Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia Launches Be Great, Philadelphia! Campaign

 

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia (BGCP), which serves more than 13,000 youth annually, announces the launch of Be Great, Philadelphia!, a comprehensive fundraising campaign focused on enhancing programs and facilities at the twelve BGCP Clubs across the city and sustaining the future of the organization. With an initial fundraising goal of $6 million, the campaign will allow BGCP to improve and implement new programs to address systemic and chronic problems facing the youth of Philadelphia, particularly high dropout rates and violence.

 

The initial phase of the Be Great, Philadelphia! campaign will allow BGCP to focus on the following and immediate organizational needs:

 

•Enhancement of teen programs to attract and retain teen members

•Infrastructure improvements at the most needy clubs in the city, such as the remodeling of the 100+ year-old Nicetown Club

•Creating an endowment that will provide financial support in perpetuity

 

The Be Great, Philadelphia! campaign is the result of the single largest charitable donation in the 123-year history of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, a $3 million pledge from John C. Haas. Mr. Haas, a former BGCP Board Chair, has been integral in the growth of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia for more than 50 years, and with his latest pledge, his impact will be felt for generations to come.

 

"Mr. Haas' commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia has provided thousands of Philadelphia youth the opportunity to follow their dreams. This unprecedented financial donation by Mr. Haas ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs can continue providing future Club members the same opportunities as their parents and grandparents had before them," said Richard Wegryn, Jr., Board Chairman of Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.

 

"I have actively supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia for over 50 years. This most recent financial commitment reflects the importance of their work in our community. I urge others to join me in supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia's Be Great, Philadelphia! campaign," stated John C. Haas.

 

In addition to Mr. Haas' pledge, the Be Great, Philadelphia campaign has received support from:

 

•The Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia Board of Directors, who have achieved 100% participation rate in personal giving to the campaign and have exceeded the projected income goal as a constituency

•Over 90% of Boys and Girls Clubs employees who have pledged approximately $18,000 of their own money to the campaign

•The Shane Victorino Foundation, which has pledged $900,000 to the campaign that will be utilized to remodel our Nicetown Club, renaming it the Shane Victorino Nicetown Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia.

 

"On behalf of the volunteers, staff and, most importantly, the 13,000 children we serve each year, I want to thank the Haas and Victorino families for their generous gifts that will certainly go a long way to meeting our campaign goals," added Jeffrey Waldron, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.

 

"To continue to have a profound impact on the youth of Philadelphia, BGCP is also calling on the region's leading corporations, foundations and caring individuals to help us in our effort to inspire hope and dreams in this city's youth."

 

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia and the Be Great, Philadelphia! campaign, please visit http://www.bgcphila.org.

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Canon U.S.A. Introduces First Installation LCOS Projector with DICOM Simulation Mode for Use in Medical Facilities

New REALiS WUX4000 D Brings Medical Educators Precision Image Clarity, Accurate Color And Improved End-User Operation

 

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS Projector, the Company's first high-resolution installation projector for the medical education market. This new projector includes a DICOM Simulation mode that simulates the results of devices compliant with the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Part 14 standardized display function for display of grayscale images. DICOM is a global information-technology standard that is used in virtually all hospitals to ensure the interoperability of systems used to produce, store, display, retrieve or print medical images.

 

"all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future"

."No matter the type of medical images being displayed, the combination of Canon's leading imaging technologies in the new REALiS WUX4000 D coupled with DICOM simulation mode brings medical educators a precise, practical and easy-to-use display option for lecture or classroom settings," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

 

The inclusion of the DICOM Simulation mode, which offers 21 different levels of grayscale gradation, and Canon's fourth-generation proprietary AISYS-enhanced LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) optical system helps medical educators to clearly display detailed and intricate images to larger audiences without compromising image accuracy. The REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS Projector also offers a choice of three optional Genuine Canon high-resolution interchangeable lenses for different throw distances and projection screen sizes and features a motorized lens shift, zoom and focus for improved end-user operability.

