurus in the world. It covers more than 920,000 words and meanings from Old English to the present day.
• The HTOED is the first historic thesaurus ever created. It shows the earliest recorded use of each word, lists synonyms in chronological order (with the earliest synonyms first), and details the change and development of the English language in breathtaking detail.
• The HTOED provides a breadth of knowledge that is found in no other work, and has more synonyms than any other thesaurus. The word immediately, for example, has 264 synonyms, ranging from aedre, which entered the language in Old English, to yesterday, which is first recorded as being used in 1974.
• It uses an entirely new thematic system of classification, with a detailed semantic hierarchy that distinguishes between true synonyms and closely related words.
• Comprehensive index enables complete cross-referencing of nearly one million words and meanings.
• A fold-out color chart for reference is enclosed, which shows the top levels of the classification structure.
  

For those who think that finding the right word is of inestimable value, the Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary is an embarrassment of riches.

Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary

With Additional Material from A Thesaurus of Old English

Christian Kay, Jane Roberts, Michael Samuels, Irene Wotherspoon

October 22, 2009 / $395.00 / Hardback / ISBN13: 9780199208999

SOURCE Oxford University Press

It came as a surprise to Margaret Williams Asprey that she and most of her seven siblings would find careers in technical fields. Among seven of these women are two chemists, a nuclear engineer, a physicist, mechanical engineer and a civil engineer/statistician. In addition to the careers, the siblings gave birth to 40 children -- most of whom became doctors, scientists, engineers, computer scientists and teachers.

Asprey's new book, "Marge's Tale, A Journey Full of Surprises" (published by Trafford), explores whether this uncommon string of science and math-oriented women was a result of the family and home, heredity or environment. In an attempt to solve this puzzling mystery, "Marge's Tale" documents Asprey's family history and her own life. Through her research, she found that every IQ available in her 50-member family is 130 or above. After sifting through her family's history and their environment, including the difficulties they faced, Asprey believes the phenomenon is worth genetic investigation.

"Marge's Tale" illustrates Asprey's accomplished life; she was a part of the rare breed known as women in science who worked on the Manhattan Project to develop the first atomic bomb, continued at Los Alamos in the 1960s and 1970s and was the second woman ever awarded the Walter Zinn Award from the American Nuclear Society. Asprey writes:

"One of the wives who came along asked me how I happened to get into such an unusual field for a woman. I said that 'in our family, something like this just seemed normal since two of my sisters are chemists, one has a degree in physics, one was a statistician with math and physics degrees and two of us are engineers.' She then asked if there was something about our family that led so many of us to enter such unusual fields for women and I had to say that I really didn't know. Ever since then, I have been trying to figure it out."

About the Author

Marge Asprey is a retired nuclear engineer and mother of seven children. She completed degrees at the University of New Mexico in Nuclear Engineering and the College of Santa Fe in Mathematics and Chemistry. She worked nearly 20 years at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory with a year out as a visiting scientist in Karlsruhe, Germany. Asprey is now retired and living in Mountain View, California.

"Marge's Tale, A Journey Full of Surprises"

Available from: http://www.Trafford.com, http://www.bn.com, and http://www.amazon.com

ISBN: 1425170021 - 6 x 9 - Paperback - 373 pages - $97.40

Trafford Publishing is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit http://www.trafford.com.

    Contact:

    Megan Leiter
    Trafford Promotions Dept.
    mleiter@authorsolutions.com
    Toll-free: 1-800-AUTHORS (288-4677) ext.5590
    Fax: 812-961-3133

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

SOURCE Trafford Publishing

Shoppers at Best Buy will soon have easy access to popular photobook publishing software and information, thanks to a marketing partnership between the multinational technology and entertainment retailer and MyPublisher, the industry leader in custom photobooks.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070905/NYW090LOGO )

The partnership between Best Buy and MyPublisher rolls out on October 11, with more than 800 Best Buy stores nationwide launching in-store displays that present MyPublisher products and book making software as a solution to consumers who want to more easily share and display their digital photos.

Best Buy chose MyPublisher over competing photobook companies as a partner in order to help solve an ongoing challenge, encouraging customers to do more with their photos and not let them languish on their hard drives. MyPublisher photobooks ensure digital photos are displayed and preserved in bookstore quality books that will last a lifetime.

"Many Best Buy shoppers are digital photo aficionados, and we're thrilled to help them find a better way to share and display their digital photos." said Katherine Lewis, president of MyPublisher. "A photobook lets a consumer's digital photos chronicle their lives and tell their stories in a creative, personalized, and cost-effective presentation."

ABOUT MYPUBLISHER, INC.

Since inventing and launching the first photobooks in 1995, MyPublisher has established itself as the industry leader in custom photobook software, bookstore quality printing and superior customer service. MyPublisher has sold and shipped more than five million PhotoBooks since 2002. In 2008 alone, MyPublisher experienced 10 million visitors to its Web site and more than two million downloads of its software. Their philosophy is simple - provide customers with intuitive, easy-to-use PhotoBook-making software, give them end to end customer support, and deliver a finished book of superb workmanship. MyPublisher's most popular product, a Classic hardcover PhotoBook, starts at just $29.80. To get more information and to download the free software, visit www.mypublisher.com.

SOURCE MyPublisher, Inc.

With the 20th anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta Northern California Earthquake happening this month, earthquake engineers and authors Peter Yanev and Andrew Thompson have completely updated and expanded the best-selling 1974 book Peace of Mind in Earthquake Country: How To Save Your Home, Business, and Life. This all new edition--available in bookstores now--features new information and photos, and distills the essentials everyone needs to know about earthquake risk management for your home or business in a straight-forward and accessible fashion. Yanev and Thompson are available for interviews to discuss the lessons learned from previous earthquakes and what business and home owners need to know and do to protect their lives, their property, and their investments when the next big earthquake strikes.

"Thousands of homes and buildings in earthquake country remain collapse hazards in strong earthquakes," said Yanev. "They can be strengthened to protect the lives of your family and to manage the financial risk to your investment and business. Our book provides a comprehensive, well illustrated, and easy to read guide on: how to assess your risk, how to make the right financial decisions to control that risk and, what you need to fix."

There is an entire generation of people in California that have never experienced a major earthquake and others that have forgotten the destruction and lessons that even a moderate earthquake like Loma Prieta and the 1995 Northridge, LA earthquake causes. Many people, while physically safe, are also unaware of the possible financial losses that can occur from an earthquake such as property damage and business interruption. There are many solutions available beginning with simple education, analysis, retrofit, possible insurance, etc.

After the 1989 Loma Prieta and 1994 Northridge earthquakes, Californians strengthened commercial buildings, schools and infrastructure but not necessarily dangerous homes and multi-family buildings. In addition, many beautiful, old, mid-rise buildings, such as those in the hills of the coast of California are potential collapse hazards and should be avoided. Soft-story buildings killed many people in both 1989 and 1994 yet most of these buildings (thousands throughout California alone) have not been strengthened.

