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May 18 - 24 has been designated Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Beetle Awareness Week and the public is being asked to "Promise not to move firewood." Federal and State agencies are waging war against the EAB, a small but destructive beetle that has killed tens of millions of ash trees since being detected in 2002. Typically EAB does not travel far on its own; however, it has been spread across ten states when people moved EAB-infested firewood. The damage comes from the EAB larva, which eats the wood under the bark and starves the tree of water and nutrients, slowly killing the tree over one-to-two years. There is no cure for the devastation caused by the beetle, which is why federal, state and local cooperators are reaching out to the public. The goal is to alert all citizens but especially those who live in the 10 infested states - IL, IN, MD, MI, MO, OH, PA, VA, WV and WI. For more information, visit www.stopthebeetle.info. Produced for USDA

A report from the fourth quarter of 2008 shows that a growing number of homeowners are seeking lower mortgage payments through loan modification programs and mortgage refinancing. In an effort to stabilize the housing market and help millions of American homeowners reduce their monthly mortgage payments, the federal government has launched "Making Home Affordable." A new effort with Freddie Mac, this program offers some of the most aggressive refinancing and loan workout opportunities for financially strapped borrowers to date. The program also warns those looking to cut their mortgage payments to beware of foreclosure "rescue" firms. These firms charge fees, but fail to provide solutions. To avoid scams, experts advise troubled borrowers to make sure they are dealing with a reputable organization by calling your loan servicer and HUD-certified housing counselor. Produced for Freddie Mac

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one-third of greenhouse gas emissions in the US come from oil-based vehicles used for transportation. With oil prices unstable and environmental concerns increasing, many automakers are testing vehicles powered by hydrogen. Researchers are continually working to replace the fossil fuels we currently depend on to power our vehicles with clean, renewable energy. Hydrogen fuel cells run cleaner than gasoline engines and have zero emissions. In places like Buffalo, NY, where hydroelectric power from Niagra Falls supplies clean, renewable electricity to Oxy Chemical, whose chlorine manufacturing process creates hydrogen as a byproduct; researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology found the reduction in greenhouse gasses was 85 percent. Project Driveway is the largest real world test of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Over one hundred, hydrogen-powered Chevrolet Equinoxes are currently being used by real consumers to help understand what it will take t...

NFA President and Kim Dupree Jones, PhD, FNP Join Together to Raise Awareness of Common, But Often Overlooked Chronic Pain Condition Fibromyalgia is often called an "invisible" illness because people who have it typically do not look sick. However, something as simple as a hug or a handshake can be painful. In fact, fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic, widespread pain conditions in the U.S., affecting more than five million Americans, predominantly women. It can have debilitating effects on a sufferer's life, impacting people's ability to work and engage in everyday activities. Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread muscle pain. Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known, it's thought to result from neurological changes that prompt patients to experience a heightened sensitivity to touch or temperature that are not normally painful. To learn more about fibromyalgia, please visit www.FMaware.org and www.FibroCenter.com. Produced for Pfizer

The Epilepsy Foundation announced findings today that show people with epilepsy, whose seizures have been controlled with a consistent drug therapy, have a greater chance of increased seizures, greater side effects or sudden death when their medications are switched from one version of an antiepileptic drug (AED) to another, whether the switch was brand-to-generic, generic-to-brand or generic-to-generic. The study, which surveyed more than 1,000 people with epilepsy, reveals that seizures worsened for 59 percent of people who had switched from a brand-name to a generic AED, while side effects increased for 49 percent of that same group. Additionally, seizures worsened for 15 percent of those who had switched from a generic to brand AED, while side effects increased for 18 percent of that same group. Furthermore, more than 25 percent of respondents reported experiencing problems after switching between different generic formulations of an AED. To highlight the concerns raised in recent studies, the...