 

The Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS Projector delivers WUXGA-resolution (1920 x 1200) widescreen (16:10) images at 4000 lumens and includes a built-in Canon Color-Correction IC (integrated circuit), which together with the AISYS-enhanced LCOS system, provides highly accurate color reproduction and precision luminosity adjustment without affecting the display of neighboring colors. In addition, the Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS Projector's lamp and air filter can be replaced from the side of the projector, and its PS optical filter element can be replaced from the top of the unit for added convenience and economy.

 

Multimedia Device Compatibility

 

Industry-standard digital and analog terminals and connectors ensure the Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS Projector's compatibility with a wide range of video and computer devices. Signal inputs include HDMI Version 1.3, DVI-D and analog PC terminals, two audio inputs, and one audio output for external amplification and speakers. A built-in five-watt speaker is also included, while a convenient User Memory feature stores up to ten different setting combinations based on the content being shown. Five memory settings are for computer sources, such as DVI-D, analog PC, and HDMI (PC) and the other five settings are for video sources, such as component and HDMI (video). A network-ready RJ-45 port allows for authorized users to manage and control multiple projectors from any PC on the network. An RS-232 serial connection allows for monitoring the projector locally through a third-party control system and a hand-held remote control enables users to control four WUX4000 D projectors individually or simultaneously. Lens Shift and Gamma Control buttons are also included on the remote control.

 

Availability and Warranty Information

 

The new Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS Projector is scheduled to be available in March 2011, for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $9,999. It will be backed by Canon U.S.A.'s Three-Year Limited Warranty and its exclusive Projector Protection Program ("Triple P"). Triple P is a FREE service program that provides a loaner projector of equal or greater value in the event that a qualifying unit is in need of repair. Triple P is available on all Canon projector models during the Three-Year Canon U.S.A. Limited Warranty period.*

 

For more information please visit www.usa.canon.com/projectors. The new Installation projector will be on display during the 2010 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting (November 28 – December 2) in Chicago at Canon's booth (Lakeside Center, #208).

 

GE Healthcare Introduces New Wireless Digital Detector Option for X-ray Customers

 

With its 'Digital by Design' wireless detector GE Healthcare aims to help radiologists transition from analog to digital, and increase access for patients worldwide

 

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Healthcare announced today the 510k clearance of its next generation wireless, digital X-ray detector at the 96TH annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago. GE's FlashPad is a reliable, long-term investment for future Radiography and Fluoroscopy systems, compatible with a variety of GE X-ray products today and is the only wireless digital detector capable of supporting advanced applications.

 

Designed for digital use based on customer input, FlashPad is a flexible, wireless detector that features two handles that make it easier to position and maneuver. It is equipped with GE's most advanced X-ray detector technology, and its unique design provides up to eight percent more coverage for key applications and maintains high image quality at low dose levels. This wireless DR option was engineered to provide high image quality at low dose levels and is capable of being utilized in all routine radiography exams, and specialized areas including, pediatric work, intensive care and trauma, and wherever conventional screen-film systems may be used.

 

"FlashPad is a byproduct of direct customer feedback on the challenges facing radiology departments all over the world," said Anne LeGrand, Vice President and General Manager of X-Ray for GE Healthcare. "For the patient, this new solution from GE allows for improved access to critical X-ray technology and for customers, this innovation is a great way for any radiography department to go digital today with an affordable investment which answers the growing demand for advanced applications."

 

Among the advanced applications that can be performed using FlashPad, include:

 

• VolumeRAD - GE's version of digital tomosynthesis for radiography removes overlaying and underlying structures, which improves the detection of lesions and therefore enhances sensitivity. VolumeRAD provides physicians multiple high-resolution slice images of the human anatomy, including the chest, abdomen, extremities and spine, using an X-ray system.

 

• Dual Energy Subtraction – GE's outstanding digital X-ray application eliminates overlying bone obstruction from chest or abdominal images.

FlashPad is at the heart of several radiography products from the company:

 

• Discovery XR656 (powered by FlashPad)

 

• DR Imaging Option for Proteus XR/a (powered by FlashPad)

 

• DR Imaging Option for Precision 500D (powered by FlashPad)

 

• Optima XR220 amx and Optima XR200 amx (powered by FlashPad) [510(k) pending at FDA. Not available for sale in the U.S.]