Peter Yanev has over forty years of experience in earthquake, structural engineering, and risk management. He was the co-founder of EQE International, a global earthquake risk management leader, and he has investigated over 100 earthquakes around the world. He currently advises organizations worldwide including the World Bank, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Berkeley. A former president of the Northern California Chapter of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Yanev has published extensively and is a frequent media commentator on natural disasters. He holds degrees from The University of California, Berkeley, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Andrew Thompson is an earthquake engineer and leads the risk management practice in the Americas for the global consulting and engineering firm Arup. He has worked with corporations and governments around the world advising them on earthquake risk management issues. Thompson has published numerous articles related to earthquake engineering and risk management, has contributed to technical books on the subject, and is a frequent commentator to the media. He holds a masters degree in earthquake engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

About Peace of Mind In Earthquake Country

By Peter I. Yanev & Andrew C.T. Thompson

Chronicle Books $19.95 SBN: (9780811861830)

Now available at your favorite book store or online

Peace of Mind in Earthquake Country, the best-selling book which for thirty years has helped homeowners everywhere protect their properties and loved ones from the devastating effects of earthquakes, is now completely updated and greatly expanded. The new edition reflects the latest advances in earthquake science, engineering, and financial management techniques for homeowners, homebuyers, and businesses in earthquake country.

In this comprehensive resource, earthquake engineering and risk management experts Peter Yanev and Andrew Thompson, who together have more than sixty years of combined experience and have investigated more than 100 earthquakes around the world, demystify the confusing technical aspects of earthquakes and present a do-it-yourself approach to home and business preparedness. Here, they explain in accessible text earthquake-related concepts such as "liquefaction" and dangerous "soft-stories," then present easy-to-follow steps to understand and judge your risk as a homeowner, the soundness of your property, your possible financial risk, your insurance options, and how to inexpensively strengthen your home or office.

The book explains earthquake risks to anyone in California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Utah, the Central US, and more. It provides informative graphs and diagrams, hundreds of photographs, maps of existing and suspected fault lines, lessons learned from past earthquakes, and the probabilities of future earthquakes. Chapters are devoted exclusively to earthquake risk management and insurance. Most importantly, the book clearly explains what you can do to protect yourself and your property. This is a necessary guide for anyone living in earthquake country.

For more information, samples, photos please visit: http://www.theearthquakebook.com

SOURCE Peter Yanev

NewsGator database architect Glenn Berry discloses valuable insights into Microsoft SQL Server development and administration in a new book of tips, techniques and experience-driven best practices for database development.

"SQL Server MVP Deep Dives" (Manning Publications Co.) contains chapters from Berry and 52 other SQL Server MVPs ("Microsoft most valuable professionals," or outstanding contributors to Microsoft technical communities). Topics include SQL database design and architecture, performance tuning, optimization, development, administration and business intelligence integration. Berry's chapters are "Using database mirroring to become a superhero," and "Dr DMV: how to use Dynamic Management Views."

"The SQL database is the heart and soul of many important business applications such as the NewsGator Social Sites enterprise social networking application," explains Berry. "In Social Sites, SQL is the clearinghouse for all the information an enterprise generates about people, their work and their opportunities for sharing that information to increase productivity. Consequently, the quality of database administration ultimately affects the enterprise's performance, which is why the knowledge in this book is valuable."

Berry has a long list of Microsoft certifications, including CITP, MCDBA, MCSE, MCSD, MCAD and MCTS. He is also an adjunct faculty member and master teacher at University College - University of Denver. His technical interests include high availability, performance optimization, database engines and DMV queries.

All author royalties from the book go to War Child International (www.warchild.org), a network of independent organizations working across the world to help children affected by war. Over one billion children live in countries or territories affected by armed conflict -- almost one sixth of the total world population, according to UNICEF.

"SQL Server MVP Deep Dives" is available for pre-order on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/SQL-Server-MVP-Deep-Dives/dp/1935182048. It will ship the first week of November.

For more background information on the book's contents, visit http://www.manning.com/nielsen/.

About NewsGator Technologies, Inc.

NewsGator Technologies helps enterprises and media companies leverage social computing solutions to deliver real business value. The company's enterprise social networking and widget services are in use by hundreds of the world's most recognized brands, including Biogen Idec, CBS, CNN, Discovery, National Geographic, Procter & Gamble and USA Today. NewsGator Social Sites and Enterprise Server give enterprises better ways to collaborate, share content, expand employee knowledge and improve productivity. For more information, visit www.newsgator.com.

SOURCE NewsGator Technologies, Inc.

Questia Media, Inc. has added an additional 1,900 copyrighted books to its digital collection, which is available online and through its recently launched application for the iPhone and iPod Touch that in just two weeks has become one of the top paid book applications on those devices.

The Questia collection, consisting mostly of copyrighted works, now totals 76,213 full-text books and over 2.7 million journal, magazine, and newspaper articles.

"This important addition to our library is part of our continuing strategy to provide college students and other researchers access to the only high-quality, online collection of full-text books and articles," said Tim Harris, President and CEO of Questia, adding that in addition to accessing these materials online users increasingly want to do so from mobile devices.

In a recent survey of over 3,400 Questia subscribers, 25% said that accessing research material from a handheld mobile device was important.

Availability

Questia Library for the iPhone/iPod Touch is available today from the App Store in iTunes for 99 cents, giving users permanent access to 5,000 public domain books and 1 week of access to every publication in Questia Library. After one week, users may purchase additional access to the full library through iTunes on a non-recurring basis. For more information, visit: http://www.questia.com/questialibraryplus

About Questia

Questia Media, Inc. partners with over 325 leading publishers to provide the world's largest online academic library and research resource to end consumers on a subscription basis. Students, instructors, and lifelong learners in more than 200 countries use Questia's collection of full-text books and articles for scholarly research in the humanities and social sciences. The collection includes valuable, copyrighted works and is selected and organized by Questia's own professional librarians.

Questia's unlimited, 24/7 access allows researchers to simultaneously use every item in its library from any connected corner of the world.

Questia Media, Inc. also provides Questia School, a teacher/student resource center that incorporates the digital library content with K12 class instruction and is designed for use by educators and students to enhance curricula.

Founded in 1998, Questia Media is based in Houston. For more information, visit http://www.questia.com/ and http://www.questiamedia.com.

SOURCE Questia Media, Inc.

With the 20th anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta Northern California Earthquake happening this month, earthquake engineers and authors Peter Yanev and Andrew Thompson have completely updated and expanded the best-selling 1974 book Peace of Mind in Earthquake Country: How To Save Your Home, Business, and Life. This all new edition--available in bookstores now--features new information and photos, and distills the essentials everyone needs to know about earthquake risk management for your home or business in a straight-forward and accessible fashion. Yanev and Thompson are available for interviews to discuss the lessons learned from previous earthquakes and what business and home owners need to know and do to protect their lives, their property, and their investments when the next big earthquake strikes.

"Thousands of homes and buildings in earthquake country remain collapse hazards in strong earthquakes," said Yanev. "They can be strengthened to protect the lives of your family and to manage the financial risk to your investment and business. Our book provides a comprehensive, well illustrated, and easy to read guide on: how to assess your risk, how to make the right financial decisions to control that risk and, what you need to fix."

There is an entire generation of people in California that have never experienced a major earthquake and others that have forgotten the destruction and lessons that even a moderate earthquake like Loma Prieta and the 1995 Northridge, LA earthquake causes. Many people, while physically safe, are also unaware of the possible financial losses that can occur from an earthquake such as property damage and business interruption. There are many solutions available beginning with simple education, analysis, retrofit, possible insurance, etc.