New study reveals extent of PC software piracy worldwide Washington, D.C. - Governments and software companies are making progress in slowing the illegal use of personal computer (PC) software products, but progress has stalled in the United States, posing serious challenges to the US-led software industry in today's weak economy. These are among the findings of the Sixth Annual BSA-IDC Global Software Piracy Study released today by the Business Software Alliance (BSA). "We are continuing to make progress against PC software piracy in many countries, which helps people working in the US-led global software industry. That's the good news," said BSA President and CEO Robert Holleyman. "The bad news is that PC software piracy remains so prevalent in the United States and all over the world. It undermines local IT service firms, gives illegal software users an unfair advantage in business, and spreads security risks." Produced for the Business Software Alliance (BSA)

One of the Most Highly Anticipated Vehicle Launches of the Decade Since its dramatic unveiling at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show and its high-profile acting debut in the first "Transformers" movie as Bumblebee, the all-new 2010 Chevy Camaro has been the most anticipated new car in a decade, and it's finally here. For the last year Chevy dealers have been taking deposits on the new Camaro. More than 14,000 people, most of whom haven't even seen the car in person, not to mention taken it for a test drive, will soon be receiving their cars. The design is very faithful to the original concept that inspired Hollywood director Michael Bay to make it the hero of the 2007 summer box-office hit movie and it also acknowledges the Camaro's heritage, particularly the famous 1969 Camaro. The 2010 Camaro's MSRP starts at $22,995 for a 300hp V-6 that gets 29 highway miles to the gallon, with Bluetooth phone and USB connectivity, a Boston Acoustics audio system, OnStar, and XM satellite radio, and ranges up to a 426 ...

With 80 percent of Americans making weekday dining decisions based primarily on convenience*, Food Network host Robin Miller and Tyson Foods are helping busy couples to quickly and easily prepare home-style meals by providing time-saving tips and the newest, great-tasting flavors of Tyson® Fully Cooked Heat 'N Eat Dinner Meats. "Many couples want to enjoy a well-balanced, delicious dinner every night of the week, but with work and other commitments, they need meal solutions that are super quick," said Robin Miller, chef and host of Food Network's Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller. "With my simple strategies, and the newest varieties of Tyson Fully Cooked Heat 'N Eat Dinner Meats, couples can easily make great tasting meals at home, giving them more time to connect and enjoy the warmer weather." Recipe for Wilted Brisket Caprese Salad with Baby Spinach: http://embracedinner.com/RecipesMealIdeas/Dinner/WiltedBrisketCapreseSalad.aspx Source: Tyson

With 80 percent of Americans making weekday dining decisions based primarily on convenience*, Food Network host Robin Miller and Tyson Foods are helping busy couples to quickly and easily prepare home-style meals by providing time-saving tips and the newest, great-tasting flavors of Tyson® Fully Cooked Heat 'N Eat Dinner Meats. "Many couples want to enjoy a well-balanced, delicious dinner every night of the week, but with work and other commitments, they need meal solutions that are super quick," said Robin Miller, chef and host of Food Network's Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller. "With my simple strategies, and the newest varieties of Tyson Fully Cooked Heat 'N Eat Dinner Meats, couples can easily make great tasting meals at home, giving them more time to connect and enjoy the warmer weather." Recipe for Brisket Quesadillas with Creamy Salsa Dip: http://embracedinner.com/RecipesMealIdeas/Lunch/BrisketQuesadillaswithCreamySalsaDip.aspx Source: Tyson

With 80 percent of Americans making weekday dining decisions based primarily on convenience*, Food Network host Robin Miller and Tyson Foods are helping busy couples to quickly and easily prepare home-style meals by providing time-saving tips and the newest, great-tasting flavors of Tyson® Fully Cooked Heat 'N Eat Dinner Meats. "Many couples want to enjoy a well-balanced, delicious dinner every night of the week, but with work and other commitments, they need meal solutions that are super quick," said Robin Miller, chef and host of Food Network's Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller. "With my simple strategies, and the newest varieties of Tyson Fully Cooked Heat 'N Eat Dinner Meats, couples can easily make great tasting meals at home, giving them more time to connect and enjoy the warmer weather." Recipe for Angel Hair Pesto with Beef Steak Tips in Burgundy: http://embracedinner.com/RecipesMealIdeas/Dinner/AngelHairPestowithBeefSteakTipsinBurgundy.aspx Source: Tyson

With 80 percent of Americans making weekday dining decisions based primarily on convenience*, Food Network host Robin Miller and Tyson Foods are helping busy couples to quickly and easily prepare home-style meals by providing time-saving tips and the newest, great-tasting flavors of Tyson® Fully Cooked Heat 'N Eat Dinner Meats. "Many couples want to enjoy a well-balanced, delicious dinner every night of the week, but with work and other commitments, they need meal solutions that are super quick," said Robin Miller, chef and host of Food Network's Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller. "With my simple strategies, and the newest varieties of Tyson Fully Cooked Heat 'N Eat Dinner Meats, couples can easily make great tasting meals at home, giving them more time to connect and enjoy the warmer weather." Recipe for Cuban Pulled Pork Paninis: http://embracedinner.com/RecipesMealIdeas/Lunch/CubanPulledPorkPaninis.aspx Source: Tyson

We are a visual society. People want to "see," more than they want to "read." And the possibilities are endless. Join us on this episode where we break down how you can take advantage of this exciting and highly versatile medium.