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Consumers Snap Up 1.5 Million Nintendo Video Game Systems During Black Friday Week

In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, a GameStop employee hands a limited-edition red Wii console to Bryant P., 7, father Osvaldo P. and aunt Hellen P. of New York on a busy Black Friday at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, N.J. on Nov. 26, 2010 (Photo: Business Wire)

 

Value-Minded Shoppers Purchase 900,000 Nintendo DS and 600,000 Wii Systems

 

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When confronted with a wide range of Black Friday retail options, U.S. holiday shoppers again turned to Nintendo. Nintendo sold 900,000 combined units in the Nintendo DS™ family of systems and 600,000 Wii™ consoles between Sunday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 27, according to the company's internal sales estimates.

 

"U.S. shoppers bought about 9,000 Nintendo hardware systems nonstop for every hour of every day during the week of Black Friday"

."U.S. shoppers bought about 9,000 Nintendo hardware systems nonstop for every hour of every day during the week of Black Friday," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "For the past several years, consumers have decided that Nintendo defined both top value and all-inclusive entertainment, and that sentiment continues again at the start of this shopping season."

 

Nintendo's Black Friday surge was fueled by multiple new hardware colors, each of which comes bundled with games. The bundles provide a great value for shoppers who are looking to get the biggest bang for their video game bucks. These bundles, all of which are available while supplies last, include:

 

•Limited-edition Mario red Wii hardware in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros.™ game on the NES™. It includes a new red Wii system, a red Wii Remote™ Plus controller, a red Nunchuk™ controller, and games New Super Mario Bros.™ Wii and Wii Sports™ at a suggested retail price of $199.99.

 

•A limited-edition red Nintendo DSi XL™ bundle in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros. game on the NES. It features a Mario red Nintendo DSi XL system with three iconic Super Mario Bros.-themed graphics, the Mario Kart™ DS game and preloaded software, including Brain Age™ Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock. It is available at a suggested retail price of $179.99.

 

•Orange and green Nintendo DSi™ systems, which are bundled with the Mario Party™ DS game. They are available at a suggested retail price of $149.99.

In addition to the great hardware bundles, shoppers have dozens of great video game options for everyone on their shopping lists. Some exclusive games for the Wii console include Super Mario Galaxy™ 2, Metroid™: Other M, Wii Party™, Kirby's Epic Yarn™, PokéPark™ Wii: Pikachu's Adventure, FlingSmash™ (which comes bundled with the new Wii Remote Plus) and Donkey Kong Country™ Returns. Third-party Wii games include New Carnival Games® from 2K Play, NBA JAM from EA Sports, Just Dance® 2 from Ubisoft, Sonic Colors™ from SEGA, GoldenEye 007™ from Activision Publishing Inc. and Disney Epic Mickey from Disney Interactive Studios.

 

On the portable Nintendo DS family of systems, shoppers can choose games like DRAGON QUEST® IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies™, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future™, Pokémon Ranger™: Guardian Signs, Art Academy™, Mario vs. Donkey Kong™: Mini-Land Mayhem! and Golden Sun™: Dark Dawn. Some key third-party Nintendo DS games include Super Scribblenauts™ from WB Games, Rock Band® 3 from MTV Games, GoldenEye 007 from Activision Publishing Inc. and Sonic Colors from SEGA.

 

International Herald Tribune Releases Applications For iPad And iPhone

The IHT apps are the first to launch using The New York Times's Press Engine platform

 

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The International Herald Tribune (IHT) today released its first news applications for the iPad™ and iPhone®. Access to the full content of the apps will require a simple registration and will be free until early 2011.

 

The apps feature the content of the IHT in an elegant and easy-to-navigate design that echoes the contemporary, international look of the newspaper with a home page section called Front Page. The Latest News section features breaking stories from global.nytimes.com throughout the day, and other sections – World News, Business with Reuters, Culture & Style, Sport and Views – are fully refreshed for the Europe and Asia mornings. Both apps also feature a Day in Pictures slideshow and international video content from global.nytimes.com.

 

Stephen Dunbar-Johnson, publisher of the IHT, said: "Now our well-traveled and sophisticated audience can enjoy the IHT's fresh and original take on the world's daily news combined with the elegance and interactivity of the iPad or iPhone. This is great news for readers and advertisers alike and is further proof of our commitment to making the IHT's unique brand of global journalism available wherever our readers are and however they want it."