After the 1989 Loma Prieta and 1994 Northridge earthquakes, Californians strengthened commercial buildings, schools and infrastructure but not necessarily dangerous homes and multi-family buildings. In addition, many beautiful, old, mid-rise buildings, such as those in the hills of the coast of California are potential collapse hazards and should be avoided. Soft-story buildings killed many people in both 1989 and 1994 yet most of these buildings (thousands throughout California alone) have not been strengthened.

Peter Yanev has over forty years of experience in earthquake, structural engineering, and risk management. He was the co-founder of EQE International, a global earthquake risk management leader, and he has investigated over 100 earthquakes around the world. He currently advises organizations worldwide including the World Bank, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Berkeley. A former president of the Northern California Chapter of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Yanev has published extensively and is a frequent media commentator on natural disasters. He holds degrees from The University of California, Berkeley, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Andrew Thompson is an earthquake engineer and leads the risk management practice in the Americas for the global consulting and engineering firm Arup. He has worked with corporations and governments around the world advising them on earthquake risk management issues. Thompson has published numerous articles related to earthquake engineering and risk management, has contributed to technical books on the subject, and is a frequent commentator to the media. He holds a masters degree in earthquake engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

About Peace of Mind In Earthquake Country

By Peter I. Yanev & Andrew C.T. Thompson

Chronicle Books $19.95 SBN: (9780811861830)

Now available at your favorite book store or online

Peace of Mind in Earthquake Country, the best-selling book which for thirty years has helped homeowners everywhere protect their properties and loved ones from the devastating effects of earthquakes, is now completely updated and greatly expanded. The new edition reflects the latest advances in earthquake science, engineering, and financial management techniques for homeowners, homebuyers, and businesses in earthquake country.

In this comprehensive resource, earthquake engineering and risk management experts Peter Yanev and Andrew Thompson, who together have more than sixty years of combined experience and have investigated more than 100 earthquakes around the world, demystify the confusing technical aspects of earthquakes and present a do-it-yourself approach to home and business preparedness. Here, they explain in accessible text earthquake-related concepts such as "liquefaction" and dangerous "soft-stories," then present easy-to-follow steps to understand and judge your risk as a homeowner, the soundness of your property, your possible financial risk, your insurance options, and how to inexpensively strengthen your home or office.

The book explains earthquake risks to anyone in California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Utah, the Central US, and more. It provides informative graphs and diagrams, hundreds of photographs, maps of existing and suspected fault lines, lessons learned from past earthquakes, and the probabilities of future earthquakes. Chapters are devoted exclusively to earthquake risk management and insurance. Most importantly, the book clearly explains what you can do to protect yourself and your property. This is a necessary guide for anyone living in earthquake country.

For more information, samples, photos please visit: http://www.theearthquakebook.com

SOURCE Peter Yanev

A November 17 release date has been set for the U.S. market publication of BIRTH: When the Spiritual and the Material Come Together, the best-selling book authored by Israeli business leader and philanthropist Shari Arison.

Initially published in Israel by Kinneret Zmora Bitan Dvir Publishing House, the book will be released in the United States by Phoenix Books, which secured the global publishing rights to the highly sought-after project.

BIRTH: When the Spiritual and the Material Come Together sets forth Arison's view that the world is "collapsing" around us because of broad-based greed on a personal, community and corporate level. She defines greed as not only financial, but also manifested by the mismanagement of the environment and the breakdown of fundamental social values.

"We're very excited to be releasing the book in the United States and are confident that it will be received as strongly by American readers as it was by readers in Israel," Arison said. "The book offers a blueprint for productive social change and delivers practical guidance. Above all, it offers compelling messages of hope that we feel will resonate with readers in the U.S. and, ultimately, the entire world."

Arison's account details her own journeys -- both spiritually and in business -- that led to the repositioning of the Arison Group as an enterprise focused on balancing profit with a strong commitment to the environment, sustainable practices, and philanthropic giving.

For example, she was able to influence Bank Hapoalim to initiate a public education program, Shikun Binui, on responsible lending to promote green building development and created a new company called Miya to harness better water management. In the philanthropic arena, Matan was her initiative to encourage Israeli corporations to increase charitable giving and Ruach Tova was organized to facilitate individuals volunteering to help others.

Arison's core message is that change is crucial, but that "change is not in the hands of government, not in the hands of a leader or guru, and not in the hands of the powerful or wealthy. It is in our hands, the hands of each and every one of us," she says.

Importantly, Arison maps out workable model -- one that will "enable individuals, corporations and perhaps countries to transform the collapse into change, to transform the crisis into an opportunity, and to bring together the spiritual and material, and to deliver the future from a combination of the two," she says.

The Arison Group is a global business and philanthropy group, headquartered in Israel. The Group's activities are carried out via two channels -- business and philanthropy -- that bring to fruition the values of sustainability: Arison Investments focuses on the business core of sustainability and applies the vision of securing the human existence to the field of global business. The Ted Arison Family Foundation focuses on listening to the needs of the community, by extending a loving hand. The foundation implements giving to the community through its donations and activities for improving the quality of life in Israel and for bringing about a transformation of the social environment.

    Contact:  Stan Steinreich
              Steinreich Communications
              (201) 498-1600

SOURCE Arison Group

NewsGator database architect Glenn Berry discloses valuable insights into Microsoft SQL Server development and administration in a new book of tips, techniques and experience-driven best practices for database development.

"SQL Server MVP Deep Dives" (Manning Publications Co.) contains chapters from Berry and 52 other SQL Server MVPs ("Microsoft most valuable professionals," or outstanding contributors to Microsoft technical communities). Topics include SQL database design and architecture, performance tuning, optimization, development, administration and business intelligence integration. Berry's chapters are "Using database mirroring to become a superhero," and "Dr DMV: how to use Dynamic Management Views."

"The SQL database is the heart and soul of many important business applications such as the NewsGator Social Sites enterprise social networking application," explains Berry. "In Social Sites, SQL is the clearinghouse for all the information an enterprise generates about people, their work and their opportunities for sharing that information to increase productivity. Consequently, the quality of database administration ultimately affects the enterprise's performance, which is why the knowledge in this book is valuable."

Berry has a long list of Microsoft certifications, including CITP, MCDBA, MCSE, MCSD, MCAD and MCTS. He is also an adjunct faculty member and master teacher at University College - University of Denver. His technical interests include high availability, performance optimization, database engines and DMV queries.

All author royalties from the book go to War Child International (www.warchild.org), a network of independent organizations working across the world to help children affected by war. Over one billion children live in countries or territories affected by armed conflict -- almost one sixth of the total world population, according to UNICEF.

"SQL Server MVP Deep Dives" is available for pre-order on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/SQL-Server-MVP-Deep-Dives/dp/1935182048. It will ship the first week of November.

For more background information on the book's contents, visit http://www.manning.com/nielsen/.

About NewsGator Technologies, Inc.

NewsGator Technologies helps enterprises and media companies leverage social computing solutions to deliver real business value. The company's enterprise social networking and widget services are in use by hundreds of the world's most recognized brands, including Biogen Idec, CBS, CNN, Discovery, National Geographic, Procter & Gamble and USA Today. NewsGator Social Sites and Enterprise Server give enterprises better ways to collaborate, share content, expand employee knowledge and improve productivity. For more information, visit www.newsgator.com.

SOURCE NewsGator Technologies, Inc.