Americans are consuming more media across the Web, Television and Radio. This means that as professional communicators, you need to consider executing your campaigns cross-platform. What’s that mean? Join us on this episode to learn more.

Look at your calendar from the past week: Have you gone for a brisk walk, eaten leafy vegetables or toured a museum? With growing evidence that these are the types of lifestyle choices that can pay off now and in the future, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) has introduced a new interactive Web site-www.alzprevention.org-that focuses on being proactive about your mental and physical health. It highlights strategies that help promote healthy aging and may reduce the risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and includes checklists, research updates, guest columns and a bulletin board as well as information about dementia and early diagnosis of memory problems. Produced for: Alzheimer's Foundation of America

Philips staked its claim as the world's largest lighting solutions provider by introducing a wide range of new technologies, products and services that address both current and new uses of light made possible by innovations at every level of the lighting value chain. These innovations reflect a vastly expanded portfolio, the breadth of which is unique to the lighting industry. Ranging from components, electronics and fixtures to complete solid-state lighting systems with advanced controls, these latest introductions showcase Philips' holistic, energy-efficient and high-quality approach to lighting. Produced for Philips

This year's extended flu season can keep even the healthiest people home with a cough. For more than five generations, Vicks VapoRub has been providing quick-acting cough relief and the feeling of freer breathing with its powerful, medicated vapors. Simply rub on the chest and throat and let the vapors help you breathe easier and reduce the body's urge to cough. Even use on muscles and joints to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains. For more on cold and flu treatment, go to vicks.com Produced for P&G

Select Group Test-Drives Latest in Volt Technology One of the most anticipated vehicles of this generation is one step closer to hitting the market. The technology behind the Chevrolet Volt, likely to be the first mass-produced electric car, was recently test-driven by a select group of leading journalists. Since electric cars can be noticeably different, the goal was to make the driving experience the same as conventional gas powered vehicles and not feel like a science project. And after a couple loops around the track, testers said it felt just like a normal car. Chevrolet hopes to have the Volt on the road sometime in 2010. Produced for General Motors

Flowers Help Moms De-stress and Offer a Proven Pick-Me-Up for Mother's Day For over a hundred years, mothers in the United States have been honored on Mother's Day, traditionally celebrated with beautiful bouquets of flowers. New research suggests that the positive power flowers have on feelings may be the real reason mothers prefer to be given beautiful blooms on their special day. According to a behavioral research study conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, when fresh-cut flowers are in the home, people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety and feel less depressed. Produced for Asocolflores

Washington - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is launching a public awareness campaign focusing on civilian career opportunities at all levels of the labor market, from students, entry-level job seekers, people with disabilities, veterans, mid-level careerists and senior level executives. To kick off the campaign, the DoD is releasing a new series of PSAs called "Making A Difference." The 4-spot campaign focuses on civilian employees in various positions - Medical Professionals, Language Specialists, and Engineers - who do meaningful work supporting the military and are "Making a Difference" for their country. The campaign also steers viewers to a revamped website, www.goDefense.com, the primary portal for DoD civilian job seekers. As Americans struggle with high unemployment, the DoD initiative is a positive story that provides a hopeful, realistic avenue to career success. For students, DoD provides valuable on-the-job experience and scholarship opportunities. For mid-level DoD positions, creat...

Washington - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is launching a public awareness campaign focusing on civilian career opportunities at all levels of the labor market, from students, entry-level job seekers, people with disabilities, veterans, mid-level careerists and senior level executives. To kick off the campaign, the DoD is releasing a new series of PSAs called "Making A Difference." The 4-spot campaign focuses on civilian employees in various positions - Medical Professionals, Language Specialists, and Engineers - who do meaningful work supporting the military and are "Making a Difference" for their country. The campaign also steers viewers to a revamped website, www.goDefense.com, the primary portal for DoD civilian job seekers. As Americans struggle with high unemployment, the DoD initiative is a positive story that provides a hopeful, realistic avenue to career success. For students, DoD provides valuable on-the-job experience and scholarship opportunities. For mid-level DoD positions, creat...