 

The IHT apps also include the following features:

 

• Dropdown section listings and a popover article rail allow users to easily move between sections and articles;

• Slide shows - full-page slide shows display large-scale images tailored for the iPad or iPhone screen;

• Share options - share articles, videos and multimedia with a full set of tools, including Facebook, Twitter and e-mail;

• World Weather - handy in-app tool, with five-day forecasts, satellite maps and an extensive choice of locations around the globe, useful for international travelers.

 

The IHT apps are the first to be developed through Press Engine, a technology and design solution from The New York Times News Services that enables publishers and media organizations to deliver their content via elegantly designed applications for iPhone and iPad.

 

Press Engine applications are designed to integrate with publishers' registration systems, enabling the app to be offered as a free, registration or subscription product. Publishers who seek additional information about Press Engine may contact Christine Topalian, director, News Services, at +1 212-556-2087 or topalcn@nytimes.com.

 

The International Herald Tribune app for iPad is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/international-herald-tribune/id404757420

 

The International Herald Tribune app for iPhone is available for free from the App Store on iPhone or at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/international-herald-tribune/id404764212

 

UPS Exports Mobile Apps to International Markets

Leads Industry with Native Apps For Android®, BlackBerry®

 

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UPS today announced it is extending its popular UPS Mobile™ Apps and mobile Web site to customers in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada. The Web site and native smartphone applications enable customers to ship and track packages as well as find the nearest UPS location.

 

."Exporting UPS mobile technology to customers in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada is a key component of our mobile strategy to make UPS available anytime, anywhere," said Jordan Colletta, vice president of customer technology marketing at UPS. "Accessibility is vital to customers and our mobile offerings extend UPS capabilities to busy, on-the-go professionals and consumers who desire immediate, mobile access to UPS."

 

The mobile Web site, m.ups.com, and the UPS Mobile Apps for Android, BlackBerry and iPhone enable users to track shipments, create shipments using the My UPS address book and calculate shipping rates and time-in-transit. No log-in is required for tracking on m.ups.com and the UPS Mobile Apps. But when customers are logged in, tracking history displays and is automatically refreshed. UPS tracking numbers also can be nicknamed for quick reference.

 

Customers can use their smartphones to access their My UPS Address Book and Preferences and create shipping labels for document and non-document shipments worldwide. Shipping labels can be e-mailed in a PDF file for printout. As an added feature of the UPS Mobile Apps, customers can use their device's GPS capabilities to find the nearest UPS location.

 

m.ups.com is now available for customers in the U.S., Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada. The updated UPS Mobile App for Android is now available on Android Market in the U.S., Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada. The updated UPS Mobile App for BlackBerry is now available on App World in the U.S., Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada and in January 2011 in France.

 

UPS was first-to-market in the industry with apps for the BlackBerry (December 2009) and for the Android (April 2010). In less than one year, the apps surpassed the 1 million download mark in the U.S.

 

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Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Names Sarah Gormley Senior Vice President, Communications and Marketing

 

NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) today announced that Sarah Gormley has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Communications and Marketing. In this position, she will work closely with the senior management team, developing communications strategy for the company's media and merchandising businesses, and devising marketing plans for select initiatives. She will report to Executive Chairman Charles Koppelman.

 

A seasoned executive with nearly 15 year of experience working in corporate and business communications, Ms. Gormley joins MSLO from IMAX Corporation, where she has worked for the past five years, most recently as Vice President, Corporate Communications. Prior to IMAX, she held senior-level communications positions at National Financial Partners, Fleishman-Hillard and Edelman Public Relations Worldwide.

 

In announcing the appointment, Mr. Koppelman stated, "Sarah is a talented communications professional and a strategic thinker. Her experience in brand positioning and handling communications for a highly visible, well-known, public company makes her a terrific fit at MSLO. We're thrilled to have her on the team."

 

"MSLO is an iconic brand with a passionate consumer following," said Ms. Gormley. "I look forward to working with such a talented and dynamic team during an exciting time in the organization's evolution."