Eric Carle's best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, will be shared with children around the world when Arizona Governor Jan Brewer reads the classic book via webcast powered by Mediasite by Sonic Foundry, Inc. (Nasdaq: SOFO). The multimedia presentation, available at www.ccspresentationsystems.com/readfortherecord, is part of the fourth annual Read for the Record celebration.

Jumpstart began Read for the Record in 2006 to bring preschool children together with valued grownups in their lives to read the same book, on the same day, in communities all over the world. This year, Jumpstart hopes to set a new world record for the greatest number of people reading at once. The day starts on NBC's "TODAY" show, with Jumpstart's official spokespeople Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira, and continues all day long at thousands of reading events in schools, libraries and community centers as well as online via Mediasite. CCS Presentation Systems partnered with Sonic Foundry to bring the story to the web.

"We have served Arizona schools and educators for nearly 20 years and are true believers in helping to advance students through technology in the classroom," said Founder and CEO of CCS Presentation Systems, John Godbout. "Combining efforts with Governor Brewer and Sonic Foundry to make Read for the Record not only a widespread Arizona event, but a global celebration, made perfect sense and broadens our commitment to supporting educators."

The Mediasite webcasting platform allows children to experience the joy of reading as they not only listen to Gov. Brewer read the story, but also see her facial expressions and take in the intricate details of Carle's famous collage-style illustrations.

"The Read for the Record campaign has proven to be a powerful vehicle to share knowledge and instill the passion of learning in young children. It speaks to our core mission at Sonic Foundry as we continue our commitment to nurture that passion into adulthood and create lifelong learners," said Rimas Buinevicius, chairman and CEO of Sonic Foundry. "We are thrilled that Mediasite is the platform that will bring this beloved story to children around the world."

About CCS Presentation Systems, Inc.

Since 1991, Scottsdale, Ariz.-based CCS Presentation Systems, has served customers in the corporate, government and educational sectors. CCS provides full-service integration, installation and maintenance of audio and video equipment, including LCD & plasma displays, room control, projectors, interactive whiteboards, audio systems and more. The company has expanded from a two-person operation to one of the largest A/V integrators in the U.S., with more than 300 employees, sales offices in 13 states and annual sales in excess of $150 million. For more information about CCS Presentation Systems, visit www.ccspresentationsystems.com.

About Sonic Foundry®, 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.

A November 17 release date has been set for the U.S. market publication of BIRTH: When the Spiritual and the Material Come Together, the best-selling book authored by Israeli business leader and philanthropist Shari Arison.

Initially published in Israel by Kinneret Zmora Bitan Dvir Publishing House, the book will be released in the United States by Phoenix Books, which secured the global publishing rights to the highly sought-after project.

BIRTH: When the Spiritual and the Material Come Together sets forth Arison's view that the world is "collapsing" around us because of broad-based greed on a personal, community and corporate level. She defines greed as not only financial, but also manifested by the mismanagement of the environment and the breakdown of fundamental social values.

"We're very excited to be releasing the book in the United States and are confident that it will be received as strongly by American readers as it was by readers in Israel," Arison said. "The book offers a blueprint for productive social change and delivers practical guidance. Above all, it offers compelling messages of hope that we feel will resonate with readers in the U.S. and, ultimately, the entire world."

Arison's account details her own journeys -- both spiritually and in business -- that led to the repositioning of the Arison Group as an enterprise focused on balancing profit with a strong commitment to the environment, sustainable practices, and philanthropic giving.

For example, she was able to influence Bank Hapoalim to initiate a public education program, Shikun Binui, on responsible lending to promote green building development and created a new company called Miya to harness better water management. In the philanthropic arena, Matan was her initiative to encourage Israeli corporations to increase charitable giving and Ruach Tova was organized to facilitate individuals volunteering to help others.

Arison's core message is that change is crucial, but that "change is not in the hands of government, not in the hands of a leader or guru, and not in the hands of the powerful or wealthy. It is in our hands, the hands of each and every one of us," she says.

Importantly, Arison maps out workable model -- one that will "enable individuals, corporations and perhaps countries to transform the collapse into change, to transform the crisis into an opportunity, and to bring together the spiritual and material, and to deliver the future from a combination of the two," she says.

The Arison Group is a global business and philanthropy group, headquartered in Israel. The Group's activities are carried out via two channels -- business and philanthropy -- that bring to fruition the values of sustainability: Arison Investments focuses on the business core of sustainability and applies the vision of securing the human existence to the field of global business. The Ted Arison Family Foundation focuses on listening to the needs of the community, by extending a loving hand. The foundation implements giving to the community through its donations and activities for improving the quality of life in Israel and for bringing about a transformation of the social environment.

    Contact:  Stan Steinreich
              Steinreich Communications
              (201) 498-1600

SOURCE Arison Group

The Reading Rights Coalition (RRC), which consists of thirty-one organizations dedicated to equal access to the printed word by people who are blind or who have other print disabilities, announced today that the Los Angeles Public Library system has agreed to suspend purchase of inaccessible e-books using the Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) format. The library was informed by the RRC that ADE e-books cannot be accessed by technologies used by the blind and others with print disabilities, including devices that read text aloud or convert it into Braille.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The Reading Rights Coalition commends the Los Angeles Public Library for its swift and decisive action upon learning of our concerns and for its commitment to ensuring access to books by all of its patrons. Companies like Adobe have adopted digital rights management schemes which do not allow the blind and other Americans with print disabilities to access their books, even though e-books are inherently accessible and should provide an unprecedented opportunity for print-disabled Americans to access the wealth of knowledge contained in books. We will continue to inform libraries, universities, and other entities of the inaccessibility of these materials and urge them to comply with accessibility standards and applicable laws by requiring that any e-books they purchase be accessible to those with print disabilities. We will no longer tolerate the gratuitous inaccessibility of e-books; we demand that Americans who cannot read print be treated like first-class citizens and be given access to all of the printed information to which other Americans have access."

Mitch Pomerantz, President of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and former ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Compliance Officer for the city of Los Angeles, said: "I am extremely pleased with the Los Angeles Public Library's decision, both as ACB President, and as someone who worked closely for fourteen years with library staff to ensure that its programs and services were fully accessible to persons who were blind or had other disabilities. The example set by officials of the library will certainly be taken seriously and followed by major libraries throughout the nation."

In a letter to the Reading Rights Coalition, the Los Angeles Public Library stated that the books were accessible when purchased from one of its e-book providers, OverDrive, but that Adobe had altered its software to block text-to-speech technology and then forced OverDrive to implement the new software. While the 773 ADE titles in the library's collection will still be available to patrons, City Librarian Martin J. Gomez stated that no additional ADE books will be purchased until they are fully accessible to the blind and others with print disabilities. The library also said that all of its other digital offerings are currently accessible to such readers. The library's action comports with a resolution passed in July by the American Library Association, which strongly recommended that libraries purchasing electronic resources should take steps to ensure that such resources comply with accessibility standards. In the letter to the Reading Rights Coalition, the Los Angeles Public Library stated that it "will make every effort to apply pressure to our vendors by requiring verification of accessibility standards and making it clear that we will not purchase electronic resources that fail to meet accessibility standards."

SOURCE Reading Rights Coalition

Just in time for the holidays, Theodore the Tree, a 32-page picture book featuring a squat Christmas tree, an ill-tempered ornament and a benevolent star-shaped decoration, brings a tender message for readers of all ages. The book is authored by Maribeth Stephens and illustrated by Nina Seven, both of Seattle.