Washington - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is launching a public awareness campaign focusing on civilian career opportunities at all levels of the labor market, from students, entry-level job seekers, people with disabilities, veterans, mid-level careerists and senior level executives. To kick off the campaign, the DoD is releasing a new series of PSAs called "Making A Difference." The 4-spot campaign focuses on civilian employees in various positions - Medical Professionals, Language Specialists, and Engineers - who do meaningful work supporting the military and are "Making a Difference" for their country. The campaign also steers viewers to a revamped website, www.goDefense.com, the primary portal for DoD civilian job seekers. As Americans struggle with high unemployment, the DoD initiative is a positive story that provides a hopeful, realistic avenue to career success. For students, DoD provides valuable on-the-job experience and scholarship opportunities. For mid-level DoD positions, creat...

Washington - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is launching a public awareness campaign focusing on civilian career opportunities at all levels of the labor market, from students, entry-level job seekers, people with disabilities, veterans, mid-level careerists and senior level executives. To kick off the campaign, the DoD is releasing a new series of PSAs called "Making A Difference." The 4-spot campaign focuses on civilian employees in various positions - Medical Professionals, Language Specialists, and Engineers - who do meaningful work supporting the military and are "Making a Difference" for their country. The campaign also steers viewers to a revamped website, www.goDefense.com, the primary portal for DoD civilian job seekers. As Americans struggle with high unemployment, the DoD initiative is a positive story that provides a hopeful, realistic avenue to career success. For students, DoD provides valuable on-the-job experience and scholarship opportunities. For mid-level DoD positions, creat...

In what promises to be the ultimate battle of the birds, award-winning flame-grilled chicken champion El Pollo Loco looks to retain its title by challenging fried chicken chain KFC to a public, side-by-side taste test that will settle the question of which restaurant delivers on the promise of real grilled flavor. "We know our El Pollo Loco flame-grilled chicken is the real thing, and we will not let our 'grilled' chicken opponent pull the 'feathers' over the public's eyes with a product that is cooked in an oven with no open flames. Our expert cooks have been grilling chicken for more than 30 years and we are so sure that our flame-grilled chicken is superior, we can't wait to prove which chicken has authentic grilled flavor and which is all smoke and no fire," said Steve Carley, chief executive officer of El Pollo Loco. "Let's see if our opponent is too chicken to go it toe-to-toe-- or rather leg-to-leg-- in a taste test. You just can't fake the taste an open flame gives fresh, natural marinated chicken...

New Designs and Changing Trends Help Wagons Regain Popularity Once associated with families and wood paneling, the popularity of station wagons has steadily declined since the emergence of the mini-van in the 80's and SUV in the 90's. But following in the footsteps of a growing European trend, the wagon may be on the road to a stateside comeback. Toyota, Ford and GM have all rolled out new models of the old favorite. The re-vamped versions are a unique mix between a sedan and an SUV; combing functionality, utility and often better fuel economy. In addition, the wood paneling and boxy bodies of the past have been replaced with sleek and sporty designs. In fact, Cadillac hopes to help break the station wagon stereotype by offering its first addition to the US wagon segment. Edmunds predicts that a wagon will help the iconic brand expand globally and win converts here in the states. Produced for General Motors

Automakers Recycle Materials to Reduce Environmental Footprint As the world continues to go green, the auto industry has been challenged to build greener cars. Today automakers are meeting that demand by engineering ways to recycle materials that were once tossed in the trash. QuietShield is an eco-friendly material developed by Federal-Mogul, to absorb noise in a vehicle. It starts as cardboard packing material, at a General Motor's stamping plant, and is then baled and taken to a facility were it is shredded. From there, it is loaded into the processing line, combined with other recyclable materials and molded into the Buick LaCrosse's headliner. According to GM, they have not only reduced their environmental footprint but will be the first to use QuietShield. In the future, the padding could potentially be used in doors, headrests, shelf panels and trunk liners. Produced for General Motors