 

A graduate of DePauw University, Ms. Gormley holds an MBA from the University of Chicago.

 

SOURCE Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.

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British Airways Announces New Flights to Marrakech

CRAWLEY, England, Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- British Airways is to launch new services to Marrakech from London Gatwick next year in direct competition with low cost carriers. The airline announced its new flights to Marrakech at the World Travel Market at ExCel in London.

 

Richard Tams, head of UK and Ireland Sales and Marketing, said: "British Airways offers a real alternative to discerning travellers to Morocco. Unlike the low cost carriers, we offer fantastic all-inclusive fares with no stealth extras. The benefits you get on BA at no extra charge include a generous baggage allowance, drinks and snacks and much more.

 

"Marrakech adds another fabulous destination to our leisure network at Gatwick and I am confident it will be a huge success. It's a great starting point to explore Morocco; from trekking in the Atlas Mountains to exploring its amazing deserts and beaches and soaking up the atmosphere of the many medinas."

 

The chief executive officer of the Moroccan National Tourist Office, Mr. Hamid Addou, welcomed the announcement and said: "We're delighted that British Airways is returning to Morocco and Marrakech, where we know that there is a strong demand from the UK tourist market for flagship carriers.

 

"Marrakech is one of the key tourism destinations in the southern Europe and Africa regions.  Its brand image is very strong and we will reinforce it in our joint marketing programme."

 

A mix of Boeing 737s and Airbus A319s will operate the thrice-weekly service, which departs Gatwick on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, returning the same evening.

 

British Airways offers a wide range of hotels suitable for all types of holidays in Marrakech. Traditional Moroccan architecture and surrounds can be experienced in the three-star Moroccan hotel, or right in the centre of the authentical Medina, minutes walk from the Souks and the famous Place Djemma el Fnaa is the four-star Riad Karmela. For those seeking paradise of light and magical fragrances coupled with a 27-hole golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the award-winning five-star Palmeraie Golf Palace is the place to visit.

 

British Airways last flew to Marrakech as GB Airways. The service operated from October 2002 until March 2008, when the route was discontinued following GB's takeover by easyJet.

 

British Airways operates to 42 domestic, European and longhaul destinations perfect for Florida and Caribbean holidays from Gatwick and carries approximately five million customers a year through the airport. BA regularly outperforms all other Gatwick carriers to produce punctuality levels of more than 90 per cent.

 

British Airways customers benefit by choosing a flight with the airline due to no extra charges for a 23kg checked baggage allowance, two pieces of hand luggage, complimentary drinks and a snack on board, allocated seats for all, priority boarding for young families, centrally located airports and great punctuality performance. High value offered by British Airways compared to no-frills carriers can be viewed on the value calculator on ba.com.

 

SOURCE British Airways

 

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Verizon Wireless Commits to Indiana Customers: 'We'll Stay Ahead of Your Data Usage'

Company Will Double 3G Capacity in Indiana in 2010

 

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless has announced today that it is near completion of a major capacity improvement project for its high-speed 3G network in Indiana this year that will ensure the company continues to stay ahead of its customers' growing data usage on their smart phones, wireless modems and handsets.

 

The project has entailed adding 3G capacity on one-third more cell sites in Indiana compared to 2009, thereby doubling data capacity of the network throughout much of the state. The enhancements will provide further value to Verizon Wireless customers in Indiana who are looking to rely more and more on their wireless devices for accessing the Internet, social networking, viewing high-quality videos, downloading music, games and ringtones, and exchanging email.

 

"With so many of our customers relying on their devices for much more than just making phone calls, it's imperative that we stay ahead of their usage habits," said John Granby, president, Indiana/Kentucky/Michigan region, Verizon Wireless. "It doesn't matter how many bells and whistles your smart phone offers if you cannot depend on it to keep you connected wherever you go. Verizon Wireless is committed to making sure our network has enough capacity to handle the increasing data traffic from our customers' Internet browsing, tweeting and mobile gaming."

 

The company's ongoing network investment in Indiana now totals more than $1.1 billion. Nationally, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $60 billion since it was formed -- $5.7 billion on average every year -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services.

 

SOURCE Verizon Wireless