"Theodore's story strikes a chord in adults and shares a sweet message with children," says Stephens. "It is a story of the desire to be accepted, the sting of rejection and ultimately finding your unique strengths."

"Theodore is a character that many can relate to," says Seven. "Despite being initially shunned because of his striking shortcomings, Theodore ends up being cherished precisely because of his imperfections."

Richly illustrated with bold and vivid colors, Theodore the Tree is a lovable character who expresses his own kind of holiday magic.

About Maribeth Stephens

Maribeth Stephens started her career writing for radio and television news, but for years harbored a secret desire to write children's books. With Theodore the Tree, Stephens expresses her belief that children's books aren't just for children - their meanings, messages, and images touch hearts of all ages.

About Nina Seven

Nina Seven's lifelong dream of illustrating a children's book has finally come true in illustrating her first book, Theodore the Tree. Seven lives in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle with her husband, two children and two cats, Scout and Zoey.

Theodore the Tree (ISBN 9780978810825) is published by Big Think Media, Inc., and is available through Amazon.com and your bookseller starting October 2009. Theodore the Tree is printed in the United States of America.

    Contact:

    Arushi Sinha, Publisher, Big Think Media, Inc.
    469-363-6060
    arushi@bigthinkmedia.com

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

SOURCE Big Think Media, Inc.

There is nothing more frightening than the loss of one's grip on what is real. That fear, however, is not isolated to the individual suffering the break, but their friends and loved ones as well. "Mind Gone Astray" (published by iUniverse) by Wayne Kallio, examines the impact that this type of illness has on not only the victim, but also the people around them.

Kaija was an intelligent, educated and articulate woman. It was a devastating blow when, without warning, her mind succumbed to a sudden-onset psychosis. Her husband Charles, an English teacher, arrived home from school to be greeted by his wife's bizarre and frightening hallucinations. For Charles to see his normally vibrant and rational wife in such a state was a terrifying proposition. After much persuasion, she is hospitalized locally as doctors try desperately to discover what the illness is. And just as importantly, what might be causing it. Was it a brain tumor? Could it be early onset Alzheimer's? Perhaps the break was a result of a simple lack of vital minerals or nutrients? Possibly some type of Dementia? No one knew.

"Mind Gone Astray" tells not only the story of Kaija's battle to overcome her schizophrenia and regain her mental stability, but the hardships faced by her loving husband in his struggle to care for his wife. While most books regarding mental health issues are either a clinical examination or focus solely on the victim, "Mind Gone Astray" is told from the perspective of a loving spouse and care giver and people surrounding them who are helpless to aid Kaija.

        Wednesday, June 8
        Kills me to have to stay away. Nurse asked me to give it a couple
        more days. They'd given her some Seraltine, or Sertraline or
        something, to help her sleep. Referred to it as Zoloft also --
        confusing. Maybe one is a brand name and the other is generic. New
        psychiatrist is going to take over, a Dr. Lewis. Nurse assured me that
        this guy had recently received his Doctorate degree and was right up
        on all the latest developments in psychiatry and antipsychotic
        medications.

Wayne Kallio was born and raised on the Saskatchewan prairie. Kallio earned his B.Ed. and M.A. at the University of Regina. Possessing, even at that time, an interest in writing novels, Kallio recognized that writing a compelling character required an understanding of people, their thought processes and behavior. As such, he took a keen interest in the University's psychology program and took as many classes as his course load would allow. Kallio embarked on a teaching career in English that took him from Saskatchewan to Manitoba, Phoenix, Finland and China. He and his wife of 43 years retired to Kallio's beloved Saskatchewan, where they currently reside and he teaches part time.

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

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 800-288-4677
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: prutar@authorsolutions.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

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

SOURCE iUniverse

Loukoumi's Good Deeds, the iParenting Media Award winning book and CD named "Outstanding Children's Book of 2009," and its sequel, Loukoumi's Gift, will be read at hundreds of schools, bookstores, and libraries nationwide from October 19-24 leading up to National Make A Difference Day October 24.

Following the readings, kids will consider what they can do to make a difference, by drawing pictures of themselves, with Loukoumi the lamb, doing good deeds. Children will also complete the statement: "I will Make A Difference by . . ." and then actually do that good deed on October 24. Over 10,000 kids will participate.

Every time someone purchases Loukoumi's Good Deeds or Loukoumi's Gift, they too will be performing a good deed. $2 from the sale of each book will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®, one of the world's premier pediatric cancer research centers. Author Nick Katsoris will hold a special reading at St. Jude October 20.

Loukoumi's Good Deeds, narrated on CD by Jennifer Aniston and Days of Our Lives star John Aniston, teaches children to make a difference in someone's life by doing something nice. The CD also features the character voices of Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, GRAMMY® winner Gloria Gaynor, American Idol's and Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis, Guiding Light's Frank Dicopoulos and CBS News anchor Alexis Christoforous.

The CD also contains Gaynor's original song "Make Someone Smile," and a bonus story, Loukoumi's Gift, which teaches Loukoumi that a gift need not cost a lot of money, but instead can come straight from the heart. This message is especially important during these tough economic times.

Loukoumi's Gift will be released nationwide October 24, coinciding with National Make a Difference Day. Its premiere will be at the Lincoln Center Barnes & Noble that day. The book is dedicated to and inspired by Daisy Waddy, a cleaning lady from an office Katsoris worked at 15 years ago, who gave Katsoris gold cufflinks because he said "good morning" to her every day. Jennifer Aniston voices the character of Daisy on the CD.

For information on Loukoumi's Gift, or to register for Make A Difference Day visit www.Loukoumi.com.

Contact: 212-397-2804

info@loukoumi.com

SOURCE NK Publications

A new book featuring smart tips from moms on tough topics like cutting down screen time, getting your kids to eat more vegetables and increasing physical activity is available to any parent in the U.S. at low or no cost. The book is a product of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a joint initiative between the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation. Susan Dell -- healthy living advocate, co-founder of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and wife of tech legend Michael Dell -- narrates the book. Be Well: Messages from Moms on Living Healthier Lives features the stories of 15 moms who are creatively finding ways to fight childhood obesity in their homes and communities.

Be Well is available free or at low cost online at www.BeWellBook.org, in English and Spanish versions, and through local schools and community centers around the nation. The aim of the book is to make it accessible to any parent who wants to start their children on a healthy path.

"Obesity crosses all socio-economic lines, but the moms featured in Be Well don't have the resources that many other moms do," said Susan Dell, co-founder and chairman of the board of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. "What they do possess is the creativity and determination to guide their children toward the healthiest lives possible and show us all that healthy living can be easy and inexpensive. I hope women across the country find a story in this book they can identify with and are inspired to jump-start healthy habits in their own homes, or even share their own personal story on the www.BeWellBook.org Web site."

"We want to enable parents to take an active role in creating healthy lifestyles for their families, as it is an important piece of the puzzle in the fight against childhood obesity," said Ginny Ehrlich, executive director of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. "It is our hope that the book will not only inspire families to create a healthier environment for their children at home, but that they will become active in creating healthy communities by joining the Alliance's Healthy Schools Network."

The foreword is written by Dr. William H. Dietz, M.D., PhD, Director, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The moms' creative strategies in the book map to five levers Dr. Dietz attributes to preventing childhood obesity: 1) decreasing screen time, 2) decreasing high-energy density foods, 3) decreasing sugar-sweetened beverages, 4) increasing physical activity and 5) increasing fruits and vegetables.