Proceeds from 99 collectible gold cups to benefit jockey-related charities Louisville, Ky., April 21, 2009 - On the first Saturday in May at the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve bourbon will honor jockeys with the world's most exclusive mint julep cup. A collection of 99 sterling silver cups plated in 24-karat gold - three adorned with diamonds and signed by Triple Crown(R) jockeys Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruguet and Steve Cauthen - the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup is available online from April 13-29. Proceeds will benefit The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and The Robby Albarado Foundation. Owners of the cup will enjoy a julep featuring sugar from the Reunion Island of France; Turkish mint grown near the Euphrates River; ice made of water from an aquifer in Central Norway; and the Master Distiller's personal selection of Woodford Reserve bourbon. Each cup comes with an oak box crafted from the same wood as Woodford Reserve barrels and lined with black satin. The cups will be available at www...

Automakers Recycle Materials to Reduce Environmental Footprint As the world continues to go green, the auto industry has been challenged to build greener cars. Today automakers are meeting that demand by engineering ways to recycle materials that were once tossed in the trash. QuietShield is an eco-friendly material developed by Federal-Mogul, to absorb noise in a vehicle. It starts as cardboard packing material, at a General Motor's stamping plant, and is then baled and taken to a facility were it is shredded. From there, it is loaded into the processing line, combined with other recyclable materials and molded into the Buick LaCrosse's headliner. According to GM, they have not only reduced their environmental footprint but will be the first to use QuietShield. In the future, the padding could potentially be used in doors, headrests, shelf panels and trunk liners. Produced for General Motors

Intensity Modulated Radio Therapy Targets Cancer and Helps Minimize Treatment Side Effects Despite constant advancements in cancer research and treatment, the science of eliminating tumors remains challenging. With many traditional radiation treatments, the exact position of a tumor and the proper dose of radiation needed can be difficult to determine and even harm healthy tissue. Now a new target treatment system may make tracking tumors easier. Intensity modulated radio therapy, like Siemens' Artiste, finds and targets tumors giving them the proper dose of radiation each time. By using multiple sets of beams from multiple areas and modulating each beam to allow different energy at different parts of the beam, doctors can calculate doses so that they treat the tumors but exclude healthy tissue. Because a tumor can change position within a patient from one day to the next, identifying the exact location is crucial. Intensity modulated radio therapy puts the radiation only where it's needed helping ...

Un estudio reciente de la “Alianza Nacional para el Cuidado de los Seres Queridos” reveló que unos 8 millones de hispanos -un 36 por ciento de los hogares latinos del país- tienen a su cargo el cuidado de un familiar que padece alguna enfermedad crónica, como la diabetes, el cáncer o la demencia. Además del cuidado de ese familiar enfermo, estas personas -por lo general- trabajan y son responsables de la educación de sus hijos. Y si bien existen numerosos recursos que podrían ayudarles a aliviar la carga física, emocional y financiera que ocasiona el cuidar de un enfermo, sólo uno de cada tres hispanos ha buscado información al respecto. Un estudio de AARP reveló que en el 2007 el costo estimado del trabajo de cuidar a un familiar enfermo fue de más de 375 mil millones de dólares. Nuevos fondos aprobados por el Congreso buscan ahora ampliar los programas de ayuda, entrenamiento e información acerca de los recursos disponibles en las comunidades que pueden colaborar a mejorar la calida...

Software piracy is as great a problem as better-known music and film piracy, and the consequences can be severe. "Faces of Internet Piracy" is a new educational campaign by the Business Software Alliance (BSA) to spotlight true stories of people affected by piracy, starting with five who used the Internet to illegally peddle computer software. BSA has toured the country interviewing software pirates from all walks of life, including an Austin, Texas college track star; a Richmond Hills, Georgia grandmother; a Lakeland, Florida entrepreneur; a Wichita Falls, Texas software programmer; and a New Milford, Connecticut college student. A new BSA Web page presents videos of the pirates telling their stories. "These stories are a wake-up call for distributors and users of illegal software," said Robert Holleyman, BSA's President and CEO. "Don't take our word for it; just listen to these software pirates explain how they made money by duping thousands of people into purchasing or downloading illegal software f...