A flavor of the moms and tips featured in Be Well: Messages from Moms on Living Healthier Lives:

• Debra in Harlem takes care of not only her own children, but also feeds upwards of 10 children on her own dime to ensure they have access to healthy food. She also finds creative serving techniques like "turkey hotdog necklaces" and "broccoli forests" to make healthy fare appealing to little ones.
• Ashley in Houston runs with her two young sons for at least 60 minutes each night to teach them the importance of physical activity and setting goals. Her eldest son's grades and behavior improved since starting their nightly routine.
• Jamilia in Oakland had a family history of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. As a 26-year-old mother of four, she made great efforts to cut out fast food by involving her kids in planning the weekly menu and rides the bus 30 minutes each week to buy fresh produce at a farmer's market.
• Andrea in Tucson recognized the need to improve her family's habits but wanted to honor her Mexican heritage and ancestors with her cooking. She adapted her culture's traditional recipes and makes them healthier without sacrificing taste. Instead of frying beans and meats, she uses a slow cooker.
  

Resources Behind the Book

The book was developed by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The Dell family foundation advocates the need for childhood obesity prevention strategies to intervene at all levels of a child's environment, including at the individual level, within families, within schools, and in the community. The foundation's Health Portfolio reflects the passion of book narrator, Susan Dell, the co-founder and chairman of the board and the driving force behind the foundation. An accomplished athlete, Susan was a member of the President's Council for Physical Fitness and Sports and is a board member of the Cooper Institute in Dallas. In the U.S. she is specifically focused on encouraging kids to be more physically active and promoting healthy eating. Dell also has four children of her own.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, was created in May of 2005 with the goal of reducing the nationwide prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015. The Alliance has been a grantee of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation since 2006. The foundation funds two district-wide implementations of the Alliance's Healthy Schools Program with goals to establish healthier school environments for students, teachers and staff.

To obtain a copy of the book, go to www.BeWellBook.org. Parents can also submit their personal stories or the story of someone they know--and help others develop lifelong, healthy habits. Stories submitted may be published on www.BeWellBook.org.

About the Alliance for a Healthier Generation

The American Heart Association and William J. Clinton Foundation joined forces in May of 2005 to create a healthier generation by addressing one of the nation's leading public health threats - childhood obesity. The goal of the Alliance is to reduce the nationwide prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015, and to empower kids nationwide to make healthy lifestyle choices. The Alliance works to positively affect the places that can make a difference to a child's health: homes, schools, restaurants, doctor's offices and communities.

About the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (www.msdf.org) is dedicated to improving the lives of children living in urban poverty around the world. With offices in Austin, TX, New Delhi, India, and Cape Town, South Africa, the Dell family foundation funds programs that foster high-quality public education and childhood health, and improve the economic stability of families living in poverty. The foundation has committed more than $530 million to global children's issues and community initiatives to date.

SOURCE Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

It was celebration time at camp Jungle Book as DQ Entertainment and Partners launched the 1st full Episode of The Jungle Book here today. DQE along with ZDF and ZDF-Enterprises, NBC Universal, TF1, ABC Australia , MoonScoop, BBC and Disney screened the 1st full 11' episode of Jungle Book ' The Wild Black Bees' at Hotel Martinez in the august presence of many industry & media Stalwarts. The gala screening received tremendous applause from the audience as they watched the adrenal filled adventures of Mowgli & his jungle friends.

Based on Rudyard Kipling's classic story, The Jungle Book series comes to life for the first time in 3D CGI 52 x 11 minute television series and a 60 minutes television feature in Hi-definition CGI animation. A stereoscopic feature film is expected to follow soon as the team at DQE is working on the technology for stereoscopic production for the second season. This will enable High definition viewing for the viewers with the option to view the 3D stereoscopic version with special viewing glasses.

The series will narrate the stories of the man-cub, Mowgli, raised in the Indian jungles where his only companions are animals. The series is filled with drama, excitement and adventure mixed with comedy as it unfolds Mowgli's escapades especially from his enemy Sher Khan, the royal Tiger with the help of Baloo the wise bear, Bagheera - the Black Panther and (sometimes!) the mighty Kaa - The rock python.

Mowgli's adventures open out in the lush tropical forest of Seeonee amidst splendid Indian royal forts, temples, waterfalls and the Waingunga river. Throughout the series other characters from the Kipling stories also add flavour to the drama, comedy and action bringing out excellent animation and quality story telling.

Tapaas Chakravarti, Chairman & CEO of DQ Entertainment Plc commented: We are ecstatic with the response to the first episode that was screened at Cannes, MIPCOM to a very select audience of broadcasters, partners and media. We are grateful to the support by ZDF group and all our partners without whom we could not have achieved so much on the jungle book series.

    To checkout the Jungle Book trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5pDCplIPp4

About DQE:

DQE is a leading animation, gaming and entertainment production and global distribution group engaged in production, co-production and original IP development with a workforce of 2,788 and a global client - partner base of over 90 producers, distributors, broadcasters and licensors including Walt Disney Television Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studios Inc., Electronic Arts, Marvel Comics, American Greetings, NBC-Universal, BBC Group, M6/ France TV/ TF-1 Broadcasting groups from France, ZDF Germany and many more world-wide.

DQ Entertainment Group has produced/co-produced and distributed brands such as Iron Man - the first 3D animated TV series, Twisted Whiskers, Mikido, Casper, Pinky & Perky, second season of Large Family, third season of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and is now producing properties like Little Prince and Little Nicolas. DQE has a library of over 350 hours of international programs for distribution.

DQE is also developing and producing 'The Jungle Book', the 100% home grown global production as a 52 episode animated series and a 60 minute TV feature. The other major co-production partners are ZDF Enterprises and ZDF Broadcasting - Germany, TF1 Group, France and Moonscoop, France. DQE is also developing and producing Lassie which will be a 26 x 22 minute CGI animated series, Toomai-The Elephant Boy which is a live action TV series as well as Indian IPs which are on production like Feluda, and Omkar.

DQE's production facilities are based in Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Manila and it has international sales offices in Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo.

    Media Contact:

    DQ Entertainment Limited
    Sumedha Saraogi
    +91-40-2355-3726/27 or
    sumedha@dqentertainment.com

SOURCE DQ Entertainment International

The Reading Rights Coalition (RRC), which consists of thirty-one organizations dedicated to equal access to the printed word by people who are blind or who have other print disabilities, announced today that the Los Angeles Public Library system has agreed to suspend purchase of inaccessible e-books using the Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) format. The library was informed by the RRC that ADE e-books cannot be accessed by technologies used by the blind and others with print disabilities, including devices that read text aloud or convert it into Braille.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The Reading Rights Coalition commends the Los Angeles Public Library for its swift and decisive action upon learning of our concerns and for its commitment to ensuring access to books by all of its patrons. Companies like Adobe have adopted digital rights management schemes which do not allow the blind and other Americans with print disabilities to access their books, even though e-books are inherently accessible and should provide an unprecedented opportunity for print-disabled Americans to access the wealth of knowledge contained in books. We will continue to inform libraries, universities, and other entities of the inaccessibility of these materials and urge them to comply with accessibility standards and applicable laws by requiring that any e-books they purchase be accessible to those with print disabilities. We will no longer tolerate the gratuitous inaccessibility of e-books; we demand that Americans who cannot read print be treated like first-class citizens and be given access to all of the printed information to which other Americans have access."