GMC's All-New 2010 Terrain and All-New 2009 Yukon Denali Hybrid Makes World Debuts at the 2009 New York International Auto Show Needing to reduce brands and models to compete, General Motors has combined three of its most recognized brands; Buick, Pontiac and GMC into one sales and marketing channel - which means many dealers, who had one or two of the brands previously, will now sell all three under one roof. GM says each brand will play to its strengths - Buick larger, premium cars; Pontiac sportier cars; and GMC pickups, SUV's and Crossovers. This will create a middle sales channel, between GM's global value brand Chevrolet and its high-end luxury brand, Cadillac. At the 2009 New York International Auto Show, GMC debuted two new models. The all-new 2010 Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features. The all-new 2009 Yukon Denali Hybrid was also unveiled. A luxurious, full-size SUV that seats eight, it tows up to 5,800 pounds and achieves...

Obama Plan May Cut Mortgage Payments for Nearly Five Million Families By Next Year Families fighting to avoid foreclosure or simply save money on their mortgage payments have a new ally: "Making Home Affordable." "Making Home Affordable" is the Obama Administration's plan for offering aggressive refinancing and loan workout options to a wide range of America's borrowers. This new effort is being implemented nationwide by Freddie Mac and others and is expected to help millions of borrowers refinance or modify their mortgages, avoid foreclosure, and stimulate the economy. In this video, Ingrid Beckles, Senior Vice President, Freddie Mac, explains how borrowers can determine their eligibility for "Making Home Affordable" and use the President's plan to refinance their current loan, or if they're already behind on their loan or facing a financial hardship, get a modification that makes their loan more affordable. Ms. Beckles also helps homeowners in distress spot con artists and avoid their scams. You ca...

We're always looking for the next big thing when it comes to anti-aging - and we won't give up on the fountain of youth even in a rough economy. In fact, anti-aging sales rose to more than $1.6 billion in 2008 (source: Mintel). Allure's got the scoop on exciting new ingredients and products. But, did you know there are other ways to help combat the signs of aging without surgery - through the foods you eat, the way you dress, how you wear your hair, plus a few other skin tricks? Allure Magazine reveals insider secrets from top dermatologists, hairstylists, nutritionists and more that can help take years off your skin and hair. Produced for Allure

We're always looking for the next big thing when it comes to anti-aging - and we won't give up on the fountain of youth even in a rough economy. In fact, anti-aging sales rose to more than $1.6 billion in 2008 (source: Mintel). Allure's got the scoop on exciting new ingredients and products. But, did you know there are other ways to help combat the signs of aging without surgery - through the foods you eat, the way you dress, how you wear your hair, plus a few other skin tricks? Allure Magazine reveals insider secrets from top dermatologists, hairstylists, nutritionists and more that can help take years off your skin and hair. Produced for Allure

We're always looking for the next big thing when it comes to anti-aging - and we won't give up on the fountain of youth even in a rough economy. In fact, anti-aging sales rose to more than $1.6 billion in 2008 (source: Mintel). Allure's got the scoop on exciting new ingredients and products. But, did you know there are other ways to help combat the signs of aging without surgery - through the foods you eat, the way you dress, how you wear your hair, plus a few other skin tricks? Allure Magazine reveals insider secrets from top dermatologists, hairstylists, nutritionists and more that can help take years off your skin and hair. Produced for Allure

A Growing Trend in Car Design Allows Drivers to Customize Lighting Car design has come a long ways from Detroit's chalkboard and clay models. It's now a high tech process that involves every area of design, including the lighting. As 2010 models roll off the production line, manufacturers know consumers want the most for their money. Personalizing cars is part of a growing trend that has made lighting an important element in car design. The ability to customize lighting allows drivers to make their vehicle their own, from headlights to tail lights and everything in between. With the latest LED technology, interior and exterior lighting color can be changed from morning to night, from one day to the next or workday to weekend, depending on the driver's mood. This new lighting is also crisper and more saturated, making blues bluer and giving an added aesthetic appeal to the overall look of the car. Produced for Siemens

Choosing between HD (high-definition) and SD (standard-definition) can be a tough decision to make, but it doesn't have to be a confusing one. This episode will have you walking away feeling much more assured on understanding the key differences to help you better evaluate your next decision.

It's no secret that the DTV transition, now scheduled for June 12, is causing confusion for consumers – but what about PR pros? This episode quickly and clearly clarifies what you need to know.