Mitch Pomerantz, President of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and former ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Compliance Officer for the city of Los Angeles, said: "I am extremely pleased with the Los Angeles Public Library's decision, both as ACB President, and as someone who worked closely for fourteen years with library staff to ensure that its programs and services were fully accessible to persons who were blind or had other disabilities. The example set by officials of the library will certainly be taken seriously and followed by major libraries throughout the nation."

In a letter to the Reading Rights Coalition, the Los Angeles Public Library stated that the books were accessible when purchased from one of its e-book providers, OverDrive, but that Adobe had altered its software to block text-to-speech technology and then forced OverDrive to implement the new software. While the 773 ADE titles in the library's collection will still be available to patrons, City Librarian Martin J. Gomez stated that no additional ADE books will be purchased until they are fully accessible to the blind and others with print disabilities. The library also said that all of its other digital offerings are currently accessible to such readers. The library's action comports with a resolution passed in July by the American Library Association, which strongly recommended that libraries purchasing electronic resources should take steps to ensure that such resources comply with accessibility standards. In the letter to the Reading Rights Coalition, the Los Angeles Public Library stated that it "will make every effort to apply pressure to our vendors by requiring verification of accessibility standards and making it clear that we will not purchase electronic resources that fail to meet accessibility standards."

SOURCE Reading Rights Coalition

Nebraska Book Company, Inc. announced today that it has completed its previously announced offering of $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2011. The notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum and have been issued at a price equal to 99.5% of their face value. The notes are guaranteed by all of the subsidiaries of Nebraska Book. The notes and the guarantees are secured by second-priority liens on substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets currently owned or acquired after the completion of the offering by Nebraska Book and its subsidiary guarantors.

Nebraska Book also announced today that it has replaced its existing revolving credit facility with a new asset-based revolving credit facility under which it expects to have up to $75.0 million of availability (less outstanding letters of credit and subject to a borrowing base).

The new asset-based revolving credit facility is guaranteed by the NBC Acquisition Corp, NBC Holdings Corp., the parent of NBC Acquisition Corp., and all of the subsidiaries of Nebraska Book and is secured by first-priority liens on substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets of Nebraska Book and the subsidiary guarantors.

Nebraska Book used the proceeds from the notes offering to repay all outstanding term loans under its existing senior secured credit facilities.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase the notes or any other securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The notes were sold only to qualified institutional buyers in the United States pursuant to Rule 144A and outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable state laws.

About Nebraska Book Company

Nebraska Book Company began in 1915 with a single bookstore near the University of Nebraska campus and now operates over 275 stores serving colleges and universities with more than 2 million students. The Company's Textbook Division serves more than 2,500 bookstores through the sale of over 6.5 million textbooks, and its Complementary Services Division has installed more than 1,100 technology platforms. Additional information about Nebraska Book Company can be found at the company's website: www.nebook.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release contains certain statements that are not historical facts, including, most importantly, information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company and statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "may," believes," "expects," "anticipates," or the negation thereof, or similar expressions, which constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"). All statements which address operating performance, events or developments that are expected or anticipated to occur in the future, including statements relating to changes in volume and revenue, earnings per share or EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA, the Company's continuing economic growth, the effect of cost-saving initiatives, or statements expressing general optimism or pessimism about future results of operation, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For those statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. Several important factors could affect the future results of the Company and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained herein. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: further deterioration in the economy and credit markets or a decline in consumer spending; increased competition from other companies that target the Company's markets; increased competition from alternative media and alternative sources of textbooks for students, including digital or other educational content sold or rented directly to students; increased competition for the purchase and sale of used textbooks from student to student transactions; the risks of operating with a substantial level of indebtedness including possible increases in the Company's cost of borrowing or the Company's inability to extend or refinance debt as it matures; the Company's inability to successfully acquire or contract-manage additional bookstores or to integrate those additional stores; the Company's inability to cost-effectively maintain or increase the number of contract-managed stores; the Company's inability to purchase a sufficient supply of used textbooks; changes in pricing of new and/or used textbooks; changes in publisher practices regarding new editions and materials packaged with new textbooks; the loss or retirement of key members of management; the impact of seasonality of the wholesale and bookstore operations; the impact of being controlled by one principal equity holder; further goodwill impairment resulting in a non-cash write down of goodwill; the Company's inability to successfully execute on its cost savings initiatives; changes in general economic conditions and/or in the markets in which the Company competes or may, from time to time, compete; and other risks detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company will not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

SOURCE Nebraska Book Company, Inc.

In a newly posted website book, Jeremy Stone is revealing detailed accounts of efforts since 1999 to resolve conflicts involving Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.

In particular, the book shows that:

a). ON RUSSIA: A Russian Prime Minister proposed to President Clinton, in a private meeting in the Oval Office, that both sides reduce deployed nuclear offensive weapons to 1,000 each, with the United States being permitted, as a bonus, to build a small anti-ballistic missile system. This reduction is far below the levels now being negotiated.

This grand bargain proposal, designed and catalyzed by Stone, was turned down for political reasons. Underlying this, Stone believes, was an unwillingness to fight with the Defense Department over "extended deterrence"-a still current policy of maintaining the dangerous and unusable option of launching disarming nuclear attacks on Russia.

b). ON CHINA: In Taiwan, the Chen Shui-bian Administration formed a secret exploratory committee on the feasibility of building nuclear weapons. After the U.S. National Security Council was alerted, the Chen Administration put out an equivocal denial. There is reason to believe that Taiwan's latent nuclear program has never been dismantled.

c). ON NORTH KOREA: Sustained efforts were made to deter North Korea from selling fissionable material by catalyzing, from several quarters, a warning to North Korea that its fissionable material could be identified and North Korea's role uncovered.

d). ON IRAN: Unsuccessful efforts were made to persuade the Iranian Government to make good on its claims to have enunciated a fatwa against nuclear weapons by embedding it in Iranian legislation.

In an introduction lauding his activities, Morton H. Halperin, former Director of the Policy Planning Staff of the State Department, says that Stone's influence "has been as great as that of all but the most senior figures of government".

This second life memoir can be found at www.catalyticdiplomacy.org, where it is posted along with his first life-memoir, "Every Man Should Try: Adventures of a Public Interest Activist" (PublicAffairs, 1999).

About the Author:

Stone is 73 years old and, for 30 years, was the President of Federation of American Scientists (FAS). He has been President of Catalytic Diplomacy since 1999. Stone's biography can be found in Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Stone.

SOURCE Catalytic Diplomacy

Dr. Seuss Enterprise has selected pioneer natural toy maker Hosung NY Inc. the makers of miYim® organic toys and accessories, as a North American eco-friendly plush Toy Licensee for the Dr. Seuss brand. The new My Natural(TM) Dr. Seuss product line is expected to launch in Spring 2010.

Under the agreement, products based on Dr. Seuss properties are slated to include eco-friendly plush characters and certified non-toxic infant accessories with Hosung's award winning My Natural brand, and the Lorax Project, Dr. Seuss' new eco-initiative.

"'My Natural' is a pioneering brand that brings eco-friendly plush to all markets allowing an affordable and broadly distributed alternative to the customer that may not have easy access to eco-friendly and non-toxic toys," said Serah Chae, President of Hosung NY. "We look forward to expanding the My Natural line beyond toys and into the infant category with Dr. Seuss as well."