Sweeps used to be one of the hallmarks of the television season: hyped new network entertainment series, investigative local news reports, celebrities galore. Not so much anymore, as we explain in this segment, in addition to other insights on how the business of television has changed and how PR pros can achieve better SMT success.

Technology Companies and Healthcare Providers Partner to Work Toward Healthcare Reform President Obama's economic stimulus package encourages the use of technology in our nation's healthcare system. For this area of healthcare reform to become a reality, it requires unique partnerships between technology companies and healthcare providers. Information technology (IT), or the sharing of critical information in a hospital, is one way to help transform America's healthcare system. IT is essential in providing high level, high quality healthcare. The partnership between technology giant Siemens and Alegent, the largest not-for-profit healthcare system, has begun to create a completely paperless communication system for hospitals. A paperless system increases patient care by providing an accurate record of a patient's entire lifetime. Utilizing IT in healthcare has also proven to be more cost efficient, accurate and less time consuming for both patients and physicians. Going hi-tech has already improved...

From automobiles to condos, assurance plans are making it easier for consumers to make big purchases in a tough economy. The latest, General Motors' Total Confidence Plan, promises to protect a customer's paycheck, investment, vehicle and family. The new plan protects customers in case of job loss by providing up to $500 a month for payments, for up to nine months. The package also protects the resale value of the car, after half the payments have been made, should it become worth less than the balance of the loan. As an added safety bonus, buyers will also receive one year of OnStar standard and fully backed, 5 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty with roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. Automakers are hoping packages like this one, on top of other incentives like rebates and APR, will bring consumers back into the showroom. For more on more information on the Total Confidence Plan, visit gmconfidence.com. Produced for General Motors

Demonstrating their commitment to families during tough economic times, Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG) and Take Care Health Systems today announced the launch of the Take Care Clinic Take Care Recovery Plan - an offer of free health care services at Take Care Clinics throughout the remainder of 2009 to all current and future Take Care Clinic patients, and their families, that suffer a job loss on or after March 31, 2009 and have no health insurance benefits. "Walgreens and Take Care Health Systems will not stand idly by as individuals are forced by the hardships of the economy to choose among basic necessities such as health care, housing and food. Quality, accessible and affordable care should be the right of every individual," said Walgreens President and CEO Gregory D. Wasson. "For that reason, we are announcing the offer of the Take Care Recovery Plan, so that families finding themselves without employment and health insurance benefits aren't forced to make this tough decision." The Take Care Reco...

Bausch & Lomb has announced a partnership in the U.S., with Visual Therapy, a luxury lifestyle consultancy firm that helps individuals identify their perfect style type. The firm will help bring the benefits of multifocal contact lenses to life for women and men through the "See a New You" online sweepstakes. This unique program is designed to educate consumers on Bausch & Lomb's innovative multi-focal contact lenses. Bausch & Lomb's Multi-Focal contact lenses feature All-Distance Optics(TM), which allows patients to see effortlessly and comfortably across all distances, giving them freedom from reading glasses. Visual Therapy's patented approach to style and fashion encompasses the outer and inner self by helping men and women to look and feel their best. Replacing cumbersome reading glasses with contact lenses is a natural extension of their philosophy. The partnership kicks off today with the launch of the "See a New You" online sweepstakes at www.goodbyereaders.com, featuring the grand prize of...

For many families struggling with today's economy, college tuition simply breaks the bank. Upromise, the largest private source of college funding contributions in America, is offering a creative opportunity for future, current and even recent graduates to win $10,000 toward a higher education. As part of its mission to help make a college education more attainable, Upromise is launching its Tuition Tales (www.tuition-tales.com) video contest. The video contest, which runs through May 3, encourages people to submit a 30-second video entry at www.tuition-tales.com. The videos will be judged on creativity, quality and a demonstrated need for help paying for college. One contestant in each of three categories - Saving for College, In College Now and Paying it Back - will win $10,000 for college education expenses. Twelve finalists will win a $250 Bed Bath & Beyond(R) gift card and $250 Bank of America(R) Visa(R) Gift Card. The top 12 videos will be selected by a combination of online votes and a panel of ...