"We are thrilled to partner with Hosung for a line of earth friendlier plush as part of our Lorax Project. Dr. Seuss was a pioneer in the conservation effort with his book The Lorax and this partnership allows Dr. Seuss Enterprises to continue spreading the Lorax's message of concern for the environment," said Susan Brandt, Executive Vice President, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

The My Natural Dr. Seuss Collection will include plush toys and infant accessories such as rattles and teething blankies made from certified non-toxic natural cotton, and colored with Hosung's own chemical free PureWaterWash(TM) process.

About Hosung

Hosung is a multinational creator, manufacturer, and distributor of eco-friendly, non-toxic baby and infant plush toys. Hosung uses natural fabrics such as organic cotton, natural cotton, and bamboo and also a unique all-natural color process called PureWaterWash to create the brands miYim, and My Natural. Hosung is also the creator of original organic and bamboo pet products branded SimplyFido®, a natural toy collection for pets.

For more information please visit www.miyim.com and www.simplyfido.com.

About Dr. Seuss Enterprise, L.P.:

Dr. Seuss Enterprises was founded in 1993 following the death of Theodor S. Geisel, Dr. Seuss, to conserve and nurture the works of Dr. Seuss by protecting the integrity of the Dr. Seuss books while expanding beyond books into licensed merchandise. The licensing effort is a strategic part of the overall effort to strengthen and protect the relationship consumers have with Dr. Seuss characters. Theodor Geisel said he never wanted to license his characters to anyone who would "round out the edges." That is one of the guiding philosophies of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

SOURCE Hosung NY Inc.

It only takes a little...to BE BIG! Scholastic Media (Nasdaq: SCHL) today announced the winners of the first annual "BE BIG In your Community Contest" as part of its ongoing Clifford The Big Red Dog® BE BIG!(TM) campaign to support civic engagement. Six hundred entries representing more than 16,000 children, parents, teachers and community leaders ranging in age from 8 to 67 poured in; 12-year-old Madelon Kerns' BIG idea for a special needs accessible playground will be awarded the $25,000 grant from the BE BIG Fund. The West Virginia student will see her idea come to life with the support of the Volunteer Action Center of the Mid-Ohio Valley, an affiliate of the HandsOn Network. The national contest invited everyone to submit a BIG idea that demonstrates Clifford's Big Ideas (Share, Help Others, Be Kind, Be Responsible, Play Fair, Be a Good Friend, Believe in Yourself, Have Respect, Work Together and Be Truthful) to enter for a chance to win a community grant to be used toward implementing the winning proposals.

"Madelon, her team and their winning idea truly embodies the spirit of what it means to BE BIG," said Deborah Forte, President of Scholastic Media and Executive Vice President of Scholastic Inc, the global children's publishing, education and media company. "The BE BIG campaign is about inspiring people of all ages to work together to embrace Clifford's Big Ideas; Scholastic is delighted that so many children and families are committed to such creative and innovative ways to improve the lives of others while taking pride in service to their communities."

Kerns was inspired to submit her BIG idea when she was unable to play in the local park with a friend who is in a wheelchair. With the help of her mother, the Junior League of Parkersburg and Boundless Playgrounds(TM), the idea to build a special needs accessible playground - "JuLePs Pathways" - was developed. The grant from the BE BIG Fund will be used to build the entrance to the park. In her contest submission, Madelon cited being inspired by an episode of Clifford which tells the story of a three-legged dog and how Clifford and his friends work collaboratively to ensure that they can all play together.

"I'm thrilled and excited about this BIG prize," said Madelon. "Clifford understands that all kids like to have fun - no matter what!"

Ten additional BIG ideas will each be awarded $2,500 Runners Up community grants:

• WATERLOO, IA: Mike Lind and his team will be working with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley on his BIG Idea for a "Mobile Food Pantry."
• ASHEVILLE, NC: Susan Jensen will be working with Hands On Asheville-Buncombe to create her "Readers' Oasis."
• PHOENIX, AZ: Darren Chapman and his team will be working with HandsOn Greater Phoenix to keep his "Organic Gardening" project active in his community.
• CEDAR RAPIDS, IA: Ian Watt and his team will be working with the United Way of Central Iowa to bring his "Music Mentoring" program to the forefront.
• NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR: Mattie Thacker and her team from the Mayor's Youth Council will be working with the Heart of Arkansas United Way to make progress on their "Picture Perfect Summer" project.
• HILO, HI: Suzanne Nozaki and her team of students will be working with Children for Children to make their "Eat Your Lawn" project a reality.
• CORAL GABLES, FL: Adrianne Lage will work with Hands On Miami to bring her two passions of kids and the sun together to make a BIG change with her "Sun Smiles" project.
• WILTON, CT: Joseph A. Fiore will work with the Volunteer Center serving Western Connecticut to make his "Adopt a Grandparent" program a priority in local schools.
• BURNSVILLE, MN: Fay Finn and her team of students will continue their work on the "Brainpower in a Backpack" program with HandsOn Twin Cities.
• SAN DIEGO, CA: Skyler Pinto will work on continuing his peace pledge and create "Kids Care Packs" for children in homeless shelters and hospitals with the help of Excel Youth Zone.
  

The 11 winning BIG ideas were selected by a panel of judges based on the following criteria: feasibility, creativity, sustainability and impact. The 2009 BE BIG In Your Community Contest judging panel included: Deborah Forte, President of Scholastic Media / Executive Vice President of Scholastic Inc.; Francie Alexander, Chief Academic Officer Scholastic Inc., / Senior Vice President of Scholastic Education; Karen Proctor, Vice President of Community Affairs Scholastic Inc.; Marcia Bullard, President, CEO and Editor of USA Weekend Magazine; Marilee Chinnici-Zuercher, CEO and President of FirstLink; Shawn Wilson, President of Usher's New Look Foundation and Tracy Hoover, Chief of Staff from the Points Of Light Institute.

A complete list of finalists and profiles about their BIG ideas can be found at www.scholastic.com/cliffordbebig.

The Big Ideas were borne out of the curriculum developed for the award winning animated television series, currently airing on PBS KIDS® (pbskids.org/clifford). Now in its ninth season, Clifford scores high ratings with moms and is among the most popular PBS KIDS series for kids 2-5. Clifford enjoys 96% brand awareness among parents. The brand continues to perform well internationally with television episodes sold to more than 110 countries worldwide.

With more than 126 million copies in print, Clifford books espouse the true meaning of what it means to BE BIG and are literary classics embraced by parents, teachers and kids. Norman Bridwell's new hardcover book, Clifford The Champion, is being released this month.

ABOUT SCHOLASTIC

Scholastic Corporation (Nasdaq: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology and children's media. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, television networks and the Company's Internet Site, www.scholastic.com.

ABOUT HANDSON NETWORK

HandsOn Network, a business unit of Points of Light Institute, creates opportunities for people to apply their interests and passions to make a difference in communities. The Network is leading people from impulse to action turning their ideas for change into real projects like building wheel chair ramps, watershed protection projects and tutoring programs. 250 plus affiliates help nonprofits, community and government organizations manage and develop the leadership capacity of volunteers. In 2007 alone, these HandsOn Action Centers helped to deliver more than 33 million hours of volunteer service valued at $1.2 billion dollars.

Online press kit available at http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/clifford

SOURCE Scholastic Corporation