New York, NY - With many American families closely watching their household budgets, a new spring wardrobe is no longer a given. According to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle MonitorTM survey, 64% of respondents noted that they have less this year to spend on clothing than last. "With consumers spending less money this year on new clothing, it's become even more important to pay special attention to treating stains properly, so we can get the most out of our current cotton wardrobe," says Norma Keyes, Director of Product Standards, Cotton Incorporated. "With proper stain treatment, it's possible to remove those stains and avoid throwing the garment away and buying a replacement, which means you can purchase new cotton basics for the spring and summer instead." Removing stains effectively remains a challenge for many, and with potentially expensive results; according to Monitor data, 31% of respondents reported throwing a garment away if they cannot remove a stain after two attempts. Follow Keyes's ...

ATLANTA, (March 19, 2009) - DASANI(R) purified water and Alexandra Cousteau are embarking on a round-the-world expedition to bring much needed attention to our planet's most vital water issues. Expedition: Blue Planet is a groundbreaking effort to engage people around the world in discussions about critical water concerns and how we can help to preserve this indispensable natural resource. Alexandra Cousteau, granddaughter of the world renowned explorer Jacques Cousteau and founder of Blue Legacy, an organization dedicated to water issues and conservation will visit important water sites on five continents. Her journey will chronicle the interconnectivity of water. She will show how local water use has a direct impact on the interdependent, global eco-system. Expedition: Blue Planet will create a new vision for what it means to live in a world where water is recognized as our most precious resource, and suggest a plan for what we must do to protect it. "Water is a vital resource that ...

Experts Say Credit is More Available Now Than In 2008 March 2009 - Most new car buyers need to borrow to pay for a new car, but the mortgage meltdown has tightened available credit, and has also led to dramatically lower new car sales. Despite challenging credit conditions in the auto industry over the past year, carmakers say financing availability has improved in 2009 as banks have received financial relief from the government. So credit-worthy buyers are getting approved. The good news, according to Edmunds.com, is that now is a fantastic time to shop for a new car. Most manufacturers are offering great deals, making new cars better deals than many used cars. To ensure getting great financing options like zero percent offers, or bank or credit union loans, Edmunds advises checking your credit rating before you shop, and make as big a down payment as you can. Produced for General Motors

User-Generated Content Pioneer iStockphoto Adds Audio Tracks to World's Leading Destination for Stock Images, Videos and Sounds iStockphoto, the world's leading stock multimedia destination, announced its new audio collection today at the SXSW Music Festival. iStock's Standard Audio collection includes over 11,000 royalty-free, user-generated sound effects and music tracks. iStock also debuted a new Pump Audio collection of over 18,000 single-production music tracks. iStock is now the first company to offer stock imagery, video footage, vector illustrations, Flash files and audio for purchase under a single payment model, on one convenient site. iStock is a pioneer in monetizing user-generated content, with contributing artists and customers from nearly every country in the world. iStock shares royalties with its contributing artists currently pays out close to $1.1 million weekly. iStock's Standard Audio tracks start as low as $2 each with Pump Audio tracks as low as $29. Music and sound effects ...

Seventy million people worldwide claim Irish heritage and the St. Patrick's Festival is their opportunity to celebrate Ireland. The Feast of St. Patrick is now celebrated in nearly every country throughout the world where Irish descendents or influence have continued to reinforce its popularity. Among the countries with strong traditions of celebrating St. Patrick's Day are obviously the United States, Canada and Australia, but also less obviously France, Argentina, Russia, Japan and even the Caribbean island of Montserrat. The entire world is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, but nobody does it quite like the Irish at home in Ireland, where it’s so great, we need five days to celebrate! So while the rest of the world are tucking in to corned beef and cabbage, Irish Stew or Guinness, those in Ireland will be enjoying a veritable feast of street theatre, music, dance, carnivals, fireworks, food, treasure hunts, film… oh, and a small little parade that will snake its way through the city centre ...

The Economic, Environmental, and Social Benefits of Building Green In the United States, buildings account for nearly 40 percent of total energy use, 12 percent of water consumption and 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions released into the Earth's atmosphere. With energy costs expected to remain volatile for the near future, more states and cities are adopting regulations that encourage or require buildings to be green and energy-efficient. Green buildings use 30 percent less energy on average than a standard building. But what exactly is a green building? A green building is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. The building is operated on the principle of "reduce, reuse and recycle" while providing the best possible environment for occupants. Some benefits include improved indoor air quality for a healthy, productive environment and lower operating costs over the life of a building. Green construction benefits ...